Dense-fog situations News Highlights: Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport handles security situation after IndiGo flight diversion

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India has cut windfall tax on petroleum crude to 1,700 rupees ($20.53) a tonne from 2,300 rupees a tonne, according to a government notification on Monday. The cut will be effective from Jan. 16, the order said.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport said, passengers of Indigo 6E 2195 (Goa to Delhi), diverted due to unfavourable conditions, refused to get into the airline coach and proceed to the Terminal Building. They were kept under the strict watch of the airline authorities and security until further actions were taken.

India Coast Guard Ship Rani Abbakka during patrol in Palk Bay rescued a Giant Olive Ridley Turtle entangled in a ghost net. The rescued turtle was released to the sea. Olive Ridley Turtles are endangered species listed in Schedule- I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) today constituted the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal consisting of Delhi High Court Judge Justice Sachin Datta for the purpose of adjudicating whether there is sufficient cause for declaring the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) (MLJK-MA) as an unlawful association. On December 27 last year, the MHA had declared MLJK-MA as an unlawful association under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

EAM Jaishankar at the joint press conference with Iranian counterpart said, the increased threats to the safety of maritime and commercial traffic in this important part of the Indian Ocean (Red Sea and Arabian Sea) is of grave concern to international community.It also has a direct bearing on India's energy and economic interests. This broad situation is not to the benefit of any party, and this must be clearly recognised, he said.

EAM Jaishankar’s Iran visit LIVE Updates: Discussed India's involvement in the development and operation of the Chabahar port, says EAM S Jaishankar

EAM S Jaishankar reiterated India's interest in benefiting from Iran's unique geographical position to access markets in Central Asia, Afghanistan and Eurasia in talks with Iranian counterpart. They also discussed the prospects of energising the International North-South Transport Corridor. The talks especially focused on India and Iran’s joint effort in connectivity and development of Chabahar port

At joint press conference with Iranian counterpart, EAM S Jaishankar said, we exchanged perspectives on certain regional and global issues. Both of us are concerned about recent events in West Asia, which some call the Middle East, and we emphasized the importance of preventing further escalation of violence and hostilities, said Jaishankar. India has a longstanding and uncompromising position against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. On the Gaza issue, he said, there is a visible humanitarian crisis that needs to be addressed, and the creation of sustainable humanitarian corridors is the need of the day.

EAM S Jaishankar at the joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart in Tehran said, India and Iran are united by cultural, literary and linguistic ties which increases exchange of tourists and scholars. We discussed inclusion of educational ties in the meeting and Indian government has decided to include Farsi as one of the nine classical languages of India in our New Education Policy

DGCA issued SOPs stating airlines shall be required to publish accurate real-time information regarding delays of their flights, which shall be published on the respective website of the airline, through advance information to affected passengers by SMS/ WhatsApp and email, display of updated information regarding flight delays to passengers waiting at the airports and appropriate sensitization of the airline staff at the airports to suitably communicate with and continuously guide & inform the passengers about flight delays

Gidugu Rudra Raju says he has resigned as the president of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC).

Naval exercise between India and Thailand has been named as Ex-Ayutthaya to symbolize significance of two of the oldest cities Ayodhya in India and Ayutthaya in Thailand and historic legacies, rich cultural ties and shared historical narratives. The exercise was last conducted from 20 to 23 December 2023

In a special meeting, MCD passed proposal to vest power of Standing Committee to till the formation of a Standing Committee and de-sealing of local shopping centers.

PM Modi said he discussed various positive developments in our Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership and agreed to chalk out a roadmap for future initiatives with Russian President Putin on phone call. We also had a useful exchange of views on various regional and global issues, including Russia’s Presidency of the BRICS, he added.

PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed Ukraine over a phone call today, says Russian state media

Security forces deployed at the MCD house amid ruckus by BJP councillors; MCD proceedings underway

Dr. S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister, was received in Tehran today by Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. EAM is in Iran for two days.

- "Have told Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) to not increase their rates as exporters are facing higher costs due to the Red Sea issue," says Sunil Barthwal.

- He added, "Holding a meeting with concerned ministries on the issue on January 17."

- Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena moves Bombay HC against Maharashtra Speaker decision to not disqualify Uddhav Thackeray faction MLAs.

- FY24 overall exports (services+goods) should certainly be higher than last year's level, says Sunil Barthwal.

- "80 percent of Indian exports to Europe is via the Red Sea route. Even a large part of Indian exports to US goes through that route," he added.

- 14th round of negotiations for India, UK FTA began on January 10.

- Majority of chapters are either closed or at an advanced stage of talks, says Commerce Ministry.

- Commerce ministry on January 15 said, "Container availability not an issue as of now. But, combined impact of higher freight issues, insurance premiums and longer transit times could make imported goods significantly more expensive."

- Commerce ministry on January 15 said, "Sailing of most of the ships have been impacted and generally postponed by 2-3 weeks as incoming ships with longer routes are delayed"

- India's December 2023 trade deficit at $19.8 billion

- India December merchandise imports at $58.25 billion

- India December merchandise exports at $38.45 billion

- Addressing a briefing, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said that India is beating global trends in trade.

- "And we expect higher volumes of exports in the last quarter of the current fiscal," he added.

- He added, " We are monitoring the situation in Red Sea, it will have some negative impact. But the extent of the impact will need to be assessed and will we do that assessment soon."

- Jallikattu competition underway in Avaniyapuram, Madurai.

- 45 people, including two police personnel, got injured in the Avaniyapuram Jallikattu event and 9 people were referred to Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai for further treatment.

- Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra posted on X, ""The Murti sculpted on Krishna Shila, by renowned sculptor Arun Yogiraj, has been selected as Shri Vigraha of Bhagwan Shri Ramlalla Sarkar"

- The Reserve Bank of India on January 15 has released a draft circular on its review of the regulatory framework for housing finance companies and harmonisation of regulations that apply to them and non-bank finance companies.

- The central bank had, in October 2020, issued a revised regulatory framework for housing finance companies and said that it would harmonise the norms that apply to these companies with those for NBFCs in a phased manner.

- In its draft circular issued today, the RBI has proposed to make certain norms uniform for the two categories of entities. Specifically, these draft norms relate to deposit directions for deposit taking housing finance companies, their participation in various derivative products for hedging purposes, and diversification into other financial products, among others.

- The central bank has invited comments on the draft circular from stakeholders by February 29.

- Business worth Rs 1 lakh crore is expected to be generated with the consecration ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22, traders' body CAIT said.

- "This event not only resonates with religious sentiments but also brings a surge in economic activities. The faith and trust of people are leading to the creation of many new businesses based on the country's traditional economic system," Praveen Khandelwal, National Secretary General of CAIT, stated.

- A truck carrying LPG gas cylinders met with an accident near Paschim Vihar East Metro Station.

- "We got information that a truck carrying LPG gas cylinders met with an accident near Paschim Vihar East Metro Station. A team was soon sent to the spot and the traffic was diverted from there to avoid any kind of major situation," said a police officer.

- European auto major Volkswagen Group's car sales in India grew around 2 per cent year-on-year to 145,713 units in 2023, the company said.

- Domestic sales stood at 101,465 units, while 44,248 units were exported, it said in a statement.

- "Ram temple will be open for darshan for the general public from 23rd January," said Champat Rai, General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust.

- He further added, "The 'Pran Prathishtha' is expected to conclude by 1pm. PM and others present on the occasion will express their thoughts after the ceremony."

- "As per tradition, gifts in 1000 baskets have come from Nepal's Janakpur and areas of Mithila. On Jan 20 & 21 darshan will remain closed to public," he said.

- The Reserve Bank of India on January 15 released draft framework for recognising Self-Regulatory Organisations for fintech sector.

- The Indian central bank has invited comments and feedback from stakeholders and members of the public on the draft framework by end February 2024.

- One labourer died and seven others were injured when the slab of the second floor of an under construction mall collapsed late last night, police said.

- The labourers were buried under the debris of the collapsed slab post the incident, they said.

- Addressing a gathering on the second day of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Manipur, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, "The idea was to bring people of India together, and it was a very successful (Bharat Jodo) yatra where we walked thousands of kilometres."

- He added, "We wanted to do another (Bharat Jodo Nyay) yatra from east to west, and we decided that the most powerful thing would be to start the yatra from Manipur."

- The Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress have arrived at an understanding on contesting the Chandigarh mayoral polls in an alliance, as per news agency PTI.

- Under the arrangement, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will fight for the mayor's seat while the Congress will contest the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor, sources told PTI.

- Uddhav Thackerey on January 15 approached Supreme Court against Maharashtra speaker's 'Real Shiv Sena' decision.

- A passenger on an IndiGo flight was arrested after he assaulted a pilot when he was making an announcement regarding a delay in takeoff at the Delhi airport.

- A purported video of the incident, which took place Sunday, surfaced on social media and showed the passenger itting the pilot as he was making the announcement inside the aircraft, which was bound for Goa.

- The flight took off from Delhi at 6 pm after a delay of more than 10 hours, according to flight tracking website flightradar24.

- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, on his 1st day of two-day Iran visit met Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash.

- "Detailed and productive discussion on establishing a long-term cooperation framework with respect to Chabahar port. Also exchanged views on the International North-South Transport Corridor," he tweeted.

- Jaishankar's planned visit to Tehran comes against the backdrop of growing global concerns over Houthi militants targeting merchant vessels in the Red Sea amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

- BSP supremo Mayawati said she has received an invitation for the January 22 consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and is grateful for it, but a decision on attending it has not been taken yet because of certain party programmes.

- "I have received the invitation for the 'Pran Pratishtha' (consecration ceremony) programme to be held on January 22 in Ayodhya. I have not taken any decision yet on attending the programme because right now I am very busy with my party's programmes," Mayawati said.

- Kapurthala court in Punjab today granted bail to Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira in a criminal intimidation case.

- Kanwaljeet Singh, lawyer of Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira said, "Sukhpal Singh Khaira has been granted bail today. Efforts will be made to release him from jail today. He is lodged in Nabha jail..."

- The Congress stands with the people of Manipur and wants to make the state peaceful and harmonious again, former party chief Rahul Gandhi said as he interacted with the people on the second day of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

- Addressing the people from atop his bus in Senapati, Gandhi said the Congress did a yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and the idea was to bring people of India together.

- "We wanted to do another yatra from east to west and we decided that the most powerful thing would be to start the yatra from Manipur so that the people of India get a sense of what the people of Manipur have been through, the difficulty that they have been through, the struggles they have been through," Gandhi said.

- 45 people, including two police personnel, were injured in the Avaniapuram Jallikattu event in Tamil Nadu on January 15.

- 9 people were referred to Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai for further treatment.

- Ahead of the Ram temple consecration ceremony here, the movement of trains will be affected from January 16 to 22 due to doubling of tracks and electrification being done on top priority, a senior Railways official said.

- Ten trains, including Vande Bharat, have been cancelled while 35 trains, including Doon Express, will run on alternate routes. The run of 14 other trains will also be affected.

Unacceptable unruly behaviour amidst flight delays, says Scindia.

DGCA SOP for enhanced airline communication during adverse weather

Consumer Charges Cap: Charges are limited to 110% of long-term consumer rates.
Maximum Limit for State Transmission: Set maximum charges for state transmission utilities.
Tariff-Production Cost Link: Rules changed to align power tariff with production costs.
Grid Connection License Waiver: No requirement for a transmission line license for grid connection.
Power Generation License Eased: License conditions relaxed for power generation companies.

-Delhi experienced unprecedented fog, causing fluctuating visibility and temporary shutdowns, prioritizing passenger safety.

-Delhi Airport urged to expedite CAT III-enabled 4th runway approval, enhancing operational capacity during low visibility.

-DGCA to release Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for airlines, focusing on improved communication and passenger facilitation during adverse weather conditions.

-An earnest request to travelers for understanding during challenging weather; stakeholders striving to reduce inconvenience.

-Incidents of unruly behavior amidst challenges are deemed unacceptable, with strong action promised in line with existing legal provisions.

Israeli attacks persist, causing civilian casualties in Gaza; US intercepts Houthi missile; West Bank raids result in two Palestinian teens killed, dozens arrested. Gaza death toll reaches 24,100 since October 7.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the first installment to 1 lakh beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G) under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) via video conferencing. The PM-JANMAN initiative was launched on November 15, 2023, on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, aiming at the socio-economic welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). During the occasion, the Prime Minister also interacted with the beneficiaries of PM-JANMAN.

- 10 years of my government dedicated to the poor

- Country can develop only when benefits of govt schemes reach everyone: PM Modi in address to tribal beneficiaries of PM-JANMAN scheme

The Pacific nation of Nauru declares a switch from Taiwan to China in diplomatic ties, aligning with Beijing's ambitions. Nauru no longer recognizes Taiwan as a separate country but as part of China's territory, echoing Beijing's claim over Taiwan. The move raises concerns about regional geopolitics.

A Goa court extends the police custody of startup CEO Suchana Seth, currently under investigation for her son's murder, by an additional five days.

IndiGo reports an assault on its first officer during a flight delay announcement on January 14. The unruly passenger is now under local law enforcement. The airline is referring the incident to its internal committee, considering potential inclusion on the 'no-fly list' per regulatory guidelines.

Following US-led airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, Qatar suspends liquefied natural gas shipments through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, impacting vessels in the Red Sea and Mediterranean.

Anticipating 1 Lakh Crore economic surge; heightened demand for festive goods, devotional items, and cultural events nationwide, notably in Delhi, estimating over 20 Thousand Crore.

India’s December WPI inflation of 0.73% highest in nine months

On Army Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praises the unmatched courage, commitment, and sacrifices of Army personnel, hailing them as pillars of strength and resilience. Recognizing their unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation and upholding sovereignty, he honors their bravery on this occasion, observed on January 15 to commemorate the first Indian Commander-in-Chief, General K M Cariappa.

Prime Minister Modi disburses the initial instalment to 1 lakh Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin beneficiaries via PM-JANMAN. The event includes an interactive session with the PM-JANMAN beneficiaries.

BSP President Mayawati declares the party's decision to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections independently, despite interest from other parties for a potential alliance. No plans to retire from politics, says BSP supremo Mayawati

Ongoing dense fog in Delhi has led to delays for 18 trains heading to the capital on Monday. The IMD predicts continued dense to very dense fog over North India for the next four to five days.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to announce its decision on Tuesday regarding Chandrababu Naidu's plea to dismiss FIR and criminal proceedings related to the Skill Development scam case in Andhra Pradesh.

A video surfaced on X showing an IndiGo passenger assaulting a pilot announcing delays. The assailant, in a yellow hoodie, attacked the new pilot, who had replaced the previous crew due to Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) after a prolonged delay. The incident, capturing attention on social media, highlights the challenges faced by airline crews. FDTL regulations, overseen by the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), ensure pilots and flight attendants receive sufficient rest for safety. Netizens expressed mixed sentiments, with some attributing blame to both parties involved.

President Droupadi Murmu is set to visit Meghalaya and Assam from January 15 to 17, according to a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement. The visit will commence with the inauguration of the Meghalaya Games at the PA Sangma Stadium in Tura on Monday.

Several individuals sustained injuries in an early Monday morning collision between two buses on the Yamuna Expressway near Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, according to news agency PTI.

India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, acknowledges diplomatic challenges with the Maldives, stating it's unrealistic to expect universal support. Speaking in Nagpur, he emphasized India's decade-long success in building global connections, focusing on positive sentiments despite political fluctuations. Jaishankar underlined people-to-people bonds amid political ups and downs, asserting the enduring importance of fostering goodwill. Additionally, he highlighted India's role in international infrastructure development.

Amidst dense fog and prevailing cold wave conditions in Uttar Pradesh, including Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad, schools have been shut. In Gautam Buddh Nagar district, schools in Noida and Greater Noida are closed till January 16 (Tuesday) for nursery to Class 8 students due to severe cold weather. However, regular classes will continue for students from Class 9 to 12 during this period.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has formally asked India to withdraw its military personnel by March 15, following a state visit to China. The request comes amid a diplomatic row, with 88 Indian military personnel currently in the Maldives. Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, from the President’s Office, stated the policy that Indian military personnel cannot stay, emphasizing it as the administration's stance. A core group, including Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar, has commenced negotiations on the withdrawal, as confirmed by Nazim, with the meeting centred on the March 15 deadline for troop withdrawal.

Delhi's airport released an advisory due to dense fog, advising passengers to contact airlines before travelling. The city is shrouded in a blanket of dense fog. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts continued dense to very dense fog over North India for the next 4-5 days.

Yemen's Houthi rebels fired an anti-ship cruise missile at a U.S. destroyer in the Red Sea amid ongoing global shipping disruptions. A U.S. fighter jet successfully intercepted the missile. This marks the first acknowledged Houthi targeting since allied strikes began in response to the rebels' assaults on Red Sea shipping. The Houthis, allied with Iran, aim to disrupt the vital corridor connecting Asian and Mideast shipments to the Suez Canal. The USS Laboon was the target, and the missile originated from Hodeida, a Houthi-held port. The U.S. reported no injuries or damage from the incident.

Acclaimed poet Munawwar Rana has succumbed to a prolonged illness in Lucknow. He was under treatment at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), as reported by ANI.

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