Flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport have been impacted due to dense fog conditions in Northern India. The dense fog in the national capital has led to 27 cancellations so far, including 16 departures and 11 arrivals, authorities said. As reported by news agency ANI, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) advised passengers to stay in close contact with their airlines for real-time flight updates. The Ministry has also advised travellers to regularly check official airline and airport websites or apps and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid inconvenience. Furthermore, the passenger facilitation teams have also been deployed across airports to provide necessary assistance and guidance to travellers affected by the weather conditions, reported ANI. The Ministry of Civil Aviation, while posting on social media, handled "the ongoing fog conditions in Northern India are impacting airport operations. Passengers are advised to stay in touch with their airlines for real-time flight updates, regularly check official airline and airport websites or apps, and plan their journeys with additional travel time to avoid inconvenience. Passenger facilitation teams are deployed across airports to provide necessary assistance." Earlier on Thursday, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) also issued a weather advisory warning of dense fog conditions across Northern India, cautioning passengers about low visibility and possible flight delays at several airports. The ongoing fog conditions in Northern India are impacting airport operations. Passengers are advised to stay in touch with their airlines for real-time flight updates, regularly check official airline and airport websites or apps, and plan their journeys with additional travel… — MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) December 18, 2025 In a weather advisory posted on social media handle X, the Airport Authority of India said, "Persistent fog is affecting several airports across Northern India, resulting in low visibility and possible flight delays.” The authority advised passengers to confirm their flight status with airlines before heading to the airport and to allow additional travel time. AAI, while alerting the passengers about the delays and cancellations, further highlighted, "Passengers are advised to confirm their flight status with their airline before heading to the airport. Check the airport's official website or social media handles for updates. Plan your journey in advance and allow additional travel time," as cited by news agency ANI. Moreover, these advisories come as Delhi continues to experience dense fog and poor air quality, which have reduced visibility in the early morning hours and disrupted air traffic at the airport. Delhi continues to experience hazardous AQI The National Capital Delhi continued to experience hazardous air quality on Thursday, with the city's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 361 at around 1 pm, placing it in the 'very poor' category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), as reported by ANI. Earlier on Thursday, teams from Transport Enforcement conducted checks on vehicles in the National Capital as part of intensified measures to combat rising air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. This comes a day after the Supreme Court allowed the Delhi government to take action against owners of vehicles operating below the BS IV emission standard in the NCR. Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will be denied fuel at petrol pumps, while trucks carrying construction materials into Delhi have been banned to curb pollution levels. (With inputs from ANI)
18 December,2025 02:28 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentSeveral opposition MPs on Thursday took out a protest march inside the Parliament House complex against the G RAM G bill and demanded its withdrawal, as Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge vowed to fight the government's move in Parliament and in the streets, reported news agency PTI. Behind a huge banner of 'Mahatma Gandhi NREGA', they marched from the Gandhi statue at Prerna Sthal to Makar Dwar, raising slogans against the government. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, DMK's K Kanhimozhi, TR Ballu, A Raja, IUML's ET Mohammed Basheer, Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Arvind Sawant and RSP's N K Premchandran, among others, participated in the protest. "The Modi government has not only insulted the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, but has also crushed the right to work, which was instrumental in bringing about socio-economic transformation in India's villages," Kharge said in a post on X in Hindi after the protest. "Against this tyranny of the ruling dictatorial government, we will fight from Parliament to the streets," Kharge said. Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi joined the protesting MPs and participated in the demonstrations at Makar Dwar. Speaking to reporters, Venugopal said, "Today, Parliament is witnessing the murder of democracy. By removing the name of Mahatma Gandhi from NREGA they are trying to kill the democratic values as well as the ideology of the Father of the Nation." The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill to replace the UPA-era MGNREGA is being debated in Parliament. Opposition strongly opposes the G RAM G bill The Opposition has been strongly opposing the Bill, accusing the government of insulting Mahatma Gandhi and diluting the provisions of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005, reported PTI. According to the bill, it will provide a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to undertake unskilled manual work. Within six months from the date of commencement of the VB-G RAM G Act, states will have to make a scheme consistent with the provisions of the new law. (With inputs from PTI)
18 December,2025 12:58 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAn Air India Express flight from Jeddah to Kozhikode with 160 passengers carried out an emergency landing at the Cochin International Airport here on Thursday due to issues involving its landing gear and tyre failure, an official said. The Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), in a statement, said that it successfully facilitated the safe emergency landing of Air India Express flight IX 398 from Jeddah to Kozhikode, which was diverted to Kochi due to a technical issue involving the right main landing gear and tyre failure. The aircraft landed safely at 09.07 am under full emergency conditions, it said. "All emergency services were activated in advance, and there were no injuries reported among passengers or crew. Post-landing inspection confirmed that both right-side tyres had burst," a CIAL spokesperson said in the statement. Subsequently, the runway was cleared and released for operations, the statement added. 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.
18 December,2025 11:47 AM IST | Kochi | PTIThe Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cancelled the licences of 13 medical stores and suspended those of 32 in Nanded district over alleged sale of intoxicant tablets, officials have said. As part of a drive, the FDA had issued show-cause notices to 48 medical stores for selling intoxicant tablets without a doctor's prescription and for violating the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, Assistant Commissioner (Drugs) AT Rathod said in a release on Wednesday. After the explanations submitted were found unsatisfactory, the licences of 32 medical stores were suspended, while the licences of 13 stores were permanently cancelled. Action has been proposed against the remaining three medical stores, it said. In some cases, the FDA said, the medical stores have secured stay orders at the government level, and proceedings against them are currently pending before higher authorities. 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.
18 December,2025 11:09 AM IST | Nanded | PTIAfter days of cautious movement around her enclosure, adult female tigress STR-05 (TARA) on Thursday finally entered the core forest of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, completing a scientifically monitored soft release by the Maharashtra Forest Department. Forest officials said the gates of the soft-release enclosure were opened on December 13 at 7 am, but the tigress initially chose to stay in and around the area. During this period, she displayed natural wild behaviour, made a successful kill, and fed on it for nearly three days. On the morning of December 18, at around 7 am, TARA emerged from the enclosure and moved into the Chandoli core forest. Earlier identified as T7 (S2) during the management phase, the tigress was housed in a specially developed enclosure where her health, behaviour, and adaptability were closely monitored by forest officials and wildlife experts. Observations confirmed that she remained alert and demonstrated strong hunting skills, indicating readiness for independent survival. TARA showed strong wild instincts throughout the soft release. She hunted successfully, stayed alert, and displayed all the traits needed to survive on her own. Her release strengthens the tiger presence in the Sahyadri landscape, said Tushar Chavan, IFS, Field Director, Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. Chief Wildlife Warden M S Reddy said the release was carried out strictly as per scientific protocols. Every behavioural and health parameter was assessed before allowing the tigress into the wild, underlining the department’s focus on long-term tiger conservation, he added. The release gains added significance as two adult tigresses, STR-05 (TARA) and STR-04 (CHANDA), have now been introduced into the core forest of Sahyadri, a landscape that has been witnessing efforts to rebuild its tiger population. With the release of tigresses TARA and CHANDA into the core area, Sahyadri’s tiger population will get a much-needed boost. It will also help promote sustainable wildlife tourism and create local employment without compromising conservation, said Rohan Bhate Shah, Honorary Wildlife Warden. Post-release, forest department teams will continue to closely monitor TARA to ensure smooth acclimatisation to the habitat and surrounding landscape.
