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Delhi chokes: AQI hits severe 410 amidst dense smog
New Delhi: Air pollution levels in the national capital deteriorated sharply on Sunday, edging dangerously close to the severe category as dense smog, plunging temperatures, and thick fog blanketed large swathes of northern India. The worsening air quality once again raised health concerns for residents, particularly children, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments. According Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Air quality worsens in Delhi, AQI recorded at 438
In the Akshardham area, the AQI stood at 438, categorised as 'severe'. Similar conditions were reported from the Ghazipur area, where AQI levels were also recorded at 438, as per CPCB data
Grey Skies, Cold And Smog Grip Delhi-NCR As Air Quality Nears 'Severe' At 393
Delhi recorded its coldest December day so far on Saturday, with the maximum temperature dropping to 16.9 degrees Celsiusfive degrees below normal.
Multiple parts of Delhi experienced a dense haze, with pollution levels remaining alarmingly high.In the Akshardham area, the AQI stood at 438, categorised as 'severe'. Similar conditions were reported from the Ghazipur area, where AQI levels were also recorded at 438, as per CPCB data.
Parliamentary Committee moots QR codes for pre-packaged foods
NEW DELHI: Backing the adoption of a standardised Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) for all pre-packaged foods, a parliamentary committee has recommended QR-based multilingual food labelling to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and consumer protection across Indias diverse population. Noting that current labels are often difficult for the average consumer to interpret and may not sufficiently guide healthier purchasing decisions, the committee, headed by Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora, said it recognises the need for an effective FOPL system to address the growing incidence of diet-related non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders. The committee, reviewing the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, noted that warning labels significantly enhance consumers ability to make quick and informed choices, particularly for those with low literacy levels. The panel also recommended regular market audits, enhanced penalties for repeated violations, and broader public education to ensure consumers clearly understand product categories. The recommendation for FOPNL has come at a time when the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has submitted its recommendation on its 2022 draft implementation to the Supreme Court, which is hearing a public interest litigation. While the Committee on Subordinate Legislation, which tabled the report this week, also acknowledged the potential benefits of interpretive systems such as nutri-score or health star ratings in the long run, it, however, said that it is mindful of stakeholder submissions, including those from the food industry, regarding the time and operational adjustments required for such a transition. Recommending that nutrition information be presented in a simplified, standardised, and easily readable tabular format, the committee said it should also include key nutrients like energy, total sugar, added sugar, salt/sodium, total fat, saturated fat, and trans fat presented per 100 g/ml and per serving, with a prescribed minimum font size to ensure legibility, particularly for the elderly and individuals with low vision. For the QR code on the front panel of all pre-packaged foods, the committee recommended that it be linked to a mobilefriendly page that provides complete label information, including ingredients, nutritional facts, allergen warnings, date marking, and the FSSAI licence number, in all 22 scheduled languages plus English. The QR page should also incorporate text-to-speech functionality to assist consumers with visual impairments or literacy challenges, it added. The panel suggested to FSSAI that it should prohibit the use of fanciful or trade names that imply unsubstantiated health benefits unless certified. It also suggested that FSSAI may consider introducing a Voluntary Nutritional Information Framework for products currently exempted from mandatory nutrition labelling.
Worked longer, scrutinised less
NEW DELHI: Parliaments winter session saw seven of nine bills passed within a week of introduction, even as both Houses sat beyond scheduled hours and spent more time debating than legislating. The session, held from December 1 to 19, ended with the Lok Sabha functioning for 103% and the Rajya Sabha for 104% of their scheduled time, according PRS Legislative Research. Despite the extended sittings, legislative business accounted for 36% of Lok Sabha time and 30% of Rajya Sabha time, continuing a pattern seen across recent winter sessions. More than 40% of the time in both Houses was spent on debates, driven mainly by special discussions on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram and electoral reforms. Financial business occupied a limited share. Seven of the nine Bills introduced were passed within one week, including laws with wide policy implications relating to nuclear energy regulation, rural job scheme, and insurance reforms. Several of these bills were introduced in the final week of the session, leaving little time for extended debate or scrutiny. Two bills, on higher education regulation and integration of three securities laws into a single code, were referred to parliamentary committees. Committee scrutiny also remained limited beyond the session. Of the 42 bills introduced so far in the 18th Lok Sabha, 11 have been referred to committees. Most of these went to Joint Committees, including two bills on simultaneous elections and three bills concerning the removal of ministers upon detention. Only one bill, the Securities Markets Code, was referred to a department-related Standing Committee. Question Hour functioned in both Houses, though unevenly. The LS utilised 67% of scheduled Question Hour time, while the RS used 80%. Only onequarter of starred questions were answered orally, with 23% in the LS and 26% in the RS , limiting opportunities for direct questioning of ministers. Private members business returned to the Lok Sabha for the first time since August 2024. Scheduled for three days, it was taken up on only two. During the session, 137 private members bills were introduced in the LS and 59 in RS , with one day devoted to bills and another to a resolution. The RS spent around three hours felicitating the newly elected Vice President, who serves as its chairperson. In contrast, the Lok Sabha continues without a Deputy Speaker, a post vacant since June 2019. Government statements highlighted productivity levels above 100%, framing longer sittings as proof of efficiency. Opposition leaders pointed to the compression of legislative scrutiny, and marginalisation of committees.
Political slugfest over pollution debate continues
NEW DELHI: The political sparring over air pollution in Delhi escalated on Saturday after a proposed parliamentary debate on the issue was dropped, sparking a fresh war of words between the government and the Opposition. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju blamed the Congress for the cancellation by sharing a video of disruptions in the Lok Sabha during the passage of the VB-RAM-G Bill, the Opposition accused the government of lacking the intent to hold the discussion, arguing it could have been scheduled for December 19. Posting the video clip of chaos in the Lok Sabha on X, Rijiju said, See this! How many times will you keep lying in the name of Jawaharlal Nehru ji? Keep quiet if you are not aware of Parliament rules. The Speaker adjourned the House due to unruly conduct of Congress MPs. He called the House again only for Vande Mataram. See this! How many times you people will keep lying in the name of Jawaharlal Nehru Ji. Keep quiet if you are not aware of Parliament rules. Hon'ble Speaker adjourned the House because of the unruly conduct of the Congress MPs. He called the House again only for Vande Mataram. https://t.co/rG2wlo2VNV pic.twitter.com/0JWxDIN6BI Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) December 20, 2025 Countering Rijiju, Congress MP Manickam Tagore called it a lie and said that the government lacked the intent to run the House. In a post on X, he said that if the government was serious about conducting the debate, they would have ensured the House functioned smoothly to allow the debate. Why lie, Mr Minister? Please see the timestamp in the videoit is 1:22 PM on 18 December. The VBGRA Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha when the House was not in order. Air pollution was listed next. If you were sincere, you should have allowed the pollution debate after lunch or https://t.co/PAOqsIbDjt pic.twitter.com/ne9tga1zYC Manickam Tagore .B . (@manickamtagore) December 20, 2025 Tagore wrote: Please see the timestamp in the videoit is 1:22 PM on 18 December. The VBGRA Bill was passed in the LS when the House was not in order. Air pollution was listed next. If you were sincere, you should have allowed the pollution debate after lunch or on 19 December at 11 AM. The intention was clearly not there...
IndiGo, Air India and Delhi airport issue advisories as dense fog threatens North India air travel
Dense fog is disrupting flight operations across North India. IndiGo and Air India have issued advisories warning of delays and schedule changes. Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is also experiencing low-visibility procedures. Passengers are urged to check flight statuses and allow extra travel time. Airlines are prepared to assist with rebooking and refunds for affected travelers.
Delhi grappled with severe smog on Sunday, triggering stringent anti-pollution measures and widespread air travel chaos. Authorities activated Stage-IV of GRAP as Air Quality Index levels soared into 'very poor' and 'severe' categories. Over 500 flights faced delays and 138 were cancelled due to drastically reduced visibility, impacting thousands of passengers.
22 weather stations in severe zone, first cold wave day in city
NEW DELHI: Delhi continued to grapple with severe air pollution and dense fog on Saturday as well, with more than half of the citys air quality monitoring stations recording alarming levels. At the same time, the city experienced its first cold wave of the season, with two of its five monitoring stationsSafdarjung and Palamrecording cold wave conditions. Out of 39 monitoring stations, 22 reported an air quality index (AQI) above 400, placing them in the severe category. Areas such as Chandni Chowk with an AQI reading of 465, Rohini at 462, Wazirpur at 455, Anand Vihar at 451, and Punjabi Bagh at 440 were reported to be the worst affected, highlighting that severe pollution was a city-wide phenomenon. The average AQI of the past 24 hours on Saturday was 398. Along with severe air pollution, weather condition became bad on Saturday. The minimum temperature dipped to 6.10 Celsius. The foggy conditions, combined with patches of cloud cover, continued to persist until afternoon. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for fog for Sunday and Monday, indicating continued adverse weather. Dense fog induced low visibility significantly impacted air travel, with the IGIA seeing 129 cancellations on Saturday. The Delhi International Airport Ltd said it banked on low visibility procedures for landings and advised travelers to check with their respective airlines for scheduling changes. Delhi air nears severe as cold wave sets in; govt warns of strict action against polluters
Weather News Today Live Updates: Delhis ITO Records Severe Air Quality As AQI Touches 405
Weather Forecast News Today Live Updates: Delhi Airport runs smoothly despite severe smog; AQI at 393. GRAP Stage IV in effect. Passengers should check for updates.
IndiGo alerts: Dense fog may disrupt flights across North India; travel advisory issued
IndiGo has issued a travel advisory warning of potential flight disruptions due to early-morning fog in Delhi and northern India on Sunday. Reduced visibility may cause delays or schedule changes, with operations teams monitoring weather to minimize inconvenience. Passengers are advised to check flight status and rebook or seek refunds if affected.
Delhi hospitals reforms delayed, HC seeks action on NextGen e-hospital application
Court frame charges against two persons for attack on Delhi CM
Police claimed that conspiracy has been found through call detail records, locations, and money transactions
New EV policy to offer subsidies & incentives
Dr Rashpal Singh rashpalsingh786bari@gmail.com Name of the Book:- PEGHAM (Afsanay) Name of the Author:- Nawab Din Kasana (JKAS) Publisher:- Educational Publsihing House New Delhi India Pages:- 232 After getting through this book for review more than two months I came to the conclusion that author has justified the title of book .Pegham is a collection of Urdu short stories having deep meaning if I put one Poetry in the review like Khanjer Chale kisi pe tuoTadpte hain Hum aae [] The post A message to mankind appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Delhi govt boosts health preparedness as pollution strains hospitals
Can I lore drop? How Gen Z language is changing mental therapy, one word at a time
Young patients are increasingly using social media-derived psychological terms in therapy, presenting a new challenge for clinicians. While this vocabulary aids expression, it also leads to self-diagnosis and over-pathologizing normal experiences. Therapists are adapting to bridge this linguistic gap, validating feelings while reframing them accurately.
JSS shines at Intl Adolescent Leadership Summit
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 20: Jammu Sanskriti School, Jammu delivered an outstanding performance at International Adolescent Leadership Summit 2025 held at Bal Bhavan, New Delhi. The summit was organised by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Ministry of Education, in collaboration with Expressions India The Life Skills, National University & School Mental Health Program, focusing on life skills, resilience, positive mental health and wellbeing. Student Stuti received an exemplary certificate of Merit in Manonritya Indian Classical [] The post JSS shines at Intl Adolescent Leadership Summit appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
An Air India Express pilot allegedly assaulted a passenger at Delhi airport's Terminal 1 after a verbal altercation over queue jumping. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has ordered a probe and grounded the pilot, while the passenger claims he was pressured to not file a police complaint.
Pay To Meet Tihar Inmates: Operators Role Under Lens
Ex-MLA brother dead in Ghaziabad draft SIR, BLAs told to flag errors
Man sells account to cons, linked to frauds in 15 states
GMC fines eatery failing to sort waste
Choke & chill: AQI severe, min temp plunges to 6C in Noida
Dense fog continues to delaytrains on Delhi-Patna route
2 passengers caught in sexual act in RRTS train
YEIDA to cancel allotment of 130 unregistered plots
Dense fog disrupts travel, flights cancelled across J&K
Jammu Tawi, Dec 20:Dense fog covered large parts of Jammu, Kashmir on Saturday, severely reducing visibility and disrupting road and air travel as cold conditions persisted. According to the details available with the news agency Jammu Airport reported flight cancellations, including flights 6E5207 (DelhiJammu), 6E6510 (JammuDelhi), 6E2293 (DelhiJammu) and 6E2527 (JammuDelhi). In Srinagar, visibility dropped [] The post Dense fog disrupts travel, flights cancelled across J&K appeared first on Northlines .
SI among two cops held for taking bribe in Ghaziabad
Delhi-Mumbai e-way: 9km stretch may be ready by June, says MP
Expedite infra works in south Delhi, says Verma
Two men held for creating fake ASI website and cheating job aspirants
Driver fakes robbery, flees with firms trucks and goods worth Rs 2.1 crore; police arrest two
Partner attacks woman with knife, monetary issue suspected
CBI nabs Army officer and another person in bribery case
Heaters to blankets: Ghaziabad asks hosps to be ready for cold wave
Delhi Records Seasons First Cold Day Amid Dense Fog; Flights Disrupted
Severe AQI Hits Delhi, No Relief Expected Soon
Winter chill and toxic air push BP into danger zone, warn docs after OPD surge
HC asks lawyer to approach apex court over ban on BS IV vehicles from entering Delhi
Pawan Sets Stone For 7,910-Crore Water Grid Project to Help 5 Districts
Dy CM said he and CM Naidu had gone to New Delhi & convinced central ministers and officials to revive the Jal Jeevan Mission project
ASI plans expansion of the gallery of confiscated and retrieved antiquities at Purana Qila
NEW DELHI: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is working on an expansion plan for the countrys first Gallery of Confiscated and Retrieved Antiquities, established at Purana Qila in 2019. The proposal envisages adding more antiquities to the collection on display, though access to the new additions will be restricted to research scholars. In addition to it, a dedicated online portal is being planned to host detailed information and photographs of the artefacts, making the collection accessible to heritage enthusiasts, students and researchers. According to officials, as part of the expansion, more space is being made available for the display of retrieved heritage objects for their safer and better display. New strategy: Centre ropes in heritage architects for upkeep of ASI monuments We are undertaking an expansion of the gallery and further enriching its collection. The antiquities will be relocated to a safer and more appropriate site within the Purana Qila complex, allowing for improved exhibition conditions. However, access will remain restricted to researchers and not the general public. The expansion will also create additional display space, showcasing artefacts confiscated within the country as well as those retrieved from abroad, said officials. The Gallery of Confiscated and Retrieved Antiquities is located in the arched cells of Purana Qila next to the museum. The idea behind setting up this exhibition was to sensitise the visitors about the illegal trade of precious heritage items and regulations for retrieving them. The exhibits belong to the Central Antiquity Collection (CAC), also located in Purana Qila, which was created to house the antiquities discovered during exploration and excavation by the ASI. ASI begins documentation of archaeological remains, scientific study of antiquities at Gujarats Dwarka It also comprises antiquities, which were retrieved and confiscated with the help of the Ministry of External Affairs and various law-enforcing agencies, including the Police, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and Customs officials. About 2.70 lakh antiquities are in the CAC, including nearly 4,500 confiscated objects. About 655 antiquities repatriated from foreign countries in recent years, including metal, stone and terracotta idols, will also be housed in the gallery. Information on these retrieved objects will be made available to the public through official websites after verification, detailed documentation and proper photography. Work on the proposal is currently underway, said officials. At present, there are 198 confiscated and retrieved antiquities from the ancient to modern period on display at the gallery. The display includes stone and metal sculptures, coins, paintings, ivory and copper artefacts, and architectural panels ranging from the proto-historic to the modern period and affiliated to different provenances.
CBI arrests Lt. Col. with Department of Defence Productions on graft charge
The CBI recovered the alleged bribe amount and seized 2.23 crore in cash from his Delhi house and 10 lakh from his house in Sri Ganganagar, in addition to other incriminating material, as alleged
Waiting For Call From High Command, Says DyCM
He said, I wont go to New Delhi secretly
Air India Advisory Says Dense Fog May Affect Flight Ops In Delhi, Other Cities
The Tata Group-owned airline said reduced visibility during the early morning hours is likely to impact flight schedules at multiple airports.
129 Delhi Airport Flights Cancelled Due To Dense Fog
At least 129 flights were cancelled at the Delhi airport on Saturday due to dense fog, according to an official. Flight operations have been disrupted for the past several days at Delhi and other airports due to dense fog, resulting in low visibility
Delhi CM attack case: Attempt to murder charges to be framed against two accused
New Delhi: A court here on Saturday ordered framing of attempt to murder charges against the two accused in the attack on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at a public event earlier this year, saying there was a prima facie case against them. Additional Sessions Judge Ekta Gauba Mann was hearing a case against Sakriya Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Mamata wants to incite communal riots: BJP
New Delhi: The BJP on Saturday alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wanted to incite riots between the Hindu and Muslim communities and accused her of indulging in communal politics, sensing defeat of the ruling TMC in the state assembly polls next year. Questioning Banerjees silence over the alleged remarks made by her Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
CJI Surya Kant-led special vacation bench to sit on Dec 22 to hear urgent matters
New Delhi: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant will sit in a special vacation bench on December 22 to hear some urgent matters that require immediate judicial intervention. According to the cause list uploaded on the apex courts website, CJI Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, will sit in the vacation bench at 11 am Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Delhi-NCR pollution crisis: AQI nears 400 mark as smog envelops capital; 100+ flights cancelled
On Saturday, a dense layer of toxic smog enveloped Delhi throughout the morning hours. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city's temperature was expected to drop to as low as 6.1 degree Celsius. Here are more details on this.
Delhis rising AQI prompts residents to seek relief in nearby hill stations
Delhi Gets Its First Cold Wave, Maximum Temperature At 16.9 Degrees Celsius
Delhi experienced its first cold wave of the season on Saturday, recording its coldest December day this year as the maximum temperature plunged to 16.9 degrees Celsius, 5.3 notches below normal.
Ex-Agniveer quota for BSF constable post now 50 pc
New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry has increased the quota for ex-Agniveers for constable recruitment in the BSF to 50 per cent from 10 per cent, according to a gazette notification. The increase has been made by amending the Border Security Force, General Duty Cadre (Non-Gazetted) Recruitment Rules, 2015. The first batch of ex-Agniveers will Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Ahead Of 2026 WPL, Delhi Capitals Set To Announce New Captain On Sunday Evening
Star Sports Network: Ahead of the 2026 Womens Premier League (WPL), three-time runners-up Delhi Capitals (DC) are set to announce their new captain for the upcoming season on Sunday evening. DC were captained by Australias multiple times World Cup winning skipper Meg Lanning, but fell short of winning the WPL title in 2023, 2024 and 2025 respectively. But with Meg released by the franchise and being roped in by UP Warriorz (UPW) at the mega auction in New Delhi last month, they have a leadership void to fill. IANS understands that India batter Jemimah Rodrigues and South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt are in the race to be DCs new captain. Jemimah had been DCs vice-captain for three seasons, while Laura has considerable international leadership experience by leading the Proteas. It will be interesting to see who they go with, said a source familiar with the matter to IANS on Saturday. The new captains announcement by DC will also be made live on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network channels at 6pm on Sunday evening, just before Indias opening T20I against Sri Lanka takes place at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Barring a last-minute change, DC might go in with an Indian skipper if co-owner Parth Jindals words in the mega auction are to go by. IANS understands that India batter Jemimah Rodrigues and South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt are in the race to be DCs new captain. Jemimah had been DCs vice-captain for three seasons, while Laura has considerable international leadership experience by leading the Proteas. It will be interesting to see who they go with, said a source familiar with the matter to IANS on Saturday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score DC will open their 2026 WPL campaign against defending champions and two-time winners Mumbai Indians at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 10. This is the first time a WPL season will be played in the January-February window. The final will take place at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on February 5. Article Source: IANS
Do Not Say One Thing In Delhi, Another In Kashmir: Omar Abdullah
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reiterated his praise for the Narendra Modi government for its liberal funding to the union territory, insisting that his praise is not meant to please anybody.
PMO pushes for overhaul of PhD programmes, commercialisation of defence technology
NEW DELHI: Aimed at transforming the countrys doctoral research ecosystem and leveraging defence technology for civilian applications, the Prime Minister's Office has issued directives to the secretaries. It directed the secretaries to reexamine the selection of guides for doctoral degrees and start commercialisation of defence sector innovations, sources said on Saturday. The PMO directives outlining a fundamental restructuring of higher education research protocols stated: The method of selection of guides for doctoral degrees may be reexamined, and possibilities of selection through identified parameters may be explored. The document accessed by The New Indian Express further emphasised: PhD programmes should be reoriented to promote innovation and development of new relevant ideas and technologies through PhD topics which fit emerging needs and priorities of the country. After finding a disconnect between academic research and the countrys developmental priorities, the decision at the PMO level was taken to align things at the fundamental level. Unscrupulous 'health'journals and plagiarised research papers by doctors under MCI scanner The governments emphasis on restructuring of higher education research - PhD topics - to fit emerging needs and priorities of the country is mainly to address longstanding criticisms and demand that research lacks practical application or alignment with the countrys objectives, unlike Western or some Southeastern countries. Through Network Project System, including research by multiple research scholars, may be explored, read the directive. The PMO wants to shun the traditional doctoral research models and has proposed collaborative frameworks, the source said. The government is also working on making a strong and credible Network Project System. The changes proposed in the directives are to address the complex technological challenges that require multidisciplinary teams. The Prime Minister's Office also directed for expansion of the commercialisation of defence sector innovations. Researchers and manufacturers in defence sectors should be encouraged to use their technology for commercial manufacturing of products for civilian use to promote technological development, the document stated. This push for defence technology commercialisation is motivated by dual objectives, the source said. First, it is aimed at reducing India's dependence on imported civilian technologies, and secondly, creating revenue streams that further support defence research. The PMO has also suggested exploring reverse engineering can also be one of the valuable tools for technological advancement and in an effort to make the country Atmanirbhar Bharat. Need advanced research, AI to tackle public health challenges: Pondy LG
PVR To Open Multiplex At Saboo In Leh
NEW DELHI, Dec 20: Leading cinema operator PVR INOX on Saturday announced to open a 2-screen multiplex at Saboo, near Leh in Ladakh. Equipped with 2K projection, Dolby 7.1 and Next-Gen 3D supports big releases, this new multiplex is developed under the Companys Franchise Owned Company Operated (FOCO) model, PVR INOX said in a regulatory filing. With this launch, PVR INOX now operates the largest multiplex network with 1,774 screens at 356 properties in 112 cities (India and Sri Lanka), [] The post PVR To Open Multiplex At Saboo In Leh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Eggs safe for consumption, cancer risk claims are misleading: FSSAI
NEW DELHI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Saturday said that eggs available in the country are safe for human consumption and recent claims linking eggs to cancer risk are misleading, scientifically unsupported and capable of creating unnecessary public alarm. Responding to reports and social media posts alleging the presence of carcinogenic substances such as nitrofuran metabolites (AOZ) in eggs, FSSAI officials clarified that the use of nitrofurans is strictly prohibited at all stages of production of poultry and eggs under the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011. Officials said an Extraneous Maximum Residue Limit (EMRL) of 1.0 g/kg has been prescribed for nitrofuran metabolites solely for regulatory enforcement purposes. This limit represents the minimum level that can be reliably detected by advanced laboratory methods and does not indicate that the substance is permitted for use. Detection of trace residues below the EMRL does not constitute a food safety violation nor does it imply any health risk, an official noted. The clarification from FSSAI has come after controversy started when a viral video on social media claimed that eggs from the Eggozcompany contained nitrofuran, an antibiotic that is banned on food-producing animals, though residues can still appear in eggs due to illegal usage. Addressing reports related to the testing of a specific egg brand, officials explained that such detections are isolated and batch-specific, often arising from inadvertent contamination or feed-related factors, and are not representative of the overall egg supply chain in the country. FSSAI launches egg safety drive after nitrofurans presence triggers uproar Urging consumers to rely on verified scientific evidence and official advisories, FSSAI reiterated that eggs remain a safe, nutritious and valuable component of a balanced diet when produced and consumed in compliance with food safety regulations. No national or international health authority has associated normal egg consumption with increased cancer risk, the officials further said. FSSAI further emphasised that Indias regulatory framework is aligned with international practices. The European Union and the US also prohibit the use of nitrofurans in food-producing animals and employ reference points for action or guideline values only as enforcement tools. Differences in numerical benchmarks across countries reflect variations in analytical and regulatory approaches, not differences in consumer safety standards, it said. On public health concerns, FSSAI cited scientific evidence indicating that there is no established causal link between trace-level dietary exposure to nitrofuran metabolites and cancer or other adverse health outcomes in humans. Generalising isolated laboratory findings to label eggs as unsafe is scientifically incorrect, officials added. FSSAI announces nationwide crackdown on adulteration of milk, paneer, and khoya
Supreme Court ruling on Aravalli definition triggers huge protests in Rajasthan
JAIPUR: The Supreme Courts recent acceptance of the Union Environment Ministrys definition of the Aravalli hills -- restricting the range to landforms with an elevation of more than 100 metres -- has triggered widespread protests across Rajasthan. Political leaders, environmental activists, social media influencers and citizens have expressed strong opposition and warned that the move will entail serious ecological and economic consequences. Under the revised definition, nearly 90 per cent of the Aravalli range in Rajasthan, consisting of hills lower than 100 metres, will no longer be classified as part of the protected range. According to available data, only 1,048 out of nearly 1.6 lakh hillocks in the state meet the 100-metre criterion, effectively excluding the vast majority from regulatory safeguards. SC ruling on Aravalli definition sparks opposition in Rajasthan, former CM Gehlot warns of ecological disaster Laxmikant Sharma, professor at the Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, said the governments stance that only hills above 100 metres qualify as Aravalli would automatically exclude most of the range. In Rajasthan, the Aravalli hills are largely between 30 and 80 metres in height. This means nearly 90 per cent of the range is directly under threat, he said. Though the Supreme Court order states that new mining is not permitted, critics argue that illegal mining continues unabated. A 2018 report by the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) revealed that around 25 per cent of the Aravalli hills in Rajasthan had already been destroyed. Against this backdrop, the Aravalli Heritage Peoples Campaign was launched a few days ago from Vinoba Gyan Mandir in Bapu Nagar in Jaipur. Kavita Srivastava, national president of the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), urged the government to repeal the uniform definition of the Aravalli proposed by a committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, calling it a threat to Indias ecological and cultural heritage. SC ruling on Aravalli definition sparks opposition in Rajasthan, former CM Gehlot warns of ecological disaster 'Road to hell is paved with good intentions': Congress slams government over new Aravalli definition Activists have demanded that the Aravalli rangespread across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhibe declared an Ecologically Critical Area and that the use of raw stone mined from the hills be stopped. Neelam Ahluwalia, founding member of People for Aravalli, said the recent court decision would leave more than 90 per cent of the range unprotected and vulnerable to mining. The situation is particularly alarming in Alwar district, where 31 of the 128 identified hills have reportedly been completely flattened due to mining. Environmental experts warn that excluding large parts of the Aravalli range from protection could further embolden mining mafias. Experts have also cautioned that extensive degradation of the Aravallis could alter regional rainfall patterns. Some warn that if the range is destroyed, monsoon moisture could shift westwards towards Pakistan, adversely affecting rainfall in Rajasthan. Nearly 80 per cent of the 700-kilometre-long Aravalli range passes through 27 districts of Rajasthan, forming the ecological backbone of eastern Rajasthan. Agriculture and farmers livelihoods in these regions depend heavily on the hills, as several seasonal riversincluding the Chambal, Banas, Sahibi, Sota, Katli, Kasavati, Gambhiri and Moreloriginate from the Aravallis. Modi government has 'nearly signed death warrant' for Aravalli hills: Sonia Gandhi Rainwater stored in the hills flows through streams and underground channels, sustaining these rivers and supporting small-scale farming and animal husbandry throughout the year. The Aravallis are also home to diverse plant species and vegetation. As the worlds oldest mountain range, their rock formations have a strong water-holding capacity, allowing groundwater to be stored for long periods. Rajasthan has around 32 major potable water reservoirs, many of which depend on the Aravalli system. In a desert state like Rajasthan, environmentalists point out that nearly 22 per cent of the Aravalli hills have already been destroyed due to excessive mining. According to studies, the unique structure of the Aravallis helps recharge nearly two million litres of groundwater per hectare annually, making the range the largest source of water in the region. As protests intensify, environmental groups have demanded an immediate review of the definition, warning that Rajasthans ecology, water security and rural economy are at serious risk. It remains to be seen how the agitation unfolds in the coming days. On International Mountain Day, campaign launched to save India's oldest mountain range Aravalli
Uttarakhand CM Dhami hails Mahakauthig as living showcase of state's culture, development vision
A Delhi surgeon highlighted a concerning trend of heart attacks in young women, often masked by subtle symptoms like extreme fatigue and nausea. Ignoring these 'quiet' warning signs, as seen in a 36-year-old patient, can lead to severe cardiac events. This atypical presentation, unlike classic chest pain, is frequently misdiagnosed, underscoring the need for awareness.
Dense fog and severe cold wave hit normal life in Bihar, red alert issued for 12 districts
PATNA: Normal life in Bihar has been largely hit by dense fog and severe cold wave conditions, prompting authorities concerned to change the timing of schools for children. Severe cold wave condition is expected to persist till December 22. Bihar deputy chief minister Samrat Chaudharys helicopter could not take off due to bad weather conditions and poor visibility. He was scheduled to attend official functions at Sugauli and Raxaul in East Champaran district. According to authoritative sources, a pair of flights of Air India from Patna to Delhi and vice versa was cancelled, while 16 pairs of flights got delayed due to bad weather conditions and poor visibility in Patna. Similarly, more than 12 trains were running behind schedule. Officials said that the trains, including Vibhuti Express, Shramjivi Express, Sampoorna Kranti Express, Barauni-Danapur Memu, Vaishali-Kodarma Fast Memu, Danapur-Jhajha Fast Passenger and Bhagalpur Garib Rath Express, were running from three hours to 30 hours behind schedule. According to notifications issued by the authorities, classes in schools will run from 9 am and 4.30 pm till December 27. The order will apply to all government and private schools across the State. However, pre-board and board examinations have been exempted from the new order. The school authorities have been asked to adhere to the order strictly, failing which action would be initiated against them as per the rule. Humidity levels have crossed 90 per cent, significantly narrowing the gap between maximum and minimum temperatures. A red alert has been issued for 12 districts of north Bihar, warning of extremely dense fog and severe cold wave conditions. In addition, a yellow alert has been issued for 24 other districts, including Patna, cautioning residents about cold weather conditions. The State witnessed a sharp drop in both day and night temperatures, throwing normal life out of gear. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cold spell is expected to persist until December 22, with the possibility of a further decline in temperatures. The districts largely hit include West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Vaishali, Samastipur, Siwan and Gopalganj. In these districts, extremely dense fog is likely to disrupt road traffic both during the day and night hours. Travelling by road will be risky under such conditions, said a police officer assigned to regular traffic in Muzaffarpur in north Bihar. He said an advisory has been issued for vehicle drivers. A yellow alert has been issued for 24 districts, including Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur and Purnea. In Araria, two youths were killed in a head-on collision between a speeding car and a motorbike. The third person injured in the accident has been admitted to a local hospital.
Global pecking order has changed; no single power can dominate anymore: EAM Jaishankar
NEW DELHI: The global economic and political pecking order has undergone a very significant change with multiple centres of power emerging, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday. Jaishankar said no single nation today can dominate global affairs across all issues. No country, however powerful, can impose its will on all issues, he said, adding that this has led to a natural competition among nations and a new global balance. Several centres of power and influence have emerged, he said, and added that power itself has become more complex -- spanning trade, energy, military strength, resources, technology and talent. Global powers are no longer capable of being universal, he said. Jaishankar said globalisation has fundamentally altered how nations and individuals operate. What separates the globalisation era from its predecessors is that when it comes to resources, supply chains, markets or partners, we are operating well beyond our own borders, he said. This, he added, has turned the world not just into a global marketplace but increasingly a global workplace. He was addressing the 22nd convocation of Symbiosis International (Deemed University) in Pune. Nations blocking talent will be net losers, says EAM Jaishankar stressed the need for India to strengthen its manufacturing base alongside services. A large economy like ours must develop substantial and contemporary manufacturing if it is to keep abreast of technology and imbibe an industrial work culture, he said, arguing that manufacturing and services are closely interlinked. He said Indias global image has improved markedly in recent years. How does the world perceive us currently? The short answer is very much more positive and very much more serious than before, he said, attributing this to Indias national brand and the reputation of its people. Indians are increasingly seen as having a strong work ethic, technological aptitude and a family-centric culture, he said. In conversations abroad, I largely hear words of praise for our diaspora, Jaishankar said, adding that improvements in ease of doing business and ease of living are steadily dispelling old stereotypes about India. US has set radically new terms of engagement by dealing with countries on one-on-one basis: EAM Jaishankar Our figures vouch for this transformation, he said, pointing to the growth of global capability centres in India, rising demand for Indian talent abroad and individual success stories. Perhaps more than others, India is today defined by its talent and by its skill. Jaishankar said India now approaches the world with more confidence and with more capability, noting that while most nations assert themselves through trade, investment and services, India is distinguished by the global relevance of its human resources. On global economic shifts, he said decolonisation had allowed many countries to prosper by controlling their own destinies, though outcomes depended heavily on leadership and policy choices. The nation that has gained the most in this era is China, he said, adding that India has also done well, particularly in the post-reform period and even more in the last decade. In contrast, much of the Western world now feels that it has stagnated, a sentiment that has increasingly come to acquire a political meaning, he said, citing offshoring of production, demographic challenges and lifestyle factors as contributors to declining competitiveness. The cumulative result of all these developments is that the global economic and, thereafter, political pecking order has changed very significantly, Jaishankar said. India, Australia shoulder 'greater responsibility' amid global turbulence: EAM Jaishankar
36 former judges condemn Opposition leaders' bid to impeach Justice G R Swaminathan
NEW DELHI: Thirty-six former judges,including former Supreme Court and High Court Chief Justices, denounced theOpposition leaders' bid to impeach Madras High Court judge Justice G R Swaminathan, stating such an attempt, if allowed to proceed, would cut at the very roots of democracy and independence of the judiciary. This is a brazen attempt to browbeat judges who do not fall in line with the ideological and political expectations of a particular section of society. Even if the reasons mentioned by the signatory Member(s) of Parliament are taken at face value, they are wholly inadequate to justify resorting to such a rare, exceptional and serious constitutional measure such as impeachment, the former judges in a letter said. It further added that even during the dark period of the Emergency, the then Government adopted various mechanisms, including supersessions to penalise judges who refused to oe the line. The supersession of three seniormost judges of the Supreme Court after the decision in Kesavananda Bharati, the sidelining of Justice H.R. Khanna after his famous dissent in ADM Jabalpur, are sobering reminders of how political overreach can damage judicial independence. Despite these onslaughts, our Judiciary has stood the test of time and withstood all external pressures, the former judges said while condemning the move to try to impeach Justice Swaminathan. The present move (to try to impeach Justice Swaminathan) is not an isolated aberration. It fits into a clear and deeply troubling pattern in our recent constitutional history, where sections of the political class have sought to discredit and intimidate the higher judiciary whenever outcomes do not align with their interests, said the 36 former judges in their signatories letter. Terming the bid as not principled and as reasoned criticism of judicialdecisions, the letter written by 36 former judges sai, it was an attempt to weaponise impeachment and public calumny as instruments of pressure, a practice that strikes at the heart of judicial independence and the basic norms of constitutional democracy. The very purpose of the impeachment mechanism is to uphold the integrity of the judiciary, not to convert it into a tool of arm-twisting, signalling and retaliation, the letter said. To wield the threat of removal as a means of compelling judges to conform to political expectations is to turn a constitutional safeguard into an instrument of intimidation. Such an approach is anti-democratic, anti-constitutional, and an anathema to the rule of law, the letter said. Terming the present attempt as a razen one, to impeach a sitting High Court judge for discharging his judicial duty, the letter added that, therefore, it was not an isolated episode but part of a continuing assault on the dignity and independence of the judicial institution itself. Today, the target may be one judge; tomorrow, it will be the institution as a whole. The former judges, therefore, call upon all stakeholders, Members of Parliament across party lines, members of the Bar, civil society, and citizens at large to unequivocally denounce this move and ensure that it is nipped in the bud at the very inception. Judges must remain answerable to their oath and to the Constitution of India, not to partisan political pressures or ideological intimidation. The message from all constitutional stakeholders must be clear and firm: in a Republic governed by the rule of law, judgments are tested by appeals and legal critique, and not by threats of impeachment for political non-conformity, the 36 former judges stated. Out of 36 signatories, some of the names were former Supreme Court Judge Justice Krishna Murari, former Chief Justice of Delhi and Meghalaya, Rajender Menon and S Vaidyanathan, respectively. Also, 14 of Madhya Pradesh HC's former judges and 11 of Allahabad HC's former judges were signatories andcondemned the move to impeach Justice G R Swaminathan.
AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper Scam: Delhi Court Orders Release of Christian James Michel
He will remain in jail as he is accused in a separate corruption case filed by the CBI in the matter
Delhi air on verge of severe; AQI at 398 as thick haze shrouds capital
With the sun largely obscured by clouds and suspended pollutants, visibility was greatly reduced
Delhi horror: Lover stabs woman over abortion dispute; accused locked house, fled
A 35-year-old woman was stabbed several times by her lover in Delhis Uttam Nagar area after a dispute over her forced abortion. The accused, a married security guard, allegedly attacked her at her rented home, locked the house from outside, and fled. The woman was rushed to hospital with serious neck injuries, while police arrested the accused and sent him to judicial custody.
Ahead of global icon AR Rahman's musical event scheduled on Saturday at the Main Arena Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, the Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory, announcing restrictions and possible diversions near the venue to avoid road traffic disruptions.
Global power shifts make US engagement and China management tougher for India: Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Saturday that Indias task of engaging the United States and managing relations with China has become significantly more complicated, reflecting the deeper churn under way in the global political and economic order. His remarks underline how Indias foreign policy environment is being reshaped by shifting power balances, sharper geopolitical rivalries and a weakening of the assumptions that governed international relations for much of the postCold War period. According to reports, Jaishankar noted that dealing with the US today involves a different set of expectations and uncertainties than in the past. Washington is no longer acting primarily as the anchor of a predictable, rules-based global system. Instead, it is increasingly transactional, more focused on bilateral outcomes and domestic political considerations, and less inclined to underwrite global stability at its own cost. For India, this makes engagement with the US more layered. While strategic cooperation in areas such as defence, technology, critical supply chains and the Indo-Pacific continues to deepen, trade frictions, tariff issues and policy unpredictability complicate the relationship. Political calculations in Washington now have a direct bearing on economic decisions, making it harder for partners like India to plan on the basis of long-term continuity. At the same time, Jaishankars reference to managing China points to a challenge that is both structural and immediate. Indias relationship with China is shaped by an unresolved boundary dispute, periodic military tensions along the Line of Actual Control and a broader strategic rivalry in Asia. Even as both sides seek to prevent escalation and maintain a degree of stability, trust remains fragile. Chinas growing economic weight, technological ambitions and assertive regional posture add further complexity. For India, managing China is not only about border management but also about reducing vulnerabilities in trade and supply chains, responding to Beijings influence in South Asia and the Indian Ocean, and navigating competition without closing the door on limited cooperation where interests overlap. Jaishankars comments also reflect a broader assessment that the world is moving towards a phase of fragmented power and fluid alignments. No single country is able to dominate global outcomes, and traditional alliances are giving way to issue-based coalitions that shift with circumstances. This environment places a premium on diplomatic agility. India, in his framing, must engage multiple major powers simultaneously, even when those powers are at odds with each other. This makes policy choices more complex, as actions taken to strengthen one relationship can have ripple effects on others. The complications are not confined to the US and China alone. The war in Ukraine and its aftermath have made Indias engagement with Russia more sensitive, as New Delhi faces pressure from Western partners while seeking to preserve a long-standing strategic relationship. Europe, meanwhile, is emerging as an important but still evolving partner, grappling with its own economic and security challenges. Together, these dynamics reinforce the reality that Indias foreign policy choices are being made in an environment of heightened uncertainty and competing expectations. From an analytical perspective, Jaishankars remarks highlight Indias continued commitment to strategic autonomy, but also the growing difficulty of practising it. Strategic autonomy today does not mean equidistance or detachment; it means constant calibration. India must extract benefits from closer ties with the US without being drawn into confrontational blocs, manage competition with China without normalising instability on the border, and maintain diversified partnerships to avoid overdependence on any single power. The ministers assessment suggests that India sees the current global transition not as a temporary disruption but as a longer-term shift. Engaging major powers will require more negotiation, greater resilience and sharper prioritisation of national interests. In this more complicated world, Indias diplomacy is likely to become increasingly pragmatic, flexible and interest-driven, reflecting the realities of a multipolar and contested international system.
Special Vacation bench led by CJI to hear urgent cases on Dec 22
NEW DELHI: The Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Saturday constituted a Special Vacation Bench to hear urgent matters during the ongoing court's winter vacation on December 22. It is notable that the SC's winter vacation formally starts on December 20 and ends on January 04. Generally, the court doesn't conduct proceedings during winter vacation. This special sitting has been arranged to ensure timely consideration of pressing cases that require immediate judicial intervention during the vacation period. On Friday, the CJI said that although the winter vacation formally begins on December 20 and ends on January 04, the Supreme Court will hold a special sitting on December 22 to hear genuinely urgent matters. On Friday, the CJI-led bench consisting of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi said, We will sit on Monday to hear only the urgent matters. The CJI also clarified that the court will not burden other judges who have to study case files late at night to hear new cases. I will not bother any other bench, the CJI said, adding that the registry will find out the urgency and list the matter accordingly. CJI Kant also clarified that the decision on whether one or more benches would sit on December 22 would depend on the number of genuinely urgent matters received. The observations were made during oral mention of cases by lawyers seeking urgent listing on the last working day before the winter vacation. The Chief Justice added that no fresh matters would be listed for hearing on Friday itself, citing the heavy workload already borne by judges.
T20 WC 2026: 'Dropping Gill And Jitesh Sharma, I Didnt See It Coming', Says Dinesh Karthik
New Zealand T20I: Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik was shocked after the exclusion of India's Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup 2026 and the New Zealand T20I series. Along with Gill, Karthik also expressed his disappointment at the removal of Jitesh Sharma from the squad. The squad was announced by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Saturday, and Axar Patel was named as the vice-captain. Ishan Kishan makes a remarkable comeback after showcasing explosive form while leading Jharkhand to victory in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Rinku Singh also returns to the T20I squad after missing out on the 3-1 series win in South Africa. Karthik admitted surprise at Shubman Gills exclusion and expressed disappointment over Jitesh Sharma missing out, terming both as shocking omissions from the squad. The big news of the day: India World Cup T20 squad is announced and guess what? Shubman Gill, the current vice captain of the T20 team, incumbent opener has been dropped. Not just from the XI but from the squad. They wanted to bring in an extra opener and they brought in Ishan Kishan and dropped Jitesh Sharma as well. And instead of Jitesh Sharma, its gonna be Rinku Singh. That is huge news. Dropping Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma. I didnt see it coming. Just tells you theres a little bit of clarity lacking. They have backed Shubman Gill for so long and come the day they pick the squad, they have let him go, Karthik said on Instagram. Karthik believes India head into the upcoming T20 World Cup with a formidable squad on paper, built around match-winners across all skillsets. Karthik said India possess the best opener in Abhishek Sharma, the best spinner in Varun Chakaravarthy, the worlds premier allrounder in Hardik Pandya and arguably the best fast bowler ever in Jasprit Bumrah, which ensures a strong playing XI even before final combinations are decided. However, he pointed out a couple of potential vulnerabilities, highlighting that for the first time India will go into a T20 World Cup without the experience of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, while also flagging concerns over Suryakumar Yadavs recent form, though he backed him to turn it into a strength once he regains touch. Karthik believes India head into the upcoming T20 World Cup with a formidable squad on paper, built around match-winners across all skillsets. Karthik said India possess the best opener in Abhishek Sharma, the best spinner in Varun Chakaravarthy, the worlds premier allrounder in Hardik Pandya and arguably the best fast bowler ever in Jasprit Bumrah, which ensures a strong playing XI even before final combinations are decided. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India's T20 World Cup campaign will start on February 7 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium against the United States. After that, on February 12, they will head to New Delhi to play Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The big match versus Pakistan at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15 would come next. On February 18, India will play the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to conclude their group round. Article Source: IANS
SCBA seeks apology from Bihar CM Nitish Kumar over attempt to pull down woman doctors hijab
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Monday expressed its strongest condemnation of the actions of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for attempting to forcibly pull down the hijab of a woman doctor during a public ceremony held in Patna on December 15, 2025. In a statement, the President and Executive Committee of the SCBA described the incident as a grave infringement of a womans personal dignity and autonomy. The association said the alleged act, carried out by a person holding a constitutional office, was deeply disturbing and unacceptable. The SCBA also condemned the remarks made by Union Minister Giriraj Singh and Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad in connection with the incident, stating that such comments were derogatory and undermined the dignity of women. It is shocking that a person holding such a high office should attempt to demean the dignity and autonomy of the woman and tried to pull down her head scarf. Besides infringing her autonomy, agency and religious freedom of the young doctor, it is reflection of the depraving attitude against women in general. It is an affront to the principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in the Constitution of India, the SCBA said. The association demanded an unconditional apology from those involved and reiterated its commitment to upholding constitutional values. We reaffirm our commitment to the protection of individual rights and the rule of law, the SCBA further said.
Deputy CM DK Shivakumar stated that the Congress high command has communicated a message regarding power-sharing to him and CM Siddaramaiah. Both leaders will travel to Delhi together when summoned. This follows CM Siddaramaiah's earlier dismissal of any power-sharing deal, asserting his tenure depends on the high command's wishes.
Fresh PIL in SC seeks law on menstrual pain leave for women
NEW DELHI: A fresh Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Union of India, States and Union Territories to frame laws or policies recognising the problems faced by women during menstrual pain and to provide necessary relief, including the grant of leave, in consonance with Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. The PIL has been filed by lawyer Shailendra Mani Tripathi, who has urged the apex court to intervene and address what he described as a legislative and policy vacuum affecting working women and female students. Issue directions to fill in the lacunae that exists regarding grant of relief in the nature of leave etc, to the working women & female students under exercise of power under Article 32 read with Articles 14, 21 and Articles 141 and 142 of the Indian Constitution, the PIL said. Tripathi highlighted in his plea that several private Indian companies have already introduced paid menstrual leave for their female employees. These include Ivipanan, Zomato, Byjus, Swiggy, Mathrubhumi, Magzter, Industry ARC, FlyMyBiz and Gozoop. He also pointed out that the Kerala government has granted menstrual leave to students in State universities, allowing them up to 60 days in a year. The prestigious institutions like NLIU Bhopal and MNLU Aurangabad have implemented menstrual leave policies. Punjab University has also approved and granted menstrual leave to the students, Tripathi said in the PIL. The petitioner further submitted that the menstrual status of a woman is a personal matter intrinsic to her privacy and must be treated with dignity and without discrimination. He argued that this requires the State to introduce measures that provide appropriate relief to women during menstrual pain so that they are able to cope with the suffering and protect their personal rights with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. The petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, sought directions to all States to frame a policy for menstrual pain leave for female students and working women under the provisions of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. Earlier, Tripathi had filed a similar plea before the Supreme Court seeking directions on the issue. However, the court had asked him to approach the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD), which could take an appropriate decision in the matter. After complying with the courts order, Tripathi submitted a representation to the WCD but did not receive any relief, following which he approached the Supreme Court again seeking redressal of his prayers. The petitioner has sought directions that during the menstrual period, if a woman suffers pain or other physical discomfort that makes it difficult for her to continue with her normal activities at the workplace, her request for leave or other suitable relief should be considered without discrimination, subject to reasonable and dignified conditions, keeping in mind that the issue concerns womens privacy. He also stressed that India has signed and ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which recognises the need for non-discriminatory practices and for treating women with dignity. Spain has recently enacted a law to introduce menstrual leave, thereby addressing the problem of menstrual pain. Vietnam has also enacted and implemented menstrual leave policies. Countries like the United Kingdom, Wales, China, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, South Korea and Zambia have different policies or laws on the grant of menstrual leave, he added in his PIL.
Indian cyber agency flags WhatsApp hijack
New Delhi: Indian cyber security agency CERT-In has flagged a vulnerability in the WhatsApp device-linking feature that enables attackers to take complete control of an account, including access to real-time messages, photos, and videos on the web version. The agency named the issue GhostPairing on Friday in an advisory that has been accessed by PTI. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Breathing danger: Ghaziabad urges high-risk groups to limit outdoor activity amid spike in AQI
Happy For My Thambi Sanju: Ashwin Reacts To Indias T20 WC Squad
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed delight at Indias T20 World Cup 2026 squad, stating that the team was ready for its itle defence. He said he was happy for his brother, Sanju Samson, and lauded Ishan Kishans selection, who has made a comeback to international cricket. In a surprising move, defending champions India have excluded Shubman Gill from their squad for next years T20 World Cup and the upcoming T20Is against New Zealand. As announced by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, captain Suryakumar Yadav, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and vice-captain Axar Patel, this squad highlights notable changes. Besides Gill, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma is also omitted, as Ishan Kishan makes a remarkable comeback after showcasing explosive form while leading Jharkhand to victory in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Rinku Singh also returns to the T20I squad after missing out on the 3-1 series win in South Africa. Title defence loading. Superb squad. Great to see Rinku back and happy for my thambi Sanju, who will now rightfully open alongside Abhishek. Adipoli Chetta! Huge applause for Ishan, who showed his hunger by grinding hard in the domestic circuit, Ashwin wrote on X. The 2026 Mens T20 World Cup, taking place from February 7 to March 8, will feature 40 group matches, all scheduled to be played by February 20. The top two teams from each of the four groups will move on to the Super Eights, beginning on February 21. India and Sri Lanka are hosting the Mens T20 World Cup for the second time. Sri Lanka previously hosted in 2012, while India last held the event in 2016. After finishing a three-match ODI series, India will play five T20Is against New Zealand starting on January 21 in Nagpur, with matches also scheduled in Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram. In the Mens T20 World Cup, defending champions India are in Group A with Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia. India kicks off its tournament against the USA at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7, followed by a match against Namibia at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on February 12. India and Sri Lanka are hosting the Mens T20 World Cup for the second time. Sri Lanka previously hosted in 2012, while India last held the event in 2016. After finishing a three-match ODI series, India will play five T20Is against New Zealand starting on January 21 in Nagpur, with matches also scheduled in Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar and Ishan Kishan. Article Source: IANS
Delhi HC tells petitioner to approach SC on BS-IV vehicle ban
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Saturday asked a petitioner to approach the Supreme Court with her plea seeking removal of a ban on BS IV norms private vehicles, registered outside the national capital, from entering the city. Justice Sachin Datta noted that the apex court has passed elaborate orders on similar issues relating Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
AgustaWestland: Court orders Christian Michel's release from custody in ED case
A Delhi court ordered Christian James Michel's release from custody in a money laundering case linked to the AgustaWestland chopper scam. However, he remains jailed due to a separate CBI corruption case. Michel, accused as a 'middleman', has been in custody for seven years, exceeding the maximum imprisonment period for the money laundering offense.
Pilot Suspended Over Alleged Assault on Passenger at Airport
SRINAGAR: An Air India Express pilot has been suspended following allegations that he assaulted a passenger during a security check at Delhi Airport, according to an NDTV report. The incident occurred on Friday at Terminal 1, where a SpiceJet passenger, Ankit Dewan, claimed he was physically attacked after questioning staff members for cutting the queue. []
Delhi Police arrests two brothers with 1 kg charas, THC, OG
Two brothers were arrested by Delhi Police from west Delhis Janakpuri area with over 1 kg of charas along with THC and OG, officials said. Based on a tip-off about the movement of drug peddlers in the area, police laid a trap on the Tihar Jail Road
Modi Govt Bulldozed MGNREGA, Says Sonia Gandhi, Vows Fight Against New Black Law
New Delhi, Dec 20: Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Saturday accused the Modi government of bulldozing the MGNREGA, and asserted that the black law that seeks to repeal it will be defied by the lakhs of party workers across the country. In a video message, she said that by weakening MGNREGA, the Modi government had attacked the interests of crores of farmers, labourers, and landless across the country. She alleged that over the past 11 years, the Centre [] The post Modi Govt Bulldozed MGNREGA, Says Sonia Gandhi, Vows Fight Against New Black Law appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Delhi Traffic Police has announced restrictions and diversions around Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium for A. R. Rahman's concert on December 20. Commuters are advised to avoid IP Marg and Vikas Marg due to anticipated congestion from noon to 11 pm. Limited parking is available for vehicles with valid labels.
The Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board has opened online registrations for 714 Multi Tasking Staff (MTS) positions in 2025. Applications are being accepted until January 15, 2026, for candidates who have passed Class 10 and meet age criteria. The selection process involves a written exam, document verification, and a medical examination.
BJP-led Centre 'bulldozed' MGNREGA, says Sonia Gandhi; vows to fight against 'black law'
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Saturday criticised the VBG Ram G Bill , which was passed by the Parliament recently, replacing the decades-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), despite strong protests from the Opposition. In a video message posted on Congress's X handle, the Rajya Sabha MP stated that the BJP-led Centre has run a ulldozer over the MGNREGA, by removing Mahatma Gandhi's name and making significant changes arbitrarily. ...it is a matter of great regret that just recently, the government ran a bulldozer over MGNREGA. Not only was Mahatma Gandhi's name removed, but the form and structure of MGNREGA was changed arbitrarily --without any deliberation, without consulting anyone, without taking the opposition into confidence, Sonia Gandhi said. Now, who gets how much employment, where, and in what manner will be decided by the government sitting in Delhi, far removed from ground realities, she added. .. , 20 . , , , , pic.twitter.com/mjH4CfYRVe Congress (@INCIndia) December 20, 2025 The Centre introduced and passed the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (VBG Ram G Bill) in the Parliament last week, despite relentless protests by the Opposition. The Bill made significant changes to MGNREGA by increasing the funding burden on states to 40 per cent and the guaranteed wage employment for rural households from 100 days to 125 days in a financial year. Recalling the passing of MGNREGA during the Manmohan Singh regime, Sonia Gandhi said it was a revolutionary step that helped crores of poor families by bringing a halt to migration and empowering gram panchayats. I still remember vividly, 20 years ago when Dr. Manmohan Singh ji was the Prime Minister, the MGNREGA Act was passed in Parliament by consensus. It was such a revolutionary step, the benefits of which reached crores of rural families. Especially, it became a means of livelihood for the deprived, exploited, poor, and the poorest of the poor, she said. Migration in search of employmentleaving behind one's soil, one's village, one's home and familycame to a halt. A legal right to employment was provided, and along with it, gram panchayats were empowered, she added. The veteran politician also said that through MGNREGA, a concrete step was taken toward realising the dream of an India based on Mahatma Gandhi's vision of Gram Swaraj. She alleged that for the past decade, the BJP-led government at the Centre had made multiple attempts to weaken the scheme. In the last 11 years, the Modi government has ignored the interests of the unemployed, the poor, and the deprived in rural areas, making every effort to weaken MGNREGA, even though during the COVID times, it proved to be a lifeline for the poor, she said. She reiterated that the Congress had a major role in bringing and implementing MGNREGA, while also stressing that it was ever a party-specific matter. It was a scheme connected to the national interest and the people's interest. By weakening this law, the Modi government has attacked the interests of crores of farmers, laborers, and landless poor in the rural sector across the country, she said. The Congress leader asserted that she remained committed to fighting against the lack law. We are all ready to counter this attack. Twenty years ago, I too fought to secure the right to employment for our poor brothers and sisters; today, I remain committed to fighting against this black law. All Congress leaders like me and lakhs of workers stand with you, she said. G RAM G bill: Opposition's protest march in Parliament complex, Kharge vows to take fight to streets
Traffic Curbs, Diversions in Place for AR Rahman Concert in Delhi
According to an advisory, the concert will take place at the Main Arena (Gym) of the stadium from 6 pm to 10 pm, during which traffic movement in surrounding areas will remain regulated and may be diverted as per public convenience and security reasons.
RBI has allowed compounding of FEMA case against Genpact India: ED
New Delhi, Dec 20: The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday said the RBI had issued a compounding order for Genpact India, against a one-time payment, resulting in termination of a FEMA against the technology major. The agency had filed a complaint against the company in October 2018 for alleged contravention of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) to the tune of about Rs 26 crore. It issued a show cause notice to the firm and its directors in the same month [] The post RBI has allowed compounding of FEMA case against Genpact India: ED appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Sahitya Akademi-Winning Kashmiri Writer Gauri Shankar Rainas Story Collection Now In English
New Delhi, Dec 20: A new collection of short stories by Sahitya Akademi-winning writer Gauri Shankar Raina seeks to capture the nuanced realities of contemporary Kashmiri society, navigating the complexities of environment, identity, social divides, and cultural memory. U-Turn and Other Stories unravels the lives of Kashmiri-speaking people, set against the socio-cultural backdrop of the land. They are stories that reflect the deteriorating environment of the valley, the plight of the minority community as well as the resolve of the [] The post Sahitya Akademi-Winning Kashmiri Writer Gauri Shankar Rainas Story Collection Now In English appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
