A 31-year-old taxi driver has been arrested for allegedly murdering his live-in partner six months ago in Uttarakhand, Gurugram Police said on Thursday. The accused, identified as Mustaq Ahmed, was arrested on Wednesday following a complaint lodged by the victim’s sister at Sector 5 Police Station in Gurugram, news agency PTI reported. He has been remanded in police custody for six days by a local court. The body of the victim, identified as Pooja, was discovered under a bridge in Nadanna village, Uttarakhand, PTI reported. According to the police, Ahmed had been in a live-in relationship with the 35-year-old victim for the past two years. They both hailed from Uttarakhand, but had been residing in Gurugram until the latter part of 2024. The police stated that Ahmed, who worked as a taxi driver in Uttarakhand, first met Pooja in 2022 when he drove her and her mother to a hospital on two or three occasions. During this time, the two developed a relationship and later moved to Gurugram, reported PTI. In Gurugram, Ahmed continued working as a taxi driver, while Pooja was employed as a domestic worker. Investigations revealed that while still in a relationship with Pooja, Ahmed married another woman sometime in 2024. Pooja discovered the marriage in October, leading to a confrontation between her and Ahmed. The accused then left for Uttarakhand, leaving her behind in Gurugram. However, Pooja followed Ahmed to his home, where a dispute ensued between the duo, following which the accused’s family reportedly evicted both of them from there. According to a senior investigating officer, on November 15, 2024, Ahmed took Pooja to his sister’s house. The next day, he lured her to the Nadanna canal in Uttarakhand on the pretext of going for a walk. There, he allegedly murdered her with a knife, wrapped her body in a bedsheet, and hid it under a bridge. Following the murder, Ahmed fled the city and is believed to have taken shelter in various locations, including Karnataka, before he was apprehended. Woman found killed in her Thane home, police launch probe A 35-year-old woman was found murdered in her home in Maharashtra's Thane district, a police official said on Thursday, adding that a probe has been launched into the matter by the police, reported the PTI. The deceased was found dead with a serious head injury, he said. The victim has been identified as Anita Deepak Goyal who lived at Jiwdani Nagara in the Diva area of Thane district, the official said. It is suspected that she was killed around midnight on April 29, said the official from Mumbra police station. It appears a stone was smashed on her forehead, he said. It was immediately not clear if she was alone in the house at the time of the crime. A case has been registered and a probe is underway, the official added. (With PTI inputs)
02 May,2025 03:46 AM IST | Gurugram | mid-day online correspondentOn the occasion of Maharashtra Day 2025, a Chief Minister Relief Fund Cell was inaugurated by Public Works Department Minister Shivendrasinhraje Bhosale at the Latur District Collectorate to facilitate faster disbursement of financial aid to patients for treatment in central Maharashtra, news agency PTI reported. “This cell will eliminate the need for patients and their families to travel to Mumbai for updates or assistance,” said Bhosale, who also serves as the district’s guardian minister. “Now, patients can access guidance, submit applications, and track progress locally,” he added. The cell, part of a state-wide initiative under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti government, was set up following a government resolution issued on February 22 under the directives of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Relief Fund Cells are being established in every district to simplify the aid process and reduce the burden on the families of patients, reported PTI. Meanwhile, Bhosale also attended a flag-hoisting ceremony at the District Sports Complex on the occasion of Maharashtra Day 2025. Speaking at the event, the minister said, “Latur is scaling new heights in various sectors, including industry. The Mahayuti government remains committed to the holistic development of this district.” He announced that a well-equipped district hospital would soon be established in Latur, which has been a long-standing demand of the public. Advanced cardiac and neurological treatment facilities have already been made operational at the Vilasrao Deshmukh Government Medical College and Hospital, and primary health centres in rural areas are being strengthened. Latur is witnessing a new chapter in industrial development and investment: Maharashtra Minister He also highlighted the existing welfare measures, such as the Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Swadhar Yojana, which has benefitted a large number of Scheduled Caste students in the district. Bhosale said that agricultural development remains a priority for the Mahayuti government and highlighted the MGNREGA-backed fruit orchard plantations promoting horticulture, alongside irrigation projects and water conservation drives under the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan. “Desilting of dams, silt-use in fields, and the ‘Amrutdhara’ water initiative are all progressing,” said Bhosale, adding that an action plan of Rs 17.70 crore for rural and Rs 3.16 crore for urban areas had been approved to address potential water scarcity. The minister also emphasised the district’s emerging industrial profile. “Latur is witnessing a new chapter in industrial development and investment. Multiple agreements with industrial groups have been signed during District Investment Council meetings, creating local employment opportunities for the youth,” he noted. Efforts to develop Latur airport are being expedited to enhance regional connectivity. Bhosale credited the 100-day action plan launched by CM Fadnavis for accelerating development projects and ensuring timely grievance redressal. Paying tributes to the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Bhosale said, “We offer heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this cowardly act.” (With PTI inputs)
