Maharashtra experienced a chilly start on Thursday, with several regions recording low temperatures and clear skies. In coastal Ratnagiri, the minimum temperature was 17.2 degrees Celsius with no rainfall, while Dahanu recorded 15.2 degrees Celsius accompanied by 71 per cent relative humidity. Colaba and Thane Belapur areas reported slightly warmer conditions, with minimums of 20.9 degrees Celsius and 20.2 degrees Celsius, respectively, both experiencing dry conditions, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). In western Maharashtra, Pune and Baramati recorded cold mornings with minimum temperatures of 7.9 degrees Celsius and 7.5 degrees Celsius, respectively. Nasik registered 8.2 degrees Celsius, Satara 10.0 degrees Celsius, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar 10.8 degrees Celsius. Kolhapur and Sangli saw minimums of 14.4 degrees Celsius and 12.3 degrees Celsius, with Sangli experiencing haze and Kolhapur remaining dry. Northern and central regions of the state also felt the winter chill. Nandurbar recorded a minimum of 12.4 degrees Celsius, while Ahilyanagar dipped to 6.6 degrees Celsius with high humidity of 90 per cent. Relative humidity across the state ranged from 30 per cent in Ratnagiri to 89 per cent in Pune, highlighting dry conditions in coastal areas and moist conditions inland. Rainfall remained absent across the state, with all major regions reporting zero rainfall over the last 24 hours. Seasonal rainfall totals showed 405.7 millimetres in Ratnagiri, 296.4 millimetres in MWR, 184.6 millimetres in Dahanu, 112.5 millimetres in Sangli, and 70–84 millimetres in parts of Pune, Baramati, and Ahilyanagar. Visibility was generally good, with clear skies reported in Satara and haze in Sangli. Overall, Maharashtra continues to experience typical winter conditions with cold mornings, dry weather, and low rainfall across most regions. AQI in Mumbai hits 109, Ghatkopar sees highest pollution levels at 125 Mumbai woke up to mainly clear skies on Thursday, with temperatures expected to range between 15 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Today, Colaba recorded a minimum temperature of 20.9 degrees Celsius with no rainfall, while Santacruz saw a colder start at 15.6 degrees Celsius, also with zero rainfall, as per IMD Mumbai. Air quality remains a concern across the city. According to the SAMEER App, Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 109, categorised as moderate. Authorities have warned that this level of air pollution may cause breathing discomfort for people with lung disorders, asthma, or heart conditions. Breaking down the AQI across different city zones: Bandra Kurla Complex registered 113, Borivali 73, Byculla 120, Chakala-Andheri East 80, Chembur 118, Colaba 88, Deonar 112, and Ghatkopar 125. Residents are advised to take precautions, particularly those with respiratory or cardiovascular issues, while enjoying the mostly pleasant winter weather.
11 December,2025 12:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe UNESCO on Wednesday inscribed "Italian cooking" on its intangible cultural heritage list, a recognition that was witnessed in Delhi by the country's Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, who is currently visiting India. The decision was taken during a key UNESCO meeting hosted at the Red Fort here. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in a video posted on microblogging site X, hailed the inscription. This inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is titled "Italian cooking: Between sustainability and biocultural diversity". "A cultural and social blend of culinary traditions, the element is associated with the use of raw materials and artisanal food preparation techniques," the UNESCO said after its inscription. VIDEO | Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani served traditional dishes to guests at the Embassy of Italy in New Delhi last night, celebrating the UNESCO recognition of Italy’s cuisine as Intangible Cultural Heritage.#ItalianCuisine #UNESCO #DelhiEvents(Full video… pic.twitter.com/TIrUoQiZ6C — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 11, 2025 Italian cooking is a communal activity that emphasises intimacy with food, respect for ingredients, and shared moments around the table, it added. "The practice is rooted in anti-waste recipes and the transmission of flavours, skills and memories across generations. It is a means of connecting with family and the community, whether at home, in schools, or through festivals, ceremonies and social gatherings," the world body said in a note. People of all ages and genders participate, exchanging recipes, suggestions and stories, with grandparents often passing down traditional dishes to their grandchildren. "The knowledge and skills related to the element are transmitted both informally within families and formally in schools and universities. Beyond cooking, practitioners view the element as a way of caring for oneself and others, expressing love and rediscovering one's cultural roots," the UNESCO said. The practice thus fosters social inclusion while promoting well-being and offering a channel for lifelong, intergenerational learning. It also strengthens bonds, encourages sharing, and promotes a sense of belonging, it said. Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tajani, who is currently visiting India, was present at the Plenary Hall when the announcement was made by UNESCO during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, being hosted by India. The Italian Embassy in UK posted on X, "We are very proud to announce that Italy's cuisine has become the first in the world to be declared intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, in recognition of its power to shape lifestyle, culture and identity." It also shared the video posted by Prime Minister Meloni. According to a CNN report, the UNESCO status marks the "successful end to a three-year campaign" by Italy's Agriculture Ministry to have the nation's traditional way of growing, harvesting, preparing and serving food recognised. 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 December,2025 11:45 AM IST | New Delhi [India] | PTIA fire broke out at a multi-storey building near the police station in Sadar Bazar late Wednesday night, an official of the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) said. The DFS received a call at 9.23 pm about flames erupting inside a building that houses multiple storage units, the official said, reported news agency PTI. "Three water tenders and one water bowser were initially rushed to the spot. At 9.42 pm, two additional water bowsers were sent following a request," he said. The blaze had spread to a polythene godown on the second floor and a plastic bottles storage area on the third floor of the building, which is about 100 square yards and comprises ground plus three floors, he added, reported PTI. The fire was brought under control and doused at 1.45 am. Cooling operations were underway, he added. Gujarat: Massive fire erupts in Surat’s Raj Textile market; 22 fire tenders deployed A massive fire broke out at Raj Textile Market in Surat on Wednesday. At least 22 fire tenders reached the spot to control the blaze after receiving information, news agency ANI reported. Basant Parik, chief fire officer, Surat, while briefing about the incident, said that the fire control room received the information at 7.14 am. Following the call, fire tenders from three nearest locations were sent to the spot to control the situation. "We got a call in the Fire Control room at 7:14 am, after which we sent the fire tenders from the three nearest fire stations...Dumbhal Fire Station, Dindoli Fire Station, and Man Darwaja Fire Station... When the fire officials reached the location of the incident, they noticed that the entire market building was covered under dense smoke...", he further said. Around 20 to 22 fire tenders reached the spot as the fire was massive, Parik informed. "The third, fifth, and top floors were engulfed in flames. The firefighters had to use breathing apparatus to enter the building because of the intensity of the smoke,” he stated. The chief fire officer further added that the flames had spread to the third, fifth, and top floors of the building. "The brigade was declared as the fire was severe; around 20-22 fire tenders have reached the spot... The firefighters used breathing apparatus as the smoke was too much and controlled the fire," he said. "Blazes on the third and fifth floors are completely neutralised... Now the situation is under control," Parik added. The chief fire officer further highlighted that there are over 100 firefighters working to control the fire in the building. The cooling procedure is completed on the third and fifth floors, ANI reported. However, it is still underway on the top floor, as the storage room there is still burning. Briefing more about the incident, he said, "There is still fire in the storage room on the top floor; it is difficult to go in there as there is a lot of material there..." The cooling process is completed on the third and fifth floors and is underway on the top floor... It may take some time, but there is nothing to worry about... There are around 100 to 125 firefighters working against the fire right now." (With Agency inputs)
11 December,2025 11:20 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentCongress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday hit back at the BJP for its criticism of Rahul Gandhi over his visit to Germany next week, asking why are they raising questions on the leader of opposition when Prime Minister Narendra Modi spends “almost half of his working time outside the country”. Rahul Gandhi will visit Germany from December 15 to 20 during which he will engage with the Indian diaspora and meet German ministers, according to the Indian Overseas Congress. The BJP took a swipe at Gandhi over his visit, saying, “Rahul is LoP — leader of Paryatan.” “Once again Videsh Nayak is doing what he does best! Going for a foreign tour! Parliament is on till 19th Dec but Reports suggest Rahul Gandhi to visit Germany from Dec 15-20! Rahul is LoP — leader of paryatan,” BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said in a post on X. 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 December,2025 09:59 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesTTD has asked the Andhra government to order an ACB probe against a fabric supplier for allegedly supplying substandard shawls worth over R54 crore in place of silk ones for a prolonged period, an official said on Wednesday. The official said the supplier had delivered polyester shawls instead of silk shawls, which are used during ‘aashirvachan’ (blessing) rituals at the world-renowned hill temple. “Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has requested the Andhra Pradesh government to initiate an Anti-Corruption Bureau probe against a fabric vendor for supplying over R54 crore worth of polyester shawls instead of silken ones used in ‘aashirvachan’ rituals,” the official told PTI. The irregularity came to light after TTD found that substandard shawls were being supplied to the temple. An internal vigilance inquiry was conducted in November, and a detailed report was submitted to the board. 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 December,2025 09:54 AM IST | Tirupati | AgenciesShashi Tharoor on Wednesday categorically stated that he would not accept an award named after VD Savarkar, nor attend a related event, even as a senior party colleague wanted the Congress MP to not accept any honour named after the ideologue whom he claimed “bowed before the British”. Tharoor said that he will not accept the “Veer Savarkar Award” and also won’t attend the event where it will be presented in the absence of clarifications about its nature or the organisation presenting it. Tharoor, the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, also said that “it was irresponsible on the part of the organisers to announce my name without my having agreed to receive it”. Following Tharoor’s statement, Aji Krishnan, the secretary of the Highrange Rural Development Society (HRDS) India which is presenting the award, told a TV channel that the Congress MP was informed about the matter well in advance. 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 December,2025 09:51 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesTesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Wednesday said he is looking forward to serving India with his affordable internet service Starlink. He responded to an X post by Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia who met Lauren Dreyer, Vice President and Senior Director–Starlink Business Operations at SpaceX. A pleasure to meet Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Starlink Business Operations (SpaceX) and the senior leadership team to discuss advancing satellite-based last-mile access across India,” said the minister. Scindia further said that as we work to advance PM Narendra Modi’s vision of a digitally empowered India, “satellite technology will play a pivotal role in extending connectivity to the most remote parts of the country and strengthening internet access to every citizen in rural and hard-to-reach regions, ensuring that digital inclusion accelerates broader development.” Earlier, after facing a configuration glitch that displayed Starlink’s India pricing on its local website, the company said this week that the glitch has now been fixed and “those numbers do not reflect what the cost of Starlink service will be in India”. The Starlink India website went live with service pricing for customers in India. The satellite-based internet service displayed price at Rs 8,600 per month, with new subscribers have to purchase a hardware kit for Rs 34,000. Dreyer said in an X post that “The Starlink India website is not live, service pricing for customers in India has not yet been announced, and we are not taking orders from customers in India”. “There was a config glitch that briefly made dummy test data visible, but those numbers do not reflect what the cost of Starlink service will be in India. The glitch was quickly fixed,” she clarified. Dreyer further said that they are eager to connect the people of India with Starlink's high-speed internet, and “our teams are focused on obtaining final government approvals to turn service (and the website) on”. Starlink emphasises features like plug-and-play installation, more than 99.9 per cent uptime, extreme weather resistance, and no data caps for its push to reach those consumers in regions where terrestrial broadband remains unreliable. 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 December,2025 11:01 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSMaharashtra has recorded more than 30 lakh dog-bite cases over the past six years, an alarming figure that equates to roughly 1,369 incidents every day across the state, reported the PTI. Acknowledging a sharp rise in dog-bite cases in both rural and urban areas, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde informed the state assembly on Wednesday that, in addition to these incidents, 30 people have died from rabies between 2021 and 2023. Shinde was responding to a query raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Sunil Prabhu, who voiced concern over the growing population of stray dogs in major cities including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Kalyan-Dombivli. “Maharashtra has seen over 30 lakh dog-bite cases in the last six years, while 30 individuals have succumbed to rabies between 2021 and 2023,” Shinde stated, according to the PTI. Shinde added that the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, were being implemented across Maharashtra following government orders issued in March this year, as per the PTI. Regarding compensation for families of rabies victims and concerns over delays in tackling the stray dog population, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the matter did not arise at this stage. Answering another question, he noted that local bodies had been instructed to scale up animal birth control measures and anti-rabies vaccination campaigns, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s guidelines issued in August 2024. The Urban Development Department issued directives to all municipal bodies on November 14, while similar instructions were provided to rural local authorities on November 27. Last month, the state government had instructed all urban local authorities to ensure the compulsory immunisation of stray dogs and to establish dedicated helplines for public grievances. The state’s urban development department issued a Government Resolution (GR) in this regard, following directions repeatedly passed by the Supreme Court in a suo motu case concerning attacks by stray dogs. The GR noted that the Supreme Court has been taking “serious note” of the rising number of incidents involving stray dogs while hearing Suo Motu Writ Petition No. 05/2025. According to the GR, all municipal corporations, councils and nagar panchayats must capture, register, vaccinate, and sterilise stray dogs within their jurisdiction, and are required to create shelters or designated holding facilities for animals seized during these drives. “Urban authorities have been instructed to identify specific feeding points for stray dogs and ensure feeding occurs solely at these authorised locations. Action must be taken against individuals feeding dogs in open or unauthorised areas. Every urban authority must publicly display a helpline number for reporting stray dog-related concerns and resolve such complaints without delay,” the GR stated, according to the PTI. All municipal medical facilities are mandated to maintain an adequate stock of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin, while urban authorities must establish well-equipped veterinary hospitals, as previously mandated. (with PTI inputs)
