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United States' top diplomat Allison Hooker to visit Delhi, Bengaluru from December 7-11
United States Under Secretary Allison Hooker will visit New Delhi and Bengaluru from December 7 to 11. The visit aims to strengthen the US-India strategic partnership. Discussions will focus on economic ties, emerging technologies like AI and space exploration. Hooker will meet senior Indian officials and leaders from India's space, energy, and technology sectors.
Karnataka shocker: Congress worker killed in Chikkamagaluru group clash; probe underway
Multilingualism is Indias strength: Writers debate single-language idea
BENGALURU: In a compelling panel discussion titled Should a country speak a single language?, Indian literary critic GN Devy and writertranslator Deepa Bhasthi, in conversation with moderator Samanth Subramanian, argued that multilingualism is not just Indias reality but one of its greatest strengths. Drawing on personal experiences, the speakers highlighted the richness of Indias linguistic landscape. One panellist described growing up speaking Kannada, Kodava and Tulu, and later learning Hindi and English through the three-language policy. Knowing multiple languages enriches your inner life, they said, adding that speaking Kannada evokes a different persona than speaking English. Devy spoke about his upbringing with unlicensed versions of Gujarati, Marathi and Hindi, and later learning English, only to encounter dialectal variations in Yorkshire. His work with Adivasi communities exposed him to 12 tribal languagesmany neglected by official policywhich deepened his commitment to preserving non-standard languages. The discussion underscored that Indias multilingual foundationformally recognised with 14 languages by the Constituent Assemblyhas enabled unity despite vast diversity. The first census after linguistic reorganisation recorded 1,652 mother tongues, reflecting the publics strong attachment to their languages. Devy cautioned against monolingual imposition, comparing Indias multilingualism to Gandhis walking stick: inclusive and civil, rather than a tool of domination. Bhasthi emphasised that translation carries more than wordsembedding culture, memory and worldview. She cited a Kannada proverb translated as the distant mountain is smooth, illustrating how cultural meaning is preserved without literalism.
Judiciary delay must not push men to suicide: Save Indian Family Foundation
BENGALURU: Around 100 people gathered at Freedom Park on Saturday to remember Atul Subash, a software engineer and artificial intelligence professional who died by suicide on December 9, 2024, at his apartment in Marathahalli. Atul had reportedly left a 24-page death note and an 81-minute video in which he mentioned his troubled married life and ongoing divorce proceedings. The event was organised by the Save Indian Family Foundation (SIFF). People from across the country came for the event. Many men who are part of SIFF as volunteers and members joined us at Freedom Park. This was a shradhanjali for Atul, and our message is that no man should die by suicide due to atrocities within the judicial system. We are here to spread awareness, said Sriman Narsingh, coordinator and first-level counsellor, SIFF. He said the organisation provides psychological support, community-building assistance and basic legal help for men facing false matrimonial cases, including fathers who are alienated from their children. Wives do not allow them to meet their children. Distressed fathers and men facing dowry harassment, domestic violence and other false cases such as maintenance approach us. When criminal proceedings begin, men are forced to run around as cases can be filed anywhere in India. This pressure led Atul to take his life, he said. SIFF urged distressed husbands and fathers seeking support to call its all-India helpline at 9278978978 or email newageindian@gmail.com. Counsellor numbers are available on www.saveindianfamily.org. Around 200 T-shirts bearing Atuls photo and the helpline number were distributed to attendees. SIFF co-founders Pandurang Katti and Anil Murty, both friends of Atul, were also present.
Saleem issues directives to curb corruption in police in Karnataka
BENGALURU: DG&IGP Dr MA Saleem has issued a memo to all unit heads across Karnataka, directing them to take effective steps to curb corrupt practices among police personnel and restore the integrity of the force. The memo was sent after Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara visited his office on Friday and warned that police personnel involved in corruption would be dismissed. Saleem said it was deeply concerning that the names of some police personnel have recently surfaced in cases of robbery, theft and fraud. Such trends not only undermine the credibility of the police department but also bring disrepute to the entire force. These acts erode public trust and create a situation where the foundational principles of law enforcement are questioned, the memorandum stated. He said the involvement of police officers in criminal activities or illegal operations is unacceptable under any circumstances, and warned that any police personnel found involved will face stringent disciplinary action. Unit officers who fail to voluntarily implement the directives will themselves face departmental action for negligence. The memo lists five measures for all unit officers Conduct regular background verification and integrity assessments of all subordinate officers & personnel. Organise awareness and training programmes on ethical standards, legal responsibilities and the consequences of corruption. Immediately report any information regarding misconduct or criminal involvement of police personnel to Police Headquarters. Emphasise that maintaining the departments dignity and fostering a culture of integrity is a shared responsibility. Provide counselling to prevent internal conspiracies or ethical lapses.
Zaid Khan DEFENDS Aryan amid controversy
Zaid Khan came to the defense of Aryan Khan during a spirited Bengaluru event. He described an alleged inappropriate gesture as a mere misunderstanding, clarifying that it was aimed at Aryan's manager while navigating a chaotic crowd and not directed at anyone in attendance.
Video: Delhi Woman Living In Bengaluru Explains Why Learning Kannada Is Important, Internet Reacts
While sharing the video, the woman in the caption wrote that she wants to settle the video.
Karnataka govt issues new rules to report deaths at hospitals
BENGALURU: The Karnataka government has issued detailed instructions to strengthen the Medical Certification of Cause of Death (MCCD) system across the state, following an ICMR study and review meetings held on April 21 and October 18, 2025. Reliable cause-specific mortality data is essential for policymakers, but currently, only 26.73% of registered deaths in Karnataka have a medically certified cause. The new guidelines follow the Karnataka Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Rules, 2024, notified on December 31, 2024, and in effect since January 16, 2025. As per the rules, all government and private hospitals must issue a cause-of-death certificate in Form 4 for all in-house deaths, submit it electronically through e-JanMa, and provide a copy to the family. Monthly reporting of deaths and MCCDs is mandatory, and institutions must file a nil report if no deaths occur. For deaths occurring outside medical institutions, the doctor must issue Form 4A free of charge. If the treating doctor is unavailable, other doctors familiar with the patients historyor medical officers from PHCs, CHCs, or taluk and district hospitalsmay issue the certificate after taking a history from the family. Registrars have been instructed to ensure that Form 2 (death report) is accompanied by Form 4 or 4A, and to forward all certificates to the Chief Registrar by the 10th of the following month. In inquest cases, the investigating officer must provide cause-of-death information, and the attending or autopsy doctor must submit Form 4/4A.
