Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that an inquiry will be conducted into the temple stampede in North Goa, in which six people lost their lives in the wee hours of the day, and said the probe report will be made public, reported news agency PTI. Sawant visited the Goa temple stampede site at Sree Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgao village hours after the incident. Six people were killed, and several others sustained injuries after a stampede broke out during the annual festival at the temple around 3 am. Talking to reporters at the site, Sawant said, "I have asked for a detailed inquiry into the incident. We will make the report public." He said precautions would be taken in the future for all temple festivals in the state to prevent such incidents, reported PTI. Sawant said he visited North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa town in the early morning after he found out about the Goa temple stampede, reported PTI. Earlier in the day, Sawant tweeted that he had received a call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who offered his full support. At least six persons were killed, and 30 sustained injuries after a stampede broke out during a temple festival at a village in North Goa in the wee hours of Saturday, officials said. The incident occurred around 3 am at Sree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village, around 40 km away from Panaji, a police official said. He said a stampede broke out as thousands of devotees thronged the narrow lanes to the temple for the annual festival. Talking to PTI, Director General of Police Alok Kumar said six people were killed while several others were undergoing treatment in different hospitals of the state. "At least 30,000 to 40,000 people had gathered for the festival, and some were standing on a slope. A few persons fell on the slope, causing others to fall on each other," the official said. He said 40 to 50 people fell on the slope, resulting in the Goa temple stampede, which was confined to that spot. Thousands of devotees from Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka attend the annual festival at the temple. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the injured at the North Goa district hospital. Sawant, in a post on X, said he had received a call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who offered his full support. "Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at the Lairai Zatra in Shirgaon this morning. I visited the hospital to meet the injured and assured all possible support to the affected families. I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measure is being taken," he wrote. "Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji spoke with me and took detailed stock of the situation, offering his full support during this difficult time." (With inputs from PTI)
03 May,2025 02:37 PM IST | Panaji | mid-day online correspondentCongress General Secretary in-charge of Communications, Jairam Ramesh, on Saturday strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of failing to restore peace in Manipur despite holding power with a clear mandate since February 2022. He pointed out that exactly a year after the BJP’s victory, the state plunged into ethnic violence on May 3, 2023. “What began on May 3, 2023, was the self-dictated, self-directed derailment of the so-called double-engine sarkar in the state,” Ramesh wrote on X, as reported by PTI. “Three months later, the Supreme Court was compelled to declare that there had been an absolute breakdown of constitutional machinery in the state.” Opposition leaders have condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi for continuing to "shun" Manipur, and labeled Union Home Minister Amit Shah a “big failure” in handling the crisis, which has persisted for over a year. Since the outbreak of violence, more than 220 people have lost their lives, and thousands have been displaced due to ongoing clashes between the Meitei community from the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo tribes from the surrounding hill regions. “The anguish and suffering of Manipur continues. Political games are being played. No meaningful reconciliation process is underway. Over 60,000 internally displaced persons are still living in relief camps under conditions of great distress,” Ramesh said, citing PTI. He further alleged that the Modi government acted only under political pressure and the threat of a no-confidence motion in the state assembly, which eventually led to the resignation of the Chief Minister. Ramesh also criticized Prime Minister Modi for his continued absence from the state. “Most importantly, the PM continues to avoid and shun Manipur. He has not met anyone from the state. He has traveled across the globe but hasn’t found the time, inclination, or sensitivity to visit the troubled state and reach out to its people,” he said. On February 13, the Centre imposed President’s Rule in Manipur, following over two years of prolonged unrest and communal tensions. “Manipur deserves better. The people of the state are still waiting for the PM to visit Imphal, tour the beautiful state, and extend a healing touch, at least to the extent that he is capable of,” the Congress leader added. (With inputs from PTI)
