All the roads leading to Nashik will be upgraded ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday. A high-level meeting on the highways connecting Nashik was held in the presence of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, a release from the CM's Office stated. Given the large influx of devotees expected to attend the mega religious congregation, Gadkari has given in-principle approval for the construction and upgradation of key roads in and around Nashik through his ministry, the release stated, according to PTI. The Simhastha Kumbh Mela will commence on October 31 next year, with the ceremonial ‘Dhwajarohan (flag hoisting)’ at Trimbakeshwar and Ramkund in Nashik. The flag will be lowered on July 24, 2028, marking the conclusion of the religious event that is held once every 12 years. Citing the growing faith among devotees and the anticipated increase in footfall during the Kumbh Mela, the CM had earlier requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Central assistance to improve the road infrastructure in Nashik, the release stated. Following this request, a detailed meeting was convened at the CMO in Nagpur with Gadkari and other senior state officials. A series of key decisions were taken regarding road connectivity and traffic management for the event, reported PTI. Nashik is linked to other regions via eight major routes, including those from Mumbai, Palghar, Pune, Ahilyanagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Dhule and the neighbouring state of Gujarat. The CMO said these roads will be crucial in handling the traffic load during the Kumbh Mela. In addition to the highways, the condition of the internal roads in and around Nashik, especially those connecting to national highways, was also reviewed during the meeting. Gadkari has reportedly extended in-principle approval for most of the proposed projects, and it was decided that the requisite funds for these roadworks would be allocated shortly, the CMO said. Fadnavis said the planned expansion of the road network would help manage the anticipated spike in traffic during the Kumbh Mela and provide a safer and more convenient travel experience for devotees. Among the approved projects is the Nashik Ring Road, which will serve to ease congestion within the city. Additionally, it was decided to widen the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar road into a six-lane carriageway to accommodate the heavy pilgrim traffic, reported PTI. To further ensure smoother intra-city traffic movement, infrastructure at Nashik’s Dwarka Circle will be upgraded. Drawing parallels to Navi Mumbai’s Kalamboli Junction, officials said Dwarka Circle would be developed in two phases—one to be completed ahead of the Kumbh Mela and the other after its conclusion, the release added. (With PTI inputs)
22 June,2025 10:35 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Navy is set to commission its latest stealth multi-role frigate, INS Tamal, on July 1 in Kaliningrad, Russia, marking a significant milestone in Indo-Russian defence cooperation. Tamal... the mythical sword used for combat by Indra – the King of the gods. His legendary Weapon rises as a new warrior...Coming Soon... #INSTamal pic.twitter.com/0zCysHStfH — SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 22, 2025 The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Vice-Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, in the presence of senior Indian and Russian government and defence officials. Built at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, INS Tamal is the eighth Krivak-class frigate to be inducted by India over the past two decades and the second in the upgraded Tushil-class. Under the broader Tushil-class agreement, two more frigates—classified as the Triput-class—are being constructed at Goa Shipyard Limited with Russian assistance, reinforcing India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. INS Tamal is expected to be the last warship procured from a foreign shipyard, underlining India’s push for defence self-reliance. The 125-metre-long, 3,900-tonne warship includes 26 per cent indigenous content, including advanced systems such as the BrahMos long-range cruise missile, HUMSA NG Mk II sonar, and a range of surveillance and fire-control radars. The ship is also equipped with vertically launched surface-to-air missiles, an upgraded 100mm naval gun, heavyweight torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, and an array of modern electronic warfare and communication systems. The ship’s design, developed jointly by the Indian Navy and Russia’s Severnoye Design Bureau, incorporates enhanced stealth features and improved stability. A total of 33 Indian-origin systems—double that of earlier imports—have been integrated into the vessel. Major Indian defence firms involved in the project include BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics, Keltron, Elcome Marine, Nova Integrated Systems (Tata), and Johnson Controls India. Crew and combat capability INS Tamal’s crew of over 250 sailors underwent rigorous training in Kaliningrad and St Petersburg, often in extreme winter conditions. The frigate has successfully completed a three-month trial period at sea, validating its weapons, sensors, and systems. With a top speed exceeding 30 knots, INS Tamal is designed for a range of combat operations. It features air early warning and multi-role helicopters, adding flexibility and force multiplication in naval missions. Its Network Centric Warfare capabilities and high tonnage-to-firepower ratio make it a formidable asset in blue-water operations. Named after Tamal, the sword of Lord Indra, the ship reflects strength and readiness. Its mascot, The Great Bear, draws inspiration from both Jambavant, the immortal bear-king of Indian legend, and the Eurasian brown bear, Russia’s national animal. The ship’s motto, ‘Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya (Victorious Always Everywhere),’ aligns with the Indian Navy’s core principle of being a “Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Ready Force.” Following commissioning, INS Tamal will be deployed to the Navy’s Western Fleet, known as the ‘Sword Arm’ of the Indian Navy, under the Western Naval Command.
