Name: Cyclone Mocha intensifies into 'very severe' storm; NDRF on alert in Bengal
Uploaded: 2023-05-12T13:00:27.000+05:30
Duration: T00M27S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: The National Disaster Response Force has deployed 8 teams and 200 rescuers in West Bengal's Digha.

IndiGo will offer ₹10,000 travel vouchers to passengers it says were “severely impacted” during the December 3–5 operational crisis, in addition to mandatory refunds and compensation.

IndiGo announces additional Rs 10,000 vouchers for passengers severely affected

IndiGo will offer ₹10,000 travel vouchers to passengers it says were &ldquo;severely impacted&rdquo; during the December 3&ndash;5 operational crisis, in addition to mandatory refunds and compensation.

IndiGo has announced an additional round of compensation for passengers affected by its massive operational meltdown earlier this month, offering travel vouchers worth ₹10,000 to those it says were &ldquo;severely impacted&rdquo; between December 3 and 5.
The airline has not clarified how it will determine who falls under the &ldquo;severely impacted&rdquo; category, even as thousands of passengers faced hours-long delays and cancellations across major airports because of a crew shortage.
In its statement, <a href="https://www.editorji.com/topic/indigo-airlines-1692283677302" target="_blank">IndiGo</a> said it had already processed refunds for cancelled flights and acknowledged the inconvenience caused.
&ldquo;IndiGo regrettably acknowledges that part of our customers travelling on 3/4/5 December 2025 were stranded for many hours at certain airports and number of them were severely impacted due to congestion. We will offer travel vouchers worth INR 10,000 to such severely impacted customers,&rdquo; the airline said. The vouchers will remain valid for any IndiGo flight over the next 12 months.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://t.co/0osTl9iEOL">pic.twitter.com/0osTl9iEOL</a>
&mdash; IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiGo6E/status/1999034784912232634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The fresh compensation will come on top of the ₹5,000&ndash;₹10,000 that the airline is already required to pay under government rules for cancellations made within 24 hours of departure.
Reiterating its focus on restoring operations, the airline added: &ldquo;At IndiGo, we are committed to restoring the experience you expect from us&mdash;safe, smooth, and reliable. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you again.&rdquo;
In a separate update, IndiGo said that its network has been operating normally for four days, with no same-day cancellations in the past three days except those caused by weather, technical issues or other unavoidable factors.
The airline highlighted that it is now operating 1,900+ flights, connecting 138 destinations, and claimed that its on-time performance has returned to &ldquo;top-tier industry standards&rdquo; as it works to stabilise operations after the crisis.

During Question Hour, BJP MP Anurag Thakur alleged that a TMC member has been smoking e-cigarettes in the Lok Sabha for several days, prompting Speaker Om Birla to assure action if a formal complaint is filed.

Anurag Thakur accuses TMC MP of using e-cigarette in Lok Sabha

During Question Hour, BJP MP Anurag Thakur alleged that a TMC member has been smoking e-cigarettes in the Lok Sabha for several days, prompting Speaker Om Birla to assure action if a formal complaint is filed.

BJP member Anurag Thakur on Thursday accused an unnamed TMC MP of smoking an e-cigarette in the Lok Sabha, with Speaker Om Birla assuring action.&nbsp;
During Question Hour, while asking a supplementary, Thakur wondered whether e-cigarettes are allowed in the House.&nbsp;
When Birla replied in the negative, the BJP MP said a TMC member has been "constantly smoking e-cigarettes in the House for the past several days".&nbsp;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
VIDEO | Speaking in Lok Sabha, BJP MP Anurag Thakur (<a href="https://twitter.com/ianuragthakur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ianuragthakur</a>) says, &ldquo;I just want to request something so that the House knows. E-Cigarettes are banned in the country. Have you (Speaker) allowed it in the House? TMC MPs are using e-cigarettes in the House.&rdquo; Speaker Om&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/cVI4coJtUB">pic.twitter.com/cVI4coJtUB</a>
&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1999009853789057259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Several BJP members then demanded action against the opposition MP.&nbsp;
Amid uproar, Birla urged member to maintain dignity of the House. He said if a written complaint is lodged, he will take action.&nbsp;
E-cigarettes were banned in the country a few years ago.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed he challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss his press conferences on “vote chori” in Parliament, but received no response, calling Shah’s replies panicked and defensive.

