United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based airlines Emirates and Etihad Airways announced on Monday that they will start operating a limited number of flights from the evening, after Dubai airports confirmed a partial resumption of operations, news agency IANS reported. The airport was closed due to the outbreak of hostilities between the US-Israel alliance and Iran since Saturday. Emirates said it will prioritise customers with earlier bookings as it restarts services in phases. The airline will contact passengers who have been rebooked onto these limited flights directly. "Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified," it said in a statement. The Dubai-based airline said that all other flights remain suspended until further notice. It said it continues to monitor the situation and will adjust its operational schedule accordingly. Updates will be published on emirates.com and its official social media channels. "We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience," the airline said, adding that the safety and security of passengers. Meanwhile, Etihad will conduct some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights "in coordination with UAE authorities and subject to strict operational and safety approvals", the airline said in a statement. US, Israel attack Iran: No clarity on full restoration as UAE airports begin phased reopening However, authorities have not provided a timeline for full restoration of normal operations. Dubai Airports said a small number of flights will be permitted to operate from Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) starting Sunday evening. The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority said: "Exceptional flights are now operating at UAE airports. Do not proceed to the airport until your airline contacts you with confirmed flight details to ensure a smooth process for all." The partial reopening comes after widespread airspace closures across the Gulf region due to missile and drone strikes linked to escalating conflict. Several Gulf airports reported damages over the weekend as Iran launched a barrage of missiles and drones against US bases in the Gulf countries in retaliatory fire. Airlines were forced to ground operations, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, which constitute key transit hubs for global flights between the West and the East. Dubai International, the world’s busiest international hub, had halted regular operations amid safety concerns. The closure disrupted global flight networks, as Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways operate hub-and-spoke models that connect long-haul traffic between Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas through the Gulf. (With IANS inputs)
03 March,2026 07:47 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held separate telephonic conversations with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman, Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, expressing concern over the escalating conflict in West Asia, reported news agency PTI. During the calls, PM Modi discussed the evolving security situation and conveyed India’s concerns over recent attacks affecting countries in the Gulf region. Focus on Safety of Indian Community A key focus of the discussions was the safety and well-being of Indian nationals residing in these countries. Officials said the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of ensuring the protection of the Indian diaspora amid rising tensions. Nearly 90 lakh Indians live and work across the Gulf and West Asia, making the situation particularly critical for India. In addition, around 10,000 Indians are in Iran and over 40,000 in Israel. Series of Diplomatic Outreach Efforts The outreach is part of a broader diplomatic engagement by India in response to the crisis. Over the past two days, Modi has also spoken with leaders from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel. India has condemned attacks on sovereign nations and reiterated its support for peace and stability in the region. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which met recently, reviewed the situation and expressed serious concern over the safety of Indian citizens in the conflict zone, reported PTI. Evacuation and Support Measures Underway With much of West Asian airspace closed and flights disrupted, hundreds of Indians remain stranded in key transit hubs such as Dubai and Doha. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has activated helplines and directed Indian missions across the region to remain in constant contact with citizens and provide assistance, reported PTI. Officials said the government is closely monitoring developments and is prepared to take necessary steps, including evacuation measures if required, to ensure the safety of Indian nationals, reported PTI. India has previously carried out large-scale evacuation operations in conflict zones and is expected to respond similarly if the situation worsens. (With inputs from PTI)
03 March,2026 06:52 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Defence Ministry on Tuesday sealed contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore for the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and surface-to-air missiles. While the ALH Mk-II helicopters are being procured for the Indian Coast Guard, the Shtil missiles will be deployed onboard the Indian Navy's warships. "The contract for ALH Mk-III (maritime role) along with operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support, valued at Rs 2,901 crore, has been inked with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd," the ministry said. It said these twin-engine helicopters incorporate state-of-the-art features superior to the currently operated airborne platforms and are capable of undertaking a wide spectrum of maritime security missions from shore-based airfields as well as from ships at sea. "The induction will significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard's capability for fulfilling the duties of safety and protection of artificial islands, offshore installations and protection of fishermen and marine environment," the ministry said. The contract for the procurement of surface-to-air vertical launch - Shtil missiles and associated missile holding frames, valued at Rs 2,182 crore, has been signed with Russia's JSC Rosoboronexport. The acquisition is intended to substantially enhance the air defence capabilit ies of frontline warships against a wide spectrum of aerial threats, the ministry said. "The system will reinforce the layered air defence architecture onboard the platforms of the Indian Navy by providing rapid-reaction, all-weather engagement capability and improved survivability in contested maritime environments," it said. "The contract further underscores the longstanding and time-tested defence partnership between India and Russia, founded on mutual trust and strategic alignment," it said in a statement. 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.
03 March,2026 06:45 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIIndia on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Iran and the Gulf region following the escalation of conflict that began on February 28, reported news agency ANI. In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India had, from the outset, urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians. “Unfortunately, during the holy month of Ramadan, the situation has deteriorated significantly,” the statement noted, highlighting the increasing intensity and geographical spread of the conflict, reported news agency ANI. Safety of Indians Overseas a Top Priority The MEA emphasised that the safety and well-being of Indian nationals in the region remain a key concern. Nearly one crore Indians live and work across Gulf countries, making the situation particularly sensitive for India. The government also flagged risks to trade and energy supply chains, noting that disruptions in the region could have serious economic implications. Additionally, India expressed concern over attacks on merchant shipping, stating that some Indian nationals have either lost their lives or gone missing in recent incidents. Call for Dialogue, Diplomacy and De-escalation Reiterating its position, India called for an immediate return to dialogue and diplomacy to end the conflict. The MEA said Indian embassies and consulates in affected countries are in constant touch with citizens and community organisations, issuing advisories and providing assistance to those stranded, reported ANI. The government also confirmed that senior leadership, including the Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister, is engaged in discussions with global counterparts to address the evolving situation. Conflict Expands, Global Concerns Rise The statement comes as the conflict in the region continues to widen, with Gulf nations increasingly impacted following US-Israel strikes on Iran. India said it is closely monitoring developments and will take necessary decisions in the national interest as the situation evolves. The government reiterated its appeal for peace, stressing that continued violence is leading to mounting casualties and disruption of normal life across the region. (With inputs from ANI)
03 March,2026 06:44 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that most parts of the country will continue to experience above-normal temperatures in the coming days, reported news agency ANI. According to the latest update, temperatures are expected to remain 4–6 degrees Celsius above normal across several parts of Northwest India, while Central India may see deviations of 2–4 degrees Celsius above average. This indicates an early onset of warmer conditions as the country transitions towards summer. Rainfall and Snowfall Expected in Northern Hills Despite rising temperatures, light and isolated rainfall or snowfall is likely in parts of the Himalayan region due to a weak western disturbance. Jammu & Kashmir is expected to receive precipitation between March 4 and 9, while Himachal Pradesh may see similar conditions from March 7 to 9. Uttarakhand is also likely to witness rainfall or snowfall between March 8 and 9, reported ANI. Fog Conditions Persist in Eastern Region Dense fog with visibility ranging between 50 and 199 metres was reported in isolated pockets of Meghalaya and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal. The IMD has indicated that similar foggy conditions may occur in parts of Sikkim during the morning hours in the coming days. Temperature Range Across Regions Maximum temperatures across several regions are already significantly above normal. Parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, and peninsular India are recording highs between 35 degrees Celsius and 38 degrees Celsius, while Madhya Pradesh, south Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar are seeing temperatures in the range of 32 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius, reported ANI. Minimum temperatures across northern and central regions remain between 10 degrees Celsius and 15 degrees Celsius, with Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh recording the lowest minimum temperature at 10 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, coastal regions and southern parts of the country are experiencing relatively warmer nights, with minimum temperatures ranging between 20 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. The IMD also noted the presence of cyclonic circulations over Assam and the Bay of Bengal, which may influence regional weather patterns in the coming days. (With inputs from ANI)
03 March,2026 06:11 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentArtificial judgments will have real consequences, the Supreme Court has warned, coming down hard on a trial court relying on fake, AI-generated verdicts in its decision-making process. Orders based on fictitious judgments will not just be seen as an error in decision-making but will amount to judicial misconduct, the top court has said in a warning that comes at a time when the use of AI (artificial intelligence) is spreading to official work where it is not authorised. A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe has said it will examine the matter in detail and issued a notice to Attorney General R Venkataramani, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and the Bar Council of India. The court has also appointed senior advocate Shyam Divan to assist it in the matter. "We take cognisance of the trial court deploying AI-generated non-existing, fake or synthetic alleged judgments and seek to examine its consequences and accountability as it has a direct bearing on the integrity of the adjudicatory process," the bench said. "At the outset, we must declare that a decision based on such non-existent and fake alleged judgments is not an error in the decision making. It would be a misconduct and legal consequence shall follow. It is compelling that we examine this issue in more detail," the bench said in its February 27 order. The issue cropped up before the apex court while it was hearing a plea challenging a January order of the Andhra Pradesh High Court that came on a suit filed for an injunction. The top court said the case assumes considerable institutional concern, not because of the decision that was taken on the merits of the case, but regarding the process of adjudication and determination. "Issue notice to the attorney general, solicitor general and the Bar Council of India," it said. The court noted that pending the suit's disposal, the trial court had appointed an advocate-commissioner to note the physical features of the disputed property. The bench pointed out that the petitioners had challenged the advocate-commissioner's report by raising certain objections. It noted that the trial court, in its order passed in August last year, dismissed the objections and in the process, relied on certain judgments. The petitioners then challenged the trial court's order, contending that the verdicts referred to and relied on were non-existent and fake. The top court noted that the high court had considered the objection and realised that the judgments were AI-generated. It said after recording a word of caution, the high court had proceeded to decide the case on merits and dismissed the civil revision petition, affirming the decision of the trial court. The petitioners then moved the apex court, challenging the high court's order. The bench agreed to hear the plea and issued a notice on it. "Pending disposal of the special leave petition, we direct that the trial court shall not proceed on the basis of the advocate-commissioner's report," it said and posted the matter for hearing on March 10. Hearing a separate matter on February 17, a top court bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed serious concern over a growing trend of lawyers filing petitions drafted with AI tools that contain non-existent judgments such as "Mercy vs Mankind". It made the observations while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) matter seeking guidelines on political speeches. 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.
03 March,2026 06:06 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | PTIMore than 250 flights were cancelled on Tuesday across four major Indian airports—Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai—due to ongoing disruptions caused by the escalating Middle East conflict, officials said. Flight operations have been impacted for the fourth consecutive day as airlines continue to adjust schedules amid airspace restrictions and safety concerns linked to the situation involving the US, Israel, and Iran. Mumbai, Delhi Among Worst Affected Mumbai airport recorded the highest number of cancellations, with 107 flights affected, followed by Delhi with 80 cancellations. Bengaluru reported at least 42 cancelled services, while Chennai airport confirmed 30 cancellations. The figures include both arrivals and departures, significantly affecting passenger movement across domestic and international routes. Over 1,100 International Flights Cancelled in Three Days Since the crisis escalated on February 28, Indian airlines have cancelled a total of 1,117 international flights over the past three days, reflecting the scale of disruption in global aviation. Airspace closures and rerouting challenges over parts of the Middle East have forced airlines to suspend or delay several west-bound flights. Airlines Warn of Further Delays and Adjustments The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has cautioned passengers that west-bound international flights may continue to face delays or operational changes due to the evolving geopolitical situation. Airlines are closely monitoring advisories and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) while prioritising passenger safety and operational compliance. Authorities have advised travellers to stay updated with their respective airlines and check flight statuses before heading to airports, as the situation remains fluid and subject to rapid changes. India calls for restraint, expresses deep concern as Iran, Gulf conflict escalates during holy month of Ramadan: MEA Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday expressed grave concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Iran and the Gulf region following the outbreak of the conflict on February 28 this year. In a statement the official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs said that India had urged all parties from the very beginning to exercise restraint, avoid further escalation, and ensure the safety of civilians. "We had expressed our deep concern at the commencement of the conflict in Iran and the Gulf region on 28 February 2026. Even at that time, India had urged all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritize the safety of civilians. Unfortunately, in the holy month of Ramadan, the situation in the region has deteriorated significantly and continuously," the statement read.
03 March,2026 05:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA 22-year-old man died and three others sustained injuries after their speeding car overturned and crashed into the protection wall of a well in Maharashtra’s Beed district on Monday, news agency PTI reported. Speaking about the incident, a police officer said, “The accident occurred near Nagaryachiwadi in Shirur Kasar tehsil while the victims were driving to a resort for Holi celebrations." The driver was speeding and lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn multiple times before crashing into the protection wall of a well on a farm, the police officer added. Krishna Jalinder Mule, a resident of the Ramteerth area in Beed town, was killed, while three others sustained serious injuries in the crash, the officer informed. He further stated that the victim and his friends were travelling in two vehicles to a resort in Shirur in Pune district. The persons in the other vehicle stopped and extricated the injured from the damaged car, PTI reported. One of the injured persons is in a critical condition and is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the officer said, adding that a probe is underway. Two women injured in accident at Mumbai's Dahisar Two women suffered serious injuries in a road accident in Mumbai’s Dahisar area, officers said. The accident took place on the intervening night of February 24 and 25 near Anand Nagar Bridge in Dahisar, they added. According to officers, a speeding car hit the vehicle of two women from behind, throwing them onto the road and leaving them critically injured. At the time of the incident, officials from the Borivali Regional Transport Office (RTO) were returning after completing duty with the flying squad, news agency PTI reported. Senior Motor Vehicle Inspector Kulbhushan Gaikwad, along with drivers Deepak Rajput and Ganesh Wakale, immediately responded after learning about the accident, officers said. The team quickly called an ambulance to ensure the injured women received urgent medical treatment. They also managed the crowd gathered at the spot and informed the police without delay, urging appropriate legal action, PTI reported. (With inputs from PTI)
03 March,2026 04:29 PM IST | Beed | mid-day online correspondentThe Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has postponed Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations scheduled for March 5 and 6 in several Middle Eastern countries due to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, reported the PTI. According to CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj, the decision applies to examinations in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The board had taken the step in view of the prevailing situation in parts of the region after the US-Israel attack on Iran, officials said. The revised dates for the postponed examinations will be announced later. Officials added that the situation will be reviewed again on 5 March to determine whether further exams need to be rescheduled, according to the PTI. Earlier, the board had also postponed the examination scheduled for March 2 in the Middle East region. Conflict background The postponement comes amid heightened tensions following a major attack on Iran launched by Israel and the United States. Iran later confirmed that its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes. US President Donald Trump has stated that military operations would continue for as long as necessary. Maharashtra launches helpline for stranded residents in Middle East Meanwhile, Maharashtra government has introduced an emergency WhatsApp helpline for state residents stranded in the Middle East due to ongoing conflict in the region, reported the PTI. Officials said several hundred people from Maharashtra are currently unable to return home because of widespread airspace closures. However, all are reported to be safe. The Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Office said that Devendra Fadnavis is personally overseeing developments and remains in constant contact with various agencies. He is also coordinating closely with the Central government, which is extending assistance. State minister Girish Mahajan has been assigned to manage coordination efforts. In collaboration with Indian People's Forum in Dubai, the state government has issued a WhatsApp helpline number: +971 50 365 4357. Stranded residents requiring help have been asked to get in touch through the number. Officials added that data is being collected from districts across Maharashtra to assess the total number of affected citizens. (with PTI inputs)
03 March,2026 03:55 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentCongress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi supports the assassination of a head of state as a means of shaping the world order, amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, reported the PTI. The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha said India must take a clear moral stand. In a post on social media, he stated that silence at such a time could diminish India’s standing globally. His remarks follow Iran’s confirmation that its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in targeted strikes reportedly carried out by the United States and Israel. Rahul Gandhi said escalating hostilities in the region risk pushing an already fragile situation into a wider conflict. He stressed that both unilateral attacks on Iran and Iran’s attacks on other Middle Eastern nations must be condemned. “Violence begets violence. Dialogue and restraint remain the only path to peace,” he said, according to the PTI. Impact on Indians He noted that millions of people in the region, including nearly one crore Indians, are facing uncertainty due to the crisis. Rahul Gandhi added that India’s foreign policy has traditionally been rooted in respect for sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes, and said it should remain consistent with those principles, the news agency reported. In his post on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "Escalating hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran are pushing a fragile region toward wider conflict. Crores of people, including nearly a crore Indians, face uncertainty. While security concerns are real, attacks that violate sovereignty will only worsen the crisis. The unilateral attacks on Iran, as well as Iran’s attacks on other Middle Eastern nations, must be condemned. Violence begets violence - dialogue and restraint remain the only path to peace." He stated, "India must be morally clear. We should have the courage to speak plainly in defence of international law and human lives. Our foreign policy is rooted in sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes - and it must remain consistent." Escalating hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran are pushing a fragile region toward wider conflict. Crores of people, including nearly a crore Indians, face uncertainty.While security concerns are real, attacks that violate sovereignty will only worsen the… — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 3, 2026 Rahul Gandhi further wrote, "PM Modi must speak up. Does he support the assassination of a head of state as a way to define the world order? Silence now diminishes India’s standing in the world." US and Israel launch strikes The United States and Israel launched major strikes on Iran on Saturday. US President Donald Trump subsequently urged the Iranian public to take control of their future and rise against the country’s Islamic leadership. (with PTI inputs)
03 March,2026 03:41 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA 60-year-old woman lost her life after a speeding mini-truck overturned and fell on her in Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi district, police said on Tuesday, reported the PTI. The incident took place near Utelwa Gadha Morh in the Kamrauli police station area. According to police, Waseem Ahmed, a resident of Subedar Bahua village under Mohanganj police station limits, was taking his wife Anwari (60) on a bicycle to purchase medicines. Officials said the driver of the speeding mini-truck lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn on the road. The vehicle fell on Anwari, while her husband was thrown some distance away. Both were seriously injured and taken to the Jagdishpur Community Health Centre. Doctors declared Anwari dead on arrival, while Waseem Ahmed is undergoing treatment, the news agency reported. Driver absconds, vehicle seized The driver of the mini-truck fled the scene after the accident. Station Officer Mukesh Kumar of Kamrauli police station said the body has been sent for post-mortem examination and the vehicle has been seized. Further investigation is in progress, as per the PTI. Two workers from UP electrocuted in Maharashtra's Thane Two migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh have died in separate cases of electrocution in Maharashtra’s Thane district, police said on Tuesday, adding that probe was underway in both cases, reported the PTI. The incidents took place on Sunday night in the Kalyan and Dombivli areas. In the first incident, Sandeep Ghorilal Rawat (35), a native of Unnao district in Uttar Pradesh, was electrocuted while washing his hands and feet near a water pump at a relative’s house in Kalyan, as per the PTI. He was taken to hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival, officials said. Worker dies at eatery in Dombivli In a separate incident in the Manpada area of Dombivli in Thane district, Ajaykumar Dasai Gautam (20), who was from Basti district in Uttar Pradesh, lost his life after coming into contact with a live electric current. Gautam had been working at a local biryani outlet. Police said he was washing his hands when he accidentally touched an iron rack inside the shop and was electrocuted, according to the PTI. He was also pronounced dead at hospital. Police have registered accidental death reports in both cases. Further inquiries are underway. (with PTI inputs)
03 March,2026 03:22 PM IST | Amethi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
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