The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached movable and immovable properties valued at approximately Rs 91.82 crore in the ongoing money laundering probe into the illegal operations of Mahadev Online Book (MOB) and other betting platforms. As reported by news agency IANS, investigation agency ED's Raipur Zonal Office froze bank balances worth Rs 74.29 crore held in the names of Dubai-based entities M/s Perfect Plan Investment LLC and M/s Exim General Trading FZCO. The Enforcement Directorate, while investigating the matter further, asserted that these firms are allegedly controlled by key accused Sourabh Chandrakar, Anil Kumar Agarwal, and Vikas Chhaparia, who used them to disguise proceeds of crime as legitimate investments, as per IANS. The statement from the Enforcement Directorate also highlighted, “Additionally, properties worth Rs 17.5 crore belonging to Gagan Gupta—a close associate of Hari Shankar Tibrewal, the owner of Skyexchange.com—were attached. These include high-value real estate and assets in the names of Gupta’s family members, acquired using cash generated from illicit betting.” The ED investigation revealed that platforms like Mahadev Online Book and Skyexchange.com rigged games to ensure users lost money, generating massive illegal proceeds. The app served as an umbrella network facilitating user enrolment, financial routing, and laundering through benami accounts, fake KYC documents, and unaccounted transactions, the statement said. Money syphoned abroad via ‘Hawala’ While highlighting the proceeds of crime, the Enforcement Directorate said that the proceeds were syphoned abroad via hawala, trade-based laundering, and cryptocurrencies, then reinvested in Indian stocks through foreign portfolio investors (FPIs). The agency also said that a "cashback" scheme was uncovered, where FPIs invested in listed companies like Salasar Techno Engineering Ltd and Tiger Logistics Ltd, with promoters returning 30-40 per cent in cash. ED also added that, “Gupta allegedly benefited Rs 98 crore from such deals,” as per IANS. The agency has conducted searches at over 175 premises, attaching assets worth around Rs 2,600 crore in the alleged Mahadev betting scam. As of now, around thirteen arrests have been made, with 74 entities named in five prosecution complaints. The probe against the accused highlights sophisticated laundering tactics evading taxes and regulations, as the ED continues to dismantle the syndicate's financial web. (With inputs from IANS)
07 January,2026 09:50 PM IST | Raipur | mid-day online correspondentThe Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) on Wednesday proposed that the Union Budget for 2026-27 be presented on February 1, even though the date falls on a Sunday, according to reports. If approved, this would be a rare occasion in recent years when the Union Budget is tabled on a weekend. The government is keen to maintain the February 1 schedule to ensure that budget proposals are implemented from the start of the new financial year in April, reported the IANS. The Budget Session of Parliament is expected to begin on January 28 with the President’s address to a joint sitting of both Houses. The Economic Survey, which outlines the current state of the Indian economy, will be presented in Parliament on January 29, as per reports. Sitharaman to present ninth consecutive budget Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her ninth consecutive Union Budget, making it the 88th Budget since Independence. Since 2017, Union Budgets have been presented at 11 am on February 1, after the date was advanced from February 28, according to the IANS. The change was introduced by former Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to allow faster execution of budget measures from the beginning of the financial year. Weekend budgets not unprecedented Presenting the Union Budget on a weekend is not entirely new. Nirmala Sitharaman had earlier presented the Union Budget 2025 on a Saturday. Earlier, Arun Jaitley also presented the Budgets of 2015 and 2016 on February 28, both of which fell on Saturdays. Historic milestone for Sitharaman With this year's Union Budget, Nirmala Sitharaman will become the first finance minister to present nine consecutive Union Budgets during her tenure as a finance minister. She is now close to the record held by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who presented 10 Union Budgets across two terms. Among other former finance ministers of the UPA government, P Chidambaram had presented nine Union Budgets, while Pranab Mukherjee presented eight. Sitharaman was appointed India’s first full-time woman finance minister in 2019 and has continued in the role after the Modi-led government returned to power for a third term in 2024. (with IANS inputs)
07 January,2026 09:31 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), whose poll symbol is a clock, on Wednesday launched a new campaign titled “Alarm” ahead of the January 15 Maharashtra local body elections in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic bodies. Through the campaign, the party targeted the local leadership of its ally, the BJP, accusing it of failing to provide basic civic services in both cities. Announcing the initiative, NCP president and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said worsening civic issues, including water shortages, garbage accumulation, traffic congestion, and rising pollution levels, were “alarm bells” pointing to administrative failure at the municipal level, news agency PTI reported. According to PTI, the NCP maintained that the two key civic bodies required the “Ajit Pawar model” of discipline and delivery. At the outset, Pawar clarified that the campaign was limited to the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations and was not linked to the functioning of the central or state governments. The NCP is in an alliance with the BJP in Maharashtra and at the Centre; however, both parties are contesting Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic body polls separately. "I would like to clarify at the beginning that the 'Alarm' campaign only concerns the failures of municipal bodies in Pune and PCMC (where the BJP was in power from 2017 to 2022)," he said, reported PTI. Pawar claimed the campaign was based on ground surveys conducted over the last six months and complaints received directly through "Jansamvad" (interactions with citizens). "Dry taps, tanker queues, pothole-ridden roads, garbage mounds, and worsening air quality show an execution crisis in the civic bodies. The alarm is ringing, and the cities need to wake up," asserted the NCP leader, whose home turf is Pune district. Without naming the BJP, Pawar blamed the ruling party’s local leadership for the deterioration of civic infrastructure in PMC and PCMC, despite governing them for several years. He alleged that development had stalled in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad due to poor planning and lack of accountability. The 'Alarm' campaign will be a digital-first and ground-based initiative, featuring short videos of NCP candidates highlighting civic problems at actual locations such as potholes, garbage dumps, and traffic bottlenecks. The campaign revolves around the theme 'One Alarm, Five Works', focusing on 24x7 clean water supply, pothole-free roads, smoother traffic, timely garbage collection and sanitation, creation of public spaces with pollution control, and accessible healthcare facilities in every ward. Pawar said the NCP's governance model, rooted in the Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar ideology, prioritises execution over rhetoric. "When the undivided NCP helmed the two civic bodies, development was planned and delivered. Efficient governance is the highest form of public service," noted the Deputy Chief Minister, who holds finance and planning portfolios in the BJP-led Mahayuti government in the state, reported PTI. The NCP sought to draw a distinction between its role in the state government and the functioning of the two key civic bodies, asserting that PMC and PCMC required what it described as the "Ajit Pawar model" of discipline and delivery. Pawar, while addressing a press conference in Pimpri-Chinchwad last week, alleged corruption in PCMC and targeted the local BJP leadership for graft, claiming the once-rich civic body has been pushed into debt over the last nine years. Later, speaking in Pune, Pawar accused the BJP’s local leadership of derailing the city’s development. Despite receiving substantial funds from the Centre and the state government, he claimed the local BJP leadership could not carry out meaningful development in Pune city while ruling its civic body. (With PTI inputs)
07 January,2026 09:04 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentFor Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the simple joys of life often come wrapped in golden, crispy batter – the humble: A Batata Vada, an iconic Maharashtrian snack that is not just a favourite treat; it’s a taste of home, childhood memories, and the comfort of simpler days amid a busy political life. More than just a food item, this iconic Maharashtrian delicacy holds deep personal and cultural significance for Gadkari, connecting him to his roots, childhood memories, and a simpler lifestyle amidst the whirlwind of public life. Batata vada, a spiced mashed potato filling dipped in chickpea batter and deep-fried, is a street food staple in Maharashtra. Gadkari grew up enjoying this snack, and over the years, it has remained a symbol of home, nostalgia, and regional pride. In his own words, he gravitates toward simple, traditional vegetarian food, and the batata vada perfectly embodies the flavours and comfort of his upbringing in Nagpur. Recently, Gadkari’s love for the snack took centre stage in a YouTube video when Bollywood filmmaker and dance choreographer Farah Khan, along with her personal chef Dilip, visited the minister’s Delhi residence. There, they were served Gadkari’s favourite home-cooked batata vada. The recipe, shared during the video, combines boiled mashed potatoes with green chillies, chilli powder, salt, sugar, and onions, all coated in a crisp besan (chickpea) batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. Farah Khan’s video quickly went viral, bringing nationwide attention to the simple yet flavorful recipe. Gadkari has also expressed his fondness for a specific spot in Pune, Prabha Vishranti Gruha, known for its batata vadas. This personal connection highlights not just his taste but also his appreciation for the authentic flavours of his home state. By embracing a street food favourite like batata vada, Gadkari presents a relatable, grounded image, connecting with millions of people who enjoy this snack daily. Batata vada, a flavourful snack made with spiced potatoes coated in chickpea flour, served hot. Representational pic. In a life dominated by politics, meetings, and public scrutiny, batata vada serves as Gadkari’s anchor, a reminder of home, culture, and simpler pleasures. Whether at a street-side stall or his own kitchen, the golden fritter is more than food; it’s comfort, nostalgia, and identity fried into a crispy, savoury bite. For Nitin Gadkari, the humble batata vada isn’t just a snack, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
07 January,2026 08:40 PM IST | MumbaiThe Supreme Court on Wednesday sought a response from the Maharashtra government on pleas filed by two accused seeking bail in the Pune Porsche car accident case that claimed two lives earlier in May 2024. The PTI reported, Aditya Avinash Sood (52) and Ashish Satish Mittal (37) were arrested on August 19 last year, as their blood samples were used for tests in connection with two minors who were in the car along with the 17-year-old main accused at the time of the accident. On May 19, 2024, a Porsche car, allegedly driven by a 17-year-old boy under the influence of alcohol, fatally knocked down two IT professionals in Pune's Kalyani Nagar area. Following the crash, a bench of Justice B V Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan issued notice to the state government on their pleas against the Bombay High Court order rejecting bail. Later on December 16, the High Court rejected the bail pleas of eight accused, including Sood and Mittal, in the case. The juvenile justice board (JJB) had granted bail to the accused minor on lenient terms, sparking nationwide outrage. The bail conditions included writing a 300-word essay on road safety. Bail by Juvenile justice board triggered outrage As bail for the accused juvenile triggered outrage, the Pune police approached the JJB to review its decision. Moreover, the board then modified the order and sent the juvenile to an observation home. In June, the high court ordered the release of the juvenile. While the juvenile involved in the case was released from an observation home, a total of 10 accused – his parents, Vishal Agarwal and Shivani Agarwal; two doctors, Ajay Tawre and Shreehari Halnor; Sassoon Hospital's staffer, Atul Ghatkamble; two middlemen; and three others, Aditya Avinash Sood, Ashish Mittal and Arun Kumar Singh -- were sent to jail in the blood sample swapping case. In view of the discrepancies around the Pune Porsche car crash, two Pune Police officials were dismissed from service over lapses in the investigation. News agency PTI reported that an internal inquiry found lapses in case registration and delays in collecting blood samples. Police said that the teenager’s blood samples were taken only at 11 am, several hours after the accident, and were allegedly replaced with those of his mother. (With inputs from PTI)
07 January,2026 08:05 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a telephonic conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to convey New Year greetings. As reported by news agency ANI, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu also exchanged views on the regional situation. PM Modi, while posting on social media platform X, said, "Glad to speak with my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and convey New Year greetings to him and the people of Israel. We discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead. We also exchanged views on the regional situation and reaffirmed our shared resolve to fight terrorism with greater determination." As per the reports, this is the first direct conversation between PM Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since the start of 2026. Glad to speak with my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and convey New Year greetings to him and the people of Israel. We discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership in the year ahead.We also exchanged views on the regional situation and… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2026 PM Modi, on December 11, received a phone call from Netanyahu, during which the two leaders reviewed the progress of the India-Israel Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their shared stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism, reported IANS. According to an official statement, PM Modi and Netanyahu expressed satisfaction with the steady advancement of bilateral cooperation and agreed to deepen collaboration across key areas for mutual benefit. PM Modi, while talking to Benjamin Netanyahu, further reiterated India's support for efforts aimed at achieving a lasting and just peace in the Middle East, including the early implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan. Both PM Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and agreed to remain in close contact. Providing details of the discussion, PM Modi, taking it to X, also wrote, "Spoke with my friend Prime Minister Netanyahu. We reviewed progress in the India-Israel Strategic Partnership and agreed to further strengthen our cooperation. Also reaffirmed our shared commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism. India supports all efforts aimed at achieving a just and durable peace in the region." Netanyahu indicates that US-backed Gaza ceasefire plan could begin "very shortly" The important call came at a time when Netanyahu indicated that the second phase of the US-backed Gaza ceasefire plan could begin "very shortly". Hamas, however, claimed Israeli "violations" and urged mediators to press Israel to comply with the agreement. Netanyahu's office also said it is working with Indian authorities to arrange a new date for his postponed visit to India. The visit, initially planned for December, was deferred without a formal explanation, though his office stressed that bilateral ties remain strong and that he has "full confidence" in India's security under PM Modi's leadership. (With inputs from ANI)
07 January,2026 08:03 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Wednesday claimed that crime has increased across the state because it does not have a full-time home minister, reported the PTI. He demanded strict punishment for those responsible for the killing of Congress leader Hidayatullah Patel in Akola district. Speaking at a press conference, Sapkal paid tribute to Patel and strongly condemned the attack. Demand for justice Sapkal said the murder of Hidayatullah Patel clearly shows the deteriorating law and order situation in Maharashtra. “This killing reflects how badly law and order has collapsed in the state. The absence of a full-time home minister is directly responsible,” he alleged, according to the PTI. He demanded the immediate arrest of all accused and called for exemplary punishment to send a strong message. Congress leader attacked after namaz According to police, Hidayatullah Patel (66), who was the state Congress vice president, was attacked with a sharp weapon on Tuesday afternoon. The attack took place after Patel offered namaz at a mosque in Mohala village in Akot taluka of Akola district. The attack was reportedly linked to an old enmity, as per the PTI. Patel was rushed to a private hospital in Akot and admitted to the intensive care unit, where he died on Wednesday morning. Allegations of crime gangs operating freely Sapkal claimed that gangs involved in violent crimes, drug trafficking, illegal sand mining and land grabbing were operating freely across Maharashtra. He said criminal activities were no longer limited to cities and had spread to rural areas and villages as well. Allegations of electoral misuse and intimidation The Congress leader accused the ruling alliance of having “finished off democracy” in the state. He alleged that the administration and the State Election Commission were acting under political pressure and that money power was being openly used in municipal and nagar panchayat elections, the news agency reported. Sapkal claimed that bogus voting, large-scale cash distribution, and threats to Opposition candidates were leading to several unopposed elections. Claims against top state leadership Sapkal accused the Chief Minister and both Deputy Chief Ministers of encouraging intimidation to secure uncontested victories. He also alleged that the state Assembly Speaker had pressured election officials to help candidates linked to him win unopposed. “The Speaker is the guardian of the Constitution and the Assembly. His conduct in this matter is deeply troubling,” Sapkal said, as per the PTI. BJP-AIMIM ‘understanding’ Sapkal further alleged a tacit understanding between the BJP and the AIMIM, calling them “two sides of the same coin”, the PTI reported He claimed senior BJP leaders were encouraging the AIMIM to contest elections and described the party as the BJP’s “B team”. The BJP has formed an alliance with the AIMIM and other parties in the Akot Municipal Council in Akola district. (with PTI inputs)
07 January,2026 06:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndia’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is projected at 7.4 per cent in the financial year 2025-26, up from 6.5 per cent in FY 2024-25, according to the advanced estimates released by the Ministry of Statistics on Wednesday, reported the IANS. The data points to a broad-based recovery, led mainly by strong performance in the services sector. Services sector leads growth The services sector remains the biggest driver of economic expansion. Growth in financial services, real estate, professional services and public administration is estimated at a robust 9.9 per cent at constant prices in FY 2025-26, according to the IANS. Meanwhile, trade, hotels, transport, communication and broadcasting-related services are expected to grow by 7.5 per cent, the official statement said. Manufacturing, construction and agriculture performance The secondary sector, which includes manufacturing and construction, is projected to grow by 7 per cent during FY 2025-26. The agriculture and allied sector is estimated to grow at 3.1 per cent, reflecting stable rural activity despite challenges such as weather variability. Consumption and investment show strong growth Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE), a key indicator of household spending, is estimated to grow by 7 per cent in FY 2025-26. This growth is supported by income tax exemptions announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 and subsequent GST rate cuts across various goods and services. Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), which reflects investment activity, is expected to grow by 7.8 per cent, compared to 7.1 per cent in the previous financial year, the news agency reported. Strong Momentum in Second Quarter India’s GDP growth surged to 8.2 per cent in the second quarter (July-September) of FY 2025-26, up sharply from 5.6 per cent in the same period last year. Growth in the secondary sector stood at 8.1 per cent, while the tertiary sector expanded by 9.2 per cent, pushing overall GDP growth above the 8 per cent mark for the quarter. Sector-wise Q2 Performance During the second quarter-- - Manufacturing grew by 9.1 per cent - Construction expanded by 7.2 per cent - Financial, real estate and professional services recorded a strong 10.2 per cent growth - Agriculture and allied activities grew by 3.5 per cent - Electricity, gas, water supply and utilities posted a growth of 4.4 per cent Consumption boost reflects rising incomes Real PFCE increased by 7.9 per cent in Q2 of FY 2025-26, compared to 6.4 per cent in the corresponding quarter last year. Officials said this reflects higher incomes and improved employment conditions across sectors. First-half growth remains robust Following a 7.8 per cent growth in the first quarter, India’s GDP growth for the first half (April-September) of FY 2025-26 stands at an impressive 8 per cent, compared to 6.1 per cent in the same period of the previous year. Fastest-growing major economy Despite global challenges, including US tariff hikes and trade disruptions, India continues to remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected India to be the only major economy expected to grow above 6 per cent in FY 2025-26, even as global growth slows. (with IANS inputs)
