Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station is now eyeing a launch on June 25, NASA announced on Tuesday. The Axiom-4 mission, which marks the return to space for India, Hungary, and Poland, was earlier scheduled for lift-off from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on June 25 onboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket at 12:01 pm IST on Wednesday. 'NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are targeting 2:31 a.m. EDT (12:01 IST), Wednesday, June 25, for launch of the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Axiom Mission 4,' a NASA statement said. The Axiom-4 commercial mission is led by Commander Peggy Whitson, with Shukla as mission pilot and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu and Poland's Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski as mission specialists. The mission was originally scheduled for lift-off on May 29 but was then put off to June 8, then June 10 and June 11, when engineers detected a liquid oxygen leak in the boosters of the Falcon-9 rocket and NASA also detected leaks in the ageing Russian module of the International Space Station. The launch was then planned for June 19 and then on June 22 which was put off to allow NASA evaluate operations of the ISS after repairs in the Russian module. The mission will lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The crew will travel to the orbiting laboratory on a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft after launching on the company's Falcon 9 rocket. The targeted docking time is approximately 7 am (4:30 pm IST) Thursday, June 26, NASA 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
24 June,2025 09:04 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIYSRCP chief and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has been named as an accused in a fatal road accident that allegedly occurred when he was on his way to Rentapalla village in Palnadu district recently, a police officer said. Other accused include Reddy’s driver Ramana Reddy, Personal Assistant K Nageshwar Reddy, senior YSRCP leader YV Subbareddy, former MLA Perni Venkataramaiah, and former Minister Vidadala Rajini, Kumar told reporters. Guntur Superintendent of Police S Satish Kumar, addressing a press conference late on Sunday, said that upon receiving the information about the elderly man, Singaiah, who suffered severe bleeding injuries, he was rushed to a dictrict hospital, but was declared brought dead by doctors. On June 18, Reddy had visited Rentapalla to call on a family member of a YSRCP leader who had died by suicide a year ago. The former CM’s vehicle went through the Etukuru bypass. After analysing CCTV footage, drone visuals, and circumstantial evidence, “police confirmed that the deceased was run over by the Ex-CM’s vehicle in the convoy,” SP Kumar said. Following this “confirmation”, police altered the case to include Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 49 of the BNS (Abetment). 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
24 June,2025 08:49 AM IST | Andhra Pradesh | AgenciesAn employee of budget carrier IndiGo has lodged a police complaint against three of his seniors, alleging that they used casteist slurs against him during a company meeting, officials said. IndiGo, however, dismissed the claims as “baseless” and said it will extend its support to the law enforcement agencies as required. Sharan A, 35, from Bengaluru filed the complaint, based on which a zero FIR was registered by the city police. Upon receiving the zero FIR, Gurugram police registered an FIR at DLF Phase 1 police station on Sunday, said a police officer. 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
24 June,2025 08:46 AM IST | Gurugram | AgenciesDevelopment projects worth Rs 936 crore were inaugurated in Raichur, Karnataka, on Monday, reaffirming the Congress Government's commitment to delivering on its promises, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated, as per an official statement from the Karnataka Chief Minister's Office (CMO). He was speaking after inaugurating the Tribal Cultural Festival organised by the Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department and the District Administration, unveiling the nameplate of Adikavi Maharshi Valmiki University, and participating in the 371st Dashamanotsav celebrations, ANI reported. "Our government is committed to development. We had promised 560 guarantees during this election. Already, 235 of these have been fulfilled, and the remaining will be completed in the next three years," the Chief Minister said. Meanwhile, he criticised the previous BJP government, accusing it of neglecting development and now resorting to false propaganda out of frustration over Congress' achievements. "From 2013 to 2018, our previous government fulfilled all the promises made and even 30 more that were not part of the manifesto," he recalled. Highlighting the "steep price rise" under the Modi-led government, the Chief Minister pointed out how the prices of gold, silver, rice, pulses, cooking oil, LPG, petrol, diesel, and fertilisers have risen sharply, burdening ordinary citizens. "Despite being in power at the Centre, the BJP is lying shamelessly to the people," he charged. Emphasising the historical importance of Article 371J for Kalyana Karnataka's progress, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reminded that it was the result of the relentless efforts of Congress leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge and Dharam Singh, supported by the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government. "The BJP opposed this historic step. When Vajpayee was Prime Minister, Advani said that 371J was not possible," he said. Since coming to power, the Congress government has allocated Rs13,500 crore for Kalyana Karnataka's development, with a commitment to allocate more funds going forward. "Due to 371J, our youth are now becoming engineers, doctors, IAS, IPS, ACs, and DCs. This is our achievement," he said, ANI reported. Meanwhile, thanking the people of Kalyana Karnataka for electing Congress in all five Lok Sabha seats from the region, he said, "The blessings of the people of Raichur district are always upon us. Kalyana Karnataka will remain a stronghold of Congress." Lashing out at the BJP for "betraying" Karnataka, he said, "Even though they are in power at the Centre, BJP leaders have failed to correct the injustice done to Karnataka. No BJP or MP has raised their voice to protect the state's interests. This is their true character." "I will be visiting Delhi today to demand that the injustice done to Karnataka by the 15th Finance Commission be corrected at least in the 16th Finance Commission. I will be meeting the Union Finance Minister regarding this," the Chief Minister announced. The Chief Minister predicted that Raichur MLA Raja Venkatappa Nayak Daddal has a bright future and will secure victory in the 2028 elections. (With inputs from ANI)
23 June,2025 11:53 PM IST | Raichur | mid-day online correspondentA probe into emails threatening blasts at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and various locations across 12 states has unravelled a tale of unrequited love and vengeance, allegedly unleashed by a woman executive of a multinational corporation (MNC) in Chennai to defame a man. This has led to her arrest, reported news agency PTI. After the man she dreamt would be her husband married another woman, the accused, identified as Rene Joshilda, decided to take revenge for the 'rejection' and used deception to wreak havoc in his life. According to the police, she used fake email IDs, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and the dark web to hide her identity and location, reported PTI. Following the accused's actions, she was arrested by the Ahmedabad cyber crime unit from her residence in Chennai on Saturday after extended technical surveillance, which involved tracing her digital trail, an official said on Monday. Meanwhile, the Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sharad Singhal on Monday stated that Joshilda created different email IDs, some of which were in the name of Divij Prabhakar, whom she wanted to marry. An engineer trained in Robotics, Joshilda has been working as a senior consultant at a multinational firm in Chennai since 2022."She has done her engineering from Chennai and a course in Robotics. Currently, she is a senior consultant at Deloitte. She loved Divij Prabhakar and wanted to marry him but it remained one-sided," Singhal told reporters. Her dreams crashed when Prabhakar married another girl in February, filling her with revulsion and a desire for revenge. "In a bid to frame him, she created different email IDs, some of which were in the name of Prabhakar," the police officer added. Blinded by what the police describe as 'love', Joshilda used her technical knowledge to spread panic, seemingly unaware of the impact of her actions on innocent people who became unintentional targets due to the hoax emails. The police officer further said Joshilda sent emails from anonymous accounts threatening to blow up the Narendra Modi Stadium, BJ Medical College, and at least two schools in Ahmedabad, reported PTI. "She allegedly sent emails to various locations in 11 other states also (besides Gujarat) timing them ahead of some religious processions or visits by VIPs," he said.Police from various states coordinated with the cyber crime police of Ahmedabad in investigating the matter. "The accused used virtual numbers to create fake email IDs and used the dark web," Singhal added. Explaining the virtual 'cat-and-mouse game', the police officer said Joshilda played her moves smartly and covered her virtual trail. However, a small mistake on her part led investigators to her. "We were tracking her for a long time. She was very smart and didn't reveal her virtual trail, but due to a small mistake of hers, we tracked her and caught her from her house in Chennai," Singhal said. He confirmed that police recovered significant digital and paper evidence against Joshilda. "We can say that we have busted a big module," the police officer exclaimed. According to PTI, the investigation stemmed from an FIR registered at Sarkhej police station in Ahmedabad after a threat mail was received by a school on 3rd June 2025. In the mail, the sender stated she was "going to blast the bomb in your school to bring police attention about the rapist who raped the girl in Lemon Tree Hotel in Hyderabad in 2023 (sic)". The accused sent 13 threat emails to Narendra Modi Stadium, four to Geneva Liberal School, three to Divya Jyoti School, and one to BJ Medical College, police said.Apart from this, emails threatening bomb blasts were also sent to target locations in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Bihar, Telangana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana, police said. "Bomb successfully planted in Narendra Modi Stadium. Save the stadium if you can," reads one such mail. Another mail sent to BJ Medical College after the Air India crash stated: "I think now you know power. Like we sent you mail yesterday we crashed the Air India plane with our former CM. We know the police would have thought that the plane crash was a hoax and ignored it. Well done to our pilot. Now you know we are not playing. Now you know". (With inputs from PTI)
23 June,2025 11:52 PM IST | Ahmedabad | mid-day online correspondentIndia on Monday extended the closure of its airspace for flights operated by Pakistan airlines by another month till July 24. The Indian airspace has been closed for planes operated, owned or leased by Pakistan airlines and operators, including military flights, since April 30. The ban was imposed as part of various measures taken by the government against Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people on April 22. Initially, the ban was to end on May 24 and was subsequently extended till June 24. On Monday, a fresh NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) was issued, extending the closure by one more month till July 24, 2025. As per the NOTAM, Indian airspace will not be available for Pakistan-registered aircraft and aircraft operated, owned or leased by Pakistan airlines and operators, including military flights. Meanwhile, Pakistan has also extended by one month the closure of its airspace for Indian aircraft till July 24. On April 24, Pakistan banned its airspace for India until May 24, after the Indian government suspended the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. The airspace curb was extended till June 24. On April 23, a day after the Pahalgam attack, India announced a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down of the only operational land border crossing at Attari and downgrading of diplomatic ties in view of cross-border links to the massacre. 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.
23 June,2025 11:37 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIThe Supreme Court on Monday granted interim protection from coercive action until 14th July to Wazahat Khan, who filed a complaint against social media influencer Sharmistha Panoli for allegedly making communal remarks in a video, reported news agency PTI. A bench comprising Justices K.V. Viswanathan and N. Kotiswar Singh passed the order while hearing a plea by Khan, who faces FIRs across several states, including West Bengal. The bench noted that Khan had already been arrested by West Bengal Police and was in custody. According to PTI, his counsel stated that the FIRs and complaints against Khan were registered in various states for his old tweets, which were alleged to have hurt religious sentiments. After the bench agreed to hear his plea, his counsel sought no further coercive action against his client until the next date of hearing. "Having considered the prayer, we are inclined to grant the same," the bench stated. As an interim measure, the top court ruled that until the next hearing on 14th July, no coercive action should be taken against the petitioner pursuant to the FIRs or complaints referred to in the petition, or any other FIRs or complaints that may be lodged against him in connection with similar allegations. "There is a famous Tamil saying. It must be there in Telugu also. A wound inflicted by a fire may heal but not a wound inflicted by the tongue," the bench observed, according to PTI. Khan was arrested by Kolkata Police on 9th June. He moved the apex court, alleging that FIRs and complaints had been lodged against him in several states, including Assam, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Haryana, for certain old tweets he had made. He argued that these FIRs were in retaliation to a complaint he had filed against Panoli, who was arrested and later released on bail. "I have deleted all of them and apologised," his counsel said, submitting that Khan was perhaps "reaping what he has sown." His counsel further argued that the first FIR, according to the petitioner, was dated 2nd June. He also referred to a number of previous judgments and orders of the apex court in which orders to consolidate FIRs, either in one state or multiple FIRs filed in a state, to the state concerned, were passed. The bench agreed to hear the plea and issued notice to the Centre and the states of West Bengal, Assam, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Haryana. The matter is scheduled to be heard on 14th July. Khan, arrested by the Kolkata Police earlier in June, was booked in the case for offences under the BNS, including promoting enmity between different groups based on religion, race, and insults or attempts to insult religion. An FIR was registered against him at the Golf Green Police Station in south Kolkata for allegedly promoting hate speech and hurting religious sentiments through his social media posts. According to PTI, the other charges levelled against him included provoking a breach of peace and making statements conducive to public mischief.Panoli, a 22-year-old law student, was arrested by Kolkata Police from Gurugram in Haryana on 30th May after a video she uploaded on social media drew widespread outrage. She was booked by Garden Reach Police Station in Kolkata on 15th May. The Calcutta High Court granted her interim bail on 5th June. Khan, the primary complainant against Panoli, had registered a complaint against the influencer for offences including malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, leading the police to lodge a case against her. In the video, Panoli allegedly used abusive language and made communal remarks while criticising a section of Bollywood celebrities for their silence on 'Operation Sindoor'. (With inputs from PTI)
