Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Congress party during an election rally in Dhekiajuli. He emphasised that the BJP-led governments at both the Centre and in Assam have significantly transformed the state through substantial financial investment, development of infrastructure, and the restoration of peace. HM Shah claimed that during 10 years of Congress-led rule at the Centre, Assam received around Rs 1.28 lakh crore, whereas under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state got nearly Rs nine lakh crore between 2014 and 2024. “This reflects the Centre’s commitment to Assam’s development,” he said. Highlighting industrial and educational expansion, HM Shah said the Modi government is setting up a semiconductor plant in Assam, while Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is working to establish medical and engineering colleges in every district. The Home Minister also credited the BJP government for bringing peace to the state, alleging that Assam witnessed frequent bomb blasts and violence during Congress rule. “Through multiple peace accords, nearly 10,000 youths have laid down arms, paving the way for stability and growth,” he stated. Taking aim at the opposition, HM Shah accused Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Gaurav Gogoi, of opposing measures to remove illegal infiltrators from voter lists. “They must clarify whether they stand with infiltrators or the people of Assam,” he said. The Home Minister also invoked cultural and historical issues, noting that legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika was conferred the Bharat Ratna only under Modi’s leadership. He further claimed that Assam’s first Chief Minister, Gopinath Bordoloi, was denied the honour earlier due to political reasons. Accusing the Congress of neglecting Assam historically, HM Shah said the BJP government today ensures that not “an inch of India’s land” can be encroached upon, asserting a strong national security stance. "Jawaharlal Nehru had said 'Tata bye-bye' to Assam during the time of the China war. This is the Modi government today; no one can snatch even an inch of India's land," he 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.
29 March,2026 06:33 PM IST | Guwahati | IANSOne commuter was killed, and 10 others sustained injuries as a mini-bus struck two motorists in east Afghanistan's Laghman province, said a statement of the provincial police office on Sunday, reported IANS. A mini-bus, according to the statement, struck a three-wheel rickshaw and a motorbike simultaneously due to carelessness in the provincial capital Mehtarlam on Saturday afternoon, killing one on the spot and injuring 10 others, including five children and two women, Xinhua News Agency reported. All the injured commuters have been shifted to the hospital for medical treatment, the statement said, calling on drivers to respect traffic rules and regulations while driving to avoid road accidents. On March 1, at least three people were killed and six others injured in a highway accident in northern Afghanistan's Jawzjan province, the provincial police office said in a statement, reported IANS. Reckless driving crash kills three, injures six in Afghanistan According to IANS, the incident occurred when two high-speed vehicles collided due to reckless driving in the Hadbakhshi region along the Jawzjan-Sari Pul highway, killing both drivers and a female passenger on the spot and injuring six others, including two children, the statement added. The injured were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, according to the statement, which also urged drivers to adhere to traffic rules strictly to prevent further tragedies. Deadly road accidents remain a persistent problem in war-torn Afghanistan, often attributed to deteriorating road conditions, reckless driving, and inadequate safety measures amid the country's challenging terrain and limited infrastructure. Earlier on January 31, the provincial police office said that three commuters were killed and two others sustained injuries in a road accident in northern Afghanistan's Baghlan province, reported IANS. The fatal incident occurred when two speeding vehicles collided in the Qala-e-Baday region of Dushi district, killing three passengers, including a woman and a child, on the spot and injuring two others, according to the statement. This follows another deadly crash in northern Badakhshan province on January 29, in which two people died, and one was injured after a vehicle veered off a mountainous road and plunged into a ravine, reported IANS. (Inputs from IANS)
29 March,2026 06:33 PM IST | Kabul | mid-day online correspondentThree soldiers have reportedly been injured in a fratricidal firing incident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district, official sources said on Sunday. As reported by news agency IANS, the incident occurred at an army camp in the Trehgam area of Kupwara when a soldier allegedly opened fire on his colleagues last night. Officials further said that three soldiers were injured in the incident before the erring soldier was overpowered, as per IANS. They further added that the injured soldiers are undergoing treatment at a local military hospital. Further details of the incident are awaited. Whereas there has been no official word from the army on the incident so far. Fratricidal incidents remain a concern among troops Fratricidal firing incidents have taken place in Jammu and Kashmir among security forces in the past, also. These incidents generally stem from a combination of severe, prolonged psychological stress, operational fatigue, and personal issues exacerbated by a high-conflict environment. These incidents, along with suicides, have been a concern, with studies attributing them to high stress and combat fatigue. As soldiers are deployed in constant counter-insurgency operations, leading to prolonged exposure to life-threatening situations, this constant, perpetual threat induces significant psychological pressure. Reasons for such disputes Long duty hours and separation from families, combined with isolation in high-altitude areas, also contribute to loneliness and mental health issues. Then, disputes over the denial of leave, or the perceived harsh treatment by superiors (humiliation/harassment), have been cited as significant triggers for frustration. Unresolved family matters also play a part. Modern connectivity (cell phones/social media) can be a double-edged sword, causing soldiers to be constantly updated on family disputes (land, financial, or marital) without being able to intervene, increasing feelings of guilt and helplessness. Experts hint at mental issues among soldiers Experts also note that pre-existing mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and alcohol addiction, are common in a large percentage of such cases. Issues such as poor living conditions, lack of recreational facilities, and inadequate command structures are also considered contributing factors, reported IANS. Fratricidal cases have continued to occur in recent years, including incidents in the Rajouri and Kupwara sectors, prompting the army to launch studies into the mental health of personnel and initiate measures to mitigate these issues, such as improved training, stress management workshops, and increased opportunities for leave. (With inputs from IANS)
29 March,2026 05:06 PM IST | Kupwara | mid-day online correspondentIn his latest Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the ongoing conflict in West Asia, calling it a “challenging” time for India and the world. Prime Minister delivered a strong but indirect message to opposition parties while speaking in the 132nd episode of Mann Ki Baat,. Without naming anyone, he cautioned against politicising the crisis and said such behaviour harms national interest. “There is no place for self-serving politics,” Modi said, in what was widely seen as a veiled attack on critics questioning the government’s handling of the situation. He also warned against the spread of rumours, urging citizens to rely only on official information. He also highlighted that millions of Indians live in Gulf countries and thanked those nations for supporting Indian citizens during the crisis. Addressing concerns over fuel supply, Modi reassured the public that India is handling the global energy situation and continues to receive supplies of petrol, diesel, and gas. Indirect message to opposition Without naming specific parties, the Prime Minister’s remarks were seen as a response to opposition criticism. He stressed that the situation requires collective effort rather than political blame. BJP leader Tarun Chugh echoed this sentiment, targeting the Congress party and specifically Rahul Gandhi, he alleged that a climate of fear is being intentionally created in the country. Chugh claimed that efforts are underway to mislead the public by spreading "artificial fear," and alleged that a conspiracy to weaken India is being orchestrated with the backing of foreign powers as reported the ANI. Opposition hits back The opposition, however, strongly criticised the Prime Minister’s remarks. Referring to the 132nd episode of Mann Ki Baat, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Gulf nations for supporting Indians living there and said India is dealing with the global fuel crisis firmly, Congress MP KC Venugopal dismissed the Mann Ki Baat address as ineffective, saying, "This Mann Ki Baat will not solve the issues. He has to act. But the Government of India's inaction is the main reason for all this crisis for Indians," as reported by ANI. Venugopal accused the government of failing to support Indians living in Gulf countries who are facing difficulties due to the ongoing conflict. He claimed that the Centre has not taken adequate steps to address their concerns. He also pointed to rising fuel prices and an alleged LPG crisis, saying both the central and state governments have not done enough to ease the burden on citizens. Rising political tensions The exchange highlights growing political tensions over how the government is handling the West Asia crisis. With the government accusing the opposition of irresponsible criticism, the opposition continues accusing the government of inaction. As the West Asia conflict continues to affect global energy supplies and Indian citizens overseas, the political battle over responsibility and response is expected to intensify. (With ANI inputs)
29 March,2026 03:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA 20-year-old son of a councillor from the Curchorem Municipal Council in Goa has been arrested in connection with an alleged Goa sex scandal involving multiple victims, police said, reported the PTI. According to the officials, the accused was taken into custody on March 22 after serious allegations of sexual exploitation and circulation of obscene videos surfaced. The suspect has been identified as Soham Naik, an official said, according to the PTI. Police said that the case first came to light following protests by local residents outside the Curchorem police station, demanding swift action against the accused, the news agency reported. Multiple complaints filed According to officials, four females, including two minors, have so far filed formal complaints against Naik. Among the complainants are two sisters, one of whom is a minor, who have accused him of rape and exploitation, as per the PTI. Police said that even the accused’s girlfriend is among those who have approached authorities with allegations. Investigators believe that more victims may come forward as the probe progresses. Case handed over to crime branch The investigation has now been transferred to the Goa Police Crime Branch for a more detailed inquiry. A senior official stated that statements from the victims have been recorded, and efforts are ongoing to identify and contact other potential victims linked to the case, according to the PTI. The accused is in the crime branch custody, an official said, adding that further investigations in the matter were underway. Forensic examination Officials said that Naik’s mobile phone has been sent for forensic analysis to retrieve digital evidence, including videos and communication records. He has been booked under multiple legal provisions, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Goa Children’s Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and the Information Technology Act. Political response The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has clarified that neither the accused nor his father has any connection with the party, reported the PTI. Meanwhile, the police said that the investigation is still at a crucial stage, with authorities working to gather further evidence and ensure justice for the victims. (with PTI inputs)
29 March,2026 02:49 PM IST | Panaji | mid-day online correspondentNepal police on Sunday arrested former energy minister and Nepali Congress leader Deepak Khadka in connection with a money laundering case, local media reported. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police took Khadka into custody on Sunday morning, The Himalayan quoted CIB spokesperson Shiva Kumar Shrestha as saying. The police detained Khadka for investigation after receiving a request from the Department of Money Laundering Investigation, The Kath Mandu Post reported. During the Gen Z protest last year, images and videos had surfaced showing burnt fragments of banknotes at the residences of Khadka and former prime ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpa Kamal Dahal, it added. The findings were reportedly later confirmed through forensic laboratory tests. Khadka was accused of receiving financial benefits in exchange for facilitating licences and contracts for projects while serving as theMinister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, it said. The arrest comes a day after former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested on charges of their involvement in suppressing the Gen Z movement of September 8 and 9 last year, in which 76 people, including around two dozen youths, were killed. 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.
29 March,2026 02:15 PM IST | Kathmandu | PTIMore than 30 people, including children and elderly guests, were taken ill after allegedly consuming contaminated food at a wedding ceremony in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki, officials said on Sunday, reported the PTI. The incident took place on Saturday evening in the Lalapur locality of the Dewa area during a wedding function hosted by a resident of Khijna village. According to health officials, several guests began experiencing severe abdominal pain and vomiting within half an hour of eating non-vegetarian dishes served at the event. The sudden onset of symptoms created panic among attendees, prompting locals to alert authorities. Medical response Following the incident, an ambulance was rushed to the village, and all affected individuals were taken to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Dewa for immediate treatment, according to the PTI. Chief Medical Officer Dr Awadhesh Yadav visited the site to monitor the situation and oversee medical care. While most patients are being treated at the CHC, six individuals with more serious symptoms have been referred to the District Hospital for further treatment. Officials said some patients have already been discharged after their condition improved, the news agency reported. Investigation launched Health authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the suspected food poisoning. Food samples from the wedding have been collected and sent for laboratory testing, as per the PTI. Officials said a detailed inquiry is being carried out to identify whether contamination occurred during preparation, storage or serving of the food. Authorities urge caution Medical officials have advised organisers of large gatherings to ensure proper hygiene and food safety standards to prevent such incidents. They also urged people to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of food poisoning, the news agency reported. Over 150 fall ill after suspected food poisoning at Assam wedding Meanwhile in an another incident last week, over 150 people were taken ill in a suspected case of food poisoning after attending a wedding ceremony in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, an officials said, reported the PTI. Two critically sick persons have been admitted to Diphu Medical College and Hospital here, while the others were undergoing treatment at the local government health facility, he said. Most of the guests who attended the wedding in Pator Timung village in Bokoliaghat area on Monday started complaining of stomach ache, dysentery and vomiting by evening, as per the PTI. (with PTI inputs)
29 March,2026 01:47 PM IST | Lucknow | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate 38,949 newly constructed rural houses across Gujarat on March 31, in what officials describe as a significant expansion of housing access for low-income families under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin). The houses, built at an estimated cost of Rs 651 crore, have been completed across multiple districts for families who were previously houseless or living in kutcha structures. The scheme, aimed at improving rural living standards, “does not merely provide a brick-and-mortar house, but offers a home of dignity, security and stability,” according to officials. Under the PMAY-G framework, beneficiaries receive financial assistance of Rs 1.20 lakh in instalments, with funding shared between the Centre and the state in a 60:40 ratio. The Gujarat government has added further support, including Rs 50,000 assistance at the roof-casting stage under full state funding. Beneficiaries completing construction within six months of receiving the first instalment are eligible for an incentive of Rs 20,000, while an additional Rs 5,000 is provided for bathroom construction, particularly to support women’s convenience. Additional convergence benefits are also provided. Beneficiaries are entitled to Rs 25,920 for 90 days of employment under MGNREGA and Rs 12,000 for toilet construction under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). The state government said it remains “committed to fulfilling” the objective of providing dignified housing to rural families. A provision of Rs 1,755 crore has been made in the 2026-27 state budget for rural housing. In the ongoing financial year 2025-26, a total of 1,20,381 houses have been constructed, with an assistance amounting to Rs 1,037.84 crore disbursed to beneficiaries. In addition, over Rs 470 crore has been provided under fully state-funded components, which officials said reflects the implementation of the state’s development approach. The government is also conducting the ‘Awas Plus Survey 2024’ to identify and include eligible households that were previously left out, to expand coverage further in the coming years. Since 2016-17, the Centre has allocated a target of 8,38,396 houses to Gujarat under PMAY-G, of which 8,29,221 have been approved. So far, 6,92,554 houses have been completed, with total expenditure reaching Rs 9,083.68 crore. In district-wise details of the houses to be inaugurated on March 31, Panchmahal accounts for the highest number of houses to be inaugurated, with 10,572 units constructed for Rs 179.18 crore. In 12 districts across Saurashtra and Kutch, 3,976 houses have been built for Rs 66.54 crore. Mahisagar has 3,222 houses, Narmada (2,367), Kheda (2,345) and Mehsana (2,281). Dahod has 1,804 houses, Sabarkantha (1,717), Chhota Udepur (1,694) and Aravalli (1,556). Patan has 1,237 houses, and Tapi (949). In south Gujarat, Surat has 933 houses and Valsad 834, while Banaskantha has 699, Dang 678 and Navsari 627. Ahmedabad has 345 houses ready for inauguration, Vav-Tharad 300, Bharuch 263, Gandhinagar 230, Vadodara 182 and Anand 138. Officials said the upcoming inauguration is expected to bring “a new ray of happiness and prosperity” into the lives of beneficiary families, as the state continues to expand rural housing coverage under the scheme. 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.
29 March,2026 01:35 PM IST | Gandhinagar | IANSPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to remain united and vigilant in the face of challenges arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the PTI reported. Speaking during his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, he appealed to people not to believe or spread rumours. According to the PTI, PM Modi said a “fierce war” has been ongoing in India’s neighbourhood for over a month, calling it a difficult period that requires collective responsibility and awareness from all citizens. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to countries in the Gulf region for supporting more than one crore Indians living and working there during the crisis. The conflict Noting the global turbulence amid the conflict between US-Israel and Iran, he said, "The month of March has been eventful at a global level. In the past, the entire world faced numerous problems for a long time due to the Covid. We all expected that after emerging through the Covid-19 crisis, the world would move forward on the path of progress with a fresh start. But conditions of war and conflict continued to emerge in different regions of the world. Currently, a fierce war has been going on for a month in our neighbourhood. Relatives of lakhs of families reside in these countries, and particularly work in the Gulf countries. I am grateful to Gulf countries for providing every kind of assistance to over one crore Indians there.," according to the ANI. "A crisis is developing around the world regarding petrol and diesel. Our global relations, the support we receive from various countries, and the strengths we have built over the past decade have enabled India to face these challenges resolutely. These are certainly challenging times. Today, through 'Mann Ki Baat,' I will once again urge all my countrymen that we must unite and overcome this challenge," the Prime Minister added. Appeal against misinformation PM Modi warned that rumours could cause harm to the country and urged citizens to rely only on official information provided by the government, reported the ANI. Amid rising fuel prices and concerns over LPG supply, the government has taken steps such as reducing excise duty on petrol and diesel and accelerating the rollout of piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure, the news agency reported. Diplomatic engagements continue The Prime Minister has been in touch with several global leaders, including Donald Trump and Mohammed bin Salman, to discuss the evolving situation in West Asia. Global conflict background The conflict began on February 28, involving military action by the United States and Israel against Iran, followed by retaliatory strikes by Iran targeting regional allies. Iran’s control over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz has also raised global concerns, as it is a key route for energy supplies. PM Modi has held discussions with several world leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Iran, France, Israel and Malaysia. He also spoke with Donald Trump on March 24, describing the conversation as a useful exchange on the evolving situation. (with PTI and ANI inputs)
29 March,2026 12:47 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chick has been born in Gujarat’s Kutch after a decade through a novel “jumpstart” conservation approach, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Saturday. “Gujarat sees a GIB chick after a decade, through a novel conservation measure, the jumpstart approach,” Yadav said in a post on X, adding that the effort was coordinated by the Centre, state forest departments and the Wildlife Institute of India. Gujarat sees a GIB chick after a decade, through a novel conservation measure - the jumpstart approach, coordinated by the Ministry, State Forest Departments of Rajasthan and Gujarat, and Wildlife Institute of India. Envisioned by PM Shri @narendramodi ji in 2011 to conserve… pic.twitter.com/oE2DYTZBUF — Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) March 28, 2026 Officials said the initiative marks India’s first inter-state “jumpstart” effort for the critically endangered bird. With only three surviving female GIBs in Kutch and no males, natural breeding had become impossible. To address this, a captive-bred egg from Rajasthan was transported over 770 km from Sam to Naliya via a halt-free corridor. “The egg was carried for over 19 hours in a handheld portable incubator and successfully replaced in the nest on March 22,” they said. The foster female completed incubation, and the chick hatched on March 26. Field teams have since observed the chick being reared in its habitat. Yadav said conservation breeding centres in Rajasthan now house 73 birds. “India is now moving ahead towards the rewilding of birds in the near future,” he added, calling the initiative a key step in long-term species recovery efforts. 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
29 March,2026 09:34 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesA 34-year-old labourer allegedly drowned in an open drain after losing balance in an inebriated state while returning home from work, police said on Saturday. The deceased, identified as Wasim, a native of Chandausi in Moradabad district, was living in a rented accommodation in Mawai village in Vijay Nagar area, they said. The incident occurred on Friday night near Labour Chowk. On receiving information, the police reached the spot and retrieved the man from the drain with the help of locals, they said. Preliminary investigation suggests the man was in an inebriated state, Vijay Nagar SHO Dharampal Singh said, adding that, “He was sitting on the edge of the drain when he apparently lost balance and fell into the deep water.” The police took Wasim to the district government hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead, he said. The body has been sent for post-mortem, police 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
29 March,2026 09:32 AM IST | Ghaziabad | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
-1774782861690_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "Amit Shah. Pic/PTI")
-1774784311974_d.png "Representational Image")
-1774777887646_d.png "Modi urges unity, warns opposition against politicising West Asia crisis. File PIC")
-1774773899141_d.png "Representational Image")
-1774771439572_d.png "Prime Minister Narendra Modi. File Pic")
