Month: December 2025

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Thursday issued a weather advisory warning of dense fog conditions across Northern India, cautioning passengers about low visibility and possible flight delays at several airports.

In a weather advisory posted on X, AAI said, “Persistent fog is affecting several airports across Northern India, resulting in low visibility and possible flight delays.” The authority advised passengers to confirm their flight status with airlines before heading to the airport and to allow additional travel time.

“Passenger are advised to confirm your flight status with your airline before heading to the airport. Check the airport’s official website or social media handles for updates Plan your journey in advance and allow additional travel time,” AAI further said.

Moreover, IndiGo Airlines also issued a travel advisory earlier today, flagging possible disruptions at select destinations. “Low visibility and fog over Ranchi, Patna, and Varanasi may impact flight schedules,” the airline said in X post, adding that it is closely monitoring weather conditions.

“We are doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly,” IndiGo said, requesting passengers to regularly check their flight status through its website or app.

“Please be assured that our teams are here to assist you at every step and provide full support. We look forward to clearer skies and a swift return to our regular schedule. Thank you for your patience and understanding,” the advisory further read.

Meanwhile, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport issued a passenger advisory at 9:18 am today, stating, “All flight operations are normal at Delhi Airport. Wishing all our passengers a smooth and pleasant journey ahead!”

The airport authorities also urged travellers to stay in touch with their respective airlines for real-time updates.

These advisories come as Delhi continues to experience dense fog and poor air quality, which have reduced visibility in the early morning hours and disrupted air traffic at the airport.

The National Capital Delhi continued to experience hazardous air quality on Thursday, with the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 358 at around 10 am, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Earlier today, teams from Transport Enforcement conducted checks on vehicles in the National Capital as part of intensified measures to combat rising air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.

This comes a day after the Supreme Court allowed the Delhi government to take action against owners of vehicles operating below the BS IV emission standard in the NCR. Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will be denied fuel at petrol pumps, while trucks carrying construction materials into Delhi have been banned to curb pollution levels. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (local time), yet again reiterated his claims of resolving eight global conflicts across the world and bringing peace to West Asia by ending the war in Gaza.

He made the remarks in his address to the nation and said, “I restored American strength, settled 8 wars in 10 months, destroyed the Iran nuclear threat and ended the war in Gaza – bringing for the first time in 3000 years’ peace to the Middle East and secured the release of the hostages, both living and the dead.”

“More than 1,450,000 military service members will receive a special ‘warrior dividend’ before Christmas, in honor of our nation’s founding in 1776. We are sending every soldier $1,776.”

The US President also declared that would soon be nominating a new Federal Reserve chair, promising “someone who believes in lower interest rates by a lot.”

Trump claimed that the U.S. is “poised for an economic boom, the likes of which the world has never seen.” Trump said that his administration had brought down grocery prices significantly.

“Democrat politicians also sent the cost of groceries soaring. But we are solving that too. The price of a Thanksgiving turkey was down 33% compared to … last year. The price of eggs is down 82% since March,” he claimed.

He also addressed health care costs, and said the funding used for insurance subsidies should “go to the people” rather than to insurers.

In his speech Trump also addressed the issue of immigration, Trump singled out Minnesota, where he claimed Somali people have “taken over the economics of the state.” Minnesota has the country’s largest Somali-American community.

“In the end, government either serves the productive, patriotic, hardworking American citizen, or it serves those who break the laws, cheat the system and seek power and profit at the expense of our nation,” he said.

Trump also invited tourists to the US for two of the big ticket events set for 2026; the FIFA World Cup and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. (ANI)

The 6th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha will convene at 11 am on Thursday to discuss a range of legislative, policy, and committee matters, with a special focus on air pollution in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) under Rule 193.

MPs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, and Bansuri Swaraj will raise concerns over the deteriorating air pollution and its impact on public health in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR).

The House will begin proceedings with obituary references to the passing of former MPs Darur Pullaiah, Prof. Mahadeorao Shiwankar, Kusuma Krishna Murthy, and Shamanur Shivashankarappa. Following this, members will submit questions scheduled for discussion, and relevant ministers will provide answers.

Several ministers will laid papers on the table, including Nirmala Sitharaman and Pankaj Chaudhary from the Ministry of Finance, Jual Oram and Durgadas Uikey from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Shripad Yesso Naik from the Ministry of Power, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje from the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and others from ministries including Petroleum and Natural Gas, Tourism, Road Transport and Highways, Food Processing Industries, Housing and Urban Affairs, Jal Shakti, Steel, and Civil Aviation.

The Secretary General also report messages from the Rajya Sabha regarding the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2025 and the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025.

Members Charanjit Singh Channi and Dushyant Singh will present reports of the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Food Processing on climate-resilient farming and demands for grants for the fisheries, animal husbandry, dairying, and food processing industries.

Similarly, Shashi Tharoor and Praniti Sushilkumar Shinde will also present reports from the Committee on External Affairs, covering India-Bangladesh relations, ministry grants, and welfare of the Indian diaspora, including NRIs and migrant workers. Statements on the government’s action on previous committee recommendations will also be laid.

The Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj will present its report on the implementation and effectiveness of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, while statements by ministers on the implementation of prior recommendations will be tabled for the Ministries of Food Processing Industries and Housing and Urban Affairs.

On legislative business, the House will consider the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, which aims to provide a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment to rural households, fostering empowerment, growth, and rural development aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Amendments to the Bill will also move.

Additionally, a motion will be moved by Aparajita Sarangi and Vishnu Dayal Ram, seeking an extension of time for presentation of reports on the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to the first day of the last week of the Budget Session, 2026.

The Lok Sabha will conclude the agenda with matters under Rule 377. The House is expected to continue discussions on key bills and policy measures in subsequent sittings. (ANI)

The Supreme Court on Wednesday orally observed that the measures taken by authorities so far have been a “total failure” in effectively curbing rising levels of air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.

A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant remarked that any meaningful reduction in pollution would require broader, long-term planning rather than ad hoc responses.

With respect to various petitions highlighting the inadequacy of recent measures aimed at protecting children, such as the Delhi government’s directives to shut schools or allow them to function in a hybrid mode, the Court noted that these were merely temporary policy decisions taken by the authorities to mitigate health risks.

Thus, the bench refused to interfere with respect to the decision of the Delhi government to direct the shutting of schools or the hybrid model of schools.

“The short-term measures are only to provide temporary protection to children and elderly persons. These are purely interim policy decisions. At best, they can be viewed as an extension of vacations, as schools are anyway scheduled to remain closed for 10 to 15 days during the winter,” the Court observed.

As regards another issue raised by the counsel representing Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) regarding the congestion of traffic at nine toll-plazas in the bordering areas of Delhi NCR that add to the vehicular pollution, the Supreme Court asked the MCD to consider shutting down those toll-plazas for a three-to four-month period (from October-January) when the air-pollution levels are at their highest.

The counsel representing MCD submitted that the issue with shutting the toll plazas would be that MCD would not be able to receive its toll collection from passenger vehicles entering and exiting Delhi for the said period.

In response, the top court asked the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to consider shifting or adding toll plazas established and operated by the NHAI to such areas in the outskirts of NCR where it could take up the activity of collecting tolls on behalf of the MCD.

“These kinds of competing claims, like you need money. We have to think of what’s better for society,” the top court remarked.

The top court has directed the MCD to file its response in compliance with the aforesaid order of the Court within one week.

Additionally, considering increasing levels, the Supreme Court allowed the Delhi government to take action against owners who are using vehicles below the BS IV (Bharat Stage 4) emission standard in the NCR region.

Modifying its earlier order passed in August, this year, in which the Supreme Court had permitted authorities to only take action on vehicles that are below the BS III (Bharat Stage 3) standard of emissions levels, the Court today directed that no coercive action be taken against vehicles-owners using vehicles that meet the BS IV standards or are even newer than the once categorised in BS IV.

The aforesaid directions have come from the Supreme Court following its earlier take on the issue regarding increasing levels of air pollution in Delhi NCR, where the Court said it will monitor the issue by holding a hearing on it atleast twice every month. (ANI)

In a moment that underscored the power of belief and perseverance, Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar met the Indian Women’s Blind Cricket Team, the newly crowned T20 Blind Cricket World Cup champions, at the MIG Cricket Club in Mumbai.

The interaction marked a significant milestone for the team, whose journey to the world title has been defined by resilience, grit and an unshakable belief in their dreams. Sachin spent nearly an hour with the players, congratulating them on their historic achievement and listening to their journeys with keen attention.

Praising their determination, Sachin said the team had overcome formidable challenges to chase their dreams and cross the final hurdle by winning the World Cup.

He noted that their hard work and perseverance would be remembered and celebrated well beyond the tournament. He also acknowledged the crucial role played by the players’ families, particularly their parents, for offering encouragement and freedom rather than limitations, enabling the athletes to pursue the sport at the highest level.

The legend reminded the team that success brings with it greater responsibility. He said expectations would rise, and meeting them would demand even harder work and sharper focus.

Emphasising that the World Cup victory was not an endpoint, he described it as the beginning of a longer journey, one that now carries the weight of inspiration for countless others.

For the players, meeting the man they grew up admiring, was an overwhelming and unforgettable experience. Several players described the moment as a validation of their years of hard work and a powerful reminder that their achievements have truly been recognised at the highest level.

The captain of the Indian Women’s Blind Cricket Team, Deepika TC, shared her emotions, saying, “Meeting Sachin Sir was like a dream come true. We have always played with passion and belief, but hearing words of encouragement from him has touched our hearts deeply. This moment will stay with us for life and will motivate us to work even harder and carry Indian cricket to greater heights.”

Sachin gave autographs to all the players and took photographs with them. He was also presented with an autographed bat by the players.

Speaking after the meeting, Dr. G.K. Mahantesh, President, CABI, said, “Sachin Tendulkar meeting our World Cup-winning women’s team is a moment we will cherish forever. His encouragement means more than words can express for our players.

When a legend of his stature acknowledges their journey and extends his support, it gives immense confidence, not just to this team, but to the entire blind cricket ecosystem in India.”

The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) expressed its gratitude to Sachin Tendulkar for his time, warmth and unwavering belief in the abilities of blind cricketers, calling the meeting a landmark moment for the sport and its champions. (ANI)

Uttar Pradesh Police on Wednesday launched ‘Operation Torch’ in Varanasi as part of a drive against illegal immigrants, officials said.

Under the operation, police teams are verifying the identities of people who are not native residents of Varanasi but have been living in the city for some time. The verification process includes checking documents and background details.

Varanasi Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Nitin Taneja said the exercise aims to identify individuals residing in the city without proper verification.

“In ‘Operation Torch’, we are verifying the identities of those who are not native residents of Varanasi but have been living here for some time. We are investigating whether they have come from Bangladesh or any other place,” ACP Taneja said.

He added that the operation is being conducted as part of routine security and verification measures and that further action will be taken based on the investigation’s findings.

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated the Provincial Armed Constabulary of UP on its foundation day as he recalled the valour of PAC personnel who were stationed at the Parliament during the December 13, 2001, terror attack.

“I recall that on 13 December 2001, when terrorists attacked the country’s Parliament, the PAC personnel on duty responded bravely and killed all five terrorists,” he stated.

Moreover, he said that these UP armed police forces have successfully maintained public order and safety, even in a state with the largest population.

In 1948, the U.P. Military Police and U.P. State Armed Constabulary were amalgamated into the Provincial Armed Constabulary. PAC was created to prevent frequent deployment of the Army in grave law & order situations which the local police could not handle on its own. Even though it was meant for the State of Uttar Pradesh, the PAC has had the privilege of serving across the length and breadth of the country. (ANI)

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on Wednesday once again personally drove Narendra Modi to the airport and bid him farewell as the Indian Prime Minister emplaned for Muscat, marking the final leg of his three-nation tour that began in Jordan.

The warm send-off capped a high-profile visit during which Prime Minister Modi received an exceptional reception in Ethiopia, including what has been described as the longest standing ovation in the Ethiopian Parliament following his address. The Prime Minister’s address received more than 50 rounds of applause from lawmakers in the Ethiopian parliament.

In a detailed press statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said Prime Minister Modi began his address by extending greetings of friendship and goodwill from the people of India to Ethiopian lawmakers. He described it as a privilege to address the Parliament and, through it, speak to the people of Ethiopia, including farmers, entrepreneurs, women and youth shaping the country’s future.

The Prime Minister thanked the people and government of Ethiopia for conferring on him the country’s highest honour, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia. He expressed satisfaction that the age-old ties between India and Ethiopia had been elevated to a Strategic Partnership during the visit.

Recalling deep civilisational links, Prime Minister Modi said both countries combine ancient wisdom with modern ambition. He noted that India’s national song “Vande Mataram” and the Ethiopian national anthem both refer to the land as mother, underscoring shared values.

He also highlighted the contribution of Indian soldiers who fought alongside Ethiopians during the liberation struggle in 1941 and said it was an honour to pay tribute at the Adwa Victory Monument.

According to the MEA, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to building a stronger partnership with Ethiopia, recalling the role of Indian teachers and businesses in the country’s development. He shared India’s experiences in digital public infrastructure, food processing and innovation, and conveyed readiness to continue development support in line with Ethiopia’s priorities.

Emphasising India’s philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” , the world is one family, the Prime Minister said it was a privilege for India to supply vaccines to Ethiopia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Modi also underlined that India and Ethiopia, as nations of the Global South, must stand together to amplify the voice of developing countries. He thanked Ethiopia for its solidarity in the global fight against terrorism.

Highlighting Addis Ababa’s role as the headquarters of the African Union, the Prime Minister said India was honoured to welcome the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency. He noted that over the past 11 years, India-Africa ties have deepened significantly, with more than 100 visits exchanged at the level of Heads of State and Government. He also recalled his proposal at the Johannesburg G20 Summit to launch the Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative to train one million trainers across the continent.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive in Muscat shortly, concluding his three-nation tour. (ANI)

The Delhi Police is facing a total of 9,248 vacancies across ranks ranging from Constable to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and Additional DCP, even as the current strength of the force stands at 92,044 personnel, the government informed the Parliament on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) shared input with the Rajya Sabha, including the overall rank-wise sanctioned strength and vacancies in the Delhi Police, as of November 30, 2025.

According to the data, the sanctioned strength for DCP and Additional DCP posts is 60, of which 13 are vacant. In the Junior Administrative Grade (JAG) of Additional DCP, against a sanctioned strength of 54 officers, 15 positions remain unfilled.

At the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) level, 125 posts are vacant out of a sanctioned strength of 346. The Delhi Police has 1,453 sanctioned Inspector posts, with 108 vacancies, while among Sub-Inspectors, 1,039 posts are vacant against a sanctioned strength of 8,087.

The force has a sanctioned strength of 7,320 Assistant Sub-Inspectors, of which 300 posts are currently vacant. At the Head Constable level, 3,057 posts are vacant out of 23,724 sanctioned posts. Similarly, among Constables, 4,591 vacancies exist against a sanctioned strength of 50,946.

The information was shared by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, raised by Trinamool Congress MP Prakash Chik Baraik.

Rai’s reply further mentions that “the government noted that vacancies are a dynamic process, arising due to retirements, promotions, resignations, and other factors, and their filling is a continuous exercise.”

“Vacant posts are regularly reported to recruiting agencies, and appointments are made after completion of the recruitment process, which includes written examinations, physical tests, and medical examinations,” the MoS added in his response when asked about the rank-wise total sanctioned strength and vacancies under Delhi Police. (ANI)

Massive protests have erupted across Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) as residents express outrage over prolonged and frequent electricity outages.

Large crowds took to the streets in Rawalakot, Sudhnoti, Khaigala and surrounding areas, carrying placards and chanting slogans against the Pakistan government, local authorities and the power department.

The demonstrations reflect growing frustration over years of mismanagement, unfulfilled promises and the denial of basic civic facilities.

Locals say daily power cuts lasting 10 to 14 hours have made life unbearable, especially during the harsh winter months.

Many accused authorities of supplying electricity generated locally through hydropower projects to other regions, particularly Punjab province, while leaving residents in PoJK in darkness.

Schools, colleges, online classes and businesses have all been badly affected, compounding economic and social hardships.

Heating appliances, essential for winter survival, remain unusable, worsening residents’ suffering.

Residents also raised concerns over high electricity bills, taxes and threats of disconnection, calling the system a tool to suppress public dissent.

Traders voluntarily shut shops in solidarity, and roads were blocked during the protests, highlighting the widespread nature of public anger.

Protest leaders warned that unless an uninterrupted power supply is restored and local residents are given priority, the unrest could escalate into a larger, organised movement.

They said the government and concerned authorities would be fully responsible for any further deterioration in public order.

The ongoing agitation sends a clear message that citizens in PoJK are no longer willing to tolerate being deprived of their basic rights and necessities. (ANI)

JD Noida Ninjas, a franchise of Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), have announced popular performer, actor and singer Sapna Choudhary as the Brand Ambassador of the team for the upcoming Season 2, according to a release.

Sapna Choudhary is a widely recognised Haryanvi singer and performer from North India, with an established presence across music, television, and digital platforms. She gained national recognition following her appearance on Bigg Boss Season 11, after which her visibility and audience reach expanded significantly beyond regional markets.

Over the years, she has built a sustained and diverse fan base, positioning her as an influential public figure. Her association adds greater visibility for the team and supports efforts to strengthen fan engagement and broaden outreach.

Commenting on the announcement, Sambhav Jain, Founder and Director, SJ Uplift Kabaddi, said, “It’s encouraging to see the Noida Ninjas franchise grow and build its own identity within UPKL.

As the league evolves, teams need to establish a strong connection with their fan base, and Sapna Choudhary’s association adds that connection to the journey. Her presence reflects how franchises are broadening their engagement as they grow within the league ecosystem.”

Sapna Choudhary, Brand Ambassador, JD Noida Ninjas, added, “UPKL Season 2 will be held in Noida from December 24, and I’m excited to support the JD Noida Ninjas this season.

I’m grateful for the love and support I’ve received over the years, and I look forward to fans extending the same encouragement to the JD Noida Ninjas as the team competes in the league.”

The Noida Ninjas squad for the upcoming season features a balanced mix of experience and emerging talent.

Established performers such as Ashu Singh, Manjeet, and Rachit Yadav bring stability and match experience, while a promising group of young players, Ajay Kumar Yadav, Navneet, Alok Kumar, Krishan Mavi, Ayush Kumar, Anand Yadav, Rajdeep Kumar, Sachin Kumar, Shaurya Pratap Singh, and Abhishek Yadav, add depth and fresh energy to the lineup.

Noida Ninjas will compete in UPKL Season 2, which begins from December 24, 2025, at the Noida Indoor Stadium. (ANI)