A 30-year-old woman pursuing her PhD allegedly died by suicide at her residence in Pune, police said on Monday. The incident took place on Saturday at her home in Chinchwad, where she was found to have hanged herself, reported PTI. According to Bhosari MIDC police, the woman left behind a note in which she accused her research guide of inappropriate behaviour and harassment. Based on these allegations, authorities began an investigation into the matter. The accused, an assistant director at the Botanical Survey of India office in Koregaon Park, has been arrested. Police have registered a case of abetment of suicide against him. An official from the Bhosari MIDC police station confirmed the development, saying, “We have registered a case against the accused for abetment of suicide and he has been arrested.” The woman had completed her Master’s degree in Botany and had been pursuing her PhD since August 2025 under the guidance of the accused. Police said further investigation is underway. Gym trainer found dead in Bengaluru, family alleges harassment and blackmail by women A 27-year-old gym trainer was found dead at his home in Nelamangala on the outskirts of Bengaluru, police said on Monday. The man allegedly died by hanging on Saturday night, reported PTI. The incident came to light after a woman sent a message to the victim's sister informing her about his decision to take the extreme step. Family members then rushed to the house, broke open the room door, and found him hanging from a ceiling fan. He was a bodybuilder who had won several competitions and worked as a fitness trainer at a gym. According to police, he had known a 42-year-old married woman for about two years after meeting her at the gym where she trained. Over time, their friendship turned into a personal relationship. Before his death,he allegedly made a video call to the woman and told her about his decision. His family has accused the woman of blackmailing him for money and property. They claimed that after their relationship became intimate, the matter had earlier reached the police and was settled mutually in the presence of the woman’s husband. However, they allege that the harassment continued even after that, reported the news agency. Family members said the continued pressure led to his death and have demanded strict action. Police confirmed that a case has been taken up and the matter is under investigation. “The matter is being investigated… and all the allegations are being looked into,” officials said. The Nelamangala Town Police are examining all aspects of the case to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. (With PTI Inputs)
13 April,2026 03:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSamajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday blamed the BJP government's "one-sided policies" for the violent protests by workers in Noida, alleging the regime favours capitalists while neglecting salaried employees and labourers. Reacting to the violence through a post on X, Yadav said the agitation over wage hike had turned aggressive due to policies that "nurture capitalists but exploit workers". He alleged that while funds continue to flow towards "donor capitalists", workers are deprived of fair wages. "In times of rising inflation, it is extremely difficult for a family to survive on low wages. Only someone running a household can understand this," he said, adding that salaried employees no longer want the BJP. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also shared a video clip of incidents of arson and vandalism during the protests. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai also slammed the government over the handling of the situation, saying visuals from outside the Motherson company in Noida were "disturbing". "When inflation is breaking people's backs and workers are being exploited in the name of wages, the youth will be forced to come out on the streets," Rai said in a post on X. "Advertisements cannot fill empty stomachs. Tear gas shells cannot answer hunger. Stop ignoring the legitimate demands of workers and find a solution instead of resorting to repression," he added, addressing Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna and ADG (Law and order) Amitabh Yash monitored the situation in Noida from the control room at the police headquarters in Lucknow, according to an official statement. The opposition reactions came amid unrest in Noida where protests by factory workers demanding a salary hike turned violent in several areas, including Phase-2, Sector 60, Sector 62 and Sector 84 on Monday. Workers from multiple industrial units gathered to press for long-pending wage revision demands, but the demonstrations escalated into incidents of stone-pelting, arson and vandalism, with vehicles set ablaze and property damaged. Police said heavy deployment has been made across industrial zones under the Gautam Buddh Nagar Commissionerate and senior officials are monitoring the situation on the ground. Authorities maintained that the situation is under control and efforts are underway to restore normalcy, while urging people not to pay heed to rumours. The district administration had earlier held meetings with factory owners and stakeholders to address workers' concerns and announced measures including double overtime wages, weekly offs and bonuses as per rules. According to an official statement in Lucknow on Sunday evening, the UP government has announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening labour welfare, including mandatory double overtime pay, timely wages for workers in Gautam Buddh Nagar. Under the directives of Adityanath, the Gautam Buddh Nagar administration has implemented strict rules for industrial units, positioning the district as a model for labour reforms in the state, it said. District Magistrate Medha Roopam held meetings with representatives of industrial units and issued key directives to safeguard workers' rights. According to the new guidelines, payment for overtime work has been made mandatory at double the regular rate, with no scope for deductions. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 April,2026 03:00 PM IST | Lucknow | PTIThe Supreme Court on Monday declined to quash the CBI FIR in the alleged land-for-jobs case involving Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members, reported the PTI. A bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh granted the 77-year-old former Bihar chief minister exemption from appearing before the trial court during the proceedings, the news agency reported. The top court permitted Yadav to raise the issue of applicability of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act during the trial. Yadav has argued that the investigation, FIR and subsequent chargesheets are invalid due to the absence of prior sanction required under this provision, according to the PTI. Delhi High Court’s earlier ruling The Delhi High Court had earlier, on March 24, refused to quash the FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The High Court rejected Yadav’s claim that the case lacked legal basis without prior approval under Section 17A of the anti-corruption law. While filing the petition in the Delhi High Court, Lalu Yadav has sought the quashing of the FIR as well as the three chargesheets filed in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and the consequential orders of cognisance, the news agency had earlier reported. In his petition, he contended that the enquiry, FIR, as well as the investigation and subsequent chargesheets in the matter, were legally unsustainable in the absence of the prior sanction taken by CBI, as is mandatory under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, as per the PTI. The case The land-for-jobs case is related to Group D appointments made in the West Central Zone of the Indian Railways in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, during Yadav's tenure as the railways minister between 2004 and 2009, allegedly in return for land parcels gifted or transferred by the recruits in the name of his family members or associates, officials had earlier said. Yadav had contended that the inquiry, FIR, as well as the investigation and subsequent chargesheets in the matter, were legally unsustainable in the absence of prior sanction taken by the CBI under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act. (with PTI inputs)
13 April,2026 02:30 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentTraffic movement between Delhi and Noida was severely affected on Monday after a workers’ protest in Gautam Buddha Nagar district escalated into violence, reported the IANS. According to the Delhi Traffic Police, heavy congestion was reported along the Noida Link Road as protesters blocked routes near the Chilla Border, disrupting vehicles travelling from Delhi towards Noida. The police issued a traffic advisory urging commuters to avoid the affected stretch and plan their journeys in advance. Motorists heading towards Noida were advised to use alternative routes such as the DND Flyway via Sarai Kale Khan or the NH-24 route through Kondli Bridge, entering Noida via Noida Mod, as per the IANS. Protest escalates across industrial areas According to the IANS, the disruption coincided with rising tensions in Noida, where a workers’ protest in Phase 2 turned violent. Thousands of workers from private factories had been staging a sit-in protest for three days, demanding better wages and improved working conditions. On Monday, large groups moved onto roads across several industrial sectors, leading to widespread disruption. In Sector 62, heavy gatherings worsened traffic congestion already caused by road blockades. Workers demands Speaking to IANS, several workers shared their grievances, highlighting the growing gap between wages and living expenses. A protester said that despite working for five years in the same company, his monthly salary remains around Rs 12,000. “When we ask for a raise, we are threatened and told to leave the job,” he claimed. Another worker pointed to the rising cost of living, questioning how low-income earners are expected to survive. “Those earning Rs 50,000 buy cooking oil at Rs 200 per kg, and we also have to buy it at the same rate. Is there a separate market for us?” he said, adding that nearly Rs 5,000 is spent on room rent alone. “Our salaries should be increased,” he demanded. Workers also expressed concern over steadily rising housing costs. “Every year, the rent increases for the rooms, but our salaries do not. How are we supposed to pay?” one protester asked, adding that managing expenses like rent, ration and children’s education has become increasingly difficult. Many workers demanded a minimum monthly salary of Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 to sustain their households. A female worker told IANS that her base salary is Rs 12,000, which increases to Rs 14,000–15,000 only after overtime. “Even then, it is not enough to sustain. Our salary should be at least Rs 20,000–25,000,” she said. Police deployment to restore order Police forces were deployed in large numbers to manage the situation and prevent further escalation. Authorities are working to restore normal traffic flow and ensure the safety of commuters and nearby industrial units, as per the IANS. The unrest comes despite recent assurances by district authorities. Officials had earlier met representatives of companies and workers to address key concerns. District Magistrate Medha Roopam announced several measures, including double wages for overtime, weekly day off for workers, double pay for work on rest days, timely salary payments by the 10th of each month and mandatory salary slips and no unauthorised deductions. A dedicated control room has also been set up to handle workers’ grievances. Authorities have appealed to protesters to remain peaceful and cooperate in maintaining law and order. (with IANS inputs)
13 April,2026 02:01 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAmid the concerns around the global oil and LPG crisis, two supertankers carrying Iranian crude have arrived at Indian ports on both the east and west coasts. This marked the first such deliveries in nearly seven years, according to ship-tracking data. Felicity, a very large crude carrier operated by the National Iranian Tanker Company, anchored off Sikka on Gujarat's coast late Sunday, carrying about 2 million barrels loaded at Kharg Island in mid-March, as per PTI. However, the buyers of the cargoes reaching Indian coasts have not been formally disclosed. A second tanker named Jaya was moored near Paradip on Odisha's coast around the same time. As per the reports, the tanker is transporting a similar volume of crude, lifted from Kharg Island in late February, before the US and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, followed by Tehran's retaliation. Furthermore, the shipments are the first Iranian crude cargoes to reach Indian shores in nearly seven years, following a sanctions waiver issued by the United States last month. US-Iran peace talk failure disrupts global supply chain The one-month exemption permitted the sale of Iranian oil already in transit, aimed at easing global supply disruptions and containing prices. However, after peace talks collapsed over the weekend, Washington announced a blockade of Iranian ports, seeking to curb Tehran's oil export revenues. Paradip Port is primarily operated by Indian Oil Corporation, which has confirmed purchasing at least one Iranian shipment under the waiver. Sikka, meanwhile, is a key crude handling hub for Reliance Industries and Bharat Petroleum Corporation, both of which maintain infrastructure in the region, as per PTI. Late last month, the tanker Ping Shun, carrying about 600,000 barrels of Iranian crude, was initially bound for Vadinar in Gujarat but diverted to China mid-voyage due to payment issues. Had it reached Vadinar, oil on Ping Shun would have been the first Iranian barrels to reach Indian shores in seven years. Iran's and India’s oil trade history Historically, India was a major buyer of Iranian crude, importing significant volumes of Iranian light and heavy grades due to strong refinery compatibility and favourable commercial terms. Following sanctions tightening in 2018, imports ceased from May 2019, with volumes replaced by Middle Eastern, US and other grades. At its peak, Iranian crude accounted for 11.5 per cent of India's total imports, as per PTI. Earlier, before the sanctions were imposed, India used to buy 518,000 barrels per day of Iranian oil in 2018, which slowed to 268,000 bpd between January and May 2019, when the US granted waivers to a few buyers. There have been no imports since. (With inputs from PTI)
13 April,2026 01:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Monday said that India is on the verge of taking one of the most important decisions of the 21st century, bringing in a legislation focused on women’s reservation. Speaking at the Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, he described the move as a historic step dedicated to “Nari Shakti,” or women’s power, news agency ANI reported. The national-level gathering was organised to build support for implementing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Several women leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Minister Annpurna Devi, were present at the event. PM Modi emphasised that the decision would not only empower women but also strengthen the country’s governance system by making social justice a natural part of decision-making. Ending decades of waiting PM Modi highlighted that the idea of reserving seats for women in legislative bodies has been discussed for nearly four decades. According to him, all political parties and multiple generations have contributed to this conversation over time. “The need to provide reservations for women in democratic structures has been felt by everyone for decades,” he said, underlining the long-standing consensus on the issue. He added that the country has now reached a point where this long-pending demand can finally be fulfilled, as per the news agency. A vision for an egalitarian India In his address, PM Modi said the proposed step would help create a more equal society where social justice is not just a slogan but a lived reality, ANI reported. "Our country's Parliament is close to creating a new history. A new history that will realise the visions of the past, that will fulfill the resolutions of the future. A resolve for an India that is egalitarian, where social justice is not merely a slogan, but a natural part of our work culture, our decision-making process," he said, stressing that the move would turn past visions into reality while shaping a better future. Discussion in Parliament and 2029 target PM Modi announced that a detailed discussion on the Women’s Empowerment Act will begin in Parliament from April 16. He also mentioned that there has been a