In response to escalating complaints about flight disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced stringent Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Airlines are now mandated to proactively cancel flights, well in advance, if delays due to prevailing adverse weather conditions exceed 3 hours. The SOPs also emphasize real-time information dissemination, staff sensitization, and transparent cancellation policies. The move aims to prevent airport congestion, minimize passenger inconvenience, and address recent incidents of passenger outbursts triggered by prolonged delays. The DGCA's directive comes after incidents of flight delays, cancellations, and passenger frustration, particularly at airports like Delhi.

Senior Congress leaders, including Deepender Hooda and Supriya Shrinate, made a significant visit to Ayodhya on Monday, engaging in rituals at the Hanuman Garhi temple. The visit precedes the scheduled consecration ceremony on January 22. Leaders took a dip in the Saryu river and later expressed their commitment to bring about the metaphorical 'Ram Rajya' in the country. The Congress, previously labeling the ceremony a "political event," opted not to attend, but these leaders emphasized their cultural and spiritual connection to Ayodhya. Deepender Hooda refrained from political questions, stating, "We come from a culture where we greet each other with 'ram ram.'"

A passenger on an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Goa physically assaulted the pilot as he made an announcement regarding lengthy delays on Sunday. The now-viral video of the attacker, identified as Sahil Kataria, shows him abruptly rushing up and hitting the co-captain, Anup Kumar. The incident occurred after the flight was held up for hours due to fog, requiring the crew to be replaced because of flight duty time limitations. Kumar has filed a complaint and the airline plans to press charges. The disruptive passenger was quickly removed from the plane and handed over to authorities after the assault. Regulations on duty hours are in place to ensure pilot well-being and mitigate fatigue-related safety issues. [Video Courtesy: @rose_k01 on X]

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar breaks silence on the India-Maldives diplomatic row, acknowledging, "Politics is politics; I cannot guarantee universal agreement." At a Nagpur townhall meeting, he emphasized India's decade-long success in building strong global connections, stating, "What we are trying to do is to build a very strong connect." Despite recent tensions, Jaishankar highlighted India's role in global infrastructure development, saying, "We are involved today in building roads, electricity, transmission, supplying fuel, providing trade access, making investments, and having people holiday in other countries." The row ignited after Maldivian leaders posted derogatory remarks against PM Modi, leading to India's strong condemnation and a call to boycott Maldives. The Maldivian government distanced itself, suspending the ministers.

Former model Divya Pahuja, killed on January 2, was shot at point-blank range, revealed the post-mortem conducted at Agroha Medical College in Haryana's Hisar. Her body, recovered 11 days later from a canal in Haryana, led to the arrest of Balraj Gill and another person. Pahuja allegedly extorted money from hotel owner Abhijeet Singh, who orchestrated the murder. The autopsy removed a bullet from her head, with viscera preserved for further investigation. Gurugram Police's SIT is examining pistols recovered from the accused. CCTV footage captured Singh and others dragging Pahuja's body through a hotel lobby. Four arrests were made in connection with the case.

Esteemed poet Munawwar Rana, born in 1952 in Rae Bareli, breathed his last at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences on Sunday night. The 71-year-old, suffering from throat cancer, was hospitalized for 14 to 15 days. Rana, awarded the Gyanpeeth Award in 2014, resonated with the masses through his simple yet profound poems. His iconic work, 'Maa,' holds a special place in Urdu literature. Survived by his wife, four daughters, and a son, Rana's demise prompted condolences from political figures, including Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav. Funeral rites are scheduled for Monday.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed concern, stating, "We should certainly be alert about the proximity of the Maldives to China." At the 54th annual day of 'Thuglak' magazine, he emphasized the need for India's awareness, citing China's attempts to expand influence in India's periphery. Tharoor acknowledged the right of nations to establish relations but underscored, "Some things we would see as a serious concern for our interests." Reflecting on the recent India-Maldives diplomatic row, he stressed a serious level of engagement and urged, "India's foreign policy should not be discussed on social media." Tharoor also emphasized respecting the sensitivities of smaller neighbors in diplomatic matters.

President Droupdai Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed heartfelt wishes to the Indian Army on Army Day, recognizing their pivotal role in ensuring national security. President Murmu praised the army's professionalism and exemplary leadership during conflicts, counter-insurgency, and national disasters. She honored the sacrifice of brave soldiers and expressed solidarity with their families. PM Modi lauded the army's courage in combating threats and aiding during calamities. Recognizing the force as pillars of strength, he highlighted their role in nation-building. Army Day, observed annually on January 15, commemorates General KM Cariappa taking command in 1949, marking India's first post-independence Commander-in-Chief.

In a shocking incident amidst widespread flight disruptions at Delhi airport due to dense fog, a passenger on an IndiGo flight (6E-2175) physically assaulted the new pilot while announcing delays. The flight, delayed for several hours, witnessed the assailant, identified as Sahil Kataraia, attacking the pilot who had replaced the previous crew per Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms. The video of the assault has gone viral. IndiGo has filed a complaint against the passenger, who was promptly handed over to authorities. The incident adds to the challenges faced by airlines amid extensive delays and cancellations at Delhi airport.            

Delhi grappled with a severe fog spell on Sunday, lasting nearly 11 hours, severely impacting air and rail operations. With visibility dropping below 200 meters and zero visibility for seven-and-a-half hours, over 400 flights were delayed, 10 diverted, and 20 cancelled at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The worst fog of the year disrupted operations, causing delays throughout the day. Low visibility procedures were initiated, compounding delays, while ongoing runway repairs added to the challenges. Passengers faced frustration, with social media flooded by complaints. The situation is expected to persist, as IMD forecasts dense to very dense fog on Monday.