Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday have set the ball rolling for the deportation of 60 Pakistanis, one of them being the mother of a policeman killed in a terror attack, officials said. They were all collected from various districts and taken in buses to Punjab, where they will be handed over to the Pakistani authorities at the Wagah border, officials added. Most of the deportees are wives and children of ex-militants, who returned to the valley under the 2010 rehabilitation policy for former ultras, PTI reported. Of them, 36 had been living in Srinagar, nine each in Baramulla and Kupwara, four in Budgam, and two in Shopian district, officials said. Shameema Akhtar, the mother of Special Police Officer Mudasir Ahmad Shaikh, who died in May 2022 while fighting terrorists, is one of the deportees, reported PTI. Mudasir was part of the team of undercover operatives of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, which intercepted a group of foreign terrorists. "My sister-in-law is from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir which is our territory. Only Pakistanis should have been deported," an apparently not happy Mohammad Younus, Mudasir's uncle, told reporters. After Mudasir's death, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the family, so did the Lieutenant Governor, twice, he said. "My bhabhi was 20 years old when she came here and has been living here for 45 years now. My appeal to (PM Narendra) Modi and Amit Shah is that they should not do it," Younus said. Reconsider decision to deport Pakistanis married to Indians: Mehbooba Mufti Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday urged the government to reconsider the decision to deport Pakistani citizens who are married to Indians and have been living here for many years, reported PTI. She said a compassionate approach needs to be adopted. "The recent government directive to deport all Pakistani nationals from India has raised serious humanitarian concerns, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. Many affected are women who came to India 30-?40 years ago, married Indian citizens, raised families and have long been part of our society," Mufti said in a post on X. The former Jammu-Kashmir CM said deporting individuals who have lived peacefully in India for decades would be inhumane and would inflict deep emotional distress on the families. "We urge the government to reconsider this decision and adopt a compassionate approach regarding women, children and elderly. Deporting individuals who have lived peacefully in India for decades would not only be inhumane but also would inflict deep emotional and physical distress on families who now know no other home," said Mufti. (With PTI inputs)
29 April,2025 06:34 PM IST | Srinagar | mid-day online correspondentA student from Jammu and Kashmir studying at a pharmacy college in Nagpur was allegedly thrashed by a group of locals, police said on Tuesday, adding that the motive behind the incident is not clear. The incident took place on the evening of April 27 in the Kamptee area of Nagpur, reported news agency PTI. However, no complaint has been received so far from the victim, said a senior police officer. Explaining the sequence of events, the officer said that two first-year Bachelor of Pharmacy students – hailing from the Doda town and Jammu – were on their way to their hostel around 6.15 pm, when one of them went to answer nature's call and the other student stood on the roadside waiting for him. Around two-three residents reached the spot and started questioning the student who was standing on the roadside and sought to know from where he hailed from. Speaking to PTI, the student said that he told the locals that they hailed from Jammu and Kashmir, but the "anti-social elements" started beating them. Meanwhile, the other student returned and informed the residents that both were studying in a local college. After this, the locals allowed them to go, the officer informed. The victim ruled out a hate motive behind the attack and said it was their first year in Nagpur and they did not know the area, where the incident took place, reported PTI. Later, one of the pupils informed about the incident to Jammu and Kashmir Students Association office-bearer Nasir Khuehami, who posted about it on his X account and urged Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis to intervene in the matter. "The student from Doda area of J&K was brutally thrashed without any rhyme & reason by fringe elements," he said. "Some of the assailants knocked him down and started punching him on the face and stomach, and hitting him on his knees. He was slapped eight-nine times on the face, neck, back, and arms," the student leader wrote and requested CM Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio, to intervene in the matter and take strict action against the culprits. Khuehami said after the incident was brought to the notice of the Maharashtra CM’s office, he got a call from Inspector-General of Police (Law & Order) Manoj Kumar Sharma, who took details about the incident from him and also the phone number of the victim. He said that the IGP assured him that strict legal action will be taken against the culprits. (With PTI inputs)
29 April,2025 05:41 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentIndia and France on Monday inked an intergovernmental agreement to procure 26 naval variants of Rafale fighter jets at a cost of Rs 63,000 crore for the Indian Navy. The pact was sealed at a virtual event. India is procuring the jets from French defence major Dassault Aviation for deployment on board aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was present at the signing ceremony. The sealing of the mega deal came three weeks after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared the procurement. Under the terms of reference, the delivery of the jets will have to start around five years after signing of the contract. In July 2023, the defence ministry accorded the initial approval for the mega acquisition following a series of deliberations and evaluation tests of the platform. The government-to-government contract includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale (Marine) jets, customised for Indian requirements and carrier integration. Under the deal, the Indian Navy will also get associated ancillary equipment, including weapon systems and spares from Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale (Marine) jets. The contract also encompasses a comprehensive package for maintenance, logistics, training, and indigenous component manufacturing. 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
29 April,2025 05:30 PM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesThe officials in Hingoli district of Maharashtra have asked the management of wedding halls to verify birth or school transfer certificates of would-be brides and grooms to curb child marriages in the district, the PTI reported. A release issued by district collector Rahul Gupta highlighted occasional anomalies in the Aadhaar cards submitted before marriage and original birth certificates. "Considering such instances, the wedding hall offices should ask for either the birth certificate or the school transfer certificate during the booking process of the marriage ceremony," the release says, according to the PTI. In the past, several districts in the state has witnessed cases of child marriages. In February this year, the authorities had foiled a family's attempt to marry off a 16-year-old girl in Maharashtra's Thane district, the officials had earlier said, PTI had reported. The Pune's child welfare department office had received an anonymous call, following which authorities in Thane stopped the marriage ceremony in the Ulhasnagar area on February 26. The minor girl was about to get married to a 24-year-old man residing in Solapur. According to a previous PTI report, after being alerted, the child welfare committee officials in Thane immediately rushed to the venue where family members from both sides and guests had assembled for the wedding ceremony, Thane district child welfare officer Ramkrishna Reddy had earlier said. After halting the ceremony, the officials held a meeting with the parents of the girl and the man. During questioning, they revealed that the girl's father was seriously ill and hence, the family wanted to get her married at the earliest, the official said. A case has been registered against the groom, both their parents, the priest who was conducting the ceremony and others under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, he said. In an another incident in September last year, the Thane city police had registered an FIR against 11 persons, including a 31-year-old woman from Pune, over the illegal marriage of her minor daughter. The 13-year-old girl was married to a man from Mumbra in Thane district on August 8 despite objections from the teenager's father, the Thane city police official had earlier said. The girl's father first approached the Child Welfare Officer and the FIR was registered on September 25 on his directions. The 11 individuals, including the man who married the minor and his relatives, were booked under the Prevention of Child Marriage Act, the Thane city police official had said. (with PTI inputs)
29 April,2025 04:40 PM IST | Hingoli (Maharashtra) | mid-day online correspondentAkshaya Tritiya, also fondly called Akha Teej, is one of those days in the year when everything feels just right to start something new. In 2025, this special day will be observed on Wednesday, 30th April. It falls on the third day (Tritiya) of the bright fortnight of the Vaishakha month, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. What makes Akshaya Tritiya so special? The word Akshaya comes from Sanskrit, means something that never ends, something that keeps growing, be it happiness, peace, or wealth. That’s why people consider this day incredibly lucky for doing any kind of good deed, like donating to a cause, starting a new business, or even buying gold. Over the years, Akshaya Tritiya has become deeply connected with gold purchases. It’s believed that buying gold on this day invites long-lasting prosperity into the home. Many families, young couples, and even first-time investors make it a point to buy at least a small coin or ornament to mark the occasion. The golden hour: When to buy gold this Akshaya Tritiya If you're thinking of buying gold, here are the most favourable times to do so: Tuesday, 29th April 2025Tritiya Tithi starts at 5:31 pmYou can begin your gold shopping from 5:31 pm onwards Evening muhurat (Labha): 8:17 pm to 9:37 pmLate night muhurats (Shubha, Amrita, Chara): 10:58 pm to 3:01 am (30th April) Wednesday, 30th April 2025Puja muhurat: 5:42 am to 12:19 pmTritiya Tithi ends at 2:12 pmBest morning hours (Labha, Amrita): 5:42 am to 9:01 amAnother good window (Shubha): 10:40 am to 12:19 pm According to Drik Panchang, these timings are considered especially favourable for purchasing gold, whether as jewellery, coins, or even digital investments. Why this day matters Akshaya Tritiya carries rich cultural and mythological roots. It is believed to mark the start of Treta Yuga, the era in which Lord Rama was born. The day is also linked to the birth of Lord Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. In some legends, this is the day Ved Vyasa began narrating the Mahabharata to Lord Ganesh, and also the day Sudama visited Krishna, resulting in divine blessings. The festival also enjoys a unique status in Vedic astrology. It is considered a Sarva Siddhi Muhurat, meaning it’s free from any planetary doshas or inauspicious timings. Unlike most Hindu rituals, no separate muhurat is required to commence something new on Akshaya Tritiya. The evolving gold tradition From traditional gold bangles passed down generations to sleek digital gold investments, the manner in which people participate in Akshaya Tritiya is changing, but the emotion remains the same. Gold continues to be a powerful symbol of growth, security, and generational wealth, making it the gift of choice for the day. In cities across India, jewellers prepare months in advance for the influx of customers. Families plan big-ticket purchases, whether it's gold for a wedding, coins to mark a birth, or simply an addition to their savings. So, whether you're buying your first gold coin, setting up your dream business, or simply offering prayers for your loved ones, Akshaya Tritiya is a lovely reminder that good beginnings matter and that some traditions, old or new, are worth keeping.
29 April,2025 03:51 PM IST | Mumbai | Anisha ShrivastavaThe National Archives of India (NAI) has officially acquired the personal and official documents of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, India’s 11th President and one of its most revered scientists. The collection includes his passport, Aadhaar card, PAN card, tour reports, original correspondences, photographs, and lectures delivered across institutions, reported news agency PTI. Often hailed as the “Missile Man of India” for his pivotal role in India’s missile development and the Pokhran-II nuclear tests, Dr. Kalam’s legacy is now further preserved for generations of researchers and citizens. According to NAI officials, the acquisition took place on Monday and includes an extensive compilation of material reflecting Kalam’s professional and personal life, reported PTI. The National Archives of India, operating under the Ministry of Culture, serves as the custodian of non-current records of the Government of India. Under the Public Records Act, 1993, it also preserves documents and personal papers of individuals who have made historic contributions to the nation, reported PTI. Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Kalam rose from humble beginnings to become a pioneer in aerospace engineering and a key figure in India’s strategic defence initiatives. He served with distinction in ISRO and DRDO, and his leadership was instrumental in shaping India’s missile and nuclear capabilities. Apart from his scientific contributions, Dr. Kalam was a prolific author and passionate advocate for youth empowerment. His books such as Wings of Fire, Ignited Minds, and India 2020 continue to inspire millions. Widely loved for his humility and accessibility, he was fondly known as the “People’s President.” Post-presidency, Kalam remained dedicated to education, travelling across the country to mentor and motivate young minds. His personal motto of dreaming big and striving toward national progress left a profound impact on India’s youth. The invaluable documents were donated to the National Archives by his niece, APJM Nazema Maraikayar, and grand-nephew, APJMJ Sheik Saleem. In recognition of his lifetime of service, Dr. Kalam was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, reported PTI. Dr. Kalam passed away in July 2015, but his vision, values, and voice continue to echo in the hearts of a nation he served selflessly. (With inputs from PTI)
29 April,2025 03:08 PM IST | New Delhi | 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)
29 April,2025 02:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIf you’ve got important banking tasks lined up for the week, you may want to reschedule. Banks across several Indian states are slated to remain closed for three consecutive days, from Tuesday, April 29, to Wednesday, May 1. The closures fall in line with regional observances including Bhagwan Shri Parshuram Jayanti, Basava Jayanti, Akshaya Tritiya, Maharashtra Day, and Labour Day. As is customary, bank holidays vary based on state-specific calendars and RBI notifications under the Negotiable Instruments Act. Tuesday, April 29: Parshuram Jayanti To honour the birth of Lord Parshuram, believed to be the sixth avatar of Vishnu, banks in Shimla will remain shut. Devotees mark the day with fasting, temple visits, and rituals dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Though the public holiday is not pan-India, it holds strong religious relevance in certain northern states. Tuesday, 30 April: Basava Jayanti and Akshaya Tritiya Bengaluru banks will be closed in observance of Basava Jayanti, which commemorates the birth of 12th-century philosopher and social reformer Basavanna. Revered particularly in Karnataka, the occasion celebrates his contributions towards establishing an egalitarian society and promoting values such as compassion, equality, and non-violence. The same day also marks Akshaya Tritiya, a festival considered profoundly auspicious in the Hindu calendar. Associated with enduring prosperity, it is a popular day for purchasing gold, silver, and property. As a result, the day often sees a significant uptick in jewellery purchases and home registrations. Wednesday, 1 May: Maharashtra Day and Labour Day A number of Indian states, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Patna, and several others, will see bank closures in honour of Maharashtra Day and International Labour Day. Maharashtra Day commemorates the formation of the state of Maharashtra in 1960, when it was carved out of the erstwhile Bombay State following a movement driven by Marathi-speaking citizens. Labour Day, observed globally, pays homage to the working class and their contributions to the economy. Despite physical branch closures, core banking functions remain accessible. Internet banking, mobile applications, and ATM services will continue to operate as usual. Keep in mind that, along with these regional public holidays, banks in India also observe closures on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. Stock markets to take a break on 1 May As both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) are based in Mumbai, they too will remain closed on 1 May, in observance of Maharashtra Day.
29 April,2025 01:23 PM IST | Mumbai | Anisha ShrivastavaThree persons have been arrested for allegedly raping a girl in Jharkhand's Ranchi district, police said on Tuesday. The incident took place a few days back under Namkum police station area, but the father of the victim lodged an FIR on April 27. "Based on the complaint, a team was set up and all three accused involved in the crime were arrested. They admitted their crime," Ranchi Superintendent of Police (Rural) Sumit Kumar Agarwal said. The accused were identified as Jagdish Swansi (20), Vishnu Munda (18) and Deepak Munda (19), according to a police statement. Vishnu knew the victim and they were in touch on social media, Agarwal said. As per the complaint, the girl was taken by Vishnu to a hilly area while she was returning from a market. Vishnu's two associates were already present in the area. Then, all three accused committed the crime, he said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 April,2025 01:02 PM IST | Ranchi | PTIThe Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the bail plea of convicted former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt in a 1990 custodial death case in which he was sentenced to life imprisonment. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said there was no merit in his plea for bail or the suspension of sentence in the case. ¿We are not inclined to grant Sanjiv Bhatt bail. The prayer of bail is dismissed. The hearing of appeal shall not be affected. The hearing of appeal is expedited," Justice Nath said while pronouncing the verdict. The appeal of Bhatt against the conviction and life imprisonment is presently pending in the top court. Bhatt has moved the top court in 2024 challenging the Gujarat High Court's January 9, 2024 order dismissing his appeal.The high court also upheld the conviction of Bhatt and co-accused Pravinsinh Zala under Sections 302 (murder), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. The high court had dismissed the state government's appeal seeking to enhance the sentences of five other accused who were acquitted of murder charges but convicted under Sections 323 and 506. On October 30, 1990, then additional superintendent of police Bhatt detained around 150 people following a communal riot in Jamjodhpur town following a 'bandh' call against the halting of BJP leader L K Advani's 'rath yatra' for the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya. Prabhudas Vaishnani, one of the detained persons, died in hospital after his release. Vaishnani's brother accused Bhatt and six other police officials of torturing him in custody and causing his death. Bhatt was arrested on September 5, 2018, in another case where he is accused of falsely implicating a man for drug possession. The trial in the case is underway. He is also an accused in a case of alleged fabrication of evidence in connection with the 2002 Gujarat riots cases along with activist Teesta Setalvad and former Gujarat director general of police R B Sreekumar. 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
29 April,2025 12:58 PM IST | New Delhi | PTICongress MP Rahul Gandhi handed over solar-powered carts to the underprivileged in Raebareli as he kickstarted a two-day visit to his Lok Sabha constituency of Rae Bareli and the adjoining Amethi. He is scheduled to visit Amethi on Wednesday. The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha landed at the Lucknow airport in the morning to a grand welcome by state Congress chief Ajay Rai, Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma and other leaders. He then travelled to Rae Bareli by road. In Rae Bareli, Gandhi inaugurated a 2 MW solar roof plant and electric charging station at Visaka Industries. He also handed over around a dozen solar-powered carts donated by an NGO to the underprivileged at the occasion. "He (Rahul Gandhi) has a long-standing relationship with Uttar Pradesh. The Gandhis have familial ties with the Raebareli-Amethi region," Rai told PTI. Gandhi's visit comes within days of the Congress' 'Samvidhan Bachao' (Save Constitution) rally in the Basti. At the rally, party leaders had claimed that the Constitution was under threat under the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh. 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
29 April,2025 12:54 PM IST | Raebareli | PTIADVERTISEMENT