Rs 4,800 crore medicine for Bengalurus ailing roads
BENGALURU: Additional Chief Secretary for Urban Development, Tushar Girinath, informed that with grants from both the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and the state government worth Rs 4,800 crore, Bengaluru roads will be developed. By May, 928 km of roads will be blacktopped. He also said BDA will execute the work on the short underpass from Hebbal worth over Rs 2,000 crore. He clarified that the underpass will only run parallel to the proposed Tunnel Road. Girinath, was speaking at a press meet at the GBA head office on Saturday. He said that efforts are being made to address the pothole issue in the coming year and mentioned that over 22,000 potholes have been filled. Nearly 392 kms of roads are under development by different city corporations, with Rs 694 crore and out of that, 157.40 km of road length work has been completed. By January, all these works will be completed. Similarly, 401 km of roads are under a defective liability period. Before the next monsoon, about 928 km of road length will be blacktopped, he said. Asphalting at a cost of Rs 1,600 crore, white topping at a cost of Rs 1,700 crore (157.39 km) is being done in Bengaluru, Girinath said and added that in all about Rs 4,500 crore is being spent to develop Bengaluru roads and if all the road development is completed, 80 percent of the problem will be addressed. Girinath, also said the 2.5-km stretch of MG Road from Anil Kumble Circle to Trinity Circle is unlikely to be whitetopped as the traffic department has not given permission, citing heavy traffic flow. The ACS also informed about the Rs 900 crore grant from the state share for the 40 km double-decker corridor that involves the Metro rail network. On Tunnel Road, he said that the arrival of boring machines will take 18 months, and hence, the GBA has decided to construct an alternative underpass for the tunnel. Girinath also spoke about solid waste management and defended hiring 46 mechanical sweeping machines, and said citizens can give suggestions and opinions and suggestions through email gbasuggestion@gmail.com before the tender is made.
AI cant write emotion, says Sudha Murty
BENGALURU: At the Bengaluru Literature Festival, writer and MP Sudha Murty offered an intimate look into her writing process, creative evolution and the life philosophy that underpins her latest book The Circle of Life. In conversation with writer Vani Mahesh, Murty reflected about how her understanding of human nature and long-term friendships shaped her latest work here on Saturday. Murty speaks about the deep understanding of human nature in her writings and what inspired her to revisit an old story. Murty said she had originally written it in Kannada nearly 20 years ago, but when she looked at it now, my entire perspective, the worldview, had kind of changed, prompting her to give it another go in English. Murty explained that she approaches each character as an independent entity, which helps evoke empathy. She usually writes characters that align with her thought process, though villains come from experience, observation, etc. Writing the character Arvind, who undergoes a 360-degree turn towards the end, was particularly hard, she said. On crafting five different lives into one narrative, Murty said it was a difficult process and that she used a very systematic character map and even took the help of technology to track behaviours and journeys. Her exposure to a wide range of people through social service also helps shape characters, she added. A discussion on AI and writing prompted a sharp response from Murty. She said AI may bring perfect English, but it cannot bring in the emotions. Writing a novel through ChatGPT, she said, is not going to happen because its not going to be emotional. She added that sometimes the characters write themselves, as she sees them, something AI can never do. Murty also reflected on the theme of experiences shaping people. Only of life 20% goes according to your plan, and the other 80% is unexpected,she said.
Jail warder held for smuggling drugs to inmates in Bengaluru
BENGALURU: A jail warder at the Bengaluru Central Prison in Parappana Agrahara was arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle cigarettes and a prohibited narcotic substance to inmates. The warder, identified as Rahul Pati, was caught red-handed by personnel of the Karnataka State Industrial Security Force (KSISF) near the main gate of the prison on Friday around 6.50 pm. During the inspection, KSISF staff reportedly found two packets of cigarettes and about 60 grams of a narcotic substance on him. Following a preliminary inquiry, Jail Superintendent Paramesh filed a complaint against Rahul. Rahul joined the prison department as a warder in 2018. He previously served at the Belagavi prison before being transferred to Bengaluru Central Prison, where he has been posted since June 29, 2025.
Two more foreign nationals held in drug case in Chennai
CHENNAI: The Anti-Narcotics Intelligence Unit (ANIU) on Saturday arrested a Sudanese man and a Nigerian national in connection with an expanding methamphetamine supply network operating across Tamil Nadu. With this, the number of foreign nationals arrested in narcotics cases in the city since August 2024 has risen to 29. ANIU and Vanagaram police picked up Mohant Movia Abdul Rahman, a native of Atbara, Sudan, currently residing in Bengaluru, and Nazi Lota Chukwu Emmanuel (27) of Nigeria. Police seized three mobile phones and a sum of Rs 1.41 lakh from them. Investigators said the duo was linked to a cartel supplying methamphetamine to local peddlers. Both were remanded after interrogation. The arrests are part of a sustained crackdown in which city police have so far detained 26 Nigerians, a Cameroonian and two Sudanese nationals. The enforcement drive traces back to a September 18 surveillance operation at Porur tollgate, where ANIU arrested Saranraj (36), Rekshit Regginmon (23) and Jamuna Kumar (27) with 13 g of methamphetamine, 150 g of ganja, two phones and a two-wheeler. Their interrogation led to the arrest of four absconding suspects on September 21 -- Pawankumar (38), Hasik Pasha (30), Arumugam (42) and Prabhakaran (35) from whom police recovered 5 g of methamphetamine, 12 MDMA tablets, two phones and a digital scale. Officials said efforts are underway to track the remaining members of the network and map the cartels supply routes.
AI Christian Housewife turns up heat on Congress, LDF ahead of polls
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the first phase of local body elections only days away, Sangh Parivar strategists have launched an AI-driven outreach campaign targeting Christian voters. The initial phase of polling, scheduled for December 9, will cover seven districts with substantial Christian populations such as Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha and Ernakulam. The AI-generated campaign video circulated discreetly, accuses the Congress of neglecting the Christian community and the LDF of appeasement politics. Though the video did not claim any authorship, apparently to avoid any potential election code violation, it elaborates on why sections of the Christian community are beginning to view the BJP more favourably. In the video, an AI-generated Christian housewife alleges that following the deaths of senior leaders K Karunakaran and Oommen Chandy, and K M Mani along with the withdrawal of A K Antony from active politics, the community has become orphaned. The video claims that the declining Christian population, youth migration and the vacant homes have deepened the communitys insecurity. The Congress is even objecting to EWS (Economically weaker section) reservation for Christians. Congress did not raise a finger when a Bishop was manhandled, it said. It further questions Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan for what it describes as his justification of Jamaat-e-Islami, while highlighting issues such as the Munambam waqf land dispute and the hijab row at a school run by a Christian management. It asserts that BJP alone stood by the community in these matters. In Kerala, the RSS is also said to be playing a key role through long-term social engineering aimed at fostering closer ties with Christian community. A senior leader told TNIE on condition of anonymity that the RSS has been holding discussions with Church representatives for over three years. The church and RSS have decided not to publicise these dialogues. This is an extension of the engagement that began when K S Sudarshan was the Sarsanghchalak. The current Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, declared in Bengaluru in November first week that the RSS would initiate dialogues to end divisions in society. Discussions are under way with all sections, including Pentecostal groups, he said. According to him, while RSS was represented in these talks by its official functionaries, the Church participated through trusted community leaders to avoid political controversy. We have now asked our cadres to actively reach out to the Christian community. In turn, the Church is encouraging its laity to reassess its perception about RSS, he added. A senior BJP office-bearer said, through the references in the video, the party is positioning itself as the only credible alternative for Christian voters. In Thiruvananthapuram we are close to seizing power, he said. In Kollam and Alappuzha districts, we will have good advancement in Karunagappally and Kayamkulam respectively. The outreach programme and the confidence we have built with the Churches are expected to reflect in Kottayam, Idukki, Pathanamthitta and Ernakulam as well. The BJP has fielded the maximum number of Christian candidates in the local body polls outperforming the Congress and Kerala Congress parties. However, various churches denied while some declined to speak about the dialogue between them and RSS.
Court to hear Rahul Mamkootathils bail plea in second case
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Additional District and Sessions Court on Saturday admitted the anticipatory bail plea of Rahul Mamkootathil, MLA, in a second rape case registered against him, but refused to grant him interim protection from arrest till the bail plea is heard on Monday. Rahuls counsel swiftly moved the pre-arrest bail after the High Court granted him protection from arrest in the first rape case till a verdict is given on his anticipatory bail plea, which is scheduled to be heard on December 15. Rahuls counsel argued that the allegation was politically motivated and there was no mention of the complainants name, and place and time of occurrence of the alleged crime in the complaint. The petition was moved within an hour after the High Court gave Rahul protection from arrest. His lawyer highlighted the High Court order and sought a favourable verdict. The anticipatory bail plea was moved in the second case after the police appointed a special team to probe the case. The department had appointed AIG G Poonkuzhali to lead the team that will investigate the complaint filed by a 23-year-old woman, who is a resident of Bengaluru. Poonkuzhali, who is now attached with the police headquarters, will directly monitor the probe, while the investigation will be headed by a crime branch DySP. The team also comprises an inspector, two sub-inspectors and women officers. Police sources said they have got in touch with the victim, who agreed to cooperate with the investigation. She has been told to communicate a convenient time and place to get her statements recorded, sources added.
Bengaluru weather: Cloudy skies, pleasant temperatures; AQI remains modearte
Bengaluru anticipates partly cloudy skies and comfortable temperatures on December 7, 2025, with highs of 25.6C and lows of 16.9C. Yesterday's moderate air quality (AQI 138) prompts mask recommendations in traffic areas. Stable weather is expected throughout the week, with minimal rain chances.
Karnataka Milk Federation a state body, fully under RTI, says state information commission
Bengaluru flat owners seek clear norms for forming associations
Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivakumar slammed a Delhi Police notice regarding the National Herald case as shocking and harassment. He stated his financial dealings are legitimate, taxes are paid, and questioned the need for a police probe after the ED's investigation. Shivakumar plans to fight the notice legally, asserting his party institutions are supported by many leaders.
From runways to highways: Bengalurus passengers flee costly skies for any route home
Bangalore Lit Fest: Booker winner Banu Mushtaq berates growing trend of neutrality
Indigo fiasco: Airline chaos abates in Bengaluru, but baggage nightmare persists for passengers
Hundreds of passengers faced a chaotic ordeal at Kempegowda International Airport as IndiGo flights were cancelled, leading to prolonged waits for abandoned and often damaged baggage. Passengers described a system collapse with no clear communication or assistance, causing significant stress and loss.
Karnataka to set up monitoring group for Bengaluru Metros Blue Line
All patients are entitled to similar healthcare: Nirmala
IndiGo mass flight cancellations to continue on Sunday? Here's what the airline said
The IndiGo crisis continued to impact passengers across the country for a fifth straight day, with Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport being the worst-affected. In view of the situation, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken several steps, including capping of airfares.
National Law School of India University student selected for Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford
Bengaluru Central Prisons warder arrested for smuggling cigarettes
No sting, no pain: Stingless bee village project in Karnataka gives sweet boost to tribal economy
Domestic help couple sedates employer-doctor, flees with gold & cash in Bengaluru
Information Commission fines north Bengaluru officials Rs 50k
Obesity among kids in India rising due to economic growth, fast food culture: Doctors
Special trains to Karwar from Yeshwantpur in Bengaluru
Anupam Khers many turns retold in a play
A candid retelling of the unpredictable turns in his journey, the play offered an intimate look at Khers setbacks, surprises and second chances
Karnataka transport department fixes learners licence online test deadline at 7 days
Global bites on track at Bengaluru railway stations
Nearly 800 flights cancelled on Saturday; IndiGo says operated over 1,500 aircraft amid recovery
NEW DELHI: IndiGo's flight cancellation continued on Saturday with nearly 800 flights cancelled across airports in the country. Indigo said it managed to operate over 1,500 flights and has begun operations in 135 out of its 138 destinations. Passengers from Delhi heaved a sigh of relief as operations commenced early on Saturday after a 24-hour shutdown. According to a spokesperson of the Indira Gandhi International Airport, a total of 147 flights were cancelled - 70 departures and 77 arrivals. This includes figures only upto 6 pm. Hyderabads Rajiv Gandhi International Airport had 144 flights bearing the impact - 74 departures and 70 arrivals, while at Bengalurus Kempegowda International Airport, 63 departures and 61 incoming flights were cancelled.Details on other airports could not be reached though reports from North East India said the region was severely affected and harried passengers were crowding airports. In an official statement on Saturday night, Indigo said, By the end of day, we would have operated over 1,500 flights. With regards to destinations, over 95% of network connectivity has already been re-established as we are able to operate to 135 out of the existing 138 destinations in operations. There is a recovery. The airline line also claimed that the reason behind cancelling a significant number of flights and operating a little above 700 flights on Friday connecting 113 destinations, was to prepare for December 6. The main objective was to reboot the network, systems, and rosters so that we could start afresh today with a higher number of flights, improved stability, and there are some early signs of improvement. Government clamps down on surge in airfares amid IndiGo disruption; domestic fares capped at Rs 18,000 Explained | Why DGCAs new pilot fatigue rules disrupted IndiGo operations
Renowned Naat Poet Aziz Balgami Passes Away at 71
Bengaluru The Urdu world mourns the loss of Aziz Balgami, the celebrated Naat poet and compassionate mentor, who passed away on November 28, 2025 after Fajr prayers due to a heart attack. Inna lillh wa inna ilayhi rjin. Known widely for his soulful Naat Mere Mustafa Aaye Mere Mustafa Aaye, Balgami was beloved not only [] The post Renowned Naat Poet Aziz Balgami Passes Away at 71 first appeared on .
Janab Mohammed Saifulla A Lifelong Champion of Education and Community Service
Bengaluru: Community organizations across Bengaluru were deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Janab Mohammed Saifulla, age 68 year,Founder Secretary of the Bismillah Education Trust (BET), which manages the BET Group of Institutions in Bismillah Nagar, offering education from Nursery up to Degree courses. These institutions have long served the children of marginalized sections of [] The post Janab Mohammed Saifulla A Lifelong Champion of Education and Community Service first appeared on .
Siddaramaiah calls Kumaraswamy Manuvadi; BJPaccuses Congress of hypocrisy
Special trains to aid stranded passengers amid Indigo flight cancellations
2 Bengaluru Senior Citizens Lose Rs 80.5 Lakh To Fake 'RBI Officials'
A man from Bengaluru was allegedly cheated of Rs 80,50,000 after unidentified callers posing as police officials and RBI personnel threatened him with a fabricated money laundering case.
