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Govt plans strict action against IndiGo
New Delhi/Mumbai: The government plans to take strict action against IndiGo to set an example for airlines that violate regulations, the Civil Aviation Minister said on Monday, as the countrys largest carrier added more flights as its operations limp back to normalcy following a week of widespread flight cancellations. IndiGo, whose delayed preparation for stricter [] The post Govt plans strict action against IndiGo appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Nehru betrayed our national song, says PM Modi
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday tore into the Congress alleging that the countrys first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru betrayed Vande Mataram by bowing to Muhammad Ali Jinnahs opposition to the national song that led to it being fragmented and pandering to his communal concerns putting India on the path of appeasement politics. [] The post Nehru betrayed our national song, says PM Modi appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Regulate pyro guns, Delhi fire dept. chief urges in wake of Goa tragedy
Delhi Police rounds up 130 illegal foreigners, send them to detention centre
Centre opposes Sonam Wangchuks request to appear via video in Supreme Court NSA case
NEW DELHI: The Centre on Monday strongly opposed climate activist Sonam Wangchuks request to appear before the Supreme Court via video conferencing from Jodhpur jail in the case related to his detention under the National Security Act (NSA). During the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Wangchuks wife Gitanjali J Angmo, requested that the 52-year-old activist be allowed to join the proceedings via video from jail. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, opposed the request, saying, We will have to give the same treatment to all convicts across the country. The Supreme Court, however, did not pass any order on the request and adjourned the matter to December 15. The two-judge bench, headed by Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria, is hearing a plea filed by Angmo alleging that Wangchuks detention was illegal and arbitrary, violating his fundamental rights. On October 29, the court had sought responses from the Centre and the Ladakh administration on her amended plea. In her petition, Angmo claimed that her husbands detention was not based on genuine concerns of public order or security and described it as a calculated attempt to silence Wangchuks right to dissent. She argued that the detention order relied on stale, irrelevant, and extraneous FIRs, noting that three of the five FIRs cited were from 2024 and bore no direct connection to his detention in September 2025. She further stated that four of the five FIRs, three of which were registered against unknown persons, did not name Wangchuk, and thus there was no clear, live, proximate, or intelligible connection between the FIRs and his preventive detention under the NSA. Angmo also contended that the authorities had violated safeguards under Section 11(1) of the NSA, as Wangchuk was not given an effective opportunity to make a representation before the Advisory Board. She added, Section 11(1) of the NSA necessarily contemplates that the Detenu must not only be informed of his right of representation but must be placed in a fair position to exercise that right effectively, with access to all material relied upon by the detaining authority. She further submitted that by denying Wangchuks authorised friend access to the complete grounds and supporting documents, the detaining authority obstructed his preparation of a meaningful representation, frustrating the very purpose of Section 11(1) of the NSA. The continued detention of Wangchuk should be vitiated on account of the grave and incurable procedural lapses committed by the Respondents. These lapses strike at the foundation of the constitutional and statutory safeguards embodied under the NSA, 1980, she argued. The Ministry of Home Affairs has accused Wangchuk of inciting violence in Leh town. According to reports, Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike since September 10, and when protests turned violent, he broke his fast and left the site in an ambulance. He was later detained under the NSA and shifted to Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan. Angmos petition, filed as a habeas corpus plea under Article 32 of the Constitution on October 2, questioned the legality of her husbands arrest and the application of the NSA. She said she had not been allowed to contact him after his detention and described the arrest as without cause. Groups leading the movement for statehood and inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule, including the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), have demanded Wangchuks unconditional release along with others detained. Angmo added that Wangchuk had condemned the violence on social media, stating that it would undermine Ladakhs peaceful five-year struggle, and called the day of the protests the saddest day of his life. The NSA allows the Centre and states to detain individuals for up to 12 months to prevent them from acting in a manner prejudicial to the defence of India, though detention orders can be revoked earlier.
Bank told to pay Rs 2 lakh fire insurance claim
BLO falls ill & dies in hospital, kin blame SIR work stress
UP CM Yogis rural poll pill for MLAs: Be visible on social media more
Husband in the next room, woman falls to death from 16th-floor balcony of Noida highrise
Guards light stove to keep room warm, one dies, another critical in Noida
Strict action against IndiGo to set example: Govt
New Delhi, Dec 8: The government plans to take strict action against IndiGo to set an example for airlines that violate regulations, the Civil Aviation Minister said on Monday, as the countrys largest carrier added more flights as its operations limp back to normalcy following a week of widespread flight cancellations. IndiGo, whose delayed preparation [] The post Strict action against IndiGo to set example: Govt appeared first on Northlines .
Chargesheet Filed Against AAP's Satyendar Jain In Sewage Plant Case
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet against AAP leader Satyendar Jain and 13 others under the anti-money laundering law in connection with alleged corruption in awarding tenders for Delhi Jal Board sewage treatment plants.
'Ready To Work With India, Russia': China On Putin's Delhi Visit
China reacted positively to Putin's visit to India, framing the three countries as an important part of the Global South and saying that sound trilateral ties are conducive to regional and global peace and stability, besides their own interests
Linking patriotism to religion is anti-constitutional: Owaisi in LS
New Delhi: AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday said that linking patriotism to any single religion or identity is against constitutional principles and will increase social division. Participating in a discussion on the 150 years of national song Vande Mataram in the Lok Sabha, Owaisi said that the Constitution grants equal rights to all citizens 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 .
Truck & bus collide on Noida expressway, 2 on bike die
Negligence of cops in rape case shocking, says city court
AQI very poor in Noida, haze to shroud city today
The real story of the India-Russia summit
There has been a reengineering of the relationship between Moscow and New Delhi
Goa Fire: Inquiry underway; LOC issued for club owners
Goa Police are investigating a deadly nightclub fire. Owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra left India hours after the blaze. A magisterial inquiry is examining licensing and safety compliance. The Bureau of Immigration issued a lookout circular against the owners. Bharat Kohli was arrested in Delhi. Post-mortems are complete. The inquiry committee is assessing the events leading to the inferno.
Jilted womans complaint helped bust white-collar terror module: Omar
New Delhi: Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned is an old adage and if Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah is to be believed, it was a young womans complaint against her former boyfriend that helped the police crack the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)-linked white-collar terror module, involving several doctors from across the country. [] The post Jilted womans complaint helped bust white-collar terror module: Omar appeared first on Northlines .
Delhi Police busts cybercrime module linked to stock market scams; 3 arrested
When Did New Science Come: Kejriwal Hits Out At Delhi CM Over Her 'AQI Is Temperature' Remark
The Opposition Aam Aadmi Party has repeatedly claimed that the government is presenting fake figures, which is denied by the BJP.
