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Mystery Balloon With ‘Pakistani’ Markings Found In Himachal Village, Probe Underway
Panic erupted after Pakistani balloon found on house roof in Himachal Pradesh’s Una district.
A suspicious balloon with Pakistani markings was found on the roof a house in Himachal Pradesh’s Una district, causing alarm among the residents of the village. The incident occured last week on Saturday.
The balloon resembled an airplane with markings of the Pakistani flag and “PIA” (Pakistan International Airlines) written on it. The incident comes days after a similar incident was reported in another village of the Una district, leading to some apprehension among the locals.
A resident of Chalet village found the balloon on the roof of their house on Saturday morning and promptly informed the Daulatpur police post.
Police Post In-charge Ravipal, along with his team, reached the spot and took stock of the situation. The police took the balloon into its custody.
Following this, the police, as a precautionary measure, inspected the surrounding area to check for other suspicious objects.
Bengal SIR: Voters whose names are missing or marked for deletion can file claims and objections within the prescribed period.
A BLO oversees the filling of enumeration forms by voters for the special intensive revision of electoral rolls, in West Bengal’s Malda district. (Image: PTI/File)
The Election Commission of India has published the draft electoral rolls for West Bengal after completing a month-long Special Intensive Revision exercise, a move that can spark a fresh political debate in the state.
Ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the Commission has removed around 58 lakh names from the draft voter list as part of the revision aimed at cleaning up the rolls and removing errors and duplicate entries. The scale of the deletions is expected to draw strong political reactions in the coming days.
According to official figures, about 24 lakh voters were marked as deceased, while 19 lakh were shown as having relocated to other areas. Another 12 lakh names were categorised as missing, and nearly 1.3 lakh were flagged as duplicate entries. The Election Commission said the exercise was carried out to improve accuracy and credibility of the voter list, though opposition parties are likely to closely scrutinise the process and its findings.
The Commission said the exercise was carried out to ensure accuracy and remove duplicate or ineligible entries from the rolls.
Voters whose names are missing or marked for deletion can file claims and objections within the prescribed period. The Election Commission has urged citizens to check the draft rolls carefully to avoid being left out ahead of future elections.
The ‘death trap’ was operating on land that was originally a salt pan — an ecologically sensitive zone, as marked in government records.
Charred remains at the nightclub where a fire broke out in Goa. (File pic/PTI)
The documents accessed by CNN-News18 expose the reality of the now infamous and disputed land on which Birch by Romeo Lane was illegally constructed in Goa. The ‘death trap’ was operating on land that was originally a salt pan — an ecologically sensitive zone, as marked in government records.
A closer examination of the map reveals that this is the very area where the restaurant/nightclub run by the Luthra brothers was set up.
Document 1: Map of the Location
CNN-News18 has learnt that the map, which is the layout plan of the property in question, establishes that the entire region is classified by the Goa government as an ecologically sensitive zone. This means the land cannot be converted into a settlement zone under existing land-use rules. The area shown as a settlement zone on the map was originally declared a salt pan.
Conclusively, this land was never meant to be used for any commercial activity. It was originally owned by Pradeep Ghadi Amolkar, who is also the whistleblower and petitioner in this case.
Documents 2 & 3: Complaint and Demolition Notice
Document 2: The complaint submitted to the Town Planning Department is dated December 18, 2023 (18.12.2023). The contents of the complaint highlight four major irregularities and violations occurring on the ecologically sensitive land by the two respondents. It clearly states that the area is a no-development zone and warns that such construction could lead to a major tragedy.
Document 3: This demolition notice issued by the Panchayat office is dated April 20, 2024 (20.04.2024). The notice was issued after an inspection conducted by Panchayat officials. It recorded unauthorised construction of shops, a restaurant, six structures, and two platforms. The notice, addressed to property owner Surinder Kumar Khosla, also stated that no documentary evidence was produced by him. Consequently, demolition was ordered.
Despite the issuance of this notice, the property continued commercial operations and failed to respond to official complaints and notices sent repeatedly by the authorities.
Document 4: Show-Cause Notice by the Deputy Collector
This show-cause notice, issued by the Deputy Collector and addressed to the landowner Surinder Kumar Khosla, cites violations and highlights that the land was illegally converted for private benefit. The land had been leased to the Luthra brothers. Dated June 24, 2024 (24.06.2024), this notice was issued following the demolition notice by the Panchayat.
The document, issued from the office of the Mamlatdar of Mapusa, Goa, includes a checklist on the second page. One section clearly notes that the purpose for which the land was illegally converted has been identified.
The government document cites provisions under Section 17-A of the Goa Town and Country Planning Act, 1974, which restricts any occupier of hilly, sloping, or low-lying land—including salt pans, paddy fields, and sluice gate areas—from undertaking any such activity. The document also details the land area and measurements, including portions used for landscaping and water-related purposes.
Document 5: Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA)
As per documents from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority, it is established that the GCZMA received two complaints regarding the property but did not take action as the site fell outside its jurisdiction. By its own admission, the Authority is mandated to “take measures for protecting and improving the quality of the coastal environment and preventing, abating, and controlling environmental pollution in Goa.”
The award was conferred upon Prime Minister Modi in a special ceremony hosted at the Addis International Convention Centre on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Modi is the first global head of state/head of government to receive this award.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday was conferred with Ethiopia’s highest award, ‘The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’, by his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali.
The award was conferred upon Prime Minister Modi in a special ceremony hosted at the Addis International Convention Centre on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Modi was conferred with the award for his exceptional contribution towards strengthening India-Ethiopia partnership and for his visionary leadership as a global statesman, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Modi is the first global head of state/head of government to receive this award.
“I’m honoured to be conferred with the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia.’ I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India,” Modi posted on X.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi noted that it was an honour for him to accept the award from one of most ancient civilisations of the world, and he did so with a deep sense of humility and gratitude, the statement said.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy and the people of Ethiopia for this honour.
He also expressed appreciation for the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy and his initiatives to promote national unity, sustainability, and inclusive development, the statement said.
Underlining the salience of knowledge for nation building, Prime Minister Modi stated that it was a privilege for Indian teachers for over a century now to contribute towards Ethiopia’s progress and development, it said.
Two CoBRA commandos were injured in a pressure-activated IED blast during an anti-Naxal operation in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region. The joint team from CRPF and state forces was conducting a search when the explosion occurred. The commandos received first aid and were hospitalized; their injuries are minor. The incident underscores ongoing Maoist threats in the area.
Chhattisgarh: 2 CoBRA Commandos Injured In IED Blast During Anti-Naxal Operation In Bijapur | IANS
In an incident highlighting the persistent threat of Naxalite tactics in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, two commandos from the Central Reserve Police Force’s (CRPF) elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) unit have sustained minor injuries in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast.
Details
The explosion occurred on Monday in the dense forests of the Pillur-Kandlaparti area under Farsegarh police station limits in Bijapur district, a known Naxal-affected zone.
A joint team comprising personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF) — both state police units — and CoBRA commandos was conducting an area domination and anti-Naxal search operation when the team inadvertently triggered a pressure-activated IED planted by Maoists.
According to police officials, the blast took place as the patrolling team was cordoning off the forest area. A quick response from fellow personnel ensured the situation was brought under control immediately.
The injured CoBRA commandos received first aid on the spot before being airlifted or transported to a hospital in Raipur, the state capital, for advanced treatment.
The injured personnel are stable and out of danger, with injuries described as minor, the officials said.
Security forces have said that the limited extent of the injuries averted a potential major tragedy, crediting the team’s training and vigilance.
Maoists frequently deploy IEDs along dirt tracks, roads, and forest paths in the interior pockets of the Bastar division — encompassing seven districts, including Bijapur — to ambush patrolling security forces. Such devices have claimed the lives of personnel and civilians alike in the past, underscoring the asymmetric warfare tactics employed by the insurgents amid intensifying anti-Naxal operations.
The incident was caught on camera and the video of the incident is doing rounds on social media. There are reports that kabaddi player Rana Balachauria was killed during the live Sohana Kabaddi Cup held in Mohali on Monday.
Kabaddi Player Rana Balachauria Shot Dead During Live Match In Mohali | X
In a shocking incident, a kabaddi player was shot dead in front of the players and spectators during live match in Punjab’s Mohali. The incident was caught on camera and the video of the incident is doing rounds on social media. There are reports that kabaddi player Rana Balachauria was killed during the live Sohana Kabaddi Cup held in Mohali on Monday.
Today, during a kabaddi tournament in Sohana, Mohali, kabaddi player and promoter Rana Balachauria (Balraj Rana) was shot dead in front of players and spectators. This incident is not just a murder; it is an open declaration of the complete collapse of law and order in Punjab.… pic.twitter.com/SGMeCktWvh
— Singh Sahib Giani Harpreet Singh (@J_Harpreetsingh) December 15, 2025
As per reports, the attackers approached Rana under the pretext of taking a selfie and opened fire at him. There are also reports that famous Punjabi singer Mankirt Aulakh was expected to perform during the kabaddi event, however, the incident occurred his arrival at the venue.
Kabaddi player Rana Balachauria shot dead during the Live Sohana Kabaddi Cup held in Mohali, Punjab today. Attackers reportedly approached under the pretext of a selfie before opening fire. Punjabi singer Mankirt Aulakh was expected to perform at the event but had not arrived… pic.twitter.com/QIjFliRbpO
There are reports that the assailants arrived on a bike and asked Rana for a selfie before shooting him. The attackers then fled from the spot on their bike. Rana suffered critical injuries in the attack after which he was reportedly rushed to Fortis Hospital in Mohali.
A post claiming responsibility for the killing of kabaddi player Rana Balachauria has surfaced, allegedly by the Gopi Ghanshampur gang. The post says the attack was revenge for Sidhu Moosewala’s murder, claims Rana was linked to Lawrence Bishnoi & Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, and warns… https://t.co/g8ON47puCmpic.twitter.com/bdtue8pG40
The hospital authorities said that Rana succumbed to his injuries. There are reports that the gunmen fired four to five rounds of bullets at Rana and he suffered around four to five bullet injuries. There are reports that there was bullet wounds on his face and also on the upper part of his body.
A viral photo from Lionel Messi’s G.O.A.T India Tour shows a man taking a car selfie with three footballers seated behind him. The candid image has spread rapidly, though its authenticity has not been officially verified.
Image: 433/X
A photograph circulating on social media during Lionel Messi’s G.O.A.T India Tour has sparked widespread attention, with fans and followers sharing it rapidly across platforms. The image shows a man seated in the driver’s seat of a car, taking a selfie with Lionel Messi along with his teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez.
The man in the driver’s seat appears to be dressed formally, suggesting he may have been part of the tour’s logistics or transportation arrangement. The three footballers in the backseat are casually dressed, leaning forward toward the camera, creating a candid and informal moment that contrasts with the otherwise high-profile nature of the G.O.A.T India Tour. The selfie-like composition has added to the curiosity and excitement surrounding the image, as it presents a rare, relaxed snapshot allegedly taken off the field.
The photograph was posted on an X (formerly Twitter) account and quickly gained traction, with many users resharing it and reacting with enthusiasm. Fans have described the image as a once-in-a-lifetime moment, imagining the thrill of sharing a car ride with some of the biggest names in world football. However, it is important to note that the authenticity of the photo has not been independently verified.
As with many viral images during major sporting tours, the photo has fueled online discussions and speculation. Until verified by official sources or the players themselves, the image remains an unconfirmed but intriguing part of the online buzz surrounding Lionel Messi’s G.O.A.T India Tour, reflecting the massive global attention that follows the football legend and his teammates wherever they go.
Lionel Messi’s arrival at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi marked a historic moment for Indian football fans as the global icon continued his much-anticipated GOAT India Tour. The stadium, better known for legendary cricketing encounters, witnessed an unprecedented wave of excitement as thousands gathered to catch a glimpse of the Argentine maestro, turning the venue into a celebration of football and fandom.
As Messi entered the stadium premises, chants of his name echoed through the stands, with fans waving banners, Argentina jerseys, and handmade posters celebrating the legacy of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. The atmosphere was electric, reflecting the deep admiration Indian fans hold for the football legend who has inspired generations with his brilliance, humility, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
A tragic multi-vehicle collision in dense fog on the Delhi-Agra Expressway has claimed four lives and injured around 25 others. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities investigate the cause of the deadly pile-up.
Vehicles caught fire instantly, trapping passengers and causing panic.
A deadly pile-up triggered by dense fog on the Delhi-Agra Expressway in Uttar Pradesh left four people dead and around 25 others injured after eight buses and three cars collided and caught fire early on Tuesday.
The crash occurred on the Agra–Noida carriageway of the Yamuna Expressway, Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar said. Poor visibility due to thick fog led to the vehicles ramming into each other, sparking a massive blaze that engulfed the buses and cars within minutes, leaving drivers with little to no time to react.
VEHICLES ENGULFED IN FLAMES
The impact was so severe that all the vehicles caught fire almost instantly, trapping passengers inside and triggering panic at the scene.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as flames spread rapidly from one vehicle to another. Screams for help rang out as passengers attempted to escape, as per the report.
RESCUE OPERATION UNDERWAY
Fire tenders, police teams and ambulances rushed to the scene soon after the crash. Firefighters battled the blaze while rescue teams pulled out survivors and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals.
Around 25 people were taken to hospitals in Mathura and neighbouring districts for treatment. Several remain in critical condition.
TRAFFIC DISRUPTED, PROBE LAUNCHED
Traffic on the affected stretch of the expressway was halted for hours as emergency crews cleared the debris. An enquiry has been initiated to ascertain the sequence of events leading to the crash amid heavy fog conditions.
DENSE FOG BLANKETS UTTAR PRADESH
The accident came as several parts of Uttar Pradesh woke up to dense fog and smog on Monday morning, with visibility dropping sharply across cities.
Agra remained shrouded in thick fog, rendering the Taj Mahal invisible for several hours. Similar conditions were reported from Varanasi, Prayagraj, Mainpuri and Moradabad, where commuters were forced to slow down due to poor visibility.
Kolhapur’s Sai Jadhav has become the first woman officer to pass out from the Indian Military Academy, the prestigious armed forces institution. Her milestone has broken a 93-year-old record because no woman before Sai had accomplished this feat since the academy’s establishment.
Sai Jadhav, 23, has created history by becoming the first woman officer to pass out from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. Her commissioning marks the end of a 93-year wait. Since the academy’s establishment in 1932, more than 67,000 officer cadets have passed out, but none of them were women. Sai’s achievement now changes that story.
Sai’s commissioning also extends a long-running military tradition in her family. Her great-grandfather served in the British Army, her grandfather held a commission in the Indian Army, and her father, Sandeep Jadhav, continues to serve today.
With her entry into service, Sai becomes the fourth generation of the Jadhav family to wear the uniform.
Sai has been commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Territorial Army, becoming the first woman officer from the IMA to join the force, a distinction that sets her apart even in a branch that has previously inducted women.
The moment Sai’s parents pinned the stars on her shoulders at the passing-out ceremony became a defining image.
Sai’s achievement quickly travelled across X, where veterans amplified the moment and drew wide attention.
Many called it a milestone that will inspire generations of young girls. Others wrote that her success reflects the rising excellence within the Indian Army, marking a moment of pride for the force.
A NEW PATH FOR WOMEN IN THE ARMED FORCES
At present, eight women officer cadets are in training with the Indian Army, forming the first batch selected through the National Defence Academy’s 2022 intake.
Sai Jadhav’s entry into this space came through special permission, followed by six months of rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy.
The preparation took place alongside male cadets, with all standards and requirements met at par with the regular course.
Education for Sai began in Belgaum and continued across multiple states, a movement shaped by the Army postings of officer Sandeep Jadhav, the father.
A national-level exam cleared after graduation opened the door to the Service Selection Board, where performance during the assessment earned a place at the IMA.
The Indian Army is gradually widening avenues for women, and milestones like this one add momentum to ongoing reforms.
A 19-year-old Rapido bike taxi rider in Maharashtra’s Kalyan was arrested for allegedly molesting a 26-year-old woman and stealing Rs 1,000 from her during a booked ride.
Police said rider Siddhesh Pardeshi (19), a class VII dropout, was arrested on Sunday following the incident. (Representative image)
A 26-year-old woman was allegedly molested by a Rapido bike rider while she was on her way to a gym in Maharashtra’s Kalyan, police said on Monday, adding that the accused also stole Rs 1,000 from her.
The incident occurred on Saturday when the woman had booked a Rapido bike to go to her gym. When the driver reached the spot and picked her up, he took her to a desolate spot, grabbed her hand forcefully and allegedly molested her.
Police said rider Siddhesh Pardeshi (19), a class VII dropout, was arrested on Sunday following the incident. The accused even tried to rape the woman, but she screamed, following which locals rushed to the scene and rescued her.
“The accused picked up the victim from Chickenghar area after she booked a ride till her gym near Kalyan railway station at 7pm. Instead of proceeding to the intended destination, Pardeshi, who has been employed with Rapido for the last one-and-half months, diverted the scooter to a deserted, dark stretch near the police colony in Syndicate area,” Mahatma Phule police station senior inspector Baliramsingh Pardeshi said.
The locals caught and beat the Rapido driver, black and blue. On receiving information about the incident, police arrived at the spot and brought the situation under control.
“When the woman objected, he stopped the scooter, grabbed her hand and behaved in an indecent manner. He also snatched her purse and took Rs 1,000 from it. The woman raised an alarm, attracting local residents who thrashed Siddesh before handing him over to the police. We have also recovered a knife from the accused,” Pardeshi said.
Based on the woman’s complaint, a case was filed against the driver and further action was being taken.
He has been remanded in police custody till December 18, the official said, adding a probe is underway to find out if he has been involved in similar crimes earlier.
Meanwhile, an official from Kalyan Regional Transport Office (RTO) said a challan had been issued under Motor Vehicles Act in connection with the use of the two-wheeler as an unauthorised bike taxi.
The rider violated provisions of Maharashtra Bike Taxi Rules 2025 by operating a conventional petrol-powered motorcycle instead of an electric two-wheeler, which is mandatory, an RTO official told PTI.
“Penal action has been initiated and a fine imposed under the Motor Vehicles Act. We have written to the local police to register a complaint against the bike taxi aggregator company for violating permit terms as per the new bike taxi rules,” he said.
India criticised Pakistan at the UN over democracy, terrorism and Kashmir, defended suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, and rejected Islamabad’s claims during a sharp exchange at the Security Council.
Army chief Gen. Asim Munir (L), and former Pakistan PM Imran Khan (R). Photo : AP
India has once again exposed Pakistan’s internal crisis at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), calling out its democratic credentials for jailing an elected leader in Imran Khan and granting a lifetime immunity to its top defence leadership in Asim Munir.
Speaking at the UNSC Open Debate on “Leadership for Peace”, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, highlighted Pakistan’s “twisted” way of respecting people’s will.
“Pakistan, of course, has a unique way of respecting the will of its people – by jailing a Prime Minister, by banning the ruling political party and by letting its armed forces engineer a constitutional coup through the 27th amendment and giving lifetime immunity to its Chief of Defence Forces,” Parvathaneni said.
The envoy also highlighted Pakistan’s internal political instability and how the military leadership continues to grow there threatening democracy.
Parvathaneni also slammed Pakistan for constantly raising the Kashmir issue at the global platform, reiterating that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are “an integral and inalienable part of India”, emphasising “they were, are, and will always remain so.”
He also explained why India put an end to the Indus Waters Treaty.
“India had entered into the Indus Waters Treaty, 65 years ago, in good faith, in a spirit of good will and friendship. Throughout these six and a half decades, Pakistan has violated the spirit of the Treaty by inflicting three wars and thousands of terror attacks on India,” Parvathaneni explained as he called Pakistan the “global epicentre of terror.”
Over the past four decades, tens of thousands of Indian lives have been lost in what he described as “Pakistan-sponsored terror attacks,” Parvathaneni said, pointing to the most recent incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April, where 26 civilians, including a foreign national, were killed.
“It is in this backdrop that India has finally announced that the Treaty will be held in abeyance until Pakistan, which is a global epicentre of terror, credibly and irrevocably ends its support for cross-border and all other forms of terrorism,” he said.
The sharp response followed remarks by Pakistan’s representative, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, who reiterated Islamabad’s claim that Jammu and Kashmir remains an “unresolved dispute” while criticising India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
“Pakistan seeks peace and stability in South Asia, but peace cannot be unilateral pursuit,” Ahmad said, referring to Jammu and Kashmir.
A new bill, the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, is set to replace the MGNREGA in the Lok Sabha.
Government plans to repeal MGNREGA, proposing a new law guaranteeing 125 days of rural employment. (Image: Representative/PTI)
A bill proposing to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and replace it with a new rural employment law — the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025 — is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha. According to a copy of the proposed legislation, the bill aims to replace the 2005 MGNREGA framework with the new employment guarantee law.
The bill aims at establishing a “rural development framework aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047”, by providing a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment in every financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to undertake unskilled manual work.
Notably, the bill has been listed in the Lok Sabha in the supplementary list of business issued on Monday.
Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in the statement of purpose of the Bill, said MGNREGA has provided guaranteed wage-employment to rural households over the past 20 years.
However, “further strengthening has become necessary in view of the significant socio-economic transformation witnessed in the rural landscape driven by widespread coverage of the social security interventions and saturation-oriented implementation of major government schemes”, he said.
What New Bill Aims For?
While the MGNREGA focused on the goal to “enhance the livelihood security”, the new bill says it aims to promote “empowerment, growth, convergence and saturation for a prosperous and resilient rural Bharat”, and lays emphasis on “empowerment, growth, convergence and saturation through public works aggregating into forming Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack”.
Water security through water-related works, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related infrastructure, and special works to mitigate extreme weather events will be the “thematic focus”. It will also facilitate adequate farm-labour availability during peak agricultural seasons.
According to the bill, it is crucial to facilitate the availability of farm labour, especially during the peak agricultural season. It has a provision to empower states to notify in advance, for a certain duration, covering peak sowing and harvesting seasons, during which execution of works under this bill will not be undertaken.
With a focus on institutionalised convergence, the bill seeks to integrate ‘Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans’ with the PM Gati Shakti to address the “varying needs” of village panchayats.
A comprehensive digital ecosystem, including biometric authentication at various levels, global positioning system or mobile-based worksite monitoring, real-time management information system dashboards, proactive public disclosures, and use of artificial intelligence for planning, audits and fraud risk mitigation, will be used to modernise governance, accountability and citizen engagement, the bill stated.
It will be a centrally sponsored scheme, and every state government will have to prepare a scheme for giving effect to the guarantee proposed under this bill, within a period of six months from the date of the commencement of the Act.
The centre would make an allocation for each state, to be estimated based on certain parameters. Further, expenditure in excess of the approved normative allocation shall be the responsibility of the state governments.
A photo shared by Elvish Yadav featuring Lionel Messi has sparked intense online debate, with users questioning whether the image is real or AI-generated.
Elvish Yadav’s Photo With Lionel Messi Breaks Internet — ‘Real Or AI?’ (Image Source – Elvish Yadav/X)
A single image uploaded by YouTuber Elvish Yadav quickly turned into a talking point across social media, with users debating whether the photograph was real or the result of artificial intelligence.
The picture shows Yadav posing alongside football superstar Lionel Messi, with actor and influencer Jannat Zubair also visible in the frame. Yadav kept the caption short — “RaoSahab X Messi” — but it was enough to trigger a flood of reactions. Almost instantly, users began questioning the authenticity of the image, flooding the comments section with doubts, humour and speculation.
Several users were sceptical, openly wondering if the photo had been digitally generated. One comment read, “Even Elvish Yadav got a good photo with Messi, that too for free. Meanwhile, SRK could not get the photo even after paying ₹10 lakh, hence his fans are using AI photo.”
Another user went a step further and asked Grok directly, “is it real or Ai ?” The chatbot responded, “It looks real! The photo is from Lionel Messi’s meeting with the Puch AI team and influencers like Elvish Yadav and Jannat Zubair during his GOAT India Tour 2025. Confirmed via multiple sources including Puch AI’s official posts.”
Not all reactions were serious. Some leaned heavily into sarcasm, with one user commenting, “Rare picture of Leo Messi wasting his time.”
Others, however, were clearly thrilled by the crossover. A fan wrote, “Raosahab X Messi really delighted & fabulous to see this. You have been living our dreams & that’s great to see.”
As the image continued to circulate across platforms, opinions remained divided, with users split between disbelief and excitement.
After a recent social media post in which he hinted that a ‘Marathi manoos’ could become India’s PM within a month, Chavan, speaking at an event in Pimpri Chinchwad here on Saturday, said several persons had contacted him seeking a clarification on the remark.
Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan Credit: X/@prithvrj
Senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan, citing the release of the controversial Jeffrey Epstein files in the United States on December 19, has claimed India could soon have a new prime minister.
He also said the country’s new PM could be from Maharashtra.
After a recent social media post in which he hinted that a “Marathi manoos” could become India’s PM within a month, Chavan, speaking at an event in Pimpri Chinchwad here on Saturday, said several persons had contacted him seeking a clarification on the remark.
“A lot of developments are taking place at the global level. When I made that post, many asked me to explain what I meant. My statement was based on a hypothetical political possibility. If someone from Maharashtra were to become prime minister, the present prime minister would have to step down. I only underlined the possibility of a change,” Chavan explained.
The former Union minister said his comments were linked to December 19, the date on which the US Congress is expected to release the Epstein files that he claimed could have wider global implications.
“It has been said that the files contain sting operation-related material involving several big leaders. Some names are already doing the rounds on social media,” he said.
Speaking to reporters, Chavan said some data in the form of photos has already been released.
“The data contains big world leaders such as presidents, prime ministers. There is a logic that the release of the data might affect our country’s politics also and in such a scenario, big developments can take place,” Chavan said.
Talking about his “Marathi manoos” becoming PM claim, Chavan said it is just political analysis that if a new prime minister is to be appointed, it will be from within BJP only.
“Given the options in BJP for the new face, I see alternatives from Maharashtra,” said Chavan, without elaborating on names he has in mind.
The falling rupee has put the industry in a precarious position, as the domestic value addition in an LED TV is around 30 per cent only, and major components like the open cell, semiconductor chips and motherboard, are imported.
Representative of a person watching the TV. Credit: iStock photo
Prices of televisions are expected to rise by 3-4 per cent from January next year on account of the rising cost of memory chips and depreciation of the rupee, which recently crossed the 90-to-a-dollar mark for the first time.
The falling rupee has put the industry in a precarious position, as the domestic value addition in an LED TV is around 30 per cent only, and major components like the open cell, semiconductor chips and motherboard, are imported.
Moreover, this is coupled with the memory chip crisis, where a severe global shortage is driven by massive demand for High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM) for AI servers, causing prices for all memory types (DRAM, flash) to surge. Chipmakers are focusing on high-profit AI chips, tightening supply for legacy devices like TVs.
Haier Appliances India President NS Satish told PTI that prices of LED TV sets will increase by 3 per cent because of shortage of memory chips and weak rupee.
Some TV manufacturers have already communicated to their dealers about the expected hike in prices.
Super Plastronics Pvt Ltd (SPPL), a TV manufacturing company having licences of several global brands including Thomson, Kodak, and Blaupunkt, said:” Memory chip prices have gone up by 500 per cent in the last three months .” According to its CEO Avneet Singh Marwah, there could be 7-10 per cent price hike in televisions from January, predominantly due to memory chip crisis and the impact of depreciating rupee.
He also warned that if memory chip prices in the next two quarters remain the same, “then there could be further hike in TV prices.” According to experts, this upcoming hike may mitigate the boost received on sales of smart TVs, after the rationalisation of GST. The government has slashed GST on TV screens of 32 inches and larger sizes to 18 per cent from the previous 28 per cent, reducing price by around Rs 4,500.
Similarly, Videotex, a homegrown ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) for several brands, and which has its own brand Daiwa, said it is also facing sustained pressure due to sharp increase in memory chip prices, with availability emerging as a critical challenge.
“We are currently facing sustained pressure due to sharp increase in memory chip prices, with availability emerging as a critical challenge. Flash memory and DDR4 prices at the sourcing level have risen by up to 1,000 per cent, driven largely by supply being diverted to AI data centres,” said Arjun Bajaj, Director of Videotex.
This pressure is anticipated to continue until at least Q2 of the coming year, after which some stability may return depending on global memory chip supply dynamics.
“The situation is further exacerbated by the depreciation of the rupee, which has significantly increased import costs. These increases will be reflected in the market in the coming weeks as older inventory moves out,” said Bajaj.
Though Videotex is adjusting production schedules and optimising inventories to manage the impact, the “prolonged nature of this cycle makes it challenging to fully absorb the cost escalation”.
Videotex manufactures smart TVs for Reliance Group (BPL & Reconnect), Havells (Lloyd), Vijay Sales (Vise), Hyundai, Toshiba, Compaq, Daiwa and over 25+ other prominent Indian and international brands.
The Airbus A330 transformed into a full medical facility, complete with stretchers, equipment and workspace for doctors.
Many believe such planes are used during wars.(Photo Credit: Instagram)
Have you ever heard of a plane that functions as a full hospital in the sky? A video circulating online shows an Airbus A330 completely transformed from a regular passenger jet into a medical unit packed with hospital beds, monitors, equipment and dedicated workspaces for doctors.
The clip has left viewers amazed, especially because the aircraft looks completely ordinary at first. But once you step inside, it opens into a vast, fully equipped setup designed to treat and transport patients.
What’s Inside This Airbus A330
The video opens with a man walking into an Airbus A330, saying, “Here, it looks like a normal A330, but here, it is a hospital.”
At first, he stands in what looks like a standard cabin, complete with overhead bins and regular seating, just like any commercial flight. But when he turns the camera, everything changes. Instead of rows of passengers’ seats, the cabin stretches out into a long medical bay filled with frames, stretchers and organised medical setups.
He continues walking forward, showing more of the space. “You can even have patients here get their medical equipment done, and also here, and some spaces for the doctors as well,” he explains, pointing to the arranged stretchers and the designated seats for medical staff.
Another shot reveals machines, monitors and tubing placed neatly above and beside the patient areas. In the following frame, he moves towards additional equipment mounted on racks and remarks, “And so much equipment which came with the fan. This is something I’ve never seen.”
In the caption, he writes, “I didn’t really know what to expect when I stepped into the A330 MRTT. In the back, it feels like a completely normal A330, and then suddenly you’re standing in what basically looks like a flying hospital.”
He continues, “Moments like these hit me in a special way. You walk in thinking you’ve already seen so much in aviation, and then something surprises you again. Seeing the space for patients, the medical teams, all the equipment… it’s one of those experiences I’ll probably remember for a long time. It’s crazy how many different sides aviation has and how much I still get to learn.”
In a separate accident on National Highway 352 in Rewari, three to four buses collided due to low visibility, causing another significant pile-up.
AI-generated image used for representative purposes.
Multiple vehicles were involved in two major pile-ups on fog-hit highways in Haryana early on Sunday, after dense fog sharply reduced visibility across the state. In Hisar, a chain collision took place around 8 am at Dhiktana Moda on National Highway 52, where two Haryana roadways buses, a dumper truck, a car and a motorcycle crashed in succession.
According to NDTV, the incident began when a Kaithal roadways bus rammed into a dumper truck, following which another state transport bus coming from behind crashed into the vehicles already involved.
A car and then a motorcycle also ended up in the pile-up as visibility remained extremely poor. Hundreds of passengers were caught up in the crash, but officials said most escaped without injury; only the motorcycle rider was hurt and taken to the hospital.
In a separate accident on National Highway 352 in Rewari, three to four buses collided due to low visibility, causing another significant pile-up. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Airlines have urged passengers to allow additional time while planning their journey to the airport as road traffic may be slower due to the toxic haze.
A dense blanket of smog continued to cover Delhi and its adjoining areas on Monday morning as the air quality remained in the ‘severe’ category, reducing visibility and disrupting flight and train operations. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital stood at 456 at 6 am, according to the data available on the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) website – making it the season’s second-worst AQI.
It was 461 on Sunday – the second-worst air quality day on record.
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’.
Videos showed a thick layer of toxic air at Delhi’s Akshardham, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 493.
More clips show poor visibility in many areas, including the Barapulla flyover – where AQI was recorded 433, and Barakhamba Road – where AQI was 474.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange’ alert for dense smog today.
The visibility was reduced in the national capital due to the thick layer of toxic smog, with at least 100 flights being cancelled, and over 300 delayed at Delhi airport, according to flight tracking website FlightRadar24.
The Delhi Airport issued an advisory for commuters.
“Due to dense fog, flight operations may experience disruptions. We are working closely with all stakeholders to minimise inconvenience to passengers. For the latest flight updates, passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines. We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused,” it said in a post on X.
IndiGo also issued an advisory, informing passengers of flight cancellations and delays.
“Due to dense fog in Delhi this morning, visibility has reduced drastically, impacting flight operations. As a precaution, some flights may be proactively cancelled through the day to prioritise safety and help minimise extended waiting at the airport. We understand how inconvenient this can be, especially when travel plans are important. Please be assured that our teams across airports are working continuously to manage operations as smoothly as possible, and keep you informed as the situation evolves,” it said.
Travel Advisory
Due to dense fog in Delhi this morning, visibility has reduced drastically, impacting flight operations. As a precaution, some flights may be proactively cancelled through the day to prioritise safety and help minimise extended waiting at the airport.
In another post, the airline also urged passengers to allow additional time while planning their journey to the airport as road traffic may be slower due to the toxic haze.
Air India, in its advisory, said, “Poor visibility due to dense fog is impacting flight operations in Delhi and parts of Northern India.”
Poor visibility due to dense fog is impacting flight operations in Delhi and parts of Northern India. Please check your flight status at: https://t.co/6ajUZVeeIM before heading to the airport.
The statement came after Bangladesh alleged “incendiary” remarks by deposed PM Sheikh Hasina have been inciting her supporters to launch “terrorist” attacks to “thwart” the February 2026 election
MEA said India has consistently reiterated its position in favour of free, fair, inclusive and credible elections in Bangladesh in a peaceful atmosphere | Photo Credit: istock/Getty Images
The Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday (December 14, 2025) asserted that forces that are “inimical” to the people of Bangladesh have never found a foothold on the territory of India. The response came soon after the neighbouring country alleged that “incendiary” remarks by deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina—who is currently based in India—have been inciting her supporters to launch “terrorist” attacks in order to “thwart” the February 2026 election.
“India has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of the friendly people of Bangladesh. We expect that the interim Government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures for ensuring internal law and order, including for the purpose of holding peaceful elections,” said the Ministry of External Affairs.
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of Bangladesh summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma and reiterated its demand for “expeditious extradition” of Ms. Hasina, who has been in India since fleeing Dhaka on August 5, 2024. A press note released by the Bangladesh MoFA said the officials “drew the attention” of the Indian envoy to “anti-Bangladesh activities by fugitive Awami League members staying in India”. The Ministry accused them of “planning, organising, and helping to carry out terrorist activities within Bangladesh to hinder the upcoming elections.”
Bangladesh started demanding the repatriation of Ms. Hasina since the fall of her government and the demand became a formal request following the death sentence that Ms. Hasina and the former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal received from the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on November 17. Sunday’s remarks from Bangladesh’s MoFA accused Ms Hasina of making “incendiary statements calling upon her supporters to engage in terrorist activities in Bangladesh, aiming to thwart the upcoming parliamentary elections.”
The statement acquires a sharp focus as it came three days after a right-wing youth leader, Sharif Osman Hadi, was shot and critically injured in Dhaka. Subsequently, authorities in Dhaka have zeroed in on Faisal Karim Masud, a part-owner of a local IT firm, for his alleged involvement in the plot to assassinate Mr. Hadi. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh in its statement indicated that the alleged assailants in this case might try to seek refuge in India and said, “The Ministry further sought India’s cooperation in preventing the escape to India of the suspects involved in the recent attempted assassination of Bangladeshi political leader Sharif Osman Hadi and, in case they manage to enter Indian territory, to ensure their immediate apprehension and extradition to Bangladesh.”
The Enforcement Directorate uncovered a lavish collection of luxury items at the home of a dismissed UP police constable during a raid linked to a codeine-laced cough syrup investigation.
The opulent mansion, spanning 7,000 square feet, features ornate European-style decor. Photo : PTI
The Enforcement Directorate’s raid on the Lucknow home of a dismissed police constable has revealed a jaw-dropping trove of luxury items. From ornate European-style interiors and spiral staircases to vintage lighting, officials were left stunned during searches at the house of ex-UP constable Alok Pratap Singh, who was arrested in the codeine-laced cough syrup case.
The two-storey mansion sprawls over nearly 7,000 square feet in Ahmamau near the Lucknow-Sultanpur highway. Towering pillars line the facade, ornate railings adorn the wide balconies, and inside, cream-painted walls with decorative accents set off the high-end fittings, PTI reported, citing officials.
Luxury items seized during the ED raid on Friday include handbags of Prada and Gucci, premium Rado watches, and several electronic devices, officials said.
A senior police officer privy to the investigation told PTI on Saturday, “Preliminary assessments suggest that Rs 1.5-2 crore was spent solely on interiors, while the construction of the house alone may have cost around Rs 5 crore, excluding the land. A government-approved valuer has been appointed to determine the full investment and any illicit funds involved.”
The Special Task Force of Uttar Pradesh Police arrested Alok Pratap Singh, who has been dismissed from service twice, on December 2. His name cropped up during the interrogation of another accused, Amit Kumar Singh alias Amit Tata, in the ongoing probe into an illegal codeine-laced cough syrup racket. He is currently lodged in Lucknow jail.
Look at this mansion in Sushant Golf City, one of Lucknow’s most posh locality.
It belongs to a UP Police constable, Alok Pratap Singh, now in custody for running a cough-syrup smuggling racket. An entry level man drawing barely ₹40,000 a month, yet living in a house that even… pic.twitter.com/rN04NbuRiy
How the UP cop was involved in the codeine-laced cough syrup case
The case forms part of a wider probe into a syndicate dealing in codeine-laced medicines, which are legally sold only on prescription. Police allege that Singh was part of a network running wholesale cough syrup units in Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, and that he mentored young men from Chandauli, Ghazipur, Jaunpur, and Varanasi, while leveraging connections in police and political circles.
Originally from Chandauli, Singh’s career in the police force was turbulent. After he was first arrested in 2006 in a case involving 4 kg of looted gold, Singh was dismissed from service but was reinstated after his acquittal.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, under the Centre’s SASCI (Special Assistance to the States for Capital Investment) scheme, a digital identity of farmers and a geo-mapped record of agricultural land will be created in Delhi. In return, the Central Government will provide financial assistance to the state.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta | ANI
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday announced that the Delhi Government will digitise the entire agricultural framework related to farming and farmers.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, under the Centre’s SASCI (Special Assistance to the States for Capital Investment) scheme, a digital identity of farmers and a geo-mapped record of agricultural land will be created in Delhi. In return, the Central Government will provide financial assistance to the state. However, this assistance will not be given as a one-time grant but will be released based on the achievement of defined targets.
According to CM Rekha Gupta, this significant decision will ensure accurate land records and eliminate discrepancies in schemes such as crop insurance, compensation, minimum support price and subsidies. She added that this system will provide farmers with proper identification, rights and transparency in the overall process.
The Chief Minister stated that the purpose of the Centre’s SASCI scheme is to incentivise states that integrate agriculture with digital systems. “Under this scheme, Delhi will implement the State Farmer Registry and the Digital Crop Survey. As the Delhi Government completes these tasks, financial assistance from the Centre will be released accordingly,” the CM said, as per the CMO.
CM Gupta further said that the Central Government has announced a special assistance package of RS 5,000 crore for states across the country under this scheme. “This amount will be provided to states that prepare digital records of farmers and farmland. Delhi will now receive its share from this allocation. The government is preparing to create a digital farmer registry, develop a complete digital map of agricultural land, and begin a digital crop survey,” she said.
The Chief Minister mentioned that, for the first time in Delhi, manual crop inspection (girdawari) will be replaced with a digital crop survey. The geo-location of every field will be recorded. Photographs of crops will be taken and linked with satellite maps.
“This will create an authentic and verifiable record of every field, ensuring transparency in crop insurance, compensation, minimum support price and subsidy schemes. All agricultural land will undergo geo-referencing, making land maps available on a digital platform. Each field will be recorded with an accuracy of 20 metres. This will eliminate problems such as fraudulent claims, incorrect land area reporting and forged documents,” CM Gupta emphasised.
Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated visit to Kolkata ended in chaos as fans, frustrated by poor management and excessive VIP access, resorted to vandalism. After a brief 22-minute appearance at Salt Lake Stadium, where he was obstructed from view, spectators erupted in violence.
https://www.news18.com/
A much-anticipated appearance by football superstar Lionel Messi at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium erupted into chaos on Saturday, as thousands of spectators, blocked from seeing him amid what they alleged was gross mismanagement and unchecked VIP crowding, resorted to vandalism, leading to police action, arrests, injuries and a high-level inquiry ordered by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Top 10 Key Points: Messi’s Chaotic Kolkata Visit
-Chaos broke out moments after Messi left the Salt Lake Stadium earlier than expected, with spectators uprooting chairs, throwing bottles and trying to breach barricades. Accompanied by long-time strike partner Luis Suárez and Argentine teammate Rodrigo De Paul, Messi, the World Cup-winning captain, arrived at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan around 11.30 am. This is Messi’s second visit to Kolkata.
-Within minutes of his arrival at the venue, Messi was surrounded by a bevy of politicians, police officers, VIPs and their aides, forming a human blockade that ensured the paying public saw everything except Messi. Fans complained their view was obstructed by VIPs surrounding Messi on the pitch, and even giant screens failed to show him clearly.
-The football icon walked briefly on the field, waved to the crowd and was finally escorted out well before his scheduled one-hour stay, leaving the stadium after spending just 22 minutes, and all hell broke loose thereafter.
-Some spectators and police personnel were injured in the chaos, though no deaths were reported. The mayhem continued for nearly 90 minutes.
-Police arrested the event’s chief organiser, Satadru Datta, for alleged mismanagement. He was held at Kolkata airport while seeing off Messi.
-Datta has given written assurance that he will refund ticket prices to disappointed spectators, according to DGP Rajeev Kumar.
-CM Mamata Banerjee expressed shock, apologised to fans and ordered an inquiry. She turned back from attending the event after the unrest.
-Plastic chairs, banners and hoardings were destroyed; sofas were set on fire; VIP canopies were torn down as hundreds spilled onto the pitch.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) expressed concerns following the chaos and distanced itself. “This was a private event organised by a PR agency. The AIFF was not involved in the organisation, planning, or execution of this event in any capacity,” the AIFF said in a statement.
-TMC, BJP and others traded accusations. BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya alleged that “some fraudsters, in their greed to mint money, created this situation”. CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty termed the mismanagement a “black day” for West Bengal, blaming the TMC government for failure of law and order.
-Governor CV Ananda Bose blamed both organisers and police, calling it a failure of administration. Bose said that while the organisers of the event are to be blamed squarely for the situation, it is also the police that has failed the government, the people and the CM, who is also the home minister.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw noted that the crackdown by Indian Railways on train ticket booking through fake identities is yielding positive results.
Crackdown against fake ID continues (File image) Photo : PTI
With a new, stringent system to establish user identity, the number of new user IDs being added daily on the IRCTC website has declined to about 5,000 from nearly one lakh.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw noted that the crackdown by Indian Railways on train ticket booking through fake identities is yielding positive results. Before the latest reforms, this number had touched nearly one lakh new user IDs per day.
“Following the introduction of a stringent system to establish user identity and detect fake IDs, about 5,000 new user IDs are now being added daily on the IRCTC website,” according to a press note. The officials stated that these steps have already helped Indian Railways deactivate 3.03 crore fake accounts.
“Another 2.7 crore user IDs have either been temporarily suspended or identified for suspension based on the suspicious activities they are indulging in,” they said.
The Union minister directed officials to ensure that the ticketing system is reformed to a level where all travellers are able to book tickets easily through a real and genuine user ID, the press note added.
Train Tickets Most Affordable in India
Rail ticket prices are most affordable in India as compared to neighbouring and developed countries, and the Indian Railways gave Rs 60,000 crore subsidy last year to keep the ticket prices low, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday while replying to a question by Congress member M K Vishnu Prasad in the Lok Sabha.
The Congress MP had asked whether the government plans to restore the rail ticket discount to senior citizens as it was before Covid, Vaishnaw said the prices of tickets in India are about five or 10 per cent of the prices in developed countries.
New Delhi aims to protect its exporters while seeking mutually beneficial solutions through dialogue.
The tariff hike is expected to test Mexico’s ties with several Asian economies. (Representative image)
After Mexico levied a tariff hike of up to 50% on Indian goods, which will take effect next year, India has issued a response saying that it is “engaged” with the South American nation over its decision to “unilaterally” raise tariffs. New Delhi has made it clear that it is open to finding “mutually beneficial solutions”, while reserving the right to take “appropriate measures” to safeguard the interests of its exporters.
“India reserves the right to take appropriate measures to safeguard the interests of Indian exporters, while continuing to pursue a solution through constructive dialogue,” an official said, PTI reported.
The official also revealed that India was engaged with Mexico during the initial tabling of a bill in this regard. “The Department of Commerce is engaged with Mexico’s Ministry of Economy to explore mutually beneficial solutions which align with global trade rules,” the official stated.
A high-level meeting between Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Mexico’s Vice Minister of Economy Luis Rosendo has taken place, and follow-up meetings are expected.
Mexico announced the duties against countries that do not have free trade agreements with it, including India, China, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia. The decision was taken despite protests from local business groups and objections from the affected governments.
What the new tariffs mean
The bill, already passed by the lower house, introduces higher taxes on imports from countries that do not have a trade agreement with Mexico. According to Reuters, from 2026, certain goods such as cars, auto parts, textiles, clothing, plastics, and steel will face tariffs of up to 50%.
Most other imported products will face tariffs capped at 35%. The Senate approved the measure with 76 votes in favour, 5 against, and 35 abstentions.
The recent visit of Lionel Messi to Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium turned chaotic, as many fans were left dissatisfied after paying high ticket prices.
A disappointed Kolkata fan summed up the GOAT Tour chaos saying, ‘Messi Dikha Nahi, Carpet Le Ja Raha Hoon.’ (Image: Screengrab from a video on X)
Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium witnessed football madness of a very different kind on Saturday as Lionel Messi’s much-hyped Kolkata stop ended in chaos and one fan walking away with a carpet became the internet’s unexpected star. After paying Rs 10,000 for a ticket and barely getting a glimpse of the Argentine legend, the visibly upset fan was caught on camera rolling up a stadium carpet and calmly heading out. His reason? Simple and painfully honest.
“Messi ka face tak dikhai nahi diya. Camera mein mera face mat dikhana. Carpet le ke ja raha hoon. Itna paisa diya hai. Ghar mein practice karunga,” he said in Bengali, drawing loud laughter online.
Roughly translated, the fan joked that since his money had “gone down the drain,” he might as well take the carpet home and practise football there.
The humorous protest came amid growing anger inside the stadium after Messi’s appearance was cut short, leaving thousands of fans disappointed. Videos from the venue showed unruly scenes, with fans throwing bottles, damaging seats and storming restricted areas as frustration boiled over.
While authorities moved in to control the situation and organisers faced questioning over crowd management and planning failures, it was the carpet-carrying fan who captured the mood best, disappointed, sarcastic and trying to recover something for the money spent.
Social media users were quick to turn the moment into memes, with many calling him “the most practical Messi fan ever” and others joking that the carpet was “the only thing that stayed longer than Messi.”
‘Skipped My Wedding for Messi’
As Kolkata’s much-anticipated Lionel Messi event on Saturday, part of the Argentine superstar’s GOAT India Tour 2025, was overshadowed by chaos, many spectators, including one fan who said he skipped his own wedding to be there, were left frustrated when Messi’s appearance lasted only briefly and was largely obscured by VIPs and security.
“Everyone was excited today as Messi was coming. It’s my wedding day, but I left all the ceremonies to be here. Still, the management was so pathetic that I couldn’t even see him,” a fan told PTI as Argentine footballer Lionel Messi’s event drew ire, with attendees alleging they couldn’t catch a glimpse of the star during his G.O.A.T. India Tour at Salt Lake Stadium.
The air quality index of New Delhi was recorded at 462, categorised as ‘severe’, at 6 am, as per data from the Central Pollution Control Board.
Baba Ramdev: A trailblazer, Baba Ramdev is renowned as a yoga guru. His Patanjali Ayurveda brought about a boom in India’s wellness industry. In 1995, he co-founded the Divya Yog Mandir Trust, which he presides over among other things. His estimated net worth is around Rs 1600 crore. (File Photo)
Amid hazardous air quality gripping the national capital, yoga guru Ramdev on Sunday dismissed the use of air purifiers, calling them “ameeron ka chonchla”- a fad of the rich’, even as Delhi continues to reel under ‘severe’ pollution levels.
Yoga guru Ramdev has suggested some exercise and curtains as ways to fight air pollution in Delhi and other parts of northern India in particular.
While speaking at a TV channel’s special show on setting the country’s agenda, Ramdev suggested yoga exercise to fight diseases in general. The Aaj Tak anchor asked him how one could exercise outdoors when the pollution is so high.
“Look, when a country is progressing, naturally some dust will fly,” he first said, speaking in Hindi.
When asked about the National Capital Region’s persistent, annual problem of air pollution, Ramdev said, “Yes, Delhi sometimes becomes like a gas chamber. Then, you people should put up curtains in your homes.”
He built on the curtain argument: “Put some curtains in the house, dust them off a little after 15-20 days while wearing a mask.”
“Sit inside and do (breathing exercises). Take long, long breaths, do Kapalbhati,” he added. Asked about air purifiers, he said that’s just a fad, or extravagance, for rich people.
Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated sharply, plunging into the hazardous zone amid dense smog and fog. Authorities have invoked Stage-IV emergency measures to combat the severe pollution affecting the capital and NCR region.
Air pollution in the national capital worsened further on Sunday.
Air pollution in Delhi and regions around the national capital, which had already slipped into the ‘severe’ category on Saturday, worsened further on Sunday as a thick layer of toxic smog blanketed the city and other areas, pushing air quality to hazardous levels and severely impairing visibility in several areas.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed Delhi’s average air quality index (AQI) rising to 461 at 7 am, up from 431 a day earlier.
ALL MONITORING STATIONS IN SEVERE ZONE
All 40 air quality monitoring stations across the city recorded readings in the ‘severe’ category, with multiple locations nearing the maximum measurable limit. Rohini recorded an AQI of 499, followed closely by Bawana at 498, Vivek Vihar at 495, Ashok Vihar and Wazirpur at 493 each, Narela at 492 and Anand Vihar at 491.
Other parts of the capital also remained heavily polluted, including ITO (485), Mundaka (486), Punjabi Bagh (478), Nehru Nagar (476), Chandni Chowk and Okhla (470 each).
Even relatively greener pockets such as Lodhi Road (400) and Najafgarh (404) failed to escape the grip of toxic air.
NCR ALSO SUFFERS
The air quality crisis extended well beyond the national capital, with several cities across the National Capital Region (NCR) also recording alarming pollution levels.
Noida registered an AQI of 470, placing it firmly in the ‘severe’ category, while Ghaziabad recorded a similarly hazardous 460. Gurugram’s air quality remained ‘very poor’ at 348, while Faridabad saw relatively lower but still concerning levels, with an AQI of 220, classified as ‘poor’.
DENSE FOG CUTS VISIBILITY
The worsening pollution was visible from the early hours, as dense smog mixed with fog engulfed large parts of Delhi, reducing visibility sharply.
In some areas, visibility dropped to near zero, disrupting early-morning movement and prompting authorities to activate low-visibility procedures at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. While flight operations continued, officials said pilots were operating under precautionary protocols due to fluctuating visibility conditions.
IMD ISSUES DENSE FOG WARNING FOR DELHI
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), visibility at the IGI Airport was expected to reduce to as low as 100 metres in dense fog during the early morning hours on Sunday, before improving to around 800 metres in shallow fog later in the day.
The IMD forecast had warned of moderate to dense fog at many places across Delhi during the morning hours of December 14, with shallow to moderate fog likely to persist in the following days as well.
WEAK WINDS WORSEN CONDITIONS
In its daily weather bulletin issued on Saturday, the IMD said a western disturbance persisting over north Pakistan and the presence of a strong subtropical westerly jet stream over northwest India were influencing weather conditions over the region.
The department forecast partly cloudy skies over Delhi for the next 48 hours, followed by clearer conditions, but cautioned that mist, haze and fog would continue during night and morning hours.
Dense fog was expected at isolated places on Sunday morning, with shallow to moderate fog likely on December 15 and shallow fog thereafter.
GRAP STAGE-IV INVOKED ACROSS NCR
On Saturday night, amid the rising pollution trend, the Sub-Committee of the Graded Response Action Plan of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) held an emergency meeting and decided to invoke all actions under Stage-IV of the extant GRAP, classified as ‘Severe+’ air quality, with immediate effect across the entire NCR.
The decision was taken after Delhi’s AQI rose steadily from 431 at 4 pm to 436 at 5 pm and further to 441 at 6 pm.
METEOROLOGICAL FACTORS BEHIND SUDDEN AQI SPIKE
CAQM said the sudden deterioration in air quality was largely driven by unfavourable meteorological conditions rather than a spike in emissions.
A feeble western disturbance approaching northwest India led to a sharp reduction in wind speed, at times turning calm, a shift in wind direction from westerly to easterly, and increased moisture in the lower atmosphere.
These winter conditions are conducive to the formation of smog and fog, trapping pollutants close to the surface and preventing their dispersion.
5-POINT EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN ROLLED OUT
Under Stage-IV of GRAP, a five-point emergency action plan has been enforced with immediate effect across Delhi-NCR.
The measures include stopping the entry of BS-IV diesel trucks into Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services, while allowing LNG, CNG, electric and BS-VI diesel trucks.
A strict ban has been imposed on the plying of Delhi-registered diesel-operated BS-IV and below heavy goods vehicles, except for essential services.
CONSTRUCTION, MINING AND STONE CRUSHERS SHUT
All construction and demolition activities have been completely banned, including linear public infrastructure projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, power transmission lines and pipelines.
Stone crushers, mining operations and associated activities across the NCR have also been ordered to shut down.
SCHOOLS SHIFT TO HYBRID MODE
In the education sector, state governments in the NCR and the Delhi government have been directed to conduct classes for students from Class VI to IX and Class XI in a hybrid mode, combining physical and online learning where feasible.
Authorities may also consider extending hybrid classes to other areas of the NCR. The option to attend online classes will rest with students and their guardians.
Additional emergency measures, including the closure of colleges and non-essential commercial activities and the implementation of odd-even vehicle norms, may also be considered by state governments.
HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED
CAQM has appealed to residents of the NCR to strictly follow the Citizen Charter under GRAP.
Children, the elderly and people suffering from respiratory, cardiovascular or other chronic illnesses have been advised to avoid outdoor activities and remain indoors as much as possible, using masks if stepping out is unavoidable.
BRIEF RELIEF EARLIER IN WEEK PROVES SHORT-LIVED
Delhi’s air quality had briefly improved earlier in the week, dipping to 282 on Tuesday and 259 on Wednesday, but the relief proved short-lived.
Pollution levels climbed again from Thursday onwards, crossed into the ‘severe’ category on Saturday and worsened further on Sunday as dense fog and toxic smog continued to choke the city, raising concerns that hazardous conditions may persist in the coming days.
WHAT AQI LEVELS MEAN FOR HEALTH
As per CPCB norms, the AQI is calculated based on eight pollutants — PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, ammonia and lead.
AQI values between 301 and 400 fall under the ‘very poor’ category, while readings above 401 are classified as ‘severe’, posing health risks even to healthy individuals.
IndiGo said it is in the process of “identifying flights where customers were severely impacted and stranded at airports on 3, 4, and 5 December.
On Thursday, IndiGo operated over 1,950 flights with just four same-day cancellations
IndiGo said on Friday that it has estimated the compensation amount will exceed Rs 500 crore for customers whose flights were cancelled within 24 hours of departure and who were left severely stranded at certain airports across the country.
In a statement released on X on Friday, the airline mentioned, “Our goal is to make this process (of refunds) as transparent, easy, and hassle-free as possible for you. We will be provided compensation which, in our current estimation, will be in excess of Rs 500 crores to customers whose flights were cancelled within 24 hours of departure time and/or to customers severely stranded at certain airports.”
The airline said it is in the process of “identifying flights where customers were severely impacted and stranded at airports on 3, 4, and 5 December” and will “reach out to all such customers in January so that compensation can be extended smoothly.”
The airline reiterated its commitment to issuing refunds promptly.
“At this stage, our primary focus through December 2025 is ensuring that all refunds for affected customers are processed efficiently, expeditiously, and with the utmost urgency. Most of them have already been completed, and the remaining ones will reflect shortly,” IndiGo said on X.
Earlier today, the airline said it is set to operate more than 2,000 flights nationwide today, with daily performance improving since last week.
“Demonstrating continuous operational normalisation and stability since the last four days, IndiGo is set to operate over 2,000 flights today, as per its revised scaled-down schedule. All our 138 operational destinations are connected, and our on-time performance has been consistently normal as per IndiGo standards,” the airline said in a statement.
Yesterday, the airline operated over 1,950 flights with just four same-day cancellations, which were “due to unfavourable weather, with all affected customers promptly informed to avoid inconvenience.”
Meanwhile, IndiGo has appointed Chief Aviation Advisors LLC, led by Captain John Illson, a veteran Aviation Expert, to find out the “root cause analysis of the recent operational disruption” which affected thousands of air passengers across the country, especially in major urban hubs for air travel.
Addressing new officers at the Air Force Academy, CDS Anil Chauhan stressed constant readiness, agility and purposeful action over rhetoric.
CDS Anil Chauhan (Image: PTI/File photo)
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Saturday delivered a strong message, saying wars cannot be won by rhetoric alone but by clear, purposeful action, taking a subtle dig at Pakistan. He was speaking at the Combined Graduation Parade of the Autumn Term, December 2025, at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, where he was the presiding officer.
Purposeful action not rhetoric
In his address, the CDS slammed empty words and symbolic gestures by Pakistan. “Wars cannot be won by rhetoric, but by purposeful action,” he said, pointing out that real strength comes from discipline, planning and decisive execution. His statement came as Pakistan, despite suffering heavy damage during Operation Sindoor, its leaders and social media circulated false victory claims.
He observed that many regions across the world are witnessing instability caused by weak institutions and reactive decision-making. Such fragility, he said in a veiled dig at Pakistan, often leads to prolonged conflict and insecurity. “Around us we often witness developments that signal institutional fragility and reactive adjustments. In contrast, India’s strength rests on robust institutions, democratic stability and unwavering professionalism of our Armed Forces,” added CDS Chauhan.
Contrasting this global picture, General Chauhan said India’s strength lies in its solid institutions and democratic stability. He praised the armed forces for their unwavering professionalism and commitment to duty, which he described as the backbone of national security.
According to him, the Indian military’s credibility comes from its ability to adapt while remaining rooted in strong values and institutional discipline. He told the young officers that they were now custodians of this legacy.
Addressing the newly commissioned officers, General Chauhan said they were joining the armed forces at a critical time, when Operation Sindoor is ongoing. He underlined that the present security environment demands constant readiness and professionalism from India’s military leadership.
Operation Sindoor is on: CDS
The CDS reminded the graduates that their careers were beginning in an era marked by evolving threats and uncertainty. “You are joining the force when Operation Sindoor is on,” he said, stressing that the responsibility on their shoulders would be immediate and real.
He urged the officers to understand that modern military service is not defined by isolated moments of crisis, but by sustained preparedness. According to him, alertness and agility must become daily habits rather than occasional responses.
“Our strength will lie in the ability to remain alert, agile and prepared every hour, every day,” General Chauhan said, adding that making victory a habit should become part of the new normal for the armed forces.
In the investigation of Zubeen Garg’s death, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has charged four individuals with murder, including his manager and an event organiser.
Zubeen Garg died in Singapore when he visited the nation to attend North East India Festival on September 19. | File photo Photo : ANI
At least four people have been booked with murder charges in Zubeen Garg’s death case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that is probing the case said in its chargesheet on Friday.
Special DGP and SIT chief MP Gupta confirmed it before the media on Friday that the SIT has registered murder charges against four accused including Zubeen’s manager Siddartha Sarma, Singapore event organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, singer Amritprava Mahanta and bandmate Sekharjyoti Goswami.
Apart from these, Zubeen’s cousin has been chargesheeted for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, while his PSOs have been booked for criminal breach of trust.
MP Gupta further said that the main chargesheet runs over 2,500 pages, and with all evidence and exhibits included, the total volume extends to nearly 12,000 pages.
SIT also mentioned that the chargesheet details the criminal conspiracy and the motive behind the murder.
What Are The Charges Against Zubeen’s Secretary and Event Organiser
Charges against Zubeen’s manager Siddartha Sarma include murder, criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust.
Charges against Shyamkanu Mahanta besides murder, include criminal conspiracy, extortion, cheating, and destruction of evidence.
Who Is Shyamkanu Mahanta?
Mahanta was the chief organiser of the North East India Festival, to attend which Garg had gone to Singapore, where he died under mysterious circumstances while swimming in the sea on September 19.
In addition to the murder charge, his band member Goswami has also been charged with criminal breach of trust, while Amritprava Mahanta has also been charged with destruction of evidence.
All the accused have been arrested and are currently in jail, with five of them in Baksa Jail and Goswami and Amritprava in Haflong Prison.
The charge sheet was submitted before the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Kamrup (Metro).
SIT Chief MP Gupta Had Visited Singapore For Investigation
Speaking to reporters after submission of the charge sheet, Special DGP (CID) MP Gupta, heading the SIT team, said that Garg’s cousin and suspended Assam Police officer Sandipan Garg has been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Gupta, who along with another official, had gone to Singapore, said that all evidence received from that country has been submitted before the court.
He said that the charge sheet submitted to the court was in CID case no. 18/2025, the original case registered after nearly 60 FIRs were received across the state following Garg’s death.
Investigation into the second case — CID case no. 19/2025 — pertaining to property-related and other activities, is still underway, he said.
The Assam government had constituted the SIT, led by Special DGP MP Gupta, to investigate the singer’s death.
Delhi’s air quality worsened again on Saturday, with the overall AQI rising to 387 and edging close to the ‘severe’ category after a brief mid-week improvement. The deterioration was reflected across the city, with 18 areas recording AQI levels above 400, led by Wazirpur, Jahangirpuri and Vivek Vihar as the most polluted hotspots.
Delhi’s AQI surged to 387, with 18 areas crossing the severe pollution mark above 400.
Delhi’s air quality continued its downward slide on Saturday, edging close to the ‘severe’ category as the city’s overall AQI climbed to 387, reversing the brief improvement witnessed earlier this week.
Thick smog and shallow fog shrouded several parts of the city in the early morning hours, reducing visibility and triggering low-visibility procedures at Indira Gandhi International Airport, though all flights were operating normally.
Pollution hotspots bore the brunt, with 18 areas recording AQI levels above 400, signalling a return to hazardous conditions for residents.
After enduring ‘very poor’ air for nine consecutive days, the capital saw a marginal breather on Tuesday when the average AQI dropped to 282, slipping into the ‘poor’ category. Conditions improved slightly further on Wednesday with an AQI of 259, before deteriorating again to 307 on Thursday and worsening sharply to 349 on Friday, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) Sameer app.
POLLUTION BACK ON BRINK OF ‘SEVERE’
The pollution levels rose further on Saturday, pushing the city back to the brink of ‘severe’ air quality.
The impact was most visible in several pollution hotspots, with 18 areas recording AQI levels above 400.
Wazirpur emerged as the most polluted locality with an AQI of 443, followed by Jahangirpuri (439), Vivek Vihar (437), Rohini and Anand Vihar (434 each), Ashok Vihar (431), and Sonia Vihar and DTU (427 each).
Other areas in the ‘severe’ bracket included Narela (425), Bawana (424), Nehru Nagar (421), Patparganj (419), ITO (417), Punjabi Bagh (416), Mundka (415), Burari Crossing (413), Chandni Chowk (412) and the North Campus of Delhi University (401).
NCR MIRRORS DELHI’S POLLUTION CRISIS
The grim situation extended across the National Capital Region (NCR) as well.
Ghaziabad and Noida recorded AQI levels of 422 each, firmly in the ‘severe’ category. Gurugram reported an AQI of 295, while Faridabad stood at 208, both falling in the ‘poor’ range.
SMOG AND FOG SLASH VISIBILITY
The thick layer of smog mixed with shallow fog significantly reduced visibility in the city, affecting commuting conditions and raising health concerns, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), New Delhi’s visibility was around 500 metres. While there is no alert for dense fog or low visibility in Delhi and NCR, an orange alert for very dense fog was issued for eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Some areas of Punjab, including Amritsar, reported the lowest visibility, dropping to almost zero in spots.
DENSE FOG LIKELY IN COMING DAYS
Weather officials warned that dense fog is likely to persist over the next two days across several parts of north India, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi-NCR, with visibility in parts of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh expected to fall below 50 metres. The low wind speed from the eastern direction has intensified the fog’s effect, trapping pollutants near the ground.
UNFAVOURABLE WEATHER TRAPS POLLUTANTS
Experts attributed the sharp deterioration to unfavourable meteorological conditions, including low wind speeds, high moisture levels and falling temperatures, which prevented the dispersion of pollutants. According to them, the north-western movement of low wind speed combined with cooler conditions has led to a dip in air quality across several cities.
However, Delhi’s winter chill has remained largely absent this December. The minimum temperature hovered around 11°C on Saturday morning, while the maximum was expected to stay near 22°C.
Meteorological data show that both day and night temperatures have remained above normal for early December, delaying the onset of typical winter conditions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed this to the lack of active western disturbances, which usually bring cold, dry winds to north India. IMD experts noted that the intensity and timing of winter in the region depend heavily on these systems, whose absence has contributed to stagnant air and worsening pollution.
CAQM STEPS IN TO CURB VEHICULAR POLLUTION
Amid rising concerns, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has constituted an expert committee to curb vehicular pollution in Delhi-NCR, a major contributor to deteriorating air quality.
According to CAQM, emissions from vehicles releasing pollutants such as PM2.5, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) have become one of the biggest sources of air pollution, posing a serious public health challenge.
The Union Cabinet has approved the HECI Bill, now renamed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill, paving the way for a single higher education regulator to replace the UGC, AICTE, and NCTE. The new body will handle regulation, accreditation, and standards as proposed under NEP 2020, marking a major overhaul of India’s higher education system.
The Union Cabinet has approved the HECI Bill, now renamed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill/
Indian higher education is about to get its biggest structural makeover in decades. The Union Cabinet has cleared a landmark bill to set up a single higher education regulator that will replace the UGC, AICTE, and NCTE — bringing all non-medical and non-law higher education under one powerful umbrella.
The proposed law, earlier known as the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, has now been renamed the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill.
Approved on Friday, the bill fulfils a core National Education Policy (NEP 2020) vision: streamlining a sector currently governed by multiple regulators with overlapping functions.
Under the new system, the Commission will take over regulation, accreditation, and setting professional standards across higher education. Medical and law colleges remain outside its scope. Interestingly, funding — considered the fourth pillar — will not fall under the new regulator for now and will remain with the administrative ministry.
Unless the government creates a separate Higher Education Funding Authority later (as once proposed in NEP drafts), the current arrangement will continue wherein the education ministry’s Department of Higher Education will oversee funding.
For decades, India’s higher education ecosystem has been split across agencies:
UGC regulates non-technical higher education
AICTE oversees technical education
NCTE manages teacher education
The NEP-2020 had called the regulatory system “in need of a complete overhaul”, stressing the need for distinct, empowered bodies handling distinct roles.
A statement said the leaders underlined the importance of sustaining momentum in shared efforts to enhance trade.
The call comes days after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India.
As speculation about an imminent trade deal between the two countries gathers steam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke over the phone on Thursday and discussed expanding cooperation in various areas.
A statement said the two leaders reviewed progress in the India-US partnership and discussed expanding cooperation in key areas, including trade, critical technologies, energy, defence and security.
Stressing that both leaders expressed satisfaction at the “strengthening of bilateral cooperation” across sectors, the statement mentioned trade specifically and noted they “underlined the importance of sustaining momentum in shared efforts to enhance bilateral trade”.
Both PM Modi and Trump, the statement said, agreed to work closely to address challenges and advance common interests.
“The leaders also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in critical technologies, energy, defence and security, and other priority areas that are central to the implementation of the India-US COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st century),” it said.
Prime Minister Modi also posted about the call on X, terming the conversation “warm and engaging”, but did not mention trade.
Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the U.S. will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity.…
“Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the US will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity,” he wrote.
Timing
Ties between the US and India have seen a slide since a 25% penalty for New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil – in addition to 25% tariffs – was announced in July and took effect on August 27.
India has repeatedly termed the tariffs unfair and said it is perplexed by the logic behind them because China is the biggest purchaser of Russian oil and the European Union buys the largest amount of LNG from the country.
Thursday’s call comes days after Vladimir Putin’s high-profile visit to India, which saw several deals being signed but was probably noticed more for the close personal relationship between the Russian president and PM Modi, which was on ample display, including when the two leaders carpooled from the airport to the PM’s residence.
President Trump’s handling of the relationship with India has been slammed by several leaders, who have said he has ended up pushing one of US’ most important allies even closer towards Russia.
A Democratic lawmaker also took a photo of PM Modi and Putin sharing a car to the US Congress this week and pointed to it while executing a takedown of Trump’s foreign policy.
“Trump’s policies towards India can only be described as cutting off our nose to spite our face, and this is doing real and lasting damage to the strategic trust and mutual understanding between our two countries,” Sydney Kamlager-Dove said.
The timing of the call is also significant because a US team is in Delhi for discussions on the bilateral trade agreement with India.
On Thursday, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the talks are going well, but no deadline has been set for the trade deal.
Luthra Brothers Were At Delhi Wedding When Fire Ravaged Goa Club
As a deadly blaze ripped through a Goa nightclub, resulting in the deaths of 25 people, its co-owners were attending a wedding in Delhi.
As a deadly blaze ripped through a Goa nightclub, resulting in the deaths of 25 people, its co-owners were attending a wedding in Delhi. Shortly after getting information about the fire at Birch By Romeo Lane, Saurav and Gaurav Luthra made hurried plans to travel to Thailand.
Documents submitted in a court in Goa showed that the accused booked tickets to Phuket at 1.17 am on December 7, around an hour after the fire broke out, and had departed from India by 5.20 am.
On Thursday, officials said the Luthra brothers were detained in Thailand, even as a Delhi court rejected their anticipatory transit bail pleas, citing the duo’s conduct and the gravity of the offences. “They left, they concealed, and they are now seeking leniency,” the Goa government’s lawyer told a court, pointing out that they had fled immediately after the fire incident and were evading the legal process.
The Goa Police said the two brothers are accused of injury causing death, manslaughter and murder by organising a fire show “without taking proper care and caution and without providing fire safety equipment, other safety gadgets.”
After Gaurav Luthra, 44, and his brother Saurabh, 40, fled to Phuket, an Interpol Blue Corner notice was issued on December 9 following a request from the Goa police routed through the CBI.
Mexico approved imposing tariffs on hundreds of goods from countries without trade agreements, including India and China, starting next year.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum speaks during a press conference in November (AFP/File)
Mexico on Wednesday gave a go-ahead to imposing tariffs from next year on hundreds of goods from countries it said it does not have trade agreements with – including India and China. Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government said the move is to protect local employment and manufacturing.
The tariff approval by Mexico, which Reuters reported first on Wednesday, on Asian imports is expected to hit the Indian automakers the most as Mexico, is India’s third-largest car export market after South Africa and Saudi Arabia.
Mexico’s Senate has approved a new tariff regime that raises duties, in some cases up to 50 per cent, on more than 1,400 products imported from countries that do not have a formal trade agreement with Mexico, Reuters reported.
Mexico tariffs on India: Who gets hit the most?
Indian car exporters: Mexico’s decision to raise tariffs as high as 50 per cent is expected to impact $1.8 billion (roughly ₹14,940 crore) worth of shipments from major Indian car exporters, including Volkswagen and Hyundai.
The industry is lobbying to persuade the Indian side to prevent the tariff move by Mexico, Reuters quoted two sources as saying and a letter from an industry group reviewed by it.
India exported goods worth $5.63 billion or roughly ₹5,085 crore (as per current USD to INR conversion rate) in 2025, with export basket being dominated by vehicles, according to tradingeconomics.com.
Other sectors that may get hit: Of the goods India exported to Mexico in 2025, vehicle exports (other than railway) comprised the largest chunk with to Mexico were at $1.86 billion, followed by:
-Electrical, electronic equipment – $612.38 million
-Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers – $560.87 million
-Organic chemicals – $388.04 million
-Aluminum – $386.03 million
-Pharmaceutical products – $211.20 million
(as per tradingeconomics.com)
Piyush Arora, chief of VW’s Indian unit, Skoda Auto Volkswagen, said India has been a strong export base for many years and the company ships to more than 40 countries from here.
Goyal also emphasised that successful deals require mutual benefits and should not be rushed with deadlines to avoid mistakes.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick during a meeting in the USA in May. File | Photo Credit: X/@piyushgoyal
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said India and the United States are making “steady and substantive” progress in their ongoing trade negotiations, noting that five rounds of talks have already taken place and discussions during the current visit of the new USTR deputy were “very productive.”
“Negotiations are progressing well. We’ve had substantive discussions over several rounds of negotiations. In the past, I think five rounds have happened. The current visit is not a negotiating round. The current visit is a new deputy United States Trade Representative (USTR) who has joined about three months ago. It’s his first visit to India. We’re getting to know each other…We had very good substantive discussions,” he said.
He also noted that a deal is done when both sides stand to benefit, and it should not be negotiated with deadlines because there can be mistakes. “But I have said on record that a deal is only done when both sides stand to benefit. We should never negotiate with deadlines because you tend to make mistakes then,” he added.
‘If they are happy then…’: Goyal
Answering a query about reported remarks of United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer that the US has received the best-ever trade deal from India, Goyal said “the happiness of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is very much welcome.
“I do believe that if they are very happy, they should be signing on the dotted line,” he said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Goyal expressed optimism about ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, stating that discussions are “progressing well” towards a bilateral trade agreement. Speaking on the sidelines of the Rajasthani Pravasi Divas, Goyal said a US trade delegation has been in India since Tuesday, and talks have been advancing positively.
After Thakur’s complaint, several BJP MPs demanded that Birla takes action against the unnamed TMC MP.
Anurag Thakur in the Lok Sabha Credit: PTI Photo
New Delhi: BJP MP Anurag Thakur created a stir on Thursday in Lok Sabha by complaining that some members were smoking e-cigarettes. His complaint led to disruptions in the House.
While Thakur did not name the members, he said that the errant MP is from the Trinamool Congress. “E-cigarettes are banned across the country and yet they are allowed in the House? Trinamool MPs have been sitting and smoking them for several days, e-cigarettes are being smoked in the House. Please investigate this immediately,”
Thakur complained during the Question Hour. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that he will initiate action. “Everyone must adhere to parliamentary traditions and rules. If such matters come to my attention, I will act,” Birla said.
After Thakur’s complaint, several BJP MPs demanded that Birla takes action against the unnamed TMC MP. The uproar led Birla to ask the protesting MPs to calm down and he said that if members file a written complaint, he will take action.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala took up the matter later in a press conference. “There is a complete ban on e-cigarettes across the country since 2019. The use of any such items is completely banned in the Parliament premises. So, getting an e-cigarette in Parliament is against the law,” Poonawala said.
This visit, marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, presents an opportunity to strengthen India-Jordan bilateral engagement, explore new avenues of collaboration for mutual growth and prosperity, and reiterate the commitment to promoting regional peace, prosperity, security, and stability, a PMO release said.
PM Modi | X
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman next week to strengthen ties with the three countries.
He will visit Jordan from December 15 to 16 at the invitation of King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein.
During the visit, the Prime Minister will meet the Jordanian King to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations and exchange perspectives on regional issues.
At the invitation of His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan from December 15 – 16, 2025. During the visit, PM will meet His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein to review the entire… pic.twitter.com/zLuHOsALss
This visit, marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, presents an opportunity to strengthen India-Jordan bilateral engagement, explore new avenues of collaboration for mutual growth and prosperity, and reiterate the commitment to promoting regional peace, prosperity, security, and stability, a PMO release said.
PM Modi will visit Ethiopia in the second leg of his visit from December 16 to 17. This will be his first visit to the African country. He will hold wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on all aspects of India-Ethiopia bilateral ties.
“As partners in the Global South, the visit will be a reiteration of the shared commitment of the two nations to advance close ties of friendship and bilateral cooperation,” the release said.
In the final leg of his visit, the Prime Minister will visit Oman from December 17 to 18. This will be PM Modi’s second visit to Oman.
ED searched nearly 40 locations across four states and seized approximately Rs 3 crore in cash, jewellery, land-deal documents and papers related to immovable asset purchases from Borivali village in Padgha, as investigators probe hawala links to the ISIS terror module.
ED Raids 40 Locations, Probe Reveals ISIS Module Funded By Illegal Wood Smuggling And Hawala |
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), backed by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), on Thursday launched a coordinated state-wide and inter-state crackdown, conducted searches at nearly 40 locations across Maharashtra, Delhi, Kolkata, and Uttar Pradesh in a probe into suspected terror-financing networks, officials said.
During the operation, the ED seized approximately Rs 3 crore in cash, jewellery that is currently under valuation, multiple land-deal–related documents, and several other incriminating Documents.
The operation zeroed in on Borivali village in Padgha, Thane district, an area flagged by central agencies as the nerve centre of an ISIS-inspired module allegedly linked to the late Saquib Nachan,a former office-bearer of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). Nachan, who died in June this year in a Delhi hospital following a brain haemorrhage, had been identified by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) as the alleged “Ameer-e-Hind,” head of ISIS operations in India. Investigators believe his ideological influence continues through his operatives and sympathisers even after his death.
ED teams also conducted searches in Ratnagiri and several other locations across Maharashtra and beyond as part of a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) investigation into alleged terror financing. The operation stems from NIA case RC-29/2023/NIA/DLI, in which Nachan was named a principal accused. Several others, including his family members, close associates, and sympathisers of the ISIS Delhi–Padgha terror module, all hailing from the Padgha-Borivali belt, are alleged to have been part of a highly radicalised ISIS-linked network involved in recruitment, training, procurement of weapons and explosives, and raising funds to sustain terror operations across multiple states.
Investigators are scrutinising banking records, digital footprints, and alleged cash transfers believed to have facilitated financial support to individuals or entities associated with extremist organisations.
Beginning in the pre-dawn hours, Thursday’s raids swept through multiple residential premises in Padgha and other targeted locations. The operation focused on individuals earlier flagged under the ATS Graded Response Protocol for their alleged involvement in Khairwood and cattle-smuggling activities. The agency suspects that proceeds generated from these illegal trades were diverted to fund extremist activities.
In June, shortly after Nachan’s death, the ATS and Thane Rural Police had searched 22 premises linked to Nachan’s family members and other suspected operatives at Borivali in Padgha.Officials seized 19 mobile phones and several incriminating documents allegedly connected to radicalisation efforts.Investigations revealed clandestine networks engaged in the cutting, smuggling, and sale of Khairwood,with the proceeds reportedly routed through an extensive hawala network to fund extremist operations.
Following that action, the ATS submitted a detailed dossier to the ED outlining financial red flags, including suspicious cash movements, unexplained assets and possible benami holdings, prompting a deeper investigation into the module’s money trail. On Thursday’s operation, ATS personnel provided on-ground support to coordinate the ED searches.
Officials said the module’s shadow economy was largely sustained through Khairwood smuggling and cattle trafficking, both identified as highly profitable criminal rackets in the region. Khairwood, a high-value timber used in gutka production and chemical extraction industries, is illegally felled in forest zones and transported through discreet routes to evade enforcement checks. The clandestine cutting, transport, and sale of the timber generates large volumes of unaccounted cash, making it an effective channel for covert financing.Parallelly, the suspects were reportedly operating a cattle-smuggling corridor across district and state boundaries, ensuring a steady flow of unregulated cash.
According to the sources proceeds from these illegal trades were allegedly routed through a hawala network, enabling transfers across states and ultimately feeding into the module’s terror-financing pool, masking extremist funding behind routine smuggling operations.
During the operation, the ED also carried out searches at premises linked to late Saquib Nachan, his family members and accused associates. Officials said the agency seized several land-deal and property-purchase documents, along with transaction records. Cash and jewellery were also recovered from these locations, they added.
While addressing the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh said WHO guidelines are only meant to help nations frame their own standards, factoring in geography, environmental conditions and local circumstances.
Air pollution remains a persistant challenge in the country. (File Photo: ITG)
As air pollution remains a persistent national challenge, the Centre told Parliament that the country sets its own air norms and global air quality rankings released by various organisations carry no official sanction. It also added that the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) air quality guidelines are advisory in nature and do not constitute mandatory standards for India.
The Centre’s response on Thursday was to a question in the Rajya Sabha about India’s standing in global indices such as IQAir’s World Air Quality Ranking, the WHO Global Air Quality Database, the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) and the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) metrics.
Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh said WHO guidelines are only meant to help nations frame their own standards, factoring in geography, environmental conditions and local circumstances.
“India has already notified its National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for 12 key pollutants to safeguard public health and environmental quality,” he added.
He added that while no global authority conducts official rankings, the government evaluates air quality within the country through its annual Swachh Vayu Survekshan, which ranks 130 cities under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) based on improvement efforts.
The Centre’s response to the air pollution crisis comes months after data compiled by IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitoring firm, revealed that India failed to meet the WHO’s stringent air quality standards for 2024.
The Delhi High Court questioned the Centre over IndiGo’s mass cancellations and soaring airfares, asking why the crisis arose, who is responsible, and what steps were taken to prevent passenger hardship.
How could other airlines take advantage of situation, charge hefty sums for tickets, asks Delhi HC Photo : PTI
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday questioned the Centre over the IndiGo crisis that resulted in hundreds of flight cancellations and a sudden spike in domestic airfares, with some tickets shooting up to nearly Rs 40,000. Questioning why airlines were allowed to raise fares amid the chaos, Justice Gedela asked, “If there were a crisis, how could other airlines be permitted to take advantage? How can it go to 35,000 to 39,000? How could other airlines start charging? How can it happen?”
“What bothers us is how such situation was allowed to precipitate stranded lakhs of passengers unattended on airports. Such situation isn’t confined to inconvenience to passengers but also affects economy of country as in the present days, fast movement of passengers is an important aspect to keep economy functioning”, Court said.
The court said that while it “appreciates their efforts” in managing the situation, the government must explain how the crisis unfolded in the first place. Emphasising the broader economic fallout, Justice Gedela remarked, “Who is responsible? It is not a question of individual passengers being stranded at airports. Question is loss to the economy.”
“We have said we appreciate your efforts. Question is why did such a situation precipitate? Who is responsible? It is not question of individual passengers are stranded at airports. Question is loss to the economy. It is harassment and trouble to the passengers. What steps were taken to compensate the passengers? What action has been taken to ensure that the employees of service providers behave responsibly?” the court asked the Centre.
The Additional Solicitor General detailed the measures taken by the Centre, but the Delhi High Court was not convinced. “These are all taken by you once the crisis erupted. Question is not this. Why at all the situation arose? And what have you been doing,” the court remarked.
UNESCO has recognised Deepavali as an intangible cultural heritage, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
India boasts 15 elements on UNESCO’s list, including Kumbh Mela and yoga.
The festival of Deepavali has been inscribed by UNESCO in its list of intangible cultural heritage, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared on Wednesday. In a post on X, he said, “A joyous moment as Deepavali, the festival of lights, marking the triumph of good over evil and the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom, Ayodhya, which is celebrated globally, is added to the @UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.”
— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) December 10, 2025
Describing the festival, UNESCO said on its official website, “Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is a light festival celebrated annually by diverse individuals and communities across India, that marks the last harvest of the year and the start of a new year and new season. Based on the lunar calendar, it falls on the new moon in October or November and lasts several days. It is a joyous occasion that symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. During this time, people clean and decorate their homes and public spaces, light lamps and candles, set off fireworks, and offer prayers for prosperity and new beginnings”.
A historic day for India.
Deepavali has been officially inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
During the tenure of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India’s cultural heritage is receiving unprecedented global recognition and this milestone… pic.twitter.com/pZDH7nqu85
According to UNESCO, intangible cultural heritage includes the practices, knowledge, expressions, objects, and spaces that communities see as part of their cultural identity. Passed down over generations, this heritage evolves, strengthening cultural identity and appreciation of diversity.
What elements from India have made it to UNESCO’s list?
India currently has 15 elements inscribed on the coveted UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and these include the Kumbh Mela, the Durga Puja in Kolkata, the Garba dance of Gujarat, yoga, the tradition of Vedic chanting and Ramlila — the traditional performance of the epic Ramayana.
In 2008, Ramlila- the traditional performance of Ramayana was added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
In 2024, the festival of Navroz from India was added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
Garba from Gujarat (2023), Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021), Kumbh Mela (2017), Yoga (2016), and the traditional brass and copper craft of utensil-making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab (2014) are some of the other Indian elements on the list.
All NDA MPs are anticipated to attend, with senior Union ministers managing regional coordination.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi being felicitated by MPs for the alliance’ victory in Bihar Assembly elections during the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, at Parliament premises in New Delhi (PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host an exclusive dinner for all MPs of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) today at his official residence in New Delhi. The dinner, which had earlier been planned during the previous session of Parliament, marks one of the major interactions of the alliance after its historic victory in the Bihar Assembly elections.
All NDA MPs are expected to attend the gathering, and senior Union ministers have been given the responsibility of coordinating with MPs from their respective regions. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar are overseeing arrangements for MPs from Odisha and West Bengal, while Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has been entrusted with coordination for MPs from the Northeastern states.
The special dinner was postponed earlier due to the floods in Punjab.
Inside PM Modi’s special dinner
Nearly 54 tables have been arranged for the dinner, with each table accommodating eight MPs drawn from different alliance partners along with BJP MPs. A Union Minister will also be seated at every table, and the Prime Minister is expected to spend time interacting with MPs seated at each table during the dinner, according to news agency IANS.
The proposed dinner has been planned as a platform for open and constructive discussions among alliance partners. The dinner is expected to give the Prime Minister an opportunity to deliberate on legislative priorities, assess the government’s broader agenda for the ongoing session of Parliament and reinforce the NDA’s collective political direction, sources told the agency.
The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday said it has seized more than a dozen bank accounts, holding about Rs 55 crore worth of deposits, of Anil Ambani Group company Reliance Infrastructure as part of a hawala-linked FEMA investigation. The agency said 13 bank accounts having a balance of Rs 54.82 crore of R-Infra have been seized for “contravention” of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
File Image |
The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday said it has seized more than a dozen bank accounts, holding about Rs 55 crore worth deposits, of Anil Ambani Group company Reliance Infrastructure as part of a hawala-linked FEMA investigation.It alleged in a statement that Reliance Infrastructure Ltd (R-Infra), through its special purpose vehicles (SPVs), siphoned public funds from highway construction projects awarded by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and sent them to the UAE illegally.
ED, Special Task Force, Headquarters has seized 13 bank accounts of M/s Reliance Infrastructure Ltd. under Section 37A of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 for contraventions under section 4 of FEMA in the matter of siphoning of public funds from highway… pic.twitter.com/ETe2TGpqGN
A statement issued by Ambani’s spokesperson last month said this was “a purely domestic contract with no foreign exchange component involved whatsoever”.”The JR Toll Road has been fully completed and, from 2021 onwards, has been with the NHAI,” the statement had said.Describing the alleged fraud, the ED said funds were diverted under the guise of sham sub-contracting arrangements to shell companies in Mumbai and these entities were set up in a coordinated manner using dummy directors at specific bank branches in Mumbai.
These funds, according to the agency, were “layered” through a network of other shell entities and remitted to the UAE in the guise of import of polished and unpolished diamonds without receipt of any equivalent goods or documentation.The UAE entities to which funds were remitted had bank accounts in both the UAE and in Hong Kong. These entities were found to be controlled by individuals engaged in international hawala transactions, it said.
“The shell entities through which these funds were siphoned are found to be involved in international hawala transactions worth more than Rs 600 crore,” the ED said.This alleged diversion of the project funds led to “severe” financial stress in the affected SPVs, resulting in bank loans turning into non-performing assets (NPAs), thereby causing losses to lenders and jeopardising public financial interests, it said.
Rishabh Rajput and Sonali Chouksey were married last month
Rishabh Rajput and Sonali Chouksey met in college 11 years ago, fell in love and married last month.
Photos and videos from their colourful wedding showed the happy couple from the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh performing rituals and posing in their finery.
But when they shared their happiest moment on social media, the congratulatory messages came peppered with “jokes and memes” with trolls comparing and criticising the couple over the groom’s skin colour.
In India, where obsession with fair skin colour is well documented and can sometimes even have tragic consequences, the groom faced intense online shaming and was called names for his “darker skin colour”.
The trolls did not spare the bride either, with many suggesting she had married him “for his money”.
“She must have had some compulsion,” one wrote. Another suggested she couldn’t be happy with a husband like that. Some labelled her a “gold-digger,” claiming she married him for wealth or a secure government job with perks. One comment suggested that Mr Rajput’s father must be “a government minister”.
The couple, who married on 23 November, have since gone viral because of the trolling – and their response, as they addressed the criticism head-on. They have been sought out by local media and given scores of interviews in the past two weeks.
“People were making jokes and memes and it felt very wrong,” Mr Rajput told BBC Hindi from his home in Jabalpur.
“It was our moment and we had waited for it so many years. It was supposed to be a happy moment, but when I saw people’s reactions, I was really shocked,” he said.
“In so many years that we have been together, no-one had ever told us that we were a mismatch because I have dark complexion while she is fairer,” he added.
The nasty comments left the couple – who both work in private companies – reeling.
Ms Chouksey admitted that such comments “bothered” her. “You think – is this is how people are perceiving us? When they say nasty things about him or call me a gold-digger, it irritates me.”
In a post on Instagram, Mr Rajput addressed the trolls: “Sorry to disappoint you. I’m not a government employee, but I work hard for my family and want to give them a good, dignified life.”
He added that Sonali fell in love with him when he had nothing. “From college till today, she has stood with me through every good and bad moment. People’s negative opinions mean nothing to me,” he wrote.
Mr Rajput also addressed the issue of colourism in the comments, saying he had faced colour discrimination his whole life.
“I know very well that I have a dark complexion. But in my wife’s eyes, I am trying to be the best husband I can be, and that is what matters the most. There is no need to speak wrongly about my family.”
Mr Rajput said he pushed back when the trolls began commenting on one of the photos that also had his mother and his and his wife’s sisters.
“I did not like the fact that they targeted my family. I want to tell them, you are a nobody. And you have no right to target – or troll – anyone’s family,” he said.
The couple, together since meeting in a 2014 college zoology class, say outsiders shouldn’t judge their lives.
“Our relationship began a year later and we knew from then that one day we would be married. Those who are commenting on our relationship by looking at a 30-second video don’t know that it captures 11 years of hard work that we have put into it,” says Mr Rajput.
“Sonali had always manifested that when we get married, our entire village should witness it. But today, it seems like the whole world is watching it,” he says.
That attention, the couple agree, feels good in a way. But the comments, Ms Chouksey adds, are hurting their families. “For people, it may be just something they watch on social media, but it’s our life. And it can destroy someone’s family.”
The couple have also addressed colourism in several of their interviews.
Authorities are tightening the net around Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra as Interpol alerts, fresh court action and new details of their late-night escape deepen the probe into the Goa nightclub fire tragedy that killed 25 people.
Gaurav (left) and Saurabh Luthra (right) fled to Phuket just hours after the deadly fire ripped through their nightclub in Goa. (Pics: Instagram)
The government late Wednesday cancelled the passports of Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, owners of a Goa nightclub where a fire killed 25 people last week. The move blocks the Delhi-based brothers, who fled to Thailand hours after the blaze that killed 25 people last week, from travelling onwards from Phuket and, officials say, strengthens India’s chances of getting them deported through diplomatic channels with Interpol’s help.
The External Affairs Ministry had received a formal request from the Goa government to revoke the Luthras’ passports, sources told India Today TV earlier. Interpol issued a Blue Corner Notice against the brothers on Tuesday, and they are believed to be hiding in Phuket.
Investigators say the brothers booked their tickets to Thailand at 1:17 am on December 7, barely an hour after news of the fire at their club, Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, began to spread. Police and emergency teams were still battling the blaze when the booking was made.
In court, however, the Luthras’ insist the travel had been planned earlier. Their lawyer told Delhi’s Rohini court that Saurabh left for Thailand on December 6 “for professional engagements and potential restaurant sites.” He argued that the brothers were seeking “legal protection to return to India without immediate arrest.”
The court refused to grant them immediate relief on Wednesday and posted their anticipatory bail plea for Thursday. The Goa Police opposed the request, saying the brothers fled hours after the incident and should not be allowed to seek protection while abroad.
Represented by senior advocates Sidharth Luthra and Tanvir Ahmed Mir, the brothers claimed they feared being arrested as soon as they landed. “I am saying I want to come back to India; they want to arrest me,” their counsel argued in court. “Witch-hunting is what I am concerned about.”
The Luthras also said the demolition of their second property in Goa — a beach shack bulldozed earlier this week — showed the “vindictive nature” of the action against them. Authorities maintain the shack was illegal and lacked all fire-safety clearances, making it a risk similar to the nightclub.
Nearly 200 children across Europe were conceived using sperm carrying a dangerous cancer-linked gene mutation. Children conceived using these affected sperm cells have the mutation in every cell of their body.
The donor carried a mutation in the TP53 gene, which normally protects the body from cancer by preventing cells from turning abnormal. (Photo: Getty Images)
Sperm from a donor who unknowingly carried a dangerous gene mutation linked to cancer was used to conceive nearly 200 children across Europe.
The sperm was not supplied to UK fertility clinics, but some families from the UK used the donor while undergoing treatment in Denmark.
SOME CHILDREN DEVELOPED CANCER
The donor carried a mutation in the TP53 gene, which normally protects the body from cancer by preventing cells from turning abnormal.
Because part of the gene was damaged, around 20% of his sperm carried this mutation.
Children conceived using these affected sperm cells have the mutation in every cell of their body. This causes Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a rare but serious genetic condition that increases the risk of developing cancer by up to 90% before age 60.
This syndrome is linked to breast cancer, brain tumours, bone cancers (osteosarcoma), soft tissue cancers, and several childhood cancers.
The BBC and 13 other public broadcasters worked together on the investigation that revealed that some of the children have already died, and many more are expected to develop cancer over their lifetimes.
HOW THIS WENT UNNOTICED
The donor was a student who was paid to donate sperm in 2005. His samples were used for 17 years, and passed all routine screening tests.
At the time, there was no way to detect this specific TP53 mutation through standard fertility screening.
Denmark’s European Sperm Bank, which supplied the donor’s sperm, admitted that it was used to produce too many pregnancies and extended “deepest sympathy” to affected families. All known families have been contacted.
The sperm bank said the mutation cannot be detected through current routine genetic tests, but the donor was blocked immediately once the problem came to light.
HOW THE ISSUE WAS DISCOVERED
Doctors raised concerns earlier this year at a meeting of the European Society of Human Genetics.
Out of 67 children identified at the time, 23 were found to carry the mutation, and 10 had already developed cancer.
They now estimate at least 197 children worldwide may have been conceived using the donor’s sperm though the true number could be higher, as not all countries have submitted information.
DIFFERENT COUNTRIES, DIFFERENT RULES
The donor’s sperm was used in 67 fertility clinics across 14 countries, highlighting major differences in sperm donor regulations.
In the UK, one donor’s sperm can be used for a maximum of 10 families.
Other countries allow far greater numbers.
The UK’s fertility regulator, the HFEA, confirmed the donor’s sperm was not supplied to licensed UK clinics. However, a “very small number” of UK women were treated with the sperm at Danish clinics.
The HFEA said that since the treatment did not occur in the UK, the matter falls under the responsibility of Danish authorities.
According to the Bill, menstruating persons can work from home if they do not want to avail of the leave facility. The Bill is expected to be tabled during the ongoing Winter Session of the Legislature in Belagavi.
Representative image for menstrual leave. Credit: iStock
Belagavi: Two months after it approved the menstrual leave policy granting a one-day leave per month to all working women, the state government will bring in a Bill extending the facility to menstruating students as well.
The initial draft of the Karnataka Working Women Wellbeing Bill, 2025, which DH has accessed, provides one paid leave per month to all menstruating persons (girls, women and transgender and gender queer persons) working under the government or in private institutions and two days leave per month and consequently a 2% relaxation in the attendance to menstruating students in schools, colleges and universities (both government and private).
However, the Bill notes that the number of such leaves cannot exceed 12 days per year. The Bill extends the menstrual leave benefits to transgender and gender queer persons too (earlier government orders based on the menstrual leave policy were confined to women).
According to the Bill, menstruating persons can work from home if they do not want to avail of the leave facility. The Bill is expected to be tabled during the ongoing Winter Session of the Legislature in Belagavi.
The Bill proposes to institute the Karnataka Women Wellbeing Authority to carry out purposes of the Bill.The chairperson of the Karnataka Commission for Women will be the ex-officio chairperson of the authority, while four government representatives (ex-officio members) and two women activists (nominated) will also be a part of it.
The authority should meet once in three months and redress grievances of menstruating persons.
Labour officers in each district shall hold spot-inspections and periodically submit their inquiry report to the authority.
The Bill mandates the authority to hold inquiries following the principles of “natural justice”, giving full and equal opportunities to both complainant and respondent. It says the orders passed by the Authority shall be “final”.
In the wake of the Goa resto-pub fire incident, the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) has launched a special inspection drive from December 22 to 28, covering hotels, commercial establishments, and residential complexes.
Mumbai Fire Brigade launches week-long inspection of crowded establishments to enforce Fire Safety Act compliance | Representational Image
Mumbai, Dec 09: In the wake of the Goa resto-pub fire incident, the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) has launched a special inspection drive from December 22 to 28, covering hotels, commercial establishments, and residential complexes.
Any establishment found violating prescribed fire-safety norms during this campaign will face action under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006, warned the MFB.
FPJ Report Triggers Action
The Free Press Journal’s December 9 report highlighted how city hotels and pubs flout fire-safety norms, run unauthorised basement activities, and ignore crowd-management rules.
On Tuesday, the MFB announced it will inspect restaurants, hotels, bars, pubs, party halls, gyms, malls, and other crowded venues. In addition, lifeguards, boats, and rescue equipment will be deployed along various city beaches.
“To prevent fire incidents or ensure prompt control in case of a fire, building and establishment owners are obligated to implement fire-prevention and life-safety measures under Section 3(1) of the Act,” said Chief Fire Officer Ravindra Ambulgekar.
Officials Stress Public Awareness
Ashwini Joshi, additional municipal commissioner (in charge of MFB), said, “The MFB is fully equipped with advanced machinery, materials, and equipment to tackle any challenges in the city.”
She emphasised that widespread public awareness can help prevent such tragedies, and the Fire Brigade is continuously working to ensure fire incidents are avoided.
Dabur has filed a plea to cancel a trademark registration granted to Wellford Pharma over the name, “Welford Pudin Hara.”
Delhi High Court and Pudin hara
Is Pudin Hara a distinctive Ayurvedic coined name belonging solely to Dabur for trademark purposes, or can another pharmaceutical company use it as a suffix and claim trademark registration?
This is the central question in a plea filed by Dabur India for the cancellation of a trademark given to a rival, which contains the words Pudin Hara [Dabur India Vs Wellford Pharma].
The Court on Tuesday heard the plea, by which Dabur has sought the cancellation of the mark “Welford Pudin Hara,” placing the 90-year identity of Dabur’s digestive product at the heart of its trademark contest
The case was heard by Justice Tejas Karia, who reserved the plea for interim orders.
Dabur’s counsel asserted that Pudin Hara is a coined mark that it has used since 1930, backed by a 1979 trademark application and decades of market presence.
“This particular mark has been solely associated with the petitioner (Dabur) and the petitioner alone,” Dabur’s counsel submitted, insisting that any competing trademark registration would trigger confusion among consumers.
Dabur said that a trademark search revealed 29 registrations containing the word Pudin Hara, of which 27 belong to the company. One of the remaining two, now before the Court, was described as a direct imitation.
According to Dabur, the respondent (Wellford Pharma) had “lifted the entirety” of Dabur’s earlier mark and merely suffixed it with the word “Wellford”, allegedly to exploit Dabur’s goodwill built over decades.
It was submitted that Wellford Pharmaceuticals is also engaged in medicinal products, making it “inconceivable” that it was unaware of Dabur’s mark.
The company emphasised that Pudin Hara is consumed by both children and adults, and confusion in medicinal products would not only impair brand reputation but also “hamper public health.”
Dabur stated that Wellford Pharma’s impugned trademark registration was filed on a proposed-to-be-used basis in 2022 and granted in 2023, adding that its own search found no evidence of actual use of the rival mark.
In a video circulating online, advocate Rakesh Kishore was seen being attacked with slippers at the Karkardooma Court complex in Delhi.
Advocate Rakesh Kishore
Advocate Rakesh Kishore, who hurled a show towards former Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai, was attacked in a similar manner on Tuesday by unidentified persons who tried to beat him with slippers at the Karkardooma Court complex in Delhi.
A video of the incident is circulating on social media and is being widely shared across multiple platforms.
The clip shows some people attempting to hit Kishore with slippers before others intervene. The footage does not clearly capture the faces of those involved, and their identities have not been established.
The Karkardooma Court complex sees significant daily footfall of lawyers, litigants and court staff. Details about how the incident unfolded within the premises, including whether any security personnel were present at the time, have not yet been confirmed.
The purpose of the attack is also unclear, as no group or individual has so far claimed responsibility and no official explanation has been issued by authorities.
Kishore came to the limelight on October 6 when he threw a shoe towards former CJI Gavai during court proceedings in the CJI court of the Supreme Court.
Security personnel were swift to intervene and remove him from the courtroom.
During the incident, Kishore raised slogans referring to the protection of Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism). His outburst was reportedly linked to comments made by CJI Gavai during a hearing concerning the restoration of a 7-foot beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at Khajuraho.
In that matter, Justice Gavai had remarked that those aggrieved could seek answers from the deity, prompting criticism from the lawyer.
Further, CJI Gavai, while touring Mauritius, had made comments against bulldozer demolitions in India and spoke of how the Court had passed an order staying the same. Kishore was critical of the CJI’s comments on this issue and this had apparently provoked him to throw his shoe at the CJI.
Following the shoe-throwing attempt, the Bar Council of India (BCI) suspended Kishore’s licence to practise law with immediate effect and announced that disciplinary proceedings would follow. The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) also terminated his membership.
Subsequently, the Attorney General for India granted consent to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against him.
However, at a subsequent hearing of the contempt case, a Supreme Court Bench indicated that the Court was not inclined to continue with the contempt action against Kishore, but said that it could look into evolving safeguards to prevent such incidents in future.
Raghuram Rajan, former RBI Governor, said the US’s imposition of a 50% tariff on India had less to do with the purchase of Russian oil and more to do with Delhi’s contradicting US President Trump’s claim of brokering peace in the May war. He said “Pakistan played well”, and escaped with just 16% tariffs.
Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan said that India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil was not the real trigger for the 50% US tariffs. (File Image)
Economist and former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Raghuram Rajan, claimed that the main reason the US imposed a hefty 50% tariff on Indian exports was not New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil, but its counter to President Donald Trump’s claim that he facilitated the ceasefire during the four-day mini-war in May with Pakistan.
Rajan added that it was essentially the “personality in the White House” that drove the tension with India.
Speaking at the UBS Centre for Economics in Society at the University of Zurich on December 4, Rajan said that “Pakistan played it the right way”, adding that “the central issue was [about] personalities, and especially a personality in the White House” and “how they treated certain comments made by India after Mr Trump claimed credit for stopping a conflict between India and Pakistan”.
Rajan was referring to the four-day mini war between India and Pakistan in May. New Delhi carried out a precise, limited military operation on terror havens in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK), after Pakistan-sponsored terrorists gunned down 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. In retaliation, when Pakistani forces launched attacks on Indian military and civilian infrastructure using missiles and drones, Indian forces struck Islamabad’s military and nuclear facilities, compelling the Pakistani leadership to rush to the US for mediation.
After the ceasefire, while the Pakistani leadership heaped praises and thanked Trump for the ceasefire, the Indian military leadership maintained that it was reached after Rawalpindi dialled up New Delhi twice, seeking a pause to the days-long fighting.
NOT RUSSIAN OIL, TRUMP’S PERSONALITY BEHIND TARIFFS ON INDIA: RAGHURAM RAJAN
On being asked by the moderator if “buying less oil from Russia is the way to please Mr Trump”, Raghuram Rajan said, “I don’t think Russian oil purchases were ever the central issue. You just saw yesterday he waved the purchase of oil by [Viktor] Orban [Prime Minister] of Hungary. I don’t think oil was the central issue”.
“I think the central issue was more personalities and especially the personality in the White House and how they treated certain comments made by India after Mr Trump claimed credit for stopping a conflict between India and Pakistan,” said Rajan, who served as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India between 2013 and 2016.
He added, “Pakistan played it the right way. It was all because of Mr Trump. India tried to argue that the two countries had reached an agreement without Mr Trump. The truth is probably somewhere in between.”
“The net effect was India got 50% tariffs, Pakistan got 19%,” he added.
Raghuram Rajan, however, clarified that he didn’t “know what happened between India and the US”, hoping, “in the longer run, sanity prevails on both sides”.
In August, the US under Donald Trump imposed tariffs of up to 50% on most Indian imports, saying New Delhi purchased discounted Russian oil despite US sanctions and “funded the war in Ukraine. Trump also framed the move as the US’ retaliation against what he called a “one-sided” trade relationship with India. Tensions escalated as Trump’s aides, like Peter Navarro and Stephen Miller, launched personal attacks on the Indian political leadership. Navarro even made casteist and mocking remarks, which turned the trade dispute into an unusually hostile confrontation.
The Uttar Pradesh government has established a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the illegal sale and trafficking of codeine-based cough syrups, following numerous police reports in various districts.
Image for representation.
The Uttar Pradesh government has set up a special investigation team to examine the illegal sale, storage and trafficking of codeine-based cough syrups after multiple police cases were filed across the state, officials said Tuesday.
The SIT was formed because the offences span several districts and departments and are believed to involve organised groups trading codeine syrup for profit, according to an official statement.
The three-member team will be led by Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) L.R. Kumar. Senior Superintendent of Police (STF) Sushil Ghule Chandrabhanu and Akhilesh Kumar Jain, assistant commissioner at the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, will serve as members.
The team has been tasked with investigating financial transactions linked to the illegal trade, diversion of pharmaceutical products, inter-state networks and proceeds of crime. It will also look into cases involving suspects who have fled abroad and begin the process for their extradition, the statement said.
The government has asked the SIT to complete its probe in a “quality and time-bound” manner and submit a detailed report within a month.
Several FIRs have been registered in recent days in different districts of Uttar Pradesh over illegal trafficking of codeine-based syrups, with local police units already conducting inquiries.
The state had announced on Monday that it would form the SIT and noted that no deaths linked to codeine-based cough syrups have been reported in Uttar Pradesh.
A Lookout Circular (LOC) was issued against Gupta, and when he was not found at his residence, an arrest warrant was obtained. Following this, he was detained in New Delhi.
Ajay Gupta, co-owner of Goa club, detained in New Delhi. (Image: ANI)
The Goa Police on Tuesday detained co-owner Ajay Gupta, a resident of New Delhi, in connection with the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane restaurant-cum-bar in North Goa.
A Lookout Circular (LOC) was issued against Gupta, and when he was not found at his residence, an arrest warrant was obtained. Following this, he was detained in New Delhi.
Meanwhile, sources informed that Gupta — who was detained in Delhi — reportedly got himself admitted late at night to a hospital in Lajpat Nagar, citing a spine-related ailment. He has been taken into custody by the Goa Police.
If the Goa Police formally arrest Ajay Gupta, they will obtain a transit remand and take him to Goa, where he is expected to be produced in court on Wednesday.
Responding on the police action, Ajay Gupta, while he was brought to the Crime Branch office and told News18 that he was just a partner and had nothing to do with anything. “I was only a partner; I don’t know anything else.”
Ajay Gupta Detained
“Ajay Gupta has now been detained in Delhi,” Goa Police said in a statement. “All accused are being dealt with strictly as per law, and the investigation is progressing on priority,” the police added.
The Goa Police reply came in response to Congress leader Pawan Khera’s question on the Goa Arpora fire incident. Taking to X, the Congress leader said, “GS Hospitality Arpora LLP has three directors – Saurabh Luthra, Gaurav Luthra and Ajay Gupta. Yet the FIR names only Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, who are now absconding.”
He further questioned, “Which Union Minister is protecting Ajay Gupta? Why was no FIR filed against him?”
The Congress on Sunday criticised the handling of safety measures at a club-cum-restaurant in Goa’s Arpora, where at least 25 people lost their lives in a late-night fire, calling the incident a serious lapse in oversight that requires an immediate and transparent investigation.
A crucial question on the Goa Arpora fire incident:
GS Hospitality Arpora LLP has 3 directors – Saurabh Luthra, Gaurav Luthra and Ajay Gupta.
Yet the FIR names only Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, who are now absconding.
The Congress on Sunday criticised the handling of safety measures at a club-cum-restaurant in Goa’s Arpora, where at least 25 people lost their lives in a late-night fire, calling the incident a serious lapse in oversight that requires an immediate and transparent investigation.
The police have so far arrested five persons – the nightclub’s chief general manager Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, gate manager Riyanshu Thakur and employee Bharat Kohli.
Goa Nightclub Fire
The development comes days after the massive blaze broke out in the early hours of Sunday at a nightclub in Arpora, triggering a high-casualty incident and killing at least 25 people, most of whom were staff of the restaurant.
The Goa government formed a committee to investigate the incident.
The district administration also demolished part of the Romeo Lane restaurant in Vagator, Goa. The restaurant is owned by Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, who also own Birch by Romeo Lane.
In a major development in the ongoing investigation into Goa’s Romeo Lane fire incident, a ‘blue corner notice’ has been issued by INTERPOL against the absconding accused, Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, just two days after the incident took place, state police said on Tuesday.
The Civil Aviation Ministry announces a 10% curtailment of IndiGo flights due to disruptions, with IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers summoned to the Ministry for an update.
Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu with IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers at the ministry on Tuesday. (@RamMNK/X)
Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Tuesday announced that the government has ordered a curtailment of 10% IndiGo flights amid nationwide disruptions. IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers was summoned to the Ministry to provide an update, he said.
In a post on X, Kinjarapu said: “During the last week, many passengers faced severe inconvenience due to Indigo’s internal mismanagement of crew rosters, flight schedules and inadequate communication. While the enquiry and necessary actions are underway, another meeting with Indigo’s top management was held to review the stabilisation measures.”
During the last week, many passengers faced severe inconvenience due to Indigo’s internal mismanagement of crew rosters, flight schedules and inadequate communication. While the enquiry and necessary actions are underway, another meeting with Indigo’s top management was held to… pic.twitter.com/yw9jt3dtLR
He said IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers was summoned to the Ministry for an update on the matter. “He confirmed that 100% of the refunds for flights affected till 6th December have been completed. A strict instruction to expedite the completion of the remaining refunds and baggage handover was given,” the minister said.
Following the meeting, Kinjarapu said the government “considers it necessary to curtail the overall Indigo routes, which will help in stabilizing the airline’s operations and lead to reduced cancellations”.
“A curtailment of 10% has been ordered. While abiding with it, Indigo will continue to cover all its destinations as before,” he said.
“Indigo has been instructed to comply with all the directives of the Ministry, including fare capping and passenger convenience measures without any exception,” the minister added.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has deputed senior officers to physically visit major airports to assess the on-ground situation arising from the ongoing operational crisis of IndiGo.
In a post on X, they said: “The review covers flight delays or cancellations, congestion levels, queue management, manpower deployment, functioning of airline help desks, baggage clearance, and the status of passenger communication and alternative arrangements.”
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has deputed senior officers to physically visit major airports to assess the on-ground situation arising from the ongoing operational crisis of IndiGo. The review covers flight delays or cancellations, congestion levels, queue management, manpower… pic.twitter.com/P65DqsKZqZ
“Most assessments have already been completed, with the remaining scheduled over the next 2–3 days. These visits have ensured a comprehensive assessment, and the Ministry is taking necessary steps to stabilise operations and support passengers,” they added.
In the latest video message, Elbers also said that lakhs of customers, whose flights were cancelled or delayed, have already received their full refunds, and the process is ongoing on a daily basis.
“IndiGo is back on its feet, and our operations are stable. Lakhs of customers have received full refunds, and we continue to process them daily. Most of the bags stuck at airports have been delivered to homes. We are addressing every customer need,” he said.
The remarks come after a severe wave of cancellations that continued to rattle air travel through Tuesday, triggering widespread delays and passenger complaints.
Belgium’s top court dismissed Mehul Choksi’s plea against extradition, upholding the Antwerp Court of Appeal’s decision making India’s request enforceable.
Mehul Choksi appealed against the Antwerp court’s order declaring India’s extradition request “enforceable.” (Image: AFP/File)
Belgium’s Supreme Court— the Court of Cassation — on Tuesday dismissed fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi’s plea, challenging his extradition. Choksi had approached Belgium’s top court on October 30, challenging the October 17 order of the Antwerp Court of Appeals, which had termed India’s extradition request “enforceable.”
Responding to news agency PTI, spokesperson for Court of Cassation, Advocaat-general Henri Vanderlinden, said, “The Court of Cassation rejected the appeal. So, the decision of the Court of Appeal stands.”
The Antwerp court had earlier ruled that Choksi, the main accused in the Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, faced “no risk” of being denied a fair trial or subjected to ill-treatment if sent back to India.
Previous Verdict Against Mehul Choksi
On October 17, a four-member indictment chamber of the Antwerp Court of Appeals upheld an earlier order issued by the pre-trial chamber of the district court on November 29, 2024. It found no irregularity in the arrest warrants issued by a Mumbai special court in May 2018 and June 2021, ruling them “enforceable” and clearing the way for Choksi’s extradition.
Dismissing the appeal filed by Choksi against the district court, the Court of Appeals held that the businessman failed to provide “concretely plausible” evidence of a “genuine risk” of torture or denial of justice. It held that the documents Choksi submitted do not substantiate his claims that he is the subject of a political trial.
New Delhi has assured Brussels repeatedly regarding Choksi’s safety, the charges that he would face during trial in India, prison arrangements, human rights and medical needs. India informed the court that Choksi would be held at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, Barrack No. 12, a 46-square-metre facility with two cells and private sanitary amenities.
On August 27, 2024, India had sent an extradition request to Belgium based on arrest warrants issued by the Mumbai special court. Following this, the public prosecutor at the Court of First Instance in Antwerp, Division Turnhout, initiated an action on November 25, 2024, seeking the enforcement of arrest warrants issued by the Mumbai court.
Global giants are not merely expanding—they are placing India at the heart of their long-term strategies
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella meets PM Modi. Image: X
First it was Google, now it is Microsoft, Intel, and Cognizant. A new era of global technology investment seems to be unfolding in India, as the world’s most influential companies are placing unprecedented bets on India’s digital and innovation potential.
Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday. Their conversation culminated in Microsoft committing $17.5 billion, the company’s biggest-ever investment in Asia, dedicated to strengthening India’s AI-first ambition. This came after Alphabet, Google’s parent company, recently announced a monumental $15 billion investment to build a state-of-the-art AI data hub in Visakhapatnam. Designed to be one of the world’s most sophisticated AI facilities, it will stand as Google’s largest hub outside the United States. Intel CEO Lip-bu Tan’s meeting with Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday also underscored a new shift.
Intel reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the country’s semiconductor ecosystem and signed a significant MoU with the Tata Group. Adding further strength to this wave of global confidence, Cognizant’s leadership met with the Prime Minister on Tuesday and outlined a sweeping plan to accelerate AI adoption across industries while investing heavily in education and workforce development. This wave of commitments from Google, Microsoft, Intel, and Cognizant has signalled a striking shift: India is no longer just a market—it is becoming the epicentre of the world’s AI and semiconductor transformation.
Thomas Kurian, Google Cloud’s CEO, earlier called the Alphabet deal a landmark moment in the company’s global AI vision—one that places India at its core. The project, spread over five years in Visakhapatnam, reflects the scale of trust the tech giant is placing in India’s digital future. This momentum was further amplified when Microsoft’s Nadella spoke of India’s unique role in shaping the global AI landscape, while the Prime Minister welcomed the commitment, noting that the world today looks at India with optimism when it comes to the future of artificial intelligence. Microsoft’s investment aims to build the advanced infrastructure, skills, and sovereign capabilities that will power India’s journey into an era of AI-driven innovation.
India’s rise in the technology value chain is also taking decisive steps toward becoming a global semiconductor hub. The Intel-Tata collaboration will enable the manufacturing, assembly, and packaging of Intel-designed products in India, marking a major stride in localising the global chip supply chain. It also opens the door to advanced packaging and the rapid expansion of AI-PC solutions tailored for India’s fast-growing market.
Cognizant, meanwhile, has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding into India’s emerging cities, creating a more equitable and widespread talent ecosystem, and ensuring that the country’s youth are prepared to lead the world in AI-driven productivity and innovation.
Together, these announcements represent one of the most significant moments in India’s technology landscape. Global giants are not merely expanding—they are placing India at the heart of their long-term strategies.
The Union Home Minister in the Rajya Sabha accused the Congress party and the late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of ‘dividing’ the song, the beginning of ‘appeasement politics’ that led to India’s Partition
Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks in the Rajya Sabha during the winter session of Parliament in New Delhi on Tuesday. (Sansad TV via ANI Video Grab)
The “division” of the national song, Vande Mataram, and the Congress party’s “politics of appeasement” had led to the Partition, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, opening the discussion on the 150th anniversary of the national song in the Rajya Sabha. Countering the Opposition’s allegation that the discussion was being organised in view of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly election, he claimed that such remarks were aimed at diminishing the importance of the national song.
Several Congress leaders had insulted the Vande Mataram, and ended its recital in Parliament, Mr. Shah alleged. Mr. Shah should to authenticate his claim, Congress general secretary and Chief Whip in the Rajya Sabha Jairam Ramesh said. Mr. Shah later sent in a letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman, citing nine instances from 2018 till 2025 during which Congress leaders allegedly insulted the national song.
The Vande Mataram was the “mantra” (chant) that awakened India’s cultural nationalism and energised the freedom struggle. “Yesterday, some MPs in the Lok Sabha questioned the need to discuss Vande Mataram. The need for discussion…was as relevant when the song was written, during the freedom movement, [is as relevant] today, and will be as relevant in 2047, when the ‘Viksit Bharat’ will be achieved,” Mr. Shah said.
The Minister did not name Congress general secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who had posed this question during the discussion on the national song in the Lok Sabha on Monday (December 8, 2025). The government was more interested in discussing the past than present issues affecting citizens, Ms. Gandhi had said.
“Some people are saying Vande Mataram is being discussed because elections are coming in West Bengal… They are trying to reduce the importance of Vande Mataram by linking it to the Bengal election,” Mr. Shah said.
The Minister said the song was written years after India tolerated “Islamic attacks”, and the British tried to impose a new culture on the country.
He also accused the Congress party and the late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of “dividing” the song. “On the 50th anniversary of Vande Mataram, in 1937, Jawaharlal Nehru divided it into two, and limited it to two stanzas. This was the way the Congress honoured the Vande Mataram,” Mr. Shah said, leading to protests from Opposition MPs. It was the beginning of “appeasement politics”, and led to the Partition of India.
“If they had not divided the song into two for ‘appeasement politics’, India would also not have been partitioned,” he said, leading to more uproar from the Opposition benches.
Numbers presented in the Lok Sabha on December 8 highlight just why the airline was unable to meet the new flight duty timing limits, mooted in January 2024
Weeks after the country’s aviation regulator approved a 6% increase in flights for IndiGo, as part of the airline’s winter schedule, the ministry of civil aviation said there would be a 10% reduction instead, a consequence of the inability of India’s largest carrier to meet new flight rostering norms that saw it cancelling more than 5,500 flights in the first nine days of December.
Numbers presented in the Lok Sabha on December 8 highlight just why the airline was unable to meet the new flight duty timing limits, first mooted in January 2024 , although the airlines got enough time to prepare with some of the norms coming into effect this July, and the rest on November 1. The numbers show a 7% reduction in the number of pilots at IndiGo between March and December.
Contrary to what its Chief Operating Officer (COO) Isidro Proqueras had said in the airline’s submission to the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in December last year that “the overall impact of implementing the proposed changes above would amount to an approximate 3% increase in crewing requirements”, IndiGo has actually seen its number of pilots fall to 5,085 (December 8 reply) from 5,463 (according to a March 2025 reply), as per government data.
Air India saw the number of pilots on its rolls increase from 3,280 to 6,350 in this period; and SpiceJet, from 369 to 385.
The December chaos (coming after the airline cancelled over 1,200 flights in November, with around 750 being cancelled because of the new norms) prompted India’s civil aviation ministry to relax the norms for IndiGo, a move that some analysts have said is akin to giving in to blackmail, and which was criticised by an international pilot’s body on Tuesday.
Captain Ron Hay, president of the Montreal-based International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA), said India’s decision to grant the exemption to the rest rules was concerning because it was not based on scientific evidence.
“We are informed that the change is due to staffing issues,” he told Reuters. “This is troubling as fatigue clearly affects safety.” Hay warned the government’s decision could also exacerbate staffing issues given that working conditions account for one of the reasons pilots depart airlines based in the country.
The new crew rostering norms were in keeping with international standards, and aimed at reducing pilot fatigue and improving safety.
The reduction in its pilot strength at a time when the airline needs more pilots is strange, a former airline executive said.
“This is ridiculous,and most unjustified when you knew the new FDTL (flight duty time limitation) would require at least 20% more pilots to be hired. The reduction in the number of pilots at IndiGo is suicidal and has no logic making it seem like a deliberate move,” this person added, asking not to be named.
Indeed, some, including the airline’s own staff in well-publicised open letters, have claimed that the airline deliberately allowed the chaos to play out hoping that this would force the ministry to relax the new norms.
Pilots’ body Airline Pilots Association of India (ALPA) India too, earlier this month, alleged that “this situation points to a failure of proactive resource planning by dominant airlines, potentially exacerbated by an effort to pressurise the regulator to dilute the promulgated FDTL norms for commercial gain.”
Another pilots’ body, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), said the current disruption at IndiGo was the direct consequence of the airline’s “prolonged and unorthodox lean manpower strategy across departments, particularly in flight operations”.
Despite the two-year preparatory window before full FDTL implementation, the airline “inexplicably adopted a hiring freeze, entered non-poaching arrangements, maintained a pilot pay freeze through cartel-like behavior, and demonstrated other short-sighted planning practices,” FIP said.
To be sure, IndiGo is by far the largest operator in India’s skies. It has captured more than 65% of the domestic market.
IndiGo did not flag any concerns about adapting to the revised crew fatigue rules during a meeting with the DGCA on December 1, a day before operational problems at India’s biggest airline became apparent, civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu told Parliament on Monday.
Between December 1 and December 8, the airline cancelled around 4,500 flights.
Clashes erupted soon after a woman’s headless body was found on Monday, leading to large-scale damage in the Malkangiri district of Odisha.
Security forces have been deployed in the affected areas to maintain order in Odisha’s Malkangiri.(ANI file photo/ Representational)
The Odisha government has placed a ban on access to social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook and X, in the state’s Malkangiri district till 12 PM on December 10 after clashes erupted between two communities following the recovery of a woman’s headless body.
Officials quoted in an ANI report stated that the suspension, initially imposed for 24 hours on Monday following the eruption of violence, was extended to prevent further tensions.
Malkangiri district collector told ANI that the situation was now peaceful after talks were held between the two communities.
Violence in Odisha’s Malkangiri district| Top points
According to officials quoted in the report, clashes erupted soon after a woman’s headless body was found on Thursday in the Poteru river, leading to large-scale damage in the district. The district administration said 163 houses were damaged during the violence. Security forces have been deployed in the affected areas to maintain order.
Officials said that a scientific team, a sniffer-dog squad and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have arrived at the site to search for the missing head and collect evidence related to the killing. The teams are carrying out extensive searches in the area.
The district administration sought an immediate shutdown of communication to prevent the situation from worsening, after which the state government suspended mobile internet, broadband services, and access to all social media platforms from 6 PM on December 8 to 6 PM on December 9. The restriction has now been extended until 12 PM on December 10
According to a Home Department notification quoted by ANI, “anti-social elements” were spreading “false, provocative and inflammatory messages” on WhatsApp, Facebook, and X, posing a threat to public order.
The Malkangiri Collector told reporters that the situation had improved following talks between the two communities. “The situation is peaceful now. An agreement has been reached between the two communities. They have named their respective representatives for today’s Peace Committee meeting. We are hopeful that normalcy will return,” he said.
Rekha Gupta said that the district administration and the MCD can impose a fine of up to ₹5,000 on anyone found burning garbage in the open.
Vehicles commute through the Rao Tula Ram Marg area covered in smog. (ANI Video Grab)
With air pollution concerns mounting in the national capital, Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday announced that authorities have been asked to ensure a complete ban on open burning. Besides, a strict ban has been imposed on the use of coal and firewood in tandoors across all hotels, restaurants and open eateries in Delhi.
The chief minister also said that the district administration and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) can impose a fine of up to ₹5,000 on anyone found burning garbage in the open. “We humbly request all citizens not to burn waste in the open. Your small cooperation can bring about a big change,” Gupta said in a tweet.
दिल्ली में वायु प्रदूषण के हर छोटे-बड़े स्रोत पर नियंत्रण के लिए हम निरंतर प्रयासरत हैं।
इसी कड़ी में पर्यावरण विभाग को सख्त निर्देश दिए गए हैं कि ओपन बर्निंग पर पूर्ण प्रतिबंध सुनिश्चित किया जाए।
जिला प्रशासन एवं दिल्ली नगर निगम को यह अधिकार प्रदान किया गया है कि खुले में… pic.twitter.com/uOyLseFzfB
The measures came in the backdrop of alarming pollution levels in the city, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hovering in the ‘very poor’ category for days now. The air quality improved slightly on Tuesday with an AQI of 291 in the “poor” category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. However, health concerns over alarming pollution levels remain in the city.
Similar AQI readings were seen across Delhi on Wednesday morning – 283 in Bawana, 264 in Alipur, 313 in Jahangirpuri, 272 in Burari Crossing, 280 in Punjabi Bagh and 298 in Anand Vihar, among others.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) on Tuesday issued under Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, banning the use of coal or firewood in tandoors across eateries in Delhi.
New Delhi: India on Monday condemned Pakistan’s fresh attacks on Afghanistan that killed several civilians.
Fresh clashes between the two sides erupted less than two months after both sealed a ceasefire pact to end weeks of fighting.
“We have seen reports of border clashes in which several Afghan civilians have been killed,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.
“We condemn such attacks on innocent Afghan people. India strongly supports the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Afghanistan,” he said.
A spokesperson of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan said Pakistan initiated the attacks and that Kabul was “forced to respond”.
The border conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan began in early October, following a Pakistani airstrike on Kabul.
Afghanistan strongly responded to the attack, following which the conflict escalated.
The hostilities erupted while Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was visiting India. The clashes were the worst since the Taliban seized power in 2021.
Neal Mohan took charge of YouTube as CEO in 2023 after his mentor, Susan Wojcicki, stepped down. He has been working at the company for over 10 years.
Neal Mohan, the Indian-origin CEO of YouTube, has been declared TIME’s 2025 CEO of the Year. (REUTERS)
Indian-origin CEO of YouTube, Neil Mohan, has been honoured as TIME magazine’s 2025 CEO of the Year. Describing the tech leader, the outlet wrote that he is “quiet-spoken, deliberative, hard to ruffle.”
Mohan became YouTube CEO in 2023 after his mentor, Susan Wojcicki, stepped down from the position. Over the years, he has significantly increased YouTube’s dominance, and it is indisputably one of the most-watched platforms worldwide.
How is Neal Mohan as a boss?
A rising YouTube star and content creator has shared her experiences of meeting the CEO, as reported by Time Magazine. She recalled how he was polite and approachable.
“He walks around almost like he’s the manager at a restaurant,” YouTube Kinigra Deon told the outlet. “He’s very approachable. He says, ‘Hey, I saw that series that you’re doing.’ Or ‘I heard about the studio you’re building.’ He knows about little old me as a creator, and he’s this big head of YouTube,” she added.
People familiar with the CEO told the outlet that he likes interacting with the creators, and it is a part of his leadership role that he “enjoys the most.”
“I’m a technologist by passion and training,” says Mohan. “I also happen to be somebody who loves media in the broadest sense of that term. And so building products, whether in the advertising world or at YouTube, is sort of my passion,” before assuming a leadership job, he was in charge of product in the tech industry.
Neal Mohan on content creators:
“Creator success on the platform brings in all of these viewers and fans from all over the world, which in turn brings in brands and advertisers and marketing opportunities and that in turn attracts the next batch of creators,” Mohan told the outlet, adding, “That’s sort of an encapsulation of my vision for YouTube.”
What did Neal Mohan study?
According to his LinkedIn profile, the YouTube boss completed his electrical engineering at Stanford University. He then pursued an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is intensifying interventions to manage the depreciating rupee, which has hit record lows against the dollar.
India’s rupee has reached all-time lows against the dollar, with the lack of a US trade deal adding to the downward pressure. (AI Generated Image)
India’s central bank issues its confidential directives to specialized rupee traders within secure, soundproof environments.
On some occasions, the focus is on volume: sell $100 million at one-minute intervals. At other times, it centers on specific exchange rates: sell until a designated level is achieved. And on certain days, the order is merely to refrain from action.
This elusive intervention tactic forms a core element of the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) escalating efforts to oversee the rupee amid its slide to unprecedented lows.
Based on discussions with bankers, traders, and ex-central bank officials—many of whom spoke anonymously about the RBI’s tightly controlled intervention mechanisms—the outlook points to sustained high volatility. Trading sessions are expected to feature abrupt fluctuations as the RBI enters and exits the market unpredictably, said a Bloomberg report.
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra is striving to address speculation in the persistently depreciating currency without resorting to the aggressive interventions characteristic of his predecessor’s tenure. Striking this equilibrium is challenging. Insufficient action could amplify one-sided bets, exacerbating the decline. Excessive intervention, however, might deplete banking system liquidity—potentially hindering economic expansion—and erode critical foreign exchange reserves.
“Malhotra appears committed to a ‘leaning against the wind’ strategy,” noted Eswar Prasad, previously the head of the IMF’s China division and now an economics professor at Cornell University. “This involves not outright opposing market forces driving the currency in a specific direction, but intervening selectively to mitigate short-term exchange rate volatility and prevent overshooting.”
New Leadership and Policy Shifts
Sanjay Malhotra, during an RBI press conference in Mumbai in February 2025, announced the first interest rate cut in nearly five years.
The pressures are intensifying. In 2025, the rupee has depreciated by 4.9% against the US dollar, placing it behind only the Turkish lira and the Argentine peso in terms of losses among 31 major currencies. This downturn occurs even as a measure of the dollar’s global strength has declined by over 7% during the same period.
Contributing factors include an expanding trade deficit, the imposition of 50% US tariffs on Indian exports, and capital outflows from foreign investors. The absence of a finalized trade agreement with Washington has further intensified the strain on the currency.
Historically, the RBI has been reticent about its currency market operations, but in recent years, officials have become more forthcoming in acknowledging such interventions. Governor Malhotra has repeatedly emphasized the role of interventions in controlling volatility. An RBI spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.
The Rupee’s Record Lows
India’s rupee has reached all-time lows against the dollar, with the lack of a US trade deal adding to the downward pressure. (Source: Bloomberg)
The Daily Decision-Making Process
Intervention decisions commence each morning prior to market opening at the RBI’s headquarters in south Mumbai. There, the Financial Markets Committee—comprising representatives from various departments—convenes to evaluate exchange rate pressures.
If circumstances demand, they reconvene multiple times throughout the day, as described by a former central bank official. The governor ultimately approves any actions.
Upon approval, instructions are typically conveyed to senior dealers at major state-owned banks, who operate from dedicated desks designed exclusively for executing RBI directives. These desks are situated in isolated rooms with independent, non-recorded communication lines.
The RBI provides no advance notice to these dealers and does not disclose the extent of the order book. To enhance unpredictability, the central bank occasionally eschews round numbers, such as halting sales after an irregular amount like $217 million. Strategies may shift rapidly if officials suspect traders have discerned a pattern.
Banks involved in these operations, which may encompass private sector institutions, are barred from maintaining proprietary trading positions during interventions. They are permitted only to settle existing positions and handle client transactions.
A signal from a senior dealer—such as raising a hand—indicates to colleagues that all other activities must cease. The RBI compensates with a fee that scarcely offsets operational expenses.
Historical Context and Reserve Building
Interventions have been a longstanding component of India’s monetary framework, shaped by past traumas associated with rupee depreciation.
In 1991, a balance-of-payments crisis compelled the government to pledge gold reserves to finance imports amid depleted foreign reserves. In 2013, during the “taper tantrum” triggered by the US Federal Reserve’s announcement of quantitative easing reductions, the rupee suffered significant losses.
These episodes motivated successive RBI governors to amass substantial foreign reserves, which totaled $686 billion as of November 28, 2025—including approximately $557 billion in currency assets and $106 billion in gold. This ranks among the world’s largest stockpiles, sufficient to cover about 11 months of imports.
“India has endured periods of sharp currency depreciation when reserves were lower,” reflected R. Gurumurthy, a former RBI official who managed the currency desk. He refrained from detailing operational specifics. “The evolution toward more substantial interventions aligns with the expansion of reserves, fostering greater market confidence.”
Under Malhotra’s predecessor, Shaktikanta Das, efforts to suppress rupee volatility led the IMF in December 2023 to reclassify India’s effective exchange rate regime from “floating” to “stabilized.” This classification indicated a closely managed float and elicited objections from the RBI.
Malhotra, holding a master’s in public policy from Princeton University and assuming leadership a year ago, has adopted a more varied intervention style. This adjustment prompted the IMF last month to revise its assessment of India’s currency management to “crawl-like,” acknowledging increased allowance for two-way movements.
Such unpredictability also serves to deter market speculation, according to G. Mahalingam, a former RBI executive director who oversaw the financial markets department.
“There will indeed be speculators, but they enter the market wary of potential severe losses because predicting the RBI’s actions is difficult,” Mahalingam explained, without elaborating on intervention methods.
Domestic and International Operations
Given the rupee’s partial convertibility due to capital controls, RBI interventions span both the local market and offshore venues.
Internationally, the rupee trades primarily via non-deliverable forwards (NDFs)—derivative contracts that fix exchange rates and settle in dollars. The RBI conducts these through the Bank for International Settlements, partnering with select major banks in 24-hour markets across Singapore, Dubai, and London.
Repeated interventions in 2025 have reduced foreign currency assets by about $38 billion from June’s peak through November 28, while also withdrawing liquidity from the banking system. On Friday, Malhotra announced plans to purchase bonds and execute a foreign-exchange swap to infuse the equivalent of $16 billion in liquidity.
The RBI has moderated its pace, net selling an average of $1.2 billion in spot foreign currency reserves weekly over the four weeks ending November 21—down from $3.5 billion in the prior four weeks, per estimates from Nomura Holdings Inc.
