Ahead of the Maharashtra local body elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Saturday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the proposed plan to cut trees in Nashik as part of preparations for the Kumbh Mela 2027, alleging that the ruling party wants to bring 'Raavan Raj' to the city, reported the PTI. He was addressing party workers in Nashik ahead of the elections to the Nashik Municipal Corporation, scheduled for January 15. Criticism over Tapovan tree-cutting plan Targeting the BJP, Thackeray alleged that the party’s commitment to Hindutva was political rather than genuine. He claimed that if the BJP truly followed the ideals of Lord Ram, it would not have supported the cutting of trees in the Tapovan area. He alleged that the land was being cleared to benefit builders, according to the PTI. “It wants to bring Raavan Raj,” he said, the news agency reported. NGT halts project after protests The Nashik civic body had proposed cutting trees in the Tapovan area to build a ‘Sadhu Gram’ colony for the Kumbh Mela. The proposal faced strong opposition from local residents, environmental activists and Opposition parties. Earlier this month, the National Green Tribunal stayed the project until 15 January. Broader criticism of BJP governance Aaditya Thackeray accused the BJP of attempting to “swallow Maharashtra and hand it over to developers”, claiming this approach would harm cities and push the country backwards, as per the PTI. He also alleged that there was a lack of employment opportunities for youth and women, forests were no longer secure, and urban conditions had failed to improve. Opposition alliance to be finalised Aaditya Thackeray said an alliance involving Shiv Sena (UBT), the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) in Nashik would be finalised by the end of the day, the news agency reported. Promises on civic development The former Maharashtra minister said he envisions the establishment of a medical college under the Nashik civic body, similar to the one run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. He also promised improved public transport services and reduced local taxes if his party comes to power. Maharashtra poll schedule Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the Nashik Municipal Corporation, will be held on January 15, with counting scheduled for the following day. The nomination process began on December 23 and will conclude on December 30. (with PTI inputs)
27 December,2025 07:01 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentThe Chakma Development Foundation of India (CDFI) has demanded a fast-track trial and a separate anti-racial violence law following the alleged murder of Anjel Chakma, a Scheduled Tribe (ST) student from Tripura, in Dehradun of Uttarakhand. Anjel Chakma reportedly died on December 26, 2025 at Dehradun hospital after battling serious injuries for more than two weeks. The organisation has described the attack as racially motivated. Incident took place in Selakui Market According to the CDFI, the incident occurred on December 9 2025 at around 6 pm, when Anjel Chakma and his younger brother, Michael Chakma, went to Selakui Market to buy groceries. A group of six local men allegedly harassed the brothers without provocation, targeting them because of their physical appearance. The attackers allegedly used racial slurs and abusive language. When the brothers protested, the group assaulted them. "Michael Chakma was hit on the head with a metal bracelet, while Anjel Chakma was stabbed in the neck and stomach, leaving him critically injured. The attackers allegedly threatened the brothers before fleeing the scene," the CDFI said on Saturday. Allegations of lapses CDFI founder Suhas Chakma alleged that the Uttarakhand Police failed to act promptly. He said the police took three days to register a First Information Report (FIR) and did not initially apply key legal provisions, including charges related to attempted murder and mob violence based on race or caste. He claimed these lapses allowed the prime accused to escape, and the suspect has not yet been arrested. Call for anti-racial violence law The CDFI stated that the killing reflects a pattern of racial violence against people from North-East India. The organisation referred to the 2014 recommendations of the M.P. Bezbaruah Committee, formed after the killing of Nido Tania in Delhi. The committee had recommended a separate law to address racial discrimination and violence, or amendments to existing criminal laws. The CDFI said current provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) are inadequate to deal with such crimes. Demands made to Union Home Ministry The CDFI has urged Union Home Ministry to ensure that the case is tried in a fast-track designated court. It has also called for murder charges under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Other demands include the immediate arrest of the main accused, the setting up of a dedicated helpline for North-East citizens in Dehradun, action against police officials for delays in registering the FIR, and compensation of Rs. 1 crore to the victim’s family and for the injuries suffered by Michael Chakma.
27 December,2025 06:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndia’s real GDP growth is projected to grow at 7.4 per cent in 2026, up from 6.5 per cent in 2025. A report highlighting India’s GDP growth also asserted a seasonal pickup in the electricity, mining and construction sectors. The report from ICRA also noted that growth is expected to ease below 7 per cent in H2 FY26 from 8 per cent in H1 because of an unfavourable base effect and moderation in exports, as per IANS. The ICRA report expects a pause in the February 2026 policy review by the RBI, with future decisions to be guided by the FY27 Union Budget and evolving inflation-growth dynamics. The report also indicated that economic activity remained healthy in the Quarter 3 2026 financial year, aided by GST rate‑cut led festive demand and seasonal upticks in some sectors. Consumption volumes of goods to be benefited from GST cuts ICRA, while releasing the report, also highlighted that expectations in volumes of goods and services as well as manufacturing volumes will benefit from GST cuts and festival demand in Q3, though the export drag may intensify in H2 unless a US trade deal materialises. It also forecasts CPI inflation to plunge to 2 per cent in FY26 from 4.6 per cent in FY25, with WPI at 0.4 per cent. Earlier in November 2025, CPI rose to 0.7 per cent from 0.3 per cent since October, due to a narrower deflation in food and beverages. Additionally, mining and construction activity as well as electricity demand are set to witness a seasonal pickup in the coming months, after the easing owing to rainfall-related disruptions, it said. The Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency (ICRA) also noted, "Cement production is expected to grow 6.5–7.5 per cent in FY26. Steel demand growth may moderate to 7–8 per cent after strong previous years. Electricity demand growth is muted at 1.5–2 per cent for FY26, as per IANS. A report released by ICRA also flagged external risks, including delays in the US-India trade deal and global policy changes affecting service exports. It also highlighted domestic risks encompassing subdued export growth, monsoon variability, fiscal constraints, and inflationary pressures from commodity prices. (With inputs from IANS)
27 December,2025 05:51 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentUnion Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday said that India has ramped up electronics production sixfold and is the second-largest mobile manufacturing country in the world. Ashwini Vaishnaw, while taking it on X, said that the country has increased electronic exports eightfold over the past 11 years, mainly driven by policy support from the Production Linked Incentive Scheme. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the PLI scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing has attracted over Rs 13,475 crore in investment and helped achieve production of about Rs 9.8 lakh crore in the electronics sector, driving manufacturing, jobs, and exports, as reported by news agency IANS. 10/11) Electronics manufacturing created 25 lakh jobs in the last decade. This is the real economic growth at the grassroots level. As we scale semiconductors and component manufacturing, job creation will accelerate. pic.twitter.com/Egvnj8pQi5 — Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) December 27, 2025 Vaishnaw highlighted that "over 1.3 lakh jobs were created in the last five years and that electronics is now India’s third‑largest export category, climbing from seventh place,” as per IANS. Vaishnaw also highlighted that the country was initially focusing on finished products, but the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme supported a shift to "building capacity for modules, components, sub-modules, raw materials, and the machines that make them." ECMS has created 1.42 lakhs in India The Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme has 249 applications representing Rs 1.15 lakh crore in investment and Rs 10.34 lakh crore in production and creating 1.42 lakh jobs, the post said, adding it is the highest-ever investment commitment in India’s electronics sector, indicating industry confidence. Vaishnaw, while hailing India's progress in the semiconductor sector, asserted that ten units have been approved, with three already in pilot or early production. He also added, “Fabs and ATMPs from India will soon supply chips to phone and electronics manufacturers," as per IANS. "Electronics manufacturing created 25 lakh jobs in the last decade. This is the real economic growth at the grassroots level," Ashwini Vaishnaw added. While highlighting that job creation is one of our main focuses, he also asserted, "As we scale semiconductors and component manufacturing, job creation will accelerate. From finished products to components, production is growing. Exports are rising. Global players are confident. Indian companies are competitive. Jobs are being created. This is a ‘Make in India’ impact story!" as per IANS. (With inputs from IANS)
