Air India has recorded a significant financial setback, reporting an annual loss of more than Rs 22,000 crore for the financial year ending March 31, 2026. The loss is higher than earlier internal estimates, highlighting the challenges the airline faced throughout the year, reported IANS. The airline is currently in discussions with its key shareholders to secure additional funding. While the exact amount of capital infusion is not yet decided, reports suggest that the expected support may still fall short of what the airline needs. Fundraising talks with key shareholders The airline has approached its major stakeholders, including Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, for financial support. These talks come at a crucial time as Air India continues its transformation journey under Tata Group ownership. According to reports, the airline is exploring ways to stabilise its finances and continue operations smoothly despite mounting losses. The situation has been further complicated by leadership developments. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has announced plans to step down later this year, creating some uncertainty during a critical phase for the airline, as per the news agency. What affected the Airline's performance? A series of external factors played a major role in the airline’s poor performance. One of the key issues was the closure of Pakistani airspace for Indian carriers. This forced Air India to take longer routes to destinations in Europe and the United States, increasing fuel costs and travel time. Additionally, a tragic crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in June, which resulted in more than 240 deaths, had a severe impact on operations. The incident led to reduced services on both domestic and international routes. Global geopolitical tensions, especially in the Middle East, also affected the airline. The region accounts for about 16 per cent of Air India’s total capacity, and disruptions there impacted flight schedules and routes. Flights to Europe and North America were further affected, adding to operational difficulties at a time when jet fuel prices were already rising. The ripple effects of Air India's loss The airline’s financial struggles have also affected Singapore Airlines, which holds a 25.1 per cent stake in Air India following the merger with Vistara in 2024. Its earnings have reportedly been impacted due to Air India’s declining performance. Despite efforts to improve operations and restructure the airline, the current situation highlights the scale of challenges Air India faces. As one report noted, the airline is seeking fresh funds, but “the planned support may fall short of the airline’s overall requirements,” reported the news agency. The coming months will be crucial as the airline works to secure funding, manage leadership changes, and navigate ongoing global uncertainties. (With IANS Inputs)
15 April,2026 03:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA 19-year-old teenager has been arrested in Amravati district of Maharashtra for allegedly sexually exploiting at least 180 minor girls and recording hundreds of obscene videos, police said, reported the IANS. The accused, Mohammad Ayan, a resident of Paratwada in Amravati, has been remanded to seven days of police custody, officials said, adding that a detailed probe has been launched into the entire case, the news agency reported. Investigators said the accused allegedly targeted minor girls through a so-called 'love trap', luring them via social media platforms. He is accused of taking victims to cities including Mumbai and Pune, where objectionable videos were allegedly recorded, according to the IANS. Police said that these videos were then allegedly used to blackmail victims and force them into sexual crimes. Some of the content is also suspected to have been circulated online and a probe was underway to identify the origin of it, the news agency reported. SIT demand According to the IANS, the case gained attention after Anil Bonde submitted a memorandum to Superintendent of Police Vishal Anand, demanding strict action. Bonde had warned of protests if a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was not formed to probe the matter. Digital evidence and wider probe Police have seized the accused’s mobile phone, which reportedly contains several objectionable videos now under examination. The Cyber Cell was analysing whether the material was shared with others or circulated through a wider criminal network, reported the IANS. Four additional suspects have also been detained for further investigations in the case. Public outrage and protests The case reportedly sparked widespread anger in Paratwada and nearby areas, with protests breaking out across the region. A complete shutdown was observed in the town, while heavy police deployment was put in place to maintain order. Protests also spread to Achalpur following reports of online circulation of the videos, as per the IANS. Action against encroachments Meanwhile, the civic authorities have taken action against alleged encroachments linked to the accused. In the presence of Pravin Tayade, illegal structures associated with the accused were demolished. Officials said that the additional portions of his property have been identified as encroachments, and a 30-day eviction notice has been issued. Police said the investigation is continuing to determine the full extent of the alleged crimes and identify all those involved. (with IANS inputs)
