Several devotees converged at the Jama Masjid in the national capital on Saturday morning to perform the special prayers of Eid-ul-Fitr. The atmosphere remained vibrant as families exchanged greetings, signalling the start of day-long festivities across the city. Following the sighting of the Shawwal crescent, the mosque premises and surrounding streets of Old Delhi were filled with worshippers, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramzan. A massive crowd of devotees and shoppers on Friday gathered at the Jama Masjid and its surrounding markets to make final purchases for Eid al-Fitr. Meanwhile, on Friday night, the Delhi Police strengthened the security measures in and around Jama Masjid in view of Eid al-Fitr. People also offered 'Alvida Namaz' in Delhi's Jama Masjid, ahead of Eid al-Fitr. The market around Jama Masjid is in full fervour as people shop for clothes and food items. Security was also heightened near the Uttam Nagar East metro station. The development comes after the Delhi High Court directed the Delhi Police to make adequate arrangements in the area in apprehension of violence during Eid. The Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Delhi Police and sought a response. The court also directed to keep the Police arrangement till the festival of Ram Navami. The matter is listed for further hearing on April 6. The Muslim community around the country is gearing up for the celebration of Eid al-Fitr tomorrow. People in large numbers offered namaz on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramazan in the Jama Masjid in Johari Bazar in Jaipur. On the other hand, President Droupadi Murmu on Friday extended heartfelt greetings to fellow citizens on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, according to a press release. In her message, the President has said, "On the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens, especially to Muslim sisters and brothers living in India and abroad. Celebrated after the end of the holy month of Ramadan, this festival gives the message of self-control, charity and compassion for the underprivileged. It also conveys the message of love, brotherhood, peace, and mutual harmony." Meanwhile, Ramazan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, is one of the most sacred times as it is believed that the Quran came down to the earth from heaven for the very first time. The holy Quran is regarded as "a guidance for men and women, a declaration of direction, and a means of salvation."For an entire month, Muslims follow a schedule of waking up early, which they call 'Sheheri', and by 4:45 am have food, then after fasting for the whole day, not even drinking a drop of water. They perform Namaz five times a day. The early morning prayer is known as Fazar followed by Zohar in second, Ashar in third, Maghrib in fourth and the final one: Isha. The day-long fast (Roza) ends after Magrit which usually falls after 6 pm or later in the evening. At the end of Ramazan, Eid al-Fitr celebrates the breaking of the fast. Friends and families gather for festive meals and exchange gifts. Special gifts are also given to the poor. It is also believed that fasting during the month of Ramazan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. 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
21 March,2026 10:04 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe Uttarakhand government has intensified development work in Haridwar, with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directing officials to complete all permanent infrastructure projects by October 2026. In preparation for the Kumbh Mela 2027 to be held next year in Haridwar, special emphasis is being placed on the rapid development of infrastructure, the expansion of facilities for pilgrims, and the establishment of modern surveillance and control systems for enhanced security. Efforts are underway to fast-track the implementation of related projects on the ground. In this regard, the state government has approved the construction of a new Command and Control Centre building (CCR-2) for the Kumbh Mela, along with two new bridges over the Sukhi River and the Mayapur escape channel. It is noteworthy that Pushkar Singh Dhami, during his visit to Haridwar last Monday, reviewed the preparations for Kumbh Mela 2027 and directed officials to ensure all necessary arrangements for the convenience, accessibility, and safety of pilgrims, while accelerating infrastructure development. He clearly stated that the state government would leave no stone unturned in organising the Kumbh Mela. On this occasion, he also instructed that construction work on the CCR-2 building and both bridges be initiated at the earliest. In compliance with these directions, the required approvals for all three key projects have now been issued at the government level. Under the arrangements for Kumbh Mela 2027, a project worth Rs50.27 crore has been approved for the construction of the CCR-2 building in Haridwar, with Rs20.11 crore released as the first instalment. This project is extremely important for managing