22 June,2025 09:48 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAir India on Sunday announced another round of temporary reductions to its narrowbody flight operations. However, the airline said the reductions will affect less than 5 per cent of its overall domestic and short-haul international services. The move comes days after the airline announced 15 per cent curbs on widebody international flights amid its ongoing efforts to “strengthen operational stability and reduce last-minute passenger inconvenience”. The airline will temporarily suspend services on three routes and reduce frequencies on 19 routes across its narrowbody network until at least July 15, it informed in a press release. Despite the curtailment, Air India will continue to operate nearly 600 daily flights with its narrowbody aircraft across 120 domestic and regional routes, the airline said in the release. The following routes have been suspended Bengaluru–Singapore (AI2392/2393) – 7 flights weekly Pune–Singapore (AI2111/2110) – 7 flights weekly Mumbai–Bagdogra (AI551/552) – 7 flights weekly Routes with reduced frequency Bengaluru–Chandigarh: From 14 to 7 flights weekly Delhi–Bengaluru: From 116 to 113 flights weekly Delhi–Mumbai: From 176 to 165 flights weekly Delhi–Kolkata: From 70 to 63 flights weekly Delhi–Coimbatore: From 13 to 12 flights weekly Delhi–Goa (Dabolim): From 14 to 7 flights weekly Delhi–Goa (Mopa): From 14 to 7 flights weekly Delhi–Hyderabad: From 84 to 76 flights weekly Delhi–Indore: From 21 to 14 flights weekly Delhi–Lucknow: From 28 to 21 flights weekly Delhi–Pune: From 59 to 54 flights weekly Mumbai–Ahmedabad: From 41 to 37 flights weekly Mumbai–Bengaluru: From 91 to 84 flights weekly Mumbai–Kolkata: From 42 to 30 flights weekly Mumbai–Coimbatore: From 21 to 16 flights weekly Mumbai–Kochi: From 40 to 34 flights weekly Mumbai–Goa (Dabolim): From 34 to 29 flights weekly Mumbai–Hyderabad: From 63 to 59 flights weekly Mumbai–Varanasi: From 12 to 7 flights weekly The airline has apologised to the passengers affected by the changes and said it is “proactively reaching out” to offer alternate flights, complimentary rescheduling or full refunds as per individual preferences. The revised schedules are being updated on airindia.com, the airline’s mobile app, and via its contact centre. “We remain committed to restoring our full schedule as soon as practicable, while at all times prioritising the safety of our passengers, crew and aircraft,” the statement added.
22 June,2025 06:35 PM IST | Gurugram | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Sunday held a 45-minute conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in the wake of the airstrikes on nuclear facilities carried out by the United States (US). During the phone call, the Iranian leader briefed PM Modi on the evolving regional situation, ANI reported, quoting sources. According to sources, President Pezeshkian, who initiated the call to PM Modi, described India as a friend and partner in promoting peace, security and stability in the region. He also stated that "India's voice and role were important in restoring regional peace and stability." During the conversation between the two leaders, President Pezeshkian expressed his gratitude to PM Modi for India’s stance, which has consistently emphasised de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy, ANI reported. The Prime Minister conveyed deep concern over the recent escalations in the region. He reiterated the importance of resolving the crisis through peaceful means. In a post on X, the Prime Minister wrote: "Spoke with President of Iran @drpezeshkian. We discussed in detail about the current situation. Expressed deep concern at the recent escalations. Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability." "Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability," he added. Spoke with President of Iran @drpezeshkian. We discussed in detail about the current situation. Expressed deep concern at the recent escalations. Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 22, 2025 The conversation came shortly after the US launched strikes on three underground nuclear facilities in Iran. President Donald Trump said the operation involved “massive precision” strikes and warned Iran of further action if peace was not pursued. Iran condemned the attacks, calling them a breach of international law. The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) issued a statement, confirming that the country’s nuclear sites had been “subjected to savage aggression—an act in violation of international laws, particularly the NPT.” The statement further alleged that the action had occurred under the “indifference—and even complicity—of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).” Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the US military strikes and stated that Trump’s decisive leadership in targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure “will change history.” The conflict between Iran and Israel entered its ninth day on Saturday, with the US now overtly backing Israel’s position. Amid the escalating crisis, India is continuing its evacuation efforts under Operation Sindhu for its nationals, as well as those from Nepal and Sri Lanka, from Iran. Multiple flights have been planned to bring back Indian citizens from the conflict-affected region. (With ANI inputs)
22 June,2025 05:30 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reached Kargil, where he will flag off the Kargil Half Marathon on Sunday. Ahead of the event, Shinde interacted with local residents and business owners in the Sonamarg and Drass markets on Saturday, whose livelihoods were impacted by a decline in tourism following the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Sharing the visuals on X, Eknath Shinde recalled the Kargil War of 1999 and stated that the Sarhad Shauryathon is a tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation. 📍 सोनमर्ग, #जम्मूकाश्मीरकारगिल युद्धाला उद्या २६ वर्षे पूर्ण होत असली तरीही या युद्धाच्या आठवणी आजही आपल्या मनात जिवंत आहेत. ज्या शूर जवानांनी या युद्धात आपल्या प्राणांची आहुती देऊन मातृभूमीचे रक्षण केले त्यांच्या स्मृतींना या सरहद्द शौर्यथॉनच्या माध्यमातून अनोखी मानवंदना… pic.twitter.com/SD06gmboPj — Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) June 21, 2025 "Even though the Kargil War will complete 26 years tomorrow, the memories of this war are still alive in our minds. The memories of the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in this war and protected the motherland will be given a unique tribute through this Sarhad Shauryathon," he wrote. He added that he would be attending the ceremony in Drass to honour the martyrs of the war. "I will attend the program to be held in Drass to flag off this Sarhad Shauryathon, which is being organised by the Indian Army, Sarhad Foundation, Pune and Aarham Foundation. I am participating in this ceremony to express my condolences to them and fulfill my duty as an Indian citizen. The memories of those who sacrificed their lives and protected the motherland will be given a unique tribute through this Sarhad Shauryathon," Shinde added. According to the website of Sarhad Kargil Marathon, the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Sarhad Foundation, Pune, is hosting a marathon to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of Zoji La Battle and Rajat Jayanti of Operation Vijay.
22 June,2025 05:01 PM IST | Drass | mid-day online correspondentAn Air India flight from Birmingham to Delhi was diverted to Riyadh on Saturday, after a bomb threat was received mid-flight. The airline confirmed that all passengers are safe and have been deplaned following a thorough security check at the Saudi airport. Speaking on the issue, an Air India Spokesperson, who did not wish to be named, informed that after Flight AI114 landed safely in Riyadh, the Saudi authorities conducted a full security inspection of the aircraft. "All passengers have been deplaned and are being provided hotel accommodation," the Air India spokesperson said, adding, “Inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen disruption is sincerely regretted.” The airline said alternative arrangements were being made to transport the affected passengers to their intended destinations. The incident comes as Air India and Air India Express together operate over 1,100 flights daily, carrying more than 150,000 passengers. In recent weeks, the airline has been conducting “enhanced voluntary pre-flight safety checks” along with temporary reductions in some services as part of its “commitment to ensuring safe and reliable operations”. “Despite all efforts, due to extraneous factors such as airspace closures in the Middle East, nighttime curfews at several airports in Europe and East Asia, air traffic congestion, and unforeseen operational issues, certain flights get delayed or cancelled,” the airline said in a statement. While it aims to notify passengers in advance to minimise inconvenience, it acknowledged that some disruptions occur at the last minute.