27 December,2025 05:43 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe satellite-tagged Olive Ridley turtle ‘Dhaval Lakshmi’ that was released into the water at Dahanu coast in Maharashtra's Palghar has now reached Gujarat waters, officials said on Saturday. According to the Mangrove Cell, “As on 22-12-2025, the satellite-tagged turtle ‘Dhaval Lakshmi’ continues to move further west from the Maharashtra coastline. Presently, it is more than 200 km west of Dahanu and about 83 km south of Somnath.” The Dahanu Forest Division and the Mangrove Cell of the Maharashtra Forest Department, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, have successfully satellite-tagged an Olive Ridley female sea turtle at Dahanu in Palghar district. Found entangled in a fishing net The Olive Ridley turtle was found entangled in a fishing net on August 10, 2025. Fishermen carefully freed the turtle and, noticing injuries on both front flippers, handed it over to officials at the Turtle Treatment Centre in Dahanu under the Dahanu Forest Division. The turtle underwent treatment at the centre and, after making a full recovery, the authorities decided to fit it with a satellite transmitter. The Maharashtra coast has sporadic nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles. Until now, Olive Ridley sea turtles had been tagged only on the east coast of India. This is the first satellite-tagging project of an Olive Ridley sea turtle on the western coast of India. Tracking migratory movements A research project titled ‘Tracking the migratory movements of Olive Ridley sea turtles off the coast of Maharashtra’ has been commissioned by the Mangrove Foundation, Maharashtra Forest Department, to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). This Phase II study will help in understanding the movement patterns of Olive Ridley sea turtles off the coast of western India. The findings of this project will help in understanding the population of Olive Ridley sea turtles on the western coast of India, their migration patterns, foraging grounds and behaviour. The Mangrove Foundation and the Mangrove Cell of the Forest Department are planning to undertake more such research initiatives to strengthen turtle conservation in Maharashtra. Olive Ridley turtles are known for their long-distance migrations, travelling thousands of kilometres between their feeding and breeding grounds. According to the Marine Turtle Action Plan for the year 2021–2026, “Indian coastal waters support five species of sea turtles found worldwide. These are the Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Green (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and Loggerhead (Caretta caretta). These five species of sea turtles occurring in Indian coastal waters are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. India is home to the largest known nesting population of Olive Ridley turtles. Except for Loggerhead turtles, the remaining four species nest along the Indian coastline and islands.” The plan also states that between 40,000 and 11,00,000 turtles nest every year on Indian beaches. The number of nesting turtles varies annually, and the success of sporadic nests has been observed to decline due to predation and habitat degradation. According to Forest Department officials, there are six nesting beaches in Sindhudurg, four in Raigad and 13 in Ratnagiri. The nesting season occurs between November and March every year. Do you know? A female turtle lays between 100 and 150 eggs at a time, and it takes 45 to 55 days for the eggs to hatch. Sea turtles play a crucial role in ocean ecosystems. They help maintain the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs, facilitate nutrient cycling, and provide habitats for other marine life. As sea turtle populations decline, their ability to perform these critical roles diminishes, affecting the overall health of the oceans. Ensuring the recovery of sea turtle populations is essential for sustaining healthy marine ecosystems. About Dhaval Lakshmi Olive Ridley turtle rescued: August 10, 2025 Fitted with satellite tag: November 20, 2025 Released at: Dahanu coast
27 December,2025 05:40 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavAs the national capital prepares for New Year celebrations, the Delhi Police have intensified security measures. Delhi police officials last night carried out an overnight crackdown under Operation Aaghat 3.0. Under this operation, Delhi police arrested 285 people across the South-East district. Operation Aaghat 3.0 aimed at preventing crime during the festive season, led to the seizure of illegal weapons, drugs, illicit liquor, cash and stolen property, as reported by news agency IANS. The Delhi police while briefing about Operation Aaghat highlighted, “Coordinated raids were conducted at multiple vulnerable locations to identify and detain individuals suspected of criminal activities.” The police officials also added, “The operation focused on curbing offences related to arms, narcotics, excise violations, gambling and property crimes, ensuring a safer environment for residents and revellers,” as reported by IANS. Officials further asserted that 285 accused were arrested under various provisions of the Arms Act, Excise Act, NDPS Act and Gambling Act. Additionally, 504 people were apprehended under preventive action, while 1,306 individuals were rounded up as part of precautionary measures to deter any untoward incidents during the holiday period. As part of Operation Aaghat, the police apprehended 116 'bad characters' or habitual offenders. Furthermore, ten property offenders and five auto-lifters were also arrested, with a special focus on dismantling vehicle theft networks to prevent inconvenience to the public during celebrations. Delhi Police seizes 21-country made pistols Also, there were significant recoveries made during the crackdown. The police seized 