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Politics / The Times of India

'IndiGo being held accountable': Aviation minister in Parliament; assures 'ops are stabilising'

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated in Lok Sabha that IndiGo is being held accountable for its operational crisis, with services rapidly stabilizing. He assured that passenger convenience and dignity are being protected, and long-term measures are in place to enhance India's aviation sector, emphasizing no airline will be permitted to inconvenience passengers.

9 Dec 2025 12:40 pm
'Rules to correct system, not to harass people': PM Modi weighs in on IndiGo crisis; insists 'people shouldn't be troubled'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed that rules must aid, not harass the public, amidst IndiGo's ongoing flight crisis. The airline's operational issues stem from new pilot rest rules, impacting thousands of passengers. Union minister Kiren Rijiju conveyed the PM's concern, emphasising passenger convenience and urging MPs to focus on public-centric reforms.

9 Dec 2025 11:17 am
'Mohabbat ki dukaan a farce': BJP targets Congress after action on anti-Revanth Reddy poster; slams Rahul Gandhi

The BJP has sharply criticised Telangana CM Revanth Reddy, accusing the Congress government of failing to fulfill poll promises and resorting to authoritarianism. The party alleged arrests followed a social media poster criticising the CM's wo-year failure, highlighting corruption and misgovernance. Congress defended its record, citing financial challenges and commitment to guarantees.

9 Dec 2025 10:50 am
Long life and good health: PM Modi greets Sonia Gandhi; Congress hails her visionary leadership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday wishes to former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on her 79th birthday. The Congress party lauded her visionary leadership, attributing landmark rights-based laws like MGNREGA and the Right to Information to her tenure as UPA chairperson, which significantly impacted millions of lives.

9 Dec 2025 9:58 am
Congress betrayed national song under pressure from Jinnah: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of betraying 'Vande Mataram' under pressure from Mohammed Ali Jinnah, citing appeasement politics. He highlighted Mahatma Gandhi's praise for the song, noting its significance as a unifying force against British rule. Modi criticized the Congress's 1937 decision to limit the song's recital, linking it to the eventual division of India.

9 Dec 2025 6:51 am
Can't hear out holders before declaring a/cs fraud: RBI, SBI

Banks and RBI informed the Supreme Court that personal hearings before declaring accounts fraudulent are unfeasible due to a surge in cases. With tens of thousands of frauds annually, the sheer volume makes individual hearings impractical, potentially hindering the fraud declaration process. The regulator emphasized operational challenges and left the decision to banks' discretion.

9 Dec 2025 6:25 am
Fake cases, twisted verdicts as petitioner files 'AI reply'

The Supreme Court encountered its first AI misuse case where a litigant submitted a response with hundreds of fabricated legal precedents. Senior advocates highlighted the grave concern of AI-generated false case laws impacting judicial decisions. While acknowledging the error, the court proceeded to hear the case on its merits, emphasizing the need for caution.

9 Dec 2025 5:43 am
Supreme Court allows SC certificate for girl based on caste of mom, not non-SC dad

The Supreme Court has allowed an SC certificate for a minor based on her mother's caste, even though her father is non-SC. This decision, made to prevent academic hardship, raises questions about whether children should inherit caste from their mother. The court acknowledged the evolving societal norms, hinting at a potential shift in established practices.

9 Dec 2025 5:14 am
Govt may give 5% of IndiGo flight share to other airlines

Amidst ongoing flight disruptions, the government is weighing the option of cutting IndiGo's flight schedule by 5%, with plans to redistribute these time slots to other carriers. IndiGo has acknowledged the issues, attributing them to recent duty requirements and changes in their winter travel timetable.

9 Dec 2025 4:48 am
China must assure us our citizens won't be harassed: India

India has demanded assurances from China that its citizens won't face selective harassment after an Arunachal Pradesh resident was reportedly mistreated at Shanghai airport. New Delhi strongly protested the incident, reaffirming Arunachal's status as an integral part of India. The MEA advised Indian nationals to exercise caution when traveling to or transiting through China.

9 Dec 2025 3:26 am
Give Vande Mataram same status as Jana Gana: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh proposed adding a fundamental duty to the Constitution, mandating equal respect for 'Vande Mataram' as the national anthem. He accused Congress of communalizing the song due to appeasement politics, urging parliamentarians to restore its glory and honor its author. Singh highlighted historical attempts to truncate the song, deeming it an injustice to national identity.

9 Dec 2025 2:29 am
Vande Mataram debate done with eye on Bengal poll, says TMC

In a fiery session in Parliament, Trinamool Congress slammed the government for allegedly using the 'Vande Mataram' discourse as a political distraction ahead of the West Bengal elections, branding it as a 'poorly executed farce.' MPs voiced their concerns over the BJP's 'polarizing' tactics, while Akhilesh Yadav from SP labelled their moves as 'nationally contentious.

9 Dec 2025 2:23 am
Critical of NTA, panel says return to pen-paper tests

A crucial parliamentary panel has raised alarming issues regarding the handling of the National Testing Agency's (NTA) exams in 2024, highlighting repeated delays, incidents of paper leaks, and various mistakes. The committee has advocated for a shift back to traditional pen-and-paper assessments, similar to those used by CBSE and UPSC.

9 Dec 2025 1:25 am
No bail for 8 J&K cops accused of custodial torture of constable

A Kupwara court has denied bail to eight policemen, including a deputy SP, accused of torturing a constable for six days in February 2023. The constable's wife alleged brutal torture, including the insertion of an iron rod into his rectum. The Supreme Court had directed the CBI to register a case following the wife's plea.

9 Dec 2025 12:44 am
Explain Kashmir book ban, HC tells LG admin, Centre

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has granted the administration and the Centre three months to respond to petitions challenging a ban on 25 Kashmir-related books. The ban, imposed by the home department, claims the books promote a false narrative and secessionism. A three-judge bench will hear the petitions, which argue the ban violates free speech guarantees.

9 Dec 2025 12:37 am
Chinese national released; cops find immigration violations by hotels, homestays, houseboats

A Chinese national was questioned for visa violations after travelling to J&K and Ladakh without permission. Meanwhile, authorities discovered multiple foreign nationals staying in Kashmir without mandatory reporting, leading to FIRs against several hotels and houseboats for non-compliance with Form-C submission norms.

9 Dec 2025 12:20 am
Gadkari directs officials to carry out checking of all sleeper buses by govt-approved agencies

Following recent bus fires, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has ordered government-approved agencies to inspect all sleeper coach buses for safety norm compliance. This directive comes after reports of widespread non-compliance with the new Bus Body Code, leading to calls for action against errant builders and officials.

9 Dec 2025 12:10 am
Smoke billows along LoC areas of Rajouri-Poonch on 2nd day also

A massive forest fire erupted along the Line of Control in Rajouri and Poonch districts on Sunday, with dense smoke billowing up. The blaze, likely originating from across the border, is spreading rapidly due to dry conditions and has triggered multiple landmine blasts in forward areas without any reported injuries.

8 Dec 2025 11:43 pm
'New energy after Bihar mandate': PM Modi meets NDA MPs; vows to 'leave no stone unturned'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed renewed vigor after meeting Bihar's NDA MPs, celebrating their historic victory in the recent assembly elections. He emphasized the double-engine government's commitment to improving the lives of Bihar's citizens. The NDA's decisive win, securing 202 out of 243 seats, underscores their mandate to fulfill public expectations.

8 Dec 2025 9:31 pm
Goa nightclub fire: Owners flew out to Phuket within hours of blaze; 'intent to evade probe'

North Goa nightclub owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, fled to Phuket hours after a fire killed 25 people. Police confirmed their departure and issued a Look Out Circular, seeking Interpol's help. Four staff members have been arrested as a magisterial inquiry into procedural lapses is underway.

8 Dec 2025 9:19 pm
'Weather, roster rules': IndiGo lists 5 reasons for flight disruptions; what it told DGCA

IndiGo has responded to the DGCA's show-cause notice regarding recent operational disruptions, citing a compounding effect of multiple factors including technical glitches, weather, and new crew rostering rules. The airline expressed apologies for passenger inconvenience and is requesting more time for a full Root Cause Analysis, while services began normalizing after a network reboot on December 5th.

8 Dec 2025 8:40 pm
Weakening democracy? MEA's cutting response: 'Pakistan and democracy don't go together'

India's MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that democracy and Pakistan don't go together while monitoring developments. He also highlighted strong India-US counter-terrorism cooperation, with both nations pushing for tougher UN actions against Pakistan-based terror groups like LeT and JeM.

8 Dec 2025 6:31 pm
'Assure Indians will not be selectively targeted': MEA's strong message to China; issues travel advice

India's Ministry of External Affairs has urged Chinese authorities to ensure fair treatment for Indian travelers transiting through their airports. This statement follows reports of alleged harassment of an Arunachal Pradesh woman, prompting an advisory for Indian nationals to exercise caution when traveling to or through China.

8 Dec 2025 5:54 pm
Evening news wrap: PM Modi's attack on Nehru over Vande Mataram; IndiGo crisis continues; and more

Political fireworks erupted over Vande Mataram as PM Modi and Congress leaders clashed, highlighting the centrality of historical narratives. Meanwhile, IndiGo's ongoing flight cancellations and substantial refunds continued to impact passengers and the aviation sector. Markets adopted a cautious stance amid global uncertainties, while cricketer Smriti Mandhana refocuses on her career after personal plans shifted.

8 Dec 2025 5:43 pm
Toll taking big toll: AAP MP Raghav Chadha calls it 'legalised loot'; makes key demands in Rajya Sabha

AAP MP Raghav Chadha has strongly criticized toll plazas in India. He highlighted that commuters face heavy taxes, bad roads, and long waits despite paying multiple charges. Chadha described this situation as 'legalised loot'. He urged the government to review toll norms and suggested free passage if waits exceed five minutes.

8 Dec 2025 4:17 pm
Rewriting history: Gaurav Gogoi hits out at PM Modi for giving political colour to Vande Mataram discussion; adds Congress upheld songs legacy

Congress criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly rewriting history and politicizing the Lok Sabha debate on 'Vande Mataram'. Deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi accused the PM of repeatedly mentioning Nehru and Congress to revise historical contributions. Gogoi asserted Congress's pivotal role in elevating 'Vande Mataram' to national song status, highlighting its adoption at party sessions.

8 Dec 2025 3:44 pm
'Very, very strict action': Aviation minister vows to 'set an example' after IndiGo fiasco; what he said in Rajya Sabha

Aviation minister K Rammohan Naidu has vowed very, very strict action against IndiGo for its recent flight disruptions, citing internal lapses in crew management and roster planning. He clarified the issue is unrelated to past system malfunctions, emphasizing that the airline's mismanagement caused the crisis. Naidu stressed that accountability is paramount, promising to set an industry example.

8 Dec 2025 3:30 pm
Ahmedabad Air India crash: Lawyer representing victims says 130 families signed on; probe ongoing

In the aftermath of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, families of the victims are actively seeking answers, with their legal team investigating potential electrical failures and the peculiar behavior of cockpit lights.

8 Dec 2025 3:02 pm
'Bowed to Muslim League': PM Modi's sharp attack on Nehru over Vande Mataram; takes 'MMC' dig at Congress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi fiercely attacked the Congress in Lok Sabha, accusing the party of compromising on the national song 'Vande Mataram' from the freedom movement to post-Independence. He criticized Jawaharlal Nehru's handling of opposition to the song, stating the Congress fragmented it and owed to the Muslim League, ultimately leading to the country's partition.

8 Dec 2025 2:41 pm
'Ab party ki kamaan sambhale Nishant': Nitish Kumars son stepping in? Posters spark speculation

Posters advocating for Nishant Kumar, son of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, to take party leadership have surfaced outside the JD(U) office. This follows the NDA's significant victory in the recent assembly elections. While Nishant has remained largely out of the public eye, unlike political scions Tejashwi Yadav and Chirag Paswan, his father secured a tenth term as Chief Minister.

8 Dec 2025 1:30 pm
'This is a disaster': Mamata Banerjee targets BJP over IndiGo fiasco; cites passenger agony

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has slammed the Centre over IndiGo's ongoing flight crisis, calling it a disaster that has left thousands of passengers stranded. With hundreds of flights cancelled daily, the airline faces scrutiny from regulators and the judiciary. The Delhi High Court is set to hear a plea regarding the inhumane airport situation.

8 Dec 2025 1:12 pm
'Vande Matram resisted push to impose British anthem': PM Modi hails Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in Lok Sabha - top quotes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated a special 10-hour debate in the Lok Sabha on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The song, adopted as India's National Song, is being discussed in both Houses this week. Modi highlighted historical parallels, linking the song's milestones to national challenges like British rule and the Emergency.

8 Dec 2025 12:21 pm
'Remain alert': UP CM Yogi Adityanath's warning to public against 'infiltrators'; asks people to 'verify identity'

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has warned of strict action against Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators in the state. He urged residents to verify identities before employing individuals, as authorities launch an operation to identify and act against foreign nationals suspected of residing and working illegally using forged documents.

8 Dec 2025 8:04 am
Uttar Pradesh: FIR against SI, constable over cop's suicide

A constable's death in Aligarh has led to an abetment to suicide case against two officers. Her brother alleges sub-inspector Sandeep Kumar and constable Kulveer Balyan mentally tormented her. The deceased had previously discussed marriage with Kumar, and Balyan reportedly harassed her after learning of this past connection, pushing her to suicide.

8 Dec 2025 4:55 am
Dessert storm: Mithai marauders strike sweet shop 10 times in 9 years

A Nadiad confectionery has been repeatedly targeted by burglars, experiencing 10 break-ins in nine years. Thieves have stolen significant quantities of sweets, often in addition to cash. Despite owner Mukesh Pandit's efforts, including installing CCTVs, the burglaries continue, particularly during VVIP visits and festivals when police presence is reduced.

8 Dec 2025 4:20 am
Goa nightclub fire tragedy: NCR family vacay ends in grief; woman loses husband, 3 sisters

A family's Goan holiday turned tragic when a fire engulfed a nightclub, claiming four lives. Bhavana Joshi miraculously survived after her husband pushed her to safety before re-entering the inferno to save his sisters-in-law. The devastating incident left her the sole survivor, facing the grim task of informing their children of their parents' and aunts' untimely deaths.

8 Dec 2025 3:38 am
DTC driver beaten to death after jam due to wedding triggers spat

A DTC bus driver was beaten to death by wedding guests in Delhi after a road rage incident. The driver, Vikas, was allegedly assaulted when his bus got stuck behind a marriage procession. One suspect has been arrested, while three others remain at large.

8 Dec 2025 3:32 am
Goa inferno: 'Island' club with narrow path leading to it made firefighting a challenge

A devastating fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, claimed 25 lives, exposing severe infrastructure flaws. Built on a salt pan with limited access and inadequate safety measures, the venue's design, including a poorly ventilated basement and a single operational exit on the first floor, hampered rescue efforts. Investigations are underway into the club's safety protocols.

8 Dec 2025 2:46 am
Goa tragedy: No fire clearance for club, violated building norms too

A devastating fire at The Birch by Romeo Lane was attributed to critical failures in fire prevention, regulatory compliance, and life safety preparedness by club owners. The establishment lacked a construction license and a fire department NOC, with zero fire safety measures in place. Obstructed exits and hazardous external firework activities exacerbated the tragedy, trapping victims.

8 Dec 2025 2:34 am
IIT-Bombay steps into future with its own AI firm

IIT Bombay has incorporated BharatGen Technology Foundation, a company dedicated to building a Large Language Model reflecting India's diversity. This national sovereign AI effort, backed by significant government funding, aims to develop AI that understands over 22 Indian languages and provides accessible models for developers and enterprises.

8 Dec 2025 2:24 am