The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Wednesday announced the successful separation of the Orion spacecraft from the upper stage of the rocket as part of the Artemis II mission and stated that the "proximity operations" test is currently underway. Separation of the Orion took place after the Artemis crew had officially embarked on a "historic 10-day mission around the Moon", a journey that may see them travel "further from Earth than anyone has ever been before. The Orion spacecraft successfully separated from the upper stage of the rocket, and the "proximity operations" test is underway. The Artemis II astronauts are manually piloting Orion similarly to how they would if they were docking with another spacecraft. pic.twitter.com/RWW4RSyaoq — NASA (@NASA) April 2, 2026 Announcing about the mission on social media platform X, NASA stated that astronauts aboard Orion are manually piloting the spacecraft in a manner similar to what would be required during docking with another spacecraft, marking a key milestone in the mission. This development came hours after the successful launch of NASA's Artemis II mission, sending astronauts on a historic journey around the Moon for the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years, since the Apollo 11 mission, which saw the first human landing on the Moon in 1969, as per ANI. The agency's Artemis II mission lifted off aboard the Space Launch System rocket from Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida earlier in the day. A defining moment for space exploration NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, during the launch, said that this launch will surely turn out to be a defining moment for space exploration. He further highlighted that the mission marks humanity's return to the Moon for the first time in over five decades and lays the groundwork for future exploration, including missions to Mars. Isaacman further added, "Artemis II is the start of something bigger than any one mission. It marks our return to the Moon, not just to visit but to eventually stay on our Moon base, and lays the foundation for the next giant leaps ahead," as per ANI. The approximately 10-day mission includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Following liftoff, Orion successfully deployed its solar array wings, enabling it to draw power from the Sun, while mission teams began transitioning the spacecraft from launch to flight operations and conducting system checks. NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya said the mission is a crucial test flight that will validate the spacecraft's systems and capabilities for future crewed missions to the lunar surface. (With inputs from ANI)
02 April,2026 10:28 AM IST | Florida | mid-day online correspondentAn explosion took place outside the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Punjab's Chandigarh Sector 37 on Wednesday evening. Chandigarh Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kanwardeep Kaur said that the blast occurred at around 5 pm, adding that preliminary findings suggest the use of a "crude" explosive device. "At around 5 PM, we got information that an explosion was heard near the BJP Office in Sector 37. Our teams reached here, and prima facie it appears that a small, crude type of bomb was thrown here. NIA, FSL, Chandigarh Police, Crime Branch and Crime Cell teams have arrived here. We are investigating..." SSP Kaur told ANI. Soon after the incident, teams from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), Chandigarh Police, Crime Branch, and Crime Cell rushed to the spot and launched an investigation. Speaking to ANI, BJP Media Incharge Vinit Joshi said, "At around 5 PM, a blast occured here, and a lot of smoke was seen. There was an atmosphere of panic after the blast. A scooty and a car were damaged. This is a matter of concern. A blast taking place near the party office is a matter of concern. For the last 4 days, the BJP State Working President was staying here and a blast taking place at this time is a serious concern..." Reacting to the incident, former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh expressed concern and called for strict action against those responsible. In a post on X, Singh wrote, "Deeply shocked and concerned to hear the news about the blast outside the Bharatiya Janata Party office in Chandigarh. I urge the concerned authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation and ensure strict action against those responsible." Further details are awaited as the investigation is still underway. 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
02 April,2026 08:50 AM IST | Chandigarh | ANIA sessions court at Mapusa in Goa on Wednesday granted bail to Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, in a case related to the devastating fire of last December that killed 25 people. The Luthras, however, would remain in jail as they were arrested in a case of forgery on Monday. The the brothers deported from Thailand and arrested by Goa Police on December 17. 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
02 April,2026 08:22 AM IST | Panaji | AgenciesLieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, who helmed the Southern Command during Operation Sindoor last year, took charge as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff on Wednesday. The decorated military officer succeeds Lt Gen. Pushpendra Singh. At a ceremony held on Wednsaday on the South Block lawns, New Delhi, the general officer reviewed a guard of honour as he assumed the key leadership post in the Indian Army. 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
