Government clarifies users can delete the Sanchar Saathi app, intended to combat cyber fraud, despite initial mandates for pre-installation. Minister Scindia assures no snooping or call monitoring, emphasizing the app's role in verifying IMEI numbers and tracing stolen phones. The move aims to enhance user protection against digital threats.

Air India has issued a travel advisory urging passengers to confirm flight status before airport arrival due to a third-party system outage impacting check-in operations and causing widespread delays. The airline's teams are working to restore services and minimize passenger inconvenience. Travelers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.

Delhi is grappling with alarming air quality, as the AQI spikes to 372, perilously close to the 'severe' classification. More than 15 areas have hit this alarming benchmark. Experts warn that this 'very poor' air pollution is likely to linger for several days, compounded by nightly patterns of mist and haze.

Russia's State Duma has ratified a major military logistics pact with India, the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS). This agreement allows both nations' military forces to utilize each other's facilities for joint exercises, humanitarian operations, and disaster relief, strengthening their strategic partnership ahead of President Putin's visit.

The new Prime Minister's Office complex, formerly 'Executive Enclave', will now be called 'Seva Teerth' to reflect a spirit of service over power. This renaming aligns with a broader shift in public institutions, moving from 'satta' (power) to 'seva' (service) and emphasizing duty and transparency in governance.

India has achieved a significant milestone in indigenous defence capabilities with a successful high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system. This dynamic trial, conducted by DRDO, validated canopy severance, ejection sequencing, and aircrew recovery, placing India among nations with advanced in-house testing. The test simulated real-life conditions, marking a step towards self-reliance in defence.

Karnataka's chief ministerial post remains undecided as Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar's «breakfast diplomacy» yields no timeline from the party high command. Both leaders project unity, calling for a peaceful settlement amidst ongoing speculation. Siddaramaiah's cryptic «politics is not permanent» comment further fuels discussions about a potential leadership change.

Defense minister Rajnath Singh highlighted Operation Sindoor as a firm response to those ignoring peace, drawing parallels with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's decisive leadership. He praised the armed forces and emphasized the government's commitment to Patel's vision of a united India, citing Article 370's abrogation and strengthened indigenous defence capabilities.

The Delhi High Court has directed the CBFC to review objections from the parents of Major Mohit Sharma concerning the film 'Dhurandhar'. The parents claim the movie, slated for release on December 5, is inspired by the decorated officer's life without family or Army consent. CBFC will consider these concerns before certification, potentially consulting the Army.

Prime Minister Modi offered India's unwavering support to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah's devastation. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India has dispatched emergency rations and relief materials via naval ships and air force aircraft. Indian helicopters have conducted extensive rescue operations, aiding over 150 individuals from various nationalities, demonstrating strong solidarity.

India's HIV epidemic shows significant progress with declining deaths and new infections, outperforming global trends. However, alarming surges are reported in Northeast states like Mizoram and Nagaland, exceeding the national average. Drug use and changing sexual behaviors are linked to these regional spikes, demanding focused attention.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the critical health of former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia, offering India's full support for her treatment. This gesture comes amid Zia's party accusing India of backing rival Sheikh Hasina, highlighting a complex geopolitical dynamic as Bangladesh approaches elections.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accused PM Modi of «dramabazi» and undermining parliamentary conventions. He highlighted the government's refusal to debate public issues and the passage of bills without discussion. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned the «drama» surrounding BLO deaths and UP polls, demanding compensation and a probe into voter list exercises allegedly favouring the BJP.

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan's first day as Rajya Sabha chairman saw a warm welcome from the treasury benches, led by PM Modi, praising his democratic rise. However, the opposition, led by Mallikarjun Kharge, clashed with the treasury, raising concerns about the previous chairman's sudden exit and demanding equal treatment for opposition voices.

India has vehemently refuted Pakistani media claims of denying airspace for humanitarian aid flights to Sri Lanka. Official sources confirmed the request was expeditiously cleared within four hours, despite Pakistan's prior airspace ban on Indian airlines, emphasizing the decision was purely humanitarian.

Central and parts of northwest and peninsular India brace for a colder winter with below-normal day and night temperatures expected from December to February. The region anticipates an increase of 4-5 additional cold wave days, potentially impacting vulnerable populations and transportation. Authorities are advised to maintain preparedness for these weather shifts.

The Supreme Court has ordered a pan-India CBI probe into digital arrest scams, granting the agency a free hand to investigate bankers involved in mule accounts. The court also directed coordination with Interpol and asked the RBI to explore AI for identifying suspicious bank accounts, while emphasizing the need for better SIM card issuance norms and state-level cybercrime coordination centers.

Imran Khan's son, Kasim Khan, expressed grave concerns to Reuters, fearing «something irreversible» is happening to his father due to a lack of verifiable contact and denied access to his personal physician. Despite jail authorities claiming Khan is in good health, the family's fears are amplified by prolonged isolation and mounting speculation.

BSF Kashmir IG Ashok Yadav stated that «120 terrorists» on 69 launch pads across the LoC are under close watch, with Operation Sindoor ready for activation if Pakistan attempts any «misadventure.» Following Indian strikes, Pakistan shifted some launch pads deeper, but they remain under surveillance. Infiltration attempts have significantly dropped this year.

A suspect, wanted for 35 years in the 1989 abduction of Rubaiya Sayeed, has been arrested by the CBI. Shafat Ahmed Shangloo, with a Rs 10 lakh bounty, allegedly conspired with jailed JKLF chief Yasin Malik. Rubaiya Sayeed identified Malik as one of her captors in court.

Newly elected National Conference MPs marked their parliamentary debut by pressing the Centre to reinstate Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan highlighted the current powerless elected government, while Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo urged Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah to fulfill their pledge. NC's third member, Gurwinder Singh Oberoi, also took his oath.

Prime Minister Modi spoke with Sri Lankan President Dissanayake, offering condolences and continued aid for Cyclone Ditwah's devastation. India's 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' has delivered crucial relief, including rescue teams and supplies, reaffirming its 'First Responder' role. Sri Lanka expressed deep gratitude for New Delhi's swift and substantial support during this critical time.

Parliament's winter session commenced with significant disruptions. Opposition MPs clashed with the government over former Vice President Dhankhar's exit, Delhi's air quality, and electoral roll revisions. Prime Minister Modi urged against turning Parliament into a stage for frustration, while the opposition insisted on debating public issues. Proceedings saw multiple adjournments and a Rajya Sabha walkout.

Around 160 passengers were said to be on board the aircraft.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, on Monday, submitted a Suspension of Business notice in the House ahead of the first day of the Winter Session, demanding a discussion on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in 12 States and Union Territories.

Shashi Tharoor missed a key Congress strategy meeting ahead of Parliament's Winter Session, citing travel from Kerala with his elderly mother. This follows previous absences and public praise for Prime Minister Modi, intensifying friction within the party since his presidential election bid.

The Supreme Court has urged the Centre and authorities to re-evaluate their Delhi NCR air pollution reduction strategies, questioning their effectiveness. The court emphasized examining all contributing factors beyond stubble-burning and noted the unfairness of solely blaming farmers. It highlighted the need to understand why clear skies were visible years ago but not now.