Delhi Police on Monday issued a traffic advisory for motorists ahead of Navratri 2026 and has stated that the movement of heavy vehicles would be banned during the period, reported the PTI. Traffic movement will be restricted on several key roads in central Delhi due to Navratri celebrations at the Jhandewalan Temple from 23 March to 27 March, police said on Monday. According to an advisory issued by the Delhi Traffic Police, heavy vehicles, including buses and commercial vehicles, will not be allowed on Desh Bandhu Gupta (DBG) Road between Kalka Das Chowk and the Jhandewalan roundabout. The restriction will be in place daily from 12 noon to 10 pm during the festival period, according to the PTI. "Rani Jhansi Road and the DBG Road stretch between Kalka Das Chowk and the roundabout (R/A) Jhandewalan are likely to witness heavy traffic congestion," the advisory read, as per the PTI. Expected congestion Authorities have warned that Rani Jhansi Road and the DBG Road stretch between Kalka Das Chowk and Jhandewalan roundabout are likely to witness heavy traffic congestion due to increased footfall and vehicular movement. Diversions Commuters travelling from Ajmeri Gate or Rani Jhansi Road have been advised to take alternative routes via Panchkuiyan Road, passing through R/A Bagga and Faiz Road, to reach Kalka Das Chowk, the news agency reported. Similarly, vehicles coming from Kalka Das Chowk should use Faiz Road via R/A Bagga and Panchkuiyan Road for onward journeys. Advice for Commuters The police have urged people to avoid DBG Road and Rani Jhansi Road during peak hours. Instead, they should use alternate routes such as Faiz Road, New Rohtak Road, and Panchkuiyan Road, reported the PTI. Police said traffic personnel have been deployed at key points; however, there might be a delay during peak hours. "Traffic personnel will be deployed at key junctions to manage the situation, but commuters may still face delays, especially during busy hours," the advisory stated. For real-time traffic updates and assistance, commuters can stay connected with the Delhi Traffic Police through its official website and social media channels. Helpline numbers have also been provided for emergencies and public queries. (with PTI inputs)
23 March,2026 04:04 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged all state governments to take strict action against individuals involved in black marketing and hoarding of LPG gas cylinders, reported the IANS. PM Modi's appeal comes amid rising concerns that some people are trying to exploit the ongoing global energy crisis for personal gain. Reports of black marketing and hoarding of LPG cylinders have increased across the country in recent days. Authorities believe this is linked to fears surrounding the global energy situation. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said that by Saturday, around 3,500 raids had been carried out nationwide. These operations led to the seizure of more than 1,200 gas cylinders, as per the IANS. States where action has been taken include Bihar, Haryana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. Security measures strengthened Speaking in the Lok Sabha about the ongoing tensions in West Asia, the Prime Minister said that all agencies responsible for maintaining law and order have been put on alert, according to the IANS. He noted that security has been strengthened across key areas, including coastal regions, borders, cyberspace, and important installations. PM Modi compared the current situation to the challenges faced during Covid-19. He said the global situation may remain difficult for a long time and urged citizens to stay united and prepared, as per the IANS. He emphasised the need for patience, calmness and collective effort to deal with the crisis effectively. Warning against misinformation According to the IANS, the Prime Minister also warned that some individuals may try to spread false information during such times. He called on both governments and citizens to remain alert and not allow such attempts to succeed. Calling on the state governments, the Prime Minister said, "We must also be very cautious and alert. Those who seek to take advantage of the situation will try to spread lies. Such efforts must not be allowed to succeed." Appeal to states and citizens Through Parliament, PM Modi appealed to all state governments to closely monitor the situation and take immediate action wherever cases of black marketing or hoarding are reported, the news agency reported. He added that coordinated efforts by governments and citizens would help the country overcome the crisis. (with IANS inputs)
23 March,2026 03:40 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Monday that India is facing significant challenges due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, highlighting the impact on Indians living in Gulf nations as well as the trade and economic consequences of the crisis, reported news agency IANS. Global impact and call for early resolution Speaking in the Lok Sabha about the ongoing West Asia conflict, PM Modi said, "The current situation in West Asia is worrisome. In the last few days, EAM Jaishankar and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri briefed the House about the issue. Now, this crisis has escalated beyond three weeks. Its adverse impact is being felt on the global economy and on people's lives. Therefore, the entire world is urging all parties to find an early solution to this crisis." Challenges span economy, security and humanitarian sectors The Prime Minister also outlined the multifaceted challenges India faces due to the tensions in the Gulf nations. "This conflict has also created unforeseen challenges for India. These challenges are economic, related to national security, and humanitarian. India has extensive trade relations with the countries at war and those affected by it," he said, reported IANS. Trade routes and energy supply concerns highlighted Talking about the effect of the conflict on the trade, PM Modi said, "The region where the war is taking place is also an important route for our trade with other countries. Especially, a large part of our crude oil and gas requirements is met by this region." Safety of Indians in Gulf remains priority He said that West Asia is also important for India as "approximately one crore Indians live and work in Gulf countries". "The number of Indian crew members on commercial ships in the seas is also very high. Due to these various reasons, India's concerns are naturally greater," he added, reported IANS. Centre outlines assistance measures for Indians Speaking about the steps taken by the Centre to ensure the safety and welfare of Indians affected by the conflict, PM Modi said, "Since this war began, every Indian in the affected countries has been provided necessary assistance. I have personally spoken over the phone with the heads of state of most West Asian countries in two rounds. All of them have assured full safety for Indians." "Unfortunately, during this period, some people have lost their lives, and some have been injured. In such difficult times, families are being provided with the necessary support. The injured are being ensured the best possible treatment. All our missions in the affected countries are continuously engaged in helping Indians -- whether they are workers or tourists who have gone there. Every possible assistance is being provided to all," he added, reported IANS. ‘Safety of Indians always top priority’ "In any crisis situation, the safety and security of Indians in the country and abroad has always been our top priority," the Prime Minister added. (With inputs from IANS)
23 March,2026 03:09 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentUnion Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday introduced the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, according to the ANI. The bill aims to make further changes to key corporate regulations in India, including the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Act, 2008 and the Companies Act, 2013. Soon after its introduction, the Lok Sabha passed a motion to refer the bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed examination. This step allows lawmakers to study the bill more closely before it is taken up for final approval, as per the ANI. The development comes as the second phase of the Budget session of Parliament resumes. This session is expected to focus on key legislative and financial matters, including reforms that could impact multiple sectors of the economy. What the bill aims to do The Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 seeks to update existing laws governing companies and LLPs. These laws play a crucial role in regulating how businesses operate in India. The amendments are expected to simplify compliance and improve the ease of doing business, although detailed provisions will be examined by the JPC. Alongside this bill, the Finance Minister is also set to present the Finance Bill, 2026, which outlines the government’s financial plans for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Opposition raises concerns The introduction of the bill was not without criticism. Manish Tewari from the Indian National Congress opposed the move, raising constitutional concerns. He argued that the bill allows “excessive delegation” of legislative powers to the executive. According to him, important issues such as classification of companies, compliance rules, corporate social responsibility (CSR) thresholds, audit requirements, and penalty frameworks are left to be decided later through subordinate legislation, the news agency reported. Tewari said this could violate constitutional provisions under Articles 245 and 246, as it reduces Parliament’s direct role in shaping key policy decisions. PM Modi to address Lok Sabha Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the Lok Sabha later in the day. His speech is expected to focus on the ongoing conflict in West Asia and India’s position on the issue. A day earlier, the Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to review the global situation. Officials discussed the possible impact of the conflict on various sectors such as agriculture, fertilisers, food security, petroleum, power, MSMEs, exports, shipping, and supply chains. Government reviews economic impact During the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary presented an overview of the global situation and the steps taken by different ministries to reduce risks. The government also reviewed the country’s overall macroeconomic condition and discussed further measures to ensure stability. The ongoing geopolitical tensions are being closely monitored due to their potential impact on India’s economy and trade. (With ANI Inputs)
23 March,2026 02:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUnion Minister Chirag Paswan on Monday hit out at Mamata Banerjee over her recent remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging political leaders to maintain decorum during the election season. “It is election time, and care must be taken that the dignity of language is not violated. During the Bihar elections, we saw how even the Prime Minister's mother was abused. The opposition, in its desperation to win elections, is willing to stoop to any level and lose all restraint. This is wrong...” Paswan said, reported IANS. The criticism comes amid escalating political tensions ahead of upcoming elections, with several BJP leaders targeting CM Banerjee’s statements. BJP predicts Mamata's defeat, says anti-incumbency strong against her According to IANS, BJP Bihar President, Sanjay Saraogi, also criticised the West Bengal Chief Minister, saying, “Mamata Banerjee’s policies, which appear to be arrogant and divisive, are reflected in her behaviour. It seems she has begun to feel that she may be on her way out of Bengal, which is evident in the way she speaks and expresses herself...” Echoing similar sentiments, Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said, “Mamata Banerjee will not be able to maintain her hold on power in West Bengal, no matter what she does. Anti-incumbency is strongly against her, and all her MLAs will lose. I believe she should now step down from power...” In West Bengal, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh also responded strongly to CM Banerjee’s remarks, reported IANS. “Mamata Banerjee is calling PM Modi a ‘Ghuspaithiya’. When Yusuf Pathan comes here, Shatrughan Sinha can come from Bihar, but they are not ‘Ghuspaithiyas'. Those coming from Bangladesh, like the Rohingyas, are also not ‘Ghuspaithiyas’...” he told IANS. BJP slams Mamata over CCTV and 'biggest infiltrator' remark on PM Modi He further added, “CCTV cameras will be installed everywhere, and the Election Commission will keep an eye. Why is Mamata Banerjee installing CCTV? Because there are rifts and conspiracies happening within her party.” The political row stems from remarks made by CM Banerjee at an Eid gathering earlier, where she dubbed Prime Minister Modi the “biggest infiltrator” and accused the Centre of attempting to “rob” people of their voting rights through the SIR process, as per IANS. Addressing the gathering, she said that several names had been deleted from the voters’ list, adding, “Many of your names have been deleted from the voters’ list, for which I ran from Calcutta High Court to the Supreme Court of India in Delhi.” The exchange highlights intensifying rhetoric between the ruling party at the Centre and opposition leaders, as the election approaches. (Inputs from IANS)
23 March,2026 02:33 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIn a show of united strength by the ruling alliance, NDA candidates from four of the constituencies of Guwahati on Monday took out a rally through the streets of the city as they proceeded to file their nominations together. BJP candidates Pradyut Bordoloi (Dispur), Diplu Ranjan Sharma (New Guwahati) and Vijay Gupta (Central Guwahati), and its ally Asom Gana Parishad's (AGP) Tapan Das (Dimoria) led the rally. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is the candidate from the fifth seat in Kamrup Metropolitan district, which comes under the Guwahati Lok Sabha constituency.Sarma had filed his nominations on Friday. Supporters of BJP and AGP gathered at the Khanapara field in the city since morning, overcast skies failing to dampen their spirit. The candidates, perched on an open van, proceeded towards the District Commissioner's office in a procession, with supporters waving party flags and raising slogans. The candidates will have to walk the final leg to the DC's office, along with a limited number of people, as per guidelines issued by the authorities. The BJP had witnessed much dissidence over its Dispur candidate, a Congress MP who joined the saffron party just last week. The sitting BJP MLA Atul Bora, denied the ticket, had initially said he might contest as an Independent or lend support to the Congress nominee, but top party leadership reached out and pacified him. Another senior BJP leader Jayanta Das, viewed as a strong contender, has resigned from the party and is likely to file nomination as an Independent from Dispur seat. The elections to the 126-member Assembly will be held on April 9. Votes will be counted on May 4. 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.
23 March,2026 02:24 PM IST | Guwahati | PTIPolitical reactions emerged on Monday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review India’s preparedness amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, with Shiv Sena (UBT) welcoming the move while the Congress called for wider political consultation, reported news agency IANS. Sena (UBT) backs Centre’s initiative Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi described the CCS meeting as timely and necessary, given the escalating geopolitical tensions and their global repercussions, reported IANS. She said the conflict shows no signs of de-escalation, with continued exchanges of attacks between Israel and Iran, and warned of its cascading impact on global energy supplies. “In India, we are already feeling the effects, especially since a large portion of our energy needs depends on imports,” she said, adding that the meeting was crucial to explore solutions, reported IANS. Chaturvedi also expressed hope that India’s diplomatic outreach to West Asian countries would contribute to easing tensions. Congress questions timing, seeks broader dialogue While acknowledging the importance of the meeting, Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat criticised the timing, suggesting the government’s response appeared delayed, reported IANS. He termed the CCS meeting a “firefighting exercise” and questioned whether adequate foresight had been exercised as the conflict has been unfolding for some time, reported IANS. Demand for all-party meeting Bhagat urged the government to convene an all-party meeting to ensure a more inclusive and coordinated response to the crisis. “After the CCS meeting, there should also be an all-party consultation. A broader discussion is necessary to deal with such a serious situation,” he said, reported IANS. Call for diversification of energy sources The Congress leader also highlighted India’s dependence on West Asia for oil imports and suggested that the government should actively explore alternative sources, including Latin America and Russia, to reduce vulnerability, reported IANS. Govt reviews preparedness During the CCS meeting held on Sunday, senior officials presented a comprehensive review of the global situation and outlined mitigation strategies across sectors such as energy, food security, fertilisers, trade, and supply chains. The government has emphasised coordinated action across ministries to minimise the impact of the conflict on citizens and ensure the availability of essential commodities. Political consensus with differing expectations While there appears to be broad agreement on the need for preparedness, differences remain over the scope and timing of the government’s response. The developments come as the West Asia conflict continues to intensify, with potential implications for global markets and India’s economic stability. (With inputs from IANS)
23 March,2026 01:52 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Lok Sabha at 2 p.m. on Monday, focusing on the key concerns relating to the ongoing West Asia conflict. Earlier on Sunday, PM Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the situation in the petroleum, crude oil, gas, power, and fertiliser sectors, with a focus on ensuring uninterrupted supply and stable distribution amid the evolving crisis in West Asia. The meeting focused on maintaining uninterrupted supply, ensuring stable logistics, and streamlining distribution systems across the country to prevent any disruption in essential services. Officials briefed the Prime Minister on the current status of fuel availability and steps being taken to safeguard India's energy security. According to sources, the government is closely monitoring global developments and has taken proactive measures to ensure that consumers and industries are not affected by volatility in international markets. Efforts are underway to maintain adequate reserves and strengthen supply chains amid rising geopolitical uncertainties. The review comes at a time when global energy markets remain on edge due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, a region that plays a crucial role in global oil and gas supplies. Concerns have also been raised over disruptions in key shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, which handles a significant share of global energy trade. A day earlier, Prime Minister Modi spoke with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the regional situation and emphasised the need for peace and stability. He also underlined the importance of keeping international shipping lanes open and secure, warning that any disruption could impact global supply chains. To reduce dependence on the Middle East, India has diversified its oil and gas imports, increasing purchases from countries such as the United States, Russia, and African nations like Nigeria. Officials said that nearly 70 per cent of India's oil imports now come from sources outside the Gulf region. The government has also stepped up efforts to manage LPG supplies, including sourcing liquefied petroleum gas from the US to address potential shortages. While concerns over LPG availability persist, officials said there has been no disruption in supply at the consumer level, with online bookings rising significantly. 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.
23 March,2026 01:36 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSShiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday questioned the Centre’s stance on the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict, calling it a “very dangerous turning point” and urging the government to clarify India’s position, reported news agency ANI. Raut questions Centre’s silence Addressing a press conference, Raut said the government has not clearly articulated India’s role despite the conflict’s growing global implications. “No one can say what India’s role is. This war has reached a very dangerous turning point,” he said, adding that the country’s leadership should communicate its strategy and response, reported ANI. Raut also questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not publicly expressed a detailed position on the crisis so far. Concerns over impact on India Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi highlighted the domestic impact of the conflict, particularly on essential supplies, reported ANI. She said shortages of LPG and disruptions in supply chains have already begun affecting daily life, with restaurants and eateries struggling to operate fully due to limited cooking gas availability. “The impact on the public is serious. This is not just a geopolitical issue — it is affecting everyday life,” she said, reported ANI. Govt reviews economic and supply situation Meanwhile, the Centre has held high-level discussions to assess the impact of the conflict on India’s economy and essential sectors. Officials reviewed potential short-term, medium-term and long-term effects across key areas such as agriculture, fertilisers, energy, food security, power, MSMEs, trade and supply chains, reported ANI. Measures to safeguard essential supplies The government said adequate stock of coal at power plants will ensure uninterrupted electricity supply. It also reviewed fertiliser availability for the upcoming Kharif season and explored alternative sourcing options to maintain food security. Efforts are also underway to diversify import sources for critical sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals. Focus on preventing disruption Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed all ministries to coordinate closely and ensure minimal disruption to citizens. He also emphasised the need to work with state governments to prevent black-marketing and hoarding of essential commodities, reported ANI. Global conflict, domestic implications The ongoing tensions in West Asia are expected to have wide-ranging effects on global markets and supply chains, with India closely monitoring developments. While opposition leaders continue to demand greater transparency, the government maintains that it is taking necessary steps to mitigate the impact and safeguard national interests. (With inputs from ANI)
23 March,2026 01:35 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIn a village where fear once came from the forests at dusk, it now walks the roads in broad daylight. On March 17, an 11-year-old girl cycling home from school in Vadgaon Pan was attacked with acid just minutes before she would have reached safety. There was no warning, no known dispute, no explanation. Only a child, a quiet rural road, and a moment that has left an entire community shaken. The victim’s home, located about 4 km from her school, connected by a narrow, isolated road where the attack took place. Pics/Archana Dahiwal Today, the questions are louder than the answers. And the voices coming from her home are not just asking for justice, they are asking how anyone is expected to live like this anymore. The road home >> The road she took every day is narrow and uneven. A single vehicle can barely pass. When one does, thick dust rises. >> Fields stretch on both sides. There are long patches with no houses, no people.>> This is where she cycled every day.>> This is where she was attacked. The victim’s mother with her younger son, still trying to process the moment she learned her daughter had been attacked The police investigation Police have formed eight teams. A sketch of the suspect has been released. Technical, forensic, and local units are searching. Citizens with information are requested to contact the police. Informants’ identities will be kept confidential. The girl >> She is 11. A school-going child who cycled nearly four kilometres every day. She had been going to the same school since Std I. >> Teachers remember her as sincere, quiet, focused.>> Now she lies in a burn ward, unable to eat solid food, her face heavily bandaged.>> Doctors say nearly 70 per cent of her face has been affected. Two surgeries have already been done. More may follow. The bicycle the 11-year-old used to ride to school every day, left behind on the road after the attack The long road ahead >> Doctors say she will likely remain hospitalised for two months.>> She cannot eat properly yet. She is on a liquid diet. The burns are deep. The recovery will be slow.>> But they believe she will survive. Inside the home Her maternal uncle, with whom she lives, tries to explain what this feels like. “By evening, fear of tigers and leopards forces children indoors. In the past, a few children were killed in leopard attacks. And now, predators in human form are targeting our daughters openly, in the middle of the day. You tell us, how are we supposed to live like this?” He works at construction sites. A large family depends on him. Hospital in Loni, where the 11-year-old is undergoing treatment for severe facial burns after the acid attack “My daughters and the acid survivor go to school daily on their bicycles. After this incident, my daughters were so scared. I started dropping and picking them up. I don’t want them to sit at home. But it is not possible to manage school trips while leaving my work. After all, I have to feed the entire family.” Anger beyond the home The incident has shaken Sangamner. Protests broke out. Locals gathered, demanding answers and action. “This is the first incident of its kind here. The entire town stands united. We want strict punishment so that nothing like this happens again,” said local representative Kapil Pawar. Another person said, “If girls who are simply trying to study are not safe, what does that say about us?” What happened in those moments After the attack, the girl ran. She left her bicycle behind and rushed into a nearby house, looking for help. A woman there tried to wash her face with water, but even her own hands began to burn. The acid had already started tearing through skin. She was rushed first to a nearby hospital, then shifted to a hospital in Loni, about 30 km away. After the incident, the school began weekend sessions where female students can speak openly with female teachers. CCTV cameras have now been installed at the entrance. Support has been strengthened, but only after something irreversible has already happened. The attack Date & time: March 17, around 11:45 amWhere: Kaccha road near Mahadev temple, Vadgaon PanWhat happened: Acid was thrown at a Std VI student returning from schoolAftermath: She ran for help, leaving her bicycle behindNow: Under treatment, condition stable, but with critical injuries Citizens with information are requested to contact the police Police Inspector Praveen Sangle – 9665093468Sangamner Taluka Police Station – 02425-222333API Dnyaneshwar Katore – 9822202333Police Sub-Inspector Mahesh Shinde – 9527039196
23 March,2026 10:41 AM IST | Ahilyanagar | Archana DahiwalThree men were arrested in southwest Delhi’s Mahipalpur for allegedly hoarding LPG cylinders to sell them at a premium price, police said on Sunday. They were identified as Krishna, Dinesh Sahu, and Mithilesh, aged 33, 46, and 39, all from Bihar but living in Delhi. The police seized 74 LPG cylinders — 70 domestic and four commercial — along with a transport vehicle and refilling equipment in the raid on Saturday, an officer said. “The trio was engaged in illegally storing LPG cylinders and supplying them to local customers. They allegedly used metal pipes to transfer gas from multiple filled cylinders into empty ones to manipulate supply and increase margins,” the officer 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
23 March,2026 09:59 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
-1774252564316_d.png "Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman speaks in Lok Bhavan. PIC/PTI")
-1774255839070_d.png "Chirag Paswan. Pic/x")
-1774252859437_d.png "BJP candidates Pradyut Bordoloi during a rally before filing their nominations for Assam Assembly elections, in Guwahati. Pic/PTI")
-1774252116032_d.png "Narendra Modi. File Pic")
