Tremors were felt in Bihar's Sheohar district after an earthquake struck near the Nepal-China border region on Tuesday morning, authorities said.The earthquake occurred at a depth of 93 kilometers, northeast of Lobuche, Nepal."Notable quake, preliminary info: M 7.1 - 93 km NE of Lobuche, Nepal," USGS Earthquakes stated in a post on X.However, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the quake was recorded at 6:35 AM (IST), with its epicenter located at latitude 28.86 degrees North and longitude 87.51 degrees East, at a depth of 10 kilometers. The location of the tremor was identified as Xizang (Tibet Autonomous Region), near Nepal.The NCS, in its tweet, said, "EQ of M: 7.1, On: 07/01/2025 06:35:18 IST, Lat: 28.86 N, Long: 87.51 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Xizang."Further, as per NCS data, two more earthquakes struck the region later in the morning.One of magnitude 4.7 was recorded at 7:02 AM IST, with its epicenter at latitude 28.60 degrees North and longitude 87.68 degrees East, at a depth of 10 kilometers.Another earthquake of magnitude 4.9 occurred at 7:07 AM IST, with its epicenter at latitude 28.68 degrees North and longitude 87.54 degrees East, at a depth of 30 kilometers.No reports of damage or casualties have been received so far. 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
07 January,2025 08:53 AM IST | Mumbai | ANILeader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expressed grief over the killing of security personnel in a Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur on Monday. Eight District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawans and one driver lost their lives after their vehicle was blown up by Naxals using an IED in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur. "Deeply saddened to hear about the martyrdom of many of our soldiers and a driver in the cowardly Naxalite attack in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh," Rahul Gandhi wrote in Hindi on X. "I pay my heartfelt tribute to the martyrs and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured soldiers. My condolences are with the bereaved families in this difficult time. The entire country is united against terror and violence, he added. He further stated that the increase in deaths of security personnel raises 'serious' questions about the government's ability to maintain national security. Congress Lok Sabha MP from Wayanad Priyanka Gandhi also condemned the 'terror' attack in Bijapur and paid her condolences to the families of the nine people, including eight soldiers, who lost their lives in the IED blast. "The news of the martyrdom of a large number of soldiers in the Naxalite attack in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, is extremely sad. The entire country is united against terrorism and strongly condemns it. May God grant peace to the departed souls. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families, " she wrote in Hindi on X. She also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. Former Congress Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel paid tribute to the jawans who lost their lives in the incident and urged the officials to look into such attacks. " It is a very sad incident, I express my condolences and pay tribute to the jawans who lost their lives...time and again such incidents are happening so officials need to look into it...right now, I have returned from Bastar and many jawans are being sent inside ( for anti-Naxalites operation) and they should be sent but carefully," he told ANI. Nine people, including eight jawans from the Dantewada District Reserve Guard (DRG), were killed when their vehicle was targeted by Naxals in an IED blast in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, on Monday. The incident happened just days after five insurgents were killed in an encounter between security forces and Maoists in Bastar. Initially, four rebels were found dead on Sunday, and one more body was recovered later. 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
07 January,2025 08:21 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe Indian Army has mobilised a relief task force to rescue the trapped coal miners at Umrangshu area of the Dima Hasao district of Assam, according to an official press statement from the Indian Army. This comes after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sought the Army's assistance in the ongoing rescue operation. As per the statement, the relief task force comprises specialists like divers, sappers and other relevant personnel with the necessary equipment. Senior officials of the Indian Army would also reach the incident site to coordinate with civil administration for speedy rescue of the trapped miners. The statement reads, "On being requisitioned for assistance Indian Army has mobilized a relief task force for rescuing the miners trapped in Umrangso, a remote industrial town in Dima Hasao district, Assam. The relief task force comprises specialists like divers, sappers and other relevant personnel with the necessary equipment. Senior officials of the Indian Army will also be reaching the site to coordinate with civil administration for speedy rescue of the trapped miners." Earlier on Monday, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma informed that the rescue teams are on their way to Umrangshu in Dima Hasao district, where several labourers are trapped in a coal mine. Taking to X, Sarma said that the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are on their way to the mine site and the Army's assistance has been sought. Sarma said that the exact number of trapped labourers is unknown. "Distressing news from Umrangshu, where labourers are trapped in a coal mine. The exact number and status are yet unknown. The DC, SP, and my colleague, Shri Kaushik Rai, are rushing to the site. Praying to God for everyone's safety," Sarma wrote on X. "We have requested the Army's assistance in the ongoing rescue operation. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are also on their way to the incident site to aid in the efforts," he added. Earlier, Dima Hasao Superintendent of Police (SP) Mayank Kumar Jha said that several people were feared trapped inside the coal mine in Umrangshu of Assam's Dima Hasao district. "Several people feared trapped inside a coal mine in the Umrangso area in the Dima Hasao district. We can't say the exact figure as of now," 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
07 January,2025 08:16 AM IST | Guwahati | ANIA Supreme Court-appointed panel on Monday met with septuagenarian farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. The penal reached the Khanauri protest site at around 3.30 pm. Justice (retd) Nawab Singh chairs the apex court-appointed committee. Aside from Singh, the committee comprises retired IPS officer B S Sandhu, agriculture expert Devinder Sharma, professor Ranjit Singh Ghuman and Dr Sukhpal Singh, agricultural economist from the Punjab Agricultural University. During its meeting, the committee requested the ailing farmer leader to avail medical aid. Dallewal, who is the convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political), has been on an indefinite hunger strike since November 26, 2024, pressing the farmers’ various demands, including a legal guarantee on the minimum support price for crops. Addressing the media after meeting Dallewal, Singh said, “We pray to ‘Waheguru’ that he should be healthy...We all repeatedly requested him for medical (help). We want his health to be good.” Dallewal told the panel for him farming came first, his health later. 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
07 January,2025 08:08 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held talks with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, broadly reviewing the trajectory of India-US global strategic partnership in the last four years under the Biden administration. Sullivan is on a visit to India two weeks ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president of the US. In a post on X, Jaishankar complimented Sullivan for his “personal contribution” to forging a “closer and stronger” India-US partnership. One of the most significant measures initiated to expand the bilateral ties was the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology or iCET. The iCET was launched by PM Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden in May 2022 with an aim to forge greater collaboration in areas of critical technologies such as AI, semiconductors, biotech, and defence innovation. “Continued our ongoing discussions on deepening bilateral, regional and global cooperation. Valued the openness of our conversations in the last four years,” Jaishankar said in a post on X. 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
07 January,2025 08:07 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesIn order to provide employment opportunities to the youth of Gadchiroli district and to make them self-reliant in getting jobs in the police force, a pre-recruitment residential training was organised under the guidance of Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police Neelotpal under Project Udaan. On the completion of the training on Monday, a farewell programme of the trainees was held at Eklavya Dham, Gadchiroli. The training programme, which began on December 5, 2024, included detailed instructions on both the field test and written examination for police recruitment. A total of 120 youth, who participated in the 10th session of the training, attended the ceremony. Since the commencement of the programme, 2,080 youth from the remote areas of Gadchiroli district have registered for the pre-recruitment training, with 205 successfully selected for positions in the Police and State Reserve Police Force (SRPF). As part of the initiative, all participants were provided with free uniforms, T-shirts, shoes, course books, and other necessary materials for the written exam. At the farewell ceremony, the students who achieved the top two positions in the written test were awarded certificates, which were presented by senior officers. In his closing address, Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration) M Ramesh encouraged the trainees to approach the upcoming police recruitment process with "courage, hard work, and confidence," stressing the importance of perseverance. Yogendra Shende, Assistant Commissioner of the Skill Department, also shared his guidance and wished the candidates success in their future careers. The completion of this training marks a significant step forward in providing employment and empowerment opportunities for the youth of Gadchiroli, particularly for young women seeking to join the police force.
06 January,2025 11:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwo children have tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Chennai and are currently receiving treatment, a health official confirmed on Monday. These are the first cases to be reported from the city, with the children being treated in two different hospitals, news agency PTI reported. Further details are awaited. Meanwhile, officials from the state health department convened a meeting to discuss measures for screening HMPV and the precautions required to prevent its spread, PTI reported. HMPV Outbreak: Delhi Minister orders health department to make necessary arrangements Following the detection of two Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in Karnataka, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj on Monday instructed the Health and Family Welfare Department to make all necessary arrangements in the national capital, news agency ANI reported. In his directive, Bhardwaj emphasised that all hospitals should be fully prepared to manage any potential increase in respiratory illnesses, in line with guidance from the Union Health Ministry. “The Health and FW Department should contact the Union Health Ministry to receive timely updates regarding preparedness in the capital. There is no need for delay; any directives required should be brought to me immediately. It is crucial that the hospitals of the Government of NCT of Delhi are well-equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses, as advised by the Union Health Ministry,” the Minister stated. Bhardwaj also directed the Delhi Health Secretary to inspect three hospitals daily and submit detailed reports, ANI reported. “The Health Secretary will report on the Essential Drug List (EDL), the availability of medicines and ICU beds, the condition of equipment, and the status of PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) plants,” he said. HMPV is a globally recognised respiratory virus that recently gained attention after an outbreak was reported in China. It is a viral pathogen that causes respiratory infections in individuals across all age groups. Although the governments of Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra have assured the public that there is no cause for alarm, the Delhi government has directed all hospitals in the capital to remain fully prepared for any potential surge in respiratory illnesses. Two of the three cases in Karnataka were identified by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) through routine surveillance for various respiratory viral pathogens. A three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. The infant has since been discharged, according to the health ministry. An eight-month-old male infant with a history of bronchopneumonia tested positive for HMPV on 3 January after being admitted to Baptist Hospital. He is now recovering, the ministry added. (With PTI and ANI inputs)
06 January,2025 08:09 PM IST | Chennai | mid-day online correspondentCalling it a "classic case" of the state authorities not paying compensation to villagers after acquiring their land, the Supreme Court on Monday warned the officials of the Maharashtra government to disburse the funds by January 31 or face contempt action, news agency PTI reported. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh was hearing the case over the land acquired from the villagers of Jambhalkhori Borphadi in Beed district of Maharashtra for the construction of a water tank under the Employees Guarantee Scheme in 2005. "This is a classic case where authorities of Maharashtra government denied the compensation to the people whose land was compulsorily acquired," said the bench. It came on the record that despite the orders for payment of more than Rs 1.49 crore attaining finality, the dues was not paid to the aggrieved villagers, PTI reported. "We are completely disappointed to see the manner in which the state authorities have conducted themselves in this case," the bench said. Saying it had adopted a lenient view and not issued a notice on the plea filed on behalf of the zilla parishad of Beed district or heard the erring officials, the top court chose not to comment further on the issue, PTI reported. 'Beed Collector to ensure that the villagers received the amount' The court, however, issued a host of directions and directed the chief secretary, principal secretary (finance) and principal secretary (panchayat and rural development) of Maharashtra to take cognisance of the matter within one week. "Issue necessary sanction for the release of compensation amount to the respondents [villagers] along with the interests till date as also exemplary cost that may be determined by the reference court," the bench held. Going by the directive, the compensation will have to be paid to the landowners and other similarly-placed persons by January 31 with filing of compliance reports in the high court. The bench directed the collector of Beed district to act as a nodal officer and ensure that the villagers received the amount. "The chief secretary is further directed to seek the explanation of collector Beed and thereafter determine which is the department concerned liable to pay the compensation and take suitable action against the erring officials," it said. The bench said if the exercise was not carried out by January 31, the registrar general of Bombay High Court would hear the case for registration of suo motu contempt proceedings against all officers concerned and proceed with the contempt of court case. Farmers denied compensation for 19 years: Supreme Court "The cost amount of Rs 1 lakh imposed by the high court shall be recovered personally from the officers found guilty/responsible for non-payment of compensation amount," it directed. The bench said that instead of suo motu summoning the collector and awarding a befitting sentence for contempt of court, the high court made certain observations against that officer in its order on November 18, 2024. It noted after the authorities did not pay the compensation to the villagers, they moved the court for execution of the award. The civil judge then attached the bank account of zilla parishad as one of the coercive measures for the recovery of the dues. However, the parishad moved the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court against the step and argued that the Maharashtra government, through the Beed collector, was liable to pay the compensation. On November 18, 2024, the high court said there were a number of schemes floated by the Maharashtra government for distribution of money including 'Ladki Bahin', etc., and it clearly showed there was no dearth of funds. The high court said the lands of the claimants were acquired as early as 2005, and despite its orders they were denied the compensation in the past 19 years. While dismissing the plea, the high court imposed Rs 1 lakh as costs on the Beed collector or zilla parishad, jointly or severally, for their failure to pay the compensation. (With PTI inputs)