02 April,2026 08:17 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesFrom units manufacturing adulterated ginger-garlic pastes, bakery items, including Hyderabad’s iconic Osmania biscuits, authorities cracked down on multiple food processing units. In March, the officials registered a total of 61 cases and arrested 64 people and seized with 14,685 kg of adulterated food products. 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
02 April,2026 08:14 AM IST | Hyderabad | AgenciesCommercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder prices have been increased by Rs 195.50 from April 1, 2026, owing to rising global oil prices amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. Following the price hike, a 19-kg commercial cylinder in Mumbai now costs Rs 2,031.00, while in Delhi, it is priced at Rs 2,078.50. The last hike of Rs 114.50 was announced on March 1. The price rise is likely to affect hotels, restaurants, and small businesses that depend heavily on commercial gas. The latest revision comes against the backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global transit route for crude oil and energy supplies. Since late February, global oil prices have risen by nearly 50 percent due to the conflict. Commercial LPG cylinder rates (19 kg) Delhi – Rs 2,078.50 Mumbai – Rs 2,031.00 Kolkata – Rs 2,208.00 Bengaluru – Rs 2,246.50 However, in some respite to domestic LPG consumers, the government has kept the prices of domestic cylinders unchanged. The price of domestic cylinders was last increased by Rs 60 in March 2026. In Delhi, a 14.2-kg cylinder continues to cost Rs 913, while in Mumbai, it is available for Rs 912.50. Domestic LPG cylinder rates (14.2 kg) Delhi – Rs 913.00 Mumbai – Rs 912.50 Kolkata – Rs 939.00 Chennai – Rs 928.50 Bengaluru – Rs 915.50 Hyderabad – Rs 965.00 Jaipur – Rs 916.50 Lucknow – Rs 950.50 Patna – Rs 1,002.50 Chandigarh – Rs 922.50 Thiruvananthapuram – Rs 922.00 Meanwhile, aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices have also seen an increase following the April 1 revision. In Delhi, ATF prices rose to Rs 1,04,927 per kilolitre from Rs 96,638.14 in March, while in Mumbai, rates increased to Rs 98,247 from Rs 90,451.87. The Central government reduced excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre and brought it down to zero for diesel, as per a Gazette notification issued under the provisions of the Central Excise Act, 1944. Additionally, a windfall tax of Rs 21.5 per litre has been imposed on diesel exports. Fuel prices in India are revised monthly by government-run oil companies based on international rates and currency exchange changes. (With ANI inputs)
01 April,2026 05:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) on Wednesday introduced a one-time relief measure for Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units, allowing them to sell goods in the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at concessional duty rates amid global trade disruptions, reported news agency IANS. Relief Measure Announced in Budget 2026-27 The move follows the Union Budget 2026–27 announcement aimed at supporting manufacturing units in SEZs affected by supply chain disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions, including the Iran conflict. The relief has been implemented through an exemption notification under the Customs Act, 1962 and will remain in effect from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Concessional Duty Rates for SEZ Units Under the new framework, SEZ units can sell goods domestically at reduced customs duty rates. Duties of 20 per cent have been cut to 12.5 per cent, while those in the 20–30 per cent range have been reduced to 15 per cent, reported IANS. Similarly, duties ranging between 30 and 40 per cent have been lowered to 20 per cent, offering significant cost relief to manufacturers. Conditions to Ensure Fair Competition The government has introduced safeguards to maintain a level playing field for domestic manufacturers operating in the DTA. Only SEZ units that began production on or before March 31, 2025, will be eligible for the scheme, reported IANS. Additionally, goods sold under this relief window must have at least 20 per cent value addition over inputs, ensuring that benefits are extended only to genuine manufacturing activity. Cap on Domestic Sales to Maintain Export Focus To preserve the export-oriented nature of SEZs, the government has capped domestic sales under the scheme. Eligible units can sell only up to 30 per cent of their highest annual export value (FOB) recorded in any of the previous three financial years, reported IANS. Officials emphasised that the primary objective of SEZ units will continue to remain exports, with the relief measure offering temporary flexibility during global disruptions, reported IANS. Automated and Faceless Assessment Process The CBIC stated that the scheme will be implemented through its automated system, with assessments of bills of entry conducted under a faceless mechanism. This is expected to ensure transparency, efficiency, and ease of compliance, reported IANS. Certain Sectors Kept Out of Relief Window Some sectors have been excluded from the concessional duty framework to protect domestic industries and address sector-specific sensitivities. The government is also set to release detailed FAQs to provide further clarity to stakeholders. Support Amid Global Trade Uncertainty The relief measure comes at a time when global trade flows have been impacted by disruptions in key supply routes and rising input costs. By easing duty burdens, the government aims to help SEZ units sustain operations and remain competitive. Overall, the initiative is expected to provide temporary relief to exporters and manufacturers while balancing the interests of domestic industry and maintaining the integrity of the SEZ framework. (With inputs from IANS)
01 April,2026 05:06 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA 54-year-old assistant sub-inspector has been suspended after he allegedly asked a woman detainee to send her daughter to him for sexual favours in Maharashtra’s Akola district, police said on Wednesday. The woman had been apprehended in connection with a financial fraud case involving Rs 80 lakh and was being held at the Civil Lines Police Station lockup. On Tuesday, Assistant Sub-Inspector Rajesh Jadhav, who was on duty, allegedly misused his position to lure the woman with offers of money and demanded that she send her daughter to him for sexual favours, police inspector Anil Jumle said. The woman then approached senior police officials with a complaint. A video later surfaced on social media showing senior officers confronting and reprimanding the ASI. District Superintendent of Police Archit Chandak suspended the ASI with immediate effect on Tuesday, the official said. A case has been registered against the accused on charges of outraging a woman’s modesty and under other relevant legal provisions, he added. Rape-accused 'godman' Ashok Kharat sent to judicial custody till April 14 A court in Maharashtra’s Nashik has remanded self-styled godman Ashok Kharat to 14-day judicial custody in connection with multiple sexual assault allegations, officials said on Wednesday, reported news agency PTI. Court Orders Judicial Custody After Police Remand Ends Kharat was produced before the court after the end of his police custody on Wednesday. The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing the case, sought judicial custody during the hearing, reported PTI. Sessions judge B N Ichpurani subsequently ordered that Kharat be sent to judicial custody till April 14. He will be lodged at Nashik Road Central Jail, reported PTI. Arrest Followed Multiple Allegations Kharat was arrested on March 18 after a 35-year-old woman accused him of repeatedly raping her over a period of three years. Following his arrest, several more complaints of a similar nature surfaced. Authorities have registered at least 10 FIRs against him at Sarkarwada police station, including eight related to alleged sexual assault or exploitation and two for cheating, reported PTI. SIT Probe Expands as Complaints Rise The SIT has been actively investigating the case and has reportedly received over 100 complaints via phone, indicating a wider pattern of alleged misconduct. Officials said the probe is ongoing, with investigators examining evidence and statements from multiple complainants. Family Members Under Scanner On Wednesday, the SIT detained Kharat’s son, Harshvardhan, for questioning from their residence in Karmayogi Nagar. He was later released the same day, reported PTI. Investigators are also attempting to trace Kharat’s wife, Kalpana, who has been named in a cheating case registered in Ahilyanagar district, reported PTI. Evidence Seized from Premises Last week, the SIT conducted a search operation at Kharat’s office in Nashik along with a forensic science team. During the raid, officials recovered documents, files, and other materials relevant to the investigation. Among the items seized was a 20-foot remote-controlled mechanised snake, which Kharat allegedly used to create an illusion of possessing supernatural powers. Godman’s Influence Under Scrutiny Kharat, who heads a temple trust in Sinnar, had reportedly built a following over the years, with several political figures visiting him in the past. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to further examine the extent of the allegations and identify any additional victims or associates linked to the case. (With inputs from PTI)
01 April,2026 03:28 PM IST | Akola | mid-day online correspondentThe Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Wednesday clarified that domestic LPG, petrol and diesel prices remain unchanged, despite a sharp rise in global fuel costs driven by geopolitical tensions, reported news agency IANS. Only Commercial LPG Prices Increased The government stated that only commercial LPG cylinder prices have been revised upward, as they are market-linked and deregulated. These cylinders are primarily used by hotels, restaurants, and industries, and account for less than 10 per cent of total LPG consumption in the country, reported IANS. The recent hike follows a steep 44 per cent increase in global LPG benchmark prices, particularly the Saudi Contract Price, which rose from USD 542 per metric tonne in March to USD 780 for April, reported IANS. Domestic LPG Prices Remain Protected To shield households from rising international prices, the government has kept the cost of domestic LPG unchanged. A 14.2 kg domestic cylinder continues to be priced at Rs 913, reported IANS. Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), subsidised LPG cylinders for economically weaker sections remain available at Rs 613, ensuring affordability for vulnerable households. Oil Companies Bearing Significant Losses The Ministry highlighted that public sector oil marketing companies are currently incurring an under-recovery of around Rs 380 per LPG cylinder at existing prices. It added that cumulative losses are expected to reach over Rs 40,000 crore in the coming months, reported IANS. In the previous year, total losses of approximately Rs 60,000 crore were shared equally between the government and oil companies to cushion consumers from global price shocks. India Among Lowest LPG Prices Globally Despite global volatility, India continues to maintain relatively low domestic LPG prices compared to neighbouring countries. The Ministry noted that LPG prices are significantly higher in countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, reported IANS. This pricing strategy is aimed at balancing consumer affordability with international market realities. Petrol and Diesel Prices Remain Stable Retail prices of regular petrol and diesel have also been kept unchanged. In Delhi, petrol continues to retail at Rs 94.77 per litre, while diesel is priced at Rs 87.67 per litre, reported IANS. The Ministry said that despite a sharp rise in global petroleum prices—up by as much as 100 per cent in the past month—oil companies are absorbing significant under-recoveries at the retail level. Premium Fuels Revised, Limited Impact on Consumers The government clarified that recent price increases apply only to premium petrol variants such as XP95 and other high-octane fuels. These products are revised more frequently and account for just 2–5 per cent of total fuel sales, limiting their impact on the broader consumer base, reported IANS. Global Disruptions Continue to Impact Markets The surge in international fuel prices has been linked to supply disruptions, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. These developments have increased import costs for countries like India. Despite these pressures, the government emphasised that it remains committed to protecting consumers by keeping essential fuel prices stable, even as global markets remain volatile. (With inputs from IANS)
01 April,2026 03:20 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing the rape-accused self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, has detained his son from Nashik city for questioning and is also searching for his wife, police said, PTI reported. At least 10 FIRs, eight for alleged sexual assault or exploitation and two for cheating, have been registered against Kharat at Sarkarwada police station in Nashik, while the SIT has received more than 100 complaints over the phone against him. An SIT team reached Kharat's house in Karmayogi Nagar on Tuesday and detained his son, Harshvardhan, who was then taken to the Maharashtra Police Academy (MPA) for questioning, police sources said, the news agency reported. Son detained after wife remains absconding Investigators are also trying to trace Kharat's wife, Kalpana, but the SIT team failed to find her at the residence and detained their son instead, they added. According to PTI, Kharat’s police custody will end on Wednesday, after which he will be produced in a local court. Kharat’s wife among five accused in cheating case Meanwhile, police in the neighbouring Ahilyanagar district on Tuesday registered a case against five persons, including Kharat’s wife, for cheating a landowner of more than Rs 4 crore, officials said. Police in the temple town of Shirdi have arrested two accused in connection with the case. Kharat’s wife remains absconding, and efforts are ongoing to trace her, the official added. “A landowner from Shirdi had taken an unsecured loan of Rs 5.52 crore from Kharat’s wife against four acres of land. He had repaid around Rs 1.5 crore, but Kharat allegedly tried to grab the land. The owner then lodged a complaint with the police, based on which a case was registered for fraud and under the Maharashtra Money Lending (Regulation) Act,” he said, the PTI reported. The two arrested persons have been identified as Arvind Bawake and Kiran Sonawane, he added, noting that Kharat, his wife, and a middleman are all accused in the case. (With PTI inputs)
01 April,2026 02:58 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentThe Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is set to meet at 7 pm on Wednesday in the national capital to discuss developments amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The situation escalated in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory resulted in the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. A week earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to review the situation, the ongoing and proposed mitigating measures in the context of the ongoing West Asia Conflict. According to the Prime Minister's Office, the Cabinet Secretary gave a detailed presentation on the global situation and the mitigating measures taken so far and being planned by all concerned Ministries/Departments of the Government of India. The expected impact and measures taken to address it across sectors like agriculture, fertilisers, food security, petroleum, power, MSMEs, exporters, shipping, trade, finance, supply chains and all affected sectors were discussed. The overall macro-economic scenario in the country and further measures to be taken were also discussed. The ongoing conflict in West Asia will have significant short, medium and long term impact on the global economy and its effect on India was assessed, and counter-measures, both immediate and long-term, were discussed. A detailed assessment of availability for critical needs of the common man, including food, energy and fuel security, was made. Short term, medium-term and long-term measures to ensure the continued availability of essential needs were discussed in detail. The impact on farmers and their requirement for fertiliser for the Kharif season was assessed. The measures taken in the last few years to maintain adequate stocks of fertilisers will ensure timely availability and food security. Alternate sources of fertilisers were also discussed to ensure continued availability in the future. It was also determined that an adequate supply of coal stocks at all power plants will ensure no shortage of electricity in India. 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.
01 April,2026 02:54 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIADVERTISEMENT
-1775037958453_d.png "In some respite to domestic LPG consumers, the government has kept the prices of domestic cylinders unchanged. Representational pic")
