To include the needs and expectations of all the sections of society in Delhi Budget 2026, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday held a series of consultations with gig workers, farmers, rural representatives, and labour groups.

Separate meetings were organised for each group where the participants shared their experiences and put forward their concerns, suggestions, and expectations.
This follows the earlier meetings held with other stake holders and people from other walks of life such as students, teachers, businessmen and others, that took place earlier.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister stated that government’s objective is to present a budget that reflects the aspirations of every section. “Public participation is the biggest strength of a developed Delhi,” she observed.

Labour Minister Kapil Mishra and Delhi Gram Vikas Board Board Chairman Rajkumar Chauhan were also present during the meeting held on Thursday.

During the discussions, gig workers and drivers stressed the need for concrete policies to improve working conditions and ensure social security. One of their key demands was creation of adequate and safe parking facilities for drivers. They also urged the government to expand EV infrastructure and offer subsidies for women to purchase electric vehicles.

Several of them pushed for recognizing gig workers as ‘employees’ rather than ‘partners,’ and proposed setting up a dedicated task force to address their concerns and safeguard their interests.

National capital’s farmers and rural representatives presented a wide range of demands aimed at strengthening agricultural infrastructure, which included improving irrigation facilities, developing rural roads, and reforming mandi systems.
They also emphasised the need to upgrade basic amenities in villages, such as drainage, sanitation, drinking water and electricity, which is something that faced neglect since quite a long, as per the villagers.

To strengthen their financial position, farmers called for wider access to Kisan Credit Cards, easier bank loans for tractors and farm equipment, and removal of hurdles in loan disbursement.

Representatives of labour groups raised several issues related to social security, working conditions, timely payment of wages, healthcare and housing.
Workers emphasised the need for wider implementation of schemes such as ESIC and PPF, and also proposed the formation of a Labour Welfare Board.

CM Gupta has said the government is taking farmers’ concerns seriously and working towards solutions, assuring that agriculture and rural development would receive special focus in Budget 2026, reiterating the government’s commitment to farmers’ prosperity.
She revealed that a study on revising circle rates has been underway for the past six months and a decision will be taken soon, while the work on the Master Plan is also in progress.
The Chief Minister added that continuous engagement with all sections will help shape a balanced, inclusive and growth-oriented budget, the impact of which will be visible in Budget 2026.

Highlighting the role of gig workers in the evolving economy, she said they have become indispensable and ensuring their rights and security is the government’s responsibility.
Minister Kapil Mishra alleged that farmers and rural areas were neglected under previous governments, but now, significant work is being done for villages.
He described the pre-budget consultations as a crucial step towards inclusive governance.
Mishra also said that, for the first time, serious efforts are being made to safeguard the interests of labourers and gig workers, and noted that Delhi offers the highest minimum wages.

In a decisive move to prioritise citizens’ lives, Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood has ordered a city-wide fire safety audit that will have in its scope the establishments in the residential areas as well.

The move came in the wake of the tragic fire incident in a cloth and cosmetics shop located in the basement, ground and first floors of the building in Palam on Wednesday that claimed nine lives while affecting the ffamilies residing on the second and third floors.
The minister said moving beyond standard protocols, it has been mandated that every single establishment, including those located away in residential areas must strictly be in pursuit of standard safety rules, the audit and mapping will be conducted by third party experts.

This approach will ensure speed and precision, as per the minister. He added that “every worker and every family deserves to feel safe, no matter where they are”. “We are finishing the era of ‘blind spots’ in our city’s safety,” Sood emphasized.
He further said that through expanding the reach to residential business hubs and bringing in independent experts the excise is aimed at building a futuristic secure Delhi where safety is not compromised at any point. “We aren’t waiting for accidents to happen, we are going to stop them before they start,” he stated.

On Wednesday, Sood had met with the families of the victims who tragically lost their lives in the fire at Palam’s Ram Chowk.
He had also visited the cremation ground to pay his last respects and assured support to the affected families.

The government has ordered a Magisterial Inquiry to investigate the cause of the fire and determine how commercial goods, such as cosmetics and clothes, were being stored in a residential building.
The inquiry will examine potential safety violations and the legality of using the premises for commercial storage, which contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze.
The Home Minister emphasized that the government is taking full responsibility for a transparent investigation.

