Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday congratulated Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists on Thursday for achieving a historic success in India's space mission. India became the fourth country to demonstrate space docking capability after successfully docking two satellites launched under SpaDeX, ANI reported. Taking to X, the Congress leader expressed, "Congratulations to the brilliant scientists of ISRO for the historic success of SpaDeX, making India the fourth nation to master space docking technology. This milestone marks a significant leap in India's capabilities, paving the way for greater space programmes and missions." "Your dedication and innovation continue to inspire the world and make every Indian proud," he added. Congratulations to the brilliant scientists of ISRO for the historic success of SpaDeX, making India the fourth nation to master space docking technology. This milestone marks a significant leap in India's capabilities, paving the way for greater space programs and missions.… — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 16, 2025 ISRO announced the successful docking of the two satellites, marking a noteworthy step in India's space mission capabilities. This success paves the way for future space exploration missions, including Chandrayaan-4, India's planned space station, and Gaganyaan, ANI reported. Earlier in the day, ISRO announced on X: "SpaDeX Docking Update: Docking Success Spacecraft docking successfully completed! A historic moment. Let's walk through the SpaDeX docking process: Manoeuvre from 15m to 3m hold point completed. Docking initiated with precision, leading to successful spacecraft capture. Retraction completed smoothly, followed by rigidisation for stability. Docking successfully completed. India became the 4th country to achieve successful Space Docking. Congratulations to the entire team! Congratulations to India!" SpaDeX Docking Update:🌟Docking SuccessSpacecraft docking successfully completed! A historic moment.Let’s walk through the SpaDeX docking process:Manoeuvre from 15m to 3m hold point completed. Docking initiated with precision, leading to successful spacecraft capture.… — ISRO (@isro) January 16, 2025 President Droupadi Murmu praised ISRO for taking India to the elite group of nations that have demonstrated space docking capability. ALong with her several other prominent political figures also hailed this achievement, ANI cited. Taking to X, the President of India through Rashtrapati Bhavan's official handle, said, "India's space programme achieves a historic milestone with the successful docking of the two satellites launched under Space Docking Experiment, SpaDeX! India is the fourth nation to have demonstrated space docking capability." "This achievement paves the way for India's future endeavours in space exploration such as Chandrayaan-4, India's planned space station and Gaganyaan. Congratulations to ISRO and the entire scientists and engineers communities of the country for boosting India's space capabilities," she added. India’s space programme achieves historic milestone with the successful docking of the two satellites launched under Space Docking Experiment, SpaDeX! India is the fourth nation to have demonstrated space docking capability. This achievement paves the way for India's future… — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 16, 2025 AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal also lauded the scientists. He posted on X: "Congratulations to ISRO for the historic success of the SpaDeX mission, achieving a monumental docking milestone. Proud of our scientists who make India shine brighter among the stars." Congratulations to ISRO for the historic success of the SpaDeX mission, achieving a monumental docking milestone. Proud of our scientists who make India shine brighter among the stars. https://t.co/mm01Jv3s8N — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 16, 2025 (With ANI inputs)
16 January,2025 07:09 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Nagpur Police on Thursday said that the number of victims is expected to rise after a 47-year-old psychologist-cum-career counsellor was arrested for allegedly sexually exploiting at least 50 minor girls and women, reported news agency ANI. The man allegedly used to trap girls under the pretence of providing counselling, as per ANI. The allegations came to light when one of his ex-students approached the police. As per allegations, the accused used to abuse victims during camps and trips he organised, and took explicit photos for potential blackmail. Three cases have been registered against the accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, said Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal, claiming that the man's wife was also involved in the series of alleged misdeeds, reported ANI. The accused was arrested in November and is currently lodged in judicial custody. "His wife was also involved with him and sections will be imposed on her depending on the extent of her involvement...In the beginning, only one case was registered. Later, two more cases were registered, number of victims is expected to increase," said the Nagpur Police Commissioner. The police commissioner also expressed the possibility that many victims have yet to speak up. A committee has been formed to investigate further and ensure that juvenile victims can provide statements as per law, stated ANI. Evidence was found at a residence where the counsellor had sheltered some