Name: Nirmala Sitharaman answers opposition's 'why now?' question on 'White Paper'
Uploaded: 2024-02-09T20:58:53.000+05:30
Duration: T01M57S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that investors would have lost confidence it the NDA govt that brought in the White Paper on economy earlier.

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.

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.
&nbsp;
<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>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
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;
&nbsp;
<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>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
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.
&nbsp;
<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>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"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.

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that investors would have lost confidence it the NDA govt that brought in the White Paper on economy earlier.&nbsp;

Nirmala Sitharaman answers opposition's 'why now?' question on 'White Paper'

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that investors would have lost confidence it the NDA govt that brought in the White Paper on economy earlier. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that investors would have lost confidence it the NDA govt that brought in the White Paper on economy earlier.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while replying to the discussion on the 'White Paper on the Indian Economy' tabled by her in the Lok Sabha addressed questions raised by the Congress about the timing of the document.&nbsp;
She said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in an interview in 2015-2016 spoken about receiving suggestions to bring a White Paper on the economic condition of the country.&nbsp; He had added that he was not doing so in 'national interests'
Sitharaman said that the prime minister believed that it would discourage investors.&nbsp;

Delhi Police has imposed multi-layered security and traffic restrictions in central Delhi as football icon Lionel Messi attends an event at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the final stop of his India tour.

Delhi Police Intensify Security for Lionel Messi's Arrival at Arun Jaitley Stadium

Delhi Police has imposed multi-layered security and traffic restrictions in central Delhi as football icon Lionel Messi attends an event at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the final stop of his India tour.

Delhi Police has beefed up security in the central parts of the national capital and set up traffic restrictions as global football icon Lionel Messi sets foot in the city, the final stop of his GOAT tour of India.
The Argentine legend is scheduled to attend an event at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday between 1 pm and 4 pm. He kicked off the tour in Kolkata, which turned chaotic. However, the 2022 World Cup champion's Hyderabad and Mumbai visit went on smoothly.
With Delhi ready to welcome Messi, police are maintaining heightened vigil, especially in view of the recent fiasco in Kolkata, where chaos erupted at the Salt Lake Stadium after thousands of fans protested over failing to get a clear glimpse of the icon.
Delhi Police said an elaborate and multi-layered security bandobast has been put in place for Messi's visit. A senior police officer said comprehensive arrangements have been made with a strong focus on crowd management, access control and traffic regulation.
According to police, multiple security rings have been established around the venue, with deployment of additional police personnel along with paramilitary forces to maintain law and order. Entry to the stadium and designated areas is being strictly regulated, and no one is being permitted without a valid pass.
"Anti-sabotage checks, frisking points and surveillance through CCTV cameras form a key part of the security plan," the officer said.
The officer added that quick reaction teams, senior supervisory officers and emergency response units are on standby throughout the event, with public safety being the top priority.
On the traffic front, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Nishant Gupta said they have identified three main parking areas for labelled vehicles, including P1 near Vikram Nagar. Vehicles without labels are required to be parked at the Rajghat Powerhouse parking lot and Mata Sundari Lane, from where pedestrians can walk to the stadium.
App-based taxi users have been advised to alight vehicles at Rajghat Chowk and walk. Parking has been strictly prohibited around the Arun Jaitley Stadium, and vehicles found parked there will be towed and fined, the officer said.
The public has been encouraged to use the metro and buses as far as possible to reduce congestion and ensure smooth movement.
Public movement is expected to pick up around 11 am. Commuters have been advised to avoid Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, ITO, Delhi Gate, Netaji Subhash Marg and Brijmohan Chowk from 10 am till the event concludes.&nbsp;

The government has circulated a bill among Lok Sabha members to repeal MGNREGA and introduce the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), offering 125 days of rural employment.

Government Proposes New Bill to Replace MGNREGA with VB-G RAM G

The government has circulated a bill among Lok Sabha members to repeal MGNREGA and introduce the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), offering 125 days of rural employment.

A bill to repeal the MGNREGA and bring a new law for rural employment -- Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) -- has been circulated by the government among the Lok Sabha members, a source said.
According to a copy of the bill, it seeks to introduce the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, in Parliament and repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act of 2005.
It says the bill is aimed at establishing a "rural development framework aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, by providing a statutory guarantee of one hundred and twenty-five days of wage employment in every financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to undertake unskilled manual work; to promote empowerment, growth, convergence and saturation for a prosperous and resilient rural Bharat".
The bill has been circulated among the members of the Lok Sabha, and is likely to be introduced in the House.The Winter Session of Parliament, which started on December 1, will conclude on December 19.

Delhi remained engulfed in dense fog and toxic smog on Monday as visibility dropped to near zero and air quality slipped into the ‘Severe Plus’ category, disrupting flights, trains and road traffic.

Dense fog and severe pollution choke Delhi, flights and trains disrupted

Delhi remained engulfed in dense fog and toxic smog on Monday as visibility dropped to near zero and air quality slipped into the &lsquo;Severe Plus&rsquo; category, disrupting flights, trains and road traffic.

Delhi remained shrouded in dense fog on Monday morning, with visibility dropping to near zero across large parts of the city, severely affecting road traffic and transport services.&nbsp;
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for fog and urged people to exercise caution. According to the IMD, the minimum temperature dipped to 8.2 degrees Celsius overnight.
The foggy conditions coincided with a sharp deterioration in air quality. Delhi&rsquo;s Air Quality Index (AQI) plunged into the &ldquo;Severe Plus&rdquo; category, crossing 456. In Ashok Vihar, the AQI touched the maximum level of 500 during the early hours of the day.
Several areas reported alarmingly high pollution levels. Visuals from Anand Vihar and Akshardham showed thick toxic smog engulfing the neighbourhoods, with AQI readings at 493, placing them in the &lsquo;Severe&rsquo; category. Dwarka also witnessed similar conditions, recording an AQI of 469, which falls under the &lsquo;Severe&rsquo; bracket. In neighbouring Noida, air quality deteriorated further, with the AQI reaching 454, categorised as &lsquo;Severe Plus&rsquo;.
As per official classification, an AQI of 51&ndash;100 is considered &lsquo;satisfactory&rsquo;, 101&ndash;200 &lsquo;moderate&rsquo;, 201&ndash;300 &lsquo;poor&rsquo;, 301&ndash;400 &lsquo;very poor&rsquo;, 401&ndash;450 &lsquo;severe&rsquo;, and 451&ndash;500 &lsquo;severe plus&rsquo;.
Videos circulating on social media showed dense fog blanketing much of the Delhi-NCR region, reducing visibility to near zero and making driving conditions extremely hazardous.
In response to the worsening weather, Delhi airport issued an advisory on Monday morning warning passengers of possible delays in flight operations. Travellers were advised to check with their respective airlines before heading to the airport.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/693f8def86318_1765772783.jpg" width="430" height="430">
&ldquo;Due to dense fog, flight operations may experience disruptions. We are working closely with all stakeholders to minimize inconvenience to passengers. For the latest flight updates, passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines. We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused,&rdquo; the advisory stated.
IndiGo also released a separate advisory, asking passengers to stay updated on their flight status through its website or mobile application.
&ldquo;Low visibility and fog over Delhi will impact flight schedules. We're keeping a close watch on the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly. We request you to stay updated on your flight status via our website or app. Be assured, our teams are here to assist you at every step and ensure support. Here's hoping dearer skies help us serve you better soon and thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging time,&rdquo; the airline said.
&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;Low visibility and fog over &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#Delhi&lt;/a&gt; will impact flight schedules. We&amp;#39;re keeping a close watch on the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;We request you to stay updated on your flight status via our website or app. Be assured, our teams&hellip;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/IndiGo6E/status/2000392531130118265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;December 15, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;
Rail services in North India were similarly affected, with Indian Railways reporting delays to around 60 trains, some running several hours late due to the dense fog.
Meanwhile, health experts warned of serious risks associated with prolonged exposure to toxic air. Speaking to news agency PTI, an expert advised people to avoid outdoor walks or exercise, particularly in the morning hours. She suggested stepping out only when absolutely necessary, preferably later in the day when sunlight helps disperse pollutants, and stressed that wearing masks is essential for those who must venture out for work.

Rahul Gandhi raised concerns over rising air pollution in major Indian cities, calling for a solution-focused discussion in the Lok Sabha. The government expressed readiness for a debate.

Rahul Gandhi Calls for Unified Approach to Combat Air Pollution

Rahul Gandhi raised concerns over rising air pollution in major Indian cities, calling for a solution-focused discussion in the Lok Sabha. The government expressed readiness for a debate.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday raised the issue of air pollution in major cities of the country and sought a discussion on it in the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Gandhi said the discussion on the issue can be framed in an interesting manner where the opposition and the government do not trade abuses at each other, but find a solution to the problem.
"This is not an ideological issue. Everybody in this House would agree that air pollution, the damage it is doing to our people, is something that we would like to cooperate on," Gandhi said.&nbsp;
The Congress leader said the prime minister can then put in place a plan to deal with the issue of air pollution.&nbsp;
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was ready for a discussion on the issue and the Business Advisory Committee of the Lok Sabha can allot time for the same.&nbsp;
"Most of our major cities are living under a blanket of poisonous air. Millions of children are getting lung disease. Their future is being destroyed. People are getting cancer. Older people are struggling to breathe," Gandhi said.&nbsp;

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.

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