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An Indian-origin former nurse has been convicted of killing an Australian woman, bringing closure to a case that began seven years ago when the victim’s body was found on a remote Queensland beach. Toyah Cordingley, who worked in a pharmacy, was discovered partially buried in the sand dunes of Wangetti Beach, roughly 40 km north of Cairns, on October 22, 2018. Authorities said the accused, Rajwinder Singh, had driven to the beach after an argument with his wife, carrying a kitchen knife and some fruit.&nbsp;Cordingley had taken her dog for a walk along the shore when their paths crossed. After her dog allegedly barked at Singh, the encounter escalated into a heated dispute. Prosecutors argued that Singh reacted violently, fatally stabbing her before concealing the body in the dunes and securing her dog to a nearby tree.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-india-and-russia-should-work-together-beijing-welcomes-putin-modi-meet-in-delhi-1765215057313">China, India and Russia should work together: Beijing welcomes Putin–Modi meet in Delhi</a>&nbsp;As the jury in the Cairns Supreme Court announced its verdict, Cordingley’s father shouted at Singh, telling him to “rot in hell, you bas****,” while Singh appeared unfazed. Two days after the killing, Singh abruptly left Australia, abandoning his family and job under the pretext of visiting an ill grandfather. Police soon identified him as a suspect, linking the movements of his vehicle to data from Cordingley’s phone.&nbsp;A record one-million-dollar reward was issued by Queensland Police for information leading to his capture. Singh managed to evade authorities for four years and had no contact with his family during his disappearance. In November 2022, he was located and arrested by Delhi Police at a gurudwara, before being extradited to Australia the following year.&nbsp;Although the trial was initially set for 2024, it was delayed due to slow document transfers. Partway through the proceedings, a juror was dismissed over claims of bias, but the court ruled the remaining panel could proceed fairly. Sentencing submissions are scheduled for Tuesday, signaling the next step in the long-running case.

'Rot in hell, you bas****': Seven years on, jury convicts former India-origin nurse in Queensland beach killing

An Indian-origin former nurse has been convicted of killing an Australian woman, bringing closure to a case that began seven years ago when the victim’s body was found on a remote Queensland beach. Toyah Cordingley, who worked in a pharmacy, was discovered partially buried in the sand dunes of Wangetti Beach, roughly 40 km north of Cairns, on October 22, 2018. Authorities said the accused, Rajwinder Singh, had driven to the beach after an argument with his wife, carrying a kitchen knife and some fruit. Cordingley had taken her dog for a walk along the shore when their paths crossed. After her dog allegedly barked at Singh, the encounter escalated into a heated dispute. Prosecutors argued that Singh reacted violently, fatally stabbing her before concealing the body in the dunes and securing her dog to a nearby tree. Also Read: China, India and Russia should work together: Beijing welcomes Putin–Modi meet in Delhi As the jury in the Cairns Supreme Court announced its verdict, Cordingley’s father shouted at Singh, telling him to “rot in hell, you bas****,” while Singh appeared unfazed. Two days after the killing, Singh abruptly left Australia, abandoning his family and job under the pretext of visiting an ill grandfather. Police soon identified him as a suspect, linking the movements of his vehicle to data from Cordingley’s phone. A record one-million-dollar reward was issued by Queensland Police for information leading to his capture. Singh managed to evade authorities for four years and had no contact with his family during his disappearance. In November 2022, he was located and arrested by Delhi Police at a gurudwara, before being extradited to Australia the following year. Although the trial was initially set for 2024, it was delayed due to slow document transfers. Partway through the proceedings, a juror was dismissed over claims of bias, but the court ruled the remaining panel could proceed fairly. Sentencing submissions are scheduled for Tuesday, signaling the next step in the long-running case.

Former hospital nurse Rajwinder Singh is convicted of killing Toyah Cordingley at a remote Queensland beach in 2018 after years on the run and a long-delayed trial

China on Monday (Dec 08) welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to India, describing it as a positive step in the direction of cooperation among key Global South economies. Beijing said that stronger trilateral ties are beneficial to regional and global peace and stability, apart from advancing their own national interests. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that fostering "sound relations" among the three nations advances their own national interests and supports “regional and global peace, security, stability and prosperity."&nbsp;“China, Russia and India are emerging economies and important members of the Global South,” Guo said during a press briefing, in his first official reaction after Putin's high-profile visit to New Delhi last week and his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/don-t-selectively-target-indians-mea-seeks-assurance-from-china-after-shanghai-airport-row-india-china-border-china-beijing-sanghai-1765208125798">Don’t 'selectively target' Indians: MEA seeks assurance from China after Shanghai airport row</a>&nbsp;Putin's first visit to India after the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 was closely observed by Beijing, owing to its strategic ties with Moscow. Responding to a query about the Russian President's remark, where he described both India and China as "our closet friends," Guo said China is ready to work with both to foster strong bilateral relations.&nbsp;On the issue of India-China relations, Guo declared China wants to promote sustained and strong ties with New Delhi with a long-term perspective. The bilateral ties between both countries worsened following a violent confrontation in Eastern Ladakh in 2020 until last year, and are on a path of normalisation amid ongoing geopolitical shifts.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tariff-woes-us-president-to-announce-12-bn-relief-package-for-farmers-china-india-trade-war-trump-tariffs-tariff-war-tariff-woes-1765198553979">Trump tariff woes: US President to announce $12 bn relief package for farmers</a><h2>Shifting geopolitical landscape&nbsp;</h2>Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India comes amid a shifting geopolitical landscape, with India and China locked in a tense trade standoff with the United States after President Trump imposed baseline tariffs on most nations seeking fresh and “fair” bilateral trade agreements. India, despite its close partnership with Washington, was hit with an additional 25 per cent tariff on its purchase of Russian oil, on top of the 25 per cent baseline tariffs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Moscow continues to face sanctions from Western countries, including the United States, for its nearly four-year war with Ukraine. However, negotiations are reportedly underway between Kyiv and Washington to bring an end to the conflict. &nbsp;

China said that fostering "sound relations" among the three nations advances their own national interests and supports “regional and global peace, security, stability and prosperity."

China on Monday (Dec 08) welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to India, describing it as a positive step in the direction of cooperation among key Global South economies. Beijing said that stronger trilateral ties are beneficial to regional and global peace and stability, apart from advancing their own national interests. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that fostering "sound relations" among the three nations advances their own national interests and supports “regional and global peace, security, stability and prosperity." “China, Russia and India are emerging economies and important members of the Global South,” Guo said during a press briefing, in his first official reaction after Putin's high-profile visit to New Delhi last week and his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Also Read: Don’t 'selectively target' Indians: MEA seeks assurance from China after Shanghai airport row Putin's first visit to India after the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 was closely observed by Beijing, owing to its strategic ties with Moscow. Responding to a query about the Russian President's remark, where he described both India and China as "our closet friends," Guo said China is ready to work with both to foster strong bilateral relations. On the issue of India-China relations, Guo declared China wants to promote sustained and strong ties with New Delhi with a long-term perspective. The bilateral ties between both countries worsened following a violent confrontation in Eastern Ladakh in 2020 until last year, and are on a path of normalisation amid ongoing geopolitical shifts. Also Read: Trump tariff woes: US President to announce $12 bn relief package for farmers Shifting geopolitical landscape Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India comes amid a shifting geopolitical landscape, with India and China locked in a tense trade standoff with the United States after President Trump imposed baseline tariffs on most nations seeking fresh and “fair” bilateral trade agreements. India, despite its close partnership with Washington, was hit with an additional 25 per cent tariff on its purchase of Russian oil, on top of the 25 per cent baseline tariffs. Moscow continues to face sanctions from Western countries, including the United States, for its nearly four-year war with Ukraine. However, negotiations are reportedly underway between Kyiv and Washington to bring an end to the conflict.

China said that fostering "sound relations" among the three nations advances their own national interests and supports “regional and global peace, security, stability and prosperity."

China, India and Russia should work together: Beijing welcomes Putin–Modi meet in Delhi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Ethiopia next week, marking the first trip by an Indian leader to the Horn of Africa nation in more than a decade and underscoring New Delhi’s renewed push to deepen ties with the continent. The Indian leader is likely to arrive in Addis Ababa on 16 December and stay until the 17th, as part of a three-nation tour that also takes in Jordan (15-16 December) and Oman (17-18 December). The last Indian prime minister to visit Ethiopia was Manmohan Singh in 2011.In the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, he will hold talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize laureate who played a key role in ending border conflict with neighbouring Eritrea. The two leaders last met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in 2023, when they discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defence, information technology, agriculture, youth skilling and people-to-people contacts.Mr Abiy has also participated in various editions of India’s Voice of the Global South Summit, the inaugural leaders’ session in November 2023 and the third summit in August 2024, reflecting warming political ties. Both countries are now members of the expanded BRICS grouping, and the upcoming visit could help revive momentum for the long-delayed fourth India-Africa Forum Summit. The last such summit took place in Delhi in 2015, and before that in Ethiopia itself (2011). The AU's secretariat, the African Union Commission, is based in Addis Ababa.India and Ethiopia have a robust development partnership rooted in South-South cooperation. Addis Ababa is one of the largest recipients of Indian concessional lines of credit on the continent, with projects spanning railways, sugar factories and power transmission. Capacity-building programmes under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) scheme have trained thousands of Ethiopian officials and professionals.Along with Ethiopia, PM Modi will travel to Oman, his second visit after 2018, and Jordan, where he will undertake his first full bilateral trip, having only made a brief transit stop in Amman in 2018 en route to Palestine. The whirlwind West Asia leg highlights India’s growing strategic and energy interests in the Gulf and Levant at a time of heightened regional tensions.

In the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, he will hold talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize laureate who played a key role in ending border conflict with neighbouring Eritrea.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Ethiopia next week, marking the first trip by an Indian leader to the Horn of Africa nation in more than a decade and underscoring New Delhi’s renewed push to deepen ties with the continent. The Indian leader is likely to arrive in Addis Ababa on 16 December and stay until the 17th, as part of a three-nation tour that also takes in Jordan (15-16 December) and Oman (17-18 December). The last Indian prime minister to visit Ethiopia was Manmohan Singh in 2011. In the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, he will hold talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize laureate who played a key role in ending border conflict with neighbouring Eritrea. The two leaders last met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in 2023, when they discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defence, information technology, agriculture, youth skilling and people-to-people contacts. Mr Abiy has also participated in various editions of India’s Voice of the Global South Summit, the inaugural leaders’ session in November 2023 and the third summit in August 2024, reflecting warming political ties. Both countries are now members of the expanded BRICS grouping, and the upcoming visit could help revive momentum for the long-delayed fourth India-Africa Forum Summit. The last such summit took place in Delhi in 2015, and before that in Ethiopia itself (2011). The AU's secretariat, the African Union Commission, is based in Addis Ababa. India and Ethiopia have a robust development partnership rooted in South-South cooperation. Addis Ababa is one of the largest recipients of Indian concessional lines of credit on the continent, with projects spanning railways, sugar factories and power transmission. Capacity-building programmes under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) scheme have trained thousands of Ethiopian officials and professionals. Along with Ethiopia, PM Modi will travel to Oman, his second visit after 2018, and Jordan, where he will undertake his first full bilateral trip, having only made a brief transit stop in Amman in 2018 en route to Palestine. The whirlwind West Asia leg highlights India’s growing strategic and energy interests in the Gulf and Levant at a time of heightened regional tensions.

In the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, he will hold talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize laureate who played a key role in ending border conflict with neighbouring Eritrea.

Indian PM Modi to visit Ethiopia next week; focus on development partnership, stronger Africa ties

Saurabh Luthra and his brother Gaurav, Delhi-based entrepreneurs who run Birch by Romeo Lane, the Goa nightclub where a devastating fire claimed 25 lives late on Saturday, have left India, Goa Police confirmed on Monday (December 8). According to police, the brothers boarded an IndiGo flight 6E 1073 from Delhi to Phuket at 5:30 am on December 7, just a few hours after the blaze. The emergency call about the fire reached authorities shortly after midnight on Sunday. When investigators visited the Luthra residence in Delhi on Monday, the two were missing. Later, police announced that they had already flown out of the country.&nbsp;On Instagram, Saurabh Luthra issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended support to the victims’ families “in every possible way.” The fire, which erupted at the Arpora nightclub in North Goa, is suspected to have been triggered by a gas-cylinder explosion in the kitchen area. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a magisterial inquiry with a four-member committee to determine the cause and identify those responsible. Among the victims were three sisters, Anita, Kamla, and Saroj Joshi, and Vinod Kumar, the husband of another sister. Their last rites were held in Delhi on Monday.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-democracy-and-pakistan-don-t-go-together-india-reacts-sharply-to-pakistan-s-deepening-political-crisis-1765201533819">'Democracy and Pakistan don't go together': India reacts sharply to Pakistan’s deepening political crisis</a><h2>Goa Police on the owners’ escape to Thailand</h2>A lookout notice had been issued for the Luthra brothers through the Bureau of Immigration on Sunday evening. “Bureau of Immigration officials in Mumbai confirmed that both individuals boarded flight 6E 1073 to Phuket early on December 7, just hours after the incident. This clearly indicates an attempt to evade investigation,” said DSP Nilesh Rane, PRO of the Goa Police. He added that police are now working with the Interpol division of the CBI to trace and detain the two men, according to a report in Hindustan Times.&nbsp;Meanwhile, an employee of the club, Bharat Kohli, was taken into custody in Delhi and transported to Goa for interrogation. The Goa BJP government has also intensified its action against the Romeo Lane hospitality chain. Two of their establishments in Vagator and Assagao, along with an affiliated beach shack and another club, have been sealed.

Goa nightclub fire: Owners, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra flew to Phuket hours after fire that killed 25, say police

Saurabh Luthra and his brother Gaurav, Delhi-based entrepreneurs who run Birch by Romeo Lane, the Goa nightclub where a devastating fire claimed 25 lives late on Saturday, have left India, Goa Police confirmed on Monday (December 8). According to police, the brothers boarded an IndiGo flight 6E 1073 from Delhi to Phuket at 5:30 am on December 7, just a few hours after the blaze. The emergency call about the fire reached authorities shortly after midnight on Sunday. When investigators visited the Luthra residence in Delhi on Monday, the two were missing. Later, police announced that they had already flown out of the country. On Instagram, Saurabh Luthra issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended support to the victims’ families “in every possible way.” The fire, which erupted at the Arpora nightclub in North Goa, is suspected to have been triggered by a gas-cylinder explosion in the kitchen area. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a magisterial inquiry with a four-member committee to determine the cause and identify those responsible. Among the victims were three sisters, Anita, Kamla, and Saroj Joshi, and Vinod Kumar, the husband of another sister. Their last rites were held in Delhi on Monday. Also Read: 'Democracy and Pakistan don't go together': India reacts sharply to Pakistan’s deepening political crisis Goa Police on the owners’ escape to Thailand A lookout notice had been issued for the Luthra brothers through the Bureau of Immigration on Sunday evening. “Bureau of Immigration officials in Mumbai confirmed that both individuals boarded flight 6E 1073 to Phuket early on December 7, just hours after the incident. This clearly indicates an attempt to evade investigation,” said DSP Nilesh Rane, PRO of the Goa Police. He added that police are now working with the Interpol division of the CBI to trace and detain the two men, according to a report in Hindustan Times. Meanwhile, an employee of the club, Bharat Kohli, was taken into custody in Delhi and transported to Goa for interrogation. The Goa BJP government has also intensified its action against the Romeo Lane hospitality chain. Two of their establishments in Vagator and Assagao, along with an affiliated beach shack and another club, have been sealed.

