The Ministry of Civil Aviation has stepped in amid rising concerns over steep airfares charged during the ongoing operational disruption triggered by IndiGo’s mass flight cancellations. Citing reports of opportunistic pricing by some airlines, the ministry has invoked its regulatory powers to impose temporary fare caps across affected routes.
In a directive issued to all carriers, the government has mandated strict compliance with the capped pricing structure, which will remain in force until operations stabilise. Officials said the move is intended to prevent exploitation of passengers — particularly senior citizens, students and medical travellers — who are often forced to book urgent flights at inflated rates.
The ministry will continuously monitor airfares through real-time data and coordination with airlines and online travel platforms. Any deviation from the prescribed limits will attract immediate punitive action, the statement said.
The intervention comes at a time when India’s aviation sector is witnessing large-scale disruptions, leaving thousands scrambling for alternative travel options and raising concerns over consumer protection in crisis situations.
Ayodhya Mosque Project May Roll Out by April 2026, But Land and Funding Hurdles Persist: IICF Chief 4
Thirty-three years after the Babri Masjid was demolished in Ayodhya, the long-delayed mosque project at Dhannipur may finally begin around April 2026, the head of the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation (IICF) said on Thursday—provided the Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) approves the revised layout plan expected to be submitted by the end of December.
Zufar Faruqi, chairman of the IICF, told PTI that although a tentative timeline is emerging, significant uncertainties still surround the project more than five years after the Supreme Court allotted five acres of land for the mosque.
The trust’s first proposed design was rejected by the ADA and later abandoned after widespread community criticism of its modern architectural style. A new, more traditional layout is nearly ready, Faruqi said.
However, he acknowledged the project faces an acute land shortage. Although five acres were allotted at Dhannipur, technical constraints have left the trust with only about four usable acres. As a result, Faruqi hinted for the first time that the mosque complex—which includes plans for a 500-bed hospital, community kitchen and educational facilities—may have to be built in phases at multiple locations if additional land cannot be acquired.
He rejected suggestions that the Dhannipur site’s distance from Ayodhya city was a factor behind potential changes, questioning the motives of those raising objections.
The mosque project has also been slowed by delays in obtaining clearances and a lack of donor enthusiasm. While construction of the Ram temple has been completed, the mosque trust has raised barely ₹3 crore against an estimated requirement of ₹65 crore for the mosque and related facilities.
The IICF hopes to begin fundraising overseas once it receives Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) clearance from the Centre—a decision it expects by year-end or early 2026. Faruqi said donations from within India’s Muslim community have been limited and door-to-door fundraising is difficult without adequate resources.
Political statements have added to the spotlight on the project, including a controversial claim by a suspended Trinamool MP about building a “Babri masjid-style” structure in Murshidabad and a recent remark by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh suggesting Jawaharlal Nehru once supported government-funded reconstruction of the Babri mosque.
Despite the noise, the IICF maintains that it is waiting only for key approvals before it can set a formal construction timeline for the Dhannipur mosque.
PM Modi Pays Tribute to Dr B.R. Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas: ‘His Ideals Guide India Towards Viksit Bharat’ 6
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas, honouring his lasting contributions to justice, equality and India’s constitutional framework.
Modi said Ambedkar’s visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to human dignity continue to guide the nation’s progress. In a message on X, he wrote: “Remembering Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to justice, equality and constitutionalism continue to guide our national journey. He inspired generations to uphold human dignity and strengthen democratic values. May his ideals keep lighting our path as we work towards building a Viksit Bharat.”
Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, was a pioneering jurist, reformer and champion of the marginalised. His lifelong fight against caste discrimination and advocacy for Dalit rights reshaped India’s socio-political landscape.
Ambedkar passed away on December 6, 1956, and was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990. His birth anniversary, celebrated annually on April 14 as Ambedkar Jayanti, continues to inspire millions across the nation.
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25%, Making Home, Auto and Business Loans Cheaper 8
In a significant boost for borrowers, the Reserve Bank of India on Friday cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25 per cent, making housing, auto and commercial loans cheaper.
Announcing the fifth bi-monthly monetary policy, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously agreed to reduce the short-term lending rate while maintaining a neutral stance. The move comes despite concerns over the rupee’s sharp depreciation, which crossed 90 against the US dollar earlier this week.
