Congress leaders Vijay Wadettiwar mounted a sharp critique of the ruling Mahayuti government during a recent motion debate, alleging a serious breakdown in law and order across Maharashtra, reported the IANS. Wadettiwar expressed strong concern that the reputation of progressive Maharashtra has been severely damaged, claiming that “democracy is being murdered” under the current administration. Referring to the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu Maharaj, Jyotirao Phule and B. R. Ambedkar, he said such developments were deeply troubling in a state known for its reformist traditions, as per the IANS. Allegations against Ashok Kharat The Congress leader alleged that individuals such as self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat were involved in serious crimes, including rape. He further claimed that Kharat had acquired land along the proposed Nashik Kumbh Mela Ring Road, hinting at possible collusion with officials, according to the IANS. Wadettiwar demanded a thorough probe into officials from the IPS, IAS, and Revenue Department, accusing Kharat of exploiting public faith to accumulate wealth. Anti-Superstition Law and Dabholkar’s Legacy He pointed out that although the Anti-Superstition Act has been in force for over a decade, clear implementation rules are still lacking. Recalling the efforts of Narendra Dabholkar, Wadettiwar argued that stricter enforcement could have curbed the rise of such figures, the news agency reported. Wadettiwar questioned police effectiveness, noting that while Kharat had been apprehended, the perpetrator in an acid attack on a schoolgirl remains at large. He also demanded stringent punishment in a separate case involving the assault of a minor in Sangamner. He accused the government of interfering in police functioning and offering political protection to offenders, raising concerns over public safety. Rising crimes against women Highlighting alarming statistics, Wadettiwar claimed crimes against women have risen by 23 per cent, with reported cases reaching 108,000 in 2025. He also criticised the Home Department for failing to act on an alleged egg donation racket exploiting economically vulnerable women in Thane and Palghar, reported the IANS. Drug menace in urban centres The Congress leader warned that cities such as Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur are increasingly affected by narcotics. He pointed to a growing trend of hydroponic cannabis cultivation in residential spaces, drawing young people into illegal activities. Corruption Allegations Wadettiwar alleged widespread corruption within the administration, citing a Rs 156 crore school uniform tender and claiming a “35 per cent commission” culture in infrastructure projects. He further alleged that individuals facing criminal charges receive relief after joining the BJP. He also raised concerns over internal discord within the government, claiming that even ministers had accused the police of misconduct. Wadettiwar suggested that such incidents reflect a governance crisis and said ministers should resign if they possess any sense of accountability. (with IANS inputs)
25 March,2026 12:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRam Navami, also referred to as Shri Ram Janmotsav is a significant festival which commemorates the birth of Lord Ram, who is revered as the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The festival inspires people to follow dharma, promoting a life guided by moral and ethical values. When is Ram Navami? Ram Navami, or Shri Ram Janmotsav, will be celebrated across India on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The Navami Tithi begins at 11:48 AM on March 26 and ends at 10:06 AM on March 27. Marking the birth of Lord Rama, this festival falls on the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri and is observed with devotion and traditional rituals. When will Ayodhya celebrate Ram Navami? In Ayodhya, the main celebrations will take place on March 27 with grandeur and multiple religious ceremonies including abhishek, surya tilak, ceremonial offerings, 'phool bangala' decoration and much more. Live broadcast of Ram Navami celebrations In a special initiative, Doordarshan will telecast the entire Ram Navami program live from Ayodhya, allowing devotees across the country and abroad to witness the sacred rituals of Lord Ram. The live broadcast aims to make the festival accessible to millions, including those unable to visit the temple in person. Surya Tilak to create divine spectacle A highlight of this year’s celebrations will be the Surya Tilak, which will take place at exactly 12:00 pm in the sanctum sanctorum of the 'Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple' in Ayodhya where he is believed tio have taken birth. During the four-minute ritual, a beam of sunlight will fall directly on the forehead of Lord Ram, creating a symbolic and historic moment. The ritual coincides with the noon aarti, as Lord Ram is considered to belong to the Solar dynasty. Officials have been preparing for the Surya Tilak for nearly a month. Engineers conducted multiple trial runs to ensure precise alignment of the sunlight for the ceremony. The ritual follows a 19-year cycle and careful planning that is undertaken every year to maintain the exact timing. Grand Ram Navami festivities The Chaitra Ram Navami fair has already begun in Ayodhya, with more than one lakh devotees arriving daily, according to Gopal Rao, a Trust member as repoted by ANI. The temple will remain open from early morning until late at night to accommodate the large crowds. Anil Mishra, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, shared details with ANI, saying the live telecast will include the 'abhishek' in the morning, the 'Surya Tilak' at noon and 56 ceremonial offerings. #WATCH | Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: Anil Mishra, member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, said, "Doordarshan has decided to broadcast the entire program live on the occasion of Ram Navami so that devotees coming to Ayodhya can have darshan of Lord Ram and people… pic.twitter.com/Y1TmfJLEoI — ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2026 A phool bangla (floral palace) will also be decorated inside the sanctum sanctorum. Arrangements for devotees Authorities have set up television screens at multiple locations to ensure that all visitors can view the ceremony, even if they cannot enter the main temple. Prasad distribution, drinking water, shaded areas and facilities for storing belongings have also been arranged to make the experience comfortable for the pilgrims. Additionally, special arrangements for mats and shade along the viewing paths are being made to ensure that pilgrims do not face any inconvenience. With these arrangements, the live broadcast and meticulous preparations promise a seamless and memorable Ram Navami celebration, bringing millions closer to the divine rituals of Lord Ram. (With ANI Inputs)
