Evening News Report: Rahul attacks Center over LPG price hike; Noida International Airport to start operating more flights from June 15 to June 15

Here are the top 5 stories of the day:

Rahul attacks Center over rising LPG prices

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday attacked the Center over rising inflation, highlighting a huge single-day increase of Rs 993 in commercial LPG cylinder prices. He claimed that prices had increased by Rs 1,380 since February, an increase of 81% in three months, and termed it an “election bill”.Gandhi warned that the surge in oil prices will hit small businesses such as tea stalls, hotels and bakeries, while also affecting household spending. He further claimed that petrol and diesel prices are likely to go up after the polls in several states. Read the full story

Noida International Airport to start flight operations from June 15

Commercial flights from the Jewar Noida International Airport will begin on June 15, marking the launch of a major aviation hub in the National Capital Region. IndiGo will operate the first flight, with Akasa Air and Air India Express expected to follow. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the airport has secured security clearance and has modern terminal infrastructure with multi-modal connectivity. Developed by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, the airport currently has one runway and can accommodate 12 million passengers annually and aims to promote regional connectivity, trade and tourism. Read the full story

Punjab chief minister accused of being drunk at rally; oppn demands breathalyser test

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has come under criticism after opposition leaders accused him of attending parliament under the influence of alcohol. Opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa has demanded breathalyzer and doping tests for all MLAs, while BJP MP Swati Maliwal has also called for breathalyzer tests and removal from office if found guilty. The controversy took place soon after Maliwal quit AAP. Similar accusations have surfaced in 2022, including about incidents abroad, but the ruling party considers them baseless. Read the full story

Air India may cut 100 flights a day due to rising jet fuel prices

Air India plans to cut nearly 100 flights from its 1,100-flight schedule as rising ATF prices and operating costs create financial pressure. The reduction in flights will mainly affect international routes to Europe, North America, Australia and Singapore. International flight fuel prices increased by more than 5%, rising for the second consecutive month, while domestic prices remained unchanged. Longer routes due to the closure of Pakistani airspace further increased fuel and crew costs. With fuel accounting for about 40% of expenses, the airline is under intense pressure to contain losses of over Rs 20,000 crore. Read the full story

Russia test launches Soyuz V rocket equipped with “world’s most powerful liquid fuel engine”

Russia has successfully conducted its first test launch of a Soyuz V rocket at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, marking a key step in modernizing its space program. The next-generation launch vehicle can carry payloads of up to 17 tons and is designed to increase efficiency while reducing launch costs. Roscosmos described it as a major upgrade, with CEO Dmitry Bakanov calling it a new step in space exploration. The rocket is also expected to boost employment and enhance Russia’s competitiveness in the global space sector. Read the full story