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Will pursue confidence building measures: Indian Army

The Indian Army on Thursday said it will pursue confidence building measures to reduce the "alertness level" in line with the May 10 understanding on cessation of hostilities with the Pakistani side. The remarks by the Indian Army came hours after Islamabad said the India-Pakistan arrangement on stopping the military actions has been extended till May 18. The Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan firmed up the arrangement on stopping military actions on May 10 after four days of fierce offensives between the two sides that triggered fears of a wider conflict. "Further to the understanding between the two DGMOs on 10th of May 2025, it has been decided to continue the confidence building measures so as to reduce the alertness level," the Indian Army said. "As the situation develops further, we shall intimate you," it said in a statement. In Islamabad, Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told the Senate that the DGMOs of Pakistan and India talked over the hotline on Wednesday to discuss the "ceasefire".However, the Indian military chose not to comment on Dar's claim.Dar said the two DGMOs in their conversation on May 10 had firmed up the "ceasefire" till May 12. "When the DGMOs spoke again on May 12, the ceasefire was extended until May 14. Further talks on May 14 led to the ceasefire being extended until May 18," the Pakistan foreign minister was quoted as saying by Geo News. The two DGMOs on Monday deliberated on ways to avoid "inimical" military actions and agreed on considering immediate steps to reduce troops of the two militaries from the borders and forward areas. In the conversation over the hotline, the two officers focused on continuing the commitment that both sides must not fire a "single shot" or initiate any "aggressive and inimical" action against each other, according to an Indian readout. In the May 12 conversation, the two DGMOs expressed commitment that both sides must not fire a single shot or initiate any aggressive action, the Indian Army said that day. "It was also agreed that both sides consider immediate measures to ensure troop reduction from the borders and forward areas," it said in a statement. However, there was no word from the Indian side on Pakistan's claim of another round of conversation between the two DGMOs on May 14.  Under Operation Sindoor, India carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure early on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.Following the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. The Pakistani attempts were strongly responded to by the Indian side by inflicting heavy damages to a number of key Pakistani military installations including air bases, air defence systems, command and control centres and radar sites. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Saturday evening announced that India and Pakistan reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea, with immediate effect. In a related development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday and reviewed the overall security situation. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has redefined India's policy against terrorism which now says that any attack on Indian soil will be considered as an act of war," he said while addressing Army soldiers at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar.The defence minister emphasised that India has always prioritised peace and never supported war. However, when its sovereignty is attacked, it is necessary to respond, he said.Singh described Operation Sindoor as the biggest action taken by India against terrorism in history, and a testament to the nation's commitment to go to any extent to eliminate the menace."Operation Sindoor was a commitment demonstrated by India of not just carrying out defence, but taking bold decisions whenever needed," he said. "It was a dream of every soldier that we will reach every terrorist hideout and destroy them. Terrorists killed Indians based on their religion, we killed them for their deeds," Singh said."It was our dharma to eliminate them. Our forces gave the right direction to their anger and took revenge for Pahalgam with great courage and discretion," he 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

16 May,2025 10:06 PM IST | New Delhi | PTI
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that Operation Sindoor was a perfect example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's firm political will. File Pic

