Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday praised the festive spirit of Holi 2026, saying the festival is bringing joy and enthusiasm across India even as much of the world grapples with turmoil, reported ANI. Speaking at the Lord Narasimha Shobha Yatra, the CM lauded the country’s leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, “While the world faces disarray, unrest, and an atmosphere of anarchy, India is celebrating Holi with happiness and enthusiasm.” He added that the nation remains free of fear, chaos, or distrust during the festivities. According to ANI, the Chief Minister asserted that the nation is driven by the spirit of “Satyameva Jayate,” adding, “If corruption is thriving anywhere, we must burn it, and if anarchy, terrorism, or extremism attempts to raise its head, we must also destroy it.” Holi celebrations are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. The festival begins with the ritual of lighting a bonfire, known as Holika Dahan. The following day marks the more widely celebrated aspect of Holi, when people immerse themselves in joy and togetherness by playing with colours. 100th anniversary celebrations of RSS announced, including nationwide marches The CM also praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as the “world’s largest cultural organisation,” declaring that marches in honour of the RSS’s 100th anniversary would take place. “The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, which is the world’s largest cultural organisation, has had millions of pracharaks and swayamsevaks who, under its aegis, have dedicated their entire lives to the honour, pride, and glory of Hindus, to the traditions of India’s Sanatan Dharma, and to India’s unity and integrity,” he said, the news agency reported. Referring to the 100-year milestone of the RSS, the CM announced that they would take part in the Lord Narasimha Shobha Yatra. “Hindu conferences are underway to strengthen social harmony; every section of society is participating in them, and there is no disorder anywhere,” he added. Founded in 1925 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the RSS was established as a volunteer-based organisation with the goal of fostering cultural awareness, discipline, service, and social responsibility among citizens. (With inputs from ANI)
04 March,2026 12:49 PM IST | Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) | mid-day online correspondentThe Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday announced that the Government of India has set up a special control room in response to the current situations in West Asia and the Gulf region. It said that the control room will operate daily from 9 am to 9 pm and it will assist Indian nationals affected by the ongoing crisis. The move is part of wider efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of Indians living and working in the region. Here's the full list of helpline numbers - 1800118797 (Toll Free) +91 11 2301 2113+91 11 2301 4104+91 11 2301 7905 Emergency contact numbers of Indian Embassies in the region are: Bahrain: +973 39418071 Iran: +989128109115 / +989128109102 /+989128109109 / +989932179359 Iraq: +964 771 651 1185 / +964 770444 4899 Israel: +972 54 7520711 / +972 54 2428378 Jordan: +962 770 422 276 Kuwait: + 965 65501946 Lebanon: +961 76860128 Oman: +968 98282270 (Whatsapp) / 80071234 (Toll free) Qatar: +974 55647502 Ramallah, Palestine: +970 592916418 Saudi Arabia (Riyadh): +966 11 4884697 / 800 247 1234 (toll free) Saudi Arabia (Jeddah): +966 126648660 / +966 12 2614093 United Arab Emirates: +971 543090571 (Whatsapp) / 800 46342 (Toll free) Maharashtra launches helpline for stranded residents in Middle East Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government on Tuesday said that it has introduced an emergency WhatsApp helpline for state residents stranded in the Middle East due to ongoing conflict in the region. Officials said several hundred people from Maharashtra are currently unable to return home because of widespread airspace closures. However, all are reported to be safe. The Chief Minister’s Office said that Devendra Fadnavis is personally overseeing developments and remains in constant contact with various agencies. He is also coordinating closely with the Central government, which is extending assistance. State minister Girish Mahajan has been assigned to manage coordination efforts. In collaboration with Indian People's Forum in Dubai, the state government has issued a WhatsApp helpline number: +971 50 365 4357. Stranded residents requiring help have been asked to get in touch through the number. Officials added that data is being collected from districts across Maharashtra to assess the total number of affected citizens. आखाती देशांमध्ये निर्माण झालेल्या युद्ध परिस्थितीमुळे तेथे अडकलेल्या महाराष्ट्रातील विविध नागरिकांच्या संपर्कात राज्य सरकार आहे. मुख्यमंत्री देवेंद्र फडणवीस हे स्वतः सातत्याने विविध यंत्रणांशी संपर्कात असून ते केंद्र सरकारसोबत सुद्धा सातत्याने संपर्क ठेवून आहेत. राज्याचे मंत्री… — CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) March 2, 2026
04 March,2026 10:22 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA case was registered against some media outlets and individuals here on Tuesday for allegedly circulating misleading information with an intention to incite unrest in connection with the protests against the killing of Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Srinagar police has taken serious cognisance of the deliberate circulation of false, fabricated and misleading information by certain news channels, media outlets, and individuals. 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
04 March,2026 09:19 AM IST | Srinagar | AgenciesPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said World Wildlife Day is about celebrating the faunal diversity that enriches the planet and sustains the world’s ecosystems. “We reaffirm our commitment to conservation, sustainable practices and protecting habitats so wildlife continues to thrive,” Modi said on X. A photo of a graceful caracal Adorable cheetah cubs The Asiatic lion that thrives only in India Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted this photo showcasing cheetahs recently reintroduced in India Asiatic elephants
04 March,2026 08:57 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesThe Delhi High Court (HC) on Monday stayed a sessions court order that had halted the bail granted to Indian Youth Congress (IYC) President Uday Bhanu Chib in connection with the shirtless protest during the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam, thereby clearing the way for his release from jail. A single-judge bench of Justice Saurabh Banerjee, while issuing notice to Delhi Police, observed that it was prima facie not satisfied with the sessions court’s order and said that any order affecting personal liberty must reflect due application of mind. “I am not satisfied with the order of the lower court. I will issue notice and decide the matter after hearing, but in the meantime, the order will have to be stayed,” Justice Banerjee said. AI Summit 2026 Protest: Defence, Delhi Police spar over sessions court’s jurisdiction Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for Chib, contended that the sessions court had stayed the magistrate’s bail order ex parte and without supplying a copy of the order to the accused. Luthra argued that the magistrate had three options — to extend police custody, send the accused to judicial custody, or grant bail — and in the present case, bail was granted after declining further police custody. The senior counsel contended that the sessions court had no jurisdiction to interfere with such an order. Appearing for the Delhi Police, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) D.P. Singh submitted that the investigation was ongoing and argued that the order under challenge was essentially a remand order, with bail being only consequential. He added that the sessions court was justified in interfering as the magistrate’s order itself was illegal. However, Justice Banerjee remained unconvinced, stating, “Let’s not go into all that. I am openly saying that I am not satisfied with your submissions. The order must be stayed because there is no application of mind.” The matter has been posted for further hearing on March 6. Court puts Chib’s bail on hold till March 6 in AI Summit 2026 Protest row The development comes days after a dramatic midnight hearing before the Patiala House Court, where a duty magistrate granted bail to Chib, observing that no person should be deprived of personal liberty on mere conjectures. However, within hours, a sessions court put the bail on hold till March 6 on a plea moved by the Delhi Police. Chib was arrested in connection with the shirtless protest staged on February 20 at Bharat Mandapam during the India AI Impact Summit and Expo 2026. According to the grounds of arrest, he has been accused of being the “main conspirator” behind organising an unlawful assembly where slogans were raised, and an attempt was allegedly made to incite a riot-like situation. Earlier, on February 24, the Patiala House Court had remanded Chib to four days of police custody after the investigating agency sought seven days, claiming he was the mastermind of the protest. Police also alleged that he, along with the co-accused, obstructed and assaulted officials on duty and did not cooperate during interrogation. The protest had triggered a political row, with the BJP criticising the demonstration as an attempt to tarnish India’s global image, while the Congress defended it as a peaceful expression of dissent by the youth. (With ANI inputs)
03 March,2026 10:42 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | mid-day online correspondentAmid escalating tensions in West Asia, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday said that it is "closely monitoring developments" and it will be too early to assess the economic impact on the region and the global economy. The IMF also mentioned that it has "observed disruptions to trade and economic activity, surges in energy prices, and volatility in financial markets." "The situation remains highly fluid and adds to an already uncertain global economic environment," it said in a statement. "It is too early to assess the economic impact on the region and the global economy. That impact will depend on the extent and duration of the conflict," it said. India is also continuously monitoring the growing crisis in the region, and earlier today, Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, briefed the media and said that "India is fully prepared amid evolving situation in the Middle East and energy supplies are robust" The Minister informed that "the country is well stocked with crude oil and inventories of key petroleum products including petrol, diesel and ATF to deal with short-term disruptions arising from the Middle East." Indian energy companies now have access to energy supplies that are not routed through the Strait of Hormuz. Such cargoes will remain available and help mitigate supplies that may be temporarily affected enroute through the Strait of Hormuz. The Petroleum Ministry has also established a 24x7 Control Room to continuously monitor the supply and stock position of petroleum products across the country. The Minister, via a press briefing, also notified that the Government is reasonably comfortable in terms of stocks. Safeguarding the interests of Indian consumers remains the highest priority. Based on continuous monitoring, the Government is cautiously optimistic that phased measures can be taken, if required, to further mitigate the situation. Earlier today, government sources on Tuesday said that India has a total of eight weeks of crude oil and petroleum products inventory, which includes strategic reserves, and only about 40 per cent of India's crude oil imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz, significantly limiting exposure to regional disruptions. They asserted that the country remains in a comfortable position on energy security amid the evolving situation in the West Asian region. Sources said India is closely monitoring developments in the region but is well-prepared to manage any potential supply-side challenges due to adequate inventory levels and diversified sourcing. 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.
03 March,2026 10:33 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIIn a major cheer for wildlife enthusiasts, the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) in Maharashtra has recorded the presence of a new male tiger, taking the total tiger population in the landscape to seven. The tiger has been officially coded STR T9. Speaking about the sighting, STR Field Director Tushar Chavan said, “The tiger STR T9 has been captured in multiple camera traps over the past two months inside Chandoli National Park. Several photographs and videos have documented his movement in the area. Currently, T9 is frequently moving within the territory of tigress T5 (Tara). Local guides have named the new entrant ‘Shiledar’.” With this addition, the total tiger count in the Sahyadri landscape now stands at: T1 – Senapati T2 – Subhedar T3 – Baji T4 – Chanda T5 – Tara T6 – Hirkani T9 – Shiledar. Maharashtra: Three males move within tigress Tara’s range At present, three male tigers — T1 (Senapati), T2 (Subhedar), and the newly recorded T9 (Shiledar) — are moving within the territory of T5 (Tara). Forest officials said it remains to be seen which male the tigress eventually chooses. Chavan termed the development “extremely encouraging” for the Sahyadri landscape. Honorary Wildlife Warden Rohan Bhatte said the growing tiger numbers underline the region’s rich biodiversity. He noted that wildlife corridors connecting Radhanagari and the Tilari-Dodamarg forest areas are playing a crucial role in facilitating tiger movement and breeding. Experts highlight corridor importance “The tiger identified as STR T9 was first photographed in December 2024 by a camera trap installed by the Sawantwadi Forest Division. At the time, it had preyed on cattle. The same tiger was later captured on camera traps in Dajipur (Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary) in January 2025, indicating that it had moved northward through the tiger corridor. Most recently, it was recorded again in January and February 2026 inside the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve,” said Girish Punjabi, Wildlife Biologist at the Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT). He added, “STR T9 is a young male tiger dispersing in search of a suitable territory. His movement once again highlights the crucial importance of the corridor leading to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve for long-term tiger conservation.” Forest officials said the latest sighting reflects sustained conservation efforts and improved habitat connectivity in the Sahyadri landscape.
03 March,2026 10:30 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavUnited Arab Emirates (UAE)-based airlines Emirates and Etihad Airways announced on Monday that they will start operating a limited number of flights from the evening, after Dubai airports confirmed a partial resumption of operations, news agency IANS reported. The airport was closed due to the outbreak of hostilities between the US-Israel alliance and Iran since Saturday. Emirates said it will prioritise customers with earlier bookings as it restarts services in phases. The airline will contact passengers who have been rebooked onto these limited flights directly. "Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified," it said in a statement. The Dubai-based airline said that all other flights remain suspended until further notice. It said it continues to monitor the situation and will adjust its operational schedule accordingly. Updates will be published on emirates.com and its official social media channels. "We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience," the airline said, adding that the safety and security of passengers. Meanwhile, Etihad will conduct some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights "in coordination with UAE authorities and subject to strict operational and safety approvals", the airline said in a statement. US, Israel attack Iran: No clarity on full restoration as UAE airports begin phased reopening However, authorities have not provided a timeline for full restoration of normal operations. Dubai Airports said a small number of flights will be permitted to operate from Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) starting Sunday evening. The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority said: "Exceptional flights are now operating at UAE airports. Do not proceed to the airport until your airline contacts you with confirmed flight details to ensure a smooth process for all." The partial reopening comes after widespread airspace closures across the Gulf region due to missile and drone strikes linked to escalating conflict. Several Gulf airports reported damages over the weekend as Iran launched a barrage of missiles and drones against US bases in the Gulf countries in retaliatory fire. Airlines were forced to ground operations, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, which constitute key transit hubs for global flights between the West and the East. Dubai International, the world’s busiest international hub, had halted regular operations amid safety concerns. The closure disrupted global flight networks, as Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways operate hub-and-spoke models that connect long-haul traffic between Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas through the Gulf. (With IANS inputs)
