Is this true face of Indian democracy?

February 20, 2014
Lucknow, Feb 20: The Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday witnessed a “topless” protest from opposition members during the governor’s address to the joint session of the House, even as senior minister Azam Khan said that he was expecting “full exposure”.

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As soon as Governor B L Joshi began his address, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) members carrying placards, posters and banners, denouncing the Akhilesh Yadav government, stormed into the well of the House. Two Rashtriya Lok Dal members took off their shirts in protest against the government’s failure to clear farmers’ sugarcane dues. Sudesh Sharma and Veer Pal Rathi astonished members of the treasury benches with their bare chests, as the governor left the House without completing his address.

Amid chaos and din, the House was adjourned for the day.

Ruling party members decried the behaviour of the opposition members with Azam Khan terming them “besharm” (shameless). “They should be ashamed of what they did in the House,” Khan said later. In a vein of sarcasm, Khan said, “I was expecting full exposure.”

Rathi and Sharma, however, defended their behaviour. “We had no alternative. This government has become so insensitive to the problems of sugarcane farmers, that their plight does not move it. Despite making a promise, the government did not ensure the payment of the arrears of farmers,” they said.

The BJP had earlier announced that its members would boycott the address of the governor.

Later, BSP and Congress leaders accused the government of failing completely on the law and order front. “Jungle raj prevails in UP. The government has failed. SP leaders have created terror in the state,” alleged BSP leader Swami Prasad Maurya.

PDP MLA slaps marshal

Peoples’ Democratic Party MLA on Wednesday slapped a marshal in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly as proceedings were marred by unruly scenes.

During discussion of the grants of Agriculture Ministry, PDP MLA Syed Bashir trooped into well of the House to highlight shortage of ration for migrants. But, Speaker Mubarak Gul ordered his removal from the House and as the marshals were leading him out, other PDP MLAs rushed into the well. Amid unruly scenes, the Speaker ordered their eviction from the House too.

RS official heckled

An official of the Upper House was heckled by a section of agitating members on Wednesday. When Secretary General Shumsher K Sheriff stood up at noon to read out a message from the Lok Sabha on passage of the Telangana Bill, TDP member C M Ramesh, who was agitating in the well since morning, tried to snatch the paper from him. As the MP was trying to take the papers from Sheriff, Parliament staff moved in to protect him and the document. “It is very unfortunate. The staff should not be attacked,” Deputy Chairperson of Rajya Sabha P J Kurien said.

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News Network
December 6,2025

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New Delhi: IndiGo, India’s largest airline, faced major operational turbulence this week after failing to prepare for new pilot-fatigue regulations issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The stricter rules—designed to improve flight safety—took effect in phases through 2024, with the latest implementation on November 1. IndiGo has acknowledged that inadequate roster planning led to widespread cancellations and delays.

Below are the key DGCA rules that affected IndiGo’s operations:

1. Longer Mandatory Weekly Rest

Weekly rest for pilots has been increased from 36 hours to 48 hours.

The government says the extended break is essential to curb cumulative fatigue. This rule remains in force despite the current crisis.

2. Cap on Night Landings

Pilots can now perform only two night landings per week—a steep reduction from the earlier limit of six.

Night hours, defined as midnight to early morning, are considered the least alert period for pilots.

Given the disruptions, this rule has been temporarily relaxed for IndiGo until February 10.

3. Reduced Maximum Night Flight Duty

Flight duty that stretches into the night is now capped at 10 hours.

This measure has also been kept on hold for IndiGo until February 10 to stabilize operations.

4. Weekly Rest Cannot Be Replaced With Personal Leave

Airlines can no longer count a pilot’s personal leave as part of the mandatory 48-hour rest.

Pilots say this closes a loophole that previously reduced actual rest time.

Currently, all airlines are exempt from this rule to normalise travel.

5. Mandatory Fatigue Monitoring

Airlines must submit quarterly fatigue reports along with corrective actions to DGCA.

This system aims to create a transparent fatigue-tracking framework across the industry.

The DGCA has stressed that these rules were crafted to strengthen flight safety and align India with global fatigue-management standards. The temporary relaxations are expected to remain until February 2025, giving IndiGo time to stabilise its schedules and restore normal air travel.

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News Network
December 16,2025

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah II in Amman, during which the two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations, with the Prime Minister outlining an eight-point vision covering key areas of cooperation.

Describing the meeting as “productive”, PM Modi said he shared a roadmap focused on trade and economy, fertilisers and agriculture, information technology, healthcare, infrastructure, critical and strategic minerals, civil nuclear cooperation, and people-to-people ties.

In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister praised King Abdullah II’s personal commitment to advancing India–Jordan relations, particularly as both countries mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year.

“Held productive discussions with His Majesty King Abdullah II in Amman. His personal commitment towards vibrant India-Jordan relations is noteworthy. This year, we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of our bilateral diplomatic relations,” PM Modi said.

The meeting took place at the Al Husseiniya Palace, where the two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both sides agreed to further deepen cooperation in areas including trade and investment, defence and security, counter-terrorism and de-radicalisation, fertilisers and agriculture, infrastructure, renewable energy, tourism, and heritage.

The MEA said both leaders reaffirmed their united stand against terrorism.

PM Modi arrived in Amman earlier on Monday and was received by Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, who accorded him a formal welcome. Following the talks, King Abdullah II hosted a banquet dinner in honour of the Prime Minister, reflecting the warmth of bilateral ties.

Jordan is the first leg of PM Modi’s three-nation tour. From Amman, the Prime Minister will travel to Ethiopia at the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, marking his first official visit to the African nation. The tour will conclude with a visit to Oman.

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