21 country-made pistols, 20 live cartridges and 27 knives from various accused. A total of 12,258 quarters of illicit liquor were recovered, along with 6.01 kg of ganja. In action against gambling activities, cash amounting to Rs 2,30,990 was seized, reported IANS. The drive also resulted in the recovery of stolen property, including 310 mobile phones reported as snatched, robbed or lost. Additionally, 231 two-wheelers and one four-wheeler were seized or recovered during the raids. What is Operation Aaghat 3.0? Operation Aaghat 3.0 is part of an ongoing series of enforcement drives. The first phase of the operation, conducted in September, led to several arrests and the seizure of firearms and narcotics. Operation Aaghat 2.0, carried out in October, saw around 500 people apprehended in a focused crackdown against habitual offenders, bootleggers and drug peddlers. The Delhi Police also said that such coordinated and intelligence-based operations will continue in the coming days to maintain law and order and ensure heightened security across the city during the New Year and holiday season. (With inputs from IANS)
27 December,2025 05:03 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIn an extremely unfortunate incident, three people were killed in a road accident caused by dense fog in West Bengal's Alipurduar district on Saturday. According to the police, the incident occurred due to a head-on collision between a small car and a 12-wheeler trailer. After the accident, the trailer fell into a ditch beside the road, reported by news agency IANS. Police while briefing about the incident said, “A small car was travelling towards Siliguri in north Bengal. The trailer was coming from the opposite direction,” as per IANS. The accident took place in the Garam Basati area of National Highway 31 in Alipurduar after an overtaking manoeuvre failed. The car was completely mangled due to the impact of the accident, as per IANS. Among them, the driver of the car, Monojit Biswas, died on the spot. As per IANS, the deceased driver was a resident of the Sankosh tea garden area in the Kumargram area of Alipurduar district in West Bengal. The other two deceased were identified as Souvik Biswas and Raju Mandal. Souvik was Monojit's cousin and a resident of the Sankosh tea garden, while Mandal was a resident of Alipurduar and a car mechanic by profession. Dense fog grips West Bengal Locals said that the northern part of West Bengal has been experiencing dense fog for the past few days and because of that the visibility on the roads is almost zero. While Bengal has been experiencing dense fog, officials have already advised drivers to be cautious while travelling on roads, especially on National Highways. The officials are also considering providing hot milk, tea and biscuits for drivers travelling at night to minimize the risk of accidents due to fatigue. Siliguri's DCP (Traffic) Kazi Shamsuddin Ahmed while briefing about the incident said, "Visibility decreases during this time every year due to dense fog. Everyone needs to be more careful while driving on the road. Today, three people were killed in a road accident. We will advise people to be cautious while driving," as per IANS. In a different scenario, a container truck overturned after hitting the divider on the Vidyasagar Bridge in Kolkata during the early hours of Saturday. A major accident was averted as the container's speed was low. However, the incident caused traffic to move very slowly on the bridge which connects Howrah with Kolkata. (With inputs from IANS)
27 December,2025 03:16 PM IST | Alipurduar | mid-day online correspondentDelhi’s air quality has deteriorated, slipping back into the ‘Very Poor’ category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 300 in multiple areas. Thick smog and fog are trapping pollutants, reducing visibility and disrupting daily life. Authorities are closely monitoring pollution levels and enforcing measures such as the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule to mitigate the situation, reported news agency ANI. Visuals from around India Gate show the national capital enveloped in a dense layer of smog. The AQI in the area has reached 303, classified as ‘Very Poor’ by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Commission for Air Quality Management has invoked Stage III measures under the Graded Response Action Plan, including restrictions on construction and industrial activities, reported ANI. A combination of cold weather, calm winds, and dense fog is trapping pollutants, leading to haze and smog. This cycle of poor air quality is expected to persist with current weather patterns, prompting continuous monitoring and calls for stricter pollution control measures. 'Very Poor' air quality requires people, especially vulnerable groups (children, elderly, those with respiratory issues), to limit prolonged outdoor exposure and wear masks. Meanwhile, dense fog engulfed Karnal as cold wave intensified in the district. Meanwhile, the national capital saw a sharp deterioration in air quality on Friday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 305 around 8 am, placing it in the 'very poor' category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Air quality declined sharply compared to Thursday, when the AQI was 234 at 4 pm. A thick layer of smog continued to blanket several parts of the city in the morning, further reducing visibility and overall air quality. Earlier, the Delhi Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved a series of significant decisions to strengthen the capital's fight against pollution and improve environmental governance. The Cabinet approved an allocation of Rs. 100 crore for the rejuvenation of water bodies under the Delhi government. There are around 1,000 such water bodies in the national capital, of which 160 fall under the Delhi government's jurisdiction. 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." The Cabinet also approved the establishment of Delhi's first E-Waste Park at Holambi Kalan, spread across 11.5 acres. The facility will adhere to the highest pollution-control standards and operate on a 100 per cent circular, zero-waste model, reported ANI. "This will be India's first state-of-the-art e-waste facility built on zero pollution and zero wastage principles. The plant will fully recycle and reuse water through an advanced recirculation mechanism," Sirsa said. (With ANI inputs)
27 December,2025 12:55 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentBJP leader VV Rajesh was elected mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation on Friday after the saffron party won 50 of the 101 wards, marking its first-ever victory in a municipal corporation in Kerala. In the mayoral election on Friday, Rajesh secured 51 votes. He later took the oath as the mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. 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
27 December,2025 11:22 AM IST | Thiruvananthapuram | AgenciesA protest was held outside the Delhi High Court on Friday against the suspension of the sentence of Kuldeep Sengar, who was convicted in the Unnao rape case. The protesters, holding placards, raised slogans such as “Balatkariyo ko sanrakshan dena band kro [stop protecting rapists]” in support of the Unnao rape survivor. Speaking to reporters here, the survivor’s mother said she had come to the high court to protest as her daughter had endured immense suffering. “I am not blaming the entire high court, but only the two judges whose decision has shattered our trust,” she said. The mother added that earlier judges had delivered justice to the family, but the accused had now been granted bail. 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
27 December,2025 11:19 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesPrime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the new policies are being framed with a focus on youth empowerment, placing young people at the centre of nation-building. Addressing the Veer Baal Diwas programme at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, he remarked that they represent Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and it is their generation that will lead India to the goal of becoming a developed nation, according to an official release. He stated that he sees and understands their competence and confidence, and therefore places great trust in them. Quoting the adage, PM Modi explained that even if a child speaks wisely, it should be accepted, meaning that greatness is not defined by age but by deeds and achievements. He underlined that young people can accomplish tasks that inspire others, and many have already demonstrated this. However, he stressed that these achievements should be seen only as a beginning, as there is much further to go, with dreams to be taken to the skies. Noting that this generation is fortunate, the Prime Minister said the nation stands firmly with their talent, unlike earlier times when youth feared even to dream due to an environment of despair. He remarked that today the country seeks out talent, provides platforms, and aligns the strength of 140 crore citizens with their aspirations. He highlighted that with the success of Digital India, the youth have the power of the internet and resources for learning, with missions like Startup India for those pursuing science, technology, and entrepreneurship, and Khelo India for those advancing in sports. He mentioned that only two days ago, he participated in the Sansad Khel Mahotsav, underscoring the many platforms available to support youth progress. The Prime Minister urged them to remain focused, cautioning against being trapped in the glitter of short-term popularity, and emphasised that clarity of thought and principles is essential. He called upon them to learn from ideals and great personalities of the nation, and to ensure that their success is not limited to themselves but becomes the success of the country. He highlighted that through platforms like Mera Yuva Bharat, efforts are being made to connect youth, provide them opportunities, and develop leadership skills. PM Modi emphasised that whether it is advancing the space economy, promoting sports, expanding fintech and manufacturing sectors, or creating opportunities for skill development and internships, youth remain at the core of every initiative. He further underlined that new opportunities are opening for youth in every sector. On the occasion of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji on 9th January 2022, the Prime Minister had announced that 26th December would be observed as 'Veer Baal Diwas', to commemorate the martyrdom of Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, whose unparalleled sacrifice continues to inspire generations. 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
27 December,2025 10:54 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIADVERTISEMENT
