The 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 | PTIThe Directorate of Education, Delhi government has issued orders to conduct classes in hybrid mode for students up to Class IX and XI on Wednesday. The decision has been taken following the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) 4 due to the increasing pollution levels in Delhi-NCR. The order applies to all government, government-aided, unaided recognized private schools under DOE, NDMC, MCD and the Delhi Cantonment Board. The official order reads, "All Heads of Schools of Govt., Govt. Aided, Unaided Recognized Private Schools of DOE, NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonment Board are directed to conduct classes in schools for children up to Class IX & XI in a 'Hybrid Mode' i.e., both in physical and online mode." Meanwhile, Delhi is experiencing cold waves, which are contributing to elevated levels of air pollution. The air quality in the national capital dropped down to the 'very poor' category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI was recorded at 344 in Delhi on Wednesday. According to the data published by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Delhi's air quality has deteriorated with recorded AQI of 287 (IITM) and 291 (IMD) at Lodhi Road. Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium reported 368, Mandir Marg 378, Mundka 372, and NSIT Dwarka 242. Najafgarh recorded 255, Narela 377, Nehru Nagar 394, and North Campus, DU 382 (IMD). Okhla Phase-2 reported an AQI of 380, Patparganj 390, and Pusa recorded 355. R K Puram reported an AQI of 373, Rohini 399, Shadipur 313, and Sirifort 360. Sonia Vihar recorded 315, Sri Aurobindo Marg 222, Vivek Vihar 414, and Wazirpur 408. The data highlights that Vivek Vihar recorded the highest AQI of 414, indicating severe pollution levels. 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.' On January 12, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked Stage-III measures under the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), following an improvement in Delhi's air quality. 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 08:24 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIA special unit of the CRPF that was withdrawn from the security of Parliament last year has been finally disbanded and merged with the VIP security wing of the force that has been recently provided a new battalion comprising over 1,000 personnel, official sources said on Wednesday. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an order on Tuesday “changing the nomenclature” of about 1,400 personnel strength Parliament Duty Group (PDG) to VIP Security Group (VSG) under the CRPF. This came after the ministry early this month ordered transferring of the forces’ battalion number 190, located in Jharkhand’s Chatra district, to the VIP security unit of the force. The battalion, with a strength of over 1,000 personnel, was deployed for undertaking anti-Maoist operations in Jharkhand. The Central Reserve Police Group (CRPF) VIP security wing is presently providing protection to more than 200 people, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Gandhi family of the Congress comprising Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra among others. 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 08:17 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesSlamming the Centre for adopting an “indifferent” attitude towards their demands, a group of 111 farmers began a fast-unto-death on Wednesday in solidarity with their leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal whose indefinite strike entered day 51. The protesting farmers have expressed concern over Dallewal’s “deteriorating” health, saying the 70-year-old risks “multiple organ failure” because of the prolonged fasting. The farmers earlier said Dallewal had eaten anything since November 26 last year and was just surviving on water. The farmers have been protesting over various demands, including a legally guarantees minimum support price for their crops. Dallewal’s health reports The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Punjab government for a copy of the health reports of Dallewal, to be examined for an opinion from the medical board of AIIMS. Dallewal has been on the indefinite hunger strike at the Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana since November 26 last year and has refused any medical aid. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh wondered how a person, who had been on fast for nearly 50 days had his health parameters improving and asked the state chief secretary to submit test reports during the course of the day. It further directed the apex court registrar to communicate the reports to the AIIMS director. The top court also noted the state’s submission that authorities are in deliberations with the protesting farmers and they are hopeful of a solution. 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 08:16 AM IST | Chandigarh | AgenciesA case has been registered against six persons, including the director of a private hospital in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly removing a woman's kidney during her treatment in 2017, police said on Wednesday. The court-ordered first information report (FIR) alleges illegal organ trade, they said. Shankar Prasad, Superintendent of Police (City), said, "The complaint has been lodged at Narsona police station on a court directive under Section 156(3). Complainant Kavita Devi alleges that her kidney was removed during her treatment at a Meerut hospital in 2017. An investigation is underway, and further legal action will follow." According to Devi's complaint, she fell ill in 2017 and was treated by a doctor in KMC Hospital in Meerut, news agency PTI reported. "The doctor advised surgery, assuring me it would address internal health issues. I underwent the surgery on May 20, 2017, and was discharged four days later. However, when my condition didn't improve over the years, further tests in 2022 revealed that my left kidney was missing," she said. She alleged that the hospital staff misled her with fake reports showing both kidneys were intact and confiscated her documents when she confronted them. Devi further claimed that the hospital staff had threatened her to kill her and her husband when they confronted them for accountability. The FIR accuses KMC Hospital Director Dr Sunil Gupta and his wife, among others, of being involved in illegal organ trade, PTI reported. However, Dr Gupta has denied the allegations. "All allegations against us are baseless and false. The complainant has no evidence, such as a discharge card, to substantiate her claims." He further alleged, "This is an attempt to extort money. Initially, Rs 5 lakh was demanded, which later increased to Rs 12 lakh. As we refused to pay, they filed a case." Dr Gupta also said that the matter is pending before the Ghaziabad Consumer Forum, with a hearing scheduled on March 21. The Uttar Pradesh Police have registered the case under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), and 506 (criminal intimidation), as well as Section 18 of the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, PTI reported. (With PTI inputs)
15 January,2025 10:36 PM IST | Bulandshahr | mid-day online correspondentNagpur Railway Station in Maharashtra, a landmark of Indian Railways has completed 100 years of service, an official statement said on Wednesday. The statement said that it was officially inaugurated on January 15, 1925, by Sir Frank Sly. The station has remained a vital link in India’s rail network, blending historical significance with modern functionality. Strategically situated at the intersection of the Howrah–Mumbai and Delhi–Chennai corridors, Nagpur Railway Station serves as a critical junction in the nation’s transportation map. Its iconic Diamond Crossing, where two major railway lines converge, highlights its unique role in connecting different parts of the country. It said, "Over the years, Nagpur Railway Station has evolved into one of the busiest hubs in Indian Railways. Currently, it handles an average of 283 trains daily, with 96 trains originating or terminating at the station and 18 trains starting their journey here. The station has also witnessed remarkable growth in passenger numbers, recording an average daily footfall of 64,541 during the financial year 2023-24, amounting to a total of 2.36 crore passengers. In the current financial year, the daily average has surged to 68,729 passengers, reflecting its ever-increasing importance." According to the railways, the station’s journey began in 1867 when the railways first reached Nagpur, heralding a new era of connectivity. It was later renamed Nagpur Junction in 1920, the same year it welcomed Mahatma Gandhi during the Non-Cooperation Movement. The current station building, inaugurated in 1925, has since stood as a testament to the city’s enduring legacy in India’s transportation history. The Nagpur Railway Station is on the cusp of a major transformation today. With a redevelopment project worth Rs 488 crore launched in December 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the statement said. It said that the station is set to offer world-class amenities, including a roof plaza, multimodal integration, and eco-friendly infrastructure. This ambitious initiative is aimed at enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency, ensuring the station’s relevance for generations to come. The statement further said that modernisation efforts have also included the introduction of the prestigious Vande Bharat Express in December 2022, underscoring Nagpur’s role as a hub of innovation and progress within the Indian Railways network.
15 January,2025 10:21 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
