Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman and fugitive Lalit Modi on Monday issued an apology to the Indian government. The apology from Modi came days after he referred to himself and liquor baron Vijay Mallya as the two "biggest fugitives" in a viral video. The video posted on social media soon went viral and created an outrage all across the internet. I apologise if I have hurt anyone feelings especially the Indian Government who I have the highest respect and regard for. The statement was misconstrued and was never intended to be as played out. Once again my deepest apologies — Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) December 29, 2025 While posting on social media handle X, Lalit Modi did not clearly specify what exactly he was apologising for, but comments on his post indicate that he is apologising for the video that he posted a few days ago, as reported by news agency IANS. Fugitive Lalit Modi, while taking it to social media, said, "I apologise if I have hurt anyone's feelings, especially the Indian Government, who I have the highest respect and regard for. The statement was misconstrued and was never intended to be as played out. Once again, my deepest apologies. A social media post from Lalit Modi seeking an apology came after a video showing Modi at Mallya's lavish birthday party in London went viral last week. In that clip, Lalit Modi was heard saying, "We are the two fugitives, the biggest fugitives of India. The former IPL chairman had himself shared the video on Instagram, captioning it, "Let me do something to break the internet down again. Something for you folks. "Watch your heart out with envy (sic)." The post by Lalit soon triggered sharp reactions online, with several users accusing Modi and Mallya of making a "mockery of the Indian government" and the country's legal system, reported IANS. Following the backlash by the people on X and Instagram, Lalit Modi in a few hours deleted the video from his social media account. Reacting indirectly to the controversy sparked by Modi's remarks, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated India's position that those wanted by law would be brought back to face justice. Ministry of External Affairs: The process of bringing back fugitives is still on Soon after the video went viral on the internet, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal asserted, "We remain fully committed to ensuring that people who are fugitives, who are wanted by law in India, return to the country. For this particular return, we are in talks with several governments, and processes are on. In several of these cases, there are several layers of legalities involved. But we remain committed to bringing them back to the country so that they can face trial before the courts here," as cited by news agency IANS. Both Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya, who are facing serious charges in India, have been residing in the United Kingdom for several years. Lalit Modi left India in 2010 after allegations surfaced against him relating to tax evasion, money laundering and proxy ownership linked to the lucrative IPL. Whereas, the Enforcement Directorate has claimed that he manipulated the process of assigning IPL broadcast rights in 2009, allegedly in exchange for kickbacks exceeding Rs 125 crore. Vijay Mallya, the former chairman of United Breweries and promoter of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, fled India in 2016 amid allegations of financial fraud, as per IANS. Mallya is accused of defaulting on multiple bank loans and is said to owe Indian banks around Rs 9,000 crore. (With inputs from IANS)
29 December,2025 03:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWith Maharashtra civic polls just around the corner, the NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Monday clarified about his party contesting the elections with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Rohit Pawar, while talking to the media on Monday, said that the decision for both Nationalist Congress Party factions to contest the upcoming municipal elections together in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad was taken at the local level, following extensive consultations with party workers. While speaking to the media, Pawar asserted that the discussions were held with grassroots workers from Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, including NCP (SP) leader and MP Supriya Sule. Pune, Maharashtra | NCP-SCP MLA Rohit Pawar says, "After speaking with all the party workers, Supriya Sule herself also interacted with the workers from Pune. Subsequently, discussions were also held with workers from Pimpri Chinchwad. This is a fight of the workers and their… pic.twitter.com/Mtpy5YPuvR — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2025 Pawar emphasised, “After speaking with all the party workers, Supriya Sule herself also interacted with the workers from Pune. Subsequently, discussions were also held with workers from Pimpri Chinchwad.” While justifying NCP (SP)’s decision to contest the election in alliance with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, MLA Rohit Pawar said, “This is a fight between the workers and their election. Therefore, after listening to their views and understanding their concerns, it was decided that both NCP factions (Ajit Pawar's NCP and NCP-Sharad Chandra Pawar) will contest the polls together in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. However, both parties will contest on their respective symbols." The NCP (SP) MLA further said it was jointly decided that the Ajit Pawar-led NCP and NCP-SCP would contest the civic polls together in both cities. However, he clarified that the two parties would continue to fight the elections on their respective symbols. Alliance specifically for Pune and Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporation polls Amid the speculations made over NCP (SP) and NCP coming together, Rohit Pawar stressed that the alliance has been specifically for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporation elections and should not be seen as a broader political alliance. “This decision has been taken only for Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, and that too after listening to the local workers and with their consent. Pawar Saheb is not involved in this entire decision-making process,” Rohit Pawar added. Pawar further reiterated that the alliance reflects grassroots sentiment and has been formed solely to strengthen the party’s prospects in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic polls. Hinting that the decision has been taken on the basis of local party leaders, Rohit also said, “Senior leaders have never directly participated in municipal corporation elections. He only said that the views of those who fought for us should be heard and understood, and that decisions should be taken in accordance with what the workers decide. Therefore, this alliance has been formed in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad."
