Maharashtra 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 DahiwalEtapalli police have arrested an accused involved in repeated attempts to steal from the bank at Etapalli in Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra, police officials said on Friday. The arrest has helped police solve two attempted theft cases at the same bank, they said. According to the police, the first incident took place on the night of December 16, 2025, when an unknown person entered the bank's Etapalli branch through a window. The accused attempted to break open the bank lockers and the ATM machine using a cutter to steal cash. However, he failed to damage the locker and ATM, and no cash was stolen. Following the incident, a case was registered at Etapalli Police Station against an unknown person under relevant sections of the law. Second attempt in January While the investigation was ongoing, the same accused again tried to commit theft at the bank on the night of January 7, 2026. He entered the bank in a similar manner and once again attempted to break open the lockers. Police form SIT Considering the seriousness of the repeated incidents, Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police Neelotpal directed a focused investigation. Under the guidance of Sub-Divisional Police Officer Chaitanya Kadam and the leadership of Etapalli Police Station In-charge Machchhadr Nargoge, a special police team was formed to trace the accused. Accused traced using technical evidence With the help of technical evidence and confidential informants, police identified the suspect as Bibhas alias Sanju Bachchu Dey (23), a resident of PV 92, Pakhanjur, Kanker district, Chhattisgarh. He was arrested from his residence and taken into custody. Accused confesses during interrogation During detailed interrogation, the accused admitted to committing both theft attempts at the bank's Etapalli branch. With his arrest, police confirmed that both cases have now been solved. The accused was produced before a court, which granted five days of police custody till January 12, 2026, for further investigation. The probe in the case is being carried out by Assistant Police Sub-Inspector Rohini Girwalkar of Etapalli Police Station. The operation was carried out under the guidance of senior police officers, including Additional SP (Operations) M. Ramesh, Additional SP Aheri Kartik Madhira, and Additional SP (Administration) Gokul Raj G. The investigation team included officers and police personnel from Etapalli Police Station.
09 January,2026 07:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRenowned environmental scientist, thinker and conservationist Dr Madhav Gadgil, one of India’s foremost voices for people-led ecological protection, passed away late on Wednesday night after a brief illness in Pune. He was 83. Dr Gadgil, whose work shaped grassroots environmentalism in India, is widely remembered for his prescient warnings against unregulated infrastructure and industrial expansion in ecologically fragile regions, particularly the Western Ghats. His ideas fundamentally altered how conservation, development and community rights were understood in the country. Dr Gadgil’s mortal remains were kept for public homage at his residence in Panchavati, Pashan, on Thursday. The last rites were performed at Vaikunth Crematorium later in the day. He is survived by his son, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. His wife passed away last year. Early life and academic journey Born on May 24, 1942, in Pune district, Dr Gadgil completed his schooling at Modern High School, Pune. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Savitribai Phule Pune University and completed his post-graduation at the University of Mumbai. In the early 1970s, he earned a PhD in Mathematical Ecology from Harvard University, becoming one of the earliest biologists globally to work at the intersection of mathematics and ecology — a field that would later gain global prominence. Building India’s ecological science ecosystem After returning to India, Dr Gadgil joined the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, where he taught and conducted research from 1973 onwards. In 1983, he founded the Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES) at IISc, which went on to become one of India’s premier institutions for ecological and conservation research. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Dr Gadgil authored over 225 scientific papers, covering evolutionary biology, ecology, conservation biology and environmental history. His work consistently bridged rigorous science with social realities. Champion of community-led conservation Unlike conventional conservation models, Dr Gadgil strongly believed that local communities are the best custodians of nature. For nearly 40 years, he worked closely with forest-dwelling and rural communities in the Western Ghats (Sahyadri), advocating conservation strategies rooted in public participation and democratic decision-making. He also carried out extensive biodiversity documentation in northeast India, once again emphasising indigenous knowledge systems and community stewardship. The Gadgil Report and the Western Ghats Dr Gadgil’s most influential public contribution came as the chairman of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), constituted by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests in 2009. The panel’s report, submitted in 2011 and popularly known as the Gadgil Report, recommended declaring the entire Western Ghats — one of the world’s most significant biodiversity hotspots — as an Ecologically Sensitive Area. It proposed strict regulation of mining, large dams, polluting industries and unsustainable construction in highly fragile zones. What set the report apart was its “bottom-up” governance model, which placed decision-making powers in the hands of gram sabhas rather than distant bureaucratic institutions. Though the report faced strong political and industrial opposition and was never implemented in full, its scientific warnings have since been repeatedly validated by landslides, floods and ecological degradation across the region. Role in environmental governance Dr Gadgil also played a key role in shaping