India’s aviation regulator, DGCA, has asked IndiGo to explain its sharp drop in performance after the airline cancelled 1,232 flights in November. The scrutiny comes on a day when 85 more flights were cancelled across Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad due to crew shortages, technical issues and airport congestion. Passengers shared angry posts on social media, complaining of long delays, lack of updates and chaotic scenes at airports. Several travellers said they were stranded for hours without clarity. The DGCA is now examining the reasons behind the cancellations and delays as IndiGo faces growing pressure to fix operations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India on December 4–5 for a state visit, his first since the Ukraine conflict. India and Russia are expected to sign agreements on trade, health, agriculture, media, and cultural exchange. The visit marks the 25th year of their strategic partnership and includes a ceremonial welcome, a bilateral summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a business forum address, and a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. Defence talks will also cover advanced BrahMos missile variants and S-400 air-defence systems. Trade deficit issues and energy cooperation are likely to be discussed. (PC: India Today)

IndiGo apologised for widespread flight disruptions across India that affected thousands of passengers. At least 150 flights were cancelled or delayed at major airports, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. The airline said technical glitches, winter schedule changes, weather, congestion, and new crew duty rules caused the disruptions. IndiGo has begun “calibrated adjustments” to its schedules, which will continue for 48 hours to restore normal operations. Passengers are being offered alternate travel or refunds. The airline asked travellers to check flight status online before heading to airports. Other carriers, including Air India, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet, also faced delays. (PC: HT)

Israel says it will reopen the Rafah crossing with Egypt in the coming days to let Palestinians leave Gaza. The move will follow security checks by Israel and coordination with Egypt, with EU monitors supervising the process. Israel says this supports the current ceasefire with Hamas. But Egypt denies any deal, saying the crossing would only open both ways under President Trump’s peace plan. The Rafah crossing has been mostly shut since May 2024. Thousands of sick and injured Palestinians still wait to leave Gaza for treatment. Talks continue as delays remain linked to the return of hostage bodies. (PC: BBC)

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh is facing a legal complaint filed at Bengaluru’s High Grounds Police Station after mimicking a scene from Kantara: Chapter 1 during the closing event of International Film Festival of India. The complainant, advocate Prashanth Metal, alleges Singh described the “Ullalthi Daiva” as a “demon” and a “female ghost,” thereby hurting the religious sentiments of the Tulu-speaking community in Karnataka. Under Sections 299, 302 and 196 of the Bharat Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 the case has been registered. Meanwhile, Singh posted an apology on Instagram, stating his intent was to praise the film’s lead, leaving many on social media with divided reactions. (PC: India Today)

The Lok Sabha has passed the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, enabling the government to levy central excise duties on tobacco and similar “sin goods” such as pan masala, ahead of the scheduled phase-out of the GST compensation cess. Under the new framework duties on such items will range broadly and specific taxes on cigarettes will depend on attributes like length and filter use. The move is designed to maintain high taxation on harmful goods, protect public health and preserve fiscal revenues once the existing cess ends. (PC: PTI)

India has deployed a five-layer security ring for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to Delhi. The plan includes Russian Presidential Security officers, NSG commandos, Delhi Police, snipers, drones, jammers and AI-based monitoring. Over 40 Russian security personnel arrived earlier to inspect and secure all routes. A control room will track Putin’s movement in real time, and facial recognition cameras will be active across key locations. Putin will attend the India-Russia Annual Summit, visit Raj Ghat, and dine with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His armoured Aurus Senat limousine has also been flown in for the visit. (PC: NDTV)

Virat Kohli scored his second straight century as India faced South Africa in the Raipur ODI on Wednesday. The 37-year-old reached his 53rd ODI hundred off 90 balls, showing calm control and sharp timing. This was his 11th instance of back-to-back ODI centuries, the most by any player. Kohli now has seven ODI hundreds against South Africa and 84 international centuries overall. He started his innings with a pull for six off Lungi Ngidi and kept rotating strike with ease. Kohli was finally out for 102. Ruturaj Gaikwad also scored a fine hundred earlier in the match. (PC: BCCI)

IndiGo cancelled 38 flights from Delhi between Tuesday midnight and Wednesday evening due to crew shortage and technical issues. The airline also scrapped more than 70 flights across India, including 42 from Bengaluru and 32 from Mumbai. Officials said the new Flight Duty Time Limitations, introduced on November 1, reduced crew availability. Passengers faced long delays and confusion at major airports. IndiGo said its system was hit by minor tech glitches, winter schedule changes, bad weather, and congestion. The airline is adjusting schedules for the next 48 hours and offering refunds or alternate travel options. (PC: HT)

In a disturbing case in Panipat, Haryana, a woman has been arrested for the alleged drowning of four children — three girls and her own son — driven by jealousy over their appearance. Investigations revealed each child was submerged in shallow water tubs or tanks, one only about a foot deep — challenging claims of accidental death. Police say she killed the children she believed to be “more beautiful than her” and celebrated after the acts, before finally being questioned and confessing within 36 hours. (PC: India Today)