Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Friday told Russian President Vladimir Putin that India is “not neutral” and “on the side of peace” in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as the two leaders met in New Delhi for the 23rd India-Russia annual summit. In his televised opening remarks, PM Modi reiterated that the conflict must end through dialogue and diplomacy. “We support a peaceful solution to the conflict,” he said. Putin, responding to Modi’s remarks, said Russia is working on a peaceful solution to the crisis, news agency PTI reported. Earlier in the day, President Putin was accorded a ceremonial welcome and a tri-services guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu and Modi received him warmly at the forecourt of the presidential palace, a day after the PM hosted him for a private dinner. Following the ceremony, Putin visited Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. Putin arrived in New Delhi around 7 pm on Thursday, marking his first visit to India in four years and the first since the Ukraine war began in February 2022. Modi personally welcomed him with a hug at the Palam Airport, after which the two leaders travelled together in a white SUV to PM Modi’s official residence. Their conversation over dinner is understood to have helped set the tone for Friday’s summit, PTI reported. The India-Russia Summit is expected to produce a number of tangible outcomes aimed at further broadbasing the long-standing partnership between the two countries. The agenda includes boosting defence cooperation, protecting India-Russia trade from external pressures, and exploring collaboration in small modular reactors. Following talks between the two leaders, both the sides are expected to ink a slew of agreements, including one to facilitate the movement of Indian workers to Russia and another providing logistical support under a broader framework of defence cooperation, PTI reported. Under the expanding trade basket, Indian exports to Russia are expected to rise significantly, particularly in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food products and consumer goods, it is learnt. Putin’s visit has taken on added significance as it comes amid a rapid downturn in India-US relations, making the engagement between New Delhi and Moscow especially noteworthy for global observers. (With PTI inputs)
05 December,2025 01:31 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentRussian President Vladimir Putin was welcomed by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he received a ceremonial welcome and the tri-services guard of honour at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday. The ceremonial welcome was accorded at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, following which, Putin inspected the Guard of Honour. The Russian, Indian national anthems were played to welcome Putin. #WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin receives a Guard of Honour at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.Source: DD pic.twitter.com/ZcHc5EMI6y — ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2025 The Russian President is on a two-day State visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Delhi LG VK Saxena, CDS General Anil Chauhan and other dignitaries were present at the ceremony. President Droupadi Murmu and Russian President Vladimir Putin introduced each other to the dignitaries from each other's country. Among the Russian dignitaries included Russian defence minister Andrey Belousov and Kremlin aide Dmitry Peskov. Four years after their last in-person interaction on Indian soil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to share the stage once again in the national capital oday for bilateral talks. Since their last meeting here in December 2021, Putin arrived in the national capital on Thursday and PM Modi broke with protocol to geet him on the tarmac. Following his arrival at the Palam Airport, PM Modi welcomed Putin with a hug. PM Modi, in a post on X, stated that the "friendship" between the two leaders is a "time-tested one" and he was delighted to welcome Putin back to India after four years. Both leaders shared the same car ride to Lok Kalyan Marg residence of the Prime Minister Modi where Putin was gifted a copy of the sacred Bhagwad Gita. "Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin to India. Looking forward to our interactions later this evening and tomorrow. India-Russia friendship is a time tested one that has greatly benefitted our people," the Prime Minister stated in his post. During his visit, the Russian President will also hold the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit with PM Modi. Putin will also attend a India-Russia business forum and launch the RT channel in India before participating in a banguet thrown by President Murmu in his honour. He is scheduled to depart the coutnry late this evening. (With inputs from Agencies)
