A Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chick has been born in Gujarat’s Kutch after a decade through a novel “jumpstart” conservation approach, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Saturday. “Gujarat sees a GIB chick after a decade, through a novel conservation measure, the jumpstart approach,” Yadav said in a post on X, adding that the effort was coordinated by the Centre, state forest departments and the Wildlife Institute of India. Gujarat sees a GIB chick after a decade, through a novel conservation measure - the jumpstart approach, coordinated by the Ministry, State Forest Departments of Rajasthan and Gujarat, and Wildlife Institute of India. Envisioned by PM Shri @narendramodi ji in 2011 to conserve… pic.twitter.com/oE2DYTZBUF — Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) March 28, 2026 Officials said the initiative marks India’s first inter-state “jumpstart” effort for the critically endangered bird. With only three surviving female GIBs in Kutch and no males, natural breeding had become impossible. To address this, a captive-bred egg from Rajasthan was transported over 770 km from Sam to Naliya via a halt-free corridor. “The egg was carried for over 19 hours in a handheld portable incubator and successfully replaced in the nest on March 22,” they said. The foster female completed incubation, and the chick hatched on March 26. Field teams have since observed the chick being reared in its habitat. Yadav said conservation breeding centres in Rajasthan now house 73 birds. “India is now moving ahead towards the rewilding of birds in the near future,” he added, calling the initiative a key step in long-term species recovery efforts. 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
29 March,2026 09:34 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesA 34-year-old labourer allegedly drowned in an open drain after losing balance in an inebriated state while returning home from work, police said on Saturday. The deceased, identified as Wasim, a native of Chandausi in Moradabad district, was living in a rented accommodation in Mawai village in Vijay Nagar area, they said. The incident occurred on Friday night near Labour Chowk. On receiving information, the police reached the spot and retrieved the man from the drain with the help of locals, they said. Preliminary investigation suggests the man was in an inebriated state, Vijay Nagar SHO Dharampal Singh said, adding that, “He was sitting on the edge of the drain when he apparently lost balance and fell into the deep water.” The police took Wasim to the district government hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead, he said. The body has been sent for post-mortem, 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
29 March,2026 09:32 AM IST | Ghaziabad | AgenciesIndian-flagged vessel “Jag Vasant” carrying 47,000 metric tonnes (MT) of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) arrived at Vadinar port in Gujarat’s Jamnagar after crossing the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia crisis, an official said on Saturday. MT Jag Vasant was anchored at 8.30 pm on Friday, loaded from Mina Al Ahmadi Port, Kuwait, according to a statement from Deendayal Port Authority, of which Vadinar port is a part. “The 230-metre-long vessel is currently transferring 17,600 metric tonnes of LPG to the daughter vessel MT Rose Gas, a process expected to take approximately 15 hours. Following the transfer, the daughter vessel will proceed towards Kandla to discharge further,” a port official said. Cargo of 20,000 MT on “Jag Vasant”, the mother vessel, will be discharged at Mumbai and another around 9000 MT will later be discharged at Mangaluru, the official added. 9000MTs of LPG which will be discharged to Mangaluru Centre proposes plan to add 50 lakh PNG connections The Centre on Saturday pushed for rapid expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) networks. Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar proposed a rollout targeting 50 lakh new connections, alongside single-window clearances. “Cities must lead this transition as growth engines,” he said. A phased LPG-to-PNG shift with streamlined processes and awareness campaigns was agreed upon. Chhattisgarh: 3841 cylinders seized The cylinders were seized from 335 locations. Pic/PTI Authorities in Chhattisgarh have seized 3841 LPG cylinders from 335 locations in a crackdown on hoarding over the past two weeks. The review, chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, comes amid concerns linked to the West Asia conflict. “The supply chain remains completely smooth and normal, and no shortages… will be allowed,” Sai said. Officials added 97 FIRs were registered, while maintaining there is no shortage of LPG or petroleum products in the state. PM Modi makes calls Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke to Crown Prince and PM of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reiterating India’s condemnation of attacks on regional energy infrastructure. “Discussed the ongoing conflict in West Asia [with Prince Mohammed bin Salman]… Thanked him for his continued support for the welfare of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia,” he said in a tweet. Modi has also spoken to several world leaders since the conflict started and they include those from the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Iran, France, Israel, and Malaysia. US President Donald Trump has also spoken to Modi following which the Prime Minister said he “had a useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia”. This was the first interaction between Trump and Modi since February 28. The New York Times had earlier reported that billionaire Elon Musk was also on this call. A spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, however, denies this claim. 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
29 March,2026 09:14 AM IST | Ahmedabad | AgenciesIn 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 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.
28 March,2026 11:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA 16-year-old boy has been detained for allegedly sexually abusing a minor girl in Beed, a city in central Maharashtra, news agency PTI reported, quoting the police on Wednesday. "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,” an officer said. After reaching home, the girl narrated the incident to her mother, who lodged a complaint with Pethbeed Police station on Tuesday, PTI reported. The police further stated that the accused teenager has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act following the complaint and was later detained and sent to a remand home. 15-year-old Thane girl ‘sold’ and sexually assaulted under guise of marriage The Thane Police have arrested four individuals, including the 'husband' of a 15-year-old tribal girl, for abduction and sexual assault. The minor, who was taken 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 officer said. 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, stated 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)
28 March,2026 10:04 PM IST | Beed | mid-day online correspondentPresident Droupadi Murmu visited the Ram temple in Ayodhya on Thursday and installed a 150-kg gold-plated metal plate called the 'Shri Ram Yantra' as part of special religious ceremonies. "President Droupadi Murmu offered prayers at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in the sacred Ayodhya Dham," read a post on the official X handle of the President of India. "On this occasion, she installed the 'Shri Ram Yantra' in the divine temple, in the presence of the Governor of Uttar Pradesh Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Mata Amritanandamayi, and other dignitaries. She offered prayers and performed the aarti at the Ramlala Temple, praying to Lord Ramlala for the happiness and prosperity of all," the post added. 150-kg gold-plated square metal plate features engraved Vedic and 'beej' mantras President Murmu was received in Ayodhya by Governor Patel, Chief Minister (CM) Adityanath, and Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak. Temple trust member Anil Mishra said the metal plate, based on Vedic mathematics, is designed to generate positive spiritual energy and symbolises the divine presence of Lord Ram, PTI reported. The 150-kg gold-plated square metal plate features engraved Vedic and 'beej' mantras. It has been modelled on the Shri Ram Yantra of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham and was crafted under the guidance of Swami Vijayendra Saraswati, Mishra said, reported PTI. Heavy security and traffic restrictions in place across Ayodhya for President Murmu’s visit He added that the metal plate was brought to Ayodhya in a ceremonial procession from Tirupati Devasthanam about two years ago and has since been worshipped daily. It will be installed on the second floor of the temple during the auspicious 'abhijit muhurat', as part of rituals linked to Chaitra Navratri and the Hindu New Year. Meanwhile, security has been tightened across Ayodhya for the president's visit. Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Grover stated that over 7,000 personnel have been deployed at the temple complex and across the city, with additional forces stationed at sensitive locations. As per PTI, traffic restrictions have also been imposed, with authorities urging residents and devotees to cooperate and avoid restricted zones, officials said. (Inputs from PTI)
28 March,2026 09:58 PM IST | Ayodhya (UP) | mid-day online correspondentAssam MP Pradyut Bordoloi on Thursday said his decision to resign from the Congress and join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was not taken in haste but was the outcome of prolonged dissatisfaction within the party. Speaking to IANS, Bordoloi said a series of developments and a growing disconnect with the party leadership prompted his move. "It's a long story. It's not that I have taken a hasty decision all of a sudden. There has been a series of developments, and somehow, I was feeling that kind of empathy or camaraderie within the party circle was not there. The party has not been responsive. I wanted to actually discuss some issues, and then things were compounded when PCC leadership also started ignoring us. I found that there has been a trust deficit among the senior leaders of the party. In such a suffocating situation, I thought that I could not play a meaningful role," said Bordoloi. He indicated that a lack of responsiveness in the party leadership contributed significantly to his decision to switch political allegiance, reported IANS. Assam Assembly Elections 2026: BJP nominates Bordoloi from Dispur Assembly Constituency Responding to a query about his son Prateek Bordoloi, he said, "He was given a ticket by the Congress party from my old Assembly constituency, Margherita. That's my hometown in Assam. But I have no idea because I haven't had a word with him. These days, he doesn't talk much to me." BJP nominated Prateek Bordoloi from the Dispur Assembly Constituency, marking a significant shift in the political landscape ahead of the Assam Assembly Elections. On Thursday, Bordoloi withdrew his candidature from the Margherita Assembly Constituency. He cited “present circumstances” following his father’s decision to leave Congress and join the BJP. In a letter addressed to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who also chairs the party’s Central Election Committee, Prateek Bordoloi conveyed his decision with “utmost respect and a deep sense of responsibility towards the party.” Denied ticket, Assam legislator quits BJP In a significant political development ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Nihar Ranjan Das resigned from the party's primary membership on Thursday after being denied a ticket from the Dholai Assembly Constituency in the Barak Valley region. (With inputs from IANS)
28 March,2026 09:49 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | mid-day online correspondentCongress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday strongly condemned the violence in Uttam Nagar, Delhi, urging residents not to fall for “any provocation”. He accused the BJP of instigating communal tensions in the area, describing the incident as part of a broader strategy to divert attention from critical national issues. Gandhi took to X, stating, “The people of Uttam Nagar have paid a heavy price for the violence - on one side, a young man, Tarun, lost his life, and on the other, an entire family is facing persecution. They don't want any more bloodshed. Bloodshed is what only the BJP and its ecosystem desire, which seizes every opportunity to bake the bread of violence on the griddle of hate.” उत्तम नगर के लोगों ने हिंसा की भारी कीमत चुकाई है - एक तरफ एक जवान लड़के, तरुण, की जान चली गई, दूसरी तरफ एक पूरा परिवार उत्पीड़न का सामना कर रहा है।उन्हें और खून-खराबा नहीं चाहिए।खून-खराबा केवल BJP और उसका इकोसिस्टम चाहता है, जो नफ़रत के तवे पर हिंसा की रोटी सेंकने के हर मौके… — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 19, 2026 Allegations of distraction amid trade deal The Congress leader also linked the alleged communal tensions to the India-US trade deal, suggesting that the ruling party seeks to keep the public engaged in Hindu-Muslim strife while diverting attention from concerns over India’s defence, energy security, food security, and strategic sovereignty. He appealed to Delhi residents to promote unity and harmony, writing, “An appeal to the residents of Delhi: Do not fall for any provocation - the strength of the country lies in our unity, brotherhood, and love. Connect, connect; unite India.” Legal action and court hearings Amid ongoing communal tensions, the Delhi High Court has listed two matters regarding police security in Uttam Nagar ahead of Eid. One Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and another petition have been filed seeking preventive measures to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents during the festival. One petitioner mentioned that a request for preventive action had already been made to the Delhi Police, but no action had been taken. Both cases are scheduled for hearing today, raising attention to possible threats in the area. Uttam Nagar incident The Uttam Nagar violence occurred on March 4 during Holi celebrations, reportedly over a minor dispute involving a balloon. The disagreement escalated into a violent clash, during which a young man named Tarun was assaulted and later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities have launched a thorough investigation to determine the exact sequence of events and identify those responsible. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police and local administration are taking extra precautions to prevent any repeat incidents, especially with the upcoming Eid festival, which sees large gatherings in Uttam Nagar. The community has been urged to remain calm and avoid any actions that could further escalate tensions. (With PTI Inputs)
28 March,2026 09:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe government on Saturday said that more than 54 lakh LPG refills were delivered in a single day, assuring that domestic cylinder supply remains uninterrupted despite global geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains, reported news agency IANS. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, there have been no reports of shortages at LPG distributorships across the country, and deliveries continue as per schedule, reported IANS. Online bookings surge as demand remains steady The ministry noted a sharp increase in online LPG bookings, which rose to 91 per cent across the industry, indicating stable consumer demand and efficient distribution systems. To curb diversion and ensure transparency, Delivery Authentication Code (DAC)-based deliveries have significantly increased from 53 per cent in February 2026 to 84 per cent currently. Refineries operating at high capacity Officials stated that all refineries are functioning at high capacity, supported by adequate crude oil inventories. The government also confirmed that domestic LPG production has been ramped up to meet rising consumption needs, reported IANS. In addition, India maintains sufficient reserves of petrol and diesel, ensuring uninterrupted availability at fuel stations nationwide. Priority supply for households and transport sector The government said that domestic consumers remain a priority, with 100 per cent supply ensured for household PNG connections and CNG used in transport. However, supply to industrial and commercial consumers connected to gas grids is currently being maintained at around 80 per cent of their average consumption, as part of demand management measures. Crackdown on hoarding and black marketing Authorities have intensified enforcement measures to prevent hoarding and illegal diversion of LPG cylinders. Nearly 2,900 raids were conducted across states and Union Territories, resulting in the seizure of over 1,700 cylinders in a single day, reported IANS. Public sector oil marketing companies have also issued more than 390 show-cause notices to LPG distributors found violating norms. No shortage of petrol and diesel; panic buying addressed The government reiterated that all fuel stations across India are functioning normally, with adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available, reported IANS. It acknowledged instances of panic buying in certain areas, attributing the rush to misinformation and rumours. This led to temporary crowding and unusually high sales at some retail outlets. To ease the burden on consumers, the government has also reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre. Reassuring citizens, officials urged the public to avoid panic purchases and rely only on official communication regarding fuel availability, emphasising that the overall supply situation remains stable and well-managed. (With inputs from IANS)
28 March,2026 07:27 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the much-anticipated Noida International Airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, marking a major milestone in the expansion of India’s aviation infrastructure. During the visit, PM Modi also toured an exhibition that showcased the construction journey of the airport project, news agency IANS reported. He was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The inauguration of Phase-I of Noida International Airport marks a major step in Uttar Pradesh’s growth story and India’s aviation future. https://t.co/8OLduHTZU8 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 28, 2026 The ambitious airport project, developed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, has been completed with an investment of approximately Rs 11,200 crore, with Phase-1 now ready to commence operations. According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the airport is envisioned as a key international gateway for the National Capital Region (NCR) and is expected to significantly strengthen India’s airport infrastructure while enhancing both regional and global connectivity. The Noida International Airport will serve as the second international airport for the Delhi-NCR region, complementing the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Together, the two airports are expected to function as an integrated aviation network, reducing congestion, increasing passenger handling capacity and positioning Delhi-NCR among leading global aviation hubs. Jewar airport to begin operations with 12-million passenger capacity Considered one of the largest greenfield airport projects in the country, the facility will initially handle around 12 million passengers annually, with the capacity to scale up to 70 million passengers per annum upon full development, IANS reported. The airport features a 3,900-metre-long runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft, along with advanced navigation infrastructure such as instrument landing system (ILS) and modern airfield lighting to ensure efficient, all-weather and round-the-clock operations. It also includes a comprehensive cargo ecosystem, with a multi-modal cargo hub comprising an Integrated Cargo Terminal and logistics zones. The cargo facility is designed to handle more than 2.5 lakh metric tonnes annually in the initial phase, with expansion potential up to around 18 lakh metric tonnes, IANS reported. Additionally, a dedicated 40-acre maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility has been developed, the PMO said. The airport has been designed as a sustainable and future-ready infrastructure project, aiming to operate as a net-zero emissions facility through the use of energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible practices. Its architectural design reflects Indian heritage, incorporating elements inspired by traditional ghats and havelis, blending cultural aesthetics with modern infrastructure. Extensive security arrangements were put in place for the inauguration event. The entire region was divided into multiple security zones, with heavy deployment of police and paramilitary personnel at key points. Surveillance was intensified in and around the venue to ensure that the programme was conducted smoothly without any untoward incidents. (With IANS inputs)
28 March,2026 04:03 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentLeader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday, accused West Bengal Chief Minister (CM) Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government in the state of indulging in 'atrocities'. He made the accusation upon his arrival in the state's Bhabanipur constituency to campaign for the upcoming assembly elections. West Bengal will vote in two phases in the assembly elections scheduled to be held on April 23 and April 29. The results will be announced on May 4. TMC tried to block visit, alleges Adhikari Adhikari will contest the election from the Bhabanipur constituency. While speaking to reporters, the BJP leader said, "After I came here, hawkers, taxi drivers, small shopkeepers, all of them are saying that they are fed up with Mamata Banerjee's atrocities. They have asked me to save them. I have given them my mobile number. I have come here to save them." The Bengal Leader of Opposition claimed that the Trinamool Congress had kept 20 of its workers in the area since morning, before his arrival. "To obstruct me, to show black flags and do such things," he said, adding, "They fled before I came here. It is a good signal." "The beginning has been made; Mamata (Banerjee) should go. What we are witnessing today is the wave of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a tide of change. This voting trend will soon turn into a tsunami", stated Adhikari. Adhikari predicts Mamata's defeat by 25,000-30,000 votes in Bhabanipur Of the 294 assembly constituencies in West Bengal that will go to the polls next month, the spotlight is on the Bhabanipur Assembly Constituency, where CM Banerjee will lock horns with Adhikari, in what is expected to be a high-stakes battle. "The party workers wanted, and PM Modi gave me (this opportunity). You can assume that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will lose by 25,000 to 30,000 votes," he said. Adhikari is also contesting simultaneously from the Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district, where he has been a two-time legislator, first for the Trinamool Congress from 2016 to 2021 and then for the BJP from 2021 onwards. One of the key factors that makes this contest particularly significant is the community-wise voter distribution in Bhabanipur, a post-delimitation constituency formed in 2011 by merging the erstwhile Alipore Assembly Constituency with parts of the Chowrangee Assembly Constituency in south Kolkata. (With inputs from IANS)
28 March,2026 04:01 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1773913231871_d.png "President Droupadi Murmu at Ayodhya Ram Mandir. Pic/X")
-1773915737102_d.png "Assam MP Pradyut Bordoloi resigns from Congress and joins BJP. Pic/PTI")
-1773915515993_d.png "Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. File Pic")
-1773916888976_d.png "Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. File Pic")