In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment towards strengthening preventive healthcare for girls, the 90-day Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive was launched in Jammu and Kashmir's Bhaderwah on Tuesday. The 90-day Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive commenced in Bhaderwah with its formal inauguration at the Sub-District Hospital Bhaderwah. The campaign was inaugurated by ADC Bhaderwah Sunil Kumar Butyal in the presence of Block Medical Officer Bhaderwah Dr Varsha Sharma. During the inaugural session, the first batch of 10 girls aged 14 years received the HPV vaccine. Health officials informed that girls in the age group of 14 to 15 years across Addational District Bhaderwah will benefit from the vaccination campaign aimed at preventing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a leading cause of cervical cancer. Speaking on the occasion, ADC Sunil Kumar Butyal emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare and urged parents to ensure their eligible daughters participate in the campaign. He lauded the efforts of the Health Department for spreading awareness and ensuring smooth implementation of the drive. Officials urged parents to actively participate and support the campaign, highlighting that prevention today ensures a healthier tomorrow. Sharing her experience, a 14-year-old girl said that she protected themselves from a deadly disease while expressing her happiness after taking the HPV vaccine. "Today I protected myself from a deadly disease. I feel safe and happy after taking the HPV vaccine," she said. Another girl said, "We learned that HPV can cause dangerous illnesses like cervical cancer. By taking this vaccine, I have taken a strong step to protect my life." 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 01:19 PM IST | Bhaderwah | ANIAbdul Majeed Hakeem Ilahi, Special representative of the supreme leader of Iran said that US President Donald Trump contradicted himself as he had said earlier that the US has obliterated Iran's nuclear weapons, and again attacked Iran now. Ilahi, in a conversation with ANI, said that Iran had said several times that it was not trying to procure nuclear weapons, as it is not permitted as per their religious scriptures. "Actually, during the 12 days war with America, several times President Trump announced that they demolish new nuclear powers of Iran. And he said, completely, we demolish it. Why they want to agains demolish it? If it was demolished, if it was damaged and finished completely, why they want to attack again? This is something that is not understandable and is not reasonable. What they want?" "If they want to demolish nuclear power of Iran, several time Iranian officials announced that we are not going to have nuclear weapons because based on the statement and fatwa of the Supreme Leader of Iran, it is haram, it is forbidden and we cannot have it. And we are not looking for that one. We don't want it. Several times, hundreds of times, thousand times, it has been mentioned by Iranian officials by supreme leader, by the president, by the minister of foreign affairs, but they are not accepting. They want to get another excuse and attack Iran," he said. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief also announced that Iran does not have any nuclear weaponry, he said. "Actually, never he said, even yesterday he announced Iran never has nuclear weapons. He announced it. And even before that, also several times he announced that Iran doesn't have an intention to have nuclear weapons. He announced it several times, but sometimes under the pressure of these countries, he mentioned something which you can translate it in different ways," he said. Ilahi said that Iran doesn't want to make things difficult for the world, but other countries must know that onus lies with the US and Israel to stop the war. "Never Iran wants to bring difficulties and problems and suffering to any countries. We know that. But the other countries also, they have to know. They should come, they have to say to America, to Israel regime that they have to stop the war. They should not encourage them. They have to say this war is not in the benefit of anyone. The countries they can't stop America from attacking us. They have to condemn American attacks. Otherwise, what do have to do?" Ilahi said. Ilahi said that Iran never supported terrorism. They ideologically supported Lebanon and Palestine, but did not attack other countries. "Actually, Iran never, ever supported any terrorist organisations. Never supported any terrorist organizations. Yes, spirituality, Iran supported some organization in Lebanon for defending themselves, not defending Iran, not defending any other. While Zionist regime, attack Lebanon and came to the middle of Lebanon and occupied the Lebanon up to Beirut. What they have to do? These people, youth people, they rose out and they started defend themselves and Iran supported them, supported them spirituality. And even some group, another group in Palestine, yes, Iran supported them spiritually to defend themselves, not attack any other countries. Not attack any other countries," he said. Meanwhile, as per Financial Times, nearly all the traffic cameras in Tehran had been hacked for years, their images encrypted and transmitted to servers in Tel Aviv and southern Israel, according to two people familiar with the matter. The capabilities were part of a years-long intelligence campaign that helped pave the way for the ayatollah's assassination. This source of real-time data -- one of hundreds of different streams of intelligence -- was not the only way Israel and the CIA were able to determine exactly what time 86-year-old Khamenei would be in his offices this fateful Saturday morning and who would be joining him. 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 01:12 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe Government of Telangana, under the directions of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in certain Middle East (West Asia) countries, an official statement said. According to the statement from the Telangana Government, since the establishment of the 24x7 Control Room at Telangana Bhavan in Delhi, more than 200 enquiries have been received from Telangana citizens residing in the affected region and from their family members in Telangana. The Government mentioned that most enquiries relate to travel disruptions, safety concerns, and requests for guidance regarding coordination with the concerned Indian Embassies. The Control Room is providing necessary assistance, facilitating communication, and extending support in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and the respective Indian Missions. Resident Commissioner Shashank Goel is constantly monitoring the functioning of the Control Room and reviewing the assistance being extended to Telangana citizens. Senior officials at Telangana Bhavan remain in continuous contact with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure timely information and appropriate support to Telangana citizens, wherever required. For those seeking support, Telangana citizens in the Middle East and their families in Telangana are encouraged to reach out to the 24x7 Control Room at Telangana Bhavan, New Delhi. Dedicated assistance is available through Vandana Barua at +91 9871999044, C H Chakravarthi at +91 9958322143, Javed Husain at +91 9910014749, and Rakshit Naik at +91 9643723157. Earlier in a separate development, the Consulate General of India, Jeddah, announced that it is extending full support to Indian nationals travelling on special flights from Jeddah amid regional travel disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in the West Asia region. The Consulate said Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, accompanied by senior officials, visited King Abdulaziz International Airport to review arrangements for Indian passengers departing on non-scheduled flights to various destinations in India. "Consul General, Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, accompanied by Consulate officials, visited King Abdulaziz International Airport today to meet Indian nationals travelling on non-scheduled flights from Jeddah to various destinations in India. These flights are being operated by Indian carriers to address recent regional travel disruptions. He reviewed on-ground arrangements, interacted with passengers and airline staff, and assured them of the Consulate's full support," the Consulate posted on X. 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 01:05 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIUttar 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 correspondentADVERTISEMENT
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