The rate cut follows three consecutive months of CPI-based retail inflation staying below the government’s mandated lower band of 2 per cent. India’s retail inflation hit a historic low of 0.25 per cent in October 2025 — the lowest since the CPI series began. At the same time, GDP growth surged to a six-quarter high of 8.2 per cent in Q2, strengthening the case for monetary easing.
Although the weakening rupee has made imports more expensive and raised fears of inflationary pressures, the RBI has revised its full-year growth projection upward to 7.3 per cent from the earlier estimate of 6.8 per cent.
This is the fourth rate cut of the year, following reductions of 25 bps each in February and April and a 50 bps cut in June as inflation continued to soften. Retail inflation has remained below 4 per cent since February, helped by easing food prices and a favourable base effect.
The central bank continues to be guided by its mandate of keeping inflation at 4 per cent with a tolerance band of ±2 per cent, even as it attempts to support the economy amid global uncertainty.
SEBI Orders Impounding of ₹601 Crore from Avadhut Sathe for Alleged Unregistered Investment Advisory 10
SEBI has passed an ex-parte interim order-cum-show cause notice against Avadhut Sathe Trading Academy Pvt. Ltd. (ASTAPL), its founder Avadhut Dinkar Sathe and director Gouri Avadhut Sathe, alleging that the academy carried out large-scale unregistered investment advisory and research analyst activities while marketing its services as stock market education.
The 125-page order, issued by Whole Time Member Kamlesh C. Varshney after a detailed FY24 investigation and an August 2025 search-and-seizure operation, states that despite a prior warning issued in March 2024, the academy continued publishing misleading promotional content showcasing only profitable trades. Several participants alleged that the courses promised extraordinary returns but instead led to heavy losses, and that live market sessions involved direct stock recommendations.
SEBI’s review of video evidence revealed that specific stock tips, targets, stop-loss levels and directional calls were routinely shared, with Sathe also displaying his own MTM positions. Participants were seen confirming that they executed trades based on his suggestions. Private WhatsApp groups for mentorship batches—charging up to ₹6.75 lakh—were allegedly used to circulate trade advice, option strategies and index forecasts, amounting to unregistered advisory activity.
Citing prima facie violations of the SEBI Act, Investment Advisers Regulations, Research Analysts Regulations and PFUTP norms, the regulator has barred ASTAPL, Avadhut Sathe and Gouri Sathe from accessing the securities market, except for liquidating existing holdings. They are prohibited from offering advisory or research services, conducting any stock-specific training, or issuing trade-related communication across platforms.
SEBI has ordered impounding of ₹5,46,16,65,367—identified as prima facie unlawful gains—and directed that the amount be placed in fixed deposits within 15 days, with a lien in favour of SEBI. Banks have been told to block debit transactions from the noticees’ accounts except transfers into these deposits. The parties must also furnish details of all bank accounts, assets, liabilities, fee collections and client lists within 15 days.
The regulator has further proposed joint and several disgorgement and monetary penalties totalling ₹601 crore plus interest. The noticees have 21 days to respond. The interim restrictions will remain in force until SEBI concludes its proceedings and issues a final order.
PM Modi Gifts Russian Edition of Bhagavad Gita to President Putin During Delhi Visit 12
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said he gifted a Russian-language edition of the Bhagavad Gita to President Vladimir Putin during the latter’s ongoing two-day visit to New Delhi.
“Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world,” Modi wrote in a post on X.
The prime minister hosted a private dinner for the Russian leader at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence as part of the engagements ahead of the 23rd India–Russia summit.
'IndiGo Chaos Is the Cost of Govt's Monopoly Model': Rahul Gandhi Slams Centre Over Flight Disruptions 14
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday blamed the massive IndiGo flight disruptions on what he called the government’s “monopoly model,” alleging that ordinary citizens are being forced to pay the price for flawed policies that reduce competition.
As IndiGo cancelled more than 550 flights on Thursday and over 400 on Friday—throwing travel plans into disarray—Gandhi said the episode exposed the consequences of allowing dominant players to operate without real competition.
“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 the Opposition wrote on X, adding that India needs “fair competition in every sector, not match-fixing monopolies.”
IndiGo has informed aviation regulator DGCA that its operations are unlikely to stabilise before February 10, 2026. The airline sought temporary relaxations in flight duty rules as it struggles with the second phase of the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), admitting to “misjudgment and planning gaps.”
The carrier warned of further cancellations until December 8, followed by a reduction in services thereafter.