Rahul Gandhi Challenges Amit Shah on 'Vote Chori' in Parliament

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed he challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss his press conferences on &ldquo;vote chori&rdquo; in Parliament, but received no response, calling Shah&rsquo;s replies panicked and defensive.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said he directly challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss his press conferences on "vote chori" in Parliament but did not get any answer.
A day after the Lok Sabha witnessed a heated exchange between him and Shah during a debate on election reforms, Gandhi claimed that Shah appeared to be "under pressure".
"He (Shah) used the wrong language, his hands were shaking, you would have seen all this. He is under pressure mentally that was witnessed in Parliament, the whole country saw it," the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha told reporters in the Parliament House complex.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | On Union Home Minister Amit Shah's speech in the Parliament yesterday, Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, "Amit Shah ji was very nervous yesterday. He used the wrong language, his hands were trembling... He is under tremendous mental pressure.&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/O7rXBMAzBu">pic.twitter.com/O7rXBMAzBu</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1999002279895310675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
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"The things I have said, he did not address, did not give any proof. We have said it publicly in press conferences. I directly challenged him to let us discuss my press conferences in Parliament. Did not get an answer. You know the reality," Gandhi said.
Gandhi on Wednesday called the home minister's response during the debate "completely defensive" and asserted that "vote chori" is the "biggest treason".
He also claimed that the home minister did not respond to any of the points raised by him and remained evasive including on transparent voter lists, EVMs and granting immunity to the chief election commissioner.
The opposition MPs, including Gandhi, staged a walkout in the Lok Sabha during the debate on electoral reforms.
Later in a post on X, Gandhi said the home minister's response in Parliament on "vote theft" was "panicked" and "defensive".&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav said Naxalism has been eradicated under BJP rule, criticizing Congress for double standards, while highlighting his government’s achievements in healthcare, industry, and welfare initiatives.

MP CM Mohan Yadav Criticizes Congress Over Naxalism Stance

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav said Naxalism has been eradicated under BJP rule, criticizing Congress for double standards, while highlighting his government&rsquo;s achievements in healthcare, industry, and welfare initiatives.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday accused the Congress of adopting double standards on Naxalism and said the BJP government has eradicated the problem from its roots.
The Congress believes only in the blame-game politics, and its previous governments had left problems like Naxalism to persist, Yadav told reporters in Indore. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; "During the (previous) Congress rule, Naxalism was a major problem in the state. We have eradicated this problem from its roots. Mandla, Balaghat, and Dindori districts is the state are almost free of Naxalism," he said. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
The CM noted that during the Congress rule in the state, Naxalites had killed a minister. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
"The root cause of the Naxalism problem was the then chief minister of the state, who even today expresses grief over the killing of (Naxalite commander) Madvi Hidma. This attitude reveals the double standards of the Congress party," he said without naming Digvijaya Singh. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Yadav was sworn in as the 19th chief minister of Madhya Pradesh on December 13, 2023. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Listing his government's achievements in the last two years, he said many steps have been taken for the welfare of women, farmers, youth, and economically weaker sections. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
The number of medical colleges in the state has doubled, and the industrial growth rate has surpassed the national average, the CM said. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Yadav said his government is working towards making Madhya Pradesh the most developed state in the country.

Uttar Pradesh authorities have identified over 10 key suspects in a major investigation into the illegal trade of codeine-based cough syrups, with FIRs filed against 128 establishments and raids ongoing across multiple districts.

Uttar Pradesh Cracks Down on Codeine-Based Cough Syrup Trade

Uttar Pradesh authorities have identified over 10 key suspects in a major investigation into the illegal trade of codeine-based cough syrups, with FIRs filed against 128 establishments and raids ongoing across multiple districts.

