A 47-year-old man from Mysuru in Karnataka has been arrested by the Delhi Police for allegedly sending more than 1,000 hoax threat messages to key institutions across India, reported the IANS. The accused, identified as Srinivas Louis, was detained on Thursday from his rented accommodation during a joint operation involving Delhi Police and local police teams, police said. According to officials, several prominent institutions were targeted, including the Delhi High Court, the Delhi Assembly, schools, and various government offices. These threats, mostly related to bomb scares, led to multiple evacuations and high-alert situations over the past few weeks. However, police later confirmed that all the threats were false and intended to create panic. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the motive behind the repeated hoax messages. Officials are also trying to establish whether the accused acted alone or had any accomplices. Police noted that such hoax threats disrupt normal functioning and place a heavy burden on emergency and security services. Rise in hoax threats Officials highlighted that hoax threat messages have become increasingly common in recent months. Earlier in March, several banks and schools in Delhi received similar bomb threat emails, triggering large-scale security checks. In February, multiple schools in the capital were also targeted, leading to emergency responses. Threat to Mumbai college Such incidents have also been reported in other cities. In Mumbai, a bomb threat at St Xavier’s College in Mahim earlier this month turned out to be a hoax after thorough checks. the police teams, including the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), were deployed at the sites. Authorities said adequate security measures have been put in place, and necessary legal action is being taken at the respective police stations, reported the news agency. Earlier, on March 8, a hospital in Mumbai also received a bomb threat email warning of an “LED blast”, triggering panic among patients and staff. The BDDS later conducted a thorough inspection of the premises. Threat to Vidhan Bhavan In a similar incident in March, the Mumbai Police had launched a search operation at the Vidhan Bhavan premises after the state legislature received a bomb threat through its official website. According to official sources, the threat message was received before the start of the day’s proceedings during the ongoing state Budget session. Following the alert, security agencies tightened access to the complex and temporarily restricted entry to facilitate a thorough search operation. Police teams, along with BDDS personnel, scanned the entire area as a precautionary measure. (with IANS inputs)
30 March,2026 11:44 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane participated in a grand Ram Navami procession in Oshiwara area of Andheri, on Sunday and commented on the observance of different religious festivals, responding to incidents reported during the celebrations. Speaking to ANI, Rane drew a comparison between Eid and Ram Navami, alleging differences in how the two occasions are conducted. "I simply said that whenever the festival of Eid comes, no one from the Hindu community pelts stones or causes any trouble. But when the Ram Navami celebrations began, these people did not allow our saffron flag to be hoisted and allegedly threw stones at Ram devotees," he said, according to the ANI. He further added that if all religions are treated equally in the country, similar rules and regulations should be implemented across festivals. "So, if according to them all religions are possible in our country, then the same rules and regulations that you impose during Eid should also be imposed during Ram Navami," Rane said, the news agency reported. Rane participated in the Ram Navami procession organised in the Oshiwara on Sunday, where a large number of devotees gathered to mark the occasion. Police register case over stone-pelting during Ram Navami procession Meanwhile, police have registered a case in connection with an incident of stone-pelting during a Ram Navami procession at Syed Baba Chowk in Shrirampur. According to officials, around 10 to 12 unidentified individuals allegedly pelted stones at the Shri Ram flag procession, resulting in injuries to three people. Authorities said an investigation has been initiated, and efforts are underway to identify those involved in the incident. Earlier in January, Rane had warned that any attempt to create disturbances during Hindu festivals would invite strict consequences. While addressing an election rally for the Vasai Municipal Corporation, he said his party would fully support the Hindu community. "No one can look at the Hindu community with ill intentions. We will stand with you with full strength. If anyone tries to create mischief during a Hindu festival, they won't even be able to return on Friday, that much I guarantee. No one can look at you with malice. We will stand firmly behind you," Rane said. Rane also stated that the Maharashtra government leadership follows a Hindutva-oriented approach and emphasised the need for unity among Hindus. He further called for support for Hindu traditions, stating that those aligned with such beliefs should be visible in the city, while others should leave. "The Maharashtra government, our Chief Minister, and even the city mayor have a Hindutva-oriented mindset. We must celebrate 'I Love Mahadev.' Only those who chant 'Jai Shri Ram' should be visible in our city. Others, those who claim 'I love Mohammed,' should be sent to their fathers in Pakistan. We need to clear them from here. Therefore, you must remain united as the Hindu community," he said. (With ANI inputs)
30 March,2026 11:34 AM IST | Raigad | mid-day online correspondentTVK chief Vijay on Sunday named his party’s candidates for all 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu for the April 23 elections, announcing his electoral debut from two seats, including Perambur in Chennai, a city considered the ruling DMK’s bastion. In his maiden electoral battle, Vijay would also contest from Tiruchirappalli East in the central district of Tamil Nadu. 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
30 March,2026 10:53 AM IST | Chennai | AgenciesCongress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday announced his party’s “five guarantees” for poll-bound Assam, with a focus on women’s welfare, healthcare for all, land rights and justice in the Zubeen Garg death case. Addressing a rally at Naoboicha in Lakhimpur district, Kharge listed the party’s ‘five guarantees’, which include a monthly cash transfer to women, along with an additional Rs 50,000 assistance to women willing to set up or expand a business. “Our transfer will be unconditional. It will not be like what the BJP government is doing, where women are asked to be members of their party,” he said. The Congress, which is looking to wrest power from the BJP, pledged Rs 25 lakh cashless health insurance for all families, permanent land pattas for 10 lakh indigenous people and Rs 1250 per month for senior citizens of the state. “We also pledge to ensure justice in the Zubeen Garg death case within 100 days if Congress comes to power,” Kharge added. Alleging rampant corruption by the BJP-led government in the state, the Congress president claimed that even the family members of the party’s leaders are involved in it. 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
30 March,2026 10:52 AM IST | Assam | AgenciesWest Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday alleged that there would be restrictions on people’s dietary preferences if the BJP ruled the state. Addressing a poll rally in Purulia, the TMC supremo also claimed that the BJP would stop the ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ scheme for women if it comes to power. “If the BJP comes to power, people will not be able to eat fish, meat and eggs. They will stop the ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ scheme,” Banerjee alleged. She reiterated her accusations against the BJP, alleging attacks against Bengal-speaking people in other states. 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
30 March,2026 10:52 AM IST | Purulia | AgenciesCustoms officials at Pune International Airport in Maharashtra have seized hydroponic marijuana worth Rs 26.8 crore from a consignment falsely labelled as food items, authorities said on Sunday, reported the PTI. The seizure was made on March 26 after a shipment arrived from Bangkok. One person has been arrested in connection with the case. According to officials, the consignment was declared as “Mandarin orange sacs” (orange pulp) and packed in white thermocol boxes. It was listed as food items of Chinese origin. However, during routine scanning at the air cargo section, officials noticed irregularities in the images, which did not match the declared contents. Suspicious packaging According to the PTI, upon opening one of the boxes, officials found sealed tin cans inside. These cans contained a salt-like white, grainy substance. Further inspection revealed vacuum-sealed transparent packets hidden within the powder. These packets were later identified as containing hydroponic marijuana. Following the initial discovery, the entire consignment was examined, leading to the recovery of 76.58 kilograms of hydroponic marijuana, as per the PTI. Authorities estimated the value of the seized drugs at nearly Rs 26.8 crore, making it a significant drug haul. Probe underway Hydroponic marijuana is a highly potent and expensive form of cannabis grown using water-based, nutrient-rich solutions instead of soil. It is often associated with higher purity and stronger effects compared to traditional variants. Customs officials at the airport have launched a detailed investigation to trace the origin and intended recipients of the consignment. Further arrests may follow as authorities examine the supply chain and international links. Customs seizes hydroponic weed worth Rs 64.39 crore at Mumbai airport Meanwhile, in an another incident earlier this month, the officers of the Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone–III, have arrested four passengers, including one foreign national, under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, for the alleged possession of hydroponic weed. The seizures were made on Tuesday based on spot checks and Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) profiling. A total of 64.394 kg of suspected hydroponic weed, valued at approximately Rs 64.39 crore in the illicit market, was recovered from the passengers, who had arrived from Bangkok. (with PTI inputs)
30 March,2026 10:23 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentSeveral people in Leh have come forward to contribute money, precious metals, jewellery and other valuable items to help residents in Iran amid the West Asia conflict. A child also broke her "gullak" (piggy bank) to contribute to the relief efforts in the meantime. The residents in Ladakh are conducting regular donation drives to aid the residents in Iran affected by the US-Israeli strikes during the past 30 days of conflict. Several children's bicycles could also be seen among the donated items, sending a strong message of solidarity with Iran. Last week, hundreds of people from the Shia community gathered at the Imambara in Jammu and Kashmir's Chanderkot to provide financial and material aid to those affected by the ongoing conflict in Iran. The mass donation drive saw locals contributing everything from household utensils to precious jewellery to support the distressed population across the border. The Shias of the Chanderkot area in Ramban district en masse gave different types of donations for the hapless people of war-hit Iran. People from the Shia community donated money, utensils, gold and silver, and children donated their piggy banks. Women donated their gold and silver ornaments. They even took off the bangles and earrings from their children and donated them for the sake of the people of war-ravaged Iran. A man also donated his sheep. Additionally, locals in Budgam also donated gold, silver, and cash to support Iran in the wake of the West Asia crisis. Noting these efforts, the Iranian Embassy in India on March 22 thanked the "kindness" and "humanity" of Indians for donating money and jewellery to rebuild Iran. The Embassy said they will remember India's kindness forever. "We will never forget your kindness and humanity. Thank you, India," the embassy said. "With hearts full of gratitude, we sincerely thank the kind people of Kashmir for standing with the people of Iran through their humanitarian support and heartfelt solidarity; this kindness will never be forgotten. Thank you, India," it further said. This comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory resulted in the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. 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
30 March,2026 10:03 AM IST | Ladakh | ANIThree leopard cubs, including a rare albino leopard, were safely rescued from a sugarcane field in Nashik and later reunited with their mother. The cubs were first spotted by local residents in an agricultural field, triggering swift action by the Nashik Forest Department. Sugarcane fields in Maharashtra are known to double up as temporary shelters for leopards, often leading to sensitive human-wildlife interactions. Forest officials are aware of the vulnerability of the cubs and the likelihood of the mother being nearby. The department then further coordinated with RESQ Charitable Trust to ensure a careful and non-intrusive rescue operation. The cubs were secured, examined and kept under observation. Following established wildlife protocols, the team later placed the cubs back in the same area to facilitate reunion. The mother leopard eventually returned, and all three cubs were successfully reunited, minimising stress and ensuring their survival in the wild. Forest officials further stated that the timely intervention and coordinated effort helped prevent potential conflict and allowed the animals to safely return to their natural habitat. Albino leopard cub: A rare sighting The sighting of an albino cub is particularly rare. In a similar incident earlier in 2025, a white Indian leopard cub was found in Ratnagiri district, which was believed to be the first such recorded sighting in the state. Experts since then noted that due to the young age of the cub, it was difficult to conclusively determine whether it was leucistic or truly albino. That cub, too, was later reunited with its mother.
29 March,2026 10:44 PM IST | Nashik | Ranjeet JadhavSujata Bhuyan, a fish farmer from Odisha’s Sambalpur, on Sunday expressed immense happiness after Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned her work during the 132nd episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', calling it a proud and emotional moment for her and her family, reported IANS. Reacting to the recognition, Sujata said she felt honoured that her journey in fish farming had reached the national stage. “I am very happy and grateful to the Prime Minister for mentioning my name. It is a matter of great pride for my family and me. His words have motivated me to work even harder,” she said. During the programme, the Prime Minister praised fishermen as a “strong foundation of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, highlighting their contribution to strengthening both families and the national economy. He also shared Sujata’s inspiring journey, noting how she transformed her efforts into a successful enterprise within a few years despite multiple challenges, reported IANS. Sujata Bhuyan’s journey from struggles to fish farming success According to IANS, Sujata, a resident of LIC Colony in Mudipada area of Sambalpur, began her venture in 2022 after visiting the Hirakud Reservoir, where she first observed fish farming activities. Inspired, she approached the Fisheries Department, underwent training, and started her business with the help of a bank loan. Recalling the initial days, she said the challenges were many. “In the beginning, it was very difficult. Managing household responsibilities along with travelling regularly to the reservoir was not easy. There were also issues like weather changes and arranging feed for the fish,” she said. Despite the hurdles, Sujata said she remained determined to succeed and gradually gained confidence as her work started showing results. “With time, things improved. I learned from my experiences, and with support from the Fisheries Department, I was able to expand my work,” she added, reported IANS. According to reports, Sujata earned around Rs 6 lakh in her first year of operation and has since emerged as an inspiration for many women. She has also gained recognition for supplying fish to markets outside the state. Sujata Bhuyan produces 30 tonnes of fish, inspires women with success story According to IANS, Sujata produces around 25 to 30 tonnes of fish annually through cage culture and supplies to markets in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal. She said achieving financial independence and contributing to her family’s income has been one of her biggest satisfactions. She credited government support, including training and financial assistance, for her success. “Without the support of the Fisheries Department and access to loans, it would have been very difficult to start and sustain this work,” she said. Highlighting her journey, the Prime Minister had noted that despite being a homemaker, Sujata showed unwavering determination and turned challenges into opportunities. He said her success has become a ray of hope and inspiration for women in her community, by IANS. Encouraging other women, Sujata said that with determination and the right support, they too can explore opportunities in fisheries and become self-reliant. “If I can do it, others can too. Women should come forward and take advantage of such opportunities,” she said. She added that the Prime Minister’s appreciation has further strengthened her resolve to expand her business and continue contributing to her family’s income and the fisheries sector, reported IANS. (Inputs from IANS)
29 March,2026 08:56 PM IST | Odisha | mid-day online correspondentTwo Indian LPG carriers, BW TYR and BW ELM, carrying a combined LPG cargo of about 94,000 metric tonnes, have safely transited the Gulf region and are moving towards Indian shores. BW TYR is proceeding towards Mumbai with an expected time of arrival on 31st March, while BW ELM is en route to New Mangalore with an expected arrival date of 1st April, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on Sunday, reported IANS. All necessary measures have been instituted to ensure the safety and security of Indian vessels and seafarers operating in the Gulf region. All Indian seafarers in the region are safe, and no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours, the statement said. A total of 18 Indian-flagged vessels with 485 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region. The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), in coordination with ship owners, RPSL agencies, and Indian Missions, is actively monitoring the situation, reported IANS. DG Shipping assists 942 seafarers; port operations remain smooth According to IANS, the DG Shipping Control Room remains operational 24x7 and has handled 4523 calls and 8,985 emails since activation. In the past 24 hours, 92 calls and 120 emails have been received. DG Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of over 942 Indian seafarers so far, including four in the last 24 hours. Port operations across India remain normal, with no congestion reported. State Maritime Boards of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry have confirmed smooth functioning. The Ministry of Ports and Shipping continues to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions, and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted maritime operations, reported IANS. Continuous outreach is being maintained by Indian Missions and Posts with the Indian community in the region, alongside ongoing assistance and issuance of advisories to ensure their safety and well-being, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. India monitors West Asia situation, keeps helplines active As per IANS, the Ministry is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Gulf and West Asia region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community as the highest priority. A dedicated special control room remains operational to assist Indian nationals and their families, with regular coordination being maintained with States and Union Territories. Missions and Posts across the region are functioning round-the-clock, operating 24x7 helplines and maintaining regular contact with Indian community associations. Updated advisories are being issued regularly, and Missions remain engaged with local authorities, reported IANS. Assistance continues to be extended to seafarers, students, stranded Indian nationals and short-term visitors, including visa, consular and logistical support, the statement added. (Inputs from IANS)
29 March,2026 08:44 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | mid-day online correspondentHow does it feel to sit steady while everything around you seems to be on fire? It is an unsettling image, but it aptly captures India's position in today's world. At a time when much of the globe is grappling with the cascading effects of a conflict-triggered energy crisis, India appears relatively stable. The ongoing tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran have sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Countries across continents are scrambling to respond to sudden shortages and rising prices of oil and gas -- a situation few would have imagined before February 28 happened. The Gulf region, long considered the epicentre of global energy supply, is itself under strain. As disruptions ripple outward, governments worldwide are being forced into emergency measures. And in the middle of this turbulence, India finds itself in a comparatively comfortable position. For a country of 140 crore people, the availability of petrol, diesel and piped natural gas (PNG) remains largely stable. There are concerns around LPG in some pockets, but much of it appears driven by panic buying and hoarding rather than any systemic shortage. The situation gives a sense of pride and places India high up. During the Covid-19 pandemic, when many powerful nations turned inward, shutting borders and guarding resources, India stepped up -- both domestically and globally. Through the Vaccine Maitri initiative, it extended support to nearly 100 countries, reinforcing its role as a dependable partner in times of crisis. Today's situation, though different in nature, once again highlights contrasts across countries. Several governments have had to take harsh measures that directly affect daily life. Pakistan has sharply increased fuel prices, introduced work-from-home measures and shut educational institutions. Sri Lanka has cut down public lighting, reduced air-conditioning use in state offices and adopted a four-day work-from-home model. Bangladesh has enforced fuel rationing and closed universities. Vietnam has also moved to remote working. The Philippines has declared a national energy emergency. Even developed economies are not immune. Australia is witnessing fuel shortages, with hundreds of service stations running dry, exacerbated by panic buying. Price increases and demand spikes are becoming common across markets. Against this backdrop, India's position stands out. There has been no hike in petrol, diesel, or gas prices so far. Supplies remain available, and the government has maintained that the country has adequate reserves -- reportedly enough for over two months -- along with measures to boost domestic production and encourage alternatives such as PNG. For ordinary Indians, this translates into a degree of normalcy that is increasingly rare elsewhere. Vehicles continue to run; fuel is accessible, and daily life remains largely unaffected. In contrast, even in the US, rising fuel prices have pushed up the overall cost of living, contributing to inflationary pressures. Amid this, the political discourse at home has been far from measured. Criticism is an essential part of democracy, but there is a thin line between questioning the government and fuelling unnecessary anxiety. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised concerns about a possible lockdown a day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled virtual meeting with the chief ministers to discuss the fuel situation amid the ongoing West Asia conflict on March 27. Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi warned of "compromised" energy security, attributing it to foreign policy failures. Akhilesh Yadav spoke of widespread LPG shortages. These are serious claims, but they sit uneasily with the ground reality. When the crisis itself is global and largely beyond the control of any single government, the focus perhaps should be on constructive suggestions rather than amplifying fears. The political heat may continue to rise, but on the ground, the picture remains steady. Roads are busy, fuel stations are functioning, pipelines are supplying gas, and households are managing their needs. India has not stopped. The country is witnessing hectic political activity revolving around Assembly elections in four states and one union territory, and the inauguration of premier development projects, such as the Noida International Airport; the enthralling IPL tournament has also begun, international half-marathons are also being held in some states, and Dhurandhar continues to make a dream run. For once, in a world under strain, India stands on relatively steady ground. The road ahead may not be without challenges if the Gulf conflict escalates, but this is hardly the time to panic. A measured response -- and some trust in the government's handling -- will serve better than alarmism. 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 08:44 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | IANSADVERTISEMENT
-1774780985285_d.png "Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pic/PTI")
-1774793148859_d.png "File Pic")
-1774794334249_d.png "Pic/Pixabay")