The Border Security Force’s (BSF) Meghalaya Frontier, in two separate operations along the India-Bangladesh border, intercepted and apprehended five Bangladeshi nationals attempting to illegally enter India, officials said on Sunday. According to an official press release, on Saturday, as part of BSF Meghalaya’s continued efforts to curb illegal infiltration and other cross-border crimes, the personnel acted on specific intelligence inputs and successfully intercepted five individuals attempting to cross the international border unlawfully and detained them, news agency ANI reported. During a special operation conducted by the BSF personnel from the 193rd Battalion, two Bangladeshi nationals from Sunamganj District were apprehended along the international boundary in East Khasi Hills district. They confessed that they had crossed the border in search of employment opportunities in India. Both were handed over to the police for further legal action. In a separate operation, the troops from the 50th Battalion witnessed suspicious movement along the border and responded swiftly, nabbing three Bangladeshi nationals hailing from Pabna, Sherpur, and Kishoreganj Districts, ANI reported. Upon further questioning, it was revealed that the trio had previously been employed as tailors in a garment factory in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. They were subsequently handed over to Mahendraganj Police Station in West Garo Hills for further legal proceedings. "The BSF remains resolute in its mission to safeguard the international border and will continue to take firm action against all forms of unlawful activity," the official statement read, highlighting BSF Meghalaya’s persistent efforts to prevent illegal activities such as cross-border smuggling and infiltration. In an earlier operation, BSF Meghalaya had apprehended four Bangladeshi nationals, including a tout, while they were attempting to infiltrate into Indian territory near the international border in South Garo Hills, the official statement added. Acting on precise intelligence regarding illegal crossings in the area, the troops from the 200th Battalion promptly alerted the Baghmara Mobile Check Post (MCP) and launched a coordinated operation. During the operation, the BSF personnel intercepted a Tata Winger vehicle suspected of being used for the illegal crossing. Upon inspection, four Bangladeshi nationals—including one tout—were apprehended, and the vehicle was seized, ANI reported. (With ANI inputs)
04 May,2025 06:10 PM IST | Shillong | mid-day online correspondentAn air hostess was allegedly molested by a drunk male passenger on a Delhi-Shirdi flight in Maharashtra, police said on Sunday. The accused was apprehended after the IndiGo flight landed at Shirdi airport on Friday afternoon. The police official said the passenger touched the air hostess inappropriately near the toilet of the flight. Aggrieved by the indecent act, the air hostess alerted her crew manager, who, in turn, informed security personnel after the flight landed at the Shirdi airport, the official said, adding that the passenger was taken into custody. He was escorted to Rahata police station where a case of molestation was registered. His medical examination confirmed that he had consumed alcohol. The official said the accused was served a notice by Rahata Police. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
04 May,2025 04:38 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIThe CPI(M) on Sunday called the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam a “major security lapse” and demanded a thorough investigation to fix accountability, while stressing on the urgent need to identify and punish the perpetrators, reported news agency PTI. In a statement issued a day after its Polit Bureau meeting, the Left party also warned against the misuse of the incident to stoke communal tensions and expressed concern over rising polarisation. The CPI(M) observed a minute’s silence for the 26 victims of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and expressed deep sorrow at the loss of lives. Emphasising the need for a strategic response, the party urged the government to prepare a comprehensive dossier on the attack and present it to the international community, PTI reported. “The terrorist attack was the result of a major security lapse. This must be enquired into and responsibility fixed so that remedial measures are taken,” the statement said. The Polit Bureau further condemned the hate campaign targeting Muslims and Kashmiris on social media, along with reported attacks on individuals. While acknowledging the government’s diplomatic steps aimed at curbing terrorism emanating from Pakistan, the CPI(M) said efforts must be focused on identifying those directly responsible for the attack and their handlers. First statement by the new #CPIM Polit Bureau which held its meeting on May 3 pic.twitter.com/YjVl5wB4rM — CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) May 4, 2025 Centre should weigh in if military response will deter cross-border terrorism: CPI (M) “The matter should be taken up with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for suitable intervention. The government should seriously weigh whether a military response will serve the purpose of curbing cross-border terrorism and act as a deterrent,” it added. The party praised the people of Kashmir for condemning the attack and holding protests, calling it “the most significant event”. It noted that the valley observed a shutdown in response. “It is this popular sentiment which must be built upon to isolate the terrorist elements in Jammu and Kashmir. No measures should be taken, such as the demolition of houses of terrorists, which affects innocent families and alienates people,” the CPI(M) cautioned. The statement also addressed the growing communal tensions following the enactment of the Waqf (Amendment) Act by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central government. The CPI(M) alleged that Muslim properties were being selectively targeted and accused the BJP of using the legislation to further religious polarisation, reported PTI. The party pointed to remarks by ruling party leaders about extending scrutiny to Church-owned properties and said: “The real intention appears to be the appropriation of assets belonging to all minority communities, thereby undermining their constitutionally guaranteed rights and protections.” It also warned that the situation was being exploited by Muslim extremist groups, which, in turn, played into the hands of “Hindutva communal forces”. ‘Operation Kagar has created fear among adivasis in Chhattisgarh’ On domestic policy, the Polit Bureau welcomed the Centre’s decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming general census, calling it a “positive decision”. However, it criticised the lack of clarity on the modalities and demanded that the Centre announce a timeline for conducting the long-pending census. The CPI(M) also strongly criticised Operation Kagar, the Centre’s offensive against Maoist insurgents in Chhattisgarh, and said that it had created a climate of fear among Adivasis. “The Maoists have proposed a dialogue with the government. The lives of innocent Adivasis must not be lost in the crossfire. The government should accept the offer of peace talks, as the issue cannot be resolved solely through the use of arms,” the party stated. On the Bihar Assembly Elections, likely to be held by the end of the year, the party said that it has begun its preparations and is already in talks with the allies in the Mahagathbandhan coalition. (With PTI inputs)
04 May,2025 04:18 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday criticized the Maharashtra government, alleging that the Ladki Bahin Yojana has effectively been shut down. He accused the ruling Mahayuti coalition of failing to deliver on its election promises. Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Raut said, “The Ladki Bahin scheme has been closed. Earlier, you promised Rs 1,500, and now only Rs 500 is being given. During the elections, there was talk of Rs 2,100 being provided. But now Deputy CM Ajit Pawar says, ‘When did I say that? I never made such a promise.’ But the government is yours, right? You are the Deputy Chief Minister. Once in office, you start saying, ‘My money, my money’, but this money is meant for the Ladki Bahin scheme,” according to ANI. The Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched by the Mahayuti alliance, aims to provide financial support to eligible women across Maharashtra. However, leaders from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction have criticized the government, alleging a deliberate attempt to reduce the number of beneficiaries and questioning the government's commitment to women's welfare and electoral accountability. “This is a shameless policy. They are going back on all the promises made during the elections. Even today, only Rs 1,500 is being given to the Ladli sisters, and efforts are being made to cut down the number of beneficiaries,” Aaditya Thackeray said while speaking to the media in March, according to ANI. On March 10, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar presented the state budget in the Assembly. He announced a total allocation of Rs 36,000 crore for the Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahini Yojana, stating that financial aid was being provided to 2.53 crore women beneficiaries under the scheme. For the 2025–26 fiscal year, the Maharashtra government has proposed a total expenditure of Rs 7.20 lakh crore. Estimated revenue receipts are projected at Rs 5,60,964 crore, while revenue expenditure is expected to be Rs 6,06,855 crore, according to ANI reports. Despite these budget announcements, the Uddhav Thackeray faction continues to criticize the Mahayuti government, calling its policy implementation “shameless” and unfaithful to the promises made during the election campaign. (With inputs from ANI)
04 May,2025 02:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe tragic Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, has drawn widespread international attention and support for India. Countries across the globe, including the US, UK, and several others, have expressed solidarity with India and have condemned the terror attack. Lisa Nandy, the UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said, “The United Kingdom stands with the people of India against terrorism.” She had recently visited India, and during her trip, she emphasized the deep and historic ties between the two nations. Nandy confirmed that part of her visit was dedicated to signing a new cultural cooperation agreement between the UK and India. Later speaking about the attack, she said that, “Our Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, was very pleased to send his condolences directly to Prime Minister Modi and to the families of the victims of these appalling attacks. The UK stands with India against terrorism, always in whatever form it takes. We know the Indian nation is hurting because of the attack, and when you're hurting, we're hurting. I was honoured to join in a minute's silence to show our respect and support for India’s fight against terrorism,” according to ANI. On a positive note, Nandy also expressed her excitement about India hosting the 50-over Women’s Cricket World Cup later this year, the first time since 2013. During her visit, she met with members of the Indian women’s cricket team and praised their role in inspiring the next generation. She shared that the Indian women’s team will be visiting the UK this summer, alongside the men’s team. Nandy said she hopes these athletes will inspire young women in the UK, much like how the England Lionesses have encouraged more girls to take up football. Highlighting broader cooperation, Nandy added, “Across the creative industries, film, fashion, TV, music, gaming , the UK and India both excel. We already export so much to the world, but through collaboration, we can do even more. Our Science Museum Group has partnered with India’s National Museum Science Museums group on joint exhibitions and collaborations. We want people in both countries to benefit from these efforts. That’s the model we hope to replicate across all creative sectors, Nandy concluded,” according to the ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
04 May,2025 11:12 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe portals of Badrinath Dham were opened on Sunday morning amid melodious tunes of the Army band and chants of Jai Badri Vishal by the devotees. Flower petals were showered on the devotees on the occasion. The devotional tunes were being played by a band of the Indian Army's Garhwal Rifles here. On the occasion, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj said, "Today the whole country is happy. Devotees should come in large numbers to offer prayers at the Dham. Devotees experience spiritual bliss here." The Char Dham Yatra 2025 officially began on April 30, with the doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham opening on Akshaya Tritiya amid Vedic chants and rituals. On May 2, the doors of Kedarnath were opened. The Shri Badrinath temple was adorned with 40 quintals of flowers as the doors of Badrinath Dham were opened. Earlier on May 1, Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP) Deepam Seth and Additional Director General (ADG) V Murugeshan had arrived at the revered Shri Badrinath Dham and assessed preparations. The senior officers had reviewed critical aspects, including security arrangements, traffic management, communication systems, and crowd control measures along the entire Yatra route. So far, over 22 lakh pilgrims have registered at the Rishikesh Transit Camp for the sacred journey. The Hindu pilgrimage Char Dham circuit consists of four sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The River Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in Uttarakhand. Pilgrimage season peaks in Uttarakhand for the Char Dham Yatra annually during the summers. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday asserted that the safe travel of the devotees at the Kedarnath Temple is the state government's top priority. The Hindu pilgrimage Char Dham circuit consists of four sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The River Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in Uttarakhand. Pilgrimage season peaks in Uttarakhand for the Char Dham Yatra annually during the summers. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 May,2025 11:10 AM IST | Chamoli | ANIPresident Droupadi Murmu on Saturday welcomed Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco at Rashtrapati Bhavan and expressed gratitude for his solidarity and condemnation of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In her welcome speech, President Murmu said, "I am very pleased to welcome President Joao Lourenco of Angola and his delegation to Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Lourenco is on his first State visit to India. This is a historic occasion as this is the first high-level visit between us in the last four decades, and it comes at a time when both countries are celebrating forty years of establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations." In her remarks, President Murmu highlighted that terror attack in Pahalgam demonstrated that the international community needs to take concrete steps to prevent terrorism. "I would like to thank you on behalf of the Government and the people of India for the strong support you have expressed following the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. This incident has once again demonstrated that the international community needs to take concrete steps to prevent terrorism and those who promote it," she said. President Murmu also acknowledged Angola's role in promoting peace across the African continent, saying, "We appreciate the role you have played as a mediator in the ongoing conflicts in the Middle and West Africa region. India stands by your commitment to promoting peace and security in the African continent." Earlier, Angola President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, who is on a state visit to India, condemned the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and expressed his solidarity with the people of India. "Angola was one of the first to react immediately after the sad events in the Kashmir region, where human lives were victimised. In due time, we made the Indian authorities realise our feelings of sorrow for the Indian people and their families. Since it was an act of terrorism and Angola obviously condemns any terrorism, regardless of where it is committed," the Angolan president said. The terror attack on April 22 in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam targeted tourists, killing 26 people, including one Nepali citizen. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has taken strong measures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 May,2025 11:09 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIThree people died after a slab of an under-construction bridge collapsed in Cuttack on Saturday night, said officials. The officials said that the cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained. "An unfortunate incident has happened...Five people were injured, of whom three died. The reason behind the incident will be known after investigation," Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, District Magistrate of Cuttack, told reporters. BJP MLA Prakash Chandra Sethi, who represents Cuttack Sadar in the Odisha Assembly, also reached the spot of the incident. "An unfortunate incident has happened...Three people died in the incident...The injured have been admitted to the hospital...The reason behind the incident will be known after the investigation," Sethi told ANI. Further details are awaited. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 May,2025 11:09 AM IST | Cuttack | ANIThe services of Krishnamurthy Subramanian as Executive Director (India) at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have been terminated, an official statement issued by the goverment read. The announcement was made earlier on Friday as per the order dated April 30, 2025. "The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the termination of services of Dr Krishnamurthy Subramanian as Executive Director (India) at the International Monetary Fund with immediate effect," an official order issued by the Ministry of Personnel read. Subramanian was appointed to the IMF post in August 2022. Prior to he served as the 17th Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) to the Government of India from 2018 to 2021. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on April 22 lowered India's growth projection for the fiscal year 2025-26 to 6.2 per cent. This reflects a more cautious outlook amid global trade disruptions posed by the reciprocal tariffs by the US and domestic challenges. In its World Economic Outlook (WEO) report for April, it slashed the economic growth rate forecast of almost every economy. In its annual publication, the global body said that the growth outlook for the Indian economy is relatively more stable at 6.2 per cent in 2025 (Fiscal 2025-26). The growth of the Indian economy is supported by private consumption, especially in the rural areas, but this rate is 0.3 percentage points lower than in the January 2025 WEO estimate, impacted by trade tensions and global uncertainties. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 May,2025 11:08 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIIndia and Angola have decided to boost their defence cooperation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi offering $200 million worth of lines of credit in defence during the visit of Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco. Briefing reporters about the visit, Secretary (Economic Relations), Dammu Ravi said defence is another area of cooperation that has attracted a lot of attention. "During this visit, the Prime Minister has offered 200 million dollars worth of lines of credit, defence line of credit in Indian rupees. They will be sourcing defence equipment from India. Already they are in touch with the private companies and also public sector companies for various items to be sourced from India," he said. "Important aspect is there is a commonality. They have a large number of Soviet equipment, defence equipment, which needs to be serviced, overhauled, and do the maintenance. So in the days to come, both sides will be engaging, expert-level interactions as to how to take forward this particular cooperation," he added. PM Modi had delegation-level talks with the visiting leader. In his remarks during the press statements, PM Modi said it is a historic moment and that President of Angola is visiting India after 38 years. "His visit is not only giving a new direction and momentum to India-Angola ties, but also strengthening India-Africa partnership.This year, India and Angola are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. But our ties are much older and deeper than that. When Angola was fighting for its freedom, India stood by it with unwavering faith and friendship," PM Modi said. "Today, we have close cooperation in various sectors. India is one of the largest buyers of Angola's oil and gas. We have decided to expand our energy partnership. I am pleased to announce the approval of a $200 million defence credit line for the modernization of Angola's armed forces. We have also discussed the repair and overhaul of defence platforms and supplies. India would be glad to cooperate in the training of Angola's armed forces," he added. PM Modi said India will share its capabilities with Angola in Digital Public Infrastructure, Space Technology, and Capacity Building. "Today we have also decided to further strengthen our relations in the sectors of Healthcare, Diamond processing, fertilizer and Critical minerals. The popularity of Yoga and Bollywood in Angola reflects the deep cultural connection between our two countries. To strengthen our people-to-people relations, we have decided to start a Youth Exchange Programme among our youth," PM Modi said. He said India welcomes Angola's decision to join the International Solar Alliance. "We have also invited Angola to join India's initiatives Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Big Cat Alliance and Global Biofuels Alliance," PM Modi said. He said both agree that terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity. "I thanked President Lourenco and the people of Angola for their condolences on the loss of lives in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. We are committed to take firm and decisive action against the terrorists and those who support them. We thank Angola for their support in our fight against cross-border terrorism," he said. PM Modi extend my best wishes to Angola for its chairmanship of the African Union. "It is a matter of great pride for us that the African Union was granted permanent membership of the G20, during India's G20 presidency. India and African countries raised their voices in unison against colonial rule, inspiring one another in the process. Today, we stand united in advocating for the interests, hopes, expectations, and aspirations of the Global South," he said. "Our cooperation with African countries has gained momentum in the last decade. Our mutual trade has reached nearly $100 billion. There has been progress on defence cooperation and maritime security," he said. Last month, the first naval maritime exercise between India and Africa, "AIKEYME" was conducted. PM Modi said that over the past decade, India has established 17 new embassies across Africa. "Credit lines worth more than $12 billion have been allocated for Africa. Apart from this, grant assistance of $700 million has been given to African countries. Vocational training centres have been opened in 8 African countries. We are collaborating with five African countries in the development of Digital Public Infrastructure. In times of disaster, we have been privileged to serve as 'First Responders', standing shoulder to shoulder with the people of Africa," PM Modi said. "India and the African Union are partners in progress. We are pillars of the Global South. I am confident that under Angola's leadership, the relationship between India and the African Union will reach new heights," he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 May,2025 11:07 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIThis is the 10th consecutive day India has been responding strongly against Pakistan’s unprovoked small arms firing along the Line of Control on the night of April 25–26. Tensions continue to rise along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir as Pakistani troops continue to engage in unprovoked small arms firing. The firings, which began after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir, killed around 26 people including one Nepali citizen, has triggered a strong and retaliatory response from the Indian Army. The Indian Army stated that these provocations began on the night of April 24 2025, shortly after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and closed its airspace to Pakistani aircraft following the Pahalgam attack. Since then, the ceasefire violations have spread from northern Kashmir to the Jammu region. According to the reports the ceasefire violations were reported at eight sectors from five districts, which includes the districts of Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, and Jammu, during the night of May 3-4. The Indian Defence spokespersons confirmed that Indian troops responded "promptly and proportionately" to the aggression. According to the PTI, the Indian Army troops have responded in a calibrated and proportionate manner for these unprovoked firings which has led to the breaching of the ceasefire. These ceasefire breaches come despite a recent communication between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries, during which India issued a warning to Pakistan for its actions at the border. In response to the escalations, border villagers have begun preparing community and personal bunkers amid growing concerns of further conflict. Pakistan has also taken retaliatory diplomatic and economic steps, including suspending trade, closing the Wagah border, and warning against water diversion, calling it an "Act of War." According to the reports from PTI the ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) have been rare since India and Pakistan renewed their ceasefire agreement on February 25, 2021. As a precaution, anxious border villagers have begun cleaning out their community and preparing personal bunkers for further taking the required steps, said officials.
04 May,2025 10:15 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
