The US Federal Reserve's latest 25-basis-point rate cut has set the stage for a complex global monetary backdrop, but its implications for India are expected to be relatively stable, according to analysis from YES Bank's Economics Research team. "For India, we think that the sharpest pressure for the INR is over as we expect gold imports as also non-oil non-gold imports to moderate over the remaining part of the year." noted the report. The report notes that the Fed's December policy vote was deeply divided, with six members even preferring a pause and significant uncertainty visible in projections for 2026. This fracture, combined with evolving US labour-market data, indicates that the bar for further rate cuts by the Fed remains high. Despite the softer dollar post-cut, the report highlights that currency movements in 2026 will be driven more by relative growth and fiscal dynamics than by synchronised global monetary easing. For India, this environment is expected to ease pressure on the rupee. YES Bank expects gold and non-oil, non-gold imports to moderate, while foreign portfolio investors could bring fresh inflows as the USD/INR stabilises near 90.00. The report says "foreign inflows could also increase as FPIs may be more comfortable in bringing in flows around the USD/INR levels of 90.00". Repatriation flows in Q4 are also likely to support the currency. The bank projects the USD/INR to trade in the 89.75-90.50 range, with a high likelihood of ending near 90.00 by March 2026. On the domestic bond front, Indian yields have been trading with a negative bias after the RBI maintained policy rates. Markets expect no further rate action from the central bank and see liquidity support through OMO purchases as the key stabiliser. With the next MPC meeting scheduled after the Union Budget, focus will turn to elevated redemption and borrowing requirements for FY27. As per the report, 10-year G-sec yields are unlikely to fall sustainably below 6.50 per cent, and may end FY26 in the 6.45-6.55 per cent range. Overall, the Fed's move signals the nearing end of the global easing cycle, but for India, the impact is expected to be moderate, with currency stability and steady bond-market dynamics in the months ahead. 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.
12 December,2025 03:17 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | PTIIn view of the ongoing Indigo flight cancellation crisis, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on Friday held the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Civil Aviation equally responsible. The Congress leader further said that an impact study should have been carried out before issuing a notification on Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL). While speaking to the media on Friday, Karti Chidambaram asserted, "While the airline is primarily responsible, the DGCA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation are also equally responsible, as they are the ones who gave the new notification on flight crew rest times. They should have conducted an impact study to see whether the airlines are capable of implementing it," as cited by news agency ANI. Meanwhile, a special four-member committee of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will meet with IndiGo Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers on Friday, December 12, to question the latter on the widespread cancellation of flights in the last week. The four-member committee has been constituted to examine the flight disruptions caused by IndiGo, which have created complete chaos at various airports. As reported by news agency ANI, DGCA has increased scrutiny of the airline following widespread flight cancellations and delays and has taken several steps to ensure smooth operations. Earlier this week, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu informed the Lok Sabha that the flight operations were stabilising fast, with airports reporting no "crowding or distress". The Civil Aviation Minister further said that the safety in civil aviation remains non-negotiable. Moreover, IndiGo has also offered travel vouchers worth Rs 10,000 to severely impacted customers over the past few days, which can be used for any future IndiGo journey within the next 12 months. DGCA suspends 4 flight operations inspectors Earlier on Friday, the aviation safety regulator DGCA had also suspended four Flight Operations Inspectors (FOIs) over massive disruptions in IndiGo's operations. The airline cancelled over 50 flights from Bengaluru Airport on Friday, which continued the major disruption across the country. Also, the FOIs are senior officials within the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, working as part of its regulatory and safety oversight functions, often deployed to monitor airline operations. (With inputs from ANI)
12 December,2025 02:49 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentUnion Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Friday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess airline preparedness for the winter-fog season. To make sure that Indian aviation remains smooth during the winter season, Ram Mohan Naidu, while posting on social media handle X, wrote, “Chaired a comprehensive review meeting today to assess preparedness for the upcoming fog window of the winter schedule with all key stakeholders, including DGCA, AAI, airport operators, airlines and CISF. All stakeholders have been instructed to ensure full compliance, fix accountability and implement strict SOPs for fog operations.” Chaired a comprehensive review meeting today to assess preparedness for the upcoming fog window of the winter schedule with all key stakeholders including DGCA, AAI, airport operators, airlines and CISF.All stakeholders have been instructed to ensure full compliance, fix… pic.twitter.com/hDyelFMSwu — Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) December 12, 2025 The Union Civil Aviation Minister further wrote that, “To maintain smooth operations, emphasis has to be laid on real-time data exchange, activation of war rooms and deployment of CAT-II/III compliant aircraft with qualified crew. Clear directions have been issued to ensure safe, seamless and well-coordinated operations, along with timely communication of updates to passengers to help them prepare well in advance. Each and every passenger is important, and any instance of inconvenience will be addressed with clear accountability." Earlier, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday sacked four Flight Operations Inspectors (FOIs) in connection with the recent IndiGo flight cancellation crisis. According to the notice issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the four Flight Operation Inspectors who had been dismissed are Rish Raj Chatterjee, Seema Jhamnani, Anil Kumar Pokhariyal, and Priyam Kaushik, reported ANI. The notice further stated, "Consequent upon approval of the Competent Authority, the following Fols under various categories, on a contract basis, in DGCA are hereby relieved from DGCA with immediate effect to join their respective parent organisations: Rish Raj Chatterjee, Consultant [Dy. CFOI(A)], Seema Jhamnani, SFOI(A), Anil Kumar Pokhariyal, Consultant [FOI(A)], and Priyam Kaushik, Consultant [FOI(A)]." Meanwhile, a special four-member Committee of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will meet with IndiGo Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers to question the latter on the widespread cancellation of flights in the last week,” as cited by news agency ANI. As per the reports, the four-member committee has been constituted to examine the flight disruptions caused by IndiGo. The airline, since the last few days, has been creating complete chaos at various airports. While the DGCA has increased scrutiny of the airline following widespread flight cancellations and delays, along with taking several steps to ensure smooth operations, the flight services till Thursday remained disrupted. (With inputs from ANI)
12 December,2025 02:31 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA man claiming to be the original owner of the land on which the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub stood has alleged that part of his property was converted from a salt pan to a settlement zone without his knowledge to benefit the establishment, reported news agency PTI. Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar said he had signed a sale agreement in 2004 with Surinder Kumar Khosla, but the deal was withdrawn within six months after the payment did not materialise. Khosla went on to set up a nightclub on the land, which was later taken over by Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of Birch by Romeo Lane. A devastating blaze tore through the nightclub located in the Arpora Village of North Goa around midnight on December 6, killing 25 people, most of them staff members and some tourists. Amonkar said he has been fighting a legal battle against Khosla over the property. “For 21 years, I have been fighting in courts to get back my land in Arpora, which has been wrongfully occupied,” he told PTI. He said he recently learned about a “new development” concerning the land. “The government quietly changed the zoning of my land without informing me,” claimed Amonkar, adding that no notice was served to him during the ongoing litigation. According to him, the area where the nightclub was constructed has now been designated as a settlement zone. “How can a salt pan be converted into a settlement zone?” he asked. He said he discovered the “zone change” on Thursday while preparing documents to approach the high court in connection with the fire tragedy. A senior official from the Goa Town and Country Planning Department said that an inquiry into the matter is underway and that it would be inappropriate to comment on Amonkar’s allegations at this stage, PTI reported. Goa nightclub fire: Arpora-Nagoa sarpanch appears before police Arpora-Nagoa Sarpanch Roshan Redkar appeared before Anjuna Police in Goa after securing interim protection from arrest from a local court in the case involving the deadly fire at the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub that claimed 25 lives. Redkar and former panchayat secretary Raghuvir Bagkar approached the district and sessions court in Panaji on Thursday, which granted them interim relief. Their anticipatory bail pleas will be heard on Friday. The state government has suspended Bagkar along with two other officials — Shamila Monteiro, then member secretary of the Goa State Pollution Control Board, and Siddhi Halarnkar, then director of panchayats. Redkar visited the Anjuna Police Station on Thursday night with the court order granting interim protection. “We came here to submit a copy of the order to the police. We have told them that we are cooperating with them in their investigation,” the lawyer accompanying him told reporters outside the station. Redkar reiterated that he is cooperating with police in the probe into the incident. (With PTI inputs)