children. While sharing more updates in the case, the commissioner stated, "I have personally formed a committee...to explore other aspects and so that juveniles give their statements before CwC as per law." Singal further informed that the panel comprises a senior IPS officer, an API from the Cyber Crime Unit of Nagpur Police, and members of the child welfare board and other bodies. "It took a lot of persuasion to encourage the minor girls to step forward," he added. Providing details about the career counsellor, the official said that he had been working in and around Nagpur for "many" years, ANI stated. The accused man "used to shelter some children in a residence from where we found some evidence", said Commissioner Singal. Based on the evidence found, the Nagpur police will take the investigation forward, he added. (With inputs from ANI)
16 January,2025 06:52 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentTwo women were injured and five to six vehicles were damaged after a container truck allegedly hit them on Chakan-Shikrapur Road in Maharashtra's Pune district on Thursday, police said, reported news agency PTI. The container truck driver then sped away after hitting two women pedestrians at Manik Chowk in the Chakan area, injuring their legs. The driver rammed into a tempo, a car, and a couple of two-wheelers over a stretch of about 2 kilometres, during his attempt to escape, PTI stated. A police van was also damaged amid the chaos, an official said. “The container truck was eventually intercepted and stopped at Shikrapur Chowk. The driver has been taken into custody,” said the official from the Pimpri Chinchwad police station. Thane accident: Man killed as truck hits 2 auto-rickshaws; minor driver held The police said that a man was killed and another person injured when a truck driven by a minor boy collided with two auto-rickshaws before falling into a pit at a Metro construction site in Maharashtra's Thane city on Monday, reported news agency PTI. The 15-year-old truck driver was later detained, they said. The incident took place at 2.30 am near Suraj Water Park on the city's arterial Ghodbunder Road and traffic on the route was affected for some time, the police said while sharing an update on the Thane accident, reported PTI. The truck driver lost control over the wheels following which the vehicle collided with two auto-rickshaws parked by the roadside and then plunged into a pit at a Metro construction site, traffic police officials said while sharing an update on the Thane accident, reported PTI. Local resident Jitendra Mohan Kamble (31), who was in one of the auto-rickshaws, was injured and rushed to a government hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival, they said, reported PTI. An occupant of the other auto-rickshaw also received serious injuries and was undergoing treatment at the hospital, the police said. The Kasarvadavali police detained the underage driver and registered an FIR against him under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act, they said. The traffic police later removed the damaged truck and the auto-rickshaws with the help of a towing vehicle and restored smooth traffic flow on the road. (With inputs from PTI)
16 January,2025 05:14 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentA Delhi court on Thursday issued a notice to CM Atishi and AAP MP Sanjay Singh on a criminal defamation complaint filed by former Congress MP Sandeep Dikshit, PTI reported. As per PTI, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Paras Dalal ordered the AAP leaders to file a reply by January 27, when the court will further hear the matter. The defamation complaint claimed that Atishi and Singh "deliberately caused harm to the goodwill of Dikshit". It claimed that the Delhi CM Atishi and MP Sanjay Singh had alleged in a press conference that Dikshit not only took crores of rupees from the BJP, but the Congress also plotted with the BJP to defeat AAP, PTI reported. Dikshit is contesting the Delhi Assembly elections 2025 against former CM Arvind Kejriwal from the New Delhi constituency. Delhi Assembly elections 2025: CM Atishi files nomination from Kalkaji constituency Chief Minister Atishi filed her nomination for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections 2025 from the Kalkaji constituency on Tuesday at the district magistrate’s (DM) office in Lajpat Nagar. Atishi was supposed to file her papers on Monday. However, there was a delay due to a roadshow and she could not reach the DM’s office before the 3 pm deadline. Atishi is contesting against the BJP’s Ramesh Singh Bidhuri and the Congress’ Alka Lamba. A seasoned politician and former MP, Bidhuri won the Tughlakabad assembly seat in 2003, 2008 and 2013. Lamba was with the AAP for about five years and joined the Congress in 2019. Kalkaji constituency has a total of 1,94,515 voters—1,06,893 male, 87,617 female and five transgender. A police complaint was filed by a returning officer against the Delhi CM, alleging the use of a government vehicle for political purposes on January 7. Following this, a detailed investigation was carried out and a Public Works Department’s (PWD) south-east divisional executive engineer was booked for allegedly using a government vehicle for election campaigning. An officer said that the FIR had been filed for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct. The case was filed at Delhi's Govindpuri police station. A complaint letter regarding the matter was submitted to the assistant commissioner of police, Kalkaji. (With agency inputs)
16 January,2025 01:42 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentOvernight showers drenched the national capital with the weather department predicting more rain on Thursday. Rain started in some parts of the city around 11.30 pm on Wednesday, and between 11.30 pm and 5.30 am, Delhi's primary weather station recorded 3.7 mm of rainfall, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) data. Other stations such as Palam recorded 8.6 mm of rain, Pusa 7.5 mm, and Mayur Vihar 4 mm. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 10.3 degrees Celsius, 2.7 notches above normal, while the air quality was recorded in the very poor category with a reading of 336, reported PTI. The IMD has predicted a cloudy sky and light rain for the day, with the maximum temperature likely to settle around 20 degrees Celsius. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe. Meanwhile, Lahaul and Spiti are covered in a blanket of snow as the area receives fresh snowfall. As per IMD's forecast on January 15, the temperatures in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh plummeted to minus 12 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature may reach 9 degrees Celsius. A layer of fog also engulfs parts of Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya as mercury dips in several parts of Northern India. As per IMD, the minimum temperature has been recorded at 8 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature will reach 18 degrees Celsius in Ayodhya. IMD has issued a warning for dense fog in the city. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)
16 January,2025 01:33 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully performed the docking of satellites on Thursday as part of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) and the space agency also announced that post docking, control of two satellites as a single object was successful, reported news agency PTI. "Spacecraft docking successfully completed! A historic moment. India became the 4th country to achieve successful Space Docking. Congratulations to the entire team! Congratulations to India!" ISRO said in a post on X on Thursday (formerly Twitter) and also explained the process. SpaDeX Docking Update:🌟Docking SuccessSpacecraft docking successfully completed! A historic moment.Let’s walk through the SpaDeX docking process:Manoeuvre from 15m to 3m hold point completed. Docking initiated with precision, leading to successful spacecraft capture.… — ISRO (@isro) January 16, 2025 India has become the fourth country after US, Russia and China to accomplish the feat with the successeful docking of the satellites. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post on X congratulated the scientists for the achievement. In his post, he wrote, "Congratulations to our scientists at ISRO and the entire space fraternity for the successful demonstration of space docking of satellites. It is a significant stepping stone for India's ambitious space missions in the years to come." Congratulations to our scientists at @isro and the entire space fraternity for the successful demonstration of space docking of satellites. It is a significant stepping stone for India’s ambitious space missions in the years to come. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 16, 2025 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended his greetings to the team at ISRO for their success in this mission. Noting that India has become the fourth country to undertake such a mission, the UP CM said that it was a proud moment for the country. "Congratulations team ISRO on this historic achievement! Bharat has become the 4th nation to successfully achieve space docking, marking a giant leap in our space capabilities. The SpaDeX docking process was executed with flawless precision. This extraordinary milestone highlights the dedication and expertise of the brilliant minds behind the mission. A proud moment for Bharat! Jai Hind!" Adityanath wrote on X. Congratulations team @isro on this historic achievement!Bharat has become the 4th nation to successfully achieve space docking, marking a giant leap in our space capabilities.The SpaDeX docking process was executed with flawless precision.This extraordinary milestone… — Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 16, 2025 Further, ISRO said, "Post docking, control of two satellites as a single object is successful. Undocking and power transfer checks to follow in coming days." SpaDeX Docking Update:Post docking, control of two satellites as a single object is successful. Undocking and power transfer checks to follow in coming days.#SPADEX #ISRO — ISRO (@isro) January 16, 2025 Earlier on January 12, ISRO brought the two spacecraft to three metres and then moved them back to safe distance in its trial attempt to dock the satellites, PTI stated. On December 30, 2024, ISRO had successfully launched the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission. The PSLV C60 rocket carrying two small satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), along with 24 payloads, had lifted off from the first launchpad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, and about 15 minutes after liftoff, the two small spacecraft weighing about 220 kg each were launched into a 475-km circular orbit as intended, stated PTI. According to ISRO, the SpaDeX mission is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission for the demonstration of in-space docking using two small spacecraft that was launched by PSLV. In space, docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives. (With inputs from PTI)
