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Delhi CM tables CAG report on DTC, BJP slams AAP over financial mismanagement
A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), tabled by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta in the Delhi Assembly on Monday. The report highlights the operational inefficiencies and financial losses, leading to criticism of the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, reported ANI. The report assesses DTC's key operational and financial aspects, highlighting inefficiencies and areas for improvement. It reviews fleet management, revenue generation, operational sustainability, and compliance with public transport policies. Following the tabling of the CAG report, BJP MLA Harish Khurana slammed the previous AAP government, accusing it of mismanaging the public transport system, which resulted in financial losses and a decline in DTC's bus fleet. Khurana, in the Delhi Assembly session, underlined that while AAP had promised 11,000 new buses in 2013-15, the number of DTC buses decreased from 4,344 in 2015 to 3,937. He further asserted that under former Chief Minister Madan Lal Khurana, DTC was profitable, but under AAP, the corporation's overall losses surged to Rs 8,498.33 crore, increasing by Rs 5,000 crore during AAP's tenure. Outlining the revenue decline, he noted that DTC's operating income dropped from Rs 914 crore when AAP took power to Rs 558 crore. He also alleged financial irregularities, questioning why the AAP government allotted 3.18 lakh square meters of DTC land to private cluster buses without collecting Rs 225 crore in rent. Furthermore, he criticized the administration for failing to procure new buses despite having Rs 223 crore allocated to the Delhi Transport Department in 2022. According to ANI, Khurana credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention for providing electric buses to Delhi, stating that 1,770 CNG buses had exceeded their operational age but were not replaced by the AAP government. Earlier in the day, the Delhi Legislative Assembly convened for its Budget Session, ahead of which CM Gupta prepared the ceremonial 'Kheer'. The first budget of the newly elected Delhi government will also be presented today. Marking a unique start to the financial proceedings, the newly elected Chief Minister extended her gratitude to those involved in the budget-making process. The budget session, running from March 24 to March 28 with provisions for extension, marks an important moment for the BJP government, which returned to power after 27 years in the recent 2025 Delhi Legislative Assembly election. The BJP government tabled two CAG reports on the now-scrapped excise policy and the healthcare system of the national capital during the first assembly session last month. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will move a motion to elect nine members each for the Committee on Public Accounts, Committee on Estimates, and Committee on Government Undertakings, as per ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
24 March,2025 05:05 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Assam Zoo receives 15 news species
15 news species have arrived in The Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden through an animal exchange programme with Chhatbir Zoo, Chandigarh, regulated by the Central Zoo Authority. This initiative has significantly enriched the zoo's biodiversity.These new species include Black Buck, Golden Pheasant, Emu, Java Sparrow, Chukar Partridge, Kalij Pheasant, and Comb Duck.Divisional Forest Officer Ashwini Kumar, of the Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden, told ANI that the zoo has received these new species through the exchange programme with Chhatbir Zoo, Punjab."We have received some species during the animal exchange programme with Chhatbir Zoo, Punjab. Among the species, we have received Black Buck, some birds including Kalij Pheasant, Comb Duck, Chukar Partridge, Golden Pheasant, Java Sparrow, and Emu. Development works are ongoing in the state zoo, and we will add some new species to increase educational awareness," the DFO said.He further mentioned that Assam Chief Minister announced modernisation plans for the state zoo, which are currently being implemented."A big veterinary hospital-cum-rescue and rehabilitation centre will be built here. Renovation works of all older enclosures are ongoing. Apart from this, we are enhancing visitor amenities," DFO Kumar added.The Assam State Zoo is dedicated to creating ideal habitats for its animals while enhancing conservation efforts through strategic exchange programs. This initiative highlights the zoo's commitment to wildlife preservation and public education. (With ANI inputs)
24 March,2025 05:03 PM IST | Mumbai
Kerala: CM Vijayan announces intensified anti-drug campaign to combat narcotics
The Kerala government announced a large-scale anti-drug campaign set to begin in April, aiming to fight the rising menace of narcotics through a coordinated effort across society on Monday. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that the initiative would integrate all existing campaigns and involve various government departments, institutions, and community groups in a unified combat against substance abuse. Addressing a high-level meeting at the Legislative Assembly, Vijayan emphasised the need for an intensified approach to tackle drug-related issues in the state. As part of the campaign's preparatory phase, a crucial meeting is scheduled for March 30, bringing together experts, student and youth organisations, film, cultural, and media representatives, as well as teacher and parent associations, a CMO release noted, reported PTI. The meeting will focus on formulating a comprehensive action plan to guide the campaign's implementation. The release said a committee comprising various departments will be formed under the leadership of the Chief Secretary to prepare an anti-drug framework, according to PTI. "The Chief Minister has directed that anti-drug awareness should begin from lower primary classes. More programmes should be organised to attract children to sports. Steps must be taken to ensure that hostels and public places remain drug-free, and inspections should be strengthened," it said. Vijayan directed that the enforcement activities of the police and excise departments should be further intensified. "The Local Self-Government Department must take steps to shut down shops selling drugs. Modern equipment should be procured to detect the presence of narcotics, and the presence of sniffer dogs should be increased. If necessary, coordination with police officers from other states should be initiated," he said, reported PTI. He said measures to curb online drug trafficking will be strengthened. "Inspections at airports, railways, and ports should be intensified, along with stricter border police checks," the Chief Minister stated. Vijayan also said that couriers, parcels, and tourist vehicles entering Kerala's borders should be subjected to thorough inspections. Ministers outlined the anti-drug initiatives implemented by their respective departments. The meeting was attended by ministers Saji Cherian, M B Rajesh, O R Kelu, R Bindu, and V Abdurahiman, along with Chief Secretary Sharada Muraleedharan, Additional Chief Secretaries A Jayathilak and K R Jyothilal, State Police Chief Sheikh Darvesh Sahib, ADGPs Manoj Abraham and P Vijayan, and Excise Commissioner Mahipal Yadav. The move came amid an intensified anti-narcotics campaign by various state government agencies, including the police and excise department. On Saturday, the Kerala Police stated that, as part of its special drive, D-Hunt, to prevent the sale and use of psychotropic substances such as MDMA, it had registered 7,038 cases and arrested 7,307 individuals across the state within a month of launching the initiative. (With PTI inputs)
24 March,2025 03:37 PM IST | Kerala | mid-day online correspondent
SC confirms ‘cash found’ at Delhi HC Judge Yashwant Varma’s house
A video shared by the police commissioner of burnt wads of cash at Justice Yashwant Varma’s residence and preliminary findings of the Delhi High Court chief justice calling for a “deeper probe” have prompted Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna to constitute a committee to conduct an in-house inquiry into the allegations against the judge. In an unprecedented move, the top court, late on Saturday evening, uploaded on its website the inquiry report of Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya—complete with photos and videos—regarding the alleged discovery of a substantial amount of cash from the residence of Justice Varma, a judge in the high court. Justice Yashwant Varma. File pic The 25-page inquiry report of Justice Upadhyaya, uploaded on the apex court’s website, contains two short notes in Hindi that mention that after the fire at the storeroom of Justice Varma’s residence on March 14 was doused, four to five half-burnt sacks containing currency notes were found. The report said prima facie, it seemed that a short-circuit had led to the fire. The video, also shared by Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora with Justice Upadhyaya, clearly shows burnt cash and firefighters dousing the flames. CJI forms panel The three-member inquiry committee formed by the CJI consists of Justices Sheel Nagu (Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court), G S Sandhawalia (Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court) and Karnataka High Court judge Anu Sivaraman. “The Chief Justice of the High Court of