The government on Saturday said that more than 54 lakh LPG refills were delivered in a single day, assuring that domestic cylinder supply remains uninterrupted despite global geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains, reported news agency IANS. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, there have been no reports of shortages at LPG distributorships across the country, and deliveries continue as per schedule, reported IANS. Online bookings surge as demand remains steady The ministry noted a sharp increase in online LPG bookings, which rose to 91 per cent across the industry, indicating stable consumer demand and efficient distribution systems. To curb diversion and ensure transparency, Delivery Authentication Code (DAC)-based deliveries have significantly increased from 53 per cent in February 2026 to 84 per cent currently. Refineries operating at high capacity Officials stated that all refineries are functioning at high capacity, supported by adequate crude oil inventories. The government also confirmed that domestic LPG production has been ramped up to meet rising consumption needs, reported IANS. In addition, India maintains sufficient reserves of petrol and diesel, ensuring uninterrupted availability at fuel stations nationwide. Priority supply for households and transport sector The government said that domestic consumers remain a priority, with 100 per cent supply ensured for household PNG connections and CNG used in transport. However, supply to industrial and commercial consumers connected to gas grids is currently being maintained at around 80 per cent of their average consumption, as part of demand management measures. Crackdown on hoarding and black marketing Authorities have intensified enforcement measures to prevent hoarding and illegal diversion of LPG cylinders. Nearly 2,900 raids were conducted across states and Union Territories, resulting in the seizure of over 1,700 cylinders in a single day, reported IANS. Public sector oil marketing companies have also issued more than 390 show-cause notices to LPG distributors found violating norms. No shortage of petrol and diesel; panic buying addressed The government reiterated that all fuel stations across India are functioning normally, with adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available, reported IANS. It acknowledged instances of panic buying in certain areas, attributing the rush to misinformation and rumours. This led to temporary crowding and unusually high sales at some retail outlets. To ease the burden on consumers, the government has also reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre. Reassuring citizens, officials urged the public to avoid panic purchases and rely only on official communication regarding fuel availability, emphasising that the overall supply situation remains stable and well-managed. (With inputs from IANS)
28 March,2026 07:27 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the much-anticipated Noida International Airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, marking a major milestone in the expansion of India’s aviation infrastructure. During the visit, PM Modi also toured an exhibition that showcased the construction journey of the airport project, news agency IANS reported. He was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The inauguration of Phase-I of Noida International Airport marks a major step in Uttar Pradesh’s growth story and India’s aviation future. https://t.co/8OLduHTZU8 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 28, 2026 The ambitious airport project, developed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, has been completed with an investment of approximately Rs 11,200 crore, with Phase-1 now ready to commence operations. According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the airport is envisioned as a key international gateway for the National Capital Region (NCR) and is expected to significantly strengthen India’s airport infrastructure while enhancing both regional and global connectivity. The Noida International Airport will serve as the second international airport for the Delhi-NCR region, complementing the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Together, the two airports are expected to function as an integrated aviation network, reducing congestion, increasing passenger handling capacity and positioning Delhi-NCR among leading global aviation hubs. Jewar airport to begin operations with 12-million passenger capacity Considered one of the largest greenfield airport projects in the country, the facility will initially handle around 12 million passengers annually, with the capacity to scale up to 70 million passengers per annum upon full development, IANS reported. The airport features a 3,900-metre-long runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft, along with advanced navigation infrastructure such as instrument landing system (ILS) and modern airfield lighting to ensure efficient, all-weather and round-the-clock operations. It also includes a comprehensive cargo ecosystem, with a multi-modal cargo hub comprising an Integrated Cargo Terminal and logistics zones. The cargo facility is designed to handle more than 2.5 lakh metric tonnes annually in the initial phase, with expansion potential up to around 18 lakh metric tonnes, IANS reported. Additionally, a dedicated 40-acre maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility has been developed, the PMO said. The airport has been designed as a sustainable and future-ready infrastructure project, aiming to operate as a net-zero emissions facility through the use of energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible practices. Its architectural design reflects Indian heritage, incorporating elements inspired by traditional ghats and havelis, blending cultural aesthetics with modern infrastructure. Extensive security arrangements were put in place for the inauguration event. The entire region was divided into multiple security zones, with heavy deployment of police and paramilitary personnel at key points. Surveillance was intensified in and around the venue to ensure that the programme was conducted smoothly without any untoward incidents. (With IANS inputs)
28 March,2026 04:03 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentLeader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday, accused West Bengal Chief Minister (CM) Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government in the state of indulging in 'atrocities'. He made the accusation upon his arrival in the state's Bhabanipur constituency to campaign for the upcoming assembly elections. West Bengal will vote in two phases in the assembly elections scheduled to be held on April 23 and April 29. The results will be announced on May 4. TMC tried to block visit, alleges Adhikari Adhikari will contest the election from the Bhabanipur constituency. While speaking to reporters, the BJP leader said, "After I came here, hawkers, taxi drivers, small shopkeepers, all of them are saying that they are fed up with Mamata Banerjee's atrocities. They have asked me to save them. I have given them my mobile number. I have come here to save them." The Bengal Leader of Opposition claimed that the Trinamool Congress had kept 20 of its workers in the area since morning, before his arrival. "To obstruct me, to show black flags and do such things," he said, adding, "They fled before I came here. It is a good signal." "The beginning has been made; Mamata (Banerjee) should go. What we are witnessing today is the wave of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a tide of change. This voting trend will soon turn into a tsunami", stated Adhikari. Adhikari predicts Mamata's defeat by 25,000-30,000 votes in Bhabanipur Of the 294 assembly constituencies in West Bengal that will go to the polls next month, the spotlight is on the Bhabanipur Assembly Constituency, where CM Banerjee will lock horns with Adhikari, in what is expected to be a high-stakes battle. "The party workers wanted, and PM Modi gave me (this opportunity). You can assume that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will lose by 25,000 to 30,000 votes," he said. Adhikari is also contesting simultaneously from the Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district, where he has been a two-time legislator, first for the Trinamool Congress from 2016 to 2021 and then for the BJP from 2021 onwards. One of the key factors that makes this contest particularly significant is the community-wise voter distribution in Bhabanipur, a post-delimitation constituency formed in 2011 by merging the erstwhile Alipore Assembly Constituency with parts of the Chowrangee Assembly Constituency in south Kolkata. (With inputs from IANS)
28 March,2026 04:01 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentState-run Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) on Saturday assured that fuel supply across India remains stable, dismissing concerns over any shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG. The company urged citizens to refrain from panic buying and rely only on verified information. In an official update, HPCL stated that all fuel stations across the country are operating normally and there is no disruption in supply. Refineries operating at full capacity The company emphasised that India’s refining and distribution systems are functioning efficiently to meet current demand. According to HPCL, refineries are running at full capacity, ensuring a continuous supply of fuel. It also highlighted that crude oil supplies from global sources remain uninterrupted, supported by strong reserves and a well-established supply chain network. Misinformation triggered temporary rush Addressing reports of long queues at fuel stations in some regions, HPCL clarified that the situation was caused by misinformation rather than any actual shortage. The company advised citizens to avoid spreading or acting on unverified claims, noting that fuel availability remains normal across all states. Domestic production and imports sufficient HPCL further stated that both domestic production and imports are adequate to meet current fuel demand. The company assured that sufficient reserves are in place, and future supplies have already been secured. It also reiterated that India’s robust refining infrastructure plays a key role in maintaining uninterrupted fuel availability nationwide. PNG expansion part of long-term strategy The company clarified that the expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) infrastructure is part of India’s broader clean energy transition and is not linked to any fuel shortage. HPCL said the move is aimed at promoting sustainable energy solutions and reducing dependence on conventional fuels over time. West Asia tensions raise global concerns The clarification comes amid rising geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, particularly around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The route accounts for nearly one-fifth of global crude oil supply. Before the recent escalation, India sourced approximately 12–15 per cent of its crude oil imports through this corridor, making developments in the region closely watched. Despite these global uncertainties, HPCL reiterated that India’s energy supply remains secure and stable, and appealed to citizens to stay calm and follow official updates.
28 March,2026 03:18 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Abu Dhabi Media Office on Saturday said that five Indian nationals suffered injuries, ranging from minor to moderate, after debris fell near the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), reported ANI. It also urged the public to seek information only from official sources and refrain from spreading rumours. “In the context of the ongoing follow-up to the incident previously announced, which resulted from falling debris in the vicinity of the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems, the competent authorities confirm that the incident resulted in injuries to five individuals of Indian nationality, ranging from moderate to minor. The authorities urge the public to obtain information from official sources only and to avoid circulating rumours or unverified information,” the statement said in a post on X. Earlier in the day, the Abu Dhabi Media Office stated that relevant authorities were responding to two fire incidents in the KEZAD area. Fire incidents reported near KEZAD In another post on X, it said, “Relevant authorities in Abu Dhabi are responding to two fire incidents in the vicinity of Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), caused by falling debris following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems. Further updates will be provided in due course. The public is advised to obtain information only from official sources and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information.” Meanwhile, citing a security source, Oman’s state news agency ONA reported that two drones targeted the port of Salalah, the capital of the southern Dhofar province, according to Al Jazeera. The incident resulted in moderate injuries to a foreign worker and minor damage to a crane at the port, reported ANI. Separately, Iraqi pro-militia outlet Sabereen reported that the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed factions, carried out attacks on several air bases and an airport in Jordan. The reported targets included King Faisal Air Base, King Abdullah Air Base, Queen Alia Airport, Prince Hassan Air Base and Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, though details on the impact were not provided, according to Al Jazeera. (With ANI inputs)
28 March,2026 01:15 PM IST | Abu Dhabi | mid-day online correspondentA fire that broke out in a four-storeyed building in north Delhi’s Tri Nagar area on Friday morning left six people, including a three-year-old child, with burns, officials said. Police suspect a short circuit in the electric water motor caused the fire. The injured people — two men, three women and a girl child — were admitted to Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital. 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
28 March,2026 11:46 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesPrime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Phase I of Noida International Airport at Jewar on Saturday. Phase I of the airport has been developed at a total investment of around Rs 11,200 crore under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. According to the PMO, the inauguration of Noida International Airport marks a significant milestone in India's journey towards becoming a global aviation hub. The airport, envisioned as a major international gateway for the National Capital Region (NCR), represents a major step in strengthening the country's airport infrastructure and enhancing regional and international connectivity. Noida International Airport has been developed as the second international airport for the Delhi NCR region, complementing Indira Gandhi International Airport. Together, the two airports will function as an integrated aviation system, easing congestion, expanding passenger capacity, and positioning Delhi NCR among leading global aviation hubs. Noida International Airport is among the largest greenfield airport projects in India. The airport will initially have a passenger handling capacity of 12 million passengers per annum (MPPA), with scalability up to 70 MPPA upon full development. It features a 3,900-meter runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft, along with modern navigation systems including Instrument Landing System (ILS) and advanced airfield lighting to support efficient, all-weather, round-the-clock operations. The airport also incorporates a robust cargo ecosystem, including a Multi-Modal Cargo Hub, featuring an Integrated Cargo Terminal and logistics zones. The cargo facility is designed to handle over 2.5 lakh metric tonnes annually, expandable to around 18 lakh metric tonnes, and includes a dedicated 40-acre Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, the press release by the PMO stated. Designed as a sustainable and future-ready infrastructure project, Noida International Airport aims to operate as a net-zero emissions facility, integrating energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible practices. Its architectural design draws inspiration from Indian heritage, incorporating elements reminiscent of traditional ghats and havelis, thereby blending cultural aesthetics with modern infrastructure. 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
28 March,2026 11:45 AM IST | Uttar Pradesh | ANIA female bear and her two cubs died after coming in contact with a power line allegedly installed illegally by a state-run electricity transmission company in the Korba district of Chhattisgarh. On Thursday, animals died on the spot after coming in contact with the 11 kV electric line, according to the forest department official. 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
28 March,2026 11:02 AM IST | Korba | AgenciesJammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday condemned the “unjust and illegal war imposed on Iran” and requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to use his influence to end the war in the interest of humanity. “I express my deepest condolences over the loss of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his associates and all those who have lost their lives,” the CM said. 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
28 March,2026 10:43 AM IST | Jammu | AgenciesFive members of a family died and four others, including two children, sustained injuries after an SUV chased by police for rash driving crashed into an autorickshaw in Gwalior early on Friday, police said. The driver of the SUV, which was trying to escape after being involved in another incident, has been arrested, they said. The accident occurred around 2.50 am at Parshuram Chauraha when the victims were returning from the Sheetla Mata temple on the occasion of Ram Navami, Gwalior Zone IGP Arvind Saxena said. 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
28 March,2026 10:39 AM IST | Gwalior | AgenciesThe Indian Army’s Southern Command has carried out a series of multi-agency exercises and engagements under its Military Civil Fusion Abhiyan across several states, in an effort to strengthen coordination between the military and civil authorities amid evolving security challenges. The activities were conducted across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and southern states, bringing together the Armed Forces, civil administration, security agencies and other stakeholders to improve preparedness and response mechanisms. Focus on Inter-Agency Coordination Officials said the initiative was aimed at enhancing coordination among institutions that are often required to work together during emergencies and security situations. The engagements saw participation from Central Armed Police Forces, state police, disaster response agencies, civil aviation authorities, as well as departments such as forest and mining, along with academic institutions and industry representatives. According to officials, the exercises focused on key areas including internal security, disaster management, airspace monitoring and protection of critical infrastructure, with an emphasis on adopting common procedures and improving information sharing between agencies. Tabletop Exercise in Pune Reviews Emerging Threats A key component of the Abhiyan was a high-level tabletop exercise conducted at the Southern Command headquarters in Pune to assess emerging multi-domain threats in the hinterland. The exercise was chaired by Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth and attended by senior officials from the Maharashtra government, railway authorities, and representatives from central forces and law enforcement agencies. Officials said the exercise reviewed preparedness levels and examined coordination mechanisms required to respond to complex scenarios. Field Exercises and Regional Engagements As part of the initiative, multiple on-ground exercises and discussions were held across different locations. In Pune’s Aundh Military Station, a joint drill involving the Armed Forces, civil administration, police, disaster response agencies and NCC focused on testing coordinated response systems. In Bhopal, a seminar on countering unmanned aerial threats brought together military personnel and civil aviation stakeholders, including representatives from the Airports Authority of India, to discuss emerging risks in airspace security. At Babina, joint activities involving the Army and local departments such as police, forest and mining authorities were conducted to strengthen coordination through surveillance measures, joint patrolling and outreach in nearby areas. In Chennai, a security conference held at the Victory War Memorial brought together senior officials to deliberate on internal security and crisis response strategies. Similar engagements were also conducted in Belagavi and Hyderabad, focusing on training, preparedness and institutional coordination, while exercises in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer aimed at improving coordination and information sharing in strategically sensitive regions. Emphasis on Joint Response Capability Officials indicated that the engagements were designed to streamline coordination, improve communication channels and enable faster decision-making during crises. The exercises also aimed to familiarise different agencies with each other’s roles and operational procedures, which are critical during multi-agency responses. Broader Push for Integrated Preparedness Officials noted that such initiatives are part of a broader effort to strengthen coordination between military and civilian agencies, particularly in dealing with complex and multi-dimensional security challenges. They added that the Military Civil Fusion Abhiyan reflects an increasing focus on integrated planning and joint response frameworks to enhance overall preparedness.
27 March,2026 08:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1773916888976_d.png "Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. File Pic")