16 January,2025 01:07 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentAs preparations for the Union Budget 2025-26 are underway, the Ministry of Finance on Thursday issued a comprehensive report on the progress and achievements of the announcements made under the Union Budget 2024-25. According to ANI, the ministry highlighted several key reforms that have been successfully implemented, particularly in simplifying taxation, reducing litigation, and enhancing tax certainty. Taking to social media platform ‘X’, the Ministry of Finance reflected on the developments, stating, “Let’s reflect on the significant #UnionBudget announcements and other #MajorInitiatives, and the progress made under them over time.” Reduction in Tax Litigation and appeals The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) introduced the Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme, 2024, aiming to resolve pending income tax disputes efficiently. ANI reports that additional officers have been deployed to expedite the disposal of first appeals. The monetary limits for filing appeals have also been raised, with limits set at Rs 60 lakh for Tax Tribunals, Rs 2 crore for High Courts, and Rs 5 crore for the Supreme Court. The finance ministry further stated that safe harbour rules have been expanded, while transfer pricing assessments are being streamlined to reduce international tax disputes. These measures aim to create a more predictable and taxpayer-friendly environment. Simplification of Capital Gains Taxation Major reforms in capital gains taxation were also a highlight of the 2024-25 budget. As per ANI, the introduction of just two holding periods—one year for listed assets and two years for unlisted and non-financial assets—has significantly simplified compliance for taxpayers. Long-term capital gains now attract a reduced tax rate of 12.5 per cent, while short-term gains are taxed at 20 per cent. Additionally, the exemption limit for capital gains on certain financial assets has been increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.25 lakh annually, benefitting middle- and lower-income groups. The rationalisation of tax rates and elimination of indexation have further simplified the calculation process. Reassessment and Reopening of Tax Cases ANI reports that the government has revised provisions for reassessment, reducing uncertainty for taxpayers. Reassessments beyond three years are now permitted only if the escaped income exceeds Rs 50 lakh, with a maximum period of five years. For search cases, the reassessment window has been reduced to six years, fostering greater tax certainty. Overhaul of the Income Tax Act, 1961 The Ministry of Finance has also undertaken a comprehensive review of the Income Tax Act, 1961. According to ANI, over 6,500 suggestions have been received from stakeholders, and 22 specialised committees are currently reviewing various aspects of the Act. The objective is to make the law concise and easier to understand, with the exercise expected to be completed within six months. (With inputs from ANI)
16 January,2025 01:02 PM IST | MumbaiWelcome 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. Markets rally in early trade tracking global peers Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty surged in early trade on Thursday in tandem with a rally in global markets after lower-than-expected consumer inflation in the US ignited hopes of more rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex jumped 595.42 points to 77,319.50 in early trade. The NSE Nifty rallied 178.45 points to 23,391.65. Mumbai weather updates: Is this what moderate-quality air looks like? A thick blanket of haze continued to envelop Mumbai on Wednesday, reducing visibility as the city witnessed high humidity levels and cloud cover, leading to a further increase in overall air pollution. According to the IMD, easterly winds that keep dust particles suspended in the air are to blame for the persistent haze and poor air quality. The average AQI of the city tested 141 (unhealthy for sensitive groups) at 7 pm on Wednesday, while images from across the city indicated ‘hazardous’ levels. Read more. Bombay HC directs BMC to clean up 20 worst hawking spots in Mumbai A division bench of the Bombay High Court comprising Justice A S Gadkari and Justice Kamal Khata while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) on the illegal hawkers’ menace across Mumbai has directed the BMC to initiate firm and regular action against illegal hawkers in 20 locations across the city. The court has disclosed its intention to implement the same across Maharashtra in the next hearing. Read more. Saif Ali Khan attacked by thief who broke into his Mumbai home; sustains 6 stab wounds Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan was attacked by a thief who broke into his home around 2am on Thursday. The actor has been hospitalized at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital where he underwent a surgery. The incident occurred at Bandra's Satguru Sharan apartment on the 12th floor, when Saif was sleeping at home with his family. Read more. Day of records Records tumbled like ninepins as the Indian women’s cricket team, powered by skipper Smriti Mandhana’s 70-ball century, demolished Ireland by a whopping 304 runs to claim its biggest-ever ODI win and complete a 3-0 clean sweep here on Wednesday. Read more.
16 January,2025 10:30 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA total of five persons were killed on Wednesday in two separate road accidents in Bihar. The first accident occurred in Bihar's Madhubani district. Three youth lost their lives in a road accident involving a speeding cement-laden truck and a motorcycle. The accident occurred near a village under the jurisdiction of the Khajuli police station area in Madhubani district. The speeding truck rammed into the bike carrying the three victims. All three youths on the bike were killed on the spot. The police arrived at the scene and seized the truck. Efforts were underway to apprehend the truck driver, who fled the scene. The deceased have been identified as Sachin Kumar Mandal (22), Rajesh Mandal (27) and Bharat Mandal (28). Rajesh and Bharat Mandal were brothers-in-law of Sachin. They were traveling to visit their sick father-in-law when the accident occurred. The death of three family members has devastated their relatives, causing immense grief and shock. “We have seized the truck and sent the bodies for post-mortem. We are making efforts to nab the errant truck driver,” said the SHO of Khajuli police station. An investigation is underway to locate the absconding truck driver and determine the cause of the accident. The second accident occurred in Jamui district when two siblings lost their lives in a tragic road accident. The accident occurred on the Chakai-Deoghar main road, near Ashana Mor, when a truck hit a bike. Both siblings identified as Abhishek Das and Rishu Kumari died on the spot due to the impact of the accident. The truck driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene. The police have seized the truck and are investigating the incident to identify the driver. Following the accident, an FIR of rash and negligent driving has been registered and the police have been making efforts to nab the accused, an official 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
16 January,2025 08:27 AM IST | Patna | IANSA three-year-old boy died after he slipped through the grill of a staircase in a Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) facility here on Wednesday, police said. "The boy accidentally fell down while playing with his brother. They came with their parents for darshan (visiting the deity),¿ the official told PTI. The incident occurred around 3:30 pm when the boy slipped from the first floor of Padmanabha Nilayam near verandah number three, said the official. According to police, the family was waiting to visit the deity on Thursday evening when this tragedy happened and it came from Chinna Chow village in Kadapa district. Police registered a case and are probing the incident. 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
16 January,2025 08:27 AM IST | Tirupati | PTIPolice have arrested a man for allegedly beating a van driver to death over an old rivalry in a village, officials said on Wednesday. The incident occurred on Sunday night when Harsh, the victim, was smoking near his hut and Vishal, along with his friends, attacked him with sticks, police said.Vishal was arrested from Sector 40 in Gurugram on Tuesday. During the interrogation, he revealed that Harsh had reportedly assaulted him last year. He had filed a case against him at the Bhondsi Police Station but Harsh kept teasing him, police said. "On Sunday night, Vishal had come to Rithoj village for a birthday celebration. He drank with his friends and went to Harsh's hut, where he and his friends beat Vishal to death. We are conducting raids to arrest the other accused", Gurugram police spokesperson 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
16 January,2025 08:26 AM IST | Gurugram | PTIADVERTISEMENT
