Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Lok Sabha at 2 p.m. on Monday, focusing on the key concerns relating to the ongoing West Asia conflict. Earlier on Sunday, PM Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the situation in the petroleum, crude oil, gas, power, and fertiliser sectors, with a focus on ensuring uninterrupted supply and stable distribution amid the evolving crisis in West Asia. The meeting focused on maintaining uninterrupted supply, ensuring stable logistics, and streamlining distribution systems across the country to prevent any disruption in essential services. Officials briefed the Prime Minister on the current status of fuel availability and steps being taken to safeguard India's energy security. According to sources, the government is closely monitoring global developments and has taken proactive measures to ensure that consumers and industries are not affected by volatility in international markets. Efforts are underway to maintain adequate reserves and strengthen supply chains amid rising geopolitical uncertainties. The review comes at a time when global energy markets remain on edge due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, a region that plays a crucial role in global oil and gas supplies. Concerns have also been raised over disruptions in key shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, which handles a significant share of global energy trade. A day earlier, Prime Minister Modi spoke with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the regional situation and emphasised the need for peace and stability. He also underlined the importance of keeping international shipping lanes open and secure, warning that any disruption could impact global supply chains. To reduce dependence on the Middle East, India has diversified its oil and gas imports, increasing purchases from countries such as the United States, Russia, and African nations like Nigeria. Officials said that nearly 70 per cent of India's oil imports now come from sources outside the Gulf region. The government has also stepped up efforts to manage LPG supplies, including sourcing liquefied petroleum gas from the US to address potential shortages. While concerns over LPG availability persist, officials said there has been no disruption in supply at the consumer level, with online bookings rising significantly. 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.
23 March,2026 01:36 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSShiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday questioned the Centre’s stance on the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict, calling it a “very dangerous turning point” and urging the government to clarify India’s position, reported news agency ANI. Raut questions Centre’s silence Addressing a press conference, Raut said the government has not clearly articulated India’s role despite the conflict’s growing global implications. “No one can say what India’s role is. This war has reached a very dangerous turning point,” he said, adding that the country’s leadership should communicate its strategy and response, reported ANI. Raut also questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not publicly expressed a detailed position on the crisis so far. Concerns over impact on India Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi highlighted the domestic impact of the conflict, particularly on essential supplies, reported ANI. She said shortages of LPG and disruptions in supply chains have already begun affecting daily life, with restaurants and eateries struggling to operate fully due to limited cooking gas availability. “The impact on the public is serious. This is not just a geopolitical issue — it is affecting everyday life,” she said, reported ANI. Govt reviews economic and supply situation Meanwhile, the Centre has held high-level discussions to assess the impact of the conflict on India’s economy and essential sectors. Officials reviewed potential short-term, medium-term and long-term effects across key areas such as agriculture, fertilisers, energy, food security, power, MSMEs, trade and supply chains, reported ANI. Measures to safeguard essential supplies The government said adequate stock of coal at power plants will ensure uninterrupted electricity supply. It also reviewed fertiliser availability for the upcoming Kharif season and explored alternative sourcing options to maintain food security. Efforts are also underway to diversify import sources for critical sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals. Focus on preventing disruption Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed all ministries to coordinate closely and ensure minimal disruption to citizens. He also emphasised the need to work with state governments to prevent black-marketing and hoarding of essential commodities, reported ANI. Global conflict, domestic implications The ongoing tensions in West Asia are expected to have wide-ranging effects on global markets and supply chains, with India closely monitoring developments. While opposition leaders continue to demand greater transparency, the government maintains that it is taking necessary steps to mitigate the impact and safeguard national interests. (With inputs from ANI)
23 March,2026 01:35 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIn a village where fear once came from the forests at dusk, it now walks the roads in broad daylight. On March 17, an 11-year-old girl cycling home from school in Vadgaon Pan was attacked with acid just minutes before she would have reached safety. There was no warning, no known dispute, no explanation. Only a child, a quiet rural road, and a moment that has left an entire community shaken. The victim’s home, located about 4 km from her school, connected by a narrow, isolated road where the attack took place. Pics/Archana Dahiwal Today, the questions are louder than the answers. And the voices coming from her home are not just asking for justice, they are asking how anyone is expected to live like this anymore. The road home >> The road she took every day is narrow and uneven. A single vehicle can barely pass. When one does, thick dust rises. >> Fields stretch on both sides. There are long patches with no houses, no people.>> This is where she cycled every day.>> This is where she was attacked. The victim’s mother with her younger son, still trying to process the moment she learned her daughter had been attacked The police investigation Police have formed eight teams. A sketch of the suspect has been released. Technical, forensic, and local units are searching. Citizens with information are requested to contact the police. Informants’ identities will be kept confidential. The girl >> She is 11. A school-going child who cycled nearly four kilometres every day. She had been going to the same school since Std I. >> Teachers remember her as sincere, quiet, focused.>> Now she lies in a burn ward, unable to eat solid food, her face heavily bandaged.>> Doctors say nearly 70 per cent of her face has been affected. Two surgeries have already been done. More may follow. The bicycle the 11-year-old used to ride to school every day, left behind on the road after the attack The long road ahead >> Doctors say she will likely remain hospitalised for two months.>> She cannot eat properly yet. She is on a liquid diet. The burns are deep. The recovery will be slow.>> But they believe she will survive. Inside the home Her maternal uncle, with whom she lives, tries to explain what this feels like. “By evening, fear of tigers and leopards forces children indoors. In the past, a few children were killed in leopard attacks. And now, predators in human form are targeting our daughters openly, in the middle of the day. You tell us, how are we supposed to live like this?” He works at construction sites. A large family depends on him. Hospital in Loni, where the 11-year-old is undergoing treatment for severe facial burns after the acid attack “My daughters and the acid survivor go to school daily on their bicycles. After this incident, my daughters were so scared. I started dropping and picking them up. I don’t want them to sit at home. But it is not possible to manage school trips while leaving my work. After all, I have to feed the entire family.” Anger beyond the home The incident has shaken Sangamner. Protests broke out. Locals gathered, demanding answers and action. “This is the first incident of its kind here. The entire town stands united. We want strict punishment so that nothing like this happens again,” said local representative Kapil Pawar. Another person said, “If girls who are simply trying to study are not safe, what does that say about us?” What happened in those moments After the attack, the girl ran. She left her bicycle behind and rushed into a nearby house, looking for help. A woman there tried to wash her face with water, but even her own hands began to burn. The acid had already started tearing through skin. She was rushed first to a nearby hospital, then shifted to a hospital in Loni, about 30 km away. After the incident, the school began weekend sessions where female students can speak openly with female teachers. CCTV cameras have now been installed at the entrance. Support has been strengthened, but only after something irreversible has already happened. The attack Date & time: March 17, around 11:45 amWhere: Kaccha road near Mahadev temple, Vadgaon PanWhat happened: Acid was thrown at a Std VI student returning from schoolAftermath: She ran for help, leaving her bicycle behindNow: Under treatment, condition stable, but with critical injuries Citizens with information are requested to contact the police Police Inspector Praveen Sangle – 9665093468Sangamner Taluka Police Station – 02425-222333API Dnyaneshwar Katore – 9822202333Police Sub-Inspector Mahesh Shinde – 9527039196
23 March,2026 10:41 AM IST | Ahilyanagar | Archana DahiwalThree men were arrested in southwest Delhi’s Mahipalpur for allegedly hoarding LPG cylinders to sell them at a premium price, police said on Sunday. They were identified as Krishna, Dinesh Sahu, and Mithilesh, aged 33, 46, and 39, all from Bihar but living in Delhi. The police seized 74 LPG cylinders — 70 domestic and four commercial — along with a transport vehicle and refilling equipment in the raid on Saturday, an officer said. “The trio was engaged in illegally storing LPG cylinders and supplying them to local customers. They allegedly used metal pipes to transfer gas from multiple filled cylinders into empty ones to manipulate supply and increase margins,” the officer said. 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
23 March,2026 09:59 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesA case has been registered against two US nationals for allegedly flying a drone near the Coast Guard Headquarters in Fort Kochi, police said on Sunday. The accused Katie Michelle Phelps, 32, and Christopher Ross Harvey, 35, are from California. According to police officials at Fort Kochi, the duo had arrived as tourists and were spotted flying a drone to record videos near the Coast Guard Headquarters on Saturday morning. Fort Kochi, which houses establishments of the Navy and Coast Guard, falls under a red zone where drone operations are prohibited. 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
23 March,2026 09:56 AM IST | Kochi | AgenciesThe Punjab Police have booked former state minister Laljit Singh Bhullar in connection with the suicide of a state warehousing corporation official, officials said on Sunday. Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, the district manager of the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation in Amritsar, allegedly took his own life by consuming a poisonous substance on Saturday. Former Punjab transport minster Laljit Singh Bhullar (centre). PIC/FB@laljitbhullar22 The police also booked Bhullar’s father, Sukhdev Singh Bhullar, and personal assistant Dilbag Singh. The case was registered on a complaint of Randhawa’s wife, Upinder Kaur on Saturday night. Following the incident, Bhullar tendered his resignation from the state cabinet after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asked him to step down amid allegations of abetment of suicide. Earlier the same day, a video surfaced on social media in which Randhawa, who held the additional charge of Patti, was purportedly heard saying that he had consumed Celphos and accused the transport minister of harassment. Meanwhile, opposition leaders on Sunday staged a ‘gherao’ and demanded Bhullar’s arrest. 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
23 March,2026 09:53 AM IST | Chandigarh | AgenciesContinuous heavy snowfall has blanketed Kedarnath Dham under a thick layer of snow measuring nearly three to four feet, covering the entire township and surrounding areas in white. According to the Kedarnath Temple Committee, at the world-renowned eleventh Jyotirlinga, Kedarnath Temple, and the entire Kedar Valley have been enveloped in a shimmering layer of snow, creating a truly divine and mesmerising scene. Despite sub-zero temperatures and harsh weather conditions, personnel from the Uttarakhand Police and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) remain fully alert, maintaining a strong security presence in the region. "Even in such extreme conditions, the jawans continue regular patrols to ensure the sanctity and safety of the shrine," the Temple Committee said. The security forces have established a robust and impenetrable security cover amid the ongoing snowfall. At the same time, the security personnel are clearing the accumulated snow around the barracks and living areas on their own, demonstrating self-reliance and discipline to ensure that their operations continue without disruption. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand has been witnessing significant developments in its tourism sector, with the government focusing on promoting a blend of spiritual and adventure tourism while expanding infrastructure to strengthen its global appeal. To make pilgrimages smoother and safer, large-scale ropeway projects have been initiated. A 12.9-km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath Dham will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 4,081 crore. Similarly, a 12.4-km ropeway from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib is planned at a cost of Rs 2,730 crore, according to a state government release. Once completed, these projects are expected to significantly reduce travel time and physical strain for devotees. In a major push to boost year-round tourism, winter pilgrimage has been introduced in the state. To promote this initiative, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier visited Mukhwa, the winter abode of Goddess Ganga. In the Kumaon region, under the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission, 48 temples are being developed into a religious circuit, providing a further boost to spiritual tourism. Rapid development work is also underway in Kedarnath and Badrinath under their respective master plans. Badrinath Dham is being developed into a smart spiritual hill town with projects worth Rs 255 crore. 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.
22 March,2026 08:14 PM IST | Kedarnath | ANIA Russian oil-laden tanker, MT Aqua Titan, chartered by Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL), has arrived in India on Sunday amid growing concerns over global energy supply due to the escalating conflict in West Asia, reported ANI. The tanker is currently anchored in the Arabian Sea, about 10 nautical miles off the Mangaluru coast. The tanker was expected to arrive in India on Saturday. Its arrival comes at a time when global energy markets remain volatile, with supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions impacting crude and energy availability. Earlier in the day, a cargo ship carrying Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from Texas, United States, arrived at the New Mangalore Port in Mangaluru. New Mangalore Port waives LPG and crude charges, Indian ships safe in Gulf According to ANI, on Friday, the Shipping Ministry informed that New Mangalore Port has waived cargo-related charges for crude oil and LPG from March 14 to 31. It also said that there is no congestion reported at any port. During the interministerial briefing, Special Secretary of the Shipping Ministry, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, said all 22 Indian ships and 611 sailors in the Persian Gulf are safe amid the West Asia conflict. "There has been no report of any maritime incident in the last 24 hours. All our 22 ships and 611 Indian sailors in the Persian Gulf region are safe, and we are continuously monitoring them... There is no congestion in any port...New Mangalore Port has issued a circular for waiver of all cargo-related charges for crude and LPG, which is valid from 14 March to 31 March," the Shipping Ministry official said, reported ANI. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, Jag Laadki, successfully arrived at Adani Ports Mundra in Gujarat, marking a significant addition to the nation's energy imports. Earlier, the two Indian-flagged LPG carriers safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz before arriving in India on March 16 and 17. MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi - carrying approximately 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG - crossed the Strait of Hormuz on March 13. This comes as the conflict in West Asia enters its 4th week, with trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz hampered, reported ANI. (Inputs from ANI)
22 March,2026 08:13 PM IST | Mangaluru (Karnataka) | mid-day online correspondentThe Gadchiroli Police Force successfully conducted the written examination for Police Constable Recruitment 2024-25 on Sunday. As per the officials' statement, the force recorded an impressive 99.54 per cent attendance. The examination is part of an ongoing recruitment drive to fill 717 constable posts in the district. Out of 7,003 eligible candidates, as many as 6,971 aspirants appeared for the test held across 14 examination centres in Gadchiroli. The examination was conducted in two sessions, with the General Studies paper held from 10:00 am to 11:30 am, followed by a language paper focusing on Gondi and Madiya from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. Candidates shortlisted after the physical round were eligible for the next level. The recruitment process had earlier seen field tests conducted between February 14 and March 7 on the Gadchiroli Police Headquarters ground. Candidates shortlisted from these physical tests were eligible for the written examination. Exam conducted under stringent security measures Authorities ensured stringent security arrangements, deploying nearly 1,000 personnel, including police officers, constables, teachers, and administrative staff. The officials further noted that the candidates were subjected to thorough screening through metal detectors and biometric verification before entering examination centres. Additionally, signal jammer vehicles were deployed at select locations to prevent malpractice. To facilitate smooth access for candidates, the police utilised digital tools such as Google Maps and social media platforms to share centre locations and seating arrangements in advance. Refreshment arrangements were also made during the break between the two papers. In a move to maintain transparency, the Gadchiroli Police Force released the answer keys for both papers at 3:15 pm on its official website, allowing candidates a 24-hour window to raise objections. The examination was conducted under the guidance of Superintendent of Police Neelotpal, along with senior officers, including Additional SP M. Ramesh, Karthik Madhira, and Gokul Raj G., among others. Officials stated that the use of technology and coordinated efforts of the police personnel ensured a transparent, disciplined, and hassle-free examination process.
22 March,2026 06:54 PM IST | Gadchiroli | mid-day online correspondentINS Trikand, a frontline stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, has departed from Port Victoria in Seychelles after successfully completing an engaging and productive port call. During the visit, Captain Sachin Kulkarni, Commanding Officer of the ship, called on senior government officials of Seychelles, as well as the High Commissioner of India to the island nation. The ship also handed over critical spares and essential stores to the Government of Seychelles as part of ongoing cooperation. The port call, which began on March 16, concluded on March 20 and featured a range of operational and collaborative engagements between the two countries. INS Trikand makes maiden entry into Exercise Lamitiye 2026 INS Trikand also participated in the first tri-services edition of Exercise Lamitiye 2026, alongside personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). This marked the maiden participation of the Indian Navy in the exercise, reported IANS. As part of the harbour phase, specialised Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) training was conducted onboard, including joint boarding drills involving personnel from both sides. The exercise then progressed to the sea phase, during which INS Trikand operated alongside SCGS Le Vigilant and carried out joint boarding operations at sea. These operations involved a combined team of Indian Navy Marine Commandos and special forces from the Seychelles Defence Forces. Subsequently, troops from the Indian Army and the Seychelles Defence Forces carried out coordinated landing operations on Praslin Island, demonstrating joint operational capabilities. India and Seychelles deepen maritime ties at Exercise Lamitiye 2026 Senior officials of the Seychelles Defence Forces, including Chief of Defence Forces Major General Michael Rosette and Deputy Chief Brigadier Jean Attala, along with other officers, embarked on INS Trikand during the sea phase to observe the exercise. Officials said, "The exercise served as a platform to enhance interoperability and deepen maritime cooperation between India and Seychelles," as cited by IANS. The name 'Lamitiye', which translates to ‘friendship’ in the Creole language, reflects the longstanding and close ties shared between the two nations. The port call is in line with India's vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region) and underscores the Indian Navy's commitment to remain a preferred security partner and first responder in the Indian Ocean Region. (Inputs from IANS)
22 March,2026 06:22 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | mid-day online correspondentLeader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and BJP candidate from Bhabanipur and Nandigram Assembly constituencies, Suvendu Adhikari, accused some anti-social elements vandalised the statue of Lord Ram ahead of Ram Navami celebrations in Nandigram. As reported by news agency ANI, BJP leaders on Sunday also held a protest over the alleged vandalism. Speaking to ANI, Adhikari lashed out at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of backing "goons" for her vote bank. He alleged that the Trinamool Congress government in the state is against the Hindus. Ram statue vandalised ahead of Rama Navami in Nandigram According to ANI, BJP leader Adhikari said that, "Jihadis have vandalised the statue of Lord Ram, which was being sculpted ahead of the Rama Navami celebrations. The state government is against Hindus. Some anti-social elements always do these kinds of acts to disturb the situation ahead of the Hindu festivals. Even Muslims are part of our procession; they don't carry out such acts. Mamata Banerjee has created some goons for her vote bank; they do that." This comes after Adhikari shared a video of an allegedly vandalised sculpture and alleged that unknown people destroyed the statue last night in Nandigram. While posting on X, the BJP leader wrote, "Incidents of jihadist attacks on idols of gods and goddesses and temples of Sanatanis in West Bengal are not new. These incidents have now become an everyday occurrence. This time, the incident took place in Nandigram. At booth number 122 in Bheturia, Block No. 2 of Nandigram, the work of creating an idol of Lord Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram was underway at the Bheturia Bus Stand on the occasion of Shri Ram Navami Puja. The idol's work was nearly complete, but in the darkness of last night, some jihadists came and severed the head of Lord Shri Ramchandra's idol and took it away." Adhikari slams Mamata's appeasement politics after Ram statue vandalism Alleging appeasement politics by CM Mamata, he added, "This jihadist attack on the faith and beliefs of Sanatanis is only increasing in the state due to Mamata's government's appeasement politics and the shameless inaction of the Mamata administration. It has become imperative to bid farewell to this government immediately; otherwise, even worse circumstances await Sanatanis in this state in the coming days." "Therefore, while there is still time, all Sanatanis must unite, form an alliance, and bid farewell to this government that appeases the jihadists," the post read, reported ANI. This comes amid Legislative Assembly elections in the state, where Suvendu Adhikari is set to contest from Nandigram, where he defeated Mamata Banerjee in 2021, and from Bhabanipur, the constituency currently held by the TMC chief. West Bengal will hold polling for the elections in two phases, with the first phase scheduled on April 23 and the second phase on April 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4, reported ANI. (Inputs from ANI)
22 March,2026 06:17 PM IST | Purba Medinipur | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1774252116032_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "Narendra Modi. File Pic")
-1774189246975_d.png "A view of the snow-covered Kedarnath Temple amid fresh snowfall, in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Pic/PTI")
-1774189432578_d.png "Aqua Titan was diverted to India and arrived off the Mangaluru coast. Pic/PTI")
-1774185875696_d.png "Police exam conducted in Gadchiroli amid stringent security. (Pic/Special arrangement)")
-1774176239217_d.png "INS Trikand. File Pic")
-1774181533079_d.png "Suvendhu Adhikari. Pic/PTI")