Goa Police say the owners of Birch by Romeo Lane flew to Phuket just hours after a fire killed 25 people. An investigation is underway, and Interpol assistance has been sought

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday welcomed the UK government's decision to impose sanctions on pro-Khalistan extremist networks linked to the banned outfit Babbar Khalsa, terming it a significant step in strengthening global efforts against terrorism and illicit financial flows.&nbsp;Responding to queries at the weekly press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that New Delhi appreciates London's action targeting individuals and entities involved in anti-India extremist activities.&nbsp;He added that such individuals pose a threat not only to India and the UK but to people across the world.&nbsp;"We welcome the steps that have been taken by the UK government to sanction anti-India extremist entities, which strengthen the global fight against terrorism and extremism and help to curb illicit financial flows and transnational crime networks," Jaiswal said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/don-t-selectively-target-indians-mea-seeks-assurance-from-china-after-shanghai-airport-row-india-china-border-china-beijing-sanghai-1765208125798">Don’t 'selectively target' Indians: MEA seeks assurance from China after Shanghai airport row</a>&nbsp;"Such individuals not just pose a threat to India and the UK but to people across the world. We look forward to working closely with the UK side to further strengthen our counter-terrorism and security cooperation," he said.&nbsp;Last week, the UK government imposed sanctions aimed at disrupting the funding mechanisms of the pro-Khalistan terror group Babbar Khalsa--marking the first time such measures have been applied against the organisation.&nbsp;The UK announced an asset freeze and director disqualification against Gurpreet Singh Rehal, who is suspected of belonging to organisations involved in terrorism in India.An asset freeze against Babbar Akali Lehar, for promoting and supporting the same terrorist group, has also been announced. According to the UK Treasury Department, Rehal is involved in Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar's terrorist activities, including promoting and encouraging, carrying out recruitment activities for, and providing financial services to, as well as supporting and assisting those organisations, including through purchasing weapons and other military materiel.&nbsp;The government also said that Babbar Akali Lehar is associated with, and involved in, Babbar Khalsa's terrorist activities by promoting and encouraging and carrying out recruitment activities for the group and itself.&nbsp;All funds and economic resources in the UK owned, held or controlled by Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar are now subject to an asset freeze, and Rehal is also subject to director disqualification sanctions which prohibit him from acting as a director of a company or directly or indirectly taking part in or being concerned in the promotion, formation or management of a company.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-to-meet-us-president-donald-trump-on-december-29-says-israel-1765203206175">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to meet US President Donald Trump on December 29, says Israel</a>&nbsp;The Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (the Regulations) allow the UK Treasury to freeze assets and impose restrictions on individuals and entities suspected of involvement in terrorism. Babbar Khalsa is a proscribed terrorist organisation.&nbsp;

Last week, the UK government imposed sanctions aimed at disrupting the funding mechanisms of the pro-Khalistan terror group Babbar Khalsa--marking the first time such measures have been applied against the organisation.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday welcomed the UK government's decision to impose sanctions on pro-Khalistan extremist networks linked to the banned outfit Babbar Khalsa, terming it a significant step in strengthening global efforts against terrorism and illicit financial flows. Responding to queries at the weekly press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that New Delhi appreciates London's action targeting individuals and entities involved in anti-India extremist activities. He added that such individuals pose a threat not only to India and the UK but to people across the world. "We welcome the steps that have been taken by the UK government to sanction anti-India extremist entities, which strengthen the global fight against terrorism and extremism and help to curb illicit financial flows and transnational crime networks," Jaiswal said. Also Read: Don’t 'selectively target' Indians: MEA seeks assurance from China after Shanghai airport row "Such individuals not just pose a threat to India and the UK but to people across the world. We look forward to working closely with the UK side to further strengthen our counter-terrorism and security cooperation," he said. Last week, the UK government imposed sanctions aimed at disrupting the funding mechanisms of the pro-Khalistan terror group Babbar Khalsa--marking the first time such measures have been applied against the organisation. The UK announced an asset freeze and director disqualification against Gurpreet Singh Rehal, who is suspected of belonging to organisations involved in terrorism in India. An asset freeze against Babbar Akali Lehar, for promoting and supporting the same terrorist group, has also been announced. According to the UK Treasury Department, Rehal is involved in Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar's terrorist activities, including promoting and encouraging, carrying out recruitment activities for, and providing financial services to, as well as supporting and assisting those organisations, including through purchasing weapons and other military materiel. The government also said that Babbar Akali Lehar is associated with, and involved in, Babbar Khalsa's terrorist activities by promoting and encouraging and carrying out recruitment activities for the group and itself. All funds and economic resources in the UK owned, held or controlled by Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar are now subject to an asset freeze, and Rehal is also subject to director disqualification sanctions which prohibit him from acting as a director of a company or directly or indirectly taking part in or being concerned in the promotion, formation or management of a company. Also Read: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to meet US President Donald Trump on December 29, says Israel The Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (the Regulations) allow the UK Treasury to freeze assets and impose restrictions on individuals and entities suspected of involvement in terrorism. Babbar Khalsa is a proscribed terrorist organisation.

Last week, the UK government imposed sanctions aimed at disrupting the funding mechanisms of the pro-Khalistan terror group Babbar Khalsa--marking the first time such measures have been applied against the organisation.

India welcomes UK sanctioning pro-Khalistan terror group Babbar Khalsa: MEA

Days after an Indian national repotedly singled out and detained at the Sanghai Airport for 18 hours, the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday (Dec 08) issued a firm Massage to China against mistreatment of its citizens, saying Indians transiting through Chinese airports should not be "selectively targeted, arbitrarily detained or harassed" and urged Beijing to "respect" regulations concerning international air travel.&nbsp;"We fully share your concern following the recent incident at Shanghai airport that you have cited. We expect the Chinese authorities to provide assurances that Indian citizens transiting through Chinese airports will not be selectively targeted, arbitrarily detained or harassed and that regulations governing international air travel will be respected by the Chinese side," MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, answering a query on the incident.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/earthquake-of-7-6-magnitude-hits-japan-tsunami-warning-issued-1765205745134">Earthquake of 7.6 magnitude hits Japan, tsunami warning issued</a>&nbsp;The statement follows growing concerns regarding the selective targeting of Indian nationals in China. Jaiswal was responding to a query related to Arunachal Women Pema Wangjom Thongdok, who was detained and questioned at the Shanghai airport, with Chinese officials claiming her Indian passport was invalid since Arunachal Pradesh is part of China.&nbsp;The MEA also advised Indians travelling to China or transiting through a Chinese airport to remain alert. "MEA would advise Indian nationals to exercise due discretion while travelling to or transiting through China," the MEA spokesperson added.&nbsp;Thangdok, a UK-based Indian national, was travelling from London to Japan in November with a layover in Shanghai, when she was singled out and "humiliated" by Chinese immigration officials and was confined to the transit area without proper food and facilities.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indigo-crisis-refunds-worth-rs-827-crore-initiated-remaining-claims-under-process-says-airline-air-india-indigo-ceo-1765200084959">IndiGo crisis: Refunds worth Rs 827 crore initiated, remaining claims under process, says airline</a>&nbsp;India, at the time, raised a strong objection over the incident involving Thongdok, calling the detention "arbitrary" and lodging a strong demarche with China in both Beijing and New Delhi.&nbsp;China, however, rejected allegations of harassment levelled by Thongdok and stated that "the lawful rights and interests of the person concerned were fully protected and no compulsory measures were taken on her."<h2>India–China travel resumes after five years</h2>India and China resumed direct flights in October 2025, ending a freeze imposed after the 2020 border clashes at Galwan and pandemic restrictions. India also restored tourist visas for Chinese nationals, while China eased visa rules for Indian travellers.&nbsp;The reopening followed sustained diplomatic engagement, military-level talks and confidence-building measures along the border, signalling a broader thaw and a push to normalise travel, trade and people-to-people movement between India and China. &nbsp;

The MEA also advised Indians travelling to China or transiting through a Chinese airport to exercise due discretion. 

Days after an Indian national repotedly singled out and detained at the Sanghai Airport for 18 hours, the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday (Dec 08) issued a firm Massage to China against mistreatment of its citizens, saying Indians transiting through Chinese airports should not be "selectively targeted, arbitrarily detained or harassed" and urged Beijing to "respect" regulations concerning international air travel. "We fully share your concern following the recent incident at Shanghai airport that you have cited. We expect the Chinese authorities to provide assurances that Indian citizens transiting through Chinese airports will not be selectively targeted, arbitrarily detained or harassed and that regulations governing international air travel will be respected by the Chinese side," MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, answering a query on the incident. Also Read: Earthquake of 7.6 magnitude hits Japan, tsunami warning issued The statement follows growing concerns regarding the selective targeting of Indian nationals in China. Jaiswal was responding to a query related to Arunachal Women Pema Wangjom Thongdok, who was detained and questioned at the Shanghai airport, with Chinese officials claiming her Indian passport was invalid since Arunachal Pradesh is part of China. The MEA also advised Indians travelling to China or transiting through a Chinese airport to remain alert. "MEA would advise Indian nationals to exercise due discretion while travelling to or transiting through China," the MEA spokesperson added. Thangdok, a UK-based Indian national, was travelling from London to Japan in November with a layover in Shanghai, when she was singled out and "humiliated" by Chinese immigration officials and was confined to the transit area without proper food and facilities. Also Read: IndiGo crisis: Refunds worth Rs 827 crore initiated, remaining claims under process, says airline India, at the time, raised a strong objection over the incident involving Thongdok, calling the detention "arbitrary" and lodging a strong demarche with China in both Beijing and New Delhi. China, however, rejected allegations of harassment levelled by Thongdok and stated that "the lawful rights and interests of the person concerned were fully protected and no compulsory measures were taken on her." India–China travel resumes after five years India and China resumed direct flights in October 2025, ending a freeze imposed after the 2020 border clashes at Galwan and pandemic restrictions. India also restored tourist visas for Chinese nationals, while China eased visa rules for Indian travellers. The reopening followed sustained diplomatic engagement, military-level talks and confidence-building measures along the border, signalling a broader thaw and a push to normalise travel, trade and people-to-people movement between India and China.

The MEA also advised Indians travelling to China or transiting through a Chinese airport to exercise due discretion.&nbsp;

Don’t 'selectively target' Indians: MEA seeks assurance from China after Shanghai airport row

IndiGo on Monday (Dec 08) claimed that it had processed refunds worth Rs 827 crores as of today, with the remaining refunds for cancellations under process to get issued till December 15, 2015. The statement from the airlines came after multiple complaints by customers, prompting the union government to take strict action against the carrier, including directives to ensure repayments for cancelled bookings.&nbsp;"Over 4500 bags have been delivered to respective customers, and we are on track to deliver the rest in the next 36 hours." The airlines also claimed that they have assisted over 2 lakh customers every day, across various communication channels, IndiGo said in a statement.&nbsp;"The airlines said it has facilitated stranded customers and arranged over 9,500 hotel rooms, and close to 10,000 cabs/buses between December 1 to December 7."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-indigo-story-1-4-billion-indians-430-million-flyers-one-dominant-airline-will-it-be-indigone-soon-1765183247042">The IndiGo story: 1.4 billion Indians, 430 million flyers, one dominant airline. Will it be IndiGone soon?</a>&nbsp;The Indigo encountered severe operational disruptions after the government implemented flight duty time regulations, requiring longer rest periods for pilots and crew. IndiGo’s previously frozen hiring left it short-staffed, leading to over 1,000 flight cancellations in three days, triggering crowding across the airports and thousands of passengers stranded.&nbsp;Informing about the current state of the operations, "Today (December 8), we are all set to operate over 1800 flights, connecting all stations that we operate to. We have optimised our operations and managed to reduce the number of cancellations, which are being notified to customers in advance, and our on-time performance (OTP) has also improved to 91% across the network," the airline stated.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Over 1800 flights operate, which is up from 1,650 yesterday, and 90% on-time performance (OTP) across the entire network has been registered, up from 75% yesterday," the statement read.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-the-sky-isn-t-the-limit-air-india-opens-hiring-for-pilots-as-indigo-struggles-with-operational-crisis-1765195916269">'The sky isn't the limit': Air India opens hiring for pilots as IndiGo struggles with operational crisis</a>&nbsp;Earlier in the day, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu addressed the ongoing IndiGo crisis in the Rajya Sabha, saying the issues faced by passengers were linked to the airline's internal crew rostering and operational planning, and not the Aircraft Maintenance and Scheduling System (AMSS). Naidu emphasised that the government is working to ensure safety and hassle-free travel for passengers.&nbsp;

IndiGo said it is set to operate more than 1,800 flights on Monday, up from 1,650 on Sunday. The airline added that over 4,500 bags had already been returned to customers and that it remained “on track to deliver the remaining baggage within the next 36 hours.”

IndiGo on Monday (Dec 08) claimed that it had processed refunds worth Rs 827 crores as of today, with the remaining refunds for cancellations under process to get issued till December 15, 2015. The statement from the airlines came after multiple complaints by customers, prompting the union government to take strict action against the carrier, including directives to ensure repayments for cancelled bookings. "Over 4500 bags have been delivered to respective customers, and we are on track to deliver the rest in the next 36 hours." The airlines also claimed that they have assisted over 2 lakh customers every day, across various communication channels, IndiGo said in a statement. "The airlines said it has facilitated stranded customers and arranged over 9,500 hotel rooms, and close to 10,000 cabs/buses between December 1 to December 7." Also Read: The IndiGo story: 1.4 billion Indians, 430 million flyers, one dominant airline. Will it be IndiGone soon? The Indigo encountered severe operational disruptions after the government implemented flight duty time regulations, requiring longer rest periods for pilots and crew. IndiGo’s previously frozen hiring left it short-staffed, leading to over 1,000 flight cancellations in three days, triggering crowding across the airports and thousands of passengers stranded. Informing about the current state of the operations, "Today (December 8), we are all set to operate over 1800 flights, connecting all stations that we operate to. We have optimised our operations and managed to reduce the number of cancellations, which are being notified to customers in advance, and our on-time performance (OTP) has also improved to 91% across the network," the airline stated. "Over 1800 flights operate, which is up from 1,650 yesterday, and 90% on-time performance (OTP) across the entire network has been registered, up from 75% yesterday," the statement read. Also Read: 'The sky isn't the limit': Air India opens hiring for pilots as IndiGo struggles with operational crisis Earlier in the day, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu addressed the ongoing IndiGo crisis in the Rajya Sabha, saying the issues faced by passengers were linked to the airline's internal crew rostering and operational planning, and not the Aircraft Maintenance and Scheduling System (AMSS). Naidu emphasised that the government is working to ensure safety and hassle-free travel for passengers.

IndiGo said it is set to operate more than 1,800 flights on Monday, up from 1,650 on Sunday. The airline added that over 4,500 bags had already been returned to customers and that it remained “on track to deliver the remaining baggage within the next 36 hours.”

IndiGo crisis: Refunds worth Rs 827 crore initiated, remaining claims under process, says airline

India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal triggered a sharp reaction on Monday (December 8) with a pointed remark about Pakistan’s internal political situation, suggesting that “democracy and Pakistan don’t go together.” His comment came during the ministry’s weekly briefing, when he was asked about the deteriorating democratic climate in Pakistan, particularly regarding former prime minister Imran Khan and the ongoing unrest. Jaiswal said India is closely monitoring developments across the border but chose not to elaborate. “We monitor everything happening in Pakistan. As for democracy, you said it is weakening there. Democracy and Pakistan don't go together, so it’s best not to say more,” he remarked.<h2>On Pakistan–Afghanistan border tensions</h2>Addressing a separate question about recent clashes along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, Jaiswal expressed India’s concern over reports of Afghan civilian deaths. “We have seen reports of border clashes in which several Afghan civilians have been killed. We condemn such attacks on innocent Afghan people. India strongly supports the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Afghanistan,” he added. At least five people were killed after heavy gunfire was exchanged between Pakistani and Afghan forces on Friday, news agency Reuters reported, worsening relations following the collapse of peace talks the previous weekend.<h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, &quot;We keep a close eye on every development in Pakistan. But regarding democracy, you&#39;re saying that democracy in Pakistan is becoming weak and its strengths are being weakened. Democracy and Pakistan don&#39;t go together.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/SxTAOHt8qp">pic.twitter.com/SxTAOHt8qp</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1998005140255826149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Escalating political turmoil in Pakistan</h2>Jaiswal’s comments coincided with escalating political tensions in Pakistan. Earlier in the week, Pakistan’s military issued an unusually blunt criticism of Imran Khan. Military spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, without naming him directly, described the imprisoned ex-prime minister as a “mentally ill” narcissist, according to the news agency Associated Press. The military’s statement came a day after Khan posted on X, calling Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir a “mentally unstable individual” whom he blamed for the breakdown of Pakistan’s constitutional order.&nbsp;Khan, 73, has been incarcerated since 2023 following a corruption conviction and continues to face several legal challenges. His party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has repeatedly demanded consistent access for his family and supporters amid persistent speculation over his health and circulating false rumours of his death. Last week, authorities at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi allowed Khan’s sister, Uzma Khanum, to meet him, according to Dawn. Meanwhile, PTI activists staged protests outside the Islamabad High Court and the jail, decrying restrictions on visitation and demanding greater transparency regarding Khan’s condition.

