Month: January 2026

The Union of India on Thursday informed the Delhi High Court that decisive action has been initiated on the basis of the inquiry commission’s report into the IndiGo crisis marked by large-scale flight cancellations and passenger disruption.

The submission was made during the hearing of a plea seeking an independent judicial probe into the incident before a Division Bench headed by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya of the Delhi High Court.

Placing the steps taken on record, the Union told the Court that a Senior Vice President of IndiGo has been directed to be dismissed from service. It further informed the Bench that a monetary penalty of ₹22 crore has been imposed on the airline and a bank guarantee of ₹50 crore has been secured to ensure compliance with the corrective measures recommended in the inquiry report.

The Court was also apprised that warnings have been issued to several senior officials of the airline, including the Chief Operating Officer, the Director, the Deputy Head of Flight Operations, and a Resource Analyst, for lapses identified during the inquiry.

Regarding passenger relief, counsel appearing for IndiGo submitted that refunds for cancelled tickets have already been processed. He added that a structured mechanism for compensating stranded passengers is currently being finalised. During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel pointed out that the airline had issued vouchers to stranded passengers with a validity period, raising concerns about restrictions placed on their use.

The Court queried counsel for the airline on the time limit prescribed for utilisation of such vouchers. In response, the counsel stated that the validity period was 12 months. The Bench observed that a 12-month period appeared reasonable but sought clarity on the airline’s position in the event a passenger is unable to utilise the voucher within that timeframe. Counsel for IndiGo submitted that instructions would be sought on this aspect.

Taking note of the submissions, the Court directed IndiGo to place on record, within two weeks, complete details of refunds, compensation, and passenger assistance by way of an affidavit. The matter has now been listed for further hearing on February 25.

Earlier, the Delhi High Court had directed IndiGo and the Union government to ensure that compensation to stranded passengers is initiated without delay and that all norms prescribed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation are strictly complied with. The Court had emphasised that passenger welfare remains its primary concern and that measures must be taken to prevent a recurrence of such large-scale disruptions.

The Bench had also expressed concern over the sudden surge in airfares during the crisis and sought clarity on the regulatory oversight exercised at the time. The Additional Solicitor General informed the Court that fare caps were introduced as a regulatory measure and that the Ministry of Civil Aviation had intervened once the situation escalated.

Flagging safety-related issues, the Court had raised concerns about pilots exceeding night-landing limits and questioned what steps regulators could take when airlines face staffing shortages. It also noted that the DGCA had issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo, reiterating that compensation obligations under the relevant clauses of the DGCA circular must be strictly adhered to.

The Court directed the Ministry and the DGCA to ensure the effective enforcement of all statutory obligations, including provisions relating to compensation and damages, and clarified that the Centre has the power to review DGCA decisions and take corrective action where necessary.

Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi, appearing for IndiGo, submitted that such a situation had arisen for the first time in the airline’s 19-year history and urged the Court not to record any adverse findings at this stage. The Bench noted the submission but reiterated that the immediate priority was the timely redressal of the inconvenience suffered by passengers.

IndiGo has maintained that multiple unforeseen factors contributed to the crisis, and the Court observed that these factors would be examined in the ongoing inquiry. (ANI)

Actor Rani Mukerji on Thursday joined her friend and filmmaker Karan Johar for an interactive session, reflecting on her 30-year journey in cinema.

The conversation turned deeply emotional as she reflected on her early days in the industry, when her husky voice was met with scepticism by makers, and how Karan stood by her side.

Looking back at the film ‘Ghulam’, she revealed that her voice was dubbed in that film, and Aamir Khan had to play the bad cop, as he was the one who had to tell her that her own voice wouldn’t make it to the movie

“As a newcomer, you don’t have much of a choice…It was a big thing for me to do a film opposite Aamir because he was one of the superstars there. So I learned later from Vikram, who’s my director, that actually it was a decision taken by probably Vikram, Mukesh ji and Aamir, but they made Aamir become the bad cop,” she recalled.

Rani shared that Aamir sought to explain the situation through logic and examples.

“Aamir kind of explained to me that for films, we have to sacrifice certain things for the best of the film. Probably your voice is not apt for the character,” she shared.

Rani revealed that Aamir asked her who her favourite actress was, and when she named Sridevi. He said that even her voice had been dubbed in several films.

“He gave me an example how Sridevi’s voice was dubbed in a lot of her films. But it didn’t stop her from being the star that she became. So with that logic, he said, you must surrender to whatever is best for the film,” she said.

Rani admitted it was quite upsetting for her.

“It was a little upsetting for me. But obviously I couldn’t show the fact that I was upset because you need to be a team player whenever you’re part of a film…Even if there are personal disappointments, it doesn’t matter as long as the intent is true for the film,” she added.

While discussing this, Rani became emotional, recalling how Karan trusted her and went ahead with using her voice in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

“I remember that day we were shooting for the teaser. Karan came up to me and said, ‘Rani, are the people dubbing your voice in Ghulam?’ And I said yes…He said, ‘Did you dub your first film?’ I said of course I dubbed my first film. So he said, ‘I love your voice and you will dub for my film.’And thanks to you, Karan, I was able to retain my voice,” Rani said.

Speaking of Rani’s upcoming projects, she is all set to release Mardaani 3.

Written by Aayush Gupta and directed by Abhiraj Minwala, ‘Mardaani 3’ is produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films. The film is set to hit theatres on January 30, 2026. (ANI)

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday expressed heartfelt condolences over the death of 10 Army personnel, who lost their lives in an accident in Doda.

In a post on X, LG Sinha stated that the entire nation stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. He further noted that 10 other soldiers who were injured in the incident have been airlifted to the hospital for treatment.

He further stated that the nation will always remember the outstanding service and supreme sacrifice of these brave soldiers.

“Deeply saddened at the loss of lives of 10 of our brave Indian Army soldiers in an unfortunate road accident in Doda. We will always remember the outstanding service and supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers. My deepest condolences to the grieving families,” a post by the official X handle of the LG Office said.

“In this moment of profound sorrow, the entire nation stands united with the bereaved families in solidarity and support. 10 Injured soldiers have been airlifted to the hospital. Directed the Senior officials to ensure best possible treatment. Praying for their speedy recovery,” the post added.

Earlier, an Army vehicle in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district met with an accident, resulting in the deaths of ten personnel. An equal number of personnel sustained injuries during the mishap.

The incident occurred in the Khanni Top area of Bhaderwah, prompting immediate rescue and relief operations, said official sources.

According to the White Knight Corps, the Army vehicle carrying troops for an operation slipped off the road while navigating treacherous terrain in bad weather.

“In an unfortunate incident, an Army vehicle carrying troops for an operation, slipped off the road while navigating treacherous terrain in bad weather, in general area of Doda. There are multiple casualties, including fatal. The injured have been evacuated for further treatment,” said White Knight Corps.

Soon after the accident, the Army and local administration teams rushed to the spot and launched rescue efforts despite the difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions. The injured personnel were provided first aid at the site and were later airlifted to Udhampur for specialised medical treatment. (ANI)

Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Tamil Nadu election in-charge Piyush Goyal on Thursday arrived at the residence of AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami at Greenways Road in Chennai, amid expectations of crucial seat-sharing discussions between the two National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies ahead of the state Assembly elections.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami felicitated Union Minister and BJP Tamil Nadu election in-charge Piyush Goyal at his residence in Chennai.

The meeting, described as a breakfast interaction, is expected to focus on finalising seat-sharing arrangements between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan also reached the residence of AIADMK General Secretary to attend the meeting.

Speaking to ANI outside Palaniswami’s residence, Srinivasan said, “He is an NDA leader and NDA chief ministerial candidate. Our leader, Piyush Goyal, is meeting him today, and he will also address the press this afternoon.”

She further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address a major public rally tomorrow in the state.

“The Prime Minister will address a big rally, which will be a turning point for the Tamil Nadu elections,” Srinivasan added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a public meeting in Maduranthakam, Tamil Nadu’s Chengalpattu district, on Friday (January 23), as the BJP intensifies its efforts ahead of the state assembly elections.

The public meeting will mark the clarion call for the National Democratic Alliance for the Assembly polls. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver a special address, and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, GK Vasan, John Pandian, and other leaders of alliance parties will also attend the event.

Meanwhile, AIADMK General Secretary Palaniswami on Wednesday welcomed the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) and TTV Dhinakaran joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), describing the move as a step towards defeating the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and restoring what he called the “golden era” of governance in Tamil Nadu.

In a post on X, Palaniswami, “To uproot the tyrannical rule of the DMK with its evil forces and bring an end to dynasty politics, and to reestablish in Tamil Nadu the golden era of governance of the esteemed revolutionary leader Amma, I warmly welcome with affection Mr. @TTVDhinakaran, the General Secretary of Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, who has joined the National Democratic Alliance today, and convey to him my heartfelt best wishes. With people’s welfare as our sole goal, let us all unite as one to free #the_people_from_peril, #redeem_Tamil_Nadu from the clutches of the DMK family rule!” Palaniswami said.

The development comes nearly four months after Dhinakaran had quit the NDA. Speaking at a press conference in Chennai, the AMMK leader said his party was happy to rejoin the alliance, asserting that its primary aim is to bring back the government of “Amma”, former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

“For AMMK and Tamil Nadu’s welfare, we have forgotten about all betrayal,” Dhinakaran said, adding that past differences had been set aside in the larger interest of the state.

Earlier on Wednesday, Dhinakaran met Union Minister Piyush Goyal. Goyal welcomed the AMMK back into the NDA, stating that the alliance would work collectively to defeat the DMK government in the upcoming Assembly elections.

He said NDA partners, including the AIADMK and PMK, are committed to removing what he described as a corrupt and incompetent DMK government and promised good governance, social justice and better opportunities for the youth.

With Tamil Nadu heading into Assembly elections this year, the AMMK’s return to the NDA is seen as a significant political realignment in the state’s opposition landscape. (ANI)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded to US President Donald Trump’s invitation to join the “Peace Council”, a new international body aimed at addressing global conflicts, including the Israeli-Palestinian issue, reported RT.

Putin expressed Russia’s willingness to contribute $1 billion to the council, using frozen Russian assets in the US. He made the remarks during a speech to the Russian Security Council on Wednesday.

As per RT, Russia could provide USD 1 billion, “right now, even before we decide whether we’ll take part… in the work of the Board of Peace,” the Russian president said, citing Moscow’s “special relations with the people of Palestine.”

He stated that the money could be taken “from the Russian assets frozen by the previous [US] administration,” and noted how Moscow “has always supported and continues to support any efforts aimed at strengthening international stability.”

The proposed council focuses on Middle East peace, particularly Gaza reconstruction and Palestinian humanitarian needs.

RT further reported that while Putin thanked Trump for the invitation but said that more time would be needed to study the offer and consult Russia’s strategic partners.

This comes after US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited to join the proposed Gaza Board of Peace, describing him as one of several world leaders considered for the initiative.

The formation of the Gaza Board of Peace, as part of Phase 2 of the 20-Point Peace Plan to end the conflict in the Middle East, aims to promote stability and oversee post-conflict reconstruction in the Gaza Strip.

Responding to questions from reporters during a media gaggle, Trump said that Putin was among those invited to participate in the board, which he claimed would work toward peace and stability in Gaza.

The Board of Peace was proposed by Trump last September as part of his plan to end the war in Gaza, although the initiative now seems to be aimed at mediating global conflict more broadly.

The high-profile international effort invites world leaders of 60 countries to join a new body aimed at promoting stability and overseeing post-conflict reconstruction, especially in the Gaza Strip.

According to a White House statement, the proposed Executive Board members will oversee portfolios critical to Gaza’s stabilisation and long-term success. These include governance capacity-building, regional relations, reconstruction, investment attraction, large-scale funding, and capital mobilisation.

However, countries that commit USD 1 billion would secure permanent seats on the board, while those that do not pay could still join for a three-year term. (ANI)

The European Union is looking forward to a major comprehensive deal with India, which is likely to be inked during the visit of the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council to India.

Speaking in the European Parliament, Kaja Kallas EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said, “Europe is ready to deliver on a powerful new agenda with India. Today, the EU agreed to move forward with the signature of a new Security and Defence Partnership. It will expand our cooperation in areas such as maritime security, counterterrorism, and cyber defence. I look forward to signing it next week during the EU-India Summit in New Delhi.”

The European Union and India will hold the 16th summit in New Delhi, where a new EU-India comprehensive strategic agenda is expected to be adopted.

Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the European Union is close to finalising a Free Trade Agreement with India and noted that some describe it as “the mother of all deals”.

Addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, she stressed Europe’s intent to expand trade and international cooperation.

She also referred to the scale of the proposed trade deal with India.

“There is still work to do. But we are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement. Some call it the mother of all deals. One that would create a market of 2 billion people, accounting for almost a quarter of global GDP,” von der Leyen said.

The President of the European Commission said she will travel to India next weekend. She said the visit is aimed at taking forward work on the proposed trade agreement and added that there is important work to be done to strengthen economic relations and deepen cooperation between Europe and India.

Placing the proposed India agreement in Europe’s larger global trade approach, von der Leyen said Europe remains open to doing business with partners worldwide.

European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will pay a three-day State Visit to India from January 25 to 27 and will be Chief Guests at the 77th Republic Day celebrations.

During the visit, the leaders will also co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit to be held on January 27. They will meet President Droupadi Murmu and hold restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

An India-EU Business Forum is also expected to be organised on the sidelines of the India-EU Summit. India and the European Union have been strategic partners since 2004. The 15th India-EU Summit was held virtually on July 15, 2020.

The participation of EU leaders as Chief Guests at the 77th Republic Day and the 16th India-EU Summit will further deepen the India-EU Strategic Partnership and advance collaboration in priority areas of mutual interest.

President Costa and President von der Leyen are visiting India on invitation of PM Modi. The visit of two leaders comes amid negotiations between India and the European Union for a Free Trade Agreement, which is at an advanced stage and is expected to be completed at the time of the visit. (ANI)

Based on a complaint from a South Korean national who alleged sexual harassment by an airport staffer on the pretext of routine frisking at the Kempegowda International Airport in Karnataka’s Bengaluru, the KIAL Airport police has arrested and registered a case against the accused.

The airport staffer has been arrested for allegedly sexually harassing the foreign national who had arrived at the airport to travel to South Korea on January 19, KIAL Airport police station officials said on Wednesday.

“An incident of sexual harassment of a South Korean woman under the pretext of inspection has been reported at the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. An airport staffer has been arrested for sexually harassing a foreign woman who had come to the airport to travel to Korea. During the ticket inspection, the staffer said that a beeping sound was coming from the woman’s bag and asked her to be checked separately. He took the woman to the men’s toilet. There, he touched her inappropriately under the pretext of inspection,” the police said

“The woman complained to the airport security staff, who immediately detained the accused and handed him over to the airport police. The CCTV footage confirmed the same. The Kempegowda Airport Police have registered a case against the accused, and he has been arrested. Investigation is underway. A case has been registered against the accused under Section 75 of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita),” police further said.

KIAL Airport police station officials said that the accused is alleged to have touched the woman’s private parts and forcibly hugged her under the pretext of inspection. The woman expressed her strong opposition but the accused continued his search and left her after saying ‘Okay, thank you’ and walked away. Later, the foreign national complained to the airport security staff, who immediately detained the accused and handed him over to the airport police.

Based on her complaint, the Kempegowda Airport Police arrested the accused and registered a case against him. The police are continuing their investigation into the case. (ANI)

Bollywood divas Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Bipasha Basu famously featured in the song ‘Teri Dulhan Sajaungi’ from the 2005 film ‘Barsaat’.

Two decades after the film’s release, the song has once again caught the internet’s attention, turning into a viral trend across social media platforms. As fans widely recreated dance videos on the song, Priyanka Chopra couldn’t help but share her wholesome reaction to its popularity.

Resharing a series of fun videos of fans dancing to the song, Priyanka tagged co-stars Bipasha Basu and Bobby Deol and wrote, “Barsaat is the new trend?”

In another story, she gave a special mention to Bipasha and added, “lol..babies.” The ‘Alone’ star, in a quick response, said, “and now Hot mammas.”

The 2005 film ‘Barsaat’ featured Bobby Deol in the lead opposite Bipasha Basu and Priyanka Chopra. Directed by Suneel Darshan, the film’s story revolves around an ambitious young man who dreams to design cars. However, his life takes a different turn when he falls in love with Anna, even after being married to Kajal for three years.

PeeCee, who is known for being quite active on social media, recently also hopped onto the internet’s nostalgic wave, reflecting straight back to 2016.

Joining the 2016 trend, PeeCee took to her Instagram account to share a series of throwback pictures from what many call one of the biggest years of her life.

On the work front, Priyanka Chopra will be seen next in the pirate film The Bluff. She plays a strong character named Bloody Mary in the movie, which will stream on Prime Video from February 25.

Bipasha Basu has been away from films for some time now. After her daughter’s birth, she has since focused on her new role as a mother, dedicating her time to raising Devi. (ANI)

Actor-filmmaker duo Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj reflected on their longtime association that has spanned over a decade with some of Hindi cinema’s most-acclaimed films.

Speaking at the trailer launch event of ‘O’Romeo’, actor Shahid Kapoor described his experience with Vishal Bhardwaj as an “adventurous journey.”

“It has always been a crazy and adventurous journey whenever I have collaborated with Vishal sir. I feel that what he couldn’t do with dad (Pankaj Kapur) is now doing with me. When I got to work with Vishal sir for the first time, I was very intimidated. I remember asking him about why he chose me for the role in ‘Kaminey’, and he said, ‘I feel like I see something in you that you can do’. After that, he gave me ‘Haider’, which is a role I believe was very intimidating. We did ‘Rangoon’ and now ‘O’Romeo’. I feel fortunate to be a part of his filmography, and I am happy that he called me after 7-8 years of not working together,” Shahid Kapoor said at the trailer launch.

The actor playfully quipped how he received a call for the film from producer Sajid Nadiadwala and the filmmaker himself.

“We met in the same manner and discussed the script while sitting on the floor for about two-and-a-half hours. The journey started from there,” the actor added.

Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj also opened up about his bond with Shahid Kapoor.

“In the past 10 years, I have changed, and Shahid has also changed. But we have understood each other to such an extent that we can recognise each other’s likes and dislikes. I would describe it as a weird collaboration which I did not have with anyone else. Shahid has matured a lot, not just as an actor but also as a technician. He might also direct a film someday,” the filmmaker said.

He went on to tease the actor by adding, “When it comes to understanding, he is a very difficult man,” leaving Shahid in splits.

‘O Romeo’ marks a fourth collaboration between Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapoor, who have previously worked together in films like ‘Kaminey’, ‘Haider’, and ‘Rangoon’.

Presented by the visionary Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, the film is set to hit theatres around Valentine’s Week on February 13, 2026. (ANI)