03 May,2025 02:24 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed the immediate suspension of 26 MBBS students found complicit in NEET-UG 2024 malpractices and cancelled admission of 14 students for the academic year 2024-25 for resorting to unfair means during the entrance exam, an official source said. National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, or NEET, is a pan-India exam to taken by aspirants to get admission into the country's medical colleges. As part of the ongoing investigations by multiple agencies into the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case, the National Testing Agency identified instances of unfair means and debarred 42 candidates for three years, 2024,2025, 2026, from taking the NEET-UG. It also debarred nine candidates for the 2025 and 2026 sessions. The candidature of 215 candidates who appeared in the NEET-UG 2024 exam has been put on hold pending an investigation, the source said. The action against the students has been initiated based on the findings of the Central Bureau of Investigation, which is investigating the cases. "Given the severity of these violations and their potential to undermine the credibility of the medical education system, the National Medical Commission has issued directives to the concerned medical colleges and institutions to immediately suspend the 26 MBBS students found to be complicit," the source said. The Commission stressed a "zero-tolerance" policy towards academic fraud and said it was committed to taking all measures to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability in medical admissions. The directive comes ahead of the NEET-UG 2025 scheduled for May 4. 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
03 May,2025 02:24 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reaffirmed India's unwavering resolve to act decisively against terrorism and those who support it, reported news agency IANS. His statement came amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where over 26 innocent civilians were killed. Speaking during a joint press conference with Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, Prime Minister Modi stated, "We are firmly united in our stance against terrorism. I expressed my gratitude to President Lourenco and the people of Angola for their sympathies to those killed in the Pahalgam terror attack," reported IANS. "We are committed to taking firm and decisive actions against terrorists and those who support them. We thank Angola for its support in our fight against terrorism," the Prime Minister added, reported IANS. The brutal assault was carried out by four heavily armed terrorists, linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba. Two of the assailants were confirmed to be Pakistani nationals. Emerging from the dense forests surrounding the area, the terrorists unleashed indiscriminate gunfire on a group of tourists, resulting in one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent years. In response to the April 22 terror attack, the Indian government swiftly convened a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on April 23, chaired by PM Modi. Several critical decisions were taken against Pakistan in the aftermath of the massacre. India announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and ordered the closure of the Attari border. Additionally, it cancelled all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, initiated a sweeping crackdown on Pakistani YouTube channels and X handles, and downgraded diplomatic relations by ordering a further reduction in High Commission staff, effectively sending back many diplomats to Islamabad, reported IANS. In a stern message following the CCS meeting, PM Modi had warned that India would leave no stone unturned in seeking justice. "We will identify, trace, and punish every terrorist and their supporters. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth," he declared, underlining the country's aggressive stance in the face of terrorism, reported IANS. India's response marks a significant escalation in its counter-terror strategy, signalling a no-compromise policy on national security and terror threats emanating from across the border. (With inputs from IANS)
03 May,2025 02:22 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentRJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him for a "comprehensive review of the social protection and reservation policies" once the exercise to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census is completed. Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar assembly, shared the letter on X on Saturday. It was written on Friday. "Conducting the caste census is merely the first step of the long journey towards social justice. The census data must lead to a comprehensive review of social protection and reservation policies. The arbitrary cap on reservations will also have to be reconsidered," the letter said. The upcoming delimitation exercise should reflect the social realities uncovered by the census, ensuring proportional political representation for marginalised groups, it read. "The redrawing of constituencies should be sensitive to and reflective of the census data," Yadav wrote to the PM. Special provisions must be there for adequate political representation of OBCs and EBCs, who have been systematically excluded from decision-making forums. "Hence, they will need to be expanded based on the proportional representation principle in state assemblies and the parliament of India," his letter read. He also mentioned the decision to conduct the caste census can be a transformative moment in our nation's journey towards equality. The millions who have struggled for this census await not just data but dignity, not just enumeration but empowerment. "The private sector, which has been a major beneficiary of public resources, cannot remain insulated from social justice imperatives," Yadav wrote. Companies have received substantial benefits, including land at concessional rates, power subsidies, tax exemptions, infrastructure support, and various financial incentives funded by taxpayer money. In return, it is entirely reasonable to expect them to reflect the social composition of our country, he wrote. "Will the data be used as a catalyst for systemic reforms, or will it be confined to dusty archives like many previous commission reports?" the RJD leader asked. "Prime Minister, your government now stands at a historic crossroads," he said. Assuring the PM of Bihar's cooperation Yadav wrote, as Bihar's representative, where the caste survey opened many eyes to ground realities, "I assure you of constructive cooperation in utilising the census