'Also Require A Framework To Curb Its Abuse'
India's aviation regulator has advised airlines to avoid flight paths and altitudes affected by volcanic ash from Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi eruption. Airports are inspecting runways for contamination, with flight disruptions anticipated as ash plumes move eastward towards Delhi and Jaipur.
Delhi government issued advisory on Monday for 50 per cent on-site staff for offices to combat rising air pollution, following directions from the Commission for Air Quality Management. This measure aims to reduce exposure and vehicular emissions, with staggered timings already in effect for government offices until 2026.
Gurugram police have arrested two men in Hisar for allegedly recruiting and trafficking Indian nationals to Myanmar for cyber-fraud activities orchestrated by Chinese individuals. The accused, Sandeep and Mukul, were themselves repatriates who lured victims with job promises in Thailand, then forced them into criminal operations and extorted money. They earned commissions for their recruitment efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ayodhya on Tuesday to ceremonially hoist a saffron flag atop the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple, marking the formal completion of its construction. The ceremony, coinciding with auspicious dates, will see the PM visit various temple precincts before addressing a public gathering.
A six-year-old boy suffered horrific injuries, including a severed ear, after being mauled by a neighbor's pitbull in Delhi's Prem Nagar. The brutal attack, captured on CCTV, saw the dog lunge at the child while he was playing. The dog's owner has been arrested, and the boy is undergoing treatment.
Booth Level Officers in Kolkata protested against work-related stress during the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. The Chief Election Officer stated that District Magistrates have been asked to assist BLOs and investigate the deaths of four BLOs during the exercise. The protest highlights concerns over immense work pressure and its impact on BLOs' health.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu mourned the passing of veteran actor Dharmendra, hailing his «end of an era» contribution to Indian cinema. The 89-year-old actor, known as the 'He-Man of Bollywood', leaves behind a legacy of over 300 films and memorable performances.
The BJP has criticized Rahul Gandhi for his absence at the oath-taking ceremony of Justice Surya Kant as the new Chief Justice of India. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged Gandhi's boycott showed disrespect to B.R. Ambedkar and the Constitution, suggesting a preference for 'parivaar tantra' over constitutional norms. The event saw the presence of top government dignitaries.
Christian Michel, an accused in the AgustaWestland chopper scam, has challenged a provision of the India-UAE extradition treaty before the Delhi High Court. He argues that he should only be prosecuted for the specific offences for which he was extradited, not connected ones. Michel also seeks release from jail, claiming he has served the maximum sentence for the charges.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed alarm to the Election Commission over two «disturbing» developments concerning the state's election machinery. She questioned the outsourcing of data entry work by the Chief Electoral Officer and the proposal to set up polling booths in private housing complexes, citing concerns about fairness and potential political influence.
BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi criticized protesters at India Gate for raising slogans supporting a slain Naxal commander, accusing them of being influenced by «pollution of Marx and Mao.» The protest, initially against air pollution, saw demonstrators holding posters of Madvi Hidma, leading to arrests by Delhi Police for obstructing personnel and assaulting them.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju is in Bhutan to bring back sacred relics of Lord Buddha. These relics were displayed in Bhutan from November 8 to 18. The exposition highlighted the spiritual and cultural ties between India and Bhutan. Bhutan's Prime Minister thanked India for the significant event. Prime Minister Modi also expressed gratitude for the warm reception of the relics.
An Afghanistan Ariana flight mistakenly landed on a departure runway at Delhi Airport on Sunday afternoon. The Airbus A310, cleared for runway 29L, touched down on 29R, which is designated for takeoffs. Fortunately, no aircraft was present on the runway at the time, averting a potential disaster. Aviation authorities are investigating the serious incident.
India's coastal defence has been significantly bolstered with the commissioning of INS Mahe, the first of eight Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, this indigenous vessel is designed for high-tempo ASW missions and coastal patrol in shallow waters, enhancing India's maritime security capabilities.
Anti-pollution protests in Delhi turned political as demonstrators displayed pro-Maoist posters, leading to over 22 arrests. Police reported protesters used chilli spray on personnel. The BJP labelled them 'professional protesters' and 'urban Naxals.' Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party questioned the BJP-led Delhi government's «inaction» on the pollution as the air quality remained «very poor» in the region.
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) described the Tejas aircraft crash in Dubai, which resulted in the death of IAF pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal, as an «isolated occurrence caused by exceptional circumstances.» The company assured that the incident has no impact on its business operations or future deliveries, while its shares experienced a significant drop before partially recovering.
Authorities in Jammu division apprehended three drug peddlers, seizing over Rs 2 lakh and banned tablets in Katra. Properties of two others, including a house and a car valued at over Rs 22 lakh, were attached. Investigations into a major heroin seizure are ongoing, with further arrests anticipated.
A man, Imran, has been arrested for allegedly strangling a 60-year-old woman, Joshina, in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district. Police say Joshina had pressured Imran to marry her. After reviewing extensive CCTV footage, investigators traced Imran, who reportedly confessed to killing her to 'get rid of her' and then attempting to stage the scene.