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PM Modi in Himachal: Congress a laughing club, get rid of 5 monsters

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8 years ago

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In poll-bound Himachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says BJP on way to victory, says Congress symbolizes corruption, caste-ism and dynasty

With less than a week to go before the Himachal Pradesh elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, raised the BJP’s pitch against the Congress in the hill state, urging the electorate to vote out the grand-old party which he said symbolized corruption, caste-ism and dynasty. This was Modi’s first election tour of poll-bound Himachal Pradesh where the BJP and Congress will witness a direct fight on November 9.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]Modi made pointed attacks against Rahul Gandhi and Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh, raising issues ranging from the Congress vice president’s purported meeting with a Chinese diplomat to discuss the Doklam standoff and the corruption cases against the state’s incumbent chief minister.

While the Congress has, in its manifesto for the state elections, claimed that it would adopt a zero-tolerance on corruption, Modi tried to turn this claim on its head by asserting that chief minister Virbhadra Singh is himself out on bail in a corruption case and that the Congress had become a “laughing club” by talking about checking graft.

Addressing a public rally in Kangra district’s Rehan town, Modi said that there was an urgent need to “save Himachal from the Congress” and claimed that he had told his party’s election managers that he needn’t campaign in the state because he knew that “the people of Himachal have already decided to vote the BJP to power and throw out the Congress”. Modi made similar claims at public meetings he held in other parts of the state.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]Given that the elections in Himachal and Gujarat (which will go to polls in two phases – on December 9 and 14) come at a time when Rahul Gandhi is leading his party’s charge against the BJP and is tipped to be elevated as the Congress president, taking over from his mother Sonia Gandhi, Modi made it a point to launch a broadside against the Nehru-Gandhi scion.

The Congress, Modi said, is a party that is neck-deep in “corruption, dynastic politics and caste-ism” and claimed: “The Congress party of today has nothing in common with the one that Mahatma Gandhi was a part of… Today, Congress is only about one family and its interests.”

He then raked up the controversy that had erupted when during the Doklam standoff between India and China Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi had held a meeting with Chinese ambassador Luo Zhaohui, ostensibly to discuss the issue.

“The entire nation is witness to how the Doklam issue was dealt with (by the Centre), but the Congress even questioned that… Someone born in a family which has ruled for decades doesn’t believe his own Army and agencies? Instead, he meets China’s envoy and asks about Doklam,” Modi said in a clear reference to Rahul Gandhi.

The Prime Minister alleged that under Congress rule, “Five monsters – Mining Mafia, Forest Mafia, Drug Mafia, Tender Mafia and Transfer Mafia – have flourished in Himachal” and exhorted the people to “get rid of them” by voting out the Congress party.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]Elections for the 68-member Himachal Pradesh assembly will be held on November 9 and the results will be declared on December 18 along with those for the Gujarat polls. The BJP declared party veteran Prem Kumar Dhumal as its chief ministerial candidate for Himachal earlier this week. Dhumal, a former chief minister of the state, is an arch rival of incumbent chief minister Virbhadra Singh and enjoys huge popularity in lower Himachal and parts of the state’s Kangra region, which is seen as the key to winning the state.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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India and Russia vow to walk together against terrorism, reaffirm strategic partnership

PM Modi and President Putin reaffirm India-Russia unity against terrorism, deepen energy and trade cooperation, and discuss peace efforts amid the Ukraine conflict.

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39 mins ago

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December 5, 2025

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday underlined that India and Russia “walk together in the fight against terrorism,” reinforcing a decades-old strategic partnership that remains steady amid global geopolitical churn. The leaders issued the joint statement following talks at Hyderabad House in Delhi, where they also announced steps to boost trade, economic cooperation, and energy collaboration.

India-Russia stand firm on counter-terror cooperation

PM Modi described President Putin as a “dear friend” and highlighted Moscow’s consistent support to India on counter-terror efforts. Russia had earlier strongly condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, allegedly linked to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, and reiterated solidarity with India’s fight against terrorism in all forms.

The joint remarks emphasized that the bilateral friendship, rooted in trust and mutual respect, has remained resilient for decades despite global challenges.

Focus on energy, trade and use of national currencies

A key highlight of the engagement was Russia reaffirming “uninterrupted shipments” of fuel to India. PM Modi expressed gratitude for Russia’s commitment, noting energy cooperation as a crucial pillar of the relationship. While he did not specifically mention oil purchases, given ongoing Western pressure, he emphasised cooperation in civil nuclear and clean energy.

The two countries also discussed expanding economic ties, including a possible free trade agreement. President Putin said bilateral trade was being targeted to reach USD 100 billion, and acknowledged progress toward using national currencies for payments — a remark expected to draw global attention.

Putin shares peace plan insights on Ukraine conflict

Putin briefed the Prime Minister on Russia’s perspective for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Ukraine war and appreciated India’s continued role as a “champion of peace.” PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent position on dialogue and diplomacy.

Agreements across jobs, health, shipping and minerals

Officials exchanged multiple agreements covering employment mobility, health, shipping, chemicals and cooperation in critical minerals — further broadening the strategic footprint of the partnership.

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RBI cuts repo rate to 5.25%, paving the way for cheaper loans

The RBI has cut the repo rate to 5.25%, aiming to support growth as inflation softens. The central bank also raised GDP projections and announced liquidity-boosting measures.

Published

6 hours ago

on

December 5, 2025

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Reserve Bank of India

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the key repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% on Thursday, signalling relief for borrowers as banks are expected to offer lower EMIs on home and vehicle loans. Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced the move after the conclusion of the three-day Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.

RBI prioritises growth as inflation eases

Malhotra said the decision was unanimous, with the central bank choosing to focus on supporting economic momentum despite concerns over a weak rupee. The repo rate was earlier cut in June from 6% to 5.5% amid easing inflation trends.

The RBI now projects Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation at 2% for FY2025-26, significantly softer than earlier estimates. For the first quarter of FY2026-27, inflation is expected at 3.9%, lower than the previous projection. The governor noted that rising precious metal prices may contribute to the headline CPI, but overall risks to inflation remain balanced.

GDP outlook strengthened

In a strong upward revision, the central bank increased the GDP forecast for the current financial year to 7.3%, previously estimated at 6.8%. Growth for the October–December quarter has also been revised to 6.7%.

The last quarter registered a six-quarter high expansion of 8.2%, reflecting resilient demand and steady credit flow.

“The growth-inflation balance continues to offer policy space,” Malhotra said, reiterating that the RBI’s stance remains neutral.

Other key decisions

Alongside the repo rate cut, the RBI announced adjustments to key policy corridors:

  • Standing Deposit Facility (SDF): 5%
  • Marginal Standing Facility (MSF): 5.5%

To improve liquidity and strengthen monetary transmission, the RBI will conduct forex swaps and purchase ₹1 lakh crore worth of government bonds through Open Market Operations (OMO).

RBI reviews a challenging year

Reflecting on 2025, Malhotra said the year delivered strong growth and moderate inflation even as global trade and geopolitical uncertainties persisted. He added that bank credit and retail lending remained healthy, providing support to the economy.

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IndiGo flight chaos deepens as over 500 services cancelled, passengers stranded for hours

Over 500 IndiGo flights were cancelled nationwide, leaving passengers stranded without food, clarity or their luggage as airports struggled to manage the disruption.

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6 hours ago

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December 5, 2025

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IndiGo flight

India’s largest airline continued to face massive operational breakdowns, triggering frustration among travellers at major airports across the country. From piles of unattended suitcases to passengers waiting over 12 hours without food or clarity, the disruption stretched into its fourth consecutive day.

Long delays, no communication leave passengers anguished

Several travellers at Delhi airport described the situation as “mental torture”, as thousands of unclaimed suitcases lay scattered across the terminal. Many slept on the floor, while others expressed anger over the lack of communication from airline staff.

One flier said he had been waiting for over 12 hours without any explanation: “Every time they say one-hour or two-hour delays. We were going to a wedding but don’t even have our luggage.”

A passenger in Hyderabad recounted a similar ordeal, saying the flight was delayed indefinitely with no food, water, or updates from the airline. At the airport, some travellers blocked an Air India flight in protest over the lack of arrangements.

Goa and Chennai airports also witnessed tense moments. Videos from Goa showed fliers shouting at IndiGo staff as police attempted to calm the situation. At Chennai, CISF denied entry to IndiGo passengers due to heavy congestion.

Major metro airports impacted; cascading cancellations nationwide

Flight cancellations and delays were reported across multiple airports:

  • Over 200 flights were cancelled in Delhi
  • More than 100 each in Mumbai and Bengaluru
  • Around 90 in Hyderabad
  • Dozens more in Pune, Vishakhapatnam, Chennai and Bhopal

Pune airport stated that parking bay congestion worsened the situation, as several IndiGo aircraft remained grounded due to lack of crew. Other airlines continued operations without disruption.

Airport authorities said they had mobilised additional manpower for crowd control and passenger support.

IndiGo admits planning lapses, says more cancellations expected

The airline acknowledged a “misjudgment” in assessing crew requirements under revised night-duty norms, which it said created planning gaps. Winter weather and airport congestion further aggravated the crisis.

IndiGo informed the aviation ministry and DGCA that some regulatory changes—such as the shift in night-duty timings and a cap on night landings—have been rolled back temporarily to stabilise operations.

The airline warned that cancellations may continue for another two to three days, and from December 8, schedules will be trimmed to prevent further disruption.

In a message to employees, CEO Pieter Elbers said restoring punctuality would not be an “easy target”.

Airline issues apology amid nationwide frustration

In a late-night statement, IndiGo apologised to customers and industry partners, acknowledging the widespread inconvenience caused by the disruptions. The airline said all teams were working with authorities to bring operations back to normal.

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