The Times of India News

To Be 'Enforced Strictly', Vital Services Exempt

Air India has issued a travel advisory warning passengers of possible flight disruptions over the next few days. Dense fog conditions are expected in northern and eastern India, particularly affecting Delhi. Passengers are advised to check flight statuses before traveling. The airline has launched 'FogCare' to offer advance alerts and options to reschedule or get refunds for affected flights.

Geospatial technologies are a foundational pillar of India's development journey, and the government is leveraging them as a national asset for Viksit Bharat, said Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology on Wednesday.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized hosting the India-South Africa T20I in Lucknow due to severe air pollution and dense fog, leading to its cancellation. He suggested Thiruvananthapuram as a better alternative with significantly improved air quality. The match was called off after repeated delays due to poor visibility, impacting cricket fans.

India's Navy has boosted its submarine warfare and surveillance with the commissioning of its second MH-60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335, at Goa. This move strengthens maritime security amid a complex regional environment. The induction enhances the Navy's operational reach and deterrence, aligning with India's strategic goals for a secure maritime future.

Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday announced that his government is launching its own carpooling app as the pollution level rises in National capital. He also announced a Rs 2700-crore allocation over 10 years to the MCD.

The future classroom blends AI efficiency with human insight, teaching students not just answers but how to think.

The Ministry of Culture has rejected Congress's claims of missing Jawaharlal Nehru papers from the Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML). The ministry stated that 51 cartons of Nehru's private family letters were sent to Sonia Gandhi in 2008, and their whereabouts are known, asserting these documents are national heritage, not private property.

The BJP attacked the Congress over the National Herald case, accusing the Gandhi family of deceit and propaganda. While a court declined to take cognisance of a fresh FIR, it allowed the ED to continue its investigation, stating the case stems from a private complaint. Congress claimed vindication, calling the proceedings illegal.

India's Army Aviation Corps has received the final three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, completing its contracted fleet. These advanced aircraft, set to be based in Jodhpur, significantly boost the Army's attack and reconnaissance capabilities. This delivery marks a key milestone in the growing US-India defence partnership, enhancing regional security cooperation.

The Supreme Court is pushing for practical solutions to Delhi's severe air pollution crisis. It has directed the Delhi government to directly transfer funds to verified idle construction workers and consider providing them alternative work. The court also criticized the affluent for violating pollution norms, highlighting the disproportionate impact on the poor.

The Supreme Court has transferred the rape and murder case of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College to the Calcutta High Court for monitoring. The apex court's intervention followed nationwide outrage. While the main criminal trial is concluded, the High Court will now oversee related issues concerning doctors' safety and working conditions.

Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad defended his controversial remark on Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's action with a woman's hijab, citing translation issues and regional dialect differences. He claimed his comment was misunderstood and lacked ill intent. Opposition parties, however, intensified their demand for an unconditional apology, calling his statement misogynistic and undignified.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rare personal diplomatic honour in Ethiopia as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali personally drove him to the airport. The visit saw the elevation of India-Ethiopia ties to a Strategic Partnership and PM Modi being conferred Ethiopia's highest civilian honour, highlighting growing Indian diplomatic stature.

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Param Vir Dirgha at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Vijay Diwas, a gallery honoring India's 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees. This new exhibition replaces colonial-era displays, symbolizing a shift towards celebrating national heroes and their sacrifices in defending the nation. Vijay Diwas commemorates India's 1971 victory and the liberation of Bangladesh.

As Delhi grapples with severe air pollution, the Chinese Embassy in India shared its nation's strategies for tackling the issue. China implemented ultra-strict vehicle emission controls, including phasing out old vehicles and promoting electric mobility. The country also undertook industrial restructuring, shutting down heavy industries and transforming former factory sites into public spaces and economic hubs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Ethiopia's Parliament, calling it the land of lions and feeling at home. He highlighted shared civilizational links, noting both nations revere their land as a Mother. India and Ethiopia elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership, focusing on cooperation in key sectors. Modi also received Ethiopia's highest civilian award.

Ethiopian singers deeply moved Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a rendition of Vande Mataram during a banquet in Addis Ababa. The performance coincided with India marking 150 years of the national song. Modi's visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, also included a visit to the Adwa Victory Memorial and addressing the Ethiopian Parliament.

India's Air Force is currently hosting Exercise AviaIndra-2025 with Russia's Aerospace Force, a joint air drill running until December 22. This exercise, part of a series since 2014, involves joint flying operations on various aircraft and helicopters, aiming to bolster bilateral cooperation and mutual understanding between the two nations.

Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan refused to apologize for his remarks on Operation Sindoor, asserting his constitutional right to question military operations. He claimed India was completely defeated on the first day, with Indian aircraft shot down and the Air Force grounded. BJP leaders criticized Chavan's statements as an insult to the armed forces.

Dense fog is set to cause flight delays and disruptions across North and East India on Wednesday morning. IndiGo has issued a travel advisory, urging passengers to allow extra travel time and monitor flight status. The airline assures its teams are prepared to manage operations smoothly, prioritizing passenger safety amidst reduced visibility and potential road traffic impacts.

Kerala Fest Claims Centre Refused Clearance; I&B Min Points To Norms

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Ethiopia's highest civilian honour, The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, during his first bilateral visit. The two nations agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership, focusing on cooperation in economy, innovation, technology, defence, and health.

Gujarat has banned the sale and distribution of rolling papers and pre-rolled cones, commonly known as 'Gogo paper'. The state home department cited health risks and concerns that these products are being used by youth to smoke narcotic substances. The ban, effective immediately, targets harmful substances found in the papers, aiming to curb addiction among young people.

Over 7.7 lakh households are now receiving zero electricity bills thanks to rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. The government has provided significant subsidy support and sanctioned numerous loan applications. Additionally, farmers are earning substantial income by leasing land for solar projects under the PM-KUSUM scheme.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma issued a stern warning to Bangladesh, stating India will retaliate if Bangladeshi politicians continue to make remarks about the northeastern region. His comments followed a statement by a Bangladeshi leader suggesting isolation of India's northeast and support for separatists if India destabilizes Bangladesh.

The Trump administration's 2025 National Security Strategy redefines global power dynamics, placing India at a critical juncture. The document emphasizes unilateral action and self-interest, urging India to contribute more to Indo-Pacific security through initiatives like the Quad, signaling a shift towards transactional alliances.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar strongly condemned the terror attack at Sydney's Hanukkah celebration, emphasizing India and Israel's zero tolerance policy towards terrorism. Speaking alongside Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Moshe Sa'ar, Jaishankar conveyed deep condolences for the lives lost and injured.

Bihar's Minority Affairs Minister Zama Khan defended Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after he removed a woman doctor's hijab during a public event. Khan described the act as fatherly affection, aiming to highlight minority women's progress. The incident sparked outrage, with the Congress demanding Kumar's resignation and questioning women's safety in the state.

Goa nightclub fire owners, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, were deported from Bangkok to Delhi on Tuesday morning after fleeing India hours after the December 6 blaze that killed 25. The brothers face culpable homicide and negligence charges for alleged fire safety norm violations. Their passports were cancelled and an Interpol notice issued before their detention in Thailand.

An Allahabad High Court judge, Justice Yashwant Varma, has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Lok Sabha Speaker's inquiry committee formed to probe corruption allegations against him. He argues the committee's constitution by the Speaker alone is a procedural lapse, as such a panel should be jointly formed by both Houses of Parliament.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced a significant two-day State visit to Ethiopia, marking his inaugural trip to the nation. Following a productive tour of Jordan, PM Modi will engage in extensive discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation.