Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule on Monday urged the government and the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to provide urgent repatriation support to 41 Indians from Maharashtra’s Bhokardan who are stranded in Riyadh after their flight to Mumbai was cancelled, news agency IANS reported. Sule, the NCP (SP) Working President and Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) from Baramati, said that 41 Indians from Bhokardan were stranded in Riyadh after Akasa Air abruptly cancelled their flight to Mumbai. She also listed all the passenger names. “41 Indian citizens from Bhokardan, Maharashtra, are currently stranded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after their Akasa Air flight from Riyadh to Mumbai was suddenly cancelled,” Sule said in a post on X, while sharing all the names. She requested the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to extend “urgent assistance and facilitate their return to India at the earliest”. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh responded promptly, saying it is coordinating with Akasa Air and will extend all required assistance to facilitate the passengers’ return. “We are checking with the Akasa Air, Madam. We will extend all support needed,” it said in a statement. 41 Indian citizens from Bhokardan, Maharashtra are currently stranded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia after their @AkasaAir flight from Riyadh to Mumbai was suddenly cancelled.Sharing the list of affected passengers below:1) MRS AFREEN BEGUM SHEIKH NISAR SHEIKH2) MR SHAIKH TALEB… — Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) April 6, 2026 Akasa Air suspends flights to Riyadh, Doha, and Kuwait Earlier on Sunday, Akasa Air suspended operations to Riyadh, Doha, and Kuwait until April 12, 2026, as part of ongoing safety reviews tied to the West Asia situation. The airline has offered a waiver on cancellation and rescheduling fees to affected passengers. In a statement, the airline said, “Flights to/from Doha, Riyadh and Kuwait are suspended until April 12, 2026. We continue to monitor and assess the situation with respect to these destinations on a real-time basis, and changes, if any, to the flight status for such destinations will be notified accordingly.” “Akasa Air has extended its cancellation/rescheduling charges waiver policy for passengers booked to or from these cities until April 12, 2026. Passengers may opt for a full refund, credited to the original source of payment within 7 days, or reschedule their travel at no additional cost. If your booking was made through a travel partner, please check directly with them for assistance,” it added. (With IANS inputs)
06 April,2026 12:23 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentCongress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said the philosophy of his party is that of the celebrated musician Zubeen Garg, who worked his entire life to unite Assam. Addressing election rallies, he alleged that Himanta Biswa Sarma is the “most corrupt CM” in India, and action will be taken against him after the Congress forms a government in the state. “Zubeen Garg worked his entire life to unite people of Assam; he never misbehaved with anyone. The Congress philosophy is also like that, to spread love against hatred,” Gandhi said. 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
06 April,2026 11:25 AM IST | Golaghat | AgenciesTwo men, allegedly the main perpetrators of the blast outside Punjab BJP headquarters here, have been arrested, Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Sunday. They were arrested in Haryana’s Rewari on Saturday night, he said. “They are Gurtej Singh and Amanpreet Singh. Both are residents of village Ratangarh under Morinda Police Station in Punjab's Rupar,” the police chief said at a press conference here. On April 1, around 5 pm, a blast occurred outside the BJP’s state headquarters in Chandigarh's Sector 37. The explosion shattered the windowpanes of cars and dealt damage to a scooter parked. 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
06 April,2026 11:24 AM IST | Chandigarh | AgenciesThe Congress on Sunday alleged that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma possesses passports of three countries — UAE, Antigua and Barbuda, and Egypt — and that he concealed information about her properties, but the BJP leader “categorically rejected” the claims as “malicious” and “fabricated” and vowed to take legal action “within 48 hours”. The three passports of UAE , Antigua and Barbuda, and Egypt, allegedly in the name of Riniki Bhuyan Sharma. PIC/X/@hai_mahmoodul Targeting Sarma as the campaign peaks for the April 9 election in Assam, Congress’ media and publicity department head Pawan Khera showed, at a press conference, purported documents to support the allegations. Congress leader Pawan Khera. FILE PIC Hitting back at Khera, Sarma said that as Assam moves decisively towards a historic mandate, such desperate and baseless attacks only expose the Congress’ sinking ground. “These are malicious, fabricated, and politically motivated lies aimed at misleading the people of Assam,” the Assam Chief Minister said. 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
06 April,2026 11:22 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesA 36-year-old woman, who went trekking at Tadiandamol hills in Kodagu district, has gone missing inside the forest. Additional personnel and drone cameras have been deployed to search for her, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre said on Sunday. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, expressing concern about the young woman's disappearance, instructed that search operations be intensified. 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
