Good morning. The aviation sector faces significant turbulence as IndiGo's operational crisis entered another day on Thursday, December 4, 2025, leaving a trail of stranded and frustrated passengers across Indian airports. Simultaneously, the national capital is set for a major diplomatic engagement with the arrival of Russian President Vladimir Putin for high-stakes talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Inside the IndiGo Operational Meltdown
Passengers flying with IndiGo have reported severe hardships, including a lack of timely communication from the airline regarding flight status, and insufficient provisions like food, water, or accommodation during extended delays. The situation is expected to remain challenging, with the airline anticipating more cancellations over the next two to three days as part of what it calls "schedule stabilisation efforts."
In a communication to the aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), IndiGo has outlined a recovery plan. The airline will reduce its flight operations starting Monday, December 8, 2025, and expects to fully restore stable operations only by February 10, 2026. Until this stabilisation, IndiGo has sought an exemption from certain provisions under the newly implemented Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms for pilots, specifically related to night operations.
These FDTL rules, introduced in two phases this year, apply uniformly to all domestic carriers. However, IndiGo has been disproportionately affected. Analysts point to the airline's massive scale of operations and its heavy reliance on red-eye flights—late-night or early-morning journeys—as the primary reason for its acute preparedness gap compared to competitors.
Modi-Putin Summit: Economic Ties and Global Talks
Following a warm welcome at Delhi's Palam Airport and a private dinner at the Prime Minister's residence, the annual India-Russia summit is in full swing today. The discussions between PM Modi and President Putin are poised to shape the strategic partnership for the coming years.
The leaders are expected to unveil a comprehensive roadmap for India-Russia economic cooperation extending until 2030. Key agreements on the table include a labour mobility pact that would facilitate Indian professionals working in Russia, and a collaborative venture in Arctic shipbuilding. A potential free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union is also a likely topic of discussion.
Beyond bilateral matters, the global context, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and issues of international trade, will be part of the dialogue. In a pre-visit interview, President Putin defended the robust energy ties between the two nations, questioning why India should not have the same "privilege" as the US, which continues to buy nuclear fuel from Russia. He emphasized that the Indo-Russian collaboration is not directed "against anyone" but is focused on mutual national interests.
A significant Russian nuclear industry delegation, including representatives from Rosatom State Corporation, is in Delhi. They are expected to pitch the deployment of advanced Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for targeted applications in India.
On the sidelines, high-level ministerial meetings are underway. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Russian counterpart, with India's interest in procuring additional S-400 air defence systems likely discussed. The Russian delegation has also shown interest in importing Indian fishery and meat products. In the media sphere, President Putin will today launch the Indian arm of the Russian state-funded television network, RT.
Other Crucial Developments
Stubble Burning Scrutiny Intensifies: While official data shows a decline in farm fire incidents in Punjab and Haryana post-2020, a study by an ISRO centre suggests undercounting. It notes that monitoring satellites are missing fires as burning times have shifted. Consequently, the Central pollution watchdog plans to expand direct on-ground scrutiny to the rabi (summer harvest) season as well.
Bail in Elgaar Parishad Case: The Bombay High Court granted bail to former Delhi University professor Hany Babu, an accused in the Elgaar Parishad case, citing prolonged incarceration of over five years without trial. The case, involving alleged provocative speeches linked to the Koregaon-Bhima violence, initially had 16 accused, with only a few now remaining in jail.
Goa's Electoral Roll Quandary: A special revision of electoral rolls in Goa has highlighted an issue concerning residents with Portuguese passports. Portugal offers citizenship to those born in Goa before December 19, 1961, and to two subsequent generations. The Chief Electoral Officer is now seeking details of those who acquired foreign passports, as they cease to be Indian citizens and are ineligible to vote.
Arunachal Contracts Under Scanner: An affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court revealed that the Arunachal Pradesh government awarded 146 work contracts in Tawang district, worth Rs 383.74 crore between 2012 and 2023, to just four companies. These firms are linked to Chief Minister Pema Khandu's immediate family—his wife, brother, and sister-in-law.
Entertainment Wrap: The Ranveer Singh-starrer film Dhurandhar releases in cinemas today. The film had previously faced legal challenges from the family of decorated Army officer Major Mohit Sharma, who claimed it was based on his life without due credit.
