The BJP in Bihar will hold a roadshow as part of its plan to accord a grand welcome to the party's newly appointed national working president Nitin Nabin, who is scheduled to arrive in Patna on Tuesday. This will be Nabin's first visit to the state after he assumed the charge on December 15. As part of the roadshow, posters and hoardings have been put up, and several stages erected for cultural programmes along the route from the airport to the Miller High School ground, a party leader said. Security has already been tightened across Patna in view of the BJP's programme. "The roadshow will begin from the airport here at 12.30 pm. It will pass through Sheikhpura More, the Hanuman temple in Rajbanshi Nagar, and the income tax roundabout and culminate at Miller High School ground. A large number of party workers will greet our leader along the route," Bihar BJP spokesperson Niraj Kumar told PTI. Nabin, the fifth-term MLA from Bankipur assembly seat, was the state unit chief of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha and the party's in-charge for Chhattisgarh. He was appointed as the BJP's national working president on December 14. "Several stages along the roadshow route have been set up, and cultural programmes will be held to welcome our leader," he said. Nabin is expected to address party workers at the Miller High School ground, the state BJP spokesperson said. According to party insiders, Nabin is likely to meet Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan at Raj Bhavan in the evening. After that, he will interact with party MPs, MLAs, members of the legislative council, and other leaders at the BJP's state headquarters, they said. Nabin, the son of Navin Kishore Sinha, a veteran BJP leader who had represented the now-abolished Patna West assembly constituency, began his political career in 2006 with a victory in a by-election. The bypoll was necessitated by the demise of his father. Known to be popular among voters of Bankipur, an urban assembly segment in the state capital, Nabin had retained the seat in the recently held state assembly polls by a margin of about 52,000 votes. 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.
23 December,2025 01:16 PM IST | Patna | PTIThe condition in Delhi does not seem to improve, as the national capital on Tuesday woke up to choking air with thick fog and haze engulfed. The AQI levels crossed 400 (severe category) at 27 monitoring stations, and several others slipped into the 'severe plus' range, exposing residents to extremely hazardous pollution. As reported by news agency PTI, Delhi on Tuesday recorded an AQI of 415, slipping from the 'very poor' category a day earlier, as pollution levels continued their upward climb, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Out of 40 monitoring stations, 27 recorded severe air quality with AQI readings above 400, a level known to have serious health impacts. Moreover, five stations were in the 'severe plus' category with AQI readings above 450, with Anand Vihar recording an AQI of 470, Nehru Nagar (463), Okhla (459), Mundka (459) and Sirifort (450), as per data from the CPCB's SAMEER app, as reported by news agency PTI. According to the CPCB standards, an AQI from 0 to 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'. Another point of concern is that the dense fog in Delhi has led to a sharp drop in visibility, with Palam recording 50 metres visibility under dense fog conditions with west-southwesterly winds at 5 kmph at 8 am, while Safdarjung reported 100 metres visibility with calm winds at the same time. Furthermore, the visibility improved slightly by 8.30 am, with Palam recording 100 metres visibility under dense fog with west-southwesterly winds at 5 kmph and Safdarjung reporting 150 metres visibility with calm winds. Delhi weather On the other hand, Delhi's minimum temperature on Tuesday dropped to 8.8 degrees Celsius, which is 1.3 degrees above normal, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said, reported PTI. On the other hand, the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 23 degrees Celsius, with the forecast indicating dense fog conditions during the day. Dense smog affects visibility at IGIA The dense smog also affected visibility across the national capital, prompting Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport to issue a passenger advisory last week. In a post on the social media platform X at 7 am, airport authorities stated that low-visibility procedures were in place, although flight operations were continuing normally. Passengers were advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates, as delays could occur due to weather conditions. (With inputs from PTI)
23 December,2025 01:06 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Anti-Narcotics Task Force, Punjab, in coordination with the BSF, has recovered nearly 12 kg of suspected heroin in a village in the Amritsar district. "In a major breakthrough, @ANTFPunjab (Border Range), in coordination with BSF, recovers a quantity of suspected heroin weighing approximately 12.050 Kg near Village Dalleke, PS Lopoke, following inputs about drone movement," Punjab Police DGP, Gaurav Yadav said in a post on X on Tuesday. A case is being registered, and a preliminary investigation is underway to trace the backward and forward linkages using technical evidence and human intelligence, the director general of police said. "@PunjabPoliceInd remains firm in its resolve to counter drone-based narco-smuggling and dismantle drug networks across the border belt," he said in the post. 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.
