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Anil Ambani questioned by CBI for seven hours in bank loan fraud case

Reliance 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 correspondent
Several Indian citizens have returned home, while support continues for those planning to leave. File Photo

Indian citizens continue to return home from Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan

At 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 correspondent
Strict monitoring is being carried out to ensure proper supply through gas agencies to homes. File Pic

Gujarat residents report timely LPG supplies as Govt dismisses shortage rumours

Residents 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 correspondent
Congress leader Pawan Khera. File pic

Congress targets Centre over silence on West Asia killings, petrol price rise

Congress 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 correspondent
Air India flight returns to Delhi after operational failure. Representational image

Delhi-Vancouver Air India flight turns back mid-air, lands safely

Air 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 correspondent
Representational image. File pic

Premium petrol prices hiked in Rajasthan amid global oil volatility

Amid volatility in global crude oil markets and uncertain global situations, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have increased the prices of premium petrol (branded fuel). As reported by news agency IANS, the price of premium petrol in Rajasthan has been hiked. The hike, ranging between Rs 2 and Rs 2.30 per litre, has been announced on Friday.  Prices of regular petrol remains unchanged However, there is some relief as prices of regular petrol remain unchanged for now.  Sunit Bagai, convenor of the Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers Association, while talking to the media on Friday, said that the increase in premium petrol will not have much impact, as it contributes only one per cent of total petrol sales, reported IANS.  He further added that premium petrol (high-octane fuel) is considered a free trade/deregulated product in India because it is marketed as a value-added luxury product used by a small segment of consumers.  He asserted, “This allows Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to price it according to international market conditions rather than government-fixed rates", as per IANS.  Meanwhile, he also expressed hope that the conflict would ease soon, or else the pressure might be felt on regular petrol as well. It may be noted that premium petrol from major oil companies has become more expensive, including Indian Oil (IOCL): XP95 and XP100; Bharat Petroleum (BPCL): Speed and Speed 97; and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL): Power Petrol, Power95. Average fuel hike of Rs 2.03 in Rajasthan According to fuel dealers, the average hike is around Rs 2.03 per litre. In Jaipur, for instance, premium petrol prices have risen from approximately Rs 111.68 per litre to over Rs 113.77 per litre. Experts attribute the hike to disruptions in the global oil supply chain caused by tensions in the Gulf (Middle East). Premium fuels require high-quality additives, the cost of which rises quickly with fluctuations in international crude oil prices. Oil companies have passed on this increased input cost to consumers. For now, regular petrol prices remain stable, offering some relief to the general public, especially in rural areas. Across Rajasthan, prices range between Rs 104.36 and Rs 106.21 per litre depending on the district. The average price in Jaipur is Rs 104.72 per litre; in Jodhpur, Rs 104.61 per litre; in Bikaner, Rs 106.20 per litre; in Sri Ganganagar, Rs 106.21 per litre; and in Udaipur, Rs 105.51 per litre. Bagai, meanwhile, warned that if tensions in the Gulf region persist, prices of both petrol and diesel may see further fluctuations in the coming weeks. For now, oil companies appear to be offsetting rising costs primarily through premium fuel pricing. (With inputs from IANS)

20 March,2026 06:02 PM IST | Jaipur | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. File Photo

PM Modi speaks to 5 world leaders, stresses dialogue amid West Asia crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with five global leaders to discuss the escalating situation in West Asia, emphasising the need for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday, reported news agency ANI. Talks held with leaders of five countries MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Prime Minister held conversations with the leaders of Oman, Malaysia, France, Jordan and Qatar, outlining India’s position on the ongoing conflict, reported ANI. During the discussions, PM Modi stressed that peaceful resolution through dialogue remains the only viable path to restore stability in the region. Strong condemnation of attacks on energy infrastructure The Prime Minister and the leaders collectively expressed concern over recent attacks on energy infrastructure, which have heightened global uncertainty, reported ANI. Jaiswal said PM Modi strongly condemned such attacks and highlighted their potential to escalate tensions further. Support for safe navigation through Strait of Hormuz A key focus of the discussions was ensuring the safety of global energy routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz. All leaders reiterated the importance of maintaining free and secure maritime navigation to prevent disruptions in global supply chains. Bilateral discussions and regional cooperation In his conversation with the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, PM Modi conveyed advance Eid greetings and reiterated India’s position on sovereignty issues. He also appreciated Oman’s role in facilitating the safe return of Indian nationals, reported ANI. The Prime Minister also spoke with Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, exchanging greetings ahead of Eid and discussing concerns over the evolving situation in West Asia. Coordination with France and Jordan PM Modi’s discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron focused on strengthening coordination to promote peace and stability in the region. In talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, both leaders condemned attacks on critical infrastructure and emphasised the need to ensure uninterrupted movement of goods and energy. PM Modi also thanked Jordan for assisting Indian nationals during the crisis, reported ANI. Engagement with Qatar leadership The Prime Minister also spoke with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, conveying Eid greetings and expressing gratitude for the support extended to the Indian community, reported ANI. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring safe navigation through key maritime routes. India calls for de-escalation The MEA said India continues to advocate restraint and peaceful resolution as tensions in West Asia remain high. Officials emphasised that diplomatic engagement and international cooperation are essential to prevent further escalation and safeguard global stability. (With inputs from ANI)

20 March,2026 05:53 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
File Pic

Govt says LPG panic booking down, adequate stock available across country

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Friday said that panic booking of LPG cylinders has declined significantly, with only 55 lakh bookings reported on Thursday. The government held an inter-ministerial briefing today to update on the current situation regarding the availability of essential commodities, particularly fuel and gas, amidst the ongoing geopolitical tensions, reported ANI. Speaking at an Inter-Ministerial briefing today, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, highlighted an improvement in the LPG crisis saying, "There is no panic booking now. Only 55 lakh LPG booking reported yesterday." Sharma reassures consumers of no LPG supply shortage across country Acording to ANI, reassuring consumers, Sharma also said that there is no shortage of supply across the country. "There is adequate stock available, no outlets are dry out," she stated. However, she acknowledged that concerns still remain. "LPG issue is still worrisome," she said. Highlighting a shift in consumer behaviour, Sharma noted that many users are moving to piped gas. "7.5 lakh LPG customers shifted to PNG," she said. On the steps taken by authorities, Sharma informed that monitoring mechanisms have been strengthened nationwide. "32 states and UTs have set up control rooms and district monitoring committee," she said, reported ANI. Govt conducts 4,500 raids amid LPG crisis, premium petrol prices rise As per ANI, she also pointed to strict enforcement actions to prevent irregularities. "4500 raids conducted yesterday across the country, including 1100 raids in UP," she said, adding, "1800 surprise inspections done by OMCs." Appealing to the public, Sharma urged consumers to follow proper delivery channels. "Appeal to follow the door delivery system of LPG cylinders," she said. Talking about the oil prices, Sharma stated, "Prices of premium category petrol have been increased. It has been decided by the Oil Marketing companies." "Normal petrol and diesel prices have not been increased," she noted, reported ANI. Special Secretary of the Shipping Ministry, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, further noted the logistical relief measures to support supply. "New Mangalore port has issued notification of relief for ground and reefer charges for crude and LPG from 14 to 31 March," he said. The government has issued advisories to prevent panic buying, encourage judicious use of LPG, and disseminate accurate information. Overall, the government is taking all necessary measures to ensure the availability of essential commodities and maintain normalcy in the country, reported ANI. (Inputs from ANI)

20 March,2026 05:47 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Suvendhu Adhikari. Pic/PTI

BJP's Suvendu Adhikari accuses CM of poll code violation, demands EC action

Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Friday alleged that Mamata Banerjee has violated the poll code by using the chief minister's letterhead for political correspondence and demanded immediate action by the Election Commission, reported PTI. He argued that once the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is in effect, a clear distinction must be maintained between administrative duties and party politics. "Once the poll code is in place, she cannot write political letters using the chief minister's pad. She can write as much as she wants on the Trinamool Congress pad... but using the CM's pad is a violation of the MCC," the BJP leader told reporters at Mahisadal in Purba Medinipur. Besides contesting from his stronghold Nandigram, Adhikari is also pitted against Banerjee in Bhabanipur for the state polls. Mamata writes to CEC, alleges unilateral transfer of senior Bengal officials According to PTI, CM Banerjee wrote a strongly worded letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday, expressing "deep shock" over the functioning of the poll panel. In the missive, her eighth to the CEC, Banerjee alleged the poll body had "unilaterally" transferred several senior state officials, including the chief secretary, home secretary, DGP, and multiple district magistrates and police officers, soon after the announcement of assembly polls. It has been alleged that Banerjee used the chief minister's official pad to write to the CEC. "Why is she using the chief minister's pad? The Election Commission should take action against her for this," Adhikari said. He also demanded the removal of government hoardings and photographs featuring Banerjee from public spaces, saying these billboards were still in place even though it had been days since the election schedule has been announced, reported PTI. The model code of conduct comes into effect immediately after the poll schedule is announced by the Election Commission.. Adhikari questions EC over Mamata hoardings, slams TMC candidate list "Why haven't the chief minister's pictures been removed (from government hoardings) according to the rules? Out of what fear is the Election Commission giving these opportunities to Mamata Banerjee?" the BJP leader posed, reported PTI. On the TMC's candidate list, Adhikari alleged it included individuals accused of rape or those who had spent two to three-and-a-half years in prison, saying no political party since Independence had released such a list. As per PTI, Adhikari claimed the choice of candidates has sparked resentment within TMC's own ranks. In contrast, over 50 per cent of the BJP's candidates were grassroots workers with humble backgrounds, the BJP leader said. The elections to the 294-member West Bengal assembly will be held in two phases -- on April 23 and 29. Votes will be counted on May 4. (Inputs from IANS)

20 March,2026 05:46 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondent
A projectile hits a residential compound in Saudi Arabia’s Al Kharj area earlier this month. FILE PIC

Indian national killed in Riyadh amid West Asia conflict, MEA confirms

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday conveyed deep condolences over the death of an Indian national in Riyadh, as the government continues efforts to coordinate the repatriation of citizens affected by the escalating West Asia conflict. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia confirmed the fatality following recent security incidents in the Saudi capital on Wednesday, March 18, news agency ANI reported. In an official statement, the diplomatic mission said, "The Embassy of India expresses its deepest condolences on the tragic demise of an Indian national in Riyadh due to recent events on March 18th." Addressing an Inter-Ministerial Briefing in New Delhi, Additional Secretary in the Gulf Division at the Ministry of External Affairs, Aseem Mahajan, confirmed the casualty. "Late last night, we received information regarding the tragic demise of an Indian national during an attack in Riyadh on 18th March. We express our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our mission in Riyadh is in touch with the family and is coordinating closely with the local authorities for the early return of mortal remains to India," Mahajan stated. The Embassy also noted that its officials are actively engaging with the family to complete necessary formalities and extend consular assistance. West Asia conflict: Six Indian nationals killed, one missing  "The Embassy is in touch with the family and local authorities. We remain committed to extending all possible assistance in this matter," the statement added. The MEA official provided a broader update on the impact of the hostilities, stating that the number of Indian casualties in the region has increased. "Six Indian nationals have unfortunately lost their lives, and one is missing in various incidents. Our missions in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, and the UAE are in regular touch with the concerned authorities regarding the missing Indian national and for the early repatriation of mortal remains of the deceased Indian nationals to India," he added. Amid these developments, the government is also facilitating the return of those rescued from maritime zones affected by the conflict. Mahajan said that 15 Indian crew members of MT Safesea Vishnu, who were safely rescued, departed Iraq on Thursday and are expected to arrive in India from Saudi Arabia today. This follows earlier repatriation efforts in which 24 rescued Indian seafarers—16 from MV MKD Vyom and 8 from MT Skylight—returned to India from Oman. The conflict in the West Asian region has now entered its 21st day, with the Indian government and its missions in the region maintaining a high level of vigilance to monitor the security situation and ensure the safety of the Indian diaspora across the Persian Gulf. (With ANI inputs)

20 March,2026 05:02 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
White-rumped vultures released in Guwahati. (Pic/BNHS)

Five White-rumped vultures released in Assam to revive population

In a significant breakthrough for wildlife conservation in India, five captive-bred White-rumped vultures were released into the wild in Assam on Thursday. The release of these birds marks a historic first for the state and the Northeast region. As per an official statement, the vultures were released by MK Yadav, special secretary, forests and environment, Assam, in the presence of key conservationists and officials, including Vinay Gupta, Chris Bowden, Kishor Rithe, and Sachin Ranade. The carefully coordinated release of the White-rumped Vulture took place at Nalapara under the Rani Range in Kamrup East Division.  As per the statement, officials used a pulley system to remotely open the aviary gate from a hide located about 100 metres away, ensuring minimal disturbance to the birds. Cameras installed at the site captured the vultures’ movements post-release. First-ever release of captive-bred vultures from VCBC This marks the first-ever release of captive-bred vultures from the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC) at Rani, which was established in 2007. The centre currently houses 194 vultures, including 138 White-rumped vultures and 54 Slender-billed vultures, and has now reached a stage where 20–25 birds can be released annually. The released vultures, aged between three and four years, include both captive-bred individuals and rescued birds that were rehabilitated and deemed fit for release.  Prior to their release, they underwent acclimatisation in a pre-release aviary, where they interacted with free-ranging vultures attracted to the site through supplementary feeding. Officials expect them to gradually expand their range over the coming months, potentially reaching neighbouring states such as West Bengal and Meghalaya and even crossing into Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Conservationists said the next six months will be critical in assessing both the survival of the birds and the safety of the surrounding environment. The breeding centre will continue to provide food near the aviary to support the vultures as they adapt to the wild. The initiative has received sustained support from organisations including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Centre for Wildlife Studies, Oriental Bird Club, Darwin Initiative, Rufford Maurice Laing Foundation, and Vet Work. Financial assistance for 2025–26 was also provided by Adani Group through Adani LGBI. Officials further acknowledged the support of local communities, particularly residents of Belguri village, for their cooperation in the long-standing conservation effort. The successful release represents a crucial step in reviving vulture populations in India, which have faced severe declines over the past decades due to habitat loss and poisoning.

20 March,2026 05:00 PM IST | Guawahati | Ranjeet Jadhav
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