'Democracy and Pakistan don't go together': India reacts sharply to Pakistan’s deepening political crisis

India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal triggered a sharp reaction on Monday (December 8) with a pointed remark about Pakistan’s internal political situation, suggesting that “democracy and Pakistan don’t go together.” His comment came during the ministry’s weekly briefing, when he was asked about the deteriorating democratic climate in Pakistan, particularly regarding former prime minister Imran Khan and the ongoing unrest. Jaiswal said India is closely monitoring developments across the border but chose not to elaborate. “We monitor everything happening in Pakistan. As for democracy, you said it is weakening there. Democracy and Pakistan don't go together, so it’s best not to say more,” he remarked. On Pakistan–Afghanistan border tensions Addressing a separate question about recent clashes along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, Jaiswal expressed India’s concern over reports of Afghan civilian deaths. “We have seen reports of border clashes in which several Afghan civilians have been killed. We condemn such attacks on innocent Afghan people. India strongly supports the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Afghanistan,” he added. At least five people were killed after heavy gunfire was exchanged between Pakistani and Afghan forces on Friday, news agency Reuters reported, worsening relations following the collapse of peace talks the previous weekend. Watch the video here

India’s MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during a briefing said that democracy and Pakistan “don’t go together” as tensions rise over Imran Khan’s detention and border clashes with Afghanistan

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that a spell of cold wave conditions and dense fog will impact several parts of the country beginning from Tuesday (December 9). Central, eastern, and northern Peninsular regions are expected to face cold wave conditions from December 9–12, while northwest and western India may experience a drop in temperatures starting December 10 through December 12. IMD has also projected dense fog during early mornings in isolated pockets of Assam and Manipur between December 9 and 13. East Uttar Pradesh and Odisha may witness similar foggy conditions on December 9 and 10.&nbsp;Weather systems influencing these conditions include a cyclonic circulation over east Bangladesh and nearby areas, as well as an active Western Disturbance over north Pakistan. A trough in the easterly winds persists over the southeast Bay of Bengal, while the Subtropical Westerly Jet is blowing over Northeast India with core wind speeds reaching up to 115 knots. Another Western Disturbance is likely to impact the western Himalayan region from December 13 onward. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are forecast to see thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and winds reaching 30–40 kmph between December 8 and 10.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-the-sky-isn-t-the-limit-air-india-opens-hiring-for-pilots-as-indigo-struggles-with-operational-crisis-1765195916269">'The sky isn't the limit': Air India opens hiring for pilots as IndiGo struggles with operational crisis</a>&nbsp;Minimum temperatures dipped below 5°C across many locations in Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, and isolated areas of Himachal Pradesh during the last 24 hours. The lowest readings in the plains were 4.5°C in Faridkot and Gurdaspur (Punjab). Several regions in West Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh recorded significantly below-normal night temperatures. A slight 1–2°C rise in minimum temperatures is expected in northwest India, Madhya Pradesh, and Gangetic West Bengal, while Gujarat and parts of northeast and northern Peninsular India may see a marginal fall.<h2>Cold wave and fog alerts</h2>Cold wave conditions are likely over: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha: Dec 9–12; Punjab: Dec 10–12; Vidarbha, Telangana: Dec 9–10; Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, north Rajasthan, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada: Dec 11–12; Dense fog is forecast in Assam and Manipur between Dec 9–13, and in East Uttar Pradesh and Odisha on Dec 9–10.<h2>Advisory for fishermen</h2>Fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into: The Arabian Sea (Comorin area): Dec 8–13; The Bay of Bengal, including the Gulf of Mannar, southwest and southeast Bay areas, and the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry–Sri Lanka coast: Dec 8–13.

Severe cold wave and fog likely in multiple states from December 9; IMD issues fresh alerts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that a spell of cold wave conditions and dense fog will impact several parts of the country beginning from Tuesday (December 9). Central, eastern, and northern Peninsular regions are expected to face cold wave conditions from December 9–12, while northwest and western India may experience a drop in temperatures starting December 10 through December 12. IMD has also projected dense fog during early mornings in isolated pockets of Assam and Manipur between December 9 and 13. East Uttar Pradesh and Odisha may witness similar foggy conditions on December 9 and 10. Weather systems influencing these conditions include a cyclonic circulation over east Bangladesh and nearby areas, as well as an active Western Disturbance over north Pakistan. A trough in the easterly winds persists over the southeast Bay of Bengal, while the Subtropical Westerly Jet is blowing over Northeast India with core wind speeds reaching up to 115 knots. Another Western Disturbance is likely to impact the western Himalayan region from December 13 onward. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are forecast to see thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and winds reaching 30–40 kmph between December 8 and 10. Also Read: 'The sky isn't the limit': Air India opens hiring for pilots as IndiGo struggles with operational crisis Minimum temperatures dipped below 5°C across many locations in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, and isolated areas of Himachal Pradesh during the last 24 hours. The lowest readings in the plains were 4.5°C in Faridkot and Gurdaspur (Punjab). Several regions in West Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh recorded significantly below-normal night temperatures. A slight 1–2°C rise in minimum temperatures is expected in northwest India, Madhya Pradesh, and Gangetic West Bengal, while Gujarat and parts of northeast and northern Peninsular India may see a marginal fall. Cold wave and fog alerts Cold wave conditions are likely over: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha: Dec 9–12; Punjab: Dec 10–12; Vidarbha, Telangana: Dec 9–10; Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, north Rajasthan, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada: Dec 11–12; Dense fog is forecast in Assam and Manipur between Dec 9–13, and in East Uttar Pradesh and Odisha on Dec 9–10. Advisory for fishermen Fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into: The Arabian Sea (Comorin area): Dec 8–13; The Bay of Bengal, including the Gulf of Mannar, southwest and southeast Bay areas, and the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry–Sri Lanka coast: Dec 8–13.

IMD forecasts a cold wave across central, northwest, and eastern India with dense fog in the Northeast and East UP, and warns fishermen of rough sea conditions

In a significant stride towards promoting clean energy and supporting the Government of India's green initiatives, the Indian Army today formally introduced Bio-Diesel into its fuel supply chain. The launch ceremony, held in New Delhi, saw the first consignment being flagged in by Lieutenant General Pushpendra Pal Singh, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, in the presence of senior Army officials, including the Quarter Master General, Director General of Supply and Transport and Shubhankar Sen, Director (Marketing), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). The occasion coincided with the 265th Corps Day of the Army Service Corps. This landmark initiative marks the beginning of the Army's transition to environmentally responsible fuel alternatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and strengthening long-term energy sustainability. The introduction of Bio-Diesel aligns with the National Biofuel Policy and reinforces the Army's commitment to integrating eco-friendly measures across its logistics and operational frameworks. The Armed Forces have already adopted E-20 Petrol with effect from 1st December 2025, further advancing their green mobility efforts. Speaking at the event, the Vice Chief of the Army Staff commended BPCL for its support and collaboration, noting that the initiative reflects a shared vision for a greener, more energy-secure future. He emphasised that with the Indian Army's extensive mobility requirements, the adoption of sustainable fuel solutions will contribute significantly to the nation's clean energy goals. The Indian Army continues to lead from the front in nation-building initiatives, and this progressive step further underscores its commitment to environmental stewardship, innovation, and responsible resource management. In an X post, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, Indian Army, said, “In a significant step towards clean energy, the Indian Army has formally inducted Bio-Diesel into its fuel supply chain. The first consignment was flagged in by Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh, VCOAS, in New Delhi, marking a decisive shift towards eco-friendly fuel solutions that reduce carbon emissions and strengthen long-term energy resilience.” "The VCOAS highlighted that with its extensive mobility requirements, the Indian Army's transition to sustainable fuel will have a significant and lasting impact on both operational efficiency and environmental stewardship," the X post read.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

This landmark initiative marks the beginning of the Army's transition to environmentally responsible fuel alternatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and strengthening long-term energy sustainability. 

In a significant stride towards promoting clean energy and supporting the Government of India's green initiatives, the Indian Army today formally introduced Bio-Diesel into its fuel supply chain. The launch ceremony, held in New Delhi, saw the first consignment being flagged in by Lieutenant General Pushpendra Pal Singh, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, in the presence of senior Army officials, including the Quarter Master General, Director General of Supply and Transport and Shubhankar Sen, Director (Marketing), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). The occasion coincided with the 265th Corps Day of the Army Service Corps. This landmark initiative marks the beginning of the Army's transition to environmentally responsible fuel alternatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and strengthening long-term energy sustainability. The introduction of Bio-Diesel aligns with the National Biofuel Policy and reinforces the Army's commitment to integrating eco-friendly measures across its logistics and operational frameworks. The Armed Forces have already adopted E-20 Petrol with effect from 1st December 2025, further advancing their green mobility efforts. Speaking at the event, the Vice Chief of the Army Staff commended BPCL for its support and collaboration, noting that the initiative reflects a shared vision for a greener, more energy-secure future. He emphasised that with the Indian Army's extensive mobility requirements, the adoption of sustainable fuel solutions will contribute significantly to the nation's clean energy goals. The Indian Army continues to lead from the front in nation-building initiatives, and this progressive step further underscores its commitment to environmental stewardship, innovation, and responsible resource management. In an X post, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, Indian Army, said, “In a significant step towards clean energy, the Indian Army has formally inducted Bio-Diesel into its fuel supply chain. The first consignment was flagged in by Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh, VCOAS, in New Delhi, marking a decisive shift towards eco-friendly fuel solutions that reduce carbon emissions and strengthen long-term energy resilience.” "The VCOAS highlighted that with its extensive mobility requirements, the Indian Army's transition to sustainable fuel will have a significant and lasting impact on both operational efficiency and environmental stewardship," the X post read. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

This landmark initiative marks the beginning of the Army's transition to environmentally responsible fuel alternatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and strengthening long-term energy sustainability.&nbsp;

Indian Army inducts bio-diesel across fuel chain, major move towards green mobility

A DTC bus driver was beaten to death by a group of men in the Aman Vihar area of Delhi in an alleged road rage incident, said police. Officers have identified four men who were involved in assaulting the driver and arrested one individual. The deceased has been identified as Vikas (27), who was the sole earner of his family.&nbsp;According to a report in the Indian Express, the police confirmed that a PCR call was received around 11,20 pm on Saturday regarding a fight during a wedding procession. “A police team reached the Shiv Chowk area where it was found that a fight broke out between a DTC bus driver and a man attending the wedding, who was driving an Alto, over lack of passage and the congestion on the road,” a senior police officer said.&nbsp;The driver of an Alto car allegedly summoned relatives, who then attacked the DTC driver. A bystander, Suraj, was injured when he tried to intervene. Both men were rushed to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, and Vikas was later shifted to Safdarjung Hospital, where he succumbed to his injury on Sunday afternoon.&nbsp;An FIR was filed after the bus conductor, Umesh, gave a statement to the police, and the case has been registered under culpable homicide not amounting to murder. “All four accused have been identified. One of the accused, Rahul, has been apprehended; others are absconding. Raids are ongoing to arrest them. Further investigation is in progress,” the police officer added.&nbsp;Angry by the killing, Vikas’s family staged a protest on the Dwarka-Gurgaon highway on Sunday, placing his body on the road. In addition, several DTC drivers joined the protest, demanding punishment for the accused. Drivers at the Rohini Depot also held a day-long strike, calling for stronger safety measures, compensation for the family, and medical insurance for staff.

An FIR was filed after the bus conductor, Umesh, gave a statement to the police, and the case has been registered under culpable homicide not amounting to murder. And, raids are ongoing to arrest them, as well as further investigation is still in process.

A DTC bus driver was beaten to death by a group of men in the Aman Vihar area of Delhi in an alleged road rage incident, said police. Officers have identified four men who were involved in assaulting the driver and arrested one individual. The deceased has been identified as Vikas (27), who was the sole earner of his family. According to a report in the Indian Express, the police confirmed that a PCR call was received around 11,20 pm on Saturday regarding a fight during a wedding procession. “A police team reached the Shiv Chowk area where it was found that a fight broke out between a DTC bus driver and a man attending the wedding, who was driving an Alto, over lack of passage and the congestion on the road,” a senior police officer said. The driver of an Alto car allegedly summoned relatives, who then attacked the DTC driver. A bystander, Suraj, was injured when he tried to intervene. Both men were rushed to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, and Vikas was later shifted to Safdarjung Hospital, where he succumbed to his injury on Sunday afternoon. An FIR was filed after the bus conductor, Umesh, gave a statement to the police, and the case has been registered under culpable homicide not amounting to murder. “All four accused have been identified. One of the accused, Rahul, has been apprehended; others are absconding. Raids are ongoing to arrest them. Further investigation is in progress,” the police officer added. Angry by the killing, Vikas’s family staged a protest on the Dwarka-Gurgaon highway on Sunday, placing his body on the road. In addition, several DTC drivers joined the protest, demanding punishment for the accused. Drivers at the Rohini Depot also held a day-long strike, calling for stronger safety measures, compensation for the family, and medical insurance for staff.

An FIR was filed after the bus conductor, Umesh, gave a statement to the police, and the case has been registered under culpable homicide not amounting to murder. And, raids are ongoing to arrest them, as well as further investigation is still in process.

DTC bus driver beaten to death in road rage in Delhi; One arrested, three on the run

Air India has launched a new recruitment campaign for pilots, saying that “The sky isn't the limit, it's just the beginning” as it invites aviators to join the Tata-owned carrier. The airline, which returned to Tata Group ownership in October 2021, is seeking pilots for its Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft, core workhorses for short and medium-haul routes. Although the announcement would typically appeal only to aviation professionals, it gained widespread attention on social media due to ongoing turbulence at rival airline IndiGo.&nbsp;Over the past week, India’s aviation network has been disrupted by IndiGo’s large-scale flight cancellations, delays, and rescheduling. The chaos stems from a sudden shortage of pilots and cabin crew triggered by IndiGo’s implementation of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s updated Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) issued last year. “Shape the next era of Indian aviation. We’re inviting seasoned B737 and A320 pilots to join our expanding fleet. Applications are open until December 22,” Air India posted on Instagram.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-ncert-class-7-social-science-textbook-expands-coverage-on-mahmud-of-ghazni-s-invasion-in-detail-1765189534143">New NCERT class 7 social science textbook expands coverage on Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion in detail</a><h2>See the hiring post from Air India here</h2>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DR_q08aCF_U/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DR_q08aCF_U/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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The move comes as IndiGo races to hire more pilots to counter the operational strain caused by the new FDTL norms, which are designed to ensure adequate rest and fatigue management for flight crew. The revised guidelines created a ripple effect, forcing IndiGo to adjust its schedules and increasing staffing pressure. Air India specified that it is seeking experienced, type-rated commanders for the A320 fleet. For its B737 operations, the airline is open to hiring both type-rated and non-type-rated pilots. A type rating certifies that a pilot is trained and approved to operate a particular aircraft model.&nbsp;Despite IndiGo’s assurance that performance is gradually returning to normal, cancellations continued. Meanwhile, shares of InterGlobe Aviation Limited, the parent company of IndiGo, fell 6.9%, marking the steepest decline in eight months. With IndiGo controlling nearly two-thirds of India’s domestic market, the mass disruptions left thousands of travellers stranded countrywide.

'The sky isn't the limit': Air India opens hiring for pilots as IndiGo struggles with operational crisis

Air India has launched a new recruitment campaign for pilots, saying that “The sky isn't the limit, it's just the beginning” as it invites aviators to join the Tata-owned carrier. The airline, which returned to Tata Group ownership in October 2021, is seeking pilots for its Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft, core workhorses for short and medium-haul routes. Although the announcement would typically appeal only to aviation professionals, it gained widespread attention on social media due to ongoing turbulence at rival airline IndiGo. Over the past week, India’s aviation network has been disrupted by IndiGo’s large-scale flight cancellations, delays, and rescheduling. The chaos stems from a sudden shortage of pilots and cabin crew triggered by IndiGo’s implementation of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s updated Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) issued last year. “Shape the next era of Indian aviation. We’re inviting seasoned B737 and A320 pilots to join our expanding fleet. Applications are open until December 22,” Air India posted on Instagram. Also Read: New NCERT class 7 social science textbook expands coverage on Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion in detail See the hiring post from Air India here

In their social media post, Air India launched a major pilot recruitment drive as IndiGo faces widespread cancellations and crew shortages triggered by new FDTL regulations

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned the ongoing debate on the national song of India on Monday (Dec 8), alleging that the government was using the discussion to divert attention from public issues. Vadra said that there was "no controversy" around Vande Mataram. While speaking in the Lok Sabha during the special sitting convened to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, Vadra said, “Why are we having a debate on Vande Mataram? What debate can there be on the national song?".&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-1-200-to-each-affected-house-38-5-million-for-residents-aid-hong-kong-govt-after-building-fire-kills-55-leaves-hundreds-homeless-1764243371424">‘$1,200 to each affected house, $38.5 million for residents’ aid’: Hong Kong govt after building fire kills 55, leaves hundreds homeless</a>&nbsp;She added that the timing of the discussion on the national song was politically motivated, “We are having a Vande Mataram debate because West Bengal polls are coming."&nbsp;She said that while the Indian citizens were struggling with multiple challenges in the country, the government was “not finding solutions". She accused the ruling party was using &nbsp;Parliament to “level more accusations against those who fought for freedom and made sacrifices for the country".&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-white-house-has-recieved-report-on-macron-s-plan-to-assassinate-me-candace-owens-another-big-claim-as-her-show-goes-off-air-1764165691510">‘White House has received report on Macron’s plan to assassinate me’: Candace Owens’ ANOTHER BIG CLAIM as her show goes off air</a>&nbsp;Shortly after her speech, the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) hit back at Vadra, claiming that she was undermining a historic symbol of the freedom struggle.&nbsp;BJP's national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said on X, “Priyanka Vadra questions the need to discuss Vande Mataram in Parliament—the very song which is the foundation of the Indian freedom struggle. ‘Aaj behes ki kya jarurat hai?’ This is the Muslim League–Maoist Congress thought! Talk about Gaza, be silent on Vande Mataram."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-announces-40-billion-defence-budget-to-counter-china-s-invasion-and-to-refuse-to-submit-to-being-china-s-taiwan-1764156268611">Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion and to ‘refuse to submit to being China’s Taiwan’</a>

Shortly after her speech, the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) hit back at Vadra, claiming that she was undermining a historic symbol of the freedom struggle.



Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned the ongoing debate on the national song of India on Monday (Dec 8), alleging that the government was using the discussion to divert attention from public issues. Vadra said that there was "no controversy" around Vande Mataram. While speaking in the Lok Sabha during the special sitting convened to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, Vadra said, “Why are we having a debate on Vande Mataram? What debate can there be on the national song?". Also read: ‘$1,200 to each affected house, $38.5 million for residents’ aid’: Hong Kong govt after building fire kills 55, leaves hundreds homeless She added that the timing of the discussion on the national song was politically motivated, “We are having a Vande Mataram debate because West Bengal polls are coming." She said that while the Indian citizens were struggling with multiple challenges in the country, the government was “not finding solutions". She accused the ruling party was using Parliament to “level more accusations against those who fought for freedom and made sacrifices for the country". Also read: ‘White House has received report on Macron’s plan to assassinate me’: Candace Owens’ ANOTHER BIG CLAIM as her show goes off air Shortly after her speech, the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) hit back at Vadra, claiming that she was undermining a historic symbol of the freedom struggle. BJP's national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said on X, “Priyanka Vadra questions the need to discuss Vande Mataram in Parliament—the very song which is the foundation of the Indian freedom struggle. ‘Aaj behes ki kya jarurat hai?’ This is the Muslim League–Maoist Congress thought! Talk about Gaza, be silent on Vande Mataram." Also read: Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion and to ‘refuse to submit to being China’s Taiwan’

Shortly after her speech, the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) hit back at Vadra, claiming that she was undermining a historic symbol of the freedom struggle.&nbsp;

‘We’re having Vande Mataram debate because West Bengal polls are coming’: Priyanka Gandhi on national song row

India has scaled up its humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka in the wake of devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. New Delhi deployed four more naval ships with essential relief material, medical supplies under Operation Sagar Bandhu. The Indian Navy on Monday (Dec 08) said that INS Gharial, LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57 have been tasked with transporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) stores to affected regions across Sri Lanka. Three of the ships, LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57, reached Colombo on the morning of December 7 and handed over critical supplies to local authorities, while INS Gharial is expected to arrive in Trincomalee on December 8 to continue the relief operations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/starlink-reveals-pricing-ahead-of-india-debut-know-how-much-elon-musk-s-internet-services-cost-elon-musk-starlink-internet-serivices-1765191357552">Starlink reveals pricing ahead of India debut: Know how much Elon Musk's internet services cost?</a>&nbsp;The latest deployment follows earlier assistance delivered by INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri and INS Sukanya, which carried out relief missions and helicopter-borne search and rescue operations under the ongoing effort.&nbsp;With 1,000 tonnes of relief supplies onboard, this mission reinforces the strong people-to-people ties between India and Sri Lanka and reflects the Indian Navy's commitment to providing timely humanitarian support to our Indian Ocean Region neighbours, as per the statement.&nbsp;Earlier, the Indian Army shared updates on its relief efforts in the neighbouring country under Operation Sagar Bandhu. In the disaster-hit areas, a field hospital set up by the Army has treated over 1250 people and undertaken major emergency surgeries. Indian troops also inducted three Bailey Bridges to speed up the relief work and restore critical connectivity in affected areas, AGDPI wrote in a post on X.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-ncert-class-7-social-science-textbook-expands-coverage-on-mahmud-of-ghazni-s-invasion-in-detail-1765189534143">New NCERT class 7 social science textbook expands coverage on Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion in detail</a><h2>What is Operation Sagar Bandhu</h2>Launched by India in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah to deliver urgent humanitarian aid and rescue support across cyclone-hit regions of Sri Lanka. Under the mission, air and naval assets supplied tens of tonnes of relief materials, including food, medicines, shelters, water-purification and hygiene kits, while medical teams set up field hospitals. Evacuations and medical care continue as India lends critical support to Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts

Three of the ships, LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57, reached Colombo on the morning of December 7 and handed over critical supplies to local authorities, while INS Gharial is expected to arrive in Trincomalee on December 8.

India has scaled up its humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka in the wake of devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. New Delhi deployed four more naval ships with essential relief material, medical supplies under Operation Sagar Bandhu. The Indian Navy on Monday (Dec 08) said that INS Gharial, LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57 have been tasked with transporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) stores to affected regions across Sri Lanka. Three of the ships, LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57, reached Colombo on the morning of December 7 and handed over critical supplies to local authorities, while INS Gharial is expected to arrive in Trincomalee on December 8 to continue the relief operations. Also Read: Starlink reveals pricing ahead of India debut: Know how much Elon Musk's internet services cost? The latest deployment follows earlier assistance delivered by INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri and INS Sukanya, which carried out relief missions and helicopter-borne search and rescue operations under the ongoing effort. With 1,000 tonnes of relief supplies onboard, this mission reinforces the strong people-to-people ties between India and Sri Lanka and reflects the Indian Navy's commitment to providing timely humanitarian support to our Indian Ocean Region neighbours, as per the statement. Earlier, the Indian Army shared updates on its relief efforts in the neighbouring country under Operation Sagar Bandhu. In the disaster-hit areas, a field hospital set up by the Army has treated over 1250 people and undertaken major emergency surgeries. Indian troops also inducted three Bailey Bridges to speed up the relief work and restore critical connectivity in affected areas, AGDPI wrote in a post on X. Also Read: New NCERT class 7 social science textbook expands coverage on Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion in detail What is Operation Sagar Bandhu Launched by India in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah to deliver urgent humanitarian aid and rescue support across cyclone-hit regions of Sri Lanka. Under the mission, air and naval assets supplied tens of tonnes of relief materials, including food, medicines, shelters, water-purification and hygiene kits, while medical teams set up field hospitals. Evacuations and medical care continue as India lends critical support to Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts

Three of the ships, LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57, reached Colombo on the morning of December 7 and handed over critical supplies to local authorities, while INS Gharial is expected to arrive in Trincomalee on December 8.

India scales up Op Sagar Bandhu; sends four additional naval ships with relief supplies to Sri Lanka

The newly released NCERT class 7 social science textbook provides an expanded exploration of Mahmud of Ghazni's invasions, a significant and violent chapter of Indian history. While previous editions covered this topic briefly, the updated version devotes six pages to a detailed account of Ghazni's military campaigns, particularly in Mathura, Kannauj, and Somnath in Gujarat. The textbook provides rich descriptions, enhanced with illustrations and educational boxes, focusing on both the destruction wrought by his raids and the human suffering they caused.&nbsp;This expansion highlights not only Mahmud's destructive military tactics but also his mission to spread Islam into regions with non-Muslim populations. The textbook underscores the toll of these campaigns, which included the massacre of thousands of civilians, the capture of prisoners, many of whom were sold as slaves, and the destruction of temples and sacred sites. Mahmud is depicted as a ruthless conqueror targeting Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and rival Muslim groups.&nbsp;Supporting this narrative, the book references contemporary accounts, including that of Mahmud’s court historian, Al-Utbi, who chronicles the plundering of temples and the building of mosques in the captured territories. Another historical source, Al-Biruni, recalls the destruction of the Somnath temple, including the desecration of the Shivalinga and its parts being transported to Ghazni. To ensure students understand the significance of these events in a broader context, the textbook begins with a “Word of Caution” section. This note, also included in the Class 8 textbook on the Delhi Sultanate, emphasises that history often highlights wars and destruction, rather than periods of peace and prosperity.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-listen-to-priyanka-gandhi-s-rahul-gandhi-s-reply-on-vanda-mataram-debate-as-pm-modi-targets-congress-in-parliament-1765187143827">'Listen to Priyanka Gandhi's...': Rahul Gandhi's reply on Vanda Mataram debate as PM Modi targets Congress in parliament</a>&nbsp;It encourages students to learn from history to prevent similar future events while also stressing that modern generations are not accountable for past actions. The new curriculum also provides a more comprehensive historical context. It not only covers Mahmud of Ghazni's invasions but also references other invaders and military figures such as Muhammad Ghuri, Qutb-ud-din Aibak, and Bakhtiyar Khilji, detailing their campaigns and the cultural impact, including the decline of Buddhism in India. The textbook notes that despite these invasions, much of southern and northern India remained beyond the reach of the Turkic forces, and local rulers often united in resistance.<h2>What did NCERT say?</h2>The updated chapter situates these events within a larger historical framework, beginning with India’s ancient kingdoms and empires, including those of the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Cholas, and others, as well as the earlier foreign invasions by the Hunas and Muhammad bin Qasim. It also draws attention to the limited impact of Muhammad bin Qasim's conquest compared to the long-term effects of Mahmud’s raids.&nbsp;NCERT Director Dinesh Saklani said that the revision of the Class 7 social science curriculum is part of the broader rollout of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023. The new approach consolidates history, civics, and geography into two textbooks, replacing the previous system of three separate books, providing a more integrated and comprehensive educational experience for students.

New NCERT class 7 social science textbook expands coverage on Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion in detail

The newly released NCERT class 7 social science textbook provides an expanded exploration of Mahmud of Ghazni's invasions, a significant and violent chapter of Indian history. While previous editions covered this topic briefly, the updated version devotes six pages to a detailed account of Ghazni's military campaigns, particularly in Mathura, Kannauj, and Somnath in Gujarat. The textbook provides rich descriptions, enhanced with illustrations and educational boxes, focusing on both the destruction wrought by his raids and the human suffering they caused. This expansion highlights not only Mahmud's destructive military tactics but also his mission to spread Islam into regions with non-Muslim populations. The textbook underscores the toll of these campaigns, which included the massacre of thousands of civilians, the capture of prisoners, many of whom were sold as slaves, and the destruction of temples and sacred sites. Mahmud is depicted as a ruthless conqueror targeting Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and rival Muslim groups. Supporting this narrative, the book references contemporary accounts, including that of Mahmud’s court historian, Al-Utbi, who chronicles the plundering of temples and the building of mosques in the captured territories. Another historical source, Al-Biruni, recalls the destruction of the Somnath temple, including the desecration of the Shivalinga and its parts being transported to Ghazni. To ensure students understand the significance of these events in a broader context, the textbook begins with a “Word of Caution” section. This note, also included in the Class 8 textbook on the Delhi Sultanate, emphasises that history often highlights wars and destruction, rather than periods of peace and prosperity. Also Read: 'Listen to Priyanka Gandhi's...': Rahul Gandhi's reply on Vanda Mataram debate as PM Modi targets Congress in parliament It encourages students to learn from history to prevent similar future events while also stressing that modern generations are not accountable for past actions. The new curriculum also provides a more comprehensive historical context. It not only covers Mahmud of Ghazni's invasions but also references other invaders and military figures such as Muhammad Ghuri, Qutb-ud-din Aibak, and Bakhtiyar Khilji, detailing their campaigns and the cultural impact, including the decline of Buddhism in India. The textbook notes that despite these invasions, much of southern and northern India remained beyond the reach of the Turkic forces, and local rulers often united in resistance. What did NCERT say? The updated chapter situates these events within a larger historical framework, beginning with India’s ancient kingdoms and empires, including those of the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Cholas, and others, as well as the earlier foreign invasions by the Hunas and Muhammad bin Qasim. It also draws attention to the limited impact of Muhammad bin Qasim's conquest compared to the long-term effects of Mahmud’s raids. NCERT Director Dinesh Saklani said that the revision of the Class 7 social science curriculum is part of the broader rollout of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023. The new approach consolidates history, civics, and geography into two textbooks, replacing the previous system of three separate books, providing a more integrated and comprehensive educational experience for students.

The revised NCERT class 7 social science textbook dives deeper into Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasions, detailing his brutal campaigns and their historical context; NCERT director reacts

Tech billionaire Elon Musk's Internet Services company Starlink has disclosed the pricing for its residential plan for India as the SpaceX-owned venture is inching closer to the launch of its services in the country. The announcement came following months of regulatory actions and technical preparations targeted at reaching far-off areas with limited broadband and fibre connectivity.&nbsp;Starlink has updated its India website to display the cost of its internet packages. The Residential plan will cost Rs 8,600 monthly, with an additional Rs 34,000 for its hardware kit as a one-time payment. The company is promising a 30-day trial period to experience the connection before fully committing. The plan will entail unlimited data and 99.9 per cent uptime, and the ability to stay online even during adverse weather conditions.&nbsp;However, the vice president of Starlink Business Operations, Lauren Dreyer, clarified, “Starlink India website is not live, service pricing for customers in India has not yet been announced, and we are not taking orders from customers in India” &nbsp;&nbsp;“There was a config glitch that briefly made dummy test data visible, but those numbers do not reflect what the cost of Starlink service will be in India. The glitch was quickly fixed”, she posted on X.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-can-irritate-muslims-jinnah-opposed-vande-mataram-nehru-agreed-with-him-says-pm-modi-1765182991929">'Can irritate Muslims': Jinnah opposed Vande Mataram, Nehru agreed with him, says PM Modi</a>&nbsp;This is the same plan Starlink provides worldwide, yet it carries added significance in India as it targets regions beyond the reach of conventional fibre networks.&nbsp;Although the company disclosed its packages for residential plans, its pricing for Businesses is yet to be announced. It is expected to unveil its commercial offerings in the coming week as the process of finalisation of the rollout plan is still underway, with continuous discussion with relevant authorities.&nbsp;Starlink's recent hiring drive showcases its ambitions for India. The company posted four vacancies on LinkedIn for its Bengaluru office. The advertised posts included a Payments Manager, an Accounting Manager, a Senior Treasury Analyst and a Tax Manager.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-listen-to-priyanka-gandhi-s-rahul-gandhi-s-reply-on-vanda-mataram-debate-as-pm-modi-targets-congress-in-parliament-1765187143827">'Listen to Priyanka Gandhi's...': Rahul Gandhi's reply on Vanda Mataram debate as PM Modi targets Congress in parliament</a>&nbsp;Recent reports also suggest that Starlink is preparing to establish multiple gateway earth stations across cities such as Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Noida &nbsp;

The price reveal was due to a technical glitch that briefly made dummy test data visible, Lauren Dreyer, vice president of Starlink Business Operations, said. 

