Rahul Gandhi's trip abroad occurred amid protests in New Delhi concerning CEC Gyanesh Kumar and electoral rolls.
The flydubai near-tragedy showed how the gratuitous conflicts their governments started in West Asia have made the world unsafe for them (and unfortunate co-passengers of other nationalities), points out Kanika Datta.
'The smartphone had become my boarding pass, my digital ID, my train ticket repository, my taxi booking tool and my payment instrument,' says Brijesh Haldia
A woman caught travelling ticketless at Kandivali station on Friday caused a ruckus when she tried to flee without paying a fine. The incident escalated into a confrontation involving a railway official, a fall, and a mob demanding an apology, requiring police intervention.
IndiGo, India's largest airline, has recently increased charges for several ancillary services, including infant travel and unaccompanied minors, citing rising operational costs and higher fuel prices. Domestic infant travel charges have risen to Rs 3,000, while unaccompanied minor services are now Rs 5,999 for domestic and Rs 12,999 for international flights.
'One important clarification is that the reported US action is not a blanket cancellation of all US tourist visas.'
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced that the government will not impose a cap on airfares during the upcoming festive season. Instead, airlines will be advised to maintain reasonable prices, considering the rising operating costs primarily due to increased Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices, exacerbated by the West Asia crisis.
NPCI International and Uzbekistan's NIPC have partnered to enable UPI payments across Uzbekistan, allowing Indian tourists, business travellers, and students to make instant merchant payments using the UZQR code. This agreement, approved by RBI and CBU, integrates UPI with Uzbekistan's national payment system, HUMO, facilitating direct P2M payments from Indian bank accounts and reducing reliance on foreign exchange or international cards.
India has issued a fresh advisory for its nationals, particularly Umrah pilgrims, in Saudi Arabia due to ongoing flight cancellations and regional tensions. The Indian Consulate in Jeddah is providing assistance, coordinating with Saudi authorities, and helping facilitate the early return of affected individuals amidst disruptions caused by drone and missile attacks.
'People have been facing significant difficulties due to skyrocketing airfares, and road transportation was inaccessible until now.'
India has clarified its policy regarding participation in the 2027 South Asian Federation (SAF) Games in Pakistan, stating decisions will align with national sports policies and international governing bodies. While bilateral sporting engagements with Pakistan remain suspended, Indian athletes are permitted to compete in multilateral events. The government also aims to simplify visa processes to position India as a global sports hosting destination.
A Delhi court has extended the permission for US national Matthew Aaron VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals to remain outside India until February 24 next year in a Myanmar arms training case. The NIA sought more time for investigation, while VanDyke, who appeared in person, questioned the case's continuation and cited financial difficulties.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has denied its over-50s team permission to participate in the International Masters Cricket World Cup in India next January, citing government refusal. This follows a similar decision by the Pakistan Hockey Federation, highlighting ongoing strained relations between the two nations.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly offered prayers on Maha Ashtami and expressed profound sadness over the tragic stampede at a Kolkata Durga Puja pandal, urging devotees to exercise extreme caution amidst large crowds.
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officers seized over 9 kg of methamphetamine in Bhopal and arrested one person. The seizure occurred after intercepting a bus passenger travelling from Delhi to Bengaluru.
India has issued a new advisory for its citizens in Saudi Arabia, urging them to follow local instructions, stay indoors during aerial attacks, and be aware of ongoing flight disruptions. The advisory follows an October 10 attack on Riyadh airport that injured several Indians, with some still hospitalised. Major Indian airlines have cancelled flights to Saudi cities until late October, impacting travellers and Umrah pilgrims.
Actor Dhanush has reorganised his fan club into a welfare movement, 'Dhanush Narpani Iyakkam', sparking widespread speculation in Tamil Nadu about his potential entry into politics, despite the actor not officially announcing any such ambitions.
Ahmedabad Customs officials arrested a passenger arriving from Vietnam and an individual waiting to receive him at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Sunday for allegedly carrying and coordinating a consignment of marijuana. Seven vacuum-sealed packets containing approximately 2.117 kg of suspected marijuana were recovered from the passenger's baggage.
A 17-year-old Class 11 student, Naitik, was shot dead by two bike-borne persons in Chandigarh on Thursday evening. Police suspect the incident is a fallout of a recent brawl between two groups of juveniles, with some suspects already detained for questioning.
European security agencies are on high alert following jihadist calls for suicide bombings and vehicle attacks against police and demonstrators during widespread economic protests across Europe. Messages linked to the Islamic State urged extremists to exploit crowded demonstrations in countries like France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. India has also issued advisories for its nationals in affected European nations, urging vigilance.
New Zealand has announced several squad changes for the ongoing T20I series against India, with key pacers Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry managing niggles and workload. The adjustments aim to balance player fitness with a busy summer schedule, bringing in new players like Blair Tickner and Josh Clarkson while others like Kyle Jamieson will play domestic cricket before rejoining the national team.
Very heavy rains in Nilgiris district on Saturday caused multiple mudslides, leading to the death of a bus driver whose vehicle was buried. Over 100 students from Kerala narrowly escaped a similar fate. The incident disrupted traffic and prompted authorities to close tourist spots and advise against travel.
Delhi Police have arrested two women from Uttar Pradesh, Radha and Babita, suspected of transporting firearms used in the attack on Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff's car in Mumbai. The arrests, made at New Delhi Railway Station, are part of a larger investigation into the firing, which Mumbai Police attributes to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Families of the arrested women claim their innocence.
India is set to host New Zealand's U-20 rugby teams for a historic series starting October 23 in Rajgir. This event celebrates a century of sporting ties and marks the first time New Zealand's U-20 rugby teams have visited India for such a series. The series will include joint training sessions and cultural exchanges.
A Delhi court has rescinded a Look-Out Circular (LOC) against Akash Gupta, an accused in a Rs 247-crore Punjab National Bank fraud case, stating that the seriousness of an allegation cannot be the sole reason for its continued operation. The court noted Gupta's cooperation and previous adherence to travel conditions.
IndiGo and Air India Group will progressively shift flights from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to the newly built Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) starting from December. This phased transition, expected to complete by the 2027 summer aviation season, aims to ease capacity constraints at CSMIA, facilitate its Terminal 1 redevelopment, and establish a dual-airport system for Mumbai, enhancing connectivity and future growth.
Making several announcements in the assembly, Vijay, fulfilling TVK's key electoral assurances, announced three free cooking gas cylinders and also declared that the Parandur greenfield airport project will be shelved.
US missions across West Asia have issued a security alert advising American nationals to "exercise heightened vigilance" due to Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and the potential for Iran and its allies to target US interests. The advisory warns of potential travel disruptions and escalating hostilities, linking the Houthi actions to Iran's regional network and the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
Mumbai Police are transporting three individuals from Kota, including a juvenile, who were apprehended in connection with the firing incident at actor Tiger Shroff's car. One of the accused is allegedly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which claimed responsibility for the attack that occurred on Sunday evening in Juhu.
Former Rajya Sabha member Saket Gokhale has alleged that the Election Commission refused to disclose details of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's official visits and the expenditure incurred from public funds, citing 'personal information' under the Right to Information Act.
A West Bengal native, Jownal Abeed, was arrested on Sunday in Angamaly, Kerala, after police seized eight kg of ganja from his possession. The contraband was reportedly procured from Odisha, transported via Bengaluru, and intended for sale in the Perumbavoor area of Ernakulam district.
Refusing to travel to India citing "sensitive bilateral situation", Pakistan on Wednesday asked the Asian Hockey Federation to shift its Asian Champions Trophy matches to a neutral venue.
The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has sent an athlete back from the Asian Para Games in Japan due to alleged misconduct. The athlete faces severe disciplinary action, including a potential lifetime ban, after the Games conclude. The PCI reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and emphasised its commitment to discipline and integrity.
Delhi-based travel influencer Jatin Pratap Singh posted a cryptic picture with a caption hinting that he may be a potential wild card contestant for Bigg Boss 20.
A 26-year-old Bangladeshi national, Mohammed Suman Miyan, was arrested at Sahibganj railway station in Jharkhand for illegally entering India. He was apprehended while travelling on the Brahmaputra Mail, and a Bangladeshi ID, mobile phones, and multiple currencies were recovered. Preliminary investigations suggest he entered India around July this year and travelled to Srinagar before heading to Guwahati. Authorities are investigating his travel route, identity, and purpose of travel.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, urges Indian nationals to avoid large gatherings and crowded places where protests are occurring and to follow local authorities' instructions.
Kochi police have arrested Abdul Hai Molla and seized over 30 kg of ganja, valued at approximately Rs 50 lakh, as part of the anti-narcotics drive Operation Toofan. Molla, from West Bengal, is suspected of transporting the ganja from Odisha to Kerala for wholesale distribution.
Naomi Osaka admits she has contemplated retirement as motherhood shapes her priorities, but the four-time Grand Slam champion believes she is close to rediscovering her title-winning form.
Australian umpire Ben Treloar will officiate in two Ranji Trophy matches in India, while India's Parashar Joshi will travel to Australia to stand in two Sheffield Shield matches and one One Day Cup fixture as part of an exchange programme between Cricket Australia and the BCCI.
Indian pacer Renuka Singh Thakur has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match women's ODI series against Zimbabwe due to fitness concerns, with uncapped Jintimani Kalita named as her replacement. Renuka is currently focusing on building bowling volume at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