25 March,2026 12:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUnion Home Minister Amit Shah will chair an all-party meeting on Wednesday evening to brief political leaders on the rapidly evolving situation in West Asia and its implications for India’s economy, energy security, and national interests, reported news agency IANS. The meeting, scheduled at 5 pm within the Parliament complex, is expected to bring together leaders from across the political spectrum as the government seeks to build consensus on India’s response to the ongoing crisis, reported IANS. Senior ministers, officials to present detailed briefing The government will be represented by a group of senior ministers, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, along with other key officials. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will provide a comprehensive briefing on the latest developments in West Asia, outlining geopolitical risks, economic challenges, and India’s diplomatic engagement with global stakeholders, reported IANS. Meeting follows PM Modi’s warning of ‘unprecedented crisis’ The initiative comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed both Houses of Parliament, describing the West Asia conflict as an “unprecedented crisis” with potentially long-term consequences. The conflict has now entered its fourth week, significantly impacting global trade routes and energy markets, prompting the government to intensify consultations with political parties. Strait of Hormuz disruption raises economic concerns A key concern remains the disruption in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route for crude oil and gas. The instability has contributed to volatility in global energy prices, raising concerns about inflation, supply chains, and India’s import-dependent sectors. Opposition demands full parliamentary debate Opposition parties, including the Congress, have been demanding a detailed discussion in Parliament on the issue. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the government’s decision to opt for a briefing instead of a full debate, arguing that the seriousness of the crisis warrants a comprehensive parliamentary discussion, reported IANS. In the Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also criticised the government, alleging that India’s foreign policy approach has been inconsistent. While he welcomed the move to convene an all-party meeting, Gandhi said he would be unable to attend due to prior commitments, reported IANS. High-level security review already conducted The meeting follows a recent high-level security review chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, which was attended by Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, and senior officials including Samir Kamat. The review focused on assessing India’s defence preparedness and strategic response to the unfolding regional crisis. Platform for political consensus amid global uncertainty With geopolitical tensions intensifying and their global repercussions becoming more pronounced, the all-party meeting is expected to serve as a crucial platform for dialogue between the government and opposition. The Centre is likely to outline its diplomatic, economic, and security strategies while seeking broader political support to navigate the challenges arising from one of the most significant international crises in recent times. (With inputs from IANS)
25 March,2026 12:37 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAt least two people were killed and several others were injured after a passenger bus overturned near Jhandewalan Metro Station in Delhi's Karol Bagh area in the early hours of Wednesday, officials said, reported the IANS. The incident took place at around 1 am near Jhandewalan Metro Station, when the bus, travelling from Jaipur in Rajasthan to Delhi, reportedly lost control and overturned beneath the Delhi Metro line. According to the Delhi Fire Services, two people lost their lives in the incident. Several passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Eyewitnesses reported that two children and a woman were initially trapped beneath the overturned vehicle. They were later rescued by emergency teams and taken to hospital, as per the IANS. Rescue operations According to the IANS, following the incident, the emergency response teams, including the Delhi police and fire brigade personnel, reached the scene promptly and launched a coordinated rescue effort at the spot. After the rescue of the injured, they were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical treatment, officials said. At least two fire tenders were deployed to assist in the rescue operation at the spot that was conducted after the accident. A crane was later brought in to lift the overturned bus, enabling rescuers to check for any remaining passengers trapped inside. Visuals from the scene showed extensive damage to the bus, with shattered glass, broken seats and detached wheels scattered around the overturned vehicle. Fire officials said that at least two fire tenders were deployed to carry out rescue operations, which began soon after the incident was reported, according to the IANS. Cause of accident Preliminary investigations suggest that overspeeding may have caused the crash. Officials believe the driver lost control while passing under the metro corridor, leading to the vehicle overturning, the news agency reported. Further action Authorities stated that the injured in the bus accident were immediately taken to hospitals and that the families of both the deceased and injured have been informed. The bodies of the victims have been sent for post-mortem examination before being handed over to their families, the IANS reported. (with IANS inputs)
