The Election Commission of India (ECI) has identified minority-dominated Murshidabad as the most sensitive among the districts in West Bengal that will be going for polls in the first phase of the state Assembly elections on April 23 and hence has decided to deploy maximum forces there. Insiders from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said that of the total of 2,407 companies of security forces to be deployed in the first-phase polling, as many as 316 companies (13 per cent) will be deployed in Murshidabad district alone. Murshidabad, as an administrative district, has two separate police districts, namely Murshidabad Police District and Jangipur Police District. Of the 316 companies to be deployed in the administrative district of Murshidabad, 240 will be for the Murshidabad Police District, and the remaining 76 will be for the Jangipur Police. “The area covered under the Murshidabad Police District is much larger than the Jangipur Police District, with the number of sensitive pockets being more, and hence the deployment of forces will be much higher there,” the insider explained. East Midnapore, which is the native district of Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, which is also going for polls in the first phase on April 23, will have the second-highest deployment of security forces at 273 companies (11.34 per cent), followed by West Midnapore at 271 companies (11.25 per cent). The least deployment of Central forces will be in the hill district of Kalimpong, at just 21 companies. The districts that will be going for polls in the first phase also include two Police Commissariats, namely Siliguri Metropolitan Police in Darjeeling district and Asansol - Durgapur Police Commissariat in West Burdwan district. While 44 companies of forces will be deployed in case of Siliguri Metropolitan Police, 125 companies will be deployed for Asansol- Durgapur Police Commissionerate. The ECI this time has decided that, besides the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), personnel from the India Reserve Battalion (IRB) and armed police wings from other states will be deployed for the two-phase polls in the state, in addition to the West Bengal Police. 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.
15 April,2026 11:58 AM IST | Kolkata | IANSKarnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the HAL Airport in Bengaluru on Wednesday, where he arrived to participate in a programme at the Adichunchanagiri Math. CM Siddaramaiah also handed over a five-page memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion. The memorandum comprised a slew of demands and sought the Union government’s intervention in key issues concerning the state. Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda and the Chief Secretary of the state government, Shalini Rajneesh, were also present. Meanwhile, police tightened security in Adichunchanagiri ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. More than 2,000 police personnel have been deployed as part of the security arrangements. The deployment includes six SP-rank officers, 10 ASPs, 15 DySPs, 40 Police Inspectors, 151 PSIs, 92 ASIs, 1,700 Head Constables and Constables, along with eight KSRP units, 10 DAR units, five QRT teams, and 10 ASC teams. PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandir at Adichunchanagiri. Adichunchanagiri is a prominent religious centre located in Nagamangala taluk of Mandya district. Earlier, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy stated, "I wholeheartedly welcome the Hon’ble Prime Minister of the nation, Narendra Modi, who is arriving to participate in the inauguration ceremony of the Guru Bhairavaikya Mandir of the revered Jagadguru, His Holiness Dr Sri Sri Sri Balagangadharanatha Mahaswamiji, of Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri Mahasansthan Math." Kumaraswamy further stated, "It gives me immense joy that the respected Prime Minister is visiting my home district, Mandya, to take part in this sacred and auspicious event. On behalf of the people of Mandya district and the entire state, I extend a warm welcome to the Hon’ble Prime Minister." Shortly after his arrival, PM Modi will travel by an Indian Army helicopter to Adichunchanagiri. The helicopter is scheduled to land at the helipad of Shrigiri Tapovana. From the helipad, he will proceed by car to Adichunchanagiri Math, where he will participate in various religious rituals and attend a stage programme. PM Modi will inaugurate Sri Guru Bhairavakya Mandira at the Mutt in Nagamangala taluk, Mandya district. He is the first Prime Minister to visit Adichunchanagiri Mutt. The Prime Minister will be felicitated with a 'Mysuru Peta' made by using Mysuru and Benaras silk. The development has also assumed political significance as the Adichunchanagiri Mutt is revered by the Vokkaliga community, which has a significant presence in the South Karnataka region. However, Union Minister Kumaraswamy described the programme as a non-political, inclusive gathering that would see participation from leaders across parties and large numbers of devotees. Former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda, along with several dignitaries, will also attend the event. 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.
15 April,2026 11:29 AM IST | Bengaluru (Karnataka) | IANSA Delhi court on Tuesday sent I-PAC co-founder and director Vinesh Chandel to ten days of ED custody following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a case linked to alleged hawala transactions. The action comes days ahead of the West Bengal and Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls, where the I-PAC is providing political consultancy to parties like the TMC and DMK, respectively. ED officials said Chandel was arrested at 7.45 pm on Monday after questioning. 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
15 April,2026 10:58 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesIn a pre-summer crackdown on food adulteration, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Pune, has busted an illegal mango pulp manufacturing unit in Maval taluka, seizing and destroying more than 3.8 tonnes of adulterated stock and tracing its supply chain to another unit in Khed. FDA officials said the pulp was being made using unauthorised colours and other adulterants, raising concerns over public health ahead of the peak mango consumption season. At a glance Location 1: Urse village, Maval talukaLocation 2: Rakshewadi, Rajgurunagar (Khed taluka)Total quantity seized: 3840.9 kgTotal value: Rs 2,23,196Samples collected: 7Accused: Mohammad Ekramul alias Akram Gulam Pic/istock What was found Mango pulp allegedly made using unauthorised colours,Use of suspected adulterants>> Sugar>> Cow’s milk>> Liquid saffron colour solution>> Unit operating without proper authorisation Seizure and action >> 3282.9 kg stock seized at Urse unit Rs 1,61,816>> Entire stock destroyed due to its perishable nature>> 558 kg seized at Khed unit Rs 61,380>> Total seizure value: Rs 2,23,196 Supply chain link >> Adulterated pulp supplied to M/s Avishkar Enterprises, Khed>> One additional sample collected at the second unit>> Probe underway into distribution network Samples sent for testing >> Mango pulp>> Raw mangoes>> Sugar>> Cow’s milk>> Liquid saffron colour solution>> Additional pulp sample from Khed unit Officials involved >> Assistant commissioner (food): NR Sarkate>> Vigilance food safety officer: BAO Shinde>> Food safety officers: RV Maske, PS Kachhwe, Satish Hake>> Supervision: Joint Commissioner DV Bhogawade, Commissioner Shreedhar Dube Patil Legal position >> Manufacturing or selling fruit products without a licence is punishable>> Law: Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006>> Penalty: Up to Rs 10 lakh Public advisory >> Citizens urged to report suspected adulteration>> FDA toll-free helpline: 1800-222-365>> Authorities warn of strict action against violators
15 April,2026 10:56 AM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalDeputy Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Bharti chaired a high-level meeting in the presence of Principal Secretary at the Election Commission of India (ECI), SB Joshi, to review preparations for the ensuing West Bengal Legislative Assembly Elections 2026. The meeting, on Tuesday, carried out a comprehensive review of various aspects of election preparedness across districts. Detailed discussions were held on the identification and management of super sensitive polling stations, the effective distribution of Voter Information Slips and the operational readiness of Voter Assistance Booths. The preparedness regarding webcasting arrangements at polling stations was also reviewed. Emphasis was laid on strict monitoring of seizure operations and enforcement activities, along with an assessment of violence-related issues and preventive measures undertaken by the authorities. Earlier on Tuesday, Earlier in the day, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that a total of 2,926 candidates are in the fray for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, as per an official press note. Polling in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while counting of votes will take place on May 4. After the final list was prepared, 1,478 candidates are contesting in Phase I across 152 constituencies, while 1,448 candidates are in the race for Phase II covering 142 constituencies. According to a press note released on Tuesday, the last date for filing nominations for West Bengal (Phase II) was April 9. The scrutiny of nominations took place on April 10, and candidates were allowed to withdraw their nominations until April 13, 3:00 PM. The Election Commission has directed Returning Officers to publish the final list of candidates in the official gazette. They have also been instructed to securely store all election-related documents, including nomination papers, in sealed envelopes. Additionally, ballot papers for EVMs will feature coloured photographs of candidates along with key details such as serial numbers and symbols to help voters in easy identification. 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
15 April,2026 09:45 AM IST | Kolkata | ANICongress MP Praniti Shinde on Tuesday alleged that self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who has been arrested in multiple rape cases, could be killed in a fake encounter as more names linked to him are expected to emerge. “I think Kharat will be eliminated in an encounter. The reason is obvious; more names linked to him are likely to be revealed. These names are also connected to people in power, including ministers,” Shinde told PTI. “More evidence may come out, but something may happen to him first,” she added. Nashil Police arrested Kharat on March 18 Kharat was arrested by Nashik police on March 18 for allegedly repeatedly raping a woman over three years. Subsequent investigations revealed additional cases of sexual exploitation, land grabbing, and cheating. Over the years, several prominent politicians had visited a temple built by him in Sinhar tehsil. Reacting to Shinde’s claim, Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule said some people were making baseless allegations instead of cooperating with the investigation. He said such statements appeared to be an attempt to divert the course of the probe. “If anyone has information about a possible encounter, they should approach the SIT probing the case. Why make such claims in the media merely to gain attention?” he said, PTI reported. Nashik court remands 'godman' Ashok Kharat to 5-day police custody in fourth rape case A court in Nashik on Tuesday remanded Ashok Kharat to five days of police custody in connection with a fourth rape case, where he is accused of sexually exploiting a woman who had approached him for help with personal and family issues, reported PTI. The order was passed by the court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate A G Behere, which allowed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to take Kharat into custody until April 18 for further investigation, reported PTI. SIT seeks custody citing need for further investigation The SIT probing multiple cases against Kharat had moved an application seeking his custody in the latest case. After securing permission, officials produced the accused before the court via video-conferencing on Tuesday. Public prosecutor Shailendra Bagde argued that further custodial interrogation was necessary to uncover details related to the allegations. He told the court that the accused had allegedly administered sedatives to the complainant before sexually assaulting her, reported PTI. Investigators maintained that additional questioning could help establish the sequence of events and gather crucial evidence in the case. (With PTI inputs)
14 April,2026 10:32 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentThe Mangeshkar family has announced a significant change in the name of its upcoming mega hospital project near Pune. The proposed institution, which was earlier set to be named after Lata Mangeshkar, will now be called the ‘Lata–Asha Mangeshkar Institute of Medical Sciences’, incorporating the name of legendary singer Asha Bhosle as well. The decision was shared by noted composer and singer Hridaynath Mangeshkar during a press conference. The renaming is intended as a joint tribute to the immense contributions of both iconic artists to Indian music. Formal Resolution Passed by Foundation The Board of Trustees of the Lata Mangeshkar Medical Foundation has passed a formal resolution to rename the Nandoshi-based project accordingly. The hospital is being developed at Nandoshi, along Sinhagad Road on the outskirts of Pune. Programme Revised Amid Condolence Observance In view of the recent demise of Asha Bhosle, the organisers have revised the programme schedule. Along with the foundation stone-laying ceremony, a condolence meeting will also be held in her honour. The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, at 5:00 PM at the project site. Dignitaries to Attend Foundation Ceremony The ceremony will be attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar as chief guests. The programme will be presided over by Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Members of the Mangeshkar and Bhosle families are also expected to be present. Musical Homage Planned Ahead of Ceremony This invite-only gathering will include the formal announcement of the hospital’s establishment, along with tributes to Asha Bhosle. A musical homage has also been organised, beginning at 4:00 PM, featuring vocalist Vibhavari Joshi and instrumental performances by Shantanu Gokhale (santoor), Amar Oak (flute), and Pandurang Pawar (tabla). Vision: Healthcare with Cultural Legacy The institute is envisioned as a premier healthcare facility and a lasting tribute to the extraordinary legacy of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, blending service to society with the celebration of India’s rich musical heritage. Dr. Dhananjay Kelkar, Medical Director and trustee at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, said that both Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle remain among the most iconic and revered figures in Indian music. “Therefore, the establishment of a premier healthcare institution in their joint name is envisioned as a befitting tribute to their unparalleled legacy,” he added.
14 April,2026 08:06 PM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalThe Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways on Tuesday stated that all Indian seafarers in the Gulf region are safe, with no incidents reported involving Indian-flagged vessels in the past 24 hours, reported the IANS. The statement comes amid ongoing tensions in West Asia. The Directorate General of Shipping has so far facilitated the safe return of more than 2,262 Indian seafarers from various locations across the Gulf region. Of these, 85 seafarers were repatriated in the last 24 hours alone, reflecting continued evacuation and support efforts. High volume of assistance requests Since its activation, the DG Shipping Control Room has handled a large number of distress queries. The officials said that over 6,292 phone calls and more than 13,228 emails were handled, as per the IANS. In the past 24 hours, it received 219 calls and 361 emails, showing ongoing demand for assistance, they said. Port operations running normally The officials said that the port operations across India remain unaffected, with no reports of congestion or disruption, the news agency reported. The government said it is working to ensure uninterrupted maritime activity despite regional uncertainties. The ministry is closely coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad and maritime stakeholders to safeguard the welfare of Indian nationals. Indian embassies and posts in the region are maintaining constant contact with the community and issuing safety advisories where required. Diplomatic outreach intensifies External Affairs Minister (MEA) S Jaishankar has held discussions with counterparts from several countries, including Kuwait and Israel, focusing on the regional situation and the safety of Indians, according to the IANS. He also spoke with officials from Singapore and Australia regarding developments linked to the West Asia situation. The Ministry is also in regular contact with state governments and Union Territories for better sharing of information and coordination. Efforts remain focused on ensuring the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community in the region, the statement added. Indian Missions and Posts continue to operate round-the-clock helplines and are proactively assisting Indian nationals. They remain in close contact with the local governments, officials said. (with IANS inputs)
14 April,2026 07:44 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA Class 5 student died on Tuesday, two days after consuming a meal at her government-run tribal residential school in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, officials said, adding that more than 100 of her schoolmates have fallen ill after eating the same food, the PTI reported. Over 100 students fall ill after school meal Officials said students of the Kakabandha Ashram School complained of discomfort and fell ill after consuming food items “not mentioned in the authorised menu” on Sunday morning. Parents allege contaminated food According to PTI, parents of the affected students alleged that the children were served fermented rice (pakhala), mashed potatoes, and mango chutney, following which they suffered from vomiting and loose motion. Students shifted to hospitals in serious condition More than 100 students fell ill and were rushed to a local community health centre. Of them, 67 were later shifted to the PMR Medical College and Hospital in Baripada in a serious condition, officials said. Class 5 student dies during treatment “Rupali Besra, a Class 5 student, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital on Monday. Despite continuous medical intervention, she died on Tuesday morning,” Mayurbhanj District Collector Hema Kanta Say said, PTI reported. Medical teams deployed, more cases monitored “At present, 66 students are undergoing treatment at the hospital, while another 41 are admitted to the community health centre. One medical team has been sent to the health centre, while another is stationed at the school,” the collector added. Some more students are being admitted to the hospital, he said. Probe ordered, action against officials likely “Along with a police probe, we will conduct an independent inquiry, as it has been alleged that the headmaster served food not listed on the menu. Action will be taken against the teachers and officials responsible for the incident,” he told PTI. Police case registered on mother’s complaint A police case has been registered based on a complaint lodged by the deceased student’s mother, the collector added. Villagers protest, block road Following the incident, villagers blocked the Rasgovindpur–Jaleswar road, demanding compensation for the bereaved family and action against those responsible. Headteacher suspended; ex gratia announced The school’s headteacher, Jayant Kumar Panigrahi, has been suspended for negligence, and the government has announced an ex gratia of Rs 7 lakh for the victim’s family, officials said, the news agency reported. Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra visited the hospital, met the affected students, and interacted with their parents. (With PTI inputs)
14 April,2026 07:24 PM IST | Baripada (Odisha) | mid-day online correspondentAt least nine people died and 15 others have been injured after an explosion at a power plant in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, police said, reported the PTI. Several workers are also feared trapped at the site as rescue operations continue. The incident took place at a private power facility in Sakti district, triggering emergency response efforts from local authorities. According to preliminary reports, the blast occurred in a boiler tube at the Vedanta Limited power plant located in Singhitarai village during the afternoon, the news agency reported. Police officials said the cause of the explosion is still under investigation. Casualties and injuries According to the PTI, Sakti Superintendent of Police Prafull Thakur confirmed that nine workers died in the explosion, while 15 others sustained injuries. The injured workers have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, where some are reported to be in critical condition. Rescue operations underway Following the incident, police and district administration teams rushed to the site and launched rescue operations. Officials were continuing efforts to locate and evacuate workers who may still be trapped inside the damaged structure. Emergency teams were working amid concerns about further risks at the plant, the officials said. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai termed the incident "extremely tragic" and said the government stands with the families of the deceased. A probe will be conducted, and strict action will be taken against those found responsible, he told reporters in Raipur. Best possible medical assistance: Management The plant management, in a statement, said, "An unfortunate incident occurred at one of the boiler units at our Singhitarai plant, involving personnel from our sub-contractor, NGSL (NTPC GE Power Services Limited), which operates and maintains the unit," reported the PTI. The management said that its immediate priority is to ensure the best possible medical assistance and treatment to those affected, and that it is closely coordinating with medical teams and local authorities. "We are in the process of ascertaining details, and a thorough investigation has been initiated in coordination with our partner and relevant authorities," it said, the news agency reported. Explosion at Pithampur plant in Bhopal Meanwhile, in an another incident, panic gripped the Pithampur industrial area in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district on Tuesday after three powerful explosions occurred at a waste management plant, sending shockwaves through nearby villages and triggering concern among residents, officials said, the IANS reported. The blasts occurred at the facility of Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited, a plant that had earlier drawn national attention for incinerating toxic waste from the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. The sound of the explosions was heard up to a distance of nearly one kilometre, while residents in surrounding villages reported tremors, according to the IANS. Police teams and district administration officials rushed to the spot immediately after receiving information about the incident. Officials said that a team of police personnel and technical experts continues to investigate the incident inside the premises. Pithampur City Superintendent of Police, Ravi Soner, told media persons that the situation is under control and that a detailed investigation is underway. (with PTI and IANS inputs)
14 April,2026 06:56 PM IST | Sakti (Chhattisgarh) | mid-day online correspondentThe Railway Board has instructed all railway zones to speed up the installation of automatic closure systems at 1,228 level crossings across the country. The move aims to ensure that trains cannot receive a green signal unless the crossing gates are properly closed to road traffic, reported the PTI. The system, known as interlocking of level crossing (LC) gates, is designed to improve safety. Under the new mechanism, the gates will automatically close when a train approaches and if the gate remains open, the system will prevent the train from getting a green signal. This will reduces the risk of accidents caused by human error or negligence, officials said, according to the PTI. Action following fatal accident The directive follows a tragic accident on July 8, 2025, in Cuddalore, where a passenger train collided with a school van, resulting in the deaths of three children.After the incident, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw ordered the installation of interlocking systems at high-risk crossings, the news agency reported. Railway officials use a measure called Train Vehicle Unit (TVU) to assess traffic at level crossings. TVU is calculated by multiplying the number of trains and road vehicles passing through a crossing each day. Crossings with a TVU above 10,000 have been prioritised for safety upgrades. A total of 1,228 such crossings across 16 railway zones have been identified for the installation of interlocking systems. Deadline and implementation plan In a recent directive, the Board asked all zones to expedite the work and complete all installations as soon as possible. "Interlocking of LC gates is very important for ensuring safety in train operation. Various works of LC gate Interlocking have already been sanctioned for LC gates having TVU> 20,000," its letter said. It added, "The progress of these works needs to be expedited and it is advised that necessary measures are taken for construction of signalling building at all sanctioned LC gates and it shall be completed by 15.06.2026." The Railway Board has asked all zones to complete key infrastructure work, including signalling buildings, by June 15, 2026. Special attention has been directed towards: - Crossings with TVU above 20,000 - Crossings with TVU between 20,000 and 50,000 - All crossings exceeding 10,000 TVU The officials have been told to fast-track approvals and ensure timely completion of the safety measures.
14 April,2026 06:48 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1776234482857_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "Election Commission of India. File Pic")
-1776232763507_d.png "Narendra Modi. File Pic")
