Delhi Police on Thursday arrested a man for allegedly defrauding more than 500 women across the country of nearly Rs 2 crore, news agency ANI reported. The accused duped the victims by targeting them through dating and matrimonial applications, officers said. According to the Cyber Police of the South-West District, the accused has been identified as Anand Kumar, a resident of West Bengal. Officers further stated that he had been involved in honey-trapping, romance scams, and blackmailing for a considerable period. Police said that the accused created multiple fake accounts across social media platforms, posing as a doctor, businessman, or film producer, to gain the trust of women, ANI reported. A police officer said, "He would establish emotional connections with the victims by promising love and marriage. Later, he would fabricate stories such as medical emergencies, business losses, or urgent financial needs to extract money." In several instances, Kumar also allegedly blackmailed victims by threatening to circulate their private photos and videos online. He targeted over 500 women and cheated them of approximately Rs 2 crore over time, reported ANI, quoting the police. A victim's complaint, alleging a loss of around Rs 7 lakh, brought the case to light. Soon thereafter, the authorities traced and arrested Kumar from the 24 Parganas area of West Bengal using technical surveillance and digital tracking. While further investigation into the case is still underway, the authorities have recovered four mobile phones, eight SIM cards, debit cards, and gold jewellery from his possession. Delhi Police bust investment fraud racket Delhi Police, in coordination with Shahdara Cyber Police, busted an investment fraud racket involving Rs 10 lakh on April 11. Three accused, identified as Sumit, Sandeep, and Kamal Kumar, were arrested for allegedly luring people through WhatsApp groups with promises of high stock market returns. As per officers, the complainant was contacted in December 2025 and cheated of around Rs 10 lakh. After receiving the money, the accused neither provided any returns nor refunded the amount. The victim was later blocked from all communication platforms. During the investigation, the police traced bank accounts and digital transactions through technical analysis. Subsequently, raids were conducted in the Rohini area, leading to the arrest of three accused. (With inputs from ANI)
17 April,2026 10:07 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentDoctor, lawyer, film producer, model, businessman — behind many online personas is a 35-year-old man who allegedly duped over 500 women across the country of more than Rs 2 crore by using fake social media or dating app profiles, emotional stories and promises of marriage to lure victims into his trap. The accused, Anand Kumar, was arrested by a team of southwest cyber police for allegedly running an organised network of romance scams, honey-trapping and online blackmail targeting women through dating and matrimonial platforms, DCP (Southwest) Amit Goel 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
17 April,2026 09:51 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesPakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group’s co-founder Amir Hamza suffered bullet injuries in an attack by motorcycle-borne unidentified gunmen in Lahore on Thursday, police said. Hamza is regarded as LeT’s second in command after its chief Hafiz Saeed, who has been imprisoned 2019. 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
17 April,2026 09:45 AM IST | Lahore | AgenciesA team of Madhya Pradesh Police on Thursday reached Kochi to probe the marriage of a young woman (Mona Lisa) who came into the limelight during the Kumbh Mela and later married her friend, Mohammad Farman. The parents of the girl claimed that she is only aged 16 and registered a case Madhya Pradesh against Farman. 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
17 April,2026 09:37 AM IST | Kochi | AgenciesTamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday burnt a copy of the delimitation Bill and dubbed it a “black law”, alleging it seeks to make the Tamil people “refugees” in their own land. Stalin hoisted a black flag and burnt a copy of the Bill circulated by the Union government and raised slogans condemning the move. “Poradavom, Velvom ondraga” [Let us struggle, win together] was among the slogans raised by Stalin and others clad in black. The DMK, headed by Stalin, said that it will move the Supreme Court against the delimitation bill, if it is passed in the Parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asserted that no state — big or small, north or south, or east or west — will be discriminated against in the delimitation of constituencies.
17 April,2026 09:30 AM IST | Chennai | AgenciesPresident Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to undertake a six-day official visit to Himachal Pradesh from April 27 to May 2 covering key locations including Shimla, Atal Tunnel (Rohtang) and Palampur, as per a draft itinerary from the President's Secretariat. According to the programme, the President will depart from Rashtrapati Bhavan on April 27 and travel via Palam Airport to Chandigarh, before flying by an Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter to Kalyani Helipad at Rashtrapati Niwas, Mashobra. The President will stay at Rashtrapati Niwas during the Shimla leg of the visit. On April 28, engagements remain largely reserved, with proposed inaugurations yet to be confirmed. On April 29, the President is scheduled to visit the Atal Tunnel area. The programme includes travel to Sissu Helipad, followed by a road journey to the North Portal of the tunnel. The President will receive a detailed briefing by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) authorities, visit the ingress tunnel, and proceed to the South Portal, where photographs and a presentation at the Model Room are planned. The itinerary also includes high tea before returning to Mashobra. On April 30, the President will travel to Palampur to attend the 17th Convocation of CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University as the Chief Guest. She will return to Shimla the same day. Later that evening, the President is scheduled to visit the Army Training Command in Shimla. May 1 has been reserved for official engagements, including an 'At Home' function and other appointments. On May 2, the President will depart from Mashobra, travel via helicopter to Chandigarh, and then fly back to Delhi. The itinerary is tentative, with certain programmes marked as 'reserved or 'to be confirmed.' 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
17 April,2026 09:29 AM IST | Shimla | ANIThe strength of the Lok Sabha will be increased to 815 from the current 543, of which 272 seats (33 per cent) will be reserved for women, and neither men nor any state will suffer any loss due to the implementation of this quota, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said on Thursday. According to the proposed legislations, there will be an increase of 50 per cent in the current strength of the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha on Thursday took up the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Delimitation Bill, 2026, for debate and passage. The Bills were introduced after a fiery 40-minute debate, following which the opposition pressed for a division of votes to introduce the Constitutional (131st Amendment) Bill. The Bill was later introduced with 251 members supporting it and 185 members voting against the introduction. The Bill will amend the women’s quota law and set up a delimitation commission. As per the Bill the 2011 census will be used for the next delimitation. 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
17 April,2026 09:23 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesAn Akasa Air aircraft and a SpiceJet plane sustained damage after coming into contact at Delhi airport on Thursday afternoon, officials said, adding that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the incident. Both Boeing 737 aircraft have been grounded following the mishap. The DGCA further said that the concerned air traffic controller and SpiceJet pilots have been de-rostered pending a detailed probe. Aircraft collision at Delhi airport under DGCA probe Officials said the Akasa Air aircraft was stationary on the taxiway and preparing for take-off, while the SpiceJet aircraft was taxiing towards its parking stand when the incident occurred around 2.15 pm at Terminal 1 of Delhi airport. The Akasa Air flight was scheduled to operate QP 1406 from Delhi to Hyderabad, while the SpiceJet aircraft had arrived from Leh after operating SG 124, they added. DGCA details damage to SpiceJet and Akasa aircraft According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the winglet of SpiceJet’s Boeing 737-700 aircraft (VT-SLB), while taxiing into the allocated parking bay after operating SG 124 (Leh–Delhi), came into contact with the horizontal tail surface (HTS) of an Akasa Air Boeing 737 aircraft positioned on the apron after pushback for its Delhi–Hyderabad sector. The DGCA said the impact resulted in damage to the right-hand winglet of the SpiceJet aircraft and the horizontal tail surface of the Akasa Air aircraft. A detailed investigation is underway. ATC and pilots off-rostered pending inquiry In an updated statement, the aviation watchdog said the concerned air traffic controller and the SpiceJet pilots involved have been off-rostered pending inquiry. Akasa Air aircraft returns to bay; passengers safe Akasa Air said its aircraft operating flight QP 1406 from Delhi to Hyderabad was required to return to the bay after the incident. Preliminary information suggests the aircraft was stationary when contact occurred, the airline said. The aircraft involved is a Boeing 737 MAX 8. The airline confirmed that all passengers and crew were safely disembarked. It added that relevant authorities have been informed and the matter is under investigation. SpiceJet aircraft grounded at Delhi airport SpiceJet said its Boeing 737-700 aircraft was involved in a ground occurrence while taxiing at Delhi airport, resulting in damage to its right winglet and the left-hand horizontal stabiliser of another aircraft belonging to a different airline. The aircraft has been grounded at Delhi. Officials, citing preliminary inputs, said the wings of both aircraft came into contact on the taxiway. Details regarding the number of passengers onboard the two aircraft were not immediately available. (With Agency inputs)
16 April,2026 10:34 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe government on Thursday said that the supply of LPG to households continues without disruption, even as global conditions impact logistics. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, online bookings for LPG have risen to 98 per cent, and no shortages have been reported at distributorships. The ministry said, “Supply of LPG to domestic households remains normal… and no dry-outs have been reported.” It also added that 100 per cent supply is being ensured for domestic LPG, piped natural gas (PNG), and CNG for vehicles. Technology helps prevent misuse Officials said the use of Delivery Authentication Codes (DAC) has improved transparency in distribution. Currently, around 92 per cent of deliveries are being completed using DAC verification, helping prevent diversion of cylinders at the distributor level. Consumers have also been encouraged to use digital booking platforms instead of visiting distributors. Rising demand for PNG connections The demand for PNG connections has increased significantly in recent months. Around 4.58 lakh PNG connections have been activated with over 5.1 lakh new customers registering since March. About 35,000 users have surrendered LPG connections and switched to PNG States have been advised to speed up the process of providing new PNG connections to both households and commercial users. Priority supply for essential sectors The government has prioritised LPG supply for critical sectors, including: -Hospitals and educational institutions-Pharmaceutical, steel and automobile industries-Agriculture and seed sectors Additionally, the supply of 5 kg LPG cylinders for migrant workers has been doubled compared to early March levels. Since March 23, around 15.5 lakh small cylinders have been sold. Commercial and auto LPG demand rises Commercial LPG demand has remained strong, with over 1.42 lakh metric tonnes sold since March 14. Auto LPG consumption has also increased, with public sector companies recording a 62 per cent rise in sales. The biggest increase has been seen in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. Strict action against hoarding To prevent black marketing and hoarding, authorities have stepped up enforcement across the country. These steps are aimed at ensuring fair distribution and preventing misuse. -More than 2,500 raids were conducted in a single day-Penalties were imposed on 238 LPG distributors-63 distributorships have been suspended so far The ministry has advised citizens not to panic or stockpile fuel. It said, "Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of petrol, diesel, and LPG as the government is making all efforts to ensure availability of petrol, diesel and LPG. Beware of rumours and rely on official sources for correct information," reported the news agency. People have also been encouraged to use alternative fuels such as PNG, electricity, kerosene, and coal to reduce pressure on LPG demand. Additional measures, including increased refinery output and longer booking intervals, have been introduced to manage supply efficiently. (With IANS Inputs)
16 April,2026 09:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra continued to reel under intense early summer heat on Thursday, with Akola and Amravati jointly recording the highest temperature in the state at a scorching 44.2 degrees Celsius, the highest reading so far in 2026. Top 10 hottest cities in Maharashtra (16 April 2026) Akola and Amravati - 44.2 degrees CelsiusWardha - 44.0 degrees CelsiusMalegaon and Solapur - 43.4 degrees CelsiusParbhani and Jeur - 42.0 degrees CelsiusJalgaon - 41.5 degrees CelsiusChhatrapati Sambhajinagar - 41.4 degrees CelsiusSatara - 41.2 degrees CelsiusPune - 39.7 degrees Celsius Vidarbha remains worst hit region Vidarbha remained the worst-affected region, with multiple cities consistently staying above 43 degrees Celsius. Marathwada and Madhya Maharashtra also experienced severe heat, while the Mumbai and Konkan coast remained relatively cooler at 31.5 to 33.6 degrees Celsius but suffered from high humidity levels of 65 to 80 per cent, making conditions far more uncomfortable. Nashik records lowest minimum temperature In sharp contrast, Nashik recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at just 16.3 degrees Celsius, offering some relief during the night. No rainfall was reported from any part of Maharashtra in the last 24 hours, and skies remained largely clear across the state. IMD flags early rise in temperatures The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has noted that temperatures this April are rising unusually early, with many districts already running 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal. The situation remains serious in Nanded, which continues to be under a yellow alert till 20 April. Officials have warned of continued heatwave conditions followed by possible thunderstorms and gusty winds in the coming days. How Maharashtra is facing three different heat patterns Maharashtra is currently experiencing three distinct types of heat depending on the region. Vidarbha: Worst affected by extreme dry heat Vidarbha was by far the worst affected. The region recorded the most extreme temperatures in the state, with Akola and Amravati both touching 44.2 degrees Celsius, the highest in Maharashtra and the entire country so far this year. Wardha followed closely at 44.0 degrees Celsius, while Chandrapur, Washim, Nagpur and Yavatmal all remained above 43 degrees Celsius. The heat remained dry, with very low humidity and no rainfall recorded anywhere in the region. Marathwada: Severe but slightly lower heat Marathwada also faced severe heat, though slightly less intense than Vidarbha. Parbhani was the hottest at 42.0 degrees Celsius, followed by Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar at 41.4 degrees Celsius and Udgir at 40.4 degrees Celsius. The weather remained dry with low humidity levels and zero rainfall. Mumbai, Konkan and Pune: Humid but relatively cooler In sharp contrast, Mumbai and the Konkan region (including Pune) remained comparatively cooler. Mumbai (Colaba) recorded 33.6 degrees Celsius, while Santacruz stood at 33.1 degrees Celsius. Coastal stations such as Alibag, Ratnagiri and Dahanu stayed between 31.5 and 33.1 degrees Celsius. However, high humidity levels of 65 to 80 per cent made conditions more oppressive. Pune recorded 39.7 degrees Celsius, hot but lower than interior districts, with low humidity and clear skies. Key difference in weather patterns Vidarbha and Marathwada are experiencing dry, scorching heat with temperatures well above 40 degrees Celsius and very low humidity. Mumbai, Konkan and Pune are experiencing humid heat, lower temperatures, but significantly higher discomfort due to moisture in the air. No rainfall has been reported from any of these regions in the last 24 hours. This sharp regional contrast shows how the same state is dealing with two very different types of summer stress at the same time. IMD trend analysis: Early onset of heatwave conditions According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures in interior Maharashtra are rising significantly earlier than usual this year. Several districts in Vidarbha, Marathwada and Madhya Maharashtra are currently running 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal for mid-April. Heatwave-like conditions, typically expected in the second half of May, have arrived nearly a month early in 2026.
16 April,2026 08:49 PM IST | MumbaiNanded is set to witness a sharp change in weather over the next four days, with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) issuing a yellow alert warning of heatwave conditions followed by thunderstorms and gusty winds. After days of searing temperatures of 42 to 43 degrees Celsius, the expected transition to rain and lightning could catch residents off guard, prompting officials to urge heightened caution. The DDMA has issued a yellow alert for Nanded and parts of Marathwada till April 20. Nanded to experience the two extremes After prolonged spells of extreme heat across the region, officials have cautioned that a sudden onset of rain, lightning and strong winds may pose risks to the public. According to an advisory issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre, Mumbai, heatwave conditions are likely at isolated places on April 17. On April 18, heatwave conditions may persist, with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning expected during the afternoon and evening. The weather is expected to turn more unstable on April 19 and April 20, with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph likely at isolated locations across the district. Authorities warn of sudden weather shift Officials said the transition from intense heat to stormy conditions could prove hazardous, particularly for those working outdoors. The DDMA has urged all departments to remain on alert and ensure preparedness to deal with any emergencies arising from the changing weather. Public advised to exercise caution Residents have been advised to take precautions during both heatwave and thunderstorm conditions. During peak heat hours, people should avoid venturing out between 12 noon and 3 pm, stay well hydrated, and wear light, loose cotton clothing. Particular care has been advised for children, the elderly and those with existing health conditions. As thunderstorms approach, citizens are advised to remain indoors, avoid open spaces and metal objects, and unplug electrical appliances. Officials have also warned against taking shelter under trees or handling electrical fixtures during lightning activity. With no recent rainfall and temperatures already running high, the expected weather shift underlines the need for vigilance, officials said.
16 April,2026 07:50 PM IST |ADVERTISEMENT
