Maharashtra State Commission for Women Chairperson Rupali Chakankar on Friday submitted her resignation to Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, citing personal reasons. The move comes amid intense political controversy over her alleged links to self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat, also known as Captain Kharat, who was recently arrested from Nashik on charges of sexual harassment and rape. In a letter to the CM, Chakankar wrote: “I respectfully request you to kindly accept my resignation from the post of Chairperson, Maharashtra State Commission for Women.” She cited personal reasons for tendering her resignation, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, and conveyed full trust in the CM, hoping for continued cooperation in the future. The resignation will become effective only once formally accepted by the appointing authority. The development comes shortly after Chakankar met CM Fadnavis in Mumbai and handed over a separate letter on behalf of the State Women’s Commission, urging a thorough and objective investigation into the Kharat case. Fadnavis reportedly asked her to step down from the post during the meeting. In a tweet, she wrote: “On behalf of the State Women’s Commission, I handed over this letter to the Chief Minister, requesting a high-level inquiry to bring out the truth and ensure strict action against the accused.” आज मुंबई येथे मुख्यमंत्री आदरणीय देवेंद्रजी फडणवीस साहेब यांची भेट घेतली.या पत्रात अशोक खरात महिला अत्याचार प्रकरणाचा सखोल व वस्तुनिष्ठ तपास व्हावा तसेच या प्रकरणाची उच्चस्तरीय चौकशी करत या प्रकरणातील सत्यता बाहेर यावी व आरोपीवर कठोर कारवाई व्हावी याबाबत त्यांना राज्य महिला… pic.twitter.com/ff9JgC9vrY — Rupali Chakankar (@ChakankarSpeaks) March 20, 2026 Later, she submitted her resignation to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) National President and Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar. 'I have decided to tender this resignation, accepting moral responsibility' She tweeted: “In light of allegations currently being made through various media, I have decided to tender this resignation, accepting moral responsibility so that a fair and transparent investigation can take place. Respected Sunetra Tai will take the appropriate decision. आज राष्ट्रवादी काँग्रेस पक्षाच्या राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्षा, आमच्या नेत्या तसेच राज्याच्या सन्माननीय उपमुख्यमंत्री आदरणीय सुनेत्रावाहिनींकडे माझ्याकडे असलेल्या राज्य महिला आयोगाच्या अध्यक्षपदाचा राजीनामा सुपूर्द केला.सध्या विविध माध्यमातून होत असलेल्या आरोपांची निष्पक्ष आणि पारदर्शक… pic.twitter.com/rUuS7oPEWR — Rupali Chakankar (@ChakankarSpeaks) March 20, 2026 The developments follow a major political uproar after Kharat’s arrest. Chakankar, who is also a trustee of Shri Shivnika Sansthan in Sinnar, Nashik — where Kharat serves as president — faced criticism after photographs and videos surfaced showing her washing Kharat’s feet and holding an umbrella over him, acts widely criticised as reverential. Opposition leaders across parties had demanded her immediate resignation. Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Sushma Andhare and Sanjay Raut questioned who was “protecting” her, while social activist Anjali Damania warned of statewide agitation if she was not removed. NCP leader Rupali Thombare Patil alleged possible evidence tampering and called for her ouster on moral grounds. Amid the political controversy, CM Fadnavis reportedly asked Chakankar to step down. He had earlier ordered the formation of a special investigation team (SIT), led by Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Tejasvi Satpute, to probe allegations against Kharat. Chakankar has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating she was unaware of Kharat’s alleged crimes and describing the viral footage as politicised. (With IANS inputs)
20 March,2026 11:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEleven Naxalites, including five senior operatives, with a total bounty of Rs 68 lakh on their heads surrendered before the police and CRPF in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district on Thursday, news agency PTI reported, quoting an officer. The 11 include a divisional commander (DVCM), an area committee secretary, one people's party committee member (PPCM), a commander and an area committee member, a release from the office of the Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police said. "The Maharashtra government had announced a cumulative reward of Rs 68 lakh on them. Since 2025, a total of 123 armed Maoists have surrendered in Gadchiroli. Left Wing Extremism in the district has almost come to an end. Once active in all 10 sub divisions of Gadchiroli, it is now confined to border areas of Bhamragad sub-division," the release added. Till date, a total of 794 Naxalites have surrendered in Gadchiroli, it said. Gadchiroli Police set up new assistance centre in remote Bangadi village to curb Maoist activities In a major push to strengthen security and accelerate development in Maoist-affected regions of Maharashtra, the Gadchiroli Police on Thursday established a new police assistance centre at Bangadi. As per an official statement, this is an extremely remote village in the Bhamragad sub-division; therefore, the police assistance centre will help make the situation under control. Located just 8 km from Laheri Sub-Police Station and barely 2 km from the Chhattisgarh border, the newly set-up centre is expected to play a crucial role in curbing Maoist activities while improving access to government services in the region. The facility was constructed within 24 hours using a workforce of over 1,000 personnel, the statement further said. The operation involved C-60 commandos, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) teams, newly recruited police personnel, 500 special police officers, and private contractors, supported by heavy machinery including JCBs, excavators, trailers, and trucks. The newly built centre is equipped with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi connectivity, portacabins, a generator shed, an RO water plant, a mobile tower, and sanitation facilities. Robust security arrangements have also been put in place, including deployment of Gadchiroli Police personnel, SRPF units, CRPF forces, and special operations squads, along with fortified bunkers and perimeter defences. Marking the occasion, a Jan Jagran Mela (public awareness drive) was organised, during which essential items such as sarees, dhotis, blankets, utensils, school supplies, and sports equipment were distributed to local residents.
20 March,2026 10:12 PM IST | Gadchiroli | mid-day online correspondentIn a tragic incident reported from Kurar in Malad East, an 8-year-old boy lost his life after falling into a water-filled pit at an under-construction site on Thursday evening. The deceased was identified as Divyansh Morya, a resident of Chagan Patel Chawl in Ambewadi, Kurar Village. According to police sources, the incident occurred around 8:00 pm when the child was playing in the vicinity. He reportedly noticed a ball inside an open construction pit and attempted to retrieve it using a stick. In the process, he lost balance and fell into the water-filled pit, leading to drowning. Family members began searching for the boy when he did not return home and subsequently lodged a missing person complaint at the Kurar Village Police Station. Late in the night, while continuing the search, the boy’s father reached the construction site and spotted his son’s body floating on the surface of the water. The child was immediately rushed to Bharatratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Hospital in Kandivali, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. The incident was officially reported at 3:52 am on March 20, 2026, by the hospital authorities, and an update was issued at 9:15 am. As per police officials, the pit had been excavated by Mauli Construction and was left open and filled with water. Police have registered a case against those responsible for the construction site, and further investigation is underway.
20 March,2026 10:08 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanIn a landmark step for wildlife conservation, Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (KTR), in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society, on Friday released five endangered Slender-billed Vulture into a newly constructed soft-release aviary at Biswanath. This initiative marks the first-ever release of captive-bred Slender-billed Vultures in India. It also marks a major step by the Assam Forest Department towards rebuilding the dwindling population of the critically endangered species in the wild. The five vultures were brought from the Rani breeding centre in Assam, which was established in 2007 and has successfully bred 56 Slender-billed Vultures so far. Experts say that the centre has now reached a stage where 5 to 10 birds can be released annually. Additionally, BNHS has bred over 60 vultures at its Haryana facility, which will further support future releases. Vultures kept in a soft-release aviary After being shifted to Biswanath, the birds have been placed in a soft-release aviary at Tewaripal village, where they will undergo acclimatisation for a few months before being released into the wild. They further noted that five of the vultures have been fitted with solar-powered tracking tags, while all have been ringed for identification, enabling authorities to monitor their movement and survival. Speaking at the event, BNHS president Praveen Pardeshi lauded the Assam Forest Department and KTR administration for their efforts in reviving the species and emphasised the importance of involving local communities in conservation initiatives. Vinay Gupta, Chief Wildlife Warden of Assam, further highlighted that the project could also boost eco-tourism in the region, creating livelihood opportunities for local youth. Dr Sonali Ghosh, Field Director KTR, reiterated their commitment to conserving lesser-known species. She further emphasised that while wild populations of the Slender-billed Vulture still breed in Kaziranga, the release of captive-bred birds is expected to significantly strengthen their numbers. The event was witnessed by various forest officials, BNHS staff, and residents of Tewaripal Village, marking a historic moment in India’s conservation journey. The event was attended by several key conservation figures, including BNHS President Praveen Pardeshi, Assam’s Chief Wildlife Warden Vinay Gupta, BNHS Director Kishor Rithe, KTR Field Director Sonali Ghosh, Nameri Tiger Reserve Field Director Pirai, BNHS Centre Manager Sachin Ranade, and Biswanath DFO Ritupaban Borah.
20 March,2026 09:59 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavCentral Railway will operate special traffic and power blocks between Titwala and Vasind stations in Thane district from March 21 to March 25 in connection with infrastructure work. According to an official statement, the blocks will be carried out on the nights of March 21/22, March 22/23, March 23/24, and March 24/25 between 2.10 am and 3.25 am on both UP and DOWN lines. The block will be undertaken between Titwala (including) and Vasind (excluding) stations to facilitate infringement removal work and overhead equipment (OHE) modifications as part of extension works for accommodating 15-coach rakes. Train services to be regulated Several long-distance trains will be regulated during the block period. The 15181 Mau-LTT Express and 12102 Shalimar-LTT Express will be regulated at Vasind between 2.27 am and 3.25 am. The 18030 Shalimar-LTT Express will be regulated at Asangaon between 2.37 am and 3.25 am, while the 12810 Howrah-CSMT Express will be regulated at Atgaon between 2.38 am and 2.50 am. The 12132 Sainagar Shirdi-Dadar Express will be regulated at Khardi between 2.40 am and 3.20 am, and the 20104 Bhatni-LTT Express will be regulated at Kasara between 2.45 am and 3.20 am. The 11002 Ballarshah-Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Express will be regulated at Kasara between 3.23 am and 3.26 am. In addition, trains such as the 12174 Pratapgarh-LTT Express, 12545 Raxaul-LTT Express, 12152 Shalimar-LTT Express, 12361 Asansol-CSMT Express, 15547 Raxaul-LTT Express and 15267 Raxaul-LTT Express may be delayed by 10 to 15 minutes. Railway authorities said that any late-running mail, express or passenger trains announced later may also be regulated or short-terminated depending on operational requirements. The blocks are essential for infrastructure upkeep and ensuring passenger safety, the Railways said and appealed to passengers to bear with the inconvenience caused. Mega block on Trans-Harbour line on Sunday Central Railway will operate a mega block on its Trans-Harbour line between Thane and Vashi/Nerul stations on Sunday, March 22, to carry out engineering and maintenance works. According to an official statement, the block will be in place on both UP and DOWN lines from 11.10 am to 4.10 pm. During this period, train services on the Trans-Harbour line will remain suspended between Thane and Vashi/Nerul stations. Several services will also be cancelled due to the block. The DOWN line services for Vashi, Nerul, and Panvel departing from Thane between 10.35 am and 4.07 pm will remain cancelled. Similarly, the UP line services for Thane departing from Panvel, Nerul, and Vashi between 10.25 am and 4.09 pm will be cancelled. Railway authorities said the maintenance block is essential for infrastructure upkeep and ensuring passenger safety. Passengers have been requested to bear with the inconvenience caused due to the temporary disruption. The press release was issued by Dr Swapnil Nila, chief public relations officer, Central Railway.
20 March,2026 09:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCentral Railway will operate a mega block on its Trans-Harbour line between Thane and Vashi/Nerul stations on Sunday, March 22, to carry out engineering and maintenance works. According to an official statement, the block will be in place on both UP and DOWN lines from 11.10 am to 4.10 pm. During this period, train services on the Trans-Harbour line will remain suspended between Thane and Vashi/Nerul stations. Several services will also be cancelled due to the block. The DOWN line services for Vashi, Nerul, and Panvel departing from Thane between 10.35 am and 4.07 pm will remain cancelled. Similarly, the UP line services for Thane departing from Panvel, Nerul, and Vashi between 10.25 am and 4.09 pm will be cancelled. Railway authorities said the maintenance block is essential for infrastructure upkeep and ensuring passenger safety. Passengers have been requested to bear with the inconvenience caused due to the temporary disruption. The press release was issued by Dr Swapnil Nila, chief public relations officer, Central Railway. Central Railway cracks down on ticketless travel; Rs 227 crore penalty recovered in FY 2025-26 Central Railway has intensified its drive against ticketless and unauthorised travel, recovering more than Rs 227 crore in penalties from nearly 38 lakh offenders during the financial year 2025–26 (April 2025 to February 2026), according to an official statement. Railway officials said the crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to ensure a safe, smooth and comfortable travel experience for passengers while discouraging violations across its network. During the period from April 2025 to February 2026, Central Railway’s ticket-checking teams apprehended 37.99 lakh passengers travelling without valid tickets or with improper travel authority. This represents an increase of nearly 10 per cent compared to the 34.60 lakh passengers caught during the corresponding period of the previous financial year. In terms of penalties, the railway recovered a record Rs 227.03 crore, compared to Rs 185.62 crore during the same period last year, marking a rise of more than 22 per cent. Central Railway said the enforcement drives also saw significant results in February 2026, when 3.65 lakh passengers were caught travelling without valid tickets. The figure is higher than the 3.32 lakh offenders detected in February 2025, indicating an increase of nearly 10 per cent. During the month, ticket checking teams collected Rs 23.27 crore in penalties, up from Rs 18 crore in February last year, reflecting a rise of nearly 30 per cent.
20 March,2026 09:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentResidents in the Kharghar and Taloja nodes of Navi Mumbai will face a 12-hour water supply disruption as the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has announced an emergency shutdown starting Friday night. The disruption is due to a major technical snag involving an 800 mm diameter mild steel (MS) pipeline at the Retibandar Belapur Creek crossing. Officials said a significant breakage was detected in the line, requiring immediate repairs to prevent further damage. When will taps run dry? According to CIDCO’s Water Supply Department, repair work will begin at 9 pm on Friday and continue until 9 am on Saturday, March 21. During this period, water supply to all sectors of Kharghar and Taloja will remain suspended. Slow restoration expected While the repair work is slated for completion by Saturday morning, CIDCO has said that water supply will resume on March 21, but initially at low pressure. "After the completion of the repairs, water supply will be restored on March 21, but it will initially be at low pressure," an official said. This is due to the time required for the pipeline network to re-pressurise, a process that often leaves residents in high-rise buildings or at the "tail-end" of the supply line waiting longer for full flow. Advisory for residents With the shutdown beginning at 9 pm, residents are urged to store adequate water before the shutdown. Fill overhead and underground tanks before 9 pm Use stored water judiciously for essential needs Coordinate within housing societies to manage supply once water resumes. CIDCO officials have expressed regret for the inconvenience but stated that the emergency repair is necessary to ensure the long-term stability of the water supply system.
