Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will represent India at Russia's Victory Day parade on May 9 that will mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Germany in the Second World War, official sources said on Wednesday. Russia invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the grand parade to be held in Moscow but India conveyed to Russia that Singh will attend it. "An invitation was extended to the prime minister to attend the Victory Day Parade at Moscow. The Russian side was informed earlier that India would be represented by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh," said a source. Russia has invited leaders of several friendly nations to attend this year's Victory Day parade. Modi had travelled to Russia twice last year for an annual summit with President Vladimir Putin and to attend the BRICS Summit in Kazan. The Russian president is expected to visit India for the annual summit this year. 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
30 April,2025 06:46 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIAmid the ongoing stand-off between India and Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the Pakistani military, it seems, has started preparing for Indian military action. Sources in the country's military establishment said on Wednesday that Pakistani Navy vessels, including its frigates and submarines, have already positioned themselves in their respective harbours in the sea to be able to tackle any possible Indian movement. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Air Force has reduced flying operations by over 50 per cent, and only essential operations are being conducted to avoid confusion in the airspace, sources said. Earlier, faced with mounting global pressure, a jittery Pakistan leadership resorted to accusations against India following the deadly Pahalgam incident that killed 26 people. The Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, had issued a statement claiming that Pakistan has "credible intelligence" suggesting India plans to launch military action against the nation within the next 24-36 hours. In a post on X, Tarar wrote, "Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends to carry out military action against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident." The post added, "Indian self-assumed hubris role of Judge, Jury and Executioner in the region is reckless and vehemently rejected. Pakistan has been the victim of terrorism itself and truly understands the pain of this scourge. We have always condemned it in all its forms and manifestations anywhere in the world. Being a responsible state, Pakistan offered a credible, transparent, and independent investigation by a neutral commission of experts, which was heartily welcomed." In another instance, Pakistan's foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, stated in the National Assembly that it was under Pakistan's pressure that the name of the resistance forum (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, was deleted from the UNSC statement on Pahalgam, proving once again Pakistan's tacit support to terror operatives. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and pleaded for a neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident. "Had a telephone conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. I reaffirmed Pakistan's condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, rejected baseless Indian accusations, and called for a transparent and neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident...Pakistan remains committed to peace, but will defend its sovereignty with full force if challenged," Sharif wrote on X on Tuesday. The statements come after India took decisive action against Pakistan after the attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 people. 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
30 April,2025 05:16 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIIndia has strongly denounced the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, calling it the deadliest assault on civilians since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. According to ANI, the condemnation was made during an address by Yojna Patel, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VoTAN) held at the UN headquarters. #IndiaAtUN Amb. DPR @PatelYojna delivered India’s statement at the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network. (1/2) @MEAIndia @UN pic.twitter.com/1fd7arhjXy — India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) April 28, 2025 Describing the magnitude of the Pahalgam attack, Patel remarked, “The Pahalgam terrorist attack represents the largest number of civilian casualties since the horrific 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008.” She further stated that India, having been a victim of cross-border terrorism for decades, is acutely aware of the long-lasting trauma inflicted on victims, their families, and society at large. Patel welcomed the solidarity shown by the international community, saying, “India deeply appreciates and values the strong, unequivocal support extended by leaders and governments across the world in the wake of the recent terrorist attack at Pahalgam.” She emphasised that this display of global unity against terrorism signifies an emerging consensus that such acts must be countered with resolute and collective action. Patel also underscored the critical need for accountability, referencing the UN Security Council’s stance on the matter. “The perpetrators, organisers, financiers, and sponsors of these reprehensible acts must be brought to justice,” she asserted. She reiterated India’s firm position that terrorism can never be justified under any circumstance, regardless of the cause or motivation. Focusing on