18 December,2025 10:44 AM IST | | Ranjeet JadhavLarge parts of the capital were enveloped in a dense layer of toxic smog, drastically reducing visibility and causing discomfort for residents. RK Puram experienced severe smog, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 374, categorising it as ‘very poor’, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Similarly, areas around Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium were covered in thick smog, with an AQI of 349, also placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. Najafgarh recorded a slightly lower AQI of 284, though the area was still surrounded by heavy smog, CPCB data indicated, reported news agency ANI. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented all Stage-IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR to curb pollution levels. A thick layer of fog also blanketed the city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. 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'. Earlier, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) deployed 19 teams for a road-inspection drive on December 12, reported ANI. This drive was conducted as part of the Commission's ongoing monitoring and enforcement under the statutory framework and provisions of the extant GRAP. According to the release, a total of 136 road stretches within the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) jurisdiction were inspected across Delhi. According to the final compiled data, 15 road stretches exhibited high visible dust levels, 38 showed moderate dust, 61 recorded low dust intensity, and 22 stretches had no visible dust. Road stretches with accumulation of MSW and C and D waste were reported to be 55 and 53, respectively. 6 stretches were reported to have evidence of MSW/ Biomass burning, the release said. The above observations clearly indicate gaps and recurring negligence in the maintenance of the affected stretches. It highlighted the need for DDA to enhance operational efficiency and implement prompt corrective measures through consistent, timely dust-mitigation interventions. The agency also needs to improve compliance across all road stretches for MSW/Biomass burning, it was highlighted. The Commission observed that these kinds of incidents impact particulate matter levels in Delhi and emphasised the need for strengthened on-ground action, including regular mechanical sweeping, timely disposal of collected dust, maintenance of road shoulders and central verges in addition to deployment of water-sprinkling/ dust-suppression systems and focused action(s) for prevention of open burning cases across all stretches maintained by DDA. (With ANI inputs)
18 December,2025 09:54 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in the national capital issued a passenger advisory on Thursday morning amid dense fog conditions, cautioning travellers that Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) had been implemented even as flight operations continued without major disruption. In a travel advisory issued at 4.30 am, Delhi Airport authorities said foggy weather had significantly reduced visibility levels, leading to the activation of LVP to ensure the safety of aircraft operations. At the same time, officials clarified that flight services at the airport were functioning normally when the advisory was released. "Low-visibility procedures are in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are presently normal. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information," the advisory posted on X stated. Passenger Advisory issued at 0810 hrs.Kind attention to all flyers!#Fog #FogAlert #DelhiAirport pic.twitter.com/W6VBdbNbwK — Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) December 18, 2025 Airport authorities urged passengers to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest information regarding departures and arrivals, as weather conditions could impact schedules. Amid dense fog and low visibility across Delhi and large parts of North India on Thursday morning, several airlines, including SpiceJet, Air India and IndiGo, also issued travel advisories, asking passengers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport. In a post on its official X handle, SpiceJet informed passengers that all departures, arrivals and their subsequent flights could be affected due to dense fog conditions in Delhi. The airline advised travellers to regularly check their flight status through its official website. Air India also released an advisory warning of potential poor visibility conditions over the next few days. The airline said this could affect its primary hub in Delhi, along with a few other airports in northern and eastern India and some additional cities. The national carrier also outlined measures being taken to minimise inconvenience to passengers due to fog-related disruptions. It said round-the-clock assistance would be provided to help travellers make alternative arrangements where required. Under Air India's 'FogCare' initiative, passengers booked on flights that may be delayed will receive advance alerts on their mobile phones. In addition, affected passengers will be given the option to change their flights without paying any extra charges or to opt for a full refund of their bookings. IndiGo, in a post on X, issued an advisory regarding disruptions in flight operations due to low visibility in Chandigarh. "As a precaution, some flights have been cancelled throughout the day to prioritise safety," the airline said, while advising passengers to