Uttar Pradesh Police and the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) have identified more than 10 key suspects allegedly involved in the organised nexus behind the illegal trade of codeine-based cough syrups, as the state's biggest crackdown on the menace gathers pace, officials said Thursday.
The identification of the suspects emerged during an extensive investigation by the FSDA and police into the diversion, storage and trafficking of codeine-based cough syrups, which is being probed by a special investigation team (SIT) constituted by the state government earlier this week.
"The probe has so far led to the identification of over a dozen persons believed to be part of the core conspiracy operating across multiple districts and states. Evidence suggests a well-coordinated network involving manufacturers, distributors, transporters and local operators," a senior official said, requesting anonymity.
According to the official, FIRs have been registered against more than 128 establishments and their operators so far, marking what the government describes as its largest-ever action against illegal pharmaceutical trafficking in the state.
Raids are continuing at multiple locations to apprehend those identified, while investigators are also examining financial transactions, inter-state linkages and possible diversion of legally manufactured cough syrup into the illegal market, the official said.
The action was initiated after the state government took suo motu cognisance of incidents related to misuse of codeine-based cough syrups reported in other states, following which enforcement was stepped up across Uttar Pradesh, he added.
The SIT, headed by Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) L R Kumar and comprising senior police and FSDA officials, is probing the organised nature of the racket and its wider ramifications.
"The chief minister has taken a very firm view of the matter and has directed that no person involved, irrespective of position or influence, should be spared," the official said.
Further arrests and disclosures are expected as searches and seizures continue, he added.

Thailand police have detained Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, who fled India after a Goa nightclub fire killed 25 people. The detention follows an Interpol Blue Corner Notice at India’s request.

Goa nightclub fire: Owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra detained in Thailand

Thailand police have detained Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, who fled India after a Goa nightclub fire killed 25 people. The detention follows an Interpol Blue Corner Notice at India&rsquo;s request.

The Thailand Police have detained Saurabh Luthra and his brother Gaurav Luthra, who fled India after a fire at their Goa nightclub claimed 25 lives, officials said on Thursday.
The nightclub co-owners, against whom an Interpol Blue Corner Notice had been issued, were detained at the request of the Indian government, they said.
Both the accused have been detained at Phuket in Thailand, and a process is underway to bring them to India, senior officials confirmed to PTI.
The duo booked their tickets for Phuket through a travel portal at 1.17 am on December 7, within an hour of learning about the devastating fire at 'Birch by Romeo Lane', their nightclub at Arpora in North Goa, as per officials.
At the time when police and administration were still battling the blaze and attempting to rescue staff, the two left India in the early hours of Sunday by an IndiGo flight.
The Goa Police had approached the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for the issuance of the Blue Corner Notice against them.

IndiGo cancelled 60 flights from Bengaluru following disruptions caused by planning failures and new crew duty norms. DGCA has stationed senior officials at the airline to monitor operations and ensure compliance.

IndiGo cancels 60 flights from Bengaluru; CEO Piter Elbers to appear before DGCA

IndiGo cancelled 60 flights from Bengaluru following disruptions caused by planning failures and new crew duty norms. DGCA has stationed senior officials at the airline to monitor operations and ensure compliance.

Crisis-hit IndiGo cancelled 60 flights from Bengaluru Airport on Thursday, as safety watchdog DGCA tightened its scrutiny following large-scale disruptions in services on account of planning failures related to the implementation of new pilot and crew duty norms, a source said.
"IndiGo has cancelled 60 flights -- 32 arrivals and 28 departures from Bengaluru Airport," the source said.
Meanwhile, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers has been summoned by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to submit a comprehensive report, including data and updates, on the recent operational disruptions on Thursday.
On Wednesday, IndiGo cancelled 220 flights from across three key airports -- Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai, with Delhi seeing the most cancellations at 137.
On Wednesday, IndiGo Chairman Vikram Mehta spoke for the first time in 10 days about the crisis, apologising for the chaos and attributing the massive disruptions to a combination of internal and external "unanticipated" events.
These "include minor technical glitches, scheduled changes linked to the start of the Winter season, adverse weather conditions, increased congestion in the aviation system, and implementation of/ and operation under the updated crew rostering rules," Mehta said.
It is significant to note here that other Indian carriers also faced these "unanticipated external events", but their operations remained largely unaffected.
It is pertinent to mention that, IndiGo has seen its pilots' strength depleting by 378 pilots in the last nine months despite its chief operating officer and Accountable Manager, Isidro Porqueras stating to the DGCA in a letter last December that "the overall impact of implementing the proposed changes above (now-implemented FDTL) norms would amount to an approximate 3 per cent increase in crewing requirements."
As per a reply in Parliament to a member's question earlier this year, IndiGo had employed 5,463 pilots as of March 20, 2025. However, as per data presented by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol on December 8 in reply to a Member's question, IndiGo had employed 5,085 pilots.
Keeping a tight watch on IndiGo's operations, the DGCA has decided to station its personnel at IndiGo's headquarters, as it steps up oversight on India's largest airline, which continues to cancel dozens of flights despite saying operations have stabilised.
The DGCA has formed an oversight team of eight senior captains, and two of them, along with two government officials, will be stationed at IndiGo's Gurgaon headquarters to monitor cancellation status, crew deployment, unplanned leave, and routes hit by staff shortages.
These teams will submit a daily report to the regulator, as per an order.
Pilots' body Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) in the recent past alleged that while all other airlines have provisioned pilots adequately and remain largely unaffected due to timely planning and preparation, the current disruption at IndiGo was the direct consequence of the airline's "prolonged and unorthodox lean manpower strategy across departments, particularly in flight operations."
Despite the two-year preparatory window before full FDTL implementation, the airline "inexplicably adopted a hiring freeze, entered non-poaching arrangements, maintained a pilot pay freeze through cartel-like behaviour, and demonstrated other short-sighted planning practices," it said.