“Meeting the families at the cremation ground and hearing their stories is truly heartbreaking. This loss of life is a grave matter,” Sood had said.

Haryana’s urban transit system continues to witness strong growth, with metro ridership registering a robust 13.55% increase in 2025–26, reflecting rising commuter confidence and a clear shift towards public transport.

The progress was reviewed at the 64th Board Meeting of the Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation (HMRTC), chaired by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi.

Between April 2025 and February 2026, the metro network recorded over 1.74 crore passengers, compared to 1.53 crore during the corresponding period last year.

July recorded the highest monthly growth at 22.93%, while all months showed consistent positive trends, indicating improved service reliability and sustained commuter preference.

Financial performance has also remained strong. Fare revenue increased by 12.64% up to January 2026, in line with ridership growth.

Notably, non-fare revenue surged by 108%, driven by effective monetisation of station spaces, advertisements, and commercial activities, resulting in an operating surplus for the Rapid Metro.

Further initiatives, including the auction of station naming rights and additional advertisement sites, are expected to strengthen HMRTC’s financial position.

Appreciating the performance, Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi stated that the consistent rise in ridership and revenue reflects the success of Haryana’s integrated transport strategy.

Managing Director, HMRTC, Chander Shekhar Khare, informed that, alongside operational gains, the state is making steady progress on an ambitious pipeline of metro and regional transit projects.

Metro connectivity from Sector 56, Gurugram, to Panchgaon is under active consideration, with HSIIDC studying the DPR and layout plan, and finalising a depot location in Sector 36A near Sihi village. The Ballabhgarh–Palwal metro extension is under techno-feasibility assessment by RITES. A fresh study for the Bahadurgarh–Asaudha connectivity is also being undertaken following HRIDC’s decision to develop a new interchange station at Asaudha to enhance ridership.

The Gurugram–Faridabad Namo Bharat corridor has achieved a key milestone, with alignment and station locations finalised and approved by the Government of Haryana, and DPR preparation underway by NCRTC.

The Delhi–Kundli metro extension is proposed to be placed before the Haryana Cabinet in its forthcoming meeting for approval.

The Delhi–Panipat–Karnal RRTS corridor (136.3 km) has also progressed, with the revised DPR submitted for financial concurrence ahead of Haryana Cabinet consideration. In addition, the Delhi–Bawal RRTS corridor has received approval at the PIB level and is under active consideration by the Government of India.

Within Gurugram, DPR preparation has been approved for key intra-city corridors, including the 17.09 km Bhondsi–Subhash Chowk–Rajeev Chowk–Sohna Chowk–Railway Station corridor, enhancing connectivity along Sohna Road.

The Supreme Court on Thursday quashed criminal proceedings against YouTuber Elvish Yadav in a case alleging the use of snake venom at rave parties, ruling that such use does not attract provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The Court also set aside proceedings under the Wildlife (Protection) Act on procedural grounds, holding that only an authorised authority can file a complaint under the law. However, it granted liberty to the competent authority to initiate fresh action under the Wildlife Act in accordance with the law.

A Bench of Justice MM Sundresh and Justice N Kotiswar Singh passed the order on Yadav’s plea challenging the Allahabad High Court’s order declining to quash the proceedings under both statutes. The case stemmed from allegations that he organised parties involving foreigners where snake venom was used as a recreational substance.

The Court held that even if the allegations were accepted, no offence under the NDPS Act was made out because snake venom is not listed as a psychotropic substance under the Act’s schedule. It noted that materials recovered from the co-accused did not fall within the statutory definition required to invoke the NDPS provisions.

On the Wildlife (Protection) Act, the Bench observed that Section 55 mandates that complaints must be filed by an authorised officer. Since this requirement was not met, the proceedings were invalid.

At the same time, the Court clarified that it had not examined the factual merits of the allegations and allowed the competent authority to file a proper complaint under the Wildlife Act if warranted.

The ruling came after the Allahabad High Court had earlier refused to quash the case, prompting Yadav to approach the apex court.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has launched a statewide mega campaign under which camps will be organised at village, panchayat and urban ward levels to shape the development of their respective areas.

The CM launched the campaign through video conferencing from the state secretariat in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Dr Prem Chand Bairwa, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Joga Ram Patel, Chief Secretary V Srinivas, and other senior officials.

Officials and people’s representatives joined the programme online from their respective districts, villages, and urban wards.

Addressing the participants, Sharma said an expanded development roadmap would be worked out at the local level for every village, panchayat, and ward. This would cover needs and viability of initiatives in respect of different components of development like local resources, crops, vegetation, environment, and industry as per the local need,” he said.

He said planning would also ensure that the benefits of every initiative reach the last person in every village or ward.

The CM also launched a website dedicated to the campaign.

On the eve of Rajasthan Diwas celebration, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Bhajan Lal Sharma on Thursday unveiled the pictorial digital views of Rajasthan Mandapam and allied infrastructure through a video presentation at an event held at Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur.

Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore, Cabinet Minister of Industries & Commerce, IT & C, Youth Affairs & Sports, Skills, Planning & Entrepreneurship and Soldier Welfare, Krishan Kumar Vishnoi, Minister of State, Industry & Commerce Department, Youth Affairs & Sports, Skills, Planning & Entrepreneurship Department and Policy Making, V. Srinivas, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Rajasthan  and Shikhar Agrawal, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) & Chairman, Rajasthan State Industrial Development & Investment Corporation Limited (RIICO), Dr. K. P. Mahadevaswamy, CMD , NBCC and other dignitaries were present during the event.

The unveiling marked a significant milestone in the state’s journey towards building world-class infrastructure and reinforcing its position as a progressive and investment-ready destination.

The ambitious project, near Jaipur International Airport is expected to come up on more than 90 acre in Jaipur with a total built up area (BuA) of more than 94.53 lakh sq.ft. The master plan integrates an iconic convention centre (BuA more than 9 lakh sq.ft.), grand expo halls (BuA around 7 lakh sq.ft), Global Capability Centres (GCCs) & IT/ITES Office Spaces (BuA around 18 lakh sq.ft), Hotels, Retail facilities & Housing (BuA more than 10.76 lakh sq,ft), a Natural History Museum (BuA more than 1.77 lakh sq.ft.), Riverfront public spaces, Unity Mall, and Fintech plaza (BuA close to 69 thousand sq.ft), creating a vibrant mixed-use ecosystem combining business, tourism, culture, leisure, and social interaction. Strong emphasis has been placed on connectivity, sustainability, climate-responsive design, and pedestrian-friendly public realms, ensuring long-term urban resilience and livability. The entire development will have provision of ample parking with BuA of around 32.5 lakh sq.ft.

The entire development is being developed by RIICO with NBCC executing the project. NBCC will implement the project through a robust, self-financing model, ensuring financial sustainability while maintaining world class standards of transparency and efficiency.  The total project value has been assessed at more than ₹5,800 crore, reflecting the expanded scale and comprehensive scope of the Rajasthan Mandapam and allied developments. This positions the project among the most significant urban infrastructure initiatives in the region, with far-reaching economic and social impact.

Reaffirming its commitment to timely delivery, NBCC plans to float tenders for the project in April, marking the transition from planning to execution. With its proven expertise in delivering landmark infrastructure projects, NBCC will ensure adherence to the highest standards of quality, efficiency and timely completion.

At the heart of this transformative initiative lies the Rajasthan Mandapam Convention Centre, which NBCC will develop as a world-class, multi-scale facility capable of hosting international conventions, exhibitions, cultural performances, and high-level events. The convention complex will feature multiple auditoria, including the grand Padam Mandap with a seating capacity of approximately 6500 persons, Swarn, Tulsi, and Kadam Mandaps, in addition to banquet halls, summit spaces, meeting rooms, and a state-of-the-art concert arena designed to meet global standards.

Complementing the convention centre is a comprehensive ecosystem of allied infrastructure planned, including expansive expo halls, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), IT/ITES office spaces, fintech plaza, hospitality developments, retail and residential zones, and a Natural History Museum.  Another highlight of the project is the revitalization of the Dravyawati riverfront into a vibrant public space, integrating ecological restoration with cultural and recreational activities, reflecting a strong emphasis on sustainability and urban resilience.

The unveiling witnessed an overwhelming response from a distinguished audience comprising leading business leaders, entrepreneurs and representatives from various institutions. The audience highly appreciated the scale, vision, and transformative potential of the project, while acknowledging the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s forward-looking leadership and the rapid progress being achieved in the state. The presentation concluded with a standing ovation, underscoring widespread confidence in the initiative.

The Rajasthan Mandapam and Allied Projects stand as a symbol of modern Rajasthan where visionary leadership meets world-class execution. The project is poised to redefine Jaipur’s urban landscape and establish it as a premier global destination for conventions, business, tourism, and cultural exchange.

India is steadily moving towards its target of a USD 300 billion bioeconomy by 2030, supported by a strong base of scientists, entrepreneurs, and startups, said Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, on Thursday.

Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has played a crucial role in connecting research with industry and enabling the transition of ideas from laboratories into market-ready solutions, he added.

Addressing the 14th Foundation Day celebrations of BIRAC at Civil Services Officers’ Institute, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Dr. Singh said India’s bioeconomy has expanded from about USD 10 billion in 2014 to over USD 195 billion in 2025, reflecting a massive growth trajectory over the past decade.

He stated that the sector has recorded an annual growth of around 17–18 per cent in the last year alone, rising from approximately USD 165 billion to USD 195 billion, marking India’s emergence as a major global biotechnology hub.

Dr. Singh highlighted the role of BIRAC as a key enabler of India’s biotechnology innovation ecosystem.

The Union Minister said biotechnology is now central to India’s future growth story, driving advancements in healthcare, agriculture, climate solutions, and sustainable manufacturing.

Highlighting the government’s policy direction, Dr. Singh spoke about the BioE3 Policy, Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment, as a major step towards strengthening bio-based industries and sustainable biomanufacturing.

He stated that the policy will promote innovation in areas such as precision biotherapeutics, smart proteins, climate-resilient agriculture, bio-based chemicals, and carbon capture technologies.

The Union Minister added that BIRAC is facilitating this transformation by building shared infrastructure such as bio foundries, Bio-AI hubs and advanced biomanufacturing platforms.

The stock market on Thursday tumbled sharply by over 3% amid a spike in crude oil prices and weak global cues after its three-day rally.

At close, Sensex tanked 2,496.89 points or 3.26 per cent to settle at 74,207.24 while Nifty tumbled 775.65 points or 3.26 per cent to end at 23,002.15. Sensex recorded its biggest single-day plunge since June 2024.

On Nifty, the key gainers were Oil & Natural Gas Corporation, Reliance Industries and Coal India, while on the losing end were HDFC Bank, ETERNAL and Shriram Finance.

Among sectors, all major indices traded in the red. Financial and banking stocks declined around 3 per cent, led by heavy selling in HDFC Bank. The auto index dropped 4 per cent, while Realty, Consumer Durables, IT, and Private Bank declined over 3 per cent.

In the broader markets, the Nifty Smallcap100 and Nifty Midcap100 indices fell about 2 per cent each. About 885 shares advanced, 2,549 declined, while 146 remained unchanged.

In the banking space, IDBI Bank tanked 6%, Bajaj Finance and HDFC Bank each declined over 5.3%. Further, the food delivery players like Swiggy and Eternal also slipped 4.65% and 5.38%, respectively.

OMC stocks also witnessed a decline in their share prices. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) lost in the range of 4 to 7%.

Adani Total Gas shares surged 8% while Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India rallied over 1.5%.

After Qatar reported damage following an Iranian missile strike at Ras Laffan, Petronet LNG and GAIL (India) shares fell up to 4 per cent.

Shares of Petronet LNG declined as much as 5.85 per cent, while those of GAIL (India) slipped 3.15 per cent.

The nine-day festival of Chaitra Navratri began on Thursday. The temples across Chhattisgarh decked up with devotees lining up since early morning for the first glimpse of the goddess Durga. From the tribal heartland of Bastar to the hilltop shrine in Dongargarh, the air is filled with devotion.

At the Maa Danteshwari temple in Bastar, priests began the day with special rituals even before sunrise. In Dongargarh, the Maa Bamleshwari temple perched on a hilltop witnessed a steady stream of devotees making their way up. While some climbing the stairs, others opting for the ropeway. In Ratanpur and Raipur too, the Mahamaya temples saw crowds gather for the morning aarti.

Devotees not just from different states but also from countries like the US, UK and Dubai have booked their slots online to have the sacred lamp lit on their behalf. “They want to be part of the festival even from so far away. It’s touching,” said a priest at the Raipur Mahamaya temple.

Keeping the rush in mind, the administration has made arrangements that go beyond the usual. At Dongargarh, one of the state’s busiest pilgrimage spots during Navratri, 10 express trains will make temporary stops to help devotees alight closer to the town. Local train services have been extended between March 19 and 27, and a special train is also running on the Dongargarh-Durg route to handle the extra load.

Astrologers point out that this year’s Navratri comes with an auspicious combination. Kalash sthapna taking place on Amavasya tithi after a long gap is considered highly sacred. The presence of Shukla and Brahma yog together, the festival gains even more significance, they say.

At Ratanpur’s Mahamaya temple in Bilaspur district, dedicated to Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati, the administration has set up community kitchens, health camps and parking zones.

Special police teams have been deployed across the town and on the hill in Dongargarh as security is big focus. The ropeway, a lifeline for elderly devotees and those with disabilities, is expected to run at full capacity through the nine days.

In Dantewada, flawless arrangements have been made in the historic Maa Danteshwari temple for special darshan queues, accommodation and prasad distribution. Given the region’s context, local police are coordinating closely with temple authorities to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims.

The Mahamaya temple in Raipur has introduced online donation and bhog booking to manage the crowds. The deity will be adorned in special shringar each of the nine days, with cultural programs lined up in the evenings.

Across all major temples, devotees will find drinking water stations, health facilities, free bhandaras, dharmashalas and parking. Some temples have also made VIP darshan arrangements to streamline the flow.

As the sun rose on Thursday, ghatasthapna rituals were performed in homes and temples alike. For the next nine days, devotees will observe fasts, visit temples and take part in evening aartis.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a woman IPS officer, Tejaswini Satpute, was appointed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday to investigate godman “Captain” Ashok Kharat’s alleged serial rape, sexual exploitation and blackmail case.

As per the the decision taken by the state Home Department headed by CM Fadnavis, the SIT will now jointly investigate the three separate cases registered against Ashok Kharat, since the issue has become a political hot potato.

Meanwhile, photographs of Ashok Kharat with Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, as well as Maharashtra State Commission for Women Chairperson Rupali Chakankar, who happens to be an Ajit Pawar-led NCP leader, have gone viral on social media. In one such video, Rupali Chakankar is seen washing Ashok Kharat’s feet and showing reverence, while in another video, she refers to him as her “guru”. Names of many other big political fish are being spoken about in whispers in political circles.

Maharashtra Police Headquarters has taken serious note of the matter and ordered a high-level investigation. A case of sexual abuse and rape of a 35-year-old woman has been registered against Ashok Kharat at Sarkarwada police station in Nashik city. A case has been registered at Vavi police station in Nashik rural for demanding a ransom of Rs 5 crore after threatening to make an obscene video go viral. Besides this, a case has been registered at Shirdi police station in Ahilyanagar district for making obscene photos of a victim go viral.

A case has been registered against arrested self proclaimed Nashik-based godman “Captain” Ashok Kharat, who used to predict the future of big political leaders, for allegedly blackmailing a victim and demanding a ransom of Rs 5 crore by threatening to make an obscene video go viral.

Since serious sections have been applied in all these three crimes, the state police headquarters decided to constitute an SIT. Orders have been given to immediately transfer all relevant documents, case diaries and available evidence to the SIT. Instructions have also been given to submit regular reports on the progress of the investigation to the Maharashtra police headquarters.

The SIT led by Tejaswini Satpute, who has been appointed as the head of the SIT, has been ordered to conduct a thorough investigation into the 58 videos in the pen drive seized from Ashok Kharat, besides other possible female victims, as well as transactions related to the Ashok Kharat-controlled Shri Shivnika Sansthan Trust and all other political-religious links.

The decision has increased the possibility of major revelations in the “Captain” Ashok Kharat case soon. Ashok Kharat, who is the chairman of the Shri Ishanyeshwar Temple Trust in Mirgaon, Sinnar taluka, is a retired officer from the Merchant Navy. He was known as a numerologist and cosmology expert. Currently, “Captain” Ashok Kharat has been remanded in police custody till March 24.

The police said that they have recovered 58 videos involving women. Kharat is reportedly known to have links with several politicians, industrialists and celebrities, many of whom allegedly sought his advice on various matters.

A team of Nashik Crime Branch Unit 1 raided Kharat’s farmhouse in Mirgaon, who was arrested in a rape case. The police have seized a cache of weapons and important documents in this raid.

During the search of his farm house in Mirgaon, the police found a pistol and some live cartridges, which have been seized. The police are investigating the purpose behind the pistol and cartridges seized from the house.

According to police sources, Ashok Kharat accumulated assets worth at least Rs 200 crores of rupees during the last few years. He owns a luxurious bungalow and office in Nashik city, besides about 30 acres of land in the Pathardi area.

Investigations so far have revealed that Kharat also owns a large land in Sinnar, Ozar airport area and Shirdi.

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), as part of its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, apprehended 17 government officials and one private individual red-handed while accepting bribes in 14 separate trap cases during the month of February.

Disclosing this here on Thursday, an official spokesperson of the State VB said that the Bureau has been making sustained efforts to eradicate corruption among public servants and others across all sectors.

He further informed that the Bureau submitted challans in 26 vigilance cases in various competent courts during the last month.

In addition, three vigilance enquiries were initiated to thoroughly probe corruption-related matters. He added that nine criminal cases were also registered against 35 accused, including 11 government employees.

Providing further details, the spokesperson said that four bribery cases pursued by the Bureau were decided by competent courts during the month.

In these cases, four individuals were convicted and awarded sentences ranging from three and a half years to four years of imprisonment, along with fines ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000.

Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav on Thursday said that the loss of lives in the fire incident at Palam on Wednesday could have been averted with alert rescue operations.
In this regard, Yadav on Thursday wrote a letter to Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, demanding that a committee be constituted to probe the devastating fire in Palam with request for all possible measures to to be taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents of fire in the city.

He said that the committee should also prepare a detailed report on what measures should be taken by the government to prevent fires in slums and other places in Delhi.
Yadav pointed out that during the last ten years, from 2016-2025, around 4,652 people lost their lives to fire in the city, while in the past two and a half months of 2026 alone, 24 people perished in fire incidents that could have been averted, he claimed.
He alleged that the city has become the capital of accidents as indicated by recent fire incidents.

According to the Congress leader, the growing number of deaths due to fire, falling into drains, building collapses, and other mishaps is something that exposes official apathy and governance failure.
He said that the CM and her Cabinet colleagues have been announcing future plans ignoring the ground reality that needs urgent solutions.
He claimed that had the fire engines reached the accident site on time and had the equipment functioned well, several innocent lives, including that of children, could have been saved.

According to Yadav, the tragic incident also exposed shortage of manpower and equipment with the Fire Department as there were few fire tenders available compared to the requirement, he claimed.
The Congress leader claims that the fire services has been reduced to just a name sake department without sufficient manpower and machines, and expressing surprise he stated, claiming that there has been no recruitment of new Fire Station Officers since 2012.

To establish identity of the authorised vendors in trains, issuance of QR code-enabled identity cards in the name of individual vendors/helpers/staff deployed for managing onboard catering services has been made mandatory, the government informed the Parliament on Thursday.

“This QR code is linked to establish authenticity of the staff by displaying the Vendor’s name, Aadhaar No., Medical Fitness, Police verification details, etc. Other measures taken to curb unauthorised vending include QR code on food packets which displays name of kitchen, date of manufacturing, etc,” Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said in a reply to a question in Lok Sabha.

“Unauthorised hawking and vending in the passenger area on Indian Railways is prohibited. It is an offence punishable under Section – 144 of Railways Act, 1989,” he said.

Regular inspections are conducted by designated officials and RPF to check and prevent entry of unauthorised vendors in trains, the Minister said.

“Special drives are also conducted by Railways and IRCTC officials to curb unauthorised vending in railway premises from time to time,” he said.

Among the measures taken to improve quality, hygiene, and food safety are the supply of meals from designated base kitchens; commissioning of modern base kitchens at identified locations; installation of CCTV cameras in base kitchens for better monitoring of food preparation; shortlisting and use of popular and branded raw materials, like cooking oil, atta, rice, pulses, masala items, paneer, dairy products etc. for food production; and deployment of Food Safety Supervisors at base kitchens to monitor food safety and hygienic practices, among others.

To ensure compliance with Food Safety Norms, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certification from designated Food Safety Officers of each catering unit has been made mandatory.

Moreover, regular food sampling as part of the inspection and monitoring mechanism ensures quality of food on trains. Third party audit is done to examine hygiene and quality of food in pantry cars and base kitchens and a customer satisfaction survey is also conducted, said the Minister.

Regular training is also being conducted by IRCTC to enhance the skills of catering staff, focusing on customer service areas.

England youngster Jamie Smith admitted he would have “definitely liked” to feature in the upcoming Indian Premier League but believes that going unsold in December’s IPL auction could instead help him work on his shortcomings after a forgettable Ashes, and be in the best of shape ahead of England’s busy Test summer.

Smith, who was not picked in the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad and also missed out on an IPL contract this season, will instead turn out for Surrey County Cricket Club in the upcoming County Championship as he looks to regain rhythm with the bat and behind the stumps.

The 25-year-old endured a challenging Ashes campaign in Australia, scoring 211 runs across five Tests at an average of 23.44 as England slumped to a 4-1 series defeat. Smith also put down a few chances behind the stumps during the tour.

The result further dented England’s hopes of reaching the next ICC World Test Championship Final in 2027, with the team currently placed seventh in the standings ahead of a home season featuring three-match Test series against New Zealand national cricket team and Pakistan national cricket team.

“It (the Ashes series) was tough,” Smith told ESPN Cricinfo. “You go to a tour like that with high expectations of trying to do as well as you can, and it didn’t pan out that way. Obviously I would have loved to have put some more returns there across five games for us to win a few more games, but the reality is that didn’t happen, and I didn’t play as well as I wanted to or was required for the team.

“It’s obviously disappointing, but you can take that as a learning experience. You are playing against a world-class as well, and I think sometimes that gets lost a little bit, how good the opposition is. It’s learning, but I’m coming into (the home summer) fresh and I love being back at (County side) Surrey and playing here.”

With no IPL commitments this season, Smith now has the chance to spend an extended period playing red-ball cricket for Surrey before England’s next Test assignments. He could feature in up to seven County Championship matches as he works on technical adjustments to his game.

“At the time, I would have definitely liked to have gone (to the IPL),” Smith said.

“It’s an ambition of mine to strengthen all sides of my game, and I see the IPL as something that can really enhance the white-ball side and does have benefits again to the red-ball. But in hindsight it’s fantastic to come here and have a block of red-ball (matches) behind me. I felt that towards the backend of the summer and into the winter, technically, I felt a little bit out of kilter,” he added.

“It’s been nice to come here and work on a couple of things and then I’ll be able to hopefully implement them, for six or seven (County Championship) games and we’ll see where we get to if there’s any England stuff after that. It’s nice to have a little block to try and get things right,” he further stated.

The BJP on Thursday alleged administrative irregularities in the Jharkhand Transport Department, claiming that a senior IAS officer assumed the role of Transport Commissioner for a brief period through internal orders, and demanded a detailed probe.

Addressing a press conference, BJP state spokesperson Ajay Sah said Transport Secretary Rajiv Ranjan issued an office order on March 10 assuming powers of the Transport Commissioner, and revoked the same through another order on March 11.

Sah termed the episode “irregular” and sought a review of all decisions taken during the intervening period. He alleged that the move bypassed established norms linked to the statutory framework governing road safety institutions in the state.

Referring to earlier notifications, Sah said the Jharkhand government had, in December 2016, constituted the State Road Safety Council and a fund management mechanism in compliance with directions of the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety. He said the Transport Commissioner has been designated as member secretary in these bodies, with defined administrative and coordination roles.

He alleged that the temporary assumption of powers by the Transport Secretary was not in line with these provisions and raised questions over procedural compliance.

The BJP leader demanded that all files processed, approvals granted or decisions taken during the period be examined through an independent inquiry to ascertain if any undue benefit was extended.

Sah also questioned why copies of the orders were not marked to the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary, who head the respective road safety bodies, and alleged a lack of transparency in the matter.

There was no immediate response from the state government or the Transport Department on the allegations.

Amid communal tensions in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar following the murder of a Hindu man on Holi, the Delhi High Court on Thursday directed police and local administration to ensure peace and harmony are maintained in the area ahead of Eid.

The court asked the police and civil administration to take necessary actions to create a conducive atmosphere for the peaceful and dignified observance of Eid.

A bench headed by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya was earlier scheduled to hear the matter on Wednesday. However, the matter was subsequently listed for Thursday. During the hearing, the court said, “We thus direct the police and civil administration of the area to take all necessary action permissible under the law to ensure that the situation does not take any ugly turn and that an atmosphere is created conducive to the peaceful and dignified observance of the festival of Eid, which is likely to be tomorrow.”

“Police bandobast to be made should be such that instils a sense of safety and security in all,” the court added.

The court clearly stated that authorities shall ensure that no one from any section of society plays any kind of mischief to vitiate the atmosphere. “Whatever happens in Delhi has a ripple effect,” the court noted. The Delhi High Court also directed the police to make security arrangements till the festival of Ram Navami.

The court’s order came after some Hindu organisations allegedly warned that “Khoon ki Holi will be played on Eid” to avenge the killing of Tarun Butolia in JJ Colony, Uttam Nagar.

According to the police, the violence began after Butolia was beaten to death by members of a particular community over a minor dispute arising from an 11-year-old child’s playful act of throwing a water balloon.

While playing Holi on her terrace, the girl from Tarun’s family accidentally splashed a water balloon on a woman from another community. While the family immediately apologised to the woman, she still called her relatives to the spot, who then thrashed the girl’s family members.

The accused also reportedly called Tarun and informed him that his family was under attack. Hearing this, Tarun rushed to the house where the accused were already waiting.

They brutally assaulted him and allegedly threw a large stone on his chest even after he had collapsed. He was immediately rushed to the hospital by his family members, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries during treatment on March 5.

The incident led to communal tensions in the area as anger spread among residents and members of Hindu organisations after Tarun’s death.

On March 6, hundreds of people gathered outside the Uttam Nagar Police Station, demanding strict action against the accused. A car and a motorcycle allegedly belonging to relatives of the accused were also set on fire.

In a move to promote health, well-being, and operational readiness of its personnel, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of AYUSH to establish collaboration between the force and the department.

The MoU was signed at the CISF headquarters in New Delhi on Thursday by Inspector General (Administration) Pratibha Agarwal (on behalf of the force), and Dr. A Raghu, Adviser Ayush.
The MoU establishes a structured collaboration between the Central Armed Police Force CISF, and the ministry to integrate traditional systems of healthcare, that include Yoga, Ayurveda, and other Ayush practices, into the daily lives of the force personnel and their families.

The initiative is designed to address the unique health challenges faced by CISF personnel, who often operate under strenuous and demanding conditions.
From the perspective of CISF personnel, this initiative translates into tangible and practical advantages in daily life and service conditions, an official stated.

DG CISF, Praveer Ranjan on this development stated, “This MoU marks a historic beginning for the Force. In the coming years, our personnel will realise its true value in improving their health and quality of life. Ayurveda, rooted in centuries of knowledge and practice, offers a strong foundation for preventive healthcare and balanced living.”
He further said that by integrating Ayush systems with modern medicine, we are enabling our personnel to benefit from the best of both worlds, which is getting effective treatment, as well as long-term wellness and stress management.

“A healthy force is a capable force, and this initiative will go a long way in enhancing the well-being, resilience, and operational readiness of CISF,” DG said.
The approach will incorporate regular yoga sessions and wellness programmes, scientific stress management interventions, improved immunity through Ayush-based practices, access to Ayush consultations and therapies such as Panchakarma.

The concept will also include awareness campaigns on healthy lifestyle and disease prevention, and improved quality of life, fitness, and overall well-being.
In this initiative, the Ayush Ministry will provide technical expertise, including standardized wellness modules, treatment protocols, and trained manpower.
Wellness camps, workshops, and sensitisation programmes will be conducted across CISF units nationwide to ensure wide accessibility and participation.

The force units will facilitate infrastructure and administrative support for organising health camps and wellness activities, while the Ayush will extend technical support, expertise, and programme design.

Meanwhile, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha the secretary, Ministry of Ayush, has said, “In recent years, Ayurveda has witnessed significant growth, supported by increased scientific validation and wider acceptance. Its effectiveness was notably demonstrated during the COVID-19 period, where evidence-based interventions contributed to prevention, immunity enhancement, and recovery.”

He added that Ayush has already partnered with several police and security organisations, where Ayush-based interventions have shown encouraging outcomes in improving the health and well-being of personnel.
He also said that the collaboration with CISF will further evolve to create an affordable, accessible, and holistic healthcare model for the force personnel.