Air India and Air India Express will together operate a combined total of 50 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the West Asia region on Wednesday, March 18, as the group said it continues to maintain essential connectivity despite ongoing geopolitical developments in the area. According to an official update from Air India, both carriers will run their regular scheduled services to Jeddah and Muscat on March 18, including a total of 14 flights between India and Jeddah. Air India will operate one return service each from Delhi and Mumbai to Jeddah, while Air India Express will handle one flight each from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mangalore, plus two flights from Kozhikode. Air India Express will also operate 12 scheduled flights to and from Muscat, covering departures from Delhi, Kannur, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram. In addition to these scheduled operations, the airlines will run a total of 24 non-scheduled (ad-hoc) flights to and from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, subject to slot availability and prevailing conditions at departure stations. These flights have received necessary permissions from Indian and local regulatory authorities. Key highlights of operations on March 18 Scheduled flights: Jeddah (14 flights) and Muscat (12 flights) remain operational. Ad-hoc flights: Primarily to/from Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah (UAE), and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), operated by Air India Express from cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mumbai, and Mangalore. No scheduled or ad-hoc operations to Dubai, Al Ain, Salalah, Dammam, Bahrain, Doha, Kuwait, or Tel Aviv on this date. All Air India flights to/from North America, Europe, Australia, and other regions continue as per normal schedule. For passengers affected by any temporarily suspended routes, Air India is offering flexible options: rebook to a future date at no extra charge or opt for a full refund. Passengers can raise requests directly on the airline’s website (airindia.com). The group said support is available 24X7 via the hotline at +91 169329333 or +91 169329999. Air India Express passengers with bookings from UAE stations can rebook without additional charges on the airline’s additional commercial flights from any UAE point to Indian destinations. "The airline is proactively contacting impacted guests using registered mobile numbers. Guests are requested to keep their contact details updated. Rebooking for Air India Express can also be done via the AI-powered digital assistant Tia on WhatsApp at +91 63600 12345. The Air India group continues to explore opportunities for additional ad-hoc flights to West Asia destinations as conditions permit, while prioritising passenger safety and operational feasibility," the group stated.
17 March,2026 11:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndia on Tuesday strongly condemned Pakistan for its airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul on Monday night, which claimed hundreds of civilian lives and injured several others, news agency ANI reported. In a statement by Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, India unequivocally denounced the attack as a "cowardly and unconscionable act of violence". The MEA said the facility could by no means be justified as a military target and accused Pakistan of trying to "dress up a massacre as a military operation". "This is a cowardly and unconscionable act of violence that has claimed the lives of a large number of civilians in a facility which can by no means be justified as a military target. Pakistan is now trying to dress up a massacre as a military operation," the statement read. Our statement on Pakistan’s cowardly targeting of Kabul Hospitalđź”— https://t.co/uYbQhhc8MC pic.twitter.com/KVEaLyBtTB — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) March 17, 2026 The MEA called it a heinous act of aggression and a blatant assault on Afghanistan's sovereignty, a direct threat to regional peace and stability, reflecting Pakistan's reckless pattern of behaviour and attempts to externalise internal failures through desperate cross-border violence. The statement highlighted the attack's timing during Ramzan—a month of peace, reflection, and mercy—making it "all the more reprehensible". "There is no faith, no law, and no morality that can justify the deliberate targeting of a hospital and its patients," it added. India urged the international community to hold perpetrators accountable and stop Pakistan's targeting of Afghan civilians without delay. Reiterate our unwavering support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan: MEA "India extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, wishes a swift recovery to those injured, and stands in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan in this tragic moment. We also reiterate our unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan," the statement concluded. Afghanistan's Taliban authorities reported around 400 deaths and 250 injuries in the strike on the 2,000-bed Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital at about 9 PM Monday. Deputy Spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat said large sections were destroyed, with rescue teams working to control fires and recover bodies. Tolo News and Khaama Press noted this was not isolated, citing prior Pakistani strikes on civilians (including women and children) in Afghan provinces. Kabul residents reported damage to dozens of homes from explosions. Khaama Press sources said a Pakistani aircraft bombed a Taliban facility in Ghani Khel, Nangarhar, late Monday. Samaa News (Pakistan), citing security sources, said strikes targeted Taliban-linked sites in Kabul (two locations: technical/ammunition facilities) and Nangarhar (four military sites, logistics/ammunition depots). They rejected hospital targeting claims as "ridiculous". Taliban Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told TOLOnews the "time for diplomacy with Pakistan is over" and the attack "must be avenged". (With ANI inputs)
17 March,2026 10:58 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA tehsildar in the Beed district of Maharashtra has been suspended after he was arrested last month by ACB for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 20,000, news agency PTI reported. The tehsildar demanded the amount in exchange for issuing a solvency certificate, an officer said on Tuesday. The order to suspend Vyankatesh Munde, who served as the tehsildar of Parli Vaijnath, was issued by Divisional Commissioner Jitendra Papalkar following his arrest on February 20. Munde had allegedly demanded Rs 50,000 for issuing a solvency certificate of Rs 7 lakh. ACB found that the accused reportedly indicated the demand by writing the amount on a slip of paper. The amount was later negotiated down to Rs 20,000. An officer said, "The Divisional Commissioner has suspended Munde, as he was absent from his office for more than 48 hours (after he was arrested). He has been assigned the Jalna headquarters and will have to take permission from the Jalna collector if he wants to leave the headquarters." Two jail staffers held for accepting bribe in Thane Two staff members of a district jail in Maharashtra’s Thane were arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 1,500 to permit a man to meet an undertrial prisoner, reported PTI. Officers from the anti-corruption bureau (ACB) detained Satish Tanaji Bhosale (55), a prison subedar, and Sharad Nana Panpatil (39), a jail constable, on March 2. Both were posted at Aadharwadi Kalyan District Jail at the time of the alleged offence. Inspector Sunil Karote of Thane ACB said the two were caught while accepting money from the complainant. The complainant had visited the jail on February 25 to meet a friend who was lodged there as an undertrial prisoner. According to officers, the staff on duty in the interview room initially demanded Rs 1,000, as the visitor was not related to the inmate. It was further alleged that Bhosale sought between Rs 4,000 and Rs 5,000 to facilitate the meeting. The amount was later agreed upon at Rs 1,500, according to the PTI. A case has been registered against both accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Further investigation into the matter is ongoing, officers said.
17 March,2026 10:45 PM IST | Beed | mid-day online correspondentPM Modi, while talking to the UAE President, discussed the current situation in West Asia. As reported by news agency PTI, both the leaders agreed on ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. During his telephonic conversation, Modi strongly condemned all attacks on the Gulf country and agreed with the UAE leader to continue to work together for the early restoration of peace, security and stability in West Asia. Spoke with my brother HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and conveyed advance Eid greetings.We discussed the current situation in West Asia. Reiterated India’s strong condemnation of all attacks on the UAE that have resulted in loss of innocent lives… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 17, 2026 "Spoke with my brother HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and conveyed advance Eid greetings. Modi, while posting on social media platform X, wrote, "We discussed the current situation in West Asia. Reiterated India's strong condemnation of all attacks on the UAE that have resulted in loss of innocent lives and damage to civilian infrastructure." UAE President agrees on safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz Modi said that he and the UAE President agreed on the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He further added, "We will continue to work together for the early restoration of peace, security and stability in the region," as per PTI. This was the second time Modi spoke to the UAE President since the US and Israel attacked Iran. Iran has retaliated by attacking several Gulf countries. The Indian Prime Minister has also spoken to a number of leaders from West Asia since the current conflict started, and that includes those from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Israel and Iran. UAE shuts airspace following Iranian missile, drone strikes The General Civil Aviation Authority has announced the temporary and full closure of the United Arab Emirates airspace, Al Jazeera reported. As per Al Jazeera, state media said the move was "an exceptional precautionary measure" aimed at ensuring the safety of flights and air crews, as well as safeguarding the UAE's territory. Earlier, the UAE's Ministry of Defence stated that it was responding to a new wave of missile and drone attacks launched by Iran, Al Jazeera reported. Meanwhile, the UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems are actively responding to incoming missiles and drones launched from Iran, as per Al Jazeera. Separately, authorities in Dubai stated that the sounds heard across parts of the city were due to successful interception operations carried out by air defence systems, according to the Dubai Media Office's X post. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)
17 March,2026 10:33 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Trinamool Congress on Tuesday released its first list of candidates, containing 291 names, for the two-phase April elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly and set the scene for a "battle royale" in Bhabanipur constituency in south Kolkata, from where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will contest again. As per the candidates' list released by Banerjee, she will be contesting from Bhabanipur this time as well, where she will face the Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, reported IANS. BJP announced first candidates list and nominated Adhikari from Nandigram On Monday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced its first list of 144 candidates and nominated Adhikari from his current constituency of Nandigram in East Midnapore district, as well as from Bhabanipur. This is the second time that Banerjee will be pitted against Adhikari. Adhikari was elected as a legislator from Nandigram for the second consecutive time in 2021, defeating Banerjee. Later, Banerjee was elected from Bhabanipur in a by-election and retained the post of chief minister for the third consecutive term. Trinamool fields candidates on 291 seats, gives Darjeeling hills to BGPM While the Trinamool will be contesting from 291 constituencies, they have spared three assembly constituencies in the North Bengal hills, namely Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong, for their political ally in the hills, Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), founded by Anit Thapa, who is also the chief executive of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). At Nandigram, Trinamool fielded erstwhile local BJP leader and a close confidant of Adhikari, Pabitra Kar, who joined the party just a couple of hours before the chief minister released the party candidates' list. "This time our candidates will win from at least 226 Assembly constituencies. After the elections, this type of BJP will have no ground in West Bengal," Banerjee said. No alliance for Congress and Left Front in Bengal In the 2021 assembly elections, the Trinamool won 215 seats, while the BJP secured 77 seats. The CPI-M-led Left Front and the All India Secular Front (AISF) had a seat-sharing arrangement in 2021. While AISF managed to win one seat, both the Left Front and the Congress failed to win any seats at all. This time, the Congress and the Left Front are contesting the elections separately. On Tuesday, the Chief Minister also gave a note of caution to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I would like to ask the Prime Minister, if you had faith in the people of West Bengal, why he was hurting Bengal's sentiments. Remember, the people will retaliate in the elections!" she said, reported IANS. (Inputs from IANS)
17 March,2026 07:26 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentAs many as 41.41 lakh ineligible ration cards were deleted in 2025, with maximum in Haryana, followed by Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, according to the government data placed before Parliament on Tuesday. According to PTI, about 13.43 lakh ineligible ration cards were deleted in Haryana, 6.05 lakh in Rajasthan, 5.97 lakh in Uttar Pradesh, 3.74 lakh in West Bengal, and 2.60 lakh in Madhya Pradesh, as per the data given by the Minister of State for Food Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya in the Rajya Sabha. Bambhaniya, in her written reply, said as an outcome of the use of technology in the Public Distribution System (PDS), all states and Union Territories have been able to weed out ineligible ration cards in order to achieve rightful targeting. Over 41 lakh fake ration cards deleted in 2025 as PDS goes fully digital A total of 41.41 lakh fake ration cards were deleted in 2025, as against 48.85 lakh in 2024 and 41.99 lakh in 2023. Under the ongoing reforms in the PDS, the ration card and beneficiary database have been completely digitised across all states/UTs, reported PTI. Almost all fair price shops (FPS) in the country have been automated through the installation of electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices for the distribution of foodgrains. Further, 99.2 per cent of beneficiaries have been Aadhaar-seeded and 98.75 per cent of foodgrain distribution is being carried out through digital authentication modes, including Aadhaar biometric and iris authentication. "Digitisation of the PDS aims to enhance efficiency and transparency to ensure rightful targeting of beneficiaries, and address challenges such as leakages and diversion of foodgrains," the minister added, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
17 March,2026 07:05 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIn a powerful step towards safeguarding the health and future of young girls, several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Odisha, and Mizoram, are leading from the front in the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign. Within just a fortnight of its launch, nearly 3 lakh girls aged 14 years have already been vaccinated, marking an encouraging start to this critical public health initiative, a health ministry official informed, reported ANI. According to experts Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine plays a vital role in preventing cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers affecting women. The enthusiastic participation seen so far reflects growing awareness among parents, schools, and communities about the importance of early protection. HPV Vaccination drive gains strong response despite ongoing exams According to ANI, the campaign has been strategically rolled out during the academic period, and while examinations are currently underway in many regions, the response has remained strong. With the conclusion of the exam season approaching, the momentum of the vaccination drive is expected to accelerate significantly, enabling wider coverage and ensuring that more girls benefit from this life-saving intervention. "Health authorities are actively working in coordination with schools, local bodies, and healthcare workers to ensure smooth access to the vaccine. Parents and guardians are urged to support and encourage eligible girls to get vaccinated at the earliest," said officials The offical also said that this is more than a campaign, it is a collective movement towards a healthier, cancer-free future for our daughters. Earlier, on March 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign and development projects worth Rs 16,680 crore in Rajasthan's Ajmer. PM Modi highlights the campaign as a step towards empowering the women of the country Addressing a large public rally after the event, PM Modi said the BJP's double-engine government in Rajasthan has completed two years, and the state is now advancing on a new path of development, as per ANI. The Prime Minister called the HPV vaccination campaign an important step towards empowering the women of the country Today, from this land of brave women, I have got the opportunity to launch an important campaign for the daughters of the entire country. The HPV vaccination campaign has been launched in Ajmer. This campaign is an important step towards empowering the women of the country," PM Modi said. The promises of development with which the BJP government came to serve you are being fulfilled with great speed. And today is the day to accelerate this very campaign of development," he said, reported ANI. Highlighting the significance of the occasion, the Prime Minister added, "Just a short while ago, the BJP's double-engine government in Rajasthan completed two years. I am pleased that today, Rajasthan is advancing on a new path of development." (Inputs from ANI)
17 March,2026 07:04 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA 4-magnitude earthquake hit northwestern Nepal's Sudurpaschim province on Tuesday, authorities said. There were no immediate reports of any damage caused by it. The earthquake struck at 10:12 am in the Sitaula area of the Darchula district, according to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre. There were no immediate reports about any damage to life or property caused by the tremor. Nepal, which experiences multiple earthquakes in any given year, lies in one of the most active tectonic zones (Seismic zones IV and V), making it extremely vulnerable to earthquakes. The Himalayan nation ranks 11th among the world's most earthquake-prone countries. 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 March,2026 06:52 PM IST | Kathmandu | PTIThe Centre on Tuesday said it has intensified action against LPG hoarding across the country, conducting over 12,000 raids and seizing more than 15,000 cylinders amid reports of panic buying and rumours of a supply shortage, reported news agency IANS. Officials, however, reiterated that there is no shortage of LPG and urged consumers to avoid unnecessary bookings. 12,000 raids conducted to curb hoarding Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry, said enforcement teams have been actively carrying out inspections to prevent hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders, reported IANS. She said the large-scale crackdown is aimed at stabilising supply and ensuring that cylinders reach genuine domestic consumers without disruption. Govt assures adequate LPG availability Despite the surge in demand, the government maintained that LPG stocks remain sufficient across the country. Sharma noted that nearly 70,000 bookings were recorded on Monday alone, largely driven by panic buying, reported IANS. She appealed to consumers to remain calm and avoid excessive or duplicate bookings, stating that the supply chain is functioning normally. Push for digital bookings and compliance Highlighting the role of digital platforms, Sharma said around 94 per cent of domestic LPG bookings are now being made online. She encouraged consumers to continue using digital channels for convenience and transparency, reported IANS. She also noted an improvement in Delivery Authenticity Code (DAC) compliance, which has reached 76 per cent, helping streamline distribution and reduce irregularities. States allocate LPG for essential services Several states, including Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka and Uttarakhand, have taken steps to prioritise LPG supply for essential services by allocating non-domestic cylinders where required. These measures are intended to ensure uninterrupted functioning of critical sectors such as hospitals, community kitchens and other essential establishments. Fresh supplies arrive amid global disruptions Amid concerns over global energy disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia, the government said fresh LPG shipments are continuing to arrive in India. Special Secretary (Shipping) Rajesh Kumar Sinha informed that the LPG carrier Nanda Devi docked at Kandla port early Tuesday, while another vessel, Shivalik, arrived at Mundra port a day earlier. He added that cargo is being transferred from larger ships to smaller vessels for efficient inland distribution, reported IANS. Diversifying imports to ensure stability To safeguard against potential supply disruptions, India has begun sourcing LPG from multiple global markets, including the United States, as part of its strategy to diversify imports, reported IANS. Officials said these steps are aimed at maintaining steady availability and preventing any future shortages amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Indian crew safe, nationals repatriated Providing an update on the situation in the Gulf region, Sinha said all 22 Indian vessels and their crew members remain safe. He added that 161 Indian nationals have been brought back to the country in the past 24 hours, reported IANS. The government reiterated that it is closely monitoring the situation and taking proactive measures to ensure energy security and public convenience. (With inputs from IANS)
17 March,2026 06:22 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentMinistry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Tuesday said that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Brussels at the invitation of European Union (EU) High Representative and Vice-President Kaja Kallas. Addressing the Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia, Jaiswal stated that the leaders underlined the need for dialogue to bring an end to the crisis. "Our External Affairs Minister visited Brussels. He was invited by the EU High Representative and Vice President, Kaja Kallas, to attend the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting. At the meeting, apart from discussing India-EU ties, he and other ministers of the European Union, foreign ministers of the various countries of the EU, discussed global challenges, particularly the situation in West Asia, including its effects on energy security. The ministers also underlined the need for dialogue and diplomacy to be drafted to bring an early end to this particular conflict," he said. 📡LIVE NOW📡Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in #WestAsia đź“ŤNational Media Centre, New Delhi Watch on #PIB's 📺➡️Facebook: https://t.co/ykJcYlNrjj ➡️YouTube: https://t.co/vKT1M1iViKhttps://t.co/04cR90sPiq — PIB India (@PIB_India) March 17, 2026 Jaishankar undertook a two-day visit to Brussels. In a post on X, he said: "Concluded a productive visit to Brussels, meeting with the European Union Foreign Affairs Council, calling on Presidents of the EU Council Antonio Costa and EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and holding talks with EU HRVP Kaja Kallas. Also met EU counterparts and held separate bilateral discussions with many." Concluded a productive visit to Brussels, meeting with the #EuropeanUnion Foreign Affairs Council, calling on Presidents of the @EUCouncil António Costa and @EU_Commission @vonderleyen, and holding talks with EU HRVP @kajakallas. Also met EU counterparts and held separate… pic.twitter.com/Ff0s5HdOoY — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 16, 2026 FTA, tech cooperation, supply chains among key focus areas in India-EU talks Jaishankar outlined key takeaways from the discussions, highlighting that the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) could mark a turning point in India-EU ties by unlocking economic potential and strengthening strategic engagement. He further noted that both sides aim to enhance cooperation in critical technologies through the Trade and Technology Council (TTC), strengthen supply chain resilience, and promote trade and investment linkages. Mobility of skilled talent, expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India, and progress on the Security and Defence Partnership were also discussed. Both sides agreed to expedite the Security of Information Agreement and advance connectivity initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Emphasising the importance of multilateralism, Jaishankar said India and the EU would continue to strengthen institutional cooperation through regular high-level consultations. He added that in an increasingly multipolar world, the India-EU partnership can serve as a pillar of stability and resilience. (With ANI inputs)
17 March,2026 05:27 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentTwenty passengers were injured after a private tourist bus overturned and caught fire following a tyre burst in Maharashtra's Beed district on Monday, news agency PTI reported, quoting a police officer. The incident took place at 2.30 am near Surani on Manjarsumba-Ambajogai Road in Kaij tehsil, around 50 kilometres from the district headquarters, the officer quoted above added. "The bus, with 28 passengers, was on its way from Jalgaon to Latur. Its tyre burst at a sharp curve, causing the vehicle to go out of control, break the roadside railing and fall into a ditch on the entrance (left) side. Passengers from a Nanded-Pune bus passing by rushed in and managed to rescue those in the ill-fated vehicle, which caught fire soon after", the officer said. He further highlighted that around 20 passengers were injured. They were shifted to the sub-district hospital nearby in six ambulances by a team under Kaij Police Station Inspector Swapnil Unawane. Medical Officer Dr Awez Shaikh, speaking about the incident, said, "Eleven passengers were later shifted to Swami Ramanand Teerth Government Rural Hospital and Medical College in Ambajogai and the remaining nine to a facility in Latur." Police said the fire gutted passenger belongings and also spread to a nearby farm plot, destroying mango, jamun, tamarind, berry, and lemon trees. The injured include a three-month-old child, the police said. 50-year-old, son killed as speeding car rams into motorcycle in Latur A 50-year-old man and his 24-year-old son were killed after a speeding car crashed into their motorcycle on the roadside in Maharashtra's Latur district, police said on Tuesday. The tragic accident took place near Umarga Pati village in Jalkot tehsil around 8 pm on Sunday. Ankush Vishwanath Gite, who served as deputy sarpanch, and his son Omkar were riding home on their motorcycle and had stopped by the side of the road when the car rammed into them. The impact caused the car to fall into a nearby pit, an official said. Locals immediately rushed the father-son duo to a hospital, where doctors declared them dead on arrival.The occupants of the car survived the crash as the airbags deployed, the official added. The car driver has been handed over to the police. (With PTI inputs)
17 March,2026 05:20 PM IST | Beed | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