findings for genuine social transformation." The millions who have struggled for this census await not just data but dignity, not just enumeration but empowerment, he said in the letter. "I write to you with a sense of cautious optimism," he wrote, adding that for years, "your government and the NDA alliance government dismissed calls for a caste census as divisive and unnecessary". When Bihar took the initiative to conduct its caste survey, central authorities, including the top law officer of the government and your party created obstacles at every step. Your belated decision represents an acknowledgement of the groundswell of demands from the citizens who have long been relegated to the margins of our society, Yadav's letter said. Referring to the Bihar caste survey, which revealed that OBCs and EBCs constitute around 63 per cent of the state's population, Yadav said similar data at the national level could shatter many myths perpetuated to maintain the status quo. 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
03 May,2025 02:20 PM IST | Patna | PTIA man accused of raping and blackmailing college students sustained injuries while allegedly trying to escape police custody in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, reported news agency PTI. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Priyanka Shukla confirmed that the prime accused, Farhan Ali, had previously disclosed his stay with co-accused Abrar in a room in Bilkisganj. On Friday night, officers from Ashoka Garden police station were escorting Farhan to the location for evidence collection, reported PTI. According to DCP Shukla, the incident occurred near Sarwar village under the Ratibad police station limits. Farhan reportedly asked the police to stop the vehicle to use the washroom. When the vehicle halted, he allegedly tried to snatch a pistol from a sub-inspector and escape. During the scuffle, a shot was fired, injuring Farhan in the leg. He was immediately hospitalized and is currently under medical care. Ashoka Garden police station in-charge Hemant Shrivastava said two police personnel were also injured in the altercation. Farhan was being taken to help trace co-accused Abrar and collect further evidence, reported PTI. Farhan Ali is among six individuals arrested for allegedly raping and blackmailing college students. The accused reportedly concealed their identities and recorded objectionable videos of the victims, later using the footage to blackmail them, reported PTI. The investigation began after three students from a private college lodged a complaint on April 25, alleging sexual assault and blackmail. A fourth survivor later came forward with similar allegations. The case has triggered widespread outrage in Bhopal. On Friday evening, protests were held at 26 locations across the city, with many demonstrators calling it a case of "love jihad." In response, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that such acts would not be tolerated and assured strict action against the accused, reported PTI. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and formed a three-member inquiry committee headed by retired IPS officer and former Jharkhand DGP Nirmal Kaur, reported PTI. A case has been registered at Ashoka Garden police station under Sections 64 (rape) and 61 (gang rape) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act. (With inputs from PTI)
03 May,2025 01:11 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentNationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Supriya Sule slammed persistent flight delays at Delhi Airport, saying that her Air India flight had been delayed for more than an hour late at night, leaving passengers stranded and "visibly distressed," further urging the intervention of Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, as she claimed that delays are "becoming a troubling norm." Sule took to the social media platform X to express her frustration over the delay. Her flight, originally scheduled for 10:30 PM on May 2 (Friday), had been delayed for more than an hour till 11.45 PM. "At Delhi Airport, experiencing yet another delay by Air India. Flight was scheduled for 10:30 PM, delayed to 11:30 PM, and now further pushed to 11:45 PM. Passengers are stranded and visibly distressed. This isn't an isolated case--it's becoming a troubling norm. Urging the Hon'ble Civil Aviation Minister to intervene without delay," Sule posted. At Delhi Airport, experiencing yet another delay by Air India. Flight was scheduled for 10:30 PM, delayed to 11:30 PM, and now further pushed to 11:45 PM. Passengers are stranded and visibly distressed. This isn’t an isolated case—it’s becoming a troubling norm. Urging the… — Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) May 2, 2025 In response, Air India explained that several flights had been affected by adverse weather conditions in the national capital, resulting in a cascading effect on flight schedules across its network. "Dear Ms. Sule, adverse weather earlier in Delhi today delayed multiple flights that had a cascading effect on our schedule across the network. Your flight will depart shortly. We appreciate your patience and understanding," the airline posted in reply. Delhi, on Friday, recorded 78mm of rainfall till 8:30 am, the second highest in 24 hours since 1901. The most rainfall was recorded at 119.3 mm on May 20, 2021, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The highest rainfall was recorded at Lodhi Road -78 mm, just ahead of Safdarjung Airport, which recorded 77mm. According to IMD, moisture and wind convergence over the area from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, assisted by a persistent highly favourable synoptic pattern at both lower and middle tropospheric levels, resulted in heavy rainfall. The highest rainfall recorded since 1901 was 119.3mm on May 20, 2021, at SFD Airport. According to IMD, it was associated with the movement of the remnant of the "Tauktae" Cyclone, which crossed the Gujarat coast.