12 December,2025 02:30 PM IST | Panaji | mid-day online correspondentCongress Member of Parliament (MP) and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday drew attention to the worsening air pollution crisis in India’s major cities. He urged the government to hold a detailed discussion in parliament and create a systematic plan to tackle the issue, news agency ANI reported. The Congress leader said that the futures of millions of children are being jeopardised as they develop lung diseases. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi said, "Most of our major cities are living under a blanket of poisonous air. Millions of children are getting lung diseases. Their future is being destroyed. People are getting cancer. Older people are struggling to breathe. This is an interesting issue because I'm certain that there will be full agreement between the government and us on this issue. This is not an ideological issue. Everybody in this house would agree that air pollution, the damage it is doing to our people, is something that we would like to cooperate on." Stressing the need for collective action, he added that it would be worthwhile for everyone to participate in a thorough discussion, followed by the Prime Minister introducing a plan for each city, ANI reported. "It's important that the government develops a plan for how to get rid of air pollution in our cities. We are more than happy to cooperate with the government on developing such a plan. There are not many issues these days that the government and the entire opposition can agree on. I think the government should have a discussion in parliament. We should try not to make it a discussion where we are abusing you, and you are abusing us," Gandhi said. Continuing his speech, Gandhi said, "I think we should make it a discussion where we are participating, we are showing the country that on this fundamental issue, there is agreement, and the best minds are going to be put into place to solve this issue. I think it would be good if we have a detailed discussion and then the Prime Minister puts in place a plan for each city, a methodical systematic plan on how, within the next five or ten years, maybe we cannot resolve the problem, but how we are going to address the problem and make life for our people easier." #WATCH | Delhi: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "Most of our major cities are living under a blanket of poisonous air. Millions of children are getting lung disease. Their future is being destroyed. People are getting cancer. Older people are struggling to… pic.twitter.com/hBRzfOb0rB — ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2025 Responding to Gandhi’s remarks, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju said the government is open to discussion. "The government, from day one, had made our position very clear that on all important matters, the government is ready to discuss and also to find a solution, taking along the suggestions from all the members, including the principal opposition party led by Rahul Gandhi ji. Under the various laws and rules, we will see how we will take up this discussion," said Rijiju. The exchange comes amid rising public concern about deteriorating air quality across multiple cities, especially in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), where the air quality index (AQI) has climbed above 300, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. (With ANI inputs)
12 December,2025 02:03 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra witnessed cool mornings across most regions on Friday, with minimum temperatures ranging from 7.3 degrees Celsius to 16.1 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Seasonal rainfall and relative humidity varied across the state, while most districts reported clear skies with little to no rainfall in the last 24 hours. In the northern and western parts of the state, Nashik recorded a minimum of 7.8 degrees Celsius with 64 per cent relative humidity and no rainfall over the past 24 hours. Pune experienced a low of 8.3 degrees Celsius with 77 per cent humidity, while Satara recorded a minimum of 9.4 degrees Celsius under clear sky and haze conditions. Kolhapur reported a minimum temperature of 13.5 degrees Celsius and 55 per cent relative humidity, and Sangli saw 11.3 degrees Celsius with 68 per cent humidity, accompanied by haze. In the coastal belt, Dahanu recorded a minimum of 15.1 degrees Celsius with 72 per cent humidity, while Ratnagiri experienced a comparatively warmer low of 16.1 degrees Celsius with 43 per cent humidity, reported IMD. Other notable readings included Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar at 10.6 degrees Celsius with 47 per cent humidity, Ahilyanagar at 7.3 degrees Celsius with 90 per cent humidity, and Udgir at 11.0 degrees Celsius with 51 per cent humidity. Malegaon recorded a minimum of 8.4 degrees Celsius with 95 per cent relative humidity. Nanded reported a low of 9.1 degrees Celsius and a high of 28.9 degrees Celsius with 63 per cent humidity. The IMD has issued yellow alerts for several Maharashtra cities likely to experience cold-wave conditions today. The affected locations include Jalgaon, Nashik, the Nashik ghats, Ahilyanagar, Solapur, Nagpur, Wardha and Yavatmal. Cold-wave conditions are expected to occur in isolated pockets across these regions. Seasonal rainfall (SRF) continues to accumulate in several districts, including Ratnagiri with 405.7 millimetres, Dahanu with 184.6 millimetres, Sangli with 112.5 millimetres, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar 108.6 millimetres, and Kolhapur 96.3 millimetres. Most other regions reported negligible rainfall in the last 24 hours. Air quality index 115 in Mumbai; temperature may drop to 15 degrees Celsius, say IMD Mumbai is expected to experience mainly clear skies across the city and suburbs on Friday. According to the IMD, the maximum temperature is likely to hover around 33 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may drop to 15 degrees Celsius. In Colaba, the minimum temperature was recorded at 20.6 degrees Celsius, with relative humidity at 74 per cent. Santacruz reported a minimum of 14.9 degrees Celsius, relative humidity of 75 per cent. Air quality in Mumbai remains moderate, with the city registering an AQI of 115, according to the SAMEER App. Experts caution that such levels may cause breathing discomfort for individuals with lung disorders, asthma, or heart conditions. AQI readings across various city areas are as follows: Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) – 115, Borivali – 79, Byculla – 96, Chakala (Andheri East) – 93, Chembur – 124, Colaba – 101, Deonar – 126, and Kandivali West – 53.
