The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a one-time budgetary support of up to Rs. 10,000 crore to help stabilise Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices for scheduled Indian airlines, offering relief to a sector grappling with elevated fuel costs amid global geopolitical tensions.

The government said the financial support will be provided to oil marketing companies (OMCs) to offset under-recoveries arising from supplying aviation fuel at moderated rates. The move is aimed at reducing the impact of sharp fuel price fluctuations on airlines and ensuring continuity of air services.

Why the government approved the fund

The decision comes as aviation fuel prices remain under pressure due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia, which has pushed up global energy costs. Fuel is one of the largest operating expenses for airlines and can account for up to 40% of total operating costs.

According to the government, the fund is intended to help maintain stable aviation operations and protect domestic and international air connectivity from disruptions caused by fuel price volatility.

How the fund is expected to help airlines and passengers

By cushioning the impact of rising fuel prices, the stabilisation mechanism is expected to ease financial pressure on airlines and limit the extent of fare increases that could otherwise be passed on to passengers. The support will be routed through OMCs, which have been bearing the burden of moderated fuel pricing.

Reports indicate that the fund has been designed as a stabilisation mechanism that can help the aviation sector manage periods of extreme fuel price volatility triggered by international crises.

Part of broader Cabinet decisions

The ATF Price Stabilisation Fund was among several key decisions approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday as part of a wider package covering aviation, transport and infrastructure initiatives.

The government said the measure is aimed at safeguarding the aviation ecosystem and ensuring that air services remain sustainable despite global market uncertainties.

A brief conversation between Virat Kohli and teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the IPL 2026 final has captured the attention of cricket fans across social media.

Following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-winning campaign, Kohli was seen sharing words of encouragement with the Rajasthan Royals youngster, who emerged as one of the biggest stars of the season. A video of the interaction was later shared by RCB and quickly went viral.

During the conversation, Kohli praised Sooryavanshi’s achievements and reminded him that his success was built on hard work and self-belief. The veteran batter also advised the youngster not to be distracted by public opinions or outside commentary.

One line from Kohli’s message particularly resonated with fans. Referring to the Bihar-born cricketer, he said, “Ek Bihari, sab pe bhaari,” while encouraging him to continue aiming higher in his career.

Sooryavanshi enjoyed a remarkable IPL 2026 season for Rajasthan Royals. The teenage opener finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 776 runs and secured the Orange Cap. His aggressive batting approach and consistency made him one of the standout performers of the competition.

While Kohli celebrated another IPL title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sooryavanshi walked away with several individual accolades after a breakthrough season that established him as one of India’s most exciting young cricket talents.

A devastating fire at a restaurant building in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area claimed the lives of more than 20 people on Wednesday, triggering a large-scale rescue operation by emergency services. Authorities said dozens of people were trapped inside the multi-storey structure when the blaze broke out during the morning hours.

According to fire officials, an emergency call was received at around 9:45 am, following which multiple fire tenders and rescue teams were rushed to the spot. Firefighters battled thick smoke and flames while carrying out evacuation efforts from different parts of the building.

Rescue operation saves dozens

Officials said 37 people were rescued and taken to hospitals through emergency ambulance services. Several victims reportedly suffered injuries, while the death toll continued to be assessed as rescue and search operations progressed.

The building housed a restaurant on the ground floor, and preliminary information suggests the fire may have originated there. However, authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the blaze.

Investigation underway

Witnesses described scenes of panic as smoke rapidly spread through the building. Some occupants reportedly jumped from upper floors in attempts to escape the flames while local residents assisted rescue efforts before emergency teams arrived.

Officials have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and examine whether safety norms were being followed at the premises. The identities of several victims were still being verified at the time of reporting.

The incident is among the deadliest fire tragedies reported in the national capital in recent years and has once again raised concerns about fire safety compliance in commercial establishments.