Following his release from Patna’s Beur Central Jail, Mokama MLA Anant Kumar Singh received a grand welcome at his residence in Patna. As reported by news agency IANS, thousands of supporters had gathered to greet the MLA after being released from jail. As soon as his vehicle arrived, supporters erupted in chants of “Chhote Sarkar Zindabad", showering him with flower garlands. Fireworks lights up the skies after Anant Singh got bail The atmosphere turned celebratory, with fireworks lighting up the sky and slogans echoing across the area. Overwhelmed by the massive turnout, Anant Kumar Singh urged the crowd to disperse and return later, but the supporters' enthusiasm remained undeterred. According to supporters, celebrations will continue on Tuesday with a grand roadshow spanning nearly 50 kilometres in the Mokama constituency, reported IANS. MLA Anant Singh is scheduled to offer prayers at a temple in Barahiya before proceeding to his ancestral village, Nadma, accompanied by a large convoy of supporters. While speaking to the media after being released from jail, Anant Singh maintained his innocence in the case, stating, “I was four kilometres away at the time of the incident. I have been falsely implicated,” as cited by IANS. When asked about repeated allegations against him, he responded, “Why am I framed? How would I know? ” MLA Anant Singh was arrested for allegedly murdering Dularchand Yadav Anant Singh, popularly known as “Chhote Sarkar,” was arrested in connection with the Dularchand Yadav murder case during the 2025 Assembly elections and was lodged in Beur Jail. Despite being in custody, Anant Singh contested the elections as a candidate of Janata Dal United (JDU) and emerged victorious. The case pertains to an incident on October 30, 2025, in the Mokama region, where clashes during election campaigning led to the killing of Dularchand Yadav. The family members alleged that he was first shot and then mowed down by a heavy vehicle, which led to his death on the spot. Following his arrest, Anant Singh spent several months in jail before securing bail from the Patna High Court. Anant Singh’s release has once again mobilised his support base, with large-scale celebrations, a community feast for thousands, and political activity intensifying in the region. (With inputs from IANS)
23 March,2026 10:40 PM IST | Patna | mid-day online correspondentA brief spell of tension prevailed in Kuraoli town in Uttar Pradesh after a dispute among some people over the venue for Eid namaz. However, the situation was defused following an intervention by the administration, officials said on Monday. As reported by news agency PTI, the disagreement in Mainpuri surfaced on March 21 when a section of people insisted on offering namaz at a chabutra in a nearby field across the road from the idgah, claiming that prayers had been held there in the past. Amid the heated situation, people from the Muslim community maintained that the namaz should be offered inside the Idgah premises, as is the established practice. The situation led to heated exchanges between some locals and the police, videos of which later surfaced on social media, adding to the tension, reported PTI. Inspector Lalit Bhati and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Neeraj Kumar Dwivedi intervened and advised the gathering to adhere to the traditional practice of offering prayers inside the idgah. With the involvement of community elders and religious leaders, the matter was subsequently resolved. Following the intervention, both sides agreed to offer namaz at the idgah. Officials speak Inspector Bhati, while briefing the media about the issue, said that the prayers were eventually conducted in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere at the idgah, where they are held every year, as reported by PTI. SDM Dwivedi said that some youths had initially wanted to offer prayers at the alternate site, but later agreed to shift to the idgah after counselling by the administration and senior members of the community. Community leaders on conflict Imam of Kuraoli Idgah, Asif Raja Aslam, said the dispute arose due to a "misunderstanding" and was resolved amicably with the help of the police and administration. He appealed to people to refrain from sharing or engaging with misleading posts on social media. Sajjada Nashin of Main Idgah, Mainpuri, Abdul Rahman Kishti alias Bablu Mian, also said, “The timely intervention by officials and community leaders ensured that prayers were held peacefully, preventing any disruption to communal harmony in the town,” as per PTI. Offering namaz in public places outside mosques and idgahs has stirred controversy in the state in the past. (With inputs from PTI)
23 March,2026 07:40 PM IST | Mainpuri | mid-day online correspondentThe Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB), on Monday, announced the intermediate (Class 12) examination results for 2026, declaring outcomes across all three streams -- Science, Commerce, and Arts. This year, the overall pass percentage stood at 85.19 per cent. Female students outperformed their male counterparts, with a pass percentage of 86.23 per cent, compared to 84.09 per cent for male students. Notably, girls dominated the merit list, securing top positions in both the Arts and Commerce streams, while a male student topped the Science stream. Out of a total of 26 toppers, 19 are girls and seven are boys. In the Science stream, Aditya Prakash Aman from Samastipur secured the top position with 481 marks (96.20 per cent). In the Arts stream, Neetu Kumari from Gaya emerged as the topper with 479 marks (95.8 per cent). In the Commerce stream, Aditi Kumari from St. Xavier's High School in Patna, topped the state with 480 marks. The top five ranks in the Science stream included six students: Aditya Prakash Aman (Samastipur), Sakshi Kumari (Sitamarhi), Sapna Kumari (Nawada), Anamika Kumari (Begusarai), Satyam Kumar (Darbhanga), and Palak Kumari (Muzaffarpur). Meanwhile, 13 students featured in the top ranks of the Arts stream, and seven students secured positions in the Commerce stream's top five ranks. A total of nearly 13.17 lakh students appeared for the examination this year, conducted across 1,762 centres between February 2 and February 13. Of these, around 6.75 lakh were female students and 6.42 lakh were male students. The BSEB had completed the verification process of toppers nearly five days before announcing the results. Notably, this marks the eighth consecutive year that BSEB has released intermediate results ahead of other boards in the country, continuing its record of timely declarations. BSEB Chairman Anand Kishor attributed this achievement to ongoing reforms in the examination system and the integration of technology in the evaluation process, which have enabled faster and more accurate result processing. 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 07:22 PM IST | Patna | IANSCongress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday demanded a discussion in Parliament on the conflict in West Asia. Talking to the media on Monday, the MP said that PM Modi has spoken in Lok Sabha on the impact of the West Asia conflict on India, and there should be a discussion on the issue so that the opposition can also present its views. Gandhi said, "He has made the country aware of the situation. There should be a discussion on this issue in the Parliament so that we can also present our views", as cited by ANI. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke in Lok Sabha amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the wide-ranging challenges it has posed for India. The PM asserted, "This war has also posed unprecedented challenges for India. These challenges are economic and related to national security and humanitarian as well. India has extensive trade relations with the warring and war-affected countries.” “The region where this war is taking place is also an important route for our trade with other countries of the world. In particular, a large part of our needs for crude oil and gas is met by this very region," PM Modi further added. PM Modi on LPG crisis PM Modi, while speaking in the Parliament, said that the government has prioritised domestic LPG consumers amid the uncertainty in supply. Modi emphasised, "As we all know, the country imports 60 per cent of its LPG requirement. Due to uncertainty in supply, the government has prioritised domestic LPG consumers. At the same time, domestic production of LPG is also being increased. Continuous efforts have also been made to ensure that the supply of petrol and diesel across the country remains smooth. LPG production in the country is also being increased", as cited by PTI. He also noted that India has strategic petroleum reserves of more than 5.3 million metric tons. Several opposition MPs have demanded a discussion on the conflict between the US and Israel and Iran and its impact on India's energy security. (With inputs from PTI)
23 March,2026 06:28 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentTwo more Indian-flagged LPG tankers have started their journey from the Persian Gulf and are expected to cross the war-hit Strait of Hormuz before heading to Indian ports, ship tracking data showed, reported PTI. LPG tankers Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, sailing close to each other, on Monday afternoon, were near the waters between Iran's Larak and Qeshm islands -- possibly to make their identity clear to Iranian authorities before they cross the Strait. The two ships were among the 22 Indian flagged vessels that were stranded in the Persian Gulf after the war in the Middle East nearly closed the Strait of Hormuz - the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that connects the oil and gas-producing Gulf countries to the rest of the world. Ship tracking data showed the two ships could cross the strait sometime on Monday before heading to Indian ports, reported PTI. MT Shivalik and Nanda Devi deliver day's LPG supply to India safely According to PTI, MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi, carrying about 92,712 tonnes of LPG or roughly a day's cooking gas consumption of the country, had safely reached the Indian shore. Originally, there were 28 Indian-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz when the war in West Asia broke out following US-Israel attacks on Iran. Of these, 24 were on the West side of the Strait and four on the East side. In the last few days, two vessels from each side have managed to sail to safety. LPG carrier Shivalik reached Mundra in Gujarat on March 16, while another LPG tanker, Nanda Devi, reached Kandla port in Gujarat the next day. Two LPG carriers had started their journey on March 13 and crossed the Strait of Hormuz early on March 14, reported PTI. Indian-flagged oil tanker Jag Laadki, with 80,886 tonnes of crude oil from the UAE, reached Mundra on March 18. Another tanker, Jag Prakash, carrying gasoline from Oman to Africa, had previously safely crossed the strait and is en route to Tanzania. Two Indian LPG carriers set sail as 611 seafarers remain in West Asia According to PTI, of the 24 remaining Indian-flagged vessels in the war zone, 22 are on the West side of the Strait with 611 seafarers onboard, while two are on the East side. Six of the 22 remaining Indian-flagged vessels on the West side were LPG carriers -- two of these have set sail for India. Of the remaining, one is a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, four are crude oil tankers, one is transporting chemical products, three are container ships, and two are bulk carriers. Additionally, one vessel is a dredger, another is empty, and three are in dry dock undergoing routine maintenance. As per PTI, overall 500 tanker vessels remain confined within the Persian (Arabian) Gulf. These include 108 crude oil tankers, 166 oil product tankers, 104 chemical/product tankers, 52 chemical tankers and 53 other tanker types. Analysts say Iran may be allowing select vessels to transit the strait after verification. A few vessels have transited outbound through the Strait with a short diversion via the Larak-Qeshm Channel. This, they say, appears to be a verification process whereby Iran confirms the ownership, cargo and vessel are not of the US, or belong to those that Iran has permitted transit to. India imports about 88 per cent of its crude oil, 50 per cent of natural gas, and 60 per cent of LPG. Before the war broke out, more than half of the crude oil that India imported came from countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the UAE, which use the strait for shipping, reported PTI. As much as 85-95 per cent of LPG and 30 per cent of the gas came through the strait. While the disruption in crude oil has been partially offset through alternative sources, such as Russia, West Africa, the US and Latin America, gas and LPG supplies to industrial and commercial users have been curtailed. (Inputs from PTI)
23 March,2026 05:32 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAfter several days of heightened tensions amid the West Asia conflict, following a joint attack by the United States and Israel against Iran, US President Donald Trump on Monday announced a temporary pause in military action, citing progress in diplomatic talks. Posting on the social media platform Truth Social, the US President said that the US would halt all military operations against Iran for five days. Trump, while describing ongoing engagements as “productive talks”, further said that Washington may be moving toward de-escalation amid the ongoing diplomatic situation. Trump’s statements come in the wake of coordinated strikes carried out by the US and Israel targeting key Iranian military infrastructure, escalating fears of a broader regional conflict involving Gulf nations. While taking it to TruthSocial, he wrote, “We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the terrorist regime of Iran: completely degrading Iranian missile capability, launchers, and everything else pertaining to them.” He further emphasised that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capability remains a top priority, while also ensuring that the US maintains the ability to respond swiftly to any future threats. Noting a detailed chronological sequence of the objectives achieved by the United States, Trump further highlighted, “Never allowing Iran to get even close to nuclear capability and always being in a position where the U.S.A. can quickly and powerfully react to such a situation should it take place.” Trump also reiterated Washington’s commitment to protecting its regional allies, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait, alongside Israel. Trump on Strait of Hormuz Addressing the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump stated, “The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it – the United States does not! If asked, we will help these countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn’t be necessary once Iran’s threat is eradicated. Importantly, it will be an easy military operation for them. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Considering that the joint US-Israel operation and subsequent developments have already triggered global concerns over energy security and maritime stability, Trump’s statement on Monday hints that the situation might get back to normal very soon.
23 March,2026 05:32 PM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondentDelhi 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 correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1774271855708_d.png "File Photo")
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-1774252564316_d.png "Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman speaks in Lok Bhavan. PIC/PTI")
-1774255839070_d.png "Chirag Paswan. Pic/x")