12 December,2025 01:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAviation safety regulator DGCA has suspended four Flight Operations Inspectors (FOIs) over massive disruptions in IndiGo's operations, which resulted in the cancellation of thousands of flights and lakhs of people getting stranded across airports. The airline cancelled over 50 flights from Bengaluru Airport on Friday. FOIs are senior officials within the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, working as part of its regulatory and safety oversight functions, often deployed to monitor airline operations. "Four Flight Operations Inspectors (FOIs) at the DGCA have been suspended in connection with the recent large-scale disruptions in IndiGo's flights," a source said. These officials ensure aviation safety by inspecting, auditing, and certifying airlines and personnel, such as pilots, dispatchers,and cabin crew, to meet strict regulatory standards, verifying various regulations and overseeing training, flight standards, and accident prevention measures in India. "IndiGo has cancelled 54 flights -- 31 arrivals and 23 departures -- from Bengaluru Airport on Friday," a source said. The crisis-hit airline had cancelled over 200 flights from Delhi and Bengaluru on Thursday. Meanwhile, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras will appear again before the DGCA's investigation panel at 2 PM on Friday. The DGCA on Thursday stepped up scrutiny of the crisis-hit IndiGo, with officials stationing themselves at the carrier's headquarters to monitor operations, and an inquiry panel grilled CEO Pieter Elbers. Elbers, who appeared before the DGCA-constituted inquiry panel on Thursday, has been asked to appear again on Friday. The four-member panel comprises Joint Director General Sanjay Brahamane, Deputy Director General Amit Gupta, senior Flight Operations Inspector Kapil Manglik, and FOI Lokesh Rampal, with a mandate to identify the root causes of widespread operational disruptions at the leading domestic carrier. The committee's mandate includes assessing manpower planning, fluctuating rostering systems, and the airline's preparedness to implement the latest duty period and rest norms for pilots, which came into effect from November 1 this year. 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.
12 December,2025 12:07 PM IST | Mumbai | PTINine pilgrims died, and 23 others were injured when a private travel bus fell into a gorge in Alluri Sitharamaraju district in the early hours of Friday. The accident occurred on the Chintur-Naredumilli ghat road when the driver apparently failed to negotiate a sharp turn and hit the safety wall before it fell into the gorge. The bus carrying 37 people, including two drivers, was heading to Bhadrachalam. The passengers were all from the Chittoor district who were on their way to the Bhadrachalam temple in Telangana from Araku. The victims were on a pilgrimage tour to various temples in north Andhra and neighbouring Telangana. As there was no mobile phone network coverage in the area where the accident occurred, it took some time for the information to reach the police. Police rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. Nine bodies were recovered from the accident spot. The injured were shifted to a hospital in Chintur. The condition of five of the injured was stated to be critical, and they were shifted to a hospital at Bhadrachalam. Five police vehicles and three ambulances were pressed into service to shift the injured. Police suspect that poor visibility due to dense fog in the region may have led to the tragedy. The driver was not familiar with the roads in the region, and officials believe that he could not control the vehicle at the curve. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the accident. He spoke to officials about the rescue and relief operations. He directed them to ensure the best treatment for the injured. Home Minister V. Anitha and Tribal Welfare and Women and Child Welfare Minister G. Sandhya Rani left for the accident site. They spoke to the Collector and Superintendent of Police of Alluri Sitharamaraju district and directed them to ensure all help to the victims. Voicing concern over increasing road accidents, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had last month ordered third-party auditing on road accidents to know the causes. Addressing the Road Safety Council meeting, the Chief Minister had expressed concern over the deaths of 6,433 people in 15,462 road accidents in the state so far this year. According to officials, 79 per cent of accidents occur due to over-speeding, three per cent due to wrong-side driving, and one per cent due to alcohol and mobile phones. Andhra Pradesh stands in eighth place in road accidents in the country. 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.