06 April,2026 11:20 AM IST | Bengaluru | AgenciesIn view of the prevailing situation in the Middle East, Akasa Air announced that it will continue operating flights between Jeddah and Indian cities, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kochi, and Kozhikode, as per the airline's ongoing safety assessment. The carrier further stated that it is progressively evaluating the resumption of flights from and to Abu Dhabi. In a post on X, Akasa Air wrote on Sunday, "Following our ongoing safety assessment and a review of the prevailing situation in the Middle East, we continue to operate flights to/from Jeddah and Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kochi and Kozhikode. Further, we continue to progressively evaluate resumption of flights to/from Abu Dhabi." The airline urged the passengers to visit the official website akasaair.com or use their Akasa Air Android and iOS application for flight details and booking. Akasa Air clarified that operations are being conducted based on the prevailing situation and ongoing safety assessments, and schedules may be subject to change. The airline also noted that flights to and from Doha, Riyadh and Kuwait will remain suspended until April 12. Further, the airline assured that it is monitoring the situation in real-time to ensure smooth operations to affected destinations. "We continue to monitor and assess the situation with respect to these destinations on a real-time basis, and changes, if any, to the flight status for such destinations will be notified accordingly," it said. In addition, Akasa Air has extended its waiver of cancellation and rescheduling charges for passengers booked to or from these cities until April 12, allowing full refunds or free rescheduling. "Akasa Air has extended its cancellation/rescheduling charges waiver policy for passengers booked to or from these cities until April 12, 2026. Passengers may opt for a full refund, credited to the original source of payment within 7 days, or reschedule their travel at no additional cost. If your booking was made through a travel partner, please check directly with them for assistance," the airline added. Akasa Air also urged the passengers to check their flight status at bit.ly/qpfltsts before proceeding to the airport. "For further assistance, please contact our 24x7 Akasa Care Centre at +91 9606112131," the post noted. Reiterating its commitment to safety, Akasa Air emphasised that the well-being of passengers and crew remains its top priority. "We thank you for your patience and appreciate your understanding during this time," the airline stated. 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.
06 April,2026 10:55 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall in the hilly regions of Virudhunagar, Theni and Dindigul districts on Monday, even as large parts of northern Tamil Nadu are expected to remain dry. According to an official statement, isolated places across southern Tamil Nadu and districts along the Western Ghats are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. The alert is particularly focused on the higher-altitude areas of Virudhunagar, Theni, and Dindigul, where heavy rainfall is expected at one or two locations during the day. In contrast, northern Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, as well as the union territory of Puducherry, are likely to experience predominantly dry weather. The IMD has indicated that no significant rainfall activity is expected in these regions for the day. Weather officials have also predicted a gradual rise in maximum temperatures across parts of northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Daytime temperatures in these areas are likely to increase by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the next 24 hours. However, there is no major change expected in maximum temperatures across southern Tamil Nadu, where conditions are likely to remain relatively stable. In Chennai, the sky is expected to remain partly cloudy through the day. The maximum temperature is likely to hover between 37 degrees and 38 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to be around 27 degrees to 28 degrees. The prevailing conditions suggest a warm and humid day for the city’s residents. Despite the rainfall forecast in southern districts, the IMD has not issued any specific warning for fishermen along the Tamil Nadu coast, indicating relatively safe conditions over the sea for routine fishing activities. Authorities have advised residents in the hilly regions to remain cautious, particularly in areas prone to waterlogging or sudden weather changes. Commuters and travellers heading towards the Western Ghats districts are also advised to stay updated with local weather advisories. The IMD continues to monitor the evolving weather patterns and is expected to issue updates as required. 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.
06 April,2026 10:54 AM IST | Chennai | IANSThe process of filing nominations for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is set to conclude on Monday, with the Election Commission of India (ECI) reporting a total of 3,430 nominations received across the state so far. The final day is likely to witness a surge in high-profile candidates filing their papers, adding further momentum to the electoral contest. According to official data released by the Election Commission, a majority of nominations have been filed by male candidates, accounting for 2,731 entries. Women candidates have submitted 698 nominations, reflecting a modest but notable participation. In addition, one nomination has been filed by a third-gender candidate from the Villivakkam constituency, marking a small yet significant step towards inclusive electoral representation. Among the constituencies, Karur has recorded the highest number of nominations, with as many as 84 candidates entering the fray. The constituency has drawn heightened attention due to the presence of prominent contenders, including former AIADMK Minister M.R. Vijayabhaskar. A large number of Independent candidates have also filed nominations here, contributing to the unusually high count. In contrast, Madurai South has witnessed the lowest level of activity, with only three nominations filed so far. The stark difference highlights the varying intensity of electoral competition across constituencies in the state. The final day of nominations is likely to see several senior leaders formally entering the race. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami is scheduled to file his nomination, along with former Ministers K.P. Munusamy, S.P. Velumani, and Dindigul C. Srinivasan. From the BJP, state President Nainar Nagenthran, Union Minister of State L. Murugan, former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, and BJP Mahila Morcha national president Vanathi Srinivasan are also expected to submit their nominations. With the nomination phase drawing to a close, the focus will soon shift to scrutiny and withdrawals, setting the stage for an intense and closely watched electoral battle in Tamil Nadu. 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.
06 April,2026 10:54 AM IST | Chennai (Tamil Nadu) | IANSCalling the DMK’s election manifesto the “superstar of the 2026 polls,” Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday asserted that while anyone can give promises, the public only trusts those made by his party. Addressing a public meeting of the Secular Progressive Alliance here, he said, “From age six to 60, from women to men, from youth to the elderly — everyone likes the DMK election manifesto. There cannot be anyone who dislikes it.” “I introduced this as the superstar of the 2026 electoral field,” Stalin told the crowd here, noting that its appeal spans all demographics. Stalin detailed several “superstar” highlights, most notably the ‘Illatharasi’ (Homemaker) scheme. 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
06 April,2026 08:38 AM IST | Chennai | AgenciesThe body of a 17-year-old "married" girl, who had been missing for the last three days, was recovered from a well in Maharashtra's Beed district on Sunday, police said. As reported by news agency PTI, the deceased's body was found in Dharur tehsil. Police, while briefing about the unfortunate incident, said that the girl was apparently married a year ago to a youth from a village in Wadwani tehsil. According to PTI sources, she lived with her in-laws for the first six months of her marriage before returning to her parents' home in Kasari. The reason for her prolonged stay there was not immediately clear. She went missing three days ago, prompting her father to file a missing person's report with the Dharur police. An official, while citing preliminary investigations, said that the girl was 17 years and 10 months old at the time of her death. This implies that she was 16 when she was "married" off a year ago, as per PTI. If the probe confirms her wedding, a criminal case will be registered against both her parents and in-laws under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, the official further added. He also highlighted, "The body has been shifted to Swami Ramanand Teerth Rural Government Medical College and Hospital in Ambajogai for a detailed forensic analysis to determine the exact cause of death," as per PTI. Beed: 9-year-old girl dies in accidental strangulation while playing In a different scenario on March 31, a nine-year-old girl died after she allegedly got entangled in a swing and was strangled at her house in Maharashtra's Beed district, her family said. As per PTI, the incident occurred in Majalgaon town around 11 am when the victim, Vrinda Sameer Rudrawar, was playing on the top floor of her house, they said. Vrinda was standing on a chair trying to reach the swing when the chair suddenly slipped from under her. In the ensuing fall, the rope of the swing coiled around her neck, strangling her, sources in the family said. The tragedy came to light when the mother came to check on the girl and found her suspended by the rope. The child was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival, they said. (With inputs from PTI)
05 April,2026 10:25 PM IST | Beed | mid-day online correspondentThe All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Sunday announced its candidate for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly by-elections in the Baramati constituency. While issuing an official statement, Congress has named Advocate Akash Vishwanath More as the party’s nominee from the constituency. The official statement from AICC highlighted that Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge has approved More’s candidature for the by-election to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from the 201-Baramati seat. The announcement, issued under the signature of K. C. Venugopal, General Secretary of the AICC, confirms the party’s decision as part of its strategy for the crucial by-elections in the state. Congress nominates fresh face for Baramati by-election Baramati in Maharashtra is considered to be one of Maharashtra’s most politically significant constituencies with a history of high-profile electoral contests. The Congress’ decision to field a relatively fresh face in More signals an attempt to strengthen its position in the region. The by-election comes at a time when political parties are recalibrating their strategies ahead of future electoral battles in the state. Further details regarding campaign schedules and party outreach programmes are expected to be announced in the coming days. Harshwardhan Sapkal on Congress fielding their candidate for the Baramati by-polls. Earlier on Saturday, state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said the party has got approval from its high command to contest the Assembly by-polls. Speaking to the media, he said the Congress will first hold discussions with its MVA allies before taking a final call. Poll schedule The by-elections were necessitated following the deaths of Ajit Pawar, who represented Baramati, and Shivajirao Kardile, the sitting MLA from Rahuri. As per the schedule announced by the Election Commission, voting for both constituencies will be held on April 23, while the counting of votes is set for May 4. BJP looking for unopposed election Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had last month said that ideally, the upcoming by-elections to the Baramati and Rahuri Assembly seats should go unopposed, but added that the government is fully prepared in case voting takes place. Candidates in the fray Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, wife of late Ajit Pawar, will file her nomination papers from Baramati, while the BJP has fielded Akshay Kardile, son of late MLA Shivajirao, for the Rahuri by-election.
05 April,2026 09:14 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1775452779752_d.png "The airline also noted that flights to and from Doha, Riyadh and Kuwait will remain suspended until April 12. File Pic")
-1775452277491_d.png "Representational Image. File Pic")
-1775451778014_d.png "Representational image")
-1775403846030_d.png "Congress fields Akash More as their candidate for Baramati by-polls")