Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had constituted a Working Group on Digital Lending, including lending through Online Platforms and Mobile Apps. Based on its recommendations, RBI has issued regulatory guidelines on digital lending, which aim at firming up the regulatory framework for digital lending, including loans through mobile apps, while enhancing customer protection and making the digital lending ecosystem safe and sound. All the Regulated Entities (REs) are required to comply with the said guidelines on digital lending. Compliance with these guidelines is examined on a sample basis during supervisory assessment, and any non-compliance observed is taken up for rectification apart from initiating supervisory/ enforcement action, as deemed fit, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Finance. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issues directions for blocking of information, including fraudulent loan apps developed under Section 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, after following the due process as provided in the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009. Further, the Government and RBI have been taking up various initiatives from time to time to protect citizens from exploitation by unauthorised mobile loan apps, according to the MoF statement. RBI has operationalised a directory 'Digital Lending Apps (DLAs)' on its website with effect from 01.07.2025, consisting of all DLAs deployed by REs of RBI. The directory aims to aid the customers in verifying the claim of a Digital Lending Apps (DLA's) association with a RE. Proactively engaging with the major internet intermediaries and messaging platforms to review the operations of unauthorised loan apps. Further, to disrupt the ecosystem of fraudulent digital loan apps, internet intermediaries have been instructed to institute stringent, technology-driven vetting and real-time enforcement mechanisms to detect and prevent malicious advertisement of illegal loan apps originating from offshore entities. Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been proactively analysing the digital lending apps. In order to facilitate the citizens to report cyber incidents, including illegal loan apps, MHA has launched a National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) as well as a National Cybercrime Helpline number "1930". The banks, through the public-facing platform 'SACHET' portal and the inter-regulatory State Level Coordination Committee (SLCC), facilitate citizens to lodge any complaints against a specific entity related to the deposit/ collection of money illegally. RBI and banks have been taking up awareness campaigns through short SMS, radio campaigns, publicity on the prevention of 'cyber-crime', including illegal loan apps. Further, RBI has been conducting electronic-banking awareness and training (e-BAAT) programmes, which focus on awareness about fraud and risk mitigation. Police' and 'Public Order' are State subjects as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. The States/UTs are primarily responsible for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of crimes, including illegal mobile applications, through their Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). The Central Government supplements the initiatives of the States/UTs through advisories and financial assistance under various schemes for capacity building of LEAs. This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, in the Rajya Sabha. 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
18 March,2026 09:12 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe Uttarakhand government has carried out a major reshuffle in all three corporations of the energy sector. The state government has relieved Vijay Prasad Thapliyal from his deputation as Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee and has repatriated him to his parent department, the Agricultural Produce Market Committee. Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) Managing Director Anil Kumar has been removed from his position with immediate effect. Along with him, UJVNL Managing Director Sandeep Singhal has also been relieved of his duties. Additionally, Ajay Agarwal, Director (Projects) at UPCL, has been removed from his post. The state government has assigned an additional charge of UPCL to Gajendra Singh Budiyal, while Ajay Kumar Singh has been given additional responsibility in UJVNL. Meanwhile, Scientists from the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) presented a scientific study before Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan regarding maintaining ecological and ecosystem balance during the ongoing construction work under the Badrinath Corridor Development Project in Dehradun. The Chief Secretary stated that such scientific studies are extremely important at the present time. In a mountainous state like Uttarakhand, maintaining environmental balance alongside development activities is essential. He clarified that wherever such scientific assessments are required, their use will be ensured and also directed that the survey findings be verified as needed. Earlier, in Februray, Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Central Command, paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at the Chief Minister's residence. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also attended the inauguration and foundation-laying programme for several development projects along with the Bhoomi Pujan of the Primary Health Centre (PHC) upgradation in Tehri Garhwal on Thursday. He laid the foundation stone for development projects worth Rs 41.21 crore in Ghansali, Tehri district, which includes three inaugurated projects worth Rs 13.43 crore and five new ones worth Rs 27.78 crore. During the ceremony, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation for upgrading the Primary Health Centre, Pilkhi, into a Community Health Centre. He honoured Krishna Gairola and his family for donating land for the hospital. The Chief Minister said, "Projects whose foundation stones have been laid should not face delays, and their timely completion and inauguration will be ensured. The state government is prioritising basic facilities such as roads, healthcare, and education in the hill regions. With strong determination, even the lack of resources can be overcome." Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also paid a courtesy visit to Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) at Lok Bhavan. During the meeting, the two leaders held discussions on various developmental projects in the state as well as other contemporary issues. 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
18 March,2026 09:07 AM IST | Dehradun | ANIFive passengers were killed and more than six others were injured after a private sleeper bus collided head-on with a trailer truck on a highway in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh district on Tuesday morning, police said. The bus driver was attempting to negotiate through parked trolleys when it collided head-on with an oncoming truck trailer, police said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 March,2026 09:02 AM IST | Jaipur | AgenciesThe opposition Congress in Odisha on Tuesday suspended three of its MLAs for voting for BJP-backed Independent candidate Dilip Ray, helping him win the Rajya Sabha polls. These MLAs are Ramesh Chandra Jena of Sanakhemundi, Dasarathi Gomango of Mohana and Sofia Firdous of Barabati-Cuttack. 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
18 March,2026 08:41 AM IST | Bhubaneswar | AgenciesFive persons were rescued from drowning at various beaches and Dudhsagar waterfall in Goa over the weekend, a lifesaving agency said on Tuesday. A 29-year-old tourist from Bengaluru was swept into deep waters at Ashwem beach and was rescued. At Baga beach, an 18-year-old tourist from Gujarat was rescued. Two incidents were reported at Candolim beach. 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
18 March,2026 08:35 AM IST | Panaji | AgenciesAir India and Air India Express will together operate a combined total of 50 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the West Asia region on Wednesday, March 18, as the group said it continues to maintain essential connectivity despite ongoing geopolitical developments in the area. According to an official update from Air India, both carriers will run their regular scheduled services to Jeddah and Muscat on March 18, including a total of 14 flights between India and Jeddah. Air India will operate one return service each from Delhi and Mumbai to Jeddah, while Air India Express will handle one flight each from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mangalore, plus two flights from Kozhikode. Air India Express will also operate 12 scheduled flights to and from Muscat, covering departures from Delhi, Kannur, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram. In addition to these scheduled operations, the airlines will run a total of 24 non-scheduled (ad-hoc) flights to and from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, subject to slot availability and prevailing conditions at departure stations. These flights have received necessary permissions from Indian and local regulatory authorities. Key highlights of operations on March 18 Scheduled flights: Jeddah (14 flights) and Muscat (12 flights) remain operational. Ad-hoc flights: Primarily to/from Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah (UAE), and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), operated by Air India Express from cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mumbai, and Mangalore. No scheduled or ad-hoc operations to Dubai, Al Ain, Salalah, Dammam, Bahrain, Doha, Kuwait, or Tel Aviv on this date. All Air India flights to/from North America, Europe, Australia, and other regions continue as per normal schedule. For passengers affected by any temporarily suspended routes, Air India is offering flexible options: rebook to a future date at no extra charge or opt for a full refund. Passengers can raise requests directly on the airline’s website (airindia.com). The group said support is available 24X7 via the hotline at +91 169329333 or +91 169329999. Air India Express passengers with bookings from UAE stations can rebook without additional charges on the airline’s additional commercial flights from any UAE point to Indian destinations. "The airline is proactively contacting impacted guests using registered mobile numbers. Guests are requested to keep their contact details updated. Rebooking for Air India Express can also be done via the AI-powered digital assistant Tia on WhatsApp at +91 63600 12345. The Air India group continues to explore opportunities for additional ad-hoc flights to West Asia destinations as conditions permit, while prioritising passenger safety and operational feasibility," the group stated.
17 March,2026 11:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndia on Tuesday strongly condemned Pakistan for its airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul on Monday night, which claimed hundreds of civilian lives and injured several others, news agency ANI reported. In a statement by Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, India unequivocally denounced the attack as a "cowardly and unconscionable act of violence". The MEA said the facility could by no means be justified as a military target and accused Pakistan of trying to "dress up a massacre as a military operation". "This is a cowardly and unconscionable act of violence that has claimed the lives of a large number of civilians in a facility which can by no means be justified as a military target. Pakistan is now trying to dress up a massacre as a military operation," the statement read. Our statement on Pakistan’s cowardly targeting of Kabul Hospitalđź”— https://t.co/uYbQhhc8MC pic.twitter.com/KVEaLyBtTB — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) March 17, 2026 The MEA called it a heinous act of aggression and a blatant assault on Afghanistan's sovereignty, a direct threat to regional peace and stability, reflecting Pakistan's reckless pattern of behaviour and attempts to externalise internal failures through desperate cross-border violence. The statement highlighted the attack's timing during Ramzan—a month of peace, reflection, and mercy—making it "all the more reprehensible". "There is no faith, no law, and no morality that can justify the deliberate targeting of a hospital and its patients," it added. India urged the international community to hold perpetrators accountable and stop Pakistan's targeting of Afghan civilians without delay. Reiterate our unwavering support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan: MEA "India extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, wishes a swift recovery to those injured, and stands in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan in this tragic moment. We also reiterate our unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan," the statement concluded. Afghanistan's Taliban authorities reported around 400 deaths and 250 injuries in the strike on the 2,000-bed Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital at about 9 PM Monday. Deputy Spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat said large sections were destroyed, with rescue teams working to control fires and recover bodies. Tolo News and Khaama Press noted this was not isolated, citing prior Pakistani strikes on civilians (including women and children) in Afghan provinces. Kabul residents reported damage to dozens of homes from explosions. Khaama Press sources said a Pakistani aircraft bombed a Taliban facility in Ghani Khel, Nangarhar, late Monday. Samaa News (Pakistan), citing security sources, said strikes targeted Taliban-linked sites in Kabul (two locations: technical/ammunition facilities) and Nangarhar (four military sites, logistics/ammunition depots). They rejected hospital targeting claims as "ridiculous". Taliban Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told TOLOnews the "time for diplomacy with Pakistan is over" and the attack "must be avenged". (With ANI inputs)
17 March,2026 10:58 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA tehsildar in the Beed district of Maharashtra has been suspended after he was arrested last month by ACB for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 20,000, news agency PTI reported. The tehsildar demanded the amount in exchange for issuing a solvency certificate, an officer said on Tuesday. The order to suspend Vyankatesh Munde, who served as the tehsildar of Parli Vaijnath, was issued by Divisional Commissioner Jitendra Papalkar following his arrest on February 20. Munde had allegedly demanded Rs 50,000 for issuing a solvency certificate of Rs 7 lakh. ACB found that the accused reportedly indicated the demand by writing the amount on a slip of paper. The amount was later negotiated down to Rs 20,000. An officer said, "The Divisional Commissioner has suspended Munde, as he was absent from his office for more than 48 hours (after he was arrested). He has been assigned the Jalna headquarters and will have to take permission from the Jalna collector if he wants to leave the headquarters." Two jail staffers held for accepting bribe in Thane Two staff members of a district jail in Maharashtra’s Thane were arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 1,500 to permit a man to meet an undertrial prisoner, reported PTI. Officers from the anti-corruption bureau (ACB) detained Satish Tanaji Bhosale (55), a prison subedar, and Sharad Nana Panpatil (39), a jail constable, on March 2. Both were posted at Aadharwadi Kalyan District Jail at the time of the alleged offence. Inspector Sunil Karote of Thane ACB said the two were caught while accepting money from the complainant. The complainant had visited the jail on February 25 to meet a friend who was lodged there as an undertrial prisoner. According to officers, the staff on duty in the interview room initially demanded Rs 1,000, as the visitor was not related to the inmate. It was further alleged that Bhosale sought between Rs 4,000 and Rs 5,000 to facilitate the meeting. The amount was later agreed upon at Rs 1,500, according to the PTI. A case has been registered against both accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Further investigation into the matter is ongoing, officers said.
17 March,2026 10:45 PM IST | Beed | mid-day online correspondentPM Modi, while talking to the UAE President, discussed the current situation in West Asia. As reported by news agency PTI, both the leaders agreed on ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. During his telephonic conversation, Modi strongly condemned all attacks on the Gulf country and agreed with the UAE leader to continue to work together for the early restoration of peace, security and stability in West Asia. Spoke with my brother HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and conveyed advance Eid greetings.We discussed the current situation in West Asia. Reiterated India’s strong condemnation of all attacks on the UAE that have resulted in loss of innocent lives… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 17, 2026 "Spoke with my brother HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and conveyed advance Eid greetings. Modi, while posting on social media platform X, wrote, "We discussed the current situation in West Asia. Reiterated India's strong condemnation of all attacks on the UAE that have resulted in loss of innocent lives and damage to civilian infrastructure." UAE President agrees on safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz Modi said that he and the UAE President agreed on the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He further added, "We will continue to work together for the early restoration of peace, security and stability in the region," as per PTI. This was the second time Modi spoke to the UAE President since the US and Israel attacked Iran. Iran has retaliated by attacking several Gulf countries. The Indian Prime Minister has also spoken to a number of leaders from West Asia since the current conflict started, and that includes those from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Israel and Iran. UAE shuts airspace following Iranian missile, drone strikes The General Civil Aviation Authority has announced the temporary and full closure of the United Arab Emirates airspace, Al Jazeera reported. As per Al Jazeera, state media said the move was "an exceptional precautionary measure" aimed at ensuring the safety of flights and air crews, as well as safeguarding the UAE's territory. Earlier, the UAE's Ministry of Defence stated that it was responding to a new wave of missile and drone attacks launched by Iran, Al Jazeera reported. Meanwhile, the UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems are actively responding to incoming missiles and drones launched from Iran, as per Al Jazeera. Separately, authorities in Dubai stated that the sounds heard across parts of the city were due to successful interception operations carried out by air defence systems, according to the Dubai Media Office's X post. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)
17 March,2026 10:33 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Trinamool Congress on Tuesday released its first list of candidates, containing 291 names, for the two-phase April elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly and set the scene for a "battle royale" in Bhabanipur constituency in south Kolkata, from where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will contest again. As per the candidates' list released by Banerjee, she will be contesting from Bhabanipur this time as well, where she will face the Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, reported IANS. BJP announced first candidates list and nominated Adhikari from Nandigram On Monday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced its first list of 144 candidates and nominated Adhikari from his current constituency of Nandigram in East Midnapore district, as well as from Bhabanipur. This is the second time that Banerjee will be pitted against Adhikari. Adhikari was elected as a legislator from Nandigram for the second consecutive time in 2021, defeating Banerjee. Later, Banerjee was elected from Bhabanipur in a by-election and retained the post of chief minister for the third consecutive term. Trinamool fields candidates on 291 seats, gives Darjeeling hills to BGPM While the Trinamool will be contesting from 291 constituencies, they have spared three assembly constituencies in the North Bengal hills, namely Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong, for their political ally in the hills, Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), founded by Anit Thapa, who is also the chief executive of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). At Nandigram, Trinamool fielded erstwhile local BJP leader and a close confidant of Adhikari, Pabitra Kar, who joined the party just a couple of hours before the chief minister released the party candidates' list. "This time our candidates will win from at least 226 Assembly constituencies. After the elections, this type of BJP will have no ground in West Bengal," Banerjee said. No alliance for Congress and Left Front in Bengal In the 2021 assembly elections, the Trinamool won 215 seats, while the BJP secured 77 seats. The CPI-M-led Left Front and the All India Secular Front (AISF) had a seat-sharing arrangement in 2021. While AISF managed to win one seat, both the Left Front and the Congress failed to win any seats at all. This time, the Congress and the Left Front are contesting the elections separately. On Tuesday, the Chief Minister also gave a note of caution to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I would like to ask the Prime Minister, if you had faith in the people of West Bengal, why he was hurting Bengal's sentiments. Remember, the people will retaliate in the elections!" she said, reported IANS. (Inputs from IANS)
17 March,2026 07:26 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentAs 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)
17 March,2026 07:05 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
