A total of 132 flights, both direct and indirect, are currently operating from 17 cities to Prayagraj, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said on Monday. In a statement, the Ministry announced that Prayagraj airport has transformed into a modern gateway to the city of devotion, culture, and the grand Mahakumbh Mahotsav. Major expansion efforts have been undertaken to accommodate the influx of devotees from January 13 to February 26, 2025. On December 8, 2024, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu reviewed the progress of terminal expansion, construction, and traveler amenities, issuing time-bound directives. Regular inspections and review meetings with state authorities, DGCA, BCAS, and AAI ensured the timely completion of the projects. On January 9, 2025, Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol also reviewed the work progress at Prayagraj airport. To facilitate the sacred journey, 81 additional new flights were introduced in January 2025. Currently, there are 132 flights operating with approximately 80,000 monthly seats to Prayagraj from across India. The city is now directly connected to 17 cities, up from eight in December 2024. Additionally, with direct and connecting flights reaching 26 cities, including Srinagar and Visakhapatnam, Prayagraj has become a well-connected hub for devotees. As per the directions of Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, measures have been taken to ensure that airfares remain in check as the festival's peak days approach, especially during the forthcoming Shahi Sanan on January 29, February 3, and other important Snan on February 4, February 12, and February 26, 2025. The DGCA has advised airlines to ensure sufficient capacity to accommodate passengers. Akasa Air will begin operating flights on January 28 and 29, connecting Ahmedabad to Prayagraj. In February, the airline plans to operate 9 flights from Ahmedabad and 12 from Bangalore to Prayagraj, adding approximately 4,000 seats. SpiceJet is set to launch flight services between Delhi, Chennai, Guwahati, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Hyderabad to Prayagraj, adding approximately 43,000 seats in February 2025. These new flights are part of ongoing efforts to ensure regional connectivity and accommodate the influx of travelers to Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh period. During the Maha Kumbh, the airport saw 30,172 passengers and operated 226 flights in just one week, surpassing 5,000 passengers in a single day for the first time. Night flights were also introduced, enabling 24/7 connectivity for the first time. The airport's modernisation included expanding the terminal area from 6,700 square metres. to 25,500 square metres, reconfiguring the old terminal to handle 1,080 peak-hour passengers (up from 540), and operationalising a new terminal for 1,620 passengers. Parking capacity increased from 200 to 600 vehicles, check-in counters rose from 8 to 42, and XBIS-HB machines increased to 10 from four. Aircraft movement efficiency was enhanced with an additional taxi track, parking bays increased from four to 15, conveyor belts from two to five, and airport gates from four to 11. Additional aerobridges and more security infrastructure, including door-framed metal detectors, were added. Passenger comfort saw notable improvements with the addition of lounges, a child care room, and more boarding bridges (increased from two to six). Food and beverage counters were also increased, complemented by the UDAN Yatri Cafe for affordable food. New services include meet-and-greet assistance for differently-abled individuals, prepaid taxi counters, and a city bus service in collaboration with the UP Government. Medical facilities were bolstered with ambulance deployment and air ambulance services. Pilgrims arriving at the airport are also greeted with floral welcomes for a warm start to their journey. 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
27 January,2025 08:50 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIAs the Union Budget 2025-26 nears, citizens have taken to social media to voice their expectations and predictions ahead of its presentation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2025, at 11 am in the Lok Sabha. This budget marks the second under the BJP-led NDA government’s third term. Among the predictions, a user on X (formerly Twitter) with the handle @lord42012 made seven notable points. These include capital gains tax rates set at 25 per cent for long-term and 15 per cent for short-term, a special package for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, and the potential elimination of the old tax regime. Expected outcome from Budget -1.Discard old Regime and kept only higher Taxation new regime2. STCG @25% and LTCG @15ŵ. Increase Taxes on TV , Fridge4. Increase Famer support to 10K5. 10 Kg Ration to 80 Crs6. Package to Bihar and AP.7. change Inflation and GDP formula. pic.twitter.com/reyeAUfHmQ — Return our Tax (@lord42012) January 27, 2025 The focus on Bihar and Andhra Pradesh is noteworthy, given the BJP’s alliances with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party at the centre. Notably, in last year’s budget, Bihar was allocated around Rs 58,000 crore growth package, while Andhra Pradesh received Rs 15,000 crore for its capital city Amaravati’s development. Other predictions by the user include 10 kg of ration for 80 crore citizens and revisions in inflation and GDP calculation formulas. 🚨 Important Suggestion For Budget 2025• No Income Tax Till ₹10 Lakh Salary• Exempt Insurance From GST• Higher Home Loan Deductions• 18% GST on AC, Small Car (Current: 28%)People Need Money At Their Disposal Also, No More Increase in Income Tax Rate — Ravisutanjani (@Ravisutanjani) December 26, 2024 On the suggestions front for Union Budget 2025, Ravi Sutanjani (@Ravisutanjani), another user urged reforms such as tax exemption for incomes up to Rs 10 lakh, GST exemption on insurance, increased home loan deductions, and reduced GST on air conditioners and small cars from 28 per cent to 18 per cent. 🚨 Budget 2025: Key Expectations 🚨1️⃣ Abolishing STT: Industry pushes to scrap the Securities Transaction Tax to boost liquidity & market participation. 📈2️⃣ Higher Subsidies: +8% hike in food, fertilizer & LPG subsidies to combat rising costs. 🍽️3️⃣ Railways Boom: ₹2.9-3T… pic.twitter.com/yJnrnJzQrF — Sagar Chaudhary (@ganntradeing) January 25, 2025 Another user, Sagar Chaudhary (@ganntradeing), called for the abolition of the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) to boost market liquidity and participation. He also suggested an 8 per cent hike in subsidies for food, fertilizers, and LPG to combat rising costs, along with a significant allocation of Rs 2.9-3 trillion for railway infrastructure, particularly Vande Bharat projects. Other expectations included raising the 30 per cent tax bracket to incomes above Rs 18 lakh, offering tax relief on essential medicines, and targeting a fiscal deficit of 4.5 per cent by FY26. 3 Major Expectation from Budget 20251️⃣No Income Tax upto 10L 2️⃣Tax on Agri Income above 25L3️⃣30% Slab above 25L #IncomeTax #Budget2025 #Budget #IncomeTaxDepartment — CA Paaras Gangwal (@ThetaVegaCap) January 17, 2025 CA Paaras Gangwal (@ThetaVegaCap) shared his key expectations, proposing no income tax for incomes up to Rs 10 lakh, taxation on agricultural income above Rs 25 lakh, and a 30 per cent tax rate for incomes exceeding Rs 25 lakh.
27 January,2025 07:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Monday released the party's manifesto, titled “Kejriwal ki Guarantee,” ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections 2025 scheduled on February 5, reported news agency PTI. Kejriwal took a dig at the BJP at the manifesto launch, accusing it of copying AAP's promise-based governance. "We coined the term 'guarantee' first in the country. After us, the BJP stole it, but the difference is, we fulfil our guarantees, and they do not,” he said. The manifesto outlines 15 guarantees, with Kejriwal promising "robust" job creation for Delhi residents as his first guarantee. Under the Mahila Samman Yojana, the second guarantee assures monthly financial support of Rs 2,100 for women. The Sanjeevani Yojana will provide free healthcare facilities for senior citizens. The fourth guarantee promises to waive outstanding "hiked" water bills, while the fifth guarantee is of round-the-clock supply of clean drinking water to every household in the national capital, stated PTI. Commitment to clean the polluted Yamuna River and make Delhi's roads world-class is also there among other key promises. The AAP has pledged scholarships for SC and ST students to study abroad under the Babasaheb Ambedkar Scholarship Yojana. Male students will also benefit, with free bus rides and a 50 per cent discount on metro fares. The manifesto further promises Rs 18,000 monthly financial aid to priests and Gurudwara Granthis and the extension of free electricity and water benefits to tenants. Additionally, AAP has committed to improving Delhi's sewage system, issuing ration cards to those left out of the system, and offering financial support to auto and cab drivers. The party has also promised Rs one lakh for their daughters' weddings and Rs 10 lakh insurance coverage, reported PTI. Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) will also receive funds to hire security guards and address local safety concerns. Kejriwal emphasised that the AAP's existing free welfare schemes would continue if the party retains power. "The BJP has already made it clear that they will stop all these schemes if they come to power. I want to ask the people of Delhi -- will you be able to bear the cost if the BJP stops these benefits,” he asked. The upcoming Delhi polls are expected to be a high-stakes battle between the BJP and AAP. The results of the elections will be announced on February 8. These elections are being viewed as a referendum on the AAP government's governance model, which has relied heavily on free welfare schemes, PTI stated. (With inputs from PTI)
27 January,2025 01:49 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Congress on Thursday said the "ever-increasing" unemployment and inflation due to "wrong policies" of the Modi government have made life extremely difficult for lower and middle class families, and asserted that the country now needs a budget that provides relief from rising prices, reported news agency PTI. Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary in-charge communications shared a report on X which claimed that "back-breaking inflation in the last 10 years has emptied the pockets of the common people." मोडानी सरकार ने पिछले दस सालों में केवल अपने अमीर मित्रों का ध्यान रखा है।सरकार की गलत नीतियों के कारण लगातार बढ़ रही बेरोज़गारी और महंगाई ने निम्न और मध्यमवर्गीय परिवारों के लिए जीवन बेहद मुश्किल बना दिया है।🛑 दूध, आटा, दाल, पेट्रोल, डीजल और सब्जियों की कीमतें आसमान छू रही… pic.twitter.com/7EDEJkHQnR — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) January 23, 2025 "The Modani government has only taken care of its rich friends in the last ten years. Ever-increasing unemployment and inflation due to wrong policies of the government have made life extremely difficult for lower and middle class families," Ramesh said in a post in Hindi on X (formerly Twitter). The prices of milk, flour, pulses, petrol, diesel and vegetables are "skyrocketing", he said. "The burden of EMIs and daily needs is increasing on every household. The country now needs a budget that provides relief from inflation!" he said. Ramesh asked if the government would take any concrete steps after listening to the problems of the people. The Congress on Wednesday claimed that it is becoming clear that the "disappointing" Quarter 2 GDP growth numbers are not a blip but a clear slowdown in the economy and the post-pandemic bump is not broad-based enough to power long-term growth, reported PTI. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday also hit out at the Modi government over its economic policies and asserted that real development is when everyone progresses, there is a fair environment for business, a fair tax system and the income of workers increases. आज मोदी सरकार ने ग़रीब और मेहनतकश वर्ग से अपना मुंह मोड़ लिया है और उन्हें पूरी तरह से उनके हाल पर छोड़ दिया है। सरकार का पूरा ध्यान सिर्फ़ गिने चुने पूंजीपतियों को ही और समृद्ध करने पर है। इस वजह से असमानता लगातार बढ़ती जा रही है और खून-पसीने से देश को सींचने वाले श्रमिकों की… pic.twitter.com/RNMcOuAfYF — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 19, 2025 Gandhi on Sunday announced the launch of a 'White T-shirt Movement', championing the rights of the masses. He had accused the Narendra Modi government of turning its back on the poor. The Congress leader had announced the launch in a post on X and urged people to be a part of it. The Congress has been attacking the government over its handling of the economy, claiming the issues of rising prices, decreasing private investments and stagnating wages are hitting the common people hard, PTI stated. (With inputs from PTI)
27 January,2025 12:56 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAnnually, the government at the Centre presents the union budget for the upcoming fiscal year, outlining the estimated government expenditure and revenue. This year, the Union Budget for 2025-26 will be presented by the finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, in the Lok Sabha on 1 February 2025 at 11 am. This will be her eighth budget presentation, consisting of six annual and two interim budgets. Being the second full-fledged budget of the Modi government in its third term, the Union Budget 2025 holds great importance as it addresses pressing economic issues while aligning with the government’s long-term vision. To watch the live presentation of the budget: Television: The budget speech will be broadcast live on DD News and Sansad TV. YouTube: Live streams will be available on the channels of DD News, Sansad TV, the Ministry of Finance, and the Press Information Bureau (PIB). Budget Components The union budget is divided into two parts: Revenue Budget: Includes the government's estimated receipts and expenditure on day-to-day operations, such as salaries, subsidies, and interest payments. Capital Budget: Covers the government's estimated receipts and expenditure on long-term assets, including infrastructure, defence, and investments in public sector enterprises. Key Focus Areas The Union Budget 2025 is expected to centre around the themes of 'Amrit Kaal' and 'Viksit Bharat', with a focus on: Income Tax Relief: Expectations for revisions in income tax slabs with a focus on the middle-class taxpayer, and relief to taxpayers with an annual income of ₹15 lakh and below. Sector-Specific Allocations: Enhanced allocations are likely to be provided to the health and education sectors, focusing on the strengthening of public health infrastructure. Support for Electric Vehicles: Expectations of incentives that will drive domestic manufacturing, along with infrastructural support, for the electric vehicle industry. Stock Market Operations The Indian stock markets, NSE and BSE, will operate as usual during the Union Budget 2025 announcement: Equities: 9 am to 3:30 pm Commodities: Until 5 pm This ensures that investors can respond promptly to any announcements made during the presentation. Parliamentary Budget Session The parliament's budget session is scheduled as follows: Phase 1: January 31 to February 13 2025 Phase 2: March 10 to April 4 2025
27 January,2025 12:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Union Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2025, at 11 am in the Lok Sabha. This annual exercise highlights the government’s financial roadmap, detailing projected expenditures and revenues for the year ahead. Marking her eighth budget presentation, including six annual and two interim budgets, the Union Budget 2025 holds critical significance as it represents the second complete budget under the Modi government’s third term. It is expected to address pressing economic concerns and set the stage for India’s financial priorities. The budget is divided into two parts: - Revenue Budget: Covers the government's estimated receipts and expenditure on routine operations like salaries and subsidies. - Capital Budget: Includes receipts and expenditures on long-term investments such as infrastructure and defence. Key Terms to know before the budget presentation: 1. Annual Financial Statement (AF): The blueprint of the government’s receipts and expenditures for the financial year. 2. Budget Estimate: The projected allocation of funds to ministries, sectors, and schemes. 3. Capital Expenditure (Capex): Expenditure on long-term assets like infrastructure and equipment. 4. Capital Receipts: Funds earned through borrowing, asset sales, or equity investments. 5. Cess: Additional tax for specific initiatives like education or healthcare. 6. Consolidated Fund: The government’s main account for revenues and expenditures, excluding the contingency fund. 7. Contingency Fund: Emergency reserve managed by the President of India, requiring parliamentary approval for withdrawals. 8. Customs Duty: Tax levied on imported and exported goods. 9. Direct Tax: Taxes like income tax and corporate tax paid directly to the government. 10. Divestment: Sale of government stakes in public sector enterprises. 11. Economic Survey: Annual report assessing the previous year’s economic performance and setting the stage for the budget. 12. Finance Bill: Proposal to introduce or amend tax policies. 13. Fiscal Deficit: The gap between total expenditure and revenue, financed through borrowing. 14. Fiscal Policy: Government’s strategy involving taxation and spending to influence the economy. 15. Goods and Services Tax (GST): Indirect tax on goods and services paid by consumers but remitted by businesses. 16. Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The total market value of goods and services produced within a country during a specific period. 17. Indirect Taxes: Taxes on goods and services, such as GST and customs duty. 18. Inflation: The rate of increase in prices, reducing purchasing power. 19. New Tax Regime: Introduced in 2022, offering lower tax rates with simplified structures, becoming the default system in 2023-24. 20. Monetary Policy: RBI’s measures to control liquidity and achieve sustainable economic growth. 21. Old Tax Regime: The previous system with fewer tax slabs but higher rates and more exemptions. 22. Public Account: Used to manage government receipts like provident funds and small savings. 23. Rebate: Tax liability reduction aimed at easing financial burdens. 24. Revenue Deficit: When revenue expenditure exceeds revenue receipts. 25. Revenue Expenditure: Operational costs like salaries, subsidies, and interest payments. 26. Revenue Receipt: Income from taxes, fines, and services provided. 27. Tax Collected at Source (TCS): Tax collected by sellers at the time of sale and deposited with authorities. 28. Tax Deduction: Reductions in taxable income through specific investments. 29. Tax Surcharge: Additional tax on higher-income taxpayers. 30. Vote on Account: The government obtains permission from the Parliament for a sufficient sum to carry on daily functions until the required legislation is passed.
27 January,2025 12:39 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentRail services in northern India have been affected by dense fog and low visibility in the region, with over 15 trains running late as on Monday morning. For the past several days, rail operations have been hit by inclement weather conditions, primarily dense fog, reported news agency ANI. Due to foggy weather conditions, several trains were delayed across northern India. According to the Railways, 15 trains are running significantly behind schedule. Among the worst affected, the Patalkot Express (14623) is delayed by 437 minutes, while the Unchahar Express (14217) is running 380 minutes late. The Kaifiyat Express (12225) is delayed by 158 minutes, and the Mahabodhi Express (12397) is running 148 minutes late, reported ANI. Other delayed trains include the S Kranti Superfast Express (12393) by 104 minutes, the Shramjeevi Express (12391) by 111 minutes, and the Padmavat Express (14207) by 71 minutes. The Suhaildev Express (22419) is delayed by 140 minutes, while the Lucknow Mail (12229) and YPR Duronto Express (12213) are running 69 and 68 minutes late, respectively, reported ANI. Railway officials have deployed additional measures to ensure passenger safety amidst the adverse weather conditions. Passengers are advised to check their train schedules before heading to the stations, reported ANI. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature recorded in the national capital on Monday was 7.8 degrees Celsius. A thin layer of fog covered Delhi this morning. Several flights were also delayed due to fog at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. The air quality in Delhi on January 26 was recorded in the "poor" category as AQI stood at 216, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The air quality in Delhi on Saturday at 8 am was recorded in the "moderate" category, with a reading of 191. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted foggy conditions in the national capital for the next five days, starting from January 28. The minimum temperature will range from 7-11 degrees Celsius. Dense fog blankets Moradabad, reduces visibility A thick layer of fog blanketed the Moradabad city in Uttar Pradesh on Monday morning, resulting in reduced visibility. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature in the city is expected to remain below 8 degrees Celsius. The Regional Met Centre has issued a yellow alert of fog for the Moradabad district. (With inputs from ANI)
27 January,2025 12:35 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPunjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday strongly condemned the vandalism of the Ambedkar statue in Amritsar, stating that no one will be forgiven for the incident. The incident occurred on Republic Day, sparking widespread outrage. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann emphasised that the incident is highly condemnable and that severe punishment will be meted out to those responsible. He instructed the administration to investigate the matter thoroughly and take strict action against the culprits. In a post on X, CM Mann emphasised, "The incident of breaking the statue of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar ji on the heritage street of Shri Amritsar Sahib is highly condemnable and no one will be forgiven for this incident. Whoever is responsible for the incident, he/she will be severely punished. No one will be allowed to break the brotherhood and unity of Punjab. Instructions have been issued to the administration to investigate it and take strict action against the culprits." ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੀ ਹੈਰੀਟੇਜ ਸਟ੍ਰੀਟ ਵਿਖੇ ਬਾਬਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਭੀਮ ਰਾਓ ਅੰਬੇਡਕਰ ਜੀ ਦੀ ਮੂਰਤੀ ਨੂੰ ਤੋੜਨ ਦੀ ਘਟਨਾ ਬੇਹੱਦ ਨਿੰਦਣਯੋਗ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਕਿਸੇ ਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਇਸ ਘਟਨਾ ਲਈ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ਿਆ ਨਹੀਂ ਜਾਵੇਗਾ। ਘਟਨਾ ਨੂੰ ਅੰਜਾਮ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਭਾਵੇਂ ਕੋਈ ਵੀ ਹੋਵੇ, ਉਸਨੂੰ ਸਖ਼ਤ ਤੋਂ ਸਖ਼ਤ ਸਜ਼ਾ ਮਿਲੇਗੀ। ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀ ਭਾਈਚਾਰਕ ਸਾਂਝ ਤੋੜਣ ਦੀ ਕਿਸੇ ਨੂੰ… — Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) January 27, 2025 Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal also denounced the act, saying it has hurt the sentiments of millions. He demanded stern action against the culprit and a thorough inquiry to uncover the conspiracy behind the incident. "Strongly condemn the attempt to desecrate the statue of Dr BR Ambedkar ji's statue at Heritage Street in Sri Amritsar Sahib on Republic Day. This heinous act has hurt the sentiments of millions. I demand stern action against the culprit and a thorough inquiry to unravel the conspiracy behind this shameful incident. Let's stand united against such vile attempts to create divisions in our society," he said. Punjab Police said earlier on Sunday that they had arrested a few miscreants for allegedly attempting to tamper with the Ambedkar statue. A case has been registered, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the motive behind the incident. "A few miscreants tried to tamper with BR Ambedkar's statue at Town hall. We caught them and a case has been registered and an investigation is going on. The motive behind the incident is yet to be found out...," Jagjit Singh Walia, the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police in Amritsar told ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
27 January,2025 11:34 AM IST | Chandigarh | mid-day online correspondentThe health officials on Monday said that a man suspected to have contracted Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) has died in Maharashtra's Solapur district, while the number of cases of the immunological nerve disorder in Pune has crossed 100, reported news agency PTI. This is possibly the first death in Maharashtra suspected to have been caused by the Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The man, a native of Solapur, had come to Pune, where he is suspected to have contracted the Guillain-Barre Syndrome, reported PTI. He died in Solapur, an official said without giving more details. "The total number of GBS cases in Pune on Sunday increased to 101, comprising 68 males and 33 females. Of these, 16 patients are on ventilator support. One suspected death has been reported in Solapur," the state health department official said, reported PTI. Meanwhile, the Rapid Response Team (RRT) and the Pune Municipal Corporation's health department continued surveillance in the affected Sinhgad Road areas in Pune. A total of 25,578 houses have been surveyed so far, including 15,761 in the Pune Municipal Corporation limits, 3,719 in Chinchwad Municipal Corporation limits, and 6,098 houses in the district's rural areas, the official said, reported PTI. The Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare condition that causes sudden numbness and muscle weakness, with symptoms including severe weakness in the limbs, loose motions etc. Bacterial and viral infections generally lead to GBS as they weaken the immunity of patients, according to doctors. While GBS is prevalent in both paediatric and young-age groups, it will not lead to an epidemic or pandemic, they said, adding that most patients recover fully with treatment, reported PTI. The state health department set up the Rapid Response Team to investigate the sudden rise in this infection after 24 suspected cases were found initially. What is Guillain-Barre syndrome? Guillain-Barre syndrome is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves. It can cause weakness, numbness or paralysis. Weakness and tingling in the hands and feet are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread and may lead to paralysis. Most people with the condition need treatment in a hospital. Guillain-Barre syndrome is rare, and the exact cause is not known. (With inputs from PTI)
27 January,2025 11:22 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentAuthorities in Kerala's Wayanad imposed a curfew in certain areas of Mananthavady Municipality on Sunday, following the fatal tiger attack on a 47-year-old woman. The tiger has since been declared a man-eater and is scheduled for culling. Earlier in the day, Forest Minister A K Saseendran made the announcement declaring the tiger a man-eater following a high-level meeting at the district collectorate. The curfew applies to Division 1 (Pancharakolli), Division 2 (Pilakavu), and Division 36 (Chirakkara) from 6 am on January 27 for 48 hours, according to an official release. All schools, Anganwadis, Madrasas, and tuition centers in these divisions will remain closed. Students residing in the affected divisions who attend educational institutions elsewhere will be exempt from attending classes on January 27 and 28, the release added. Those going to attend PSC exams or exams at educational institutions should contact their division councilor to make necessary arrangements. The decision comes in the wake of the tragic incident on Friday morning, where Radha, who belongs to a Scheduled Caste community, was mauled to death by the tiger while plucking coffee at the Priyadarshini Estate in Mananthavady village. The move to declare the tiger a man-eater was made after assessing its repeated attacks and the increasing threat to human lives, Minister Saseendran said. The same tiger that killed Radha also attacked Beat Forest Officer Jayasurya, a member of the Rapid Response Team (RRT) deployed for patrolling duty in the area on Sunday. Saseendran said this is the first time in the state that a tiger has been declared a man-eater. The decision followed a high-level meeting convened on the Chief Minister's directive to address the growing issue of tiger attacks. Efforts are underway to capture the animal, and a meeting with the Chief Secretary and other officials was held to address public concerns. The tiger was declared a man-eater after consulting with the Advocate General and other legal experts, with the Chief Minister's support for the decision, he added. In response to the threat posed by the tiger, steps have been taken to clear undergrowth in nearby areas, and surveillance in the region will be intensified. As part of enhanced