29 December,2025 02:41 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentThe Congress on Monday claimed that not just mining, but the real estate development that is being opened up by the double-engine government will cause further havoc in an "already devastated" ecosystem of the Aravallis. Congress general secretary and former environment minister Jairam Ramesh said this is being done against the recommendations of the Forest Survey of India. "As the nation awaits the Supreme Court's latest directives on the Aravallis, here is more evidence of how the new definition of the Aravallis will cause further havoc in an already devastated ecosystem. "It is not just mining but real estate development that is being opened up by the double-engine sarkar in New Delhi-Jaipur against the recommendations of the Forest Survey of India," Ramesh said in a post on X. The Congress has been strongly opposed to the redefinition of the Aravallis and has raised concerns over it, claiming that this will lead to destroying the hills by opening them to mining, real estate and other projects. The opposition party claimed that more than 90 per cent of the Aravallis will not be protected under the redefinition of the hills and will open them up for mining and other activities. Following a row over the issue, the Centre issued directions to states for a complete ban on granting new mining leases within the mountain range. Amid the row over the definition of the Aravalli hills approved by it, the Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the issue and is slated to hear the matter on Monday. The top court on November 20 had accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges and banned the grant of fresh mining leases inside its areas spanning Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat until experts' reports are out. The apex court had accepted the recommendations of a committee of the MoEF&CC (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) on the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges to protect the world's oldest mountain system. The committee recommended that "Aravalli Hill" be defined as any landform in designated Aravalli districts with an elevation of 100 metres or more above its local relief, and an "Aravalli Range" will be a collection of two or more such hills within 500 metres of each other. 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.
29 December,2025 12:31 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | PTIFlight and train operations across several parts of the country were severely affected on Monday due to dense fog, with Delhi Airport witnessing large-scale disruptions, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. A total of 128 flights were cancelled at the Delhi airport, including 64 arrivals and 64 departures. In addition, eight flights were diverted, while more than 30 flights were delayed due to poor visibility conditions. Visibility levels at the airport dropped sharply to around 125 metres, significantly impacting flight movements. Flight operations across multiple regions were also hit after dense fog reduced visibility, causing delays and cancellations at several airports. Passengers were seen waiting for long hours as cascading delays led to congestion and inconvenience. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for dense fog in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The maximum and minimum temperatures in the region are expected to hover around 22 degrees Celsius and 7 degrees Celsius, respectively. The weather department has also issued an orange alert for dense fog in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Meanwhile, the aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has declared the period from December 10 to February 10, 2026, as the official fog season window, during which fog-related disruptions are expected to remain frequent. Sharing a passenger advisory on X, Delhi Airport authorities stated that flight operations were being conducted under CAT III conditions due to dense fog, which could result in delays or cancellations. Passengers were advised to stay updated by checking their flight status with their respective airlines before proceeding to the airport. Several inbound flights to Delhi were diverted due to poor visibility, air traffic congestion, and operational delays, further compounding passenger inconvenience. Airlines also issued advisories warning travellers of possible cancellations and delays. IndiGo, in a post on X, said that dense fog in Jammu continued to affect visibility, impacting flights operating to and from the region. The airline added that, depending on weather conditions and operational feasibility, some services might experience delays or cancellations. SpiceJet issued its last update around midnight, informing passengers about disruptions in Kolkata. "Due to bad weather (poor visibility) in Kolkata (CCU), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may be affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status," the airline said in a statement. Railway services were also impacted due to foggy conditions, with several trains running behind schedule. Trains delayed included the Mahabodhi Superfast Express (12397), Vikramshila Express (12367), Arunachal Express (22411), Lucknow–New Delhi AC Superfast Express (12429), Bareilly–New Delhi Intercity Express (14315), Muzaffarpur–Porbandar Express (19270), Katra–Kota Weekly Express (19894), among others. According to the IMD, a western disturbance is likely to affect north India, and Delhi may witness partly cloudy skies on the evening of December 31. Light rain is also possible in parts of Delhi-NCR on January 1. The weather department has issued an alert for severe cold and dense fog conditions in Delhi-NCR ahead of the New Year. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 December,2025 12:29 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSDelhi woke up to another hazardous winter morning on Monday as a toxic mix of dense fog and severe air pollution engulfed the national capital, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) beyond 400and sharply reducing visibility. The national capital was blanketed in thick smog on Monday morning, with the overall AQI recorded at 402 at 7 a.m., placing it firmly in the ‘severe’ category. Pollution levels crossed 400 at more than half of Delhi’s air quality monitoring stations, highlighting extremely hazardous conditions across large parts of the city. Out of 40 monitoring stations, 25 reported AQI levels in the ‘severe’ range. Vivek Vihar recorded an AQI of 458, making it the most polluted area, followed by Anand Vihar at 459, Wazirpur at 444 and Rohini at 445. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) remained the dominant pollutant. Data from Lodhi Road and RK Puram stations was unavailable. The pollution crisis was compounded by dense fog, which drastically reduced visibility across Delhi and the surrounding regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a ‘red alert’ for very dense fog in most parts of the capital between 5:31 a.m. and 8:31 a.m., advising people to drive cautiously, use fog lights, avoid unnecessary travel and cover their faces while stepping outdoors. Visibility drops; flights delayed Visibility began dropping sharply late Sunday night and remained poor through the early hours of Monday, slowing traffic and making travel risky. At Delhi airport, visibility fell to around 125 metres, with runway visibility ranging between 100 and 150 metres. In a passenger advisory posted on X, Delhi Airport said, “Flight operations are currently being conducted under CAT III conditions due to dense fog, which may result in delays or cancellations.” Authorities warned that disruptions could continue and urged passengers to check flight status with their respective airlines. Ground staff were deployed across terminals to assist travellers. Several airlines also issued advisories. IndiGo said that fog and cold winter conditions at Delhi and Hindon airports had led to fluctuating visibility and slower operations, while reiterating that passenger safety remained its top priority. The airline advised travellers to monitor flight updates and said rebooking and refund options were available. Air India, in a late-night advisory, said, “Weather forecast for tomorrow morning indicates dense fog with low visibility in parts of northern India, including Delhi, which is likely to impact flight operations. We have taken proactive steps to minimise disruptions… However, in the event of unexpected delays, diversions, or cancellations, please rest assured that our ground teams will extend all necessary assistance.” Rail services were also affected, with several trains, including the Rajdhani Express, Vande Bharat and Jan Shatabdi, running behind schedule. With air quality remaining in the ‘severe’ category, health experts have advised residents to limit outdoor exposure as authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation. (With inputs from Agencies)
29 December,2025 10:36 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA man was killed after two compartments of the Tatanagar-Ernakulam Express caught fire at Yalamanchili, about 66 km from here, a senior police official said on Monday. The official said they received information about the fire at 12:45 am. The official told reporters that there were 82 passengers in one of the affected coaches and 76 in another when the train caught fire. "Unfortunately, a dead body was found from the B1 coach," the official added. The deceased was identified as Chandrsekhar Sundaram. The two damaged coaches were detached from the train, which proceeded towards Ernakulam. The passengers in the damaged coaches will be sent to their destinations. Two forensic teams are working to ascertain the cause of the fire, the police official 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
