Researchers have discovered a new species of catfish in the biodiverse northern Western Ghats spanning the states of Goa and Maharashtra. The fish inhabits shallow hill streams where the streambed is made up of sand, pebbles and stones, creating microhabitats that help it hide and forage for food. During field surveys conducted over five years, the researchers encountered the species only twice, underscoring its rarity and the ecological importance of the fragile habitats it occupies. The species was identified through the joint efforts of independent researcher Balaji Vijayakrishnan and researchers Tejas Thackeray and Abhishek Shirke from the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation. Speaking to Mid-Day Abhishek Shirke said, "The newly identified fish belongs to the genus Amblyceps and has been named Amblyceps vayavy." The name ‘vayavy’ means 'northwest' in Marathi and Konkani, referring to the species’ habitat in the northwestern part of the Western Ghats. Researchers say this is the northernmost confirmed record of the genus in the Western Ghats so far." The fish inhabits shallow hill streams where the riverbed contains a mix of sand, gravel and stones, creating a suitable microhabitat for hiding and feeding. According to the researchers, the species can be distinguished from other members of the genus by features such as a bifurcated caudal fin, an incomplete lateral line, an absence of centrally projecting hooks in the veins in the middle of the tail, and a distinct adipose fin structure. Though Goa is globally known for tourism, scientists say the region also hosts rich freshwater biodiversity. The species has so far been recorded only from a few scattered locations in Goa and Maharashtra, suggesting that its distribution may be limited. Researchers have cautioned that freshwater ecosystems in the region face multiple threats, including mining, industrial wastewater discharge, microplastic pollution and the introduction of alien fish species. They say the discovery highlights the need for stronger ecological studies and conservation efforts in the Western Ghats’ fragile stream habitats.
14 March,2026 10:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavThe Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a PIL seeking a nationwide policy providing paid menstrual leave for women students and workers, observing “no one would give them jobs” in such a scenario and that such a provision would unintentionally reinforce gender stereotypes. The top court, however, asked the Centre and competent authorities to consider the representation of the PIL petitioner and examine the possibility of framing a policy on menstrual leave. CJI Surya Kant A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that while the intent behind the petition might be welfare-oriented, the practical reality of the job market could lead to “counter-productive” outcomes for women. 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
14 March,2026 08:31 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesMaharashtra Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar on Friday directed officials to carry out all the ongoing construction works and other health facilities under the department in close coordination with local public representatives to ensure smooth execution and better service delivery to citizens. A review meeting was held at the Mantralaya's Committee Hall in the presence of legislators from various parts of the state, where the progress of construction works and health infrastructure projects under Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) across Maharashtra was reviewed. The meeting was attended by legislators Prakash Solanki, Suresh Dhas, Saroj Ahire, Shrijaya Chavan, Narayan Patil, Suhas Babar, Amol Khatale, Gopichand Padalkar, Amsha Padvi, Manjulatai Gavit, Dr Milind Narote, Umesh Yawalkar, along with Health Secretary Dr Nipun Vinayak, Secretary E Ravindran, Health Services Commissioner Dr Kadambari Balkawade, senior officials from the Public Works Department, Public Health Department, and Infrastructure Development Wing (IDW). District health officers, civil surgeons, and departmental heads concerned joined via video-conferencing. Abitkar emphasised that health institutions where 80 per cent of construction work is complete should have their pending works expedited immediately and made ready for inauguration. For institutions where 50 per cent work is done, proposals related to manpower should be submitted without delay. Key directives by Maharashtra minister Priority filling of vacant posts in Naxal-affected, tribal, remote, and rural areas. Preference in new recruitments, promotions, and postings of postgraduate medical officers to difficult and rural regions. Verification by district health officers and civil surgeons to ensure outsourced staff are paid salaries as per rules. Strict adherence to cleanliness norms in hospitals and premises, and provision of nutritious food as per standards. Strict quality checks on contractors' work before bill payments; no leniency in case of complaints. He further directed officials to strengthen health institutions with the help of local representatives, seek their assistance in resolving local issues, and maintain regular contact for better coordination in providing quality health services to the public. Demands raised by Maharashtra MLAs Shrijaya Chavan sought specialist doctors along with general physicians at health centres and starting dialysis services. Amol Khatale urged immediate completion of pending works in Sangamner. Suhas Babar demanded filling of vacant posts at the health institution in Pare (Vita). Saroj Ahire requested filling of medical officer vacancies at Girnare Primary Health Centre, full-time sonography technician, and land allocation for Bhagur hospital. Prakash Solanki highlighted absenteeism of medical officers. Suresh Dhas and Narayan Patil gave suggestions on post creation and construction proposals. Umesh Yawalkar demanded a blood storage unit. Manjulatai Gavit raised points on health facilities. Dr Milind Narote called for establishing a TB hospital in Gadchiroli district, full-time malaria officer, quality medicines in ICU, regular staff training, and opposed transfer of Gadchiroli Civil Hospital to Medical Education Department. Gopichand Padalkar sought verification of points in advertisements for medical officers and reviewed inauguration status of Thane, Palghar district hospitals, and Manor hospital. The minister assured that all genuine demands and suggestions would be examined and acted upon promptly to strengthen the public health system across the state.
13 March,2026 10:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndiGo will start levying fuel charges ranging from Rs 425 to Rs 2,300 on domestic and international flight tickets from March 14 amid the steep surge in jet fuel prices due to the ongoing war between the US, Israel and Iran. The move will increase the airfares. For domestic flights and those within the Indian subcontinent, the fuel charge will be Rs 425, while it will be Rs 900 for the Middle East services, the airline said in a statement on Friday. The fuel charge will be Rs 1,800 for South East Asia and China, Africa and West Asia flights, and Rs 2,300 for Europe flights. Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) accounts for nearly 40 per cent of an airline's operational costs. While announcing the introduction of the fuel charge, the airline said the measure has been taken due to the significant surge in fuel prices following the ongoing geopolitical issues in the Middle East. "While offsetting the entire impact of this fuel price surge requires a very substantial adjustment to fares, IndiGo has introduced a relatively smaller amount as a fuel charge, keeping in mind the consequential burden on customers," the airline said. On March 10, Air India and Air India Express announced fuel surcharges on tickets. 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.
13 March,2026 09:50 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | PTIAmid the ongoing uncertainties in Gulf countries after the US-Israel attack on Iran, 61 persons from Marathwada in Maharashtra are stranded in Dubai, Bahrain, Qatar and Abu Dhabi due to the closure of airspace. An official Divisional Commissionerate, while speaking about the situation, said, “The 61, who have intimated the administrations of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Parbhani, Nanded, Hingoli, Beed and Latur districts in Marathwada, are tourists, while some have gone to the Gulf for work and others possess resident visas." Furthermore, he also informed, "Details of those from Dharashiv district (also part of Marathwada) are yet to arrive. Nanded leads with 24 persons, followed by 12 from Latur, 10 from Beed, six each from Parbhani and Jalna, two from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and one from Hingoli." Flights have been affected since Saturday after the US and Israel carried out a joint strike on Iran, resulting in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has struck US bases in several Gulf nations, prompting airlines to cancel flights following the closure of airspace. BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi temporarily closed In response to the Israeli attack, Iran reportedly fired missiles and drones targeting several Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar, among others. In view of concerning situations in the United Arab Emirates, the BAPS Hindu Mandir, in a post on social media platform X, has announced that the premises will be temporarily closed to visitors. “As the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi remains temporarily closed to visitors, the Swamis continue to offer special prayers within the sacred sanctums of the Mandir. In these deeply spiritual moments, their devotion carries prayers for peace, protection, and the well-being of all,” the post read. The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi also appealed to the community to remain calm as authorities continue efforts to safeguard the nation amid this extremely critical time. “BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi appealed to the community to remain calm as authorities continue efforts to safeguard the nation,” the post added. Soon after the retaliatory fire from Iran was launched at the UAE, authorities across the region swiftly activated emergency protocols and heightened air defence systems amid fears of further escalation. In the UAE, officials indicated that the majority of incoming missiles and drones were intercepted by the country’s advanced air defence systems, preventing large-scale damage.
13 March,2026 07:48 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | mid-day online correspondentThe total Lunar Eclipse on Tuesday, March 3, (12 Phalguna, 1947 Saka Era) will be visible from most parts of India, except some extreme western regions. The eclipse will be observable across eastern Asia, Australia, the Pacific Ocean, and the Americas, as per reports. In India, most areas will witness the end of the eclipse at moonrise, while parts of North-East India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will see the end of totality as well. Eclipse begins: 15:20 IST Totality begins: 16:34 IST Totality ends: 17:33 IST Eclipse ends: 18:48 IST Magnitude: 1.155 A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon. A total lunar eclipse happens when the entire Moon passes through the Earth’s umbra, while a partial eclipse occurs when only a portion of the Moon is shaded. The previous total lunar eclipse visible in India was on 7-8 September 2025, and the next lunar eclipse visible in India will be a partial one on 6 July 2028. Onset of the Eclipse A Lunar Eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon and reducing its brightness. During this time, the Moon often appears blood-red. As the Earth’s shadow begins to cover the Moon, its glow gradually dims. This initial phase is known as the onset of the eclipse. When the Earth’s shadow fully covers the Moon, the event is called a total lunar eclipse.
13 March,2026 07:46 PM IST |The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Friday assured that domestic LPG supply across the country remains stable and uninterrupted, urging citizens not to engage in panic booking of cooking gas cylinders despite concerns arising from the ongoing West Asia conflict, reported PTI. Addressing a media briefing, Sujata Sharma said the government has taken several measures to ensure continuous availability of LPG for households. LPG production increased by 30 per cent since March 5 Sharma said domestic production of liquefied petroleum gas has increased significantly in recent days. “Domestic production of LPG has already increased by about 30 per cent since March 5. There is no need for panic booking, and no dry-out has been reported at any LPG dealer,” she said, reported PTI. However, she noted that LPG bookings have surged sharply in recent days due to public anxiety. According to official data, bookings have risen to 75.7 lakh compared with the pre-conflict daily average of 55.7 lakh. Officials said the spike reflects precautionary or panic booking rather than any actual shortage of LPG supplies. West Asia conflict impacts global energy routes The concerns come amid escalating tensions in West Asia that have affected global energy supply chains. Energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz - one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes - have been disrupted following the widening conflict that began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. The 50-mile-long waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. India depends heavily on energy imports, sourcing about 88 per cent of its crude oil, 50 per cent of its LNG requirements and nearly 60 per cent of its LPG imports through routes passing via the strait. Petrol and diesel supplies remain stable Despite the disruptions, the government said petrol and diesel availability across the country remains stable. Sharma stated that India has a refining capacity of 258 million metric tonnes and is self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel. “All refineries in the country are operating at 100 per cent capacity or higher and have adequate crude oil inventories. Supplies are being consistently maintained,” she said, reported PTI. No supply disruptions reported at LPG distributors The official said there are around 25,000 LPG distributors across the country and none has reported any supply disruption or stock-out. She appealed to citizens not to spread rumours or engage in unnecessary booking of cylinders. “Petrol and diesel are available in adequate quantities at all petrol pumps, and LPG supply is being maintained. I urge citizens not to give credence to rumours,” Sharma said. PNG and CNG supplies continuing without interruption Sharma also said the supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas remains uninterrupted across the country, reported PTI. However, she acknowledged that some commercial consumers in large cities who depend on LPG are facing difficulties due to the current supply pressures. The government has advised such users to approach their local City Gas Distribution providers to obtain PNG connections as an alternative energy source. Officials reiterated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to ensure that households and essential services continue to receive uninterrupted energy supplies. (With inputs from PTI)
13 March,2026 05:43 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Congress on Friday launched statewide protests against the increase in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices and the ensuing gas shortage. The protests were led by Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Harshwardhan Sapkal in Trimbakeshwar. Sapkal accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre of pushing common citizens into the “deep pit of inflation” by raising LPG prices by Rs 60 per kg. He demanded that the hike be rolled back immediately and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold discussions with all stakeholders and make a statement in Parliament regarding LPG policies. Addressing the media in Trimbakeshwar, Sapkal said, “While gas cylinders are disappearing from homes across the country, the Prime Minister is absent from Parliament. Narendra Modi has surrendered before (US President) Donald Trump, and the common people are paying the heavy price. With domestic cylinders unavailable and commercial cylinders scarce, small businesses, hotels, and eateries are being forced to shut down. The BJP-led government is handing out Rs 1,500 to select beneficiaries, while ordinary citizens are bearing the brunt of rising LPG prices.” LPG shortage: Similar protests held across Thane, Panvel, and Palghar The protest in Trimbakeshwar saw large participation from Congress leaders and workers, including MPCC vice-presidents Rajaram Pangavhane and Sharad Aher, state general secretary Brij Datt, spokespersons Sandeep Patil and Prakash Sonawane, Nashik Shabhayahar District Congress Committee chief Akash Chhajed, Nashik North District President Ramesh Khandal, Nashik South District President Bharat Takekar, and other officials. During the demonstrations, Sapkal visited the office of a gas distributor, interacted with women queuing for cylinders, and gathered their views on the gas shortage. According to the Congress, many women expressed frustration over the hike. The Congress held similar protests across Nagpur, Pune, Thane, Wardha, Buldhana, Gondia, Palghar, Bhiwandi, Kalyan-Dombivali, Dharashiv, Chandrapur, and Panvel.
13 March,2026 05:41 PM IST | MumbaiThe Ministry of External Affairs’ (MEA) Fact Check Unit has dismissed as false a claim circulating on social media alleging that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s request to allow Indian ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. In a clarification, the MEA stated that the viral claim is completely fake and has no basis in fact. The MEA urged citizens to remain cautious and not fall for misleading information being shared online. Fake News Alert!This is Fake News.Please stay alert against such false and baseless claims on social media! pic.twitter.com/GFTs75JYh0 — MEA FactCheck (@MEAFactCheck) March 13, 2026 Viral claim declared fake According to the MEA's Fact Check Unit, social media posts had claimed that Iran refused India’s request regarding the passage of Indian vessels through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The posts also alleged that Iran had adopted a policy barring entry to countries allied with the United States and Israel, specifically mentioning India. However, the MEA has categorically denied these claims, stating that no such decision or communication has been made by Iran. Citizens urged to verify information The ministry has advised the public to verify information from official sources before sharing it further. PM Modi speaks to Iranian President; discusses 'serious' situation in West Asia Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday night spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the phone and discussed the "serious situation" in West Asia. PM Modi expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the region and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure. The prime minister told the Iranian President that the safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priorities. "Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure," PM Modi said in a post on X. The prime minister also reiterated India's commitment to peace and stability and urged dialogue and diplomacy to end the crisis. Notably, Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping passage through which India's substantial energy imports come. Two days back, a bulk oil carrier sailing to India was fired upon by Iranian forces as it was trying to cross through the Strait of Hormuz. The prime minister had spoken to leaders of several West Asian countries in the last 10 days in the wake of the coordinated offensive launched against Iran by the United States and Israel, in which the Islamic country's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed last month. In retaliation, Iran has fired drones and missiles at Israel and US military installations around the Gulf region, including the global business and aviation hubs of Dubai and Doha.
13 March,2026 05:16 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentSecurity agencies were placed on high alert after the Bihar Legislative Assembly received a threatening email warning of a bomb attack on the Assembly premises ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in India, reported news agency IANS. Officials said the email, received on Friday, claimed that there was a plan to blow up the Assembly complex, prompting authorities to initiate immediate security checks, reported IANS. Speaker orders urgent security review Taking swift cognisance of the threat, Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar convened an emergency meeting with senior officials from the Assembly Secretariat. During the meeting, the Speaker directed Officer-in-Charge (Secretary) Khyati Singh to inform the state’s top administrative and police authorities about the situation, reported IANS. He instructed officials to alert the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police and ensure an immediate security assessment of the Assembly complex. Police launch investigation into threatening email Confirming the development, Central Superintendent of Police Diksha said law enforcement agencies had begun taking action following the threat. “The threatening email was received on Friday, and we are taking immediate measures regarding it,” she said, reported IANS. Cybersecurity teams have also been tasked with tracing the origin of the email in an attempt to identify the person responsible for sending the threat. Security tightened at Assembly complex Following the warning, security has been significantly strengthened in and around the Assembly premises. Additional police personnel have been deployed at all entry points, and security personnel are conducting thorough checks of every vehicle entering the complex, reported IANS. Authorities have also deployed a bomb detection squad and a dog squad to conduct a detailed search of the premises to rule out any potential security threat. Similar threats reported earlier in Bihar Officials noted that this is not the first time government institutions in Bihar have received such threatening emails. In previous incidents, the Patna Civil Court and district courts in cities including Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Purnea and Bhagalpur had received similar emails threatening bomb attacks. Investigations later revealed that those threats were hoaxes, but they caused significant concern among judicial officers, lawyers and the public. Authorities remain cautious ahead of Rajya Sabha voting Officials said the timing of the latest threat is particularly concerning as voting for the Rajya Sabha election is scheduled to take place on March 16. Authorities are maintaining heightened security and closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of the Assembly complex and its members in the lead-up to the election. (With inputs from IANS)
13 March,2026 04:50 PM IST | Patna | mid-day online correspondentIndia’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held another telephonic conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, during which the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and matters related to the BRICS grouping. In a post on social media platform X, Jaishankar confirmed the conversation and said the discussions covered both bilateral and multilateral issues. “Had another conversation with Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi yesterday night. Discussed bilateral matters as also BRICS-related issues,” Jaishankar wrote. Fourth conversation amid escalating West Asia conflict The latest interaction marked the fourth conversation between the two ministers since tensions escalated in West Asia following the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Officials said the discussions form part of India’s ongoing diplomatic outreach aimed at monitoring developments in the region and ensuring stability in critical areas such as maritime trade and energy supplies. Earlier conversations between the two leaders had focused on issues related to the safety of international shipping routes and India’s energy security. India monitoring safety of shipping routes According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the talks between Jaishankar and Araghchi included discussions on ensuring the safe movement of vessels through strategic sea routes in the region. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the ministers had spoken multiple times in recent days to review developments. “EAM and the foreign minister of Iran have had three conversations in the last few days. The last one discussed issues pertaining to safety of shipping and India’s energy security. Beyond that, it would be premature for me to say anything,” Jaiswal said during a media briefing. Israeli air strikes reported in several Iranian cities Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force said it carried out multiple waves of strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure. According to Israeli authorities, the strikes were conducted in cities including Tehran, Shiraz and Ahvaz. The Israeli military said the operations targeted sites associated with missile production, air defence systems and other military infrastructure. It also claimed that underground facilities used for the storage and production of ballistic missiles were struck during the operations. Regional tensions rise as conflict continues The conflict in West Asia intensified following joint military operations by the United States and Israel that reportedly resulted in the killing of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, on February 28. In response, Iran has targeted US and Israeli-linked assets in several Gulf countries, raising concerns about disruptions to maritime trade and global energy supplies. The ongoing hostilities have also increased fears that Iran could close or restrict passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and gas shipments. As the conflict enters its 14th day, exchanges of strikes and threats between the involved parties continue, with governments around the world closely monitoring developments and calling for diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. (With inputs from Agencies)
13 March,2026 04:12 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
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