Delhi for the time being has been asked not to assign any judicial work to Mr Justice Yashwant Varma,” the top court said in a statement on Saturday. However, no timeline has been fixed for the committee to conclude the probe. ‘Conspiracy to frame’ Justice Varma has, in his response, strongly denounced the allegations in the currency-discovery row and said no cash was ever placed in the storeroom either by him or any of his family members. In his response submitted to the Delhi High Court chief justice, Justice Varma has said the allegation of cash discovery from his residence clearly appears to be a conspiracy to frame and malign him. “It was during our meeting at the High Court Guesthouse that I was first shown the video and other photographs, which had been shared with you by the Commissioner of Police. I was totally shocked to see the contents of the video since it depicted something which was not found on site as I had seen it,” Justice Varma said. “It was this which prompted me to observe that this clearly appeared to be a conspiracy to frame and malign me,” said Justice Varma. “Neither I nor any of my family members had any knowledge of cash nor does it have any bearing or relation with me or my family,” 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
24 March,2025 09:17 AM IST | New Delhi | Agencies
Chhattisgarh: Surrendered Maoists, victims to get govt aid
Land to civilian victims of Maoist violence and increased compensation for the kin of those killed while assisting in anti-Maoist operations are part of the new rehabilitation policy recently cleared by the Chhattisgarh cabinet, an official said. The ‘Chhattisgarh Maoist Surrender/Victim Relief and Rehabilitation Policy-2025’ aims at providing higher compensation, free education, healthcare facilities and job opportunities to victims of Maoist violence. Also, surrendered Maoists will receive rehabilitation and legal support to start a new life, the official said on Saturday. The primary objective of the new policy is to support those affected by Maoist violence and reintegrate surrendered maoist into the society. The Chhattisgarh government believes a balance between strict action and rehabilitation is essential to eliminate Maoism, the official added. Compensation given in the case of death of ‘gopniya sainik’ (informers) specially assisting police in anti-Maoist operations has been increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh (over and above the compensation payable under central schemes). A surrendered Moaist will receive a cash assistance of Rs 50,000. A Maoist who is unmarried, or whose spouse is not alive, will be given a grant of Rs 1 lakh within three years for marriage. A surrendered Maoist carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh or more will be allotted a maximum of four decimal (1742 sq ft) land in urban areas, or maximum one hectare of agricultural land in rural areas. 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
24 March,2025 09:10 AM IST | Raipur | Agencies
Citizens oppose IMD Doppler weather radar on Durga hill in Pune
Citizens, environmental activists, and nature lovers have opposed the authorities for allowing the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to finalise Durga hill in the Nigdi area of Pimpri-Chinchwad for setting up its X-band Doppler weather radar for Pune district. Durga Devi hill is the only hill in Pimpri-Chinchwad where thousands of people go for a morning walk every day to breathe clean air. Two hundred citizens signed a letter and lodged complaints with various authorities, including the police commissioner of Pimpri-Chinchwad, the National Green Tribunal (Western Zone), Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, and Zone A authorities of the PCMC, demanding that the IMD's radar project should not be allowed at any cost. The spot where the Doppler weather radar is to be set up The radar was originally planned for Vetal hill in Pune city, but due to a lack of infrastructure, opposition from some citizens, and other logistical challenges, the IMD decided to relocate the project to Pimpri-Chinchwad. Members of the Durga Devi Samvardhan Group, a city-based environmental organisation, expressed anger at the government authorities for failing to take citizens into confidence and showing disregard for environmental preservation. Suresh Ghule, a member of the group, told mid-day, “The government authorities have no limits. They are destroying the environment of Durga Devi Tekdi. The unauthorised tree cutting, hilltop destruction and various illegal development projects are causing severe environmental and ecological disturbances.” Durga Tekdi has developed as a tourist destination over the last 40 years. Various tenders were floated, and multiple plantation drives were carried out in phases using taxpayers’ money. Regular entry fees are charged for maintaining the park, making it the most visited destination in PCMC, as stated in the letter sent to all authorities. Environmental activists stated that the most visited spot of Durga Tekdi, famous for its breathtaking views and sunrise and sunset points, was recently destroyed due to unauthorised construction activities. These include the erection of telecommunication towers and container rooms on the hill slopes. Several old trees, including a religious tree worshipped by the public, were chopped down without proper permission or ecological surveys. Additionally, a banner has now been put up announcing the construction of a massive water storage tank at the very spot where PCMC recently spent lakhs of rupees on plantation efforts. Activists allege that now, both newly planted and old trees will be cut down for the construction. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including peacocks, rabbits, and migratory birds. Activists claim that the destruction of their habitat due to illegal activities and upcoming construction projects is severely harming the local ecosystem. Activists’ demands They demanded immediate action to cancel the construction of the water storage tank and the IMD weather radar tower. They also called for a halt to all illegal construction and tree-cutting activities in the area. Additionally, they urged authorities to conduct a thorough ecological survey to assess the damage already caused and ensure that all future development projects comply with environmental laws and regulations. Locals speak Dhananjay Shedbale, an environmental activist and trustee of Devrai Foundation, Pune, told mid-day, “The local authorities have taken us for granted. They didn't even discuss the plan with citizens. They are targeting green spaces, which are essential for clean air.” Shedbale added, “The PCMC needs to consult people before launching such projects in the city, especially if they disturb the ecological structure.” Neelam Kulkarni, a regular morning walker at Durga Devi Tekdi, said, “We have been coming here for almost two and a half decades. Earlier, this place was untouched. Recently, many commercial establishments and hawkers have come up. Police vehicles now ply to the top since they have set up a centre there. This is a place where unique flora and fauna thrive. Researchers and bird watchers spend time here for study. It is everyone’s responsibility to maintain the sanctity of this place.” When contacted, IMD officials confirmed the project’s progress. Kripan Ghosh, head of IMD’s agreement division, stated that the IMD has finalised Durga Devi hill in Nigdi-Pradhikaran for its radar and that construction work was underway.
24 March,2025 09:03 AM IST | Pune | Archana Dahiwal
Man held for using pet dog to hunt animals in Sangli forest
Sangli forest department officials said they have arrested a man for allegedly hunting wild animals in the forest. The accused allegedly trained his pet dog, which belongs to the Mudhol hound species, to hunt small and medium-sized wild animals such as hares, jackals, monitor lizards, etc, in the forest. Officials have identified the accused as Umaji Jagannath Malme, a resident of Dudhi Bavi village in Kavathe Mahankal taluka in the Sangli district. According to officials, Malme used to take photos and videos of his pet dog, (Babya, hunting wild animals near the forested patch and grassland and later used to upload those through an Instagram account ‘babya_king_302’. “There are various such people involved in poaching with the help of trained dogs who post videos on Instagram and Facebook accounts. The forest department, along with the cybercrime cell, is seriously looking into this to find out such accused and punish them,” said Honorary Wildlife Warden Rohan Bhate. According to a forest department official, the arrest came following a tip-off based on which an inquiry was set up, and it was found out that Malme had a passion for hunting. The forest officials, along with the local police, reached Dudhi Bavi village on March 18 and arrested him from his residence. “Photos and videos uploaded on his Instagram account were shown to Malme, to which he admitted that these were uploaded by him. The accused also confessed that he personally took the photos and videos on his mobile phone and uploaded them himself through the Instagram handle. After collecting details about each photo and video, his statement was recorded in which he confessed to hunting wild animals.” Forest department officials said they have registered a case and have booked Malme under various sections of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. The accused was produced before the court, which remanded him in police custody. Further investigation is underway.