03 March,2026 07:47 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held separate telephonic conversations with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman, Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, expressing concern over the escalating conflict in West Asia, reported news agency PTI. During the calls, PM Modi discussed the evolving security situation and conveyed India’s concerns over recent attacks affecting countries in the Gulf region. Focus on Safety of Indian Community A key focus of the discussions was the safety and well-being of Indian nationals residing in these countries. Officials said the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of ensuring the protection of the Indian diaspora amid rising tensions. Nearly 90 lakh Indians live and work across the Gulf and West Asia, making the situation particularly critical for India. In addition, around 10,000 Indians are in Iran and over 40,000 in Israel. Series of Diplomatic Outreach Efforts The outreach is part of a broader diplomatic engagement by India in response to the crisis. Over the past two days, Modi has also spoken with leaders from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel. India has condemned attacks on sovereign nations and reiterated its support for peace and stability in the region. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which met recently, reviewed the situation and expressed serious concern over the safety of Indian citizens in the conflict zone, reported PTI. Evacuation and Support Measures Underway With much of West Asian airspace closed and flights disrupted, hundreds of Indians remain stranded in key transit hubs such as Dubai and Doha. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has activated helplines and directed Indian missions across the region to remain in constant contact with citizens and provide assistance, reported PTI. Officials said the government is closely monitoring developments and is prepared to take necessary steps, including evacuation measures if required, to ensure the safety of Indian nationals, reported PTI. India has previously carried out large-scale evacuation operations in conflict zones and is expected to respond similarly if the situation worsens. (With inputs from PTI)
03 March,2026 06:52 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Defence Ministry on Tuesday sealed contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore for the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and surface-to-air missiles. While the ALH Mk-II helicopters are being procured for the Indian Coast Guard, the Shtil missiles will be deployed onboard the Indian Navy's warships. "The contract for ALH Mk-III (maritime role) along with operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support, valued at Rs 2,901 crore, has been inked with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd," the ministry said. It said these twin-engine helicopters incorporate state-of-the-art features superior to the currently operated airborne platforms and are capable of undertaking a wide spectrum of maritime security missions from shore-based airfields as well as from ships at sea. "The induction will significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard's capability for fulfilling the duties of safety and protection of artificial islands, offshore installations and protection of fishermen and marine environment," the ministry said. The contract for the procurement of surface-to-air vertical launch - Shtil missiles and associated missile holding frames, valued at Rs 2,182 crore, has been signed with Russia's JSC Rosoboronexport. The acquisition is intended to substantially enhance the air defence capabilit ies of frontline warships against a wide spectrum of aerial threats, the ministry said. "The system will reinforce the layered air defence architecture onboard the platforms of the Indian Navy by providing rapid-reaction, all-weather engagement capability and improved survivability in contested maritime environments," it said. "The contract further underscores the longstanding and time-tested defence partnership between India and Russia, founded on mutual trust and strategic alignment," it said in a statement. 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.
03 March,2026 06:45 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIIndia on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Iran and the Gulf region following the escalation of conflict that began on February 28, reported news agency ANI. In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India had, from the outset, urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians. “Unfortunately, during the holy month of Ramadan, the situation has deteriorated significantly,” the statement noted, highlighting the increasing intensity and geographical spread of the conflict, reported news agency ANI. Safety of Indians Overseas a Top Priority The MEA emphasised that the safety and well-being of Indian nationals in the region remain a key concern. Nearly one crore Indians live and work across Gulf countries, making the situation particularly sensitive for India. The government also flagged risks to trade and energy supply chains, noting that disruptions in the region could have serious economic implications. Additionally, India expressed concern over attacks on merchant shipping, stating that some Indian nationals have either lost their lives or gone missing in recent incidents. Call for Dialogue, Diplomacy and De-escalation Reiterating its position, India called for an immediate return to dialogue and diplomacy to end the conflict. The MEA said Indian embassies and consulates in affected countries are in constant touch with citizens and community organisations, issuing advisories and providing assistance to those stranded, reported ANI. The government also confirmed that senior leadership, including the Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister, is engaged in discussions with global counterparts to address the evolving situation. Conflict Expands, Global Concerns Rise The statement comes as the conflict in the region continues to widen, with Gulf nations increasingly impacted following US-Israel strikes on Iran. India said it is closely monitoring developments and will take necessary decisions in the national interest as the situation evolves. The government reiterated its appeal for peace, stressing that continued violence is leading to mounting casualties and disruption of normal life across the region. (With inputs from ANI)
03 March,2026 06:44 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1772557229232_d.png "International Monetray Fund. File Pic")
-1772541136712_d.png "Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. File Pic")