15 April,2026 02:41 PM IST | Amravati | mid-day online correspondentOffice vacancy across India’s top eight cities averaged 13.85 per cent in Q1 2026, slipping below the 14 per cent threshold for the first time since the pandemic driven by sustained occupier demand and a sharp moderation in new supply, a report said on Wednesday. The report from commercial real estate services firm Cushman; Wakefield said vacancy declined by about 48 basis points quarter‑on‑quarter and around 191 basis points year‑on‑year in Q1 2026. It also marked the eleventh consecutive quarter of compression. New completions across the top eight cities stood at 8.8 million square feet (MSF), down 43 per cent QoQ and 18 per cent YoY, largely due to delays in project completions, the report said. Notably, Bengaluru (35 per cent), Delhi NCR (25 per cent) and Chennai (18 per cent) accounted for the bulk of new supply, while Pune, Hyderabad and Kolkata recorded no completions, resulting in faster absorption of available vacant stock across several established office locations. Net absorption stood at 11.51 MSF in Q1 2026, reflecting a 28 per cent QoQ and 24 per cent YoY decline. The moderation was largely on account of softer fresh leasing following a strong end to 2025, along with slower supply completions, which limited the physical realisation of pre‑committed demand during the quarter. “Gross leasing volume stood at around 22 MSF in Q1 2026, a 13 per cent increase over the same period last year, reflecting a robust demand across sectors," said Anshul Jain, Chief Executive – India, SEA, MEA & APAC Office and Retail, Cushman; Wakefield, Global Capability Centres, accounting for around 40 per cent of take up remain a key driver, reinforcing India’s role in long-term portfolio strategies, Jain added. The firm forecasted around 61 MSF of new supply to come into the market in 2026, dominated by premium Grade A+ stocks, leading to ease in vacancy levels. However, strong absorption and pre-commitment trends are likely to keep overall vacancy broadly stable, even as rental momentum remains firm, Jain said. Bengaluru continued to operate at sub‑8 per cent vacancy (7.81 per cent) in Q1 2026, with select micro‑markets witnessing vacancy levels as low as 2 per cent. Mumbai moved into single‑digit vacancy at around 9 per cent and prime business districts below 3 per cent. Other markets within the top eight cities, including Chennai, Pune and Kolkata, also continued to see a reduction in vacancy rate during the quarter. 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.
15 April,2026 02:31 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSPolice have arrested a 19-year-old youth in Maharashtra's Amravati district for allegedly sharing objectionable photos and videos of several women and girls online, officials said on Wednesday. Following the arrest of the accused, Rajya Sabha MP Anil Bonde, who hails from Amravati, demanded a probe into the matter by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), as per PTI. The accused has been identified as Ayan Ahmed Tanvir Ahmed, a resident of Paratwada in the Amravati district, officials said, adding that he was taken into custody on April 11 after obscene pictures and videos featuring him with some women and girls went viral on social media. Obscene videos of minor girls circulated online “Prima facie, the victims seem to be minors. The accused allegedly lured them, took obscene photos and videos against their will, and uploaded them on social media to defame the victims,” the Paratwada police said. It said, “We have seized the accused's mobile phone and are examining it for evidence", as cited by PTI. Furthermore, a case has been registered against the accused under Section 294 (sale, distribution of obscene content) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Sections 8 (punishment for sexual assault) and 12 (sexual harassment) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and provisions of the IT Act. The officials also asserted that none of the victims has yet approached the police in the matter. While the police have already initiated the investigation, they have appealed to the victims and their families to come forward and cooperate in the case, assuring them that their identities will be protected. Officials further highlighted that strict legal action would be initiated against the accused. MP Anil Bonde demands SIT probe Speaking to the media, Rajya Sabha MP Bonde claimed that some other people are also involved in the case and demanded a probe into it by the SIT and cyber personnel. MP Bonde also claimed that a gang had created Snapchat and WhatsApp groups (for such offences) and said the police should seize the accused's mobile phone and trace his conversations with associates. (With inputs from PTI)
