As the Transgender Persons Amendment Bill 2026 passes, a deeper question emerges about identity, dignity and state control. Harish Iyer's opinion piece explores how validation-based identity frameworks impact lives, rights and everyday survival
26 March,2026 02:18 AM IST | Harish IyerA 22-year-old man was arrested in Quepem, Goa, with suspected ganja and valuables worth around 2 lakh. Police are probing the source and possible drug network links. According to the police, around 297 grams of greenish leafy substance with flowering and fruiting tops suspected to be ganja, all worth approximately Rs. 30,000 was recovered
25 March,2026 07:10 PM IST | IANSAccording to an official update, all petrol pumps and LPG distribution centres are functioning normally, with sufficient stocks available nationwide
25 March,2026 07:00 PM IST | mid-day online correspondentAkashvani will begin airing the full six-stanza version of Vande Mataram from March 26, replacing the traditional two-stanza format, in line with new government guidelines. Officials said that in addition to the primary version, the full six-stanza composition is also being recorded in multiple regional formats
25 March,2026 06:33 PM IST | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address two key election rallies in Assam’s Bihpuria and Gohpur on April 1, aiming to boost the Bharatiya Janata Party campaign ahead of the Assembly elections
25 March,2026 06:33 PM IST | IANSThe Wildlife Trust of India has launched a mural campaign across Goa and Kerala to raise awareness about whale shark conservation. Displayed at key fishing hubs, the artworks urge fishers to adopt safer practices and promote rescue and release of the endangered species
25 March,2026 05:44 PM IST | Ranjeet JadhavIsrael said it struck two naval cruise missile production sites in Tehran, targeting facilities linked to Iran’s defence ministry as part of efforts to weaken its military infrastructure. The strikes "represent another step in deepening the damage done to the regime's military production infrastructure", the military added
25 March,2026 04:36 PM IST | AFPThe STF said the arrested duo had been involved in interstate drug trafficking for 4 to 5 years, manufacturing brown sugar and distributing it at pubs, hotels, and private parties
25 March,2026 04:01 PM IST | mid-day online correspondentIran fired missiles and drones at Israel and US-linked targets across the Middle East, escalating the conflict despite signals of diplomatic progress from Donald Trump. The situation continues to impact global energy markets and regional stability
25 March,2026 04:00 PM IST | AFPThe Bharatiya Janata Party termed the telephonic conversation between Narendra Modi and Donald Trump on the West Asia crisis a positive development, expressing hope that tensions may ease soon, while opposition leaders demanded that details of the discussion be shared in Parliament
25 March,2026 04:00 PM IST | mid-day online correspondentThe IMD has issued a yellow alert for hot and humid conditions in isolated pockets of Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad for Wednesday and Thursday
25 March,2026 03:48 PM IST | mid-day online correspondentMamata made the remarks while launching her campaign for the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections from politically crucial North Bengal, a region that has emerged as a BJP stronghold since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections
25 March,2026 03:44 PM IST | mid-day online correspondentThe Malegaon civic body has also announced a list of 12 ‘no slaughter’ days for the year. These include Mahavir Jayanti on March 31 and Buddha Purnima on May 1, among other significant religious occasions
25 March,2026 03:29 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentThe passage of the Finance Bill in the Lok Sabha is a crucial step in finalising the Union Budget. Once cleared by the Rajya Sabha, the budgetary process for 2026-27 will be formally completed
25 March,2026 03:15 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentResponding to questions during the Question Hour, Vaishnaw said the removal of fake accounts has significantly helped in reducing the influence of touts who exploit the system to block tickets and resell them at higher prices
25 March,2026 02:57 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIndian Oil Corporation, the nation’s largest oil firm, stated that “there is no shortage of petrol or diesel,” emphasising that its outlets are “well-stocked and fully operational”
25 March,2026 02:37 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra has been arrested in Gwalior after evading police for over six months in a rape case. He will be presented in a Patiala court as police continue their investigation
25 March,2026 02:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAccording to the new order issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, LPG supply to a household will cease after three months if the consumer fails to opt for PNG despite availability
25 March,2026 02:20 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPanic buying triggered by rumours of fuel shortage led to long queues and temporary stock-outs at petrol pumps across Hyderabad. Authorities and the Telangana Petroleum Dealers Association have assured that there is no shortage and supply chains remain fully operational
25 March,2026 02:11 PM IST | Hyderabad | mid-day online correspondentReplying to the debate on the Finance Bill 2026 in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman emphasised that the ongoing economic reforms are not merely reactive measures but are being carried out out of clear commitment and trust in India’s growth trajectory
25 March,2026 02:09 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi noted that the petition was filed prematurely. The court observed that the advisory circular carries no penal consequences
25 March,2026 01:51 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
Tensions in the Middle East intensify after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed reports from Iran of a projectile strike near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. While no casualties or technical damage have been reported, the incident has added a fresh layer of volatility to an already fragile geopolitical situation. Iran has firmly rejected the United States’ ceasefire push, casting doubt on Washington’s reported 15-point plan. In a strongly worded statement on state television, Lt Col Ebrahim Zolfaghari accused the US of “negotiating with itself,” dismissing any claims of active diplomatic engagement. His message was clear and uncompromising - no deal, not now, not ever.
US President Donald Trump said Iran has made a significant oil-and-gas-related gesture linked to the Strait of Hormuz, indicating progress in ongoing negotiations. He stressed that any deal would depend on Iran abandoning nuclear weapons ambitions
25 March,2026 02:53 PM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondentAustralian authorities have charged a 26-year-old man after 20 kg of heroin, valued at around AUD 10 million, was discovered in his luggage at Sydney Airport. Officials say the drugs could have supplied up to 100,000 street deals
Kim asserted that national security and sovereignty can only be ensured through powerful defence capabilities, signalling a continued commitment to strengthening North Korea’s nuclear arsenal
ADVERTISEMENT
Amit Shah made the remarks via video link while inaugurating the Shri Motibhai R Chaudhary Sagar Sainik School and Sagar Organic Plant at Boriyavi village in Mehsana district, Gujarat
13 November,2025 09:36 PM IST | Ahmedabad | mid-day online correspondentMove to ease traffic congestion near Pune University, along Ganeshkhind Road
Janmashtami, which commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, on the occasion, here are some of the best messages and wishes you can share this Janmashtami with your family and friends-
The recent discovery of Flora Fountain’s woes, as highlighted in this newspaper, once again puts the spotlight on the state of affairs with some of the city’s historic landmarks
24 March,2026 07:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezADVERTISEMENT