Indian Railways has attracted a total of USD 942 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) equity inflows over the past 11 years (2014-15 to 2025-26 up to December 2025), including under the automatic route, according to the Ministry of Railways. The FDI has supported major projects across the sector, with 100 per cent equity allowed under the automatic route for areas such as suburban corridor construction and operations through public-private partnerships (PPP), high-speed trains, dedicated freight corridors, rolling stock manufacturing and maintenance, railway electrification, signalling systems, freight and passenger terminals, industrial sidings, and mass rapid transport systems. The information was shared by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who oversees Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics and IT, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. To strengthen technical capabilities, Indian Railways has signed MoUs with Switzerland, Germany, Russia, and Spain, focusing on high-speed rail development, freight and passenger operations (including multimodal transport), advanced IT solutions, and predictive maintenance of railway assets. Robust ‘Make in India’ ecosystem drives rolling stock production, exports, and railway modernisation The ‘Make in India’ manufacturing ecosystem enables the production of nearly the full range of rolling stock, including locomotives, passenger coaches, wagons, metro cars, and critical components such as traction motors, gearboxes, motorised bogies, traction transformers, propulsion systems, converters, cable harnesses, electronic cards, and magnetics. This manufacturing base has also driven export growth. Between 2016-17 and January 2026, railway sector exports reached USD 3,355 million (around Rs 26,000 crore), with products reaching countries including the USA, UK, Germany, Australia, Canada, France, Spain, Italy, Mozambique, Mexico, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Romania. The developments highlight significant progress in railway infrastructure, domestic manufacturing self-reliance, and global competitiveness, backed by government support. The gross budgetary support (GBS) for capital investment has risen from Rs 29,055 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 2.78 lakh crore for 2026-27, aimed at network expansion, safety upgrades, passenger amenities, and technological modernisation.
18 March,2026 10:51 PM IST | MumbaiA 16-year-old boy has been detained for allegedly sexually abusing a minor girl in Beed, a city in central Maharashtra, police said on Wednesday. As per the police officials, “The six-year-old girl was passing in front of the house of the accused when he lured her by offering fruit. The boy then took the girl on the first floor of his house and sexually abused her on Monday evening,” reported PTI. After reaching home, the victim narrated the incident to her mother, who lodged a complaint with the Pethbeed police station on Tuesday. A police official further briefed that the accused teenager has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act after the complaint and was later detained and sent to a remand home, reported PTI. Thane: 15-year-old Thane girl ‘sold’ and sexually assaulted under guise of marriage The Thane police in Maharashtra have arrested four individuals, including the 'husband' of a 15-year-old tribal girl, for abduction and sexual assault. The minor, who was snatched from the Bhiwandi area of Thane, was reportedly 'sold' to a man in Beed district, located in the Marathwada region, under the fraudulent pretext of a legal marriage, reported PTI. “The victim was exploited due to her extreme poverty and the absence of her parents. She was allegedly abducted on February 26 by a broker and his associates, who promised her a better life through marriage, only to sell her to an older man in Patoda, Beed,” a Thane rural police official said. Abuse reportedly continued from February 27 to March 10 According to the news agency, the minor was reportedly forced into an illegal marriage on February 27 after being threatened. Between February 27 and March 10, her "husband", Bhausaheb Tambe, allegedly kept her locked in a farm shed and raped her, according to the FIR. Following a probe, the police apprehended Tambe and three others from Beed and Bhiwandi, Padgha police station inspector Jitendra Thakur said. The accused have been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the Prevention of Child Marriage Act, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, a police spokesperson said. (With inputs from PTI)
18 March,2026 10:12 PM IST | Beed | mid-day online correspondentIn a move aimed at enhancing passenger convenience, Indian Railways has introduced the ‘RailOne’ mobile application, enabling users to book both reserved and unreserved tickets directly from their smartphones. The app complements existing booking options such as railway reservation counters, offering a more flexible and digital alternative for travellers. Turning out to be a major success, Indian Railways’ integrated ticketing platform witnessed a strong response from passengers, recording 2.57 crore downloads as of March 15, 2026. As per the official statement, the app is facilitating an average of 7.64 lakh ticket bookings, covering both reserved and unreserved categories. The surge highlights the growing shift towards digital platforms for railway services across the country. Online reserved tickets account for 88 per cent Officials further noted that digital adoption in railway ticketing continues to rise, with approximately 88 per cent of reserved tickets now being booked online, significantly reducing dependence on physical counters. Apart from direct booking platforms, Indian Railways also engages various categories of authorised agents to facilitate ticketing services, ensuring wider accessibility for passengers across regions. Indian Railways offer multiple online ticketing systems As part of its outreach, Indian Railways has engaged multiple categories of agents to facilitate ticket booking services, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. For unreserved tickets, the categories include Halt Agents, Jan Sadharan Ticket Booking Sevaks (JTBS), Station Ticket Booking Agents (STBA), and M-UTS Sahayaks. Meanwhile, Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendra Licensees (YTSKL) are authorised to issue both reserved and unreserved tickets. Yatri Tickets Suvidha Kendra Licensee (YTSKL) Additionally, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) appoints e-ticketing agents for booking reserved tickets online under Yatri Tickets Suvidha Kendra Licensee (YTSKL). The statement further said that there is no prior experience required for individuals seeking to become Halt Agents, JTBS, STBA, or M-UTS Sahayaks. These schemes are designed to encourage participation from eligible individuals, including educated unemployed youth, thereby promoting self-employment and improving accessibility to railway ticketing services. Since, in addition to unreserved tickets, YTSKLs also issue reserved tickets, which require a basic understanding of railway ticketing, for YTSKLs, a minimum of 02 years’ experience in railway ticketing is required.
18 March,2026 10:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Kuwait Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah on Wednesday, discussing the evolving West Asia situation and sharing concerns over recent developments, IANS reported. PM Modi reiterated India's condemnation of attacks on Kuwait's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also thanked Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah for continued support and ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Kuwait. "Spoke with HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait and conveyed greetings on the upcoming festival of Eid. We exchanged views on the evolving situation in West Asia and shared concerns over recent developments. Reiterated India’s condemnation of attacks on Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remains our foremost priority," PM Modi posted on X. "We agreed that sustained diplomatic engagement remains essential for regional peace and stability. I thanked him for continued support for the safety and wellbeing of the Indian community in Kuwait," he added. The conversation between both the leaders took place amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which erupted following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and its top military officials were killed in the strikes. In response, Iran launched drone and missile attacks targetting the US and Israeli facilities, regional capitals and allied forces in West Asia. PM Modi held discussions with UAE President Over the past few days, PM Modi has also spoken with the leaders of UAE, Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar as India remains in touch with the governments of the region as well as other key partners over the ongoing West Asia conflict. On Tuesday, PM Modi spoke to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and discussed the current situation in West Asia. He strongly condemned all attacks on the UAE, which resulted in loss of life and damage to civilian infrastructure. PM Modi and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan agreed on the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "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 and damage to civilian infrastructure." "We agreed on the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. We will continue to work together for the early restoration of peace, security and stability in the region," he added. (Inputs from IANS)
18 March,2026 09:56 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | mid-day online correspondentWith the Vande Bharat Chair Car trains recording exceptionally high occupancy and widespread popularity, the Centre has urged state governments to extend full support for faster expansion of these premium services across the country. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that as on March 12, 2026, the Indian Railways is operating 162 Vande Bharat Chair Car services on its network. Only two Vande Bharat Sleeper services are currently running. The indigenously designed and manufactured Vande Bharat trains feature modern amenities and advanced safety systems, including KAVACH anti-collision technology, jerk-free semi-permanent couplers, centrally controlled automatic plug doors, emergency alarm push buttons, improved fire safety with aerosol-based suppression systems, UV-C lamp-based air disinfection, coach condition monitoring, and CCTV surveillance in all coaches. 'Indian Railways focused on providing affordable, good quality services to all sections of society' The trains are designed for a maximum operating speed of 160 kmph (with a design speed of 180 kmph) and offer significantly better ride comfort and hygiene standards. “Indian Railways is focused on providing affordable, good quality services to all sections of society,” the minister stated, adding that the high demand for Chair Car services has prompted the government to seek active cooperation from states for land acquisition, station upgrades, and other infrastructure support required for new routes. The minister also listed several key Vande Bharat routes currently operational, including New Delhi–Varanasi, Gandhinagar–Mumbai Central, Mysuru–Chennai, Secunderabad–Visakhapatnam, Sainagar Shirdi–Mumbai, and many inter-state connections covering major cities across the country.
18 March,2026 09:47 PM IST | MumbaiAmid the ongoing LPG crisis across the country, the Delhi Police on Wednesday busted multiple illegal LPG storage and refilling units across the city. As reported by news agency PTI, the Delhi police officials seized a total of 269 cylinders and apprehended six persons in separate operations, an official said. In South Delhi's Rajpur Khurd area, police unearthed an illegal LPG storage unit, arresting two persons and seizing 223 cylinders from the premises. The accused who have been taken into custody are identified as Hitesh Rathi (38) and Arvind Kumar (40). As per the officials, both of them were allegedly operating the facility without a valid licence or authorisation. 223 LPG Indane cylinders recovered The officials further said, “Police raided a plot in Rajpur Khurd village on Tuesday and recovered 223 Indane LPG cylinders, including 16 filled and 45 empty domestic cylinders and 162 empty commercial cylinders,” as per PTI. Along with the cylinders, an electronic weighing machine and eight safety caps were also seized by the officials. Police said that the stockpiling of such a large number of cylinders without safety measures posed a serious risk to nearby residents. The police officials, while further briefing about the seizures and raids, said, 'The accused failed to produce valid documents for storing the cylinders.' Officials from the food and supplies department and Indane Gas verified the seizure, as per PTI. LPG storage and refilling units are busted in the Khyala area In a separate operation, police busted three illegal LPG storage and refilling units in the Khyala area and apprehended four persons, recovering 46 cylinders. The accused have been identified as Shivmurat Singh (40), Raghuraj (26), Arvind Singh (27) and Ompal (37); police said. A total of 46 cylinders, including 20 of Indane Gas and 26 of Bharat Gas, were seized from the rented premises and temporary sheds. Weighing machines and illegal refilling equipment were also recovered, officials said. The police said, “During interrogation, the accused revealed that they procured LPG cylinders using fake identities and stored them in congested areas to avoid detection. They allegedly extracted gas from filled cylinders and refilled empty ones to create additional cylinders for sale in the black market at inflated prices of up to Rs 3,000 per cylinder, as per PTI. Police suspect the possible involvement of gas agency personnel, as the accused claimed to have sourced cylinders from local agencies. The role of these agencies is being examined. Separate cases have been registered under the Essential Commodities Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and further investigation is underway. (With inputs from PTI)
18 March,2026 09:16 PM IST | Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe government on Wednesday said domestic production of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has increased by 40 per cent, even as concerns over supply disruptions continue due to tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route, reported news agency IANS. Officials maintained that overall fuel availability in the country remains stable despite the evolving geopolitical situation. LPG output rises amid supply uncertainty Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry, said the increase in domestic LPG production is part of efforts to ensure uninterrupted supply, reported IANS. However, she cautioned that LPG availability remains a concern as a significant portion of India’s imports passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been impacted by the ongoing conflict involving Iran. No shortage of petrol, diesel or gas The government assured that petrol pumps across the country have adequate stocks of petrol and diesel, with no reports of shortages. Sharma added that crude oil supplies remain sufficient, while 100 per cent availability of piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) is being maintained for consumers, reported IANS. Push for PNG transition to ease pressure To reduce dependence on LPG, the Centre has offered states and Union Territories an additional 10 per cent allocation of commercial LPG, provided they promote a long-term transition to PNG. Officials said the responsibility now lies with states to expedite approvals and expand infrastructure for domestic, commercial and industrial PNG connections, reported IANS. Digital bookings see strong adoption The government highlighted that digital adoption for LPG bookings has reached around 93 per cent as of March 17, helping streamline distribution and reduce pressure on supply systems, reported IANS. Consumers have been encouraged to continue using online platforms and avoid panic-driven bookings. Indian vessels carrying fuel remain safe Special Secretary (Shipping) Rajesh Kumar Sinha said 22 Indian vessels currently in the Persian Gulf are carrying substantial quantities of energy supplies, including LPG, LNG and crude oil. He confirmed that all 611 Indian crew members aboard these vessels are safe, and discussions are ongoing with Iran and other stakeholders to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Continued efforts to secure energy supply The government reiterated that it is closely monitoring the situation and taking proactive steps to safeguard India’s energy security, reported IANS. The recent arrival of the Indian-flagged crude oil tanker Jag Laadki at Mundra port in Gujarat further underscores efforts to maintain steady fuel supplies amid global disruptions. Officials said coordinated measures across production, imports and logistics are being implemented to ensure that consumers do not face shortages despite ongoing international challenges. (With inputs from IANS)
18 March,2026 06:51 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), West Zone, has unveiled an international tour package, “Astonishing Australia”. The tour package announced by IRCTC offers Indian travellers a comprehensive and hassle-free way to explore Australia’s top destinations. The tour package is scheduled for 10 nights and 11 days, with departure from Mumbai on May 5, 2026, and return on May 16, 2026. As per IRCTC, the itinerary includes visits to prominent Australian cities such as Melbourne, Cairns, the Gold Coast, and Sydney, promising a mix of scenic landscapes, adventure activities, and vibrant urban experiences. IRCTC announces Australia tour package at Rs 3,90,000 IRCTC Group General Manager (West Zone), Gaurav Jha, said, “The package is priced at Rs 3,90,000 per person on a twin-sharing basis and is designed to offer a seamless travel experience with all major services included.” The package covers return international airfare from Mumbai to Melbourne and Sydney to Mumbai, along with internal flights between Melbourne, Cairns, Brisbane, and Sydney. The official statement also noted that travellers will be accommodated in a 4-star hotel along with all meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—as per the itinerary. Facilities offered by IRCTC The tour package includes sightseeing in air-conditioned deluxe coaches, entry tickets to major attractions, visa charges, travel insurance (up to 70 years of age), and services of an English-speaking guide and a dedicated tour manager accompanying the group throughout the journey. Other facilities such as baggage allowance, daily water bottles, tips for guides and drivers, and applicable taxes, including GST, are also part of the all-inclusive package. To make bookings convenient, IRCTC has also introduced a flexible payment option, allowing passengers to reserve their seats by paying just 30 per cent of the total package cost in advance. Interested travellers can book the package through the official IRCTC Tourism website. With this offering, IRCTC aims to continue expanding its portfolio of curated international tours, ensuring quality hospitality and memorable travel experiences for Indian tourists. IRCTC launches 12-night Europe tour from Mumbai Earlier last week, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced an exclusive MOSD Europe Tour Package from Mumbai, offering travellers an opportunity to explore several iconic destinations across Europe in a single itinerary. The 12-night and 13-day tour will depart from Mumbai on April 26, 2026, and return on May 8, 2026. The package is priced starting from Rs 4,13,000 per person, offering a comprehensive international travel experience. The tour is being organised by IRCTC’s West Zone office in Mumbai, which will act as the nodal centre for coordinating and managing the tour operations.
18 March,2026 06:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a rare and encouraging development, Puri’s Blue Flag-certified beach witnessed dozens of Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings emerging simultaneously from their nests and making their way to the sea — a first-of-its-kind coordinated movement recorded at the site. The event has sparked optimism among conservationists, who see it as a positive sign for ongoing efforts to protect marine biodiversity along Odisha’s coastline. Rare coordinated emergence observed Forest officials and local volunteers reported that the hatchlings surfaced during the early hours and instinctively moved towards the Bay of Bengal. Such synchronized emergence is uncommon at Puri’s Blue Flag beach, making the sight particularly significant. The moment drew attention not only for its rarity but also for what it represents — a tangible outcome of sustained conservation initiatives. Today the blue flag beach Puri , for the first time witnessed hatchlings Olive Ridley turtles heading towards sea in group which is something really an incredible moment. I Captured this video at early morning.#BlueFlagBeach#IncredibleOdisha#IncredibleNature pic.twitter.com/SpU1l1SgUU — Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) March 18, 2026 Odisha remains key nesting ground India hosts one of the world’s largest populations of Olive Ridley turtles, with Odisha’s coastline serving as a major nesting hub. Each year, between December and March, thousands of female turtles arrive on these shores for mass nesting — a phenomenon known as “arribada,” where large numbers come ashore to lay eggs in a short span. Lifecycle from nest to sea After laying eggs in shallow sand pits, the female turtles return to the sea, leaving the eggs to incubate naturally for about 45 to 60 days. Between February and April, hatchlings begin to emerge. Guided by natural light reflecting off the horizon, they instinctively crawl toward the sea, often in groups — a behaviour that improves their chances of survival. Conservation success amid challenges What makes this journey even more remarkable is the turtles’ lifelong connection to their birthplace. Scientists believe that Olive Ridley turtles possess a natural navigation ability that allows them to remember the magnetic signature of the beach where they were born. Experts say the successful emergence at Puri indicates improved habitat conditions and effective protection measures, including monitoring of nesting sites and restrictions on human activity in sensitive zones. However, survival rates remain low. Hatchlings face multiple threats, including predation by birds and crabs, accidental capture in fishing nets, and marine pollution.
18 March,2026 05:33 PM IST | Puri | mid-day online correspondentThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for 14 districts across Maharashtra on Wednesday, warning of heavy thunderstorms, gusty winds, and isolated hail. Maharashtra districts under orange alert Marathwada and Vidarbha: Parbhani, Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Yavatmal After the recent dry heat in Vidarbha, weather patterns are shifting as pre monsoon instability develops over central India. The IMD indicates a short spell of showers and isolated thunderstorms in parts of the region over the next few days. Western Maharashtra: Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli North Maharashtra and others: Ahilyanagar, Pune, Jalna, Wardha These areas are likely to experience severe thunderstorms with lightning, winds of 50–60 kmph, and scattered hail. Coastal Maharashtra Alert issued for Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, with light rain or thundershowers expected on Wednesday and Thursday. Raigad and Ratnagiri: Isolated thunderstorms with winds of 30–50 kmph possible. Sindhudurg: Higher alert for thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds (50–60 kmph), and possible hail. IMD predicts thundershowers in Mumbai, but city's climate remains warm and hazy The IMD has predicted light rain and thundershowers across Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Sindhudurg on Wednesday, indicating a possible early shift towards monsoon-like conditions in the state. However, Mumbai’s weather told a different story on the ground, with the city waking up to morning haze. Despite forecasts hinting at rainfall, heat and humidity persisted, with temperatures expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius, as per IMD. The city’s air quality remained satisfactory, with the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) SAMEER app reporting an overall AQI (Air Quality Index) of 87. AQI across Mumbai Bandra Kurla Complex: 99 Borivali East: 87 Byculla: 92 Andheri East: 101 Chembur: 92 Colaba: 64 Deonar: 119 Ghatkopar: 118 Kandivali East: 36 Kandivali West: 89 Bhandup West: 79 Malad West: 95 Mazgaon: 102 Powai: 33
18 March,2026 05:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPM Modi held discussions with the UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday on the situation in West Asia, with both leaders agreeing on ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. During a telephonic conversation, Modi strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE and reiterated India’s support for peace and stability in the region. Both leaders agreed to continue working 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 In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, "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 and damage to civilian infrastructure." PM Modi said that he and the UAE President agreed on the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. "We will continue to work together for the early restoration of peace, security and stability in the region," his post further stated. This was the second time that Modi spoke to the UAE President since the West Asia conflict broke out following US and Israel attacks on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory response targeting American bases in the Gulf. The Indian PM has also spoken to a number of leaders from West Asia, including 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 crew, as well as protecting the country’s airspace. 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 interception operations carried out by air defence systems, the Dubai Media Office said in a post on X. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)
18 March,2026 05:25 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