01 May,2025 10:44 PM IST | Latur | mid-day online correspondentAmid mounting tensions over the water-sharing issue with Haryana, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on Thursday ruled out the release of additional water to the neighbouring state, asserting that it had already used up its share. He accused the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) of overstepping its authority by deciding to release 8,500 cusecs to Haryana, and said “robbery” of Punjab’s rights would not be tolerated, news agency PTI reported. “The BBMB has no right to dictate to Punjab,” said Mann, adding, “Not even a single drop will be given. We don’t have surplus water—so don’t expect any from us.” Mann made the remarks during a visit to Nangal dam in Rupnagar district, where Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers staged a dharna against BBMB’s decision. Bains claimed the room regulating the water supply had been locked and the key handed over to police. The AAP government has convened an all-party meeting on Friday and a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Monday to discuss the issue, PTI reported. The BBMB’s decision came despite strong objections from Punjab, which claimed Haryana had already utilised 103 per cent of its allocated share, PTI reported. “How can they bypass Punjab and take water? Punjab did not sign that decision,” Mann said, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled Haryana and Rajasthan of colluding to push it through. “They supported the move even though 60% of the BBMB is ours,” the Punjab CM said. He also criticised the BJP leaders from Punjab, and questioned, “Whose side are Sunil Jakhar, Ravneet Singh Bittu and Manpreet Badal on? Either resign or stand with Punjab. This is a test of loyalty.” They can take water from May 21: CM Bhagwant Mann Citing dam levels, Mann said the Bhakra, Pong and Ranjit Sagar reservoirs were all below last year’s levels. Bhakra, for instance, stood at 1,555 feet on Thursday, down from 1,566.48 feet on the same day last year, reported PTI. He insisted Haryana was being given 4,700 cusecs for drinking water—well above the 1,700 cusecs it requires by population—and questioned the sudden demand for 8,500 cusecs. “That means you want water for irrigation. You want to rob us of our rights,” he said. The CM also recalled how, three months ago, Haryana had halted Delhi’s water supply. “They can take water from May 21,” he said, referencing the annual allocation timeline. While reiterating that Punjab has no dispute with the people of Haryana, Mann accused the BJP government of politicising the issue. “We’re not enemies, but we won’t be bullied,” he said. (With PTI inputs)
01 May,2025 10:03 PM IST | Chandigarh | mid-day online correspondentFinancial burden due to rash announcements and more farmer suicides is what Maharashtra has achieved in the past 100 days of the Mahayuti government, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve claimed on Thursday, reported the PTI. Danve, opposition leader in the legislative council, targeted the ruling alliance of the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis shared his government's 100-day report card on social media. After taking charge as the CM in December last year following Mahayuti's victory in the assembly elections, Devendra Fadnavis had set a 100-day programme for each department, setting ambitious targets. A dozen of the 48 departments have scored a perfect 100, and 18 others have achieved more than 80 per cent of their targets in the given period, CM Fadnavis wrote on X on Thursday morning. 100 दिवसांच्या कार्यालयीन सुधारणा कार्यक्रमाचे भारतीय गुणवत्ता परिषद (Quality Council of India) तर्फे अंतिम मूल्यमापन करण्यात आले. या निकालानुसार वेबसाईट सुधारणा, कार्यालयीन सोयीसुविधा, तक्रार निवारण, सुलभ जीवनमान, गुंतवणुकीस चालना, तंत्रज्ञानाचा वापर इत्यादी 10 मुद्यांवर… pic.twitter.com/svAqMiLPok — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) May 1, 2025 Twelve out of the 48 departments within the Maharashtra government have secured a perfect score in their performance review, based on the 100-day targets set by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the officials said on Thursday. The Chief Minister, who resumed office in December last year, had launched a 100-day programme aimed at accelerating governance and ensuring measurable outcomes across departments. The performance evaluation was part of a comprehensive accountability exercise, with each department assigned specific deliverables to achieve within the stipulated time frame. The goal was to foster a results-oriented culture within the administrative machinery. Fadnavis, wrote on X that the department-wise performance statistics, stating that 12 departments successfully fulfilled 100 per cent of their designated objectives. These top-performing departments include Water Resources, Home, Rural Development, Animal Husbandry, Ports, Higher and Technical Education, Labour, Textiles, Cultural Affairs, Mining, Dairy Development, and the Employment Guarantee Scheme. CM Fadnavis reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining this momentum and supporting lagging departments to improve their output. Meanwhile, in a post on X, Ambadas Danve claimed that while 'careless' announcements by the government have increased the financial burden on the state, farmer suicides have gone up by 65 this year compared to last year'. These are the 'achievements' of the new government in the past 100 days, he said. He claimed that Maharashtra has got new words like ''Aaka', 'bada aaka'' (which became more prevalent after the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh), 'bokya, khokya' after the new government took charge, as per the PTI. १०० दिवसांत महायुतीची महाराष्ट्राला देणगी.. १. बेफाम घोषणांचा आर्थिक बोजा..२. मराठवाड्यात गतवर्षीच्या तुलनेत अधिकच्या ६५ शेतकरी आत्महत्या..३. आका.. बडा आका.. बोक्या.. खोक्या.. हे नवीन शब्द! ४. राज्याच्या विद्यार्थी-शेतकरी कल्याणकारी योजनांच्या निधीत बेसुमार कपात.. ५. वाचाळ… https://t.co/X19jGbP9fZ — Ambadas Danve (@iambadasdanve) May 1, 2025 According to Danve, there have been drastic cuts in funds for student and farmer welfare schemes in the state. Maharashtra also got loudmouthed ministers and saw farmers being deceived over loan waivers in these 100 days, he claimed. (with PTI inputs)
01 May,2025 08:03 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Maharashtra) | mid-day online correspondentAngola’s President, Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, will visit India from May 1 to 4 on the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed on Wednesday. President Lourenco will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising several ministers, senior officials, business representatives and members of the media, reported news agency ANI. During the visit, the Angolan President will meet his Indian counterpart and hold both restricted and delegation-level talks with the Prime Minister (PM). The two leaders will also address key business concerns shared by both countries. Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed between the two countries in the fields of traditional medicine, agriculture, and cultural cooperation, reported ANI. India formally established diplomatic relations with Angola in 1985 and has maintained strong ties with the African country ever since. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the relationship. Angola is also serving as this year’s Chair of the African Union. Previous major visits Last year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio in Kampala on January 18 on the sidelines of the NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) Ministerial Meeting. On July 26, 2018, President Lourenco met PM Modi in Johannesburg during the BRICS Summit. Then Minister of State, MJ Akbar, visited Angola from March 15–16, 2018, and held bilateral discussions with Domingos Custodio Viera Lopes, Secretary of State for International Cooperation and Angolan Communities. An MoU on ICT was signed during the visit. In October 2015, the then Vice-President of Angola, Manuel Vicente, visited India to take part in the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS). During his visit, Vicente had met PM Narendra Modi. On July 15, 2015, then Minister of State, VK Singh, had visited Luanda as the PM’s special envoy to deliver a personal invitation to IAFS III. During that visit, he called on then Vice-President Manuel Vicente. Former Angolan Foreign Minister Joao Bernardo de Miranda visited India in May 2006, followed by his successor Georges R Chikoti in February 2011, who came to attend the India-LDC Ministerial Conference in Delhi. There have been regular political exchanges between India and Angola, with visits from various Angolan ministers, including those of agriculture, finance and health. (With ANI inputs)
01 May,2025 07:41 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPolice have registered a case against unidentified individuals for allegedly raising the "Pakistan Zindabad" slogans during a protest in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack, an official said on Thursday. A Congress councillor, who participated in the protest on April 25, dismissed the video as fake, insisting that no such slogans were raised, reported PTI. Meanwhile, the police have stated that they are investigating the authenticity of the video. Speaking to reporters, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vinod Kumar Meena explained that the protest had been organised in the Badwali Chowki area of the city in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. "A video of the protest was circulated on social media, in which some individuals could be heard raising 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans," he said. After the video went viral, the police registered a first information report (FIR) against unidentified persons on Wednesday night under Section 196 (1)(B) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (any act having an adverse effect on mutual harmony between different communities which causes or is likely to cause a breach of public peace), the DCP added. "The authenticity of the controversial video is being investigated. We are trying to determine whether the video has been tampered with or not. Appropriate action will be taken following the investigation," Meena said. He also mentioned that the police were still unclear about who had organised the protest, as no permission had been sought for it. Anwar Qadri, the Congress councillor from Ward 58 of the city, who participated in the protest, stated: "It was organised by the Badwali Chowki Vyapari Sangh, in which three to four Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders also took part." "Seven to eight police personnel were also present at the spot, and they also recorded a video of the protest," he added. Qadri categorically denied that any participants raised "Pakistan Zindabad" slogans during the protest. "The police have filed an FIR based on a fake video. A doctored version of the original video was created to defame a particular community. We have lodged a complaint with the police and demand strict action against those responsible for creating and circulating the fake video on social media," he said. (With PTI inputs)
01 May,2025 05:40 PM IST | Indore | mid-day online correspondentIndia has closed its airspace to all aircraft registered in Pakistan and those operated by Pakistani airlines, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), another major step following the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in which 26 people were killed. India issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Wednesday, confirming the closure of its airspace to all Pakistani-registered, operated, or leased aircraft, including military flights, from April 30 to May 23 (estimated duration). Both India and Pakistan have now blocked each other's airlines from using their airspace, as the neighbouring country had already announced this step six days ago. Notably, there has been a rise in ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, and the Indian Army has effectively responded. Security forces have intensified anti-terror operations in the Kashmir valley in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and the government has given armed forces complete operational freedom to decide on the response to the brutal terror attack. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met a day after the Pahalgam terror attack. In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. It was noted that this attack came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in Jammu and Kashmir and its steady progress towards economic growth and development. India has taken a raft of measures against Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism, including holding the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance and closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari. India has also decided to curtail the strength of High Commissions. 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
01 May,2025 05:12 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe police on Thursday said that a 22-year-old man drowned in a swimming pool during a birthday party at a farmhouse in the Wathoda area of Nagpur city, reported news agency PTI. The deceased was identified as Pranjal Nitin Rawle, reported PTI. The incident occurred around 2 am on Wednesday at a farm house in Pandhurna village where he was celebrating his friend's birthday. Pranjal, who could not swim, jumped into the pool and began struggling in the deep water. Friends initially thought he was joking, but later pulled him out unconscious, said an official of Wathoda police station, reported PTI. He was taken to the hospital but declared dead, the official added. Police have registered a case of accidental death and further investigation is underway. 7-year-old drowns in water tank In another incident, a seven-year-old girl died after falling into a water tank at Bhiwandi in the district, police said on Thursday, reported PTI. The incident took place on late Tuesday night when the girl, identified as Laxmi Srigiri, was attending a pre-wedding 'haldi' function in her locality along with her family, said an official, reported PTI. While playing with other children she slipped and fell into the water tank of an adjacent building, said the official of Bhiwandi Town Police Station. "The other children raised an alarm, and those present at the event rushed to pull her out of the tank," the officer said. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her dead, reported PTI. The police have registered a case of accidental death and sent the body for post-mortem at a government hospital. Unidentified man found dead, murder suspected The body of an unidentified man in his late 20s has been found on the roadside at Shahapur in the district with the police suspecting a murder, reported PTI. Passers-by noticed the body in the Umbarkhand area on Wednesday and alerted the local police. There were injury marks on the body, reported PTI. Shahapur police have registered a case of murder under section 103(1) of the BNS. (With inputs from PTI)
01 May,2025 02:26 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentSouth Korea's acting President Han Duck-soo said Thursday he was resigning amid reports he will run in next month's presidential election. Han said in a televised briefing he determined he would quit to take a bigger responsibility for the country. South Korean media reported Han will officially launch his presidential campaign Friday. Han was appointed prime minister, the country's No. 2 post, by then-President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office, triggering the by-election. Han has been emerging as a potential conservative standard bearer, as the main conservative People Power Party remains in disarray over Yoon's Dec. 3 imposition of martial law. Observers say Han is expected to align with the People Power Party to launch a unified conservative campaign against liberal front-runner Lee Jae-myung. 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
