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Rahul Gandhi criticizes the government's monopoly model for the IndiGo disruption, stating ordinary citizens bear the cost through delays and cancellations. The airline's operational challenges have led to widespread flight disruptions, prompting political concern and a Rajya Sabha notice urging the Civil Aviation Minister to address the issue and prevent future incidents.

The Indian Air Force commemorated its pivotal role on December 5, 1971, the third day of the war. IAF operations crippled Pakistan's western defenses and devastated enemy airfields. In the east, air superiority paved the way for India's rapid advance, leading to Bangladesh's birth. The Battle of Longewala also saw IAF Hunters decisively halt a Pakistani armored thrust, securing Jaisalmer.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's packed second day in Delhi includes a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan and a visit to Rajghat. Prime Minister Modi and Putin will hold crucial bilateral talks at Hyderabad House, focusing on defense deals like S-400s and Su-57s, nuclear energy, and broader cooperation. Several agreements are anticipated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to India with a warm gesture, presenting him with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita in Russian. The two leaders engaged in a friendly interaction at the airport before heading to a private dinner. Putin's visit includes bilateral talks, business forums, and a tribute at Rajghat.

A nationwide air travel crisis, primarily involving IndiGo, has left thousands stranded. Mumbai City FC's journey to a Super Cup semi-final was severely impacted by cancellations and delays. Passengers faced prolonged waits, exorbitant fares, and missed crucial events, highlighting widespread disruption across major Indian cities.

Trinamool Congress has suspended MLA Humayun Kabir for his controversial plan to lay the foundation of a mosque on December 6, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition. Despite the party's action, Kabir remains defiant, vowing to proceed with the plan and launch his own political party. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasized unity, stating that disruptive elements would be removed.

India witnessed a grim rise in road fatalities in 2024, with 1.77 lakh deaths, averaging 485 daily. While National Highways showed a slight decrease in their share of accidents, overall deaths climbed 2.3% from the previous year. Experts emphasize the need for education and broader awareness campaigns to combat this crisis.

India and Russia are deepening their defense ties, focusing on niche technologies and industrial cooperation. Despite global pressures, New Delhi reaffirms its strategic autonomy. Discussions included S-400 systems, Sukhoi upgrades, and BrahMos missile advancements, underscoring a commitment to bolstering India's indigenous defense capabilities and maintaining a strong partnership with Moscow.

President Putin's visit to New Delhi has transformed key areas into a heavily fortified zone, mirroring G20 security measures. His custom-built Aurus Senat limousine, a olling bunker, was flown in for his protection. A five-layer security grid, combining Russian and Indian elite forces, ensures his safety, with snipers and anti-drone systems deployed.

Rajasthan high court affirmed that two consenting adults, even below marriageable age, have the right to a live-in relationship. Rejecting the argument that the male's age prevented cohabitation, the court cited Article 21, stating fundamental rights cannot be denied. Live-in relationships are not illegal, and the state must ensure protection.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed the nation's steady defence partnership with Russia, despite global geopolitical uncertainty. The remarks were made during the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission meeting, just before President Putin's arrival for the Annual Summit. Both ministers emphasized the strong, long-standing ties and ongoing cooperation across military and economic domains.

Security agencies launched an extensive search operation in Ajmer, Rajasthan, following a bomb threat email claiming RDX-based explosives were planted at the Ajmer Sharif dargah, district collectorate, and Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. The email warned of detonation coinciding with Russian President Vladimir Putin's arrival. Premises were evacuated and thoroughly checked, with no suspicious objects found so far.

Peregrination, a word rooted in Latin, signifies a long, often purposeful journey or wandering, extending beyond mere physical travel to encompass spiritual and intellectual exploration. This term, meaning a journey abroad, captures the essence of venturing into unfamiliar territories and the profound personal growth derived from such experiences.

Government sources have refuted Rahul Gandhi's claims that opposition leaders are barred from meeting foreign dignitaries. They stated that the Ministry of External Affairs facilitates official meetings, while engagements outside this framework are at the visitor's discretion. Several foreign leaders have met Gandhi since he became Leader of the Opposition, including Prime Ministers from Bangladesh, Malaysia, Mauritius, and New Zealand.

As President Putin prepares for a visit to India, old images of him with Prime Minister Modi from 2001 have resurfaced. Then Gujarat Chief Minister Modi accompanied PM Vajpayee to Moscow, marking his first international engagement and early diplomatic interaction with Putin. The visit fostered cooperation between Gujarat and Russia's Astrakhan region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in New Delhi for a crucial summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking to bolster energy and arms ties amidst Western sanctions. India navigates a diplomatic tightrope, balancing its historical partnership with Moscow against growing ties with Washington, aiming for strategic autonomy.

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed state governments to provide additional staff to reduce the workload of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) involved in EC's SIR exercise. This comes amid reports of excessive pressure and alleged suicides, with the court emphasising case-by-case consideration for exemption requests and ensuring adequate workforce. The direction was issued after TVK's plea flagging BLO plight.

Raj Nidimoru and Samantha Ruth Prabhu recently married at Isha Yoga Centre. Amidst congratulatory messages, attention turned to Raj's ex-wife, Shhyamali De. She shared a lengthy social media note expressing gratitude for well wishes while dealing with her Jyotish guru's Stage 4 cancer diagnosis.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra deflected questions on the rupee breaching the 90 mark against the US dollar, urging reporters to ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his 2013 remarks on the falling rupee. Meanwhile, Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran stated the government is not concerned about the currency's decline, as it is not impacting inflation or exports.

A 19-year-old student's alleged suicide after being assaulted on a Mumbai local train for speaking Hindi has ignited a political firestorm. Tensions over language, exacerbated by crowded commutes and nativist politics, have boiled over on the city's suburban railway network, leading to a heated debate and protests.

India faces a significant healthcare deficit, falling short of global standards for hospital beds and struggling with doctor and nurse shortages, despite a decade of expansion in medical education. The Union Health Ministry acknowledged these gaps, particularly in rural areas and smaller states, highlighting the urgent need to fill vacancies and strengthen infrastructure to meet national norms.

Stock market today: Indian equity benchmark indices, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, opened in red on Thursday. While Nifty50 was below 26,000, BSE Sensex was down nearly 100 points.

The Indian rupee hit a record low of 90.43 against the US dollar, marking its fastest decline in under a year. This depreciation is driven by foreign portfolio investment withdrawals, trade deficits, and a strong dollar, despite RBI interventions. However, the government remains optimistic about currency improvement and foreign direct investment inflows next year.

The Indian rupee plunged to a historic low of 90.29 against the US dollar, breaching the 90 mark for the first time. This sharp decline, attributed to US tariffs and significant foreign investor outflows, is now impacting the broader economy. While a weaker rupee makes imports costlier, it could benefit exporters and help manage the current account deficit.