Government Mandates Airlines to Reserve 60% Seats Without Selection Fees
New Airline Regulations by the Union Government
The Union government has mandated that airlines must allocate at least 60% of seats on each flight without imposing selection fees, ensuring equitable access for all passengers. Furthermore, airlines are instructed to seat individuals traveling under the same Passenger Name Record together, ideally in adjacent seats, as per the directives from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Changes in Airline Policies for Sports and Pets
In addition, airlines are required to enhance the transparency of their policies regarding the transportation of sports equipment and musical instruments. They must also clearly outline their regulations concerning the carriage of pets.
Political Shift in Assam Ahead of Elections
In a significant political move, Pradyut Bordoloi, who recently resigned from the Congress party, has joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Assam just before the upcoming Assembly elections. Bordoloi, one of the Congress' three Lok Sabha MPs from the state, expressed feelings of humiliation that led to his departure. The Congress party has labeled his resignation as 'very unfortunate'.
Israeli Airstrike Claims Iranian Intelligence Minister
Israel has announced the killing of Iran's Intelligence Minister, Esmaeil Khatib, in an airstrike in Tehran. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has empowered the military to eliminate any senior Iranian official without needing further approval.
Impact of Iraqi Oil Agreement on Global Prices
Following an agreement between the Iraqi government and Kurdish authorities to resume oil exports through Turkey's Ceyhan port, oil prices dropped by over $2 per barrel. Additionally, Iranian officials reported that part of the refineries in Asaluyeh, associated with the South Pars gas field, was struck by a projectile from Israeli-U.S. forces.
U.S. Military Actions Near Iranian Missile Sites
Earlier, the U.S. military conducted airstrikes, dropping several 5,000-pound bombs on Iranian missile installations located near the Strait of Hormuz.
Allahabad High Court's Ruling on Religious Gatherings
The Allahabad High Court has ruled that the state must provide security for individuals facing threats while gathering for prayers on private properties in Uttar Pradesh. The court emphasized that Article 25 of the Constitution safeguards the right to worship for all religious groups, although it does not protect against incitement between different faiths under the guise of prayer.