Airlines Grounded: Delhi Chokes, Sri Lanka Reels

Airlines are under intense scrutiny as a parliamentary panel prepares to summon top executives and the civil aviation regulator. This action comes in response to widespread IndiGo flight cancellations that left thousands stranded across the country. The nation's capital, Delhi, continues to grapple with extreme air pollution, with its Air Quality Index reaching 303, categorized as 'very poor,' despite marginal improvements.

Globally, Sri Lanka is reeling from the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which has tragically resulted in 627 confirmed deaths and left hundreds more missing. In Nepal, a magnitude 4.1 earthquake was registered, adding to the region's seismic activity. Amidst these crises, India is proactively forging stronger international ties, with key meetings focused on advancing its capabilities in semiconductors, carbon capture technology, and medtech, aiming for self-reliance.