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Politics / The Times of India
IndiGo has fully updated its entire A320 fleet, becoming the first Indian carrier to complete mandatory software enhancements. This rapid upgrade, prompted by an Airbus global warning about solar radiation affecting flight-control systems, saw Air India and Air India Express also making significant progress. While minor delays occurred, cancellations were largely avoided as airlines raced to meet regulatory deadlines.
Central agencies are scrutinizing the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) process for alleged rigging and misuse. The ED arrested Amit Katyal, Lalu Prasad Yadav's aide, in a real estate fraud case involving undervalued land sales and bid manipulation. Investigations reveal collusion between bank officials, resolution professionals, and buyers, leading to significant financial irregularities.
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran stated that Air India represents a responsibility for the Tata Group, not just a business opportunity. He highlighted the significant growth potential in India's aviation sector, driven by economic expansion and increasing consumer aspirations. Despite challenges like supply chain disruptions and geopolitical factors, the commitment is to build a world-class airline.
Jamiat-Ulama-Hind chief Maulana Mahmood Madani accused the Supreme Court and government of undermining minority rights, suggesting judicial verdicts are made under government pressure. He also defended Jihad as a noble duty against injustice, while the BJP condemned his remarks as inflammatory and divisive, particularly his opposition to Vande Mataram.
Indian airlines swiftly addressed a critical software issue affecting Airbus A320s, linked to solar flare risks. Operators worked through the weekend to roll back flight-control updates on 338 aircraft, preventing potential pilot control loss. This rapid fix, under DGCA supervision, avoided mass cancellations during peak holiday travel, with minimal delays reported.
Jammu and Kashmir High Court ruled cross-LoC trade as intra-state, asserting Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is part of the Union Territory. The court dismissed petitions from traders challenging GST notices, stating the trade was internal. This ruling comes after the Indian government suspended cross-LoC trade in 2019 due to misuse concerns.
Journalist Arafaz Ahmad Daing's home demolition in Jammu has ignited a political firestorm. Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary is demanding an inquiry, questioning who ordered the action. Former BJP President Ravinder Raina also visited, claiming the LG's administration wasn't involved. CM Omar Abdullah accused Raj Bhavan-posted officers of selective demolitions, undermining the elected government.
Leh Apex Body (LAB) has urged a judicial probe panel to obtain medico-legal reports of civilians injured in alleged security forces firing on September 24. LAB also demanded scrutiny of CCTV footage and investigation into delayed medical reports of police personnel, emphasizing these as crucial for a fair inquiry.
Following fatal bus fires, the National Human Rights Commission has ordered chief secretaries to immediately recall buses violating safety norms. This includes removing driver partitions, installing fire detection systems, and stricter checks on bus builders. The NHRC stressed accountability for officials who approved unsafe vehicles, deeming the accident preventable.
Election Commission has doubled Booth Level Officers' pay to Rs 12,000 and supervisors' to Rs 18,000, acknowledging their crucial role. This comes as the BJP forms a team to monitor electoral roll revisions and address BLO issues, amid reports of BLO deaths and protests over workload.
A special NIA court has convicted two more individuals, Mohd. Mustaqueem and Shakeel, in an Al-Qaeda conspiracy case, sentencing them to 20 months in prison. This follows a previous conviction in the same plot, which aimed to carry out terror attacks in Uttar Pradesh. The accused were found guilty of procuring weapons and ammunition for the banned outfit's affiliate.
Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 expands Tamil outreach with 50 teachers teaching spoken Tamil in Varanasi schools and 300 Varanasi students visiting Tamil Nadu for immersive learning. This initiative, despite ongoing state-federal education disputes, aims to strengthen India's linguistic traditions and civilisational ties through reciprocal cultural exchange.
Cyclone Ditwah is poised to make landfall near the North Tamil NaduPuducherrySouth Andhra Pradesh coast by early November 30, prompting high alert across southern India. The storm, which has already caused devastation in Sri Lanka, is expected to bring heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds, leading to widespread disruptions and potential urban flooding.
Airbus has issued a global alert for A320-family aircraft due to a software flaw potentially caused by solar radiation, leading to grounding of over 350 planes in India. Meanwhile, the NIA is investigating a 'white-coat terror module' after recovering Rs 18 lakh from a university room. Additionally, R Ashwin suggested Jasprit Bumrah be used sparingly in Test cricket.
COP30 in Brazil concluded with India's environment minister highlighting successful outcomes, including increased adaptation finance and a just transition mechanism. India played a key role in shaping decisions, reinforcing multilateralism and developing countries' interests. Discussions on fossil fuels and deforestation occurred outside formal processes, while trade measures like CBAM were addressed.
Ayodhya's 500-year Ram Janmabhoomi struggle culminated on January 22, 2024, with the consecration of the Ram Lalla temple. This event marked the physical manifestation of faith, fulfilling a centuries-long aspiration. The journey, from Maharishi Valmiki's depiction of Ram's exile to modern movements and legal battles, finally saw the temple stand as a reclaimed heritage.
Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's brother, Anmol Bishnoi, has been remanded to NIA custody in Delhi following his extradition from the US. Wanted in several high-profile cases including the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, Anmol is accused of aiding terror activities and extortion from abroad. His arrest is part of a larger probe into a terror syndicate.
Delhi Police apprehended wanted gangster Harsimran, a close associate of Goldy Dhillon, after his deportation from Bangkok. Harsimran, who fled India on a fake passport, is implicated in numerous criminal cases, including extortion and murder. His arrest is a significant blow to Dhillon's international crime network.
Karnataka's Congress faces a leadership dilemma as Chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar present a united front after intense speculation. The party grapples with balancing the influential AHINDA coalition and Vokkaliga support, crucial for its electoral success, as a potential midterm leadership change remains unresolved.
India is leading the charge in utilizing AI technology to anticipate common disease outbreaks like dengue and flu, getting ahead of potential health crises. The system expertly analyzes various data streamsranging from news reports and weather conditions to health statisticsto uncover early signs of impending outbreaks.
India's digital organ donation registry has surpassed 4.54 lakh pledges since its launch, with Maharashtra leading the nation. The data highlights a significant state-wise disparity in participation, influenced by awareness and local engagement. While the 30-35 age group shows the highest commitment, younger adults are also actively pledging, and the gender gap is narrowing.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the 2027 Haridwar Ardh Kumbh Mela will be celebrated grandly, mirroring the Purna Kumbh. For the first time, sadhus and saints will participate in 'Shahi Snan' during the four-month event, with extensive preparations underway to ensure its historic significance and the safety of millions of expected devotees.
India's aviation regulator has mandated safety checks for over 350 Airbus A320-family jets operated by IndiGo and Air India. This follows an urgent software repair announcement by Airbus affecting thousands of aircraft globally. Airlines anticipate minor disruptions and delays as the necessary updates are completed, aiming for normal operations by early next week.
Karnataka's top leaders, chief minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, met for a breakfast discussion following a directive from the Congress high command. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to accepting the party's decisions regarding leadership. Shivakumar, while acknowledging his supporters' aspirations, emphasized patience and stated the party will make all choices.
India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to aid Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, which has claimed at least 80 lives. An Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft delivered approximately 12 tons of humanitarian aid, including tents, blankets, and food, to Colombo. This assistance underscores India's commitment to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR amidst the island nation's severe disaster.
Airbus has mandated a software upgrade for its A320 family aircraft, impacting over 6,000 planes globally. In India, IndiGo and Air India will ground over 350 planes for two to three days, potentially causing significant flight disruptions. This large-scale recall, one of Airbus's biggest, follows an incident that prompted a software review.
A parliamentary committee scrutinizing the simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections bill will seek an extension to gather more stakeholder views. The committee, chaired by P P Chaudhary, believes the bill, known as the one-nation-one-election proposal, does not violate the Constitution's basic structure, a stance supported by the Law Commission.
The Supreme Court has declared dowry a grave social evil, emphasizing that courts must not grant bail in dowry death cases to maintain public confidence and deter perpetrators. The court quashed a bail order for a man accused of killing his wife over a car demand, highlighting the severity of such offenses.
Defence ministers of India and Russia are set to discuss future defense acquisitions, including the S-500 missile system, during their annual summit. The meeting will also review progress on ongoing cooperation, with India seeking additional S-400 squadrons and addressing delayed deliveries of a previous order.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India next week for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, a state visit expected to strengthen defense and trade ties. This visit, Putin's first to India since the Ukraine invasion, will be closely watched by Western nations as India navigates its strategic partnerships.
The Supreme Court has directed the Kerala Governor, acting as chancellor, to decide on a report by an SC-appointed committee regarding vice-chancellor appointments within a week. Justices Pardiwala and Viswanathan emphasized the governor cannot delay acting on the report, which was formed with mutual consent. The court expects a prompt decision following the committee's findings.
India prioritizes peace and dialogue but will not compromise on national sovereignty and security, stated Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He highlighted India's growing role as a reliable partner, driven by economic strength, technological advancement, and a principled foreign policy. Reforms in defence procurement and modernization are crucial for future security and national destiny.
The Supreme Court has allowed the Maharashtra State Election Commission to proceed with elections for most local bodies, excluding those with over 50% reservation. Polls for 57 civic bodies exceeding this limit will be subject to the court's final decision on January 21, with results pending the outcome.
Prime Minister Modi is set to visit Jordan and Oman in mid-December, aiming to bolster trade and discuss regional stability, particularly the Gaza ceasefire. Discussions are expected to cover a potential free trade agreement with Oman and Jordan's role in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Both nations have shown strong support for India and condemned terrorism.
The Supreme Court is set to frame guidelines to protect women's health, dignity, and privacy concerning menstruation, prompted by an incident where sanitation workers were forced to prove they were menstruating. The court expressed concern over 'period-shaming' and issued notices to the Centre, acknowledging the SCBA's petition highlighting widespread such violations.
A decade-long study reveals no major Indian city met safe air quality standards between 2015 and November 2025. Delhi consistently ranked as the most polluted, with other cities also experiencing unhealthy AQI levels. Vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and crop burning are identified as key contributors, exacerbated by geographical factors and weather patterns.
Jammu and Kashmir's National Conference passed a resolution condemning the alleged selective targeting of Kashmiris following a Delhi terror module involving doctors from the region. The party urged state governments to ensure the safety of Kashmiris nationwide and called for the restoration of J&K's full statehood and special constitutional status.
Home Minister Amit Shah announced that Left-wing extremism, North-East insurgency, and terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir will soon be resolved. He highlighted the government's focus on intelligence, clear objectives, and coordinated action to combat these issues and narcotics. Shah also stated that Naxalism will be eradicated before the next DGP/IGP conference.

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