As many as 41.41 lakh ineligible ration cards were deleted in 2025, with maximum in Haryana, followed by Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, according to the government data placed before Parliament on Tuesday. According to PTI, about 13.43 lakh ineligible ration cards were deleted in Haryana, 6.05 lakh in Rajasthan, 5.97 lakh in Uttar Pradesh, 3.74 lakh in West Bengal, and 2.60 lakh in Madhya Pradesh, as per the data given by the Minister of State for Food Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya in the Rajya Sabha. Bambhaniya, in her written reply, said as an outcome of the use of technology in the Public Distribution System (PDS), all states and Union Territories have been able to weed out ineligible ration cards in order to achieve rightful targeting. Over 41 lakh fake ration cards deleted in 2025 as PDS goes fully digital A total of 41.41 lakh fake ration cards were deleted in 2025, as against 48.85 lakh in 2024 and 41.99 lakh in 2023. Under the ongoing reforms in the PDS, the ration card and beneficiary database have been completely digitised across all states/UTs, reported PTI. Almost all fair price shops (FPS) in the country have been automated through the installation of electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices for the distribution of foodgrains. Further, 99.2 per cent of beneficiaries have been Aadhaar-seeded and 98.75 per cent of foodgrain distribution is being carried out through digital authentication modes, including Aadhaar biometric and iris authentication. "Digitisation of the PDS aims to enhance efficiency and transparency to ensure rightful targeting of beneficiaries, and address challenges such as leakages and diversion of foodgrains," the minister added, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
31 March,2026 07:30 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAround 5,72,000 passengers have returned from the West Asia region to India and with the Qatar airspace partially open, around 8–10 non-scheduled commercial flights are expected to operate to the country on Tuesday, the government said. In the UAE, around 85 flights are expected to operate across the day. Limited non-scheduled flights continue based on operational and safety considerations. Flights continue to operate from Oman and Saudi Arabia to India, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Kuwait and Bahrain airspaces remain closed. Special non-scheduled commercial flights are operating from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia to various destinations in India. "In view of the airspace closure in Iran, travel of Indian nationals is being facilitated through Armenia and Azerbaijan. In view of airspace restrictions in Israel, travel of Indian nationals is being facilitated via Egypt and Jordan," said the ministry. In view of the airspace closure in Iraq, travel of Indian nationals is being facilitated through Jordan and Saudi Arabia, it added. Regular contact is being maintained with the Indian community in the region, with necessary assistance being extended and advisories issued for their safety and well-being. According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, all Indian seafarers in the region are safe, and no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels was reported in the past 24 hours. According to the government, 18 Indian-flagged vessels with 485 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region and DG Shipping, in coordination with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian Missions, is actively monitoring the situation. DG Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of over 959 Indian seafarers so far, including 9 in the last 24 hours. Port operations across India remain normal with no congestion, with the state maritime boards of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry having confirmed smooth functioning. 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.
