Infrastructure and Innovation Drive Growth

Delhi Airport’s meteoric rise is credited to major infrastructure upgrades, strategic expansions, and passenger-focused tech innovations, which have streamlined operations and enhanced the travel experience.

One of the key innovations is the rollout of biometric registration kiosks for foreign nationals holding e-visas. These self-service kiosks — the first of their kind in India — have slashed immigration processing times by over 50%, reducing congestion and enabling smoother arrivals.

Phase 3A Expansion: Enhancing International Transfers

The Phase 3A expansion at Terminal 3 has nearly doubled the International-to-International (I-to-I) transfer space to 3,000 square meters. Enhancements include:

• 7 food and retail outlets (up from 1)
• 10 check-in counters (up from 6)
• 15 frisking booths (up from 11)
• 8 X-ray machines (up from 4)

This upgrade, combined with improved baggage systems and direct Metro connectivity, has significantly improved Delhi’s efficiency as a South Asian transit hub.

Global Connectivity: 153 Destinations

IGIA’s reach now extends to 153 cities — 81 domestic and 72 international — making it one of the world’s most connected airports. New routes include Phnom Penh, Bali, Calgary, Vancouver, Chicago O’Hare, and Tokyo Haneda, attracting both business and leisure travelers.

Surge in Passenger Traffic

In FY2024, Delhi Airport handled a record 73.7 million passengers, thanks to expanded operations by both Indian and global carriers. 60 foreign and 6 Indian airlines now operate from IGIA, with growing use of wide-body aircraft and increased international frequencies.

Strategic Vision and Global Impact

With a 7.8% year-on-year increase in traffic and 13.6% growth compared to pre-pandemic levels, Delhi has outperformed traditional aviation giants. Nearly half of all long-haul travelers from India now transit through IGIA.

Delhi Airport’s rise is seen as a blueprint for how visionary infrastructure, technology-driven services, and seamless connectivity can transform an airport into a global aviation leader.

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According to an official order issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the committee will be chaired by the Home Secretary and will include senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Indian Air Force, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Intelligence Bureau, Forensic Science Services, state authorities, and aviation safety experts.

Key Objectives of the Committee:

• Determine the root cause of the crash.
• Examine existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and suggest new protocols to prevent and handle similar incidents.
• Review aircraft data, including flight data and cockpit voice recorders, maintenance logs, ATC communications, and eyewitness testimonies.
• Assess emergency response mechanisms, including rescue operations and inter-agency coordination at both Central and State levels.
• Recommend policy reforms, training improvements, and operational upgrades based on national and international best practices.

While the committee will not replace other statutory investigations, it will play a vital role in shaping preventive frameworks and suggesting comprehensive response protocols for aviation disasters.

The committee has been directed to submit its report within three months.

Compensation & Support

The Tata Group, which owns Air India, has announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for the family of each deceased passenger. A dedicated helpline has been set up for affected families:

• India Toll-Free: 1800 5691 444
• International: +91 80627 79200

Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after departure, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history. The government has also indicated potential collaboration with international agencies if foreign nationals or aircraft manufacturers are involved.

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In a recent interview with Bloomberg TV, Wilson said, “The impact is significant, but we have been able to sustain non-stop operations to most destinations in North America and Europe. It will certainly affect our bottom line.”

The ongoing airspace restrictions have added approximately an hour of additional flying time for west-bound long-haul flights. While Wilson did not disclose details of ongoing discussions with stakeholders, he acknowledged the logistical and financial strain the situation is creating.

The ban follows a sharp escalation in hostilities between India and Pakistan that began on May 7 — the worst military flare-up between the nuclear-armed neighbors in decades. The conflict, triggered by a brutal civilian attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, involved missile and drone strikes, as well as artillery exchanges. Although a ceasefire was declared on May 10, Pakistan has extended the airspace ban for Indian carriers until at least June 24.

Geopolitical Uncertainty Challenges Aviation Industry

Wilson highlighted that global geopolitical tensions are increasingly complicating airline routes and business strategies. “Uncertainty makes investment decisions difficult,” he said, echoing sentiments shared during the ongoing aviation summit in New Delhi.

He also noted that, so far, tariffs have not had a measurable impact on Air India’s key markets, but they remain an important issue for global carriers.