05 December,2025 12:03 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentCongress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday alleged that the IndiGo "fiasco" is the cost of this government's "monopoly model" and asserted that India deserves fair competition in every sector, not match-fixing monopolies. In the wake of IndiGo cancelling over 550 flights on Thursday alone and 400 flights on Friday, disrupting the travel plans of hundreds of passengers, Gandhi said it is ordinary Indians who pay the price in delays, cancellations and helplessness. "IndiGo fiasco is the cost of this Govt's monopoly model. Once again, it's ordinary Indians who pay the price - in delays, cancellations and helplessness," the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said in a post on X. IndiGo fiasco is the cost of this Govt’s monopoly model. Once again, it’s ordinary Indians who pay the price - in delays, cancellations and helplessness.India deserves fair competition in every sector, not match-fixing monopolies. https://t.co/sRoigepFgv — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 5, 2025 "India deserves fair competition in every sector, not match-fixing monopolies," Gandhi asserted. The former Congress president also shared his article from last year in which he had said that the original East India Company wound up over 150 years ago but the raw fear it then generated is back with a new breed of monopolists having taken its place. He had asserted that a "new deal for progressive Indian business is an idea whose time has come". Sharing the article on X on November 6 last year, Gandhi had said, "Choose your India: Play-Fair or Monopoly? Jobs or Oligarchies? Competence or Connections? Innovation or Intimidation? Wealth for many or the few?" "I write on why a New Deal for Business isn't just an option. It is India's future," he had said, sharing his opinion piece. IndiGo on Thursday told aviation watchdog DGCA that operations are expected to be fully stabilised by February 10, 2026, and sought temporary relaxations in flight duty norms on a day when the country's largest airline cancelled more than 550 flights, disrupting the travel plans of hundreds of passengers. Acknowledging that the flight disruptions happening for the past few days are primarily due to misjudgment and planning gaps in implementing the second phase of the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, IndiGo also informed the regulator that there will be more cancellations till December 8 and from that day, there will also be a reduction in services. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu had held a high-level review meeting to assess the situation of significant flight disruptions and expressed his displeasure at the way IndiGo handled the new FDTL norms implementation despite having ample time. (With inputs from Agencies)
05 December,2025 11:19 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Friday moved a notice under Rule 180 in Rajya Sabha, requesting the Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to make a statement on the disruption of IndiGo airlines' operations, which has been causing severe inconvenience to passengers across the country, reported news agency ANI. IndiGo has been experiencing a sharp rise in cancellations, reaching approximately 170-200 flights per day, substantially higher than usual. In her notice, Priyanka Chaturvedi wrote, "I hereby give notice under Rule 180 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) of my intention to call the attention of the Minister of Civil Aviation to the following matter of urgent public importance," she wrote in the notice, reported ANI. She cited passenger safety and convenience, calling it a matter of "urgent public importance." She wrote, "The widespread disruption in IndiGo Airlines' operations on Wednesday, resulting in severe delays of up to seven hours and cancellation of more than 70 flights nationwide, including major airports such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, was caused by an acute shortage of crew and other operational issues. The situation led to significant hardship for passengers, with several key domestic routes and international services such as the Mumbai-Maldives flight severely affected during peak hours," reported ANI. "The matter is of urgent public importance as thousands of passengers were stranded, normal airport functioning was affected, and recurrent large-scale disruptions in airline services highlight a need for immediate government intervention, accountability measures, and safeguards to prevent future occurrences. I request that the Minister make a statement on the matter at an early date," she added, reported ANI. Earlier on Thursday, IndiGo, which is experiencing operational disruptions and cancellations, sought temporary operational exemptions from certain Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) provisions for its A320 fleet until February 10, 2026, and assured that operational stability will be restored by that date, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement. Following a detailed review meeting under the chairmanship of the DGCA with the senior leadership of IndiGo, the regulator said, "To reduce passenger inconvenience while maintaining safety margins, IndiGo has requested operational variations or exemptions from specific FDTL provisions for A320 operations up to February 10, 2026. IndiGo has assured DGCA that corrective actions are underway and that normalised and stable operations will be fully restored by February 10, 2026.IndiGo has been experiencing a sharp rise in cancellations, reaching approximately 170-200 flights per day, substantially higher than usual. During the review meeting, the DGCA found that IndiGo's operational breakdowns stemmed from transitional challenges in implementing Phase 2 of the revised FDTL norms, crew-planning gaps, and winter-season constraints. The revised fatigue-management rules, enforced following court directions, came into effect in two stages, July 1 and November 1, 2025. (With inputs from ANI)
