Bad weather led to over 300 flight delays at Delhi Airport on Tuesday due to poor visibility, though no flights were diverted. Operations returned to normal in the evening. Other Indian airports, including Amritsar, Chandigarh and Patna, were also affected. Airlines monitored the situation closely and advised passengers accordingly.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar denounced VIP culture in religious institutions, advocating for egalitarian practices. He also stressed the importance of dialogue in democracy, the need to lower political divisiveness, and urged corporates to support religious institutions through CSR for educational and infrastructural development.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar plans to detoxify and spend several months in solitude in the Himalayas after retiring on February 18. He intends to teach underprivileged children, reflecting on his own humble educational beginnings. Kumar, known for his poetic addresses, emphasizes the need to appreciate the transparent work of the Election Commission amidst baseless accusations.
The BJP highlighted Prime Minister Modi's consistent leadership since 2014, while comparing it with the frequent changes in leadership in countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. This was in context of Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's recent resignation.
The Maharashtra cabinet announced mandatory FASTag toll collection from April 1 for all toll plazas in the state. Vehicles without FASTag will face double charges. Additionally, the cabinet approved revised rules of business to improve administrative efficiency, transparency, and decision-making processes in the state.
India extended condolences to Tibet over a 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck the region, resulting in the death of over 126 people. The earthquake caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure, while rescue operations are ongoing to find survivors amid the rubble.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced the arrest of Punish Nunisa for an 'illegal' coal mine incident in Umrangso, where nine workers have been trapped due to flooding. Rescue operations involving the Navy, Army, and other emergency teams are ongoing to save the trapped miners.
The Supreme Court rejected the custody plea by Atul Subhash's mother for her minor grandson, stating she was a stranger to the child. It advised custody matters be handled in trial court. The child's estranged mother, granted bail in a related suicide abetment case, remains in Bengaluru.
The Election Commission of India announced bypoll dates for the assembly constituencies of Milkipur in Uttar Pradesh and Erode East in Tamil Nadu. Polling will be held on February 5 and votes will be counted on February 8. The vacancies were created by the resignation of Awadhesh Prasad and the demise of EVKS Elangovan.
The Supreme Court directed the plea against the Bihar Public Service Commission’s 70th Preliminary Exam to the Patna High Court instead. Allegations of a paper leak led to protests and police action, but BPSC limited cancellations to one center. Despite assurances, protests continued, resulting in violence and restrictions in Patna.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar condemned derogatory comments against women following BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri's remarks about Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. With the Model Code of Conduct now in effect, the Election Commission promises swift action against such behavior, as the controversy intensifies ahead of Delhi elections.
A fresh controversy over the Delhi CM's residence arose as AAP leader Atishi accused the BJP-led Union government of canceling her housing allotment. Atishi claimed to be removed from her home for the second time in three months. BJP's Amit Malviya countered, asserting she never moved into the allotted residence and had been offered other accommodations.
Sharmistha Mukherjee thanked PM Modi for earmarking land for a memorial for former President Pranab Mukherjee. She expressed gratitude for the decision, highlighting that they didn't request the honor, which aligned with her father's belief that such honors should be offered, not asked for.
The environment ministry of India has extended the deadline for thermal power plants to install Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) equipment by three more years, with plants near the NCR or cities with over a million population given until December 2027. Previous deadlines were missed due to delays and limited vendor capacity.
«Health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001... HMPV spreads through the air and can affect people of all age groups. The virus spreads more during the winter and early spring months,» Union Health Minister JP Nadda said.
During the winter months, there is an increased likelihood of transmission of respiratory diseases such as seasonal influenza (H1N1, H3N2), influenza-like illness (ILI), and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI). HMPV, specifically, presents with symptoms similar to the common cold and typically resolves on its own within 3 to 5 days. As a result, there is no need for panic or misinformation regarding this illness, the release issued.
Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel assured the public on Monday that there is «no need to panic», as the state government is taking all precautionary measures and following procedures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah using a morphed 'Ghajini' video, emphasizing their achievements and promises for Delhi. As the Delhi assembly elections approach, a fierce contest is expected between AAP, BJP, and Congress. Notably, Arvind Kejriwal faces Congress's Sandeep Dikshit and BJP's Parvesh Verma in New Delhi constituency.
Justin Trudeau led Canada for nine years, navigating crises like the pandemic and trade renegotiations with the US. As one of the few leaders to win three consecutive terms, his tenure was marked by his feminist stance and gender-parity cabinets. However, internal conflicts, notably with ex-finance minister Chrystia Freeland, ultimately ended his leadership.
Around 15 labourers are feared trapped after water flooded a coal mine in Assam's Dima Hasao district. The incident happened around 7 am at Assam Coal Quarry in Umrangso. Rescue operations involving the Army, State Disaster Response Force, and National Disaster Response Force are underway. The exact number of trapped workers is not yet confirmed.
The Enforcement Directorate faces a setback as Kolkata police file closure reports in FIRs against Santiago Martin and his company for lack of evidence, potentially hindering the PMLA probe. ED appeals in court, stressing incomplete investigations and urging the reopening of these cases.
India reported seven cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in children. Union health minister J P Nadda assured that it won't lead to a Covid-like outbreak. HMPV is known since 2001, often self-limiting, and mostly affects children. Surveillance and health systems are actively monitoring the situation.
The Supreme Court has commented that legislators appear to have forgotten to be respectful during dissent. This observation was made during a case involving RJD's Sunil Kumar Singh, who was expelled from Bihar legislature for alleged misconduct. The court refused to stay bypolls for Singh's seat and will have a final hearing on his petition in January.
For over three weeks, more than 5,000 residents of Soraha village in UP's Budaun district have faced severe winter conditions without electricity due to the theft of a 250kVA transformer. Despite temporary arrangements and police investigations hinting at insider involvement, villagers still dispute claims of restored power supply.
Captains Devi Sharan and S.P.S. Suri, involved in the IC-814 hijacking, faced another peril in 2011 during the Libyan civil war, getting held at gunpoint before escaping. Their subsequent flights faced hurdles, including denied airspace entry, but they managed to return to Delhi safely.
Spice Jet issued a warning of flight delays due to poor visibility caused by bad weather in multiple cities including Delhi, Amritsar, and Patna. Passengers are advised to check flight statuses to avoid inconvenience. Flight operations in Kolkata and Srinagar were also disrupted due to dense fog and overnight snowfall, respectively.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee criticizes the central government for spending on Kumbh Mela while neglecting Gangasagar Mela. She announces state government's initiative to build a bridge for easier access. Advanced technological measures including 1,000 CCTV cameras, drones, and a mega control room are to be implemented for the Mela.
Union health minister JP Nadda assures that the HMPV virus is not new and has been circulating since 2001. Despite rising cases in Karnataka and Gujarat, the health ministry and experts are monitoring the situation closely. Nadda emphasizes there is no reason to worry as health systems are vigilant and ready to respond to any emerging health challenges.
Several individuals are feared to be trapped in a coal mine in Assam's Dima Hasao district, officials say. The exact number of people affected is unknown. Rescue operations are underway with assistance from the army, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India's first bullet train would soon be operational while inaugurating several railway projects. He highlighted the trial run of the new sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train at 180 km/hr. Modi also marked the country's milestone of exceeding 1000 km in metro network service.
China has assured India and Bangladesh that its proposed dam on the Brahmaputra River will have no negative impacts on downstream countries. India has already expressed concerns and sought transparency over the project. The dam, located in Tibet, aims to aid in disaster prevention and climate change response, but India remains vigilant over potential impacts.
Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal urges the Centre to take immediate action against a potential HMPV outbreak in China, highlighting the need for early containment. Delhi hospitals are instructed to prepare for an increase in respiratory illnesses after detecting two cases in Karnataka and one in Gujarat.
BJP leader Sambit Patra accuses AAP's Arvind Kejriwal of corruption over the renovation of his official residence during the Covid-19 pandemic. Patra claims the construction estimate was Rs 7.61 crore, but the tender was released for Rs 8.62 crore, indicating a scam.