Shift in Student Travel Amid U.S. Policy Concerns

Wilson touched on another growing concern: the recent standoff between U.S. President Donald Trump and institutions like Harvard University. He said there is anecdotal evidence that Indian students — traditionally a large cohort in the U.S. — are beginning to explore study options in alternative destinations.

“People seem more willing to consider other locations than they were before,” Wilson said, noting that it’s a developing trend, and perceptions may continue to shift.

Fleet Expansion and Long-Term Growth

Having overseen the successful merger of Air India and Vistara in 2024 under Tata Group, Wilson declined to comment on media reports about possible negotiations for additional narrowbody aircraft purchases.

He confirmed, however, that Air India will begin receiving new aircraft from its existing order by the end of 2025. “Deliveries are later and slower than we hoped, which is limiting our short-term ambitions,” Wilson said. “But the long-term growth opportunity in this market is tremendous, and we remain very confident.”

Tata Group acquired Air India from the Indian government in 2021 and has since been focused on modernizing the fleet, improving customer experience, and restoring the airline’s global competitiveness.

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Kerala remains the worst-affected state with 1,147 reported cases, followed by Maharashtra (424), Delhi (294), and Gujarat (223). Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of fatalities at seven, followed by Kerala (5) and Delhi (2).

The number of recovered patients since the beginning of the year stands at 1,170.

According to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), the recent rise in infections is linked to the NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 variants—both sub-lineages of the JN.1 variant. While these variants may exhibit some immune evasion properties, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not designated them as variants of concern or interest.

Common symptoms reported include fever, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, and headaches. However, no evidence currently suggests that these variants lead to more severe or long-term illness.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), assured the public that the situation is under control and that the government is actively monitoring developments. He emphasized the need for increased vigilance and preparedness in case of a spike in infections.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has directed hospitals in the capital to ensure readiness with adequate beds, oxygen supplies, medicines, and vaccines. She reassured the public that there is no cause for panic as the government continues to monitor the situation closely.

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Jaishankar said the two discussed the “prospects of India-Canada ties” and extended his best wishes for Anand’s tenure. Anand, whose parents are of Indian origin, echoed optimism in a post on X, saying she looked forward to “strengthening Canada–India ties, deepening our economic cooperation, and advancing shared priorities.”

Diplomatic Tensions

Bilateral relations hit a low point in 2023 following allegations by Canada that Indian agents were involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh leader and pro-Khalistan activist, in Vancouver. India categorically denied the accusations.

The diplomatic fallout saw both countries expel senior diplomats and relations remain tense ever since.

The Khalistan Issue

Canada hosts the largest Sikh population outside of India, including supporters of the Khalistan movement—a fringe separatist campaign seeking an independent Sikh homeland in Punjab, India. While the movement is banned in India, some of its prominent figures have been active abroad.

New Delhi has long urged Western countries, particularly Canada, to crack down on Khalistani groups, which India has linked to acts of terrorism, including the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the 1985 Air India bombing.

Looking Ahead

Canada is set to host the G7 Summit next month. India has been a regular guest at past G7 meetings since 2019, but it remains unclear whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be invited to the upcoming summit in Canada.

The recent diplomatic engagement signals a possible thaw in relations, with both sides appearing willing to open a new chapter in bilateral ties.

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In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated, “I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones, which will be sold in the United States of America, to be manufactured and built in the United States—not India, or anyplace else. If that is not the case, a tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

Trump had previously raised similar concerns during a public address in Doha on May 15, claiming he had spoken to Apple CEO Tim Cook and urged him to limit the company’s expansion plans in India.

Apple has significantly increased its manufacturing presence in India in recent years, partnering with companies such as Foxconn and Tata Group to establish iPhone assembly plants in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. In the fiscal year ending March 2025, Apple produced $22 billion worth of iPhones in India—a 60% increase over the previous year.

In 2024, the company manufactured around 40–45 million iPhones in India, representing 18–20% of its global output. Of these, approximately 15 million were exported to the US, 13 million to other international markets, and around 12 million were sold within India.

Apple’s growing footprint in India comes amid heightened US-China trade tensions and rising reciprocal tariffs. In response, Apple has strategically moved to shift the production of iPhones destined for the US market from China to India.

India is now Apple’s fourth-largest market globally, following the US, China, and Japan. The company recorded an 11th consecutive quarter of revenue growth in India in January 2025, with annual iPhone sales reaching an estimated $10 billion in 2024.

The former president’s latest comments reflect the intensifying debate over domestic manufacturing and economic nationalism ahead of the upcoming US elections. Apple has not yet responded publicly to Trump’s statement.

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is informally consulting EV charging operators and app-based platforms to assess consumer risk related to closed-loop wallets, which are only usable within specific apps. Unlike open wallets regulated by the RBI, these closed systems lack direct oversight, making them vulnerable if the platform shuts down.

BluSmart’s failure, amid fraud allegations, stranded thousands of users with inaccessible wallet balances. The company has told users refunds may take up to 90 days.

In response, the RBI is exploring options including:

Mandating escrow accounts to safeguard user funds.

Extending parts of its Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPI) regulations to large-scale closed wallets.

No formal decision has been made yet, but any new oversight could significantly impact India’s booming digital payment ecosystem, where prepaid balances are key to customer retention.

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Poorna’s pregnant wife had been talking to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the release of her husband, who was captured by the Pakistani army. The West Bengal Chief Minister called Mamata and conveyed her demand when the jawan was not released even after 15 days of being taken into custody. Later, Mamata also assured Rajini about the release of Poorna.

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Chandigarh

Srinagar

Amritsar

Ludhiana

Bhuntar

Kishangarh

Patiala

Shimla

Kangra-Gaggal

Bathinda

Jaisalmer

Jodhpur

Bikaner

Halwara

Pathankot

Jammu

Leh

Mundra

Jamnagar

Hirasa (Rajkot)

Porbandar

Keshod

Kandla

Bhuj

Enhanced Security Measures
In response to the heightened threat level, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has implemented stringent security protocols across all Indian airports:

Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC): Mandatory pre-boarding inspections for all passengers.

Visitor Restrictions: Entry to airport terminals is restricted to ticketed passengers only.

Increased Surveillance: Enhanced CCTV monitoring and deployment of air marshals on select flights.

Vehicle and Luggage Checks: Thorough inspections of vehicles entering airport premises and random checks of passenger luggage.
Airline Advisories
Major Indian airlines have issued travel advisories in light of these developments:

Air India: Advises passengers to arrive at least three hours before departure; check-in counters will close 75 minutes prior to flight time.

IndiGo: Urges travelers to allow extra time for security checks and formalities.

Akasa Air: Recommends passengers arrive early to accommodate enhanced security measures.
These advisories aim to minimize disruptions and ensure passenger safety amid the ongoing situation.

Broader Impact
The suspension of operations at these airports has led to significant disruptions in air travel, affecting both domestic and international flights. Airlines are working to reroute flights and assist affected passengers. Travelers are advised to stay updated with airline communications and plan accordingly.The situation remains fluid, and authorities are closely monitoring developments to make informed decisions regarding the resumption of normal operations.

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According to data from flight-tracking platform Flightradar24, civilian air traffic over Pakistan and the western corridor of India has significantly decreased. “Airspace over Pakistan and the western shoulder of India between Jammu and Kashmir and Gujarat was free of civilian air traffic as airlines shunned the sensitive zone,” the platform reported, citing live flight path data.

Airports Affected
Operations have been suspended at major airports, including:

Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh, Amritsar

Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Halwara, Pathankot

Bhuntar, Shimla, Gaggal, Dharamsala, Kishangarh

Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Mundra, Jamnagar

Rajkot, Porbandar, Kandla, Keshod, Bhuj

Gwalior, and Hindon

The disruption followed an earlier wave on Wednesday, when over 300 flights were cancelled and operations were halted at 21 airports in northern and western India.

Airlines Respond With Waivers and Support
Air India posted on X (formerly Twitter) that its customer care centres are experiencing high call volumes but assured passengers of support. The airline is offering:

Full refunds for cancelled flights

A one-time waiver on rescheduling fees

Valid for tickets booked on affected flights until May 10, 2025

In addition, Air India extended further support to military personnel:

“For defence fare holders traveling on Air India or Air India Express flights until May 31, 2025, we are offering full refunds and one-time rescheduling waivers up to June 30, 2025, in recognition of their service,” the airline stated.

IndiGo Airlines has also issued an advisory, confirming that operations to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, and Dharamsala are impacted by airspace restrictions. It is offering:

Waiver of change and cancellation fees

Valid for travel to/from Srinagar until May 22, 2025, for bookings made on or before April 22, 2025

SpiceJet announced that its flights to Dharamsala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar have been suspended until further notice. Akasa Air also issued a general travel advisory, acknowledging the impact on services but did not list specific routes.

