From breaking piggy banks to donating gold: Kashmiris unites for Iran, Embassy says ‘your tears and pure emotions are…’

From breaking piggy banks to donating gold: Kashmiris unites for Iran, Embassy says ‘your tears and pure emotions are…’


Shia Muslims in Kashmir and Ladakh, after having huge mourning protests, are donating gold, silver, and cash to support Iran. These donations are intended to help the country recover from losses following military strikes by the United States and Israel. 

People are donating gold and silver jewelry, copper utensils, and cash, whatever valuable thing they have, from old to little kids are seen thronging in imambaras, mosques, and shrines, and also on the roadside, many stalls are established to collect donations. Some children have even donated their Eidi (festival money). The volunteers and mosque managements are conducting door-to-door collection drives. 

These visuals from Budgam show residents lining up at collection centers, contributing with cash, gold and silver jewelry, copper utensils, household items, and even vehicles such as cars and motorbikes. 


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In a striking display of solidarity, members of the Shia and many Sunni Muslim communities in Kashmir have launched large-scale donation drives reflecting a deep emotional and cultural connection with Iran, saying this donation is for humanity and added, “We may have differences, but for this cause we are one, and we appeal to all Muslim ummah to get united.” 

Irfan Ali, a Sunni cleric collecting donations, said, “Imam Khamenei always stood for Palestine, where the Sunni population is, and it’s for Islam we may have differences, but this keeping apart the difference we have to unite, people of all sects are donating, and around five hundred crore donations are collected till now, and process is still on.”

Children have also seen joining the effort, handing over their piggy banks as a symbolic gesture of support, raising anti-Israel and America slogans, and praising the Supreme Leader and Imam Hussain (AS).

The donation drive coincided with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, from many Shia-dominated areas including Magam, Budgam, Baramullah, Bandipora, Ganderbal, and Srinagar. 

A Shia donor, Abdul, said, “Everyone has stood this time without seeing caste or religion for humanity, and this is the support for humanity.”

Sabira Zainab, a donor, said, “This is nothing, this money has no value nor is it for any selected sect, this is a message of unity, and we are even ready to give our lives for Iran.” 

The gesture has drawn international attention, with the Embassy of Iran in India acknowledging the contributions and expressing gratitude. 

In a statement, the Embassy said, “A respected sister from Kashmir, donated the gold kept as a memento of her husband who passed away 28 years ago with a heart full of love and solidarity for the people of Iran. Your tears and pure emotions are the greatest source of comfort for the people of Iran and will never be forgotten.”

Organisers say the initiative has become a powerful expression of unity, transforming grief and outrage into tangible support for those affected by the conflict. The Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Central Government have maintained a policy of cautious restraint and humanitarian focus:

The administration issued a document titled “Regulation, Monitoring and Vigilance over the Collection of Donations.” This requires all groups, including mosque committees and NGOs, to obtain prior permission and provide proper documentation for fundraising to ensure transparency.

The Government of India has also officially sent its first medical aid shipment to the Iranian Red Crescent to support relief efforts directly.

The donation drives follow earlier protests in the Valley over the reported killing of Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei in airstrikes on February 28. Demonstrations had taken place in several parts of Kashmir, particularly in Shia-majority areas, before evolving into organized humanitarian efforts.

Also read- ‘Affected Indians being helped across Gulf’; PM Modi in Lok Sabha on West Asia Tensions





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Big boost for medicos: Delhi to create ‘NIMHANS-2’ and add over 100 new PG medical seats

Big boost for medicos: Delhi to create ‘NIMHANS-2’ and add over 100 new PG medical seats


Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Sunday that the integration of key medical institutions in the national capital will not only strengthen healthcare services but also significantly improve medical education. 

The move is expected to pave the way for a substantial increase in MBBS and postgraduate (PG) seats, she said.

The Delhi government plans to merge Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital (GTB), Delhi State Cancer Institute (DSCI), and Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital (RGSSH) to create an autonomous institution on the lines of the AIIMS model, she said.


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In addition, efforts are underway to develop the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) into a second National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS-2).

The Chief Minister said a key objective of the project is to significantly increase PG seats so that more doctors can receive specialist training and the quality of healthcare can be enhanced.

As part of the plan, similar departments and disciplines currently operating separately across GTB Hospital, DSCI, and RGSSH will be integrated. At present, resources and manpower are fragmented, leading to underutilisation.

Once integrated, faculty members, including assistant professors, associate professors, and professors, will be pooled. According to medical norms, an associate professor can support two PG seats, while a professor can support three.

Officials indicated that departments such as radiology, pathology, and anaesthesia are likely to see a significant rise in seats. In radiology, where seats are currently extremely limited or even absent in some institutions, the number could increase to around 22 after integration. Pathology seats may rise to nearly 26, while anaesthesia could see a jump to about 48 seats.

This growth will not only come from merging departments but also from filling existing vacant faculty positions, as several posts remain unfilled across hospitals.

Some specialised departments currently do not offer PG seats, particularly in the Delhi State Cancer Institute and Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital.

After integration, new faculty will be recruited and PG courses will be introduced in these areas. At DSCI, around 26 new PG seats could be added in departments such as radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, cancer research, and intensive care. At RGSSH, about 14 new seats are expected in super-speciality areas like cardiology and cardiac surgery, according to a statement.

The Chief Minister added that an increase in bed strength, patient load, and faculty numbers will also create strong prospects for expanding MBBS seats in the future. To support this, the government plans to develop hostels, modern laboratories, lecture theatres, and other academic infrastructure to ensure a better learning environment for students.

CM Gupta said the initiative is not limited to improving healthcare delivery but also focuses on expanding medical education and promoting research.

She emphasised that the plan will help position Delhi as a leading national centre for medical education, research, and advanced healthcare services.

By integrating institutions, the government aims to optimise the use of faculty, infrastructure, and advanced medical equipment, offering students better training and enhanced research opportunities.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the government’s goal is to strengthen healthcare systems in the capital while taking medical education to new heights, ensuring Delhi emerges as a frontrunner in both treatment and medical research.



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Rs 772 crore drug empire seized, 1,556 smugglers stripped of illegal assets in Punjab crackdown: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

Rs 772 crore drug empire seized, 1,556 smugglers stripped of illegal assets in Punjab crackdown: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann


Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday presented a focused report card on law and order under the AAP Government as part of the ongoing series ‘Shandaar Chaar Saal Bhagwant Mann De Naal’, aimed at placing a clear, sector-wise account of four years of governance before the people. He asserted that Punjab’s improving law and order is now visible on the ground, driven by a zero-tolerance policy against drugs and a sustained crackdown on organized crime, alongside police reforms and rising investor confidence.

The Chief Minister said the Punjab Government’s campaign ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ has led to decisive action, with over 95,000 smugglers arrested, Rs. 772 crore worth of illegal assets seized, and more than 1,100 gangs dismantled, while measures like the anti-drone system have checked cross-border smuggling. He added that record police recruitment, modernisation, and initiatives like the Sadak Surakhya Force underline the strengthening of law enforcement in Punjab. Taking on the Akali leadership, he said those who patronised gangsters and allowed criminal networks to flourish are now attempting to rewrite history, but cannot escape accountability.

Addressing a press conference, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Punjab Government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against drugs, and no leniency has been or will be shown against violators of the law. Exemplary punishment will be ensured,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, adding, “From March 2022 till now, 95,881 drug smugglers and suppliers have been arrested and 71,228 FIRs have been registered under the NDPS Act.”


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Detailing the crackdown, the Chief Minister stated, “6,109 major/commercial consignments of drugs have been seized, along with the arrest of 10,085 major traffickers. Special focus has been placed on drug hotspots, leading to recovery of 5,625 kg heroin, 3,461 kg opium, 1,628 quintals poppy husk, and 4.96 crore injections, tablets, capsules, and syrups.” He further added, “₹54.47 crore drug money has been recovered and 3,440 proclaimed offenders in NDPS cases have been arrested. Properties worth ₹772 crore have been seized from 1,556 smugglers.”

Highlighting action against organized crime, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “After the formation of the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), 2,858 gangsters and criminals have been arrested, 35 neutralized, and 1,105 gangs busted. 2,267 weapons and 655 vehicles used in crimes have been recovered.” He added, “Since April 6, 2022, AGTF has solved 38 sensational cases, including major murder cases, extortion rackets, bank robberies, gang arrests, and terror-linked conspiracies across Punjab and nearby regions up to March 2026.”

Emphasising border security, he noted, “Punjab has around 560 kilometre border with Pakistan, and to check the supply of drugs and weapons, the state government has installed an anti-drone system. Punjab is the first state to have this system.” He added, “We had asked the Centre for funds, but no assistance was given. The state government used its own resources, and the system is producing results. So far, 806 drones have been recovered, 1,472 drone movements detected, and 341 illegal weapons recovered via drones.”

On police reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Unlike earlier governments that carried out recruitment in the last or poll year, our government has ensured regular recruitment. In the last four years, 12,197 recruitments have been made, including 1,062 Sub-Inspectors, 450 Head Constables, and 10,285 Constables.” He added, “Recruitment for 1,746 constables (2025) is under process, and advertisement has been issued for 3,298 constables (2026), with applications invited from March 10, 2026.”

He further stated, “To modernise the Police force, 2,904 vehicles have been purchased at a cost of Rs. 327.69 crore, including 2,258 four-wheelers and 646 two-wheelers. The Sadak Surakhya Force, launched in January 2024, is India’s first dedicated force of its kind, covering more than 5,500 km of highways and reducing fatalities by 48 per cent.” He added, “From February 2024 to January 2026, it has helped 47,386 victims in 43,983 accidents, provided on-the-spot aid to 19,973 people, and shifted 27,413 injured to hospitals.”

Highlighting technological upgrades, he said, “Safe City projects have been implemented in SAS Nagar and Jalandhar and will soon be launched in Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Patiala.” He added, “Punjab Police is a national police force fighting to safeguard the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of the country.”

On action against fugitives, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The state government is leaving no stone unturned to extradite gangsters operating from abroad. Whenever inputs are received, they are flagged for issuing Red Corner Notices.”

Reinforcing confidence in Punjab’s law and order, he stated, “Punjab is one of the safest and most peaceful states in the country. Investment is the best parameter to judge law and order, and the fact that a major steel plant has started operations with an investment of Rs. 3,200 crore reflects this reality.” He added, “Several leading global companies are making a beeline to invest in Punjab, and many have already started operations. The state is hosting major events and will host the Asia Cup Hockey in October.”

Taking aim at previous regimes, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Those who patronised and promoted drug culture in Punjab are now claiming to eliminate it. Everyone knows who gave tickets to gangsters and appointed them as Halqa in-charges. These leaders are responsible for the rise of gangster culture and are still extending legal and other support to such elements.”

Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.



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Assam elections: BJP releases second list of two candidates from Dalgaon, Sissirborgaon

Assam elections: BJP releases second list of two candidates from Dalgaon, Sissirborgaon


The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday released the second list of two candidates for the 2026 Assam assembly elections.

The BJP has fielded Jiban Gogoi from Sissiborgaon and Sushri Krishna Saha from the Dalgaon seat. This takes the BJP’s total tally of candidates to 90, after the party released the first list of 88 candidates on March 19.

In the first list, the BJP fielded two former prominent Congress leaders, Pradyut Bordoloi and Bhupen Kumar Borah.


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The BJP has fielded Pradyut Bordoloi from Dispur after he ended his lifelong association with Congress and joined the party in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Former Congress state president Bhupen Kumar Borah, who jumped ship weeks earlier, will contest from Bihpuria, a seat which he lost to BJP candidates in the last two elections.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is set to contest from his traditional Jalukbari seat.

Initially, CM Sarma said that the party would be contesting 89 seats. After the release of the first list, he said, “The BJP Central Parliamentary Board announced candidates for 88 out of 89 constituencies. The candidate for the Sissiborgaon seat will be announced shortly.”

The BJP is contesting the elections with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF).

Meanwhile, on Friday, the Assam Congress released the fourth list of seven candidates, taking the total tally to 94 in the 126-seat Assembly elections.

The list includes Jayanta Borah, who quit the BJP in 2024, for the Biswanath seat; Congress spokesperson Bidisha Neog, Youth Congress leader Rohit Pariga, spokesperson Joy Prakash Das, Gyandip Mohan, Pran Kurmi, and Rahul Roy.

According to a press release by the AICC, Congress has left 11 seats for its alliance partner, Raijor Dal.

Polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, while the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, as announced by the Election Commission of India.



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Delhi weather update: Wettest March in 3 years? IMD predicts ‘light rain’ on this day | Check forecast

Delhi weather update: Wettest March in 3 years? IMD predicts ‘light rain’ on this day | Check forecast


Delhi weather update: Rain lashed several parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Friday, bringing much-needed relief from rising temperatures. The showers over the past few days have significantly eased the heat, improving weather conditions across the region.

IMD forecast – Check

At the time of writing this report, here’s what the weather department has forecast for the coming week:


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Saturday: Partly cloudy sky

Sunday: Generally cloudy sky

Monday: Generally cloudy sky with light Rain or drizzle

According to the IMD, the national capital is likely to witness a ‘partly cloudy sky’ from Tuesday to Thursday.

Rain brings relief across Delhi-NCR

According to the data, the Safdarjung observatory has recorded 9.4 mm of rainfall so far this month, nearing the normal monthly average of 12.6 mm.

IANS reported that with the recent spell of rain, March has turned out to be the wettest in the last three years.

The last instance of higher rainfall during this month was recorded in 2023, when precipitation reached 50.4 mm.

On Friday morning, rainfall was recorded at multiple weather stations across the national capital. 

Safdarjung and Lodhi Road both recorded 8.2 mm of rainfall, while Ridge reported 8.6 mm. Palam received 6.2 mm, and Ayanagar recorded 7.2 mm of rainfall till 8 am.

Rainfall activity on Thursday also varied across different parts of the city. Safdarjung recorded 8.2 mm, while Palam received 6.2 mm. Lodhi Road and Ridge reported 8.2 mm and 8.6 mm, respectively, and Ayanagar saw 7.2 mm. 

Delhi AQI today

Delhi’s air quality showed slight improvement following the rainfall. 

The Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the ‘moderate’ category at most monitoring stations across the city.

Anand Vihar (178), Ashok Vihar (117), Aya Nagar (90), Bawana (122), Burari Crossing (366), CRRI Mathura Road (111), Cantonment Area (124), Chandni Chowk (116), DTU (81), Dwarka-Sector 8 (120), IIT Delhi (86), Narela (108), Nehru Nagar (123), R K Puram (124), Wazirpur (135).

(with IANS inputs) 

Also check- Delhi-NCR weather update: Rain and thunderstorms lash city; IMD issues travel advisory



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Kerala 2026 pre-poll survey: UDF gains edge as LDF faces strong anti-incumbency

Kerala 2026 pre-poll survey: UDF gains edge as LDF faces strong anti-incumbency


A pre-poll survey ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections shows a notable change in the political scene. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is currently in the lead, while the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) is struggling with growing anti-incumbency feelings.

The numbers: Vote share projections

The survey, conducted with a diverse group of 26,000 respondents, reveals a clear lead for the opposition:


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  • UDF: 38.2% projected vote share.
  • LDF: 33.7% projected vote share.
  • NDA (BJP-led): 20.4% projected vote share.
  • Undecided: Around 8% of voters are still uncertain.

The CM face: Internal battles and favourites

The survey highlighted interesting dynamics regarding preferred chief minister candidates in each coalition:

Within the UDF:  

  • V.D. Satheesan: 29.5% support.
  • K.C. Venugopal: 28.2% support.
  • Shashi Tharoor: 23.4% support.

Within the LDF:

  • Pinarayi Vijayan: Leading with 38.2% support.
  • K.K. Shailaja: Following with 32.5% support.

When asked about potential political impact, K.C. Venugopal stands out as a strong favourite across communities, gaining 46.8% support as a potential CM compared to Pinarayi Vijayan’s 27.9%. Venugopal shows significant appeal among Christians (33.2%), Muslims (29.5%), and the youth (33.9%).

Public sentiment: Performance and development

Public dissatisfaction with the current LDF government seems high. Over 51% of respondents rated the government’s performance as either “Poor” or “Very Poor.” In contrast, only 34.5% rated it as “Good” or “Excellent.”

Regarding development trust, the UDF leads with 38.9% confidence, followed by the LDF at 27.8% and the NDA at 23.1%.

The NDA factor and regional comparisons

In the NDA camp, Rajeev Chandrasekhar is the clear favourite for the CM position, holding 52.1% support, well ahead of K. Surendran at 22.4%.

The survey also looked at national leaders, showing high approval ratings for Himanta Biswa Sarma (61.5% in Assam), M.K. Stalin (62.4% in Tamil Nadu), and Mamata Banerjee (58.6% in West Bengal), providing a snapshot of regional leadership across India.

ALSO READ | Delhi-NCR weather update: Rain and thunderstorms lash city; IMD issues travel advisory





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