The Central Government has maintained the retail inflation target at four per cent for the five-year period starting April 1, 2026, and ending March 31, 2031. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, the upper tolerance level remains at six per cent while the lower limit is set at two per cent. The Department of Economic Affairs, under the Ministry of Finance, issued the official notification on March 25, 2026. The order states that "in exercise of the powers conferred by section 45ZA of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 (2 of 1934), the Central Government, in consultation with the Bank, hereby notifies the inflation target" for the specified period. The document clarifies the parameters as "Inflation Target: Four per cent. Upper tolerance level: Six per cent. Lower tolerance level: Two per cent." This decision ensures the mandate for the Reserve Bank of India remains unchanged as the country enters the new fiscal cycle. The latest extension mirrors the policy architecture India adopted in 2016 when it transitioned to a formal inflation-targeting framework. This system placed the responsibility of price stability on the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), a six-member body headed by the RBI Governor that calibrates interest rates to keep retail inflation anchored. The MPC first took up this mandate during its inaugural meeting in October 2016, with an initial term that ran through March 31, 2021. Since that period concluded, the Centre has consistently opted to stick with the original 4 per cent goal. This latest notification marks the second consecutive instance where the government has formally chosen to keep the existing inflation targets unchanged. The notification comes at a time when retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), showed a reading of 3.21 per cent for February 2026. Earlier in March, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation noted that corresponding inflation rates for rural and urban areas were 3.37 per cent and 3.02 per cent, respectively. Overall, the headline inflation was an increase of 47 basis points on a year-on-year basis in February 2026. On a month-on-month, there had been a decrease of more than 10 per cent observed in the index of Tomato, Peas and Cauliflower in February 2026 with respect to January, 2026. Inflation rate based on All India Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) for the month of February, 2026 over February, 2025 was 3.47 per cent (Provisional). Corresponding inflation rates for rural and urban were 3.46 per cent and 3.48 per cent, respectively. Top five States (having more than 50 lakhs population as per Census 2011) with highest inflation in February, 2026 were Telangana, Rajasthan, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal, data showed. Real time price data is collected from selected 1407 urban Markets (including online markets) and 1465 villages covering all States/UTs through personal visits by field staff of Field Operations Division of NSO, MoSPI on a weekly roster. During the month of February, 2026, prices were collected from 100 per cent rural and urban markets while the market-wise prices reported therein were 99.89 per cent for rural markets and 99.78 per cent for urban markets. CPI for March 2026 will be released on April 13, 2026 (Monday) or the next working day in case of 13th being a holiday. 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
26 March,2026 09:40 AM IST | New Delhi | ANICastigating the Haryana Police for its “shameful” and “insensitive” approach in the rape case of a three-year-old, the Supreme Court on Wednesday constituted a Special Investigation Team of women IPS officers to conduct a fair investigation into the crime that took place in Gurugram. The bench rapped the Haryana Police for downgrading the offence from a harsher provision to a milder one in its FIR filed under the POCSO Act. 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
26 March,2026 08:53 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesA 42-year-old tourist from Bengaluru was seriously injured after allegedly being attacked by nearly 20 employees of a Goa beach shack, police said on Wednesday. Kaushat Pasha was allegedly assaulted by the group at Calangute beach over a petty quarrel on Tuesday evening. The tourist was admitted to the district government hospital in Mapusa for serious injuries to the skull, police said, adding that a case has been filed. 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
26 March,2026 08:48 AM IST | Panaji | AgenciesA 22-year-old man was arrested in Goa's Quepem for illegal possession of suspected ganja worth around Rs. 30,000, officials said on Wednesday. Quepem Police has registered a case against the accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. A police team, led by Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Digamber Bondre of Quepem Police Station, apprehended the accused on Tuesday at Nirmal Nagar area of Quepem in South Goa. According to the police, around 297 grams of greenish leafy substance with flowering and fruiting tops suspected to be ganja, all worth approximately Rs. 30,000 was recovered. The accused, identified as Zakir Pirzade, is a local, a resident of Quepem in Goa, police said. As part of the operation, police also recovered cash worth Rs. 20,000, one mobile phone, and one Fascino scooter, collectively valued at approximately Rs.1,50,000, from the accused. He was produced before a Judicial Magistrate which sent him to three-days of police custody. Police said that he is being interrogated to ascertain the source of procurement and backward and forward linkages in the matter. Officials said that further investigation in the case is in progress with PSI Digamber Bondre, under the supervision of PI Prashal Dessai, SDPO Quepem Ashish Shirodkar, and SP South Santosh Dessai. Earlier, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), in February, had provisionally attached immovable properties valued at approximately Rs 7.17 crore in Goa as part of a major money laundering investigation linked to international narcotics trafficking. The action, which was carried out by the ED’s Panaji Zonal Office, targeted assets allegedly acquired through the illicit trade of commercial-grade drugs. The investigation was initiated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following a complaint filed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Goa, in March 2021. The case named Ugochukwu Solomon Ubabuko, Infinity John (alias David/Valentine Ejezie), and Prasad Prakash Walke as key accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. 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.
25 March,2026 07:10 PM IST | Panaji | IANSThe Centre on Wednesday assured that supplies of LPG, petrol, and diesel remain stable across the country, urging citizens not to engage in panic buying amid concerns triggered by global developments, reported news agency IANS. The government said no “dry-outs” have been reported at LPG distributorships or fuel stations, and deliveries are continuing as usual. No Shortage, Retail Outlets Operating Normally According to an official update, all petrol pumps and LPG distribution centres are functioning normally, with sufficient stocks available nationwide. Authorities noted that panic buying in some areas was driven by rumours, leading to temporary crowding and increased sales. However, the government reiterated that there is no disruption in supply, reported IANS. Refineries Running at Full Capacity The government said all domestic refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude oil inventories. Stocks of petrol and diesel are sufficient, while domestic LPG production has been ramped up to meet consumer demand, reported IANS. These measures are part of a coordinated response to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability despite global uncertainties. Partial Restoration of Commercial LPG Supply The Centre has restored up to 20 per cent of commercial LPG supply to consumers and is considering an additional 10 per cent allocation linked to the expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure. Priority continues to be given to domestic consumption, particularly for household cooking and transport needs. Citizens Advised to Avoid Panic Purchases The government appealed to citizens to avoid panic buying and rely only on official sources for updates. Consumers have also been encouraged to use digital platforms for booking LPG cylinders instead of visiting distributors physically, reported IANS. Officials stressed that unnecessary stockpiling could strain supply chains despite adequate availability. Push for Alternative Energy Options In light of supply pressures caused by global geopolitical tensions, the government has encouraged the use of alternative fuels such as piped natural gas (PNG), electric cooking appliances, and induction cooktops. City Gas Distribution companies, including Indraprastha Gas Limited, Mahanagar Gas Limited, GAIL Gas Limited, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, are offering incentives to promote PNG connections. Crackdown on Hoarding and Black Marketing To prevent illegal activities, enforcement agencies have intensified inspections across states and Union Territories. More than 2,700 raids have been conducted, leading to the seizure of around 2,000 LPG cylinders, reported IANS. Additionally, over 1,700 surprise inspections were carried out by oil marketing companies, resulting in more than 650 FIRs and 155 arrests. Priority Allocation for Essential Sectors The government said it is maintaining 100 per cent supply for domestic PNG and CNG requirements, while industrial and commercial users connected to the grid are receiving around 80 per cent of their usual supply, reported IANS. City gas operators have been directed to prioritise PNG connections for commercial establishments such as restaurants, hotels, and canteens. Additional Kerosene Allocation to States To further support energy needs, an additional allocation of 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene has been made to states and Union Territories. Authorities have been asked to streamline distribution at the district level, reported IANS. Govt Reassures Stability Amid Global Uncertainty The Centre reiterated that adequate fuel stocks are available and that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure uninterrupted supply. With global tensions continuing to impact energy markets, the government has urged citizens to remain calm, conserve energy, and avoid spreading or acting on unverified information. (With inputs from IANS)
25 March,2026 07:00 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAkashvani will begin broadcasting a new and complete six-stanza version of the national song Vande Mataram from Thursday, the government announced on Wednesday, marking a significant shift from the long-followed two-stanza rendition. Officials said that in addition to the primary version, the full six-stanza composition is also being recorded in multiple regional formats to reflect India's diverse musical traditions, reported IANS. Since Independence, it has been customary for Akashvani stations to commence their morning transmission with the iconic signature tune followed by a two-stanza version of Vande Mataram, which typically runs for about 65 seconds. "In view of the Ministry of Home Affairs guideline dated January 28, 2026, on the National Song containing six stanzas, all stations of Akashvani will start broadcasting the new version of the song with effect from March 26, 2026. The new version has a duration of 3 minutes 10 seconds," the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said in a statement. Akashvani to broadcast multi-regional renditions of national song for wider cultural reach According to IANS, the first version to be aired has been rendered by noted Hindustani classical vocalist Pt. Chandrashekhar Vaze in Raag Des, officials added. Authorities further stated that additional renditions of the national song are being produced using region-specific instruments and musical styles, and these versions will be broadcast by Akashvani stations in different states to ensure wider cultural representation. Earlier, on February 11, the Centre issued fresh comprehensive guidelines establishing the official protocol for the rendition of India's national song Vande Mataram, specifying how and when it should be performed at government functions and the expected conduct of the audience, especially concerning the national anthem, reported IANS. The new directives, issued by the Union Home Ministry, are intended to formalise the status and ceremonial role of the national song in public and official events across the country, placing greater emphasis on its observance during state functions and institutional gatherings. Full six-stanza Vande Mataram to be played at official events, says guidelines As per the guidelines, the complete official version of Vande Mataram, comprising six stanzas and lasting approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds, is to be performed or played during major state occasions. As per IANS, these include events such as the unfurling of the Tricolour, formal arrival and departure ceremonies of the President and Governors at official programmes, and before and after their scheduled addresses at such functions. A key aspect of the directive stated that whenever both Vande Mataram and the national anthem are part of a programme, the national song must be rendered before the national anthem. (Inputs from IANS)
25 March,2026 06:33 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Assam on April 1, where he will address two major election rallies as part of the BJP’s campaign for the upcoming Assembly polls, party sources said on Wednesday. According to a senior BJP leader, PM Modi will first address a rally at Bihpuria in Lakhimpur district, followed by another public meeting in Gohpur. Both constituencies are considered politically significant, and the Prime Minister’s visit is aimed at energising party workers and consolidating voter support in Upper Assam. The senior BJP leader mentioned that elaborate preparations are underway to ensure a massive turnout at both venues. “The Prime Minister’s visit will give a major boost to our campaign in Assam. There is tremendous enthusiasm among party workers and the public. We are confident that these rallies will further strengthen our position in the state,” the leader said. He added that the BJP is focusing on highlighting development initiatives undertaken by the central and state governments over the past few years. “From infrastructure growth to welfare schemes, the people of Assam have witnessed significant progress. The Prime Minister’s rallies will reinforce our message of development and stability,” the leader said. Party insiders said leaders from alliance partners are also expected to join the campaign in the coming days, as the BJP looks to put up a united front in the elections. The ruling party is aiming to retain power with a strong mandate. Meanwhile, security arrangements are being tightened in both locations in view of the Prime Minister’s visit, with coordination between state police and central agencies underway. The April 1 visit is part of PM Modi’s broader nationwide campaign outreach, as the BJP intensifies its efforts in poll-bound states ahead of the Assembly elections. Polling for the 126-member Assembly will take place in a single phase on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4. 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.
25 March,2026 06:33 PM IST | Guwahati | IANSAs part of its ongoing efforts to sensitise coastal communities about whale sharks and their conservation, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) is under its Pan-India Whale Shark Conservation Project. WTI has launched a series of vibrant mural artworks across key fish landing sites in Goa and Kerala. In Kerala, murals have been created by Wayanad-based artist Sunil K at major fishing hubs, including Chettuva Harbour in Thrissur and Azhikkal Harbour in Kannur. These locations were selected not only for their high visibility among fishers but also to engage the broader community, including residents and other stakeholders. The project aims to create a lasting impact by delivering a clear and powerful message: “From Nets to Freedom — Kerala Leads Whale Shark Protection”. Local fisher and community leader Rajesh Nair said, “The beautiful murals not only enhance our harbours but also carry important messages about conservation. They remind us of our responsibility towards marine life.” “It is heartening to see such initiatives aimed at protecting our oceans and the creatures that inhabit them,” Nair further added. In Goa, murals have been painted at Talpona, Chapora, Cutbona, and Malim jetties, areas frequented by fishing communities and tourists, and carry a clear message highlighting, “Cut the nets, save Goa’s whale sharks; safer sea, safer whale sharks – Goa leads." WTI aims at raising awareness among fishers and general public Three of the murals were designed and executed by Tushar Naik, a 28-year-old artist and government school art teacher from Canacona, South Goa. The mural near Malim Jetty was created by professional mural artist Omkar Gaddanakeri, whose work contributes significantly to awareness at one of North Goa’s busiest fish landing sites. Through these artworks, WTI aims to raise awareness among fishers and the general public of the importance of safely rescuing and releasing whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in cases of accidental entanglement. The campaign also highlights the need for safer fishing practices during peak seasons.
25 March,2026 05:44 PM IST | Goa | Ranjeet JadhavPolice in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow have arrested two men in connection with a drug trafficking case in Palghar district of Maharashtra, reported the PTI. The accused had been allegedly involved in supplying narcotics to pubs, hotels, and private parties in Maharashtra, officials said, adding that the duo were caught on Monday near the Charbagh railway station in Uttar Pradesh. They were held from a tempo stand, according to the PTI. The suspects have been identified as Bhavesh Chauhan, also known as Lalu, originally from Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh and residing in Nalasopara, Palghar district, and Shoaib Ashraf Pathan, alias Batla, also a resident of Nalasopara. Both were wanted in connection with a case registered at Naigaon police station in Palghar under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the news agency reported. According to police, Chauhan has multiple criminal cases registered against him, including violations under the NDPS Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), at various police stations in the Vasai-Virar area in Maharashtra. How was the arrest made? According to the police, the UP Special Task Force (STF), Lucknow, carried out the arrest based on specific intelligence. “Acting on inputs, the STF team arrested both accused from Charbagh while they were trying to flee,” a police release said as per PTI report. The operation was conducted in coordination with the Naigaon police, who had sought assistance after learning that the accused were hiding in Lucknow. Police said the duo had planned to escape from Mumbai to Nepal following the seizure of a drug consignment linked to them in the Vasai-Virar-Mira Bhayander area on February 5. Confessions during interrogation During questioning, the accused reportedly admitted to interstate drug trafficking for the past four to five years. They revealed that they, along with associates, manufactured brown sugar using readily available chemicals and supplied it to pubs, hotels, and private parties in Maharashtra. The STF noted that the arrests were crucial to dismantling this trafficking network and preventing further distribution of narcotics in the region. Investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the group and track their operations. (With PTI Inputs)
25 March,2026 04:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a telephonic conversation on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing situation in West Asia and the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, the BJP on Wednesday termed the move a 'positive step' and expressed hope that peace would prevail soon. Opposition leaders demanded that the details of the conversation be shared in Parliament. Speaking to IANS, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said he believes the discussion between the two leaders focussed on the prevailing conflict and the need to de-escalate tensions. He noted that there are indications the war could be paused and may come to an end soon. “The role of Prime Minister Modi has always been to ensure peace and prevent war. The ongoing conflict has led to global challenges, including rising diesel and petrol prices. The entire world is suffering losses because of this situation. India’s position is clear — the war should stop,” Athawale said. He added that the dialogue between the two leaders was a constructive development. “A solution must be found. President Trump speaking with Prime Minister Modi is a good step, and there will be peace soon,” he told IANS. Tripathi backs Modi’s diplomatic push, says efforts underway to ease West Asia tensions BJP MP Shashank Mani Tripathi also expressed optimism, stating that there is hope for a pause in the conflict. He said that Prime Minister Modi has been actively engaging with leaders from West Asian countries and exploring ways to facilitate peace. “Prime Minister Modi has spoken with several heads of state in the Middle East to understand how India can contribute to peace efforts and use its influence constructively,” Tripathi said. Meanwhile, Opposition parties questioned the government’s approach and called for greater transparency, reported IANS. Ram Gopal Yadav urges India to take proactive role in West Asia mediation According to IANS, Samajwadi Party MP, Ram Gopal Yadav, said that countries like Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are already playing mediating roles, and India should have taken a more proactive position. “As the world’s largest democracy, India could have played a significant mediating role. The Prime Minister shares strong relations with global leaders, and his intervention could have carried weight. The details of his conversation with President Trump should be shared with Parliament and the people,” Yadav said. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, Sanjay Raut took a critical stance, saying, “If President Trump had understood diplomacy, the situation would not have escalated into war. The United States appears to be facing setbacks, which is why there is now urgency in its response.” The conversation between the two leaders came amid escalating tensions in West Asia following the February 28 strikes by the US and Israel on Iran, reported IANS. The strikes reportedly resulted in the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting US and Israeli facilities, regional capitals, and allied forces, intensifying the conflict across the region. (Inputs from IANS)
25 March,2026 04:00 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra is witnessing varied weather conditions across the state, with some districts experiencing hot and humid conditions while others facing thunderstorms and gusty winds. While major parts of the state are reeling in hot weather conditions, India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday predicted light rains, thunderstorm and gusty winds in some parts of Maharashtra. Regions in Sindhudurg, Marathwada, and parts of Western Maharashtra are likely to witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, light to moderate rainfall, and gusty winds of 30-50 kmph at isolated places, a weather bulletin stated. The weather department also issued a yellow alert for hot and humid conditions in isolated pockets of Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad for March 25 and March 26. Mumbai and Konkan Mumbai and its suburbs, along with Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and Ratnagiri, are expected to remain dry but uncomfortably hot and humid on Wednesday and Thursday. Sindhudurg, however, may experience thunderstorms with lightning, rainfall, and winds at isolated locations. Conditions in Mumbai are expected to turn completely dry from March 27 onwards. Western Maharashtra and Ghats Light rain or thundershowers are forecast for Dhule, Nandurbar, Nashik, Ahilyanagar, and Pune on Wednesday. The ghats of Pune, Kolhapur, Satara, and Sangli may witness thunderstorms with moderate rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds at isolated places over the next two days. Marathwada under thunderstorm watch Several districts in Marathwada are on alert: Parbhani, Beed, Hingoli- light rain and thundershowers on Wednesday; thunderstorms with lightning, light to moderate rain, and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) on Thursday. Nanded, Latur, Dharashiv- thunderstorms with lightning, moderate rainfall, and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) at isolated places today and tomorrow. Vidarbha Thunderstorm activity with lightning and gusty winds is expected to intensify from Thursday onwards in Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Nagpur, Wardha, Yavatmal, Buldhana, and Amravati. The IMD’s forecast and warnings are valid from 8:30 am on Wednesday until 8:30 am the following day. Temperature across Maharashtra Among the hottest locations, Malegaon recorded the highest maximum temperature at 38 degrees Celsius, followed by Sholapur at 38.6 degrees Celsius, Jalgaon at 37.7 degrees Celsius, and Jeur at 37.5 degrees Celsius, as per IMD's weather report. Other cities such as Satara (37.2 degrees Celsius), Sangli (36.9 degrees Celsius), and Osmanabad (36.9 degrees Celsius) also reported high temperatures, indicating widespread heat across interior regions. Mumbai and coastal belt see moderate conditions In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Santacruz recorded 36.6 degrees Celsius, significantly above normal by 3.4 degrees, while Colaba reported a comparatively lower 34.2 degrees Celsius. Coastal areas such as Ratnagiri (33.3 degrees Celsius) and Alibag (32.7 degrees Celsius) experienced relatively moderate temperatures. Night temperatures remain stable Minimum temperatures remained stable across the state, generally ranging between 18 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius, with Harnai (25 degrees Celsius) and Mumbai-Colaba (25 degrees Celsius) recording the highest night temperatures. Coastal humidity high, interiors relatively dry Humidity levels were notably higher in coastal regions, with Mumbai-Colaba (83 per cent), Ratnagiri (84 per cent), and Dahanu (80 per cent) reporting elevated morning humidity. In contrast, interior regions such as Beed (54 per cent) and Parbhani (50 per cent) saw relatively drier conditions.
25 March,2026 03:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
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-1774441514853_d.png "Prime Minister Narendra Modi. File Photo")
-1774430998447_d.png "Ramdas Athawale said he believes the discussion between the two leaders focussed on the prevailing conflict. File Pic")