20 March,2026 08:19 PM IST | Navi Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe opposition has stepped up its attack on the ruling Mahayuti government, demanding the resignation and arrest of State Women’s Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar over her alleged links to retired naval officer-turned-godman Ashok Kharat. On Wednesday, Kharat, a 67-year-old self-styled godman and astrologer from Nashik, was arrested by police for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman. Shiv Sena (UBT) demands Rupali Chakankar’s arrest Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sushma Andhare on Friday demanded that Chakankar be arrested and an inquiry be initiated against her in connection with the case. “Police should arrest Chakankar and conduct a detailed probe to find more details in the case,” Andhare said. Calls within NCP for action Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Rupali Thombre Patil said that on moral grounds, Chakankar should step down from the post. Senior NCP leader Praful Patel said that action would be taken within the next two days if the allegations are found to be correct. Social activist urges action Social activist Anjali Damania urged the state government to take immediate action against Chakankar. She said Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, being a woman, should understand the survivor’s pain and ensure that the State Women’s Commission Chairperson steps down without delay. Politicians across parties visited Kharat Pictures of political leaders from various parties visiting Kharat have surfaced and are being circulated on social media. SIT formed to probe case The state government has formed a special investigation team (SIT), headed by Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Tejaswini Satpute, to probe the case. State women's panel chief denies allegations Meanwhile, Chakankar has denied the allegations against her. “As regards the current allegations, I am confident that the police will conduct a fair and impartial investigation. I have full faith in the police inquiry,” she wrote earlier this week. शिवनिका संस्थान ट्रस्ट हे महादेव देवस्थानचे ट्रस्ट असून काहीवेळा तिथे सामाजिक कार्यक्रम साजरे होतात, त्यामुळे सामाजिक कामांच्या निमित्ताने आम्ही अनेक जण ट्रस्टच्या कामाशी जोडले गेले होतो.ज्यात समाजातील अनेक प्रतिष्ठित व्यक्ती आहेत.कॅप्टन खरात यांच्या वैयक्तिक आयुष्य किंवा… — Rupali Chakankar (@ChakankarSpeaks) March 18, 2026
20 March,2026 06:58 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarIn a shocking incident, a monkey (Bonnet Macaques) was rescued in Thane after being hit by an arrow near Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). A distress call was received on the helplines of the forest department and NGO RAWW from a local resident after spotting an injured monkey sitting on a tree with an arrow lodged in its pelvic region. Following the call, the injured animal was rescued by the wildlife rescue team from RAWW and has been shifted for immediate medical treatment, which will be led by Dr Priti Sathe, associate veterinarian with RAWW. Sources from the forest department told mid-day.com that an offence under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, will be registered, as the case attracts provisions of Section 9, which prohibits the hunting of any protected animal. 'Arrow used in hunting appears to be professional' Bonnet Macaques are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which provides them the highest level of protection. Honorary Wildlife Warden of Thane and President of NGO RAWW Pawan Sharma told mid-day.com that the arrow used in the incident appears to be a professional one used in archery. Sharma further added, "The forest department has begun the investigation initiate appropriate action. The animal will undergo major surgery and remain under treatment and rehabilitation with RAWW under 24x7 care and monitoring." 9-foot marsh crocodile rescued from IIT-Bombay A 9-foot marsh crocodile was rescued from the campus of the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay during an early morning rescue operation on Monday, officials said. The reptile was first noticed by security personnel at the institute, who quickly informed the authorities after spotting the animal on the campus premises. The rescue was carried out jointly by wildlife rescuers from Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) and officials from the Mumbai Forest Department. After receiving the alert, an expert team reached the campus, assessed the situation and safely captured the crocodile without causing harm to the animal or people in the area. Following the rescue, the crocodile was taken for medical examination and observation. Veterinarians will assess its health condition before it is released back into its natural habitat after completing the required procedures laid down by the forest department.
