Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday virtually inaugurated Pune’s new flyover, widely known as the double-decker bridge, which is expected to improve traffic movement in several parts of the city, reported the PTI. The flyover on Ganeshkhind Road in Pune was opened to the public through after an inauguration through video conference ceremony. The project has been developed by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority. The structure features a double-decker design, with a road flyover on the lower level and a Metro line constructed above it. Authorities believe the new infrastructure will help reduce congestion and streamline traffic flow across important areas of the city. The flyover is expected to benefit commuters travelling through Baner, Pashan, Shivajinagar and Aundh. The Chief Minister's office in a post on X stated that CM Fadnavis inaugurated the integrated double-decker flyover at the Savitribai Phule Pune University junction in Pune, describing it as a significant addition to the city’s modern infrastructure as it moves towards becoming a global capability centre (GCC) hub. Fadnavis congratulated the agency for constructing the structure, calling it a strong example of engineering capability. He stated that Pune is among the fastest-growing cities in the country and has seen the highest development of GCC office space in India over the past year, placing it on track to become the nation’s “GCC capital”. Leaders attend inauguration Union minister Murlidhar Mohol and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar were present at the inauguration event in Pune. Speaking on the occasion, Sunetra Pawar remembered her late husband and former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who had ordered the demolition of the old bridge to make way for the new project, according to the PTI. Tribute to Ajit Pawar’s role Sunetra Pawar said Ajit Pawar had taken a “bold decision” at the time despite facing criticism from some quarters. She noted that he had closely monitored the project and regularly followed up on the construction work to ensure its completion. According to her, Ajit Pawar always tried to minimise inconvenience for Pune’s residents and worked consistently towards improving the city’s infrastructure. Hope for improved traffic The deputy chief minister expressed hope that the new bridge would significantly reduce traffic congestion in Pune. She congratulated the residents of the city on the completion of the project and also extended greetings on International Women’s Day, which was celebrated on Sunday, as per the PTI. (with PTI inputs)
08 March,2026 08:15 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentAir India will operate 78 additional flights on nine international routes from March 10 to 18 as the airline seeks to provide more travel options amid the disruptions due to the West Asia war. The carrier will operate 78 additional flights on 9 routes connecting New York, London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Zurich, Paris, Colombo and Male. In a statement on Sunday, Air India said it would deploy additional capacity to five key gateways in Europe as well as to New York over the next few days, supported by additional services to the Maldives and Sri Lanka. "Together, these flights add 17,660 seats on nine routes in both directions," it said. Except for New York, Male and Colombo, the services will be operated with B787-8 aircraft. For Male and Colombo, A320 neo planes will be deployed and services for New York will be operated with B777-300ER aircraft, subject to regulatory approvals. According to the airline, the additional services are being planned in response to sustained high demand for reliable travel options amid the ongoing situation in West Asia. 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
08 March,2026 08:04 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIThe Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Sunday sought a report from the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government seeking details of the protocol violations during President Droupadi Murmu's visit to the state. President Murmu was the Chief Guest and the main speaker at International Santal Conclave Gossaipur in Darjeeling on Saturday. Sources in the state secretariat Nabanna said that the main question raised by the MHA in its communique was why the state administration refused to permit the organisers of the conclave to hold the event at the original venue chosen by them, and also why the venue of the event was changed at the last moment. "The communication from the MHA had been sent to the office of the Chief Secretary, Nandini Chakraborty, and the state government had been asked to send a reply to the MHA by Sunday evening," sources in the state secretariat said. Now, it is to be seen when the state government replies to the communique and what the contents of the reply will be. According to the state secretariat sources, a directive was received by the state's Chief Secretary on Sunday from Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, where the Chief Secretary was asked to send details over the "fiasco" over the President's event on Saturday and what the state administration did to address that. In fact, the President was supposed to arrive in North Bengal on Friday afternoon. The visit was postponed due to some unavoidable reasons. The President landed at Bagdogra airport at 11:30 am on Saturday. She was supposed to attend a function of the tribal community in the Phansidewa area near Siliguri in Darjeeling district, but the venue was later changed to Gossaipur. Following the venue change controversy, the President expressed her dissatisfaction. Later, she himself went to Phansidewa, where the event was supposed to be held originally. From there, President Murmu resorted to mild criticism of the state administration, while maintaining that Mamata Banerjee was like her younger sister. The President also pointed out that neither the Chief Minister nor any of her Cabinet colleagues met her during her visit to the state, which was against established traditions and protocols whenever the President visits a place. Following her statements, a war of words broke out between BJP leaders and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and others slammed the Mamata government over the development. The Chief Minister countered such criticisms and said that no protocol was lapsed on the part of her administration during the President’s visit to West Bengal. Mamata also said the BJP was "misusing" the highest chair of the country for its own party "agenda". 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
08 March,2026 07:18 PM IST | Kolkata | IANSThe Bombay High Court has issued notices to Pankaja Munde and several government officials in connection with a petition challenging the legality of the Jalna District Planning Committee in Jalna, Maharashtra, reported the PTI. Pankaja Munde currently serves as the guardian minister of the district. The notices were issued while hearing a writ petition filed by local activist Bhausaheb Gore. A division bench of the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court, comprising Justice Vibha Kankanwadi and Justice Hiten Venegavkar, issued the notices on March 4, as per the PTI. The petition claims that the committee was constituted in violation of legal provisions and that funds are allegedly being allocated in a manner not consistent with their intended purpose, according to the PTI. Petitioner raises concerns over committee formation According to the petitioner’s counsel, Gore had earlier been appointed as a special invitee member of the committee under a Government Resolution dated August 22, 2024. However, his tenure has since ended and he is no longer associated with the body. The petition states that Gore recently learned that the committee may not have been formed in accordance with the law, which prompted him to approach the court, the news agency reported. Court to examine legality of committee During the hearing, the bench noted that it had reviewed the Government Resolution dated August 22, 2024. However, the court clarified that at this preliminary stage it would not comment on any actions or decisions already taken by the existing committee, as per the PTI. The Bombay HC judges said that the court would examine whether the committee’s composition complies with the relevant legal provisions, reported the PTI. Replies sought from respondents The Bombay High Court issued notices not only to Pankaja Munde but also to the secretary of the state rural development department, the divisional commissioner, the district collector and other officials, the news agency reported. All respondents have been directed to file their replies by March 27 and provide copies to the other side in advance. The matter has been scheduled for the next hearing on April 1, according to the PTI. (with PTI inputs)
08 March,2026 03:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have stepped in to demolish the property of the accused in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar Holi murder case as the police continue its investigations into the killing of the 26-year-old man. Here's what exactly happened that day and all we know so far. The authorities in Delhi have initiated demolition action against the property of the main accused in the Uttam Nagar murder case, where a 26-year-old man was killed following a dispute during Holi celebrations. The demolition was carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi against the house of the accused, identified as Nizamuddin, as the investigation into the incident continues. The incident took place in the JJ Colony area of Uttam Nagar on the night of March 4 during celebrations of Holi. Coloured water started the dispute According to police, the dispute began when an 11-year-old girl playing Holi from a terrace threw a balloon filled with coloured water. The balloon accidentally burst near a woman standing in the lane, leading to tension between the two families, reported the IANS. Although the girl’s family apologised immediately, an argument soon followed, escalating the situation. Investigators said that the woman later called her relatives to the spot, which led to a confrontation between members of the two families, who belong to different communities. During the clash, eight people were injured — three from one side and five from the other. Most of the injured were treated at hospital and discharged the same day, according to the IANS. Victim attacked close to his residence As per the IANS, the victim who was later identified as Tarun Kumar, was reportedly not involved in the initial dispute. He had returned home after celebrating Holi with friends and was walking through the lane near his house. Police said he was allegedly surrounded and attacked by a group of assailants using iron rods, sticks, bricks and stones. He suffered serious head injuries. Tarun, who was pursuing courses in digital marketing and interior designing, was taken to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries on Thursday morning. Following the incident, police registered a case and launched an investigation. So far, seven people — including a minor — have been arrested in connection with the murder. Authorities have also added provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act during the investigation. Probe continues Meanwhile, civic authorities carried out the demolition of the property linked to the main accused in Uttam Nagar as part of enforcement action. Police said the investigation into the case is ongoing. (with IANS inputs)
08 March,2026 03:09 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA student from a private homoeopathic medical college in Nanded in Maharashtra has died by suicide, with police registering a case against a local leader of the Nationalist Congress Party for alleged abetment. The 25-year-old deceased was a second-year student and had been residing in a private hostel in the city for the past two years. Police said she was found dead in her hostel room on Friday. According to a complaint filed by her father, the hostel owner had allegedly been repeatedly pressuring his daughter over pending accommodation fees for the past eight to ten months. He claimed that the hostel operator allegedly frequently demanded payment of the outstanding amount and subjected the student to mental harassment. Unable to cope with the pressure, she allegedly took the extreme step, the complaint stated. Hostel Linked to NCP Leader Police identified the hostel owner as Jeevan Ghogre Patil, a local leader associated with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and a former Leader of the Opposition in the Nanded Municipal Corporation. Following the complaint, the Nanded Rural Police registered a case against him for abetment to suicide, police said, adding that a probe was underway. The officials have also invoked provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in the case. Investigators said that the hostel accommodates more than 40 female students on a “cot-basis” arrangement. Each occupier reportedly pays around Rs 2,500 per month for their accommodation at the premises. Police said further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death is currently underway. Two college girls die by suicide, found in temple bathroom Meanwhile, in an another incident, two college students were found dead inside a bathroom at the Swaminarayan Temple complex in Surat, with ppolice suspecting suicide. Police said the girls had left home for college on Friday morning but did not return, prompting their families to alert authorities. Their mobile phone location later led investigators to the temple complex, where their scooters were found parked. CCTV footage showed the two entering a bathroom, which was later found locked from inside. The police broke open the door and recovered the bodies. (with PTI inputs)
08 March,2026 01:39 PM IST | Nanded | mid-day online correspondentThe Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday shared an update on the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, noting that more than 52,000 Indians travelled safely from Gulf region to India between March 1-7, 2026 and that a dedicated special control room has been set up to monitor and respond to queries from those affected. In an official press statement, the MEA said that the Government of India is continuously monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, especially with regard to the welfare of Indian nationals who have been stranded there during transit or on short-duration visits. "All Indian nationals in the region are advised to follow the guidelines of the local authorities as well as the advisories being issued by the Indian Embassy or Consulate in their location. Each of our Embassies and Consulates in these countries have issued detailed advisories and set up 24x7 Helplines that are assisting in addressing concerns on account of the ongoing situation", the statement said. It further added, "The Ministry of External Affairs has also set up a dedicated Special Control Room to monitor and respond to queries from those affected as well as their families." Complete details of all our Helplines are available at: Special_Control_Room_in_MEA The statement noted that following the partial opening of airspace across the region in the last few days, Indian and foreign airlines are operating commercial flights, including non-scheduled flights, to enable the return of Indian passengers who were in transit or on short-term visits in these countries. "By now, more than 52,000 Indians have availed of these flights and travelled safely from the Gulf region to India between March 1-7, 2026, 32107 of whom have travelled on Indian carriers. More flights are planned in the coming days", MEA added. It further noted that in those countries where commercial flight operations are unavailable, Indian nationals are advised to contact the concerned Embassy/Consulate for information and advice regarding the nearest available commercial flight options. The MEA underlined that the safety and welfare of Indian nationals abroad is of utmost priority to the Government, which remains engaged with the Governments across the region to work towards facilitating all those in need of assistance. Meanwhile, the theatre of war has seen no relenting. A wave of Israeli airstrikes in Tehran and central Iran on Friday night targeted several key Iranian military sites, including an underground ballistic missile factory and a military academy, the IDF said. According to the Israeli military, more than 80 Israeli Air Force fighter jets dropped 230 bombs on the targets during the strikes. Among the targets was a subterranean site "for the storage and production of ballistic missiles, from which hundreds of soldiers from the armed forces of the Iranian terror regime operated," the IDF said. Countering that the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced that on Friday night it had launched the 23rd wave of Operation True Promise 4, highlighting the deployment of new-generation missile systems against targets in the occupied territories and US bases across the region. According to the statement, the latest wave involved advanced missile systems designed to strike multiple targets. 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
08 March,2026 11:33 AM IST | West Asia | ANITwo college students were found dead inside a bathroom at the Swaminarayan Temple complex in Surat, with police suspecting suicide by injecting poisonous drugs. Police said the girls had left home for college on Friday morning but did not return, prompting their families to alert authorities. Their mobile phone location later led investigators to the temple complex, where their scooters were found parked. CCTV footage showed the two entering a bathroom, which was later found locked from inside. The police broke open the door and recovered the bodies along with a syringe and three bottles of suspected poisonous drugs. Investigators also found the girls searched ChatGPT about “how to commit suicide” online for ways to die by suicide. Their phones and recovered items have been sent for forensic examination. A case of accidental death has been registered at Dindoli police station. 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
08 March,2026 08:37 AM IST | Surat | AgenciesThe Congress on Saturday attacked the Modi government after US officials said Washington had allowed India to purchase certain Russian oil cargoes, calling the Centre “cowardly and compromised”. Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh cited remarks by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said the US had permitted India to buy Russian oil amidst the West Asia conflict. Jairam Ramesh Ramesh alleged the Modi government had received a “certificate” from the US for following directions from former US President Donald Trump. “Does anything more need to be said about how cowardly and compromised the self-proclaimed 56-inch chest has become?” he said. The Centre rejected the criticism, asserting that India has never depended on any country’s permission to buy Russian oil. A senior government functionary said the US waiver may reduce friction but does not determine India’s policy. “India has never depended on permission from any country to buy Russian oil,” the official said, noting that Russia remains India’s largest crude supplier and imports continued even during the Russia-Ukraine war despite Western objections. 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
08 March,2026 08:34 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Sunetra Pawar on Saturday said multiple agencies are investigating the January 28 plane crash that killed her husband and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar, stressing that the public must wait for the final report before drawing conclusions. Speaking to reporters in Pune, Sunetra Pawar said, "The probe is on by multiple agencies. So far, a preliminary report has come. The final report is yet to come. I think we should wait till the final report comes." Her remarks came amid concerns raised by Ajit Pawar’s nephew and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) legislator Rohit Pawar, who has been seeking a detailed investigation into the crash and the ownership of the ill-fated Learjet 45. Ajit Pawar, who was the then deputy CM, along with four others, lost their lives when the aircraft crashed near Baramati airport. Following a meeting with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi, Rohit Pawar said a thorough criminal investigation was needed to determine whether the crash was "an accident or a political conspiracy". He also expressed frustration over delays in the crime investigation department (CID) investigation and the non-registration of their first information report (FIR) with Maharashtra Police. On her son Parth Pawar filing his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha, Sunetra Pawar said, "He will have to learn a lot of things and I, as a mother, am sure he will do a good job in the Rajya Sabha." She added that the Upper House has many experienced members. Women's Day 2026: Maharashtra Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar inaugurates ‘Mahila Sanman Portal’ On the eve of International Women’s Day 2026, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar inaugurated the ‘Mahila Sanman Portal’ and a Cyber Wellness Cell launched by the State Women’s Commission. Speaking at the event in Mumbai, she said the portal will allow women to register complaints online from their homes and will be linked to police stations across the state. The initiative reflects the vision of late Ajit Pawar, who championed women’s safety, education, and equal opportunities. "Tomorrow is International Women’s Day. Your life, mine, and every woman’s life is the same: fighting and struggling for their families and society. This portal will enable women to file complaints from home," she said. In a post on X, Pawar congratulated all women present, calling them the “daughters of Jijau-Savitri,” in tribute to Jijabai and social reformer Savitribai Phule. The event also honoured individuals and institutions advancing women’s rights, and saw the launch of the Commission’s book and wall poster titled “Paths of Self-Respect.” (With PTI and ANI inputs)
07 March,2026 11:44 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentPresident Droupadi Murmu on Saturday expressed dissatisfaction over the low turnout at a tribal community event held near Bagdogra airport, questioning the decision to shift the venue from Bidhannagar, and also noted the absence of West Bengal Chief Minister (CM) Mamata Banerjee and her ministers during her visit, news agency PTI reported. "Generally, when the President is coming, the CM should be welcoming, and other ministers should be present. But she did not come. The governor has changed and could not come. But because the date was fixed, I have come. But it's okay. I would like to thank you for coming here," she told the gathering. "Had the programme been held there (at Bidhannagar), it would have been better. There is ample space there, and many people could have attended. But I do not know why the state administration did not permit the meeting there. Today's programme is being held at such a place that it is difficult for people to come. Perhaps the state government does not want the welfare of tribals, and that is why they were prevented from coming here," President Murmu said. #WATCH | Darjeeling, West Bengal | President Droupadi Murmu says, "Today was the International Santal Conference. When I came here after attending it, I realised it would have been better if it had been held here, because the area is so vast... I don't know what went through the… pic.twitter.com/zMYyvDo0Y2 — ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2026 Murmu calls Mamata younger sister, seeks reasons for venue shift of tribal meet "Mamata Banerjee is like my younger sister. I am also a daughter of Bengal. But I do not know why I was not allowed to come here. I do not know whether she is upset, and that is why the venue was shifted. Anyway, that does not matter. All of you stay well," the President said. Highlighting broader challenges in organising such events, she further stated, "When I was coming here to this international conference, I realised that someone was not willing for this event to take place. It seems that some do not want the Santals to progress, to learn and to unite to be strong." President Murmu was invited to the annual programme, originally scheduled at Bidhannagar in Siliguri. However, citing security and other logistical reasons, authorities shifted the venue to Goshaipur near Bagdogra airport, officials said. When the President arrived at the venue on Saturday afternoon, only a handful of people were present. Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb was the only state government representative present at the airport to receive her. According to protocol, the chief minister or a minister of the state government is usually present to receive the President. In Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee continued her sit-in for the second day in a row against the alleged arbitrary deletion of names from the electoral rolls in West Bengal. 'Shameful and unprecedented,' tweets PM Modi Following the comments, the BJP criticised the West Bengal government, alleging that the arrangements reflected disrespect towards both the President and the tribal community she was addressing. Party leaders accused the state administration of neglecting the importance of the visit and demanded an explanation from the government. In response, leaders of the TMC rejected the allegations and accused the opposition of trying to politicise the issue. The party maintained that the arrangements were made according to administrative considerations and security requirements. Some TMC leaders also argued that attempts were being made to turn a logistical matter into a political controversy. PM Narendra Modi tweets, "This is shameful and unprecedented. Everyone who believes in democracy and the empowerment of tribal communities is disheartened. The pain and anguish expressed by Rashtrapati Ji, who herself hails from a tribal community, has caused immense sadness in… https://t.co/o4RnIHJeuf pic.twitter.com/qUnluizTcW — ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2026 The dispute quickly escalated into a broader political confrontation between the ruling party in the state and the opposition at the national level. The incident has also drawn attention because of the ongoing political rivalry between the BJP and TMC in West Bengal. As political reactions continue, the controversy highlights how even ceremonial or administrative issues during high-level visits can quickly become part of the larger political narrative in a highly competitive political environment. (With PTI and ANI inputs)
07 March,2026 09:33 PM IST | Siliguri | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1772899397058_d.png "Droupadi Murmu addresses an event in West Bengal on Saturday. Pic/PTI")