22 June,2025 04:50 PM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturFour persons were arrested on Saturday after police recovered mephedrone valued at Rs 12 lakh from them in Nagpur city, an official said, reported news agency PTI. Acting on inputs, the Imambada police intercepted a white Swift car near the TB Ward-Jattarodi checkpoint in the afternoon, he said. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 239 grams of mephedrone, a powerful stimulant that is also called meow meow, reported PTI. Four occupants of the car who were transporting the drug, valued at Rs 12 lakh, were taken into custody. They have been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, he said, reported PTI. A probe is underway to ascertain the source and intended recipient of the banned substance, he added. 20.86 kg ganja seized at Kalyan railway station near Mumbai; two held In another incident, a total of 20.86 kg of ganja has been recovered from two passengers at Kalyan station, on the outskirts of Mumbai, the Government Railway Police said on Friday, reported PTI. The seizure was made on Tuesday after the duo, identified as Mehtab Alam Irshad Alam Sheikh (35) from Mumbra in Maharashtra's Thane district, and Lal Ahmed Momin Amin Kotki (27), a resident of Gulbarga in Karnataka, got down from the Puri Express, the GRP said, reported PTI. They were carrying two unusually large bags, and their behaviour also appeared suspicious, said officials. An inspection of the bags led to the recovery of 20.86 kg of ganja valued at Rs 4.17 lakh, an official said, adding that the Sheikh and Kotki have been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, reported PTI. Investigations are underway to trace the origin of the banned substance and identify the intended recipients or distribution network, the GRP added. Nigerian woman held with Rs 5 crore drugs on Delhi-Mumbai bus Meanwhile, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has recovered drugs valued at nearly Rs 5 crore from a Nigerian woman travelling on a bus from Delhi to Mumbai, an official said on Friday, reported PTI. The intended receiver of the drugs, methamphetamine and ecstasy, was also apprehended in the follow-up action, he said. The banned substances were concealed in food packets (oats) and juice tetra packs, the official said. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials trailed a bus coming from Delhi for about 50 km near Mumbai before intercepting the woman in the early hours of Thursday, reported PTI. The team from the country's premier anti-smuggling unit recovered 2.56 kg of methamphetamine and 584 grams of ecstasy tablets, collectively valued at about Rs 5 crore, he said. Methamphetamine and ecstasy are popular at rave parties for their stimulant effects. The Nigerian national has been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the official said, adding a probe is underway. (With inputs from PTI)
22 June,2025 01:52 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentElection was being held on Sunday to Baramati's Malegaon Cooperative Sugar Mill where Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is contesting for the chairperson's post, while the rival NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar has also entered the fray, reported news agency PTI. Ajit Pawar is among the 90 candidates, contesting the poll under the banner of different panels and not on party tickets, for the 21-member board of directors of the sugar mill located in Baramati. Only members of the mill are eligible to vote. The Nilkantheshwar panel headed by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar, who is contesting a cooperative sugar mill election after more than four decades, currently holds power in the mill, reported PTI. Results will be declared on June 24. Besides the Nilkantheshwar panel and the Ranjan Tawre-led Sahakar Bachav, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) has entered the fray after floating the 'Baliraja Sahakar Bachav' panel, making the contest triangular. Sharad Pawar is not directly in the fray, reported PTI. Ajit Pawar cast his vote on Sunday morning in Pune's Baramati and expressed hope that the people will vote for development. "This is an election conducted through a democratic process. Voters have the right to choose their representative. It is the voters who will decide who will bring development. I am a candidate for the chairman's post. I have been working here for 35 years," Ajit Pawar told reporters after casting his vote. Earlier, the functioning of the Pune District Central Cooperative Bank, of whose Ajit Pawar is chairman, on Wednesday night led to a controversy, with supporters of the Sahakar Bachav and Baliraja panels alleging a voter list was found inside the bank. NCP (SP) MP and Sharad Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule had demanded probe by a special investigation team (SIT) into the incident. Asked about it, Ajit Pawar, who is the nephew of Sharad Pawar, said he need not reply to anybody's random demands. "Since the code of conduct has been enforced, the Sharad Sankul (referring to the office of the Sharad Pawar-backed panel) is open but I don't want to drag that issue. Even if you go there today, you will see people sitting," the deputy CM said, reported PTI. "As per rules, nobody is allowed to sit there and prepare a list for the polls. Ajit Pawar will not decide the vote margin, voters will," he added, reported PTI. Before the 2023 split in the NCP, only one panel (Nilkantheshwar) represented the Pawar family on the board of the sugar mill, reported PTI. Speaking to reporters after recently addressing the voters, Sharad Pawar had said if people associated with the NCP (SP) had been taken along (by the Ajit Pawar-backed ruling panel), there would have been no need for his party to float a rival panel for the polls. The senior Pawar asserted that he does not see the disagreement as a long-term issue (between rival NCP groups). "It is limited to this particular election, which involves only 19,000 voters ¿ members of the mill who are eligible to vote," he had said. (With inputs from PTI)
22 June,2025 12:33 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentIn a village in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district, a unique clinic led by women is healing lives in an unexpected way. The ‘Toilet Clinic’ in Bishanpur Baghnagari is the first of its kind, offering repair and restoration services for broken or disused toilets. Operated entirely by local women trained as sanitation workers, the clinic is restoring both sanitation and dignity in the village. The facility was set up in early 2024 under the leadership of Mukhiya Babita Kumari, after it was found that nearly 190 of the 1,269 toilets built under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen had fallen into disrepair. “When a toilet breaks, people feel ashamed to talk about it. But silence only deepens the problem. I wanted a place where repairs could be made without shame, where women could lead the solution,” Babita 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
22 June,2025 12:23 PM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesIn a significant breakthrough in the Pahalgam terror attack case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two men for providing shelter and logistical support to the Pakistani terrorists who carried out the deadly assault that claimed 26 lives and left 16 others critically injured. According to officials, the arrested men have been identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar, a resident of Batkote, Pahalgam, and Bashir Ahmad Jothar, from Hill Park, Pahalgam. During interrogation, the duo reportedly revealed the identities of the three armed attackers, confirming that they were Pakistani nationals affiliated with the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The NIA’s preliminary investigation suggests that Parvaiz and Bashir knowingly hosted the terrorists at a seasonal hut in Hill Park ahead of the April 22 attack. Authorities said the accused provided food, shelter and other support to the militants, who went on to target tourists based on their religious identity, making the incident one of the most heinous in recent years. The two men have been booked under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The case, registered as RC-02/2025/NIA/JMU, continues to be under active investigation as agencies work to track down additional conspirators and collaborators. The Pahalgam attack, which shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation, has underscored concerns over cross-border infiltration and the continued threat posed by Pakistan-based terror groups. Further investigation is underway, the NIA said in an official statement.
22 June,2025 12:01 PM IST | New Delhi | Diwakar SharmaWelcome to Mid-Day's Top News at this hour! We bring you a curated selection of the most significant and compelling news from around the globe. Stay informed with the latest developments in the nation, Mumbai, entertainment, sports, and more. Let's dive into the headlines shaping our world today. Mumbai weather updates: IMD predicts slightly more rain over next three days The monsoon season, which officially set in over Mumbai on May 26, continues to bring moderate rainfall across the city. A slight increase in rainfall is expected over the next three days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Read more. Mumbai: Senior citizen duped of Rs 1.19 crore in fake stock investment scam A retired 83-year-old man from Dadar has become the latest victim of cyber fraud, reportedly losing Rs 1.19 crore to a bogus stock investment racket. In a well-orchestrated con, multiple individuals posing as investment experts duped him under the pretext of IPO investments. Read more. Navi Mumbai: CIDCO stenographer caught red-handed by ACB while accepting bribe of Rs 1.5 lakh In yet another blot on the City Industrial and Development Corporation Ltd (CIDCO), a senior stenographer was caught red-handed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Thane, while accepting a bribe of Rs 1.5 lakh. Read more. Ind vs Eng 1st Test: Rishabh Pant slams 134 run-knock after lean patch in IPL A one-handed shot over long-on for a six to complete his century and a somersault to celebrate the milestone. Yes, we are talking about the effervescent Rishabh Pant and his trademark celebration, which he had patented during his IPL century for Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow a month ago. At Headingley on Saturday, after Pant hit off-spinner Shoaib Bashir for a six to register his seventh Test century, he removed his helmet and did a forward somersault, to celebrate more in relief after having had a harrowing time during the recently-concluded IPL. Read more. Biopic on yesteryear star Madhubala paused, budget to get a makeover The director is ready, the script is ready, but the producers have hit pause on the long-anticipated biopic on legendary screen icon Madhubala. Reason: a budgetary rethink. Sources close to the project informed mid-day that while director Jasmeet K Reen of Alia Bhatt’s Darlings (2022) fame is all set to go, the producers are reassessing the financial blueprint of the film, which is being produced by Sony, along with Brewing Thoughts and Madhubala Pictures. Read more.
22 June,2025 11:46 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
