Train services were briefly halted on Saturday morning after a leopard was found grievously injured on the railway tracks near Bhagoore, close to Deolali railway station, at pole number 179/32, around 7 am. The leopard has since died. Following the alert, the Nashik Forest Division’s wildlife rescue team rushed to the spot and shifted the injured animal away from the tracks, after which train movement was restored. The leopard had suffered severe head injuries after being hit by a train, and one of its legs was found completely severed and lying on the tracks. Wildlife veterinarians from the Nashik division reached the site, administered first aid, and shifted the animal to the wildlife treatment centre at Mhasrul. Forest officials said the leopard, a female aged around seven to eight months, had lost a significant amount of blood and was in critical condition. Despite all efforts, the young leopard did not survive.
11 January,2026 12:43 PM IST | Nashik | Ranjeet JadhavThousands of devotees thronged the Somnath temple complex on Saturday, staying out well past midnight, braving winter chills, as dazzling fireworks, decorations and a drone show combined with religious fervour drew an unprecedented crowd to the ancient shrine. The crowd, which peaked late in the evening shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the temple as part of Somnath Swabhiman Parv, included people of all ages, local residents as well as long-distance travellers. Modi on Saturday evening participated in 'Omkar Mantra' chanting at the Somnath temple, had 'darshan', and also witnessed a grand drone show featuring an assemblage of 3,000 drones, matching the scale of the gathering on ground. Preeti Karelia, along with 24 other women, travelled from Mumbai in neighbouring Maharashtra just to witness the celebrations. "We came today to see Somnath temple, to see our prime minister. This occasion that celebrates the temple and its traditions and resilience is an amazing feeling. The fireworks, the decoration in the streets leading to the temple, the wonderful drone show only added to the power of divinity that has brought so many people to the shrine in just one day," Karelia told PTI. The women-only group described itself as a 'bhajan mandali' from Mumbai. The main road leading to the temple, from Shankh Circle to Veer Hamirji Gohil Circle, has been decked up with flowers and thematic decorations. Mounted lights fashioned in the shapes of 'trishul', 'Om' and 'damru' lined the stretch, complemented by Somnath Swabhiman Parv posters and flower-made 'shivalings'. Large banners across the city bore the festival's name and slogans such as 'Akhand Somnath, Akhand Bharat' and evocative lines including 'Prahar se Punuruthan ka Sakshi, Main Swayambhu Somnath Hun'. The ornate gateway near the Shankh Circle was decorated with flowers, and in the evening, a group of folk dance artists from Karnataka, clad in traditional attire, walked past it, drawing the attention of residents eager to get photographs clicked. As dusk fell and night progressed, the crowds swelled further. With the Prime Minister's arrival, a sea of people gathered near the main gates of the temple complex, even as security personnel worked to maintain order. Visitors on Saturday night included religious figures such as Bhardwaj Giri, who travelled from Bhavnagar, and veteran politician Girish M Kotecha from neighbouring Junagadh district. Interacting with PTI near the Veer Hamirji Gohil Circle, which has an equestrian statue of Gohil, a 16th-century Rajput warrior remembered for defending the Somnath temple against invaders, Giri said people like Veer Hamirji fought to "protect the pride of our Hindu shrines". The entire circle, facing the temple complex, was illuminated with lights and floral decorations, presenting a striking sight. "It's a celebration of the spirit of Somnath and you can see the joy among the people on this occasion," Kotecha told PTI. Even as sections of the crowd departed after 'darshan', cultural programmes and the drone show, more visitors poured in, including a large number of women who braved the early January chill with enthusiasm. Harsh Shah, who visited the temple complex close to midnight with family members, said, "Somnath baba is pulling people and we also came to see the decorations and lights." A nearly 15-minute drone show featuring several thematic formations, including huge images of Lord Shiva and a 'shivling', and a 3D depiction of the Somnath temple, followed by a dazzling display of fireworks, was an instant show stealer. PM Modi, who arrived here on Saturday evening on a two-day visit to the temple town, witnessed the show, held as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. One of the drone formations also depicted the destruction faced by the historic temple over the centuries, as well as its rise and resilience. The Parv marks 1,000 years since the Somnath temple's invasion by Mahmud of Ghazni, the Prime Minister's Office said on Friday. After Independence, efforts to restore the temple were undertaken by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. A key milestone was achieved in 1951 when the restored Somnath temple was formally opened to devotees in the presence of then President Rajendra Prasad. Many visitors were also seen clicking photographs with the statue of Patel installed in front of the main ceremonial gate of the temple complex. The Somnath temple is one of the 12 'jyotirlingas' - holy sites associated with Lord Shiva - in the country. Local resident and ice-cream vendor Chand Mal, who was among the late-night visitors, said he had never seen such crowds before. "I come here often or on weekends, but I have never seen such a crowd before. It is huge and seems unprecedented. It also feels special today to get His (Lord Shiva's) blessings," he said. A series of programmes are being held from January 8 to 11 as part of the Swabhiman Parv. At 9:45 am on Sunday, PM Modi is scheduled to take part in the 'Shaurya Yatra', a ceremonial procession organised to honour those who laid down their lives defending the Somnath temple. The yatra will feature a symbolic procession of 108 horses, reflecting valour and sacrifice, officials said. Thereafter, the Prime Minister will offer prayers at the temple at 10:15 am, and participate in a public function marking the Somnath Swabhiman Parv at 11 am, before departing for Rajkot. 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
11 January,2026 12:35 PM IST | Somnath (Gujarat) | PTIShiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would have "died of malnutrition" if his late father, Sena founder Bal Thackeray, had not come to its rescue, news agency PTI reported. Speaking at a rally in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar ahead of the January 15 civic elections in the city and across the state, the former Maharashtra Chief Minister took aim at the BJP following a remark by its leader Raosaheb Danve, who had said that "every political party has eaten out of our plate", implying that all parties had received help from the BJP at some point. Reacting to the comment, Thackeray said, "If the Shiv Sena chief (Bal Thackeray) hadn't fed you, you would have died of malnutrition. If this is so, why are you eating leftovers from our plate? How much more will you consume? It seems you have contracted 'Bhasmya' (insatiable hunger) disease. How many of our people will you take?" He also reminded the crowd that the BJP first came to power in Maharashtra in the 1990s in alliance with the undivided Shiv Sena, under the leadership of his late father, PTI reported. Uddhav further alleged that money was being distributed through UPI to prevent opposition candidates from contesting the civic polls. "The police should look into this seriously if they are awake," he added. Addressing the challenges faced by his party, he said, "Our party's name and symbol were taken away, but the people stayed with us. Now we will make a fresh start, just as we did in 1988. We have so many new faces now." Maharashtra civic polls: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief flags Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s chronic water shortage Speaking on civic issues, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) chief highlighted Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s chronic water shortage, saying the city receives water for only 44 days in a year, PTI reported. "When I was chief minister, the state government had proposed to fully fund the water pipeline scheme for the city. But this government made the city take a loan for the project, and yet it remains incomplete," he said. Thackeray also criticised the BJP over the appointment of a co-accused in the Badlapur sexual abuse case as a 'co-opted' councillor in Kulgaon-Badlapur Municipal Council. "We expected that the main accused in the Badlapur case would be brought to justice through a fast-track court. But he was killed in an encounter, which created suspicion that he was eliminated to prevent further names from coming to light. Yet Tushar Apte, a co-accused, was made a co-opted member in the local body, saying he had helped them (BJP) win elections. This is the sick mindset of BJP," he said. Apte had been the secretary of a school where two children were allegedly sexually assaulted by an attendant, who was later killed in a police encounter. He was named in a case registered against the school management for allegedly failing to report the offence. He resigned after his appointment as a councillor sparked controversy. Thackeray also addressed the issue of alleged illegal migration from Bangladesh, saying if such infiltration existed, it was the failure of the central government and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. "The ruling parties are only making people of different communities quarrel among themselves. The country is being pushed towards anarchy as cities are burdened with debt," he said. (With PTI inputs)
10 January,2026 11:26 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | mid-day online correspondentIn a timely coordinated rescue operation, an adult male sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), approximately four-five years of age, was rescued from a 40-foot-deep water-filled well in Alame village of Pune district in Maharashtra. The operation was carried out jointly by the Maharashtra Forest Department and Wildlife SOS with vital assistance from local villagers who were familiar with the surrounding terrain. The incident came to light around 9.30 am on Saturday, when the Maharashtra Forest Department received information about the deer being trapped inside a farm well. Wildlife SOS was immediately alerted, following which a four-member rescue team was dispatched to the site with essential rescue kits and equipment. Upon arrival, the team observed that the deer had managed to stand on a stone ledge inside the well for support with much of the structure filled with water. A detailed rescue plan was then devised to ensure the animal’s safe extraction, without causing further distress or injury, and using ropes and nets, the team worked carefully and gently lifted the mammal out of the well. The operation lasted approximately four hours, and a post-rescue health assessment revealed mild abrasion wounds, likely sustained during the fall into the well. Following the rescue, the sambar deer was found to be active and responsive. As the animal was deemed fit, it was released in a nearby suitable habitat. Open wells remain deadly traps; timely joint rescue saves sambar deer in Maharashtra Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, said, “Open and unprotected wells continue to be silent traps for wildlife across the country. This rescue underscores the importance of swift coordination between the forest department, our rescue team and the local community. We are relieved that the deer was rescued in time and could be released back into its natural habitat on the same day.” Smita Rajhans, assistant conservator of forests (ACF), Junnar Forest Division, said, “In regions where movement of wild animals overlaps with agricultural landscapes, immediate action is imperative. Collaborative efforts such as these not only save lives but also strengthen long-term strategies for mitigating human-wildlife conflict.” Mahendra Dhore, project manager- Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre, Wildlife SOS, stated, “Every well rescue presents unique challenges, particularly when water is involved. The deer appeared alert throughout the operation, which allowed us to execute the rescue smoothly. After a brief health check, it was encouraging to see the animal return to the wild immediately upon release.
