On the night of April 3, 2026, tremors from a 5.9 magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan were felt across Delhi-NCR and parts of North India. The earthquake struck at a depth of 177 km, with its epicenter located in the Hindu Kush mountain range, approximately 150 km east of Kunduz, Afghanistan.

Residents in Delhi-NCR reported feeling mild tremors, leading many to rush out of their homes for safety. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage in the region. This incident marks the second instance of tremors being felt in the area in 2026.

The earthquake in Afghanistan resulted in significant devastation, with eight fatalities reported due to a house collapse in Kabul province, which also injured a child. The tremors extended beyond India, affecting parts of Pakistan, including Islamabad and Peshawar.

Afghanistan is known for its seismic activity, with an average of 560 fatalities each year attributed to earthquakes. The country has faced multiple significant earthquakes in recent years, raising concerns about the safety of its infrastructure and residents.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further impacts of the tremors felt in Delhi-NCR. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and residents are advised to stay alert for any updates.

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The Noida International Airport has opened in Jewar after years of delays, heralding a new era for infrastructure development in the National Capital Region (NCR). This landmark project is expected to unlock a wave of growth, particularly benefiting various districts of Western Uttar Pradesh, including Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Ghaziabad, Etawah, and Faridabad.

With an initial passenger handling capacity of 12 million per annum, the airport is designed for scalability, allowing it to accommodate up to 70 million passengers annually upon full development. The first phase of the airport has been developed at a total investment of approximately ₹11,200 crore under a Public-Private Partnership model.

The launch of the Noida International Airport is seen as a transformative trigger for investment and infrastructure in the NCR. Anshuman Magazine, a prominent industry figure, stated, “The Jewar Airport is a landmark infrastructure project, not just for the NCR but for India’s broader economic geography.”

Yash Miglani, another industry expert, emphasized the airport’s potential, saying, “The launch of Noida International Airport is a defining moment for this region and will unlock tremendous potential for growth in terms of commercial and retail developments.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also highlighted the significance of the airport, remarking, “Airports are not just basic facilities in any country, they give wings to progress.” This sentiment underscores the broader implications of the airport for regional development.

As one of the largest greenfield airport projects in India, the Noida International Airport is expected to facilitate not only air travel but also spur economic activities in the surrounding areas. Sanjay Sharma noted, “With the launch of the Noida International Airport, the region is poised to enter a new era of planned urban development with the backing of world-class infrastructure.”

Despite the excitement surrounding the airport’s opening, details remain unconfirmed regarding the full impact on local economies and the timeline for subsequent phases of development. The airport has faced years of missed deadlines before its opening, raising questions about future operational efficiency and growth.

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Delhi NCR has recently experienced gusty winds and rain, bringing much-needed relief from rising temperatures. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a wet spell in the region from March 19 to March 21, with conditions expected to stabilize from March 22 onwards.

In addition to Delhi NCR, other regions in Southern India are also preparing for significant weather changes. Hyderabad is expected to see a generally cloudy sky with moderate rain, with temperatures ranging from a low of 20°C to a high of 35°C. Meanwhile, Amaravati is forecasted to have a similar cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers, with temperatures between 24°C and 34°C.

Bengaluru is predicted to have a partly cloudy sky with occasional rain or thundershowers, with temperatures varying from a low of 21°C to a high of 33°C. Thiruvananthapuram, too, is likely to experience a partly cloudy sky with possible rain or thunderstorms, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C.

Kerala is under a fresh weather advisory from the IMD, predicting widespread light to moderate rainfall. A green alert has been issued for all 14 districts of Kerala, indicating that light rain is very likely. Gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h are expected in the northern and central districts of the state.

Residents in Kerala are advised to take precautions against potential hazards such as lightning and falling trees or power lines. The IMD’s proactive measures aim to ensure public safety during this wet spell.

As the weather continues to evolve, observers are closely monitoring the situation, particularly in Kerala where the green alert has raised awareness among residents. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timing and intensity of the rainfall across various regions.

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In a notable development, the demand for piped natural gas (PNG) is surging in the National Capital Region (NCR) of India, primarily due to growing concerns over the availability of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) has reported a significant increase in app registrations and new PNG connections as consumers seek alternatives amid the ongoing supply issues.

As the situation unfolds, IGL is actively scaling up its installation capacity to accommodate the rising demand for piped natural gas. The company’s efforts are aligned with the Indian government’s push to encourage a transition from LPG to PNG, which is seen as a more stable and accessible energy source.

The urgency of this shift has been underscored by the Centre’s directive to state governments to expedite approvals for piped gas projects. This move aims to facilitate quicker access to PNG infrastructure, which is crucial as the war in the Middle East has severely impacted India’s LPG supply, blocking nearly 60% of its imports.

In response to the increasing interest in PNG, companies like IGL and Mahanagar Gas Limited are also introducing incentives for customers who register for new connections before the end of March. This initiative is expected to further boost the adoption of piped natural gas in the region.

Despite these efforts, it is important to note that not all areas in India currently have access to PNG pipelines. The government is promoting the use of alternative cooking methods to address the ongoing LPG supply issues, indicating a broader strategy to ensure energy security.

Initial reactions from consumers have been positive, with many expressing relief at the availability of a reliable alternative to LPG. As the situation develops, stakeholders are closely monitoring the impact of these changes on the energy landscape in India.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline for the expansion of PNG infrastructure across all regions. However, the proactive measures being taken by IGL and the government signal a commitment to enhancing energy access for consumers.

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Previously, the weather in Faridabad and the surrounding regions was characterized by warm temperatures, with expectations of a typical pre-monsoon season. Residents were enjoying relatively stable weather patterns, with maximum temperatures hovering around 32–34°C and minimums between 17–19°C.

However, a decisive shift occurred as a powerful pre-monsoon storm began sweeping across northern India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued formal alerts for rain, thunderstorms, and lightning, indicating a significant change in weather conditions.

As of March 18, the IMD has warned of light to moderate rainfall, with gusty winds expected to reach speeds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour across the entire Delhi and NCR region. Heavy rain and potential hailstorms are anticipated between 5 pm and 7 pm, prompting concerns among residents.

In response to the impending storm, residents have been advised to stay indoors and avoid open spaces during periods of lightning activity. This precautionary measure highlights the potential dangers associated with the storm, including strong winds and sudden weather changes.

The IMD has also issued a yellow alert for the NCR region, indicating that residents should remain vigilant. Strong winds with speeds of 20–30 km/h are expected during the evenings and nights, further complicating the weather situation.

Experts note that this storm is part of a broader pattern affecting northern India, with unsettled weather also impacting the western Himalayan regions, where snowfall is reported at higher altitudes.

As the storm progresses, the immediate effects are being felt by residents who are adjusting their plans and activities in light of the severe weather warnings. The shift from warm and stable conditions to a powerful storm serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of weather patterns in the region.

Overall, the current weather situation in Faridabad reflects a significant departure from the prior expectations of a calm pre-monsoon season, underscoring the importance of staying informed and prepared for sudden weather changes.

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