Skip Bengaluru. Take a trip to Thailand instead. Or Vietnam. Or London. Singapore could also be a viable option. All at a much, much, much cheaper rate than Delhi to Bengaluru, Goa, Pune or Goa. But you cannot travel to Hyderabad, at least not on Friday.

because the tickets are sold out. Ironically, IndiGo flight tickets are available. The situation arose amid IndiGo’s massive operational chaos, which has led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights and widespread distress for travellers at airports nationwide. On Friday, the airlines cancelled all departures from Delhi until midnight.

According to the DGCA, IndiGo acknowledged that it had severely miscalculated the number of pilots needed to operate its existing schedule under the new crew duty regulations.

The flight ticket fares on Friday for Bengaluru, Pune, Lucknow and Goa, which usually range from 10k to 15k, depending upon the demand and the festival factors, stood at an average of 25k to 30k.

Does a Delhi-Bengaluru ticket cost 70k?

A travel portal recently showed the fastest December 5 Delhi connection on Air India at around Rs 70,000 before it sold out; even after the price dipped to roughly Rs 32,000,

It remained far above the usual Rs 10,000–15,000 range for that sector. And it’s just a one-way fare. The trend across domestic routes showed that the quickest Delhi–Goa Air India option was priced above Rs 56,000, Delhi–Pune fares ranged between Rs 30,000 and Rs 40,000, and Delhi–Lucknow tickets exceeded Rs 20,000 on Air.

India Express, with IndiGo selling seats between Rs 9,000 and Rs 17,000. In sharp contrast, international routes appeared far more affordable. Delhi–London fares on Air India began just above Rs 25,000, while Lufthansa and Swiss were priced below Rs 70,000.

Taking aim at the situation, Rocky Singh, a social media user, recommended travelling to Tokyo or New York instead of Bengaluru due to the current fare situation. Are you planning to travel to Bengaluru from Delhi using Air India?

“DON’T go to New York or London or Tokyo instead… It’s cheaper,” he said. From Delhi to Thailand, Thai Lion Air offered tickets under Rs 10,000, SpiceJet stayed below Rs 15,000, and Air India remained under Rs 25,000. Delhi–Vietnam fares were under Rs 15,000 on Air India and around Rs 25,000 on Thai AirAsia X. “If you get food poisoning, I will kill my grandmother,” said Vijaya Srivastava, a 25-year-old news writer.

when asked about going to Thailand, given the fares for the day. Even Delhi–Singapore flights were cheaper, with Thai Lion Air under Rs 20,000, Batik Air around Rs 20,000, and Air India at about Rs 30,000. A flyer expressed concern over the situation over the “Jodhpur to Bangalore Air India flight for 1 lakh rupees”. “This is so unfair of airlines taking advantage of the current situation,” Ankita said in a post on X.

Is IndiGo too nonchalant about it?

While the chaos has been caused by IndiGo itself, the flyers cited lax management mechanisms on the part of the airlines. “Flight radar was a more credible source to find the flight status than the website itself,” said a flyer from Delhi, who faced a 7-8 hour delay for the Bengaluru flight. Describing the 5am chaos,

He said that “every departure gate was crowded with angry passengers who had been waiting from 6 to 8 hours.” There’s no option to cancel, as the ticket fares are 3-4 times higher, so people just prefer to wait,” he said. Another flyer from Ranchi noted ill management of takeoffs and landings, saying, “Passengers had to wait for two hours inside the flight at Delhi airport as the bay area not empty.” As tempers flared and some travellers began confronting the crew, the pilot said, ‘We are just as helpless as you are.”

he said. “I can park the aircraft and offload only when we receive permission’,” the flyer recalled. “Indigo (@IndiGo6E)’s website has no mention whatever of the chaos and still allows you to book, even for tomorrow between Bengaluru and Hyderabad (which I picked as two of the worst-hit airports). Shouldn’t they be prioritising moving stranded passengers across the country?” a user named Rahul Siddharthan said on X. “And Indigo is still selling tickets with giant margins.

Hyd-Blore tickets normally cost Rs. 3000/- to Rs. 4000/- and are being sold on their app for Rs. 11,000/- plus. Even though they know their flights are being cancelled. This is called “Make Hay While the Sun Shines,” another user, posting the screenshot, said.

‘Monopoly’ concerns spark row

Leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi flagged the “govt’s monopoly model”, saying that “it’s ordinary Indians who pay the price – in delays, cancellations and helplessness.” He called for a “fair competition in every sector, not match-fixing monopolies.

“” IndiGo fiasco is the cost of this government’s monopoly model. Once again, it’s ordinary Indians who pay the price – in delays, cancellations and helplessness. India deserves fair competition in every sector, not match-fixing monopolies,” he said. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi took on the government, calling out to “shut down the civil aviation ministry”. “I have submitted a call for attention.

I was hoping that the civil aviation minister would provide information in Parliament yesterday, but unfortunately, that did not occur. He held a meeting late in the night and issued some directives.

But what is the point of directives if so many flights are still being cancelled? If you are not responsible for rising airfares and passenger grievances, then shut down the Civil Aviation Ministry,” she said.

Anoushka Shankar revealed that an Air India flight damaged her sitar, leaving her devastated. A new video shows it being repaired, and she thanked fans for their support. Air India apologised and offered compensation. Artists expressed heartbreak. The incident comes as Shankar celebrates multiple Grammy nominations for her latest project.

Grammy-nominated sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar has shared a hopeful update, revealing that her treasured sitar sustained damage on an Air India flight. Shankar admitted she was “devastated and truly disturbed” by the instrument’s handling after the incident quickly gained attention online. However, a new video she posted on Thursday suggests that her beloved sitar might still be saved.

Anoushka Shankar demonstrates the restoration of her sitar.

Sharing on Instagram, Anoushka posted a clip that captured her sitar being carefully restored. In addition to the video, Anoushka acknowledged the overwhelming support from her fans and expressed a cautious optimism for the swift restoration of her damaged instrument.

Anoushka Shankar thanks fans for their support

“First of all, THANK YOU everyone for your commiserations and support after my sitar suffered damage on a flight this week,” she wrote. I have an incredible update – which is that it MAY be saved! While the truly amazing Ajay Rikhiram @rikhiramoriginals works on repairing my precious instrument, I fervently hope it will be restored in time for my upcoming India Chapters tour.

Air India apologises to Anoushka Shankar

She also noted in her post that the viral online outrage prompted the airline to reach out to her. “ALSO, thanks to all your comments and shares, @airindia has reached out with apologies, an offer to compensate for the repairs and promises of a policy change after a full investigation into how this happened. I hope this can mark a change in the way musical instruments and all other precious goods are handled – giving them the care they deserve.”

Artists rally behind Anoushka Shankar

The first post she shared, showing the broken sitar, sparked a flood of reactions from fellow artists. Vishal Dadlani wrote, “God, that’s heartbreaking! I’m so sorry,” while Zakir Khan added, “This is extremely heartbreaking!” Papon, reflecting on the situation, commented, “Genuine care feels so rare these days… It’s as if the very act of caring has faded from our lives! This is so heartbreaking.”

Anoushka Shankar reaches career high amid setback

The incident emerges at a moment when Anoushka Shankar’s career is soaring. Her latest joint project with Alam Khan and Sarathy Korwar, titled ‘Chapter III: We Return to Light’, has earned several Grammy nods, including Best Global Music Album, in the lead-up to the 2026 awards scheduled for February 1 in Los Angeles.

NEW DELHI: Multiple videos from airports across the country on Friday captured scenes of massive chaos, with passengers lying on terminal floors.

crowding airline counters and demanding answers from officials as IndiGo’s operational crisis spiralled into one of the worst meltdowns India’s aviation sector has seen in years. Footage from Mumbai, Delhi,

Hyderabad and Bengaluru airports showed serpentine queues, exhausted travellers dozing on the ground and passengers pleading for information after flights were cancelled with little notice.

Sources said IndiGo cancelled more than 400 flights nationwide, while a large number of others were delayed, leaving thousands stranded.At Delhi airport, over 220 flights — including arrivals and departures — were cancelled through the day.

