Month: November 2025

Air India cancelled multiple flights after initiating precautionary checks on aircraft that had flown over regions affected by the Hayli Gubbi volcanic eruption in Ethiopia, as an ash cloud from the eruption continued to disrupt flight paths across several countries, including India. The cancellations came as the ash plume spread rapidly, impacting airspace over western and northern India.

The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted on Sunday for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, sending ash clouds thousands of kilometres away. Winds moving at 100-120 km/h carried the plumes over the Red Sea towards Yemen and Oman before pushing them across the Arabian Sea into Gujarat.

From there, the ash drifted towards Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. Delhi, already grappling with severe pollution, saw the ash layer late last night, affecting international operations to the Middle East, Europe and parts of Asia.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the ash was continuing its eastward movement and was likely to clear Indian skies by 7:30 pm. The agency noted, “High-level winds carried the ash cloud from Ethiopia across the Red Sea to Yemen and Oman and further over the Arabian Sea towards western and northern India.”

In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued instructions advising airlines to avoid volcanic ash-affected routes and adjust flight plans, routing and fuel requirements based on the latest updates. Airlines were also told to report any suspected ash encounters, including engine anomalies or cabin smoke or odour.

Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet were among the carriers affected. Air India, which cancelled eleven flights after the eruption, said its ground teams were assisting passengers with updates and hotel accommodation while alternative travel arrangements were being made.

The airline reiterated that it “sincerely regret[s] the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen situation beyond our control,” adding that passenger and crew safety remained its top priority.

For 24 November, Air India cancelled AI 106 (Newark-Delhi), AI 102 (New York-Delhi), AI 2204 (Dubai-Hyderabad), AI 2290 (Doha-Mumbai), AI 2212 (Dubai-Chennai), AI 2250 (Dammam-Mumbai) and AI 2284 (Doha-Delhi).

For 25 November, the cancelled flights included AI 2822 (Chennai-Mumbai), AI 2466 (Hyderabad-Delhi), AI 2444/2445 (Mumbai-Hyderabad-Mumbai) and AI 2471/2472 (Mumbai-Kolkata-Mumbai).

IndiGo assured passengers that it was closely tracking the situation, saying, “Following the recent eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia, ash clouds are reported to be drifting towards parts of western India… We are fully prepared with all necessary precautions to ensure safe and reliable operations.”

The eruption sent ash plumes rising up to 14 kilometres and blanketed nearby Ethiopian villages, marking one of the most significant geological events in the region in millennia. The Hayli Gubbi volcano, located in the tectonically active Rift Valley and rising around 500 metres, has long been monitored due to its geological activity. (ANI)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled visit to India in December has been postponed, according to a report by Israel’s I24News. As per the report, PM Netanyahu’s planned December visit to India postponed due to security concerns following the blast in Delhi two weeks ago.

After the deadly blast, the Israeli PM had emphasised the unbreakable spirit of both nations in the face of terrorism, declaring that while terror may target cities, it can never break the spirit of resilient nations

“To our dear friend Narendra Modi and to the brave people of India: Sara and I, and the people of Israel, send our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Israel stands strong with you in sorrow and in strength in this time,” his statement read.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s last official visit to India was a six-day trip from January 14 to 19, 2018. This was the second visit by an Israeli Prime Minister to India, and it came about six months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Israel in 2017.

Recently, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday concluded a successful three-day visit to Israel, where he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other key leaders.

Goyal conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm wishes to Netanyahu and updated him on his discussions with Minister Nir Barkat and the outcomes of the Business Forum and CEOs Forum.

In a post on X, Goyal highlighted the signing of the Terms of Reference to launch Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, expected to boost trade, investment, and technology cooperation. He discussed strengthening innovation ties by combining Israel’s hi-tech strengths with India’s scale and talent.

Goyal sought Netanyahu’s guidance on deepening economic and strategic engagement in sectors like agriculture, water, defence, science, technology, and innovation.

The meeting underscores the growing collaboration between India and Israel across economic, technological, and strategic domains, paving the way for expanded cooperation in the years ahead. (ANI)

India and Pakistan will be locking horns with each other in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next year in Colombo on February 15, as per the tournament schedule, which the International Cricket Council (ICC) will unveil in Mumbai on Tuesday.