RML hosp trauma buildingfails fire-safety inspection
Hema Malini To Host Dharmendra's Prayer Meet In Delhi With Daughters Esha And Ahana Deol
Prior to the Delhi prayer meet, Hema Malini also held a Gita Paath at her home in memory of Dharmendra
Ugandan held for duping men using fake female profiles
Democracy and Pakistan dont go together, says MEA as it flags concerns over protests, border clashes
NEW DELHI: External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Monday made a sharp remark on the state of democracy in Pakistan, saying that democracy and Pakistan dont go together, while responding to questions on the political situation in the neighbouring country, including developments involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan and ongoing protests. Asked whether Pakistans democratic structures were weakening, Jaiswal said India has been closely monitoring developments. We keep a close eye on every development in Pakistan but regarding democracy, the less we talk, the better, he said. Jaiswal also commented on last weeks border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, expressing concern over reports of civilian deaths. We condemn such attacks on innocent Afghan people. India strongly supports the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Afghanistan, he said. Heavy gunfire was exchanged along the border last Friday, days after peace talks between the two sides collapsed. Meanwhile, protests linked to Imran Khans incarceration continued in Pakistan. Reports said that authorities at Rawalpindis Adiala Jail last week allowed Khans sister, Uzma Khanum, to meet him, even as PTI supporters held demonstrations outside the Islamabad High Court and the prison over restrictions on his visitation rights. On a separate query, Jaiswal urged Indian nationals to exercise caution while travelling through China, following an incident involving UK-based Indian citizen Pema Wangjom Thongdok. Thongdok, born in Arunachal Pradesh, was travelling from London to Japan with a layover in Shanghai when Chinese immigration officials allegedly deemed her Indian passport invalid because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. She was kept in the transit area for nearly 18 hours before being allowed to continue her journey after contacting the Indian Embassy. Reiterating Indias firm stance, Jaiswal said, Arunachal Pradesh is and will remain an integral part of India, and we do not want any interference in it. He added that IndiaChina relations were gradually moving in a positive direction and that New Delhi intended to maintain that momentum.
Delhi AQI Locked In 'Very Poor' Category, Expected To Turn 'Severe' Soon
Delhi's air quality remained locked in the 'very poor' category on Monday, with the air quality index (AQI) staying above 300, while forecasts suggest that pollution levels are likely to deteriorate further.
Working Negligently: Delhi Court Raps Police Over Rape Case Of 4-Year-Old
It is shocking that the police are working so negligently in such a heinous and sensitive matter, a Delhi court said on Monday while hearing a case regarding the brutal rape of a four-year-old girl.
Goa Fire Turns Focus To Delhi Hotels, Only Fraction Have Fire Certificates
Only 52 hotels and 38 clubs of the thousands that exist in the national capital possess fire safety certificates, according to the Delhi Fire Services (DFS).
Tanvir Sadiq Labels Sajad Lone a Blogger, Dares Him to Speak Against Delhi
SRINAGAR: The National Conference (NC) on Monday ridiculed Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone for his antigovernment stance over the JKAS age relaxation issue, dismissing him as a blogger. Talking to reporters, NC spokesman Tanvir Sadiq said that Sajad Lone should have courage to tell New Delhi about wrongs committed in Kashmir. He is now a []
Over 10 lakh flyers hit by IndiGo's December meltdown; nearly 500 flights cancelled on Monday
NEW DELHI: Over 10 lakh passengers missed their flights during IndiGo's December meltdown even by conservative estimates, it has emerged. The shocking extent of the chaos that were unleashed by problems in Indigo'ss crew rostering and internal planning systems , according to Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, came to light on a day when the airline cancelled nearly 500 flights. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is currently examining the airline's response to a show-cause notice issued to its CEO before taking any final action, sources said. Officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation said that between December 1 and 7 a total of 5,86,705 ticket PNRs (Passenger Name Records) were cancelled. Since each PNR can include multiple passengersup to nine in standard bookings and more in bulk bookings, the actual number of impacted passengers is significantly higher. Including cancellations from late November, a total of 9,55,591 PNRs were affected between November 21 and December 7. An IndiGo spokesperson said that by Monday, the airline had restored operations across all 138 destinations on its network. In a statement, the airline noted that it operated over 1,800 flights on Monday, up from 1,650 on Sunday, achieving 90% on-time performance compared with 75% the previous day. Several internal processes were expedited to resume normal operations and reduce passenger inconvenience, the spokesperson said. IndiGo also said that ot has refunded 827 crore to customers for cancellations up to December 15. IndiGo to face 'significant' financial damage due to flight cancellations and refunds Regarding baggage handling, the airline said 50% of delayed luggage had already been delivered, with over 4,500 bags returned to customers and the remainder expected within 36 hours. Additionally, the airline arranged more than 9,500 hotel rooms and nearly 10,000 cabs and buses for affected passengers between December 1 and 7, assisting over 2 lakh customers daily through various communication channels. For the first time, IndiGo acknowledged sending advance notifications about cancellations, stating that all changes to Monday's schedule were communicated to passengers a day in advance. Is IndiGo too big to fail? And what about lack of pilots leading to the flight chaos theory? Pinpointing exact reason not realistic, claims Indigo Meanwhile, regulator, DGCA is probing the reasons behind the unprecedent meltdown at India's largest airline that has an almost 65% share in the domestic market. The DGCA said IndiGo had requested a fortnight to conduct a comprehensive Root Cause Analysis (RCA) of the disruption. A preliminary explanation was submitted by the airline on Sunday evening, and the regulator is reviewing it before deciding on enforcement action. IndiGo told the DGCA that pinpointing the exact causes of the disruption was ealistically not possible at this stage due to the scale and complexity of operations. The airline cited the DGCA manual, which allows a 15-day response period for show-cause notices, as the basis for the extended timeline. In its preliminary explanation, IndiGo attributed the disruptions to a combination of factors: minor technical glitches, schedule changes linked to the start of the winter season, adverse weather, increased congestion in the aviation system, and implementation of updated crew rostering rules under the Flight Duty Time Limitation Phase II. The airline said these compounding factors caused a drop in on-time network performance, which in turn affected crew availability. IndiGo reportedly took the drastic measure of rebooting its network ion December 5, by cancelling a significant number of flights to recover stranded passengers, ease airport congestion, and reposition crew and aircraft. The airline expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers, describing the disruption as the result of an unfortunate and unforeseeable confluence of multiple factors. 'Two days at airport and no one to help': Passengers vent after IndiGo cancels all flights from Delhi
SC asks Delhi Metro to explain no-bid contract to Indus Towers
Crest Digital, one of the contenders for the work, has challenged DMRCs decision to award the contract to Indus Towers on a nomination basis through private negotiations and without any competitive bidding.
It was a win-win situation for both India and Russia after Delhi summit
Narendra Modi reinforced a stable partnership with strategic autonomy By T N Ashok At a moment when Moscow is staring at a fresh barrage of Western sanctions on its energy giants, when NATO is threatening secondary measures against countries buying discounted Russian crude, and when Europe is again pushing an unpalatable ceasefire formula for [] The post It was a win-win situation for both India and Russia after Delhi summit appeared first on Northlines .
ED attaches Rs 4,190 crore in crypto cases; declares one accused fugitive economic offender
NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth Rs 4,189.89 crore in crypto-linked money laundering cases and has declared one accused a fugitive economic offender, Parliament was informed on Monday. In addition, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has identified undisclosed income of Rs 888.82 crore from transactions in virtual digital assets (VDAs) during search and seizure operations. The CBDT has sent 44,057 communications to taxpayers who invested or traded in VDAs but did not report these in Schedule VDA of their Income Tax Returns (ITRs), Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha. The government has also brought VDAs under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Enforcement Directorate has investigated several crypto-related cases under PMLA, attaching/seizing/freezing proceeds of crime worth Rs 4,189.89 crore, arresting 29 persons, and filing 22 prosecution complaints. One accused has been declared a Fugitive Economic Offender, Chaudhary said. He added that crypto-assets/Virtual Digital Assets are unregulated in India, and the government is undertaking capacity-building initiatives to strengthen monitoring and investigation of VDA-related transactions. As crypto assets are inherently borderless, they require strong international coordination to prevent regulatory arbitrage. Therefore, any regulatory framework for crypto assets can be effective only with significant international collaboration on the evaluation of the risks and benefits and the evaluation of common taxonomy and standards, Chaudhary said.
Goa nightclub fire: Owners Saurabh, Gaurav Luthra fled to Thailand after tragedy, say police
Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, where a fire claimed 25 lives late Saturday, have fled to Thailand, officials said on Monday, prompting police to seek Interpols assistance in tracking them. According to Goa Police, the Luthras departed for Phuket at 5.30 am on December 7 via IndiGo flight 6E 1073, just hours after the tragedy, which left mostly staff and five tourists dead. The police discovered their escape during a manhunt launched immediately after an FIR was registered. Immigration records confirmed that the duo had left India shortly after the incident around midnight. Authorities have now requested Interpols help to trace and arrest the nightclub owners. A senior official said the rapid exit by the Luthras indicates their intent to avoid the police investigation. Soon after filing the FIR, police also dispatched a team to Delhi to carry out raids at the addresses of the two accused. Since they were not available, a notice under appropriate sections of law was pasted on the gate of their house, the official said, adding that by December 7, a Look Out Circular was issued against both the accused by the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) at the request of the Goa Police. However, during this exercise, it was found that the two had already left Delhi for Phuket in the early hours of December 7, that is, immediately after the incident which had taken place around midnight. Goa police have taken further steps to coordinate with the Interpol Division of CBI to apprehend both Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra at the earliest, he said. Jharkhand government orders statewide safety audit after Goa nightclub tragedy While the owners remain abroad, the police have arrested key operational staff Bharat Kohli, one of the members of the management, from Delhi after obtaining his transit remand. So far, the club's Chief General Manager Rajiv Modak, General Manager Vivek Singh, Bar Manager Rajiv Singhania, and Gate Manager Riyanshu Thakur have been arrested . Earlier in the day, the Goa Police team visited the house of Gaurav and Saurabh Lutha in Delhi and questioned their family members. Even as police conducted searches to trace him, Saurabh Luthra used social media on Monday to express profound grief and vowed to provide assistance, support, and cooperation to the victims' families in every possible form. In an Instagram statement posted on Monday, Luthra said the management was deeply shaken by the incident and stood in unwavering solidarity with the families of the 20 staff members and five tourists who lost their lives. He added that the club would extend every possible form of assistance, support and cooperation to the bereaved and injured. The Goa government on Monday constituted a four-member magisterial inquiry committee to ascertain the facts and circumstances that led up to the massive fire at the nightclub. According to officials, fireworks have emerged as the likely cause of the blaze at the popular party venue in Arpora village, 25 km from Panaji. Under Secretary (Home) Manthan Manoj Naik issued the order constituting the inquiry committee with North Goa District Collector Ankit Yadav as chairperson. The committee members include South Goa Superintendent of Police Tikam Singh Verma, Director of Forensic Sciences Ashutosh Apte, and Rajendra Halarnkar, deputy director, Fire and Emergency Services. The committee will examine the sequence of events leading to the fire, verify the compliance of all statutory licences, and determine the lapses. Goa nightclub fire: FIR says fireshow at restaurant caused blaze; owner, event organisers booked, sarpanch detained It will also fix accountability on agencies or departments responsible and recommend preventive and corrective measures, the order stated. In the aftermath of the fire incident, the Goa government has intensified its crackdown on the controversial Romeo Lane club chain, officials said on Monday. Two other properties of the hospitality company in Goa have been sealed, they said. The North Goa district administration has sealed a beach shack and another club, both part of the Romeo Lane chain, located at Vagator and Assagao, respectively, an official said. Action has been initiated against both properties as they were involved in disputes, the official said. The Goa government has issued an advisory for nightclubs, restaurants, bars, event venues and similar establishments, laying down several measures, including for fire safety and crowd control. Under provisions of the Disaster Management Act 2005, all such establishments are directed to ensure strict compliance with fire safety, electrical safety, emergency preparedness, and structural safety norms prescribed by the competent authorities, the advisory reads. The establishments must maintain a valid fire NOC, comply with all conditions issued by the Fire Services Department, and adhere strictly to authorised occupancy limits, display maximum capacity prominently, and not allow overcrowding, it said. The advisory has asked establishments to ensure functional smoke/heat detectors, alarms, sprinklers, hydrants, hose reels and serviced fire extinguishers. They have to use certified electrical wiring and protection devices, and remove temporary, overloaded, or unsafe electrical connections immediately. The establishments will have to keep all emergency exits and escape routes unobstructed with illuminated exit signage, evacuation maps, and emergency lighting, it said. Non-compliance will attract strict enforcement action, including closure, suspension, or cancellation of licences and prosecution under the Disaster Management Act. Police investigations so far have indicated multiple irregularities at the entertainment venue, including the absence of a No Objection Certificate from the fire department and the issuance of a licence without proper documentation. Fire officials had said earlier that the club, located on the backwater of the Arpora river, had small exit doors connected only by a narrow bridge, which severely hampered the escape of people during the blaze. (With inputs from PTI)
PM Modi meets NDA MPs from Bihar; urges collective focus on development, fulfilling promises
NEW DELHI: In a show of unity and purpose, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Bihars NDA MPs on Monday at Parliament, marking their first interaction since the alliances historic win in the 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly. During the meeting, the Prime Minister reviewed the NDAs commitments in the state and reiterated the coalitions shared long-term goal: achieving a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The MPs reportedly shared insights from the recent state elections, where the partnership between PM Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar gained prominence and was informally referred to as NiMo within NDA circles. PM Modi spent considerable time engaging with the MPs and agreed to a group photograph, with nearly 30 members from both Houses standing alongside him. In a post on X, the Prime Minister wrote, translated into English: After the historic victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, meeting the NDA MPs of the state at the Parliament House today filled me with new energy. I was extremely happy to see the determination of my family members in the state to make life easier. He said that Bihars double-engine government would leave no stone unturned in fulfilling the expectations of its people. MPs, speaking on condition of anonymity, said PM Modi encouraged them to act as servants of the people, not just as parliamentarians, and to work collectively to deliver on the promises made during the elections. - pic.twitter.com/abCWCoDMLG Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 8, 2025 Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha noted that the meeting was also an opportunity for the MPs to express gratitude to the Prime Minister for the NDAs landslide victory. He said the people of Bihar had placed their trust in the NDA, guided by PM Modi and CM Nitish Kumar, to achieve a Viksit Bihar within a Viksit Bharat. The meeting also touched upon cultural issues, with an MP initiating a debate on Vande Mataram in the Lok Sabha, highlighting its patriotic significance. Other MPs noted that PM Modi remained particularly focused on Bihars development and urged all NDA MPs to work together as a family to deliver on the alliances electoral promises.
Fatigue is often misinterpreted as laziness, but Delhi-based Surgical Gastroenterology Specialist Dr Anshuman Kaushal warns that persistent exhaustion is usually a medical alarm rather than a personality flaw. In a recent Instagram video, he highlighted six major biological triggersVitamin D and B12 deficiency, thyroid disorders, depression, obesity, and anemiacalling for timely diagnosis instead of judgement. He urged families to treat chronic tiredness as a warning signal, emphasising empathy, medical evaluation and early intervention.
Goa club fire heat spread to Delhi, reveals only fraction of hotels fit to battle blaze
Delhi faces a fire safety crisis with few hotels and clubs certified. This comes after a Goa nightclub fire killed 25. Authorities are intensifying checks. The hospitality sector is largely unorganized. Owners must ensure fire equipment is functional. Police are increasing patrols and conducting joint inspections. The city prepares for holiday crowds with heightened vigilance.
EU trade chief in Delhi with top officials for FTA negotiations
Both India, EU want to substantially conclude trade talks by year-end
Top Australian university to set up campus in India
NEW DELHI: In a major boost to bilateral cooperation in education, research and skilling, India and Australia on Monday announced a fresh set of collaborative initiatives at the third AustraliaIndia Education and Skills Council (AIESC) meeting held in New Delhi. The Ministry of Education said that under the SPARC (Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration) programme, Rs 9.84 crore has been sanctioned for 10 new joint research projects with top Australian universities in areas including advanced computing, energy, sustainability and climate, healthcare and MedTech, and space and defence. One of the key highlights was the Letter of Intent handed to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) ranked 20th globally to establish a campus in India under the UGCs 2023 regulations for foreign higher educational institutions. UNSW will become the seventh Australian university to set up operations in India. Earlier this year, LoIs were issued to La Trobe University, Victoria University, Western Sydney University and the University of Western Australia. The meeting was attended by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar, Australian Education Minister Jason Clare, Skills & Training Minister Andrew Giles, and Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill, among senior officials and MPs from both sides. Expanding collaboration across sectors The two countries exchanged MoUs covering agritech innovation, marine sciences, teacher training and professional development, disaster resilience, global job readiness, mining, and priority skill development sectors. Collaboration in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) and teacher training will also be strengthened through CBSE, NCTE and Australian counterparts. The AIESC reviewed ongoing cooperation in school education, higher education, research and skilling, and reaffirmed plans to deepen institutional linkages, widen mobility pathways and enhance regulatory coordination. Pradhan said the meeting served as a great opportunity to build upon progress since the inaugural AIESC, break new ground in the AustraliaIndia education and skills partnership, and open wider avenues for Indias youth. He emphasised cooperation in AI, advanced materials, semiconductors, MedTech, energy, sustainability, technology adoption, sports education and innovative skilling models. A major agenda point was integrating sports curriculum into school and higher education. Pradhan said this marks the beginning of a wide-ranging partnership in sports, and suggested joint hackathons at school and university levels. Win-win partnership Australian Education Minister Jason Clare described the collaboration as a win-win, adding, There is no such partnership with any other country in the field of education and skill development. This shows deep trust between India and Australia. Minister for Skills & Training Andrew Giles said expanding Australias footprint in India was another significant step forward, while Assistant Minister Julian Hill said UNSWs India campus underlined the strength of the AustraliaIndia education relationship. Highlighting achievements under the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications 2023 and the dedicated Skills Mapping Framework, Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary said sectors such as agriculture have already created mobility pathways using recognised qualifications, and urged replication across emerging domains. He also stressed the importance of youth-focused cooperation, especially with major sporting events coming up in both countries. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also held bilateral meetings with his Australian counterparts to review cooperation from pre-school to PhD, including research, innovation and faculty exchanges. He underscored Indias priority of fostering critical thinking in students and preparing an AI-ready generation. The release said the fourth AIESC meeting will be held in Australia, with both sides agreeing to set clear timelines for delivering more tangible outcomes.
Goa nightclub`s co-owner vows support for families of 25 fire tragedy victims
Meanwhile, police teams have been sent from Goa to Delhi to arrest the management of the `Birch by Romeo Lane` club, located in North Goa`s Arpora area. An inferno at the nightclub, around 25 kilometres away from Panaji, broke out late on the night of December 6, killing 25 people
China positive on Putin's India visit; calls for stronger trilateral cooperation
China, Russia and India are emerging economies and important members of the Global South, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a media briefing here, reacting for the first time to Putin's high-profile visit to New Delhi last week and his interactions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Deputy USTR team to hold trade talks in Delhi on December 10-11: MEA
While the team will be in India on December 9, the two-day trade talks will take place from December 10
Indian Army introduces bio-diesel to its fuel supply chain
NEW DELHI: In a significant boost to Indias clean energy goals, the Indian Army on Monday formally inducted bio-diesel into its fuel supply chain, marking a major milestone in its shift toward environmentally responsible mobility. Calling it a landmark initiative, the Army said the move signals the beginning of its transition to sustainable fuel alternatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and strengthening long-term energy security. The initiative aligns with the National Biofuel Policy and integrates eco-friendly measures across the Armys logistics and operational framework. The first consignment of bio-diesel was flagged in by Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Pushpendra Pal Singh at a ceremony in New Delhi, coinciding with the 265th Corps Day of the Army Service Corps. Senior officials, including the Quartermaster General, the Director General of Supply and Transport, and Shubhankar Sen, Director (Marketing) of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), were present at the event. Lt Gen Singh commended BPCL for its collaboration, noting that the Armys vast mobility needs make the adoption of cleaner fuels critical to advancing national sustainability targets. He said the initiative reflects a shared vision for a greener, more energy-secure future. The development comes days after the Armed Forces adopted E-20 petrol from December 1, 2025, further accelerating their green mobility transition. Over the past few years, the Army has steadily expanded its green footprint. In February 2024, it inducted electric buses and identified cantonments and units for developing EV infrastructure. Earlier, in October 2022, the Army unveiled an ambitious plan to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels by introducing electric vehicles across select peace stations. The roadmap included converting 25% of light vehicles, 38% of buses and 48% of motorcycles in identified formations to EVs, supported by adequate charging infrastructure. The Indian Air Force, too, has taken steps to shrink its carbon footprint. In 2019, it certified its AN-32 transport aircraft to operate on blended aviation turbine fuel containing up to 10% indigenous bio-jet fuel and outlined plans to extend blended-fuel usage to fighter fleets such as the Su-30MKI and MiG-29. With the latest move, the Indian Army has reinforced its position at the forefront of nation-building and environmental stewardship, demonstrating a sustained commitment to innovation and responsible resource management.
Ugandan Man Arrested In Delhi For Duping Man Of Rs 1.9 Lakh Via Dating App
A 38-year-old man, a native of Uganda, was arrested for allegedly duping a Delhi resident of Rs 1.9 lakh after posing as a woman on a dating app by using pictures of his girlfriend and luring him into a fraudulent investment scheme.
Restaurant body issues advisory
Watch: IndiGo flight chaos enters day 7 as 250 more flights cancelled
IndiGo cancelled more than 250 flights from Delhi and Bengaluru as its operational crisis entered the seventh day.
Lets debate in LS to close chapter on complaints, insults against Nehru: Priyanka to PM
New Delhi, Dec 8: Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for raking up Jawaharlal Nehrus mistakes, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday called for a debate in the Lok Sabha on the insults and complaints against the countrys first prime minister to close the chapter on it once and for all. And after that, let us discuss todays issues like unemployment, inflation, womens issues., she said, participating in a discussion in the Lok Sabha on 150 years of [] The post Lets debate in LS to close chapter on complaints, insults against Nehru: Priyanka to PM appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Delhi Jal Board 'scam': ED files chargesheet against ex-Delhi Minister Satyendar Jain, 13 others
Besides Jain, the then Water Minister of Delhi and Chairman of DJB, the prosecution complaint is filed against the then Delhi Jal Board CEO Udit Prakash Rai, former DJB member Ajay, then Delhi Jal Board Chief Engineer Satish Chandra Vashishth, and other private persons and entities under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
SC relaxes bail conditions for Senthil Balaji; questions need for his twice-a-week ED appearances
NEW DELHI: Granting more relief in the form of bail relaxation to former Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji, the Supreme Court on Monday said in its order that unless summoned by the probe agency, he was not required to appear before an Enforcement Directorate officer twice a week in Chennai in the money laundering case linked to the alleged cash-for-job scam in the state. Why is this man (Balaji) required to appear before the Deputy Director of the Enforcement Directorate at Chennai on every Monday and Friday? At least save your own officer from the harassment as he will have to wait twice per week for this gentleman to come, a two-judge bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said. The court also relaxed the condition requiring him to appear in the trial court on every date of hearing, saying the presiding officer may consider any plea for exemption on merits. Earlier, the apex court had directed that the appellant mark his attendance every Monday and Friday between 11 am and 12 noon at the office of the ED Deputy Director in Chennai. He was also required to appear on the first Saturday of every month before investigating officers of the three scheduled offences. During the hearing on Monday, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Balaji, argued that the investigation was complete and the complaint had been filed before the Special Court, making the twice-weekly appearance unnecessary. He stressed that Balaji had never absconded and had appeared before the ED on 116 occasions. Lawyer Zoheb Hossain, appearing for the ED, opposed the relaxation, saying the conditions were imposed due to the seriousness of the crime. The conditions were imposed by the Supreme Courts order of September 2024, which granted him bail in the money laundering case related to the cash-for-jobs scam, he said. He argued that the stringent conditions had ensured smooth progress of the trial and should remain unchanged. The bench, however, questioned the insistence on twice-weekly appearances. A man is going before you every Monday and Friday; he has a cup of tea with your officer. Is this necessary? CJI Kant asked. Balaji had approached the Supreme Court in October, stating that he had complied with all conditions for 13 months, made 116 appearances before the ED, that the PMLA trial had begun, and that predicate offences were still at the summons stage. He sought relaxation of the bail conditions. The court had earlier sought the EDs reply after hearing submissions by senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Narendra Hooda for Balaji, Zoheb Hossain for the ED, and senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan for complainant Y Balaji. The former Tamil Nadu minister was arrested on June 14 last year by the ED in connection with the money laundering case linked to the cash-for-jobs scam during his tenure as Transport Minister in an earlier AIADMK regime. The ED has alleged corruption. It is noteworthy that the Supreme Court had granted him bail on September 26 last year solely on grounds of delay in trial and long incarceration. Days later, on September 29, he was sworn in again as minister, taking charge of electricity, non-conventional energy and excise in Chief Minister M.K. Stalins Cabinet. In subsequent hearings, the apex court expressed displeasure over his reappointment, warning him to choose between post and freedom.
Indian Navy deploys four more ships to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka, delivers 1000 tons of relief material
NEW DELHI: As part of the ongoing Operation Sagar Bandhu, which was launched to provide urgent Search and Rescue and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) support to Sri Lanka, Indian Navy has deployed four more ships INS Gharial, Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57 for supplying HADR stores to cyclone-affected regions of Sri Lanka. INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri and INS Sukanya had earlier rendered relief assistance and heli borne SAR support. The Indian Navy on Monday informed that the three LCUs (Landing Craft Utility) arrived at Colombo on Sunday morning and handed over critical relief material to the Sri Lankan authorities. INS Gharial is scheduled to arrive at Trincomalee on Monday to continue the humanitarian assistance mission. The LCUs are designed to land troops and heavy equipment direct to the beaches. With a 1000 tons of supplies for providing succour, this deployment of ships underscores the strong people to people ties between India and Sri Lanka and Indian Navy's commitment to providing timely humanitarian assistance to our IOR neighbours., Navy added. As reported by The New Indian Express, the Indian Armed forces and the High Commission in Colombo had launched Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief actions forthwith, after devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah across the island nation. The Indian Air Force was quick to respond, deploying one C-130 and one IL-76 from Hindon Air Base near Delhi on the night of November 28/29 to airlift 21 tonnes of relief material along with over 80 NDRF personnel and eight tonnes of rescue equipment. Essential rations and critical supplies were delivered to support affected communities. The IAF reaffirmed the spirit of 'neighbourhood first', saying, India stands firmly with Sri Lanka in this hour of need. Later the IAF had sent two more MI-17V5 helicopters, with 22 personnel and essential HADR supplies to support ongoing Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. In the first go, responding quickly, relief supplies from INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri, including 4.5 tons of dry rations, 2 tons of fresh rations, and essential items, were handed over to the Sri Lankan authorities as assistance to the affected families. INS Sukanya was sent subsequently from Visakhapatnam with additional relief material and is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka soon. Indian High Commission officials in Colombo had also chipped in providing food, water and assistance amid severe flight disruptions.
Priyanka Gandhi slams govt over Vande Mataram debate timing
New Delhi: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday said the government pushed for a debate on Vande Mataram as the West Bengal assembly polls were approaching and that it wanted to divert attention from the problems people were facing. Participating in a discussion in the Lok Sabha on 150 years of national song Vande 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 .
India welcomes steps taken by UK govt to sanction Khalistani terror entities
New Delhi: India on Monday welcomed the actions taken by the United Kingdom (UK) government against anti-India, Khalistani extremist elements, hoping that both countries will continue to work closely in further strengthening the counter-terrorism and security cooperation. While addressing a regular media briefing on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated 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 .
Time For Unbiased Evaluation Of Vande Mataram, It Was Never Anti-Islam: Rajnath
NEW DELHI, Dec 8: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said the time had come for an unbiased evaluation of Vande Mataram and asserted that the entire song and the Anand Math book were never anti-Islam, but reflected the popular sentiments against the Nawab of Bengal and British imperialism. Participating in the debate on the 150th anniversary of national song Vande Mataram, Singh also hit out at the Congress, claiming that the politics of appeasement led to the division of [] The post Time For Unbiased Evaluation Of Vande Mataram, It Was Never Anti-Islam: Rajnath appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
DGCA panel probing IndiGo flight disruptions likely to summon CEO, COO on December 10: Source
MUMBAI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation-appointed panel investigating the flight disruptions at IndiGo is likely to summon the airline's CEO Pieter Elbers and Chief Operating Officer Isidre Porqueras on Wednesday as part of the ongoing probe, according to a source on Monday. The four-member panel, comprising Joint DG Sanjay Brahamane, Deputy Director General Amit Guupta, senior Flight Operations Inspector Kapil Manglik, and FOI Lokesh Rampal, has been tasked with identifying the root causes of widespread operational disruptions. Its mandate includes assessing manpower planning, fluctuating rostering systems, and the airline's preparedness to implement the latest duty period and rest norms for pilots. The panel, announced by Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Faiz Ahmed Kidwai on December 5, will also review the extent of compliance with the revised FDTL provisions, including analysis of gaps admitted by the airline and ascertain the accountability and responsibility for planning failures that led to the breakdown of operational stability, among others. The panel is likely to summon IndiGo Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers and Chief Operating Officer Isidre Porqueras on Wednesday as part of the ongoing probe into the disruption of the airline's flight services at such a scale, a source told PTI here. Is IndiGo too big to fail? And what about lack of pilots leading to the flight chaos theory? IndiGo had last Friday, when it cancelled 1,600 flights of its total 2,300 daily flights, told DGCA that he operational challenges mainly erupted due to revised phase-2 Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) and that it could adequately anticipated, crew planning and rostering preparedness were insufficient in widespread disruption. The committee has been told to submit its report within 15 days. Besides this, DGCA has already issued show cause notices to both Elbers and Porqueras over the ongoing disruptions in the airline's operations. They have been asked to submit their replies to these show cause notices by 6 pm on Monday. The new norms, applicable to all domestic carriers, have come into force in two phases - July 1 and November 1 this year. IndiGo has already temporarily secured major relaxations in the second phase norms till February 10. The latest FDTL norms, which entail increased weekly rest periods to 48 hours, extended night hours, and limiting the number of night landings to only two against six earlier, were initially opposed by domestic airlines, including IndiGo and Tata Group-owned Air India. But they were subsequently rolled out by the DGCA following the Delhi High Court's directives, albeit with a delay of over one year, in a phased manner, and with certain variations for airlines like IndiGo and Air India. The norms were originally to be put in place from March 2024, but airlines, including IndiGo, sought a step-by-step implementation, citing additional crew requirements.
In Focus Podcast | Delhis toxic air: Can it ever be fixed?
Vimlendu joins us to talk about why Delhis air crisis persists despite solutions existing, and what urgent actions India must take.
Satellites missing most farm fires in Punjab, Haryana; impact on Delhi highly underestimated: Report
The Stubble Burning Status Report 2025 by the International Forum for Environment, Sustainability and Technology (iFOREST) said this led to major underestimation of the contribution of stubble burning to Delhi's air pollution this year.
Actor NTR Moves Delhi HC Over Defamatory Social Media Posts
NTR is now one of several prominent public figures, including actors Nagarjuna, Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan, Karan Johar, Anil Kapoor, and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who have approached the Delhi High Court with similar concerns.
Vacation Turns Into Tragedy, Delhi Woman Loses Husband, Sisters In Goa Fire
A night of music and dance turned fatal in Goa after a fire at a jampacked nightclub claimed 25 lives - 20 staff and five tourists - after midnight on Sunday.
Vande Mataram row created by those who framed it as 'Hindu-only' anthem: DMK MP A Raja
NEW DELHI: DMK MP A Raja on Monday claimed that historically documented events show that Vande Mataram was projected in ways that excluded Muslims in the early 20th century, arguing that the controversy surrounding the song was not created by the community but by those who framed it as a Hindu-only anthem. Participating in a Lok Sabha discussion marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, Raja said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech prompted four fundamental questions in his mind. The prime minister asked who did the division in Vande Mataram. I want to know -- did the division in Vande Mataram lead to the division of the country? And if the prime minister says a crucial aspect must be dealt with today, what exactly is that crucial division we need to understand now? he asked. Raja said the prime minister also claimed that a hinking of division still exists in India. Paraphrasing the remark, Raja said, If the prime minister claims such divisive thinking persists even today, I want to ask this House--where is it, and with whom? The final question, he added, was: What is the original dream of Vande Mataram? These questions came to my mind out of the prime minister's speech. Claiming that criticism of Vande Mataram existed since the early 20th century, Raja said, There are reasons to believe or conclude that Vande Mataram was not only against the British exclusively, but also against Muslims. Quoting historian R C Majumdar, he added: Bankim Chandra converted patriotism into religion and religion into patriotism'. These were criticisms made in those days, and I cannot be a party to such an approach. In 1907, anonymous pamphlets printed on lurid red paper were distributed, claiming that Muslims should not sing Vande Mataram and should not join the Swadeshi movement, Raja said, adding that several such incidents occurred between 1902 and 1915. He noted that even the British Parliament debated the issue. The House of Commons discussed in 1907 why Vande Mataram created communal conflict and who was responsible. According to those discussions, the fault was not with the song but with those who said it was meant only for Hindus and that Muslims were prohibited from joining the (freedom) struggle, Raja said. The prime minister asks who did the division--the division was done by your forefathers, not by Muslims, he added. At this point, House Chair Dilip Saikia intervened, objecting to the phrasing. What do you mean by your forefathers? It should be our forefathers, he said. As Raja continued, Saikia remarked that he was doing the post-mortem of Vande Mataram, prompting protests from the DMK member, who insisted he was citing historically documented debates. Trinamool Congress MP Kakoli Ghish Dastidar, who spoke in Bengali, said Vande Mataram is not only India's national song but also a legacy that millions sang to fuel the Independence struggle. Those in power today often fail to grasp this sentiment, she said. Veer Savarkar, for instance, wrote mercy petitions while in jail, securing his own freedom. At that time, 398 Bengalis out of 585 prisoners in the Cellular Jail devoted themselves to India's Independence, putting aside their own pursuit of freedom. While young Khudiram Bose sacrificed his life, the ancestors of today's ruling party were busy writing mercy petitions, Dastidar said. Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay as 'Bankim Da', creating the impression that he was having a casual conversation with the literary icon at a local tea shop. Bengalis will not tolerate the belittling of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, just as they did not tolerate the disrespect shown to Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar when his bust was vandalised, she said. We demand justice for the disrespect meted out to Bengal. Bengalis know how to stand up and fight. Jai Hind was popularised by Netaji (Subhas Chandra Bose), and Jana Gana Mana, our national anthem, was composed by Rabindranath Tagore, which was disrespected by their (BJP) MP, Vishweshwar Hegde. The sense of patriotism runs deep among Bengalis, and such disrespect will never be tolerated, Dastidar added.
'Threat To People Across World': India Welcomes UK Action Against Khalistan Extremists
He said New Delhi looks forward to continuing close cooperation with London to further deepen counter-terrorism and security collaboration.
I am confident of my father completing full term, says Yathindra
The MLC and son of CM Siddaramaiah said that so far, the Congress high command had not asked his father to come to Delhi after the session.
Gold falls to Rs 1,32,600/10g amid subdued demand in Delhi markets
New Delhi, Dec 8 (PTI) Gold prices fell by Rs 300 to Rs 1,32,600 per 10 grams in the national capital on Monday due to subdued demand in the local markets, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity had closed at Rs 1,32,900 per 10 grams on Friday. However, silver prices jumped by Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,85,000 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes), marking their second consecutive day of gains. It had settled at Rs 1,83,500 per kg in the previous market session. Globally, spot gold rose by 0.18 per cent
Goa nightclub fire: Police team leaves for Delhi to arrest owners; fifth accused held
Bharat, 49, who was responsible for managing the daily operations of the establishment on behalf of the owners, is the fifth accused taken into custody.
SEBI overhauls merchant bankers rule; introduces capital adequacy, liquid networth criteria
NEW DELHI, Dec 8: Markets regulator SEBI has overhauled merchant bankers rule by introducing capital adequacy framework, requiring a liquid net worth and mandating minimum revenue from permitted activities. The new rules are aimed at ensuring financial stability, improving risk management, and facilitating ease of doing business. Under the new rule, Sebi has allowed merchant bankers to undertake activities falling outside its purview under the same firm subject to certain conditions. In its notification dated December 3, the regulator [] The post SEBI overhauls merchant bankers rule; introduces capital adequacy, liquid networth criteria appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Flight cancellations credit negative, to hit IndiGo financially, says Moodys
NEW DELHI, Dec 8: The widespread disruptions in IndiGo flights, resulting from the airlines failure to plan for aviation regulations communicated to industry more than a year in advance, could result in financial damage from loss of revenue as well as potential penalties for cancellations, Moodys Ratings said on Monday. In a note, Moodys said the disruptions are credit negative for the airline. Despite temporary reprieve, failure to effectively plan for new aviation regulations is credit negative. The disruptions, [] The post Flight cancellations credit negative, to hit IndiGo financially, says Moodys appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Agri growth estimated to be lower at 4 pc in FY26: Ramesh Chand
NEW DELHI, Dec 8: Indias agriculture sector growth is estimated to be lower at 4 per cent in the 2025-26 financial year compared to the rate of 4.6 per cent recorded in the previous fiscal, a senior government official said on Monday. It (agri growth) will be close to 4 per cent in FY 2025-26. It is difficult to attribute reasons for lower growth at this point of time, Ramesh Chand, member of government think tank Niti Aayog, told [] The post Agri growth estimated to be lower at 4 pc in FY26: Ramesh Chand appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
With cops on his heels, fire-hit Goa nightclub co-owner offers aid, support to victims' kin
One of the owners of a North Goa nightclub where a fire killed 25 people expressed profound grief on social media and vowed assistance to victims' families. Police are seeking the owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, in Delhi, as investigations reveal multiple safety violations at the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' club.
Delhi: Here is how family`s Goa vacation turns tragic in nightclub fire
A long-awaited Goa holiday for a Delhi family ended in tragedy after a deadly nightclub fire in Arpora claimed four members of the same family
PM Modis Policies Ensured Fruits Of Social Justice Reach Grassroots Level: Meghwal
New Delhi, Dec 8: Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Monday said the benefits of social justice are percolating at the grassroots level due to the policies formulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the past 11 years. Talking to reporters here on the subject social justice, the minister said villages are the best examples to understand how the policies formed by the government in the last 11 years are reaching the field level. Thatched houses have now made [] The post PM Modis Policies Ensured Fruits Of Social Justice Reach Grassroots Level: Meghwal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
News headlines for December 9, 2025, bring you key updates. In national news, a Delhi court extended NIA custody in the Red Fort blast case. The government is redesigning the Prasad scheme. IIT Bombay launched its own AI company. Internationally, China reacted positively to Putin's India trip. Ukraine's president will meet European allies.
Centres Opposes In SC Sonam Wangchuks Request To Appear Through Video Conferencing
New Delhi, Dec 8: The Centre on Monday opposed in the Supreme Court the request made by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to appear through video conferencing from Jodhpur jail in the case related to his detention under the National Security Act. The top court was hearing a plea filed by Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of Wangchuk, alleging that his detention was illegal and an arbitrary exercise that violated his fundamental rights. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Angmo, told a [] The post Centres Opposes In SC Sonam Wangchuks Request To Appear Through Video Conferencing appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Pvt members bill in Lok Sabha seeks employees right to disconnect calls beyond work hours
NEW DELHI:A private members bill, which seeks to allow employees not to entertain work-related calls and emails outside work hours, was introduced in Lok Sabha on Friday. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members are allowed to introduce bills on subjects on which they think government should bring a law. Barring a few cases, most of []
ECI appoints five more special roll observers in West Bengal
KOLKATA: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday appointed five more IAS officers as Special Roll Observers (SROs) to oversee the second phase of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in West Bengal. The second phase of the three-tier SIR process begins after the draft roll is published on 16 December. The five bureaucrats--Neeraj kumar Bansor (Home Affairs), Kumar Ravikant Singh (Defence), Alok Tiwari (Finance), Pankaj Yadav (Rural Development) and Krishna kumar Nirala (Information and Broadcasting)--in the rank of joint secretaries will look after SIR drive in five divisions like Midnapore, Presidency, Malda, Jalpaiguri and Bardhaman separately in the state. They will work as micro-observers. About 10 days ago, the national poll body had engaged Dr Subrata Gupta, retired IAS and former secretary of the Union Food Processing Ministry, as the SRO and 12 others serving IAS officers of Bengal cadre for the SIR in the state. All the SROs and 12 other IAS officers will work in coordination with the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal in Kolkata. According to the ECI sources, the additional team of five new SROs have been engaged for the process in a bid to strengthen the second stage of the electoral roll revision process so that no genuine voter is deleted from the list and at the same time no dead, duplicate, absent and permanently shifted voter is included to the SIR list. This time, the national poll body wants the final voters list to be decisive and error-free. This stage involves the filing of claims and objections, along with the notice period for issuing, hearing, verifying and disposing of applications, all of which will be carried out simultaneously by the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs). Dr Gupta, along with 12 other IAS officers assigned earlier by the Commission, met the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar at ECI office in Delhi today and updated him about the progress of the SIR in the state. Almost all opposition parties have asked for micro observers to ensure there is no manipulation at this stage, sources in the CEOs office said, adding that the Commission had found merit in these concerns. Once the second stage is completed, the final version of the electoral roll will be published on 14 February. The announcement of dates for the West Bengal Assembly elections is expected shortly afterwards. Sources in the ECI said that around 55 lakh dead, duplicate, permanently shifted and absent voters have been deleted so far till Saturday. The Commission has identified around 24 lakh dead out the 55 lakh deleted voters. The national poll panel has also instructed electoral officers to intensify progeny mapping, after irregularities were found in parental details in the current voter rolls as of 27 October. The exercise compares parental information on the latest list with records from 2002, when the last SIR was conducted in the state.
Kremlin says India will continue to buy Russian crude if its profitable
On a visit to New Delhi last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered India uninterrupted fuel supplies
China says Putins India trip strengthens prospects for trilateral ties with Russia and India
Beijing views Russia, India as key Global South members, stating sound trilateral ties foster regional and global peace. China aims for sustained, strong relations with New Delhi, adopting a long-term perspective. This comes after Russian President Putin's visit to India, which was closely watched by Beijing.
RInfra setting up integrated solar manufacturing ecosystem
NEW DELHI, Dec 8: Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group on Monday said its arm Reliance Infrastructure is setting up one of Indias most advanced, fully integrated solar manufacturing ecosystems spanning ingots, wafers, cells and modules. According to an investors presentation of Reliance Infrastructure, the manufacturing facility will have next-gen technology. The facility will bridge large demand-supply gap as India will need 5560 GW of solar modules annually by 2030, while upstream capacity remains significantly short. It will be a high-value, [] The post RInfra setting up integrated solar manufacturing ecosystem appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Putin Visit Raised US Concern On India-Russia Ties: Expert To NDTV
Russian President Vladimir Putin's high-profile visit to New Delhi has reignited debate in Washington over India's growing proximity to Moscow, at a time when global geopolitical alignments are shifting rapidly.
Delhi Blast Case: Court Extends NIA Custody Of 3 Doctors, Preacher By 4 Days
New Delhi, Dec 8: A Delhi court on Monday extended the NIA custody of three doctors and a preacher, who were arrested in connection with the November 10 Red Fort blast case, by four days. All four accused Dr Muzammil Ganai, Dr Adeel Rather, Dr Shaheena Saeed and Maulvi Irfan Ahmed Wagay [] The post Delhi Blast Case: Court Extends NIA Custody Of 3 Doctors, Preacher By 4 Days appeared first on Northlines .
NEW DELHI, Dec 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday accused the Congress of breaking into pieces national song Vande Mataram under the guise of social harmony, and said it was still following the politics of appeasement. He also targeted former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru for agreeing with the suggestion that Vande Mataram could antagonise Muslims. Speaking in the Lok Sabha during a discussion on Vande Mataram, Modi cited a letter written by Nehru to Subhash Chandra Bose claiming that [] The post PM Modi Slams Congress For Overruling Mahatma Gandhis Wishes On Vande Matram, Cites Appeasement Politics appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
New Delhi: Indias Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill lavished praise on the Board of Control for Cricket in Indias (BCCI) Centre of Excellence and detailed how it helped him recover well and on time for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa. Gill sustained a neck injury during the first Test against the Proteas in Kolkata last month and was eventually sidelined from the second Test and the three-game ODI series. He made his way to the BCCI CoE and started his rehab and will now be seen back in India colours when the Men in Blue take on the South Africans in a five-match T20I series beginning on Tuesday. The BCCI shared a video of Gill on social media in which he spoke in detail about his recovery time. He said, I'm feeling much better. I think the day that I came here, from that day till today, I've had quite a few skill sessions and some training sessions. So, I feel much, much better now. From recovery to training, I think for an athlete, it can't get any better. It's a paradise for any athlete. You come here, you want to get physically better, you want to get mentally better. Speaking of the facilities at the CoE and how the NCA shaped his formative years, Gill added, You can't ask for better facilities. You know, you can go to the oxygen chamber. There's cryo there and some of the things that I've used for the recovery have been pretty amazing for me. What stood out for me was there are so many machines that I don't know how to use. That itself tells you, you know, how big the setup is. Growing up playing under-14, under-16, you know, it used to be a thing among us where we used to be like someone has been to the NCA and come back. Watching that player, we used to be off that thing, you know, he's gone to the NCA. You play the under-16 state, if you play the finals, you play seven to eight matches out of, I think, 200 players together that play in the under-16 state. Only 25-30 used to attend the NCA's and the 16 NCA's and it used to be a very big thing. We all used to look forward to coming here, you know, spending time with the coaches, training here. When you're coming here, you know, you're kind of the cream of the crop. So, you know, you have the skillset to be able to reach to the next level and making use of the facility where you know that how I can go to the next level physically or how I can go to the next level mentally. Growing up playing under-14, under-16, you know, it used to be a thing among us where we used to be like someone has been to the NCA and come back. Watching that player, we used to be off that thing, you know, he's gone to the NCA. You play the under-16 state, if you play the finals, you play seven to eight matches out of, I think, 200 players together that play in the under-16 state. Only 25-30 used to attend the NCA's and the 16 NCA's and it used to be a very big thing. Also Read: Live Cricket Score As Gill returns to the Indian setup, the Men in Blue gear up to take on the Proteas in the first T20I that is set to be played at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Tuesday. Article Source: IANS
West Bengal SIR: ECI appoints five IAS officers for three Bengal districts
The Election Commission of India has appointed five IAS officers from New Delhi as Special Roll Observers for five divisions in West Bengal. These officers will monitor the preparation of electoral rolls, including the enumeration phase, claims and objections, and final publication. Their appointment follows the digitization of special electoral rolls and aims to ensure accurate voter enrollment.
Those who did not participate in freedom struggle talking about 'Vande Mataram': Akhilesh Yadav
NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav on Monday hit out at the BJP, claiming that those who did not participate in the freedom struggle were now talking of the values of Vande Mataram and asserted that the national song should not be used as a tool to impose one's beliefs on others. Participating in a discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram in the Lok Sabha, Yadav said that Vande Mataram should be followed in spirit, as it is a song which bonded people during the freedom struggle. Vande Mataram is not to show off, nor is it a political tool. When we listen to them, they make it sound as if they created the verse, Yadav said referring to the treasury benches. He also questioned how individuals who did not participate in the freedom struggle could truly understand the meaning of Vande Mataram. Today, divisive elements are using Vande Mataram to create divisions. These individuals are still following the same 'divide and rule' policy used by the British, Yadav said. He also accused those on the treasury benches of wanting to own everything, saying, ime and again it has been seen that those on the ruling side try to appropriate iconic leaders who never belonged to them. Yadav noted that while people may not remember the entire Vande Mataram song or fully comprehend its significance, simply uttering those two words can evoke pride, as they are deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. He emphasised that Vande Mataram played a crucial role in uniting India to emerge from British rule, and in its 150th year, this song should not be used as a means to impose one's beliefs or exert pressure on others. PM tried to 'rewrite history' in Vande Mataram debate, BJP can't blot Nehru's legacy: Congress
Connection With Kohli Clicked Right From Day One In RCB Camp: Phil Salt
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: England opener Phil Salt said his partnership with Virat Kohli clicked from the time they met in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru camp for IPL 2025, adding that he was pleased with its development, including the role clarity on who would take charge of scoring. Salts partnership alongside Kohli gave RCB several good starts in the powerplay, which was crucial in them winning IPL 2025. It's always important to have a strong relationship with whoever you're opening with. You need to understand how they play, and they need to understand your game too, so that you can bring the best out of each other. We started building that connection from the moment we both arrived here, and Im really pleased with how its developing. Its very much a conversation that happens out in the middle, and sometimes it doesnt even need words. You can just sense how the other guy is playing. In Jaipur, for example, there wasnt much chat at all, it was just obvious that whenever Virat got on strike, he was happy to rotate it to me. On other days, like the game in Delhi, either of us could have gone on a run. Both of us were striking it well, and it just worked out that I took charge at the start of the third over. Sometimes you talk it through, and sometimes it happens completely organically. Its a moving picture, said Salt in an episode of the RCB podcast released on Monday. Asked on first thoughts after being bought by RCB at the IPL 2025 auction, Salt, who previously won the trophy in 2024 with Kolkata Knight Riders, said, My first thought was that this is a team I would really suit playing for. The way RCB have always carried themselves, the brand of cricket they play, it all appealed to me. From my very first conversation with Mo after the auction, I could clearly see why they wanted me and what role they had in mind for me. Everything felt very aligned with my game. Salt has been an integral part of Englands T20I team and he spoke at length about maintaining high standards and strike rate while opening the batting in the shortest format. Cricket now demands a far more attacking style of play. Does that make it the most consistent approach? Probably not. From my very first conversation with Mo after the auction, I could clearly see why they wanted me and what role they had in mind for me. Everything felt very aligned with my game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score For me, its all about working day by day and being completely process-driven. I focus first on the small things; getting into the gym, keeping my body right, making the right decisions physically. Then comes the cricket side of it. When I focus too much on big goals and outcomes, I lose clarity. I learned that the hard way when I was younger. Now everything for me is about small steps and daily progress, not being obsessed with results, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Delhi-based Surgical Gastroenterology Specialist Dr Anshuman Kaushal has issued a strong warning through a viral Instagram video, urging Indians to rethink popular comfort foods. He said high carbohydrate and high fat combinations like samosas, pizzas, burgers and parathas with butter are driving soaring rates of diabetes, obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Dr Kaushal explained that these foods trigger rapid glucose spikes, inflammation and addictive cravings, stressing that balanced meals and prevention are more effective than relying on exercise alone.
Red Fort blast case: Delhi court extends NIA custody of 3 doctors, preacher by 4 days
A Delhi court has decided to keep four alleged conspirators in the National Investigation Agency's custody for four more days. Among those detained are three doctors and a religious figure, all of whom are connected to the deadly blast at the Red Fort on November 10, which resulted in 15 fatalities.
Govt Launches Probe Into IndiGo Crisis; Strict Action Likely, Says Aviation Minister Naidu
NEW DELHI, Dec 8: The government has initiated an inquiry into IndiGos large-scale flight cancellations and will take strict action against the airline for its operational failures, Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu told the Rajya Sabha on Monday. Responding to concerns raised by Congress MP Pramod Tiwari, Naidu said the ongoing crisis stemmed from IndiGos [] The post Govt Launches Probe Into IndiGo Crisis; Strict Action Likely, Says Aviation Minister Naidu appeared first on Northlines .
Red Fort blast case: Delhi court extends NIA custody of three doctors, preacher by four days
Mediapersons were barred from covering the court proceedings, which were held under tight security in and around the Patiala House district court premises
1191 Posts Lying Vacant In SAI, Recruitment Process Initiated: Sports Minister In Lok Sabha
New Delhi, Dec 8: Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday acknowledged that over 1,000 posts are currently lying vacant in the Sports Authority of India (SAI), a concern that was highlighted in a recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report which had described the body as critically under-funded and under-staffed. The minister was responding to a question from Congress MP Adoor Prakash, who represents Keralas Attingal constituency, in Lok Sabha. Asked whether the government has noted the concerns raised by the Parliamentary [] The post 1191 Posts Lying Vacant In SAI, Recruitment Process Initiated: Sports Minister In Lok Sabha appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