10 December,2025 10:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday received a telephone call from his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, and the two leaders exchanged views on the situation in West Asia. During the talks, both leaders discussed ways to strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership and reiterated their zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism. According to a press note issued by the Prime Minister’s office, “PM Modi reaffirms India’s support for efforts towards a just and durable peace in the region.” Notably, both leaders expressed satisfaction at the continued momentum in India-Israel Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening these ties for mutual benefit. “The two leaders strongly condemned terrorism and reiterated their zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” the PMO said. “They also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia. PM Modi reaffirmed India’s support for efforts towards a just and durable peace in the region, including early implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan,” it added. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch. PM Netanyahu last month once again postponed his visit to India, scheduled for later this year, to meet with PM Modi. The trip was delayed over security concerns after the deadly terror attack in New Delhi on November 10. It was earlier reported that Netanyahu was planning to visit India before the end of this year. That was the third time this year that the Israeli leader has cancelled a planned visit to India. Earlier, Netanyahu cancelled a day-long visit to India on September 9, citing scheduling issues due to unprecedented repeat polls in Israel on September 17. He did so earlier as well, before the April elections. The last time PM Netanyahu visited India was way back in January 2018, while PM Modi travelled to Tel Aviv in 2017, becoming the first Indian prime minister to tour the Jewish state. 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 December,2025 10:04 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSCongress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday hit back at the BJP for its criticism of Rahul Gandhi over his visit to Germany next week, asking why are they raising questions on the leader of opposition when Prime Minister Narendra Modi spends "almost half of his working time outside the country". Rahul Gandhi will visit Germany from December 15 to 20 during which he will engage with the Indian diaspora and meet German ministers, according to the Indian Overseas Congress. The BJP took a swipe at Gandhi over his visit, saying, "Rahul is LoP -- leader of Paryatan." "Once again Videsh Nayak is doing what he does best! Going for a foreign tour! Parliament is on till 19th Dec but Reports suggest Rahul Gandhi to visit Germany from Dec 15-20! Rahul is LoP - leader of paryatan," BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said in a post on X. "During Bihar elections too he was abroad and then in Jungle Safari," he added. Asked about BJP's attack on Gandhi, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi told reporters, "Modi ji spends almost half of his working time outside the country... Why are they raising questions on the leader of opposition (in Lok Sabha) travelling?" Earlier, Balwinder Singh, president of Indian Overseas Congress, Germany, said, "The Member of Parliament and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will visit Germany from December 15 to 20. He will be accompanied by Indian Overseas Congress Chairperson Sam Pitroda." 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 December,2025 08:20 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIUnion Home Minister Amit Shah and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi sparred over the allegations of 'vote chori' in the Parliament on Day 8 of the Winter Session. Soon after Shah’s address in the Lok Sabha, the Leader of the Opposition asked the Home Minister to conduct a debate on his three press conferences (PCs) pertaining to his claims of 'voter Chori', news agency ANI reported. To this, the Home Minister retorted, "Parliament won't function as per his wish." The heated exchange between the duo occurred when Gandhi interjected Shah when he was addressing the Lok Sabha on the discussion on electoral reforms. Slamming the Opposition over Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Home Minister stated that he has answers for all their allegations, including Gandhi's three PCs, ANI reported. "In his press conference, the LoP levelled allegations that the voter list is not corrected and needs to be rectified. So, what is SIR? It is the procedure to sanitise the voter list,” Shah said. The Home Minister further added, “He is opposing even when we are undertaking the process... Your defeat is certain; the voter list doesn't have anything to do with it. He said that the BJP never has to face anti-incumbency. Anti-incumbency is only against those who work against the public interest." Shah also emphasised, “It is true that the BJP had to face anti-incumbency very rarely... But it is not as if we have never lost any election after 2014... Double standards won't work in a democracy. When you win, EC is great. When you lose, EC is useless and works at BJP's behest. I have answers for various of their allegations, including three press conferences.” Interrupting the Home Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha challenged him to a debate on his three PCs regarding allegations of 'vote chori'. Gandhi, while interrupting the Home Minister, emphasised, "Yesterday, I asked why Election Commissioners were given full immunity. We want to understand their thinking behind it. He (Amit Shah) talked about Haryana. He cited one example. There are several other examples. There are 19 lakh fake voters there. Actually, let us have a debate at my press conference. Amit Shah ji, I challenge you to have a debate on my three press conferences." Responding to the Opposition leader's remarks, the Home Minister said that the former would not decide the order of his speech and should remain patient. To this, the Home Minister said, "The Leader of Opposition (LoP) asked for answers to his questions. 'You can't run the parliament with your obstinacy. I will decide the order of my speech. The parliament won't function like this. He should be patient. I will answer each and every point." Gandhi slammed the Home Minister and called it a "completely defensive response". "This is a frightened response; this is not a genuine response," said the Congress lawmaker. The Leader of Opposition has held at least three major press conferences since August, during which he has alleged widespread "voter fraud and manipulation by the Election Commission (EC) in collusion with the ruling BJP." The conferences focused on alleged systematic voter deletion and duplicate entries in Karnataka and Haryana electoral rolls. (With inputs from ANI)
10 December,2025 07:54 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