India’s environmental policy framework. He was among the principal contributors to the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, which laid the foundation for biodiversity conservation and equitable benefit-sharing in India. Awards and recognition Dr Gadgil’s extraordinary contributions to science and society earned him numerous national and international honours. The Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri in 1981 and the Padma Bhushan in 2006. He was also a recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, one of India’s highest scientific recognitions. Internationally, he received several prestigious honours, including the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement and the Volvo Environment Prize, recognising his lifelong commitment to ecological science and sustainable development. Tributes pour In Remembering Dr Gadgil, Dr Pandit Vidyasagar, former Vice-Chancellor of Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded, said: “For over 45 years, Dr Gadgil worked relentlessly for biodiversity conservation. He was a deeply studious scientist who always went to the root of the problem. He never hesitated to challenge governments and power structures, placing his arguments boldly and firmly on scientific evidence.” “He was fearless, straightforward and immensely dedicated to educating people. Our interactions with him were always intellectually enriching. He travelled extensively across Maharashtra, especially the Western Ghats, spreading awareness about conservation. Dr Gadgil was not only a great scientist and visionary, but also a selfless human being and a true social reformer. With his passing, India has lost one of its most principled and courageous environmental voices — a scientist who consistently chose people, ecology and truth over convenience and compromise." Dr Sachin Anil Punekar, conservation biologist and founder of biospheres, said, Prof Madhav Gadgil, a true giant in ecology and conservation. His work on community-led conservation, sacred groves, and traditional knowledge will leave a lasting impact. A pioneering thinker in ecology and conservation biology, Prof Gadgil devoted his life to understanding the intricate relationships between nature and society, and to advocating policies involving both biodiversity and people at large. He consistently emphasised community participation and decentralised governance. He never hesitated to speak truth to power, firmly believing that long-term ecological sustainability was inseparable from social justice and democratic governance. He was a great support to our green initiatives such as the Movement Against Biological Invasions (MABI), a movement that addresses the ill impact, eradication drives, awareness programmes and policy advocacy about invasive foreign species in the country. We have lost a giant in ecology and conservation; he will always be remembered for his scientific contributions and outspoken views.” Director of The Corbett Foundation, Kedar Gore, said, “India has lost one of its finest ecologists and environmentalists. Prof Gadgil will always be remembered for his eye-opening report that recommended protection to almost 75% of the Western Ghats. Unfortunately, India is yet to demarcate the Eco Sensitive Areas of the Western Ghats, which has led to several ecologically destructive projects mushrooming in this global biodiversity hotspot. As a tribute to Prof Gadgil, India must prioritise this much-needed step and prevent any further degradation of this important landscape.” Environmentalist Stalin D from NGO Vanashakti said, “Dr Madhav Gadgil will remain a colossal figure in the field of Indian conservation. He stands apart for his intellectual honesty, commitment, sensitivity and bravery in putting action alongside words. His balanced approach towards conserving forests, wildlife habitats and rivers is an example to emulate. He did not sell his intellect to benefit those who wish to destroy the environment and forests. Despite his advanced age, he never hesitated to visit ecologically important areas and prepare honest reports. The government discarded his WGEEP report, offering no acknowledgement for his efforts. Every government and political party in power is guilty of undermining his work. He was approachable and humble. It is a sad day for conservationists; we will miss his presence. He will continue to inspire us always. I salute and respect him for his exemplary work and attitude.” (With inputs from Ranjeet Jadhav)
09 January,2026 06:54 PM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday criticised the alleged stone-pelting incident targeting Shiv Sena candidates in Pune during their campaign for the January 15 Maharashtra local body elections, reported the PTI. He said such acts of intimidation would not scare him or his party workers. Eknath Shinde’s party colleague Pramod Nana Bhangire alleged that stones were thrown at him and fellow candidate Sarika Pawar late on Wednesday evening in Kale Padal area of Hadapsar. Both are contesting from Ward No. 41. According to Bhangire, Pawar suffered a minor injury in the incident, while the windscreen of their car was damaged. Warning to Opposition parties Addressing a rally in Katraj, Shinde referred to the incident and warned opposition parties against what he described as “cowardly acts”. He said Shiv Sena workers would not be intimidated, adding that the party stands firmly with its workers and follows the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray. ‘50 khokhe’ slogan mentioned Shinde also spoke about a separate incident in Mumbai, where BJP workers allegedly raised the ‘50 khokhe’ slogan against the Shiv Sena. The slogan, which refers to an allegation of bribes worth Rs 50 crore, was coined by the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction after the Shiv Sena split in June 2022. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has repeatedly alleged that Shinde and other rebel leaders were paid to break away from the party. Shinde downplays slogan controversy Downplaying the issue, Shinde said the Shiv Sena and BJP are contesting the Mumbai civic polls together and are putting up a united and strong fight. Shinde expressed confidence that the Shiv Sena would perform strongly in Pune, even though it is contesting the elections independently. “Do not take Shiv Sena lightly. It follows the Hindutva ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray,” he said. Political alliances highlighted The BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting the civic polls in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad separately, while Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party has formed an alliance with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP). Swipe at Uddhav Thackeray Taking a dig at former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, Shinde said some leaders consider themselves owners of power, but the real owners are the people. "It is the citizens who decide whom to elect and whom to remove," he added. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward (with PTI inputs)