allow extra travel time and check their flight status in advance through the official website. The advisories come at a time when Delhi continues to grapple with rising pollution levels and persistent smog. Thick smog continues to blanket Delhi Thick smog continued to blanket Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Thursday morning, with the capital witnessing a fresh deterioration in air quality as the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 356, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Out of the 39 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi, four reported AQI readings in the 'severe' category, while several others hovered close to the same range, underlining the persistence of hazardous air conditions across the city. Visuals from different parts of Delhi and the NCR showed sharply reduced visibility as dense smog engulfed roads, residential areas and public spaces, affecting daily movement and raising health concerns among residents. Data from the Commission for Air Quality Management's SAMEER app indicated that Delhi recorded an AQI of 358 at 7 a.m. on Thursday. (With inputs from Agencies)
18 December,2025 09:53 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe ban on entry of non-Delhi private vehicles below BS-VI standards and the enforcement of the 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule came into force in the national capital on Thursday, as authorities stepped up measures to tackle worsening air pollution, reported news agency PTI. Fuel pumps are not dispensing fuel to vehicles without valid PUC certificates, and this is being enforced with the help of automatic number plate reader cameras, voice alerts at pumps, and police support. According to officials, 580 police personnel have been deployed at 126 checkpoints, including borders, reported PTI. Additionally, enforcement teams of the Transport Department have been deputed at petrol pumps and border points for effective implementation, they added, reported PTI. The entry ban on non-compliant BS-VI vehicles, however, does not apply to vehicles running on CNG or electric power, public transport, vehicles carrying essential commodities or providing essential services. Vehicles carrying construction materials are also not permitted to enter the city under the GRAP IV restrictions. Delhi-NCR wakes up to thick smog as AQI slips back into 'severe' zone Meanwhile, thick smog continued to blanket Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Thursday morning, with the capital witnessing a fresh deterioration in air quality as the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 356, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Out of the 39 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi, four reported AQI readings in the 'severe' category, while several others hovered close to the same range, underlining the persistence of hazardous air conditions across the city. Visuals from different parts of Delhi and the NCR showed sharply reduced visibility as dense smog engulfed roads, residential areas and public spaces, affecting daily movement and raising health concerns among residents. Data from the Commission for Air Quality Management's SAMEER app indicated that Delhi recorded an AQI of 358 at 7 a.m. on Thursday. This marked a reversal from the marginal improvement seen a day earlier, when the AQI had eased to 334 from 354, aided by relatively stronger winds sweeping through the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast foggy conditions during the early hours of Thursday. However, the weather agency also said that the presence of surface winds during the day was likely to prevent prolonged fog formation, allowing visibility to gradually improve as the day progresses. According to the IMD, the predominant surface wind is expected to blow from the northwest at speeds of up to 10 kmph during the morning hours. Wind speeds are likely to increase to around 15 kmph from the northwest in the afternoon before decreasing to below 10 kmph from the west during the evening and night. This fluctuation in wind patterns, the IMD said, is expected to help disperse the fog and contribute to relatively clearer conditions during daylight hours on Thursday, even as overall air quality remains a major concern. Under the Delhi government's new measures to curb air pollution in the national capital, the 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule will come into force from Thursday. Additionally, only BS-VI compliant vehicles registered outside Delhi will be allowed to enter the city from Thursday, while trucks carrying construction material will remain banned. Construction activity continues to be prohibited under GRAP norms, with strict action promised against violators. The national capital continues to gasp under severe pollution, prompting the Delhi government to announce an expansive set of emergency and long-term measures targeting vehicular emissions, dust, waste and traffic congestion. (With inputs from PTI)