23 December,2025 12:46 PM IST | Chandigarh | PTITwo people were killed and 16 others injured after six vehicles collided in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi district amid dense fog on Tuesday morning, police said. The incident took place near an under-bridge in the Musafirkhana police station area. Station House Officer Vivek Singh said the accident occurred near the Amethi-Sultanpur turn when a truck hit the roadside railing due to poor visibility caused by fog. He said three other trucks, a car and a bus coming from behind subsequently rammed into each other, leading to a pile-up of multiple vehicles. Singh said two people died on the spot while 16 passengers were injured in the accident. Relief and rescue operations were underway, and efforts were being made to ascertain the identities of the victims, he added. 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.
23 December,2025 12:19 PM IST | Amethi (UP) | PTIA doctor at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC), Shimla, has been suspended indefinitely after a video showing him assaulting a patient inside a hospital ward went viral on social media. Acting swiftly, the state government and hospital administration also constituted a high-level inquiry committee and directed the doctor to report to the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Shimla headquarters, until further orders. Speaking to ANI, Naresh Dashta, a relative of the patient, alleged that the incident involved their relative Arjun Pawar, a resident of Cheta village in the Kupi area of Chaupal. Dashta said Arjun Pawar had come to IGMC for an endoscopy procedure and was an IPD patient. "The doctor gave him a date for an endoscopy. After the procedure, he was told that he was facing chest-related issues and was advised to rest for two hours in the Pulmonary Department. When he went there and lay down on a vacant bed, hospital staff were fitting an oxygen mask," Dashta said. He alleged that a senior resident doctor named Raghav and another doctor in the Pulmonary Department behaved rudely with the patient. "They spoke badly to Arjun Pawar. He is a teacher and has never misbehaved with anyone. When he told the doctor that he had been referred there for rest, the doctor continued misbehaving. When Arjun Pawar requested him to speak politely, the doctor responded offensively," Dashta said. Referring to the viral video, Dashta added, "You have seen in the video how a patient on oxygen, who was bedridden, was beaten. Another doctor held his legs, and the patient started bleeding. This is nothing short of an attempt to murder. We demand that the police register an attempt-to-murder case against the doctor." He further claimed that complaints against the same doctor had earlier been made on the Chief Minister's Helpline. "Because of one such doctor, the entire IGMC is being defamed. There are many good doctors in IGMC who behave well, but such incidents bring shame to the institution and the state," Dashta said. Dashta also warned of protests if strict action was not taken. "We demanded his suspension within an hour. If the police do not arrest him today, we will stage a protest outside the SP office. We want a fair inquiry committee with public representatives included. The patient is currently stable and undergoing treatment, but investigations are still going on," he added. Meanwhile, Dr. Rahul Rao, Medical Superintendent, IGMC Shimla, told ANI that the incident occurred in the Pulmonary Medicine Department when a patient came for a bronchoscopy. "The patient had come for a bronchoscopy and was advised to rest for two hours after the procedure. He went to the ward. As per hospital protocol, only indoor admitted patients are allowed in the ward. During this time, there was an argument and some pushing between the senior resident doctor and the patient," Dr Rao said. He added that the matter was immediately brought to the notice of the Head of the Pulmonary Department, the Deputy Medical Superintendent, and other senior officials. "The government took cognisance of the issue and directed us to take immediate action. As per the orders of the Chief Minister and Health Minister, we submitted our report to the government," Dr Rao said. "Following government instructions, the doctor has been suspended, and his headquarters have been fixed at the Directorate of Medical Education, where he has been asked to report. A high-power committee has also been constituted to investigate the matter. We are conducting the inquiry in a fair and transparent manner, and no one will be protected," he added. Dr Rao further stated that the decision was taken within hours. "We came to know about the incident between 1:00 and 1:30 pm. A committee was formed, and by around 6:00 pm, the government issued directions. Within four hours, a decision was taken. We do not cover up any complaints and always act promptly on written complaints," he said. He also clarified that resident doctors had gathered briefly outside the A-Block but dispersed after appeals from hospital authorities. "This is a large hospital, and we need cooperation from everyone. We are making every effort to ensure better patient care and transparency," Dr Rao added. The high-level committee will now investigate the incident in detail, and further action will be taken based on its findings. 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
23 December,2025 09:17 AM IST | Shimla | ANIThe United States (US) Department of State has expanded online presence reviews for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants as part of its standard visa screening process, effective December 15. WORLDWIDE ALERT FOR H-1B AND H-4 VISA APPLICANTS Beginning December 15, the Department of State expanded online presence reviews to ALL H-1B and H-4 applicants as part of standard visa screening. This vetting is being conducted globally for ALL applicants of ALL nationalities… pic.twitter.com/qMrMrOvqy0 — U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) December 22, 2025 The enhanced vetting applies globally to all H-1B and H-4 applicants of all nationalities, the department said. The move is aimed at addressing potential misuse of the H-1B visa programme, while continuing to allow US companies to recruit highly skilled temporary foreign workers. Despite the additional scrutiny, US embassies and consulates worldwide will continue to accept and process H-1B and H-4 non-immigrant visa applications, the US Embassy in India clarified. The embassy has appealed to applicants to apply at the earliest possible opportunity and to be prepared for additional processing time due to the expanded screening measures. The Department of State said the online presence reviews form part of routine background checks conducted during the visa adjudication process and are intended to strengthen the integrity of the H-1B programme.
22 December,2025 09:02 PM IST | MumbaiA court in Goa's Mapusa on Monday extended the police remand of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, co-owners of the nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane, till December 26, reported the ANI. The Luthra brothers were produced before the the Mapusa Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court on Monday in connection with the Goa nightclub fire. The nightclub, located in Arpora, North Goa, was the site of a devastating fire on 6 December, which claimed 25 lives and left several others injured. In the same proceedings, the Mapusa JMFC court remanded Ajay Gupta, the third partner of Birch by Romeo Lane, to 14 days of judicial custody, as per the ANI. Accused brought from Delhi after deportation The Luthra brothers were brought to Goa from Delhi on 16 December after being deported from Thailand. Following their arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, a Delhi court granted the Goa Police a 48-hour transit remand. On December 17, the accused were produced before the Mapusa JMFC court, which granted the police five days’ custody for further investigation. Forged documents allegations Advocate Vishnu Joshi, representing the families of the victims, told ANI that fresh revelations had emerged during the probe. According to him, the police have alleged that the trade licence and other related documents of the Luthra brothers were forged, as per the ANI. Fire caused by safety violations, say cops The fatal fire broke out during a firework event organised at the nightclub without adequate fire safety equipment, police said. The Goa government has initiated criminal proceedings against the club owners, citing alleged negligence and violations of mandatory safety norms. According to the Goa Police, the accused organised the event despite being aware that the premises lacked emergency exit doors on the ground and deck floors, making evacuation difficult in case of an emergency, the news agency reported. Owners had complete control over operations: Police In submissions made earlier before the Patiala House Court in Delhi, the Goa Police stated that the Luthra brothers were the main owners and partners of Birch by Romeo Lane and exercised complete control over the club’s operations, including safety arrangements, permissions and events conducted at the venue, the ANI reported. The police maintained that custodial interrogation of the accused in Goa was necessary at a crucial stage of the investigation. A criminal case was registered on December 7 at the Arpora Anjuna Police Station in North Goa under Sections 105, 125, 125(a), 125(b) and 287, read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. (with ANI inputs)
22 December,2025 05:53 PM IST | Goa | mid-day online correspondentThe Haryana government has issued a notification making Hansi a separate district, effective from Monday. With this, the state now has a total of 23 districts. In its statement, the government said "In exercise of the powers conferred by section 5 of the Haryana Land Revenue Act, 1887 (Punjab Act 17 of 1887 ) read with section 5 of the Registration Act, 1908 (Central Act 16 of 1908), the Governor of Haryana hereby varies the limits and alters the number of sub-division of district Hisar, so as to form a new District to be called Hansi comprising of the sub-divisions of Hansi and Narnaund." Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said the land registration process in all tehsils across the state is entirely online, significantly reducing opportunities for corruption. Buyers can now apply for registration online from their homes. Tehsildars are required to complete registrations within a set timeframe. If a registration is not completed on time, the concerned tehsildar must submit a written explanation to the government. If the answer is found unsatisfactory, disciplinary action will be initiated, and the responsibility will be transferred to a senior officer, he said, according to a release. Earlier, the Delhi Cabinet approved the landmark proposal to reorganise Delhi's 11 existing revenue districts into 13 new revenue districts that will be fully co-terminus with the 12 MCD zones, NDMC, and Delhi Cantonment Board, a release said. According to a press release from the Delhi government's Revenue Department, the national capital will have 13 districts: South East, Old Delhi, North, New Delhi, Central, Central North, South West, Outer North, North West, North East, East, South, and West. According to the press release, the move aims to end decades-old jurisdictional confusion between revenue districts and MCD zones, increasing the number of subdivisions from 33 to 39 and the number of Sub-Registrar offices from 22 to 39. According to the Delhi government, this reform will significantly improve the ease of living, accelerate service delivery, and ensure seamless coordination across land records, property registration, civic services, and grievance redressal. 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
22 December,2025 05:32 PM IST | Chandigarh | ANICold conditions prevailed across several parts of Maharashtra on Monday, with minimum temperatures dropping sharply in interior regions. Ahilyanagar recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 7.3 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest place in Maharashtra, according to weather observations. Several cities in western and central Maharashtra experienced chilly mornings. Pune recorded a minimum temperature of 8.6 degrees Celsius, while Nashik registered 8.8 degrees Celsius. Jeur in Solapur district reported a low of 8.0 degrees Celsius, and Baramati recorded 9.3 degrees Celsius. Malegaon saw the mercury dip to 8.4 degrees Celsius. In the Marathwada region, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 10.5 degrees Celsius, while Nanded reported 10.8 degrees Celsius and Parbhani 10.6 degrees Celsius. Dharashiv recorded 10.7 degrees Celsius, and Udgir reported 12.0 degrees Celsius. Kolhapur recorded a minimum of 15.3 degrees Celsius, while Sangli saw 13.0 degrees Celsius and Satara 11.2 degrees Celsius. Jalgaon reported a low of 9.5 degrees Celsius, and Nandurbar recorded 15.0 degrees Celsius. In the Konkan region, coastal areas remained relatively warmer. Mumbai’s Colaba observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 20.3 degrees Celsius, while Alibag recorded 18.5 degrees Celsius. Ratnagiri saw a minimum of 17.2 degrees Celsius, Harnai 20.6 degrees Celsius, Dahanu 15.0 degrees Celsius, and Matheran 17.4 degrees Celsius. The Nagpur region also experienced cooler conditions, with Nagpur recording a minimum temperature of 11.8 degrees Celsius and relatively high humidity levels across parts of Vidarbha. Meteorological officials said the dip in temperatures was due to clear skies and calm wind conditions, leading to increased night-time cooling across interior Maharashtra. Mumbai AQI improves to 98; Ghatkopar, BKC still polluted Haze was observed across Mumbai during Monday morning, giving way to mainly clear skies by afternoon and evening, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The city recorded a minimum temperature of 20.3 degrees Celsius in Colaba, while Santacruz experienced a cooler 15.2 degrees Celsius, with no rainfall reported at either location. As per the Centre's SAMEER App, the air quality shows improvement compared to the past couple of days, with the city recording an overall AQI of 98, classified as satisfactory. While generally safe, sensitive groups may experience minor breathing discomfort. Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC): 117Borivali: 80Byculla: 119Andheri: 100Chembur: 108Ghatkopar: 129Kandivali: 97Kherwadi, Bandra East: 121Bhandup West: 86
22 December,2025 04:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSeveral leaders of minority organisations in Bangladesh formed a human chain on Monday, accusing the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of failing to stop violence, killings and persecution of minority communities across the country. Addressing the gathering organised by the Minority Unity Front outside the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka, minority leaders said that inadequate investigations and the absence of justice had created an atmosphere of fear and mistrust in Bangladesh. Leading Bangladeshi newspaper, The Daily Star, reported that Manindra Kumar Nath, joint coordinator of the Minority Unity Front, said that Bangladeshi authorities have failed to reach out to the family of the Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das, who was "beaten and burned to death" in Bhaluka upazila in Mymensingh district on December 18 over allegations of "religious blasphemy". Slamming Yunus, Manindra Kumar said, "He claims he will build a humane Bangladesh, but in reality, he is an inhumane chief advisor." Calling on people across communities to demand the removal of Yunus, he alleged that minorities have been subjected to continued persecution since the interim government assumed power last year. Nath also voiced concerns over the upcoming February 2026 election in Bangladesh, saying minorities feared that they would not be able to participate freely. "This election will be a sham election, with no real public representation," he added. Subrata Chowdhury, a member of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, said that minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, indigenous people and other small ethnic groups, were facing extreme insecurity in the South Asian nation. "Attempts are being made to spread fear ahead of the election, while those involved are facing no action. Law enforcement agencies are acting as silent spectators," he alleged. Nim Chanda Bhowmik, one of the presidents of the Council, claimed that patronage of the divisive forces and militant groups was "contributing to ongoing violence" in Bangladesh. He claimed that attacks on the media offices of Bangladeshi media outlets The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, as well as cultural organisations such as Chhayanaut and Udichi, were carried out without any effective response from the interim government. Another member of the Council, presiding over the programme, called for a proper investigation into the killing of Das in Mymensingh and demanded punishment of those responsible, urging the interim government to curb the oppression and persecution of religious and ethnic minorities. Bangladesh has witnessed escalating violence against minorities, including Hindus under the Yunus-led interim government, sparking outrage among people and several human rights organisations across the globe. 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
22 December,2025 04:14 PM IST | Dhaka | IANSThe results of the local body elections have firmly established the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the largest party in Maharashtra, with voters expressing strong confidence in the development agenda of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday, according to news agency PTI. According to the results announced late on Sunday, the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and the NCP, dominated the elections to 288 municipal councils and nagar panchayats, securing 207 president posts. In contrast, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi managed a combined total of 44 posts. Data from the State Election Commission shows that the BJP won 117 municipal president posts, followed by the Shiv Sena with 53 and the NCP with 37. Among the opposition parties, the Congress secured 28 posts, NCP (SP) won seven, and Shiv Sena (UBT) bagged nine. Addressing a press conference in Ramgiri, where he congratulated newly-elected members and presidents of municipal councils, CM Fadnavis said the BJP has razed the opposition's fortress in Nagpur district. "Sunday's results have clearly shown that the BJP is the biggest party in Maharashtra. More than 3000 BJP councillors got elected. The people of the state have shown trust in PM Modi's development vision," Fadnavis said, according to PTI. "In Nagpur district, the BJP has made several councils Congress-free. The state government will bring huge developmental changes in the district," he added, while urging party workers not to get arrogant due to the emphatic win. The huge mandate for the Mahayuti must motivate every functionary to work more for the people of Maharashtra, he further emphasised. State revenue minister and senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule thanked the people of Nagpur district for trusting the "double engine" government of PM Modi and CM Fadnavis. "CM Fadnavis gave Rs 6500 crore for various development projects in Nagpur district. A total of 317 councillors and 22 council presidents of the BJP got elected in Nagpur district. Party workers must prepare for the upcoming Nagpur municipal corporation elections and ensure a huge victory," Bawankule said, according to PTI. Everyone must step onto the ground to win BMC Elections 2026: Aaditya Thackeray There is an atmosphere of enthusiasm across Maharashtra, and all the party workers must get to work with full strength for BMC Elections 2026, Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Aaditya Thackeray appealed. Elections are being held for 29 municipal corporations in the state, and how many wards are won will depend on our hard work, he said. “The time we have been waiting for over the past four years has finally arrived,” added the Worli legislator. Instructing that the presentation made in Worli should reach everyone, he stressed the need to take the development work carried out by the party directly to the people. He also alleged that large-scale misinformation is being spread through digital platforms and that the Shinde faction and the BJP are misleading the people. (With PTI inputs)
22 December,2025 03:16 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