05 December,2025 11:11 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIndiGo cancelled more than 400 flights, and a large number of flights were delayed at various airports on Friday, sources told news agency PTI. Hundreds of passengers faced hardships at the airports as flights were delayed for long periods. The sources told PTI that over 220 flights, including departures and arrivals, were cancelled at the Delhi airport, while more than 100 were cancelled at the Bangalore airport. At the Hyderabad airport, over 90 flights were cancelled, the sources told PTI. There were also cancellations at other airports, and many flights were delayed. IndiGo has been grappling with operational disruptions due to cabin crew woes and other factors. The civil aviation ministry and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are closely monitoring the situation regarding IndiGo flight disruptions that have been ongoing for the past few days. On Thursday, IndiGo told the aviation regulator, the DGCA, that flight operations are expected to be fully stabilised by February 10, 2026. Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) held an emergency review meeting with IndiGo’s top management to assess the ongoing situation. The Ministry said it is closely monitoring disruptions and has activated heightened oversight. The Minister also instructed the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to direct airport directors to provide full support to affected travellers. Additionally, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been asked to monitor airfares amid growing concerns of fare hikes due to reduced capacity. The DGCA on Thursday also held a detailed meeting with IndiGo’s leadership seeking clarification on the sharp spike in cancellations. IndiGo attributed the situation to operational challenges linked to the implementation of Phase II of the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, crew scheduling hurdles and seasonal winter conditions. The revised FDTL Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), enforced on July 1 and November 1 following court directives, aim to enhance safety and reduce pilot fatigue. During the meeting, IndiGo acknowledged underestimating crew requirements under the new system, resulting in planning gaps and staff shortages. The airline stated that disruptions are likely to continue for the next two to three days as stabilisation efforts continue. From December 8, IndiGo will temporarily reduce flight frequency to minimise inconvenience. The carrier has also requested temporary relaxation of certain FDTL regulations for A320 aircraft until February 10, 2026, and assured DGCA that normal operations will be fully restored by then. (With inputs from PTI)
05 December,2025 10:51 AM IST | Mumbai/Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAir travel in Pune was thrown into disarray on Friday morning after 32 IndiGo flights were cancelled and one was diverted between midnight and 8 am on December 5, as ongoing operational disruptions and crew shortages continued to cripple the airline’s schedule. Pune Airport confirmed that despite the heavy cancellations, all airport teams remained fully mobilised through the night to support passengers and maintain terminal operations. According to airport data, 16 arrivals and 16 departures of IndiGo were cancelled, while a Nagpur–Pune flight was diverted to Hyderabad due to Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL). Operations of all other airlines remained unaffected and were accommodated smoothly. Parking bays remained congested as several IndiGo aircraft continued to occupy stands while awaiting operating crew, reducing bay availability and causing cascading delays for multiple carriers. In a statement, Pune Airport said teams from terminal management, security, apron services, ground handling, ATC, CISF, and passenger facilitation were on continuous duty. Additional manpower was deployed overnight to monitor ground operations, manage crowds, and offer real-time assistance to stranded passengers. The airport emphasised that passenger safety, congestion control, and restoring normal operations remain its top priorities. “Passenger welfare remains our utmost priority, and we sincerely appreciate the patience and cooperation of all travellers during this period,” officials said. The airport continues to coordinate closely with IndiGo and other stakeholders to stabilise schedules and decongest parking bays as the day progresses.