AAP Rajkot president Tejas Gajipara urged immediate action after a 6-year-old girl was assaulted in Atkot village, calling for strict punishment and government support for the victim’s family.

AAP’s Tejas Gajipara demands swift justice for assaulted 6-year-old girl in Gujarat

AAP Rajkot president Tejas Gajipara urged immediate action after a 6-year-old girl was assaulted in Atkot village, calling for strict punishment and government support for the victim&rsquo;s family.

Aam Aadmi Party&rsquo;s Rajkot District President Tejas Gajipara has called for immediate action following the assault of a 6-year-old girl in Atkot village of Jasdan taluka.
In a video statement, he appealed to the government to ensure justice for the victim&rsquo;s family.
Terming the incident &ldquo;an unforgivable crime against a young girl from a labour-class family,&rdquo; Gajipara urged authorities to award the strictest possible punishment to the arrested accused, so that such crimes do not recur in Gujarat or elsewhere in the country.
He emphasized that incidents affecting vulnerable families often go unreported, and in this case, the government must guarantee swift justice and provide necessary support to the family. Gajipara added that he intends to meet the family personally to express solidarity.

New corruption allegations in Gujarat’s MGNREGA programme claim wages were issued to 22 lakh fake workers, with AAP leaders demanding transparency and accountability as earlier scam probes remain pending.

AAP flags fresh MGNREGA corruption claims in Gujarat involving 22 lakh fake workers

New corruption allegations in Gujarat&rsquo;s MGNREGA programme claim wages were issued to 22 lakh fake workers, with AAP leaders demanding transparency and accountability as earlier scam probes remain pending.

Aam Aadmi Party leaders have raised fresh allegations of corruption under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) in Gujarat, claiming that another major fraud has surfaced even before the previously highlighted ₹2,500-crore case has been investigated.
According to the party, the concerns were outlined by AAP&rsquo;s Chhota Udaipur District President Radhika Rathwa, who said that corruption in the state &ldquo;has peaked under the current government.&rdquo;&nbsp;
She noted that despite submitting documents related to the earlier ₹2,500-crore case, no action has been taken so far. The latest claim involves wages allegedly being issued to 22 lakh fake workers, said to exist only on paper, enabling agencies to withdraw large sums.
Rathwa sought answers from the state administration on the alleged withdrawals and questioned &ldquo;under whose political protection&rdquo; such transactions were made. She referred to the central government&rsquo;s statement in Parliament acknowledging the misuse of fake job cards under the scheme.
She also asked on what documents these job cards were approved and later cancelled, calling for all related records to be made public. Rathwa alleged that programmes intended to provide 100 days of employment to tribal communities have been misused, claiming that agencies and intermediaries are siphoning funds.
The party said it has formally submitted documents and evidence linked to the latest set of allegations regarding MGNREGA.

AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava said the Gujarat government has agreed to deposit ₹460 crore in pending post-matric scholarships for tribal students after months of protests, while urging action on remaining issues affecting tribal candidates.

Gujarat to release pending tribal scholarships; AAP seeks action on remaining issues

AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava said the Gujarat government has agreed to deposit ₹460 crore in pending post-matric scholarships for tribal students after months of protests, while urging action on remaining issues affecting tribal candidates.

Gujarat Aam Aadmi Party MLA Chaitar Vasava on Thursday said the state government has agreed to submit pending post-matric scholarships for tribal students, following months of representations, protests and pressure from student groups and the AAP.
Vasava said the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, originally launched by the Central Government on 1 July 2010, had been discontinued by the Gujarat Government through a circular dated 28 October 2024. After the decision, &ldquo;thousands of students raised strong demands,&rdquo; he said, adding that he had submitted detailed representations before the Commissioner and Secretary along with students at Birsa Munda Bhavan and raised the issue in the Assembly, where he was suspended.
According to Vasava, despite repeated appeals, &ldquo;the government remained adamant on its decision.&rdquo; In June 2025, AAP warned of boycotting government admission programmes in tribal regions. Under pressure, the state issued a second circular on 24 June 2025, promising to reinstate the scheme. However, with funds still not released, students &ldquo;continued to suffer severe hardships.&rdquo; On 25 November 2025, Vasava met the Minister at Birsa Munda Bhavan and Swarnim Sankul-1, warning of a constructive agitation in Gandhinagar if the scholarships were not restored within 15 days.
Vasava said that Tribal Affairs Minister Nareshbhai Patel has now announced that the government will deposit the pending ₹460 crore post-matric scholarship amount for the year 2024&ndash;25. He welcomed the decision but urged the government to immediately resolve three remaining issues.
He demanded that individuals securing admissions or jobs using fake tribal certificates must be investigated and removed. He also called for abolishing the mandatory 40% merit condition for tribal candidates in recruitment and ensuring that all seats reserved for tribal candidates under the roster are fully allocated.
Additionally, he said the current food bill of ₹70 per day (₹2100 per month) in hostels of the Tribal Development Department is inadequate due to inflation, and must be increased from ₹2100 to ₹3000 to ensure nutritious meals for students.
Vasava said the government is expected to take &ldquo;prompt and positive action&rdquo; on these demands.

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The National Disaster Response Force has deployed 8 teams and 200 rescuers in West Bengal's Digha.

Cyclone Mocha intensifies into 'very severe' storm; NDRF on alert in Bengal

The National Disaster Response Force has deployed 8 teams and 200 rescuers in West Bengal's Digha.

Cyclone Mocha intensified into a "very severe" storm over the Bay of Bengal on May 12, 2023.
It is expected to make landfall by May 14 along the border of Bangladesh and Myanmar.
The National Disaster Response Force has deployed 8 teams and 200 rescuers in West Bengal's Digha.
Heavy rain is predicted in northeast states and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Indian Coast Guard is on high alert.

At least nine people died and 22 were injured after a bus carrying 37 passengers overturned on the Chintoor-Maredumilli ghat road in Andhra Pradesh, likely due to heavy fog.

At least nine dead, 22 injured as bus falls off road in Andhra Pradesh

At least nine people died and 22 were injured after a bus carrying 37 passengers overturned on the Chintoor-Maredumilli ghat road in Andhra Pradesh, likely due to heavy fog.

Nine people were killed and 23 others injured after a bus fell off a ghat road and turned turtle in Alluri Sitaramaraju district in the early hours of Friday, police said.
They said the bus, which was heading to neighbouring Telangana, was carrying 37 people, including the driver and the cleaner. Six of them are safe.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Amit Bardar said the accident occurred around 4.30 am on Chintoor-Maredumilli ghat road near a Durga temple.
"At least nine people were killed, and 23 were injured as the bus fell off the ghat road. It turned turtle... and got stuck," Bardar told PTI, adding that four of the injured are critical.
According to the officer, it is likely that the bus driver did not see a curve at the accident site due to heavy fog.
Police said the bus plunged from a higher ghat road and was lying upside down by a road located below. The accident occurred near the China Wall, which was built to prevent vehicles from plunging off the road.
"We don't think the death toll will rise, and the four critically injured persons are doing okay," said a police official.
The SP noted that the bus was carrying people from Chittoor area, who had completed a visit to Araku and were proceeding to Sri Rama temple at Bhadrachalam in Telangana district.
Mothugudem police station booked a case under Section 106 (which deals with causing death by rash and negligent driving) of BNS.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed anguish over the accident.
The Chief Minister spoke to officials over the accident to enquire about the treatment being offered to the injured persons, said an official press release.
Officials informed Naidu that the injured persons were shifted to Chinturu hospital and other hospitals for better treatment.

The DGCA has suspended four Flight Operations Inspectors following massive IndiGo flight cancellations affecting thousands of passengers. CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras will face the DGCA investigation panel.

IndiGo crisis: DGCA suspends four flight operations inspectors

The DGCA has suspended four Flight Operations Inspectors following massive IndiGo flight cancellations affecting thousands of passengers. CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras will face the DGCA investigation panel.

Aviation safety regulator DGCA has suspended four Flight Operations Inspectors (FOIs) over massive disruptions in IndiGo&rsquo;s operations, which resulted in the cancellation of thousands of flights and lakhs of people getting stranded across airports. The airline cancelled over 50 flights from Bengaluru Airport on Friday.
FOIs are senior officials within the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, working as part of its regulatory and safety oversight functions, often deployed to monitor airline operations.&nbsp;
"Four Flight Operations Inspectors (FOIs) at the DGCA have been suspended in connection with the recent large-scale disruptions in IndiGo&rsquo;s flights," a source said.
These officials ensure aviation safety by inspecting, auditing, and certifying airlines and personnel, such as pilots, dispatchers, and cabin crew, to meet strict regulatory standards, verifying various regulations and overseeing training, flight standards, and accident prevention measures in India.
"IndiGo has cancelled 54 flights -- 31 arrivals and 23 departures -- from Bengaluru Airport on Friday," a source said. The crisis-hit airline had cancelled over 200 flights from Delhi and Bengaluru on Thursday.
Meanwhile, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras will appear again before the DGCA's investigation panel at 2 PM on Friday.
The DGCA on Thursday stepped up scrutiny of the crisis-hit IndiGo, with officials stationing themselves at the carrier's headquarters to monitor operations, and an inquiry panel grilled CEO Pieter Elbers. Elbers, who appeared before the DGCA-constituted inquiry panel on Thursday, has been asked to appear again on Friday.
The four-member panel comprises Joint Director General Sanjay Brahamane, Deputy Director General Amit Gupta, senior Flight Operations Inspector Kapil Manglik, and FOI Lokesh Rampal, with a mandate to identify the root causes of widespread operational disruptions at the leading domestic carrier.
The committee's mandate includes assessing manpower planning, fluctuating rostering systems, and the airline's preparedness to implement the latest duty period and rest norms for pilots, which came into effect from November 1 this year.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will hold a Kisan Mahapanchayat in Kutch on December 14, uniting farmers to demand their rightful dues, with senior party leaders set to attend.

AAP announces Kisan Mahapanchayat in Kutch to demand farmers’ rights

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will hold a Kisan Mahapanchayat in Kutch on December 14, uniting farmers to demand their rightful dues, with senior party leaders set to attend.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced the upcoming &lsquo;Kisan Mahapanchayat&rsquo; in Kutch, aimed at uniting farmers to demand their rightful dues. The event will take place on December 14 at 3 PM in Nava Katariya, Bhachau taluka.
The announcement was made by AAP&rsquo;s East Kutch District President, Dr. Kainat Ansari Aatha, at a press briefing alongside AAP Kutch Working President Kailashdan Gadhvi.&nbsp;
Dr. Ansari highlighted that AAP has launched a series of &lsquo;Kisan Mahapanchayats&rsquo; across Gujarat to fight for farmers&rsquo; rights, beginning earlier in Botad and Sudamda, and later extending to Jamkhambhaliya, Gir Somnath, Tapi, Anand, Banaskantha, and Amreli.
&ldquo;This movement is not AAP&rsquo;s battle, but a fight for farmers&rsquo; rightful dues,&rdquo; Dr. Ansari said, appealing to all Kutch farmers to participate in the Mahapanchayat.&nbsp;
She added that senior party leaders, including State President Isudan Gadhvi, Visavadar MLA Gopal Italia, Jamjodhpur MLA Hemant Khava, State Organisation General Secretary Manoj Sorathiya, Youth Leader Yuvarajsingh Jadeja, State Youth President Brijraj Solanki, and other AAP Kutch leaders will be present.
Kutch AAP Working President Kailashdan Gadhvi emphasised that despite 30 years of BJP rule in Gujarat, farmers continue to face systemic exploitation. He cited the Botad Market Yard as an example, alleging that benefits meant for farmers were diverted to APMC office-bearers, directors, traders, and individuals linked to the BJP.
He said, &ldquo;AAP Kisan Union leaders Raju Karpada and Praveen Ram began protesting this injustice in Botad. But as democracy has faded and BJP-rule dominates, the government allegedly retaliated by falsely implicating Raju Karpada, Praveen Ram, and 85 other farmers.&rdquo;
In response, AAP has initiated &lsquo;Kisan Mahapanchayats&rsquo; across Gujarat to unite farmers and collectively demand justice, Gadhvi added.

