Delhi experienced a significant drop in temperature on Thursday, as cold wave conditions and inclement weather enveloped the city, reported news agency ANI. As per the data of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded 6.4 degrees Celsius at 5.30 am on Thursday. The MeT Department has predicted the minimum temperature for the day is 5 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 21 degrees Celsius. As compared to the last few days, the temperature recorded at around 5.30 am was plunging between 8 degrees to 11 degrees Celsius. The IMD has predicted a "dense fog" for the city on Thursday, however, contrary visuals have emerged from the different parts of the city. As the cold wave continued, many homeless individuals sought refuge in night shelters. A night shelter on Lodhi Road was seen with all its beds occupied. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has established 235 pagoda tents to offer shelter to the homeless. Night shelters have also been set up across various locations in the national capital, including AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and the Nizamuddin flyover, reported ANI. Meanwhile, the air quality in the national capital dropped to poor quality, though by a minimal margin. The Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 299 at 7 am in the morning, as per the data of the Central Pollution Control Board. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good,' 51 and 100 'satisfactory,' 101 and 200 'moderate,' 201 and 300 'poor,' 301 and 400 'very poor,' and 401 and 500 'severe.' On Sunday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked the Stage-III actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR following a significant improvement in the air quality index (AQI). Stage-I and Stage-II measures, however, will remain in effect, officials said on Sunday. The decision comes after the Sub-Committee on GRAP reviewed the air quality data and the IMD/IITM forecasts, noting a downward trend in AQI levels. (With inputs from ANI)
09 January,2025 12:09 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPresident Droupadi Murmu extended condolences to the bereaved families of the Tirupati stampede incident in Andhra Pradesh, in which six people were killed and 40 others injured. Distressed to know that a stampede in Tirupati led to loss of life of many devotees. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for speedy recovery of the injured. — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 9, 2025 "Distressed to know that a stampede in Tirupati led to loss of life of many devotees," Murmu said in a post on social media platform X (Formerly Twitter) on Thursday morning. "I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for speedy recovery of the injured," the post added. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu who had condoled the deaths following the incident is due to meet the families of the deceased later in the day. As many as six people lost their lives and several others were injured after a stampede broke out near Vishnu Niwasam close to the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara ticketing counter, during the distribution of 'darshan' tokens. Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and stated that the state government is providing all possible assistance to the incident victims. Vaikunta Dwara Darshan is scheduled to be held at the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple from January 10 to 19. It allows devotees to pass through the sacred gate to receive Lord Venkateswara's blessings. The TTD announced that offline tokens for darshan would be issued from today, with nine token distribution centres set up in Tirupati. Since Wednesday morning, devotees from several parts of the country have been arriving in large numbers to collect tokens but, by the end of the day, a heavy crowd was observed at all the centres, leading to congestion in those areas. Andhra CM Naidu calls review meeting today after six people killed in Tirupati stampede incident Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has called a review meeting on Thursday after six people were killed in the Tirupati stampede incident a day earlier, a Telugu Desam Party (TDP) spokesperson said, reported ANI. CM Chandrababu Naidu is also due to meet the families of the deceased later in the day. TDP National Spokesperson Prem kumar Jain stressed that the state government is taking steps to prevent Tirupati stampede-like incidents, reported ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
09 January,2025 10:26 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentCongress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday expressed his condolences for those who lost their lives in the tragic stampede at Tirupati. In the aftermath of the incident, Rahul Gandhi urged Congress leaders and workers to provide all possible assistance during this difficult time. In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), Rahul Gandhi wrote, "The tragic stampede in Tirupati is deeply saddening. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Wishing a swift recovery to all those injured. I urge Congress leaders and workers to provide all possible assistance during this difficult time." Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal also expressed his grief and prayed for the peace of the departed souls in the incident. "This accident that happened in Tirupati temple is very sad. May God give place to the departed souls in his lotus feet. I pray to God that the devotees who have been injured get well soon and return to their homes," Kejriwal posted on X. Earlier, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed his deep shock over the death of devotees in the stampede that took place near Vishnu Niwasam in Tirupati during the distribution of 'darshan' tokens at the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said in a statement. As many as six people lost their lives and several others were injured after a stampede broke out in Tirupati on Wednesday evening, according to officials from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The incident occurred near Vishnu Niwasam close to the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara ticketing counter, during the distribution of 'darshan' tokens. As per the statement from the office of TTD Chairman BR Naidu, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is closely monitoring the incident and will meet the families of the victims of the stampede on Thursday morning. The statement reads, "It is an unfortunate event, 6 pilgrims lost their lives. So far, only one pilgrim has been identified, while the others are yet to be identified. N Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is very serious about the incident and has expressed dissatisfaction with the officials' management during a teleconference. The Chief Minister will visit the families of the deceased tomorrow at 11:45 am. CM has warned that such incidents should not be repeated and is closely monitoring updates on the issue." 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
09 January,2025 08:39 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the individuals who lost their lives in a tragic stampede that occurred near Vishnu Nivasam in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati. PM Modi stated that the state government is providing all possible assistance to the victims of the incident. In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister's Office wrote, "Pained by the stampede in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon. The AP Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected: PM @narendramodi." Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his shock and offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the Tirupati stampede. Shah also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. "Pained by the unfortunate incident of the stampede in the Tirupati temple. My sincere condolences to the families of the deceased. May the injured recover at the earliest. I am deeply shocked by the stampede incident at the Tirupati Vishnu Niwasam ticket counter. I pray for the souls of the devotees who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident to rest in peace. I wish the injured a speedy recovery," Amit Shah posted on X. As many as six people lost their lives and several others were injured after a stampede broke out near Vishnu Nivasam in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati on Wednesday evening, according to officials from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The incident occurred near Vishnu Niwasam close to the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara ticketing counter, during the distribution of 'darshan' tokens. As per the statement from the office of TTD Chairman BR Naidu, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is closely monitoring the incident and will meet the families of the victims of the stampede on Thursday morning. The statement reads, "It is an unfortunate event, 6 pilgrims lost their lives. So far, only one pilgrim has been identified, while the others are yet to be identified. N Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is very serious about the incident and has expressed dissatisfaction with the officials' management during a teleconference. The Chief Minister will visit the families of the deceased tomorrow at 11:45 am. CM has warned that such incidents should not be repeated and is closely monitoring updates on the issue" 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
09 January,2025 08:37 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIThe body of one of the nine workers trapped inside a coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district was recovered by army divers on Wednesday on the third day of the rescue operations, officials said. The chances of the survival of the eight others appear grim, though a team of navy, army, NDRF and SDRF personnel intensified their efforts to rescue the trapped miners, they said. The labourers were on Monday trapped inside the Assam Coal Quarry situated in the 3 Kilo area of Umrangso, after a sudden gush of water flooded the site. A diver claimed that the body was spotted about 85 feet below the surface, and that the visibility was poor inside with water all around. “21 Para divers have just recovered a lifeless body from the bottom of the well. Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family,” CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said. Additionally, the ONGC dewatering pump has been loaded onto an MI-17 helicopter at Kumbhigram, 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
09 January,2025 08:33 AM IST | Guwahati | AgenciesA drama unfolded Wednesday outside the 6, Flagstaff Road bungalow, which was once occupied by former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, as AAP leaders attempted to enter it but were stopped by the police. The party workers later tried to reach the Prime Minister’s official residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, but were stopped by police again, following which they staged a “dharna”. AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bhardawaj staged a sit-in outside the Flagstaff bungalow after they were not allowed to enter it, which they had invited the media to tour with them in a bid to counter the BJP’s ‘Sheesh Mahal’ jibes. The party leaders accused the BJP-led central government of running away from the challenged inspection of the PM residence, which they alleged had been renovated at an inordinate cost. Police had set up barricades and deployed personnel in front of the bungalow, preventing the AAP leaders from entering the premises. BJP slams AAP leaders The BJP’s took a dig at Singh and Bharadwaj, saying they were trying to “forcibly” enter the premises of the CM which was an example of “irresponsible, insane and anarchic behaviour”. Their conduct was also an example of “political etiquette and ethics” being demolished, BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said. Kejriwal’s ‘Sheesh Mahal’ has become a “monument of his extravagance” and the AAP cannot hide from this truth, he said. Trivedi claimed the people of Delhi are feeling cheated with the “disgusting display of corruption” in Kejriwal’s “Sheesh Mahal” and they will give a “befitting and appropriate” reply to the AAP in the assembly elections. 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
09 January,2025 08:32 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesA local court has fixed March 5 as the next date of hearing in a case connected to the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid and its survey at Chandausi. “The Supreme Court has directed all the lower courts not to entertain new suits seeking surveys of any place of worship until further orders. We have filed a copy of the said order in the court, which fixed March 5 as the next date of hearing,” said Shakil Ahmad Wari, advocate representing the Muslim side. When told about the Hindu side’s claims that the mosque was built over an ancient Harihar temple, Wari said it is for the court to decide on the matter. Tensions escalated in Sambhal since November 19 last year, when a court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid began following claims that a Harihar temple once stood on the site. The situation turned violent on November 24 during the second survey when protesters clashed with security forces. 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
09 January,2025 08:32 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesThe Congress on Wednesday promised a “Jeevan Raksha Yojana” for free health insurance of up to Rs 25 lakh if it is voted to power in Delhi. Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, present at the launch ceremony, said the proposed scheme would be a game-changer. Gehlot highlighted that the proposed scheme reflected the party's commitment to addressing Delhi residents' healthcare needs. The party's campaign slogan “Hogi Har Zarurat Puri, Congress Hai Zaroori” was prominently displayed during the announcement, highlighting the Congress' "promise" of ensuring essential services for all. Gehlot said the proposed scheme aims to provide comprehensive health coverage to families, covering medical expenses for critical illnesses, hospitalisations, and treatments. 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
09 January,2025 08:31 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesThe parliamentary panel constituted to scrutinise the two bills on simultaneous elections held its first meeting on Wednesday, with BJP members lauding the concept, and opposition MPs questioning it. Officials of the Ministry of Law and Justice made a presentation on the provisions of the proposed laws during the meeting, citing support to the idea of simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls by various bodies, including the Law Commission of India, sources said. BJP members batted for the ‘one nation, one election’ proposal, saying it is in the interest of the country, they said. A Congress member said the idea is against the basic fabric of the Constitution, while a Trinamool Congress MP said it negates people’s democratic rights, they added. JPC head PP Chaudhary. Pics/PTI Headed by BJP MP PP Chaudhary, the 39-member joint committee of Parliament comprises members from all major parties, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from Congress, Sanjay Jha from JD(U), Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Shinde, AAP’s Sanjay Singh, and Kalyan Banerjee from Trinamool Congress. Chaudhary is a former minister of state for law. The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill were introduced in the Lok Sabha during the recent Winter Session and referred to the committee. The government decided to increase the committee’s strength from 31 to 39, as more political parties expressed their desire to be part of the exercise to examine the two draft legislations on simultaneous elections. Former Union ministers Anurag Thakur, Parshottam Rupala and Manish Tewari, along with several other lawmakers, including Anil Baluni, Bansuri Swaraj and Sambit Patra, are also members of the committee. The panel has 27 members from the Lok Sabha, and 12 from the Rajya Sabha. 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
09 January,2025 08:30 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesFour devotees were killed and some others were injured in a stampede at three places during the sale of Tirumala temple darshan tickets in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati on Wednesday night. The incident occurred at three places where Vaikunta Dwara Darshan tickets were to be issued on Thursday morning. A large number of devotees had gathered to stand in queues for special darshan tickets, leading to the stampede. Three women were among four devotees killed in the incident. One of the deceased women was from Tamil Nadu. Some others fell unconscious and they were shifted to Ruia Hospital. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which manages the affairs of the famous Tirumala temple, had announced that special darshan tickets will be issued at 94 counters at nine places in Tirupati from 5 a.m. on Thursday. However, a large number of devotees started gathering since Wednesday morning. There was chaos when devotees were allowed at the counters. They pushed each other to surge forward, resulting in the stampede. According to officials, there was a stampede at Srinivasam, Bairagipatteda, and Satyanarayanapuram. Police and TTD officials rushed to the spot and launched rescue and relief operations. The TTD was planning to issue 1.20 lakh tokens on Thursday morning for Vaikunta Dwara Darshan on January 10, 11, and 12. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed shock over the death of four devotees in the stampede. In a statement. he said that he was pained over the incident. The Chief Minister spoke to officials over the phone and directed them to ensure the best treatment to those injured. He asked senior officials to visit the scene and undertake relief operations. He was in touch with the district officials and TTD authorities to monitor the situation. YSR Congress Party President and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has also expressed shock over the death of four devotees in the stampede. 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
08 January,2025 11:29 PM IST | Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) | IANSFour devotees, including three women died and several more were injured in a stampede on Wednesday night as hundreds of them jostled for tickets for Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam at Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills, a police official said. Hundreds of devotees turned up from across the country for the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam commencing from January 10. "Three women and a man died in the stampede," the official confirmed to PTI. Meanwhile, videos of police administering CPR on a couple of woman devotees and injured persons being shifted in ambulances went viral. 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
08 January,2025 11:26 PM IST | Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) | PTIADVERTISEMENT