12 December,2025 11:04 AM IST | Visakhapatnam | IANSSenior Congress leader and former Lok Sabha Speaker Shivraj Patil Chakurkar passed away on Friday morning at his residence in Deoghar, Latur, Maharashtra. He was 91 years old and had been undergoing treatment at home for several days, according to the reports. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar described his demise as the loss of a cultured and diligent personality. In his condolence message, Ajit Pawar lauded Chakurkar’s lifelong commitment to public service, describing him as a symbol of simplicity and moral values. During his extensive political career, Chakurkar held several key positions, including Union Minister, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, and Governor of Punjab, consistently upholding ethics in politics. काँग्रेसचे ज्येष्ठ नेते, लोकसभेचे माजी अध्यक्ष, देशाचे माजी गृहमंत्री शिवराज पाटील चाकूरकर यांच्या निधनानं देशाच्या राजकारणातील एक सभ्य, सुसंस्कृत आणि अभ्यासू व्यक्तिमत्व आपण गमावलं आहे. मी त्यांना भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली अर्पण करतो.शिवराज पाटील चाकूरकर यांनी लोकसेवेचा नवा आदर्श… pic.twitter.com/GeVlK13Isp — Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) December 12, 2025 As Lok Sabha Speaker, he spearheaded the modernisation and computerisation of Parliament, introduced live telecasting of proceedings, and oversaw initiatives such as the new library building, as per the reports. The “Outstanding Parliamentarian Award” was also instituted during his tenure. Ajit Pawar noted that Chakurkar’s deep knowledge of the Indian Constitution and his efforts to strengthen democracy would be remembered for years to come. Chakurkar’s political journey spanned several decades. He began as Mayor of Latur and was elected to the Lok Sabha from Chakur in Latur district, winning the seat seven times. Although he lost the Lok Sabha seat in 2004, he was later appointed to the Rajya Sabha and became the Union Home Minister, according to the reports. During his tenure as Home Minister, India faced the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks in 2008, which claimed numerous lives, including senior police officers. Patil resigned from the post on 30 November 2008, accepting moral responsibility for the attack. In addition to the Home Ministry, Chakurkar held several central portfolios, including Defence, Commerce, Science and Technology, Civil Aviation, and Tourism. He also served as the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015. Congress leaders and party workers across the country expressed grief over his demise, remembering him as a principled politician and a devoted public servant. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed deep sorrow over the demise of former Union Minister. In a post on X, Amit Shah said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of former Union Minister Shivraj Patil Chakurkar Ji. Throughout his long and distinguished career, he was admired for his extensive knowledge of public affairs and unwavering dedication to service. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and all who were close to him.” Saddened by the demise of former Union Minister Shivraj Patil Chakurkar Ji. With a career spanning several decades, Patil Ji was known for his vast knowledge of public affairs and his dedicated service. Heartfelt condolences to his family members and well-wishers. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 12, 2025 Prime Minister Modi also paid tribute on X, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Shivraj Patil Ji. He was an experienced and respected leader. During his long public career, he served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, Member of Parliament, Union Minister, as well as Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and the Lok Sabha. He was driven by a strong commitment to the welfare of society. Over the past few years, I had several interactions with him, the most recent being a few months ago when he visited my residence. At this sorrowful time, my heartfelt condolences are with his family. Om Shanti.” श्री शिवराज पाटील जी यांच्या निधनाने दुःख झाले आहे. ते एक अनुभवी नेते होते. सार्वजनिक जीवनातील आपल्या प्रदीर्घ कारकिर्दीत त्यांनी आमदार, खासदार, केंद्रीय मंत्री, महाराष्ट्र विधानसभेचे तसेच लोकसभेचे अध्यक्ष म्हणून काम केले. समाजाच्या कल्याणासाठी योगदान देण्याच्या ध्येयाने ते… pic.twitter.com/aqQVerLnhn — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2025
12 December,2025 10:35 AM IST | | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended birthday greetings to Rajya Sabha member Sharad Pawar, wishing him a long and healthy life. PM Modi took to the social media platform X and wrote, “Birthday wishes to Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sharad Pawar Ji. Wishing him a long and healthy life." Birthday wishes to Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sharad Pawar Ji. Wishing him a long and healthy life.@PawarSpeaks — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2025 Sharad Pawar, a towering figure in Maharashtra politics, is the founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The 84-year-old leader has had a long, eventful career marked by major achievements as well as controversies. His public life, spanning over six decades, began in 1958 when he joined the Youth Congress. Pawar later went on to become the youngest Chief Minister of Maharashtra at the age of 37, a position he held four times over the course of his career. He also served as India’s Defence Minister from 1991 to 1993 under then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. Throughout his political journey, Pawar has played a significant role in shaping Maharashtra’s agricultural policies and cooperative sector, contributing immensely to the state’s rural and economic development. His influence in the cooperative movement, particularly