07 January,2026 05:33 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSFresh snowfall in the high-altitude areas of Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district delighted tourists, who had flocked to the picturesque valley in anticipation of the precipitation, turning their long-awaited wishes into reality. Visitors from different parts of the country, particularly Maharashtra, said they witnessed snowfall for the first time, describing it as a pleasant surprise. Tourists converged in large numbers at Guldanda (9,555 feet), Panj Nallah (10,200 feet) and Chattargalla (10,500 feet) along the Bhaderwah Pathankot highway to enjoy the snow-clad alpine landscape. The New Year day's snowfall ended a dry spell of over two months and raised hopes for a revival of tourism in the Bhaderwah valley, with hundreds of tourist vehicles reaching key destinations daily. Many tourists described the snowfall as magical and breathtaking, with the experience creating lasting memories, particularly for first-time visitors from different parts of the country. "It is very cold due to the heavy snowfall, but we are enjoying every moment of it. The snow-covered landscape is truly beautiful, and experiencing this for the first time is something we will always remember" said Aarti Galpe (18) from Nashik, Maharashtra. Dattaray Phaude, another visitor from Maharashtra, said the experience of witnessing snowfall for the first time is like a fairy tale. "I have seen this only in movies, this place is worth visiting and everyone should come at least once in a lifetime," he said. Vaiuo Dattero from Nashik said they have been visiting Vaishno Devi shrine since last seven years and this is their first visit to Bhaderwah. "This time, we decided to visit Bhaderwah as well and the decision is turning out to be a memorable one. I suggest that whosoever comes to visit Kashmir should also come here as well to make their trip memorable," Dattero said. 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.
07 January,2026 05:25 PM IST | Bhaderwah/Jammu | PTITwo persons were killed and another was critically injured after a car rammed into a taxi near Siri Fort in south Delhi during the early hours of Wednesday, police said. The police received a PCR call at 4.20 am regarding the incident on August Kranti Marg. A car travelling from Panchsheel Flyover towards Andrews Ganj hit a taxi that was turning right towards Balbir Saxena Marg, the police said. The impact of the collision left all three occupants of the taxi, including its driver, with severe injuries. Police teams reached the spot and shifted the injured to the AIIMS Trauma Centre. "Two of them were declared brought dead by doctors. The third person is in a serious condition and is undergoing treatment," a police officer said. The identity of the deceased has not been established yet. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, he said. The police have registered a case and apprehended the car driver, identified as Krishansh Kapoor (21), a resident of south Delhi's Udai Park. His blood sample has also been collected to confirm if he was under the influence of alcohol. "Preliminary inquiry suggests the collision occurred when the taxi was taking a right turn. CCTV footage of the area are being scanned to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the collision," the officer 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.
07 January,2026 05:24 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | PTIDelhi Police have arrested five people in connection with the stone-pelting incident during the demolition drive near a mosque, officials said. The incident occurred near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate area, close to Ramlila Ground, where authorities launched an anti-encroachment operation. Protest turns violent during mosque demolition, tear gas fired According to officials of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the drive was conducted to clear unauthorised structures from land adjoining the mosque and nearby areas, in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court on November 12, 2025. The demolition exercise began in the early hours of Wednesday, with a heavy presence of civic staff and police personnel. Officials stated that between 10 and 17 bulldozers were deployed as part of the operation. As the demolition got underway, a large number of residents gathered outside the mosque, raising slogans and protesting against the action. The situation soon turned volatile when some members of the crowd attempted to breach police barricades and began pelting stones at security personnel. Police responded by firing tear gas shells to disperse the protesters and prevent the unrest from spreading. FIR registered after demolition clashes; search on for accused The FIR is filed under sections related to rioting, assault on a government servant, and obstruction of a public servant in performing their duty. Earlier, police had detained 10 people for questioning in connection with the incident. Search for others is underway. Further details are awaited. Earlier on Tuesday, the Delhi High Court had issued a notice on a petition filed by the managing committee of Masjid Syed Elahi, which challenged the MCD's decision to remove what it termed as alleged encroachments from land adjoining the mosque and a nearby graveyard at Ramlila Maidan. Civic authorities, however, maintained that the action was in line with court directions concerning unauthorised constructions. (Inputs from IANS)
07 January,2026 01:18 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