Bengaluru reported more than 100 cancellations, while Hyderabad saw over 90. Several other airports also reported heavy disruptions. Passengers said airline staff were unable to provide clarity on revised timings. “People are just lying everywhere. No one is telling us anything,” a flyer at Mumbai airport said in one of the viral videos. IndiGo has been grappling with severe operational disruptions triggered by cabin crew shortages and other internal issues.

sending its on-time performance crashing to an unprecedented 8.5% on Thursday, its lowest ever and the first time it has entered single digits. The crisis deepened further on Friday when the Delhi airport announced that all IndiGo domestic departures from IGI Airport were cancelled until 11.59 pm.

The collapse of India’s largest carrier—which operates over 2,200 flights daily and holds 64% of the domestic market—has set off a frantic surge in demand for tickets on other airlines, pushing airfares to staggering levels. One-way economy fares for Delhi–Mumbai for Sunday (Dec 7) were quoted between Rs 21,500 and Rs 39,000 on non-IndiGo airlines. Bengaluru–Kolkata was at Rs 20,000–23,000, while Chennai–Delhi touched Rs 21,000. Routes from smaller cities experienced even sharper spikes; for example, the Udaipur–Delhi fare ranged from Rs 15,300 to Rs 26,400.

–Mumbai surged to Rs 24,000–35,000. With IndiGo’s network crumbling, “a large segment of the travelling public is now chasing tickets of the remaining 34% market share carriers, so fares are skyrocketing.”

an industry official said. Thousands of passengers stuck in different cities said they had no choice but to buy exorbitantly priced tickets just to return home. The civil aviation ministry and the DGCA have been monitoring the crisis. On Thursday, IndiGo informed the regulator that it expected full operational stabilisation only by February 10, 2026. For now,

The videos flooding social media reflect a single message: India’s busiest airports struggled to cope as the country’s largest airline buckled under pressure.

Public Wi-Fi in cafés, airports, hotels, and stations feels like a convenient solution when you need fast internet away from home.

You connect your laptop in seconds and continue working, studying, or browsing without considering the risks. However, public Wi-Fi networks are among the most common entry points for cybercriminals.

Hackers often use open networks to intercept data, steal login credentials, plant malware, or gain remote access to devices. Many people assume cyberattacks only happen to businesses, but individuals using unsecured networks are often the easiest targets.

If you connect without protection, you could be exposing banking information, private messages, and personal files within minutes. Securing your laptop before using public Wi-Fi is essential if you want to avoid serious threats

.A peer-reviewed study on ResearchGate on wireless network vulnerability found that attackers can intercept unencrypted traffic and perform man-in-the-middle attacks on open Wi-Fi networks, placing users at high risk of credential theft and data compromise.

The researchers warn that users often underestimate the risk because attacks happen silently in the background, without any visible signs. Cybersecurity experts recommend strong encryption tools, controlled network settings, and cautious browsing habits to protect laptops when using public networks.

Why public Wi-Fi puts your laptop at risk

Most public Wi-Fi networks do not use strong encryption, and some have no security at all. This allows hackers to capture data transmitted across the network through methods such as packet sniffing or session hijacking.

Attackers may also create fake “evil twin” networks that look identical to legitimate Wi-Fi access points. Once connected, they can view browsing data, passwords and stored session cookies, allowing them to access email, banking or social media accounts.Additionally:

These threats occur quietly, long before victims realise anything is wrong.

How to secure your laptop from cyber attackers on public Wi-Fi

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) A VPN encrypts traffic between your laptop and the internet, preventing attackers from intercepting data even on an insecure network.Only browse on HTTPS websites Look for the padlock symbol and https:// prefix. Encrypted sites protect login sessions and sensitive information.Disable auto-connect and file sharing Turn off automatic Wi-Fi connection.

Bluetooth sharing and network discovery. This prevents strangers from accessing files on your laptop.Turn on your firewall and update software Firewalls block unauthorised access attempts, and updates patch vulnerabilities that attackers exploit.Enable multi-factor authentication

If a password is stolen, MFA prevents attackers from logging in.Use strong, unique passwords and avoid autofill Password managers generate safer credentials without exposing stored data.

When you should avoid public Wi-Fi entirely

Even with precautions, some activities should never be done on public Wi-Fi:

Using mobile data or a personal hotspot is safer whenever handling sensitive information.

Additional best practices to secure your laptop on public Wi-Fi

Small habits significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks.You should never connect your laptop to public Wi-Fi without proper safeguards. While open networks are convenient, they are also prime hunting grounds for cybercriminals.

If you must use them, enable a VPN, restrict access permissions, and browse only through encrypted channels. With careful practice, you can enjoy connectivity without allowing attackers to exploit your data.Also read| Is your Gmail hacked? Simple ways to check recent logins and secure your account

Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor moved into their new six-storey Pali Hill bungalow with daughter Raha and Neetu Kapoor.

Marking both their griha pravesh puja and Raha’s third birthday, Alia shared heartfelt photos featuring family rituals, tender moments, and glimpses of their lavish Rs 250-crore Mumbai home.

Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor began a new chapter as they moved into their stunning six-storey home in Mumbai’s Pali Hill last month. Joining them in their new abode were their little one, Raha, and Ranbir’s mother, Neetu Kapoor.

The timing couldn’t have been more perfect; the family also celebrated Raha turning three. Although Alia kept the festivities private at first, she has now delighted fans by sharing glimpses from both their griha pravesh puja and Raha’s birthday celebrations.

A heartwarming November photo dump

Early today, Alia treated her Instagram followers to a heartwarming photo dump from November, reflecting on a memorable month.

Sharing the post, she wrote, “november 2025… you were a month & a half.” The collection begins with a beautiful shot from the griha pravesh, where Alia and Ranbir are seen stepping into their new home with a kalash placed at the entrance.

Dressed gracefully in a blush pink and golden saree, Alia shows elegance, while Ranbir complements her in a crisp white kurta pyjama.

Emotional moments with family

Another touching frame captures Neetu embracing Alia, with the late Rishi Kapoor’s photograph visible in the background, a moment filled with emotion and warmth. The series also includes glimpses of the couple performing rituals together.

Alia displays folded hands, while Ranbir respectfully bows before his father’s picture. During the ceremony, an adorable moment captures Ranbir and little Raha holding a few grains of rice together.

Raha celebrated her third birthday.

Along with the griha pravesh photos, Alia gave fans another treat: a peek into little Raha’s third birthday celebration. One of the first pictures captures a tender mother-daughter moment, with Alia lovingly holding Raha in her arms.

The two looked adorable in matching pink ensembles. Another lively frame shows Alia posing with friends, surrounded by pastel-hued decorations that created a warm and elegant party vibe. In one heartwarming click, Alia stands beside her mother.

Mahesh Bhatt takes their photo. Adding a sweet touch to the celebration, Alia also shared a picture of the beautifully crafted two-tier cake designed for Raha’s special day.

Inside the luxurious Pali Hill bungalow

The new six-storey bungalow stands where the old Krishna Raj bungalow, the Kapoor family’s former home, once was.

The house includes modern interiors, entertainment areas, and a green terrace garden. Reportedly valued at around Rs. 250 crore, the Pali Hill home is one of the most expensive celebrity houses in India.

US President Donald Trump in August imposed 50% tariffs on Indian exports to America, 25% of which are for India’s crude oil imports from Russia. (AI image)

RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra believes that the tariffs imposed on Indian exports are an opportunity for the sector.

In a post-RBI policy press conference, Malhotra told reporters that the impact of tariffs has been ‘minimal’. US President Donald Trump in August imposed 50% tariffs on Indian exports to America, 25% of which are for India’s crude oil imports from Russia. India and the US have resumed discussions for a bilateral trade agreement.

But the former has drawn its red lines on sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy, while at the same time stressing its strategic autonomy in deciding its sources of energy procurement.

How much have US tariffs hit the Indian economy? What RBI said?

Asked about the impact of tariffs, the RBI governor said, “It’s a minimal impact. It’s not a very high impact because ours is mostly a domestic demand-driven economy.” Also Read | MPC meet: Low inflation, high growth – why did RBI still cut the repo rate? Sanjay Malhotra explains While acknowledging that some sectors have been hit,

Sanjay Malhotra expressed confidence in diversifying. “A few sectors are certainly impacted by it. We have given out relief packages. The government of India has also given out a relief package,” he said. As stated by the central bank governor,

The tariffs are an opportunity. “I think this is an opportunity for us. Exporters have already started looking out, improving not only their productivity but also diversifying, etc. We should be able to come out of this stronger going forward.”

he said. India’s exports to the United States, its biggest overseas market, have declined significantly due to substantial increases in tariffs. During the period from May to October 2025, exports dropped by 28.5%, decreasing from $8.83 billion to $6.31 billion. The reduction occurred after the United States implemented a series of heightened tariffs.

starting with 10% on April 2, escalating to 25% on August 7, and culminating at 50% by end-August—resulting in Indian products facing some of the highest tax rates amongst all US trade partners

Luiza Rozova, 22, widely rumored to be Vladimir Putin’s secret daughter, was ambushed on the streets of Paris by Ukrainian journalist Dmytro Sviatnenko of TSN.

whose brother was killed in a Russian airstrike. Walking with a bodyguard, Rozova appeared uneasy and masked, telling Sviatnenko, “

I’m truly sorry that this is happening. Unfortunately, I’m not responsible for this situation.” The encounter, captured on video, quickly went viral. Sviatnenko pressed her to confront her father, saying

She could at least tell Putin, “Dad, stop shelling Kyiv,” to which Rozova responded, “What does that have to do with me?”

She repeatedly requested not to be filmed. Long linked to Putin and Svetlana Krivonogikh, Rozova has no confirmed political influence, though speculation about her identity and ties to Russia’s elite has circulated since 2021.

At the Red Sea Film Festival on Thursday, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan commanded attention with her stunning black gown and her signature grace as she greeted fans. The actor later participated in an engaging session where she opened up about motherhood, memories with her daughter Aaradhya, and the bond they’ve shared through their many Cannes journeys together.

‘Just mama and daughter having their real moment’

Aishwarya fondly recalled how Aaradhya has grown up visiting the Cannes Film Festival and how the atmosphere has always felt familiar to her. She explained that her daughter enjoys the vibe, reconnects with friends, and understands the rhythm of the festival thanks to her many years of accompanying her.

Reflecting on the viral moments of Aaradhya walking the corridor with her, Aishwarya clarified that none of it was planned or for the cameras. She said, “It wasn’t about putting Aaradhya in a gown just because she was going to be photographed.” No. For me, it’s a little girl—a little girl who’s reading or viewing fairytale stories, right? So it was fun for me to be dressed up, because why is Mama dressing up in these gowns? She’s a kid. She’s suddenly seeing a mother dressed in a gown with hair done.

So I was like, ‘We’re playing a fairy tale. We’re playing dress-up.’ So I’d also make a dress at home in India and pack it. Aishwarya shared how those behind-the-scenes moments were candid, unscripted, and full of joy.

“If I choose to show those videos, they’re completely entertaining… I’d be getting ready for the red carpet, but there’d be another number happening, which is so real. So while the team was trying to do their job professionally, there was Aaradhya, like, “Mama, look at this,” and there was a twirl happening and all of that.” She recalled the day Aaradhya unintentionally became part of a viral moment:

“It was just one of those incidental days when she walked out with me while still holding my hand, which I wouldn’t let go of because she was enjoying it.” You keep it real. We continued coming down and then I was like, ‘Uh-oh, now we’re already out here,’ and there she is, and she’s like, ‘Mama,’ and she’s twirling. I’m like, “Okay,” and then all these moments go viral, whereas actually it was just Mama and daughter having their real moment.“

‘Women are inherently strong.’

During the same session, Aishwarya also spoke powerfully about the strength of women, celebrating their resilience and presence in every role they play. She said, “Women by birth are strong.

All women are immensely strong; you are shakti, devi; you are the embodiment of strength, beauty, and femininity. Enjoy every aspect of being who you are, and we need to be celebrated every second of our existence.”

Highlighting how women constantly adapt, navigate, and rise through challenges, she added, “Inherently, women are strong, and they are always striving, figuring out how to tie all that life throws at them. She emphasised the importance of embracing life’s challenges and handling them effectively. That’s who we are in every role of life as daughters, sisters, mothers, and wives.”