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Cabinet okays modified UDAN scheme with Rs 28,840 crore outlay, to develop 100 airports

New Delhi, March 25, 2026
The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the Regional Connectivity Scheme-Modified UDAN for a period of 10 years with a total outlay of Rs 28,840 crore, with the budgetary support of the Central Government.

The Modified UDAN Scheme has been approved from the period of FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36.

This decision will result in enhanced regional air connectivity to underserved and unserved areas; boost economic growth, trade and tourism in tier 2 and 3 cities; support affordable air travel for common citizens; and improve emergency response and healthcare access in remote and hilly regions.

Also, the scheme will help greater viability and sustainability for regional aerodromes and airline operators; promote indigenous aerospace sector under Atmanirbhar Bharat and help achieve the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ goal.

Under the Modified UDAN Scheme, it is proposed to develop 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips to enhance regional connectivity, in line with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision of infrastructure expansion and transforming India into a globally competitive aviation ecosystem, with a total outlay of Rs 12,159 crore over the next eight years.

Given the high recurring operation and maintenance costs and limited revenue streams for Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-only aerodromes, the Scheme proposes to provide O&M support for three years capped at Rs.3.06 crore per annum per airport and Rs. 0.90 crore per annum per heliport/water aerodrome, estimated at Rs. 2,577 crore for around 441 aerodromes.

Moreover, to address connectivity challenges in hilly, remote, island and aspirational regions, the Scheme proposes developing 200 modern helipads at Rs 15 crore each, amounting to a total requirement of Rs 3,661 crore over the next eight years (inflation-adjusted), focused on priority and aspirational districts to improve last-mile connectivity and emergency response.

Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme, airline operators receive financial support in the form of VGF for operating awarded routes.

Recognising the need for longer market development, VGF support to airline operators is proposed amounting to Rs 10,043 crore over 10 years, according to the Cabinet.

To address the shortage of small fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, the scheme also proposes to procure two HAL Dhruv helicopters for Pawan Hans and two HAL Dornier aircraft for Alliance Air.

The original UDAN Scheme was launched in October 2016 with the objective of making air travel affordable and strengthening connectivity to tier 2 and 3 cities.

Over the nine years of implementation, 663 routes have been operationalised across 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes (as on February 28, 2026). More than 3.41 lakh flights have been operated, carrying 162.47 lakh passengers.(Agency)

PM Modi likely to address two major rallies in Assam on April 1

Guwahati, March 25, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Assam on April 1, where he will address two major election rallies as part of the BJP’s campaign for the upcoming Assembly polls, party sources said on Wednesday.

According to a senior BJP leader, PM Modi will first address a rally at Bihpuria in Lakhimpur district, followed by another public meeting in Gohpur.

Both constituencies are considered politically significant, and the Prime Minister’s visit is aimed at energising party workers and consolidating voter support in Upper Assam.

The senior BJP leader mentioned that elaborate preparations are underway to ensure a massive turnout at both venues.

“The Prime Minister’s visit will give a major boost to our campaign in Assam. There is tremendous enthusiasm among party workers and the public. We are confident that these rallies will further strengthen our position in the state,” the leader said.

He added that the BJP is focusing on highlighting development initiatives undertaken by the central and state governments over the past few years. “From infrastructure growth to welfare schemes, the people of Assam have witnessed significant progress. The Prime Minister’s rallies will reinforce our message of development and stability,” the leader said.

Party insiders said leaders from alliance partners are also expected to join the campaign in the coming days, as the BJP looks to put up a united front in the elections.

The ruling party is aiming to retain power with a strong mandate.

Meanwhile, security arrangements are being tightened in both locations in view of the Prime Minister’s visit, with coordination between state police and central agencies underway.

The April 1 visit is part of PM Modi’s broader nationwide campaign outreach, as the BJP intensifies its efforts in poll-bound states ahead of the Assembly elections.

Polling for the 126-member Assembly will take place in a single phase on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.(Agency)

Arjun Kapoor says ‘still lost without u’ as he remembers his mother on her 14th death anniversary

Mumbai, March 25, 2026
It has been 14 years since Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor and his sister Anshula Kapoor lost their mother, Mona Kapoor.

Remembering his mother on her death anniversary on Wednesday, Arjun wrote on social media, “14 years & we are still lost without u Maa”, followed by a broken heart emoji.

Additionally, Anshula also penned a heartfelt note revealing what she misses the most about her mom.

The entrepreneur shared that she misses the version of herself she used to be in the presence of her mother.

Anshula said that she might not remember each and every moment with her mother, but she clearly remembers what it felt like to be loved by her.

“Maa, I don’t remember everything about you anymore, but I remember what it felt like to be yours. To come to you with the smallest things – a headache, a bad day, a complaint that didn’t even make sense… and still be heard like it mattered (sic),” she wrote on her official Instagram handle.

“There was a version of me that only existed in your presence, and I think that’s what I miss the most. Not just you, but the way you saw me”, added Anshula.

She further confessed that even after so much time, she still finds herself thinking “I need to tell mom”, admitting that this feeling will never fade as she will always need her mother.

“14 years since the last time I held your hand, and some days I still catch myself thinking, “I need to tell mom.” And this feeling will never go away. Because I will always need my Maa. Miss you everyday. Love you forever,” the post concluded.

Anshula further said that as her memories of her mother are fading with time, she has reached a new stage of grief, the one she was not prepared for.

However, she added that forgetting the details does not necessarily mean that you are forgetting the person.(Agency)

To live in the change after Women’s ODI World Cup win is a great feeling, says Harmanpreet

New Delhi, March 25, 2026
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said living through the change in visibility and recognition of women’s cricket after winning the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup triumph was ‘a great feeling’, adding that she and her team knew change would arrive in the country once they had a big trophy against their name.

Since the time India won the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, it had transformed the visibility of women’s cricket in the country, with tons of accolades coming in for Harmanpreet and her team from all quarters.

“Obviously, I am feeling good. We all knew that when we win a World Cup, things will change. So, to feel that change and to get a chance to live that change, it’s a great feeling,” Harmanpreet told IANS in an exclusive conversation, on the sidelines of a 1,500-plus seat section in the North Pavilion section of the Omaxe State Stadium in Dwarka, New Delhi, being named after her.

The naming of “Harmanpreet Kaur Stand” is aimed at encouraging more female spectators to attend matches in what is also the country’s first dedicated ‘Pink Stand’, which will take shape when the stadium opens at the end of 2027.

“I think it’s a great achievement. It’s a big thing to bring even such a thought in this world. Nowadays, we are talking about girls going into playing sports. But still, we never thought about how things should be for those who are going to watch.

“So, keeping them in mind and giving them the same kind of attention is also very important. So, I think it will be great to see girls coming to the stand and cheering for their favorite team. So, it’s a great initiative,” added Harmanpreet.

The right-handed batter also stressed on the importance of building infrastructure for women’s cricket, including stadiums, residential academies and training facilities, to ease the path for the next generation of female cricketers aspiring to play at the highest level.

“I think it’s going to be very good for them because they are not going to see those hard days. Our seniors saw it before us and we also saw it a little bit. So, now I think people like Omaxe, they are really taking care of it – so that it should be a good stadium for the kids.

“It’s not only about international cricket – it’s about the people and even the college kids. They will start thinking about the pitches where they can come and train. They can feel the same kind of atmosphere that players feel at the international level. So, I think it’s a great initiative and hopefully the new generation will take the best out of it,” she added.

So far, both ICC events in 2026 have been won by India and all eyes will be on Harmanpreet & Co to keep the trend going when they compete in the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in England from June 12 to July 5. Reflecting on India’s dominance across formats, Harmanpreet credited the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for investing in all levels of the game.

“This year, we have won all the trophies so far. So, I think that shows how much efforts BCCI is putting to improve all formats of cricket at all stages. So, I think their hard work is paying off. It feels good that all the teams have performed well and all the teams have won the ICC titles.”(Agency)

‘Stay Calm, live in the moment’: Kishan reveals captaincy mantra ahead of IPL 2026

Hyderabad, March 25, 2026
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) stand-in captain Ishan Kishan has spoken about his leadership approach ahead of the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is set to commence on March 28.

SRH will start their IPL campaign against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28. Kishan, who made a surprise return to the Indian T20I side ahead of the T20 World Cup, will lead the team for the first time in his career in the absence of Pat Cummins, who is set to miss the opening matches of the tournament.

In a video released by the franchise, Kishan spoke about his ambition to captain the side and how he loves the leadership role and also explained his approach of keeping things simple and enjoying the game.

“I’ve always wanted to be a leader of the team, you know, and take the team forward from whatever situation. So, I’m very overwhelmed, and I’m very happy that I got this opportunity to lead this team. And to be very honest, I’m gonna just keep it simple, not to do so much because when players come to IPL, I think they’re all very good players,” he said in a video released by SRH.

“You just need to make sure that they are on the right track and their mindset doesn’t change after a few innings, going here and there. And the rest is, you know, it’s gonna be a good season, I guess, and we’ll just do it together,” the skipper added.

Kishan also revealed his captaincy mantra and said that under his leadership the team will focus on the present and look at one match at a time. “The most important thing for a cricketer is to be in a very good headspace throughout the season. You know, what matters the most is if you are calm, if you are composed and you’re just aware of the situation of what’s happening and what’s needed for the team, you’re gonna do well,” he said.

“So, mostly this season, we’ll make sure that we just stay present, we just keep it simple, and do as much hard work as we can before the match starts. But in the match, we’re just gonna enjoy the game and take one match at a time,” Kishan added.

The wicketkeeper-batter also asked for support from the fans as the team prepares to end their ten-year drought of an IPL trophy. “On behalf of my team, I would love to say thank you so much for being part of this journey. And this season is gonna be special. We’ll need your support. We’ll need your love. We’re gonna play our best cricket,” he said.

“We are going to do our best, give our best for you guys, especially because I know what kind of support we get when we play for SRH. Hopefully, we’ll do our best and try to give up a very good show. And thank you for all the support till now,” Kishan concluded.

Kishan was in great form in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026, where he scored 532 runs in 13 matches at an average of 40.92 with a strike rate of 207.(Agency)

Panic buying of petrol, diesel in Kashmir triggers chaos; Indian Oil Corp says no fuel shortage

Srinagar, March 25, 2026
Panic gripped people across the Kashmir Valley on Wednesday as motorists, trucks and owners of other conveyances mobbed petrol, diesel pumps trying to buy fuel.

This is happening despite announcements made by the Indian Oil Corporation that there is no shortage of petroleum products in Jammu and Kashmir.

People started mobbing refilling stations in Kashmir as news spread from one area to another, saying that acute energy crisis was gripping the Valley.

At many places, police personnel were seen regulating the rush while those reporting with jerrycans, tins and other carrying vessels were refused any fuel supply.

Chaos was worst confounded in Srinagar city as one after the other petrol/diesel pumps shut down, claiming that they had run out of supplies.

Authorities have been asking people not to resort to panic buying as stocks of petrol/diesel and LPG are enough to last for 20 days in the Valley.

Greed and panic made official statements fall on deaf ears in Srinagar and elsewhere in the Valley.

Owners of refilling stations told IANS that panic buying by vehicle owners was likely to create an artificial crisis that would not be taken care of by routine and normal tanker arrivals carrying fuel at their stations.

The most confusing situation was that instead of advising and motivating vehicle owners not to resort to panic and unwarranted buying, police was busy trying to ensure smooth and regulated buying at petrol pumps without making announcements that such knee-jerk buying was fraught with risks of creating an artificial scarcity of fuel.

People are already lined up in long queues trying to buy LPG cylinders as officials said one LPG cylinder per authorised connection would be issued in 25 days in urban areas and in 35 days in rural areas.

With complete dependence in both rural and urban areas on LPG for cooking requirements, the probability of an impending crisis in LPG demand and supply is already in the offing if not already hitting the Valley.

Reports of unscrupulous LPG outlets selling cooking gas in the black market are also doing the rounds as authorities have warned people not to sell or buy LPG in the black market.

Authorities are taking regular review of stock position of LPG supply in Jammu and Kashmir, but they still express apprehension that unless people cooperate and understand to buy cooking gas only as much as needed for their day-to-day needs and not for stockpiling it, the gap in demand and supply would continue to widen further in the coming days.(Agency)

Afghanistan: Two people killed, eight injured after Pakistani firing in Kunar

Pakistan fires artillery shells in Afghanistan Kunar

Kabul, March 25, 2026
At least two people were killed and eight others were injured after Pakistani military fired 85 artillery shells into Afghanistan’s Kunar province, an official said on Wednesday.

Information and Culture Department spokesperson Zia-ur-Rahman Spinghar said that the Pakistani military fired 85 shells over the past 24 hours, Afghanistan-based Pajhwok Afghan News reported. According to him, 16 shells hit local areas in Nari district, claiming life of one civilian and injuring six others.

Spinghar further said that Pakistan carried out two drone strikes and launched 47 long-range projectiles, killing one person and injuring two others in Sarkano district on Wednesday. He said two shells struck Manura district, 15 hit Shultan district and five landed in Asadabad. However, no casualties were reported.

According to the spokesperson, Afghan forces, in response, destroyed three Pakistani posts in Sarkano district’s Nawapas area along the Durand Line, killing one Pakistani soldier, Pajhwok Afghan News reported.

On Sunday, Taliban had accused Pakistani forces of firing on civilians in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Paktika provinces, killing one person and injuring another.

Taliban deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat had said that Pakistani forces fired mortar rounds on the Shanpat area of Nari district in Kunar at around 9.30 a.m. (local time). He said that one person was killed and a woman was injured in the attack.

Pakistani forces opened fire on a civilian vehicle in Paktika’s Shkin district, but no one was injured in the attack, he said.

“Today, Sunday, the fourth day of Eid al-Fitr, at 9:30 a.m., a mortar shell was fired by the Pakistani military regime in the Shanpat area of Nari district of Kunar province, resulting in the injury of a woman and the martyrdom of a civilian. Similarly, the militias of the said regime fired on a civilian vehicle in Shkin district of Paktika province. Fortunately, the passengers of the said vehicle escaped unharmed, and there were no casualties,” Fitrat posted on X.

The developments came despite a ceasefire announced by Afghanistan and Pakistan on the occasion of Eid. However, the Taliban has accused Pakistani forces of repeatedly violating the ceasefire and conducting attacks in Kunar and Nuristan during the Eid period, causing civilian casualties.(Agency)

Sensex, Nifty extend gains on softer oil prices, global cues

Mumbai, March 25, 2026
Indian stock markets ended higher for the second straight session on Wednesday, supported by easing oil prices and positive global cues.

Investor sentiment improved after US President Donald Trump reiterated that talks are ongoing to bring an end to the conflict in the Middle East.

The benchmark indices saw strong gains, with the Nifty rising 1.72 per cent, or 392.70 points, to close at 23,306.45.

The Sensex also advanced 1.63 per cent, or 1,205 points, to settle at 75,273.45.

“Going ahead, 23300–23350 remains a critical zone. Sustaining above this range could provide short-term stability, while failure to hold may invite renewed selling pressure,” a market expert stated.

“On the upside, 23500–23600 continues to act as a strong supply zone, followed by 23800. On the downside, 23000 remains a crucial support backed by strong demand and OI build-up, with 22900 as the next support in case of weakness,” an analyst added.

Tech Mahindra, Power Grid and TCS was major laggards on Sensex. On the upside, Bajaj Finance, Titan, IndiGo, Trent, Mahindra and Mahindra was among top gainers on the 30-share pack.

Broader markets performed even better than the main indices. The Nifty MidCap index gained 2.30 per cent, while the SmallCap index jumped 2.59 per cent.

Among sectors, consumer-focused stocks led the rally, with the Nifty Consumer Durables index emerging as the top gainer.

Real estate and public sector bank stocks also saw solid gains, outperforming most other sectors during the session.

However, the IT sector lagged behind the broader market, with the Nifty IT index ending lower compared to its peers.

Analysts said that the market rally was driven by hopes of easing geopolitical tensions and softer oil prices, which boosted investor confidence across sectors.

“The primary trigger for improved sentiment was emerging signals of a potential pause in the ongoing US-Iran conflict,” a market expert mentioned.(Agency)

Owaisi denies Trinamool’s allegations of AIMIM getting funding from BJP

Kolkata, March 25, 2026
Asaduddin Owaisi, on Wednesday, denied the allegations of Trinamool Congress that his party, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) was getting funding from the BJP to contest in minority-dominated Assembly constituencies in the forthcoming two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal, just to divide the minority voters in favour of the saffron camp.

“If that is the case, I am ready to give 90 per cent of the funding to the Trinamool Congress general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee. I will retain just five per cent and give the remaining five per cent to my brother Humayun Kabir,” Owaisi said at a press conference at Dun Dum on the northern outskirts of Kolkata on Wednesday.

Present at the press conference was Humayun Kabir, who had recently floated his own political entity, Aam Aadmi Unnayan Party (AAUP) after being suspended from the Trinamool.

AIMIM and AAUP have a seat-sharing agreement for the forthcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, and the two parties are contesting from several constituencies in the state, with the focus being mainly on minority-dominated constituencies.

Rubbishing Trinamool Congress’ allegation of AIMIM being funded by the BJP in West Bengal, Owaisi raised the counter question on whether his party had any role in improving the saffron camp’s tally in West Bengal Assembly from just three in 2016 to 77 in 2021.

“When did the BJP have three MLAs? In 2016, right? Now they have grown to 77 — I made that happen? How many MPs did the BJP have earlier, and how many do they have now? I made that happen? But I have not become so powerful, have I?” questioned Owaisi.

He also said that he is well-aware of the AIMIM’s strength and his party will contest in the West Bengal Assembly polls based on that only.

Speaking on the occasion, he also accused Trinamool Congress and Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, of exploiting Muslims and their sentiments

“Mamata Banerjee won successive elections in West Bengal, getting overwhelming minority support. However, the minorities have remained deprived in West Bengal. After winning successive elections, the Trinamool Congress government did nothing for the minorities,” Owaisi claimed.(Agency)

Founder Sunil Bharti Mittal to step down as Airtel Africa Chairman in July

New Delhi, March 25, 2026
Major telecom firm Bharti Airtel on Wednesday said that its founder and Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal will step down as Chairman of Airtel Africa at the conclusion of the company’s annual general meeting (AGM) in July 2026.

The telecom company also announced that Gopal Vittal will be appointed as Non-Executive Chairman of Airtel Africa with effect from the same date.

Mittal has served as Chairman of Airtel Africa since its listing in 2019, and the Board acknowledged his leadership and contribution during the period, it said.

Gopal Vittal, currently a non-executive director of Airtel Africa and a seasoned telecom industry leader, has been nominated by the controlling shareholder in line with the company’s existing agreements.

In addition, Shravin Bharti Mittal will take over as Deputy Chairman, ensuring continuity with the promoter group and acting as a key link between the Board, Airtel Money operations, and the company’s headquarters in Dubai.

Separately, Annika Poutiainen will retire from the Board at the conclusion of the July AGM after serving for more than seven years.

Mittal said it had been an honour to lead Airtel Africa and expressed confidence in the company’s strategy and leadership team going forward.

“I want to extend my thanks to the Board of Airtel Africa for their support to me as Chairman. Airtel Africa has a solid strategy and an outstanding leadership team in place, the strength of which is evident in recent results, so I am confident that now is the time for me to step aside as Chair,” the chairman said.

“It has been an honour to lead Airtel Africa in this capacity, and I know the company will continue to prosper and to advance the transformative power of connectivity to the millions of customers we serve across 14 African countries. I have offered my services and will be available to support the company as requested by the Chair,” he added.

The company’s senior independent director Tsega Gebreyes also acknowledged Mittal’s role in shaping Airtel Africa’s growth journey, from its acquisition phase to its listing and current position in the FTSE 100 index.(Agency)

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