20 March,2026 06:47 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavNCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar on Friday demanded a thorough investigation into alleged incidents of black magic carried out near the residences of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, terming the claims “deeply disturbing” and calling for identification of those behind the acts, reported news agency PTI. Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28 along with four others. Allegations linked to Pune and Mumbai locations Rohit Pawar cited statements made by party colleague Amol Mitkari, who had raised concerns on social media about alleged rituals conducted outside Ajit Pawar’s residence in Sahyog Society on Bhigwan Road in Pune district, as well as near the Devgiri bungalow in Mumbai, reported PTI. According to the claims, the activities were reportedly linked to an astrologer based in Nashik. Call for detailed investigation The Karjat-Jamkhed MLA urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive probe into the sequence of events and identify individuals who may have commissioned such acts, reported PTI. “In a progressive state like Maharashtra, there is no place for superstition or fraudulent practices. The information emerging makes the matter extremely serious,” Pawar said, reported PTI. He also sought clarity on whether there was any political motive behind the alleged incidents. Questions raised over alleged links Earlier, Amol Mitkari had alleged that the rituals, reportedly carried out in November 2025, were connected to a self-styled astrologer, Ashokkumar Kharat, who he described as a "fraudulent godman," reported PTI. Mitkari also raised questions regarding Kharat’s alleged connections and sought answers about possible links between the astrologer and individuals close to Ajit Pawar. Queries over travel and associations The NCP (SP) leader also questioned circumstances surrounding Ajit Pawar’s travel shortly before his death, including his decision to fly in a VSR-operated aircraft, reported PTI. He asked whether the change in travel plans and any possible associations with the astrologer warranted further scrutiny. Astrologer arrested in separate case Kharat, a retired Merchant Navy officer who presented himself as an astrologer, was recently arrested in Nashik in connection with an alleged sexual assault case and has been remanded in police custody. Demand for accountability Rohit Pawar reiterated the need for transparency and accountability, stating that authorities must investigate all angles to establish the facts and address public concerns surrounding the allegations. (With inputs from PTI)
20 March,2026 04:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Friday said the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) currently has adequate diesel supply to operate its bus services for the next two months, despite global fuel concerns arising from the West Asia conflict, reported news agency PTI. However, he cautioned that the state-run transport body has no contingency plan if fuel supplies are disrupted beyond this period. Fuel supply stable for now Sarnaik said MSRTC, which operates around 15,800 buses across Maharashtra, is not facing any immediate issues with diesel availability, reported PTI. “We are getting sufficient diesel at present. There is no disruption in supply, and operations are running smoothly,” he said, reported PTI. He added that discussions with Indian Oil Corporation officials confirmed that fuel allocation is being prioritised to ensure uninterrupted services, with state transport corporations placed after defence and railways in the supply chain. No ‘plan B’ if supplies are disrupted Despite the current stability, the minister acknowledged that MSRTC does not have an alternative strategy in case fuel shortages arise. “We cannot have a backup plan beyond the available supply. If fuel is not available after two months, there is little we can do,” he said, highlighting the vulnerability of the transport system to prolonged disruptions, reported PTI. Electric buses offer limited relief Responding to suggestions of shifting to electric mobility, Sarnaik said the existing fleet of around 780 electric buses is insufficient to sustain the entire network. “These buses can provide limited support on select routes, but they cannot replace the full-scale operations of the corporation,” he said, reported PTI. Rising operational costs and expansion plans MSRTC currently consumes approximately 10.87 lakh litres of diesel daily, amounting to nearly 40 crore litres annually at a cost of about Rs 3,400 crore. The minister said this expenditure is expected to increase to around Rs 4,700 crore with the planned addition of 8,000 new diesel buses. Savings through new procurement system Sarnaik said the corporation has adopted a competitive bidding process for diesel procurement, which is expected to generate annual savings of around Rs 241 crore, reported PTI. Under the new system, MSRTC has secured a higher discount of Rs 5.13 per litre compared to Rs 3 earlier, resulting in a saving of Rs 2.13 per litre. Supply arrangements across state MSRTC Vice Chairman and Managing Director Madhav Kusekar said Indian Oil Corporation will supply diesel at 233 locations across Maharashtra. For 91 locations near the Gujarat and Goa borders, fresh tenders will be invited to avoid revenue losses linked to value-added tax. Financial strain remains a concern Sarnaik noted that MSRTC continues to face financial challenges, with accumulated losses of around Rs 12,000 crore. The corporation has already incurred losses of nearly Rs 750 crore in the current financial year till February, reported PTI. Global energy tensions impact outlook The minister also pointed to the broader impact of geopolitical tensions in West Asia on fuel availability and pricing. India relies heavily on imports for crude oil, natural gas and LPG, with a significant share sourced from the Middle East. Disruptions in the region have raised concerns about long-term energy security. While MSRTC operations remain stable for now, officials acknowledged that prolonged global disruptions could pose serious challenges in the months ahead. (With inputs from PTI)
20 March,2026 04:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1773932078568_d.png "Around 794 Naxalites have surrendered in Gadchiroli. Representational pic")
