Delhi’s air quality showed slight improvement on Thursday morning, with the city recording an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 267 at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The city's AQI on Tuesday morning stood at 291, and on Monday morning it stood at 318, the CPCB data showed, reported PTI. According to the CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as "good", 51 to 100 "satisfactory", 101 to 200 "moderate", 201 to 300 "poor", 301 to 400 "very poor" and 401 to 500 "severe". On the weather front, the minimum temperature settled at 10 degrees Celsius, 0.4 degrees above normal, while the morning relative humidity was 75 per cent, according to PTI. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast mainly clear skies for the day. The maximum temperature is expected to reach 24 degrees Celsius later in the day. Meanwhile, Mumbai is expected to see mainly clear skies on Thursday, both in the city and suburbs, according to the IMD. Temperatures are likely to range between a maximum of 33 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 15 degrees Celsius. The city recorded minimum temperatures of 20.7 degrees Celsius at Colaba and 16.7 degrees Celsius at Santacruz today, according to the IMD. There was no rainfall reported at either station, indicating a dry start to the day. As per the SAMEER App, Mumbai’s AQI stands at 101, falling under the moderate category. While generally safe, the AQI may cause breathing discomfort for people with lung disorders, asthma, and heart conditions. AQI levels across the city vary, with Bandra Kurla Complex recording 150, Ghatkopar 131, Deonar 123, Byculla 129, Chembur 106, Kurla 87, Borivali 67, and Chakala (Andheri East) 62. Residents are advised to take precautions if sensitive to air pollution. Mumbai air pollution wreaking havoc on skin, vocal cords What was once dismissed as a seasonal cough or temporary breathlessness and dryness of skin, especially during the winter season, is now emerging as a much deeper health crisis for Mumbai. Medical experts warn that breathing difficulties are only the first visible symptom of a growing list of pollution-induced health problems affecting residents across age groups. With air quality frequently slipping into the ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ categories, doctors are witnessing a surge in patients suffering from ailments that go far beyond respiratory distress. Medical experts say prolonged exposure to polluted air laden with fine particulate matter, construction dust and vehicular emissions is triggering inflammation across multiple systems of the body. Doctors have noticed a rise in cases related to the throat and skin. (With PTI inputs)
10 December,2025 01:00 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentItalian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Antonio Tajani, will pay an official visit to India from December 10 to 12, 2025, aimed at further strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. Tajani will arrive in New Delhi in the early hours of Wednesday, December 10, at 0200 hrs, via the International Ceremonial Lounge at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport. The visit reflects the growing momentum in India-Italy relations across political, economic and strategic domains. Later in the evening, at 1800 hrs, Tajani will hold a bilateral meeting with the External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House. The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, defence, clean energy manufacturing and more. Regional and global issues of mutual interest are also likely to be discussed. Tajani and Jaishankar had last met on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in September. On November 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, where both leaders discussed expanding collaboration across key sectors, including trade, investment, defence, innovation, AI, space and education. Following their meeting, PM Modi wrote on X, "Had a very good meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The India-Italy Strategic Partnership is growing from strength to strength, greatly benefitting the people of our nations." On Thursday, December 11, the Italian Deputy Prime Minister will proceed to Mumbai, where he will participate in a series of engagements. The Mumbai programme is expected to include interactions with business leaders and stakeholders, highlighting Italy's interest in expanding economic partnerships and industrial collaboration with India, particularly in technology, design, infrastructure and sustainable development. Tajani will conclude his India visit with his departure from Mumbai at 0115 hrs on Friday, December 12. The visit underscores the importance both nations place on their strategic partnership and continued dialogue at the highest political levels to deepen cooperation in a rapidly evolving global landscape. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