03 May,2025 01:07 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Navy’s stealth-guided missile destroyer, INS Surat, made its inaugural port call at Hazira on Thursday, coinciding with Gujarat Foundation Day and adding symbolic significance to the occasion. The warship will remain anchored at Hazira for two days. The vessel was warmly received by Surat MP Mukesh Dalal, Rajya Sabha MP Govind Dholakia, and senior naval officials. Captain Sandeep Shorey, Commanding Officer of INS Surat, described the warship as a state-of-the-art, multi-mission destroyer equipped to engage submarines, surface ships, and aircraft. “It is a matter of pride that I have brought one of the Indian Navy’s latest and most advanced ships to Surat. The welcome we received was truly an honour. This destroyer is capable of engaging multiple types of threats and also carries helicopters,” Captain Shorey told ANI. Recently, INS Surat successfully test-fired the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM) system in the Arabian Sea, demonstrating its capability to neutralise incoming aerial threats, including missiles. The test was conducted ahead of a scheduled missile test by the Pakistan Navy in the same region, highlighting India’s proactive stance in safeguarding its maritime interests. “INS Surat successfully executed a precision cooperative engagement against a sea-skimming target, marking a significant milestone in enhancing India’s defence capabilities,” the Indian Navy stated on X (formerly Twitter), as reported by ANI. Commissioned on January 15, 2025, alongside INS Nilgiri and INS Vagsheer, INS Surat is the fourth and final vessel under the Project 15B Guided Missile Destroyer initiative. The warship boasts 75% indigenous content, cutting-edge weaponry, sensor systems, and network-centric warfare capabilities, placing it among the most advanced destroyers globally. In a separate development, the Indian Navy has ramped up its operational presence in the Arabian Sea, conducting extensive maritime exercises within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The move comes amid heightened regional tensions following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. Defence sources reported that Indian warships are on high alert, with recent anti-ship and anti-aircraft drills showcasing combat readiness and strategic deterrence. The Indian Coast Guard has also intensified surveillance by deploying vessels near the international maritime boundary off the Gujarat coast, working closely with the Navy to strengthen security and monitoring. (With inputs from ANI)
03 May,2025 12:57 PM IST | Surat | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is all set to operate a first-of-its-kind heritage tour to cover the key sites associated with the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha kingdom, reported news agency PTI. A press statement issued by the IRCTC said the tour package has been attractively priced at Rs 13,155 per person in Economy (sleeper class), Rs 19,840 per person in Comfort (3AC) and Rs 27,365 per person in the Superior (2AC) category. The six-day itinerary will commence its journey from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai. On Day 1, it will reach the Mangaon railway station on the Konkan Railway network, the closest railway link to the Raigad Fort, reported PTI. "The first destination is Raigad, known for the eponymous hill fort where Chhatrapati Shivaji's coronation took place. It later became his capital from where he ruled," the release said. "After the sightseeing, the train will proceed for the next destination, Pune, where the tourists will have dinner followed by a night stay at a local hotel," it said. On Day 2, the tourists would cover some popular sites in Pune, including the Lal Mahal, Kasba Ganapati and Shivsrushti, the IRCTC said, reported PTI. "Lal Mahal, as the name suggests, is a red-coloured palace constructed by Chhatrapati Shivaji's father Shahaji Bhosale for his wife Jijabai and son in 1630 CE," the press note said, reported PTI. As per the tour itinerary, the guests will have a night's rest in Pune. On Day 3, they will visit the Shivneri Fort atop a hill located at a distance of 95 km from Pune. "It is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji and a symbol of Maratha pride," a senior IRCTC official said. "Post lunch, the tourists will visit the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples, before returning to Pune for a night halt," the release said. "On Day 4, the tourists will head to Satara where they will visit the Pratapgarh Fort, which holds historical importance because of the Battle of Pratapgad that took place in 1659 between Chhatrapati Shivaji and Bijapur Sultanate general Afzal Khan," the IRCTC official said, reported PTI. "This battle set the stage for the establishment of the Maratha empire," he added. From Satara, the train will proceed towards its last destination -- Kolhapur, according to the itinerary. "In Kolhapur, the tourists will visit the Mahalakshmi Temple popularly known as 'Ambabai' before proceeding towards the Panhala Fort," it said, reported PTI. Sitting atop the Sahyadri range, the hill fort bears a testament to many battles and is closely connected to Chhatrapati Shivaji, who spent more than 500 days thereafter he was held captive before escaping. From Kolhapur, the train will commence its return journey to Mumbai, the IRCTC said. "The all-inclusive price in all categories will cover train journey in respective classes, night stay at comfortable hotels, all meals (vegetarian only), all transfer and sight-seeing in buses, travel insurance, services of tour escort etc.," it added. (With inputs from PTI)