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, are being deported from Thailand to India following a deadly fire that claimed 25 lives. They will face charges of culpable homicide and negligence.

Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers’ deportation process from Thailand begins

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, are being deported from Thailand to India following a deadly fire that claimed 25 lives. They will face charges of culpable homicide and negligence.

The deportation of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra from Thailand is now officially in progress, following the deadly fire at their Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, which claimed 25 lives earlier this month.
Thai authorities confirmed that the brothers were detained in Phuket and transferred to the Bangkok immigration office. There, they will be handed over to Indian officials before being flown back to India to face legal proceedings.
Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, co-owners of the nightclub, had fled India within hours of the tragedy on December 7, boarding an IndiGo flight while emergency crews were still battling the blaze. Their passports had been suspended by the Regional Passport Office in Delhi after they failed to respond to notices regarding their travel documents. This suspension rendered the passports invalid in Thailand, enabling authorities to act swiftly on India&rsquo;s detention request.
Thai police tracked the duo using travel records, confiscated their belongings, and moved them to an immigration detention centre. Photographs released by the Thai authorities showed both men in handcuffs. They are expected to remain in custody until the deportation procedures conclude.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that a police escort team will be dispatched to Thailand and that the brothers will be arrested immediately upon landing in India. With no direct flights between Thailand and Goa, the Luthras will first be brought to Delhi before being transported to Goa.
Investigators said the brothers booked last-minute tickets to Phuket at 1:17 am on December 7, even as firefighters struggled to contain the inferno at their club. By 5:30 am, they had boarded IndiGo flight 6E-1073 and left the country. Later that morning, Goa Police arrived in Delhi with arrest warrants, searched their residence and offices, and issued notices. Interpol also released a Blue Corner Notice to trace their movements.
The fire, which erupted around 11:45 pm on December 6, is believed to have started when electric firecrackers ignited a wooden ceiling during an event attended by over 150 people. Many managed to escape, but several were trapped in the basement after the exit route caught fire.
Police have arrested partner Ajay Gupta, 55, and five other nightclub staff members. Investigations revealed shocking violations of fire safety norms, including heavy use of flammable decor and absence of functional extinguishers.
The Luthra brothers&rsquo; deportation is being coordinated by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy in Thailand, and the Central Bureau of Investigation, in partnership with the Royal Thai Police. The extradition process is being facilitated under the India-Thailand treaty operational since 2015.
Upon their return to India, the Delhi-based restaurateurs will face charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligence in connection with the nightclub tragedy. Their plea for anticipatory bail has already been rejected by the Delhi court.

Senior Congress leader and ex-Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil died at his Latur residence after a brief illness. Known for dignity, constitutional expertise and decades of public service, he leaves behind a lasting legacy.

Former Union minister Shivraj Patil passes away at 90

Senior Congress leader and ex-Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil died at his Latur residence after a brief illness. Known for dignity, constitutional expertise and decades of public service, he leaves behind a lasting legacy.

Senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away at his home town Latur in Maharashtra on Friday morning, family sources said.
Patil, 90, passed away at his residence &lsquo;Devghar&rsquo; after a brief illness, they said, adding that his funeral is expected to be held on Saturday.
He is survived by his son Shailesh Patil, daughter-in-law Archana, who unsuccessfully contested the assembly polls last year on a BJP ticket against Congress&rsquo; Amit Deshmukh from Latur city, and two granddaughters.
Born on October 12, 1935, Patil began his political journey as the president of Latur municipality between 1966 and 1970 and was subsequently elected as an MLA for two terms.
He held key posts in the Maharashtra assembly, including Deputy Speaker and Speaker, between 1977 and 1979.
He then went on to win the Latur Lok Sabha seat seven times and was the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. He lost to BJP&rsquo;s Rupatai Patil Nilangekar in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections. He was also a Rajya Sabha member.
The Congress leader held several Union portfolios, including Defence, Commerce, and Science and Technology. Patil was the Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008, when he resigned after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.
He was the Governor of Punjab and also served as Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.
Known for his dignified conduct, he never indulged in personal attacks, neither in public speeches nor in private conversations, said a party leader.
Patil was also known for his vast reading, meticulous study, and articulate presentation. His command over Marathi, English, and Hindi, along with his exceptional grasp of constitutional matters, made him a much-respected parliamentarian of his time, added the party leader.

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