Security of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) ‘Namo Bharat’ corridor has been formally handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), marking a key step in strengthening safety arrangements for India’s first high-speed regional transit network in the National Capital Region (NCR). The transfer of responsibility took place during an induction ceremony at New Ashok Nagar, where senior officials from CISF and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) were present. Formal Handover Marks Operational Shift The ceremony featured a symbolic handover, with NCRTC Managing Director Shalabh Goel presenting an insignia key to CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan, indicating the formal transfer of security duties for the corridor. Officials said the move signals the beginning of full-scale CISF deployment across the RRTS network. Infrastructure Push for CISF Deployment As part of the programme, the CISF chief also performed a foundation-laying ceremony for accommodation facilities for personnel, aimed at supporting long-term deployment along the corridor. Senior officials from both organisations reviewed operational preparedness, assessed infrastructure readiness and interacted with deployed personnel during the event. Multi-Layered Security Framework Planned Authorities said CISF will implement a comprehensive security system across the corridor, including surveillance networks, access control systems, anti-sabotage checks and rapid response mechanisms. The deployment is expected to bring the RRTS corridor in line with security standards followed in other major urban transit systems. Integration with Metro Security Systems Officials highlighted that the CISF’s induction, along with an existing standard operating procedure aligned with the Delhi Metro, will enable a more coordinated security framework. This includes uniform protocols, joint inspections and streamlined access management across interconnected transit systems in NCR. Familiarisation Visit Conducted As part of the event, senior officials, including the CISF chief and NCRTC managing director, undertook a short trip on the corridor between New Ashok Nagar, Anand Vihar and Sarai Kale Khan stations to review on-ground arrangements. High-Speed Corridor to Transform NCR Travel The ‘Namo Bharat’ RRTS project, being implemented by NCRTC under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, is aimed at improving regional connectivity with high-speed, reliable transit. Trains on the Delhi–Meerut corridor under Phase I are designed to operate at speeds of up to 180 kmph, significantly reducing travel time across the NCR.
07 April,2026 09:46 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentGurgaon was India's most polluted city in March, with Haryana accounting for four of the country's 10 most polluted cities, according to a new report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). The other cities in the top 10 polluted list for March were Bahadurgarh, Faridabad, Singrauli, Mandideep, Ghaziabad, Manesar, Bhiwadi, Noida and Nandesari. For the entire financial year 2025-26, Ghaziabad was the most polluted city. "Gurgaon was India's most polluted city in March, with a monthly average PM2.5 of 116. Haryana accounted for four of India's top 10 most polluted cities, followed by two cities each from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, and one each from Rajasthan and Gujarat. "Haryana had the highest number of cities exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), with nine out of 24 recording PM2.5 higher than the NAAQS. That was followed by Uttar Pradesh with eight out of 21 cities exceeding the NAAQS," the report said. An analysis of India's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which evaluates PM10 reductions on a financial year basis, showed that just a few cities met the NCAP targets after seven years of implementation. "Among the cities showing improvement, nine cities in Uttar Pradesh recorded reductions of over 40 per cent in PM10 levels compared to the NCAP baseline year (2017-18). Similar reductions were also reported in three cities in Maharashtra and two cities each in West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Rajasthan, and one city each in Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Jammu & Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Assam," the report said. "States with the most cities showing an increase in PM10 levels included Odisha with five cities, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh with each two cities. Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu each had one city with an increase in concentration with reference to the baseline year," it added. Dehradun (Uttarakhand) reported the largest reduction in PM10 levels at 75 per cent compared to 2017-18, while Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) recorded the highest increase at 73 per cent. Delhi saw a 17 per cent reduction in PM10 levels over the same period. "Many cities are still far from meeting the revised NCAP targets, and some have even seen rising pollution levels, which is a serious concern. As the programme moves into its next phase, there is an opportunity to base interventions on robust, science-based solutions, with funding directed towards the major pollution sources identified in each region," said Manoj Kumar, analyst at CREA. "In recent years, more cities have slipped into non-attainment status, which means that revising NCAP to include emerging hotspots, adopting a regional approach, and enforcing stricter emission standards will all be essential," he added. 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.
07 April,2026 07:47 PM IST | New Delhi | PTITwo children were killed and their mother was injured in a bomb attack in Manipur's Bishnupur district on Tuesday, triggering protests by locals, police said, reported news agency PTI. The incident occurred at around 1 am when a bomb was hurled by suspected militants at a house in Moirang Tronglaobi area, killing a 5-year-old boy and a six-month-old girl, a senior officer said, reported PTI. CM calls attack ‘barbaric’, vows strict action Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh described the attack as a "barbaric act" and assured the people that those responsible for the crime would be identified and dealt with firmly under the law, reported PTI. The two children and their mother were sleeping in their bedroom when the bomb exploded in the house, the police officer said. Protests erupt, vehicles torched across areas Locals staged a protest this morning and torched two oil tankers and a truck near a petrol pump in the area. They burnt tyres in front of the Moirang Police Station and destroyed a makeshift police outpost, reported PTI. Security forces have been deployed in the area to control the situation, the officer said. People also burnt tyres in different parts of Imphal to protest the killing of the two minors. They stopped the movement of vehicles at Pangei and Khurai in Imphal East district and Langthabal in Imphal West, and burnt tyres in the middle of the roads. CM visits injured mother, assures support The chief minister said the attack was a "barbaric act" and "an outright assault on humanity and a direct attempt to derail the hard-earned peace in Manipur", reported PTI. "I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. Let there be no doubt, those responsible will be identified, hunted down and dealt with firmly under the law. Such acts of terror will not be tolerated under any circumstances," he said, reported PTI. The CM visited a private hospital in Imphal, where the injured mother of the two deceased was being treated. "This morning, I rushed to Raj Polyclinic to assess the condition of the injured mother who lost her two children in last night's brutal attack at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai, Moirang. I have directed that she be provided the highest standard of medical care and all necessary support." The CM asserted that the state government stands resolute in protecting every citizen and will take all necessary measures to ensure that peace, order, and stability are not compromised, reported PTI. He also urged the people to remain united and resolute against those who seek to disturb the collective harmony. Area saw past violence; probe underway Low-lying Moirang Tronglaobi is located close to hill areas of Churachandpur and witnessed consistent gun firing during the ethnic conflict between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups in 2023 and 2024. An explosive device was also recovered in a nearby area of Tronglaobi on Tuesday, another senior officer said. Local NPP MLA Th Shanti Singh condemned the "brutal attack at Tronglaobi, allegedly carried out by Kuki narco-terrorists", reported PTI. "This heinous act is nothing less than an act of terrorism. Such inhuman acts have no place in our society and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms," he said, reported PTI. "I offer my heartfelt tributes to the innocent lives lost - a 5-year-old boy and a 5-month-old baby girl - taken away in such a cold-blooded manner. My deepest condolences go out to the bereaved family during this unimaginable time of grief," the MLA said, reported PTI. More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023. (With inputs from PTI)
07 April,2026 06:34 PM IST | Imphal | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court has ruled that a High Court cannot waive the statutory penalty payable on deficient stamp duty, holding that such power lies exclusively with the competent authority under the relevant Stamp Act. In a significant judgment, a bench of Justices Sanjay Kumar and K. Vinod Chandran set aside a Karnataka High Court order to the extent it had exempted payment of penalty while directing payment of deficient stamp duty on lease documents. The apex court was dealing with an appeal arising out of a long-pending partition suit filed in 2008, where the admissibility of two lease documents was contested on the ground of insufficient stamping. The Justice Sanjay Kumar-led Bench clarified that once an instrument is found to be insufficiently stamped, its impounding is mandatory under the Karnataka Stamp Act, 1957, and the statutory scheme leaves no room for courts to dilute penalty provisions in the manner adopted by the High Court. "The High Court cannot, by itself, direct payment of stamp duty and absolve the penalty which is otherwise mandated under the statute," the top court observed, adding that the determination of deficit duty and imposition of penalty falls within the domain of the Deputy Commissioner under the statute under the Karnataka Stamp Act. Clarifying the legal position, the Supreme Court held that when a party seeks to have an insufficiently stamped document admitted in evidence before a court, the imposition of a penalty is mandatory and not subject to judicial discretion. "There lies no discretion on the Court in imposing a penalty less than ten times the deficit duty when the instrument is sought to be admitted in evidence," the judgment stated. However, the bench also stated that if the document is transmitted to the Deputy Commissioner, the authority may exercise discretion to reduce or refund the excess penalty in accordance with law, though such discretion cannot be exercised by the High Court in its supervisory jurisdiction. While granting liberty to the plaintiffs to choose between paying duty and penalty before the court or seeking adjudication by the Deputy Commissioner, it clarified that the liability to pay stamp duty and penalty in lease transactions rests on the lessee. The Supreme Court also declined the plea for expeditious trial of the suit independent of stamp duty proceedings, making it clear that the documents can be admitted in evidence only after due compliance with the Stamp Act. Setting aside the Karnataka High Court’s direction insofar as it waived the penalty, the apex court disposed of the appeal without expressing any opinion on the merits of the underlying civil dispute. The appeal was drafted and filed by Ayush Negi and argued by senior advocate Nachiketa Joshi, along with advocate Aarushi Gupta, appearing for the petitioner. 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.
07 April,2026 06:28 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSNCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Tuesday termed as inappropriate the remarks made by NCP leader Parth Pawar regarding the alleged “downfall” of the Congress in Maharashtra. He emphasised that political leaders must exercise caution in public statements and remain grounded regardless of their position in power or opposition. Speaking to reporters in Pune, Rohit Pawar said such comments do not reflect the spirit of democratic engagement and could complicate ongoing political discussions. Baramati bypoll dynamics at centre of political debate The remarks come amid developments surrounding the Baramati assembly by-election scheduled for April 23. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar is contesting the seat, which fell vacant following the death of her husband Ajit Pawar earlier this year. The ruling alliance had appealed for an uncontested election as a mark of respect. While parties such as the NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT), part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, chose not to field candidates, the Congress decided to enter the fray by nominating Akash More. Controversy triggered by Parth Pawar’s statement The situation escalated after Parth Pawar stated that the Congress would “suffer” for contesting the bypoll and suggested that the party was witnessing a decline in the state. His remarks drew criticism not only from Congress leaders but also from senior NCP (SP) figures, including Sharad Pawar. Rohit Pawar pointed out that earlier appeals for an uncontested election were made in good faith and had been respected by several parties. He suggested that such statements could undermine efforts to maintain consensus. Call for dialogue to resolve political differences Highlighting the importance of communication, Rohit Pawar said that dialogue remains the most effective way to address the current situation. He noted that the Congress candidate had filed a conditional nomination and indicated a willingness to withdraw under certain circumstances. According to him, engaging with the Congress leadership could help reach a mutually acceptable solution. He expressed hope that senior leaders, including Sunetra Pawar and Chhagan Bhujbal, would initiate discussions to ensure a smooth resolution. ‘Remain grounded’, says Rohit Pawar Rohit Pawar underlined that no political party can be written off easily and that all parties continue to evolve and strengthen their base. He cautioned against using terms like “downfall,” stating that such language does not contribute to constructive politics. He also suggested that Parth Pawar’s remarks may have been made in haste and could be reconsidered. Emphasising maturity in political discourse, he reiterated that leaders must remain grounded and respectful in their approach, particularly during sensitive electoral situations. The Baramati bypoll continues to draw attention as political parties weigh their strategies, with the possibility of further discussions shaping the final outcome. (With inputs from PTI)
07 April,2026 06:02 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentThree assailants opened fire at police outside a building housing the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, sparking a gunfight that left one attacker dead, Turkish officials said. The two other assailants were captured with injuries. Two police officers sustained slight injuries in the clash, Istanbul Gov. Davut Gul told reporters. The assailants were carrying long-barrelled weapons. Interior Minister Mustafa Cifti wrote on X that the attackers had travelled to Istanbul from the neighbouring city of Izmit in a rented car. One of the assailants was linked to a group he described as "exploiting religion," without naming the organisation. İstanbul’da Yapı Kredi Plaza Blokları önünde görev yapan polislerimizle silahlı çatışmaya giren 3 kişi etkisiz hale getirilmiştir. Çatışmada iki kahraman polisimiz hafif yaralanmıştır. Teröristlerin, kimlikleri tespit edilmiştir. İzmit’ten kiralık araçla İstanbul’a geldikleri… — Mustafa ÇİFTÇİ (@mustafaciftcitr) April 7, 2026 The Islamic State group has carried out deadly attacks in Turkiye in the past. Two of the attackers were brother and one had a criminal record related to drugs. The consulate is located in a high-rise building. Officials said there are no Israeli diplomats present in Israeli missions in Turkiye. Israel withdrew its diplomats amid security concerns and deteriorating relations with Turkiye, following the war in Gaza. Turkiye's Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said an investigation has been launched. 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.
07 April,2026 04:54 PM IST | Istanbul | APA cache of explosives, including detonators and gelatin sticks, was recovered from a garden in Nagpur, triggering a swift response from law enforcement agencies. The incident occurred near Dosar Bhavan Square, raising concerns about public safety in the densely populated area of Nagpur, reported PTI. According to police officials, a total of 58 detonators and 15 gelatin sticks were discovered at the site. The explosives were promptly secured by authorities, and the area was cordoned off to prevent any potential risk to residents, reported PTI. Local resident’s alert leads to timely action The recovery was made after a local resident alerted the police early Tuesday morning upon noticing suspicious materials lying in a nearby garden. Acting on the information, police teams rushed to the location and initiated precautionary measures, reported PTI. Nagpur, Maharashtra: At CA Road, a suspicious object was found near Dosar Bhavan ChowkDCP Rahul Madne says, "The Lanjewar family living here informed the police around 9:30–9:45 that they had seen some cartridges lying around. Our team searched the area and recovered around 15… pic.twitter.com/heYd8R98bh — IANS (@ians_india) April 7, 2026 Officials confirmed that the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) was immediately deployed to handle the situation. The squad safely collected and removed the explosives, preventing any untoward incident, reported PTI. Multiple agencies begin detailed investigation Following the recovery, a comprehensive investigation has been launched involving multiple agencies. Teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation are examining the materials to determine their origin and intended use, reported PTI. Police have also collected CCTV footage from the surrounding area to trace how the explosives were placed in the garden and to identify any individuals involved. Officials indicated that all angles, including possible criminal intent or illegal storage, are being explored. Suspicious objects also reported nearby In a related development, another suspicious object was reported near CA Road, close to Dosar Bhavan Chowk. Deputy Commissioner of Police Rahul Madne stated that residents from a nearby household informed authorities after spotting items resembling cartridges, reported IANS. A search operation conducted by the police led to the recovery of around 15 such cartridges from the area. These findings have added to the seriousness of the case, prompting authorities to widen the scope of the investigation, reported IANS. Security heightened as probe continues Police officials have increased surveillance in and around the locality as a precautionary measure. While no immediate threat has been reported following the recovery, authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance until the investigation is complete. (With inputs from PTI and IANS)
07 April,2026 04:42 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentThe Centre has decided to double the daily allocation of 5-kg free trade LPG (FTL) cylinders available for distribution to migrant labourers across states, according to an official communication. The Petroleum Ministry said in a notification the enhanced allocation will be based on the average daily supply of cylinders provided to migrant workers. The revised allocation goes beyond the earlier cap of 20 per cent specified in March announcement. The government also said that the additional 5-kg FTL cylinders will be placed at the disposal of state governments and their Food and Civil Supplies Departments for distribution exclusively to migrant labourers with the assistance of oil marketing companies (OMCs). Earlier, the government had said it was making all efforts to ensure adequate availability of petrol, diesel and LPG amid the prevailing geopolitical situation, while advising citizens to avoid panic buying and rely only on official sources for information. Consumers were also encouraged to use digital modes for LPG bookings and minimise visits to distributors unless necessary. The government has prioritised domestic LPG and PNG supplies, along with critical sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions. It has also implemented several demand and supply-side measures, including enhancing refinery output and increasing LPG booking intervals to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas. To ease pressure on LPG demand, alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal have been made available, while states have been advised to expand PNG connections. The government also said there has been no disruption in LPG supply affecting migrant workers. According to official data, around 51 lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered recently, with online bookings rising to 95 per cent and delivery authentication-based distribution increasing significantly to curb diversion. 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.
07 April,2026 03:55 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSThe Supreme Court has commenced hearing in the long-pending Sabarimala temple entry review along with a batch of connected matters, which raise significant constitutional questions concerning the scope of religious freedom, the doctrine of essential religious practices and the limits of judicial intervention in matters of faith, reported ANI. The nine-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and comprising of Justices Joymalya Bagchi, B. V. Nagarathna, R. Mahadevan, M. M. Sundresh, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Aravind Kumar, A. G. Masih and Prasanna B. Varale, will examine issues including -- the scope and ambit of the right to freedom of religion under Article 25; the interplay between individual rights under Article 25 and denominational rights under Article 26; whether Article 26 rights are subject to other provisions of Part III beyond public order, morality and health; the meaning and extent of "morality" under Articles 25 and 26, including whether it encompasses constitutional morality; the scope of judicial review over religious practices; the interpretation of the phrase "sections of Hindus" in Article 25(2)(b); and whether a person outside a religious denomination can challenge its practices through a public interest litigation. Earlier, in 2018, a Constitution Bench of the apex court permitted the entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, striking down the centuries-old practice that barred women between the ages of 10 and 50, reported ANI. SC flags broader constitutional questions in Sabarimala review, cites overlapping religious rights issues According to ANI, on November 14, 2019, a five-judge Constitution Bench led by then CJI Ranjan Gogoi, by a 3:2 majority, held that the issues arising in the review petitions against the Sabarimala judgment were not confined to the temple alone, but raised broader and recurring questions of constitutional interpretation concerning the interplay between the right to equality and the right to freedom of religion. The Court identified a set of overlapping constitutional issues that also arose in other pending matters. These included: (i) the permissibility of restricting the entry of Muslim women into mosques, particularly the challenge to practices that bar women from offering prayers in certain Islamic places of worship; (ii) the validity of the practice of Female Genital Mutilation among the Dawoodi Bohra community, examined in light of dignity and essential religious practices and (iii) the rights of Parsi women who marry outside the community to enter Parsi Fire Temples. Subsequently, a nine-judge Constitution Bench on February 10, 2020, upheld the decision of the Sabarimala Review Bench to refer to a larger Bench broad questions concerning the interplay between essential religious practices, equality, and constitutional morality across faiths, reported ANI. In February 2026, the top court had, while fixing a schedule for the hearings, noted,"A nine-judge bench shall commence hearing in these matters on April 7, 2026 (Tuesday) at 10:30 AM. The review petitioners or the parties supporting them shall be heard from April 7-9, April 2026. The original writ petitioners opposing the review petitioners shall be heard on April 14-16, 2026. The rejoinder submissions, if any, will be heard on April 21, 2026, followed by the final and concluding submissions by the learned amicus, which is expected to be over by April 22." (Inputs from ANI)
07 April,2026 02:09 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | mid-day online correspondentPanic gripped Airoli after a late-night firing incident in Sector-01 on Sunday, where an unidentified assailant opened fire at two youths around 11:50 pm. According to police, the attacker fired four rounds near Chhatrapati Shivaji Nivasi Chawl, leaving RTI activist Amit Maurya critically injured after sustaining a bullet wound to the neck. The second victim, Sandeep Gawas, narrowly escaped unhurt. Maurya was initially rushed to Indravati Hospital and later shifted to Fortis Hospital in Mulund due to his critical condition, officials said. Rabale police, who reached the spot soon after the incident, recovered four empty cartridges and have begun scanning CCTV footage from the area. Preliminary visuals show the accused opening fire before fleeing the scene. Police have formed multiple teams to trace the attacker, though the motive behind the firing remains unclear. The incident has sparked fear among local residents, raising concerns over law and order in the Airoli area of Navi Mumbai. Five detained after clash in Malad East’s Santosh Nagar market area Five people have been detained following a clash between two groups in the Santosh Nagar market area in Malad East, Mumbai, news agency ANI reported, quoting the police. According to a statement from Dindoshi Police Station, a clash broke out between two groups in the Santosh Nagar area. Upon receiving information about the scuffle, Dindoshi Police officers arrived at the spot and attempted to control the crowd, ANI reported. "However, when the crowd refused to disperse, police had to use mild force, during which a boy was seriously injured. The situation is now under control. Following the incident, police have set up a camp in the area, leading to public outrage," the statement said. Dindoshi Police have detained five people and are currently interrogating them, ANI reported. Heavy police deployment has been made in the area following the incident. More details are awaited. Dispute over Rs 600 leaves nine with acid burn injuries in Malad A petty dispute over Rs 600 escalated into a horrifying incident in Pal Nagar, Kurar, Five people have been detained following a clash between two groups in the Santosh Nagar market area in Malad East, Mumbai, news agency ANI reported, quoting the police. According to a statement from Dindoshi Police Station, a clash broke out between two groups in the Santosh Nagar area. Upon receiving information about the scuffle, Dindoshi Police officers arrived at the spot and attempted to control the crowd, ANI reported. "However, when the crowd refused to disperse, police had to use mild force, during which a boy was seriously injured. The situation is now under control. Following the incident, police have set up a camp in the area, leading to public outrage," the statement said. Dindoshi Police have detained five people and are currently interrogating them, ANI reported. Heavy police deployment has been made in the area following the incident. More details are awaited.
07 April,2026 01:53 PM IST | Thane | Abhitash SinghThe Air India group on Tuesday announced a revision in its fuel surcharge structure across both domestic and international routes, citing a sharp surge in global jet fuel prices. The changes will come into effect from April 8, 2026, including flights operated by Air India Express. Distance-based surcharge introduced for domestic routes For domestic travel, the airline has shifted from a flat fuel surcharge to a distance-based grid system, aligning with the government’s decision to cap Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) price hikes at 25 per cent. Fuel surcharge per passenger, per sector The move follows directives from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, aiming to balance rising operational costs while limiting the impact on passengers. International routes see steeper surcharge hike On international routes, however, the absence of similar regulatory relief has led to more significant increases in fuel surcharges. Fuel surcharge per passenger, per sector - By Region According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global jet fuel prices have nearly doubled, rising from USD 99.40 per barrel at the end of February to USD 195.19 per barrel for the week ending March 27, 2026. Airlines are also grappling with a sharp rise in refining margins, or ‘crack spread’, which has surged from USD 27.83 to USD 81.44 per barrel within three weeks—further intensifying cost pressures. Airline to absorb part of rising costs Despite the revision, Air India stated that the updated surcharges do not fully offset the steep increase in fuel prices, and the airline will continue to absorb a significant portion of the additional costs. No impact on already issued tickets The airline clarified that tickets issued before April 8 will not be affected, unless passengers make changes to their travel dates or itineraries that require fare recalculation. Further revisions under consideration Air India also said that surcharge revisions for routes to and from Bangladesh and Far East destinations, including Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea, will be announced separately, subject to regulatory approvals. The airline added that it will periodically review fuel surcharges and make adjustments depending on global fuel price trends. This marks the second consecutive instance of the Air India group implementing a phased increase in fuel surcharges across its domestic and international network, attributing the move to a sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices amid geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region. Earlier, from March 12, Air India had introduced a fuel surcharge of Rs 399 on domestic flights, while also rolling out phased increases on international routes, citing escalating ATF costs. The airline had clarified that passengers holding existing tickets would not be impacted unless they opted to modify their travel plans. On March 10, the airline had highlighted that ATF, which constitutes nearly 40 per cent of an airline’s operating expenses, witnessed a significant surge due to supply disruptions. In India, the situation is further aggravated by steep excise duty and value-added tax (VAT) on ATF in key metro cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, adding pressure on airline operating margins.
07 April,2026 01:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1775571245534_d.png "Air quality concerns rise as many cities miss clean air targets. Representational Image")
-1775566486832_d.png "No judicial discretion to reduce stamp duty penalty, rules Supreme Court. File Pic")
-1775560878133_d.png "A police official stands alert near The Israeli Consulate in Istanbul on April 7. PIC/AFP")
-1775557314030_d.png "Centre ensures adequate LPG for migrants, hospitals and schools. Representational Image")
-1775547218209_d.png "Nine-judge bench hear pleas in case related to entry of women in Sabarimala Temple. Pic/PTI")