03 May,2025 12:34 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe police said that one person was killed, and three others sustained injuries after a Mercedes rammed into a motorcycle and fell off a bridge in Pune in the early hours of Saturday, reported news agency PTI. The accident occurred on Wadgaon bridge in the Sinhgad Road area around 4.30 am, an official said. He said the motorcyclist died in the incident, and the pillion rider sustained injuries. "A Mercedes rammed into a motorcycle and fell off the bridge onto the service road below. The motorcyclist, who was critically injured, died after being taken to a hospital," said Sambhaji Kadam, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 3), reported PTI. The occupants of the car also sustained injuries, he said. The official said the car driver has been arrested, and a case has been registered against him for culpable homicide not amounting to murder under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. Four parked vehicles damaged in accident at Malabar Hill in south Mumbai In another incident, At least four parked vehicles were damaged after another crashed into them near the bungalow of a Maharashtra cabinet minister at Malabar Hill in south Mumbai, police have said, reported PTI. Nobody was injured in the incident that occurred in the early hours of Thursday on L D Ruparel Road in the upscale locality, which is home to many top businessmen and politicians, the official said, reported PTI. A case has been registered and efforts are being made to track down the motorist behind the accident, he added. One killed, 20 injured as pick-up truck overturns in MP's Pandhurna district A woman was killed and 20 others were injured after a pick-up truck they were travelling in overturned in Madhya Pradesh's Pandhurna district, police said on Saturday, reported PTI. The accident occurred around midnight on the Tigaon-Marud Road, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Niraj Soni said, reported PTI. He said that Shivkali Marskole (40) died while undergoing treatment at a hospital while 20 others, including children, sustained injuries, reported PTI. Soni said a pick-up truck from neighbouring Maharashtra was heading to Pandhurna when the driver lost control over the wheels, causing the vehicle to overturn at a bend. Four injured children were referred to Nagpur, Maharashtra, for further treatment, the official said, adding that further investigation is underway. (With inputs from PTI)
03 May,2025 12:02 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentThe officials said that at least six persons were killed, and 30 sustained injuries after a stampede broke out during a temple festival at a village in North Goa in the wee hours of Saturday, reported news agency PTI. The incident occurred around 3 am at Sree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village, around 40 km away from Panaji, a police official said. He said a stampede broke out as thousands of devotees thronged the narrow lanes to the temple for the annual Goa temple festival. Talking to PTI, Director General of Police Alok Kumar said six people were killed while several others were undergoing treatment in different hospitals of the state. "At least 30,000 to 40,000 people had gathered for the Goa temple festival, and some were standing on a slope. A few persons fell on the slope, causing others to fall on each other," the official told PTI. He said 40 to 50 people fell on the slope, resulting in the stampede, which was confined to that spot. Thousands of devotees from Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka attend the annual festival at the temple. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the injured at the North Goa district hospital. Sawant, in a post on X, said he had received a call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who offered his full support. "Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at the Lairai Zatra in Shirgaon this morning. I visited the hospital to meet the injured and assured all possible support to the affected families. I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measure is being taken," he wrote. "Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji spoke with me and took detailed stock of the situation, offering his full support during this difficult time." State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said at least 30 people sustained injuries, of which eight are in critical condition and two were referred to the Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim, reported PTI. He said eight injured persons were admitted at the North Goa district hospital, while 10 were treated for minor injuries. Rane said the health department has taken immediate and comprehensive steps to manage the situation. "We coordinated with the 108 ambulance service, ensuring that five ambulances were dispatched to the site immediately after the incident, while three are at the North Goa district hospital," he said. Rane said additional doctors were roped in, and a dedicated ICU with ventilators was set up to provide consolidated care. "All necessary arrangements have been made, and we are closely monitoring each patient," he said. (With inputs from PTI)
03 May,2025 11:48 AM IST | Panaji | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