25 March,2026 11:12 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAt least 4,400 chickens have died following a bird flu (avian influenza) outbreak at a state-run poultry farm in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur district, prompting authorities to intensify surveillance within a 10-kilometre radius, officials said. Veterinary Department's joint director Dr GS Tanwar on Tuesday said around 4,400 chickens died due to the viral infection at the government poultry farm in the Koni area between March 19 and 24. A total of 5,037 chickens were housed at the facility, he said. Samples from the dead birds were sent on Monday to laboratories in Bhopal and Pune. The Bhopal lab has confirmed the presence of avian influenza in dead chickens, Tanwar informed. Following the confirmation, District Collector Sanjay Agrawal issued immediate directives for containment and prevention under the Revised Action Plan for Prevention and Containment of Avian Influenza (2021), an official statement said. A one-kilometre radius of the farm has been declared as 'infected zone' and a 10 km radius as 'surveillance zone', it said. According to the protocol, poultry birds, feed and eggs will be destroyed within the 'infected zone', and their movement will be completely banned. For this, compensation will be provided by the Animal Husbandry Department to the poultry bird owners. After completing the culling process, the farm will be sealed. Rapid Response Teams have been formed to carry out culling of infected birds, safe disposal, surveillance, and sanitisation measures in the affected area, said the statement. Warning signboards will be installed, and strict monitoring will be enforced on the movement and sale of poultry in these areas. Culling and disposal operations will be conducted as per government guidelines, with coordination between revenue, police, urban administration, and panchayat departments, it said. Health monitoring of poultry farm workers is also being undertaken. Any individual showing symptoms will be tested, and antiviral medication will be provided if required, it said. Officials have also directed continuous monitoring of poultry sale centres across the district. The district magistrate has appealed to people not to pay attention to rumours and to cooperate with authorities while maintaining vigilance. No cases of infection in humans have been reported so far, officials added. Bird flu or avian flu is a type of viral infection that spreads in birds and some mammals. 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
25 March,2026 10:47 AM IST | Bilaspur | PTIPolice in Lucknow have arrested two men in connection with a drug trafficking case in Maharashtra’s Palghar district. The accused, allegedly involved in supplying narcotics to pubs, hotels, and private parties in Maharashtra, were caught on Monday near the Charbagh railway station tempo stand, officials said, reported the PTI. The two men have been identified as Bhavesh Chauhan, also known as Lalu, originally from Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh and residing in Nalasopara, Palghar district, and Shoaib Ashraf Pathan, alias Batla, also a resident of Nalasopara. Both were wanted in connection with a case registered at Naigaon police station in Palghar under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the news agency reported. According to police, Chauhan has multiple criminal cases registered against him, including violations under the NDPS Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, at various police stations in the Vasai-Virar area. How was the arrest made? The Special Task Force (STF), Lucknow, carried out the arrest based on specific intelligence. “Acting on inputs, the STF team arrested both accused from Charbagh while they were trying to flee,” a police release said as per PTI report. The operation was conducted in coordination with the Naigaon police, who had sought assistance after learning that the accused were hiding in Lucknow. Police said the duo had planned to escape from Mumbai to Nepal following the seizure of a drug consignment linked to them in the Vasai-Virar-Mira Bhayander area on February 5. Confessions during interrogation During questioning, the accused reportedly admitted to interstate drug trafficking for the past four to five years. They revealed that they, along with associates, manufactured brown sugar using readily available chemicals and supplied it to pubs, hotels, and private parties in Maharashtra. The STF noted that the arrests were crucial to dismantling this trafficking network and preventing further distribution of narcotics in the region. Investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the group and track their operations. (With PTI Inputs)
25 March,2026 10:33 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCongress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi was admitted to the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital here late Tuesday evening, sources said. They said she was feeling unwell due to the change in weather and was under observation. A team of doctors is attending to her, but there is nothing serious, the sources 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
25 March,2026 10:32 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIOver 150 people were taken ill in a suspected case of food poisoning after attending a wedding ceremony in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, an official said on Tuesday. 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. 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
25 March,2026 09:33 AM IST | Diphu | AgenciesA 30-year-old man and his sister were killed after their house collapsed following a gas cylinder explosion in Varanasi’s Lahartara area on Tuesday, police said. DCP Neetu Kadyan said the incident occurred at the residence of Girija Devi, where the blast caused the structure to cave in, trapping family members under the debris. Police, fire services and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams rushed to the spot and, with the help of locals, rescued Girija Devi, her two sons and a daughter from the rubble. 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
25 March,2026 09:05 AM IST | Varanasi | AgenciesAn engineering student was killed during a clash between two groups of students belonging to a private institute in Dehradun, police said on Tuesday. Three of the accused named in the complaint by the youth’s family have been arrested in connection with the incident that occurred on Monday night. Dehradun City Superintendent of Police (SP) Pramod Kumar said that two groups of students were involved in a brawl during which 22-year-old Divyanshu Jatrana sustained critical injuries. The SP said that three accused named in the incident have been arrested, while a search for the other accused is underway. 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
25 March,2026 09:03 AM IST | Dehradun | AgenciesThe Election Commission (EC) is yet to disclose the number of voters whose names have been included or deleted following the SIR adjudication process in poll-bound West Bengal, even as it has published the first supplementary list. The booth-wise first supplementary voters’ list was uploaded on the EC’s website around midnight. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal on Tuesday said that he would not be able to provide clarity on the figures at this stage. 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
25 March,2026 08:59 AM IST | Kolkata | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
-1774420862563_d.png "Devotees across India to view Lord Ram darshan during Surya Tilak. File Pic")