24 March,2025 09:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
Roadmap ready for making Maharashtra $1 trillion economy by 2029: CM Fadnavis
As India is moving towards a $5 trillion economy, a roadmap is ready for Maharashtra to become a $1 trillion economy by 2029, Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday, according to news agency PTI. He made the statement while speaking at a programme of the CII Young Indians in Nashik, PTI reported. Fadnavis said efficient administration and effective implementation of decisions are accelerating development in Maharashtra. "India's economy is moving towards becoming a $5 trillion economy, in which Maharashtra will have a large share. A roadmap is ready for the state to become a $1 trillion economy by 2029," he said. According to PTI, he said the speed of communication and infrastructure are crucial for economic development, and the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway was built for that purpose. During his address, Fadnavis further stated that Nashik is a significant hub for industrial growth and tourism owing to its skilled workforce, favourable climate, and the presence of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). He added that the city's growth will be further boosted by the under-construction Vadhavan Port in Palghar, which will be connected to Nashik through a greenfield road. Fadnavis highlighted the role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) and shared that Maharashtra is working on a Center of Excellence in collaboration with Google. He stated that AI applications in agriculture and law are generating new job opportunities. The CM also pointed out that Maharashtra is leading in foreign investment and that efforts are underway to ensure that investments are not limited to metropolitan areas such as Mumbai and Pune. Districts such as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur, and Gadchiroli have emerged as promising investment destinations, he said, according to PTI. Fadnavis also stressed the importance of sustainable development and the state's focus on strengthening the agricultural sector alongside industrial growth. "Nashik is a major producer of grapes, onions, and vegetables. Efforts are underway to help farmers access better market systems and improve their income," CM Fadnavis assured. He further informed that 20 lakh houses are being constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which will benefit both the urban and rural regions of the state, PTI reported. Fadnavis expressed confidence that Maharashtra’s strategic infrastructure projects, technological advancements, and balanced regional development will help the state achieve its ambitious $1 trillion economic target by 2029. (With PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 11:42 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondent
Delhi Assembly Budget Session to begin tomorrow
The Budget Session of the Eighth Delhi Legislative Assembly is set to begin on Monday at 11 am, news agency ANI reported. The newly elected Delhi government's first budget will be presented a day later. Speaker Vijender Gupta said that the Delhi Assembly Budget Session would take place in the Old Secretariat. "Tomorrow is the first day of the Budget Session. The budget will be presented on March 25. The CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) report will also be tabled during the budget session," Gupta informed the media on Sunday. The Delhi Assembly Budget Session will conclude on March 28 and the session may be extended if required, ANI reported. According to a statement from the Delhi Assembly Secretariat, the CAG report on the functioning of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) will be presented during the session. This will mark the third CAG report to be tabled in the House. A key highlight of the session will be the presentation of the annual budget on March 25, detailing the government's financial strategy and developmental plans for the year. A general discussion on the budget will take place on March 26, which will allow lawmakers to scrutinise financial allocations and policy proposals. On March 27, the assembly will debate and vote on the proposed budget, ANI reported. On the last day of the Delhi Assembly Budget Session, March 28, the legislators will debate resolutions and bills. Daily sittings will commence at 11 am, with a lunch break from 1 pm to 2 pm. The Question Hour, a crucial mechanism for legislative scrutiny, is scheduled for March 24, 26, 27, and 28, during which ministers will address queries concerning various departments. Members intending to raise matters of public importance under Rule 280 must submit their notices by 5 pm on the working day before the sitting. A balloting process will determine the first 10 notices for discussion each day. Private Members' Resolutions are set for March 28, with notices required 12 days in advance. To maintain decorum and efficiency, the Speaker has issued guidelines for the session. "Members are advised to adhere to the rules for submitting questions, resolutions, and special mentions. Seating arrangements must be followed, and the quorum bell will ring at 10:55 AM each day," the directions stated. For further information, members can consult the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business or contact the Legislative Assembly Secretariat. (With ANI inputs)
23 March,2025 11:32 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Did you know that the govt can convene a 'secret meeting' of the Lok Sabha?