victim-centric policy, Patel praised the formation of VoTAN. “The establishment of the Victims of Terrorism Association is a significant step. It provides a structured, safe platform for victims to be heard, supported, and acknowledged,” she said. Patel highlighted that placing victims at the centre of counter-terrorism efforts will help guide more compassionate and effective responses globally. Without naming Pakistan, Patel criticised the misuse of the UN platform by a specific country to propagate baseless allegations against India. Citing recent developments, she pointed to public remarks made by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif, who admitted on national television to the country’s history of supporting terrorist organisations. “This open confession surprises no one,” Patel said. “It simply reaffirms Pakistan’s role in fuelling terrorism and destabilising the region.” Concluding her statement, Patel urged the global community to act with clarity and resolve. “The world can no longer turn a blind eye,” she said. “I have nothing further to add.” (With inputs from ANI)
30 April,2025 05:07 PM IST | New York | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced a financial assistance of Rs 50 lakh for the families of the victims from the state who lost their lives in the recent Pahalgam terror attack, reported the ANI. The announcement was made during a state cabinet meeting, where Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid tributes to the victims of the attack. Apart from the financial aid, the state government will also focus on the education and employment needs of the families affected by the tragedy, according to the ANI. CM Fadnavis officially announced during the cabinet meeting that Pahalgam terrorist attack victim Santosh Jagdale's daughter will be given a government job. The decision follows after the government had previously mentioned offering a job to the victim's daughter. Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir (J-K) Government also announced ex-gratia worth Rs 10 lakh each for the families of deceased victims and Rs 2 lakh for those who sustained serious injuries. "No amount of money can ever compensate for the loss of loved ones, but as a mark of support and solidarity, the J&K Government announces an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries," the J-K Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said in a post on X." "All arrangements for the dignified transport of the victims back to their homes have been made. The injured are being provided the best medical care," the CMO added. The terror attack in Pahalgam in south Kashmir took place on April 22 at the popular Baisaran meadow, where terrorists targeted tourists, killing 26 people from across the country and leaving several others injured. Acting on the attack, the Indian government suspended the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, downgrading bilateral ties and shutting down Attari checkpost as it hit back at Islamabad over the brazen attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Sunday, during his monthly Mann Ki Baat address, said that victims of the Pahalgam terror attack will definitely get justice, asserting that terrorists and conspirators will be served the harshest punishment. (with ANI inputs)
30 April,2025 05:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi asserted on Tuesday that the armed forces have "complete operational freedom" to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack, as he chaired a meeting with the top defence establishment. During the high-level meeting, which was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the chiefs of three services, PM Modi affirmed that it is the national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism, government sources said. PM Modi expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the armed forces. "They have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of our response," a source quoted Modi as saying. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan was also part of the meeting, which was held amid India weighing its options for countermeasures following the Pahalgam terror attack which left at least 26 civilians, mostly tourists, dead. Modi has vowed to pursue the terrorists behind the attack and their patrons, a clear reference to Pakistan which has a history of sponsoring terror strikes in India, to the "ends of earth" and inflict the harshest punishment on them "beyond their imagination". Terrorists had gunned down tourists, who were from different parts of the country, in the popular destination of Pahalgam in Kashmir exactly a week ago on April 22. This most brutal attack on civilians in a long spell of time in the region has sparked a wave of outrage across the country and a demand for retaliatory action against the perpetrators and their handlers. The prime minister's tough assertions coupled with his government's avowed muscular stand on the issues of national security have heightened expectations of a stringent counteraction from India. In the past, the Modi government carried out surgical strikes inside Pakistan after the terror attack on army soldiers in Uri in 2016 and the Balakot air strike after the killings of CRPF personnel in Pulwama. Following the terror strike in Pahalgam, India has taken a series of measures targeting Pakistan, including putting in abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty with the neighbouring country. Earlier in the day, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan had chaired a high-level meeting which was attended by chiefs of three paramilitary forces and senior officers of two other security organisations, sources said. There was no official word on its agenda. 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.