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According to a directive from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Pakistan-flagged ships have been banned from entering Indian ports.

The directive also prohibited India-flagged vessels from docking at ports in Pakistan.
Citing national security concerns, the directive was implemented to “ensure the safety of Indian assets, cargo, and related infrastructure, in public interest and for the interest of Indian shipping”.
The directive is effective immediately and will remain in force until further notice.

“The objective of the Act is to foster the development and ensure the efficient maintenance of an Indian mercantile marine, in a manner best suited to serve national interests,” the order issued by the ministry said.

“A ship bearing the flag of Pakistan shall not be allowed to visit any Indian port, and an Indian-flagged ship shall not visit any ports of Pakistan,” the order further stated.

According to the ministry, the action has been taken in the interest of “safety of Indian assets, cargo, and connected infrastructure”, as well as to further the objectives of Indian shipping.
Any exemption from the order will be examined and decided on a case-by-case basis.

Earlier in the day, India banned all imports – direct and indirect – from Pakistan amid rising tensions with the neighbouring country.

According to a notification by the Commerce Ministry, “Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders.”
“This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy. Any exception to this prohibition shall require prior approval of the Government of India,” said the notification.

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Four state-of-the-art scanners have been procured, with two installed at Terminal 1 (T1) and two at Terminal 3 (T3). The IT interface for these machines is being finalised, and upon completion of the three-to-four-month trial, a BCAS-led committee will evaluate the findings and establish a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for full-scale implementation, the DIAL said in a release on Friday.
Utilising millimeter-wave technology operating between 70 to 80 GHz, these scanners enhance security while ensuring passenger privacy. Unlike conventional X-ray scanners, they do not emit radiation, making them safe for all travellers, including pregnant women and individuals with medical implants. Importantly, these scanners are designed to expedite passenger movement, ensuring a more seamless airport experience with reduced wait times.

These advanced scanners detect both metallic and non-metallic threats, including explosives, significantly improving upon traditional metal detectors. The technology, already in use at major international airports in the US, Canada, and Australia, enables rapid screening, with each scan taking just three seconds and a maximum throughput of 1,200 scans per hour, dramatically improving efficiency while minimising passenger inconvenience, the DIAL said.

To address privacy concerns, the scanners generate a standardised 2D image on a preset human avatar, ensuring no personal images are stored. They are equipped with four touchscreen monitors for image evaluation and passenger guidance and can scan individuals between 3.3 feet to 6.7 feet in height.
Commenting on the initiative, Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL, stated, “Delhi Airport remains committed to deploying the latest technology to enhance security while ensuring a seamless passenger experience. The introduction of these body scanners is a game-changer in security screening, allowing for faster and more effective checks without compromising privacy. Our focus is on making air travel more convenient for passengers, and these trials, planned in accordance with government guidelines, will help us evaluate the system’s efficiency before a full-scale rollout.”

The scanners comply with all national and international safety standards, require minimal maintenance, and operate as per BCAS guidelines. All scan data is stored securely with access restricted to authorized agencies, ensuring both security and convenience for travellers.

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Four state-of-the-art scanners have been procured, with two installed at Terminal 1 (T1) and two at Terminal 3 (T3). The IT interface for these machines is being finalised, and upon completion of the three-to-four-month trial, a BCAS-led committee will evaluate the findings and establish a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for full-scale implementation, the DIAL said in a release on Friday.
Utilising millimeter-wave technology operating between 70 to 80 GHz, these scanners enhance security while ensuring passenger privacy. Unlike conventional X-ray scanners, they do not emit radiation, making them safe for all travellers, including pregnant women and individuals with medical implants. Importantly, these scanners are designed to expedite passenger movement, ensuring a more seamless airport experience with reduced wait times.

These advanced scanners detect both metallic and non-metallic threats, including explosives, significantly improving upon traditional metal detectors. The technology, already in use at major international airports in the US, Canada, and Australia, enables rapid screening, with each scan taking just three seconds and a maximum throughput of 1,200 scans per hour, dramatically improving efficiency while minimising passenger inconvenience, the DIAL said.

To address privacy concerns, the scanners generate a standardised 2D image on a preset human avatar, ensuring no personal images are stored. They are equipped with four touchscreen monitors for image evaluation and passenger guidance and can scan individuals between 3.3 feet to 6.7 feet in height.
Commenting on the initiative, Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL, stated, “Delhi Airport remains committed to deploying the latest technology to enhance security while ensuring a seamless passenger experience. The introduction of these body scanners is a game-changer in security screening, allowing for faster and more effective checks without compromising privacy. Our focus is on making air travel more convenient for passengers, and these trials, planned in accordance with government guidelines, will help us evaluate the system’s efficiency before a full-scale rollout.”

The scanners comply with all national and international safety standards, require minimal maintenance, and operate as per BCAS guidelines. All scan data is stored securely with access restricted to authorized agencies, ensuring both security and convenience for travellers.

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According to the billionaire philanthropist, if India can stay on the path of the 2047 plan, “it will be beneficial not just to India but to the whole world”.

Gates hailed India’s digital public infrastructure (DPI), including Aadhaar and UPI, calling it one of the country’s most significant contributions to the world.

Speaking at a media event in the national capital, he said that prioritising key sectors like health and education in India has created a very positive dynamic.

Gates emphasised that economic expansion would enable greater government investment in healthcare and education, creating significant opportunities.
On Artificial Intelligence (AI), Gates said that with AI, we can achieve enough food and medical care “without requiring everyone to work as we do today”.

In his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this week, Gates said his meeting with the PM was focused on India’s development vision, particularly the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ goal — an initiative aimed at making India a developed nation by its centenary year of Independence.

The discussions between Modi and Gates emphasised how AI and digital infrastructure can revolutionise healthcare, education, and agriculture.

“As always, an excellent meeting with Bill Gates. We spoke about diverse issues including tech, innovation, and sustainability towards making a better future for the coming generations,” said PM Modi in a post on X.
Meanwhile, the India AI Mission and the Gates Foundation are expected to collaborate on several initiatives, leveraging technology to improve public services and create sustainable solutions. Gates also met Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to explore new opportunities for agricultural development.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that Microsoft and Gates Foundation will provide support to make Maharashtra a role model in the country in digital governance and right to service.

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This will mark a significant milestone in the ongoing modernisation and expansion efforts at the airport.

Terminal 2, which currently handles around 270-280 air traffic movements serving over 46,000 passengers daily, hosts flights from Akasa Air and IndiGo Airlines. The T1 has undergone extensive expansion and modernisation as part of the Phase 3A expansion project. This will enhance passenger experience and boost operational efficiency.
The transition is aimed at accommodating the growing air traffic demand and improving services at the airport which is set to become India’s largest airport with the capacity to handle over 100 million passengers annually.
After the expansion, Terminal 1 now has an area of 206,950 sqm, up from its previous 55,740 sqm. It also integrates both arrival and departure terminals for smoother passenger flow.

Some of the key features are:
Advanced Technology: Facial recognition systems (DIGIYATRA) at all entry gates, 20 Automated Tray Retrieval Systems (ATRS) for quicker security checks, and a state-of-the-art baggage handling system capable of processing up to 6,000 bags per hour.

Passenger Amenities: Improved services such as 29 entry points, a prayer room, yoga areas, lounges, baby care rooms, and quiet zones for relaxation. There will also be new shopping and dining options, enhancing the passenger experience.

Eco-Friendly Design: The terminal is designed to meet LEED Platinum standards, featuring energy-efficient systems, extensive use of natural light, and green building infrastructure aimed at reducing environmental impact.
Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL, expressed excitement about the upcoming transition, stating: “We are pleased to announce that Terminal 1 will be fully operational from April 15, 2025. This is an important step towards enhancing the passenger experience and supporting the growing demand for air travel. Our aim is to provide the highest level of service and comfort to all travellers during this transition.”

Delhi Airport, the busiest in India, is now home to three terminals: T1 (40 million passengers per year capacity), T2 (15 million), and T3 (45 million). The new T1 terminal is poised to handle a significant share of the airport’s growing passenger numbers, contributing to its status as a major aviation hub in Asia.

In addition to the technological and service upgrades, the terminal’s design integrates sustainability measures, including energy-efficient systems and an eco-conscious infrastructure. Delhi Airport has also gained recognition as Asia’s first airport to achieve “Net Zero Carbon Emission” status as part of the ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme.

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The lookout notices have been issued in apprehension that these 69 Bangladeshi infiltrators are still staying in hideouts in the country, especially in West Bengal, and might escape to other countries. The move comes amid the busting of fake passport rackets in the state and their identities getting revealed during the investigations.

Accordingly, the concerned departments, including the immigration, customs, and different border guard agencies in the country, have been alerted. The agencies have been provided with details of these 69 Bangladeshi infiltrators against whom such lookout notices have been issued, sources from the city police said.
The investigating officials suspect that these illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators might be of two categories. The first category includes those who are basically “economic refugees” and their intention to come to India was to look for avenues to earn their livelihoods.

The second category, as apprehended by the investigating officials, might include those with links with underground terror groups operating from Bangladesh and might have entered India with nefarious motives, including the setting up of sleeper cells in West Bengal.
Last week, the Kolkata Police submitted a charge sheet at a lower court in Kolkata about the fake Indian passport rackets operating from West Bengal.

In the charge sheet, a total of 130 individuals have been named, and out of this, 120 are Bangladeshi residents and the remaining are Indian nationals.

The main charges against the Bangladeshi nationals are that they created fake Indian passports by furnishing forged documents and paying huge money. The charges against the accused Indian nationals are that they played the role of facilitators for arranging fake Indian identity documents, including passports for these illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators.

The cops investigating the fake Indian identity documents rackets have identified a specific pattern in the operations of such rackets in this particular crime.
In the charge sheet, Abdul Hai, the retired assistant inspector who was earlier attached to the security control organisation of Kolkata Police and was arrested this year in connection with the fake passport racket in West Bengal, was named as an accused conspirator.

The main charge against him was that he cleared police verification for at least 52 applications for fake passports reportedly against payment of cash.

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The spokesperson further said that alternative arrangements were made in time for the passengers to take them to their destination.

“AI126 operating Chicago to Delhi on 6 March 2025 air-returned to Chicago due to a technical issue. Upon landing at Chicago, all passengers and crew disembarked normally and have been provided with accommodation to minimise inconvenience,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson further said that they were being given full refunds on cancellation and complimentary rescheduling.

“Alternative arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to their destination. In addition, full refunds on cancellation and complimentary rescheduling are also being offered to passengers if opted by them. At Air India, the safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew remain top priority,” the spokesperson said.

The passengers suffered a 10-hour trip to nowhere because all but one of its toilets allegedly became clogged and inoperable. Air India Flight 126 was making its way over Greenland on March 5 when 11 out of its 12 toilets broke down, with the only working toilet located in the business class section for some 300 passengers to use, The New York Post reported.

The issue arose merely 5 hours into the 14-hour trip, forcing the airliner to head back to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, as per NYP.

As per NYP, the passengers claimed they were forced to jump through hoops to get their flights rescheduled or refunded.

Just one or two clogged toilets may trigger a flight crew to turn the plane around and land due to the limited number of lavatories available onboard, New York Post reported. (ANI)

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Delimitation means drawing the boundaries of constituencies based on the population in the most recent census. India has done this exercise 4 times since independence and as per the Constitution, it is meant to be done every 10 years after the census. But in 1976, a constitutional amendment froze the process till after the census of 2001. This was further extended until after 2026. The last census was due to take place in 2021 but was first delayed by the pandemic and then for reasons that no one really knows.

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Speaking at a tunnel breakthrough event for the Golden Line at Vasant Kunj metro station, he said that with the addition of the 12-km Aerocity to Tughlakabad corridor, Delhi Metro’s operational length will exceed 400km, making it the longest single-city metro system globally.
Currently, Delhi Metro operates a 394-km network, which is set to expand significantly under Phase 4 of development. The minister also highlighted that metro rail networks are either operational or in progress across 29 states in India, with the total metro rail length now approaching 1,000km, making India the third-largest metro network in the world.

“Soon, India will have the world’s second-largest metro network, second only to China,” he added.
Major tunnel breakthrough
On February 25, Delhi Metro achieved a significant milestone in Phase 4 construction with the successful completion of an underground tunnel between Chhatarpur Mandir and IGNOU Station on the Tughlakabad-Aerocity corridor.

A Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), a 97-meter-long engineering marvel, completed a 1,475-meter tunnel at an average depth of 26 meters, making it one of Delhi Metro’s deepest tunnels. The deepest metro tunnel in Delhi, on the Magenta Line at Hauz Khas, reaches 30 meters.