18 December,2025 09:33 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentDelhi Minister Kapil Mishra said the government has decided to provide financial assistance to construction workers affected by curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to rising air pollution levels in the national capital. On Wednesday, Mishra said GRAP-3 remained in force in Delhi for 16 days, during which all construction activities across the city were suspended, severely impacting daily wage labourers dependent on the sector. With GRAP-4 now in effect, restrictions have further intensified, prolonging the hardship faced by construction workers. "Under GRAP-3, when construction work was completely halted in Delhi, workers were the worst affected. In view of this, the Delhi Labour Ministry has decided that all registered and verified construction labourers will be given Rs. 10,000 each as GRAP-3 compensation through direct benefit transfer (DBT)," the minister said. He added that once GRAP-4 restrictions are lifted, the number of days for which GRAP-4 remained in force would also be taken into account, and registered construction workers would be compensated accordingly. He said, "When GRAP-4 is revoked, the number of GRAP-4 days will also be counted, and the registered construction workers will be duly compensated." Mishra said the registration and verification process for construction workers is underway and urged them to complete their registration on the Delhi government portal at the earliest. He assured that the government would verify applications promptly to ensure timely assistance. He said, "I request all the workers to register as quickly as possible on the Delhi portal. We will verify the registrations, and if construction work is halted in the future, we will ensure that all construction workers, male or female, are not economically disadvantaged. Our chief minister will definitely ensure that. " Stressing the government's commitment to protecting workers' livelihoods, Mishra said the Delhi government would ensure that construction workers, both men and women, do not suffer economic losses during future pollution-related shutdowns. He added that Chief Minister Rekha Gupta would always provide adequate support for workers affected by construction halts imposed to tackle air pollution. The announcement comes amid continuing restrictions in the national capital under GRAP measures aimed at curbing deteriorating air quality. 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
18 December,2025 09:00 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIIndia’s real gross domestic product (GDP) is likely to grow at 7.5 per cent in FY26 and moderate to 7 per cent in the subsequent fiscal year, a domestic rating agency said on Wednesday. The rupee, which is hitting lifetime lows lately and has breached the 91-mark, will appreciate and is expected to be at the 89-90 level in FY27, according to Careedge Ratings. The growth momentum will be supported by factors like comfortable inflation, lower interest rates and lower tax burden, chief economist Rajani Sinha said, adding that a likely US-India trade deal would provide further impetus. 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
18 December,2025 06:32 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesThe Delhi government has directed private offices in the national capital to operate with a maximum of 50 per cent staff physically present at workplaces, with the remaining employees required to work from home, in view of GRAP Stage IV restrictions due to severe air pollution. However, exemptions have been granted in certain areas including public and private health establishments, transport, sanitation and emergency services. According to an advisory issued by the Labour Department, the direction follows amendments made by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after hearings and consultations held in November. It said the decision was taken to curb vehicular movement, which significantly contributes to air pollution, particularly when air quality levels are very poor. Shut toll plaza: SC Taking a serious note of the severe air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a slew of directions and asked the NHAI and the MCD to consider either temporary closing or relocating the nine toll plazas at borders of the national capital to ease usual massive traffic congestion. The top court described the pollution crisis as an “annual feature” and called for pragmatic and practical solutions to tackle the menace. The MCD was specifically directed to take a decision within one week. Ban on vehicles The Delhi Traffic Police and transport department’s enforcement teams will be deployed at petrol pumps and borders as a ban on entry of non-BS VI vehicles registered outside Delhi kicks in from Thursday. Vehicles without a valid pollution under control certificate will not be provided fuel at petrol pumps in the national capital from Thursday. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh had announced that all vehicles below the BS-VI category and registered outside Delhi will not be allowed to enter the city when GRAP III and IV are in place. Automatic number plate recognition and on-ground checks will be conducted to verify PUCC status and emission category of vehicles. Compensation to workers Delhi Labour Minister Kapil Mishra on Wednesday announced '10,000 in compensation for construction workers rendered unemployed due to the pollution-battling GRAP III and GRAP IV measures. AQI ‘very poor’ The national capital’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Wednesday morning, with an AQI of 328, even as smog blanketed the city. Out of the 40 air quality monitoring stations recorded, 30 were in the ‘very poor’ category, with Bawana registering the poorest air quality of 376. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 to 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 to 500 ‘severe’. 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
18 December,2025 06:27 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
