Leaders of various Opposition parties on Thursday staged a protest in Parliament complex over the issue of air pollution in the national capital, with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi asking the government to take action. Carrying placards, leaders of various parties raised slogans outside the Makar Dwar of Parliament asking the prime minister to stop making statements and fix the problem. Some of the MPs also wore masks at the protest to highlight the problem of air pollution. They also carried a big banner that said ‘mausam ka mazaa lijiye’ (Enjoy the weather) carrying a picture of the PM, who had made these remarks at the start of the Winter session of Parliament. Protesting MPs of various parties also raised slogans against the government demanding action to tackle air pollution and carried posters that read - “Make polluters pay, not citizens’, ‘Air quality - action now’, ‘Don’t choke our future’, ‘Clean air is a right, not a luxury’. “It is the government’s responsibility to do something as children are dying. Old people like me are also finding it difficult,” Gandhi told the reporters. 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
05 December,2025 07:55 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesTaking note of a plea alleging extreme work pressure faced by the booth level officers (BLOs) engaged in the time-bound special revision of the electoral rolls, the Supreme Court directed the states on Thursday to consider deputing additional employees for reducing their working hours. The court was hearing an application filed by actor Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), seeking a direction to the Election Commission (EC) not to take coercive actions under the Representation of the People (RP) Act against the BLOs for not performing the duty in a time-bound manner and pointing out that many of them have committed suicide due to the work pressure. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi took note of the submissions made by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, who appeared in the matter for the TVK, that some instructions are needed to be issued as many BLOs, who are either teachers or anganwadi workers, have died due to the extreme pressure exerted on them by EC officials. UP vows support as BLO death heat rises Uttar Pradesh DCM Brajesh Pathak said the Election Commission is examining the recent deaths of booth level officers (BLOs) reported during the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise and assured that the state government will extend support to the affected families. UP has witnessed multiple cases of suicides and deaths of BLOs and other officials involved in the SIR amid claims of overwork, stress and harassment. Responding to questions on allegations of mental harassment of BLOs, Pathak said, “The EC is working on it, and the government stands with the victims. If there is any specific complaint (of harassment), it will be investigated, and strict action will also be taken.” 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
05 December,2025 07:52 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesTrinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha Deputy Leader Sagarika Ghose on Thursday alleged that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman "misled" the Rajya Sabha about West Bengal during her reply to the discussion on the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, reported PTI. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday lashed out at the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, accusing it of hurting the growth of the state despite the Centre's full support. While speaking to the media in the Parliament complex after staging a walkout from the Rajya Sabha over the minister's reply, Ghose called it the "murder of democracy", as per PTI. Ghose, while slamming the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, said that, "Today, what we have witnessed in the Rajya Sabha is a murder of constitutional democracy, a murder of parliamentary democracy. In her reply to the discussion on the Central Excise Amendment Bill 2025, the honourable finance minister repeatedly misled the House about Bengal and repeatedly made unsubstantiated, unauthenticated statements about Bengal, as cited by news agency PTI. Ghose also said that TMC's floor leader Derek O'Brien wanted to raise a 'point of order', which was not allowed. Furthermore, a 'point of order' is a request by a member of Parliament to draw the chair's attention to a perceived violation of parliamentary rules or procedure. She asserted, "We saw that our floor leader repeatedly tried to raise 'points of order'. He repeatedly tried to raise a 'point of order' regarding the proceedings. Our floor leader, Mr Derek O'Brien, was repeatedly ignored by the chair," as cited by news agency PTI. "The point of order was not taken up. This is an insult to Parliament. It is an insult to the entire proceedings of Parliament," Ghose added. While slamming the ruling party, Ghose also emphasised that, "Today, what we have seen on the floor of the House is nothing but a cold-blooded, horrific murder of constitutional democracy and of democracy and a dishonouring of Parliament, an attempt to defame Bengal, an attempt to insult Bengal, an attempt to insult the people of Bengal, to murder constitutional democracy," as cited by news agency PTI. Replying to a discussion on the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Rajya Sabha, Nirmala Sitharaman further said that West Bengal has never been ignored by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. "In fact, it is the TMC government that is hurting the growth of the people of West Bengal," the Union Finance Minister added. She also said that West Bengal withdrew from the Ayushman Bharat scheme in January 2019 and questioned, "Is that good for the people of Bengal?" Union Finance Minister Niramala Sitharaman further highlighted that industries are leaving West Bengal. (With inputs from PTI)
