News
Delhi / The Times of India
The Embassy of Luxembourg in New Delhi recently hosted a reception to mark the Trounwiessel, the official change of throne in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Swaraj Kaushal, former Mizoram Governor and husband of the late Sushma Swaraj, passed away at 73 after a brief illness. He was a senior advocate with a distinguished public and legal career. His daughter, MP Bansuri Swaraj, expressed profound grief, finding solace in his reunion with her mother. Leaders mourned his contributions.
Delhi government is set to deploy mist spray technology across the capital to combat air pollution, with 305 mist sprayers planned for nine pollution hotspots. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted positive trial results and announced a high-level committee of experts to advise on pollution remedies. The government is also instructing departments to undertake road improvements and planting initiatives.
Beijing has significantly improved its air quality through coordinated policies, strict enforcement, and bold reforms, offering a stark contrast to Delhi's ongoing struggle with smog. While Delhi faces challenges like fragmented governance and funding issues, Beijing's success highlights the critical need for regional coordination, binding targets, and structural reforms to achieve cleaner skies.
IndiGo, India's largest airline, is experiencing significant flight cancellations and delays. Lakhs of passengers are stranded across the country. The disruptions are primarily caused by a shortage of pilots and cabin crew. Flights have been cancelled daily, with some delays extending up to ten hours. Passengers at Delhi, Pune, and Kolkata airports report long waits and frustration.
Security agencies are on high alert ahead of the Babri demolition and Parliament attack anniversaries, coinciding with Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit. Enhanced surveillance and anti-drone systems are in place, while terror group SFJ has threatened to strike Indian Parliament on December 13.
BJP secured seven out of twelve seats in the MCD by-elections, while AAP won three and Congress one. Despite losing two seats, BJP's vote share surged, whereas AAP's saw a sharp decline. The results bring BJP closer to the majority mark in the Delhi Municipal Corporation.
IndiGo is experiencing significant flight turmoil, impacting hundreds of thousands of travelers due to over 200 cancelled flights and delays reaching up to 10 hours. The airline attributes these challenges to a shortage of pilots and new operational rules. As travel peaks, aviation regulators have called upon IndiGo's leadership to address the chaos and outline a recovery strategy.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Delhi has significantly boosted occupancy and tariffs for the city's five-star hotels. Alongside major international events, the presidential suite at ITC Maurya is booked, with other top hotels also sold out. This surge in demand, driven by both official delegations and upcoming weddings, highlights the impact of large-scale events on the hospitality sector.
Delhi traffic police are issuing fines for seemingly minor offenses like smoking in cars, loud music, and unauthorized vehicle advertisements. These violations, often overlooked, can cost Rs 500 to Rs 1,500. Data shows a significant rise in challans for displaying ads and operating improvised vehicles, highlighting the police's focus on road safety beyond major infractions.
Residents of South Delhi are advocating for the AIIMS-Safdarjung corridor to be officially designated as a critical zone for traffic bottlenecks and pollution. They express concerns over chronic traffic jams and unclear road markings that obstruct ambulance access and complicate daily travel.
Amid government assurances, the stark reality of illegal sand mining persists on the banks of the Yamuna River, particularly around Jagatpur village. Nightly, tractors rumble silently, plundering the floodplain's resources for construction purposes, leaving behind a trail of environmental degradation marked by eroding banks. Officials are aware of these organized operations but struggle to confront them effectively.
Following a recent blast, Delhi Police have revived public safety warnings after a 14-year lull. The force is now leveraging social media to urge citizens to report suspicious activities and objects, emphasizing See Something, Say Something to counter evolving terror threats. This renewed vigilance aims to re-sensitize the public to potential dangers lurking in the city.

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