The Delhi High Court criticized the Centre over the IndiGo crisis involving hundreds of flight cancellations, questioning how airlines increased fares to Rs 40,000. Justice Gedela asked why other carriers were allowed to exploit the chaos, with Mumbai-Delhi economy tickets reaching Rs 35,000, normally Rs 20,000 round-trip. The court questioned why the situation arose and why pilots were overworked. While DGCA issued show-cause notices to IndiGo, which apologized profusely, the court emphasized concerns about lakhs of stranded passengers and economic impact. The Centre reduced IndiGo's winter schedule by 5%, cutting 110 daily flights from their 2,200-flight operation. Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu assured strict action, stating safety is "non-negotiable." (PC: X & The Hindu) 

The Election Commission of India extended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) deadline for electoral rolls by one week in six states and one Union Territory, while West Bengal, Goa, Rajasthan, and Lakshadweep's enumeration period ends today as scheduled. Tamil Nadu and Gujarat received extensions until December 14, while Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Andaman and Nicobar got until December 18. Uttar Pradesh's revised enumeration deadline is December 26. Draft electoral rolls will be published between December 16-31 depending on the state. Kerala, previously granted extension until December 18, will publish its draft on December 23. The ECI encourages eligible electors to submit Form 6 online or through Booth Level Officers for inclusion in final rolls publishing February 2026. (PC: India Today & The Hindu)

A Delhi court on Thursday granted activist and former JNU student leader Umar Khalid interim bail in the 2020 Delhi riots larger conspiracy case from December 16 to December 29 so he can attend his sister’s wedding. The order by Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai requires Khalid to furnish a personal bond and sureties, and restricts him from using social media or contacting any witnesses during this period. He is allowed to meet only family and must stay at home or wedding venues, surrendering on the evening of December 29. Khalid has been incarcerated for over five years under UAPA and related charges. (PC: PTI)

IndiGo Airlines has announced travel vouchers worth ₹10,000 for passengers who were severely stranded between December 5 and 7 due to widespread flight disruptions and cancellations, the airline said in a statement. The vouchers, valid for 12 months, can be used on any future IndiGo flights and are in addition to refunds and government-mandated compensation. This comes as IndiGo works to stabilize operations after mass cancellations that left many travellers stuck at airports. Most refunds have reportedly been processed, and the carrier aims to address passenger inconvenience amid ongoing operational recovery. (PC: HT)

The Election Commission of India has revised the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) timetable, extending the deadline for electoral roll updates in seven states and Union Territories, including Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, following requests from chief electoral officers. New deadlines for voter enumeration and draft roll publications have been set to later December dates. However, West Bengal’s SIR schedule remains unchanged, with no extension granted despite political calls for relief. The decision highlights the poll body’s attempt to balance administrative needs with procedural timelines ahead of upcoming elections. (PC: NDTV)

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, linked to the Goa nightclub fire that killed 25 people, flew to Thailand soon after the blaze. With growing criticism, the Centre used Section 10A of the Passport Act to suspend their passports, making their stay in Thailand illegal. The CBI also issued a Blue Corner notice. Thai authorities then detained the brothers, and Indian officials are now travelling to bring them back. The fire began during a musical event where electric firecrackers were used. Heavy flammable decor and poor safety measures turned the club into a death trap. The brothers have sought anticipatory bail in Delhi.  (PC: X)

The World Inequality Report 2026 shows that income and wealth gaps in India remain very high. The top 10% earn 58% of the country’s total income, while the bottom 50% get only 15%. Wealth inequality is even sharper, with the richest 10% holding 65% of all wealth. The top 1% alone owns 40%. The report says India’s average income is low and female labour participation remains just 15.7%. Globally too, wealth is highly unequal, with the richest 0.001% owning more than the bottom half of the world. The report warns that rising inequality threatens social and climate goals.

At Jhargram Jungle Mahal Zoo in West Bengal, a leopard cub belonging to mother Harshini has been missing for about a week — prompting alarm among zoo staff and visitors. According to some zoo employees, the cub may have been injured by its mother prior to disappearance, and a post-mortem is reportedly done. However, zoo authorities have remained unresponsive with an official explanation still pending. Local residents and wildlife-watchers are raising concerns over safety protocols at the zoo and demanding clarity on whether the cub died or was lost. 

A massive blaze ripped through Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa around 11:45 pm on December 6, killing 25 people. While firefighters and rescue teams fought the blaze, the club’s owners booked flights to Phuket at 1:17 am and later flew out from Delhi around 5:30 am. Their passports have since been revoked and a Blue Corner notice issued for their apprehension. Meanwhile, a court denied their interim relief, and co-owner Ajay Gupta was arrested. (PC: Moneycontrol)

IndiGo Chairman Vikram Singh Mehta has apologised for the week-long flight disruptions that began on December 3. He said the airline had “let customers down” but stressed that services are now back to normal. Mehta denied claims that IndiGo created the crisis to avoid new pilot rest rules, calling the charges “untrue.” He said the delays were caused by technical issues, bad weather, congestion, and changes in crew planning. IndiGo will bring in outside experts to study the failures. Mehta said the airline must work hard to win back public trust. IndiGo is now operating its full schedule.