India News
India's Parliament Approves Increased Tobacco Excise Duty Bill Aligning With WHO Standards
Dec 05, 2025 02:16 am CST
India's Parliament has approved the Central Excise Amendment Bill 2025, raising tobacco taxation from 53% toward WHO's recommended 75% benchmark. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed the revenue will be shared with states while assuring support for tobacco farmers and beedi workers through existing welfare schemes and crop diversification programs.
Delhi Launches Most Aggressive Anti-Pollution Campaign Ever: Mist Sprayers and Strict Enforcement Measures
Dec 05, 2025 02:08 am CST
Delhi government initiates its toughest anti-pollution campaign featuring 305 mist sprayers across nine pollution hotspots, strengthened enforcement protocols, and strict accountability for officials. The comprehensive approach includes dust suppression, waste management, and citizen reporting through the MCD-311 app, as authorities aim for sustainable solutions rather than temporary fixes to combat Delhi's seasonal air quality crisis.
IndiGo Cancels Record 550 Flights: How Crew Shortages and New Regulations Are Disrupting India's Largest Airline
Dec 05, 2025 01:49 am CST
IndiGo, India's largest airline, has cancelled over 550 flights in a single day, creating unprecedented disruption across multiple airports. The cancellations stem from miscalculated crew requirements under new Flight Duty Time Limitation regulations, technological issues, and seasonal challenges. With on-time performance plummeting to 19.7%, aviation authorities have intervened as the airline warns disruptions may continue for several more days while they implement remedial measures.
Drama Teacher in Odisha Arrested After Sexual Harassment Allegations by Minor Student
Dec 05, 2025 01:46 am CST
A guest faculty member at Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya in Bhubaneswar was arrested following allegations of sexually harassing a minor female student. The teacher was immediately dismissed from his position after complaints triggered student protests. Authorities are now considering blacklisting the instructor to prevent future employment at educational institutions.
Indian Government Addresses Maltreatment of 73-Year-Old Harjit Kaur During US Detention and Deportation
Dec 05, 2025 01:41 am CST
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed the Rajya Sabha that 73-year-old Indian citizen Harjit Kaur faced maltreatment while in US detention before being deported to India in September. The Indian government has strongly raised this issue with American authorities following her return after living in the US for three decades.
IndiGo CEO Admits Service Failures Amid Massive Flight Disruptions and Recovery Efforts
Dec 05, 2025 01:24 am CST
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers has acknowledged the airline's failure to meet customer service standards as it faces over 550 flight cancellations in a single day. In a letter to employees, Elbers explained how multiple factors including revised flight duty regulations, weather conditions, and technical issues created a cascading effect on operations. While expressing confidence in eventual recovery, he admitted normalizing the airline's extensive network presents significant challenges despite ongoing efforts to restore punctuality.
Fatal Leopard Attack in Uttarakhand Leads to School Closures and Elimination Order
Dec 05, 2025 01:08 am CST
A 45-year-old man was killed by a leopard in Uttarakhand's Pauri district, prompting authorities to close nearby schools for two days and authorize the elimination of the dangerous animal. The victim's family will receive Rs 10 lakh in government compensation as officials implement safety measures to protect local residents.
Two BRS Party Candidates Die By Suicide Ahead of Telangana Local Elections
Dec 05, 2025 01:07 am CST
Tragedy strikes Telangana as two individuals connected to the BRS Party's local election campaign died by suicide in separate incidents. Police in Nirmal and Nalgonda districts are investigating after the husband of a sarpanch candidate and a female ward-member candidate were found deceased at their respective residences, highlighting urgent mental health concerns amid political pressures.
Congress Seeks Greater Role in Tamil Nadu Politics: Demands Seat Sharing Agreement with DMK by December 15
Dec 05, 2025 12:52 am CST
The Congress party has strengthened its position in negotiations with DMK in Tamil Nadu, requesting representation in all 38 districts and a share in governmental power if the alliance wins the upcoming elections. Despite poor results in Bihar, Congress insists its support remains crucial for DMK's success and has urged completion of all negotiations, including seat allocation, by December 15, avoiding last-minute arrangements that have occurred previously.
Finance Minister Sitharaman Introduces Health Security Cess Bill to Strengthen National Security and Public Health Funding
Dec 05, 2025 12:51 am CST
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has introduced the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill in the Lok Sabha, proposing a production-based cess on items like paan masala to create dedicated funding for health and national security priorities. The bill establishes cess rates ranging from Rs 1.01-25.47 crore per machine monthly and includes comprehensive enforcement mechanisms for compliance.