10 December,2025 12:44 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Forest Department carried out the soft release of a two-year-old female tigress, T7-S2, from Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve into the Sonarli enclosure at Chandoli National Park, Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, as part of Operation TARA (Tiger Augmentation and Range Expansion). Captured on 8 December from the Korala Core Range, Pandharpauni area of Tadoba, the tigress underwent a thorough health check by Dr Ravikant Khobragade, Veterinary Officer (Wildlife), and was found to be perfectly fit for translocation. The soft release allows her to gradually acclimatise to the new terrain, prey base, and environmental conditions before being released into the open forest, ensuring safer settlement and habitat fidelity. The operation is being conducted under the scientific guidance of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), with senior scientists Dr K. Ramesh and field biologist Akash Patil monitoring her acclimatisation and behaviour. At the national level, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is observing the operation through Dr Nandkishor Kale and Rohan Bhate. Field execution was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the Tadoba Rapid Rescue Team (RRT) and frontline staff of the Korala Core Range, ensuring smooth capture, transport, and soft-release procedures. The operation is jointly conducted by teams from Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve and Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, under the guidance of Dr Jitendra Ramgaokar, CCF Wildlife, Mumbai. “Tigress T7-S2 is a young, healthy female dispersing from Tadoba. Her relocation strengthens tiger presence in the Sahyadri landscape,” said Dr Prabhunath Shukla, Field Director of Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve. “The soft release is a crucial step in Sahyadri’s tiger recovery mission. Chandoli provides a secure habitat with ample prey, and our teams are fully prepared to monitor and protect her,” added Tushar Chavan, Field Director, Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. M. Srinivas Reddy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Maharashtra, said, “Operation TARA reflects the dedication of our field teams and strengthens Maharashtra’s tiger conservation efforts.”
10 December,2025 12:15 PM IST | Kolhapur | Ranjeet JadhavMultiple schools in the national capital received a bomb threat via email on Wednesday. The schools immediately issued a notice to parents to collect their students as a precaution. The notice outlined the phased dispersal of students to closely monitor and manage the situation without causing panic among students and parents. The notice issued by The Indian School read, "Dear Parents, the school has received a bomb threat via email. As a precautionary measure, the school is dispersing the children. You are requested to kindly come and collect your child as per the schedule below: Nursery to Class 2: 9:30 AM, Class 3 to 5: 9:45 AM, Class 6 to 8: 9:55 AM, Class 9 and above: 10:15 AM." At the same time, Ahlcon International School in New Delhi also received a bomb threat. It issued a similar notice to parents, advising them to coordinate with van drivers for safe, timely student pickup. The notice stated, "Dear Parent, kindly note that due to an email threat received this morning, we are arranging an early dispersal for all students (on footers/bus users/van users) at 11:30 a.m., keeping the safety of our students as our utmost priority. Parents are requested to kindly coordinate with the van drivers for timely pickup. Your patience and cooperation in this regard are highly appreciated. The competent authorities are being contacted for further instructions and clearance. From Ahlcon International school." Meanwhile, officials said schools in Laxmi Nagar and Sadiq Nagar received bomb threats. According to the fire department, the information was received in the morning. The police say that more than one school received the calls. An investigation is currently underway, and further details are awaited. Earlier, the students at two Delhi University colleges were evacuated after Deshbandhu College and Ramjas College received bomb threat emails last Wednesday, officials said. Police and bomb squads reached both campuses and began checking the premises. Delhi Police confirmed that the threat emails were received by both institutions around the same time. Multiple police teams, along with the bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs, were deployed at the sites. However, no suspicious object has been found during the searches, officials said. The Security forces have been on high alert since the Delhi blast near the Red Fort, which has killed atleast 15 people. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