The tunnel was built using the Earth Pressure Balancing Method (EPBM) with pre-cast concrete tunnel rings manufactured at a dedicated casting yard in Mundka. Construction faced challenges due to steep gradients and varied geological conditions, including mica and hard rock formations, which required replacing the screw auger during excavation.
“All necessary safety measures were in place, with ground movement monitored using high-precision instruments to prevent structural settlements,” officials stated.

A step toward global leadership
Under Phase 4, Delhi Metro is constructing 40.1 km of underground metro lines, with 19.3 km dedicated to the Aerocity-Tughlakabad corridor.

Since its inception in 1998, Delhi Metro has consistently expanded its network, starting with its first operational section from Shahdara to Tis Hazari in December 2002. Phase 2 launched in 2006, Phase 3 in 2011, and Phase 4 in 2019. During Phase 3, over 30 Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) were deployed, constructing nearly 50 km of underground metro lines.
Delhi Metro’s expansion is a key component of India’s broader urban mobility strategy, reinforcing its position as a global leader in sustainable mass transit.

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Gukesh, the reigning world champion, has been in exceptional form since his historic triumph over China’s Ding Liren in the World Championship final in December.

The 18-year-old gained 10 points to reach a 2787 rating, overtaking compatriot Arjun Erigaisi and American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana. He now sits just behind World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura (2802) and long-time leader Magnus Carlsen (2833).

Gukesh’s rapid ascent comes despite his narrow loss to Praggnanandhaa on tiebreaks at the Tata Steel Masters in Wijk aan Zee. Erigaisi, who previously held the top Indian spot, has slipped to No. 5 with a 2777 rating.

Praggnanandhaa, currently competing in the Prague Masters, has broken back into the top 10 for the first time since July 2023. His Tata Steel Masters victory helped him gain 17 points, elevating him to world No. 8 with a 2758 rating.
In the women’s rankings, Koneru Humpy remains India’s highest-ranked player at No. 6 with a 2528 rating. R. Vaishali (2484) and Harika Dronavalli (2483) are ranked 14th and 16th, respectively.

Gukesh will take on the world’s top players in the upcoming edition of Norway Chess. Adding to the excitement, India’s No.1 Arjun Erigaisi and China’s No.1 Wei Yi will make their Norway Chess debuts.

The prestigious event to be held in Stavanger, Norway from May 26 to June 6, 2025, will feature World No.1 Magnus Carlsen, World No.2 Hikaru Nakamura, World No. 3 D. Gukesh, World No. 4 Fabiano Caruana, World No. 5 Arjun Erigasi World No. 8 R. Praggnanandhaa.

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Ensuring fair compensation and protecting jobs
Acknowledging the rapid transition from traditional media to digital platforms, particularly among younger audiences, Vaishnaw emphasised the need for a structured approach to safeguard media-related jobs and ensure fair compensation for content creators and publishers.
“Along with traditional media, which included newspapers and television as major mediums, digital media has emerged in a significant way. In many spheres, particularly among younger generations, there has been a complete shift from traditional media to digital media. This transition also brings challenges related to employment, creativity, copyright issues, and ensuring fair compensation for content creators, producers, and other stakeholders in the media industry,” he noted.
The minister assured the industry of government support, adding, “From the government’s side, we are fully prepared to provide any necessary assistance required during this transition. This conference aims to facilitate a detailed discussion on these aspects and will help provide clear policy directions.”
Responsible AI-driven media ecosystem
The event featured special addresses by senior policymakers, including Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, who outlined the government’s role in steering media transformation in India, and S Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), who shared insights on a futuristic AI regulatory framework.
Michael McNamara, Member of the European Parliament and Co-chair of its AI Working Group, provided an international perspective on AI regulations and their implications for digital media. Discussions focused on how AI can be leveraged to enhance news credibility while mitigating risks such as misinformation and deepfakes.
Vaishnaw praised the initiative, stating that the entire nation sees the media as a key responsibility bearer. “The key challenge is ensuring that this transition happens smoothly and without disruption. We expect this conference to provide constructive suggestions,” he said.
Concluding his address, the minister encouraged participants to embrace change with an open mind. “I hope this conference will produce practical solutions to ensure a seamless shift for the industry. The government is ready to support you in this journey,” he added.
The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA), representing India’s top 20 news publishers across print and electronic media, has been at the forefront of promoting credible journalism and fostering the growth of the news industry.

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