29 December,2025 09:09 AM IST | Visakhapatnam | PTIPresident Droupadi Murmu on Sunday undertook a sortie onboard Indian Navy’s indigenously-built frontline submarine INS Vaghsheer on the Western seaboard. Murmu is the second President to undertake a submarine sortie. In February 2006, APJ Abdul Kalam, the former president of India, experienced a submarine sortie onboard INS Sindhu Rakshak. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi accompanied President Murmu, who is also the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, during the sortie in the Kalvari class submarine from the Karwar naval base in Karnataka, officials said. The President, donning a naval uniform, waved at naval personnel before entering the submarine. She also interacted with the crew of INS Vaghsheer and lauded their dedication, while describing the indigenous submarine as a shining example of the Indian Navy's professional excellence and combat preparedness. Murmu, while interacting with the crew, commended their dedication, commitment and spirit of selfless service. Murmu said that this indigenous submarine is a shining example of the Indian Navy's professional excellence, combat preparedness and unwavering commitment to national security. INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene project, was commissioned into the Navy in January. It is one of the most silent and versatile diesel-electric submarines in the world. 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
29 December,2025 07:23 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesSeveral policemen were injured and vehicles set ablaze after an ongoing protest against a coal mining project turned violent in the Tamnar area of Chhattisgarh’s Raigarh district, officials said. The mob also stormed into the coal handling plant of Jindal Power Limited, and torched a conveyor belt, two tractors and other vehicles, besides vandalising the office premises on Saturday, the officials informed. Tension prevailed after protestors indulged in stone-pelting and set ablaze a police bus, a jeep and an ambulance, besides damaging several other government vehicles, they said. People from 14 affected villages under the (Gare Pelma) Sector-I coal block in the Tamnar area have been staging a sit-in protest at CHP chowk in Libra village since December 12 against a public hearing held for the project, a statement issued by the district administration said. Police said the situation was tense but under control, and security has been tightened in the area. 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
29 December,2025 07:20 AM IST | Raigarh | AgenciesOn the 140th Foundation Day of the Congress, party chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday asserted that the Congress is an ideology and ideologies never die. Addressing party leaders and workers at the Indira Bhawan headquarters of the party, he said India has become the world’s largest democracy due to the great leaders of the Congress. Noting that around the time of India’s Independence, many nations gained freedom, the Congress president pointed out that some countries failed while in others, dictatorship prevailed. “Only India is such a country where democracy is vibrant. It is due to the great leaders of the Congress that India has become the world’s largest democracy,” he claimed. “Today, on Foundation Day, I want to clearly say one thing to those who say ‘the Congress is finished’. I want to tell them that our power may be less, but our spine is still straight. We have not compromised; not with the Constitution, not with secularism and not with the rights of the poor. We may not be in power, but we will not bargain,” he said. The Congress chief said those who are giving speeches on history today, their ancestors were fleeing from history. “The Congress is an ideology and ideologies never die,” he asserted. Kharge also said the year 2025 was the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi becoming the Congress president, the 75th year of the adoption of the Constitution and the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded December 28, 1885. “The 140-year-old glorious history of the Indian National Congress narrates the great saga of truth, non-violence, sacrifice, struggle and patriotism,” he said, while giving his best wishes to every Indian on Congress Foundation Day. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the Congress is not just a political party, but the voice of India’s soul that has stood with every weak, deprived and hardworking person. In a post on X, he said, “The resolve is to fight even more strongly the battle for truth, courage, and to protect the Constitution against hatred, injustice, and dictatorship.” “Heartiest greetings to every Congressman on the Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress today. We pay homage to that historic legacy and those great sacrifices that won freedom for India, laid the foundation of the Constitution, and strengthened the values of democracy, secularism, social justice, and equality,” he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 December,2025 07:18 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesMaharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday attended the concluding day of the Gadchiroli Festival and flagged off the Maha Marathon 