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu convened a high-level review meeting and expressed displeasure over IndiGo’s handling of the new FDTL norms despite having ample preparation time.
Putin Lands in Delhi for 2-Day Visit as India, Russia Set Stage for High-Stakes Summit 16
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening the nearly eight-decade-old India–Russia partnership, even as global geopolitics undergoes sharp realignments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hosting a private dinner for the Russian leader tonight ahead of the 23rd India–Russia summit on Friday. Defence cooperation, safeguarding bilateral trade from external pressures, and discussions on collaboration in small modular nuclear reactors are expected to dominate the talks—closely watched by Western capitals.
Putin’s 27-hour visit carries added significance amid the current strain in India–US ties. Both sides are expected to sign a series of agreements on Friday, particularly in trade and strategic cooperation.
On Friday morning, Putin will receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan before holding summit talks with Modi at Hyderabad House, where the prime minister will also host a working lunch.
The Russian president will visit Rajghat earlier in the day and is scheduled to launch the new India channel of the Russian state-run broadcaster after the summit. President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet in his honour later in the evening.
Putin is expected to depart from New Delhi around 9 pm on Friday.
Delhi Air Quality Slips Back to ‘Very Poor’; IMD Warns of Cold Wave from December 5 18
Delhi’s air quality deteriorated again on Thursday, sliding back into the “very poor” category after a brief morning improvement. The city’s 24-hour average AQI rose to 304 by evening, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Earlier in the day, Delhi had shown slight relief with an AQI of 299—just within the “poor” bracket—before pollution levels climbed once more by late afternoon. Data from CPCB’s SAMEER app showed that 27 of the 40 monitoring stations recorded “very poor” air quality, with Nehru Nagar posting the highest reading at 362.
Over the past week, the capital has witnessed dramatic fluctuations in pollution levels: an AQI of 279 on November 30, climbing to 304 on December 1, then spiking to 372 on December 2, slipping to 342 on December 3, before Thursday’s brief dip and renewed decline.
The Air Quality Early Warning System forecasts that the city will remain in the “very poor” category over the coming days. Transport emissions accounted for the largest share of local pollution on Thursday at 13.7%, with the Decision Support System projecting the sector’s contribution to rise to 15% on Friday.
Neighbouring NCR areas also featured in the pollution mix, with Jhajjar contributing 11.8%, Rohtak 4.3%, Sonipat 3.4% and Gurgaon 1.2%.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a possible cold wave in Delhi starting December 5, which could further compound pollution levels due to slower dispersion of pollutants.
Kohli, Gaikwad Hundreds Not Enough as South Africa Pull Off Stunning 359 Chase to Level ODI Series 20
Centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad went in vain as South Africa pulled off a remarkable run chase, beating India by four wickets in the second ODI on Wednesday to level the three-match series.
Tasked with overhauling a daunting 359, the visitors rode on skipper Aiden Markram’s sublime 110, Dewald Brevis’ explosive 54 off 34 balls and Matthew Breetzke’s composed 68 to cross the finish line with four balls to spare. Corbin Bosch (29* off 15) and Keshav Maharaj (10* off 14) held their nerve in the final overs to seal the victory.
Heavy dew hampered India’s spinners, while erratic bowling from Prasidh Krishna (2/79) added to the hosts’ woes. Although Prasidh and Arshdeep Singh (2/54) struck late to dismiss Breetzke and Marco Jansen, the Proteas’ lower order kept calm to complete the chase — only the second time India have lost an ODI after scoring 350-plus.
Markram led from the front, counterattacking on a flat pitch and dominating a 101-run second-wicket stand with Temba Bavuma (46). He capitalised on a dropped catch at long-on when Yashasvi Jaiswal misjudged a powerful hit off Kuldeep Yadav, allowing the South African captain to extend his charge before falling to Harshit Rana (1/70).
Brevis then unleashed a flurry of sixes, and alongside Breetzke, added 92 runs off just 64 deliveries to put South Africa in full control.
Earlier, Kohli (102 off 93) struck his 53rd ODI hundred and Gaikwad (105 off 83) registered his maiden ton, stitching a record 195-run stand for India’s third wicket against South Africa. KL Rahul’s brisk 66* off 43 powered India to 358/5, giving the hosts what looked like a winning total.
But South Africa’s fearless batting under lights ensured the series heads to a decider in Visakhapatnam on Saturday.