06 January,2025 07:28 PM IST | Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court (SC) on Monday refused to examine a plea against the appointment of Delhi government's Principal Secretary (Home) Ashwani Kumar as the Delhi Waqf Board administrator on January 10, reported news agency PTI. A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal asked the petitioner to move to the Delhi High Court. The apex court was hearing a plea filed by one Zameer Ahmad Jumlana. According to PTI, the plea was to seek directions to restrain and prohibit Kumar from discharging functions as the administrator of the Delhi Waqf Board and to vacate the office with immediate effect. Lieutenant Governor (LG) V K Saxena, who approved Kumar's appointment, also gave the go-ahead to the appointment of IAS officer Azimul Haque as Delhi Waqf Board's CEO on Friday. The petition alleged that the term of Delhi State Waqf Board expired on August 26, 2023, and since then no board was constituted, as per PTI. The plea contended in the absence of the board, its powers were taken over by the LG by appointing Kumar purportedly using the powers under Section 99 of the Waqf Act, 1995, stated PTI. "When the tenure of the board has lapsed on August 26, 2023, there is no question of exercise of any power of the state government under Section 99 of the Waqf Act 1995 to take over the board. Thus, the respondent number 1 is an usurper of the power of the Delhi State Waqf Board," it said. Kumar was not eligible under the Waqf Act of 1995 and took advantage of the fact that the Delhi Waqf Board was in an indefinite abeyance due to the negligence of the respondents, as per the petition. The Delhi High Court, on May 28, dismissed a similar plea filed by one Yasmin Ali and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000. The high court said the plea was publicity-oriented and an abuse of the process of law as it did not give any valid reasons for quashing the appointment of the city government officer as the administrator of the board, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
06 January,2025 06:16 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAfter the detection of two Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in Karnataka, the state government on Monday urged citizens not to panic as the virus is not as transmissible as Covid-19. In a post on social media platform X, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said that the state is fully equipped to manage cases. "No need to panic, HMPV virus is present in India for decades. It behaves similar to common cold or influenza. All necessary precautions are in place to prevent further transmission. Our Health Department is fully prepared to manage cases and ensure community safety. Stay calm, follow hygiene practices, and trust authentic updates from right resources," he said. No need to panic, HMPV virus is present in India for decades. It behaves similar to common cold or influenza. All necessary precautions are in place to prevent further transmission. Our Health Department is fully prepared to manage cases and ensure community safety.Stay calm,… pic.twitter.com/Of7Drd1cv2 — Dinesh Gundu Rao/ದಿನೇಶ್ ಗುಂಡೂರಾವ್ (@dineshgrao) January 6, 2025 Emphasising that the respiratory virus primarily affects children, causing infections similar to the common cold, the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) said in a release that hospitals have been instructed to report influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases, news agency PTI reported. To prevent HMPV outbreak, citizens have been advised to cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, wash hands frequently with soap, avoid public places if symptomatic and close contact with sick persons. The advisory also stated that citizens must not reuse tissue papers or handkerchiefs, share towels and linen and avoid spitting in public places, PTI reported. According to DME, HMPV causes flu-like symptoms including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia, especially in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, close personal contact, and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus followed by touching the mouth, nose, or eyes, the advisory stated. There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV, PTI reported. Management focuses on alleviating symptoms with supportive care such as rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications for pain, fever, and congestion. Severe cases might require hospitalisation for oxygen therapy or IV fluids, the advisory informed. (With PTI inputs)
06 January,2025 06:03 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentA two-month-old boy admitted to a private hospital in Ahmedabad has been detected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection, an official said on Monday. The HMPV case count in India now stands at three as two patients had earlier been tested positive for the virus in Karnataka. Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel appealed to citizens to not panic and assured that the state government has made preparations to tackle the viral infection, news agency PTI reported. The infant, who hails from Dungarpur in Rajasthan, was admitted to the hospital, located in Chandkheda locality in Ahmedabad, on December 24 with symptoms of respiratory infection, PTI reported. After tests, he was found positive for HMPV, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's in-charge medical officer of health Bhavin Solanki said. "HMPV [infection] was detected in the patient on December 26, but we learnt about it today as the private hospital reported it to us late," Solanki said. The baby was kept in isolation, the official said. HMPV outbreak: Two patients detected from Karnataka earlier Earlier, the child was kept on a ventilator. His condition is stable now, Solanki said. Before this, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has detected two cases of HMPV in Karnataka through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens. According to PTI, Patel said the state Health and Family Welfare Department is on alert and has made preparations and arrangements to tackle this viral infection. "As part of the precautionary measures, the health department held a meeting on January 4 and instructed every chief district health officer, civil surgeon, superintendents of sub-district hospitals in the state to pay full attention to matters related to the infection of this virus," he said. Arrangements will be made for the diagnosis of HMPV in various government hospitals, the minister further informed. He appealed to citizens to not panic, but understand the viral infection symptoms and take measures accordingly. Meanwhile, the Union health ministry has emphasised that HMPV outbreak has been reported globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with it have been registered in various countries. Furthermore, based on the current data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, there has been no unusual surge in the Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country, the ministry informed. Amid reports of rising cases of respiratory illnesses in China in the past few weeks, a meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) was held under the chairmanship of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Saturday. (With PTI inputs)
06 January,2025 04:46 PM IST | Ahmedabad | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
