Mid Day

A late-night music concert at the NESCO Exhibition Centre turned tragic on April 11 after two MBA students lost their lives, while another remained critical following the crowded event. The group had reportedly consumed a yellow pill suspected to be MDMA. Police detained five individuals, while NESCO expressed condolences and said it was cooperating with authorities during the ongoing investigation. ✍🏻: Samiullah Khan 📷: Special arrangement

S. Jaishankar stepped up diplomatic outreach amid rising tensions in West Asia, engaging with key global counterparts as concerns grow over the US, Israel and Iran conflict. His conversations signal India’s active role in tracking and responding to the crisis. Focusing on stability and dialogue, Jaishankar underscored the broader global impact of the situation, including risks to trade routes and regional security. India continues to advocate caution and measured responses as the situation remains volatile.

A devastating boiler explosion at a Vedanta power plant in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district claimed multiple lives and left several others injured, triggering panic among workers and raising serious concerns over industrial safety standards. The blast, believed to have originated in a boiler unit, led to casualties both on-site and in hospitals, while rescue operations continued amid fears of trapped workers. Authorities have launched an investigation as victims receive treatment in nearby facilities.

A high-speed crash near Kalwa turned fatal after a car rammed into a parked trailer truck, killing one and injuring four others. The impact, believed to be caused by overspeeding, left the vehicle severely damaged. The accident occurred near Kharegaon toll naka in the early hours, with low visibility possibly worsening the situation. Emergency teams rushed in quickly, while the injured were shifted to hospital, with some reported to be in critical condition.

The Government has proposed the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty First Amendment) Bill, 2026, to expand the Lok Sabha from 543 to 850 seats. The plan includes 815 seats for states and 35 for Union Territories, marking a significant structural reform. The bill seeks to amend Article 82 by removing the provision that mandates delimitation after the 2026 Census. This change allows Parliament to decide the timing and basis of future delimitation exercises using updated census data. The proposal aims to enable post-census seat reallocation and support the implementation of women’s reservation without reducing existing constituencies. It is positioned as a step toward fairer representation while maintaining balance across states and regions.

Tensions escalated in Noida as a workers’ protest spiralled into violence, leading to over 350 arrests. Clashes, road blockades and damage to property disrupted daily life and halted operations in several industrial pockets. Police have pointed to misinformation circulating on social media as a key trigger behind the unrest. With multiple cases filed and digital trails under investigation, authorities are working to stabilise the situation while urging the public to rely on verified information.

15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi is lighting up IPL 2026 with 200 runs in five matches at a stunning strike rate of 266.67. His explosive 78 off 26 balls has put him firmly on the radar of India’s selectors. He is likely to debut against Ireland in Belfast, potentially becoming the youngest ever, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar. While Mohammad Kaif backs him, Irfan Pathan warns higher pace could test him.

Marathi will be mandatory for taxi and auto drivers in Maharashtra from May 1, with the government enforcing language proficiency for smoother communication. Drivers may need to read, write and speak Marathi, as authorities stress its importance in daily public interactions. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has warned that failure to comply could lead to strict action, including licence cancellation. While the move aims to preserve local culture and improve passenger-driver communication, it has also sparked debate over its impact on migrant drivers.

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Demand for smaller cooking fuel options is rising, with 5-kg LPG cylinder sales touching 14.3 lakh. The trend reflects growing preference among low-income households and migrants for affordable, portable energy solutions across urban and semi-urban areas. At the same time, PNG connections have climbed to 4.4 lakh, signalling a steady shift toward piped gas for convenience and uninterrupted supply. The expansion highlights changing consumption patterns and a push toward more reliable urban energy infrastructure.

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Shiv Sena has pushed for quicker rollout of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, with Eknath Shinde urging the Centre to act without delay. The move highlights growing political momentum around women’s representation. By seeking implementation before the 2029 elections, the proposal aims to ensure timely inclusion rather than prolonged waiting. It reflects a broader demand for stronger participation of women in lawmaking and a more balanced, representative political structure.

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A 19-year-old was caught stealing chocolates worth Rs 12,000 from Shri Ashapura Mataji Super Market in Borivali West after the shopkeeper spotted three suspects on CCTV cameras early morning. The shopkeeper rushed outside and caught one accused, Shahid Nasir Khan, while two others escaped, and police later took him into custody as efforts continued to trace the accomplices. ✍🏻: @khanmidday

Nitish Kumar has resigned as Bihar’s Chief Minister and enters Rajya Sabha, marking a major political development in the state. Soon after his resignation, Samrat Choudhary was named to head the new government, signalling a shift in Bihar’s leadership. The change comes at a crucial time for the state’s political landscape and is expected to influence alliance equations, governance priorities and the road ahead as Bihar prepares for upcoming political challenges.

On April 12, a lion accidentally fell into a 15-foot-deep well in Una, sparking panic as forest officials rushed to rescue the struggling animal from the water-filled pit. After an hour-long operation using ropes and a cage, the lion was safely rescued and shifted to Jasadhar Animal Care Centre for medical checkup and observation. VC (X): @sanghaviharsh

A gang operating from Charkop duped over 10 government job aspirants of ₹1.54 crore, luring them with promises of fixed placements through “direct setting” and advance payments. They claimed strong connections within departments like BMC and Mantralaya, using fake documents and staged contacts to gain trust before disappearing, leaving victims cheated and triggering a police probe.

On Ambedkar Jayanti, we remember more than the architect of the Indian Constitution we celebrate a visionary scholar, economist, reformer and relentless voice for equality. From earning multiple doctorates abroad to shaping India’s monetary framework and drafting a Constitution that upholds justice for all Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s journey is a testament to knowledge, resilience and purpose. Swipe to discover lesser-known facts about the man who changed the course of modern India. #AmbedkarJayanti #DrBabasahebAmbedkar #Midday

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The Maharashtra Govt approved a Rs 3,708 crore mega healthcare plan on April 13 in Mumbai to strengthen medical education, nursing, and health services across the state. The project aimed to improve infrastructure and ensure trained professionals, while the Cabinet also approved setting up an IES Skill Tech University in Mumbai to expand education opportunities. ✍🏻: @sanjeevshivadekar

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On Monday afternoon, a 25-year-old security guard was killed in broad daylight near the MHADA office in Bandra East, Mumbai, after two unidentified men attacked him with a knife. He was taken to Guru Nanak Hospital but died during treatment, and his body will be sent to Sion Hospital for post-mortem, as police continue to search for the attackers. ✍🏻: Abhitash Singh 📷: Nimesh Dave