Operation Sindoor shows PM Modi's strong political will: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that Operation Sindoor was a perfect example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's firm political will and accurate intelligence gathered by various agencies. He also appreciated the accurate strike capability of the country's armed forces. He was speaking during an inauguration of an upgraded multi agency centre in Delhi for intelligence exchanged in multiple agencies.  He said, “Operation Sindoor is a unique symbol of Prime Minister Modi's firm political will, the precise intelligence of our agencies and the unmatched strike capability of our three armed forces." This multi agency centre falls under the Intelligence Bureau, which was created after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. It was established with an aim to exchange timely information between various stakeholders involved in law enforcement, as reported by PTI On May 7, as part of the strategic and high-precision Operation Sindoor, India launched targeted strikes on terrorist camps located in both Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These operations were carried out in direct retaliation to the deadly terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the loss of innocent lives and posed a serious threat to national security. The air and ground strikes under Operation Sindoor were notable for their accuracy and effectiveness, sending a strong message to those who perpetrate or support terrorism. The operation underscored India's preparedness and willingness to respond swiftly and decisively to cross-border terrorism. Subsequently, on May 10, both India and Pakistan reached an agreement to observe a ceasefire along the Line of Control and other sensitive regions. However, Indian authorities have been clear in their communication that this ceasefire does not signal a permanent halt in operations. India has, however, made it clear it has merely paused its operation and its future actions will be guided by Pakistan's conduct. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation and the international community, stated that Operation Sindoor marks a significant evolution in India's counter-terrorism policy. He described it as a bold and determined step reflecting India’s modern approach to combating terrorism. More importantly, he emphasized that the operation is a strong expression of the country’s unwavering commitment to justice and its refusal to tolerate acts of terror, no matter where they originate from. "It is the new normal. We have only kept in abeyance our operations against Pakistan and the future will depend on their behaviour," Modi had said in a 22-minute address. The Prime Minister firmly cautioned Pakistan that India will not be intimidated by nuclear blackmail, while delivering a clear message internationally that there can be no trade or talks alongside terrorism. (With inputs from PTI)

16 May,2025 10:04 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a complete ban of nations that support terrorism in India

Delhi CM appreciates decision to boycott Turkish apples

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a complete ban of on Turkish products and she praised the decision of Azadpur Mandi traders for boycotting apple imports from Turkey. The decision was made after Turkey backed Pakistan and criticised India’s recent strike on terror camps in Pakistan- occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor.  Speaking to reporters during her visit to Azadpur Mandi, the Delhi CM expressed her gratitude to the local traders for their decision to stop importing apples from Turkey. She commended the move, describing it as a powerful and appropriate response to any country that acts against India’s national interests. "This decision is absolutely justified," she said. "If any country is found to be acting against India or supporting forces that are hostile to our nation, then the people of this country will stand together and reject any form of association with them, including trade. I wholeheartedly thank the traders for choosing to boycott the import of Turkish apples. Their decision reflects true patriotism and love for the country." In a related development, Jamia Millia Islamia University has officially suspended all academic collaborations with institutions associated with the Turkish government, citing serious concerns over national security. Similarly, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has also put an end to its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Turkey’s Inonu University. This MoU, which was signed earlier in the year, had outlined plans for academic exchange, including student and faculty collaborations.  According to PTI reports commenting on these decisions, Gupta stressed the importance of taking a firm and uncompromising stand. "There should be a 100 percent disengagement from countries that are seen to support or shelter terror networks targeting India," she said, calling for a complete diplomatic and economic freeze with such nations. Following Turkey’s visible support for Pakistan on key international issues, a wave of public backlash has emerged across India. Citizens and organizations alike are calling for a nationwide boycott of Turkish goods and tourism. Popular online travel platforms such as EaseMyTrip and Ixigo have responded by issuing public advisories discouraging travel to Turkey, reflecting the growing sentiment of disapproval among Indian consumers. (With inputs from PTI)  

16 May,2025 06:01 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Deputy Superintendent of Police Dr Kunal Sonawane from Sangamner in Ahilyanagar district said three of the six accused persons have been arrested. Representational Pic

Maharashtra: 69 bonded labourers from Palghar rescued in Ahilyanagar; 3 held

The authorities have successfully rescued sixty-nine bonded labourers, including minors, from the Ahilyanagar district of Maharashtra and apprehended three individuals for the exploitation of these victims, as stated by an official on Friday. The victims, who were primarily engaged in stone cutting and labouring at sheep farms, were rescued on Thursday following a tip-off from activists, according to the official. They have since been repatriated to their villages in the Palghar district, reported PTI.  Bonded labourers refer to individuals compelled to work in order to repay a debt or obtain some form of financial assistance, frequently under exploitative or abusive conditions. The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act prohibits this practice in India. Sandeep Harmalkar, a labour officer from Ahilyanagar district, said they first raided a few sites and rescued 16 bonded labourers.  "This initial rescue was part of a larger group totalling 69 individuals freed from their captors," Sandeep stated, reported PTI.  Deputy Superintendent of Police Dr Kunal Sonawane from Sangamner in Ahilyanagar district said three of the six accused persons have been arrested.  "Efforts are being made to track down and arrest the other three," Kunal Sonawane stated, reported news agency PTI.  According to the FIR, the accused engaged the bonded labourers and even children in arduous sheep farming and forced them to cut stones.  These children were subjected to physical and mental harassment and forced to work against their will, said the complaint.  Woman, her brother killed as trailer truck hits two-wheeler in Palghar district The police on Thursday said that a 25-year-old woman and her brother were killed in the Palghar district after their two-wheeler collided with a trailer truck, reported news agency PTI. The accident took place on Tuesday night and the truck driver was absconding, said an official of Palghar police station. Mangesh Vishwakarma (22) and his sister Pooja Vishwakarma (25) set out on a motorbike to eat ice cream after dinner on Tuesday. While returning home by the Palghar-Mahim Road, a trailer coming from the opposite direction at high speed collided with their bike, the official said, reported PTI. (With PTI inputs)

16 May,2025 04:59 PM IST | Palghar | mid-day online correspondent
K9 Rolo suffered around 200 bee stings, which made her unconscious. An immediate medical evacuation was performed. Emergency treatment was given by the handlers. Representational Pic

CRPF conducts last rites of K9 Rolo, sniffer dog killed in anti-Naxal operation

CRPF on Friday conducted the last rites of a two-year-old Belgian Shepherd named Rolo, who was part of the force's elite canine squad. Rolo lost her life after being attacked by a swarm of bees during a major anti-Naxal operation in the Karreguttalu hills on the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. She was declared dead on 27 April 2025, with the cause of death being anaphylactic shock following 200 bee stings. K9 Rolo, born on April 5, 2023, was trained in infantry patrolling, explosive detection and assault at DBTS in batch sl. No. 80, subsequent to which it was deployed for Anti-Naxal duties in 228 Bn, CRPF in the month of April 2024. During the special operation at KGH, while K9, along with other troops, were carrying out an intensive search operation, a sudden attack by a huge swarm of honey bees led them in surprise. Handlers of K9 Rolo covered it with a polythene sheet to avoid being bitten by the bees but it went in vain as the huge swarm of bees slipped inside the cover and bit K9 Rolo who then, due to intense pain and irritation, got berserk and got out of the cover making him vulnerable to more bites, said the CRPF. Resultantly, K9 Rolo suffered around 200 bee stings, which made her unconscious. An immediate medical evacuation was performed. Emergency treatment was given by the handlers. However, K9 Rolo succumbed to the pain and suffering while on the way and was declared brought dead by the veterinarian, said the CRPF. To achieve the goal of eliminating Naxalism by March 26, 2026, the security forces have been conducting the biggest ever operation, 'Operation Black Forest', to break the backbone of Naxals near Karreguttalu Hill (KGH) at the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. The 21-day-long operation carried out by the joint forces of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and state police between April 21 to May 11 neutralised 31 Naxals carrying a bounty of Rs 1.72 crore.  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