04 December,2025 09:51 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentTigress STR 04 (Chanda), released in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) in western Maharashtra, has been keeping the landscape active as she moves extensively across the region to establish her territory. The field staff have been recording her pugmarks and hearing her calls consistently over the past few days. Along with Chanda, other male tigers, too, have begun frequenting tourist roads more often, with their presence captured through fresh tracks and camera-trap images. STR spans across the districts of Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Ratnagiri. According to the Maharashtra Forest Department, four more female tigers from TATR will be released into STR. "Tigress STR 04 (Chanda) has been actively moving across the Sahyadri landscape as she works to establish her territory. People noticing her pugmarks and hearing her calls regularly were lucky; one also had sighted Chanda. Male tigers have also increased their presence along tourist roads, which is evident from fresh tracks and camera-trap images. It will be interesting to see which male approaches her first," said STR Field Director Tushar Chavan. STR Field Director Tushar Chavan The tigress was brought to Chandoli National Park from TATR and was fitted with a radio collar around her neck and released. The radio collar enables 24X7 monitoring through satellite telemetry and VHF antenna tracking. Furthermore, trained teams from the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Chandoli National Park, and WII have been deployed for continuous observation. Key monitoring components installed by the Maharashtra Forest Department include: Satellite- and VHF-based movement tracking Ground verification by field teams Documentation of movement patterns, habitat use, and hunting behaviour Preventive measures to reduce human–wildlife conflict STR is an important part of the corridor connecting Tilari, Radhanagari, Chandoli, Koyna and Kali Tiger Reserves in Karnataka. There are about 32 tigers in this corridor, of which 14 are in the Sahyadri area of Western Maharashtra. The Maharashtra Forest Department plans to reintroduce tigers. Efforts are also being made to increase the tiger prey in the area, such as the herbivore species, including Sambar and Chital.
04 December,2025 09:12 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavThe Indian Navy marked Navy Day 2025 with a grand Operational Demonstration at Shangumugham Beach, showcasing its maritime strength, advanced technology, and high-level readiness, an official statement said. The event was attended by the President of India and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Droupadi Murmu, who graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest. She was welcomed by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, and received a 150-men ceremonial Guard of Honour on arrival. Senior dignitaries, including Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, senior officials from the Centre and State, military leaders, and thousands of spectators witnessed the impressive display. The demonstration featured over 20 naval ships and submarines, including the indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. Naval aircraft, helicopters, and elite MARCOS (Marine Commandos) carried out high-precision manoeuvres, reflecting the Navy’s ability to respond swiftly across the entire maritime spectrum. The performances highlighted India's growing naval power, modernised platforms, and increasing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The audience was also treated to the Hornpipe dance by the Sea Cadet Corps, a vibrant cultural performance, and a flawless Continuity Drill by naval personnel. The celebrations ended with a Beating Retreat by the Naval Band, followed by the traditional sunset ceremony, during which the naval ships lit up along the coastline. Navy Day commemorates the Navy’s decisive role in Operation Trident during the 1971 war. The Indian Navy noted that it has grown remarkably over the decades, evolving from a Buyer’s Navy to a Builder’s Navy under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Op Demo 2025 highlighted the Navy’s role in ensuring maritime security, strengthening partnerships, and supporting a rules-based and open Indo-Pacific. This vision aligns with MAHASAGAR—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions—India’s framework for regional maritime cooperation.