15 April,2026 01:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWorkers' protests resumed in Noida's Sector 63, Block A, on Wednesday, with a heavy deployment of police personnel in the area to maintain law and order. A gathering of workers was reported at the site, which was subsequently dispersed by police teams present at the location. The agitation over wage hikes has been continuing in Noida for the past few days. On Tuesday, authorities had already stepped up security arrangements across several areas, with the administration maintaining heightened vigilance to prevent any untoward incidents. As part of the clean-up and restoration efforts, small stones scattered during earlier protests are being removed from roads. Burnt tyres and other debris left behind by demonstrators are also being cleared. In addition, preventive measures are being strengthened at industrial units. Barbed wire is being installed along company boundaries, and gates are being reinforced to enhance security. Large hoardings have also been placed at factory entrances, informing workers that they are entitled to minimum wages, which will be paid accordingly. The protests began on Monday, when factory workers across Noida launched demonstrations over low wages and pending demands for salary revisions. The situation turned violent in parts of the Phase 2 industrial area, where incidents of vandalism, stone-pelting and road blockades were reported. Traffic movement was severely disrupted following the unrest, particularly on the Noida Link Road and routes connecting from the Chilla Border, leading to long delays for commuters travelling between Delhi and Noida. In response to the situation, the Uttar Pradesh government announced a revision in minimum wages across different categories of workers. Police have also taken action to restore order, with around 300 people arrested so far. Under the revised structure, monthly wages in Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad districts have been increased significantly. Unskilled workers will now receive Rs 13,690, up from Rs 11,313. Semi-skilled workers will earn Rs 15,059 compared to the earlier Rs 12,445, while skilled workers' wages have been raised from Rs 13,940 to Rs 16,868. In other municipal corporation areas, unskilled workers will now get Rs 13,006, semi-skilled workers Rs 14,306, and skilled workers Rs 16,025. For the remaining districts, revised wages stand at Rs 12,356 for unskilled workers, Rs 13,591 for semi-skilled workers, and Rs 15,224 for skilled workers. Officials said the revised interim wage rates include both basic pay and Dearness Allowance, and are aimed at addressing workers' concerns while restoring normalcy in the region. 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.
15 April,2026 12:18 PM IST | Noida | IANSIn a shocking and tragic incident from Haryana's Faridabad, a 28-year-old man was beaten to death after he refused to allow a group of youths to drink late at night at his liquor vending enclosure. The brutal killing has raised serious concerns over the law and order situation in the National Capital Region (NCR). The incident took place in Sector 3 on Tuesday night, where the victim, identified as Aadesh, was operating an enclosure near a liquor shop. According to officials, sometime after midnight, a group of youths arrived at the spot and demanded to be served alcohol. When Aadesh refused, an argument broke out, which quickly escalated into a violent confrontation. Within minutes, the situation turned deadly as a mob of 10 to 12 miscreants allegedly attacked him. Armed with sticks and clubs, and using their fists, they brutally assaulted Aadesh, leaving him critically injured. He later succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Upon receiving information, police teams rushed to the spot, took custody of the body, and sent it for post-mortem examination. Officials confirmed that a case has been registered and an investigation is underway. The police have identified 10 to 12 suspects involved in the crime and stated that efforts are ongoing to arrest all the accused at the earliest. The gruesome incident has triggered fear and panic among local residents, once again putting the spotlight on public safety and policing in the area. Aadesh, a native of the Etawah-Auraiya region in Uttar Pradesh, had been running the enclosure to support his family. His untimely death has left his loved ones devastated. Notably, this is not an isolated case. On April 10, another violent incident was reported near the Badarpur border under the Sarai Khawaja police station area in Faridabad, where a 25-year-old man was allegedly stabbed to death following a dispute with three youths. The main accused in that case, identified as Sunny, has been apprehended, and the weapon used in the crime has also been recovered. 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.
15 April,2026 12:07 PM IST | Faridabad | IANSThe Election Commission of India (ECI) has identified minority-dominated Murshidabad as the most sensitive among the districts in West Bengal that will be going for polls in the first phase of the state Assembly elections on April 23 and hence has decided to deploy maximum forces there. Insiders from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said that of the total of 2,407 companies of security forces to be deployed in the first-phase polling, as many as 316 companies (13 per cent) will be deployed in Murshidabad district alone. Murshidabad, as an administrative district, has two separate police districts, namely Murshidabad Police District and Jangipur Police District. Of the 316 companies to be deployed in the administrative district of Murshidabad, 240 will be for the Murshidabad Police District, and the remaining 76 will be for the Jangipur Police. “The area covered under the Murshidabad Police District is much larger than the Jangipur Police District, with the number of sensitive pockets being more, and hence the deployment of forces will be much higher there,” the insider explained. East Midnapore, which is the native district of Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, which is also going for polls in the first phase on April 23, will have the second-highest deployment of security forces at 273 companies (11.34 per cent), followed by West Midnapore at 271 companies (11.25 per cent). The least deployment of Central forces will be in the hill district of Kalimpong, at just 21 companies. The districts that will be going for polls in the first phase also include two Police Commissariats, namely Siliguri Metropolitan Police in Darjeeling district and Asansol - Durgapur Police Commissariat in West Burdwan district. While 44 companies of forces will be deployed in case of Siliguri Metropolitan Police, 125 companies will be deployed for Asansol- Durgapur Police Commissionerate. The ECI this time has decided that, besides the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), personnel from the India Reserve Battalion (IRB) and armed police wings from other states will be deployed for the two-phase polls in the state, in addition to the West Bengal Police. 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.
15 April,2026 11:58 AM IST | Kolkata | IANSKarnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the HAL Airport in Bengaluru on Wednesday, where he arrived to participate in a programme at the Adichunchanagiri Math. CM Siddaramaiah also handed over a five-page memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion. The memorandum comprised a slew of demands and sought the Union government’s intervention in key issues concerning the state. Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda and the Chief Secretary of the state government, Shalini Rajneesh, were also present. Meanwhile, police tightened security in Adichunchanagiri ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. More than 2,000 police personnel have been deployed as part of the security arrangements. The deployment includes six SP-rank officers, 10 ASPs, 15 DySPs, 40 Police Inspectors, 151 PSIs, 92 ASIs, 1,700 Head Constables and Constables, along with eight KSRP units, 10 DAR units, five QRT teams, and 10 ASC teams. PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandir at Adichunchanagiri. Adichunchanagiri is a prominent religious centre located in Nagamangala taluk of Mandya district. Earlier, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy stated, "I wholeheartedly welcome the Hon’ble Prime Minister of the nation, Narendra Modi, who is arriving to participate in the inauguration ceremony of the Guru Bhairavaikya Mandir of the revered Jagadguru, His Holiness Dr Sri Sri Sri Balagangadharanatha Mahaswamiji, of Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri Mahasansthan Math." Kumaraswamy further stated, "It gives me immense joy that the respected Prime Minister is visiting my home district, Mandya, to take part in this sacred and auspicious event. On behalf of the people of Mandya district and the entire state, I extend a warm welcome to the Hon’ble Prime Minister." Shortly after his arrival, PM Modi will travel by an Indian Army helicopter to Adichunchanagiri. The helicopter is scheduled to land at the helipad of Shrigiri Tapovana. From the helipad, he will proceed by car to Adichunchanagiri Math, where he will participate in various religious rituals and attend a stage programme. PM Modi will inaugurate Sri Guru Bhairavakya Mandira at the Mutt in Nagamangala taluk, Mandya district. He is the first Prime Minister to visit Adichunchanagiri Mutt. The Prime Minister will be felicitated with a 'Mysuru Peta' made by using Mysuru and Benaras silk. The development has also assumed political significance as the Adichunchanagiri Mutt is revered by the Vokkaliga community, which has a significant presence in the South Karnataka region. However, Union Minister Kumaraswamy described the programme as a non-political, inclusive gathering that would see participation from leaders across parties and large numbers of devotees. Former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda, along with several dignitaries, will also attend the event. 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.
15 April,2026 11:29 AM IST | Bengaluru (Karnataka) | IANSA Delhi court on Tuesday sent I-PAC co-founder and director Vinesh Chandel to ten days of ED custody following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a case linked to alleged hawala transactions. The action comes days ahead of the West Bengal and Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls, where the I-PAC is providing political consultancy to parties like the TMC and DMK, respectively. ED officials said Chandel was arrested at 7.45 pm on Monday after questioning. 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
15 April,2026 10:58 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesIn a pre-summer crackdown on food adulteration, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Pune, has busted an illegal mango pulp manufacturing unit in Maval taluka, seizing and destroying more than 3.8 tonnes of adulterated stock and tracing its supply chain to another unit in Khed. FDA officials said the pulp was being made using unauthorised colours and other adulterants, raising concerns over public health ahead of the peak mango consumption season. At a glance Location 1: Urse village, Maval talukaLocation 2: Rakshewadi, Rajgurunagar (Khed taluka)Total quantity seized: 3840.9 kgTotal value: Rs 2,23,196Samples collected: 7Accused: Mohammad Ekramul alias Akram Gulam Pic/istock What was found Mango pulp allegedly made using unauthorised colours,Use of suspected adulterants>> Sugar>> Cow’s milk>> Liquid saffron colour solution>> Unit operating without proper authorisation Seizure and action >> 3282.9 kg stock seized at Urse unit Rs 1,61,816>> Entire stock destroyed due to its perishable nature>> 558 kg seized at Khed unit Rs 61,380>> Total seizure value: Rs 2,23,196 Supply chain link >> Adulterated pulp supplied to M/s Avishkar Enterprises, Khed>> One additional sample collected at the second unit>> Probe underway into distribution network Samples sent for testing >> Mango pulp>> Raw mangoes>> Sugar>> Cow’s milk>> Liquid saffron colour solution>> Additional pulp sample from Khed unit Officials involved >> Assistant commissioner (food): NR Sarkate>> Vigilance food safety officer: BAO Shinde>> Food safety officers: RV Maske, PS Kachhwe, Satish Hake>> Supervision: Joint Commissioner DV Bhogawade, Commissioner Shreedhar Dube Patil Legal position >> Manufacturing or selling fruit products without a licence is punishable>> Law: Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006>> Penalty: Up to Rs 10 lakh Public advisory >> Citizens urged to report suspected adulteration>> FDA toll-free helpline: 1800-222-365>> Authorities warn of strict action against violators
15 April,2026 10:56 AM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalDeputy Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Bharti chaired a high-level meeting in the presence of Principal Secretary at the Election Commission of India (ECI), SB Joshi, to review preparations for the ensuing West Bengal Legislative Assembly Elections 2026. The meeting, on Tuesday, carried out a comprehensive review of various aspects of election preparedness across districts. Detailed discussions were held on the identification and management of super sensitive polling stations, the effective distribution of Voter Information Slips and the operational readiness of Voter Assistance Booths. The preparedness regarding webcasting arrangements at polling stations was also reviewed. Emphasis was laid on strict monitoring of seizure operations and enforcement activities, along with an assessment of violence-related issues and preventive measures undertaken by the authorities. Earlier on Tuesday, Earlier in the day, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that a total of 2,926 candidates are in the fray for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, as per an official press note. Polling in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while counting of votes will take place on May 4. After the final list was prepared, 1,478 candidates are contesting in Phase I across 152 constituencies, while 1,448 candidates are in the race for Phase II covering 142 constituencies. According to a press note released on Tuesday, the last date for filing nominations for West Bengal (Phase II) was April 9. The scrutiny of nominations took place on April 10, and candidates were allowed to withdraw their nominations until April 13, 3:00 PM. The Election Commission has directed Returning Officers to publish the final list of candidates in the official gazette. They have also been instructed to securely store all election-related documents, including nomination papers, in sealed envelopes. Additionally, ballot papers for EVMs will feature coloured photographs of candidates along with key details such as serial numbers and symbols to help voters in easy identification. 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
15 April,2026 09:45 AM IST | Kolkata | ANIADVERTISEMENT
-1776244042496_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "Funding talks begin as Air India posts steep FY26 loss. Representational Image")
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-1776235574109_d.png "Heavy police deployed in the area to maintain law and order amid fresh worker's protest. Pic/PTI")
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-1776234482857_d.png "Election Commission of India. File Pic")
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