16 May,2025 03:21 PM IST | Sukma | ANI
People in Poonch return their homes, File photo.

Jammu and Kashmir: Locals start returning home in Poonch's Salotri village

Displaced border residents on Friday started returning to the last village near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch's Salotri after a recent understanding between India and Pakistan ended days of heightened tension between the two countries. The shelling, which affected districts in Jammu and Kashmir along the Line of Control, resulted in significant damage to homes and infrastructure as well as the loss of civilian lives. The village people thanked the government for the understanding between India and Pakistan. Amjid Ali, a resident of Salotri village, said, "We live here and we saw something like this happening for the first time. The government had provided everything for our safety, but still, we were scared after witnessing the situation between the two countries. The Indian Army also provided us with all the safety and took care of us. The complete village was left empty after the situation. We are back here in our village as there is peace again." Another villager Haji Juniet urged the government to build bunkers there. "Around 400 people stayed here. When the fire started, the people left the village. The administration took care of us, and the SHO heard our problem. Today, we have returned to our village. But there is one problem here that we don't have bunkers here. Pakistan border is near, but here there are no sufficient bunkers. I request that the government build bunkers here. We urge both countries that war is not the solution, as people die in such situations. The people who say that war should take place, but we live here, and it is very difficult for the people who stay in the border areas," he said. Yesterday, the Indian Army carried out a door-to-door assistance drive in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, especially in areas near the Line of Control (LoC) that were severely affected by recent Pakistani shelling. As part of the outreach effort, Army jawans distributed essential supplies, including medicines and rations, to civilians impacted by the cross-border hostilities following Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, including a Nepali national. Troops from the Army's Romeo Force also interacted with locals to understand their needs and provide reassurance during the ongoing security situation. The Indian Armed Forces responded firmly to the aggression, targeting several military positions across the border. Later, both countries agreed to stop the firing and military action after Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted his Indian counterpart. Operation Sindoor was India's decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Launched on May 7, Operation Sindoor led to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. After the attack, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling across the Line of Control and Jammu and Kashmir as well as attempted drone attacks along the border regions, following which India launched a coordinated attack and damaged radar infrastructure, communication centres and airfields across 11 air bases in Pakistan. After this, on May 10, an understanding of the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan was announced.  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

16 May,2025 03:16 PM IST | Poonch | ANI
BJP MLA Asishrao Deshmukh on Friday alleged that INDIA allinace is falling apart

BJP MLA Ashishrao Deshmukh asserted that INDIA alliance parties are breaking

BJP MLA Asishrao Deshmukh on Friday said that Congress leader P Chidambaram revealed the truth of the political situation saying that the future of INDIA alliance is not so bright. According to reports by ANI, Deshmukh said, “Chidambaram is an experienced leader and expressed the truth of the situation. Sharad Pawar is trying to merge his party with the party of his nephew Ajit Pawar. The same is true with Uddhav Thackeray. The rest of their (INDIA bloc) supportive parties are separating one by one."  Reacting to the remarks of Chidambaram, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Kerala president of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called the opposition alliance a ‘motley collection of parties’ and their alliance is formed only for their ‘love for corruption’. Rajeev Chandrasekhar posted on X: The BJP is a formidable party because it believes in strong values or principles of India First and cares for all Indians - and so has the support of most Indians. INDIA alliance is a motley collection of parties, brought together by only their love for corruption and exploitation and fear or hatred of Narendra Modi ji. Earlier, Chidambaram voiced concerns about the future of the INDIA bloc, suggesting that it is breaking apart. However, he also mentioned that, with time, the alliance could still be saved. "The future is not so bright as Mritunjay Singh Yadav said. He seemed to feel that the INDIA alliance was still intact. I'm not sure. Only Salman can answer, because he was part of the negotiating team for the INDIA alliance. If the INDIA alliance is intact, I'm very, very happy. But it shows, it's at the seams, it's frayed. It can be put together, there's still time," Chidambaram said. Chidambaram was speaking during a book launch of ‘Contesting Democratic Deficit: An inside story of the 2024 elections.’ This book is written by Salman Khurshid and Mritunjay Singh Yadav at the India International Centre in the national capital. He also described BJP as not merely as a political party, but as an extraordinarily well-organized political force. He emphasized that to counter its dominance, the BJP must be challenged on multiple fronts. "In my experience and reading of history, there has been no political party as formidably organised as the BJP. In every department, it's formidable. It's not another political party. It's a machine behind which it's a machine, and the two machines control all the machinery of India, from the Election Commission of India to the lowest police station in India; they are able to control or sometimes capture these institutions. This is a formidable missionary you're fighting. It's not another political party. This formidable missionary must be fought on all fronts," he said. (With inputs from ANI)

16 May,2025 03:12 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondent
ED is actively investigating current and former TASMAC employees, and key personnel associated with both distilleries and bottling companies. File Pic