The government can convene a "secret sitting" of the Lok Sabha to discuss sensitive matters, though this provision has never been utilised, news agency PTI reported. According to a constitutional expert, during the 1962 Chinese aggression, some Members of Parliament (MP) from the opposition suggested holding a secret sitting to deliberate on the issue. However, then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru declined, believing the public had a right to know. According to PTI, Chapter 25 of the 'Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha' includes provisions allowing for secret sittings upon the request of the Leader of the House. Rule 248, subclause one, states that if the Leader of the House makes such a request, the Speaker will designate a day or part of a day for the House to convene in secret. Subclause two of the Rule specifies that during a secret sitting, no stranger will be allowed in the chamber, lobby, or galleries, although certain individuals may be permitted under specific conditions. Another Rule in the chapter states that the Speaker can decide how the proceedings of a secret sitting will be reported. "But no other person present shall keep a note or record of any proceedings or decisions of a secret sitting, whether in part or full, or issue any report of, or purport to describe such proceedings." Once the need for maintaining secrecy has ended, and with the Speaker's consent, the Leader of the House or an authorised member can move a motion to lift the confidentiality of the proceedings, PTI reported. If approved, the Secretary-General will prepare and publish a report of the secret sitting as soon as possible. The rules caution that revealing the proceedings or decisions of a secret sitting in any form will be considered a "gross breach of privilege of the House." Constitutional expert and former Lok Sabha Secretary-General PDT Achari confirmed that there has been "no occasion" for a secret sitting of the House. Recalling discussions with senior members, he noted that during the 1962 India-China conflict, some opposition members had suggested a secret sitting to address the sensitive issues. However, Nehru opposed the idea, asserting that the public should be informed. (With PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 11:31 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Lokotsav
Folk dances from Maharashtra and Odisha mesmerize crowds in Delhi
Traditional folk dances from Maharashtra and Odisha captivated audiences at the “Lokotsav", a cultural event, was held at Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi, an official statement said on Sunday. The event was held as part of the Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat initiative, it said, adding that the event showcased the vibrant cultures of both states and brought a message of national unity. The statement further said that the Lokotsav, was jointly organised by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Maharashtra Sadan, and the Maharashtra Parichay Kendra. It was inaugurated by R. Vimla, Secretary and Resident Commissioner of Maharashtra Sadan. The event also saw the presence of Dr. Rajesh Adapawar, Assistant Resident Commissioner, Amarjyot Kaur Arora, Deputy Director in charge of Maharashtra Parichay Kendra, and members of the Delhi Marathi community, the statement said. The festival featured two stunning performances-- the tribal folk dance ‘Dhol Bohada’ from Maharashtra and the vibrant ‘Bajasal’ dance from Odisha, it said. The ‘Dhol Bohada’ dance was presented by a group of 20 artists led by Vaman Mali from Mokhada, Palghar (Maharashtra). The performers danced to the beat of traditional Dhol-Tasha drums, with participants ranging from young to elderly, creating a lively and electrifying atmosphere. The dance depicted the strong bond between the tribal community and wildlife, particularly their respect for tigers, the statement said. The ‘Bajasal’ dance troupe, led by Dayanand Panda from Odisha, performed their traditional dance, usually seen at weddings and festivals. A team of 15 folk artists performed with traditional instruments such as Dhol, Nishan, Tasa, Mohuri, and Jhanj. The vibrant costumes and energetic performance left the audience applauding for more, it further said. Speaking about the event, Resident Commissioner R. Vimla stated, “Culture is not just for entertainment; it plays a vital role in shaping society. This festival provided a glimpse into the rich traditions of Maharashtra and Odisha, strengthening the cultural bonds between the two states,” the statement said. The program was hosted by Maharashtra Parichay Kendra’s Information Officer, Anju Nimsarkar. The event was successfully organised with the efforts of Assistant Director of Cultural Affairs, Sandeep Balkhande; Maharashtra Sadan Manager, Pramod Kolpate; and Parichay Kendra team members Raghunath Sonawane, Nilesh Deshmukh, and Prashant Shivrame, it said.
23 March,2025 11:23 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent