NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi Monday accused Congress of betraying ‘Vande Mataram’ and bowing to pressure from Mohammed Ali Jinnah to “divide” it despite Mahatma Gandhi’s praise that the patriotic song had become like a national anthem, saying the party meted out the “grave injustice” due to its appeasement politics.Initiating a discussion in Lok Sabha on the national song’s 150th anniversary, Modi traced its evolution to becoming a rallying cry for patriots and unifying spirit against the British rule, including in the popular agitation against Bengal’s division in 1905.

Also read: NDA, opposition trade barbs over national song; Bengal poll takes centre stageHe said Gandhi, who then practised law in South Africa, had recognised its immense appeal in Bengal. Quoting Gandhi’s statements on the song in a weekly, Indian Opinion, in 1905, Modi said: “it is so popular that (it is almost) as if it has become our national anthem. Its sentiments are great, and it is sweeter than anthems of other nations. Its sole motive is to ignite the patriotic spirit in us. It sees India as mother and worships her”.

Modi: Nehru compromised instead of taking on Jinnah

If it was such a great song, then why was it betrayed in the last century?” asked PM Narendra Modi before taking aim at first PM Jawaharlal Nehru. “Which were the forces whose wishes prevailed on the sentiments of revered Bapu? A sacred song like ‘Vande Mataram’ was dragged into controversy,” he said, in reference to Congress’s decision in 1937 to confine its recital to the first two paras.Also read: Priyanka Gandhi’s ‘chronology’ jab at Centre; questions PM Modi’s ‘selective’ historyThe current generation must know the reasons behind the betrayal of a song which had frightened the British so much that they banned it and repressed those who chanted it as a nationalist slogan. He also took a swipe at Trinamool Congress, saying parties having Congress in their name keep raising controversy around the song, which often draws criticism from a section of Muslims for its vivid Hindu themes, including invocation of deities. Modi appeared to be responding to critics, who have found the song’s imagery of nation as agoddess objectionable, with a strong articulation of cultural nationalism, a foundational guide to the Sangh Parivar, as he noted that even the Vedas have visualised India as a mother.Modi’s over 55-minute speech was heard without any serious disruption, and he made a concession to TMC MP Saugata Roy when the latter rose to object to his use of ‘da’ and not the more respectful ‘babu’ after the songwriter Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s first name, thanking him for the suggestion. Modi used the suffix “babu” for Bankim from that point onwards.With the song’s association with Bengali icons like Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and Rabindra Nath Tagore, who set it to music, BJP hopes to deepen its connect with the people of West Bengal, which goes to the polls in a few months, as it takes on CM Mamata Banerjee-headed Trinamool which has often championed its regional identity to corner its main rival.Modi said when Jinnah protested on Oct 15, 1937, against the song, which was sung in Congress sessions, Nehru, as the president of his party, felt insecure and “agreed” with the Muslim League leader’s criticism by writing to Subhas Chandra Bose that its Anandmath background may irritate and provoke Muslims. Nehru compromised instead of taking on Jinnah and the Congress, at its Kolkata session on Oct 26 pruned the song to its first two paras, he said, hammering home the irony of that conclave being organised in Chatterjee’s state.He added, “History is witness that Congress bowed down to Muslim League. Due to its appeasement politics, Congress bent to divide Vande Mataram, and that is why it had to bow down to the division of India later.”With the national song a fixture at BJP events, Modi said his party owed a debt to Vande Mataram that it needed to repay by ensuring it got its due.

The data for this weather forecast has been sourced from AQI.in, providing residents with comprehensive information to plan their daily activities and weekly schedules accordingly.Mumbai, on December 9, 2025, is experiencing sunny skies and pleasant temperatures, with a comfortable 26.4°C expected, reaching a high of 30.2°C and a low of 22.9°C, alongside moderate 35% humidity.This follows yesterday’s air quality being categorized as “very poor,” with an “AQI-IN of 201,” which was the “highest recorded this month” due to elevated PM2.5, PM10, and CO levels.Residents are advised to enjoy the favorable weather conditions while considering mask usage in high-traffic zones due to potential lingering pollutants, as the week ahead forecasts continued sunny and warm weather without rain.

Current Weather Conditions

Mumbai greets the day with sunny skies and a pleasant morning.The temperature is expected to hover around a comfortable 26.4°C.The day’s high is projected at 30.2°C.The low for the day is anticipated to be 22.9°C.Humidity levels remain moderate at 35%.This makes it an ideal day for outdoor activities.The day begins with a crisp sunrise at 7:01 AM.This is perfect for a morning walk or jog.Winds will be gentle at 15.5 km/h.This adds a refreshing touch to the otherwise warm day.“The maximum temperature of 30.2°C will make the afternoon warm but bearable, with no rain in sight.”The sun will set at 6:01 PM.A cool evening breeze will then set in.“A cool evening breeze will set in, making it a great time for outdoor gatherings.”The moonrise is later at 10:42 PM.It will be in its “Waning Gibbous phase.”

Yesterday’s Air Quality Concerns

Yesterday’s air quality was a cause for concern.It was categorized as “very poor.”The “AQI-IN” reached “201.”This value falls under the “very poor” category.The primary pollutants were PM2.5 at 93 µg/m³ and PM10 at 116 µg/m³.Elevated CO levels were also recorded at 299 µg/m³.“Such conditions could have posed health risks, especially for those with respiratory issues.”Yesterday’s AQI of 201 was the “highest recorded this month.”This highlights the increasing pollution levels as winter sets in.

Recommendations and Outlook

Lingering pollution might still be present in pockets of the city, especially during peak traffic hours.It is advisable to avoid prolonged exposure to outdoor air, particularly in congested areas.“Enjoy the sunny weather but consider carrying a mask if you’re heading to high-traffic zones.”Given the sunny weather, it’s a great day to soak in some vitamin D.Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended.For those commuting, especially during rush hours, wearing a mask can help mitigate the lingering effects of yesterday’s poor air quality.Evening plans can include a leisurely stroll along the coastline.The cool breeze will make it a delightful experience.

Week Ahead Forecast

The next few days in Mumbai will continue to be sunny and warm.Nights will remain cool.Temperatures will range between 29°C and 30°C during the day.Lows will be around 22°C–23°C at night.Humidity levels will stay moderate, ensuring comfortable conditions.No rain is forecasted for the entire week.The weekend, December 13–14, will see a slight dip in daytime temperatures.This makes it ideal for outdoor activities.The consistent breeze and sunny weather over the next few days could help improve air quality slightly.“Data referenced in this article is taken from AQI.in.”

Mumbai: A victim’s wife has opposed dismissed RPF constable and quadruple murder accused Chetan Singh’s plea of unsound mind, arguing that his mental state was contradicted by his cold-blooded, selective targeting of three minority passengers whom he identified by their attire in different bogies. Calling him a terrorist-minded individual, the plea submitted by Umesa Khatoon, wife of victim Asgar Shaikh, said, “That the act of the accused is a threat to national security and the venomous feeling of hatred in his mind is the force driving him to commit the present heinous crime.”Umesa urged the court to allow her to intervene in the proceedings and formally oppose the bail plea. The prosecution too submitted its reply and opposed Singh’s plea for plea. The reply said that the maximum sentence in the crime was the death penalty and that sufficient substantive evidence has been brought on record through witnesses who have deposed so far. On Nov 24, Singh had filed a fresh bail application on the grounds of rapidly deteriorating mental health. He cited a prior four-month admission to Thane Mental Hospital following a “panic mental attack” while in custody. The prosecution stated that the grounds mentioned by the accused in his bail plea, including claims of ill health, are not considerable at this point in time, and the overall grounds cited in the application do not “inspire confidence”.The incident occurred on July 30, 2023, when the accused, armed with his ARM Rifle, allegedly first killed his senior, Tikaram Meena, following a “verbal altercation”.Umesa’s plea alleged that the subsequent triple murder of passengers—Kadarbhai Bhanapurwala, Asgar Ali, and Saifuddin Sayyed—was targeted. “The accused was carrying communal, hatred feeling towards minority community, which lead him to commit the present heinous crime,” the plea stated. The FIR was registered at Borivli railway police station for offences including murder and sections of the Arms Act and the Indian Railway Act.The intervenor submitted that the crime falls into the category of a “rarest of rare case” because “the accused, who was ‘Rakshak’ (protector) but he became ‘Bhakshak”(devourer) by killing four innocent persons”.The plea refuted Singh’s claims that he was not in a fit state of mind, and suffering from illusions and delusional disorder as “absolutely absurd, afterthought and concocted”. The intervenor alleged that the crime was premeditated, stating that the accused was “totally in sound mind and he was aware that the ramifications and consequences of his act”.Detailing the “heinous” modus operandi, the plea alleged the accused “searched for persons from a Muslim community and after checking their clothing and attire, he killed 3 of them with his ARM Rifle”, even taking one victim to a different bogie before killing him. This deliberate conduct, the plea argued, proves the accused was “sane, sound mind and he was aware what he was doing”. Further, the plea notes the existence of “ample eye witnesses” and a “video clip went viral wherein the hatred feeling of the accused can be seen, heard towards minority community”.A witness, a cop, too deposed on Tuesday and recalled the search and eventual capture of Singh near Mira Road station. The witness said that after he received a call informing him about the train incident, he immediately proceeded toward the stopped train. “After some time I saw the red light of the train and I saw one policeman in uniform (with a rifle) coming from the other side.” The witness said that he asked the accused who he was and why he had alighted from the train. “He saw towards me and told ‘go side from my way otherwise I will shoot you’.” Subsequently, after the weapon’s recovery, the witness and other officers formed two search teams and eventually spotted the accused “standing on platform No. 2”. He then began to climb the footover bridge. “Thereafter we went by running on footover bridge and tried to catch him… During the struggle, the accused “removed his belt, took it in his hand and tried to resist us,” the witness said. He was then caught.

Eleanor Roosevelt, born on October 11, 1884, in New York City, is remembered as one of the most influential women of the 20th century. As the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945, she redefined the role, transforming it from a ceremonial position into a platform for social activism. Eleanor championed human rights, women’s rights, and the welfare of disadvantaged communities. Her tireless advocacy extended beyond political circles, as she traveled across the nation and the world, listening to people’s struggles and advocating for justice and equality.Beyond her public service, Eleanor Roosevelt was a prolific writer, speaker, and thinker. She penned numerous columns, books, and speeches, often offering insights into leadership, morality, and personal growth. Her life was marked by resilience – overcoming personal loss, societal expectations, and public scrutiny to become a voice of reason, empathy, and courage. She remains a global icon, celebrated for her unwavering commitment to the principles of dignity, courage, and human potential.Today’s quote of the day, “Do not stop thinking of life as an adventure. You have no security unless you can live bravely, excitingly, imaginatively; unless you can choose a challenge instead of competence,” is widely attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt. This statement captures her enduring philosophy; life is meant to be approached with curiosity, courage, and an openness to challenge, rather than a pursuit of comfort or conventional competence alone.

Meaning of the quote

At its core, Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote encourages us to view life as an ongoing adventure rather than a series of predictable routines. By emphasising bravery, excitement, and imagination, she invites individuals to step beyond their comfort zones and embrace the uncertainty of growth. Security, in her view, is not found in repetition or conventional competence; it is found in the confidence that comes from facing challenges, learning from experiences, and daring to explore the unknown.The second part of the quote, “choose a challenge instead of competence,” highlights the importance of growth over mere mastery. While competence ensures efficiency and predictability, it can limit imagination and personal development. Roosevelt urges us to prioritise meaningful experiences, risk-taking, and the courage to tackle difficult endeavours. This mindset fosters resilience, creativity, and a deeper sense of fulfillment, reminding us that true security is not external but rooted in our ability to confront life with bravery and curiosity.The wisdom of Eleanor Roosevelt will always inspire generations of people as it combines pragmatism and vision. Her invitation to live life like an adventure helps us to remember that we need to grow, be adventurous, and be imaginative to live a significant life. When we take challenges instead of competence, we develop resilience, creativity and better understanding of ourselves as well as the surrounding world. By adopting this philosophy, we get to know that the real adventure of life is not to avoid taking risks but to pursue a bold, mindful, and uncurious way of living – one that expands our spirit, deepens our understanding, and allows us to grow in ways we never imagined possible, guiding us toward a life that feels truly alive and purposefully lived.

Nagpur: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday accused Congress of repeatedly diminishing the importance of Vande Mataram. He asserted that the state assembly will hold a formal discussion on the national song during the Budget session in March, as declared by speaker Rahul Narwekar earlier in the day.Fadnavis said Vande Mataram played a pivotal role in India’s freedom movement and could not be treated as an ordinary composition. “Vande Mataram is not just a song. It is the mantra of India’s independence, the mantra of nationalism. Many freedom fighters went to the gallows with a smile while singing it,” he said.Welcoming the debate on the national song in Parliament on Monday, the CM said, “I am happy that Parliament is discussing it today. We recited the full Vande Mataram today in our assembly as well,” he added.Fadnavis said that Congress never gave the national song its due. “Congress passed resolutions that pushed Vande Mataram into oblivion. Today, they pretend to defend it,” he said. Dismissing claims that BJP was attempting to engineer defections from its allies, Fadnavis said, “We don’t indulge in such politics. We stand with our allies. Shiv Sena must become stronger. In the future, a larger alliance between the Shiv Sena and the BJP is certainly possible,” he said.Fadnavis also responded to concerns regarding soyabean prices, rejecting rumours of manipulation. “I read today that soyabean prices have stabilised. Some people spread imaginary stories, don’t trust them. We are ready to procure the entire stock, and MSP purchases are underway. In many markets, rates are even above MSP,” he said.The CM also rejected the claims of external interference in pricing of Agri produce. “These claims of someone coming from outside and influencing prices are baseless. The system is in place, and farmers are getting their due,” Fadnavis said.

As the countdown begins for the IPL 2026 mini-auction on December 16th in Abu Dhabi, the Delhi Capitals (DC) franchise is poised to make calculated moves to fill their remaining eight slots, five of which are for overseas players. With a war chest of INR 21.8 crore, DC are among the teams with a healthy purse, positioning them to target high-impact players.

The Capitals, looking to strengthen their middle order, fast bowling, and all-round options, are expected to aggressively pursue a mix of proven internationals and strong domestic talents. Here is a breakdown of some high-value players the Delhi Capitals could target at the auction, including a snapshot of their recent T20 performance in 2025.

5 players that Delhi Capitals can go for in IPL 2026 mini auction

1) Steve Smith (Overseas batter)

• Role: Top/Middle-Order Anchor and Tactical Leader

Steve Smith offers immense value as a world-class accumulator and a strategic voice. Given DC’s need for an experienced batter who can anchor the innings and bat through the middle overs, Smith’s consistency and ability to adapt to varying pitches make him an ideal candidate.

His consistent anchoring (demonstrated by his high 2025 average) would provide much-needed stability to the top four, allowing the aggressive players around him to express themselves freely. Securing Smith would utilize a crucial overseas slot for a top-tier performer.

2) Sarfaraz Khan (Indian batter)

• Role: Explosive Middle-Order Indian Batter

Sarfaraz Khan is a name expected to attract fierce bidding, particularly from teams like DC looking for an impactful Indian middle-order batter. His phenomenal domestic T20 record and ability to accelerate late in the innings could solve DC’s occasional struggles post-powerplay.

His performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) in late 2025, which included a scintillating 100 off 47 balls, highlights his match-winning capability and explosive strike rate, making him a high-potential domestic investment.

3) Gerald Coetzee (Overseas fast bowler)

• Role: Pace Spearhead and Death Over Specialist

The young South African pacer, Gerald Coetzee, is a high-demand commodity due to his genuine pace, aggression, and proficiency in death overs. DC is constantly seeking a reliable overseas fast bowler.

Though his IPL 2025 run was cut short by injury, his ability to take crucial wickets in the middle (evident from his 2/32 figure in the SA20) remains his core value. His addition would significantly bolster DC’s pace battery and provide a valuable overseas bowling option.

Also READ: 5 players Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) can target in the IPL 2026 auction

4) Venkatesh Iyer (Indian all-rounder)

• Role: Batting All-rounder/Finisher

Venkatesh Iyer, an established Indian all-rounder, will be a high-priority target. His primary value lies in his destructive left-handed batting in the middle-order and the utility of his medium-pace bowling. Iyer’s impact, particularly the 45 (29) and 60 (29) scores in IPL 2025, shows his capacity for game-changing innings. While his bowling was used less frequently, his potential as a batting all-rounder provides DC with crucial balance and depth.

5. David Miller (Overseas finisher)

• Role: Power Hitter and Finisher

David Miller, known as ‘Killer Miller,’ remains one of the most reliable overseas finishers in the world. With DC often requiring a big hitter to close out innings, Miller’s experience and explosive strike rate would be invaluable. His average of 58.50 in the SA20 2025 highlights his exceptional finishing ability, often remaining unbeaten to guide his team home. His consistent match-winning performances in that tough role make him a calculated risk worth taking for a team aiming to maximize their scoring potential in the final overs.

Also READ: 5 players Chennai Super Kings (CSK) can target in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

Amidst ongoing flight disruptions, the government is weighing the option of cutting IndiGo’s flight schedule by 5%, with plans to redistribute these time slots to other carriers. IndiGo has acknowledged the issues, attributing them to recent duty requirements and changes in their winter travel timetable.

NEW DELHI: IndiGo may have its schedule cut by 5% and the same – roughly about 110 daily flights – could be given to other airlines that have the resources to add capacity. A livid government is mulling incremental cuts to the schedule starting with 5%, followed by another 5% in coming days if need be, say sources, adding that other actions are also being considered in the wake of the severe disruptions caused by flight cancellations.Meanwhile, a “profusely apologetic” IndiGo has in its reply to the DGCA’s show-cause notice blamed a combination of five factors, including new flight duty time limitation (FDTL) rules and winter schedule-related changes, for its massive flight disruptions.The airline said given the scale of its operations, it is “realistically not possible to pinpoint the exact cause(s)” in the time given. It sought more time for a “comprehensive root-cause analysis”, citing DGCA’s manual that allows a 15-day response time.

DGCA may scale down IndiGo ops to make room for others

DGCA is in the process of examining the response and enforcement action as deemed appropriate will be taken in due course,” the aviation ministry said regarding the responses submitted at 6.01pm Monday by CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras, who is also the accountable manager.Given the public anger at aviation authorities, it remains to be seen whether IndiGo will be granted more time. The DGCA could now scale down IndiGo’s flights in proportion to its crew strength and make the slots available to other airlines depending on their resource availability. Apart from a hefty financial penalty, the top executives, who are approved by the DGCA, including the airline’s accountable manager (the COO), may face action. The airline, too, may either seek resignations or sack key people seen as responsible for the huge mess.The airline has attributed the disruption to the “compounding effect of multiple factors which coincided in lesser or greater measure” in an “unfortunate and unforeseeable confluence”. It listed these as minor technical glitches; schedule changes linked to the start of the winter season; adverse weather conditions; increased congestion in the aviation system; and implementation of and operation under the updated crew rostering rules (FDTL phase II) that came into force on Nov 1, 2025.“IndiGo notes they had been engaging with the DGCA regarding challenges in implementing FDTL phase II and were seeking variations, exemptions or extensions. The disruptions began in early Dec when the compounding factors resulted in a lower on-time network performance, which affected crew availability,” the aviation ministry said.IndiGo termed the Dec 5 large-scale cancellations, when over 1,000 IndiGo flights – almost half its daily schedule – were affected, as a “drastic measure” of “rebooting” the network “to recover stranded customers, ease airport congestion, and reposition crew/aircraft”.Meanwhile, the four-member DGCA panel probing IndiGo disruption, headed by joint DG Sanjay Brahamane, could summon CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras. This panel has been mandated to pinpoint the root cause of this disruption and will examine manpower planning, rostering and IndiGo’s preparedness to implement the new FDTL rules.