10 December,2025 12:13 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe Luthra brothers, owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, have filed an anticipatory bail application, with the Sessions Court expected to hear the case on Thursday, a lawyer from their team confirmed. Meanwhile, authorities plan to demolish a beach shack owned by the brothers, who also run the Arpora nightclub where a recent fire claimed 25 lives. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said bulldozers will raze Romeo Lane in Vagator, after the restaurant, reportedly built on government land, was sealed by officials, according to the news agency ANI. The investigation continues to focus on the tragic fire at 'Birch by Romeo Lane'. Addressing allegations of police negligence, Goa DIG Varsha Sharma said, "We have coordinated with the CBI and Interpol. A Blue Corner Notice has also been issued." According to police sources, on December 7, within hours of the deadly blaze, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra boarded a flight from Delhi to Phuket, Thailand. Interpol has issued a Blue Corner Notice against both brothers to help locate and provisionally detain them pending extradition proceedings. Goa Police on Wednesday brought Ajay Gupta, one of the four owners of the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, to the Sunlight Colony Crime Branch office in connection with the recent North Goa fire tragedy that claimed 25 lives at the restaurant-cum-bar. Gupta is expected to be presented in court later today as part of the ongoing investigation, as per the ANI. The development comes days after the massive blaze broke out in the early hours of Sunday at a nightclub in Arpora, triggering a high-casualty incident and killing at least 25 people, most of whom were staff of the restaurant. The Government of Goa formed a committee to investigate the incident. A Lookout Circular (LOC) had earlier been issued against Gupta. When the police team visited his residence in Delhi, he was found to be absconding; a non-bailable arrest warrant was subsequently issued against him. The district administration demolished part of the Romeo Lane restaurant in Vagator, Goa. The restaurant is owned by Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, who also own Birch by Romeo Lane. The brothers fled to Thailand after the fire, which claimed 25 lives, and are now being tracked by international authorities. (With ANI inputs)
10 December,2025 11:35 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Karnataka High Court stayed the state government’s notification mandating one-day menstrual leave a month for working women. The November 9 notification made provision for one day paid menstrual leave per month to women employees aged between 18 and 52 years working in permanent, contractual and outsourced jobs. The petitioners contended that the Karnataka government did not consult them before making such provisions. The menstrual leave was meant for women working in all industries and establishments registered under the Factories Act, 1948, Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, Plantation Workers Act, 1951, Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966, and Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 December,2025 09:55 AM IST | Bengaluru | AgenciesA Delhi court on Tuesday sought response from senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and the police on a plea challenging a magistrate’s order refusing a probe on the allegation that she was included in the electoral rolls three years before acquiring Indian citizenship in 1983. Special Judge Vishal Gogne was hearing a revision plea against the magisterial court’s order of September 11, which had dismissed the plea, saying the complaint was “fashioned with the object of clothing the court with jurisdiction through allegations which are legally untenable, deficient in substance, and beyond the scope of this forum’s authority”. Issuing notice to Gandhi and Delhi Police, Judge Gogne posted the matter on January 6 for further proceedings. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 December,2025 09:51 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesThe Supreme Court on Tuesday took serious note of BLOs and other officials engaged in SIR 2.0 being “threatened” in West Bengal and other states, and asked the Election Commission to bring such instances to its notice or “it will cause anarchy”. A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi asked the poll panel to take serious notice of the lack of cooperation by different state governments in the work for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. “Bring to our notice instances of lack of cooperation, hindrances to work of BLOs and we will pass appropriate orders,” the bench told senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the Election Commission (EC). Dwivedi said that if the situation aggravates, then the EC would have no option but to take police, which is under the jurisdiction of the state government, under its deputation. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 December,2025 09:43 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesThe National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made the eighth arrest in connection with last month's car blast near the Red Fort, officials said on Tuesday. An NIA spokesperson said a team from Delhi has arrested key accused Dr Bilal Naseer Malla of Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir. He was arrested from the national capital. The NIA has found Bilal's involvement in the conspiracy behind the terrorist attack that killed 11 people and injured several others in the Red Fort area on November 10, a statement said. "As per NIA investigations, Bilal had knowingly harboured the deceased accused Umar Un Nabi by providing him logistical support. He is also accused of destruction of evidence related to the terrorist attack," it added. The NIA is continuing with its investigation into the conspiracy behind the deadly blast. The anti-terror agency is working closely with various central and state agencies to unravel all the threads of the conspiracy. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
09 December,2025 11:03 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIMaharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) Rashmi Shukla visited several newly established sensitive police camps in the Gadchiroli district's Maoist-affected areas on Tuesday, officials said. The visit aimed to review security preparations, interact with citizens and police personnel, and inaugurate key public facilities in remote areas, they said. The DGP first visited the newly created POMKEN Fulnar Camp in Gundurwahi, set up on November 23. She reviewed the operational readiness of the camp and held discussions with officers and personnel deployed in this highly sensitive Maoist-affected region, an official statement said. A large public awareness gathering was organised under the Police Dadalora Khidki initiative, it said. The statement further said that over 500 citizens from the Fulnar area attended the event where essential items such as cooking utensils, blankets, bicycles for students, school bags, sports kits, sewing machines and clothes were distributed. "The DGP urged locals to make use of police support services and assured them that the region would soon receive improved facilities such as roads and healthcare," an official said. She further stated that the police force is committed to eliminating Maoism and bringing development to the most remote areas of Gadchiroli, the official said. In the Gurdewada area, Shukla inaugurated the 74th public reading library under the “One Village, One Library” initiative. More than 500 villagers joined the event, which began with a traditional Granth Dindi rally promoting reading habits among children and youth. The new library includes a study area, bookshelves, desks and other essential facilities. She also unveiled a statue of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, created through local community support, the statement said. During the visit, DGP Shukla and senior officers also inaugurated the new administrative building at Laheri Police Sub-Post. The upgraded facility is expected to significantly improve convenience for police personnel and citizens in this remote region. Senior officials present included Additional DGP (Special Action) Dr. Chhering Dorje, DIG Gadchiroli Ankit Goyal, CRPF DIG (Operations) Ajay Kumar Sharma, SP Gadchiroli Neelotpal, and other district officers.
09 December,2025 10:38 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentAnant Ambani, founder of the wildlife conservation centre Vantara, has been honoured with the Global Humanitarian Award for Animal Welfare by the Global Humane Society. He is the youngest recipient and the first Asian to receive this prestigious award, an official statement said. The award was presented at an international event that brought together leaders committed to wildlife protection and animal welfare. It recognises individuals whose lifelong dedication has created a significant global impact for animals and people. Anant Ambani was recognised for his leadership in establishing Vantara, which has become a model for rescue, rehabilitation, and species preservation. Vantara combines care outside an animal’s natural habitat with protection in native ecosystems, using science-based conservation methods to protect endangered species and restore wildlife populations., it said. Speaking at the event, Anant Ambani said, "I thank Global Humane Society for this honor. For me, it reaffirms a timeless principle, sarva bhuta hita, the wellbeing of all beings. Animals teach us balance, humility and trust. Through Vantara, our purpose is to give every life dignity, care and hope, guided by the spirit of seva. Conservation is not for tomorrow; it is a shared dharma we must uphold today." Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of the Global Humane Society, said, "Vantara represents one of the most extraordinary commitments to animal welfare anywhere in the world. Ambani’s leadership has set a new global standard for compassion in action.” The Global Humanitarian Award has previously been given to a select few, including Hollywood stars Shirley MacLaine, John Wayne, Betty White, as well as US Presidents John F Kennedy and Bill Clinton. Vantara has also earned the Global Humane Certified™ distinction after completing a rigorous independent audit of its animal welfare practices, covering nutrition, medical care, behavioural enrichment, and environmental quality. The award ceremony saw participation from global wildlife conservation leaders, including representatives from IUCN, Colossal Biosciences, Zoo Knoxville, Columbus Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, and notable Indian conservationists such as Dr. Neelam Khaire and Dr. V.B. Prakash. About Global Humane Society: Global Humane Society is the international brand of American Humane Society, which is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. American Humane Society has been at the forefront of virtually every major advancement in the humane movement to rescue, care for and protect animals.
09 December,2025 08:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
