Chaos as IndiGo cancels 170+ flights across India
IndiGo on Nov 4 cancelled over 170 flights nationwide amid a crew shortage, causing major chaos at airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, reported NDTV.
Passengers reported being stranded for over 12 hours. The airline blamed new duty time regulations, winter congestion, and technology issues.
Operations remain disrupted as IndiGo adjusts schedules to restore normalcy over the next 48 hours.
Government withdraws cybersecurity app order
The Government has revoked its directive requiring smartphone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app, following backlash from privacy advocates and political opposition, reported Reuters.
Companies like Apple and Samsung had reportedly resisted the order.
Amid mounting criticism, the government clarified that installation would no longer be mandatory, easing fears of increased digital surveillance ahead of upcoming national elections.
Q3 GDP grows 8.2%, exceeds forecasts
India’s economy grew 8.2 per cent in the July-September quarter, outpacing estimates and marking its fastest growth in 18 months.
Strong consumer demand and pre-festival manufacturing drove the surge. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the data as proof of successful reforms.
The government now expects full-year growth to exceed 7 per cent, despite global uncertainties and recent United States tariff pressures.
Rupee hits record low, may slide further
The Indian rupee fell past Rs90 (S$1.29) per dollar for the first time, driven by foreign investment outflows and stalled United States trade talks.
Despite strong domestic growth, the rupee is Asia’s worst-performing currency in 2024. Economists warn of further decline unless tariffs ease.
ANZ Bank projects the rupee may touch Rs91.30 by late 2026.
Delhi logs 200,000+ respiratory cases amid toxic air
Delhi’s toxic air caused over 200,000 respiratory illness cases in government hospitals from 2022 to 2024, according to the central Health Ministry.
Over 30,000 people required hospitalisation. Officials said emergency visits surged during high pollution spikes.
Winter smog, triggered by crop burning, traffic, and factories, remains a severe annual health hazard in the capital.
Law passed to raise cigarette taxes
India’s Parliament has passed a new excise law that could raise cigarette prices significantly. The move aims to curb smoking, which remains a major public health concern, reported Reuters.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said affordability must be checked. The bill imposes value-based taxes of Rs2,700-Rs11,000 per 1,000 sticks, in addition to the existing 40 per cent GST.
Deported pregnant woman to be brought back from Bangladesh
The Central Government has told the Supreme Court that it will bring back Ms Sunali Khatun and her son, deported to Bangladesh despite their Indian citizenship claim, reported the Times of India.
The court urged the West Bengal government to provide medical care, noting Ms Sunali’s pregnancy. The case, seen as a humanitarian issue, is under further review with a hearing scheduled for Dec 12.
Kerala Congress MLA wanted in rape case
Suspended Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathil is now wanted in a rape case after a second woman accused him of assault, reported Mathrubhumi.
She emailed senior Congress leaders with her complaint, alleging coercion and abuse. The Congress distanced itself, urging legal action.
Mamkootathil remains absconding. A previous investigation stalled due to the complainant’s initial silence.
BJP fields ‘Sonia Gandhi’ in Kerala panchayat poll
In a curious twist, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded a candidate named Sonia Gandhi in Kerala’s Munnar panchayat polls, reported India Today.
Not the Congress leader, but a 34-year-old local woman, once named in admiration of the Congress chief.
She married a BJP leader and switched allegiances. Her opponents include candidates from Congress and CPI(M), sparking local buzz.
Air India under probe for flying plane without safety certificate
India’s aviation regulator is investigating Air India for operating an Airbus A320 aircraft eight times without a valid airworthiness certificate, reported Reuters.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has grounded the jet and suspended involved personnel. The airline admitted the lapse.
This comes amid scrutiny following a deadly Dreamliner crash and repeated warnings over safety protocols.
Adani Group plans US$15 billion airport expansion by 2030
The Adani Group will invest US$15 billion (S$19.4 billion) to boost its airport capacity to 200 million annual passengers by 2030, Bloomberg reported.
Upgrades include a new runway at Navi Mumbai Airport, which opens on Dec 25, and expansions at Lucknow, Guwahati, and Ahmedabad. The group currently operates eight airports across India.
Air India restores check-in after tech glitch
Air India resolved a check-in glitch caused by a third-party system failure that delayed flights on Dec 2.
The issue, which lasted about 45 minutes, disrupted services across several airports, reported NDTV.
The airline assured passengers that operations had returned to normal and its airport teams were working to ensure smooth processing and check-ins.
Rs1.17 crore VIP number plate bidder faces asset probe
Mr Sudhir Kumar, who bid Rs1.17 crore (S$170,000) for India’s costliest car number plate “HR88B8888” but failed to pay, now faces an asset investigation, reported NDTV.
Haryana’s transport minister ordered a probe into Mr Kumar’s finances, stating auctions aren’t “a hobby”. Mr Kumar’s Rs11,000 deposit was forfeited.
The number plate, which drew 45 bids, will be re-auctioned.
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27 Nov 2025 12:38
