Air Force Prepares For Maha Kumbh 2025

On Thursday, 26 December 2024, the Indian Air Force pledged full support to the civil administration for the successful execution of Maha Kumbh 2025, This is one of the world's largest religious gatherings in Prayagraj.

The Central Air Command will lead the logistical and operational support, facilitating civil aviation and providing coverage for humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR). These efforts aim to assist the UP government in effectively managing the massive event.

Air Force Station Bamrauli will serve as the hub for 24/7 civil and chartered flight operations from December 20, 2024, to February 28, 2025. Its Instrument Landing System has been maintained at CAT-II standards to enable seamless operations during the low-visibility winter season.

The IAF has also supported infrastructure projects in Prayagraj, including the construction of a four-lane highway connecting Kaushambi to the airport and a railway overbridge at Begum Bazar.

To aid these developments, the IAF transferred land and adjusted the landing threshold of Runway 12 at Bamrauli. It also collaborated with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the expansion of the civil airport terminal.

A Rescue Coordination Team will be stationed at the Mela site, equipped with advanced tools to provide first aid, triage, and casualty evacuation in emergencies.

Group Captain Samir Gangakhedkar, Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Ministry of Defence in Prayagraj, emphasized the IAF’s commitment to national service, disaster response, and public safety.

Tanvi Walia

A Man Alleged Set Himself On Fire Near Parliament

A 26-year-old man allegedly set himself on fire at the roundabout near Rail Bhavan close to the Parliament building on Wednesday. The victim, Jitendra, hails from Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh and sustained 90 percent burn injuries. He is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital, said police.

A call was received around 3.30 pm regarding the incident, as per the fire department. A fire tender was immediately rushed to the site but by then, security personnel stationed there had rushed to save the man.

Devesh Mahla, DCP (New Delhi), said, “The man tried to burn himself at the Rail Bhawan roundabout. The local police and railway police, along with some civilians, immediately extinguished the fire and the person was sent to the hospital. He had reached Delhi on Wednesday afternoon.”

The DCP added that, they suspect the man was upset regarding some personal enmity in his hometown. Police said the man reached Shahdara railway station around 1 pm. A general ticket worth Rs 15 was discovered in his pocket.

“Some papers have been found on his person. It was found that three cases have been ongoing against him in Baghpat and he alleged that local police aren’t investigating the case properly which is why he was upset,” added Mahla.

Sources at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, where the man was taken, said he reached the hospital with respiratory distress. His situation is critical, they said.

Afreen Hasan

Delhi Dense Fog,18 Trains Delayed Amid Cold Wave

On Thursday morning several parts of Delhi were covered in dense fog, including the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport to implement low-visibility procedures.

Minimum7 degrees Celsius in Delhi on Thursday, along with a forecast of dense fog were reported by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi stood in the 'very poor' category.

The weather department has predicted that dense fog conditions are likely to prevail in the late night and early morning hours in Delhi on the December 26, and 28.

It also predicted partly cloudy skies with the possibility of very light to light rain towards evening or night.

The predominant surface wind is expected to be from the northeast direction, with speeds less than 4 km/h during the morning hours. Smog and moderate fog are likely in most areas, with dense fog in isolated places in the morning

Low visibility procedures were implemented at Delhi Airport on Thursday morning, but all flights are operating as scheduled, according to an official advisory issued on Thursday.

In a post on social media, Delhi Airport stated, "Low Visibility Procedures are in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are presently normal."

The authorities further advised passengers to stay informed about flight updates by contacting their respective airlines. "Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information," the post added.

The AQI was recorded at 372 according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) at 8 am on Thursday. On Wednesday, Delhi's AQI was at 360. Specific areas of the city also reported 'very poor' air quality, with Anand Vihar recording an AQI of 372, Ashok Vihar at 362, and Bawana at 376.

Central government's air quality monitoring panel on Tuesday revoked Stage IV ('Severe ') measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) following an improvement in air quality.

However, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced on December 24 that actions under Stages I, II, and III will remain in force to prevent further deterioration of air quality.

Afreen Hasan

UP Man Kills 8-Year-Old Girl

On Thursday, 26 December 2024, the body of an eight-year-old girl stuffed in a gunny bag was found near a primary school in Varanasi.

The accused, named Irshad, was the victim's neighbour. He was arrested following a brief shootout with police. He has been charged with rape and murder of the minor.

The incident took place in Varanasi's Sujabad area. The body of the minor was found near the boundary wall of Bahadurpur Primary School. There were blood stains and bruise marks on her body.

The accused was arrested with the assistance of CCTV footage. Irshad was seen taking the girl to his house and coming out with the body in a sack after some time. Police said Irshad killed the girl after she resisted his attempt to rape her.

"Looking at the nearby CCTV footage, it was found that Irshad, a resident of the neighborhood, had tried to rape the girl by abducting her. After failing in his attempt, he killed her by hitting her head with a stone. He took the body in a gunny bag and threw it in front of the school," DCP, Varanasi Kashi Zone, Gaurav Banswal said.

Tanvi Walia