Congress MP Shashi Tharoor lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic gestures towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the significance of symbolic actions in foreign policy. Tharoor emphasized that these gestures, including receiving Putin at the airport and gifting him the Bhagwad Gita, signal the continuity of India's important relationship with Russia.
The Civil Aviation Ministry has directed airlines, particularly IndiGo, to resolve large-scale disruptions and restore services promptly. Flight schedules are expected to stabilize by midnight and fully normalize within days, with passengers able to track delays from home.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's specially modified Ilyushin Il-80, dubbed the “Flying Kremlin,” became the world's most tracked flight en route to Delhi. This secure airborne command center, designed for extreme conditions and equipped with advanced communication and defensive systems, underscores Russia's strategic leadership protection.
Prime Minister Modi hailed India-Russia ties as a «North star» in a changing world, announcing an economic cooperation program until 2030. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to energy security and combating terrorism. Discussions also covered trade, with Russia pledging continued fuel shipments to India's growing economy.
Prime Minister Modi and President Putin held crucial talks, with India asserting it's not «neutral» on the Ukraine war, advocating for peace. Modi highlighted continuous contact and trust during the crisis. Putin briefed on peace efforts, acknowledging India's profound support and personal attention from the PM. Discussions also covered space and AI advancements.
Trinamool Congress has suspended MLA Humayun Kabir for his controversial plan to lay the foundation of a mosque on December 6, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition. Despite the party's action, Kabir remains defiant, vowing to proceed with the plan and launch his own political party. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasized unity, stating that disruptive elements would be removed.
Thousands of passengers faced severe travel chaos as IndiGo cancelled around 300 flights on Thursday due to underestimating pilot needs under new duty rules. This planning lapse by the airline led to widespread airport disruptions, impacting even other carriers. IndiGo admitted to misjudging crew requirements, causing significant inconvenience.
A nationwide air travel crisis, primarily involving IndiGo, has left thousands stranded. Mumbai City FC's journey to a Super Cup semi-final was severely impacted by cancellations and delays. Passengers faced prolonged waits, exorbitant fares, and missed crucial events, highlighting widespread disruption across major Indian cities.
A TADA court quashed a warrant against Shafat Ahmed Shangloo, arrested as an accomplice in the 1989 Rubaiya Sayeed abduction. The court found Shangloo was «inadvertently» named, as he was listed in the 1991 chargesheet as «released for want of evidence,» not an «absconding accused.» Warrants against seven others were also cancelled.
Sheikh Abdullah's legacy lives on in people's hearts, regardless of his birth anniversary holiday status, stated J&K CM Omar Abdullah. He emphasized that holiday decisions rest with the Centre, not the elected government, and that such observances don't measure his contributions. The National Conference plans a grand event for the anniversary.
The Supreme Court has cautioned police and trial courts against filing chargesheets and framing charges without a strong prima facie case, citing judicial system congestion. Justices emphasized that prosecution should only proceed with a reasonable prospect of conviction, especially in civil disputes, acting as crucial filters to maintain judicial efficiency and integrity.
Government sources have refuted Rahul Gandhi's claims that opposition leaders are barred from meeting foreign dignitaries. They stated that the Ministry of External Affairs facilitates official meetings, while engagements outside this framework are at the visitor's discretion. Several foreign leaders have met Gandhi since he became Leader of the Opposition, including Prime Ministers from Bangladesh, Malaysia, Mauritius, and New Zealand.
Swaraj Kaushal, former Mizoram Governor and husband of the late Sushma Swaraj, passed away at 73 after a brief illness. He was a senior advocate with a distinguished public and legal career. His daughter, MP Bansuri Swaraj, expressed profound grief, finding solace in his reunion with her mother. Leaders mourned his contributions.
Security agencies launched an extensive search operation in Ajmer, Rajasthan, following a bomb threat email claiming RDX-based explosives were planted at the Ajmer Sharif dargah, district collectorate, and Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. The email warned of detonation coinciding with Russian President Vladimir Putin's arrival. Premises were evacuated and thoroughly checked, with no suspicious objects found so far.
India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed the nation's steady defence partnership with Russia, despite global geopolitical uncertainty. The remarks were made during the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission meeting, just before President Putin's arrival for the Annual Summit. Both ministers emphasized the strong, long-standing ties and ongoing cooperation across military and economic domains.
IndiGo faces a nationwide operational crisis with widespread flight cancellations and delays, leaving lakhs of passengers stranded and sparking anger. The DGCA has summoned the airline's management to explain the «unprecedented disruptions» and present a plan to stabilize operations during the peak travel season.
Parliament's Winter Session commenced with significant disruptions over Delhi's air quality and electoral roll revisions. Opposition demands for urgent debates led to walkouts. Key legislative proposals include raising FDI in insurance, new tobacco tax structures, and consolidating securities laws. A truce was reached for a debate on election reforms, including the Special Intensive Revision.