05 December,2025 10:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Archana DahiwalThe government is closely monitoring IndiGo’s operational recovery and passenger support measures until full stability is achieved, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, reported news agency IANS. The ministry has taken a serious note of the recent operational disruptions and cancellations of flights across IndiGo’s network. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has chaired a high-level review meeting with IndiGo’s senior management in the presence of the Secretary, Civil Aviation, Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), senior officials of the Ministry, and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), reported IANS. IndiGo presented data on cancellations and attributed the disruption to challenges in crew planning and implementation of the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, along with seasonal weather-related constraints. “It was noted that the revised FDTL regulations were implemented in phases as per the Court directions to ensure improved fatigue management and enhanced flight safety,” the ministry said, reported IANS. Naidu expressed clear displeasure regarding the manner in which the situation has been handled by the airline, and stressed that ample preparatory time had been available to ensure a seamless transition to the new regulatory requirements. The minister further directed IndiGo to urgently normalise operations and to ensure that there is no increase in airfares due to the current situation. He also instructed the airline to proactively inform passengers of any likely cancellations well in advance and to ensure that all necessary facilities, including hotel accommodation where required, are provided promptly to minimise inconvenience, reported IANS. Naidu also held a meeting with senior officers of AAI and directed that all airport directors must continuously monitor the situation on the ground and extend full support to all stranded passengers. He has instructed officials of the ministry to communicate the need for proper coordination among all stakeholders — including airports, ATC, and other airlines — to restore normalcy at the earliest. Meanwhile, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers has admitted that the airline is going through severe operational turbulence, saying immediate priority remains to stabilise services and restore punctuality, even as achieving that "is not an easy target”. In an internal message to employees, Elbers admitted that IndiGo, India's largest carrier, has fallen short of delivering a satisfactory travel experience in recent days amid widespread disruptions that triggered passenger frustration, reported IANS. The airline has been reeling under a wave of cancellations and delays, with more than 300 flights cancelled on Thursday alone and many others running late through the day. (With inputs from IANS)
05 December,2025 09:52 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe national capital woke up to a blanket of toxic smog on Friday morning, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 323 at 8 am in the "very poor" category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). But despite a slight improvement from the recent weeks, several parts of the city remained shrouded in a dense layer of toxic smog. Areas like Ghazipur and Akshardham reported thick haze early this morning, with visibility remaining significantly reduced. According to CPCB, many regions of the National Capital fell into the 'very poor' category. The area around Anand Vihar was blanketed in a dense layer of toxic smog, with an AQI of 348 in the 'very poor' category. According to CPCB data, Sonia Vihar recorded an AQI of 343, while Wazirpur recorded 358. Bawana recorded the highest AQI of 325 at 8 am, placing it in the 'very poor' category. In contrast, NSIT Dwarka recorded an AQI of 269, which falls under the 'poor' category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Akshardham area is blanketed by a layer of toxic smog that covers the city. The AQI (Air Quality Index) in the area is 348, categorised as 'Very Poor'. According to AQI categorisation, 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'. According to CPCB, the AQI, which ranges from 0 to 500, is divided into six categories, each reflecting the level of pollution and associated health risks. An AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as "Good", indicating minimal or no health impact. AQI levels from 51 to 100 fall into the "Satisfactory" category, where air quality remains acceptable, though sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues may experience slight discomfort. The "Moderate" category, ranging from 101 to 200, signals increasing pollution levels that can trigger breathing difficulties among people with asthma, lung conditions, or heart diseases. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered "Poor", a range in which prolonged exposure can cause breathing discomfort to most people, not just those with pre-existing health issues. This level has become increasingly common in several parts of the capital during winter. Levels between 301 and 400 are marked as "Very Poor", posing a risk of respiratory illnesses even to healthy individuals when exposure continues for long periods. The most hazardous category, "Severe," includes AQI values from 401 to 500. At this stage, air quality becomes dangerous for everyone. Further to combat the continuously detoriating air quality in the national capital and its adjoining areas, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday chaired a meeting at the Delhi Secretariat to review the pollution control measures in the national capital. (With inputs from Agencies)
05 December,2025 09:26 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentLok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday announced that the Parliament of India will soon constitute the India-Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group. The announcement came during a meeting with a high-level delegation led by Major General Abdul Rahman bin Sanhat Al-Harbi, Chairman of the Saudi-India Parliamentary Friendship Committee from the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who called on the Speaker in Parliament House today. Welcoming the delegation, Birla emphasised that parliamentary diplomacy serves as a critical bridge between nations, enabling deeper understanding, exchange of best practices, and stronger institutional collaboration. He called for regular engagement between parliamentary committees of both countries. The Speaker highlighted the centuries-old religious, cultural, and economic connections between India and Saudi Arabia, observing that sustained high-level exchanges over the last decade have elevated the partnership across defence, energy, capacity building, and emerging strategic sectors. Birla expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia's continued support of the large Indian community in the Kingdom. He noted that the Indian diaspora has earned respect globally through its hard work, discipline, and contribution to the local economy. Highlighting the increasing recognition of Yoga in Saudi Arabia, Birla stated that such cultural exchanges deepen people-to-people bonds. On global cooperation, Birla emphasised that India and Saudi Arabia must work closely in multilateral fora, including the G20, P20, and IPU, and advance common positions on shared global challenges. He underlined that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, rooted in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, guides India's global engagement and that Parliament aligns fully with this inclusive and cooperative approach. He conveyed confidence that the delegation's visit would further strengthen bilateral and parliamentary ties, enhancing cooperation across diverse sectors. Major General Abdul Rahman bin Sanhat Al-Harbi expressed his deep sorrow over the recent tragedy involving Indian Hajj pilgrims and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He affirmed the solidarity of the people of Saudi Arabia with India, underscored the importance of closer cooperation in international fora, and expressed optimism about the future of India-Saudi Arabia parliamentary relations. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
05 December,2025 08:30 AM IST | New Delhi | ANILeaders of various Opposition parties on Thursday staged a protest in Parliament complex over the issue of air pollution in the national capital, with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi asking the government to take action. Carrying placards, leaders of various parties raised slogans outside the Makar Dwar of Parliament asking the prime minister to stop making statements and fix the problem. Some of the MPs also wore masks at the protest to highlight the problem of air pollution. They also carried a big banner that said ‘mausam ka mazaa lijiye’ (Enjoy the weather) carrying a picture of the PM, who had made these remarks at the start of the Winter session of Parliament. Protesting MPs of various parties also raised slogans against the government demanding action to tackle air pollution and carried posters that read - “Make polluters pay, not citizens’, ‘Air quality - action now’, ‘Don’t choke our future’, ‘Clean air is a right, not a luxury’. “It is the government’s responsibility to do something as children are dying. Old people like me are also finding it difficult,” Gandhi told the reporters. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
05 December,2025 07:55 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesTaking note of a plea alleging extreme work pressure faced by the booth level officers (BLOs) engaged in the time-bound special revision of the electoral rolls, the Supreme Court directed the states on Thursday to consider deputing additional employees for reducing their working hours. The court was hearing an application filed by actor Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), seeking a direction to the Election Commission (EC) not to take coercive actions under the Representation of the People (RP) Act against the BLOs for not performing the duty in a time-bound manner and pointing out that many of them have committed suicide due to the work pressure. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi took note of the submissions made by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, who appeared in the matter for the TVK, that some instructions are needed to be issued as many BLOs, who are either teachers or anganwadi workers, have died due to the extreme pressure exerted on them by EC officials. UP vows support as BLO death heat rises Uttar Pradesh DCM Brajesh Pathak said the Election Commission is examining the recent deaths of booth level officers (BLOs) reported during the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise and assured that the state government will extend support to the affected families. UP has witnessed multiple cases of suicides and deaths of BLOs and other officials involved in the SIR amid claims of overwork, stress and harassment. Responding to questions on allegations of mental harassment of BLOs, Pathak said, “The EC is working on it, and the government stands with the victims. If there is any specific complaint (of harassment), it will be investigated, and strict action will also be taken.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
05 December,2025 07:52 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