Mumbai: The 12-bed burns ward at Parel’s KEM Hospital has been lying empty for a week since completion of renovation reportedly because CM Devendra Fadnavis wishes to inaugurate it. The CM’s dates and schedule are yet to be finalised. He’s currently attending the state legislature’s winter session in Nagpur.Patients, in the meanwhile, are being referred to Masina Hospital in Byculla. Severe burns make patients highly vulnerable to infections as they strip away the skin’s protective barrier. In such cases, hospitals place patients in dedicated burns units that follow strict infection-control protocols. The renovation of KEM Hospital’s burns ward began earlier this year and was funded through generous donations from an individual in a personal capacity. In return, the hospital named the ward after his wife. A senior doctor from the hospital said, “It is state of the art and air-conditioned, better than most private hospitals. But we are still admitting patients in the general ward as we are waiting for the date to be announced for the inauguration.” Another senior doctor said the CM would likely inaugurate the ward by Dec 14. The House session ends that day. Mumbai reports around 2,000 burns cases annually. Last year, 100 such patients were cared for at KEM Hospital. The previous burns ward, which was established in the 1980s for women and children, handled as many as 200 cases annually at one point. The unit had six beds on each side, spaced evenly, with one section reserved for adults with severe burns and the other for paediatric patients and adults with less extensive burns. The renovated ward will now take male admissions as well. Incidentally, JJ Hospital’s 12-bed special burns unit has also been under renovation for the last few months. “We are admitting very few burns patients as well. All are treated in the general ward,” said a senior doctor at JJ Hospital. For serious patients, he said, doctors are informing patients about the risks of infections and are advising them to seek admission elsewhere; patients from JJ Hospital are also being referred to Masina Hospital. In incidents of fire, victims have little say in where they can be admitted; they are rushed to the closest public hospital. With both KEM and JJ Hospitals’ specialised burns wards shut, another option that remains is Kasturba Hospital in Chinchpokli that has 25 beds. “In case the inauguration by the CM is further delayed, someone else will have to do it as patients are in need of it,” said a KEM Hospital doctor.

Mumbai: Newly appointed additional municipal commissioner Avinash Dhakne on Monday signalled a tougher crackdown on construction-linked pollution, saying the BMC may consider a steep hike in penalties for sites that flout norms even after being served notice.At present, construction sites are fined just Rs 10,000 for violations — an amount Dhakne indicated is far too low to act as a deterrent. Dhakne also said if the city’s AQI crosses 300 for consecutive three days, then all polluting units within a 2km radius such as construction and redevelopment (demolition) sites, RMC plants and bakeries will be stopped until the AQI improves. “Govt works cannot be exempt. The same strict rules must apply across the board,” he said, adding that while Mumbai currently has 28 air quality monitoring stations, the BMC is open to adding more if data gaps appear.We should also be able to start getting localised AQI data from the air quality sensors that construction sites have been asked to put up. So far, around 500 construction sites have installed the specified air quality sensors linked to the BMC’s central dashboard. This network will help pinpoint hyperlocal pollution hotspots and guide targeted interventions,” he said, adding that a meeting with the transport and traffic department was also in the pipeline in the coming days to crackdown specifically on vehicles carrying uncovered debris, construction materials or causing spillage on the road.Dhakne, who earlier served as member secretary of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), said Mumbai’s priority must be to increase the number of days the city’s air quality remains in the ‘satisfactory’ category. “In a dense coastal city like Mumbai, pushing AQI below 50 is extremely challenging, but improving the overall number of satisfactory days is achievable,” he said. Data shows in 2025, Mumbai saw 55 good AQI days, 161 satisfactory, 112 moderate and one poor AQI day. Enforcement has already intensified: In Dec alone, the civic body issued 191 show-cause notices and 78 stop-work notices to errant construction sites.Meanwhile, on Monday at a meeting with the garden department, the BMC proposed setting up bamboo nurseries in the city. As bamboo is classified as grass, it can be cut without permission, allowing quick deployment for green buffers wherever needed.

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