10 January,2026 06:26 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavAt least six people suffered minor injuries when a small aircraft of a private airline in which they were flying made a crash landing near Rourkela on Saturday, Odisha's Commerce and Transport minister B B Jena said. The incident took place near Rourkela, he said. "One A-1 nine-seater private flight carrying six passengers from Rourkela to Bhubaneswar has met with an accident. The passengers have sustained minor injuries and are stable. It took place at Jalda, 10 kilometres from Rourkela. By the grace of God, this is not a major accident," Jena told reporters. Director of Biju Patnaik International Airport, Prasanna Pradhan said, "The flight was on its way from Bhubaneswar to Rourkela. It made a crash landing 10 km before Rourkela. There were 4 passengers and 2 crew members. All are safe. The flight is India One Airlines. The number of the light is C-208." The minister said the state government has apprised the Director General of Civil Aviation of the situation. "Our director will also soon visit the accident site," he said. Rescue teams have rushed to the spot, and the injured were immediately shifted to hospital for treatment. Airport sources said that it was a regular flight between Rourkela and Bhubaneswar run by a private operator. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
10 January,2026 04:36 PM IST | Bhubaneswar | PTIMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar and NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule on Saturday shared the political stage for the first time after the split in June 2023 and released a joint manifesto for an inclusive and developed Pune, reported news agency IANS. ‘Truce for Pune’ reshapes local political equations In a development that has reshaped the political landscape of Maharashtra, the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) officially signalled a “truce for Pune” on Saturday, reported IANS. Ajit Pawar noted that the “friction within the family has been resolved” for the sake of the city’s development, while Supriya Sule emphasised that the alliance is currently limited to these civic polls. Alliance limited to PMC and PCMC elections The alliance, formed specifically to contest the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections, aims to consolidate the Pawar family’s traditional stronghold. Leaders from both sides stated that the primary goal is to prevent a division of votes that would benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party, which currently eyes a second consecutive term in the civic body. Infrastructure, water and mobility dominate manifesto The manifesto focusses on several urban-centric promises on infrastructure, water management, and urban mobility. They have made a commitment to accelerate the Pune Metro expansion and resolve the city’s chronic traffic congestion through new flyovers and improved public transport, reported IANS. A commitment to accelerating the next phases of the Pune Metro and expanding the PMPML bus fleet with 100 per cent electric vehicles to reduce traffic congestion has also been made. 24/7 water supply, river rejuvenation promised The alliance has ensured 24/7 water supply to the merged villages and modernising the drainage systems and the construction of new sewage treatment plants (STPs) to rejuvenate the Mula-Mutha river. It promises to eliminate “pothole culture” by moving towards high-quality cement-concrete roads and developing dedicated “missing links” in the city’s ring road, reported IANS. ‘Green Pune’ and skill development initiatives outlined The manifesto lays focus on ‘Green Pune’ initiatives, including the preservation of the city’s hills and river rejuvenation projects. Both the parties have promised the establishment of dedicated skill development centres for the city’s massive student population, including ‘Pune Skill Hubs’ to provide vocational training for local youth, reported IANS. Women-centric welfare and digital governance plans The alliance has promised enhanced financial assistance for women-led self-help groups (SHGs), mirroring the ‘Ladki Bahin’ style of support at the civic level, digitising all municipal services to ensure ‘Zero-Touch’ governance for building permissions, property tax payments, and grievance redressal. Local unity sends message to party cadres The sight of the cousins sharing a platform has sent a strong message to party cadres. While the two factions remain separate at the state and national levels, this local tie-up suggests a pragmatic shift. ‘United for Pune, divided elsewhere,’ says party leader “This is a decision taken in the interest of Pune’s development. We may have different paths at other levels, but for our home ground, we are united,” a senior party leader remarked during the launch, reported IANS. Internal dissent surfaces despite top-level consensus Despite the show of unity, the alliance has faced internal friction. Initially, some local leaders, including former NCP (SP) city unit chief Prashant Jagtap, expressed dissent over the tie-up, though the top leadership appears to have moved forward to secure the “Pawar bastion.” (With inputs from IANS)
10 January,2026 01:51 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentDelhi recorded the highest annual average PM10 concentration in the country in 2025 at 197 micrograms per cubic metre, nearly three times higher than the national standard of 60 micrograms per cubic metre, according to an analysis. The capital exceeded the PM10 standard on 285 days during the year, the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) said in its analysis. On finer particles, Delhi was the second most polluted city in India for PM2.5 in 2025, with an annual average concentration of 96 micrograms per cubic metre, almost twice the national standard of 40 micrograms per cubic metre. Delhi exceeded the daily PM2.5 standard on 212 days in 2025, the report said, indicating prolonged exposure to hazardous air. The analysis said PM2.5 levels remain high across the National Capital Region, with 12 out of 14 NCR cities breaching the PM2.5 standard. On funding, CREA said Rs 13,415 crore has been released under the National Clean Air Programme and Fifteenth Finance Commission grants so far, of which Rs 9,929 crore, or 74 per cent, has been utilised. Delhi was among the weakest performers in utilisation of clean air funds, with only 33 per cent of the allocated amount spent, the report said. Meanwhile, Delhi was among the cities that have completed a source apportionment study, the report said. The report concluded that seven years into the NCAP, cities including Delhi remain far from meeting air quality standards, and the programme's intended 40 per cent PM10 reduction target is no longer achievable within its current time frame. It called for a shift in focus towards PM2.5, stricter emission controls and a regional airshed-based approach to tackle air pollution in Delhi and surrounding areas. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched by the Centre in 2019 to improve air quality in 130 non-attainment and million-plus cities, with a focus on reducing particulate pollution. The programme initially targeted a 20-30 per cent reduction in PM10 levels by 2024-25 compared to 2017-18 levels, which was later revised to a 40 per cent reduction or meeting national standards by 2025-26, through city-specific action plans and coordinated funding support. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 January,2026 09:53 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIAs many as 63 Maoists, 36 of them carrying a collective bounty of over Rs 1.19 crore, surrendered in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district on Friday, a senior police official said. The cadres, including 18 women, turned themselves in before senior police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials here under the ‘Poona Margem’ (from rehabilitation to social reintegration) initiative, Dantewada Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai said. The Maoists said they were also impressed by the state government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy, he said. They were active in south Bastar division, West Bastar division, Maad division in the state, and in areas bordering Odisha. Seven of the cadres carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh each, he said. All the 63 surrendered Maoists will be provided an immediate assistance of Rs 50,000 each and will be further rehabilitated as per the government’s policy, SP Gaurav 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
10 January,2026 09:08 AM IST | Dantewada | AgenciesChina is gradually emerging as a major export destination for India, with shipments rising 33 per cent to $12.22 billion during April-November of the current fiscal, according to commerce ministry data. The data is signalling a structural shift in the bilateral trade relationship. The export increase was driven by products such as oil meals, marine products, telecom instruments and spices, the data showed. During April-November 2024-25, India exported goods worth $9.2 billion. It was $9.89 billion in Apr-Nov 2022-23, and $10.28 billion in 2023-24. The sharp jump to $12.22 billion in 2025-26 not only reverses last year's decline but also marks the highest level in the past four years, the data showed. “This spread across electronic goods, agriculture and base metals, indicates that the export surge is not narrowly concentrated but reflects a broader structural expansion of India's exports to China,” an official said. An exporter said that Indian industry is exploring opportunities in different markets as high tariffs in the US are making it difficult for them to ship goods at competitive rates in America. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 January,2026 09:04 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesED on Friday has approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking a CBI probe against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her alleged interference during raid at I-PAC consultancy firm. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), while approaching the High Court, alleged that the West Bengal Chief Minister, with the aid of the police, took away incriminating documents from the agency's custody during a raid at I-PAC director Pratik Jain's home. In a petition before the court, the federal probe agency also alleged that the CM, a constitutional functionary, illegally interfered with and obstructed a lawful search operation conducted under the PMLA at the residence of the political consultancy firm's director in a money laundering case linked to an alleged coal pilferage scam, reported PTI. As reported by news agency PTI, the writ petition states that these actions by the West Bengal Chief Minister led to a "complete takeover" of its search operation by the "state machinery". ED claims Mamata Banerjee removed key evidence during the raid The Enforcement Directorate further alleged that during lawful search proceedings, "digital devices, electronic storage media, and key incriminating documents were forcibly removed, seized, concealed, and stolen from the lawful custody of ED officers by the Hon'ble Chief Minister with the aid of state police." Earlier on Thursday, the West Bengal Chief Minister unexpectedly arrived at the office of the I-PAC, which provides political consultancy to the ruling party. The federal probe agency further stated that there was "direct" involvement of the highest political executive and abuse of police power during the raid to tamper with the evidence. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) further demanded a CBI probe into the matter. ED demands CBI probe The Enforcement Directorate has further urged the Calcutta High Court to "direct the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register FIR(s) and investigate the entire incident, including the role of the present respondents being the chief minister, police officials, and all persons acting in concert," as reported by news agency PTI. The agency added that a probe by the CBI was essential, as both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court have consistently held that where the "high and mighty" in the state are involved in the commission of cognisable offences, investigation ought to be transferred to the CBI. The ED also sought "immediate seizure, sealing, forensic preservation, and restoration to lawful custody of the ED" of all digital devices, electronic records, storage media, and documents "illegally and forcibly" that were taken away from the search premises. Calcutta High Court to hear the petition next week The ED conducted a search at the Salt Lake office of I-PAC and the Kolkata residence of Jain on Thursday as part of its probe into the alleged coal scam-linked money laundering case. Some other locations in the state and Delhi were also raided. The central agency's petition said that during the search operations, Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma came and was being briefed by ED officers about the search proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) when the CM entered the premises. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee forcibly entered the premises It claimed the chief minister entered the premises despite a "categorical request being made (by ED officials) not to interfere with the ongoing search proceedings under PMLA." The agency also said, "However, violating all law and order, Mamata Banerjee, with the aid of police personnel, forcibly took possession of all digital devices along with key incriminating documents from the possession of the authorised officer and left the premises around 12:15 PM," as per PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
09 January,2026 10:41 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentA leopard sighting was reported in the Durg Tekdi area of Nigdi Pradhikaran in Pune district of Maharashtra following which the forest department have restricted the public entry to ensure safety. According to an official communication from the Forest Range Officer, Bhosari Division, the leopard was spotted on January 8, 2026, in forested patches around Durg Tekdi and nearby areas of the Pimpri-Chinchwad MIDC. Following the sighting, the forest department have been taking measures to prevent any untoward incident. Surveillance and camera traps deployed Forest officials have deployed surveillance teams in the area and installed camera traps at several strategic locations to track the movement of the leopard. Regular patrolling is also being carried out in and around the affected areas to monitor the situation closely. Public entry to Durg Tekdi temporarily restricted As a precautionary step, public access to Durg Tekdi has been temporarily restricted. Officials pointed out that the hill is located in a densely populated area and is frequently visited by morning walkers, especially during weekends. Residents asked to remain alert The Forest Department has issued an advisory urging residents to remain vigilant, particularly during early morning and late-night hours. Citizens have been advised to- - Avoid forested areas, bushes and isolated spots - Not move alone at night - Ensure children do not go out unattended - Avoid leaving pets or domestic animals outside after dark - Keep doors and windows securely closed at night - Maintain proper lighting around homes Appeal against rumours and panic Officials have appealed to residents not to spread rumours or panic. Any sighting of the leopard or suspicious movement should be immediately reported to the Forest Department helpline 1926. They stressed that public cooperation is essential for human safety as well as wildlife protection. Earlier leopard sighting in area This is not the first time a leopard has been sighted in the Durg Tekdi area. In February last year, forest officials had reported that a six-year-old male leopard may have entered the region, indicating the recurring presence of wildlife in the green patches around the city. Advisory The safety advisory has also been shared with the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and other concerned agencies to ensure coordinated action and greater public awareness.
09 January,2026 10:15 PM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalADVERTISEMENT
