Police have seized counterfeit currency notes totalling 2,070 in denomination of Rs 500 with a face value of Rs 10.35 lakh in Pune city and arrested five individuals, an official said on Thursday. During routine patrolling last week in the Padmavati area on Pune-Satara road, police personnel found movements of a man, identified as Nilesh Hiranand Virkar, suspicious. "When he was stopped and questioned, he started giving vague answers and tried to hide something. A search revealed a bundle of counterfeit notes of Rs 500 denomination in his possession. During probe, it was revealed he was planning to circulate them in the market," said the official. On further interrogation, Virkar disclosed the involvement of his accomplices Saifan Patel (26), Afzal Shah (19), Shahid Qureshi (25), and Shahfahad Ansari (22), all residents of Navi Mumbai and Palghar, in the racket to circulate counterfeit currency notes, he said. Subsequent arrests revealed that the counterfeit currency notes originated from New Delhi and Ghaziabad, according to the official. During the probe, police seized 2,070 fake notes having a face value of Rs 10.35 lakh. They have registered a case against all five accused under relevant sections of the new criminal code BNS, he added. 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
16 January,2025 11:00 PM IST | Pune | PTICongress MP from Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur Imran Masood accused AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal of raising the issue of attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan in Mumbai to woo Muslim voters ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls. The Bollywood was stabbed six times by an intruder, who barged into his Mumbai home early Thursday. He is admitted to the Lilavati Hospital. Taking on the BJP over the issue, Kejriwal said, "When the BJP's double-engine government can't ensure the safety of celebrities like Saif Ali Khan, what can the common people expect?" "Such attacks are not new. There was a shooting outside actor Salman Khan's house and the killing of Baba Siddique, who was BJP's alliance partner, shows the law and order situation in the country," he added. Hitting out at Kejriwal, Congress MP Imran Masood said, "It is surprising that Kejriwal, who did not express any concern about the Muslims of Delhi in the past 10 years, is concerned about the Muslims of Mumbai." At least he is concerned about the Muslims outside Delhi, he said. "But the question that arises is that you will speak about the law and order of Mumbai but not of Delhi. Today you tried to woo Muslim voters in Delhi by taking the name of (Saif Ali) Khan. But when there was violence in Jahangirpuri, you did not utter a single word," Masood charged. "You were the chief minister at that time. If you would have gone to Jahangirpuri, then there would not have been so much of a loss. When the students were attacked during CAA/NRC (protest) at Jamia Millia Islamia, you were not ready to say anything," he said. Continuing with his barrage of attacks, the Congress MP said, "The punishment given to AAP MLA Naresh Yadav in the case of desecration of the Holy Quran is a serious matter. How does AAP justify keeping those who do such divisive work in the party? Have any steps been taken to ensure accountability in the party?" The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5 and the results will be announced on February 8. 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
16 January,2025 10:54 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIIn a tragic incident, four members of a family drowned in the Bharathapuzha river at Cheruthuruthy on Thursday evening. The victims have been identified as Kabeer (47), his wife Shahina (35), their daughter Sera Fathima (10), and Shahina's nephew Fuvad Sanin (12), all hailing from Cheruthuruthy, police said. The tragedy occurred around 5.30 pm when the two children, playing near the riverbank, accidentally fell into the water. Upon noticing this, Kabeer and Shahina rushed to rescue them but were caught in the strong undercurrent, quoting the eyewitness police said. Local residents, police, and fire and rescue teams immediately launched a search operation. Shahina was pulled from the water and rushed to a nearby private hospital, but her life could not be saved, according to local residents. Rescue teams later recovered the bodies of Kabeer and Fuvad. The search for Sera concluded around 8.15 pm when her body was retrieved. Thrissur City Police Commissioner Ilango R and other senior officers reached the spot to oversee the rescue efforts, police added. 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
16 January,2025 10:45 PM IST | Thrissur (Kerala) | PTIThe new year has started on a grim note for wild tigers in India, with 13 reported deaths in the first 16 days of 2025. Maharashtra recorded the highest number at seven deaths, followed by Madhya Pradesh. According to www.tigernet.nic.in, the official database of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), a state agency under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, of the 13 deaths, nine occurred outside tiger reserves, while four were reported within reserves. Madhya Pradesh recorded two deaths, while Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Kerala, and Assam each reported one tiger death. Investigations into these deaths are ongoing, and the exact causes are yet to be determined. Wildlife conservationist Kedar Gore from the Corbett Foundation explained that in states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, where tiger populations are high, some deaths due to natural causes are expected. However, he pointed out that at least four tiger deaths in Maharashtra were linked to poaching and human-wildlife conflict. "This needs to be addressed on a priority," he said. Gore added, "Hopefully, the NTCA and the respective forest departments will focus more on timely addressing the reasons leading to negative human-wildlife interactions. Timely release of funds, compensating local communities for human, property, and agricultural losses due to wildlife, and ensuring capacity building of frontline staff to improve vigilance against poaching are crucial. Most unnatural tiger deaths occur in buffer areas, wildlife corridors, and forest divisions adjacent to well-protected tiger reserves. These areas need more attention, funds, and wildlife management strategies. Instead of focusing solely on increasing tiger numbers in restricted areas, we should prioritise reducing human-wildlife conflicts. Fewer negative interactions should become the measure of success in tiger conservation." According to NTCA data, India recorded a total of 127 tiger deaths in 2024. In January 2024 alone, 20 tiger deaths were reported across the country. Of the 127 deaths reported last year, 85 remain under investigation, 13 were attributed to natural causes, and one was confirmed as a poaching incident. Sarosh Lodhi, co-founder of the wildlife group Conservation Lenses & Wildlife (CLaW) and a conservation photographer, expressed concern over the mortality numbers. "The mortality numbers are extremely concerning, and the high number of unnatural deaths is particularly troubling. While authorities are considering introducing birth control measures for tigers, the focus should be on reducing the mortality rate and securing corridors to allow tigers to move freely," he said. NTCA data on mortality The NTCA stated, "Based on the location of tiger mortality events, data from 2012 to September 2024 is grouped into three categories: deaths inside tiger reserves, deaths outside reserves, and seizures of tiger skins or bones. Of the 1,386 tiger mortality events recorded during this period, 50 per cent occurred within tiger reserves, 42 per cent outside reserves, and 7 per cent were linked to seizures."
16 January,2025 10:29 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavLok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday congratulated Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists on Thursday for achieving a historic success in India's space mission. India became the fourth country to demonstrate space docking capability after successfully docking two satellites launched under SpaDeX, ANI reported. Taking to X, the Congress leader expressed, "Congratulations to the brilliant scientists of ISRO for the historic success of SpaDeX, making India the fourth nation to master space docking technology. This milestone marks a significant leap in India's capabilities, paving the way for greater space programmes and missions." "Your dedication and innovation continue to inspire the world and make every Indian proud," he added. Congratulations to the brilliant scientists of ISRO for the historic success of SpaDeX, making India the fourth nation to master space docking technology. This milestone marks a significant leap in India's capabilities, paving the way for greater space programs and missions.… — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 16, 2025 ISRO announced the successful docking of the two satellites, marking a noteworthy step in India's space mission capabilities. This success paves the way for future space exploration missions, including Chandrayaan-4, India's planned space station, and Gaganyaan, ANI reported. Earlier in the day, ISRO announced on X: "SpaDeX Docking Update: Docking Success Spacecraft docking successfully completed! A historic moment. Let's walk through the SpaDeX docking process: Manoeuvre from 15m to 3m hold point completed. Docking initiated with precision, leading to successful spacecraft capture. Retraction completed smoothly, followed by rigidisation for stability. Docking successfully completed. India became the 4th country to achieve successful Space Docking. Congratulations to the entire team! Congratulations to India!" SpaDeX Docking Update:🌟Docking SuccessSpacecraft docking successfully completed! A historic moment.Let’s walk through the SpaDeX docking process:Manoeuvre from 15m to 3m hold point completed. Docking initiated with precision, leading to successful spacecraft capture.… — ISRO (@isro) January 16, 2025 President Droupadi Murmu praised ISRO for taking India to the elite group of nations that have demonstrated space docking capability. ALong with her several other prominent political figures also hailed this achievement, ANI cited. Taking to X, the President of India through Rashtrapati Bhavan's official handle, said, "India's space programme achieves a historic milestone with the successful docking of the two satellites launched under Space Docking Experiment, SpaDeX! India is the fourth nation to have demonstrated space docking capability." "This achievement paves the way for India's future endeavours in space exploration such as Chandrayaan-4, India's planned space station and Gaganyaan. Congratulations to ISRO and the entire scientists and engineers communities of the country for boosting India's space capabilities," she added. India’s space programme achieves historic milestone with the successful docking of the two satellites launched under Space Docking Experiment, SpaDeX! India is the fourth nation to have demonstrated space docking capability. This achievement paves the way for India's future… — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 16, 2025 AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal also lauded the scientists. He posted on X: "Congratulations to ISRO for the historic success of the SpaDeX mission, achieving a monumental docking milestone. Proud of our scientists who make India shine brighter among the stars." Congratulations to ISRO for the historic success of the SpaDeX mission, achieving a monumental docking milestone. Proud of our scientists who make India shine brighter among the stars. https://t.co/mm01Jv3s8N — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 16, 2025 (With ANI inputs)
16 January,2025 07:09 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Nagpur Police on Thursday said that the number of victims is expected to rise after a 47-year-old psychologist-cum-career counsellor was arrested for allegedly sexually exploiting at least 50 minor girls and women, reported news agency ANI. The man allegedly used to trap girls under the pretence of providing counselling, as per ANI. The allegations came to light when one of his ex-students approached the police. As per allegations, the accused used to abuse victims during camps and trips he organised, and took explicit photos for potential blackmail. Three cases have been registered against the accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, said Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal, claiming that the man's wife was also involved in the series of alleged misdeeds, reported ANI. The accused was arrested in November and is currently lodged in judicial custody. "His wife was also involved with him and sections will be imposed on her depending on the extent of her involvement...In the beginning, only one case was registered. Later, two more cases were registered, number of victims is expected to increase," said the Nagpur Police Commissioner. The police commissioner also expressed the possibility that many victims have yet to speak up. A committee has been formed to investigate further and ensure that juvenile victims can provide statements as per law, stated ANI. Evidence was found at a residence where the counsellor had sheltered some children. While sharing more updates in the case, the commissioner stated, "I have personally formed a committee...to explore other aspects and so that juveniles give their statements before CwC as per law." Singal further informed that the panel comprises a senior IPS officer, an API from the Cyber Crime Unit of Nagpur Police, and members of the child welfare board and other bodies. "It took a lot of persuasion to encourage the minor girls to step forward," he added. Providing details about the career counsellor, the official said that he had been working in and around Nagpur for "many" years, ANI stated. The accused man "used to shelter some children in a residence from where we found some evidence", said Commissioner Singal. Based on the evidence found, the Nagpur police will take the investigation forward, he added. (With inputs from ANI)
16 January,2025 06:52 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentTwo women were injured and five to six vehicles were damaged after a container truck allegedly hit them on Chakan-Shikrapur Road in Maharashtra's Pune district on Thursday, police said, reported news agency PTI. The container truck driver then sped away after hitting two women pedestrians at Manik Chowk in the Chakan area, injuring their legs. The driver rammed into a tempo, a car, and a couple of two-wheelers over a stretch of about 2 kilometres, during his attempt to escape, PTI stated. A police van was also damaged amid the chaos, an official said. “The container truck was eventually intercepted and stopped at Shikrapur Chowk. The driver has been taken into custody,” said the official from the Pimpri Chinchwad police station. Thane accident: Man killed as truck hits 2 auto-rickshaws; minor driver held The police said that a man was killed and another person injured when a truck driven by a minor boy collided with two auto-rickshaws before falling into a pit at a Metro construction site in Maharashtra's Thane city on Monday, reported news agency PTI. The 15-year-old truck driver was later detained, they said. The incident took place at 2.30 am near Suraj Water Park on the city's arterial Ghodbunder Road and traffic on the route was affected for some time, the police said while sharing an update on the Thane accident, reported PTI. The truck driver lost control over the wheels following which the vehicle collided with two auto-rickshaws parked by the roadside and then plunged into a pit at a Metro construction site, traffic police officials said while sharing an update on the Thane accident, reported PTI. Local resident Jitendra Mohan Kamble (31), who was in one of the auto-rickshaws, was injured and rushed to a government hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival, they said, reported PTI. An occupant of the other auto-rickshaw also received serious injuries and was undergoing treatment at the hospital, the police said. The Kasarvadavali police detained the underage driver and registered an FIR against him under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act, they said. The traffic police later removed the damaged truck and the auto-rickshaws with the help of a towing vehicle and restored smooth traffic flow on the road. (With inputs from PTI)
16 January,2025 05:14 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentA Delhi court on Thursday issued a notice to CM Atishi and AAP MP Sanjay Singh on a criminal defamation complaint filed by former Congress MP Sandeep Dikshit, PTI reported. As per PTI, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Paras Dalal ordered the AAP leaders to file a reply by January 27, when the court will further hear the matter. The defamation complaint claimed that Atishi and Singh "deliberately caused harm to the goodwill of Dikshit". It claimed that the Delhi CM Atishi and MP Sanjay Singh had alleged in a press conference that Dikshit not only took crores of rupees from the BJP, but the Congress also plotted with the BJP to defeat AAP, PTI reported. Dikshit is contesting the Delhi Assembly elections 2025 against former CM Arvind Kejriwal from the New Delhi constituency. Delhi Assembly elections 2025: CM Atishi files nomination from Kalkaji constituency Chief Minister Atishi filed her nomination for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections 2025 from the Kalkaji constituency on Tuesday at the district magistrate’s (DM) office in Lajpat Nagar. Atishi was supposed to file her papers on Monday. However, there was a delay due to a roadshow and she could not reach the DM’s office before the 3 pm deadline. Atishi is contesting against the BJP’s Ramesh Singh Bidhuri and the Congress’ Alka Lamba. A seasoned politician and former MP, Bidhuri won the Tughlakabad assembly seat in 2003, 2008 and 2013. Lamba was with the AAP for about five years and joined the Congress in 2019. Kalkaji constituency has a total of 1,94,515 voters—1,06,893 male, 87,617 female and five transgender. A police complaint was filed by a returning officer against the Delhi CM, alleging the use of a government vehicle for political purposes on January 7. Following this, a detailed investigation was carried out and a Public Works Department’s (PWD) south-east divisional executive engineer was booked for allegedly using a government vehicle for election campaigning. An officer said that the FIR had been filed for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct. The case was filed at Delhi's Govindpuri police station. A complaint letter regarding the matter was submitted to the assistant commissioner of police, Kalkaji. (With agency inputs)
16 January,2025 01:42 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentOvernight showers drenched the national capital with the weather department predicting more rain on Thursday. Rain started in some parts of the city around 11.30 pm on Wednesday, and between 11.30 pm and 5.30 am, Delhi's primary weather station recorded 3.7 mm of rainfall, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) data. Other stations such as Palam recorded 8.6 mm of rain, Pusa 7.5 mm, and Mayur Vihar 4 mm. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 10.3 degrees Celsius, 2.7 notches above normal, while the air quality was recorded in the very poor category with a reading of 336, reported PTI. The IMD has predicted a cloudy sky and light rain for the day, with the maximum temperature likely to settle around 20 degrees Celsius. 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. Meanwhile, Lahaul and Spiti are covered in a blanket of snow as the area receives fresh snowfall. As per IMD's forecast on January 15, the temperatures in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh plummeted to minus 12 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature may reach 9 degrees Celsius. A layer of fog also engulfs parts of Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya as mercury dips in several parts of Northern India. As per IMD, the minimum temperature has been recorded at 8 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature will reach 18 degrees Celsius in Ayodhya. IMD has issued a warning for dense fog in the city. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)
16 January,2025 01:33 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully performed the docking of satellites on Thursday as part of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) and the space agency also announced that post docking, control of two satellites as a single object was successful, reported news agency PTI. "Spacecraft docking successfully completed! A historic moment. India became the 4th country to achieve successful Space Docking. Congratulations to the entire team! Congratulations to India!" ISRO said in a post on X on Thursday (formerly Twitter) and also explained the process. SpaDeX Docking Update:🌟Docking SuccessSpacecraft docking successfully completed! A historic moment.Let’s walk through the SpaDeX docking process:Manoeuvre from 15m to 3m hold point completed. Docking initiated with precision, leading to successful spacecraft capture.… — ISRO (@isro) January 16, 2025 India has become the fourth country after US, Russia and China to accomplish the feat with the successeful docking of the satellites. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post on X congratulated the scientists for the achievement. In his post, he wrote, "Congratulations to our scientists at ISRO and the entire space fraternity for the successful demonstration of space docking of satellites. It is a significant stepping stone for India's ambitious space missions in the years to come." Congratulations to our scientists at @isro and the entire space fraternity for the successful demonstration of space docking of satellites. It is a significant stepping stone for India’s ambitious space missions in the years to come. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 16, 2025 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended his greetings to the team at ISRO for their success in this mission. Noting that India has become the fourth country to undertake such a mission, the UP CM said that it was a proud moment for the country. "Congratulations team ISRO on this historic achievement! Bharat has become the 4th nation to successfully achieve space docking, marking a giant leap in our space capabilities. The SpaDeX docking process was executed with flawless precision. This extraordinary milestone highlights the dedication and expertise of the brilliant minds behind the mission. A proud moment for Bharat! Jai Hind!" Adityanath wrote on X. Congratulations team @isro on this historic achievement!Bharat has become the 4th nation to successfully achieve space docking, marking a giant leap in our space capabilities.The SpaDeX docking process was executed with flawless precision.This extraordinary milestone… — Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 16, 2025 Further, ISRO said, "Post docking, control of two satellites as a single object is successful. Undocking and power transfer checks to follow in coming days." SpaDeX Docking Update:Post docking, control of two satellites as a single object is successful. Undocking and power transfer checks to follow in coming days.#SPADEX #ISRO — ISRO (@isro) January 16, 2025 Earlier on January 12, ISRO brought the two spacecraft to three metres and then moved them back to safe distance in its trial attempt to dock the satellites, PTI stated. On December 30, 2024, ISRO had successfully launched the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission. The PSLV C60 rocket carrying two small satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), along with 24 payloads, had lifted off from the first launchpad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, and about 15 minutes after liftoff, the two small spacecraft weighing about 220 kg each were launched into a 475-km circular orbit as intended, stated PTI. According to ISRO, the SpaDeX mission is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission for the demonstration of in-space docking using two small spacecraft that was launched by PSLV. In space, docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives. (With inputs from PTI)
16 January,2025 01:07 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentAs preparations for the Union Budget 2025-26 are underway, the Ministry of Finance on Thursday issued a comprehensive report on the progress and achievements of the announcements made under the Union Budget 2024-25. According to ANI, the ministry highlighted several key reforms that have been successfully implemented, particularly in simplifying taxation, reducing litigation, and enhancing tax certainty. Taking to social media platform ‘X’, the Ministry of Finance reflected on the developments, stating, “Let’s reflect on the significant #UnionBudget announcements and other #MajorInitiatives, and the progress made under them over time.” Reduction in Tax Litigation and appeals The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) introduced the Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme, 2024, aiming to resolve pending income tax disputes efficiently. ANI reports that additional officers have been deployed to expedite the disposal of first appeals. The monetary limits for filing appeals have also been raised, with limits set at Rs 60 lakh for Tax Tribunals, Rs 2 crore for High Courts, and Rs 5 crore for the Supreme Court. The finance ministry further stated that safe harbour rules have been expanded, while transfer pricing assessments are being streamlined to reduce international tax disputes. These measures aim to create a more predictable and taxpayer-friendly environment. Simplification of Capital Gains Taxation Major reforms in capital gains taxation were also a highlight of the 2024-25 budget. As per ANI, the introduction of just two holding periods—one year for listed assets and two years for unlisted and non-financial assets—has significantly simplified compliance for taxpayers. Long-term capital gains now attract a reduced tax rate of 12.5 per cent, while short-term gains are taxed at 20 per cent. Additionally, the exemption limit for capital gains on certain financial assets has been increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.25 lakh annually, benefitting middle- and lower-income groups. The rationalisation of tax rates and elimination of indexation have further simplified the calculation process. Reassessment and Reopening of Tax Cases ANI reports that the government has revised provisions for reassessment, reducing uncertainty for taxpayers. Reassessments beyond three years are now permitted only if the escaped income exceeds Rs 50 lakh, with a maximum period of five years. For search cases, the reassessment window has been reduced to six years, fostering greater tax certainty. Overhaul of the Income Tax Act, 1961 The Ministry of Finance has also undertaken a comprehensive review of the Income Tax Act, 1961. According to ANI, over 6,500 suggestions have been received from stakeholders, and 22 specialised committees are currently reviewing various aspects of the Act. The objective is to make the law concise and easier to understand, with the exercise expected to be completed within six months. (With inputs from ANI)
16 January,2025 01:02 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