01 May,2025 01:52 PM IST | South Korea | PTIPrices of Amul milk across variants in the country will be raised by Rs 2 per litre with effect from May 1 (Thursday), the marketing federation which owns the dairy brand announced on Wednesday citing an increase in input costs in the production of the commodity. The increase of Rs 2 per litre translates into a range of 3-4 per cent hike in MRP (maximum retail price) which is much lower than average food inflation, the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) said in a release. The Anand, Gujarat-headquartered federation markets dairy products under the popular 'Amul' brand. "GCMMF, the marketer of milk and milk products under the brand name of Amul, has increased the prices of fresh pouch milk by Rs 2 per litre effective from May 1, 2025, in all markets across the country," said the federation. The federation pointed out that it has not increased the prices of fresh pouch milk since June 2024. "This price hike is being done due to an increase in input costs of production of milk to our 36 lakh milk producers. Our member unions have also increased farmers' prices in the same proportion over the last year," said the release. Following the hike, a 500ml pouch of Amul Gold milk will be available for Rs 34, while a one-litre pouch of the same brand will cost Rs 67 from Thursday in Gujarat, it said. A 500ml pouch of the 'Shakti' variant will now cost 31 in Gujarat, while a 500ml pouch of Cow Milk will be available for Rs 29. One litre pouch of Buffalo Milk pouch will cost Rs 73, while one litre of 'Taaza' pouch will be sold for Rs 55 from May 1, said the release. Mother Dairy has already hiked prices of liquid milk by up to Rs 2 per litre. The new prices will be effective in Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Uttarakhand markets. "Mother Dairy is constrained to revise the consumer price of its liquid milk by up to Rs. 2 per litre, effective from April 30, 2025. This price revision has been necessitated to address the significant increase in procurement costs, which have gone up by Rs. 4 - 5 per litre over the past few months. The surge in procurement prices is primarily driven by early onset of summer and heatwave conditions," a Mother Dairy spokesperson said on Tuesday. The prices of bulk vended milk (toned) has been increased to Rs 56 per litre from Rs 54 per litre. Full cream milk will cost Rs 69 per litre against Rs 68 per litre earlier. The price of cow milk has been revised to Rs 57 per litre from Rs 56 earlier and double-toned milk will now cost Rs 51 per litre compared to the earlier price of Rs 49. (With inputs from Agencies)
01 May,2025 11:22 AM IST | Anand | mid-day online correspondentThe officials on Thursday said that Pakistani troops continued ceasefire violations along the Line of Control for the seventh consecutive night by its unprovoked firing in several sectors across three border districts of Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian military responded proportionately, reported news agency PTI. The exchange of fire occurred even though the directors general of military operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan spoke over the hotline on Tuesday amid rising tensions between the two countries over the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. "During the night of April 30-May 1, 2025, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small arms fire across the Line of Control opposite Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir," a Defence spokesperson in Jammu said, reported PTI. Indian Army troops responded swiftly and proportionately, he added. Initially commencing with unprovoked small arms firing at several posts along the LoC in the Kupwara and Baramulla districts of north Kashmir, Pakistan swiftly expanded its ceasefire violation to the Poonch sector and subsequently to the Akhnoor sector of the Jammu region. It was followed by small arms firing on several posts along the LoC in the Sunderbani and Naushera sectors of Rajouri district on Tuesday night. Subsequently, it expanded the firing to the Pargwal sector along the International Border in Jammu district, reported PTI. Since the night of April 24, just hours after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following the killing of 26 people in the terror attack, Pakistani troops have been resorting to unprovoked firing at various places along the LoC in J&K, beginning from the Kashmir Valley. The Pakistan military has been warned against the unprovoked firings, people familiar with the DGMO talks said. On April 24, Pakistan blocked its airspace for Indian airlines, closed the Wagah border crossing, suspended all trade with India, and stated that any attempt to divert water meant for Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty would be considered an "act of war." India and Pakistan had agreed to a renewed ceasefire along the borders in Jammu and Kashmir in February 2021. The situation has changed significantly since February 2021, when the DGMOs of India and Pakistan reiterated their commitment to the 2003 ceasefire agreement to ensure peace along the de facto border, reported PTI. India shares a total of 3,323 km of border with Pakistan, divided into three parts: the International Border (IB), approximately 2,400 km from Gujarat to the northern banks of the Chenab River in Akhnoor, Jammu; the Line of Control (LoC), 740 km long, running from parts of Jammu to parts of Leh; and the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL), 110 km long, dividing the Siachen region from NJ 9842 to Indira Col in the north. (With inputs from PTI)
01 May,2025 11:01 AM IST | Jammu | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