Tech billionaire Elon Musk's Internet Services company Starlink has disclosed the pricing for its residential plan for India as the SpaceX-owned venture is inching closer to the launch of its services in the country. The announcement came following months of regulatory actions and technical preparations targeted at reaching far-off areas with limited broadband and fibre connectivity. Starlink has updated its India website to display the cost of its internet packages. The Residential plan will cost Rs 8,600 monthly, with an additional Rs 34,000 for its hardware kit as a one-time payment. The company is promising a 30-day trial period to experience the connection before fully committing. The plan will entail unlimited data and 99.9 per cent uptime, and the ability to stay online even during adverse weather conditions. However, the vice president of Starlink Business Operations, Lauren Dreyer, clarified, “Starlink India website is not live, service pricing for customers in India has not yet been announced, and we are not taking orders from customers in India” “There was a config glitch that briefly made dummy test data visible, but those numbers do not reflect what the cost of Starlink service will be in India. The glitch was quickly fixed”, she posted on X. Also Read: 'Can irritate Muslims': Jinnah opposed Vande Mataram, Nehru agreed with him, says PM Modi This is the same plan Starlink provides worldwide, yet it carries added significance in India as it targets regions beyond the reach of conventional fibre networks. Although the company disclosed its packages for residential plans, its pricing for Businesses is yet to be announced. It is expected to unveil its commercial offerings in the coming week as the process of finalisation of the rollout plan is still underway, with continuous discussion with relevant authorities. Starlink's recent hiring drive showcases its ambitions for India. The company posted four vacancies on LinkedIn for its Bengaluru office. The advertised posts included a Payments Manager, an Accounting Manager, a Senior Treasury Analyst and a Tax Manager. Also Read: 'Listen to Priyanka Gandhi's...': Rahul Gandhi's reply on Vanda Mataram debate as PM Modi targets Congress in parliament Recent reports also suggest that Starlink is preparing to establish multiple gateway earth stations across cities such as Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Noida

The price reveal was due to a technical glitch that briefly made dummy test data visible, Lauren Dreyer, vice president of Starlink Business Operations, said.&nbsp;

Starlink accidentally posts India pricing due to glitch; final rates before service launch, says SpaceX

Germany on Monday committed about EUR 1.3 billion in India, primarily in the form of concessional loans, across the key areas of climate and energy, sustainable urban development, green urban mobility, and sustainable management of natural resources. In addition, bilateral cooperation in the skills development sector, in particular, renewable energy will be strengthened through these loans, as per an official statement. Germany and India successfully concluded the India-Germany Government Negotiations on Development Cooperation 2025, reaffirming their strong and future-oriented partnership under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP). "During the negotiations, Germany announced new commitments amounting to almost EUR 1.3 billion, primarily in the form of concessional loans, across the key areas of climate and energy, sustainable urban development, green urban mobility, and sustainable management of natural resources. In addition, bilateral cooperation in the skills development sector, in particular, renewable energy will be strengthened," the statement read. Christine Toetzke, Director General for Asia, Latin America, Middle East, Eastern/South Eastern Europe at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), said India remains a major strategic partner country, also under the new German government. "I am delighted to continue our trustful development cooperation- under the umbrella of GSDP, guiding our commitment to the bilateral cooperation. With the projects committed today, Germany and India jointly follow the path to sustainable prosperity and overcome global challenges," Christine Toetzke said. Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India, emphasised the unique nature of the GSDP cooperation between the two countries. He said, "Our negotiations under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership are serious in purpose but deeply rewarding, because they take place with partners we know well and value greatly. Germany has no partnership quite like the GSDP with any other country (apart from India); its scale, its ambition, and its spirit of equal collaboration make it truly unique. It is not traditional development cooperation; it is two mature nations working together to find solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time. I am very pleased that we were able to conclude the negotiations efficiently, and I look forward to the important work we will take forward together in the coming year." Ahead of the negotiations, Christine Toetzke travelled to Bengaluru to gain first-hand insights into the 'Indo-German Green Urban Mobility Partnership for All'. Her programme in Bengaluru showcased India's pioneering mobility landscape-from large-scale public transport projects to cutting-edge digital and accessibility innovations. The 'Indo-German Green Urban Mobility Partnership for All' is a flagship initiative under the GSDP, aimed at advancing low-carbon, people-centric, safe, accessible and affordable mobility solutions. A notable example of ongoing Indo-German cooperation is the recently inaugurated Yellow Line Metro segment in Bangalore, supported by a EUR 340 million KfW (Germany's development bank) loan. The project not only strengthens sustainable urban transport and reduces emissions, but has also contributed to the creation of an estimated 25,000 jobs, with German companies such as Siemens, Knorr-Bremse, Hubner and Voith involved in essential deliveries and services. In addition, the Living Lab in Bangalore, powered by a partnership between government, industry, academia, civil society and companies such as Bosch and Nunam, demonstrates how Indo-German cooperation is driving climate-smart innovation. India's first rooftop solar-powered EV charging station with second-life batteries, developed by Nunam, has already been scaled from Bangalore to Surat to support the city's public e-bus fleet. The Indo-German Partnership for Green and Sustainable Development (GSDP), launched in 2022, is a strategic cooperation framework supporting sustainable and climate-aligned development.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Germany and India successfully concluded the India-Germany Government Negotiations on Development Cooperation 2025, reaffirming their strong and future-oriented partnership under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP).

Germany on Monday committed about EUR 1.3 billion in India, primarily in the form of concessional loans, across the key areas of climate and energy, sustainable urban development, green urban mobility, and sustainable management of natural resources. In addition, bilateral cooperation in the skills development sector, in particular, renewable energy will be strengthened through these loans, as per an official statement. Germany and India successfully concluded the India-Germany Government Negotiations on Development Cooperation 2025, reaffirming their strong and future-oriented partnership under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP). "During the negotiations, Germany announced new commitments amounting to almost EUR 1.3 billion, primarily in the form of concessional loans, across the key areas of climate and energy, sustainable urban development, green urban mobility, and sustainable management of natural resources. In addition, bilateral cooperation in the skills development sector, in particular, renewable energy will be strengthened," the statement read. Christine Toetzke, Director General for Asia, Latin America, Middle East, Eastern/South Eastern Europe at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), said India remains a major strategic partner country, also under the new German government. "I am delighted to continue our trustful development cooperation- under the umbrella of GSDP, guiding our commitment to the bilateral cooperation. With the projects committed today, Germany and India jointly follow the path to sustainable prosperity and overcome global challenges," Christine Toetzke said. Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India, emphasised the unique nature of the GSDP cooperation between the two countries. He said, "Our negotiations under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership are serious in purpose but deeply rewarding, because they take place with partners we know well and value greatly. Germany has no partnership quite like the GSDP with any other country (apart from India); its scale, its ambition, and its spirit of equal collaboration make it truly unique. It is not traditional development cooperation; it is two mature nations working together to find solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time. I am very pleased that we were able to conclude the negotiations efficiently, and I look forward to the important work we will take forward together in the coming year." Ahead of the negotiations, Christine Toetzke travelled to Bengaluru to gain first-hand insights into the 'Indo-German Green Urban Mobility Partnership for All'. Her programme in Bengaluru showcased India's pioneering mobility landscape-from large-scale public transport projects to cutting-edge digital and accessibility innovations. The 'Indo-German Green Urban Mobility Partnership for All' is a flagship initiative under the GSDP, aimed at advancing low-carbon, people-centric, safe, accessible and affordable mobility solutions. A notable example of ongoing Indo-German cooperation is the recently inaugurated Yellow Line Metro segment in Bangalore, supported by a EUR 340 million KfW (Germany's development bank) loan. The project not only strengthens sustainable urban transport and reduces emissions, but has also contributed to the creation of an estimated 25,000 jobs, with German companies such as Siemens, Knorr-Bremse, Hubner and Voith involved in essential deliveries and services. In addition, the Living Lab in Bangalore, powered by a partnership between government, industry, academia, civil society and companies such as Bosch and Nunam, demonstrates how Indo-German cooperation is driving climate-smart innovation. India's first rooftop solar-powered EV charging station with second-life batteries, developed by Nunam, has already been scaled from Bangalore to Surat to support the city's public e-bus fleet. The Indo-German Partnership for Green and Sustainable Development (GSDP), launched in 2022, is a strategic cooperation framework supporting sustainable and climate-aligned development. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Germany and India successfully concluded the India-Germany Government Negotiations on Development Cooperation 2025, reaffirming their strong and future-oriented partnership under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP).

Germany announces EUR 1.3 bn support for India’s climate, energy, urban projects

IndiGo Airlines, operated by InterGlobe Aviation Limited, is in the news for all the wrong reasons, having gamed the rostering system until the government intervened, and responding to the crackdown with sudden cancellations that left thousands of passengers stranded. The carrier's journey began in 2005 at the right place and the right time, as India’s low-cost aviation boom was taking off. Here is its story.<h2>The early days of IndiGo</h2>IndiGo was founded by Rahul Bhatia of InterGlobe Enterprises and Rakesh Gangwal, an Indian-American aviation veteran and former CEO of US Airways. Before the launch of the airline, Bhatia had built InterGlobe Enterprises’ travel and aviation business portfolio. IndiGo is short for “India on the Go,” with a mission to provide affordable, accessible air travel.Even before it started operations, the airline made a bold move in June 2005, ordering 100 Airbus A320-200 aircraft worth 6 billion dollars at the Paris Air Show, the largest such order by any Indian airline at the time. As demand in India’s aviation market grew, this order ensured fleet availability at deep bulk discounts and positioned IndiGo as a low-cost carrier.The airline’s first commercial flight took off on 4 August 2006 from Delhi to Imphal via Guwahati, using a leased Airbus A320. By the end of 2006, IndiGo operated six aircraft, flying routes connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata. For passengers accustomed to delays at state-run Air India, IndiGo quickly won loyalty with punctual operations, often called “IndiGo Standard Time,” and a minimal-frills model.<h2>An opportune moment to grow as rivals crumbled</h2>Between 2008 and 2012, the Indian private aviation sector experienced both growth and turbulence. Headwinds included the 2007–08 global financial crisis and rising fuel prices, which accounted for up to 45 per cent of operating costs. Carriers such as Kingfisher Airlines and Air Sahara suffered heavy losses, while Air India struggled under chronic debt. IndiGo succeeded by operating a single aircraft model, maintaining lean operations, managing rapid turnaround times, and using sale-and-leaseback agreements for aircraft. While competitors struggled, IndiGo added nine aircraft in 2007, and by 2010 it overtook Air India to become India’s third-largest carrier, behind Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines, with a domestic market share of 17.3 per cent.In 2012, Kingfisher Airlines collapsed after its promoter, Vijay Mallya, failed to pay salaries and service billions of rupees in debt to a banking consortia. Mallya fled India for UK, leaving the airline's operations grounded. With fewer choices, passengers flocked to IndiGo.&nbsp;Between 2008 and 2012, the airline’s market share rose from around 6 per cent to about 27 per cent. It also became known for its ancillary practices, such as food priced at 200–300 per cent markups and fines for excess baggage.&nbsp;Six years after its first flight, IndiGo became India’s largest airline. It also began international operations, starting with Dubai, and placed a new order for 180 Airbus A320-family aircraft valued at around 15 billion dollars, the world’s largest commercial aircraft order at the time.<h2>Expansion and going public</h2>Virtually unrivalled as other airlines collapsed or shrank operations, IndiGo tightened its grip on the domestic market between 2013 and 2019. SpiceJet faced financial stress, GoAir (later rebranded GoFirst) suffered engine-related groundings, and Jet Airways ceased operations in 2019 under debts exceeding 20,000 crore rupees. IndiGo expanded aggressively, adding routes in both primary and secondary cities, supported by the Indian government’s regional connectivity programme, UDAN.By 2015, IndiGo commanded a domestic market share of 36.5 per cent. That same year, it went public, raising 3,000 crore rupees in its IPO. The fleet reached 100 aircraft. Armed with public market funds, IndiGo placed an order for 250 Airbus A320neo planes for 26.5 billion dollars, the largest single order ever with Airbus at that time. By 2019, the airline operated 1,500 daily flights, flying over 100 million passengers annually with a fleet exceeding 250 aircraft.<h2>Ancillary charges become main cash cow</h2>During this period, IndiGo’s revenue increasingly depended on ancillary charges. The airline monetised seat selection, excess baggage fines, priority boarding, and in-flight meals under rules permitting service unbundling. Excess baggage fees rose from 400 rupees per kilogramme to 600 rupees, while sandwiches cost around 150 rupees in 2018 and nearly 300 rupees by 2025. These charges accounted for up to 15 per cent of revenue, while base fares remained low on paper.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indigo-crisis-indigo-expects-flight-operations-to-stabilise-by-december-10-1765165776876/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/indigo-crisis-indigo-expects-flight-operations-to-stabilise-by-december-10-1765165776876/embed</a><h2>Surviving the pandemic turmoil with mega orders</h2>The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 grounded roughly 90 per cent of flights. Despite losses, IndiGo expanded its net fleet by 45 aircraft, surpassing 262 in service, and carried approximately 75 million passengers amid restrictions. At the same time, the airline invested in new-generation engines to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Competitors suffered more acutely: GoFirst, burdened with 6,500 crore rupees in debt, filed for bankruptcy in 2023, and SpiceJet continued to struggle with financial and operational stress. IndiGo absorbed many routes and airport slots vacated by rivals.In 2022, IndiGo became the first Indian airline to carry over 100 million passengers annually. In 2023, it made commercial aviation history with an order for 500 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft valued at 55 billion dollars, the largest purchase ever in the sector.<h2>Taking wings as time flies: Global ambitions and regional footprint</h2>By early 2023, IndiGo’s fleet exceeded 300 aircraft. For the first time, it operated a Boeing aircraft, wet-leasing a 777-300ER to meet international demand. In 2024, it ordered 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, expanding its long-haul capability. By its 20th anniversary, the airline had a fleet of 434 aircraft, a domestic market share of 64.2 per cent, and operated approximately 2,700 daily flights to 137 destinations, including 94 domestic and 43 international. Regional connectivity was strengthened using ATR 72-600 aircraft for smaller cities such as Hubli and Gorakhpur.In the first quarter of 2025, IndiGo earned nearly 17.6 billion rupees from ancillary services, representing 14 per cent growth year-on-year. Pricing for baggage, meals, and other add-ons helped offset volatile fuel costs.<h2>One dominant airline for 430 million passengers</h2>IndiGo benefited from the near-collapse of India’s private aviation sector, with at least nine major carriers failing since the early 1990s. The end of Kingfisher Airlines in 2012 and Jet Airways in 2019 redirected up to 30 per cent of their traffic to IndiGo. Ongoing troubles at GoFirst and SpiceJet from 2023 further strengthened its market position.IndiGo’s revenues rose from roughly 11,200 crore rupees in fiscal year 2015 to about 83,314 crore rupees in 2025. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, total income reached 20,250 crore rupees, with ticket revenue of 16,500 crore rupees and ancillary revenue of 1,760 crore rupees, recording a net profit of 5,062 crore rupees.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fresh-chaos-alert-delhi-airport-warns-indigo-delays-may-continue-urges-flyers-to-check-flight-status-1765163526025">Fresh chaos alert: Delhi Airport warns Indigo delays may continue, urges flyers to check flight status</a><h2>Who are the shareholders of IndiGo?</h2>Promoters own 41.6 per cent of the company. InterGlobe Enterprises, led by Rahul Bhatia, holds roughly 35.7 per cent, remaining the dominant promoter entity. The Gangwal family, through personal holdings and a family trust, holds about 13.5 per cent. Foreign institutional investors account for approximately 52.5 per cent, domestic institutional investors 17.2 per cent, retail investors nearly 4 per cent, with the remainder held by corporate and trust entities.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-nothing-happened-overnight-indigo-employee-s-open-letter-makes-big-revelations-1765186606777">'Nothing happened overnight': IndiGo employee's open letter makes big revelations</a><h2>How the IndiGo flight chaos of December exposed a civil aviation crisis</h2>In December first week, operational disruptions arose after the government implemented flight duty time regulations, requiring longer rest periods for pilots and crew. IndiGo’s previously frozen hiring left it short-staffed, leading to over 1,000 flight cancellations in three days. Pilot unions blamed insufficient workforce planning, while passengers were left stranded. Regulators temporarily relaxed duty requirements to stabilise operations.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indigo-flight-crisis-not-urgent-cji-declines-immediate-hearing-on-pil-says-1765177884996">IndiGo flight crisis 'not urgent'? CJI declines immediate hearing on PIL, says...</a><h2>IndiGo: Too big to fail?</h2>The incident exposed the systemic risks of over-reliance on a single dominant carrier. IndiGo, alongside Air India, controls around 92 per cent of domestic capacity, effectively making it “too big to fail.”After the December disruption, IndiGo’s legacy is at a crossroads. Is it an airline that democratised flying for millions of Indians through disciplined operations and low fares, or one that poorly managed customer and labour relations? As it enters its third decade, IndiGo’s future remains secure, largely because no rival appears on the horizon, capable of challenging its dominance in the near term. Yet, regulators are likely to scrutinise the carrier more closely following the operational embarrassment of 2025, even as it pushes full-page ads for a safe landing from the PR disaster.

Since 2005, IndiGo Airlines has grown to dominate India’s skies in two decades, aided by low-cost operations, fleet expansion, ancillary revenue and rivals’ failures. But the December flight chaos is a wake-up call. Can Indian flyers trust one single dominant airline?

IndiGo Airlines, operated by InterGlobe Aviation Limited, is in the news for all the wrong reasons, having gamed the rostering system until the government intervened, and responding to the crackdown with sudden cancellations that left thousands of passengers stranded. The carrier's journey began in 2005 at the right place and the right time, as India’s low-cost aviation boom was taking off. Here is its story. The early days of IndiGo IndiGo was founded by Rahul Bhatia of InterGlobe Enterprises and Rakesh Gangwal, an Indian-American aviation veteran and former CEO of US Airways. Before the launch of the airline, Bhatia had built InterGlobe Enterprises’ travel and aviation business portfolio. IndiGo is short for “India on the Go,” with a mission to provide affordable, accessible air travel. Even before it started operations, the airline made a bold move in June 2005, ordering 100 Airbus A320-200 aircraft worth 6 billion dollars at the Paris Air Show, the largest such order by any Indian airline at the time. As demand in India’s aviation market grew, this order ensured fleet availability at deep bulk discounts and positioned IndiGo as a low-cost carrier. The airline’s first commercial flight took off on 4 August 2006 from Delhi to Imphal via Guwahati, using a leased Airbus A320. By the end of 2006, IndiGo operated six aircraft, flying routes connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata. For passengers accustomed to delays at state-run Air India, IndiGo quickly won loyalty with punctual operations, often called “IndiGo Standard Time,” and a minimal-frills model. An opportune moment to grow as rivals crumbled Between 2008 and 2012, the Indian private aviation sector experienced both growth and turbulence. Headwinds included the 2007–08 global financial crisis and rising fuel prices, which accounted for up to 45 per cent of operating costs. Carriers such as Kingfisher Airlines and Air Sahara suffered heavy losses, while Air India struggled under chronic debt. IndiGo succeeded by operating a single aircraft model, maintaining lean operations, managing rapid turnaround times, and using sale-and-leaseback agreements for aircraft. While competitors struggled, IndiGo added nine aircraft in 2007, and by 2010 it overtook Air India to become India’s third-largest carrier, behind Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines, with a domestic market share of 17.3 per cent. In 2012, Kingfisher Airlines collapsed after its promoter, Vijay Mallya, failed to pay salaries and service billions of rupees in debt to a banking consortia. Mallya fled India for UK, leaving the airline's operations grounded. With fewer choices, passengers flocked to IndiGo. Between 2008 and 2012, the airline’s market share rose from around 6 per cent to about 27 per cent. It also became known for its ancillary practices, such as food priced at 200–300 per cent markups and fines for excess baggage. Six years after its first flight, IndiGo became India’s largest airline. It also began international operations, starting with Dubai, and placed a new order for 180 Airbus A320-family aircraft valued at around 15 billion dollars, the world’s largest commercial aircraft order at the time. Expansion and going public Virtually unrivalled as other airlines collapsed or shrank operations, IndiGo tightened its grip on the domestic market between 2013 and 2019. SpiceJet faced financial stress, GoAir (later rebranded GoFirst) suffered engine-related groundings, and Jet Airways ceased operations in 2019 under debts exceeding 20,000 crore rupees. IndiGo expanded aggressively, adding routes in both primary and secondary cities, supported by the Indian government’s regional connectivity programme, UDAN. By 2015, IndiGo commanded a domestic market share of 36.5 per cent. That same year, it went public, raising 3,000 crore rupees in its IPO. The fleet reached 100 aircraft. Armed with public market funds, IndiGo placed an order for 250 Airbus A320neo planes for 26.5 billion dollars, the largest single order ever with Airbus at that time. By 2019, the airline operated 1,500 daily flights, flying over 100 million passengers annually with a fleet exceeding 250 aircraft. Ancillary charges become main cash cow During this period, IndiGo’s revenue increasingly depended on ancillary charges. The airline monetised seat selection, excess baggage fines, priority boarding, and in-flight meals under rules permitting service unbundling. Excess baggage fees rose from 400 rupees per kilogramme to 600 rupees, while sandwiches cost around 150 rupees in 2018 and nearly 300 rupees by 2025. These charges accounted for up to 15 per cent of revenue, while base fares remained low on paper. https://www.wionews.com/videos/indigo-crisis-indigo-expects-flight-operations-to-stabilise-by-december-10-1765165776876/embed Surviving the pandemic turmoil with mega orders The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 grounded roughly 90 per cent of flights. Despite losses, IndiGo expanded its net fleet by 45 aircraft, surpassing 262 in service, and carried approximately 75 million passengers amid restrictions. At the same time, the airline invested in new-generation engines to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Competitors suffered more acutely: GoFirst, burdened with 6,500 crore rupees in debt, filed for bankruptcy in 2023, and SpiceJet continued to struggle with financial and operational stress. IndiGo absorbed many routes and airport slots vacated by rivals. In 2022, IndiGo became the first Indian airline to carry over 100 million passengers annually. In 2023, it made commercial aviation history with an order for 500 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft valued at 55 billion dollars, the largest purchase ever in the sector. Taking wings as time flies: Global ambitions and regional footprint By early 2023, IndiGo’s fleet exceeded 300 aircraft. For the first time, it operated a Boeing aircraft, wet-leasing a 777-300ER to meet international demand. In 2024, it ordered 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, expanding its long-haul capability. By its 20th anniversary, the airline had a fleet of 434 aircraft, a domestic market share of 64.2 per cent, and operated approximately 2,700 daily flights to 137 destinations, including 94 domestic and 43 international. Regional connectivity was strengthened using ATR 72-600 aircraft for smaller cities such as Hubli and Gorakhpur. In the first quarter of 2025, IndiGo earned nearly 17.6 billion rupees from ancillary services, representing 14 per cent growth year-on-year. Pricing for baggage, meals, and other add-ons helped offset volatile fuel costs. One dominant airline for 430 million passengers IndiGo benefited from the near-collapse of India’s private aviation sector, with at least nine major carriers failing since the early 1990s. The end of Kingfisher Airlines in 2012 and Jet Airways in 2019 redirected up to 30 per cent of their traffic to IndiGo. Ongoing troubles at GoFirst and SpiceJet from 2023 further strengthened its market position. IndiGo’s revenues rose from roughly 11,200 crore rupees in fiscal year 2015 to about 83,314 crore rupees in 2025. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, total income reached 20,250 crore rupees, with ticket revenue of 16,500 crore rupees and ancillary revenue of 1,760 crore rupees, recording a net profit of 5,062 crore rupees. Also read: Fresh chaos alert: Delhi Airport warns Indigo delays may continue, urges flyers to check flight status Who are the shareholders of IndiGo? Promoters own 41.6 per cent of the company. InterGlobe Enterprises, led by Rahul Bhatia, holds roughly 35.7 per cent, remaining the dominant promoter entity. The Gangwal family, through personal holdings and a family trust, holds about 13.5 per cent. Foreign institutional investors account for approximately 52.5 per cent, domestic institutional investors 17.2 per cent, retail investors nearly 4 per cent, with the remainder held by corporate and trust entities. Also read: 'Nothing happened overnight': IndiGo employee's open letter makes big revelations How the IndiGo flight chaos of December exposed a civil aviation crisis In December first week, operational disruptions arose after the government implemented flight duty time regulations, requiring longer rest periods for pilots and crew. IndiGo’s previously frozen hiring left it short-staffed, leading to over 1,000 flight cancellations in three days. Pilot unions blamed insufficient workforce planning, while passengers were left stranded. Regulators temporarily relaxed duty requirements to stabilise operations. Also read: IndiGo flight crisis 'not urgent'? CJI declines immediate hearing on PIL, says... IndiGo: Too big to fail? The incident exposed the systemic risks of over-reliance on a single dominant carrier. IndiGo, alongside Air India, controls around 92 per cent of domestic capacity, effectively making it “too big to fail.” After the December disruption, IndiGo’s legacy is at a crossroads. Is it an airline that democratised flying for millions of Indians through disciplined operations and low fares, or one that poorly managed customer and labour relations? As it enters its third decade, IndiGo’s future remains secure, largely because no rival appears on the horizon, capable of challenging its dominance in the near term. Yet, regulators are likely to scrutinise the carrier more closely following the operational embarrassment of 2025, even as it pushes full-page ads for a safe landing from the PR disaster.

Since 2005, IndiGo Airlines has grown to dominate India’s skies in two decades, aided by low-cost operations, fleet expansion, ancillary revenue and rivals’ failures. But the December flight chaos is a wake-up call. Can Indian flyers trust one single dominant airline?

The IndiGo story: 1.4 billion Indians, 430 million flyers, one dominant airline. Will it be IndiGone soon?

A facility to carry out Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul(MRO) of the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules aircraft is to come up in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru, India's aerospace hub. Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin today announced the groundbreaking of this facility that can offer support for the Indian Air Force's(IAF) fleet of Hercules aircraft, while also creating opportunities for broader regional and global support.&nbsp;&nbsp;The construction of the facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, and the facility is likely to receive the first C-130 for MRO operations in early 2027. The Indian Air Force operates a fleet of 12 C-130Js, making India one of 22 nations in the world that operate this aircraft for tactical airlift missions. &nbsp;According to the companies, the new facility would provide Depot‑level and heavy maintenance, Component repair, overhaul, and structural checks and testing, Structural restoration and avionics upgrades, Expanded training for Indian engineers and maintainers, and new opportunities for Indian suppliers across the C‑130 supply chain.&nbsp;&nbsp;The groundbreaking ceremony brought together senior officials from the Indian Air Force (IAF), government dignitaries, industry leaders, and senior executives from Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems. “Today’s groundbreaking reflects how far our collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems and India has come, and where we’re headed together,” said Lockheed Martin’s Chief Operating Officer Frank St. John. “For more than seven decades, we’ve grown alongside India’s expanding aerospace and defense industrial base. This new C-130 MRO facility strengthens that foundation. It brings world-class sustainment capability into India, improves readiness for the Indian Air Force, and creates opportunities that will support regional and global C-130 operators. We remain committed to building capability for India and from India for decades to come,” he said.&nbsp;“Today’s groundbreaking reflects how far our collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems and India has come, and where we’re headed together,” said Lockheed Martin’s Chief Operating Officer Frank St. John. “For more than seven decades, we’ve grown alongside India’s expanding aerospace and defense industrial base. This new C-130 MRO facility strengthens that foundation. It brings world-class sustainment capability into India, improves readiness for the Indian Air Force, and creates opportunities that will support regional and global C-130 operators. We remain committed to building capability for India and from India for decades to come.”&nbsp;Tata Advanced Systems, Lockheed Martin’s long-standing partner in manufacturing C-130 empennages(teail structures) and other aerostructure assemblies in India, will play a central role in operating the new facility. Last week, Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) celebrated the delivery of its 250th C-130J tail, marking a milestone. &nbsp;The upcoming Defence MRO facility in Bengaluru will join the existing global network of Lockheed Martin Certified Service Centers and will be strategically located to service C-130 variants including: C-130J Super Hercules, KC-130J and C-130 B-H legacy aircraft in the future.

Facility to maintain C-130J military aircraft to come up in Bengaluru

A facility to carry out Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul(MRO) of the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules aircraft is to come up in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru, India's aerospace hub. Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin today announced the groundbreaking of this facility that can offer support for the Indian Air Force's(IAF) fleet of Hercules aircraft, while also creating opportunities for broader regional and global support. The construction of the facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, and the facility is likely to receive the first C-130 for MRO operations in early 2027. The Indian Air Force operates a fleet of 12 C-130Js, making India one of 22 nations in the world that operate this aircraft for tactical airlift missions. According to the companies, the new facility would provide Depot‑level and heavy maintenance, Component repair, overhaul, and structural checks and testing, Structural restoration and avionics upgrades, Expanded training for Indian engineers and maintainers, and new opportunities for Indian suppliers across the C‑130 supply chain. The groundbreaking ceremony brought together senior officials from the Indian Air Force (IAF), government dignitaries, industry leaders, and senior executives from Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems. “Today’s groundbreaking reflects how far our collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems and India has come, and where we’re headed together,” said Lockheed Martin’s Chief Operating Officer Frank St. John. “For more than seven decades, we’ve grown alongside India’s expanding aerospace and defense industrial base. This new C-130 MRO facility strengthens that foundation. It brings world-class sustainment capability into India, improves readiness for the Indian Air Force, and creates opportunities that will support regional and global C-130 operators. We remain committed to building capability for India and from India for decades to come,” he said. “Today’s groundbreaking reflects how far our collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems and India has come, and where we’re headed together,” said Lockheed Martin’s Chief Operating Officer Frank St. John. “For more than seven decades, we’ve grown alongside India’s expanding aerospace and defense industrial base. This new C-130 MRO facility strengthens that foundation. It brings world-class sustainment capability into India, improves readiness for the Indian Air Force, and creates opportunities that will support regional and global C-130 operators. We remain committed to building capability for India and from India for decades to come.” Tata Advanced Systems, Lockheed Martin’s long-standing partner in manufacturing C-130 empennages(teail structures) and other aerostructure assemblies in India, will play a central role in operating the new facility. Last week, Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) celebrated the delivery of its 250th C-130J tail, marking a milestone. The upcoming Defence MRO facility in Bengaluru will join the existing global network of Lockheed Martin Certified Service Centers and will be strategically located to service C-130 variants including: C-130J Super Hercules, KC-130J and C-130 B-H legacy aircraft in the future.

The construction of the facility is expected to be completed by end 2026 and the facility is likely to receive the first C130 for MRO operations in early 2027

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday (December 8) brushed aside the ongoing parliamentary debate over the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ with a brief four-word comment: “Priyanka ka bhashan suno” (Listen to Priyanka's speech), urging members to listen to Priyanka Gandhi’s address instead. The discussion started after Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened a special debate in the Lok Sabha to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram. This comes weeks after the PM alleged that the Congress, during its 1937 Faizabad session, removed important stanzas of the song, calling the act one that “planted the seeds of partition” and divided a symbol of national pride.&nbsp;The Congress countered the claim, saying the decision followed advice from Rabindranath Tagore, and was meant to respect the sentiments of people from diverse religious communities. The party accused the BJP of distorting history and demanded an apology for what it termed an insult to both the 1937 Congress Working Committee and Tagore. Tensions around the national song had already flared before the Winter Session started, after the Rajya Sabha secretariat reiterated that MPs should avoid slogans such as Vande Mataram and Jai Hind inside the House to preserve decorum. Opposition parties said this reflected the NDA’s discomfort with symbols of India’s freedom movement.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-can-irritate-muslims-jinnah-opposed-vande-mataram-nehru-agreed-with-him-says-pm-modi-1765182991929">'Can irritate Muslims': Jinnah opposed Vande Mataram, Nehru agreed with him, says PM Modi</a><h2>What PM Modi Said in the Lok Sabha</h2>PM Modi highlighted the song’s role in India’s struggle for independence, saying that Bankim Chandra Chatterjee first published it in Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875. He described Vande Mataram as more than a patriotic ode, “a spiritual call for liberation from colonial rule.” He added that while the British partitioned Bengal in 1905, the song became a rallying force for unity.&nbsp;Attacking the Congress, the PM recalled that the song’s centenary occurred during the Emergency, calling that period a “dark chapter” when democratic values were crushed. He said the country now has a chance to restore the honour associated with Vande Mataram and should seize the moment. The ruling NDA has been allotted three hours out of the ten hours set aside in the Lok Sabha for the debate, news agency IANS reported. Congress leader and deputy leader of the Opposition Gaurav Gogoi is also scheduled to speak in response later in the day.

'Listen to Priyanka Gandhi's...': Rahul Gandhi's reply on Vande Mataram debate as PM Modi targets Congress in parliament

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday (December 8) brushed aside the ongoing parliamentary debate over the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ with a brief four-word comment: “Priyanka ka bhashan suno” (Listen to Priyanka's speech), urging members to listen to Priyanka Gandhi’s address instead. The discussion started after Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened a special debate in the Lok Sabha to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram. This comes weeks after the PM alleged that the Congress, during its 1937 Faizabad session, removed important stanzas of the song, calling the act one that “planted the seeds of partition” and divided a symbol of national pride. The Congress countered the claim, saying the decision followed advice from Rabindranath Tagore, and was meant to respect the sentiments of people from diverse religious communities. The party accused the BJP of distorting history and demanded an apology for what it termed an insult to both the 1937 Congress Working Committee and Tagore. Tensions around the national song had already flared before the Winter Session started, after the Rajya Sabha secretariat reiterated that MPs should avoid slogans such as Vande Mataram and Jai Hind inside the House to preserve decorum. Opposition parties said this reflected the NDA’s discomfort with symbols of India’s freedom movement. Also Read: 'Can irritate Muslims': Jinnah opposed Vande Mataram, Nehru agreed with him, says PM Modi What PM Modi Said in the Lok Sabha PM Modi highlighted the song’s role in India’s struggle for independence, saying that Bankim Chandra Chatterjee first published it in Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875. He described Vande Mataram as more than a patriotic ode, “a spiritual call for liberation from colonial rule.” He added that while the British partitioned Bengal in 1905, the song became a rallying force for unity. Attacking the Congress, the PM recalled that the song’s centenary occurred during the Emergency, calling that period a “dark chapter” when democratic values were crushed. He said the country now has a chance to restore the honour associated with Vande Mataram and should seize the moment. The ruling NDA has been allotted three hours out of the ten hours set aside in the Lok Sabha for the debate, news agency IANS reported. Congress leader and deputy leader of the Opposition Gaurav Gogoi is also scheduled to speak in response later in the day.

Rahul Gandhi dismisses the Vande Mataram debate with a brief remark as PM Narendra Modi and Congress clash in parliament over the song’s history and political legacy

As IndiGo airline scrambles to get to normalcy after thousands of flights being cancelled, an open letter from an employee throws light on the company’s current situation. The whistleblower calls it a systematic failure that was waiting to happen for years, and says ‘nothing happened overnight; we all saw it coming’. The letter further emphasised how those flagging issues to management were made to face “humiliation”.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We started off small in 2006. We were proud, genuinely proud, of what we were building. But somewhere along the way, pride turned into arrogance, and growth turned into greed. The attitude became: ‘we are too big to fail.’ Remember this phrase, yes we heard this in 2009 when Lehman Brothers and likes failed. And we, the employees, kept warning— sometimes quietly, sometimes desperately. But no one listened,” the letter speaks of every situation the employees went through with the company as it was soaring, but as they experienced unforeseen situations, the airline chose to pay no heed.&nbsp;An airline which earlier referred to the flyers as “passengers” has now taken a conscious call to address them as “customers”. This indicates the shift in the attitude of the company towards people choosing their airline.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pointing at the incompetence of employees in positions of authority, the letter stated, “The real rot started when titles became more important than talent. Suddenly, people who couldn’t even draft a proper email were becoming VPs—because being a VP meant access to ESOPs and power. And how do you justify that power? By squeezing the employees under you. Pilots raised concerns about fatigue and unsafe duty timings.”&nbsp;“Instead of being heard, some were called to the head office, intimidated, shouted at, and humiliated. No consequences. No accountability. Just fear. When night duties were doubled, when new rules were implemented, when leaves were taken away—not a single extra rupee was added to compensate for the physical and mental toll,” it added.

The whistleblower calls it a systematic failure that was waiting to happen for years, and says ‘nothing happened overnight; we all saw it coming’. 

As IndiGo airline scrambles to get to normalcy after thousands of flights being cancelled, an open letter from an employee throws light on the company’s current situation. The whistleblower calls it a systematic failure that was waiting to happen for years, and says ‘nothing happened overnight; we all saw it coming’. The letter further emphasised how those flagging issues to management were made to face “humiliation”. “We started off small in 2006. We were proud, genuinely proud, of what we were building. But somewhere along the way, pride turned into arrogance, and growth turned into greed. The attitude became: ‘we are too big to fail.’ Remember this phrase, yes we heard this in 2009 when Lehman Brothers and likes failed. And we, the employees, kept warning— sometimes quietly, sometimes desperately. But no one listened,” the letter speaks of every situation the employees went through with the company as it was soaring, but as they experienced unforeseen situations, the airline chose to pay no heed. An airline which earlier referred to the flyers as “passengers” has now taken a conscious call to address them as “customers”. This indicates the shift in the attitude of the company towards people choosing their airline. Pointing at the incompetence of employees in positions of authority, the letter stated, “The real rot started when titles became more important than talent. Suddenly, people who couldn’t even draft a proper email were becoming VPs—because being a VP meant access to ESOPs and power. And how do you justify that power? By squeezing the employees under you. Pilots raised concerns about fatigue and unsafe duty timings.” “Instead of being heard, some were called to the head office, intimidated, shouted at, and humiliated. No consequences. No accountability. Just fear. When night duties were doubled, when new rules were implemented, when leaves were taken away—not a single extra rupee was added to compensate for the physical and mental toll,” it added.

The whistleblower calls it a systematic failure that was waiting to happen for years, and says ‘nothing happened overnight; we all saw it coming’.&nbsp;

'Nothing happened overnight': IndiGo employee's open letter makes big revelations

On Monday (Dec 8), Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke of the historic significance of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’; as he spoke, he also highlighted what he expressed as Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru's view. Back in 1937, PM Modi said there was opposition to the song from the Muslim League. “Muhammad Ali Jinnah raised a slogan against Vande Mataram on 15 October 1937 from Lucknow.”&nbsp;&nbsp;“Instead of giving a response to the Muslim League's baseless statements, Nehru started investigating Vande Mataram. Five days after this, Nehru wrote a letter to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose mentioning that he agrees with the feeling of Mohammad Ali Jinnah and wrote, 'Vande Mataram's background in the Anand Math can irritate Muslims,” PM Modi continued.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | &quot;... Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru wrote that &#39;Vande Mataram&#39;s background in the Anand Matth can irritate Muslims&#39;...,&quot; says PM Narendra Modi. He also says, &quot;... the Muslim League had started to strongly oppose Vande Mataram. Muhammad Ali Jinnah raised a slogan against Vande… <a href="https://t.co/cozJigFWy3">pic.twitter.com/cozJigFWy3</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1997943976066961733?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

. Back in 1937, PM Modi said there was opposition to the song from the Muslim League. “Muhammad Ali Jinnah raised a slogan against Vande Mataram on 15 October 1937 from Lucknow.”

On Monday (Dec 8), Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke of the historic significance of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’; as he spoke, he also highlighted what he expressed as Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru's view. Back in 1937, PM Modi said there was opposition to the song from the Muslim League. “Muhammad Ali Jinnah raised a slogan against Vande Mataram on 15 October 1937 from Lucknow.” “Instead of giving a response to the Muslim League's baseless statements, Nehru started investigating Vande Mataram. Five days after this, Nehru wrote a letter to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose mentioning that he agrees with the feeling of Mohammad Ali Jinnah and wrote, 'Vande Mataram's background in the Anand Math can irritate Muslims,” PM Modi continued.

. Back in 1937, PM Modi said there was opposition to the song from the Muslim League. “Muhammad Ali Jinnah raised a slogan against Vande Mataram on 15 October 1937 from Lucknow.”&nbsp;

'Can irritate Muslims': Jinnah opposed Vande Mataram, Nehru agreed with him, says PM Modi

India and Israel have taken a major step forward in agricultural cooperation with the launch of a new joint venture that will manufacture and commercialise Indian pheromone-based crop protection technologies across global markets, as per the Israeli Embassy's press statement. The announcement was made at the valedictory session of the First International Science &amp; Technology Clusters Conference held in New Delhi, where ATGC Biotech Pvt. Ltd. (India) and Luxembourg Industries Ltd. (Israel) formally exchanged licensing agreements to set up Semiophore Ltd., a 50-50 Indo-Israeli partnership. The venture marks a first for both countries, it is the first time Indian semiochemical technology is being out-licensed and produced in Israel. Senior officials from India and Israel attended the ceremony, including Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood, Israel's Deputy Chief of Mission Fares Saeb and Vishal Choudhary, Office of the PSA to the Government of India, with other delegates. Saeb said the agreement deepens the long-running partnership between the two nations in food security and agricultural technology. "Israel and India share a long-standing partnership in agriculture and technology. Today's licensing exchange is an important milestone that strengthens our collaboration in sustainable, climate-resilient solutions," he said. He added that the launch of Semiophore reflects the "growing global relevance of Indo-Israeli innovation". Israel's Agriculture Attache Uri Rubinstein noted that ATGC Biotech has taken part in several Indo-Israel agricultural training programmes and Centres of Excellence. "Farmer feedback on their technologies has been highly encouraging," he said, adding that the new venture opens more opportunities for joint agricultural innovation. ATGC Biotech's Managing Director, Markandeya Gorantla, said the agreement represents a breakthrough for India's bioeconomy. "For the first time, Indian semiochemical technologies will be manufactured and commercialised in Israel. Through Semiophore, India and Israel are jointly shaping the future of sustainable crop protection," he said. Luxembourg Industries CEO Moshik Fish said the partnership combines the strengths of both countries. "We are delighted to deploy India's next-generation pheromone technologies across Israeli agriculture," he said. Semiophore Ltd. will take 18 Indian-developed technologies, including ultra-low-dose pheromone dispensers, mating disruption platforms, and controlled-release systems, to international markets such as Israel, Brazil and the United States. The technologies aim to reduce insecticide use by more than 80%, offering a greener alternative to chemical pesticides at a time when many countries are shifting to low-toxicity crop protection. The announcement came during a conference that brought together delegates from more than 38 countries to discuss cooperation in agriculture, sustainability, environment and deep-tech sectors.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The venture marks a first for both countries, it is the first time Indian semiochemical technology is being out-licensed and produced in Israel.


India and Israel have taken a major step forward in agricultural cooperation with the launch of a new joint venture that will manufacture and commercialise Indian pheromone-based crop protection technologies across global markets, as per the Israeli Embassy's press statement. The announcement was made at the valedictory session of the First International Science & Technology Clusters Conference held in New Delhi, where ATGC Biotech Pvt. Ltd. (India) and Luxembourg Industries Ltd. (Israel) formally exchanged licensing agreements to set up Semiophore Ltd., a 50-50 Indo-Israeli partnership. The venture marks a first for both countries, it is the first time Indian semiochemical technology is being out-licensed and produced in Israel. Senior officials from India and Israel attended the ceremony, including Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood, Israel's Deputy Chief of Mission Fares Saeb and Vishal Choudhary, Office of the PSA to the Government of India, with other delegates. Saeb said the agreement deepens the long-running partnership between the two nations in food security and agricultural technology. "Israel and India share a long-standing partnership in agriculture and technology. Today's licensing exchange is an important milestone that strengthens our collaboration in sustainable, climate-resilient solutions," he said. He added that the launch of Semiophore reflects the "growing global relevance of Indo-Israeli innovation". Israel's Agriculture Attache Uri Rubinstein noted that ATGC Biotech has taken part in several Indo-Israel agricultural training programmes and Centres of Excellence. "Farmer feedback on their technologies has been highly encouraging," he said, adding that the new venture opens more opportunities for joint agricultural innovation. ATGC Biotech's Managing Director, Markandeya Gorantla, said the agreement represents a breakthrough for India's bioeconomy. "For the first time, Indian semiochemical technologies will be manufactured and commercialised in Israel. Through Semiophore, India and Israel are jointly shaping the future of sustainable crop protection," he said. Luxembourg Industries CEO Moshik Fish said the partnership combines the strengths of both countries. "We are delighted to deploy India's next-generation pheromone technologies across Israeli agriculture," he said. Semiophore Ltd. will take 18 Indian-developed technologies, including ultra-low-dose pheromone dispensers, mating disruption platforms, and controlled-release systems, to international markets such as Israel, Brazil and the United States. The technologies aim to reduce insecticide use by more than 80%, offering a greener alternative to chemical pesticides at a time when many countries are shifting to low-toxicity crop protection. The announcement came during a conference that brought together delegates from more than 38 countries to discuss cooperation in agriculture, sustainability, environment and deep-tech sectors. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The venture marks a first for both countries, it is the first time Indian semiochemical technology is being out-licensed and produced in Israel.

India, Israeli sign landmark deal that could slash global pesticide use by 80%. Here’s how

The lead US attorney, Mike Andrews, representing families of victims in the Air India AI171 plane crash, on Monday raised serious concerns over delayed compensation, the psychological trauma endured by families, and key technical questions emerging from the ongoing investigation. "More than 130 families affected by the tragic Air India crash have joined a collective legal action so far, with investigations continuing into the cause of the accident," Andrews said to ANI. Speaking about the condition of the families, the lawyer said, "That every day is a struggle for them as they adjust to a 'new normal'. While financial loss is visible, the emotional trauma and long-term psychological impact remain largely overlooked." Citing an example from the UK, he said a family that lost its primary breadwinner was forced to relocate due to financial hardship, and three children had to drop out of school to support the household. On the technical investigation, Andrews added that the legal team said they are closely examining flight data, electrical systems, and other technical evidence with the help of aviation experts. "They pointed to reported electrical flickering moments before the crash, possible emergency power activation, and deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), suggesting a serious electrical or hydraulic failure. They also raised concerns about possible water leaks in electronic equipment bays that may have contributed to an electrical failure," he said. The lawyer expressed keen interest in reports that investigators from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) may be travelling to Washington DC to meet officials of the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), stating that such a visit suggests the findings so far are significant. During their visit to India and the UK, Andrews said that the legal team has been meeting victims' families to address their concerns related to compensation, paperwork delays, and the return of personal belongings. They revealed that only a few families have received the announced Rs 1 crore interim compensation so far, with delays attributed to documentation and bureaucratic processes. On reports that families are being asked to sign documents releasing Boeing, GE and other entities from future liability, Andrews said that the lawyers advised families not to sign any such forms until the investigation is complete. They termed such moves as "highly improper" and said accountability cannot be determined before the root cause of the crash is established. They also clarified, "Compensation, no matter how large, can never equate to the value of a human life and that many families across different socio-economic backgrounds continue to struggle." Regarding personal belongings recovered from the crash site, the lawyer said that identifiable items may be returned sooner, while other belongings may go through a longer identification process. They added that airlines usually engage private agencies for the collection and return of such items. The lawyer urged Air India to stand firmly with the victims and their families as the investigation continues. On June 12, Air India flight AI171, crashed shortly after it took off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 260 people, including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India later released the preliminary report into the tragic crash, outlining the harrowing sequence of events that unfolded within 90 seconds of takeoff. It noted that both engines of the aircraft shut down unexpectedly during the initial climb, leading to a catastrophic loss of thrust and rapid descent. The crash represents one of the deadliest aviation accidents in India in recent history.

During their visit to India and the UK, Andrews said that the legal team has been meeting victims families to address their concerns related to compensation, paperwork delays, and the return of personal belongings.

The lead US attorney, Mike Andrews, representing families of victims in the Air India AI171 plane crash, on Monday raised serious concerns over delayed compensation, the psychological trauma endured by families, and key technical questions emerging from the ongoing investigation. "More than 130 families affected by the tragic Air India crash have joined a collective legal action so far, with investigations continuing into the cause of the accident," Andrews said to ANI. Speaking about the condition of the families, the lawyer said, "That every day is a struggle for them as they adjust to a 'new normal'. While financial loss is visible, the emotional trauma and long-term psychological impact remain largely overlooked." Citing an example from the UK, he said a family that lost its primary breadwinner was forced to relocate due to financial hardship, and three children had to drop out of school to support the household. On the technical investigation, Andrews added that the legal team said they are closely examining flight data, electrical systems, and other technical evidence with the help of aviation experts. "They pointed to reported electrical flickering moments before the crash, possible emergency power activation, and deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), suggesting a serious electrical or hydraulic failure. They also raised concerns about possible water leaks in electronic equipment bays that may have contributed to an electrical failure," he said. The lawyer expressed keen interest in reports that investigators from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) may be travelling to Washington DC to meet officials of the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), stating that such a visit suggests the findings so far are significant. During their visit to India and the UK, Andrews said that the legal team has been meeting victims' families to address their concerns related to compensation, paperwork delays, and the return of personal belongings. They revealed that only a few families have received the announced Rs 1 crore interim compensation so far, with delays attributed to documentation and bureaucratic processes. On reports that families are being asked to sign documents releasing Boeing, GE and other entities from future liability, Andrews said that the lawyers advised families not to sign any such forms until the investigation is complete. They termed such moves as "highly improper" and said accountability cannot be determined before the root cause of the crash is established. They also clarified, "Compensation, no matter how large, can never equate to the value of a human life and that many families across different socio-economic backgrounds continue to struggle." Regarding personal belongings recovered from the crash site, the lawyer said that identifiable items may be returned sooner, while other belongings may go through a longer identification process. They added that airlines usually engage private agencies for the collection and return of such items. The lawyer urged Air India to stand firmly with the victims and their families as the investigation continues. On June 12, Air India flight AI171, crashed shortly after it took off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 260 people, including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India later released the preliminary report into the tragic crash, outlining the harrowing sequence of events that unfolded within 90 seconds of takeoff. It noted that both engines of the aircraft shut down unexpectedly during the initial climb, leading to a catastrophic loss of thrust and rapid descent. The crash represents one of the deadliest aviation accidents in India in recent history.

During their visit to India and the UK, Andrews said that the legal team has been meeting victims' families to address their concerns related to compensation, paperwork delays, and the return of personal belongings.

US attorney for Air India victims flags compensation delays, technical concerns, families' trauma five months after crash

The right to disconnect – or ‘do not disturb after work hours’ rules – are in place in some form or the other in at least 25 countries, ranging from absolute bans to restrictions with caveats. In India, a much-watched bill has been introduced by parliamentarian Supriya Sule. But in a nation where ‘overtime’ without payment is the norm, she might not succeed. The private sector, which thrives on overwork and underpayment, is likely to scuttle it.&nbsp;<h2>Nations are waking up to overwork, burnout and intrusion into private time</h2>In the post-pandemic world of remote work, your phone is your workstation, and through direct or group chat messages, phone calls, video conferencing, the work continues into the after-hours. But now, there is an increasing recognition that protecting personal time has become a defining labour issue of the digital age. Changes are slowly coming, from universal rules for all employees, to those specific for teleworkers, remote workers, or digital nomads. Implementation is not perfect, but the intent is there.Als read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/work-life-balance-for-workers-private-members-bill-seeks-legal-right-to-ignore-calls-emails-after-office-hours-1765018139773">Work–life balance for workers: Private members’ Bill seeks legal right to ignore calls, emails after office hours</a><h2>India’s push for the Right to Disconnect</h2>On December 6, Supriya Sule reintroduced the Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian Parliament. The bill allows employees the legal right to ignore work-related calls, messages, and emails after working hours without the fear of retaliation from the employers. It wants organisations to negotiate clear conditions under which such out-of-office working is structured and compensated. It also provides for an Employees’ Welfare Authority to enforce compliance. There would be fines of up to one per cent of employee salary for violations. But will it pass in India? Highly unlikely, as private members’ bills rarely succeed in Indian Parliament.<h2>This is not the first attempt at right to disconnect in India</h2>Sule had proposed a similar measure in 2019, before the COVID pandemic made remote work ubiquitous, enabled and enhanced by digital technologies. But that did not take off. In the post-pandemic world, the hangover from the 24-hour availability continued, and employees are reporting burnout, overwork without remuneration, lack of work-life balance and the erosion of personal boundaries, particularly in the IT and service sectors.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australians-cheer-right-to-disconnect-a-new-era-in-work-life-balance-753657/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/australians-cheer-right-to-disconnect-a-new-era-in-work-life-balance-753657/embed</a><h2>The world is waking up: Traditional labour laws amended to cover digitally mediated workplaces</h2>The ability of employers to contact employees at any hour has resulted in a virtual 24/7 availability expectation. But countries across Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and parts of Africa have introduced binding national laws requiring employers to respect off-hours boundaries. While the rules apply to all employees in some countries, they are specific for teleworkers, remote workers, home-office employees, or digital nomads in others.<h2>Europe: Global leader in right to disconnect</h2>France was the first country to adopt a law in 2017, which made it mandatory for employers to define periods during which workers are not expected to engage in work communications. Belgium followed, asking firms with 20 or more employees to develop written disconnection policies, which was implemented from 2022. Italy made the right to disconnect law for smart-working arrangements in 2017, with all remote-work contracts required to introduce ways to ensure rest and digital disconnection.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/uk-to-allow-workers-to-ignore-calls-texts-from-bosses-after-work-hours-742409">UK to allow employees to ignore calls, texts from bosses after work hours</a>&nbsp;Spain, between 2018 and 2020, asked employers to respect digital disconnection, especially for remote workers. Portugal has one of the strictest national laws since 2021, that prohibits employers from contacting workers outside their scheduled hours, except in emergencies. Greece’s laws in 2021 grant teleworkers the right to disconnect during off-hours and holidays. Luxembourg in 2023 required employers to establish internal or bargained disconnection rules. Slovakia in 2021 amended its labour code to protect teleworkers from after-hours digital contact, while Croatia added right-to-disconnect rules in 2023. Slovenia made the law in 2024 for the right to disconnect during rest, illness, and holidays. Finland and the Netherlands have binding sectoral collective agreements that include disconnection protections for remote workers. Germany enforces binding rules in the public sector and certain industries with legally enforceable disconnection rules.<h2>Latin America's rules mostly apply to teleworkers</h2>In Latin America, the right to disconnect rules largely apply to remote and teleworkers. Argentina’s telework law of 2021 guarantees remote employees the right to disconnect during non-working hours. Chile’s remote-work reforms in 2023 require employers to respect digital disconnection for home-office workers. Mexico’s Federal Labour Law was reformed in 2021 to regulate telework more strictly, preventing employers from demanding after-hours availability without compensation. Telework protections in Brazil were strengthened in 2022, penalising firms that pressure remote employees through after-hours digital messages. Colombia’s telework regulations of 2021 include a formal right to digital disconnection. Peru’s Remote Work Law of 2023 protects teleworkers and digital nomads.<h2>Asia-Pacific region is making progress on right-to-disconnect rules</h2>Australia amended its Fair Work Act in 2024, which included a national right-to-disconnect provision barring all unreasonable employer contact after working hours. The Philippines’ Telecommuting Act of 2018 requires employers to respect agreed working hours for teleworkers. Kazakhstan recognises digital disconnection through flexible-hour provisions that apply to remote workers. In Thailand’s remote-work legislation of 2023, overtime payment has to be given for after-hours duties.<h2>African countries are slowly introducing remote work protections</h2>Kenya’s updated labour code of 2022 requires remote-work contracts to specify working and communication hours. Mozambique implemented a telework decree in 2022, giving teleworkers the right to uninterrupted rest.

In some form or the other, at least 25 countries now have right-to-disconnect rules for workers. But India’s new bill faces scepticism as unpaid overtime and an entrenched overwork culture are the norm. Here is a global comparison

The right to disconnect – or ‘do not disturb after work hours’ rules – are in place in some form or the other in at least 25 countries, ranging from absolute bans to restrictions with caveats. In India, a much-watched bill has been introduced by parliamentarian Supriya Sule. But in a nation where ‘overtime’ without payment is the norm, she might not succeed. The private sector, which thrives on overwork and underpayment, is likely to scuttle it. Nations are waking up to overwork, burnout and intrusion into private time In the post-pandemic world of remote work, your phone is your workstation, and through direct or group chat messages, phone calls, video conferencing, the work continues into the after-hours. But now, there is an increasing recognition that protecting personal time has become a defining labour issue of the digital age. Changes are slowly coming, from universal rules for all employees, to those specific for teleworkers, remote workers, or digital nomads. Implementation is not perfect, but the intent is there. Als read: Work–life balance for workers: Private members’ Bill seeks legal right to ignore calls, emails after office hours India’s push for the Right to Disconnect On December 6, Supriya Sule reintroduced the Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian Parliament. The bill allows employees the legal right to ignore work-related calls, messages, and emails after working hours without the fear of retaliation from the employers. It wants organisations to negotiate clear conditions under which such out-of-office working is structured and compensated. It also provides for an Employees’ Welfare Authority to enforce compliance. There would be fines of up to one per cent of employee salary for violations. But will it pass in India? Highly unlikely, as private members’ bills rarely succeed in Indian Parliament. This is not the first attempt at right to disconnect in India Sule had proposed a similar measure in 2019, before the COVID pandemic made remote work ubiquitous, enabled and enhanced by digital technologies. But that did not take off. In the post-pandemic world, the hangover from the 24-hour availability continued, and employees are reporting burnout, overwork without remuneration, lack of work-life balance and the erosion of personal boundaries, particularly in the IT and service sectors. https://www.wionews.com/videos/australians-cheer-right-to-disconnect-a-new-era-in-work-life-balance-753657/embed The world is waking up: Traditional labour laws amended to cover digitally mediated workplaces The ability of employers to contact employees at any hour has resulted in a virtual 24/7 availability expectation. But countries across Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and parts of Africa have introduced binding national laws requiring employers to respect off-hours boundaries. While the rules apply to all employees in some countries, they are specific for teleworkers, remote workers, home-office employees, or digital nomads in others. Europe: Global leader in right to disconnect France was the first country to adopt a law in 2017, which made it mandatory for employers to define periods during which workers are not expected to engage in work communications. Belgium followed, asking firms with 20 or more employees to develop written disconnection policies, which was implemented from 2022. Italy made the right to disconnect law for smart-working arrangements in 2017, with all remote-work contracts required to introduce ways to ensure rest and digital disconnection. Also read: UK to allow employees to ignore calls, texts from bosses after work hours Spain, between 2018 and 2020, asked employers to respect digital disconnection, especially for remote workers. Portugal has one of the strictest national laws since 2021, that prohibits employers from contacting workers outside their scheduled hours, except in emergencies. Greece’s laws in 2021 grant teleworkers the right to disconnect during off-hours and holidays. Luxembourg in 2023 required employers to establish internal or bargained disconnection rules. Slovakia in 2021 amended its labour code to protect teleworkers from after-hours digital contact, while Croatia added right-to-disconnect rules in 2023. Slovenia made the law in 2024 for the right to disconnect during rest, illness, and holidays. Finland and the Netherlands have binding sectoral collective agreements that include disconnection protections for remote workers. Germany enforces binding rules in the public sector and certain industries with legally enforceable disconnection rules. Latin America's rules mostly apply to teleworkers In Latin America, the right to disconnect rules largely apply to remote and teleworkers. Argentina’s telework law of 2021 guarantees remote employees the right to disconnect during non-working hours. Chile’s remote-work reforms in 2023 require employers to respect digital disconnection for home-office workers. Mexico’s Federal Labour Law was reformed in 2021 to regulate telework more strictly, preventing employers from demanding after-hours availability without compensation. Telework protections in Brazil were strengthened in 2022, penalising firms that pressure remote employees through after-hours digital messages. Colombia’s telework regulations of 2021 include a formal right to digital disconnection. Peru’s Remote Work Law of 2023 protects teleworkers and digital nomads. Asia-Pacific region is making progress on right-to-disconnect rules Australia amended its Fair Work Act in 2024, which included a national right-to-disconnect provision barring all unreasonable employer contact after working hours. The Philippines’ Telecommuting Act of 2018 requires employers to respect agreed working hours for teleworkers. Kazakhstan recognises digital disconnection through flexible-hour provisions that apply to remote workers. In Thailand’s remote-work legislation of 2023, overtime payment has to be given for after-hours duties. African countries are slowly introducing remote work protections Kenya’s updated labour code of 2022 requires remote-work contracts to specify working and communication hours. Mozambique implemented a telework decree in 2022, giving teleworkers the right to uninterrupted rest.

In some form or the other, at least 25 countries now have right-to-disconnect rules for workers. But India’s new bill faces scepticism as unpaid overtime and an entrenched overwork culture are the norm. Here is a global comparison

'Don't call, message or email me for work after office hours': People of 25 countries can say this, but not Indians. Right to Disconnect across world

The Chief Justice of India on Monday (Dec 8) refused to entertain an urgent plea seeking a hearing into the widespread cancellations and delays of commercial flights by IndiGo airlines. An advocate who mentioned the matter told the court that over the past few days, nearly 2,500 flights had been delayed across 95 airports, leaving passengers stranded for hours. But Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said the situation, while serious, was already being handled by the government.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/which-indigo-flights-are-cancelled-today-delhi-mumbai-bengaluru-flyers-hit-with-fresh-disruptions-see-full-list-1765167562325">Which IndiGo flights are cancelled today? Flyers hit with disruptions. Full list</a><h2>SC can't "see any urgency right now"</h2>The CJI, as per an ANI report, told the petitioner that the court "understand(s) that lakhs of people are stranded. Maybe some people have urgent work, and they are not able to...". However, he said that "But then the government of India has taken cognisance of the issue. Timely steps appear to have been taken.""We don’t see any urgency right now," he added.<h2>PIL filed in Delhi HC</h2>The Public Interest Litigation sought judicial intervention in what the petitioner described as a full-blown crisis. The PIL asks the Centre and IndiGo to ensure immediate assistance, refunds, and proper ground support for passengers stuck at airports across India.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fresh-chaos-alert-delhi-airport-warns-indigo-delays-may-continue-urges-flyers-to-check-flight-status-1765163526025">Fresh chaos alert: Delhi Airport warns Indigo delays may continue</a>While the Chief Justice’s Bench has noted that the authorities were already examining the disruptions, the judges agreed to take it up for detailed hearing on Wednesday, December 10. The court said it would look into the broader concerns, even as the government has already issued directions to airlines.The petitioner argued that the situation at several airports had become “inhumane,” claiming passengers were stranded without information, support, or refunds. "Several people are stuck. The ground situation at airports is inhumane," the advocate said. "We expect the court to pass orders to IndiGo and direct adequate ground support for stranded passengers. There is no proper refund," he added.

Why isn’t the Supreme Court stepping in on IndiGo’s flight chaos? With thousands stranded and 2,500 delays reported, the CJI says there’s “no urgency” for now. Here's what the CJI said.

The Chief Justice of India on Monday (Dec 8) refused to entertain an urgent plea seeking a hearing into the widespread cancellations and delays of commercial flights by IndiGo airlines. An advocate who mentioned the matter told the court that over the past few days, nearly 2,500 flights had been delayed across 95 airports, leaving passengers stranded for hours. But Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said the situation, while serious, was already being handled by the government. Also read | Which IndiGo flights are cancelled today? Flyers hit with disruptions. Full list SC can't "see any urgency right now" The CJI, as per an ANI report, told the petitioner that the court "understand(s) that lakhs of people are stranded. Maybe some people have urgent work, and they are not able to...". However, he said that "But then the government of India has taken cognisance of the issue. Timely steps appear to have been taken." "We don’t see any urgency right now," he added. PIL filed in Delhi HC The Public Interest Litigation sought judicial intervention in what the petitioner described as a full-blown crisis. The PIL asks the Centre and IndiGo to ensure immediate assistance, refunds, and proper ground support for passengers stuck at airports across India. Also read | Fresh chaos alert: Delhi Airport warns Indigo delays may continue While the Chief Justice’s Bench has noted that the authorities were already examining the disruptions, the judges agreed to take it up for detailed hearing on Wednesday, December 10. The court said it would look into the broader concerns, even as the government has already issued directions to airlines. The petitioner argued that the situation at several airports had become “inhumane,” claiming passengers were stranded without information, support, or refunds. "Several people are stuck. The ground situation at airports is inhumane," the advocate said. "We expect the court to pass orders to IndiGo and direct adequate ground support for stranded passengers. There is no proper refund," he added.

Why isn’t the Supreme Court stepping in on IndiGo’s flight chaos? With thousands stranded and 2,500 delays reported, the CJI says there’s “no urgency” for now. Here's what the CJI said.

IndiGo flight crisis 'not urgent'? CJI declines immediate hearing on PIL, says...

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IndiGo flight crisis 'not urgent'? CJI declines immediate hearing, says...