ED raids multiple premises in Tamil Nadu in TASMAC money laundering case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out raids at various locations across Tamil Nadu in connection with reported offences related to Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC) and association entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Investigating has begun today, early morning at 10 locations, informed the officials, reported news agency ANI. This search operation follows numerous FIRs filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The allegations include TASMAC shops charging more than the actual MRP, distillery companies giving kickbacks to TASMAC officials for supply orders, and senior TASMAC officials accepting bribes from retail shops and for staff transfers. On March 6, 2025, ED conducted a search operation and seized incriminating data related to transfer posting, transport tender manipulation, bar license tenders, indent orders benefiting specific distilleries, and overpricing of Rs 10- 30 per bottle at TASMAC outlets by officials. This investigation revealed tampering in TASMAC’s transport tender process, including interchanging between application KYC details and Demand Drafts. Tenders were passed despite having a single applicant.  As per annual report of TASMAC over Rs 100 crore is paid for transporters. There is evidence that shows bar license tenders were budgeted for applicants without GST/PAN numbers or proper KYC documents. According to ANI, investigations revealed direct communication between several distillery companies and senior TASMAC officials, with the objective of securing inflated indent orders and obtaining undue favouritism in business dealings. This coordinated effort appears to be part of a much larger financial scam involving not just distilleries, but also multiple bottling firms operating within the supply chain. These entities are accused of deliberately inflating operational costs and creating fake purchases to embezzle more than Rs 1000 crore in unreported funds. The embezzled funds were allegedly utilized to pay bribes and illicit commissions to ensure preferential treatment, including the manipulation of supply orders in favour of select firms. Bottling companies. Bottling companies allegedly increased sales figures to help route excess payments, which were later withdrawn in cash after deducting commissions. This scam included systematic tampering of financial documentation, deliberate concealment of actual cash flows, and a well-orchestrated strategy to evade regulatory oversight. ED is actively investigating current and former TASMAC employees, and key personnel associated with both distilleries and bottling companies. (With inputs from ANI)

16 May,2025 03:11 PM IST | Tamil Nadu | mid-day online correspondent
Arvind Kejriwal on Friday announced a 'Nasha Mukti Yatra' amid the ongoing 'War Against Drugs' in Punjab

Arvind Kejriwal announces 'Nasha Mukti Yatra' to curb drug abuse in Punjab

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday announced a 'Nasha Mukti Yatra' amid the ongoing 'War Against Drugs' in Punjab, which has been initiated by the administration to eliminate drug abuse in the state. He will be accompanied by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in this endeavour to curb drug abuse in Punjab. He said that the 'Nasha Multi Yatra' would reach each village and ward in Punjab to strengthen people's resolve against drug abuse and the selling of drugs. It would also focus on convincing people to provide treatment to drug addicts to ensure their well-being. "From today, the Nasha Mukti Yatra is starting in Punjab. This Yatra will go to every village and every ward of Punjab. Through this Yatra, people will now be connected with the Nasha Mukti Abhiyan. In every village and every ward, people will take an oath that they will not consume drugs themselves, will not let anyone sell drugs in their area and will get the drug addicts treated and get them out of addiction," Kejriwal, former Chief Minister of Delhi, posted on X. He stated that the Punjab government has made arrangements for the treatment of drug addicts. "The Punjab government has made arrangements on a large scale for the treatment of drug addicts. Three crore members of the Punjab family will now ensure that they eliminate drug addiction from Punjab," Kejriwal said. "In the last two and a half months, Punjab Police and Punjab Government have started a war against drugs. For the first time, action is being taken against drug smugglers on such a large scale," he added. Earlier, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema called for stringent regulations on methanol to prevent hooch tragedies across the country. This came after 17 people died and several were hospitalised after consuming illicit liquor in five villages under the Majitha block in Amritsar. In a letter to Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, Cheema highlighted the absence of rules under the Alcohol Industrial Act 1951 to govern methanol, a key substance linked to illicit liquor incidents. Cheema further emphasised the urgent need for a track-and-trace system to monitor methanol's supply chain. 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.