broad agreement to implement the legislation by 2029, ANI reported. "There was also a unanimous demand that it (Women's Empowerment Act) should be implemented by 2029 at any cost... We are keeping the 2029 deadline in mind, a comprehensive discussion on this is going to take place in Parliament from April 16th. It is our endeavour and our desire that this work be done with mutual cooperation and participation, this time too... With everyone's collective efforts, the dignity of the entire House will reach new heights," he said. PM Modi expressed hope that all political parties would work together beyond politics to pass the legislation, ensuring greater dignity for Parliament and satisfaction for women across the country. He concluded by expressing confidence that collective efforts would make this initiative successful and meaningful for women nationwide. (With ANI Inputs)
13 April,2026 01:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe government has proposed a softer set of Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms for the 2027–2032 period, offering relief to the domestic auto industry, NDTV Profit reported. According to a revised draft prepared by the Ministry of Power in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), the government has moved away from a rigid target framework in favour of a phased tightening approach. The proposal includes a flatter compliance curve, reducing the advantage previously enjoyed by heavier vehicles. Known as CAFE 2027, the draft represents the third stage of India’s fleet-level fuel economy road map, aimed at aligning the automobile sector with the country’s broader climate and energy goals. The norms are set to take effect from April 1, 2027, and will tighten progressively through FY32, the report said. The report added that the revised framework marks a notable softening from the September 2025 draft. The emission curve has been re-calibrated with a new slope formula — set at 0.00158 in FY28 and easing to 0.00131 by FY32 — allowing slightly higher fuel consumption than previously proposed. The draft also includes super credits for electric and hybrid vehicles, allowing them to count as multiple vehicles when calculating fleet-level emissions. Plug-in hybrids and flex-fuel hybrids are expected to receive higher multipliers under the proposed framework. Credit trading between manufacturers has also been permitted, providing carmakers additional flexibility in managing compliance obligations. However, penalties for non-compliance could run into hundreds of crores of rupees for large manufacturers, making the EV and hybrid credit mechanism a significant financial lever for the industry, the report said. Additionally, niche manufacturers producing fewer than 1,000 units annually have been exempted from compliance requirements, offering relief to small-volume players. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 April,2026 01:23 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSA protest by workers in Phase 2 of Noida's Gautam Buddha Nagar escalated into violence on Monday, as demonstrators demanding a salary hike clashed with authorities and vandalised property outside a private company, news agency IANS reported. The agitation, which had been ongoing for the past three days in the form of a sit-in protest, intensified as thousands of workers took to the streets across multiple industrial sectors. Furthermore, the situation turned volatile in Sector 1, Block 84, where some protesters reportedly set vehicles on fire, reported IANS. Initial reports confirmed that at least two vehicles were completely gutted in the incident. Uttar Pradesh: Protesters resort to stone-pelting in Noida While the protest was peaceful in the beginning, eyewitnesses highlighted that incidents of stone-pelting also occurred during the agitation, damaging several vehicles and company properties. One vehicle was reportedly torched during the protest. Additionally, unrest was reported from Sector 62, where large gatherings of workers caused significant traffic congestion, disrupting normal movement in the area. While the situation did become hostile, the authorities managed to control the violence by deploying a large police force. Officers said they are working to prevent further damage to property and to maintain law and order in the area. The unrest comes despite recent assurances by the district administration. On Sunday, officials from the administration, police, and industrial authorities held a series of meetings with representatives of various companies and workers, promising steps to address key demands, IANS reported. Medha Roopam, the district magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar, stated that several directives had already been issued following discussions with industrial units. She stated that workers would be paid double wages for overtime and would be entitled to a weekly day off. In cases where employees are required to work on their designated weekly rest day, they would receive double compensation for that day as well. Administration mandates bonuses The administration has also mandated that all workers must receive bonuses in accordance with established rules, and these payments should be credited directly to their bank accounts within the stipulated timeframe. In a broader move aimed at improving labour conditions, the district administration has introduced new guidelines applicable across Gautam Buddha Nagar. Under these rules, all companies and industrial units are required to pay wages by the 10th of every month. Overtime compensation at double the rate has been made compulsory, and any unauthorised salary deductions will attract punitive action. Employers have also been instructed to issue salary slips to all workers. Additionally, a dedicated control room has been set up to address workers’ grievances promptly. The district administration has urged workers to remain calm, avoid rumours, and cooperate with authorities to maintain peace and order in the region. (With inputs from IANS)
13 April,2026 12:28 PM IST | Noida | mid-day online correspondentWith the recovery of two more bodies on Sunday, the death toll in the boat capsize incident in the Yamuna river in Mathura has climbed to 13, officials said on Sunday. Search for three more missing persons is underway. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon when a boat carrying over two dozen tourists, primarily from Punjab, hit a floating drum of a pontoon bridge and capsized near Kesi Ghat in Vrindavan. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
13 April,2026 12:20 PM IST | Mathura | AgenciesSeven members of a pilgrim group from the Bharwad community were killed while several others suffered injuries after a speeding truck ran over them on the Lakhtar-Viramgam Highway in Gujarat's Surendranagar district in the early hours of Monday. The accident took place between Chharad and Bhaskarpara villages near Lakhtar around 1.20 am when a group of foot pilgrims, travelling from Gadhka village in Rajkot towards Viramgam for temple darshan and a flag-hoisting ritual, was hit from behind by a dumper truck. Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Monday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident. "The mishap in Surendranagar district, Gujarat, is deeply distressing. Heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured," the PM's office posted on X. The mishap in Surendranagar district, Gujarat, is deeply distressing. Heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 13, 2026 The victims belonged to the Mundhva family and were part of a larger group of around 700 devotees undertaking the pilgrimage. Seven people, including five women and two men, died on the spot. The deceased were identified as Masabhai Mundhva, Jaluben Mundhva, Raniben Lambariya and Vajiben Mundhva, among others. Gujarat accident: Truck was travelling at high speed and failed to slow down, say eyewitnesses At least four people were seriously injured and admitted to the hospital, while some accounts indicated that up to 10 to 12 pilgrims may have been affected. According to eyewitnesses, the truck was travelling at high speed and failed to slow down. One eyewitness said a vehicle was stationary on the roadside, possibly due to a tyre change, and the pilgrims were walking along the side when “another truck came without braking and ran over the people.” The impact was severe, leaving bodies scattered across the highway. A family member of the victims said, “We had a muhurat at 8 a.m. to hoist the flag, so we were walking even at night.” He added, “Around 1.20 a.m., the accident happened. Nine people were hit, and seven died. One was my elder uncle’s son, one was my sister, and two were our daughters-in-law.” Police and emergency services, including the 108 ambulance team, reached the spot soon after the incident and shifted the victims to the local government hospital for post-mortem and treatment. A case has been registered against the truck driver, who fled the scene, and further investigation is underway. Local MLA PK Parmar, who visited the site, said the group had set out after offering prayers and was heading towards Viramgam and later Mera village. The Lakhtar-Viramgam highway has witnessed a series of accidents in recent months, with locals highlighting concerns over speeding vehicles and road safety on the stretch. According to police, the accident occurred between 1:00 and 1:30 am when a religious group travelling from Rajkot to Bahucharaji met with the mishap. Superintendent of Police Vedika Bihani said six members of the group, including four women and two men, died in the collision. She added that another truck driver, who was present at the spot between halted vehicles, also died in the incident, taking the death toll to seven. Three to four people were injured in the accident and were taken to nearby hospitals in private vehicles, while the post-mortem process of the deceased is underway. The driver of the truck responsible for the accident fled from the spot, and efforts are underway to trace him. Further investigation into the incident is ongoing. (With IANS and ANI inputs)
13 April,2026 12:17 PM IST | Surendranagar | mid-day online correspondentCongress president Mallikarjun Kharge has conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that it would be “impossible” to have any useful discussion on the women’s quota law without details of delimitation and other aspects, and demanded that an all-party meeting be called on the matter after the first round of state polls. In his letter to PM Modi, Kharge said that calling Parliament’s special sitting amid state polls reinforces the belief that the government is hurrying the implementation of women’s reservation law for “political mileage”. Kharge’s letter came in response to a missives from the PM on the special sitting of Parliament for a discussion on the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
13 April,2026 12:16 PM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
-1776065458880_d.png "PM Modi addresses the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan', at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi. PIC/PTI")
-1776066574419_d.png "Government tweaks emission rules, boosts flexibility for automakers. Representational Image")