2025, which witnessed participation from over 14,000 youth and citizens. The 21-km marathon saw an intense competition, with Roshan Bodalkar of Chamorshi winning the men’s category and Sakshi Poladwar of Aheri claiming the women’s title. Shorter races of 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km were also held, with winners in each category receiving cash prizes, trophies, medals, and certificates. To motivate participants from remote and tribal areas, Fadnavis, along with Gadchiroli Guardian Minister Ashish Jaiswal and other dignitaries, ran alongside the participants in select categories. The three-day Gadchiroli Festival, held at the Government College of Agriculture, showcased tribal arts, culture, and sports. Events included tribal group dances, the Veer Baburao Shedmake Kabaddi competition, and the Birsa Munda Volleyball tournament. Teams from remote and tribal regions engaged in spirited contests, with winners awarded cash prizes ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 35,000, along with trophies and medals. Evening cultural programmes featured performances by renowned artists such as Suresh Wadkar, Bharat Ganeshpure, Hemangi Kavi, Madhuri Pawar, and local talent. During the event, Fadnavis also inaugurated 32 four-wheelers for anti-Maoist patrol operations and performed the ‘bhoomipujan (foundation ceremony)’ of a new senior officers’ rest house at the police headquarters. He also released the Gadchiroli Police 2026 table calendar as part of the celebrations. The marathon route spanned the city, passing ITI Chowk, Reliance Petrol Pump, Cargill Chowk, Indira Gandhi Chowk, Trends Mall, Bodhli Chowk, and returning to the zilla parishad ground. Participants were provided with T-shirts, hoodies, medals, certificates, and refreshments. Zumba and DJ sessions were arranged to keep morale high, and the event was streamed live on the Gadchiroli Police’s official YouTube channel. Gadchiroli Marathon showcases youth skills, celebrates tribal culture The festival and marathon aim to provide a platform for youth from remote and tribal areas to showcase their talent, preserve tribal culture, and access developmental opportunities. Superintendent of Police (SP) Neelotpal, along with deputy SPs, assistant SPs, sub-divisional officers, and other police personnel, ensured the smooth organisation and safety of all events.
29 December,2025 12:25 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAkums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited has informed the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) that its president (finance), Rajkumar Bafna, has resigned from his position with effect from December 31. In a regulatory filing to NSE and BSE under Regulation 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, the company said Bafna stepped down citing “personal reasons”. The company added that it has accepted his resignation and relieved him from his duties with effect from December 31. However, an internal email sent by Bafna earlier this month cited Delhi’s pollution levels as the reason for his decision. In the email sent on December 3 to a senior company official, Bafna stated, “I would like to inform you that due Delhi Pollution level I m resigning from my position as President Finance. Kindly relieve me asap (sic).” He also offered assistance during the transition, stating, “If I can be any help during this transition Pls let me know (sic).” The company acknowledged his resignation on December 12, citing his “health issue”, and confirmed that he would be formally relieved on December 31. Dense smog engulfs Delhi as air quality remains hazardous Delhi has been grappling with severe air pollution since October-November. On Sunday, the overall air quality index (AQI) in Delhi touched 391, entering the ‘very poor category, with several localities recording AQI levels above 400 (‘severe’), according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Authorities are monitoring pollution levels and enforcing measures, including the ‘No PUC (Pollution Under Control certificate), no fuel’ rule, to address the situation. The Commission for Air Quality Management has invoked Stage-4 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan, including restrictions on construction and industrial activities. The Delhi Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved a series of key decisions to strengthen the capital’s fight against pollution and improve environmental governance. It cleared an allocation of Rs 100 crore for the rejuvenation of water bodies under the Delhi Government. Of the around 1,000 water bodies in the national capital, 160 fall under the Delhi Government’s jurisdiction. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated, "The rejuvenation of Delhi's water bodies will play a crucial role in pollution control. The Chief Minister has directed that every possible financial support be extended to complete this work within the year." (With ANI inputs)
28 December,2025 04:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1766990732034_d.png "Jairam Ramesh. File Pic")