in the sugar sector, has been widely acknowledged across party lines. In 1999, Pawar founded the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) after parting ways with the Congress. The split was triggered by his disagreement over Sonia Gandhi’s foreign origin and her potential candidacy for the post of Prime Minister. Along with P.A. Sangma and Tariq Anwar, Pawar was expelled from Congress, a development that ultimately led to the formation of the NCP. Rather than deter him, the expulsion strengthened his resolve, and he went on to establish himself as a powerful national and regional political force. Pawar first broke away from the Congress much earlier, in 1978, when he was 38 years old. Along with 40 MLAs, he formed the Progressive Democratic Front in alliance with the Janata Party and the Peasants and Workers Party. Following the collapse of the Congress government, he once again became the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, at the time the youngest to ever hold the office. However, his government was dismissed in February 1980, cutting short his tenure. Despite this setback, Pawar continued to remain a key figure in state politics. He returned as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister in 1993 and held the post for two years. In 1995, the state witnessed a shift in political dynamics as the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance came to power, with Manohar Joshi taking over as Chief Minister. Decades later, Pawar staged a strong political comeback during the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections. Through an energetic campaign, he repositioned the NCP as a formidable player and helped the party secure additional seats. He also leveraged the widening rift between the Shiv Sena and the BJP, persuading the Shiv Sena to join hands with the NCP and the Congress to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, with Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister. However, the political landscape took another dramatic turn when a faction of the NCP led by Pawar’s nephew, Ajit Pawar, rebelled. Ajit aligned with the BJP, resulting in a short-lived government with Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister and Ajit Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister. Sharad Pawar responded firmly, warning defecting MLAs of action under anti-defection laws. Many legislators subsequently returned to the NCP fold. The brief government collapsed soon after, and Uddhav Thackeray was reinstated as Chief Minister under the MVA arrangement. But Ajit Pawar parted ways with his uncle, and the ECI recognised his faction as the legitimate NCP, leading Sharad Pawar to form the NCP-SP In recent years, Pawar has continued to exert significant influence despite political turbulence. After the recent elections in Maharashtra, the MVA moved to the opposition benches. Even from the opposition, whether in the state or Centre, Sharad Pawar continues to be a commanding voice, actively questioning the policies and strategies of the ruling governments. His engagement with political, economic, and social issues remains undiminished, and he continues to be regarded as one of Maharashtra’s most seasoned and strategic leaders. (With inputs from IANS)
12 December,2025 10:23 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentDelhi woke up to a dense layer of toxic smog on Friday morning, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 329 at 7 am, placing it in the "very poor" category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Despite slight improvements in recent weeks, large parts of the city remained shrouded in thick, hazardous haze. Areas such as Ghazipur and Anand Vihar reported severely reduced visibility, while several localities across Delhi continued to record "very poor" air quality, reported news agency ANI. The region around Anand Vihar and Ghazipur was particularly affected, with AQI levels soaring to 386, intensifying health concerns for residents. According to CPCB data, Sonia Vihar recorded an AQI of 338, while Wazirpur recorded 382. Bawana recorded the highest AQI of 365 at 7 am, placing it in the 'very poor' category. In contrast, NSIT Dwarka recorded an AQI of 269, which falls under the 'poor' category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), reported ANI. The Dhaula Kuan area this morning was blanketed by a layer of toxic smog, with an air quality index of 337, categorised as 'Very Poor'. Additionally, a thick layer of dense fog blanketed several parts of Haryana this morning, reducing visibility and disrupting early travel. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Karnal recorded a minimum temperature of 7degC, marking a notably cold start to the day. According to AQI categorisation, 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'. According to CPCB, the AQI, which ranges from 0 to 500, is divided into six categories, each reflecting the level of pollution and associated health risks. An AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as "Good", indicating minimal or no health impact. AQI levels from 51 to 100 fall into the "Satisfactory" category, where air quality remains acceptable, though sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues may experience slight discomfort. The "Moderate" category, ranging from 101 to 200, indicates rising pollution levels that can trigger breathing difficulties in people with asthma, lung conditions, or heart disease. Dangerous levels of AQI have become increasingly common in several parts of the capital during winter. "Very poor" air quality poses a risk of respiratory illnesses, even for healthy individuals, when exposure continues for prolonged periods. (With ANI inputs)
12 December,2025 10:22 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
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