04 December,2025 08:58 PM IST | Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) | A CorrespondentAssam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday praised the efforts under ‘Project Cheetah’, which has resulted in 32 wild cats thriving in India after being extinct in the country for seven decades. Three years of #ProjectCheetah, championed by Adarniya Shri @narendramodi ji, are showing remarkable results. From being extinct in India for seven decades, cheetahs are now thriving with 32 individuals, including 21 born on Indian soil, in Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar… https://t.co/aNx2fpAp1b — Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) December 4, 2025 He also lauded the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of International Cheetah Day, reported news agency PTI. In a post on social media platform X, the Assam CM said, “Three years of Project Cheetah, championed by Adarniya Shri Narendra Modi, are showing remarkable results." On International Cheetah Day, my best wishes to all wildlife lovers and conservationists dedicated to protecting the cheetah, one of our planet’s most remarkable creatures. Three years ago, our Government launched Project Cheetah with the aim of safeguarding this magnificent… pic.twitter.com/FJgfJqoGeA — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2025 "From being extinct in India for seven decades, cheetahs are now thriving with 32 individuals, including 21 born on Indian soil, in Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. A reminder that vision, commitment, and science can restore lost ecological heritage," he further stated. Sarma also shared a post by the prime minister on the social media platform on India's success in reviving cheetahs in the wild. A total of 20 cheetahs were introduced into Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh – eight from Namibia in September 2022 and 12 from South Africa in February 2023. As on December 2025, India sustains a thriving population of 32 cheetahs, of which 21 are India-born cubs. On Thursday, Prime Minister Modi said that Project Cheetah was an effort to revive lost ecological heritage and urged wildlife enthusiasts to visit India to see the wild cat in all its splendour, PTI reported. While extending his wishes on International Cheetah Day, PM Modi also stated that "all wildlife lovers and conservationists are dedicated to protecting the cheetah, one of the planet's most remarkable creatures". “Three years ago, our government launched Project Cheetah with the aim of safeguarding this magnificent animal and restoring the ecosystem in which it can truly flourish. It was also an effort to revive lost ecological heritage and strengthen our biodiversity,” PM Modi said, adding that India is proud to be home to several cheetahs, and a significant number of them are born on Indian soil. Many of them now thrive in the Kuno National Park and the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. (With inputs from PTI)
04 December,2025 08:23 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIn a rare diplomatic gesture underscoring the strong ties between India and Russia, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi personally received Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Delhi Airport on Thursday, departing from standard protocol. The gesture highlights the strategic partnership and close rapport between the two leaders. President Putin arrived in India on Thursday for a two-day state visit. Their last interaction took place at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, on September 1, where the bonhomie between the two leaders was evident. PM Modi and President Putin had shared a car ride to the venue of their bilateral meeting in the Russian President’s Aurus Senat. Putin had waited for about 10 minutes for PM Modi to join him for the drive. Upon landing in India, President Putin received a ceremonial welcome, reaffirming the strong diplomatic relationship between the two nations. His visit comes at a time when Russia seeks to maintain global influence despite increasing Western isolation. The two-day engagement reflects India’s strategic balancing in global politics, strengthening ties with Russia even as it manages its relationships with Western countries. Key discussions are expected to cover the Ukraine conflict, the situation in Afghanistan, and ways to expand the India–Russia Strategic Partnership. This is President Putin’s first visit to India since 2021 and his first since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The visit is expected to revive momentum in trade, defence cooperation, and energy partnerships. Delhi and Moscow are likely to sign multiple agreements, coming months after the United States stepped up pressure on India to reduce its imports of Russian oil. Putin is scheduled to receive a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday and lay a wreath at Rajghat. He will later hold talks with Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House, followed by press statements. He is also slated to attend a business event and thereafter meet President Droupadi Murmu. According to government sources, President Putin’s state visit will significantly bolster economic cooperation. He is accompanied by a large delegation of business leaders. India is working to reduce its trade deficit with Russia, with several plans under discussion to increase Indian exports—particularly pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and agricultural and marine products. Sources added that Indian businesses are expected to gain a larger market share in Russia, contributing to job creation and supporting farmers. Multiple agreements and MoUs are anticipated in the areas of shipping, healthcare, fertilisers, and connectivity. Further collaboration is expected in people-to-people ties, mobility partnerships, culture, and scientific research. Earlier, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov had expressed confidence that Russia and India could achieve their joint target of USD 100 billion in trade turnover by 2030, citing rapid recent growth and expanding cooperation across sectors. President Putin’s visit also recalls his long-standing friendship with Prime Minister Modi, which spans nearly 25 years. In 2001, Modi—then the Chief Minister of Gujarat—had accompanied then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Moscow. (With ANI inputs)
04 December,2025 07:37 PM IST | Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Friday expelled suspended Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Rahul Mamkootathil after multiple serious allegations were levelled against him and cases were formally registered in connection with them, news agency ANI reported. KPCC President Sunny Joseph, confirming the expulsion, said that the party had taken the step after reviewing the gravity of the charges. The Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions Court has rejected Mamkootathil’s plea for anticipatory bail in the alleged rape case. Police have registered a case against the Palakkad MLA based on a complaint filed by a woman who has accused him of sexual assault, rape on the pretext of marriage, and forced abortion, ANI reported. The first information report (FIR), which was initially lodged at the Nedumangad Valiyamala Police Station in Thiruvananthapuram, was later transferred to the Nemom Police Station in the same district as the alleged incidents fell within its jurisdiction. The case has been registered under eight non-bailable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, including Section 64 for rape, Section 64(2) for repeated rape on the same woman, Section 64(f) for rape by a person in a position of trust, Section 64(h) for rape on a woman knowing she is pregnant, and Section 64(m) for repeated rape, ANI reported. It also includes Section 89 for causing miscarriage without the woman’s consent, Section 316 for criminal breach of trust, and Section 68(e) of the Information Technology Act related to the transmission of offensive digital content. The offences carry punishments ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment. The developments follow a written complaint submitted by the survivor to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. After receiving the petition, the chief minister forwarded it to Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) H Venkatesh, prompting a senior-level meeting at the police headquarters to chart the next steps. With the FIR now registered, police have initiated procedures to arrest the MLA. Although allegations had surfaced as early as August, the survivor had not appeared in person until now. The Crime Branch had begun a preliminary probe based on petitions filed by third parties to the State Police Chief and had identified the woman heard in leaked audio recordings. She had earlier been asked to submit a written statement but had declined. Rahul Mamkootathil has so far neither confirmed nor denied whether the voice heard in the audio clips belongs to him. (With ANI inputs)
04 December,2025 05:39 PM IST | Thiruvananthapuram | mid-day online correspondentOver 18.82 lakh Indian students are currently studying in foreign countries, with the highest numbers in the UAE (2.53 lakh), Canada (4.27 lakh), the US (2.55 lakh), Australia (1.96 lakh), and the UK (1.73 lakh), the Parliament was informed on Thursday. The data, presented in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, showed that students are spread across 153 countries, from major education hubs to smaller destinations such as Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan and Cyprus and others which together host hundreds of Indian medical aspirants. The ministry also disclosed country-wise figures of students deported or denied entry over the last five years. The UK deported 170 students, the US deported 45 and denied entry to 62, while Australia deported 114. Other countries where Indians were deported include Russia (82), Ukraine (13), Georgia (17), Finland (5), and Egypt (2). Kyrgyzstan denied entry to 11 students, while no deportations were recorded from there. The minister stated that deportations primarily result from violations of visa norms, including taking up illegal employment, engaging in unpermitted business activities, failing to maintain mandatory financial balances, non-payment of university fees, poor attendance, or withdrawing from academic programmes. Several students were denied entry for incomplete admission documents, failing to meet university enrolment requirements, or inability to answer basic questions about their chosen courses. The minister underlined that the MEA places a high priority on safeguarding the interests of Indian students abroad. Missions maintain regular contact with students, hold interactions at universities, and issue advisories warning against fraudulent or unaccredited courses. Similarly, the reply also highlights the advisories issued by the Ministry to safeguard Indian students from misleading foreign educational courses in countries including Tajikistan, Suriname, Finland, Latvia, Egypt, Canada, China, Malta, Ireland, Uzbekistan and others. The reply notes mechanisms such as MADAD portal registration, 24×7 helplines, open houses, email and social media outreach, along with the use of the Indian Community Welfare Fund to assist students in distress. The ministry also cited recent evacuation efforts — including Operation Ganga (Ukraine), Operation Kaveri (Sudan), Operation Ajay (Israel), Operation Devi Shakti (Afghanistan) and Operation Sindhu (Israel and Iran)— to underline its commitment to the safety of Indian nationals, especially students, during crises abroad. 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
04 December,2025 05:17 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSAhead of Russian President Putin’s visit to India, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday alleged that the government tells visiting foreign dignitaries not to meet the Leader of the Opposition due to its "insecurity". The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, said it is a tradition that visiting foreign dignitaries meet the LoP, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of External Affairs were not following this norm. बाहर से आने वाले डेलिगेशन के साथ LOP की मीटिंग होती है- ये ट्रेडीशन है, हमेशा से होता आया है। लेकिन मोदी सरकार बाहर से आने वाले डेलिगेट्स से कहती है कि LOP से न मिलें। ये हर बार किया जा रहा है। हिंदुस्तान का प्रतिनिधित्व सिर्फ सरकार नहीं, विपक्ष भी करता है, फिर भी सरकार नहीं… pic.twitter.com/NrWc02F0Ie — Congress (@INCIndia) December 4, 2025 Rahul Gandhi, while talking to the media at the Parliament House complex, said, "Normally, the tradition is that those who come from abroad have a meeting with the LoP. This used to happen during (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee ji's time and Manmohan Singh ji's time; it has been a tradition, but what happens these days is that when foreign dignitaries come and when I go abroad, the government suggests to them not to meet the LoP," as cited by news agency PTI. Rahul Gandhi also added, "This is their policy; they do this every time. They do it when I go abroad and when people come here. We get the message that they have been told that the government has said 'not to meet you'." Rahul Gandhi, while highlighting the importance of such meetings and without naming the Russian President, said, "We also represent India; only the government does not represent India. The government does not want opposition leaders to meet foreign leaders. This is a tradition (visiting foreign dignitaries meeting LoP), a norm, but Modi ji does not follow this norm; the foreign ministry does not follow this norm," as cited by news agency PTI. Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in India on Thursday evening for a summit meeting with Prime Minister Modi. Putin’s meeting with Modi will focus on boosting defence ties and insulating India-Russia trade from external pressure. As reported by news agency PTI, the summit between the two global leaders will also focus on exploring cooperation in small modular reactors that are set to be the focus of the summit meeting between Modi and Putin on Friday, which is expected to be closely watched by Western capitals. (With inputs from PTI)
04 December,2025 03:41 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe fourth day of the Parliament Winter Session saw a protest outside the premises when the Opposition MPs in front of Makar Dwar on Parliament premises staged a protest against the Centre over air pollution in Delhi-NCR and parts of North India. As reported by news agency ANI, opposition MPs were seen wearing an oxygen mask and holding a banner to take a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which read "Mausam ka maza lijiye" (enjoy the weather). The remarks on the banner followed PM Modi's address at the start of the Winter Session of Parliament, in which he said so. While raising the slogans, the opposition MPs also demanded a parliamentary discussion on air pollution. Among the leaders who were protesting against the rising air pollution were Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress Parliamentary Party President Sonia Gandhi. Earlier on Thursday, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari also slammed the government over pollution and told the media that the opposition will hold a protest to draw the Centre's attention. The Congress MP further asserted that, "People outside cannot understand this... It feels like Delhi and a few other cities have been turned into gas chambers, and citizens are being kept there. The BJP government at the Centre and State governments are responsible for this. Opposition MPs will peacefully protest over this today at Makar Dwar in Parliament and draw the government's attention," as cited by news agency ANI. Furthermore, Congress MPs Manickam Tagore, Manish Tewari and Vijayakumar, alias Vijay Vasanth, on the fourth day of the Parliament Winter Session, moved the notices to discuss the air quality in North India. The Congress leaders also urged the Centre to declare pollution a national health emergency. Tagore, in his notice to the Lok Sabha Secretary General, emphasised, "Government remains paralysed, issuing advisories instead of action, committees instead of solutions, and slogans instead of a coordinated national strategy. Even as evidence mounts that pollution increases the risk of cancers, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders and metabolic illnesses like diabetes, this government refuses to declare pollution a national health priority," as reported by news agency ANI. He also demanded a "national clean air mission backed by law, strict liability for polluters, emergency health protocols for exposed populations, and coordinated scientific policymaking." Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality improved, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 299 at 8 am today, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). For comparison, the city recorded an AQI of 342 at 4 pm on December 3, placing it in the 'very poor' category. (With inputs from ANI)
04 December,2025 03:22 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
