India

New Delhi, March 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Uttar Pradesh on March 28 to inaugurate Phase I of the Noida International Airport, a major infrastructure project developed at an estimated cost of Rs 11,200 crore.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will reach Jewar in Gautam Buddha Nagar, where he is scheduled to undertake a walkthrough of the terminal building at around 11.30 a.m. This will be followed by the formal inauguration of the airport at around noon. He will also address a public gathering on the occasion.

The inauguration of Noida International Airport marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global aviation hub. Envisioned as a key international gateway for the National Capital Region (NCR), the airport is expected to enhance both domestic and international connectivity while strengthening the country’s aviation infrastructure.

The airport has been developed as the second international airport serving the Delhi-NCR region, complementing the existing Indira Gandhi International Airport. Together, the two airports are expected to function as an integrated aviation system, easing congestion, expanding passenger capacity, and positioning the region among leading global aviation hubs.

Noida International Airport is among the largest greenfield airport projects in India. Phase I of Noida International Airport has been developed at a total investment of around Rs 11,200 crore under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model. The airport will initially have a passenger handling capacity of 12 million passengers per annum (MPPA), with scalability up to 70 MPPA upon full development. It features a 3,900-metre runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft, along with modern navigation systems, including Instrument Landing System (ILS) and advanced airfield lighting to support efficient, all-weather, round-the-clock operations.

The airport features a 3,900-metre-long runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft. It is equipped with modern navigation systems, including an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and advanced airfield lighting, ensuring efficient, all-weather, round-the-clock operations.

In addition to passenger services, the airport includes a comprehensive cargo infrastructure. It incorporates a multi-modal cargo hub with an integrated cargo terminal and dedicated logistics zones. The cargo facility is designed to handle over 2.5 lakh metric tonnes annually, with the capacity to expand to around 18 lakh metric tonnes. It also includes a 40-acre Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility.

Designed as a sustainable and future-ready infrastructure project, the airport aims to operate as a net-zero emissions facility, integrating energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible practices. Its architectural design reflects Indian heritage, drawing inspiration from traditional ghats and havelis, thereby blending cultural aesthetics with modern infrastructure.

Strategically located along the Yamuna Expressway, Noida International Airport is planned as a multi-modal transport hub with seamless integration across road, rail, metro, and regional transit systems, ensuring efficient connectivity for passengers and cargo.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, March 26 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has expressed deep shock over the bus accident in the Markapuram district of Andhra Pradesh, which claimed the lives of at least 14 people.

The Chief Minister conveyed his profound grief over the loss of several lives and the severe injuries sustained by others in the mishap.

CM Revanth Reddy extended his condolences to the families of the deceased. He also wished for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident.

Noting that the bus was travelling from Nirmal in Telangana towards Nellore, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy directed State Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao to gather details regarding the victims -- both the deceased and the injured -- involved in the accident.

The Chief Minister instructed the Chief Secretary to coordinate with officials from Andhra Pradesh to collect comprehensive details regarding the incident.

He also issued orders to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical care.

Acting upon the Chief Minister's directives, Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao held discussions with his counterpart in Andhra Pradesh.

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Mahesh Kumar Goud has also expressed deep shock over the tragic loss of several lives in a horrific bus accident that occurred early this morning at Rayavaram, near Markapuram in Andhra Pradesh.

He expressed profound distress over the incident in which a Harikrishna Travels bus -- travelling from Nirmal to Vinjamur -- collided with another vehicle, subsequently catching fire and resulting in the passengers inside being burnt alive.

He wished for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. He extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families.

At least 14 people were burnt alive and 22 others injured when a private travel bus in which they were travelling caught fire after colliding with a tipper truck in Markapuram district on Thursday.

The accident occurred near Rayavaram around 6.30 a.m. when the bus collided with a tipper truck near a stone quarry. Both vehicles were completely gutted in the fire.

There were about 35 passengers in the bus belonging to Harikrishna Travels at the time of the collision.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 26 (IANS) The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) on Thursday said that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has sparked a heated debate following his recent remarks in the Legislative Council, where he stated that directives from the Speaker or Chairperson are not "final" or "divine words (Brahmavakya)".

It labelled this stance as a matter of "political convenience", pointing to contradictions in the government's previous positions.

The Thackeray camp in the party's mouthpiece, 'Saamana', editorial said the controversy stems from a clash in Satara involving the BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena regarding the Zilla Parishad presidency. During the incident, police allegedly favoured the BJP, leading to an altercation involving Minister Shambhuraj Desai. In response, Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe, who recently joined the Shinde faction, directed the suspension of Satara Superintendent of Police, Tushar Doshi. However, Fadnavis refused to implement the suspension, arguing that the executive branch holds the ultimate decision-making power and that the chair’s directives are not absolute.

Taking aim at CM Fadnavis, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena claimed that if directives given from the Chair are not "Brahmavakya", then the Chief Minister should immediately declare that the January 10, 2024, decision by the Assembly Speaker regarding MLA disqualification was also not "Brahmavakya". In a democracy, no decision from any position is beyond reproach; it is subject to judicial review. There is only one "Brahmavakya", and that is the Constitution.

“This double standard reminds many of January 10, 2024. On that day, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar rejected the disqualification petitions filed by the Shiv Sena, headed by Uddhav Thackeray. He refused to disqualify Eknath Shinde and 15 others who had shredded the 10th Schedule of the Constitution through open defection. Furthermore, he performed the 'feat' of recognising the Shinde faction as the 'real Shiv Sena',” said the editorial.

It further added, “At that time, Fadnavis and the Shinde faction accepted that decision as 'Brahmavakya'. They hailed it as a 'legally sound' and 'historic' victory for truth. No one mentioned the authority of the Executive or claimed the decision wasn't final then.”

The Thackeray camp argued that if directives from the chair are not final today, then Fadnavis should immediately declare that the January 10 decision on MLA disqualification was also not a final 'Brahmavakya.

“If Fadnavis is sincere, he should admit that the January 10 decision is equally subject to review,” it said, reiterated that in a democracy, no individual's decision is absolute. "There is only one true 'Brahmavakya,' and that is the Constitution," the editorial mentioned.

--IANS

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Kolkata, March 26 (IANS) A Trinamool Congress supporter was killed in Kolkata following a gunfight between two rival groups while they were sitting and consuming alcohol on a rooftop at midnight, the police said on Thursday.

Spare cartridges were found scattered across the area. The incident took place in Ward No. 101 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. The deceased has been identified as Rahul Dey (36). Another individual, named Jeet Mukherjee, sustained injuries.

According to the police, Rahul and Jeet were previously acquainted; however, they had not been in contact for a long time. On Wednesday night, an event was being hosted at Jeet Mukherjee's residence, to which Rahul had been invited. Subsequently, the group gathered on the rooftop of Jeet's house. They were allegedly consuming alcohol at the time. Around 12.30 a.m., neighbours heard gunfire. Approximately three rounds of shots were heard. The others who were present on the rooftop fled the scene. It was through one of them that news was conveyed to Rahul's family.

Upon reaching the scene, Rahul's brother and mother found him lying there, bloodied and with gunshot wounds. Jeet was found lying right beside him. Both men were rescued and rushed to a hospital, where doctors pronounced Rahul dead.

According to locals, Jeet had been barred from entering Patuli since 2021. He had been arrested multiple times by the Patuli Police Station on charges of involvement in various anti-social activities. Although he initially began working as a loyal foot soldier for the area's Trinamool Councillor, Bappaditya Dasgupta, he subsequently began engaging in various illicit activities across the locality while invoking the Councillor's name. Consequently, the Councillor himself lodged a complaint with the police station. Not just once or twice, but on several occasions, Jeet was arrested by the police.

Following this, he was expelled from the local Trinamool camp and banished from the area. Jeet then rented a home in the neighbouring Ward No. 99 and began residing there. However, allegations suggest that even after moving there, the man continued to engage in similar criminal activities. Police said he was arrested several times by the Netaji Nagar Police Station.

It was learnt that for the past 15 to 20 days, he had returned to Patuli's Phoolbagan area and started staying at his parents' flat again. He claimed that he had come merely to visit his parents, not to reside in the locality permanently.

It is alleged that on Wednesday night, he invited Rahul to join a drinking session organised on the rooftop of his residential complex. The gathering was proceeding as planned when miscreants belonging to a rival faction -- opposed to Jeet and Rahul -- entered the complex and made their way to the rooftop. There, they opened fire indiscriminately. Rahul succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while Jeet sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital located near the EM Bypass.

The deceased Rahul's brother said, "I received a phone call at 1.00 a.m. The brother of one of the individuals present at the party called me. I took my mother and rushed to the scene. The police were already on the rooftop. I saw two people lying there. Jeet's wife was also present. My brother, Rahul, was there as well. The police brought Jeet down first. By the time I saw my brother, he was already gone. It was Jeet who had reached out to my brother after so many years. Why did something like this happen so suddenly?"

Preliminary police investigations suggest that the shooting incident stemmed from a dispute between two rival factions over syndicates and the distribution of money.

--IANS

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Kolkata, March 26 (IANS) Tension-prone pockets across different districts of West Bengal have been kept under a blanket security cover since Thursday morning, anticipating tension and violence over Ram Navami processions later in the day.

Special security measures have been adopted across the entire Kolkata-adjacent Hooghly district, Chandannagar in Hooghly district, and Islampur in North Dinajpur district, keeping in mind instances of massive violence and riot-like situations during processions in the past, especially in 2025.

On Wednesday evening, an emergency virtual meeting on this count was conducted at the state secretariat, Nabanna, which was chaired by the Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala and attended, among others, by the state home secretary, Sanghamitra Ghosh, and state director general of police, Siddh Nath Gupta, the district magistrates and district police superintendents, among others.

“Multiple instructions have been given to the police to ensure that there is no unrest in the processions. There will be extra vigilance in Howrah, Chandannagar, and Islampur, because of the past instances of violence and tension in these pockets during the processions. It was decided that a total of 3,000 police officers will be deployed in different districts just to ensure a stable law and order situation over the processions,” said a state government official who was present at the meeting.

At the same time, he added, special focus has been given to Kolkata, and around 1,000 police personnel will be deputed in the city along with handling the security of different processions on the occasion of Ram Navami.

At the time, cyber surveillance is being constantly carried out to prevent the spread of provocative posts on the occasion

All the District Magistrates, Police Commissioners, and Superintendents of Police have been asked to conduct this special surveillance till March 29, considering that there have been instances in the past of tension surfacing even a couple of days after the auspicious occasion.

At the same time, clear instructions have been given that Ram Navami processions would be allowed to move only through the routes specified by the police, and under no circumstances would more than 500 participants in one procession be allowed. The participants have been barred from carrying lethal and sharp weapons while participating in the procession.

There will also be drone surveillance and CCTV surveillance on the processions. Police teams will be both in front and behind each procession. There will be plain-clothed police also to keep watch to identify potential troublemakers.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 26 (IANS) Devotees across the country flocked to temples on Thursday to celebrate Durga Ashtami, one of the most significant days of the Chaitra Navratri festival. Temple premises resonated with chants, hymns, and devotional songs, creating a vibrant spiritual atmosphere as thousands gathered to offer prayers.

In the national capital, a large number of devotees thronged the Jhandewalan Temple, where celebrations were held with great enthusiasm. The temple premises was filled with devotees singing bhajans and participating in devotional dances.

Ravindra Goel, trustee of the temple, said, “Navratri is nearing completion, and a grand Ashtami celebration is being held here. Kanya Pujan will take place shortly, and since morning, a steady stream of devotees has been arriving for darshan.”

Similar scenes were witnessed across various states. In Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, devotees gathered in large numbers at the revered Shri Naina Devi Temple, performing special puja and rituals.

In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, thousands attended the sacred Bhasma Aarti at the famous Baba Mahakal temple on the occasion of Chaitra Shukla Ashtami.

In Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, special prayers and aarti were conducted at the Maa Tulja Bhavani and Maa Chamunda temples, drawing devotees from nearby regions. In Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, worshippers assembled at the Alopi Shankari Devi Shakti Peeth Mandir, where rituals were performed to honour the divine palanquin.

Maihar in Madhya Pradesh also witnessed heavy footfall at the Maa Sharada Temple, where special offerings and aarti marked the auspicious day.

In Rajasthan’s Churu, devotees gathered in large numbers at local temples, which were beautifully decorated for the occasion.

A devotee said, “During Navratri, grand religious programmes are organised, and the temple, which is over a hundred years old, is decorated magnificently. It is believed that the wishes of devotees who come here with a pure heart are fulfilled.”

Meanwhile, in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, pilgrims continued their journey to the sacred shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi on the eighth day of Navratri.

One devotee expressed joy, saying, “On the occasion of Durga Ashtami, I feel fortunate to have received the opportunity to visit. I have come here with my children.”

Chaitra Navratri begins on the first day of Shukla Pratipada and concludes with Ram Navami, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to the Vedic Panchang, the Ashtami Tithi began on March 25 at 1.50 p.m. and will conclude on March 26 at 11.48 a.m., making Thursday the day of celebration.

Ram Navami, one of the most prominent Hindu festivals, will be observed with great devotion as the Navami Tithi begins at 11.13 a.m. on March 26 and concludes at 10.00 a.m. on March 27. Devotees across the country are preparing to mark the occasion with equal fervour.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 26 (IANS) In a major breakthrough, the Special Staff of Delhi Police on Thursday has apprehended seven children CCLs involved in multiple cases of bike jacking, robbery, and theft. The police also recovered three stolen motorcycles from their possession, officials said on Thursday.

According to Dwarka police, the accused juveniles were actively involved in snatching and stealing motorcycles across the Dwarka and adjoining areas. Investigations revealed that the group intended to sell the stolen bikes to raise money for celebrating the birthday of one of their associates at a hill station.

The case came to light following an incident reported on March 15, at around 1.50 p.m. The complainant, Nikhil (22), a resident of Laxmi Vihar, Mohan Garden, was travelling with his nephew on his motorcycle after refuelling. When they reached the Kakrola Ganda Nala service road, about 200 metres inside, they were intercepted by four unidentified individuals riding two motorcycles. The accused threatened them with a knife, assaulted them, and forcibly robbed them of their motorcycle and Rs 2,000 in cash.

Based on the complainant’s statement, an FIR (No. 82/26) was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Dwarka North police station, and an investigation was initiated.

Taking the matter seriously, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Dwarka, Kushal Pal Singh, constituted a dedicated team of Special Staff under the leadership of Inspector Kamlesh Kumar and the supervision of the ACP (Operations), Dwarka.

During the investigation, the team analysed CCTV footage from the crime scene and nearby areas. When initial leads failed to yield results, the police expanded their search by tracking both forward and backward routes of the suspects. In total, footage from nearly 500 CCTV cameras covering a distance of about 10 kilometres was examined.

With the help of technical surveillance and local intelligence inputs, six juveniles were first apprehended, and the robbed motorcycles were recovered from their possession. Subsequently, another associate was also detained, leading to the recovery of an additional stolen motorcycle.

Police stated that three cases have been worked out with these arrests, including one registered at Dwarka North police station and another at Najafgarh. They recovered three motorcycles bearing different registration numbers.

Officials confirmed that further investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of the gang’s activities and any possible involvement in other criminal cases.

--IANS

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Srinagar, March 26 (IANS) The Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch said on Thursday that it was conducting house searches in connection with a Covid period fraud case in which huge amounts were siphoned off.

A Crime Branch statement said that the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Kashmir, of the Crime Branch, J&K, conducted house searches at three different locations in the districts of Srinagar and Budgam in connection with FIR No. 11/2026 registered under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 120-B IPC, read with Section 66-D of the IT Act.

The case was initiated on the basis of a written complaint submitted by M/s Sanjay Trading Company, Najafgarh, New Delhi, through its proprietor, Sanjay Kumar Sahu.

The complainant alleged that "Emad Muzafar Makdoomi, alias Imran Shah, son of Muzaffar Iqbal Maqdoomi, a resident of House No. 09, Bismillah Colony, Peerbagh, Srinagar, and Vikar Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Ahmad Bhat, a resident of L.D Colony near Fire & Emergency, Sanatnagar, Srinagar, dishonestly induced the firm on the pretext of procuring medical supplies during the Covid-19 pandemic".

A preliminary probe revealed that the accused persons, through deceitful means, fraudulently obtained huge amounts, including funds from the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag.

They also attempted to siphon off crores of rupees from the Government Medical College, Srinagar. The accused individuals impersonated government officials, posing as delegates and OSD (Supplies), and issued fake allotment orders of various departments and institutions.

They further created fake email IDs of the complainant firm and opened fraudulent bank accounts in its name to divert payments.

On the basis of these findings, a formal case has been registered, and the investigation has been set into motion.

"The house searches being conducted are aimed at securing further evidence, including digital records and financial documents. Further investigation is underway,” the Crime Branch officials said.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 26 (IANS) In a joint operation conducted by the police and the Anti-Terrorism Cell (ATC) in Mumbai’s Vakola area, two Ugandan women have been taken into custody for allegedly residing in India without valid documentation.

The arrested women have been identified as Nakayondo Rose (37) and Kemigisa Proscovia (26).

According to police officials, both women had been living in Mumbai’s Kalina area for the past several years. However, they neither possessed valid visas nor the necessary legal documents required to stay in the country. Acting on specific intelligence inputs indicating that the duo had been residing in India for an extended period without authorisation, the police carried out a targeted raid.

During the operation, both women were detained, and subsequent interrogation revealed that they had continued to stay in India even after the expiry of their permitted duration. Following this, the police initiated legal proceedings against them under the provisions of the Foreigners Act.

Officials further stated that the deportation process for both individuals has been set in motion. Authorities are currently coordinating with the relevant government departments as well as the concerned embassy to complete the necessary formalities.

The action forms part of a broader nationwide effort by Indian authorities to identify and deport foreign nationals residing illegally in the country. Law enforcement agencies have intensified surveillance, verification drives, and intelligence-gathering operations to curb such violations.

Earlier, on March 6, five Nigerian nationals found to be staying illegally in India were deported, officials said. The move was part of an ongoing crackdown led by Delhi Police in the national capital. According to officials, teams from various police stations and specialised units regularly collect intelligence on foreign nationals suspected of residing or moving within the city without valid documentation.

Police authorities have emphasised that illegal overstaying places additional pressure on local resources and infrastructure, prompting stricter enforcement of immigration laws. In February alone, five Nigerian nationals were apprehended for overstaying without valid visas.

In a similar operation on February 26, six Bangladeshi nationals were deported from Goa after being found living without valid travel or immigration documents. The deportation was carried out through a coordinated effort between the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Goa, and the Border Security Force (BSF).

Officials confirmed that due procedures were followed, with an escort team from FRRO Goa handing over the individuals to the BSF, which subsequently facilitated their deportation to Bangladesh.

Additionally, on February 25, Versova Police in Mumbai conducted a major operation against illegal immigration, arresting 25 Bangladeshi nationals from the Andheri West Yari Road area. Among those detained were 21 transgender persons, two women, and two men. Authorities have initiated the process to deport all individuals.

Police investigations revealed that many of these individuals had entered India illegally several years ago, often via Kolkata, before travelling through Delhi and Gujarat to Mumbai.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 26 (IANS) All retail outlets are operating normally with sufficient petrol and diesel stocks to meet national demand, according to the government, while a rapid rollout of PNG connections is currently underway across the country.

All refineries are operating at a high capacity with adequate crude inventories. While panic buying did occur in some areas due to rumours, the government has confirmed that all retail outlets are operating normally.

Moreover, the government is maintaining 100 per cent supply for domestic PNG and CNG transport. Supply to industrial and commercial consumers connected to the grid is being sustained at approximately 80 per cent of average consumption to ensure their economic continuity and India’s progress.

Meanwhile, the government has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026. This creates a streamlined, time-bound framework for nationwide pipeline expansion, aiming to accelerate PNG network growth and bypass land access delays.

A single-day record of 9,046 new PNG connections was achieved across over 110 geographical areas. To support this, entities like IGL and GAIL are offering new incentives, while the DDA in Delhi has permitted 24/7 pipeline laying and waived road restoration charges.

In the meantime, the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO) has been advised to dispose of CGD applications within 10 days, while the PNGRB has directed that connections for residential schools, hostels, and community kitchens be prioritised and completed within five days.

The overall commercial LPG allocation to States/UTs has increased to 50 per cent. This additional supply is prioritised for essential sectors, including restaurants, dhabas, hotels, and 5kg FTL cylinders for migrant labourers.

The Centre has offered an additional 10 per cent allocation of commercial LPG to States and Union Territories, specifically linked to their progress in transitioning consumers from LPG to Piped Natural Gas (PNG).

Importantly, under the Essential Commodities Act, authorities conducted over 2,700 raids in a single day, seizing 2,000 cylinders. To date, more than 650 FIRs have been registered and 155 individuals arrested for malpractices.

To ease LPG demand, an additional 48,000 KL of kerosene has been allocated to the States. Furthermore, the Union Ministry of Coal has ordered increased allotments to small and medium consumers to provide alternative energy options.

Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme beyond March 31, 2026, for a period of five years with a budget outlay of Rs 1,800 crore.

Also, a hundred new airports will be developed in challenge mode at an average cost of Rs 100 crore per airport and 200 modern helipads will be developed under the Modified UDAN scheme.

--IANS

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