23 June,2025 11:29 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIn a sharp warning on Monday, US President Donald Trump urged "everyone," including businesses and individuals, to keep prices in check, cautioning that the rising costs could "play into the hands of the enemy”. Taking to his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump posted a strongly worded message calling "everyone" to help control prices amid ongoing economic concerns. Though he did not name specific sectors, the statement appeared to be directed at US oil companies and possibly Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) nations, amid renewed concerns over global energy stability, reported ANI. "EVERYONE, KEEP OIL PRICES DOWN. I'M WATCHING! YOU'RE PLAYING RIGHT INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. DON'T DO IT!" Trump posted. Earlier on Sunday, EuroNews reported that Iran is considering closing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most strategically vital chokepoints in the world. Any such move by Tehran would pose serious risks for Europe, following US airstrikes on Iran's nuclear installations. Revolutionary Guard commander Sardar Esmail Kowsari told local media in an interview that closing the Strait of Hormuz "is under consideration, and Iran will make the best decision with determination," EuroNews quoted. "Our hands are wide open when it comes to punishing the enemy, and the military response was only part of our overall response," added Kowsari, who is also member of the Iranian Parliament. On Sunday, President Trump had announced that "very successful" strikes had hit the Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan underground nuclear sites in Iran. According to EuroNews, Iran's short- and medium-range missiles would be capable of targeting oil infrastructure platforms, pipelines in the Strait, or even attacking commercial vessels. Surface-to-surface missiles could target tankers or ports along the Gulf. Airstrikes using aircraft and drones could disable navigation or radar equipment at major shipping ports in the region. Unmanned drones such as Iran's Shahed models could potentially be used to attack specific shipping lanes or infrastructure in the Strait. Iran could also attempt to deploy warships to physically block access to the Strait. In 2012, Iran launched a cyberattack on Saudi Arabia's oil industry, demonstrating its growing capability in this domain, as per EuroNews. Blocking the Strait was one of the Iranian responses to the conflict, alongside possible terrorist acts on mainland Europe, which security expert Claude Moniquet cited in an interview with EuroNews. It would be "a disaster for Europe", the former French intelligence officer said. Roughly 20 per cent of global oil and a significant portion of natural gas pass through the Strait. Europe imports oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE—much of which travels through the Strait. If Iran blocks it, global oil prices could spike and Europe may face energy shortages, especially in countries dependent on Middle Eastern fuel, according to EuroNews. (With ANI inputs)
23 June,2025 10:45 PM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondentA 23-year-old man was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a patient in the same ward at a government hospital in northeast Delhi on Monday morning, an official said. The incident was reported to the police earlier in the day, he said. Following this, a police team was immediately dispatched to the hospital. "On reaching the spot, it was found that a female patient admitted at the hospital was sexually assaulted by another patient admitted in the same ward," a senior police officer said in a statement. The accused was arrested on the spot, police said. A case has been registered under relevant provisions of law at New Usmanpur Police Station, and further investigation is underway. 28-year-old woman pilot molested during cab ride in Mumbai; driver, two others booked Meanwhile, a case has been registered against a cab driver and two unidentified men for allegedly sexually harassing a 28-year-old airline pilot during a late-night ride in Mumbai, police said on Saturday, reported the PTI. The incident occurred around 11.15 pm on Thursday, when the pilot was on her way home to Ghatkopar from South Mumbai, an official said. The woman told police that her husband, who is a Navy officer, stays in a Navy residential complex as he has not yet received government accommodation and she resides separately in Ghatkopar. Following dinner at a restaurant in south Mumbai on Thursday night, her husband booked a cab service operated by a private aggregator for her to return home. About 25 minutes into the ride, the cab driver allegedly changed the route and picked up two additional men, the complainant said in her statement to police. “One of them, who sat in the backseat next to her, touched her inappropriately,” the complaint further said. “When she yelled at him, he threatened her, but the cab driver did not intervene,” the officer said, citing the first information report (FIR) in the case, according to the PTI. Later, upon noticing a police checkpoint ahead on the highway, both the male passengers reportedly fled the vehicle. The woman said she reached home safely but received no explanation from the driver when asked why he had allowed the men to enter the cab, PTI reported. She narrated the incident to her husband the next morning, after which the couple approached the Ghatkopar Police and filed a complaint. Based on her statement, an FIR was registered under sections 75(1) (sexual harassment), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Further investigation is underway, the police added. (with PTI inputs)
23 June,2025 08:11 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA Mahan Air evacuation flight carrying 256 Indian students, majority of them from the Kashmir valley, landed safely at the Delhi airport on Saturday, bringing much-needed relief to their anxious families amid the Iran-Israel war, reported the PTI. The students, many of whom were stranded in Iran amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, appeared visibly exhausted but relieved after enduring days of fear and uncertainty in the conflict zone. "Thanks to the Government of India for its efforts and timely coordination with Iranian authorities. We remain committed to ensuring the safe evacuation of all remaining students, especially those from vulnerable and remote regions," the Jammu and Kashmir Students' Association said in a statement, according to the PTI. The association also confirmed that another evacuation flight carrying Indian students is expected to arrive in the national capital around 11:30 pm. "This was the second flight bringing back Indians from Iran within 24 hours under Operation Sindhu. Another flight from Iran's Mashhad, with 290 Indian students, mostly from Jammu and Kashmir," landed in Delhi late on Friday night, the news agency reported on Saturday. #OperationSindhu flight brings citizens home.🇮🇳 evacuated 290 Indian nationals from Iran, including students and religious pilgrims by a charter flight. The flight arrived in New Delhi at 2330 hrs on 20 June and was received by Secretary (CPV& OIA) Arun Chatterjee.Government… pic.twitter.com/ZORq0aeza5 — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 20, 2025 The Indian authorities, in coordination with their Iranian counterparts, facilitated the movement of stranded students from Iran's Tehran to Mashhad before boarding. Iran has also opened its airspace in a special gesture to support the evacuation. In all, nearly 1,000 Indian nationals are being brought home through a series of special flights. Two additional flights, including one from Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabat (expected arrival around 3 am on Sunday), are also scheduled, the news agency reported. "Heartfelt thanks to the Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs, and all concerned authorities for their timely intervention and support," the Jammu and Kashmir Students' Association reiterated, underlining the emotional relief experienced by families across the Union Territory, reported the PTI. The evacuations are part of Operation Sindhu, launched by the Ministry of External Affairs last week in response to the worsening conflict between Israel and Iran, which has severely disrupted regional air travel and left many Indian nationals stranded. On Thursday, 110 students were flown out via Armenia and Doha. (with PTI inputs)
23 June,2025 06:50 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAn Air India Express flight operating from Delhi to Srinagar via Jammu had to return to its origin airport without landing at its destination on Monday afternoon, officials confirmed. It was, however, not known immediately what led the flight to return to Delhi, the officials said, reported the PTI. The officials said that the flight IX-2564 was supposed to land in Jammu around the afternoon before leaving for Srinagar, but it hovered over the Jammu airport for some time before its pilot decided to return to Delhi without landing. The weather and the runway were clear, but it seems the pilot could not find the appropriate landing area, they said, according to the PTI. An Air India Express Spokesperson said, “Our Delhi–Jammu flight returned to Delhi as a precautionary measure, following a suspected GPS interference incident.Subsequently an alternative flight was organised to connect guests to Jammu. We regret the inconvenience caused. Instances of GPS signal interference have been reported by operators while flying over certain sensitive regions.” Air India temporarily suspends flights on three routes, cuts frequency on 19 sectors; full details here Meanwhile, last week, Air India had 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 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. Whereas on Saturday, the Aviation safety regulator DGCA directed Air India to relieve three of its officials, including a divisional vice president, of all duties related to crew scheduling and rostering, sources confirmed. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), in its order on June 20, also asked the Tata Group-owned airline to initiate internal disciplinary proceedings against these officials without delay, reported news agency PTI.
23 June,2025 06:26 PM IST | Jammu | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