30 April,2025 05:00 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIA 50-year-old man was shot dead and three others got injured in a violent clash between two groups over a dispute regarding a village pathway here on Wednesday morning, police said. Additional Superintendent of Police (North) Shreeshchandra said that the confrontation erupted in Bhikanpur, Uttar Pradesh, under the Kud Fatehgarh police station area between Subhash Yadav and Sahab Singh Yadav (50) over the "chakroad" (village access path). The argument soon escalated into physical violence, followed by firing from both sides, he said. Sahab Singh Yadav sustained a gunshot wound and died on the spot. His body has been sent for a post-mortem, he added. The three injured individuals were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The police said they have deployed additional forces at the site to maintain law and order. "An FIR will be registered soon based on the complaint, and legal action will follow," the ASP said, assuring that the situation in the village is currently under control. 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
30 April,2025 04:07 PM IST | SambhalAmid rising tensions along the India-Pakistan border, the Punjab government has announced plans to deploy an anti-drone system along its international boundary with Pakistan, according to the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), reported news agency ANI. The deployment aims to counter the increasing use of drones by Pakistan-based elements to smuggle weapons and narcotics into Indian territory. The advanced system will enable security forces to detect, track, and neutralize unauthorized drones in real-time. “The Punjab government will deploy an anti-drone system on the Pakistan border adjoining Punjab. This will effectively thwart attempts to smuggle weapons and drugs via drones from across the border. With this technology, police and security agencies will be able to immediately track and eliminate Pakistani drone intrusions,” the Punjab CMO said in an official statement, reported ANI. The move comes amid heightened security concerns following ongoing ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC). Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Pakistani forces have repeatedly breached the ceasefire agreement. On the night of April 29–30, the Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked small-arms fire from its posts across the LoC in several sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a swift and proportionate response from the Indian Army, reported ANI. In a statement issued Tuesday, the Indian Army reported that Pakistani troops targeted Indian positions in the Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor sectors of the Jammu region. Later reports confirmed similar violations in the Baramulla and Kupwara districts of north Kashmir, as well as across the International Border (IB) in the Pargwal sector. “During the night of April 29–30, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small-arms fire across the Line of Control opposite the Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor sectors. Indian Army troops responded swiftly and proportionately,” the statement said, reported ANI. This marks the sixth consecutive day of ceasefire violations since the Pakistan Army began unprovoked firing on the night of April 25–26. The Indian Army has maintained that it is responding appropriately to all provocations to safeguard national security. (With inputs from ANI)
30 April,2025 03:31 PM IST | New Delhi | ANITensions have resurfaced along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, with villagers in Akhnoor, Naushera, and Sunderbani reporting ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces for the first time in nearly eight years, according to ANI. Residents in the Pargwal sector of Akhnoor stated that they heard multiple rounds of gunfire during the night of 29–30 April. “About 10 to 12 rounds were fired last night. The Indian Army also responded. This kind of ceasefire violation is happening after 7–8 years,” said Ankur Singh, a local resident, speaking to ANI. He added, “We’re used to such situations, but we’re staying alert right now.” Another villager, Raju Singh, shared that gunfire erupted between 8:30 and 9 PM while many were working on their farms. “We received a call telling us to stop work and return home immediately. After that, there was no further firing. But it was unexpected and sudden,” he told ANI, noting that nearly 50 per cent of the crop in the area is yet to be harvested. The ceasefire violation by the Pakistan Army occurred during the night of 29–30 April, with unprovoked small-arms firing from across the LoC. Indian Army positions in the Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor sectors were targeted, prompting a “swift and proportionate” response from Indian troops. Later updates confirmed that similar incidents took place further north in Baramulla and Kupwara districts, along with firing across the International Border (IB) in the Pargwal area. “During the night of 29–30 April, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small-arms fire across the LoC opposite the Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor sectors. Indian Army troops responded swiftly and proportionately,” the Army stated. Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the US has called on both countries "not to escalate" the conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will speak to their foreign ministers "as early as today or tomorrow". US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce at a press briefing on Tuesday said that Washington is reaching out to both India and Pakistan "regarding the Kashmir situation¿ and telling "them not to escalate the situation." Secretary of State Marco Rubio expects to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow. He is encouraging other national leaders and foreign ministers to reach out to the countries on this issue, Bruce said. (With inputs from ANI)
30 April,2025 03:14 PM IST | Srinagar | mid-day online correspondentThe Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has announced the ICSE (Class 10th) and ISC (Class 12th) examination results. Students who appeared for the exams can download the ICSE, ISC results 2025 from cisce.org using their necessary login credentials such as UID and Index Number. Girls outshone boys yet again in the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) class 10 and 12 exams results declared on Wednesday. In class 10 exams, the pass percentage of girls stood at 99.45 per cent while that of boys was marginally lower at 98.64 per cent. Similarly, girls performed better than boys in class 12 too, with girls' pass percentage at 99.45 per cent and boys' pass percentage at 98.64 per cent. The ICSE examination (Class 10) was conducted in 67 written subjects, of which 20 were Indian languages and 14 were foreign languages and 1 was a classical language. The ISC examination (Class 12) was conducted in 47 written subjects, 12 of them Indian languages, four foreign languages and two classical languages. "Candidates and stakeholders can check the results using the CISCE website or the CAREERS portal of the board. The results can also be accessed through Digilocker," chief executive Joseph Emmanuel said. According to the council, those dissatisfied with their recheck results may apply for a re-evaluation of answer scripts in the relevant subjects after May 4. The improvement exams for Class 10 (ICSE) and Class 12 (ISC) will be conducted in July. Class 10th exams commenced on February 18 and concluded on March 27, whereas Class 12th exams were held from February 13 to April 5, 2025. Last year, the CISCE concluded the ICSE Class 10 exams 2024 on March 28 and declared the results on May 6. 99.47 per cent of students passed CISCE Class 10 exams last year. In the ICSE exam, as many as 2,695 schools participated, with 82.48 per cent (2,223) schools achieving a 100 per cent pass percentage. In 2023, the result was declared on May 14 for the exams, which were conducted between February 27 to March 29. Steps to download ICSE, ISC result 2025 Visit the official website cisce.org On the homepage, click on the ICSE and ISC result 2025 link Key in your login details and submit Check and download the result Take a printout for future reference
30 April,2025 01:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA case has been registered against Maharashtra BJP minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and 53 others, including directors of a sugar mill, for allegedly securing loans of nearly Rs 9 crore in the names of farmers using forged documents, reported news agency PTI. The case was registered at Loni police station in Ahilyanagar district on Monday following a directive from a court in Rahata, an official said. The accused include the then chairman and directors of Padmashri Vikhe Patil Sahakari Karkhana (cooperative sugar mill), along with officials of the Union Bank of India and Bank of India, reported PTI. The complaint was filed by Balasaheb Vikhe, a sugarcane cultivator and member of the cooperative sugar mill. As per the complaint, the irregularity occurred in 2004. The then chairman and directors of the mill allegedly prepared loan proposals using fake documents in the names of member-farmers. With the help of bank officials, they allegedly secured loans of Rs 3.11 crore and Rs 5.74 crore, reported PTI. However, the loan amounts were never credited to the accounts of the farmers in whose names the proposals had been submitted. Instead, the money was siphoned off by sugar mill officials and bank staff, the complaint said. The accused also allegedly benefited from a government farm loan waiver scheme. The offence was registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code after the magistrate's court, acting on a petition filed under section 156(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, directed the police to initiate action, the official said, reported PTI. The section empowers a magistrate to order a police investigation into a cognizable offence. Reacting to the registration of the FIR, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should immediately seek Vikhe Patil's resignation, reported PTI. "This is a matter of shame for the Mahayuti government," she told reporters on Tuesday. (With inputs from PTI)
30 April,2025 12:47 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentAn official from the institute on Wednesday said that three postgraduate students of the state-run BJ Medical College in Pune have been suspended and removed from their hostel for allegedly ragging junior doctors, reported news agency PTI. The Pune medical college took action after it received a complaint against three second-year PG students from the Orthopaedic Department, said Dr Eknath Pawar, dean of the medical college, which is attached to the Sassoon General Hospital, reported news PTI. Sources in the Pune medical college told PTI that the accused targeted four junior medical students from their department. They allegedly harassed the juniors mentally, sometimes physically, and even used intimidating language, the sources told PTI. "The parents of the students first approached Mantralaya (state secretariat) in Mumbai. On Monday, the college authorities received a complaint. We formed a committee to investigate the matter. Based on the findings, three PG students were suspended and removed from their hostel," said Pawar, reported PTI. A probe is underway, he added. Cheating case registered against Maharashtra BJP minister Vikhe Patil, 53 others A case has been registered against Maharashtra BJP minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and 53 others, including directors of a sugar mill, for allegedly securing loans of nearly Rs 9 crore in the names of farmers using forged documents. The case was registered at Loni police station in Ahilyanagar district on Monday following a directive from a court in Rahata, an official said. The accused include the then chairman and directors of Padmashri Vikhe Patil Sahakari Karkhana (cooperative sugar mill), along with officials of the Union Bank of India and Bank of India. The complaint was filed by Balasaheb Vikhe, a sugarcane cultivator and member of the cooperative sugar mill. As per the complaint, the irregularity occurred in 2004. The then chairman and directors of the mill allegedly prepared loan proposals using fake documents in the names of member-farmers. With the help of bank officials, they allegedly secured loans of Rs 3.11 crore and Rs 5.74 crore. However, the loan amounts were never credited to the accounts of the farmers in whose names the proposals had been submitted. Instead, the money was siphoned off by sugar mill officials and bank staff, the complaint said. The accused also allegedly benefited from a government farm loan waiver scheme. The offence was registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code after the magistrate's court, acting on a petition filed under section 156(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, directed the police to initiate action, the official said. The section empowers a magistrate to order a police investigation into a cognizable offence. (With inputs from PTI)
30 April,2025 12:38 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