31 March,2026 05:34 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIndian naval ship INS Trikand has successfully concluded its port call at Port Louis, Mauritius, on March 13, marking a significant step in reinforcing maritime cooperation between India and the island nation. As per an official statement, the warship participated in the 58th Mauritius National Day celebrations on March 12. The Indian Navy contingent, along with a naval band and the ship’s integral helicopter, took part in the parade and flypast held at the Champ de Mars, adding grandeur to the national festivities. As part of the official engagements, commanding officer, Captain Sachin Kulkarni, called on Commissioner of Police for the Mauritius Police Force Rampersad Sooroojebally and Indian High Commissioner Anurag Srivastava, underscoring the importance of diplomatic and security cooperation between the two countries. The ship also hosted a cultural evening on board, attended by senior Mauritian ministers and officials. Mauritian politician Mahend Gungapersad graced the event as the chief guest, highlighting the strong people-to-people ties shared by India and Mauritius. Along with the ceremonial engagements, INS Trikand also carried out a series of professional and community-oriented activities. These included training sessions for personnel of the Mauritius National Coast Guard, focusing on critical areas such as harbour and sea watchkeeping, firefighting, and damage control. The ship was opened to visitors on March 12, attracting over 500 attendees. The visit also featured sports fixtures, cultural exchanges, and outreach programmes aimed at deepening bilateral engagement. Upon departure, INS Trikand conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) and joint Exclusive Economic Zone surveillance with CGS Valiant before proceeding for its next operational deployment. The successful port call reaffirms the enduring maritime partnership between India and Mauritius and aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions—further strengthening strategic ties in the Indian Ocean region. INSV Kaundinya flagged into Mumbai Harbour after a historic Oman voyage Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya was ceremonially flagged into Mumbai Harbour by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth earlier in the month, marking the successful completion of her maiden overseas voyage to the Sultanate of Oman, an official statement issued by the Defence PRO said. The flag-in ceremony will commemorate the vessel’s return across the Arabian Sea, reaffirming India’s enduring maritime heritage and centuries-old India–Oman ties across the Indian Ocean, it added. A unique symbol of India’s ancient shipbuilding traditions, INSV Kaundinya is a traditionally constructed stitched ship, built entirely using age-old techniques in which wooden planks are hand-stitched with coir rope and sealed with natural resins. The vessel represents a revival of India’s historic maritime craftsmanship and reflects efforts to preserve and rediscover Indic knowledge systems.
31 March,2026 05:26 PM IST | Port Louis, Mauritius | mid-day online correspondentRoad users across India will no longer be able to pay toll fees in cash from April 1 as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) shifts to a fully digital payment system. In a major step towards modernising highway travel, NHAI will implement a complete ban on cash payments at toll plazas across the country. From April 1, commuters will have to pay toll charges only through digital modes such as FASTag or UPI. The move is aimed at improving efficiency and bringing more transparency to toll collection on national highways and expressways. Officials believe that a fully digital system will help vehicles pass through toll plazas faster, reducing long queues and saving travel time. With the removal of cash lanes, authorities expect a smoother flow of traffic, especially during peak hours. Faster processing at toll booths is also likely to cut fuel consumption and reduce vehicle emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment. However, the transition may cause inconvenience for some travellers, particularly those who are not prepared for digital payments. Vehicles without a valid FASTag or sufficient balance may face penalties or could even be stopped at toll plazas. In such cases, commuters will have the option to make instant payments using UPI by scanning QR codes available at toll booths. But officials have warned that network issues could sometimes affect these transactions, leading to delays. To avoid disruptions, travellers are advised to ensure that their FASTag is active, properly linked to their bank account, and has enough balance before starting their journey. Keeping a working UPI app on their smartphone as a backup is also recommended. The shift marks a significant step in India’s push towards digital infrastructure, making highway travel faster, smoother and more efficient. 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.
31 March,2026 05:25 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAbdulnasser Alshaali, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India, has commended New Delhi's role in the ongoing West Asia crisis, emphasising that India's deep regional engagement and constructive diplomatic tradition gives considerable weight to its voice. The Ambassador noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's telephonic conversation with the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was viewed as a gesture of solidarity and reflected the close ties both leaders have built over more than a decade. Speaking exclusively to IANS, Alshaali said, "India's role in this crisis has already been greatly appreciated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first world leaders to telephone His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE president, after the attacks began. That call was received as an act of brotherhood and a reflection of the personal bond between two leaders who have built this partnership together for over more than a decade. "India then put its name to UN Security Council Resolution 2817, co-sponsoring the text alongside 135 nations. The resolution sends a powerful message that the international community will not tolerate attacks on state sovereignty or the deliberate targetting of civilians and critical infrastructure. India is a major power with deep ties across the West Asian region, and its voice carries weight through the credibility of its strong and constructive diplomatic tradition," he added. When asked how he views the rising tensions in the Gulf amid the Iran-Israel war, Alshaali said that, since February 28, Iran has subjected the UAE and its neighbours to a sustained campaign of "terrorist aggression". As of 29 March, he revealed, 414 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,914 drones have targetted the UAE — more than all other countries combined. "What is particularly troubling is that these attacks have not been directed at states engaged in conflict with Iran, but at its neighbours, including countries that have worked consistently to avoid escalation," he told IANS. Responding to another question on whether the UAE will retaliate if Iranian attacks continue, the envoy said that the country has exercised "deliberate, calibrated, and strategic restraint" throughout the crisis. He added that the UAE retains its full and legitimate right under the UN Charter to deter aggression and defend its sovereignty and will take all necessary measures to safeguard its territory while ensuring the safety of its citizens and residents. "Iran has deliberately launched missiles and drones toward civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings, airports, and other civilian facilities. These attacks have caused loss of life and injuries, which is entirely unacceptable and unlawful. At the same time, the UAE Armed Forces have demonstrated exceptional operational readiness, successfully defending the country's airspace and territory with professionalism and precision," Alshaali stated. He stressed that despite the "flagrant aggression", the situation in the UAE remains stable and under control, with national institutions operating at the highest level of readiness, critical sectors functioning without disruption, and daily life continuing as normal. The UAE envoy further asserted that the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors remains a top priority for the UAE that cannot be compromised. "At the same time, our approach is, and has always been, toward diplomacy. However, diplomacy requires reciprocity. Iran cannot launch missiles at gas and oil fields and civilian infrastructure while simultaneously claiming to seek peace. The UAE's sovereignty, its territorial integrity, and the safety of everyone on its soil are non-negotiable," Alshaali noted. 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.
31 March,2026 05:16 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentMore than 3.1 lakh PNG connections covering domestic, commercial, hostel, and canteen segments have been gasified in March, while another 2.7 lakh new connections have been given and are being gasified to make more natural gas available for cooking amid disruptions in LPG imports due to the Iran war, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry announced on Tuesday. More than 50 lakh domestic LPG cylinders are being delivered daily on average since March 1, 2026, and no 'dryouts' have been reported at LPG distributorships. Besides, over 3.2 lakh 5 kg cylinders have been sold to migrant labourers since March 23, with more than 63,000 sold on Monday, a ministry statement said. In the case of piped natural gas (PNG) and CNG for vehicles, priority has been accorded to consumers with 100 per cent supply to meet demand. Supplies to industrial and commercial consumers connected to the grid are being maintained at around 80 per cent of their average consumption, it added. Measures have been put in place to ensure the uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG across the country, in view of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the statement said. All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, and sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained, while domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support local consumption, it said. All petrol pumps are operating normally across the country. However, instances of panic buying due to rumours have been noticed in certain areas, resulting in unusually high sales and crowding at retail outlets. However, adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available at all petrol pumps across the country, the statement highlighted. The government has reiterated its advice to the public not to believe rumours and has requested state governments to disseminate correct information through press briefings. Online LPG bookings have increased to around 92 per cent, while the delivery authentication code (DAC) based deliveries have increased from 53 per cent in February 2026 to 83 per cent at present, helping prevent diversion. Commercial LPG supply has been restored to 70 per cent of pre-crisis levels, including reform-based allocations. The latest additional allocation prioritises industries such as steel, automobile, textile, chemicals and plastics, especially process industries requiring specialised heating. Most states and UTs have issued orders for non-domestic LPG allocation, with around 41,503 MT uplifted since March 14. City gas distribution (CGD) entities have been advised to prioritise PNG connections for commercial establishments such as restaurants, hotels and canteens to address concerns regarding commercial LPG availability. CGD entities have also been directed to prioritise PNG connections for residential schools, colleges, hostels, community kitchens, and Anganwadi kitchens within 5 days, where pipelines are available. Supply to operating urea fertiliser plants is now steady at around 70-75 per cent of their last 6-month average consumption. Additional LNG cargoes and Regasified LNG (RLNG) are also being sourced to maintain the supplies and pipeline hydraulics. CGD companies, including IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas and BPCL, are offering incentives to promote domestic and commercial PNG connections. The Centre has requested states, UTs, and Central Ministries to expedite approvals for CGD network expansion. An additional 10 per cent allocation of commercial LPG has been offered to states and UTs to support long-term transition from LPG to PNG, with allocations recommended based on reform measures undertaken by states. 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.
31 March,2026 05:05 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Kaynes Semicon's outsourced semiconductor assembly and test facility at Sanand on Tuesday and said India is strengthening its role as a reliable semiconductor supplier in the global market. He said the inauguration of the facility strengthens India's push towards self-reliance, which marks a landmark step in building a robust semiconductor ecosystem. Modi said India's decision to join the Pax Silica initiative aims to strengthen the supply of critical minerals.Calling the development a moment of pride as an Indian company has joined the global semiconductor supply chain, Modi said this is not just the time of economic competition but a time to shape the future tech landscape. "With the commencement of production in this project, India is further strengthening its role as a reliable semiconductor supplier in the global market. In a sense, a new bridge has emerged today between Sanand and Silicon Valley; the plant in Sanand is now supplying Intelligent Power Modules to a company based in California," the prime minister added. Modi said India launched the Semiconductor Mission in 2021, which is not just an industrial policy but a declaration of India's confidence. "India launched Semiconductor Mission 2 in the last budget to make the country self-reliant in every sector of production", 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.
31 March,2026 05:03 PM IST | SanandThe BJP-led NDA on Tuesday released its manifesto which promised monetary benefits for needy women and those above 70 years, two free LPG cylinders per year for poor households, an AIIMS for Kerala and protection of places of worship in the state. The manifesto, released by BJP national president Nitin Nabin at an NDA event here, also promised a high speed railway network connecting the state capital with Kannur, 20,000 litres of free water for every household and "water for Tamil Nadu and safety for Kerala" with regard to the Mullaperiyar dam. The manifesto said that every woman from poor and BPL households will be provided with a Bhakshya Arogya Suraksha Card with a monthly recharge of Rs 2,500, which they can use at pharmacies and grocery stores. Besides that, a welfare pension of Rs 3,000 per month will be provided to women heads of poor households, widows and senior citizens above the age of 70 years, it said. Additionally, two free LPG cylinders per year, one each during Onam and Christmas, will be provided to poor families, the manifesto said."We will protect Sabarimala, Guruvayoor and all other places of worship by revamping Devaswom Boards to increase participation of devotees in temple management," it further said. The NDA manifesto said that it will also end corruption through a time-bound CBI enquiry into the Sabarimala gold theft. It also promised to launch a "Sabarimala Infrastructure Development Mission" to undertake large-scale devotee-centric infrastructure development at the hill-top shrine. 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.
31 March,2026 04:07 PM IST | Thiruvananthapuram | PTIShiv Sena MP Milind Deora on Monday backed Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's recent remarks, stating that India has always "transformed crises into opportunities through unity". Speaking to the media on Monday, Deora said the PM's message reflects the country's strength in facing challenges collectively, news agency ANI reported. "India has always transformed crises into opportunities through its unity. This is the very message that PM Narendra Modi has conveyed to the nation," he further stated. Deora also urged the Opposition to adopt a constructive approach instead of politicising sensitive matters, ANI reported. "I believe it would be in the country's best interest if the Opposition, instead of politicising this issue, offered some constructive suggestions," the Shiv Sena MP added. His remarks come amid ongoing political discourse over the PM's recent statement on maintaining unity, with leaders from various parties reacting to the issue. Rahul Gandhi slams PM Modi Earlier in the day, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi cornered PM Modi over the India-US interim trade agreement, alleging that the latter has "given away" the future of farmers and the country's energy security. The Congress leader accused PM Modi of opening India's agriculture sector to the international market and allowing the US to dictate its fuel procurement strategy to fulfil the country's energy needs. Addressing a public rally in Kottayam ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Keralam, Gandhi expressed concern that the US deal can negatively impact India's ability to navigate through the West Asia conflict. The Congress MP said, "Narendra Modi signed the US deal, whereby he gave away the future of India's farmers. He's the first PM in modern Indian history who has opened agriculture to the international market. He's the first PM of modern India who has given away our energy security. Today, India cannot buy oil, diesel, or petrol from whom it wants, as per ANI. As the West Asia conflict began, the US announced the 30-day waiver given to India to purchase Russian oil, which also sparked fresh allegations from Congress over the deal. However, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had clarified that "national interest" would continue to guide India's energy-related decisions, underlining that the key drivers of the country's energy policy are "adequate availability, fair pricing and reliability of supply". (With inputs from ANI)
