As many as 32 persons, including policemen, were injured after a bus collided with a container lorry at Koyilandy here on Saturday, officials said. According to police, the bus was carrying personnel of the Malabar Special Police (MSP) who were returning to their base after election duty at around 12.30 am. Police said the accident occurred near Kollam in Koyilandy on a National Highway stretch when the bus collided with the container lorry. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals and were later discharged after receiving preliminary medical aid. Twenty-seven policemen and five others -- employees in the bus and the container lorry, sustained injuries. Both vehicles were later removed from the road to ensure smooth traffic movement, police 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.
11 April,2026 01:54 PM IST | Kozhikode | PTIAmid the concerning LPG crisis since the West Asia conflict, the Maharashtra government on Friday directed city gas distribution companies to activate 24/7 helplines and increase the number of centres processing applications for piped natural gas connections. While the impact of the West Asia crisis on global energy supply chains has been immense, a Government Resolution (GR), issued by the Food and Civil Supplies Department on Friday, instructed companies to expand outreach and infrastructure to ensure wider PNG coverage across the state, as per PTI. As reported by news agency PTI, the GR said disruptions in global energy supply have affected petroleum product availability, leading to constraints in LPG supply, and emphasised the need to accelerate PNG connections as a short-term mitigation measure. It directed city gas distribution (CGD) companies to operationalise 24-hour helplines for consumers and ensure citizens do not face inconvenience while applying for connections. The companies were also asked to increase the number of helplines and helpdesks based on city population and rising demand. Government instructs companies to escalate PNG connections Furthermore, the GR also instructed companies to expand ward-level centres to accept new PNG connection applications and to make both online and offline application systems widely available with adequate publicity. The GR noted, "Housing societies, whether registered or proposed, as well as residents of constructed buildings, have been asked to submit collective or individual applications to facilitate faster rollout of PNG connections," as cited by PTI. The government also called for establishing information and assistance centres by municipal corporations, district supply officers and CGD firms and mandated regular district-level reviews of progress. The GR also added, "To monitor implementation, CGD companies must appoint district-level nodal officers and submit weekly progress reports on PNG pipeline expansion and connections, which will be consolidated and reviewed at the state level every Monday," as per PTI. The GR said the directions will remain in force until the prevailing global geopolitical situation stabilises. No disruption in LPG shipments, says Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal Earlier on April 9, Neeraj Mittal said India’s LPG supply is fully stable with no shortages, and shipments via the Strait of Hormuz continue without delays. The government is monitoring the situation daily and focusing on diversification to strengthen energy security despite global tension. Speaking with the media, Mittal said there is no shortage of LPG in the country, and domestic supplies are fully stable. "I don't see any problem anywhere. All domestic supplies are at 100 per cent," he said, adding that around 70 per cent of packed LPG has already been issued. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)
11 April,2026 12:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentGujarat Police have developed a first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence tool ‘NARIT’ that can assess strengths and weaknesses of narcotics cases, and provide real-time legal guidance to investigators to ensure higher conviction rates. Designed to make investigations watertight, ‘NARIT’ (Narcotics Analysis & RAG-based Investigation Tool) can even predict courtroom arguments and offer rebuttals based on judgments from high courts and the Supreme Court in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) cases, officials 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
11 April,2026 11:12 AM IST | Gandhinagar | AgenciesUttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday called for time-bound action to position the state as the country's "deep-tech capital" under the vision "Innovate in UP, Scale for the World". According to a press statement, at a high-level meeting, Adityanath emphasised growth in sectors, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, drones, green hydrogen, cyber security and med-tech, while stressing stronger industry-research coordination to scale innovation and generate employment. A presentation by Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur Director Manindra Agrawal highlighted ongoing work in med-tech, including a proposed institute under the Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology, the construction of which is expected to begin in November. The chief minister directed for expediting green-hydrogen initiatives and discussed setting up a first-of-its-kind institutional centre for clinical validation in ayurveda to promote scientific research and global acceptance. He also stressed developing Uttar Pradesh as a hub of indigenous drone manufacturing and advancing quantum research. The proposed "UP Deep-Tech Hub" in Noida will serve as a central platform for startups, research and industry, with a focus on "research at IIT-Kanpur and deployment from Noida", the statement said. Adityanath directed officials to ensure a swift implementation of all projects to establish the state as a leader in deep-tech innovation. 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
11 April,2026 09:52 AM IST | Lucknow | PTIMadhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday expressed grief over the death of a two-and-a-half-year-old boy who fell into a borewell in Ujjain, and announced Rs 4 lakh assistance for the family. Bhagirath slipped into the well at Jhalaria village under Badnagar tehsil, about 75 km from Ujjain, between 7 pm and 7:30 pm on Thursday. He was pulled out after nearly 23 hours of effort but could not be saved. Bhagirath was rushed to a hospital immediately on Friday evening, where doctors declared him dead. "The news of Bhagirath's death after falling into a borewell in Jhalaria village under Badnagar in Ujjain is extremely sad. The district administration, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams began a rescue operation immediately after receiving information, but unfortunately the child could not be saved," Yadav said in a post on X. "My condolences are with the bereaved family. The government is providing financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh to the family members. I pray to God to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the family to bear this immense loss," he added. A rescue operation continued throughout the night, during which rock formations hindered digging efforts, officials said. District Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Suyash Shrivastava stated that the child was found dead during examination. 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
11 April,2026 09:49 AM IST | Bhopal | PTIAll bank branches across Iran are set to resume full operations from Saturday, April 11, bringing an end to weeks of disruption in the country’s banking sector, according to state media. The reopening will cover branches nationwide, including head offices in Tehran, which will also return to normal functioning over the weekend. Iran’s Bank Coordination Council said the move is aimed at restoring full banking services after a period of limited operations caused by regional tensions. State-backed reports noted that “all bank branches across Iran will resume full operations starting Saturday,” with headquarters in Tehran also returning to regular activity. Iran embassy stops accepting donations, thanks Indians for support The Iranian Embassy in India has announced that it has deactivated the bank accounts that were earlier used to receive public donations. The move comes after weeks of financial contributions from people across India in support of Iran, reported ANI. In a post on X, the embassy said the decision was taken in appreciation of the support shown by Indian citizens. It stated, “In appreciation of the commendable support and solidarity of the noble people of India… the Embassy accounts previously designated for receiving monetary contributions have now been deactivated.” In appreciation of the commendable support and solidarity of the noble people of India, it is hereby informed that the Embassy accounts previously designated for receiving monetary contributions have now been deactivated. Accordingly, you are kindly requested to refrain from… pic.twitter.com/jzk4e6Dl24 — Iran in India (@Iran_in_India) April 10, 2026 The embassy has also requested people to stop transferring money to those accounts or any other accounts claiming to represent the mission. It added, “You are kindly requested to refrain from transferring any funds to these accounts or to any other accounts presented as belonging to the Embassy.” Last month, the embassy had publicly thanked Indians for their generosity and solidarity during a difficult period. It described the contributions as an act of “kindness” and “humanity.” In its message, the embassy said, “We will never forget your kindness and humanity. Thank you, India.” The embassy had especially acknowledged support from people in Kashmir, where individuals donated cash, jewellery and other valuables. In one instance, a woman donated gold that she had preserved as a memory of her husband who passed away nearly three decades ago. The embassy described such gestures as deeply moving and a source of comfort. A gesture of solidarity comes to a close with the deactivation of donation accounts.
10 April,2026 07:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentJust ahead of the West Bengal assembly election, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday unveiled the BJP's manifesto for 2026. Amit Shah, while reading out the manifesto, outlined a sector-wise roadmap spanning industry, agriculture and port-led development, while promising to revive Bengal's industrial fortunes. As reported by news agency PTI, the Union Home Minister stressed that the BJP would address industrial concerns that have remained politically sensitive in the state. He further claimed that issues such as land acquisition, which have been left unresolved during the Congress-led UPA era, have been successfully tackled elsewhere in the country. Shah further said, "Problems that remained unresolved since the Manmohan Singh era have been solved in other parts of the country and can be resolved in Bengal too," as cited by PTI. Calling the BJP’s manifesto a 'sankalp patra', Shah termed it a roadmap for a developed Bengal and a vow of trust. He further added, "The people of Bengal should trust us. Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, we will also put Bengal on the path of development." BJP promises to resolve long-pending industrial challenges across West Bengal Amit Shah, while reading out the manifesto, also added that a BJP-led government in the state would ensure solutions to long-pending industrial challenges. The BJP leader further asserted, "When the reins of the government come into our hands, the chief minister we choose will find solutions to all these problems. There will be a double-engine government, and we will revive Bengal's industry," as per PTI. He cited Singur in the Hooghly district, where Tata Motors abandoned its Nano car factory in 2008, following an intense anti-land acquisition movement led by the TMC, as a key industrial node. The BJP manifesto promises 50 per cent of land to be reserved for MSME’s "For job creation, an industrial park will be built in Singur," Shah said, adding that 50 per cent of the land would be reserved for MSMEs, while the remaining portion will be allocated to large-scale industries to ensure balanced growth and employment generation. Shah further promised about the jute sector, stating a comprehensive revival mechanism through modernisation and reopening of closed mills. He further added, "We will re-establish the old glory of the 'Golden Fibre. The (BJP) government will launch a nationwide campaign to increase the use of eco-friendly jute products in bags, textiles, and packaging," with an eye on building a global supply chain for sustainable products. Special commission to examine labour welfare and export potential across West Bengal Focusing on the tea industry in north Bengal, he announced the formation of a special commission to examine labour welfare and export potential, which will submit its report within one year. Shah added, "Tea garden workers will be granted land titles within 100 days of our government forming," as per PTI. To protect the global reputation of Darjeeling Tea, he added that a "dedicated squad" would be created to curb fake products and promote Geographical Indication (GI) tagging. A laboratory would also be set up to develop new, high-yielding tea plant varieties to replace ageing bushes. Amit Shah promises modern deep-sea ports at Tajpur and Kulpi Outlining a maritime strategy, Shah said, "We will tap into the full potential of maritime trade by constructing modern deep-sea ports at Tajpur and Kulpi," while targeting a "130 per cent increase in port capacity" through modernisation of existing infrastructure. He added that Haldia Port would be developed as a key hub for the "Blue Economy" under a time-bound roadmap, supported by new infrastructure for fisheries and aquaculture to position Bengal as a major export centre for marine products. (With inputs from PTI)
10 April,2026 07:02 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentVantara, the wildlife conservation organisation founded by Reliance Industries Executive Director Anant Ambani, has announced the launch of Vantara University in Jamnagar today, the world’s first integrated institution dedicated to wildlife conservation and veterinary sciences. It aims to position India as a global hub for wildlife education and animal care. A modern Gurukul-inspired vision Vantara University is designed as a modern-day Gurukul, combining traditional Indian knowledge systems with modern science and research. The focus is on animal welfare, veterinary medicine and conservation science. The university will train future professionals to care for wildlife and address global environmental challenges. Anant Ambani said the idea comes from a personal journey and a need to improve animal care systems. He said, “The future of conservation will depend on how we prepare minds and institutions to serve life with compassion, knowledge, and skill.” He also referred to the inspiration from ancient Nalanda University and the Sanskrit phrase “A no bhadraaḥ kratavo yantu visvataḥ”, meaning “let noble thoughts come to us from all directions.” Symbolic foundation ceremony in Jamnagar The foundation ceremony followed Hindu traditions and brought together academics, scientists, conservation experts, and public figures, including Anant Ambani’s teachers and mentors. A symbolic part of the event included placing soil, water, and stones collected from different ecological regions across India such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts and Himalayan regions. This represented India’s biodiversity and natural heritage. Two Bijoliya sandstone pieces, linked to ancient geological formations associated with Nalanda, were also used in the design to symbolise India’s knowledge legacy. What the university will offer Vantara University will bring multiple disciplines under one academic system, combining classroom learning with real-world conservation work. Courses will include: Wildlife medicine and surgery Animal nutrition Behavioural sciences Genetics and epidemiology One Health studies Conservation policy Animal care environment design The university will offer undergraduate, postgraduate, fellowship and specialised programmes. Scholarships will also be provided for students from economically and socially weaker backgrounds. Learning through real-world conservation work The university will use Vantara’s existing wildlife rescue and rehabilitation work as a learning base. Students will gain practical training through fieldwork and scientific research. It will also integrate in-situ (natural habitats) and ex-situ (care centres) conservation methods to improve long-term wildlife protection. The aim is to combine science, compassion, and practical experience to create professionals who can handle complex wildlife and ecosystem challenges. Infrastructure, global collaborations and scholarships The university will have advanced academic buildings, clinical facilities and a residential campus. It will also collaborate with international institutions and focus on research-driven learning. The focus will be on applied research in animal health, conservation systems, and ecosystem management. The initiative also introduces programmes like the “Vantara University Founding Fellows” and “Every Life Matters” scholarships. Officials said the goal is to build not just an educational institution, but a platform that strengthens compassionate conservation and long-term wildlife protection. About Vantara Vantara is a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, healthcare, and conservation initiative based in Jamnagar, Gujarat. It focuses on advanced veterinary care, species recovery, conservation breeding, and long-term animal welfare. The organisation is also working toward global standards in wildlife healthcare and conservation science.
10 April,2026 06:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chadha has responded to ongoing tensions within his party by sharing a video on Instagram titled "Voice Raised Price Paid". The video is a compilation of clips showing him raising various issues in Parliament. The post comes amid a reported rift between Chadha and the party leadership. ‘My work will speak for itself’ In his social media post, Chadha said, "With due respect, to those who are questioning my parliamentary performance, I will let my work do the talking." The message is being seen as a direct response to criticism of his role in Parliament. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Raghav Chadha (@raghavchadha88) AAP leadership had removed Chadha from key post Earlier, on April 2, the AAP removed Chadha from his position as deputy leader of the party in the Rajya Sabha. The party has accused him of not being vocal enough against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre in Parliament, and instead focusing on what it described as "soft PR", according to the PTI. Chadha has strongly denied the allegations, calling them false. He has said that his role in Parliament is to raise public issues rather than create disruption or political confrontation. He maintains that his focus has always been on legislative work and representing citizens’ concerns. Silenced, not defeated: Raghav Chadha Following his removal as Deputy Leader of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Rajya Sabha, Raghav Chadha on Friday said that he has been “silenced, not defeated”. Taking to X, Chadha shared a video message for his party with a short line saying, “Silenced, not defeated. My message to the aam aadmi." In the video message, he questioned the decision to restrict his voice in Parliament, asking whether raising issues concerning the public had become a crime. Chadha alleged that his party had communicated with the Secretariat to prevent him from speaking in Parliament. He expressed concern over being denied opportunities to raise matters affecting citizens. “Whenever I get a chance, I speak about issues related to the people. Why should anyone stop me?” he asked. Continued social media response Since his removal from the post, Chadha has been active on social media, posting videos and messages highlighting his parliamentary contributions. His recent posts indicate that he is pushing back strongly against criticism from within the party. The developments point to continuing internal differences within the AAP over parliamentary strategy and communication. (with PTI inputs)
10 April,2026 05:46 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentWhat initially appeared to be a robbery gone wrong in Madhya Pradesh has turned into a suspected contract killing, with police arresting a woman and her lover for allegedly plotting the murder of her 'dark skinned' husband, officials said. According to the reports, the victim, Purohit Devkrishna (28), was found dead at his home in Bhopal on April 7. His wife, Priyanka Purohit, initially told police that unidentified burglars had broken into the house, tied her up, and stolen valuables worth around Rs 3.5 lakh. She further reportedly claimed that her husband was killed while trying to confront the intruders. Frequently made disparaging remarks about complexion As per a news report, Purohit's relative alleged that Priyanka frequently made disparaging remarks about his complexion. She claimed that Priyanka would often belittle her husband, saying she deserved a more attractive partner than the dark-skinned Devkrishna. Wife and lover held for orchestrating the killing Devkrishna’s wife, Priyanka Purohit, initially told police that unidentified burglars had entered the house, tied her up, and stolen valuables worth around Rs 3.5 lakh. She claimed her husband was killed while trying to confront the intruders. However, investigators later found inconsistencies in her statements. As the investigation progressed, police grew suspicious of Priyanka’s account. Her phone records reportedly showed frequent communication with a man identified as Kamlesh Purohit, a 32-year-old resident of Rajgarh, according to the PTI. The police officials stated the connection played a key role in uncovering the alleged conspiracy. Contract killing angle emerges Police said Priyanka and Kamlesh allegedly conspired to kill Devkrishna and hired a contract killer named Surendra for Rs 1 lakh to carry out the murder, reported the PTI. The victim was attacked with a sharp weapon, resulting in multiple injuries that led to his death. Arrests made, shooter absconding Both Priyanka and Kamlesh have been arrested following the investigation. However, the alleged contract killer is still on the run, and efforts are underway to trace him. Police said the case was solved within 36 hours of the murder after sustained interrogation and analysis of evidence. Background of strained relationship Investigators also revealed that Priyanka was married to Devkrishna when she was around 15 years old. After reaching adulthood, she moved into her matrimonial home, but the relationship reportedly remained strained, leading to frequent disputes. The officials said that further investigation is continuing to establish the full chain of events and identify all those involved. (with PTI inputs)
10 April,2026 05:26 PM IST | Bhopal | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after he took oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha, praising his long-standing contribution to governance and development. In a post on X, the Prime Minister highlighted Kumar’s administrative track record, stating that his commitment to good governance has earned widespread appreciation. He credited the JD(U) leader with making a lasting contribution to Bihar’s development over the years. ‘Experienced Leader Will Strengthen Parliament’ PM Modi described Nitish Kumar as one of the most experienced political leaders in the country and expressed confidence that his return to Parliament would add value to legislative functioning. “It will be a great pleasure to see him in Parliament once again,” the Prime Minister said, recalling Kumar’s earlier tenure as a Member of Parliament and his role as a Union Minister. He added that Kumar’s vast political experience would further enhance the dignity of Parliament. The Prime Minister extended his best wishes for Kumar’s upcoming term in the Rajya Sabha, calling it an important new chapter in his public life. Oath Marks New Phase in Nitish Kumar’s Political Journey Nitish Kumar’s induction into the Rajya Sabha is being seen as a significant moment in his long political career. He arrived in New Delhi a day earlier, accompanied by senior leaders Sanjay Jha and Vijay Kumar Choudhary, to complete the formalities related to his entry into the Upper House. His oath marks a transition from state-level legislative responsibilities to a renewed role in national politics, even as he continues to serve as Bihar’s Chief Minister. Rare Milestone: Service Across All Legislative Bodies With this development, Nitish Kumar has joined a select group of Indian politicians who have served in all four key legislative bodies — the State Legislative Assembly, State Legislative Council, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha. This achievement is being viewed as a rare distinction, reflecting the breadth of his political career. Kumar was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha on March 16 and subsequently resigned from his position as a Member of the Legislative Council on March 30, bringing an end to his long association with the Bihar Legislative Council. JD(U) Leaders Back Kumar’s Continued Leadership Senior leaders of the Janata Dal (United) have strongly backed Nitish Kumar’s new role, asserting that his governance model will continue to guide Bihar even as he takes on responsibilities at the national level. Party leaders expressed confidence that Kumar’s experience and leadership will remain central to the state’s development trajectory, while also contributing meaningfully to parliamentary discussions. The development underscores Nitish Kumar’s enduring influence in both state and national politics, as he balances governance in Bihar with his renewed presence in Parliament. (With inputs from Agencies)
10 April,2026 04:54 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1775895860236_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "Representational Image")
-1775827933753_d.png "Nationwide bank reopening announced in Iran. Representational Image")
-1775823978044_d.png "A new global centre for wildlife education launched. PIC/INSTA")