“Our policy has consistently been not to target specific levels or ranges; we permit the market to set the price,” Malhotra stated at a Friday press briefing following the central bank’s first benchmark interest rate cut in six months. “Our focus remains on curbing excessive or abnormal volatility, and we will persist in that effort.”
Constraints and Future Considerations
Further interventions may be limited by the RBI’s expanded dollar sales in its forward positions, committing to future deliveries. As of October, the net short dollar book stood at around $64 billion, necessitating sourcing dollars upon maturity.
Officials might also be conserving resources for potential escalated responses.
“I believe the RBI has established thresholds where they would intervene aggressively,” observed Jamal Mecklai, managing director of Mecklai Financial Services Pvt. and a veteran of India’s currency markets for over four decades. “They face constraints from liquidity and reserve considerations.”
Relief could emerge if India’s negotiations with the US yield results. A delegation from the Trump administration, headed by Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer, is scheduled to visit India this week to advance trade agreement discussions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to host a dinner for National Democratic Alliance (NDA) MPs on December 11, aimed at fostering dialogue among coalition partners during the Winter Session of Parliament. The gathering will involve senior ministers and discusses legislative priorities and strategies for upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam.
PM Modi to Host Exclusive Dinner for NDA MPs: What’s On Agenda?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to host an exclusive dinner for all MPs of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on December 11, according to a senior BJP leader. This dinner forms a facet of efforts to encourage an open and constructive exchange of ideas among alliance partners as the Winter Session of the Parliament progresses.
The proposed dinner expects the participation of senior ministers, floor leaders and MPs from all constituent parties of the alliance meeting in discussions pertaining to legislative priorities, the government’s approach for the Winter Session, and the NDA’s political vision.
The discussions are likely to include strategies for the Assembly elections scheduled for the first half of next year in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Assam, with coalition partners predicted to streamline their strategy ahead of the polls.
Ahead of the West Bengal elections
Approaching the crucial polls in West Bengal which is likely to be held between March-April next year, the BJP has heightened its organisational activities. These include the Prime Minister’s address in Nadia district on December 20, strategy meetings and Parivartan Yatras that are scheduled to be held across the state in January. The party is prepared to undertake four to six of these yatras, each focused on various aspects of BJP’s election strategy, including strengthening outreach to the grassroots, mobilising cadre support and reiterating concerns raised against the state government under Mamata Banerjee. The Prime Minister is expected to address the gathering at one of these programmes.
Assessment of SIR
The NDA dinner may additionally include discussions on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls being conducted by the Election Commission of India across several states and Union Territories.
The second phase of the SIR covers Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The final voter list will be published on February 21, 2026. The first phase was earlier completed in Bihar ahead of its Assembly polls.
During a Lok Sabha discussion, PM Narendra Modi criticised Congress for allegedly betraying ‘Vande Mataram’ due to pressure from Mohammed Ali Jinnah, labelling it a “grave injustice” rooted in appeasement politics.
(Representative, Disclaimer: This image was generated using AI and has been verified by the newsroom for accuracy and context.)
PM Narendra Modi on Monday charged Congress with betraying ‘Vande Mataram,’ saying it bowed to pressure from Mohammed Ali Jinnah to “divide” the song, even though Mahatma Gandhi had hailed it as nearly a national anthem and called the party’s move a “grave injustice” born of appeasement politics. In a Lok Sabha discussion marking the 150th anniversary of the national song, Modi highlighted its evolution as a rallying cry for patriots and a symbol of unity against British rule, including during the popular agitation against Bengal’s 1905 division.
The Prime Minister said that Gandhi, who then practised law in South Africa, had recognised its immense appeal in Bengal. Citing Gandhi’s 1905 remarks in the weekly Indian Opinion, PM Modi said, “It is so popular that (it is almost) as if it has become our national anthem. Its sentiments are great, and it is sweeter than anthems of other nations. Its sole motive is to ignite the patriotic spirit in us. It sees India as mother and worships her”.
Nehru sidelined Indian sentiments in the name of appeasement politics. ⚠️
By breaking Vande Mataram into pieces, Congress laid the first brick towards breaking Bharat.❗
He insulted Vande Mataram by removing its original verses to please a certain section of muslim league.‼️… pic.twitter.com/XAqe0bYTJr
PM Modi Claims Nehru Compromised With Jinnah, Betraying ‘Vande Mataram’
“If it was such a great song, why was it betrayed in the last century?” asked PM Narendra Modi, taking aim at India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. “Which forces overrode the sentiments of revered Bapu? A sacred song like ‘Vande Mataram’ was dragged into controversy,” he said, referring to Congress’s 1937 decision to limit its recital to the first two paragraphs.
The current generation must understand why a song that once alarmed the British, so much so that it was banned and those who sang it were repressed, was betrayed. PM Modi also took a swipe at the Trinamool Congress, noting that parties with “Congress” in their name continue to stir controversy over the song, which some Muslims have criticised for its vivid Hindu imagery, including references to deities. Responding to such critics, Modi framed the song as a strong expression of cultural nationalism, a core principle of the Sangh Parivar, pointing out that even the Vedas envision India as a mother.
PM Modi’s over 55-minute speech in Lok Sabha proceeded without any major disruptions. During his address, he made a concession to TMC MP Saugata Roy, who objected to Modi’s use of the informal suffix “da” instead of the more respectful “babu” after the songwriter Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s first name. The Prime Minister thanked him for the suggestion and used “babu” for Bankim from that point onward.
Highlighting the song’s association with Bengali icons like Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and Rabindranath Tagore, who set it to music, PM Modi’s remarks are seen as part of the BJP’s effort to strengthen its connect with West Bengal voters ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The party aims to challenge the CM Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress, which has often emphasised regional identity to position itself against its main rival.
PM Modi also addressed the historical controversy over the song, noting that when Jinnah protested against it on October 15, 1937, Nehru, then Congress president, felt insecure and sided with the Muslim League. Writing to Subhas Chandra Bose, Nehru argued that the song’s Anandamath background might provoke Muslim sentiments. Instead of standing up to Jinnah and Congress, Nehru compromised, and at the Kolkata session on October 26, 1937, the song was pruned to its first two paragraphs, which PM Modi termed as ironic, given that the session was held in Chatterjee’s home state.
Her remark had whipped up a political controversy on Saturday when she reportedly alleged that “one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore becomes the chief minister’’. She stated this while replying to a question during her interaction with newspersons after meeting Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria over the issue of the law and order situation in the state.
Navjot Kaur Sidhu | File
Navjot Kaur Sidhu, former Punjab legislator and wife of cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, a former Punjab Congress chief, was suspended from the primary membership of the Congress on Monday, days after she reportedly remarked that “one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore becomes the chief minister’’.
The announcement about her suspension came from state party chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on X in which he shared the party’s official letter about it.
Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu has been suspended from the Congress party with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/8dGjNaLn5n
Her remark had whipped up a political controversy on Saturday when she reportedly alleged that “one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore becomes the chief minister’’. She stated this while replying to a question during her interaction with newspersons after meeting Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria over the issue of the law and order situation in the state.
The said comment was lapped up by the rival political parties which targeted the Congress over its “internal functioning’’ ahead of the 2027 assembly polls.
However, sources held that the party took a serious note of her remarks which seemed to be aimed at the state leadership with the state rural polls – Zila parishad and Panchayat Samiti election – being around the corner
Citing the 1937 letter written by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Priyanka Gandhi said, “The so-called objection against the remaining stanzas of Vande Mataram was manufactured by the communalists.” She went on to say that PM Modi did not mention this part in his speech.
The discussion on the 150th anniversary of India’s national song Vande Mataram on Monday resulted in a fierce faceoff between Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had earlier in the day accused Jawaharlal Nehru of truncating the original version after being influenced by Muslim League leader Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s stance in 1937.
Responding to PM Modi’s charge, Priyanka Gandhi dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claim that Jawaharlal Nehru had written to Subhash Chandra Bose saying the origins of Vande Mataram may incite Muslims, stating that the Prime Minister had selectively quoted from her great-grandfather’s letter during his address in the Lok Sabha earlier.
Citing the 1937 letter written by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Priyanka Gandhi said, “The so-called objection against the remaining stanzas of Vande Mataram was manufactured by the communalists.” She went on to say that PM Modi did not mention this part in his speech.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi, citing Nehru’s letter to Subhash Chandra Bose, said that the first Indian Prime Minister had accepted Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s sentiments on Vande Mataram. PM Modi went on to quote Nehru as saying that he had communicated to Bose that the background of Vande Mataram might end up instigating Muslims.
Prime Minister Modi pointed out that on October 15, 1937, Jinnah had drummed up opposition to Vande Mataram in Lucknow. Five days later, PM Modi said, Nehru wrote to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose expressing his concerns about the song’s Anandamath backdrop.
“On October 20, Nehru wrote to Netaji, informing him that he accepted Jinnah’s sentiments regarding Vande Mataram. He noted that the song’s Anandamath association could instigate Muslims. ‘I have read the background of Vande Mataram, and I believe this context may indeed offend Muslims,’ Nehru wrote to Bose,” PM Modi had said in the Parliament.
“Nationalists across the country took out prabhat pheris against it when the Congress Working Committee decided to inspect Vande Mataram,” PM Modi said, pointing out that the Grand Old Party’s decision eventually prevailed. PM Modi further accused Nehru of giving in to Jinnah’s demand and, in turn, questioning the song itself.
PRIYANKA GANDHI’S RESPONSE
Lashing out at PM Modi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, later in the day, highlighted the chronology of events, and also mentioned another exchange between Rabindranath Tagore and her great-grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru.
She said that Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote the song in 1875, composing the first two stanzas. Then, in 1882, Priyanka said, Bankim Chandra wrote the remaining four stanzas in his historical novel Anandamath. After nearly a decade and a half, Rabindranath Tagore sang it for the first time in 1896 at a Congress session, she added.
Priyanka further said that by the 1930s, the song had acquired a political hue amid growing communal tensions. She then turned her attention to PM Modi’s mention of Nehru’s letter to Netaji, slamming him for selectively quoting. She pointed out that Netaji wrote to Nehru on October 17 ahead of the 1937 Congress convention in Kolkata. In his reply to this letter, Nehru said that the four stanzas added later “can be misconstrued as communal,” she said.
“Let me share an excerpt from the letter in which Gurudev (Rabindranath Tagore) says that the two stanzas that were always sung were so significant that he had no difficulty in separating them from the rest of the poem and the passages in the book.”
She then said that the Congress Working Committee declared the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram as the national song on October 28, in the presence of Nehru, Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, and Sardar Patel.
“He (Tagore) said the same two stanzas were always sung during the freedom struggle and to honour the hundreds of martyrs who sacrificed their lives. While singing them, it would be appropriate to sing them as they were. He also said that the stanzas added later could be interpreted as communal and their use would be inappropriate in the atmosphere of that time. Subsequently, on 28 October 1937, the Congress Working Committee, in its resolution, declared Vande Mataram as the national song,” she said.
A Chinese tourist was detained in Kashmir after entering Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir without permission, triggering security alerts. Authorities found his phone searches linked to CRPF deployments and Article 370, leading to further investigations.
Hu Congtai arrived in Delhi on November 19 on a tourist visa. (Photo: ITG)
Security agencies have detained a 29-year-old Chinese national who travelled through Ladakh and Kashmir for over two weeks without permission, triggering a larger crackdown on accommodation facilities violating foreigner-reporting norms in Srinagar.
According to officials, an unusual internet communication intercepted by the Army first alerted security agencies to the presence of a suspicious foreign national in the region. The man was identified as Hu Congtai, a resident of the Shenzhen area in Guangdong province.
Hu had arrived in Delhi on November 19 on a tourist visa that permitted travel only to Buddhist religious places in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. However, he violated the terms of this visa by visiting Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir.
A scan of his mobile phone revealed searches related to CRPF deployments in Kashmir, Article 370, and other security-linked queries. Officials said he had also procured an Indian SIM card from the local market.
ENTERED LEH USING RESEMBLANCE TO LOCALS
Sources said Hu boarded a flight to Leh on November 20 and managed to bypass foreign-national scanning at the airport by blending in with local travellers. During his stay in Ladakh, he moved across several locations, including the Zanskar region.
On December 1, he arrived in Srinagar and stayed at an unregistered guest house. In Kashmir, he is believed to have visited multiple sites, including the Harwan Buddhist monastery, Shankaracharya hills, Hazratbal, Mughal Garden along Dal Lake, and the Awantipur ruins near the Army’s Victor Force headquarters.
Hu, who holds a physics degree from Boston University, has travelled to several countries including the US, New Zealand, Brazil, Fiji and Hong Kong. Authorities said the current case appears to be a violation of visa rules, and deportation is the most likely action.
CRACKDOWN ON J&K HOTELS AND HOUSEBOATS
Following the detention, the J&K Police initiated a major drive against hotels, homestays and houseboats in Srinagar for failing to submit Form-C, a mandatory requirement under the Immigration and Foreigners Act for reporting the stay of foreign nationals.
This accomplishment positions Uttar Pradesh among the top solar states in India, second only to Gujarat and Maharashtra, and represents a significant stride toward energy self-sufficiency.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath (File Image) Photo : PTI
Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh has surpassed the milestone of 3 lakh (3,00,654) solar energy installations, marking a historic achievement in the state’s renewable energy journey. This accomplishment positions Uttar Pradesh among the top solar states in India, second only to Gujarat and Maharashtra, and represents a significant stride toward energy self-sufficiency.
Data shows that out of 9,83,915 applications, 3,00,654 installations have been completed, bringing the state’s total solar capacity to 1,038.27 MW. These installations are delivering clean, affordable energy to thousands of families.
Over the past eight years, the Yogi government has prioritized renewable energy by promoting solar rooftops across rural and urban areas. Key initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar Yojana and the state’s new solar policy have established robust infrastructure, ensuring transparent processes, digital monitoring, and timely installations, thereby building trust and convenience for consumers.
Energy experts highlight that this rapid expansion of solar energy is set to transform Uttar Pradesh’s economy.
The existing capacity not only meets growing electricity demand but also creates opportunities for industrial, agricultural, and domestic consumers, further driving economic growth.
Rural areas are witnessing some of the most tangible benefits.
Solar installations have significantly reduced electricity bills, and many households are generating additional income by selling surplus energy to the grid. Consequently, demand for solar connections continues to rise, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leading renewable energy market in India.
With Hamas already labeled a terrorist group by several countries, Israel is pressing for formal recognition from India.
Israeli officials emphasised that India’s classification would carry considerable regional weight and influence. Photo : AP
Israel has called on India to classify Hamas as a terrorist organisation, indicating that ties between Hamas and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were “significant”. Israel noted that it has already proscribed LeT and expects “reciprocation” from India with senior Israeli officials saying that New Delhi’s stance carries significant regional influence
A senior official in Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaking to reporters in Jerusalem, said there is an understanding within the Indian government of the “networks and linkages” connected to these groups.
“Our request from India is to work hard to sanction and designate these organisations as terrorist groups. Israel designated Lashkar-e-Taiba a couple of years ago, and we would like to see this reciprocated,” the official said, ANI reported.
The official added that Iran’s IRGC, Hamas, and Hezbollah increasingly rely on transnational criminal networks to stage attacks worldwide.
“You’re not going to see an Iranian operative act directly in Europe. What you will see is a criminal group — a drug lord, a human trafficker or another network — connected to an Iranian handler who then carries out an attack, as we’ve seen in Scandinavia or in London,” the official in the Israeli foreign ministry said.
Hamas, founded in 1987 is designated a terrorist organisation by the US, UK, Canada and several other countries. India condemned the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel but has not formally listed Hamas as a terrorist organisation under domestic law.
Designation by India would have a global impact: Israel
Stressing that even a declaratory designation by India would have a “strong global impact”, another official said neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Maldives “look up to India”, and New Delhi’s stance shapes regional responses.
“It’s not only about freezing assets or banning operatives from entering India. It signals that India has clearly seen what Hamas is doing, and no operative should step on Indian soil,” the official added, according to the report.
“We are putting pressure on India to designate Hamas… After having designated Lashkar-e-Taiba, we would like to see the same,” the official said.
He also pointed to “clear attempts” by Hamas to rebuild its structures. “The next phase of the US-proposed ceasefire requires Hamas to dismantle, and that remains central,” he said.
Air India said that it has begun the rollout of new fares in compliance with the government’s directions, adding that the customers who have already booked the Economy class flight tickets will be eligible for refunds.
Air India | Representational Image Photo : PTI
The Air India airline on Monday said that it has begun the rollout of new air fares. The announcement comes after the central government capped the airfares in the range of Rs 7,500 to Rs 18,000 depending on the distance amid soaring air ticket prices due to the IndiGo flight disruptions.
Air India said that it has begun the rollout of new fares in compliance with the government’s directions. Air India Express has completed the implementation, while Air India is still implementing the new fares, the airline posted on X. The airline has also announced that the customers who have already booked the Economy class flight tickets will be eligible for refunds.
“In compliance with the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s (MoCA) directive issued on the evening of 6 December regarding the capping of Economy Class base fares, Air India Group commenced the rollout of the new prescribed fares across its reservation systems immediately. Air India Express completed the implementation across its systems, while Air India continues to progressively apply the fare caps, which will be fully effective in the next few hours,” Air India posted on X.
“As the process involves third-party system dependencies, a phased rollout is required to ensure accuracy and stability without disrupting guest bookings,” the airline said. “Guests who may have booked Air India flights in Economy Class during the transition period, at base fares above the prescribed caps, are entitled to refunds of the differential amounts,” it added.
In compliance with the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s (MoCA) directive issued on the evening of 6 December regarding the capping of Economy Class base fares, Air India Group commenced the rollout of the new prescribed fares across its reservation systems…
The central government on Saturday capped the airfares in the range of Rs 7,500 to Rs 18,000, depending on the distance amid soaring air ticket prices due to the IndiGo flight disruptions. The fare limits, excluding applicable charges, are not applicable for business class and UDAN flights, the civil aviation ministry said in an order. The limits will be in place till the situation stabilises, the ministry said in a statement.
A new video from Goa’s Romeo Night Club confirms that an electronic firecracker triggered the blaze that killed 25 people, with sparks igniting the club’s bamboo-lined ceiling.
New video shows Goa nightclub fire (Screengrabs)
A new video from inside Goa’s Romeo Night Club, also known as Birch by Romeo Lane, has provided the clearest indication yet of how the massive fire that killed 25 people on Saturday night began.
The footage, which emerged on Monday, shows an electronic firecracker being set off during a belly dance and live music performance, moments before sparks shot up and reached the bamboo-lined ceiling of the club.
Within seconds, flames began to spread rapidly across the upper structure.
This fresh video closely matches another clip that surfaced on Sunday from a different angle.
That earlier video had also suggested that sparks from an electronic firecracker may have ignited the temporary materials used inside the club, contradicting initial claims of a cylinder blast.
The interiors of the club, built with bamboo slats, palm leaves and other flammable material, played a major role in the speed at which the fire engulfed the structure.
According to officials, the flames raced across the ceiling almost immediately after contact, turning the packed nightclub into a death trap around 11.45 pm on Saturday.
The club was teeming with weekend revellers, and around 100 people were on the dance floor when chaos erupted.
Much of the loss of life occurred due to smoke inhalation, as thick fumes quickly filled the basement and ground-floor kitchen.
Many victims, including staff members and tourists, ran downstairs in an attempt to escape, only to get trapped when the exits became inaccessible.
A fire brigade official said most deaths were caused by suffocation and the inability of people to find a clear exit path.
Water tankers had to be stationed nearly 400 metres away, slowing down the firefighting operation. Small doors and a narrow bridge leading into the club further hindered evacuation efforts.
GOA NIGHCLUB FIRE – ACTIONS AND ARRESTS
According to news agency PTI, officials confirmed that the nightclub did not have a fire department NOC and had failed to comply with safety norms.
Police have arrested the club’s chief general manager, Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania and gate manager Riyanshu Thakur.
An FIR has been lodged against owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, as well as the event organisers.
An Indian man in Singapore shares how he no longer has to beg for leave and enjoys a healthier work culture with clear boundaries after office hours.
An Indian man shares how Singapore’s healthy work culture freed him from begging for leave.(Instagram/amandailylogs)
An Indian man working in Singapore has sparked a discussion online after sharing a video comparing workplace attitudes in India with those in Singapore.
The man, identified as Aman, posted the clip on Instagram where he offered glimpses of his Singapore office while narrating his thoughts. His voiceover read: “India me leave maangne ke liye humein beg karna padta tha, sir tabiyat kharab hai, sir family emergency, we had to invent tragedy just to get a Friday leave. Here in Singapore I do not ask, I just inform. Shaam 6 baje baad mera phone mera hai, boss ka nahi, no calls, no guilt, just life. Agar tum 8 baje ke baad office me baith kar hard work kar rahe ho toh tum hard working nahi, tum bas exploited ho yaar.”
Mindset shift after moving abroad
Aman explained that relocating to Singapore led to what he described as his biggest mindset shift. In the caption of his clip, he wrote: “The biggest mindset shift I had moving to Singapore. Stop justifying your time off. In toxic cultures, you feel the need to explain why you aren’t working. You overshare details hoping for sympathy or approval.”
His reflections appear to have resonated widely with users who often voice concerns about rigid expectations and extended working hours in Indian workplaces.
The recovery of these arms and ammunition marks a significant step toward strengthening the security grid in the region and preventing their potential misuse by anti-social or anti-national elements.
The Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police in Doda achieved a major success on Sunday in a search operation conducted in a coordinated manner in the Bhalara Forest area, falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Thathri, a release said.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of SSP Doda Sandeep Mehta.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the SOG team of Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a search operation in the forested belt, which led to the recovery of one SLR rifle, two magazines and 22 live rounds, it said.
The release noted that the recovery of these arms and ammunition marks a significant step toward strengthening the security grid in the region and preventing their potential misuse by anti-social or anti-national elements. This operation once again highlights the unwavering commitment of the Jammu & Kashmir Police to maintain peace, stability, and public safety in District Doda, the release added.
Further investigation is underway to ascertain the origin of the recovered weapon and identify the individuals or groups responsible for concealing it, it said.
Earlier in November, the Shopian police conducted major raids in the area.
The police were carrying out meticulously coordinated searches at multiple locations across the Shopian district, targeting individuals and premises linked with the banned organisation Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), proscribed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir (JeI-J&K) has been banned multiple times by the Indian government. The most recent ban was imposed in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for alleged “anti-national separatist activities” and links with militant groups like Hizbul Mujahideen. The ban was extended for another five years in February 2024.
PM Modi had said that the Congress’s decision sowed the seeds of Partition and dissected ‘Vande Mataram’ into pieces.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will kick off a special discussion in Lok Sabha on Monday to mark 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ as part of an exercise that promises to highlight many lesser-known facets related to the patriotic song.
PM Modi is also likely to highlight the contribution of the song, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875, to the freedom struggle, its historical significance and current relevance.
PM Modi’s thoughts about Vande Mataram are keenly awaited by the Opposition members, as well as last month, during an event to commemorate the song’s anniversary, he accused the Congress of “removing important stanzas” from the original song in the 1937 session of the party in Faizabad.
PM Modi had said that the Congress’s decision sowed the seeds of Partition and dissected the national song into pieces. The Congress, however, claimed the decision was based on the advice of Rabindranath Tagore and amounted to the accommodation of feelings of members from other communities and faiths.
The discussion on Vande Mataram in the Rajya Sabha is likely to be initiated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday.
As per the schedule related to the Vande Mataram debate, the ruling NDA members have been allotted three hours out of the total 10 hours earmarked in Lok Sabha for it.
Earlier, a political confrontation erupted just before the start of the Winter Session as the Rajya Sabha Secretariat reiterated that MPs must refrain from using expressions such as ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Jai Hind’ inside Parliament to maintain decorum.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Navjot Kaur stated that she and Sidhu ‘speak only for Punjab’ but lack the sort of money that she claims influences top political appointments. She stressed that no one had asked them for money, yet contended that ‘the one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore becomes the CM.’
‘₹500 Cr In Suitcase To Become Punjab CM’: Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s SHOCKING Claim Sparks Row; BJP Alleges ‘Institutionalised Corruption’ | Video |
Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu triggered a major political storm in Punjab by claiming that it allegedly takes ‘Rs 500 crore in a suitcase’ for anyone to become the state’s chief minister. Her explosive remarks, made while insisting that her husband Navjot Singh Sidhu would re-enter active politics only if the Congress projects him as its chief ministerial face, have sparked fierce reactions across party lines and intensified existing tensions within the Punjab Congress.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Navjot Kaur stated that she and Sidhu ‘speak only for Punjab’ but lack the sort of money that she claims influences top political appointments. She stressed that no one had asked them for money, yet contended that ‘the one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore becomes the CM.’ She went on to allege that the Punjab Congress is riddled with infighting, with at least five leaders eyeing the top post, leaders who, she claimed, would resist any attempt to project Sidhu as the party’s chief ministerial candidate.
Despite her charged statements, Navjot Kaur maintained that Sidhu would willingly return to frontline politics if Congress officially declared him its CM pick. Otherwise, she said, he is happy earning comfortably outside political life, a reference to his return to IPL commentary and his new YouTube venture after months of political inactivity, including skipping the 2024 Lok Sabha campaign.
BJP Reacts To Navjot’s Statement
The Bharatiya Janata Party seized on her comments almost immediately. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi called the allegations evidence of institutionalised corruption within the Congress, stating that corruption from leaders to cadres has overtaken the party.
Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar escalated the attack further, claiming he had heard that a former Congress chief minister allegedly paid Rs 350 crore to secure the position. Jakhar also used the moment to criticise the AAP government, accusing the Punjab Police of acting like uniformed gangsters and alleging a collapse in law and order. He urged voters to give the BJP one chance to restore accountability and stability.
In his statement, Elbers said he was speaking on Sunday afternoon (December 7) from IndiGo’s Operations Control Centre, where teams are working “relentlessly” to stabilise and normalise flights.
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers | X
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers has shared a detailed message with employees as the airline works to recover from major disruptions in its operations on Sunday. In his statement, Elbers said he was speaking on Sunday afternoon (December 7) from IndiGo’s Operations Control Centre, where teams are working “relentlessly” to stabilise and normalise flights.
He praised staff across departments, saying they represent the “unwavering spirit, professionalism and incredible commitment” of everyone at IndiGo and thanked “each and every one” for their hard work over the past few difficult days.
VIDEO | IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers addresses employees from the airline’s Operations Control Center in Gurugram, praising their dedication amid recent disruptions.
He says, “Dear IndiGo colleagues, it’s Sunday afternoon, December 7th. I’m here at the Operations Control Center in… pic.twitter.com/PT1wyDb1RA
Elbers explained that the airline had “rebooted” its systems on Friday, which required a significant number of flight cancellations that day. He said this plan helped IndiGo “start afresh” on Saturday. The airline operated around 1,500 flights on Saturday, compared to “only 700-ish” on Friday, showing a strong improvement.
He added that cancellations were now being done earlier so that customers do not reach the airport only to find their flights cancelled.
On Sunday, Elbers said IndiGo was targeting around 1,650 flights with better on-time performance (OTP), fewer cancellations and improved advance communication to customers. He said Sunday’s OTP was projected to be about 75%, up from 30% the previous day.
Elbers also shared that IndiGo’s network coverage had almost fully recovered, with 137 out of 138 stations operating again. Processes for refunds, luggage and rebooking were “in full swing” and the airline was reducing the backlog as it moved forward.
He acknowledged that the last few days had been very tough for staff, especially those in the Operations Control Centre, pilots, cabin crew and teams dealing with delayed flights and disrupted rosters. He made a special mention of AOCS (airport customer service) staff, who had to handle angry and stranded passengers at airports, particularly on December 5. “I am grateful to everyone,” he said.
Elbers also thanked government bodies and aviation authorities for their support, including the Ministry, DGCA, CISF, BCAS and airports across India.
Speaking about passengers, he said that he and the entire IndiGo team “feel the pain of our customers” and are “deeply apologetic”. He stressed that addressing customer needs “is and will remain our topmost priority”.
The state government will write to the Union Ministry of External Affairs and the US Embassy, informing them about the plans.
Telangana government proposes road to be renamed after US President Donald Trump
The Telangana government has decided to rename a road that houses the US Consulate General in the state after the 45th and 47th United States President, Donald Trump. The high-profile road along the United States Consulate General in Hyderabad is set to be called Donald Trump Avenue.
The state government will write to the Union Ministry of External Affairs and the US Embassy, informing them about the plans. Earlier this year, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, while addressing the annual US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) conclave in Delhi, had proposed naming important roads in Hyderabad after leading global corporations.
The proposal is part of the Telangana government’s initiative to position the state as a symbol of innovation-driven India. In addition, the state government is also considering dedicating some more roads in honour and recognition of distinguished individuals and corporations.
For instance, the upcoming Greenfield radial road, which connects to the Nehru Outer Ring Road at Raviryala in the city and the newly proposed Radial Ring Road will be named after the late industrialist, Padma Shri Ratan Tata. The government earlier changed the name of the interchange in Raviryala to ‘Tata Interchange.’
Additionally, it has been decided to name a prominent stretch as the ‘Google Street’, recognising the global impact and contribution of Google Maps and the corporation. Hyderabad will also witness the establishment of the corporation’s largest campus outside the United States.
IndiGo has swiftly resumed most of its flight operations after a week-long disruption, aiming to stabilise its network by December 10. The airline has processed significant refunds and managed baggage delivery amid regulatory scrutiny and political criticism.
indigoIndiGo has processed refunds totalling Rs 610 crore and delivering 3,000 pieces of baggage to passengers.
IndiGo has ramped up operations after nearly a week of nationwide flight disruptions, processing a whopping Rs 610 crore in refunds and returned around 3,000 pieces of baggage to affected passengers, the Civil Aviation Ministry said on Sunday. The airline, which operates about 2,300 flights a day and commands nearly 65 per cent of India’s domestic aviation market, ran over 1,500 flights on Saturday and around 1,650 on Sunday, restoring connectivity to 135 of its 138 destinations.
CEO Pieter Elbers said the airline’s On Time Performance has reached 75 per cent and highlighted that earlier cancellations helped prevent passengers from arriving at airports unnecessarily. IndiGo projects December 10 as the date for full network stabilisation.
After nearly a week of nationwide flight cancellations and delays, IndiGo is gradually restoring operations. The airline, which normally operates around 2,300 flights daily, ran about 1,500 flights on Saturday and operated 1,650 flights on Sunday, reconnecting 135 of its 138 destinations. CEO Pieter Elbers, in an internal video message from IndiGo’s operations control centre in Gurugram, said, “Step by step, we are getting back.”
PASSENGER REFUNDS
IndiGo has processed refunds totalling Rs 610 crore for cancelled or severely delayed flights, the Civil Aviation Ministry said. The government emphasised that no additional fees will be charged for rescheduling travel affected by cancellations. Dedicated support cells have been set up to ensure that refund and rebooking issues are resolved promptly and without inconvenience.
BAGGAGE RECONCILIATION MEASURES
IndiGo has been instructed to trace and deliver all baggage separated from passengers due to cancellations or delays within 48 hours. The ministry noted that continuous communication with passengers is being maintained throughout the process to ensure smooth delivery. With these efforts, the airline has already successfully delivered 3,000 pieces of baggage across the country.
OPERATIONAL RECOVERY AND ON-TIME PERFORMANCE
IndiGo’s On-Time Performance (OTP) is expected to reach 75% on Sunday, up from 30% a few days ago. Flight operations have increased from 706 on December 5 to 1,565 on December 6, with further improvements planned to reach 1,650 flights. Early-stage cancellations helped prevent passengers from arriving at airports unnecessarily, ensuring smoother operations. As of December 7, 137 of 138 destinations are operational.
AVIATION MINISTRY MONITORING AND COORDINATION
Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu held another meeting with all airlines’ operators today. He also held meetings with stakeholders and another virtual meeting with all airline operators is reportedly on the cards, sources said. IndiGo has been directed to ensure timely communication with passengers about cancellations and complete all refunds for cancelled or heavily delayed flights by 8 pm on Sunday.
INDIGO GETS ONE-TIME 24-HOUR EXTENSION TO RESPOND TO DGCA
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and COO/Accountable Manager Isidre Porqueras Orea sought an extension from the DGCA to reply to the show-cause notice issued yesterday. They were granted a single 24-hour extension to file their response. The new deadline is now 6 pm on December 8. The regulator described this as a strict one-time relief, given the seriousness of the lapses under examination.
AIRFARE CAPS AND PASSENGER PROTECTION
In response to temporary fare surges after widespread cancellations, the Ministry imposed a cap on airfares to ensure affordability. IndiGo has also implemented a full waiver on cancellations and reschedule requests for bookings till December 15. Authorities continue to monitor operations to protect passengers’ rights and maintain fairness in ticketing.
INDIGO CEO ADDRESSES STAFF
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers delivered a video message to employees from the airline’s Operations Control Centre in Gurugram, acknowledging the intense pressure the team has faced during the crisis. The CEO said IndiGo’s entire network coverage has now been restored, with routes reconnecting gradually and stability returning across most stations. He gave a “special shout-out” to AOCS and frontline airport staff.
IMPACT ON TOURISM
The flight disruptions have hit Rajasthan’s peak tourism season, affecting hotels, transport providers, and tour operators. Bookings for Christmas and New Year holidays are being cancelled, particularly in Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur. Tourism contributes nearly 12% to Rajasthan’s GSDP, and industry experts warn that continued flight disruptions could slow growth. Officials remain optimistic that once flight operations normalise, the tourism sector will recover swiftly.
A tragic fire at a Goa nightclub claimed 25 lives, primarily due to suffocation caused by combustible wooden interiors and limited exits. Authorities have arrested four individuals and launched investigations into safety violations and regulatory lapses.
A devastating fire at a Goa nightclub was intensified by its wooden structure and furniture.
A devastating fire at a Goa nightclub was intensified by its wooden structure and furniture, leaving many trapped as the club had only two exit gates, police sources said on Sunday. There was no blast, officials clarified, the blaze spread rapidly because of the combustible interiors.
At least 25 people were killed, with investigators confirming that most deaths occurred due to suffocation inside the underground kitchen area. Of the 25 bodies, 23 showed no burn injuries, indicating victims died from a sudden loss of oxygen, while only two bodies were badly charred, officials added.
A police source said post-mortem examinations of 17 bodies have been completed, and six bodies have already been handed over to families for final rites. The list of deceased persons has been compiled for identification and handover procedures.
Police have so far arrested four people, including the gate manager identified as Thakur. An FIR has been registered against club owners Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, and arrest warrants have been issued. A police team has been dispatched to Delhi to track down the owners, who are believed to be absconding.
Sources confirmed that the owner of the club is originally from Delhi, and Goa Police has launched search operations there to detain him.
Government officials, political leaders and representatives of various organisations and people from different walks of life paid rich tributes to Baba Saheb Ambedkar on his death anniversary in the districts of Kittur Karnataka on Saturday.
Zilla Panchayat CEO Bhuvanesh Patil, SP Gunjan Arya, Additional DC Geetha C.D. and others garlanding the statue of B.R. Ambedkar in Dharwad district on Saturday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Government officials, political leaders and representatives of various organisations and people from different walks of life paid rich tributes to Babasaheb Ambedkar on his death anniversary in the districts of Kittur Karnataka on Saturday.
On the ‘Mahaparinirvan Divas’, officials and leaders lined up before the statues and busts of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and paid floral tributes. Official programmes were held in various government offices and institutions.
In Dharwad, Chief Executive Officer of Dharwad Zilla Panchayat Bhuvanesh Patil, Additional Deputy Commissioner Geetha C.D., Superintendent of Police Gunjan Arya and others garlanded the statue of Dr. Ambedkar located at Jubilee Circle.
Subsequently in the programme held at new auditorium of Deputy Commissioner of Dharwad, they performed puja and offered floral tributes to the portrait of Dr. Ambedkar. A host of officials, leaders of various communities including M. Aravind, Laxman Bakkai and others participated in the event.
In Gadag, Deputy Commissioner of Gadag C.N. Sridhar paid floral tributes to the portrait of Dr. Ambedkar on his 69th Mahaparinirvan Divas at the auditorium of ‘Zilladalita Bhavan’ on Saturday. Senior officials A.A. Kambalimath, Nanda Hanabaratti, Dr. Basavaraj Bommanahalli, Vasanth Madlur and others also paid tributes.
Rajasthan’s Medical and Health Department has intensified its crackdown on counterfeit medicines. In Jaipur, officials seized fake and substandard drugs worth ₹3.73 crore from GK Enterprises, which continued operations without a valid license. A case has been registered and investigations are ongoing. The state has also banned 7 firms and 40 medicines in 2025 over major quality failures.
Rajasthan Govt Seizes Fake Medicines Worth ₹3.73 Crore In Jaipur, Firm Booked For Illegal Operations | File/ Representative image
The Rajasthan Medical and Health Department has intensified its crackdown on counterfeit drug manufacturing and distribution in the state, official said.
In a major operation conducted late Friday night, the Food Safety and Drug Control Directorate seized medicines worth Rs 3.73 crore from a Jaipur-based firm, officials added on Saturday.
Rajasthan Food Safety Commissioner T. Shubhamangala confirmed that the seizure was made from GK Enterprises, located in Jaipur.
Drug Controller Ajay Pathak said the firm was found involved in the sale of counterfeit and substandard medicines, including Winset-L and Algivin-M tablets, falsely labelled as being manufactured by YL Pharma, Baddi (Himachal Pradesh).
During inspection, Drug Control Officer (DCO) Komal Rupchandani learned from former firm partner Giriraj Ajmera that he had exited the partnership in 2019.
Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and Rules, 1945, any change in partnership requires the firm to apply for a new license within three months.
However, the remaining partner, Khemchand, reportedly continued operations without obtaining the mandatory license.
Following these findings, DCOs Komal Rupchandani and Ashok Kumar Meena registered a case against Khemchand for running pharmaceutical operations without authorisation.
Officials said that legal action and further investigation are underway.
The Rajasthan government recently (in late 2025) banned nearly 40 specific medicines after they were found to be substandard, and halted the distribution of all 19 medicines from Kaysons Pharma.
These actions were primarily a result of quality control failures and incidents involving contaminated cough syrups that led to child deaths.
The Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation (RMSC) has debarred seven firms and 40 medicines this year after they failed to meet quality standards during inspections — the largest action since the Corporation’s establishment, officials had confirmed in November this year.
Of Delhi’s 39 monitoring stations, 26 registered readings in the very poor range, while the remaining 13 reported poor air quality.
Mundka reported the worst AQI at 365, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data at 7 am.
A layer of smog covered the capital on Sunday, with the AQI at 305 in the very poor range, slightly lower than the previous day, as temperatures remained in single digits in the national capital amid the ongoing cold spell.
Mundka recorded the highest AQI at 365, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data at 7 am. Out of Delhi’s 39 monitoring stations, 26 reported air quality in the very poor range, while the remaining 13 recorded poor levels.
Stations with very poor air quality included RK Puram (326), Punjabi Bagh (320), Chandni Chowk (308), Rohini (341), Vivek Vihar (304), Bawana (352), Sirifort (318), Wazirpur (337), Anand Vihar (327), Ashok Vihar (325), and Sonia Vihar (320).
Locations reporting poor air quality included Alipur (282), NSIT Dwarka (239), Mandir Marg (212), IGI Airport (227), Aya Nagar (263) and eight other stations.
According to CPCB standards, an AQI between 0-50 is ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’ and 401-500 ‘severe’.
Delhi’s air quality fluctuated sharply over the week, with the AQI recorded at 279 on Sunday, 304 on Monday, rising to 372 on Tuesday, and standing at 342 on Wednesday. It remained in the ‘very poor’ category with 304 on Thursday and 327 on Friday.
According to the Decision Support System for Delhi’s air quality management, transport within the city was the largest local contributor at 14.8%, followed by industries in Delhi and nearby areas at 7.3%, residential sources at 3.6%, and construction at 2%.
Among neighbouring NCR districts, Jhajjar contributed 13.9% and Rohtak 5.2%.
The incident occurred around 1 am, with cops initially suspecting that the fire was triggered due to a cylinder blast near the kitchen area.
A devastating fire ripped through the popular nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane late last night in Arpora, North Goa, resulting in the deaths of 25 people.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant informed that following the fire incident at Arpora, six people have been injured. He assured that these six injured persons are currently in a stable condition and are receiving the highest standard of medical care.
I am closely reviewing the situation arising from the tragic fire incident at Arpora, in which 25 people have lost their lives and 6 have been injured. All six injured persons are in a stable condition and are receiving the best medical care. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry…
Goa Chief Minister Sawant told PTI that an FIR has been lodged in connection with the tragic Arpora fire incident against the owner and the general manager of the nightclub where the fire occurred. He added that both individuals will be arrested.
The officials confirmed that the majority of deaths resulted from suffocation due to smoke. The authorities have confirmed the identities of four tourists and 14 staff members among the victims. The identity of the remaining seven individuals is still being established to determine if they were tourists or employees.
#WATCH | Goa: 25 people died in a fire at Birch restaurant in Arpora, North Goa last night. Latest visuals from outside the restaurant. pic.twitter.com/4yOjHZ3NIV
The incident occurred around 1 am, with cops initially suspecting that the fire was triggered due to a cylinder blast near the kitchen area. However, it has been ruled out. According to the Goa Director General of Police (DGP), cylinders were intact during inspection.
Officials noted the blast was reportedly so powerful that the flames engulfed the entire building within seconds, leaving little time for those inside to escape.
The bodies of the victims have been sent for post-mortem examinations, while official details regarding the number and condition of the injured are still awaited.
Rescue operations continued through the night, and authorities are working to identify the victims and inform families.
The Director General of Police has stated that the probe will also examine the club’s safety measures, gas connection systems, and its emergency exit plan to determine whether there were any violations.
Multiple fire tenders were rushed to the scene and, after nearly two hours of intense efforts, the blaze was finally brought under control.
The nightclub has been sealed for now, and questioning of the owners and management is currently underway. As per initial information, the club had not abided by the fire safety norms.
Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant described the day as “very painful” following the tragic fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora.
Today is a very painful day for all of us in Goa. A major fire incident at Arpora has taken the lives of 23 people.
I am deeply grieved and offer my heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families in this hour of unimaginable loss.
Chief Minister Sawant confirmed that he has ordered a full inquiry to determine the exact cause of the blaze, meticulously examining whether fire safety norms and building rules were followed.
Following the fire tragedy in the Goa club, BJP MLA Michael Lobo highlighted that while some victims were tourists, the majority were local workers employed in the restaurant’s basement.
He also told reporters that most of the victims died from suffocation after running toward the basement.
President Draupadi Murmu conveyed her sympathy, stating she is “Deeply pained by the tragic fire incident in North Goa district resulting in the loss of precious lives.”
Deeply pained by the tragic fire incident in North Goa district resulting in the loss of precious lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May they find strength during this difficult time. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.
She added, “My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May they find strength during this difficult time. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
Following the fire tragedy in Arpora, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow and extended condolences to the families.
The fire mishap in Arpora, Goa is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji about the situation. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to those…
Calling the incident “deeply saddening,” the Prime Minister said, “The fire mishap in Arpora, Goa is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji about the situation. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his grief over the devastating fire accident in Goa, stating that the “tragic loss of lives” was “deeply painful.”
The tragic loss of lives in a fire accident in Arpora, Goa, is deeply painful. The local administration is carrying out rescue and relief operations and providing the necessary care to the affected. My sincerest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and…
Amit Shah also confirmed that the local administration is actively engaged in rescue and relief operations and is focused on providing all necessary care to those affected by the tragedy.
Condemning the Goa nightclub fire tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance,” Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has demanded a transparent probe.
Deeply pained by the tragic fire in Arpora, Goa that claimed more than 20 lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured.
This is not just an accident, it is a criminal failure of safety and governance. A thorough,…
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also demanded a thorough investigation and full accountability following the fire tragedy in Goa.
My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the 23 souls lost in the tragic fire at Arpora, Goa. This is an unimaginable loss. I pray for the speedy recovery of all those injured.
This tragedy demands a thorough investigation, full accountability, and measures to ensure…
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik conveyed his sorrow and offered prayers to the grieving families who lost their near ones in the Goa club fire tragedy. He further extended his wishes for the swift recovery of all those who sustained injuries in the devastating incident.
PM Modi said that when the world is fragmented, India stands as a bridge builder.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the 23rd edition of the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, criticised the linking of the Hindu faith with India’s rate of growth.
“There is an attempt to malign the Hindu way of life by terming India’s slow growth a few decades ago as the Hindu rate of growth,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi said that when the world is fragmented, India stands as a bridge builder.
“We are at a juncture, where 1/4th of the 21st century has passed, and the world has seen many ups and downs – financial crisis, global pandemic, etc. These situations in some way or the other challenged the world… today the world is full of uncertainties, but amid this, our India is appearing in a different league. India is full of self-confidence,” said PM Modi. “When the world talks about slowdown, India writes stories of growth. When the world faces trust crisis, India becomes a pillar of trust.”
The Prime Minister also took a jibe at the previous government and stated that the earlier systems “did not have faith in their own citizens”.
“Our government broke that way of working. A citizen’s self-attested document is enough to prove its authenticity,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister said that a government’s “biggest aspect” is the trust the citizenry puts in it.
“We have to make the country rid of the colonial mindset from every corner. I want to take the citizens forward with the vision for the next 10 years,” the PM said.
The PM announced that self-attestation would now suffice for many official processes, a move designed to cut red tape and empower citizens.
The reforms, he said, were part of the Jan Vishwas Bill Provisions, which also include the decriminalisation of minor compliances to ease the burden on ordinary people.
PM Modi emphasised the transformative impact of guarantee-free loans, noting that Rs 37 lakh crore has already been disbursed to small vendors, hawkers, and economically weaker sections
“Even those demanding just Rs 1,000 are receiving loans without guarantees. This is governance that trusts its people,” he declared, underlining the administration’s focus on financial inclusion.
Turning to the issue of unclaimed funds, the Prime Minister revealed startling figures — Rs 78,000 crore lying idle in banks, Rs 14,000 crore with insurance companies, Rs 3,000 crore in mutual funds, and Rs 9,000 crore in dividends.
He said the government has launched special district-level camps to help citizens reclaim their rightful earnings, with thousands of crores already returned.
“This is Modi searching for people to claim their hard-earned money,” the Prime Minister remarked, stressing that restoring public faith is the government’s greatest capital.
Nikita, a resident of Karachi, alleged that she married Vikram Nagdev, a Pakistani-origin man living in Indore on a long-term visa, on January 26, 2020, in Karachi, according to Hindu customs.
Nikita further alleged that during the COVID-19 lockdown, Vikram forced her to return to Pakistan.
A Pakistani woman has accused her husband of abandoning her in Karachi and secretly preparing for a second marriage in Delhi. The woman, identified as Nikita Nagdev, has released a desperate video appeal seeking justice from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sparking outrage among social groups and legal bodies in both countries.
Nikita, a resident of Karachi, alleged that she married Vikram Nagdev, a Pakistani-origin man living in Indore on a long-term visa, on January 26, 2020, in Karachi, according to Hindu customs. A month later, Vikram brought her to India on February 26. But within months, Nikita says her life was turned upside down.
On July 9, 2020, she was abandoned at the Attari border under the pretext of a “visa technicality” and forcibly sent back to Pakistan. Since then, she claims, Vikram has never attempted to bring her back. “I kept requesting him to call me to India, but he refused every time,” she said in her emotional video message.
In her video from Karachi, Nikita pleaded, “If justice is not served today, women will lose faith in justice. Many girls face physical and mental abuse in their marital homes. I request everyone to stand with me.”
She also described the shocking behaviour she allegedly faced immediately after her wedding. “When I returned to my in-laws’ home from Pakistan, their behaviour completely changed. I learned my husband was having an affair with one of my relatives. When I told my father-in-law, he said, ‘Boys have affairs, nothing can be done.'”
Nikita further alleged that during the COVID-19 lockdown, Vikram forced her to return to Pakistan, and is now refusing her entry into India. “Every woman deserves justice in India,” she said.
Once back in Karachi, Nikita discovered that Vikram had been preparing for a second marriage with a Delhi woman. Distressed by the prospect of being replaced while still legally married, Nikita filed a written complaint on January 27, 2025.
The case came before the Sindhi Panch Mediation and Legal Counsel Centre, authorised by the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Notices were issued to Vikram and his alleged fiancée, and a hearing was conducted. However, mediation failed. The Centre’s April 30, 2025 report stated that since neither spouse is an Indian citizen, the matter falls under Pakistan’s jurisdiction, and recommended that Vikram be deported to Pakistan.
The notice marks one of the most severe interventions by the DGCA in recent years and follows mounting public anger over what officials described as “massive disruptions resulting in severe inconvenience, hardship and distress to passengers”.
The primary trigger for the crisis was IndiGo’s failure to make “adequate arrangements”, the DGCA said.
India’s aviation regulator has issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo’s Chief Executive Officer, holding him accountable for a week-long operational crisis that left thousands of passengers stranded across the country and forced the airline to cancel nearly a thousand flights in a single day.
The notice marks one of the most severe interventions by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in recent years and follows mounting public anger over what officials described as “massive disruptions resulting in severe inconvenience, hardship and distress to passengers”.
According to the DGCA, the primary trigger for the crisis was IndiGo’s failure to make “adequate arrangements” for the rollout of revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) for pilots, a change notified months in advance and effective from November 1. The regulator said the airline’s inability to adjust its rosters and resources in time led to widespread cancellations, delays, crew shortages and cascading disruption across its 138-destination network.
“It has been observed that scheduled flights of M/s Indigo Airlines have recently faced massive disruptions resulting in severe inconvenience, hardship and distress to passengers,” the notice read.
“It has also been noticed that the primary cause of said flight disruptions is non-provisioning of adequate arrangements to cater to the revised requirements for smooth implementation of the approved FDTL scheme for the airline.”
The notice accuses IndiGo of failing to plan for revised duty and rest requirements for cockpit crew, non-compliance with Rule 42A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, violations of multiple Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) governing duty periods and failing to provide information, assistance, or facilities mandated for passengers during cancellations and delays.
“As the CEO, you are responsible for ensuring effective management of the airline,” the document states. “You have failed in your duty to ensure timely arrangements for conduct of reliable operations and the availability of requisite facilities to passengers.”
The CEO has been directed to respond within 24 hours, failing which the regulator will “decide the matter ex parte”, potentially opening the door to penalties ranging from financial sanctions to operational restrictions.
After five days of travel chaos, the airline said it had restored 95 per cent of its network, operating to 135 of its 138 destinations by Saturday. It expects to run more than 1,500 flights by the end of the day.
In a statement, IndiGo again apologised for the week’s disruptions, saying it was “committed to build back the trust of our customers”.
A Kanpur-based man has opened up about the host of issues he has had to face since moving back to India from Ireland.
The former NRI compared traffic in Ireland vs India, among other things (Representational image)
A Kanpur-based man has opened up about the host of issues he has had to face since moving back to India from Ireland. Akash Tiwari, Manager of AI and Innovation Strategy at Coursera, said that he is now worrying about problems that he never even had to think about back in Ireland.
In a post shared on the social media platform X, Tiwari listed three of the many problems he has been facing since settling down in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
‘So many issues’ in India
“Moving back to India has brought so many issues in my life, that I never had to worry about in Ireland,” said the Coursera manager. According to his LinkedIn profile, Tiwari spent over three years working in Dublin, Ireland.
He said that since settling down in Kanpur, he has to deal with daily power cuts. Electricity issues, in fact, formed the first of his grievances.
“I am in Kanpur, and on an average there’s a power cut for 4-5 hours everyday. We don’t have electricity even at the time of writing this,” he said.
Tiwari contrasted this with Ireland, where he faced just one power cut in three years — and that too for just 15 minutes. He revealed that he was informed about the power cut one month in advance.
“In Dublin, over my 3+ years of stay, electricity was cut for 15 mins, just once, to change my meter and I was notified about this cut 1 month in advance,” wrote Tiwari.
AQI and traffic
Moving back to India 🇮🇳 has brought so many issues in my life, that I never had to worry about in Ireland 🇮🇪
1. Electricity: I am in Kanpur, and on an average there’s a power cut for 4-5 hours everyday. We don’t have electricity even at the time of writing this. In Dublin, over…
Power cuts alone did not prompt Tiwari to pen the post. He also highlighted other issues like the air quality and traffic chaos in India.
“Mad traffic and honking,” he wrote on X, adding: “These are man made – artificially created issues. They shouldn’t be there at the first place AND people could focus on other important things in life.”
In the comments section, as many people agreed with Tiwari, the Ireland-returned executive wondered why the people of India have to cry for basic necessities.
Describing the incident as “very painful day” for the state, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday promised swift action for those found responsible for a fire.
Goa Fire Accident Live Updates: Victim being rescued. (PTI)
A deadly fire that broke out on Saturday night at a club on Romeo Lane in North Goa occurred at a venue that lacked the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) and violated fire safety norms, Director of Fire & Emergency Services Nitin V. Raiker said on Sunday.
According to Raiker, most of the 25 people who died in the Arpora nightclub fire in North Goa succumbed to suffocation. He stated that the blaze, triggered during a club party with a fire show, spread through the wooden structures of the building, and smoke descended to the basement where many victims were trapped.
“Most people died due to suffocation in the basement and kitchen area. I received information that there was a club party going on, and a fire show was organised in the club. The wooden parts of the club caught fire, and smoke spread throughout the building. The smoke descended to the basement, and many people died due to suffocation. They had not obtained any fire NOC, and no fire protection measures were followed. The department had not granted any fire NOC for running this club,” he told CNN New18.
Raiker further said that fire services rushed to the spot immediately after the incident was reported and the blaze was brought under control within half an hour.
“The incident happened at 12:30 am. We received the information that there is some fire incident at Romeo Lane. Fire services were rushed towards the spot immediately. In half an hour we extinguished the fire,” he said.
According to the Goa Police, the death toll in the Arpora nightclub fire has risen to 25. The victims include four tourists and 14 members of the club’s staff, while the identities of seven others are yet to be established.
#BreakingNews | Goa Police Issues Statement, Death Toll Rises To 25 After Goa Nightclub Cylinder Blast
4 Tourist, 14 Club Crew Among Dead, Identity Of 7 Yet To Be Established@imvivekgupta And @mayuganapatye Shares More Details
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the Arpora nightclub fire, calling it a “deeply saddening” tragedy. He said he had spoken to Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and assured full support.
PM Modi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the families of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured in the incident.
Describing the incident as “very painful day” for the state, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday promised swift action for those found responsible for a fire.
The death toll was reported to be 23 at first, and has risen to 25 now.
“Today is a very painful day for all of us in Goa. A major fire incident at Arpora has taken the lives of 23 people. I am deeply grieved and offer my heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families in this hour of unimaginable loss,” he wrote on X.
“I visited the incident site and have ordered an inquiry into this incident. The inquiry will examine the exact cause of the fire and whether fire safety norms and building rules were followed. Those found responsible will face most stringent action under the law- any negligence will be dealt with firmly,” CM Sawant added.
The 23rd India-Russia summit saw the two sides sign a Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation and Collaboration on Broadcasting between Prasar Bharati of India and Joint Stock Company Gazprom Media Holding of Russia.
Representative image showing a visa. Credit: iStock Photo
India would soon launch a free 30-day e-Tourist Visa and a 30-day Group Tourist Visa for the citizens of Russia, Prime MinisterNarendra Modi said after his meeting with President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi on Friday.
The 23rd India-Russia summit saw the two sides sign a Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation and Collaboration on Broadcasting between Prasar Bharati of India and Joint Stock Company Gazprom Media Holding of Russia. Besides, two more MoUs for Cooperation and Collaboration on Broadcasting between Prasar Bharati of India and the National Media Group of Russia, as well as for Cooperation and Collaboration on Broadcasting between Prasar Bharati of India and the BIG ASIA Media Group of Russia.
An addendum to the MoU for cooperation and collaboration on broadcasting between Prasar Bharati, India, and ANO TV-Novosti, as well as a MoU between “TV BRICS” Joint-stock company and “Prasar Bharati (PB)”, were also inked on Friday.
On the sidelines of the summit, Modi and Putin inked an MoU on scientific and academic collaboration between the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Pune, India and the Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “National Tomsk State University”, Tomsk, Russia, and an agreement regarding cooperation between the University of Mumbai, Lomonosov Moscow State University and Joint-Stock Company Management Company of Russian Direct Investment Fund.
During President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi, India and Russia emphasised their commitment to enhancing bilateral trade and cooperation across various sectors, including energy, nuclear, and military. Let’s take a look at outcomes of Putin’s high stakes visit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during the India-Russia Business Forum, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Friday Photo : ANI
India and Russia reaffirmed shared ambition to expand bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner, discussed and commended their wide ranging cooperation in the energy sector, cooperation in building stable and efficient transport corridors, broaden cooperation in nuclear energy, among other sectors, during President Vladimir Putin’s 2-day visit to New Delhi on December 4-5.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasised the special nature of this long standing and time-tested relationship, which is characterised by mutual trust, respect for each other’s core national interests and strategic convergence. They underscored that, as major powers with shared responsibilities, this important relationship continues to be an anchor of global peace and stability that should be ensured upon the basis of equal and indivisible security.
According to the India-Russia Joint Statement, PM Modi and Vladimir Putin positively assessed the multi-faceted mutually beneficial India-Russia relations that span all areas of cooperation, including political and strategic, military and security, trade and investment, energy, science and technology, nuclear, space, cultural, education and humanitarian cooperation. It was noted with satisfaction that both Sides are actively exploring new avenues for cooperation while further strengthening cooperation in the traditional areas. Let’s take a look at key outcomes of Vladimir Putin’s highly anticipated India visit.
Trade and Economic partnership
India and Russia reaffirmed ambition to expand bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner, including by increasing India’s exports to Russia, strengthening industrial cooperation, forging new technological and investment partnerships, especially in advanced high-technology areas and finding new avenues and forms of cooperation.
PM Modi-Vladimir Putin welcomed the adoption of the Programme for the Development of Strategic Areas of India – Russia Economic Cooperation till 2030 (Programme 2030), and set a target to achieve USD 100 Billion trade.
Both the nations appreciated intensification of the joint work on a Free Trade Agreement on goods between India and the Eurasian Economic Union covering sectors of mutual interest.
The two sides welcomed steps to ensure long-term supply of fertilisers to India and discussed the potential establishment of joint ventures in this area.
Both the nations the current and potential cooperation between Indian and Russian companies in fields such as oil and oil products, oil refining and petrochemical technologies, oilfield services and upstream technologies and related infrastructure, LNG and LPG related infrastructure, various existing projects in their countries, underground coal gasification (UCG) technology, nuclear projects, etc.
Trade and Connectivity
India and Russia agreed to deepen cooperation in building stable and efficient transport corridors.
The focus will be on expanding logistics links for improving connectivity and enhancing infrastructure capacity to support the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Chennai–Vladivostok (Eastern Maritime) Corridor, and the Northern Sea Route. They welcomed the signing of the MoU on the Training of Specialists for Ships Operating in Polar Waters.
Cooperation in Russian Far East and Arctic
India and Russia have also confirmed to intensity trade and investment cooperation in the Far East and the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.
This means that there will be more investment and cooperation between the two nations in the sectors of agriculture, energy, mining, manpower, diamonds, pharmaceuticals, maritime transport, etc.
Civil Nuclear Cooperation, Cooperation in Space
The countries will broaden cooperation in nuclear energy, including fuel cycle, life cycle support for operating Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) and non-power applications, as well as to elaborate new agenda of interaction in the field of peaceful use of atomic energy and related high technologies.
The countries welcomed progress achieved in implementation of KKNPP including the construction of the remaining NPP units and agreed on adhering to the timeline for supplies of equipment and fuel.
Both held discussions on second site in India for Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). The Indian side will strive to finalise formal allotment of the second site in accordance with earlier signed agreements.
Military and Military Technical Cooperation
In order to boost Make-in-India, India and Russia partnership will jointly work in research and development, co-development and co-production of advanced defence technology and systems.
Both sides agreed to encourage joint manufacturing in India of spare parts, components, aggregates and other products for maintenance of Russian origin arms and defence equipment under Make-in-India program through transfer of technology and setting up of joint ventures for meeting the needs of the Indian Armed Forces as well as subsequent export to mutually friendly third countries.
Cooperation in Science & Technology
India and Russia called for ramping up government-to-government, academia and private sector collaboration to promote application of critical and emerging technologies.
Recognising the strategic importance of critical minerals for emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing, the two Sides expressed interest in deepening cooperation in exploration, processing and recycling technologies of critical minerals and rare earths.
Both Sides called for ramping up government-to-government, academia and private sector collaboration to promote application of critical and emerging technologies.
Cultural cooperation, Tourism and people to people exchanges
India and Russia agreed that cultural interaction and people to people exchanges are an important component of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
They appreciated the participation in major international cultural forums, book fairs, festivals and art competitions organized in both countries and welcomed the holding on a parity basis, of Cultural Exchange Festivals in their countries, aimed at the fullest demonstration of Indian and Russian culture.
Counter Terrorism
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the field of combating such common challenges and threats such as terrorism, extremism transnational organized crime, money laundering, terrorist financing and illicit drug trafficking.
Regional and International Issues
India and Russia noted with appreciation the close coordination between India and Russia on Afghanistan, including through the dialogue mechanism between the Security Councils of both countries. They emphasised the important role of the Moscow Format meetings.
The Leaders welcomed the counter-terrorism measures against international terrorist groups, including ISIS and ISKP and their affiliates, and expressed confidence that the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan would be comprehensive and effective.
They stressed the need to ensure urgent and uninterrupted humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.
The BJP suggested that the Gandhi family must start using the Nehru surname if they have such respect for the former prime minister.
The project to vilify Jawaharlal Nehru is the main goal of the ruling establishment today, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has said, ripping into the BJP for allegedly trying to erase the first prime minister from the country’s history.
It’s the Congress that underestimated Nehru’s contribution, the BJP fired back, claiming that they only highlighted attempts to cover up his “mistakes” and not disrespect him.
In her remarks yesterday at an event at Jawahar Bhawan to launch the Nehru Centre India, Gandhi further alleged a systematic attempt to denigrate, distort, demean, and defame Nehru.
“The sole objective of this is to not only diminish him as a personality but also his universally recognised role in India’s independence struggle and his early decades as a leader of an independent nation challenged by unprecedented problems, but it is also to demolish his multifaceted legacy in a crude and self-serving attempt to rewrite history,” she said, calling such attempts “totally unacceptable.”
Those behind the project to diminish Nehru belong to an ideology that had no role in the freedom movement and the making of the constitution and that fanned an atmosphere that led to Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, she claimed.
“Let there be no doubt whatsoever that the project to vilify Jawaharlal Nehru is the main objective of the ruling establishment today. Their goal is not just to erase him; it is actually to destroy the social, political, and economic foundations on which our nation has been founded and built,” added the Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson.
Gandhi said Nehru continues to serve as a beacon of light to the millions of India’s citizens and that it is inevitable that such a monumental figure will have his life and work analysed and critiqued—and that is indeed as it should be.
Although the temptation to divorce Nehru from his times and the challenges that he had to face and to look at him, devoid of the historical context in which a function has become quite widespread, she added.
The BJP differed with Gandhi’s views, suggesting that if she had such respect for the former prime minister, she would have added the Nehru surname to the family line.
“It’s time she stops crying wolf all the time. If she had great respect for Nehru, she would have added the surname of Nehru to the family line. They are the people who have underestimated Nehru’s contributions. It’s not the BJP or the current dispensation that is indulging in it,” BJP spokesperson Tom Vadakkan told NDTV.
He alleged attempts to cover up Nehru’s fault, from scams to the 1962 Sino-India war, underscoring that it was only human to make mistakes.
The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi issued a passenger advisory, announcing that IndiGo flight operations are gradually returning to normal following the airline’s disruption, which resulted in over 1,000 flight cancellations on Friday and over 550 flights on Thursday.
IndiGo flight cancellations enter the fifth day
Disruptions from IndiGo’s flight cancellations continued into the fifth day on Saturday with multiple flights cancelled across the country. The airline, struggling with widespread operational chaos for the past four days, recorded over 1,000 cancellations on Friday and 550 on Thursday as well.
Meanwhile, Delhi Airport issued an advisory stating that operations are gradually returning to normal, while a petition has been filed with the Supreme Court seeking the Chief Justice’s intervention over passenger losses caused by the suspension of flights.
OPERATIONS RETURNING TO NORMALCY: DELHI AIRPORT
Delhi Airport has issued an advisory stating that flight operations are gradually returning to normal and urged passengers to verify their flight status before heading to the airport.
“We are glad to update that Indigo flight operations are now steadily resuming and getting back to normalcy following the brief disruption. Please check the status of your booking and flight before leaving from home,” Delhi Airport said in a post on X. On Friday, the airline had cancelled all domestic departures from Delhi airport until midnight.
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking Chief Justice of India’s intervention after passengers suffered losses due to IndiGo flight suspensions. The plea urges the Court to take suo motu cognisance, direct the Civil Aviation Ministry and DGCA to submit status reports, and constitute a special bench for immediate hearing.
Meanwhile, the DGCA has attributed the disruptions to IndiGo’s “misjudgment and gap in planning” in implementing new pilot duty-hour regulations.
INDIGO CEO PETER ELBERS APOLOGISES
The airline’s CEO Peter Elbers firmly indicated that normal operations are expected to resume sometime between 10 and 15 December.
“December 5 was the most severely impacted day, with the number of cancellations well over 1000. I extend our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience it has caused to our customers. It will take some time to return to a full normal situation, which we anticipate between 10 to 15 December,” Elbers said in a video message.
TAKING STRICT ACTION: CIVIL AVIATION MINISTER
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu attributed the chaos to IndiGo’s poor crew management and its handling of the DGCA’s new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules. In an interview with ANI, the minister explained that the disruptions led the Civil Aviation Ministry to provide IndiGo with temporary relief from certain regulatory requirements.
“We have formed a committee which will inquire into all this so that they can establish where things went wrong and who did it wrong. We are taking strict action on this, so that whoever was responsible into this needs to pay for it,” Naidu said.
A new study suggests cats meow more frequently and loudly at male caregivers because men tend to speak less to them, prompting cats to work harder for attention. Researchers found this pattern across 31 cats in Turkey, though larger global studies are needed to confirm the behaviour.
Representative Image: Do Cats Meow More At Men Because They ‘Don’t Listen?’ Scientists Explain Photo : iStock
Ever feel like your cat “talks” more when a man walks into the room? Turns out, there might actually be science behind it. A new study suggests that cats tend to meow at men more often and louder than they do at women. And no, it’s not because they adore men more… it might be because men simply pay less attention.
Published in the journal Ethology, the study set out to observe real, unfiltered human–cat interactions rather than relying on owners’ self-reports. Led by Yasemin Salgirli Demirbas from Ankara University in Turkey, researchers monitored 31 cats and their caregivers in their own homes.
Each cat wore a tiny chest-mounted camera so scientists could analyse the first moments after their humans returned home. What stood out? Cats consistently greeted male caregivers with noticeably more meows, purrs, and chirps compared to female caregivers, regardless of the cat’s age, breed, sex, or the size of the household.
On average, the cats let out 4.3 meows in the first 100 seconds when a man walked in, while women got just 1.8 meows in the same time.
According to the study’s author: “Male caregivers might engage less frequently in verbal behaviours compared to female caregivers. This difference could prompt cats to use vocal signals more actively to elicit responses from male caregivers.”
During Vladimir Putin’s high-security visit to Delhi, Prime Minister Modi presented the Russian president with a Gita translated into Russian, a symbolic cultural gift reinforcing long-standing ties. Former envoy Rajiv Bhatia called the trip crucial.
Modi and Putin Photo : AP
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose a distinctly civilizational touch for his engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, gifting him a copy of the Bhagavad Gita rendered in Russian. Officials and analysts see the choice as a nod to India’s soft-power tradition—using scripture and culture to signal friendship beyond hard security and energy deals. The meeting comes as New Delhi balances its historic Moscow ties with closer links to Washington and the West, especially under the shadow of the Ukraine war.
In an interview ahead of talks, Putin underlined that Moscow and New Delhi do not frame their cooperation as part of any anti-Western bloc. “Neither me nor Prime Minister Modi, despite certain external pressure we face, have never approached our collaboration to work against someone,” he said, arguing the partnership rests on mutual interests rather than confrontation. He also took aim at the G7’s “Big Seven” image, asking what was “so big” about them when India ranks third globally by purchasing power parity while the UK lingers around 10th place.
Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world.@KremlinRussia_Epic.twitter.com/D2zczJXkU2
On the ground, Delhi Traffic Police rolled out a sweeping advisory for Friday, flagging diversions and rolling closures across central Delhi from 9 a.m. to noon due to “administrative exigencies” tied to the high-profile visit. Commuters were urged to avoid corridors such as W Point, A Point, ITO, BSZ Marg, Delhi Gate, JLN Marg, Rajghat and Shanti Van Crossings, Hanuman Setu–Y Point, Netaji Subhash Marg, Saleem Garh bypass and the stretch from Pragati Maidan Tunnel to Hanuman Setu, among others. Authorities said security and route sanitisation for Putin’s convoy were the main drivers of the restrictions.
The summit unfolds amid tightened anti-drone measures, layered police and paramilitary deployments and coordination between Indian agencies and Putin’s own security detail. Officials expect intermittent delays near government complexes, with advice for office-goers to use metro services where possible during the peak security window.
Why the Visit Matters, Beyond the Optics
Former diplomat Rajiv Bhatia called Putin’s India trip “a very important visit,” pointing to its timing as the first by the Russian leader since the Ukraine invasion and since visible strains in India–US ties. He noted it also follows India’s prominent role at recent G20 meetings, suggesting multiple strategic layers—from defence and energy deals to rupee–ruble trade mechanisms and sanctions navigation. “First of all, the focus will be on bilateral relations and how to deepen and strengthen this relationship… I think the limelight will be on the economic dimensions,” Bhatia observed, capturing the underlying agenda behind the warm optics and cultural gifting.
IndiGo’s crisis deepens as it seeks temporary FDTL relaxations, warns of more cancellations until December 8, and admits planning lapses.
Passengers wait outside the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi as several Indigo flights were either cancelled or delayed on Thursday. (Photo: AP) Photo : AP
It seems IndiGo’s crisis is far from over, as the carrier has sought temporary relaxations in flight duty norms from aviation watchdog DGCA, saying that operations will be fully restored only by February 10. Since the implementation of the second phase of the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, IndiGo has faced a severe operational crisis, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights. On Thursday, approximately 550 flights were cancelled, leaving commuters struggling to navigate the situation.
The airline, which was summoned by the authorities, acknowledged that the disruptions stemmed from misjudgment and planning gaps. IndiGo also informed the regulator that there will be more cancellations until December 8, and from that day, services will be further reduced, according to a PTI report.
Notably, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu has expressed his displeasure at IndiGo’s handling of the situation despite having ample preparation time.
IndiGo’s On-Time Performance Plunges to 19.7%
IndiGo, which typically operates around 2,300 flights a day and prides itself on punctuality, saw its on-time performance crash to 19.7 per cent on Wednesday, a sharp drop from 35 per cent the previous day.
The civil aviation minister has directed the airline to proactively inform passengers of any likely cancellations well in advance, while the DGCA will conduct strict real-time monitoring of its operations.
With airfares showing an uptick amid widespread cancellations, authorities are keeping a close watch to ensure prices are not hiked due to the disruptions. The ministry said officers have been stationed at IndiGo’s operational control centres for continuous oversight.
IndiGo Seeks Relaxations Till February 10
In a move likely to raise concerns within the pilots’ community, IndiGo has requested exemptions from certain Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) requirements for its A320 operations until February 10, 2026, as part of efforts to stabilise flight schedules.
The DGCA will now assess the relaxations sought by the airline.
Updating the regulator on crew availability for its A320 fleet, IndiGo said it has 2,357 captains and 2,194 first officers available in December. This is lower than the requirement in November – 2,422 captains and 2,153 first officers – numbers that rose following the rollout of the second phase of the FDTL norms. In October, the requirement stood at 2,186 captains and 1,948 first officers.
These figures highlight a shortage of pilots, a central reason behind the ongoing disruptions. With the new FDTL rules limiting the number of night landings per pilot, night operations have also taken a hit. The airline also shared future projections with the regulator, noting that crew requirements were higher than anticipated.
What’s Next For IndiGo?
IndiGo has told the regulator that corrective steps are underway and full flight normalcy will be restored by February 10, 2026, though more cancellations are expected in the coming days. From December 8, the airline will cut flight operations to minimise disruptions, according to a DGCA statement.
The regulator has asked IndiGo to submit a detailed roadmap on crew hiring plans, aircraft induction, training, roster restructuring, safety-risk assessments and mitigation measures. A progress report will also be required every 15 days.
During an inspection at Delhi’s Terminal 1, DGCA found IndiGo’s passenger-handling manpower “inadequate” and instructed the airline to urgently ramp up staff and support services.
Kengeri police arrived at the scene and are working to identify the deceased and establish the circumstances that led to the suspected suicide.
File photo of Bengaluru Metro. (Photo Credit: X)
A man died on the spot after he reportedly jumped in front of a moving metro train approaching Bengaluru’s Kengeri station on Thursday, leading to an immediate disruption of services on the Purple Line.
Kengeri police arrived at the scene and are working to identify the deceased and determine what led to the suspected suicide. Authorities confirmed that an investigation is underway.
Namma Metro, in a post on X, announced that services between Mysuru Road and Challaghatta were suspended because of the incident, adding that normal operations would resume after clearance and safety checks.
In a separate statement on X, Namma Metro officials expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to commuters. Police teams reached the spot soon after receiving alerts from locals and carried out preliminary checks, dispatching additional officers to secure the area and verify the sequence of events.
The deceased has not yet been identified, though officers estimate he was between 35 and 40 years old. While no identification documents were recovered, police found a mobile phone and some cash in his pocket and are attempting to contact his family through numbers stored on the device.
CCTV footage captured the man suddenly jumping from the platform onto the tracks as the train approached, prompting investigators to conclude that it was a clear case of suicide. Police said there was no indication of foul play.
The suspension of services during peak hours caused significant disruption, leaving thousands of office-bound commuters stranded. Passengers from Kengeri, RR Nagar, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Vijayanagar and other parts of West Bengaluru were forced to rely on BMTC buses, leading to heavy crowding across multiple routes.
Calling Putin’s trip “a very important visit”, Shashi Tharoor said the Russian President’s presence in India “has great value for our country”.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor underlined the strategic importance of the visit. (PTI)
As Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India on a two-day state visit on Thursday, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor highlighted the significance of the visit, saying it is a reaffirmation of India’s long-standing ties with Russia while asserting that deepening these ties does not come at the expense of India’s relations with any other country.
Calling Putin’s trip “a very important visit”, the Thiruvananthapuram MP said the Russian President’s presence in India “has great value for our country”, describing the Moscow–New Delhi relationship as an important pillar of India’s foreign policy. In a turbulent global environment, he said, it was essential for India to stabilise and strengthen partnerships that have historically served its national interests.
“It’s a very important visit, I do believe that his visit has a great value to our country. It’s an important relationship we have with Russia. President Putin is an important partner, we look forward to welcoming him,” he said as quoted by news agency PTI.
VIDEO | As Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India on a state visit, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) says, “It’s a very important visit, I do believe that his visit has a great value to our country. It’s an important relation we have with Russia. It does… pic.twitter.com/Xazl4BIrCZ
Tharoor further stressed that deeper engagement with Moscow does not undermine India’s ties with any other nation, including, United States, China and Europe.
“No one should misunderstand that this will affect our relationships with other countries, because India has the capacity to have independent relationships with different governments. We are a nation that has always believed in sovereign autonomy,” he added.
Reiterating India’s long-held diplomatic doctrine, Tharoor said “sovereign autonomy is a cardinal principle of Indian foreign policy”, asserting that New Delhi will continue to maintain “strong relations with all”.
Highlighting the practical value of the relationship, Tharoor emphasised recent years where Russian cooperation — particularly in oil, gas and defence — has been crucial. He cited Operation Sindoor as an example, saying the Russian-made S-400 system had played a decisive role in intercepting several Pakistani missiles targeting major cities, “including Delhi”.
“The value of defence imports from Russia was demonstrated once again during Operation Sindoor when the S-400 protected us from a number of Pakistani missiles that were targeting our cities, including Delhi,” he said as quoted by news agency ANI.
#WATCH | Delhi | On Russian President Vladimir Putin’s India visit, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, “It’s hugely significant. It is a crucial relationship, and has been for a long time. In today’s rather turbulent world, where so many relationships have become uncertain, it… pic.twitter.com/5voE1sTVjX
Tharoor said any agreements that emerge during President Putin’s visit would be part of “strengthening a vital relationship” — one that, in his view, does not undermine India’s partnerships with Washington, Beijing or any other global actor.
Earlier today, Tharoor stressed that India must sustain its bilateral relationships with Russia, China and the United States. He added that New Delhi cannot accept the idea that one partnership should be shaped or limited by the nature of another. India, he insisted, should retain its sovereign autonomy to define the terms of its engagement with every country.
“I believe that we have maintained good relations with Russia, with America and with China. At different times, there are different emphases. But I would say that my understanding is a lot of talks have already taken place at the expert level to work out some possible agreements that might be signed when President Putin is here. And that would be very valuable for us,” he said as quoted by news agency PTI.
The raids were conducted on the basis of an FIR registered by the CBI for creating fake export documents, including invoices and shipping bills, to falsely show goods as being exported to Nepal and Bangladesh while actually selling them domestically, thereby evading customs duty of Rs 190 crore.
The raids are being conducted at 15 locations in 10 states.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday again grilled Delhi-based businessman Vikas Garg, who is also the Chairman of Ebix Inc, in connection with a money laundering case tied to a Rs 190 crore customs duty fraud and forgery case.
Earlier, he was questioned for over eight hours last month in the same case. Several employees working for Garg are also under the ED’s radar and have been summoned for questioning in Mumbai. The case involves the alleged illegal import and diversion of betel nuts and other materials by forging export documents, causing losses of crores to the exchequer.
According to sources, Garg is the prime accused in the case and was questioned for over six hours at the ED office by investigators again on Tuesday. Garg’s accomplices and employees were also earlier questioned by agency officials, sources said. During searches at Garg’s premises and those linked to his employees, officials found some incriminating documents.
According to ED sources, the raids that took place on November 12 at the premises and residence of Garg, his employees, and other accused were based on a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR that accuses Garg and several others of conspiring to defraud the government through falsified export records and forged customs documents.
Garg, along with his family members, is a promoter of several listed firms including Vikas Ecotec, Vikas Lifecare, Eraaya Lifespaces, and Advika Capital. He recently made news for acquiring the Nasdaq-listed company Ebix Inc.
Garg’s name had earlier surfaced in the Mahadev betting app money laundering case, where ED officials alleged that he received proceeds of crime worth crores from key accused Harishankar Tibrewal.
Investigators also suspect him of manipulating share prices of certain listed companies using illicit funds. Following previous raids in April, Garg was questioned several times in Raipur, and SEBI was asked to probe suspected market manipulation by his firms.
FORGED EXPORTS, DUTY-FREE IMPORTS DIVERTED TO INDIAN MARKET
The latest ED action stems from a CBI FIR filed in 2023 against Garg and seven others, including Titan Sea & Air Service Pvt. Ltd., its directors, and associated companies. The FIR was based on findings from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), which uncovered a large-scale import fraud involving the misuse of Free Trade Warehousing Zones (FTWZ) in Maharashtra.
Sources from the agency said searches were conducted under Section 17 of the PMLA, 2002 in the case of M/s Titan Sea & Air Services Pvt Ltd and others, recorded on the basis of an FIR registered by CBI for creating fake export documents including invoices and shipping bills to misrepresent goods as being exported to Nepal and Bangladesh, while actually selling them domestically and thereby evading customs duty of Rs 190 crore.
The residential and business premises of Vikas Garg, one of the key persons behind the evasion of customs duty of Rs 190 crore, and his employees — in whose names entities were incorporated outside India for effecting imports and exports — were searched on November 12. Incriminating evidence related to imports and exports and digital devices of key persons were seized.
WHAT DOES THE CBI FIR SAY
According to the FIR accessed by India Today TV, Titan Sea & Air Service Pvt Ltd., a Mumbai-based firm headed by Jagannath Rai and Chandra Shekhar Rai, was authorised to import duty-free materials for re-export under Section 7 of the SEZ Act, 2005. Instead, between 2015 and 2017, the company allegedly diverted PVC Resin and betel nuts — imported duty-free from Dubai and Indonesia — into India’s domestic market without paying customs duty.
Investigators allege that the accused forged shipping bills and customs seals to falsely show exports to Nepal and Bangladesh through land customs stations, while the goods were actually sold domestically to Sakshi Marketing Pvt Ltd, Delhi, and other buyers.
The CBI has also named Pradeep Kumar Mittal, a Dubai-based businessman linked to Al Duquq General Trading LLC and Land Star Ltd, UAE, alleging that Garg acted as his associate in India. The FIR further mentions Jitendra Bansal and Brij Mohan Bishnoi of GRC India Logistic, who allegedly helped falsify transport documents to divert the goods.
LOSS TO EXCHEQUER PEGGED AT RS 190 CRORE
Officials estimate that the diversion of duty-free imports caused a loss of approximately Rs 190 crore to the government between 2015 and 2017. The CBI has booked the accused under multiple sections amounting to criminal conspiracy, cheating, and forgery of the IPC and those of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
