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Hotlines for one crore Indians

New Delhi has set up an emergency control room as tensions between the United States and Iran escalate across West Asia, with the government closely monitoring the safety of nearly one crore Indian citizens living and working in the region. The move follows the Feb 28 US military strike in Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering retaliatory attacks by Iran on Israeli and American military targets across several Gulf countries. Smoke plume billows following an explosion in Fujairah industrial zone Situation in a snapshot Trigger eventFeb 28: US launches military strikes in Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. AftermathIran launches retaliatory attacks targeting Israeli and US military bases across West Asia. Purpose >> Assistance to Indians in the region>> Coordination with embassies>> Crisis monitoring across the region of the West Asia India’s response Emergency control room activatedContact numbers (9 am to 9 pm)Toll free: 1800-118-797 Direct lines:+91 11 2301 2113+91 11 2301 4104+91 11 2301 7905 Who they are Category    Presence Workers    Large migrant workforce across GulfProfessionals Engineers, healthcare, ITStudents    Medical students in Iran and nearby countriesBusiness owners Trading and service sector 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

05 March,2026 08:51 AM IST | New Delhi | Agencies
Maharashtra makes e-crop registration easier with offline Mode. Representational Pic

Maharashtra govt introduces offline system for e-crop registration

The Maharashtra government has introduced a new system to help farmers complete e-crop sowing registration even in areas with poor internet connectivity and technical issues. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule told the state assembly that farmers can now take photos of their standing crops offline using their mobile phones, news agency PTI reported. “The images will automatically upload to the system once the network becomes available,” the minister said, addressing concerns raised by MLA Anil Patil during the Budget Session in the state assembly. This new facility aims to ensure that farmers in remote areas are not left out of the registration process due to connectivity problems. Maharashtra Budget Session 2026: Crop registration to get easier The e-crop registration system has been operational since 2021 and is strictly enforced from 2025-26. However, farmers in rural areas often face difficulties due to network issues, server downtime, GPS errors, and unavailability of officials. To overcome these challenges, the Digital Crop Survey (DCS) system has been activated.  "The government aims that nearly 80 per cent of the registrations should be completed directly by farmers," the minister said , while the remaining entries are handled by the Revenue Department as per PTI reports. In cases where farmers face technical difficulties, village-level officials such as talathis and revenue assistants step in to help complete the registration. Farmers are required to complete the registration process within 55 days of sowing, after which the department completes the remaining steps. This ensures timely and accurate registration of crops, which is essential for government support and subsidies. Maharashtra Budget Session 2026: Photo upload facility likely to reduce disruptions Minister Bawankule also noted that the e-crop system is built on a platform developed by the Centre, so there are certain technical limitations at the state level. Despite this, the government is taking steps to resolve farmers’ grievances and improve implementation. The offline photo upload facility is expected to reduce disruptions caused by poor connectivity, server errors, and other technical issues. This step will make crop registration smoother, faster, and more farmer-friendly, ensuring that farmers across Maharashtra can easily register their crops and access government schemes without unnecessary delays or difficulties. (With PTI Inputs)

04 March,2026 08:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
File Photo

Air India adds Delhi flights to Toronto, Frankfurt, Paris amid travel surge

In response to increased travel demand arising from the ongoing situation in West Asia, Air India has announced the deployment of additional flight capacity on select international routes connecting Delhi with Toronto, Frankfurt, and Paris (Charles de Gaulle). The airline said the move aims to provide more travel options for passengers while ensuring smoother connectivity for those travelling between India and key global destinations. Additional Flights Between Delhi and Toronto Air India will operate three additional flights between Delhi and Toronto from March 5 to March 11. The additional services are expected to help accommodate the surge in passenger demand on the India–Canada route during this period. In response to high demand amid the ongoing situation in West Asia, Air India is deploying additional capacity to Toronto, Frankfurt, and Paris (Charles de Gaulle).From 5 to 11 March, we’re operating 3 additional flights between Delhi and Toronto. From 7 to 10 March, we’ve… pic.twitter.com/7btNVx5SZj — Air India Newsroom (@AirIndia_News) March 4, 2026 The airline said these flights will provide greater flexibility for travellers looking to connect through Delhi to other destinations across its network. Extra Services to Frankfurt and Paris To further support international travel demand, Air India will also add three additional flights between Delhi and Frankfurt between March 7 and March 10. In addition, the airline will operate one extra flight between Delhi and Paris (Charles de Gaulle) during the same period. These flights are intended to enhance connectivity between India and Europe while assisting passengers seeking alternate travel arrangements. Improved Connectivity Across Domestic and Southeast Asia Network According to the airline, the additional services will enable passengers travelling on these routes to access convenient onward connections through Delhi to several destinations across Air India’s domestic network and Southeast Asia routes. The airline noted that its extensive network will help travellers reach various cities in India and neighbouring regions with minimal transit delays. Airline Monitoring Situation for Further Expansion Air India stated that it is continuously monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia and assessing passenger demand on these routes. The airline added that it may operate additional flights beyond March 11 depending on the travel requirements and the overall situation. With the deployment of extra services, Air India aims to ease passenger movement and ensure smoother international connectivity during the current travel surge. 24 flights being operated to facilitate movemement of stranded passengers amid West Asia conflict Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Wednesday said that Special arrangements are being made to facilitate the movement of stranded passengers in the Gulf region as tensions in West Asia rise.A total of 24 flights are being operated by Indian carriers today. In addition, Emirates and Etihad have operated 9 flights from the Gulf in the last 24 hours, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said.

04 March,2026 06:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
International Monetray Fund. File Pic

'Too early to assess economic impact': IMF on West Asia conflict

Amid 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.

04 March,2026 05:21 PM IST | New Delhi | ANI
 Finnish President Alexander Stubb being accorded a Guard of Honour upon his arrival at the Palam Air Force Station, in New Delhi. PIC/PTI

Finnish President Stubb begins 4 day visit to India to shore up strategic ties

Finnish President Alexander Stubb began a four-day visit to India on Wednesday to shore up bilateral cooperation across a wide spectrum of areas, including trade, investment and critical technology. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, welcoming Stubb, said his visit will take India-Finland relations to "new heights"Stubb will hold talks with Prime Minister Modi on Thursday following which the two sides are expected to firm up a number of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to boost cooperation in a number of sectors. The crisis in West Asia is likely to feature prominently in the meeting. "The visit will further strengthen the relations between Finland and India, including in the area of trade," Stubb said on social media before leaving for New Delhi. The Finnish president will be the chief guest at the inaugural session of the Raisina Dialogue on Thursday evening. "Welcome to India, President Alexander Stubb. I fully agree with you, your visit will take India-Finland relations to new heights. I eagerly look forward to our meeting tomorrow and to your keynote address at the Raisina Dialogue 2026," Modi said on X in response to Stubb's remarks. The Finnish president was accorded a warm welcome at the airport by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh. "India and Finland share a warm and friendly relationship rooted in shared democratic values. President Stubb's visit will impart further energy to India-Finland relations," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on social media. Stubb is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials and business leaders. The president's visit to India comes weeks after Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo travelled to New Delhi for the AI Impact Summit. The Finnish president will also meet President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C P Radhakrishnan. Stubb will travel to Mumbai on Friday where he is scheduled to meet several business leaders. The Finnish leader will conclude his visit on Saturday. 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 05:12 PM IST | New Delhi | PTI
The cancellations affected several important routes linking Bengaluru with major West Asian cities. Representational Pic/File

West Asia war: 34 flights cancelled at Bengaluru airport amid tensions

As many as 34 international flights were cancelled at Kempegowda International Airport on Wednesday due to disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, reported the PTI. Airport officials confirmed that 18 incoming and 16 outgoing flights were cancelled on March 4 because of airspace restrictions in the affected region. The restrictions remained in force until 11.59 pm. The cancellations affected several important routes linking Bengaluru with major West Asian cities. These included flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Dubai and Doha, as per the PTI. Passengers travelling on these sectors were advised to check with their respective airlines for updates. Help desk set up at T-2 In response to the disruption, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates the airport, set up a dedicated help desk at the kerbside of Terminal 2. Officials said the help desk is providing on-ground support, coordinating transport arrangements, assisting with emergency requirements and addressing passenger queries until airline representatives reach the terminal, as per the PTI. Single-window support for passengers Given that several international carriers operate from the airport, the help desk is functioning as a single-window assistance centre. It is guiding passengers to the appropriate ground handling agencies responsible for each airline, the news agency reported. Additional passenger amenities To ease inconvenience, the airport authorities have arranged basic facilities at the kerbside, including seating, drinking water, snacks, medical assistance, sanitary pads and mobile charging stations. A temporary feeding facility has also been set up. Wheelchairs are being provided on request for passengers requiring special assistance. Airport officials said efforts are ongoing to ensure passenger safety and minimise inconvenience during the period of disruption. India sets up special control room, here’s full list of helpline numbers The 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) (with PTI inputs)

04 March,2026 03:37 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pic/PTI

PM Modi's focus on preventive healthcare; HPV vaccination drive launched in J&K

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 | ANI
Donald Trump. Pic/AFP

Iran leader’s India representative questions Trump over renewed attacks

Abdul 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 | ANI
Revanth Reddy

Over 200 enquiries have been received at the control room set up in New Delhi

The 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 | ANI
Uttar Pardesh CM Yogi Adityanath. File Pic

India celebrates Holi amid global unrest, UP CM lauds PM Modi’s leadership

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday praised the festive spirit of Holi 2026, saying the festival is bringing joy and enthusiasm across India even as much of the world grapples with turmoil, reported ANI.  Speaking at the Lord Narasimha Shobha Yatra, the CM lauded the country’s leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, “While the world faces disarray, unrest, and an atmosphere of anarchy, India is celebrating Holi with happiness and enthusiasm.” He added that the nation remains free of fear, chaos, or distrust during the festivities. According to ANI, the Chief Minister asserted that the nation is driven by the spirit of “Satyameva Jayate,” adding, “If corruption is thriving anywhere, we must burn it, and if anarchy, terrorism, or extremism attempts to raise its head, we must also destroy it.” Holi celebrations are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. The festival begins with the ritual of lighting a bonfire, known as Holika Dahan. The following day marks the more widely celebrated aspect of Holi, when people immerse themselves in joy and togetherness by playing with colours. 100th anniversary celebrations of RSS announced, including nationwide marches The CM also praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as the “world’s largest cultural organisation,” declaring that marches in honour of the RSS’s 100th anniversary would take place. “The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, which is the world’s largest cultural organisation, has had millions of pracharaks and swayamsevaks who, under its aegis, have dedicated their entire lives to the honour, pride, and glory of Hindus, to the traditions of India’s Sanatan Dharma, and to India’s unity and integrity,” he said, the news agency reported.  Referring to the 100-year milestone of the RSS, the CM announced that they would take part in the Lord Narasimha Shobha Yatra. “Hindu conferences are underway to strengthen social harmony; every section of society is participating in them, and there is no disorder anywhere,” he added. Founded in 1925 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the RSS was established as a volunteer-based organisation with the goal of fostering cultural awareness, discipline, service, and social responsibility among citizens. (With inputs from ANI)

04 March,2026 12:49 PM IST | Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) | mid-day online correspondent
The move is part of wider efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of Indians living and working in the region. File Pic

India sets up special control room, here’s full list of helpline numbers

The 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 correspondent
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