wildlife management, 100 new cameras will be installed in Wayanad, and 400 AI cameras will be set up across the state by March 31 to strengthen monitoring and prevent wildlife-related attacks, Minister Saseendran said. The minister also criticised the central government for its lack of support in addressing wildlife issues, stating that even reaching them by phone felt futile. However, he assured that the Centre would be notified of the current situation. During his visit to Radha's house, Saseendran faced intense protests from local residents who blocked his vehicle, expressing anger and demanding a withdrawal of his statement that Radha was killed inside the forest. Despite the protests, the minister, under police protection, managed to meet Radha's family members and offered a temporary job to her son. Addressing the media after the visit, the minister assured that all necessary measures would be taken and urged people to support the government's efforts. He also promised to personally monitor the progress of these actions and announced that another meeting would be held on January 29 to discuss the issue further. Later, Saseendran visited Jayasurya, the forest officer injured in the tiger attack, at the hospital. The tiger attack also sparked protests on Friday, with locals initially preventing the victim's remains from being taken for postmortem until authorities assured them of measures to ensure public safety and capture or kill the tiger. After Minister O R Kelu assured the community that steps would be taken, they allowed Radha's remains to be taken for postmortem. Following this, the forest department issued an order to capture or kill the tiger, and prohibitory orders were enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to prevent public gatherings in four divisions of Mananthavady municipality until the tiger is captured. (With inputs from PTI)
27 January,2025 10:33 AM IST | Wayanad (Kerala) | mid-day online correspondentMembers of the parliamentary panel on the Waqf Amendment Bill have suggested 572 amendments to the draft legislation that has the government and the opposition at loggerheads, reported news agency PTI. The consolidated list of amendments was circulated by the Joint Committee on Waqf bill, chaired by BJP leader Jagdambika Pal, late Sunday as the panel's hearing entered the last lap, reported PTI. The Committee will discuss the clause-by-clause amendments at its meeting on Monday. Members of the BJP and those from the opposition have submitted amendments to the Waqf bill. However, none of the BJP's allies figure in the list of members who have submitted the amendments, reported PTI. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was referred to the joint committee of Parliament on August 8 following its introduction in the Lok Sabha by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. The Waqf bill aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, to address issues and challenges in regulating and managing Waqf properties. Oppn MPs write to LS Speaker to conduct JPC proceedings fairly, postpone next meet on Waqf bill Opposition members in the Joint Committee of Parliament on Waqf Amendment bill on Friday wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urging him to instruct the panel's chairman Jagdambika Pal for not rushing through the proceedings and postpone the panel's meeting slated on January 27. The panel members, some of whom were earlier suspended from the committee for a day for creating unruly scenes, said they were only raising their demand for postponing the scheduled meeting and demanded a probe under Supreme Court supervision on the chairman allegedly "acting at the behest" of higher-ups. They also urged the Speaker to instruct Pal to hold the JPC meetings in a fair and transparent manner without departure from rules and procedure. "It is therefore prayed that the Chairman of the JPC may kindly be instructed to conduct the proceedings in a transparent and fair manner. The Chairman should postpone the 27th meeting so that the opposition members can get the adequate time and opportunity to put forth our plea/claims without any departure from the rules and procedure to ensure the Parliament democracy on which the Nation still has faith," the opposition members said in a three-page letter signed by all of them. The suspended members are Kalyan Banerjee and Nadeem-ul Haque (Trinamool Congress), Mohammad Jawed, Imran Masood and Syed Naseer Hussain (Congress), A Raja and Mohamed Abdullah (DMK), Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM), Mohibullah (SP) and Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena-UBT). The members, in their letter to Birla, said the amendments proposed in the Waqf bill are not only "connected with the huge land banks of the Waqf boards across the country, but also relevant to the judicial pronouncements of the high courts /Supreme Court thereon; and statutes and rules enacted by various state governments in this regard are also in challenge whereby conflict of interest has arisen thereto". (With inputs from PTI)
27 January,2025 09:45 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