09 January,2026 06:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat from 10 to 12 January 2026. The Prime Minister will arrive in Somnath in the evening on 10th January. At around 8 PM, he will participate in Omkar Mantra chanting and thereafter view the drone show at the Somnath temple, the statement from the Prime Minister's Office said. According to the statement, on January 11 at around 9:45 AM, PM Modi will take part in the Shaurya Yatra, a ceremonial procession organised to honour the countless warriors who laid down their lives defending the Somnath Temple. Thereafter, at around 10:15 AM, the Prime Minister will perform Darshan and Pooja in Somnath Temple. At around 11 AM, the Prime Minister will participate in a public function marking Somnath Swabhiman Parv. Later in the day, Prime Minister will travel to Rajkot to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for the Kutch and Saurashtra regions. At around 1:30 PM, he will inaugurate the trade show and exhibition at the conference. At around 2 PM, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for the Kutch and Saurashtra Region at Marwadi University, Rajkot, and also address the gathering on the occasion. From Rajkot, Prime Minister will travel to Ahmedabad. At around 5:15 PM at Mahatma Mandir metro station, Prime Minister will inaugurate the remaining stretch of Phase 2 of Ahmedabad metro from Sector 10A to Mahatma Mandir. On 12th January, Prime Minister will meet the Federal Chancellor of Germany, H.E. Friedrich Merz, in Ahmedabad. At around 9:30 AM, the two leaders will visit the Sabarmati Ashram, followed by their participation in the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront at around 10 AM. This will be followed by bilateral engagements from 11:15 AM onwards at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, where the Prime Minister and the German Chancellor will review the progress made in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which has recently completed 25 years. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
09 January,2026 04:42 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSFour people were arrested at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi after customs officials seized marijuana and cigarettes valued at over Rs 43 crore, officials said on Friday, reported the PTI. The accused passengers were intercepted by customs authorities after they arrived from Bangkok on January 6. Their baggage was subjected to detailed examination following suspicion. Marijuana hidden in trolley bags According to a post shared by customs officials on X, a total of 36 polythene pouches containing a green-coloured narcotic substance suspected to be weed (ganja) or marijuana were recovered from four trolley bags. The seized substance weighed 43.13 kilograms. Cigarettes seized In addition to the narcotics, customs officials also recovered two bags containing 76 ‘dandas’ (sticks) of Gold Flake cigarettes, which were being smuggled into the country. Contraband valued at Rs 43.14 crore Preliminary diagnostic tests indicated that the seized substance was ganja or marijuana. Customs officials stated that the total estimated value of the seized contraband, including the cigarettes, stood at approximately Rs 43.14 crore. The four passengers have been arrested, and both the suspected narcotic substance and the cigarettes have been seized. Further investigation into the smuggling racket is currently underway, officials said. Mumbai Customs seize diamonds, gold and drugs worth crores at airport Meanwhile, in a different case last week, Mumbai Customs department on Saturday said that it has seized diamonds, gold and drugs worth crores of rupees at Mumbai airport and nabbed the passengers involved in smuggling them. According to the Mumbai Customs, during checking at Mumbai airport between December 30 and 31, 2025, officers of the Airport Commissionerate of Mumbai Customs Zone–III intercepted several high-value items being smuggled by some of the passengers. In one case, 849.6 carats of diamonds worth approximately Rs 2.52 crore were recovered from a passenger who had concealed the diamonds inside their body cavity. Gold smuggling cases Customs officials recovered gold in multiple cases. In one such case around 89 grams of 24-carat gold rhodium-plated buttons valued at Rs 11.35 lakh from a passenger. In an another case, 1.47 kg of 24-carat gold dust in wax form, worth around Rs 1.87 crore, was recovered from a passenger and an airport staff member. The operation involved Bangladeshi transit passengers handing over the gold to airport staff. The officials also recovered 160 grams of 24-carat gold valued at Rs 20.41 lakh from two passengers, based on specific intelligence in a separate case. Hydroponic weed seizures The officials also intercepted suspected hydroponic weed in two separate cases. In the first such case, 8.008 kg, worth an estimated Rs 8.008 crore in the illicit market, from a passenger arriving from Bangkok. The individual was arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. In a different case, 1.946 kg, valued at approximately Rs 1.946 crore, was seized from another Bangkok passenger arriving at airport, who was also arrested under the NDPS Act. (with PTI inputs)
09 January,2026 04:14 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
