- Rahul Gandhi criticised the Centre over a sharp Rs 993 single-day hike in commercial LPG prices, warning of rising inflation and broader impact on small businesses, households, and potential fuel price increases.
- Noida International Airport in Jewar will begin commercial operations on June 15, with IndiGo’s first flight, aiming to boost connectivity, cargo movement and economic growth across the NCR and North India.
- Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann faces fresh controversy after opposition leaders alleged he attended the Assembly intoxicated, demanding alcohol tests, while similar past claims were dismissed by AAP as baseless.
- Air India will cut nearly 100 daily flights as rising ATF prices and longer international routes increase costs, intensifying financial strain and forcing reductions across key global and domestic networks.
- Russia successfully conducted the first test launch of its Soyuz-5 rocket from Baikonur, marking a major upgrade in launch capability aimed at improving payload capacity, efficiency and cost competitiveness.
Here are the top 5 stories of the day:
Rahul launches attack on Centre over LPG price hike
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday attacked the Centre over rising inflation, highlighting a steep Rs 993 single-day jump in commercial LPG cylinder prices. He claimed prices have risen by Rs 1,380 since February, marking an 81% increase in three months, and termed it the “election bill.” Gandhi warned that the surge would hit small businesses such as tea stalls, hotels, and bakeries, while also impacting household expenses. He further alleged that petrol and diesel prices could rise after polling concludes in several states. Read the full story
Noida international airport to begin flight operations from June 15
Commercial flight operations at Noida International Airport in Jewar will commence on June 15, marking the launch of a major aviation hub in the NCR. IndiGo will operate the first flight, with Akasa Air and Air India Express expected to follow. The airport, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has received security clearance and features modern terminal infrastructure with multimodal connectivity. Developed by Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd, it currently has one runway and a capacity of 12 million passengers annually, aiming to boost regional connectivity, trade and tourism. Read the full story
Punjab CM accused of being drunk in assembly; oppn demands alco-meter testing
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has come under fire after opposition leaders accused him of arriving at the Assembly under the influence of alcohol. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa demanded alco-meter and dope tests for all MLAs, while BJP MP Swati Maliwal also called for an alcohol test and his removal if proven guilty. The controversy comes shortly after Maliwal’s exit from AAP. Similar allegations had surfaced in 2022, including claims of an incident abroad, which the ruling party had dismissed as baseless. Read the full story
Air India may cut 100 flights daily as jet fuel prices hit
Air India plans to cut nearly 100 daily flights from its 1,100-flight schedule as rising ATF prices and operational costs strain finances. The reductions will mainly impact international routes to Europe, North America, Australia and Singapore. Jet fuel prices for international operations rose over 5%, marking a second consecutive monthly hike, while domestic rates remain unchanged. Longer routes due to Pakistani airspace closure have further increased fuel and crew costs. With fuel making up around 40% of expenses, the airline faces mounting pressure to curb losses exceeding Rs 20,000 crore. Read the full story
Russia test launches Soyuz-5 rocket with ‘world’s most powerful liquid-fuelled engine’
Russia has successfully carried out the first test launch of its Soyuz-5 rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, signalling a key step in modernising its space programme. The next-generation launch vehicle can carry payloads of up to 17 metric tonnes and is designed to improve efficiency while reducing launch costs. Roscosmos described it as a major upgrade, with chief Dmitry Bakanov calling it a new step in space exploration. The rocket is also expected to boost employment and strengthen Russia’s competitiveness in the global space sector. Read the full story