The marquee contest will mark the first time the two teams square off following a trilogy of heated matches that India won during this year’s Asia Cup, which also saw plenty of on- and off-field controversy. This will be played at the R Premadasa Stadium and will be India’s third match. According to ESPNCricinfo, India and Pakistan have been grouped with the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands.

India will start their campaign against the USA in Mumbai on February 7, the opening day of the tournament, following which ‘Men in Blue’ will head to Delhi for the clash against Namibia scheduled for February 12. Their final group game would be against the Netherlands at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.

During the group stages, three matches will take place in a day.

The 2026 edition of the tournament will be held from February 7 to March 8, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan playing all their games at Colombo or Kandy. The format of the tournament is unchanged, with 20 teams divided into groups of four with five teams each.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Eight stage, where the teams will be divided into groups of four. The top two teams from each will move to the semifinals.

If India moves to the Super Eight stage, their three Super Eights clash will be in Ahmedabad, Chennai and Kolkata. If India makes it to the semifinals, their semifinal will be held in Mumbai. The other semifinal location is Colombo or Kolkata, depending on whether Pakistan or Sri Lanka qualify. The final will be played in Ahmedabad. But if Pakistan makes it to the title clash, it is likely to be moved to Colombo.

Other than India and Sri Lanka, the two hosts, the other 18 teams taking part in the tournament are: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, United States of America, West Indies, New Zealand, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Oman and UAE.

India is the defending champion, having beaten South Africa in the final of the 2024 edition at Barbados. (ANI)

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasised that President Donald Trump is committed to protecting American jobs while encouraging foreign investment in the United States.

The comments come amid growing scrutiny over H-1B visas and concerns that foreign labour could displace domestic jobs in key industries.

Speaking to reporters, Leavitt stated, “The President does not support American workers being replaced… The President wants to see the American manufacturing industry revitalised better than ever before. That’s part of what he’s doing with his effective use of tariffs and cutting good trade deals around the world.”

Addressing concerns related to H-1B visas, she said the President holds a “nuanced and common-sense” view. Leavitt explained, “As for the H-1B visa issue, the President has a very nuanced and common-sense opinion on this issue. If foreign companies are investing trillions of dollars in the United States of America and bringing in foreign workers to create niche products like batteries, he wants to see that at the beginning, to get those manufacturing facilities and factories up and running. But ultimately, the President always wants to see American workers in those jobs.”

Leavitt added that Trump has been direct with foreign companies investing in the US, stating, “He’s told these foreign companies that are investing here, you better be hiring my people if you’re going to be doing business in the United States.”

Recently, Trump has defended the H-1B visa programme, stating he “loves his conservative friends and MAGA” but believes the United States needs skilled foreign workers.

Speaking at the US Saudi Investment Forum on November 20, he pushed back against criticism from within his own political base.

Trump argued that companies investing heavily in advanced facilities cannot “open a massive computer chip factory for billions and billions of dollars” and then “hire people off an unemployment line to run it,” stressing that foreign experts are often required to train American workers before leaving.

Despite opposition from some MAGA supporters, Trump maintained that high-skilled immigration is essential.

Addressing frustration from parts of his base, he said, “They just don’t understand,” as he acknowledged tensions over expectations of a stricter “America First” approach.

Reinforcing his argument, Trump said, “You can’t come in, open a massive computer chip factory for billions and billions of dollars like is being done in Arizona, and think you’re gonna hire people off an unemployment line to run it. They’re gonna have to bring thousands of people with them, and I’m gonna welcome those people. This is MAGA.”

He repeated, “They just don’t understand.”

Trump added that specialised knowledge must be shared before American workers can fully assume certain roles. “People have to be taught this is something they’ve never done. But we’re not going to be successful if we don’t allow people who invest billions of dollars in plants and equipment to bring a lot of their people from their country to get that plant open, operating, and working. I’m sorry.”

He further argued that the H-1B system remains necessary for industries relying on expertise that cannot be immediately sourced domestically. Defending his position, he said, “No, you don’t. You don’t have certain talents… You can’t take people off the unemployment line and expect them to operate advanced factories or make missiles.”

His comments come as some Republican leaders step up pressure on him to dismantle the programme, even as Trump continues to support the need for high-skilled foreign workers. (ANI)

A thick layer of toxic smog engulfed the national capital on Tuesday morning as the average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 363 at 7 am, falling under the ‘very poor’ category despite the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-III in effect across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

A layer of thick smog engulfed several areas, showing little improvement from Monday morning’s AQI of 396.

According to the CPCB, the Wazirpur area recorded an AQI of 400. The AQI in Anand Vihar was 401, which falls under the ‘Severe’ pollution category.

Bawana recorded the AQI level of 388 at 7 am, falling under the ‘very poor’ category. In contrast, NSIT Dwarka recorded an AQI of 314, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Visuals from AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital showed reduced visibility due to smog. The AQI (Air Quality Index) in the area is 323, categorised as ‘Very Poor’.

Chandani Chowk recorded an AQI of 354, RK Puram 390, ITO 384, Punjabi Bagh 391, Patparganj 378, Pusa 359, and Dwaraka Sector-8 379.

According to AQI categorisation, 0-50 is ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’, and 401-500 ‘severe’.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, a group of people protested at India Gate against the rising air pollution in Delhi-NCR, but the police later removed them. Earlier, on November 9, people had also staged a protest at the same spot, demanding that the government implement policies to curb air pollution in the National Capital Region.

Further, 22 people were arrested for allegedly blocking a road, obstructing police and using pepper spray at Delhi Police personnel during a protest at the India Gate on Sunday.

On Monday, Delhi Police said it had registered FIRs at two police stations. for staging a protest at the C hexagon on India Gate, and allegedly using chilli spray/pepper spray on police personnel.

The protestors who held their agitation at the C hexagon on India Gate allegedly used chilli spray/ pepper spray on police personnel, obstructing official work and blocking the road, police said. (ANI)

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 25 (ANI): Actor Amitabh Bachchan has penned a heartfelt note, bidding an emotional farewell to his ‘Veeru’ – the legendary Dharmendra.

Dharmendra, widely regarded as one of the most iconic actors of Indian cinema, passed away on November 24 at the age of 89. He had been unwell for some time. Earlier this month, Dharmendra was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital following a deterioration in his health. Two days later, Dharmendra was discharged from the hospital as the family opted for home treatment.

Taking to his social media handle, Amitabh offered a tribute to the late actor and his cinematic legacy.

“Another valiant Giant has left us.. left the arena.. leaving behind a silence with an unbearable sound.. Dharam ji…. the epitome of greatness, ever linked not only for his renowned physical presence, but for the largeness of his heart, and its most endearing simplicity.. .. he brought with him the earthiness of the village in Punjab he came from, and remained true to its temperament.. un soiled throughout his glorious career, in a fraternity that witnessed changes every decade.. … the fraternity underwent changes .. not him,” he wrote.

Big B, while remembering Dharmendra’s “smile, charm and warmth,” shared how his passing has left an empty void.

Earlier on Monday, Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan visited the Pawan Hans crematorium to pay their final respects to Dharmendra. They were accompanied by Agastya Nanda, who appeared grief-stricken as they arrived to show support for the Deol family.

Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra have famously worked together in Ramesh Sippy’s cult classic ‘Sholay’ as ‘Jai’ and ‘Veeru,’ respectively. Over the years, the actors shared a warm bond, often reflecting on their friendship.

Celebrities like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Anil Kapoor, Zayed Khan, Govinda, Deepika Padukone, and Ranveer Singh also paid homage to the ‘He-Man’ of Bollywood at the funeral.

Condolences have been pouring in from across the country and the film fraternity, honouring Dharmendra’s iconic film career. (ANI)

Delhi’s Patiala House Court has remanded five accused for two day judicial custody in connection with an anti-pollution protest that turned violent. One accused has been sent to a safe house until his age is verified, as he claimed to be a minor. His bail application has also been filed.

A total of 23 people were arrested for allegedly blocking a road, obstructing police and using pepper spray at Delhi Police personnel during a protest at the India Gate on Sunday.

Police on Monday said that they have registered FIRs in two police stations for staging a protest at the C Hexagon on India Gate, and allegedly using chilli spray/pepper spray on police personnel. At Kartavya Path Police Station, six male protesters were arrested under BNS sections 74, 79, 115(2), 132, 221, 223, and 61(2). The second FIR was registered at the Sansad Marg Police Station, in which other protesters have been arrested.They have been booked under BNS sections 223A, 132, 221, 121A, 126(2), and 3(5).

All six accused arrested from Kartavya Path (India Gate) were produced before the Patiala House Court on Monday. Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Arindam Singh Cheema viewed the video of the protest and asked the police to file a copy of it.

While seeking the two-day remand of the six accused, the Delhi police submitted that the accused protested at India Gate and violated the order issued by the public servant. They also used criminal force to obstruct the public servant.

It was also submitted that they also raised slogans in favour of notorious Maoist Madvi Hidma, who was recently killed in an ambush with security forces in Andhra Pradesh. They also used pepper spray and raised slogans of Lal Salam, police said.

They are required to be interrogated to unearth the conspiracy and to inquire about their links with the Maoist organisation, if any, Delhi police said.

After hearing the application, the court has reserved the order.

Counsel for the two accused submitted that they suffered injuries due to custodial torture. The counsel said they were carrying out a peaceful protest and were not engaged in any anti-national or Naxalite activities.

Counsel for another accused claimed that he is a practising lawyer and was “beaten by the police.”

During the hearing, the court also physically examined the injury marks allegedly inflicted by the police.

Counsel for the accused also submitted that the CCTV footage should be preserved. “Our allegation is that there is custodial torture. It should be preserved, ” the counsel submitted.

“There are photos showing an injury. The police did a lathi charge. One accused, Akshay, was pinned down,” the counsel claimed.

“What they need to unearth in custodial interrogation. They are students and have been in custody. They fully cooperated with the investigation. The police officials who allegedly assaulted the accused persons should be booked in a case of custodial torture. A complaint was also given to the police,” the counsel of another accused, Sameer, submitted. (ANI)

An ash cloud from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano is expected to enter parts of western India this evening and move across several northern states, according to IndiaMetSky Weather.

“Ash cloud is about to enter Gujarat (West side) and move towards Rajasthan, northwest Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab by 10 pm, and later it will impact the Himalayas and other regions,” the meteorological service said.

The ash plume, which was sent up into the atmosphere during the volcano’s eruption, is moving at a speed of 100-120 km/h toward North India. It is travelling at altitudes between 15,000-25,000 feet up to 45,000 feet and contains volcanic ash, sulphur dioxide, and small particles of glass and rock.

IndiaMetSky Weather warned that the ash could make the sky appear darker and hazier than usual and may disrupt air traffic, causing delays and longer travel times.

“Ash cloud moving towards North India. A large ash plume can be seen stretching from #HayliGubbi Volcano region upto #Gujarat. The eruption has stopped ever since the eruption, but this Ash plume has been sent up into the atmosphere, which is moving at a speed of 100-120km/h toward North India,” the statement said. phenomenon.

“This is between 15-25,000 upto 45,000 feet up in the sky and contains mostly Volcanic Ash, Sulphur dioxide and some small particles of glass/rock which will make the sky appear darker and impact Air traffic and air route which will bring delays and longer travel. •The Ash cloud is about to enter #Gujarat (West side) and move towards #Rajasthan NW #Maharashtra, #Delhi, #Haryana and #Punjab by 10 pm and later it will impact the Himalayas and other regions. •It will make the sky appear darker and hazier than usual and people may send us pics of the sky if possible,” it added.

According to the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), the explosive eruption began around 8:30 am UTC on Sunday and marks the first activity from the nearly 10,000-year-dormant volcano. Authorities and airlines continue to track the ash cloud closely to ensure safe air travel.

The Toulouse VAAC said the eruption has now stopped, but a “large ash plume is moving toward northern India,” prompting meteorological agencies to closely monitor its trajectory. The volcano, situated in Ethiopia’s Erta Ale Range, last erupted around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago.

Sunday’s sudden activity sent towering ash clouds sweeping across the Red Sea toward Oman and Yemen before shifting eastwards, Al Arabiya reported.

Following the eruption, volcanic ash activity has been reported over parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Airlines issued cautionary notices for passengers flying through the Middle East, though no advisories have been connected to the ash drift toward India. (ANI)

Legendary star Dharmendra passed away on Monday at the age of 89, marking the end of an era in Indian cinema.

The final rites of the actor were held at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle. Acharya Bhupendra Shastri, who performed the last rites of veteran actor Dharmendra, said, “All the rituals have been performed. We pray for the salvation of the soul of the great actor. All the members of the family were present there. No one can fill his space. He was a gem for the country. Vo hamare liye, samaj ke liye ek darohar ki tarah the. He served as a legacy for society. He has millions of fans across the world…”

Actors Shah Rukh Khan, Govinda, Ranveer Singh, and Deepika Padukone were spotted arriving at the cremation ground to pay condolences to the Deol family.

Amitabh Bachchan, Saira Banu, Abhishek Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Salim Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Zayed Khan, Rajkumar Santoshi, Anil Sharma, Siddharth Roy Kapur and several others also paid their last respects.

Mehul, the Ambulance driver who took the mortal remains of veteran actor Dharmendra to Vile Parle Crematorium, added, “I reached his residence. Took everything from there and reached the crematorium. I did not see his body. I got to know about his death around 11:30 AM. We reached here from his residence in about 10 minutes…”

The ‘He Man’ of Indian Cinema had been unwell for some time. On November 10, Dharmendra was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital following a deterioration in his health.

Two days later, Dharmendra was discharged from the hospital as the family opted for home treatment. Sadly, on November 24, he breathed his last at the age of 89.

Dharmendra is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur; his second wife, actress Hema Malini; and six children, including sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta and Ajeita from his first marriage, as well as daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol from his second marriage.

Dharmendra, widely regarded as one of the most iconic actors of his time, made his mark in Hindi cinema with memorable performances in films like ‘Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke’, ‘Sholay,’ ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Ayee Milan Ki Bela’, ‘Anupama’, among others. He was known not only for his versatility on screen but also for his contributions to the film industry and for inspiring millions of fans worldwide.

The actor’s demise has been mourned across the country, with fans and colleagues paying heartfelt tributes that reflect the profound impact he had on Indian cinema and popular culture. (ANI)

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday condoled the demise of veteran actor and former Member of Parliament Dharmendra, calling it a “great loss to Indian cinema.”

In her message on X, President Murmu said, “The demise of veteran actor and former Member of Parliament Shri Dharmendra Ji is a great loss to Indian cinema. One of the most popular actors, he delivered numerous memorable performances during his decades-long illustrious career. As a towering figure of Indian cinema, he leaves behind a legacy which will continue to inspire young generations of artists. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers.”

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief and offered condolences to the late actor’s family. Taking to his X handle, PM Modi described Dharmendra’s passing as the “end of an era.”

PM Modi wrote, “The passing of Dharmendra Ji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played. The way he played diverse roles struck a chord with countless people. Dharmendra Ji was equally admired for his simplicity, humility and warmth. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, friends and innumerable fans. Om Shanti.”

Dharmendra, popularly known as the ‘He-Man’ of Indian cinema, passed away at his Mumbai residence on Monday at the age of 89. He had been unwell for some time and was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on November 10 following a deterioration in his health. Several film personalities, including Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Govinda, visited the hospital to extend support to the Deol family. He was discharged on November 12 as the family opted for home care.

Dharmendra is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur; his second wife, Hema Malini; and his six children, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta, Ajeita, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.

A towering figure in Indian cinema, Dharmendra delivered iconic performances in films such as Sholay, Dharamveer, Chupke Chupke, Loafer, Jugnu, and Seeta Aur Geeta. He was last seen in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024), playing Shahid Kapoor’s grandfather. He also won praise for his role in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), where he effortlessly revived the romantic charm he was beloved for. (ANI)