Law & order situation in Karnataka stable: Parameshwara
WPL 2026: We Aimed To Build The Best Bowling Attack, Says RCB Women Head Coach Rangarajan
RCB Assistant Coach Anya Shrubsole: Having achieved their target in the Women's Premier League (WPL) Mega Auction, former champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru head into the 2026 season with renewed confidence, with coach Malolan Rangarajan asserting that they have put together a strong side. Rangarajan said their goal at the auction was building the best bowling attack while maintaining batting power, and they managed to achieve the target by roping in several all-rounders. Speaking on JioHotstar, RCB head coach Rangarajan and assistant coach Anya Shrubsole highlighted their strategy, the value of all-round additions such as Nadine de Klerk, Grace Harris, Pooja Vastrakar, and Arundhati Reddy, and the importance of this squad delivering results on the field. Patience pays dividends; that sums up our entire auction approach. We stayed patient while big money was spent early. Our preparation was crucial. We knew exactly what type of players we needed and how to build our squad. I'm very happy with the players we've brought into our team, said Rangarajan while reflecting on the WPL Mega Auction. He said that, as they could not get Sophie Molineux in the auction, they focused on improving their combination. We wanted Sophie Molineux back, but she didnt register for the auction. We focused on improving our winning combination rather than making major changes. Our goal was to build the best bowling attack while maintaining batting power. With Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, and Ellyse Perry already in the team, adding Nadine de Klerk and Grace Harris gives us more options. Pooja Vastrakar and Arundhati Reddy provide bowling flexibility and batting depth, too. We wanted a good fielding side, and Im happy with our picks, but the real proof will come on the field, Rangarajan said. The RCB does have some worries about Pooja Vastrakars fitness, but Arundhati Reddys addition to the team is a bit of a boost. A fully fit Pooja Vastrakar brings great value to any team. Shes currently rehabbing at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, and our information suggests she could be ready in the next few weeks. With WPL still a month away, we have enough time to get her match-ready. Arundhati Reddy is another excellent addition, a World Cup winner, a top fielder, and a bowler who can deliver in all phases. She's also a great character to have in our team, so we're very happy with these signings. The RCB does have some worries about Pooja Vastrakars fitness, but Arundhati Reddys addition to the team is a bit of a boost. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We were looking for a top-order batter as a replacement for Georgia Wareham, who brings the quality and power to the table like her, and we found the perfect option in Nadine de Klerk. We are really pleased with that addition. Nadine de Klerks all-round abilities make us very happy with our auction results so far. Article Source: IANS
Difficult to reach Rs 88,000 crore tax revenue this year: Karnataka chief minister
Passport-style service centres to obtain e-Khatacertificates quickly to be launched in Bengaluru
Developers can now purchase premium FAR in Bengaluru
Who is Pieter Elbers? IndiGo CEO in spotlight amid mass flight cancellations and delays
The unprecedented IndiGo crisis continued to impact passengers across the country on Saturday as more than 500 flights were cancelled, with the Kempegowda International Airport, which serves Bengaluru, being the worst-affected.
Bengaluru: Jail warden arrested for trying to smuggle drugs into Parappana Agrahara Central Prison
Special trains between Pune and Bengaluru to meet passenger demand
BDA set to allot 5,000 sites in Bengalurus Dr. K. Shivaram Karanth Layout
Railways announces 84 special trains following IndiGo flight cancellations
The Indian Railways on Saturday announced 84 special trains, set to make 104 trips, to help people facing travel disruptions due to the mass flight cancellations by IndiGo. According to the Railway Ministry, the trains were arranged in the shortest possible time after assessing passenger traffic in major hubs including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Patna and Howrah. Officials said the number of special services may increase depending on demand. All zones have been instructed to utilise every available resource, rolling stock and manpower to safely operate these trains for the convenience of passengers hit by the cancellations, said Dilip Kumar, Executive Director (Information & Publicity), Railway Board. Railway divisions have also begun circulating information at airports to assist stranded flyers. The South Eastern Railway has coordinated with the Airport Authority to publicise the special services, while other zones have issued similar notifications. The Western Railway will operate seven special trains on special fares, covering routes such as Mumbai CentralNew Delhi, Mumbai CentralBhiwani, Mumbai CentralShakur Basti, Bandra TerminusDurgapura, ValsadBilaspur, SabarmatiDelhi, and SabarmatiDelhi Sarai Rohilla. The South Central Railway announced four special trains to handle the spike in last-minute travellers, while the Central and Northern Railways have planned 14 and 10 services respectively, with more under consideration. For at least five days in a row, IndiGo flight operations have significantly disrupted, with a large number of cancellations and delays causing hardships to thousands of passengers. (With inputs from PTI) 'Two days at airport and no one to help': Passengers vent after IndiGo cancels all flights from Delhi
Hats Off: Bengaluru Airport Staff Provide Refreshments To Passengers Amid Indigo Chaos | Watch
In the video, shared on Instagram by a user named Priyanshu Tyagi, the ground staff can be seen serving snacks and beverages to stranded passengers.
Railway announces special trains to assist passengers affected by flight disruptions
East Coast and Western Railway decided to run special trains and to add additional coaches to help stranded passengers travelling to Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Howrah
Court to hear Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathil's pre-arrest plea in second rape case on December 8
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:The additional district and sessions court on Saturday accepted the anticipatory bail plea of Rahul Mamkootathil MLA in a second rape case registered against him. However, it refused to grant him interim protection from arrest till the bail plea is heard on Monday. Rahuls counsel swiftly moved the pre-arrest bail after the High Court granted him protection from arrest in the first rape case till a verdict is given on his anticipatory bail plea, which is scheduled to be heard on December 15. Rahuls counsel argued that the allegation was politically motivated and there was no mention of the complainants name, place and time of occurrence of the alleged crime in the complaint. The petition was moved within an hour after the High Court gave Rahul protection from arrest. His lawyer highlighted the High Court order and sought a favourable verdict. The anticipatory bail plea was moved in the second case after the police appointed a special team to probe the case. The department had appointed AIG G Poonkuzhali to lead the team that would investigate the complaint filed by a 23-year-old woman, who is a resident of Bengaluru. Poonkuzhali, who is now attached to the police headquarters, will directly monitor the probe, while the investigation will be headed by a crime branch DySP. The team also comprises an inspector, two sub-inspectors and women officers. Police sources said they have got in touch with the victim, who agreed to cooperate with the investigation. She has been told to communicate a convenient time and place to get her statements recorded, sources added.
Watch: IndiGo cancels over 1,000 flights as system reboot cripples air travel in India
Of these, 124 flights (63 departures and 61 arrivals) were cancelled at Bengaluru airport and 109 flights -- 51 departures and 58 arrivals -- at Mumbai airport
Govt's BIG order to IndiGo on refunds, baggage amid mass flight cancellations; check details
The unprecedented IndiGo crisis continued to impact passengers across the country on Saturday as more than 500 flights were cancelled, with the Kempegowda International Airport, which serves Bengaluru, being the worst-affected.
CR announces 14 special trains for winter rush of passengers
The special trains have been planned in response to the high demand for travel and will run between major cities across India, including Madgaon, Nagpur, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Gorakhpur and Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi)
Walk2HEAL aims to localize global sustainability efforts and preserve traditional agricultural practices for ecological health and community well-being
Weekend Weather Update: Bengaluru To See Rain Till Sunday, Thunderstorms In Nearby Districts
Bengaluru will see intermittent rain till Sunday, with Chikkaballapur and Kolar also affected. Dry, clear weather expected from December 7, say meteorologists
Marwari Catalysts Group Enters Affordable IVF with Elara IVF under its VSM
Elara IVF -a fertility centre committed to affordable, accessible focused in tier2-3 cities. This marks the fourth healthcare start-up in MCats Groups portfolio, alongside Sarathi Healthcare, Nuskha Kitchen, and One Dose. Marwari Catalysts enters affordable IVF with Elara IVF under its Venture Studio model Elara IVF, Founder and COO, Dr Renu Sharma, is known for providing affordable IVF and ICSI treatments with a strong focus on transparency and patient education. This reflects a shared vision -to make quality fertility care more accessible to couples across India. Sushil Sharma, Founder & CEO of Marwari Catalysts Group, said, The global fertility market is a massive opportunity, yet affordability continues to be the biggest barrier. We are solving this challenge by ensuring high-quality IVF care reaches families not just in metros but in smaller cities. We will also attract global medical tourism for IVF. Marwari Catalysts Group has always been seen as the brand ambassador for Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities of India, and therefore we have started our pilot in Jodhpur and Ajmer. Dr Renu Sharma , stated, Having worked with multiple IVF centres (Zivia, Apex, EHCC, CK Birla Hospital), I realized there is a massive opportunity and significant gap -especially in smaller cities where access to affordable IVF is limited, with the right business model.We aim to build Indias largest affordable IVF chain. We have already launched centres in Jodhpur (Dr Nimisha Balara) and Ajmer (Dr Mahiraj Gaur), and within the coming year, we are targeting 20+ centres across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in next 12 months. Dr. Seema Chaudhary, Founder & Managing Director, Seema Finchem Industry (Mumbai) and Advisory Board Member at Elara IVF , said, Elara IVF offers an industrial level of discipline, efficiency, standardization and transparency into fertility care. This approach is exactly what India needs to make IVF truly affordable and rapidly scalable across small cities ensuring that high quality reproductive care becomes accessible to families everywhere. Gajendra Singh, Director of Elara IVF , added, With Marwari Catalysts Groups support, we aim to expand our reach and continue making fertility care simpler and more affordable for everyone who needs it. As Indias healthcare sector continues to prioritize access and affordability, this initiative underscores Marwari Catalysts Groups growing commitment to supporting meaningful innovation for Bharat. About Marwari Catalysts Marwari Catalysts Group (MCats) is one of Indias fastest-growing startup ecosystem player (Accelerator and Venture Studio), with mentors with skin in the game supporting 100+ early-stage ventures across 20+ cities backed by SEBI-approved CAT-I AIF. MCats provide capital, mentorship, and global market access to founders. Its portfolio has already created 5,000+ jobs while driving inclusion through 35% women-led startups and successfully done 11+ exits. We are headquartered in Jodhpur with its regional offices in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Jaipur.
Indigo flight delays: 104 cancellations on Saturday in Bengaluru
On Friday, when IndiGo cancelled over 1,000 flights from across airports, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, after maintaining a stoic silence over the grave crisis for three days, apologised in a video message
National Herald Case: Shivakumar Calls Delhi Police Notice Harassment
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar questioned the need for a separate police probe
Bluru to host Ind vs Ned Davis Cup tie
National Herald case: Karnataka DyCM Shivakumar calls Delhi Police notice 'harassment'
BENGALURU: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday termed the Delhi Police's notice to him, seeking financial and transactional details as part of its probe into the National Herald case, as harassment and said he will fight it legally. Condemning the move, Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress chief, questioned the need for a separate police probe when the ED had already filed a chargesheet in connection with the case. The notice issued by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) states that Shivakumar is supposed to have vital information pertaining to the National Herald case registered on October 3 this year, against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. It is very shocking to me. I have provided all the details to the ED. The ED had summoned me and my brother (former MP D K Suresh) also. There is nothing wrong, it is our (party) institution (National Herald, Young India), and we being Congressmen, we have supported the institution, there is no hide and seek, everything is in black and white, Shivakumar said. Speaking to reporters here, he said, I don't know. After ED has filed a charge sheet, there was no need for the police (Delhi police) to register a case. We will take up the case, we will fight it in the court of law. In the notice dated November 29, the EOW has summoned Shivakumar to appear before it or provide the requested information by December 19 latest. Calling the move as nothing but harassment, the Deputy CM said, What is there in it? It is our money, we can give it to anyone, whomever we like, when we pay taxes. There is nothing involved. Already Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case has been registered and a chargesheet has been filed. What more can they do to harass Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and others. They are trying to create confusion. Asked if he will appear on December 19, Shivakumar replied that he will examine the legal implications. It is being done to harass. I condemn it. I don't know, it was a surprise to me, yesterday I got a notice. I have just studied it, still I will have to go through it again and reply to it. Suresh also had donated some money, earlier being a MP, he added. Delhi police issues notice to Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar, brother in National Herald probe
'This is harassment, it is our money': DK Shivakumar reacts to ED notice in National Herald case
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar received a notice from Delhi Police's EOW seeking financial records related to donations to Young Indian. Shivakumar termed the summons shocking, stating he'd already provided information to the ED and views it as harassment against Congress leaders. Investigators are probing fund sources and third-party instructions.
From Mumbai To Bengaluru: Extra AC Coaches Added On Key Route Trains Amid IndiGo Disruptions
It comes after Railways on Friday deployed 116 extra coaches on 37 trains across multiple zones as passenger loads surged following widespread IndiGo cancellations and delays.
NLSIUs Manhar Bansal bags Rhodes Scholarship
BENGALURU: Manhar Bansal, a final-year BA LLB (Hons) student from the Bengaluru-based National Law School of India University (NLSIU), is among the six Rhodes Scholar-elect from India for 2026. With this, Bansal has joined the hallowed ranks in NLSIU with 25 other scholars who received the prestigious academic honours in previous years. Bansal will head to the University of Oxford in October 2026 to join more than 100 scholars from around the world to undertakefully funded post-graduate studies.At Oxford, he intends to pursue MSt in Comparative Literature and Critical Translation. I think the Rhodes Scholarship is a wonderful opportunity allowing me to develop my academic and intellectual interests. NLS has been an increasingly interdisciplinary university and my degree is not just in law but also the social sciences and humanities, Bansal said. From the first year, as I sat in classrooms, I understood the expanse of possibilities which humanities offers; it allows you to contemplate the human condition, in all its terror and beauty, and thats what draws me to it. His academic writings has been published in multiple venues and has received recognition by the Society for Humanistic Anthropology and the South Asian Studies Association of Australia. At NLSIU, he was the chief editor of a student journal, headed a student-led academic support programme and co-convened a theory reading group.He aspires to a public-facing academic career with the aim of introducing humanistic education to young people. Last year, NLSIUs Vibha Swaminathan bagged the scholarship.
Bengaluru gears up for weekend of books, big conversations
BENGALURU: Bengaluru is set to host the much-awaited Bangalore Literature Festival, inviting book lovers, writers, and literary enthusiasts to celebrate reading and writing under the winter sun. The 14th edition of the festival would be held in Freedom Park, aims to bring together authors from Karnataka, across India, and around the world, creating a platform where diverse literary voices can meet and converse. This time the fest is being held in Freedom Park to make it more accessible to people in the city rather than confining it to confined spaces, said the organisers. Describing the festivals vision, V Ravichandar, a member of the festival organising team, said, Bengaluru has always had a deep reading culture, and the festival simply amplifies what already exists in the city. This year, we want to keep the programming rooted in diverse voices while making space for new writers and fresh conversations. The festival seeks to highlight Bengalurus creative spirit while commemorating its literary diversity and connecting it with global literary trends. The two-day event promises an engaging lineup of sessions, including discussions on contemporary writing, poetry, regional literature, childrens literature, translation, and publishing. Visitors can look forward to interactions with both established authors and emerging talents. There will also be opportunities for book signings, panel discussions, and curated spaces dedicated to specific genres, providing attendees with both formal and informal avenues to engage with literature. The festival will see appearances from notable figures such as Banu Mushtaq, Amish Tripathi, Sudha Murty, Shashi Tharoor, Chetan Bhagat, Clare Mackintosh, Vir Das, Gauri Shinde, Jeet Thayil, American journalist Karen Hao and many more.
IT minister Priyank Kharge, GBA chief meet industry leaders
BENGALURU: Minister for IT/BT and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Priyank M Kharge, along with senior government officials including Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao, met CXO representatives of leading companies operating along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) corridor at a Town Hall organised by the Outer Ring Road Companies Association (ORRCA) in Bengaluru on Friday. During the interaction, industry leaders flagged key issues such as last-mile connectivity to Metro stations, condition of service roads and footpaths, congestion at major junctions, accumulation of garbage in high-density stretches, telecom disruptions due to continuous construction and the need for smoother integration between Metro, buses and workplace transport solutions. Addressing the gathering, Kharge said that the ORR corridor remains one of the most economically dense and strategically important business districts in the country and must be supported with matching quality of infrastructure and governance. The minister said the state government has already earmarked Rs 450 crore for comprehensive road upgradation along the Silk Board to KR Puram stretch, which will include black-topping, service roads, street lighting and pedestrian infrastructure. He added that the government will also replicate this model of structured engagement across other major brownfield business and technology corridors such as Whitefield, Peenya and Manyata, to systematically identify and resolve area-specific challenges. The IT Minister also informed participants that these efforts are being undertaken as part of a high-level committee chaired by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and vice-chaired by him, which is mandated to provide long-term solutions to traffic, mobility and infrastructure bottlenecks in Bengalurus major technology hubs. GBA Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao said that close coordination between BBMP, BMRCL, Traffic Police and other agencies is under way to ensure smoother implementation of projects.
IndiGo meltdown throws KIA into chaos
BENGALURU: Thousands of passengers were stranded at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on Friday as Terminal 1, known for its iconic design, descended into chaos, overcrowding and exhaustion, resembling a refugee camp. As 292 IndiGo flights were cancelled and abrupt disruptions continued for the fourth day on Friday, there was little clarity and passengers frustration only grew. Arguments broke out between passengers, airline staff and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel. Fares on other airlines skyrocketed to Rs 1 lakh for routes to Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai. With limited seating available, families and solo travellers stretched out on the floors, some sleeping on jackets, while others leaning against luggage, turning the terminal into a crowded waiting hall. A family enroute to Haridwar for asthi visarjan was stranded, even as the daughter of the deceased held a urn that had the remains of her father. They had no option other than paying exorbitant sums for an alternative ticket. Even as passengers struggled, no food or alternative flight arrangements were made. Hyderabad-bound passenger Jayesh Menon told TNIE that flyers were initially informed about one-hour delays, that repeated multiple times before the flights were cancelled. But even a bigger crisis awaited flyers as many were unable to retrieve their checked-in baggage for four to five hours. People are angry, sad, every emotion you can think of, he added. Several stranded passengers continued waiting for their luggage late into the evening, while others scrambled to find alternative travel arrangements amid disruptions, he added. Airfares surge tenfold on certain routes on Saturday as IndiGo cancels 1,000 flights on Friday RANCHI TO BLURU: A 36-HR ORDEAL What should have taken a routine 2.5-hour journey from Ranchi to Bengaluru turned out to be a 36-hour ordeal for Sanjay Choraria and his wife. They started on Thursday at 7 am to reach the airport early for their 8.50 am IndiGo flight, only to face repeated one-hour delays that stretched endlessly until the airline abruptly cancelled the flight at 4 pm. The only alternative offered was a punishing detour - Ranchi to Kolkata to Chennai to Bengaluru. But a bigger nightmare awaited them on the Kolkata to Chennai with the 9.40 pm departure repeatedly pushed past midnight and to 2.30 am. It finally took off at 4 am after tensions boiled over. In Chennai, passengers were dealt another blow when the final flight to Bengaluru was cancelled. Exhausted and out of options, the couple hired a private cab and reached Bengaluru at 7 pm on Friday. HUBBALLI BRIDE, GROOM ATTEND RECEPTION ONLINE Hubballi: It was a full house at a marriage hall in Hubballi. There were close to 700 guests who arrived to bless the couple for their reception. But there were no bride and groom. They came on live on screen from Bhubaneshwar. Following countrywide delays in air traffic involving Indigo Airlines, the bride and groom could not make it. However, the brides parents were at the venue to complete the rituals. The parents of the bride, Medha, at the last minute decided to host the party and ensured the bride and groom got ready and came online at the marriage hall. Medha and Sangam Das were married on December 23 in Odisha and the reception was scheduled on December 3 in Hubballi. They were to fly to Mumbai on December 2 and then to Hubballi. -- Amit S Upadhye IndiGo pilots and crew say management failures left staff to face public ire amid mass cancellations
St Johns Hospital in Bengaluru turns 50, doctors honoured
BENGALURU: St Johns Medical College Hospital marked its 50th anniversary on Friday with a Golden Jubilee event held at St Johns National Academy of Health Sciences Auditorium. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy spoke about the institutions early development, noting that land for the hospital was acquired when the surrounding areas were still farmlands. He referred to the role of Christian missionary groups in setting up educational and health institutions. He remarked on St Johns policy of not retaining management quota seats and handing them over to the government, saying this practice distinguishes it from other private colleges. A Golden Jubilee souvenir was released. Doctors who completed more than 50 years of service at the institution were recognised, including Dr George DSouza, Dean, St Johns Medical College; Dr A Mohan, Department of Neurology; Dr Chandramouli KS, Department of General Medicine; Dr Vijay Joseph, Department of Plastic Surgery and Dr Ravindran GD, Department of Family Medicine. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao; Rev. Fr Jesudoss Rajamanickam, Director, St Johns Medical College Hospital; Most Rev. Andrews Mar Thazhath, President, CBCI and Metropolitan Archbishop of Thrissur; Most Rev. Victor Henry Thakur, Chairman, CBCI Society for Medical Education and Archbishop of Raipur; Most Rev. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, and others were present.
Electric tractor mela showcases clean, low-cost farm mechanisation in Karnataka
A key feature was the launch of the NRDCs report, Powering Agriculture, which claims that electric tractors offer up to 80% lower operating costs, 50% lower ownership costs, and significant health benefits for farmers
Obscene gesture: Plaint filed against Aryan Khan
BENGALURU: A city-based advocate and a former convener of Bajrang Dal have filed police complaints seeking an FIR against Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khans son Aryan Khan for obscene gesture, public indecency, insulting modesty of women and disturbing public order. Advocate S Owaiz Hussain of Sankey Road and Tejas A Gowda of Jayanagar 1st Block have filed the complaints. In his complaint, Hussain stated that he is filing the complaint on behalf of the general public seeking immediate registration of an FIR against Aryan Khan for committing criminal acts in a public event/party hosted in a pub in Ashoknagar police limits on November 28. Aryan Khan was recorded making the abusive gesture towards members of the public at the venue. The video has gone viral, and has been widely reported by news agencies. The incident has caused public outrage. Several women were present at the venue when he made the obscene gesture. His act amounts to a direct insult to the modesty of women, especially as the gesture is universally recognised as vulgar, indecent, humiliating and sexually suggestive in nature, the complaint stated. Tejas Gowda, in his complaint, requested the police to take strict action against Aryan Khan. He also sought action against Mohammed Haris Nalapad, son of BDA chairman NA Haris, and Zaid Khan, son of Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, who were with Aryan Khan at the pub. Meanwhile, Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara said police officers are looking into the matter and action will be taken based on their findings.
Shaping Future Cyber Defenders: ATAL FDP at Kristu Jayanti University in Bengaluru
The event featured expert sessions on cryptanalysis, password cracking, forensic fundamentals, AI-based anomaly detection, and enterprise blockchain using Hyperledger Fabric
Engineer jumps on to metro tracks in Bengaluru, dies
BENGALURU: A 38-year-old engineer died by suicide after jumping on to the tracks at the Kengeri Metro Station of the Purple Line around 8.15 am on Friday. Metro services were immediately suspended and resumed only at 9.40 am, disrupting the commute of a large number of IT employees. The victim was identified as Shantagoud Police Patil, residing in an apartment in Doddabele. He was a native of Devara Hippargi in Vijayapura district. The victims wife, Preethi, identified her husbands body at the RR Hositals mortuary on the Mysuru Road, where it was taken after the suicide. In her police statement, Preethi said that her husband was mentally disturbed over a financial issue. Preethi in her police statement said that both of them got married seven years back and since the last one year he was not having any work. Recently he joined a factory in Bidadi. The police have also recorded the statements of the victims brother, Prabhugoud Patil. Mahalingu, parking in-charge of the Kengeri Metro Station, told the media that the victim parked his two-wheeler in one of the two parking lots and went inside and the police were checking his vehicle after the incident. Meanwhile, Metro services on the Purple Line were disrupted for over an hour after the incident. The incident affected a train headed towards Whitefield, and led to an immediate shutdown of operations between Mysuru Road and Challaghatta stations. Services were restored at 9.40 am, with trains running normally across the entire line thereafter. Meanwhile, several passengers said that the disruption caused severe delays for morning commuters, including hundreds of IT employees. Many passengers were forced to take autorickshaws or cancel their journeys entirely due to the uncertainty. The Kengeri police have registered a case. If you are having suicidal thoughts, help is available for you or your friends. Call Sneha Foundation - 044-24640050, Tele Manas -14416 (24x7) or call, Tata Institute of Social Sciences- 02225521111 (Mon-Sat, 8 am-10 pm)
St. Johns Medical College Hospital in Bengaluru celebrates golden jubilee
Director Rev. Fr. Jesudoss Rajamanickam reflected on the institutions five-decade journey of healing
Minister G Parameshwara: Corrupt policemen will also be dismissed
BENGALURU: Policemen involved in corrupt practices will not only be suspended but also dismissed from service, after their involvement is verified, warned Home Minister G Parameshwara, here on Friday. He was addressing the media at the state police headquarters on Nrupathunga Road after flagging off three Hygiene on Go mobile sanitation vehicles for Bengaluru Traffic Police. On nearly 130 policemen being suspended in Bengaluru, he said the only way to stop corrupt practices is either through suspension or dismissal. The police constable, who was involved in the recent broad daylight heist of Rs 7.11 crore will be dismissed from service. If any dismissed cop goes to the court challenging the dismissal, the government will go even to the Supreme Court and ensure that such policemen will never get the job again. There is no mercy for corrupt policemen. Immediate action is being taken whenever such incidents come to light, he added. On cybercrimes, he said that since the beginning of this year around 13,000 cases have been registered. In 2024, around 21,995 and in 2023, around 21,903 cases were registered, he said. On fighting the drug menace, he said, The Bengaluruy police have achieved a milestone in their fight against drug abuse and peddling. In 2025, they have registered 1,078 NDPS cases and arrested 1,491 Indian nationals and 52 foreigners. The police seized 1,446.75 kg of drugs worth approximately Rs 120.14 crore. In the last three years, 15,678 NDPS cases have been registered in the state. Legal action has been taken by arresting 19,197 Indian nationals and 211 foreigners, he said. On videos and photos showing inmates having a field day at Bengaluru Central Prison, he said some of those videos are three to four years old. Action will be taken against the erring prison staff, he said.
IndiGo flight cancellations have plunged Kempegowda International Airport into chaos, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded, hungry, and without basic facilities. Travelers faced a severe lack of essentials like sanitary pads and food, with some resorting to arduous bus journeys due to ongoing uncertainty. The situation highlights significant operational disruptions and passenger distress.
Archana Puran Singh and her family embarked on a food-focused trip to Bengaluru, accompanied by their housekeeper Bhagyashree, who experienced her first flight. The family shared playful moments at the airport and on the plane, and later enjoyed local delicacies in the city.
DGCA blinks, withdraws weekly rest rule for pilots amid IndiGo outage
NEW DELHI: With over 1,000 IndiGo flights cancelled on Thursday and all 235 domestic departures from Delhi grounded for 24 hours, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Friday announced immediate suspension of aviation regulator DGCAs revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms to ease crew shortages that resulted in the crisis. Naidu assured that IndiGo services would be fully restored within three days, with schedules stabilising by Saturday. However, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers contradicted the timeline, stating in a video message that normalcy would return only by December 10-15. The airline had earlier informed DGCA that a complete recovery of flying schedules could take until February 1, 2026. Centre orders high-level probe into IndiGo flight chaos, expects restoration of all services in three days After an emergency review meeting with ministry, DGCA, AAI and IndiGo officials, Naidu announced a high-level inquiry into the flight disruption. A four-member DGCA panel comprising Sanjay K Brahmane, DGCA Joint Director General, Amit Gupta, Deputy Director General, Kapil Manglik, Senior Flight Operating Inspector (SFOI) and Lokesh Rampal, FOI, has been asked to submit its report within two weeks. The aviaition regulator accused IndiGo of deficiencies in internal oversight, operational preparedness and compliance planning despite repeated warnings to prepare for the new rostering rules. On Friday too, chaos gripped airports nationwide as irate passengers protested at Delhis IGIA terminals. Similar scenes unfolded in Bengaluru (100+ cancellations) and Hyderabad (90+). Chennai suspended IndiGos domestic operations on Friday.
Complaint Filed Against Aryan Khan for Allegedly Flashing Middle Finger at Bengaluru Pub
Complaint also stated public discomfort, embarrassment and emotional distress, adding that the incident portrayed Bengaluru in a poor light as a safe and dignified public environment.
IndiGo's mass flight cancellations have caused fares on competing airlines to skyrocket, with one-way economy tickets on popular routes now costing upwards of Rs 21,000. Passengers are facing significant price hikes and uncertainty as IndiGo expects to resume normal operations between December 10 and 15, while other carriers grapple with concentrated demand.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is actively broadening his support base beyond traditional Vokkaliga strongholds, engaging with Ahinda and Lingayat representatives. This strategic outreach coincides with Delhi police issuing a notice seeking his financial details in the National Herald case, a development his aides claim is politically motivated.
Bengaluru weather: Cloudy skies, pleasant temperatures; AQI remains moderate
Bengaluru anticipates a pleasant weekend starting December 6, 2025, with partly cloudy skies and mild temperatures ranging from 16.6C to 25.2C. Air quality is expected to improve slightly from yesterday's moderate AQI of 62. The upcoming week promises predominantly sunny and pleasant conditions, ideal for outdoor activities.
See Change : All Living Things Environmental Film Festival to highlight environmental issues
While its easy to fall into nihilism about the environmental crisis, as corporations and governments bigger and more powerful than us go back and forth on environmental action, individuals and communities across the world are deciding that enough is enough and taking charge of their environment. It is this spirit of resilience that All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF) is set to showcase with over 86 films from 39 countries to be screened across Indian cities, kicking off with a two-day event in Bengaluru. You wont find films that are the classic David Attenborough-style nature documentaries here. We are looking for new perspectives, hyperlocal voices, under-represented geographies, films that provide audiences with an insight into the scale and nuance of this globally unprecedented change in the environment, says the festivals founder Kunal Khanna, adding, When we watch these films, theres a sense of hope, direction, and inspiration to make change. This weekend, Bengalureans can see films being screened along with panel discussions and live performances, Beware of Plastic Asura: A Yakshagana performance being one. A major highlight will be a set of three Australian films on show through a collaboration with the Australian Consulate in Bengaluru. Khanna elaborates, One film, Ngarridurndeng Kured , is about the indigenous culture of Australia, the longest living culture in the world that has continued to live in the same traditional ways for over 30,000 years now and the implications of that in the modern world. Another, titled Future Council follows eight kids on a road trip across Europe to meet with powerful leaders and find solutions to our greatest ecological challenges. An interesting feature will be an immersive installation that allows visitors to experience the feeling of being in Australias forests. Indian films too, in languages from Kannada, Marwadi, and Bengali to Garo and Khasi, will be screened, many of which are India premieres. Other highlights include Mushroom Keepers , exploring the relationship indigenous people in Meghalaya share with the fungi and Miyazaki Spirit of Nature about Studio Ghibli filmmaker Hayao Miyazakis depiction of nature in his films. Miyazaki Spirit of Nature depicts Studio Ghibli filmmaker Hayao Miyazakis connection with nature This year, a new initiative seeks to make the films at ALT EFF more accessible with watch parties that anyone can sign up to host, as long as they have a space, an internet connection, and people to watch with. We wanted to further democratise the experience with watch parties anyone can become a host and use their own space to bring a community together and have informed climate conversations. There are eight bundles of films, all with around three hours of watch time to choose from, explains Khanna. On the last day of the festival, Dec 14, another ALT EFF event will allow a small group of Bengalureans to sign up for a trip to Channapatna hosted with Local Narratives, that adds a new layer of understanding to the concerns explored in the films, Khanna says, People will get to stay the night, watch films and engage in discussions (with artisans). Its a full immersion where people can experience the traditional way of making handicrafts and relate them back to the film. (The festival will take place at Bangalore International Centre on Dec 6 and 7, from 12pm onwards. For more information, visit alteff.in)
The clown's Lear: Actor Rajat Kapoor on his play Nothing Like Lear
Nothing Like Lear , a solo clown piece by actor-director Rajat Kapoor, strips William Shakespeares tragedy down to its emotional core. The play, first staged in 2012 and starring actor Vinay Pathak, has quietly built a long life of its own, travelling across cities, without losing its intimacy. As the duo gear up for their next show in the city, Kapoor speaks to CE on approaching King Lear through vulnerability and using the language of clowning to excavate themes of power, ageing, madness and fractured family bonds. Excerpts What pushed you create a solo piece like Nothing Like Lear with one clown expressing the emotions of a Shakespeare tragedy, and how has it evolved over the years? Nothing Like Lear has now been running for 13 years. After working on Hamlet, The Clown Prince , we wanted to do something with Lear. But to make it different, we decided to do it with just one actor and see what emerges from there. The audience has shaped the play through its interactivity. A responsive crowd can change the energy. In terms of evolution, it has shifted only about three per cent. The rest of the structure remains exactly as it was. Small improvisations have crept in, little textures that come from performing it over the years. But at its core, the play is still close to the version we began with. When you adapt classics, how do you decide what to keep from the original and what to change, so it feels meaningful in todays time? We go back to the classic and ask: Why do we want to do this play? What is it that attracts us to it? You dont want to lose the instinct. Im not very interested in the plot, because that belongs to 400 years ago. What interests me are the core themes. When we began rehearsing King Lear , we asked ourselves what the play was really about: old age, fathers and daughters, the loss of power, blindness, madness. Thats where we started building it. Once you engage with those ideas, you see how relevant they still are. Vinay Pathak How did your early days with Chingari (theatre group in Delhi) shape the way you tell stories today? That was 40 years ago, and you are certainly not the same person. One learns and hopefully brings that growth into ones craft, though those early influences never quite leave you. Chingari was an offshoot of Thtre de Poche at the Alliance Franaise in Delhi, which meant French literature and theatre were strong early influences. Funnily, my first introduction to world theatre came through the Theatre of the Absurd and existential drama. Waiting for Godot , Ionesco, Sartre, Camus, Jean Genet were big people for us. Somehow, that idea of the absurd remained with me to an extent. You often work with clowns in your plays. What does this form allow you to explore that traditional theatre doesnt? Clowns allow for distance. Take Hamlet , for instance. A clown might deliver a Hamlet soliloquy and then step out of character to question it: Why does Hamlet behave the way he does? Why does he treat Ophelia so badly, even calling out the absurdity of his choices? It questions the play from within it, and judges it even while performing and creates a critical distance. What makes actor Vinay Pathak the right person to carry a play as vulnerable and demanding as Nothing Like Lear? I wouldnt do a play without him! In fact, I havent worked without him for the last 25 years. Its the energy Vinay brings to the group, the rehearsal room, the theatre itself. In many ways, hes the fuel that keeps our theatre company going. Youre bringing the show to Bengaluru Theatre Festival this year. What does performing here mean to you? Bengaluru has quite simply, one of the best audiences in the country. It comes from the citys young population, who are curious, literate and deeply engaged. We come here a couple of times a year with different productions, in different auditoria, and every single time the response is extraordinary. They understand what theyre watching and that kind of attention is invaluable for theatre. Whats your take on AI slowly creeping into writing, visuals and even performance? People in the creative field are safe. AI can write, but then everybody can too. When writing becomes accessible to all, there will still be a need for someone who can write better, and that will not be AI. What makes a writer stand out is precisely that he isnt everybody else.
Suicide at Kengeri Metro station disrupts Purple Line services for 85 minutes in Bengaluru
Medical education: Karnataka high court breaks deadlock, orders new 3rd round counselling
Bengaluru siblings transfer post office deposits to crooks, lose Rs 80 lakh
