The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has partnered with several NGOs to establish baby feeding centers at five metro stations, creating a safe and private space for nursing mothers.

The most recent facility was launched at the Baiyappanahalli Metro Station, developed by the Child Help Foundation in conjunction with the Sibdi Swavalamban Foundation. This initiative aims to tackle the challenges women face in finding appropriate private areas for breastfeeding.

These centers are strategically located at key metro stations, currently operational at Baiyappanahalli, Majestic, Yeshwantpur, Kengeri, and Yelachenahalli.

Feedback from users indicates that the facilities are clean, well-kept, and provide adequate space for private nursing. There are plans to expand these centers to additional metro stations in the future.

A BMRCL representative noted, “The maintenance of these centers is the responsibility of BMRCL. We will evaluate operational costs before introducing more centers.”

Each center comprises 8×8 rooms with spacious benches that can accommodate up to four mothers, designed for comfort to allow mothers to rest or lie down if needed. For those stations without a designated feeding center, nursing mothers can reach out to customer care for access to a private nursing space.

In addition, BMRCL is set to enhance the commuter experience by launching new retail outlets at 55 stations along the Purple and Green Lines. This move aims to generate additional revenue for BMRCL while offering convenience to passengers through various retail options, including food and beverage kiosks, convenience stores, and personal care shops, allowing commuters to easily pick up snacks or essentials before or after their journeys.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sparked controversy during a state event on Saturday by asserting that women’s fashion in Bihar has notably improved since he took office two decades ago. This statement elicited a strong backlash from RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who criticised Kumar, stating that he was not a “fashion designer” and that the comments revealed a “warped mentality.”

In a video shared by Yadav on X, Kumar can be heard commenting, “Girls have become so confident. They speak so well and dress up so well. Did we see them wearing such fine clothes earlier?” The remarks were made while he was in Begusarai district as part of his statewide ‘Pragati Yatra.’

In response, Yadav contended that the women of Bihar have always dressed with self-respect and self-reliance, emphasizing, “Don’t try to be a fashion designer for women. Your thinking is warped and your statement is a direct insult to half of the population.”

Yadav has been positioning himself to attract women voters ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, proposing a monthly stipend should his party gain power.

During Kumar’s remarks, both Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary of the BJP and JD(U) Cabinet Minister Vijay Chaudhary appeared uneasy and urged him to change the subject.

Kumar’s comments are not unprecedented; he faced criticism in 2023 for remarks made about women’s education and its link to population control, which led to an apology the following day amid demands for his resignation from the opposition.

Additionally, during the last Lok Sabha election campaign, Kumar had criticized RJD chief Lalu Prasad, claiming he had failed to accomplish anything substantial during his tenure, suggesting that he “only produced children.”

Delhi Airport operator DIAL announced that flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) will be suspended for arrivals and departures between 10:20 AM and 12:45 PM from January 19 to January 26, 2025, due to activities related to Republic Day celebrations. IGIA, the busiest airport in India, facilitates approximately 1,300 flight movements daily.

However, the exact effects of these operational restrictions on scheduled flights for different airlines remain unclear.

According to the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued for the week of Republic Day, no flights will operate from Delhi Airport during the specified times. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates regarding flight schedules.

Daily Flight Disruption Details:

• January 19 (Sunday): 85 departures and 85 arrivals impacted.
• January 20 (Monday): 85 departures and 84 arrivals affected.
• January 21 (Tuesday): 79 departures and 81 arrivals, marking the least disrupted day of the week.
• Remaining Days: Daily disruptions will vary from 81 to 84 departures and 82 to 87 arrivals.

Additionally, the airspace closures will disrupt international flights to major cities including Toronto, Washington, Tashkent, Kathmandu, and Colombo. These measures are crucial to ensure the safety and security of dignitaries and aircraft involved in the Republic Day flypast. Notably, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is confirmed to be the chief guest for India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26.