Assam's Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre released 35 critically endangered vultures, 30 White-rumped and 5 Slender-billed into Kaziranga National Park Monday under Bishwanath Wildlife Division. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called them "guardians of our health," comparing them to Ramayana's Jatayu, marking the 6th edition release. Both species are IUCN Red List Critically Endangered and Schedule I protected, having suffered 97% population crashes in two decades from diclofenac poisoning, the fastest bird decline recorded. Assam remains India's last slender-billed vulture stronghold. The VCBC-Rani, a joint Assam Forest Department-BNHS initiative, has bred 800+ vultures nationwide over 15 years. Additional releases planned for early 2026 in Kamrup and Biswanath districts.(PC: HT)

Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu ordered a 10% curtailment of IndiGo flights Tuesday amid nationwide disruptions caused by crew roster mismanagement and inadequate communication. IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers was summoned, confirming 100% refunds completed for flights affected until December 6. Over 400 flights were cancelled nationwide Tuesday, Delhi's IGI Airport reported 152 cancellations, Bengaluru 121, Chennai 41, Hyderabad 58, Mumbai 31, Ahmedabad 16, and Patna 9. The minister emphasized IndiGo must comply with all directives, including fare capping and passenger convenience measures. Elbers stated operations have stabilized, with lakhs receiving refunds daily and most delayed baggage delivered, promising continued customer support.

Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan said the 50% US tariffs on India were not about Russian oil, but India countering Trump’s claim of brokering the May ceasefire with Pakistan. Speaking at the University of Zurich, he added that Pakistan “played it right” and faced only 19% tariffs. Rajan said the tension was driven by Trump’s personality and India’s response to his claims. He clarified that he did not know all details but hoped “sanity prevails” in India-US relations. The tariffs followed a series of personal attacks by Trump’s aides and escalated trade tensions.

The government has directed IndiGo to reduce its daily flights by 10% following massive cancellations affecting over 2,000 flights in recent days. With around 2,200 flights daily, this cut will mean over 200 cancellations. The move aims to stabilize operations and reduce further disruption. IndiGo confirmed it will continue serving all destinations and complete refunds and baggage handovers promptly. The airline’s CEO, Pieter Elbers, met the Civil Aviation Ministry to update officials. The DGCA has issued showcause notices and is investigating. The ministry emphasized compliance with fare caps and passenger convenience measures. (PC: NDTV)

The Centre has issued a strong warning to IndiGo after days of flight chaos left thousands of passengers stranded. Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu told Parliament that “no airline, however large, will be allowed to cause hardship to passengers,” stressing that safety rules cannot be ignored. IndiGo’s cancellations began after new pilot rest rules came into force. The DGCA has cut IndiGo’s winter schedule by 5% and sent showcause notices to its top leaders. The minister said refunds and passenger support are being monitored. He added that the government will push more competition to improve safety and service. (PC: NDTV)

IndiGo cancelled nearly 500 flights on Tuesday, with Delhi and Bengaluru the worst affected. In response, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) directed the airline to reduce 5% of its winter schedule. Other affected cities include Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad. The MoCA deployed 10 officials to monitor airport operations and will hold a review meeting with airline executives, including IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers. The DGCA is also examining the disruptions. IndiGo said it has returned over 4,500 misplaced bags, arranged thousands of hotel rooms and transport for stranded passengers, and is working to restore full operations. (PC: India Today)

Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant has ordered the demolition of the Romeo Lane beach shack in Vagator. The shack is owned by Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, who also run the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora. A fire at the nightclub on Saturday night killed 25 people, including staff and tourists. Police said the Luthra brothers left for Phuket early Sunday morning. A lookout notice is active, and Indian agencies are working with Thai officials to track them. Five people linked to the club’s operations have been arrested as the investigation continues. (PC: HT)

India’s aviation regulator has ordered IndiGo to cut its flight schedule by 5% after days of major disruptions. The move will reduce about 115 daily flights, mainly on busy routes. IndiGo must submit a new schedule by Wednesday. The airline faced thousands of delays and cancellations due to crew shortages caused by new pilot rest rules that began on November 1. IndiGo admitted it misjudged how many pilots it needed. The DGCA has started an inquiry and issued notices to IndiGo’s top leaders. Temporary relaxations have been given till February 10 to help IndiGo stabilise its operations. (PC: X)

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, once known for their fast-growing cafes and clubs, are now fugitives after a fire at their Goa nightclub killed 25 people. The brothers built a large hospitality brand over nine years, starting with their first outlet in Delhi in 2016. Their success collapsed when a blaze at “Birch By Romeo Lane” exposed major safety violations, including flammable decor and missing fire equipment. A narrow exit and delayed rescue made the situation worse. Hours after the incident, the brothers left India for Thailand. Police have filed a case, and a hunt is underway to bring them back. (PC: NDTV)

IndiGo said it is “profusely apologetic” and “deeply regrets” the widespread flight cancellation chaos that has stranded hundreds of thousands of passengers across India. The airline told DGCA the disruptions were caused by a “combination” of factors — including technical glitches, winter-schedule changes, weather, heavier air-traffic congestion, and the newly enforced crew rostering rules under Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms. While over 2,000 flights were cancelled last week, IndiGo says it’s now gradually restoring operations and working to compensate affected travellers. (PC: News 18)