31 March,2026 04:02 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentEight people have died while eight others were injured in the Nalanda stampede on Tuesday, police confirmed. A stampede broke out during prayers at Mata Sheetla Temple in Nalanda. In a statement, the police said that earlier in the day, the situation at the Maa Sheetla Temple, located within the jurisdiction of the Deepnagar Police Station, "suddenly spiralled out of control due to severe overcrowding during worship rituals." "According to information received thus far, this unfortunate incident has resulted in the deaths of eight devotees and injuries to eight others," the police said. Upon learning about the incident, police officials, together with residents, hurried to the location and initiated relief and rescue efforts. Visuals from the scene depicted numerous devotees assembled within the temple grounds. The Nalanda District Police Administration reached the scene immediately to commence relief and rescue operations, officials said. The injured were admitted to nearby hospitals for advanced medical care, where they are currently receiving appropriate treatment. The site of the incident has been inspected by Animesh Kumar Parashar, Commissioner of the Patna Division, and other senior officials. Furthermore, Kundan Kumar, District Magistrate of Nalanda, Nalanda Superintendent of Police Bharat Soni, and Deputy Development Commissioner of Nalanda Shubham Kumar are present at the scene, supervising the relief and rescue operations and ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place, the officials said. The situation is currently under control. The District Administration has initiated an inquiry into the incident, and necessary action is being taken. CCTV footage installed within the temple premises is currently being reviewed. "A scientific and thorough inspection of the incident site is being conducted by an FSL (Forensic Science Laboratory) team," the police statement read. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the tragic Nalanda stampede and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50 lakhs for those affected. 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.
31 March,2026 03:58 PM IST | Nalanda | IANSFour women and a child were killed after a fire broke out in a three-storey house in Gujarat's Surat city on Tuesday morning, police said. The incident occurred in the Mithi Khadi locality under Limbayat police station area at around 10 am, when a family was busy packing sarees using foam sheets. Fire brigade teams and ambulances rushed to the spot soon after the blaze was reported and carried out a rescue operation, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Kanan Desai said. According to Desai, the fire broke out in a three-storey house that the occupants used for saree packing work. "Since today is a holiday, they had brought a large amount of material for packing. After being alerted, the police, fire brigade and 108 emergency service personnel reached the spot immediately," she said. When emergency teams entered the premises, the entire room was filled with dense smoke, making it difficult to access the victims initially, the official said. "After the smoke was brought slightly under control, it was seen that the front room and the surrounding area were packed with foam sheets used for saree packing. Foam was also kept near the switchboard," she said. Preliminary investigation suggests the fire may have been triggered by an electric spark. "Based on our primary discussion with the fire brigade, we suspect that there might have been an electrical spark and resultant fire in the foam placed in front of the switchboard. Since this foam contains chemicals, it generated heavy smoke," the DCP said. The victims succumbed to suffocation caused by the toxic smoke, she said. "Due to the smoke and resulting suffocation, four women and a child were severely affected. They were shifted to Civil Hospital in serious condition and later died during treatment," Desai added. The victims have been identified as Shehnaz Begum Ansari (65), Husa Begam Ansari (18), Shabina Ansari (28), Parvin Abdul Ansari (19) and Subhan Ali Ansari (4), the official said. Eyewitness Yunus Khan claimed the fire spread rapidly due to the presence of highly inflammable materials. "There were sacks of foam and sarees lying inside. When they caught fire, the family members panicked and moved to a back room, thinking they would be safe. But the foam contained chemicals and produced toxic gas, which caused their death," he claimed. The victims came to Surat from Uttar Pradesh and were involved in saree packing work. While the women and a child were at home, the male members had gone out for work, Khan told reporters. 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
31 March,2026 03:21 PM IST | Surat | PTIADVERTISEMENT