16 May,2025 03:06 PM IST | Chandigarh | ANI
The Supreme Court on Friday refused to examine a couple of fresh pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf Act

'Everyone wants name in newspapers': SC says no to fresh pleas against Waqf law

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to examine a couple of fresh pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, saying everybody wants name in newspapers. A bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih said it would decide the pending matter scheduled to come up on May 20. The apex court would then hear the point of interim relief in the case. As soon as one of the pleas came up for hearing on Friday, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, objected and said there can't be an "endless" filing of pleas challenging the Act. The counsel appearing for the petitioner said he had filed the petition on April 8 and removed the defects pointed out by the apex court registry on April 15 but his plea was not listed for hearing. "Everybody wants his name to be in the newspapers," the CJI observed. When the lawyer urged the bench his plea should be tagged with the pending petitions, the bench said, "We will decide that matter." The bench then dismissed it. When another similar plea came up for hearing, the bench said, "Dismissed". When the counsel for the petitioner urged that he be allowed to intervene in the pending pleas, the CJI said, "We already have too many intervenors." On April 17, the apex court decided to hear only five of the total number of pleas before it. The pleas challenging the Act came up for hearing before a bench comprising the CJI and Justice Masih on May 15. The bench said it would hear arguments on May 20 for passing interim directions on three issues including the power to denotify properties declared as waqf by courts, waqf-by-user or waqf by deed. The second issue raised by the petitioners relates to the composition of state waqf boards and the Central Waqf Council, where they contend only Muslims should operate except ex-officio members. The third issue relates to a provision that says a waqf property will not be treated as a waqf when the collector conducts an inquiry to ascertain if the property is government land. On April 17, the Centre assured the top court that it would neither denotify waqf properties, including "waqf by user", nor make any appointments to the central waqf council and boards till May 5. Mehta on May 15 told the apex court that in any case, there was a subsisting assurance of the Centre that no waqf properties, including those established by waqf by user, would be denotified. The Centre had opposed the apex court's proposal to pass an interim order against the denotification of waqf properties, including "waqf by user" aside from staying a provision allowing the inclusion of non-Muslims in the central waqf councils and boards. On April 25, the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs filed a preliminary 1,332-page affidavit defending the amended Waqf Act of 2025 and opposed any "blanket stay" by the court on a "law having presumption of constitutionality passed by Parliament". 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.

16 May,2025 03:03 PM IST | New Delhi | PTI
Rajnath Singh. Pic/PTI

India-Pakistan tensions: IMF must rethink assistance to Pak, says Rajnath Singh

Amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, India on Friday called on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reconsider its USD one billion assistance to Pakistan, suggesting that Islamabad could use it for terror funding, reported news agency PTI. In an address to military personnel, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India does not want that the funding it gives to IMF should be used directly or indirectly to create terror infrastructure in Pakistan or any other country. "I believe that in today's time, any kind of financial assistance to Pakistan is nothing less than terror funding," he said, reported PTI. "India would like the IMF reconsider its assistance of one billion dollars to Pakistan and refrains from giving any kind of assistance in future," he said. Singh said in Operation Sindoor, India's armed forces not only dominated the enemy but also succeeded in decimating them. Lauding the Indian Air Force for spearheading the campaign against terrorism effectively, he said. "Our Air Force has touched new and greater heights with its valour, courage and glory". Singh arrived at the Bhuj Air Force station this morning to review the overall security situation. The Air Force base in Bhuj was one of the military infrastructures that Pakistan targeted during the four-day confrontation between the two militaries. He said the fight against terrorism is not just a matter of security, but it is now also a part of the National Defence Doctrine. "Now, the fight against terrorism is not just a matter of security, but it is now also a part of the National Defence Doctrine. Together we will uproot this proxy and hybrid warfare. As the Defence Minister, I would like to reiterate this resolve," he said. Praising the Indian Air Force for their action during Operation Sindoor, he said, "You have made the entire nation believe that 'Naya Bharat ab sahan nahi karta, balki wah palat kar jawab deta hai.' I can say all I want but my words would fail to assess your actions. On behalf of a grateful nation, I extend my gratitude to you once again." The Defence Minister also stressed that the Indian Air Force assumed a very impactful role in Operation Sindoor and is being appreciated all over the world. "Indian Air Force assumed a very impactful role in Operation Sindoor and it is being appreciated not only in this country but also in other countries of the world. In this Operation, you not only dominated the enemy but also successfully decimated them," Singh said. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)

16 May,2025 03:00 PM IST | Bhuj | mid-day online correspondent
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