not only the Kumbh Mela, but also other major bathing festivals and the Kanwar Yatra held in Haridwar. The new Command and Control Centre will be developed near the existing Mela Control Building (CCR) and will be equipped with modern technologies and facilities. A helipad is also proposed on the top floor of the building to facilitate helicopter landing and take-off during emergencies, enabling effective crowd management, rescue, and evacuation operations during large gatherings. The existing CCR building was constructed in 2004, and considering the increasing number of pilgrims and modern requirements, the new CCR-2 is being developed to ensure advanced monitoring and control of the entire Mela area. In the same sequence, the government has also approved the construction of a 44.80-meter-long double-lane bridge (cable net arch) on the Sukhi River, replacing the existing causeway on the road leading to the Kankhal cremation ground. During the monsoon season, waterlogging and strong currents at the causeway pose a significant risk to life and property, including incidents of vehicles being swept away. The proposed bridge will effectively mitigate these risks and provide a separate, safe, and smooth route for pilgrims during the Kumbh Mela and other bathing festivals. The bridge will include pedestrian footpaths and approach roads on both sides. The total approved cost of this project is Rs13.21 crore, with Rs5.28 crore released as the first instalment. Approval has also been granted for the construction of a 60-meter span bow-string steel girder double-lane bridge over the Mayapur escape channel, downstream of the existing bridge connecting Dakshdweep and Bairagi Camp. This new bridge will directly link the parking area being developed in the Dakshdweep region with Bairagi Camp, providing a separate and smooth route for pilgrims during major events like the Kumbh Mela and significantly improving crowd management. Approach roads will also be constructed at both ends of the bridge. The total approved cost of this project is Rs12.46 crore, with Rs4.98 crore released in the first instalment. Mela Officer Sonika has termed all these projects as highly significant for the successful aayojn of Kumbh Mela 2027, keeping in mind the convenience, accessibility, and safety of pilgrims. She has directed the executing agencies to commence construction work without delay and ensure completion within the stipulated timeline with high-quality standards. She further emphasised continuous monitoring of progress and quality, along with mandatory testing as per norms. It has also been directed that safety inspections, load testing, and other technical evaluations of the bridges must be completed well in time to ensure their safe and full utilisation during the Kumbh Mela. 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
21 March,2026 10:02 AM IST | Haridwar (Uttarakhand) | ANIAssam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma filed nomination papers on Friday, seeking re-election from the Jalukbari constituency for the sixth term in a row. Sarma was accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, son Nandil Biswa Sarma, BJP’s Gauhati Lok Sabha MP Bijuli Kalita Medhi and Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania. Before reaching the Kamrup District Election office to file the nomination, the CM led a large procession to the election office at Hengrabari. 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
21 March,2026 09:58 AM IST | Guwahati | AgenciesA veterinarian at the Tavarekoppa Lion and Safari Zoo in Shivamogga died after being attacked by a hippopotamus while providing the animal with medical care inside its enclosure. The deceased, Dr Sameeksha Reddy, 26, had been recently appointed on a contract basis. She was attacked around 11.30 pm on Thursday while attending to the wild animal. 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
21 March,2026 09:56 AM IST | Bengaluru | AgenciesThe Telangana government on Friday presented a budget of Rs 3.24 lakh crore for the year 2026-27, up by nearly Rs 20,000 crore over the previous year, prioritising its flagship programmes such as Musi Riverfront beautification and Hyderabad Metrorail Phase 2 and 3, besides fulfilment of poll promises. Presenting the budget in the assembly, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka allocated Rs 50,713 crores to the Congress government’s six poll ‘guarantees’, including ‘Rythu Bharosa’ investment support scheme for farmers (Rs 18,000 crores). The government granted Rs 23,179 crore to the agriculture sector, followed by Energy at Rs 21,285 crore. The minister proposed an allocation of Rs 17,907 crore for the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department and set aside Rs 13,679 crore for the Medical and Health Department. Vikramarka, who holds the finance portfolios, said the revenue expenditure was pegged at Rs 2,34,406 crore, and capital expenditure at Rs 47,267 crore. Under the ‘Cheyutha’ social security pensions scheme, two lakh new pensions would be sanctioned to eligible beneficiaries, and R14,861 crore has been set aside for this purpose. 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
21 March,2026 09:20 AM IST | Hyderabad | AgenciesUttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expanded his cabinet on Friday, with five MLAs taking oath as ministers. With the induction of the new ministers — Khazan Das, Bharat Singh Chaudhary, Madan Kaushik, Pradeep Batra, and Ram Singh Kaira — the cabinet has reached its maximum strength of 12, officials said. Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd.) administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly-inducted ministers. Das represents the Rajpur Road constituency in Dehradun, while Chaudhary represents Rudraprayag, Kaushik represents Haridwar, Batra represents Roorkee, and Kaira represents Bhimtal. 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
21 March,2026 09:14 AM IST | Dehradun | AgenciesReliance Group chairman Anil Ambani was once again interrogated by the CBI on Friday for seven hours. Ambani in Delhi was questioned for the second day straight in connection with the alleged Rs 2,929.05 crore SBI fraud case As reported by news agency IANS, the CBI had registered an FIR on August 21, 2025, following a complaint filed by SBI over allegations of fraud to the tune of Rs 2,929.05 crore against the public sector bank, in which Reliance Communications Limited, Anil D. Ambani and others, including unknown public servants, are accused. A senior official said, “During the investigation of this case, earlier the CBI had summoned accused Anil Ambani for interrogation on Thursday at the Head Office in Delhi,” as per IANS. He further added, “Since the interrogation remained incomplete on Thursday, Anil Ambani was summoned again to the CBI office on Friday.” Furthermore, a criminal case was registered against Reliance Communications Limited, Anil D. Ambani and others unknown, including unknown public servants, on the complaint dated August 18, 2025, from the State Bank of India (SBI), which is the lead bank in the consortium of 11 banks, including Bank of India, Central Bank of India, UCO Bank, Union Bank of India, and all the other banks that had extended loans to the Anil Ambani group. Complaint against Anil Ambani The complaint is based on a forensic audit report that alleges large-scale diversion and misutilisation of loan funds through interlinked and circuitous transactions among group entities during the period 2013-17. The diversions of funds, as per the complaint, resulted in wrongful loss of Rs 2,929.05 crore to SBI out of a total exposure of Rs 19,694.33 crore involving 17 public sector banks, according to an official statement, as per IANS. Subsequent to the registration of the case, separate complaints were received from Punjab National Bank, Bank of India, Union Bank of India, UCO Bank, Central Bank of India, IDBI Bank and Bank of Maharashtra. Various other cases filed against Anil Ambani Another case has been registered against Anil D. Ambani and others, including some public servants, on February 25, 2026. The case was filed on the basis of a complaint filed on February 24, 2026, by the Bank of Baroda, which includes the exposure of e-Dena Bank and e-Vijaya Bank, as per IANS. Following a series of complaints against Anil Ambani, the CBI obtained search warrants from the court of the Special Judge for the CBI, Mumbai, and conducted searches at two official premises of Reliance Communications Limited on August 23, 2025. (With inputs from IANS)
20 March,2026 10:26 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAt least 882 Indian nationals stranded in Iran, including students, business professionals and pilgrims, are making their way back home through Azerbaijan and Armenia, with many already having arrived, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. “Several individuals do not register themselves with the Embassy. Therefore, our estimate was that there were 9,000 people. Of these, a significant number of students had returned before the hostilities began. Currently, approximately 882 Indian citizens, including students and business professionals as well as pilgrims who had travelled from here, are in the process of returning via the routes through Azerbaijan and Armenia. Some have already arrived,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi. “Of the 284 pilgrims who had travelled there, 280 have returned; they arrived via Armenia. There are three or four others remaining, who are also expected to arrive within a day or two,” he added. Indians evacuating Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan routes Jaiswal noted that 772 individuals crossed the Iranian land border into Armenia to return home, while the pace of activity is slower on the Azerbaijan route, with some of the 110 Indian citizens yet to return and others already back in India. “Regarding the Armenia route: 772 individuals crossed the land border into Armenia, and they are currently making their way back from there. Some have already arrived, while others are expected to arrive in the coming days. As for the route through Azerbaijan, the pace of activity there is somewhat slower; currently, there are approximately 110 Indian citizens in Azerbaijan, some of whom have already returned, while others are expected to arrive shortly," he mentioned. Last week, highlighting the assistance being extended to Indian nationals in Iran, Jaiswal had said that several citizens have returned home, while support continues for those planning to leave. Government moves Indians to safer locations in Iran, 9,000 still in country The ministry had urged Indian nationals wishing to leave Iran to adhere to the advisories issued by the Indian Embassy in Tehran. “We have around 9,000 Indian nationals in Iran, including students, seafarers, businesspeople, professionals and pilgrims. Following advisories issued earlier, several Indian nationals, especially students, have already returned home. We have recently shifted several Indian nationals, including students and pilgrims who are based in Tehran, to other safer locations and cities in the country," Jaiswal had stated last week. “We are also assisting Indian nationals who wish to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia and from there to take commercial flights to return home. We are assisting them with visas and border crossings. We have had several Indian nationals who have approached us, and we have helped them to cross over into Azerbaijan and Armenia and from there to take commercial flights back home," he had further added. (With IANS inputs)
20 March,2026 10:14 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | mid-day online correspondentResidents across Gujarat, on Friday, reported receiving cooking gas cylinders on time without disruption, even as the state government moved to dispel rumours of any shortage and reiterated that adequate LPG stock is available. Mahipalsinh Parmar, a resident of Thasra in Kheda district, said Indane gas cylinders were being delivered regularly, reported IANS. "As per guidelines, the service is good and delivery is made on time without any difficulty," he added. Another consumer, Paresh Vora, said there were currently no issues in service. "After booking, cylinders are delivered on time," he added, reported IANS. Gujarat gas agencies assure adequate stock, ask public not to panic According to IANS, Nazimkhan Pathan, a resident of Kalsar village in Bhavnagar district, said he was able to receive cylinders easily and that deliveries were being carried out in accordance with rules. In Modasa, Harishchandrasinh Bhati, who operates Khushi HP Gas Agency, said adequate LPG stock was being supplied. "Vehicles bring stock daily. Customers can book through their registered numbers and will receive gas delivery within two days. There is no need to panic due to rumours," he added, reported IANS. The state government has said that sufficient LPG stock is available and appealed to citizens not to pay attention to rumours. It added that strict monitoring is being carried out to ensure proper supply through gas agencies and that citizens do not need to stand in queues for receiving cylinders. Book LPG via WhatsApp, SMS or App as oil companies boost home deliveries As per IANS, "oil marketing companies have made arrangements using technology to enable home delivery, allowing consumers to book cylinders through multiple channels, including WhatsApp, missed calls, SMS and IVR services, smartphone applications and official portals," officials said. It added that adequate stock is available for bookings and refills, and that confirmation messages are sent to customers through a streamlined digital system. Priority delivery is being given to domestic LPG consumers, while buffer stocks are being continuously increased to ensure uninterrupted supply, by IANS. To strengthen oversight, revenue and police personnel have been deployed across public and private gas agencies to monitor LPG distribution and prevent irregularities, the state government said, adding that the "arrangement is aimed at ensuring timely delivery to consumers". (Inputs from IANS)
20 March,2026 07:44 PM IST | Gandhinagar | mid-day online correspondentCongress leader Pawan Khera, on Friday, launched a sharp attack on the Centre over its alleged silence on killings in West Asia, rising petrol prices, and the film 'Dhurandhar 2', claiming that the movie was made to promote National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Speaking to IANS, Khera criticised the Union government for what he described as silence over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the deaths of school girls in Israeli attacks, reported IANS. “There can be no silence when a head of state is murdered by Israel and the US. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed by Israel and the US, and the Indian government chose silence. Congress did not choose silence. Indians did not choose silence,” he said. Congress slams Israel-US over school girl's killing, targets BJP on fuel prices According to IANS, Khera added that no country or society with principles could remain silent in the face of such incidents. “When 168 young school-going girls are murdered by Israel and the US, who can be silent? No country, no society, no individual who has even an iota of principles left can remain silent when something as brutal and cruel as this happens," he said. Targeting the Union government over rising petrol prices, the Congress leader alleged that the ruling BJP-led Union government deliberately kept fuel prices low until the Assembly elections were over. "We (Congress) have been warning the Central government and after the Assembly elections are over, the fuel prices will shoot up," Khera claimed, reported IANS. He also said that the Union government had collected massive revenue through taxes on petrol and diesel over the past decade and should pass the benefits on to consumers. “You (Centre) have collected Rs 26-27 lakh crore over the last 12 years through taxes on petrol and diesel. This is the right time to pass those benefits on to the consumer. The consumer should not pay the price for the war going on in West Asia," Khera added, reported IANS. Congress alleges Dhurandhar 2 is propaganda film for NSA Doval According to IANS, the Congress leader commenting on the film ‘Dhurandhar 2’, said he had not watched the movie and did not intend to do so, but alleged that it was essentially a biopic meant to promote National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. “I haven’t seen the movie, nor do I intend to see it. The issue is not what they have shown in the movie. The issue is that the movie is made to promote a 81-year-old NSA called Ajit Doval. It is a biopic on him," Khera added. He also questioned the Union government's security preparedness, referring to alleged incidents involving foreign nationals and past terror attacks, reported IANS. "While Ajit Doval was busy having popcorn watching this film, Russia had to come and inform us about six people from Ukraine who had entered India. From India they went through the Mizoram border to Myanmar, trained rebels there and came back to India and we did not know," he alleged. Khera added that such incidents raised serious questions about the country’s security management, recalling past attacks, including those in Pahalgam, Pulwama and Jama Masjid, reported IANS. (Inputs from IANS)
20 March,2026 07:43 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | mid-day online correspondentAir India flight AI185, operating from Delhi to Vancouver on March 19, returned to New Delhi due to an operational issue and, in line with established standard operating procedures, the airline said on Friday. According to a statement issued by Air India, the aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew disembarked, reported ANI. While issuing an official statement, Air India said, "We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our guests by this unforeseen situation. Our ground teams in Delhi provided all necessary assistance, including offering hotel accommodation, while every effort was made to fly the passengers to their destination at the earliest time. The flight left this morning with all the passengers," as per ANI. They further added, "At Air India, the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority." The incident comes at a time when Air India and other airlines have been ramping up their international operations amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. Air India announces additional flights on five routes Earlier on Tuesday, Air India announced it would operate additional flights on five routes between March 19 and 28 across North America and Europe, amidst the rising demand due to the ongoing West Asia conflict. While issuing an official release, Air India said that 36 additional flights on Delhi-London (Heathrow), Mumbai-London (Heathrow), Delhi-Frankfurt, Delhi-Zurich and Delhi-Toronto routes, which will add a total of 10,012 seats, will boost capacity and provide more choice to travellers when travel options remain limited. Air India wrote, "Amid continued high demand for international travel due to the ongoing situation in the West Asia region, Air India today announced it will continue to operate additional flights to key destinations in Europe and North America through 28 March 2026." Between 19 and 28 March 2026, Air India will operate 36 extra flights on the following routes: Delhi-London (Heathrow), Mumbai-London (Heathrow) Delhi-Frankfurt, Delhi-Zurich, Delhi-Toronto.” The official release also added, “Together, these flights will add 10,012 seats on the five routes, further boosting capacity and providing more choice to travellers when travel options remain limited." These services follow Air India's recently announced capacity augmentation between 10 and 18 March with 78 additional flights on nine routes, as per ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
20 March,2026 07:13 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1774025742203_d.png "Anil Ambani appeared before the CBI on Friday. File pic")
-1773929821469_d.png "Several Indian citizens have returned home, while support continues for those planning to leave. File Photo")
