“Jiribam is the gateway to Manipur and has the potential to become a business hub,” he said, adding that peace is essential for growth.

The Chief Minister first visited the Jiribam Higher Secondary School campus, where Meitei IDPs are currently sheltered. He later met Hmar tribal IDPs at the Kalinagar relief camp, listening to their concerns and assuring them of continued government support.

Urging communities to move beyond past hardships, he appealed for reconciliation and mutual understanding. Referring to Christian values of compassion and forgiveness, he said, “Let us consider the last two years a nightmare and have the courage to move forward towards peace and development.”

As part of his visit, the Chief Minister also travelled to Jarolpokpi Hmar village, which experienced violence in 2023, and Mongbung Meitei village, where he interacted with local residents. He assured displaced families that their grievances are being addressed and that houses are being constructed for those who have lost their homes.

In another significant event, Yumnam Khemchand laid the foundation stone of IRB Barracks at the 87-Bn CRPF Headquarters, reiterating his commitment to a united Manipur. Expressing concern over divisive forces, he stated, “I feel someone is trying to destroy the concept of Manipuri. We can be Manipuri Naga, Manipuri Kuki, and Manipuri Meitei – united as one.”

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister also flagged off an external exposure tour to Vietnam for members of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR). The tour is fully sponsored by DIPR and partially supported by the Tourism Department.

The flag-off ceremony was held at Singjamei Yumnam Leikai Leirembi Lampak in Imphal West. The 30-member delegation includes 25 representatives from AMWJU and five from DIPR. The team is led by Hungyo Worshang, IAS, Secretary of the Tourism Department and DIPR, Government of Manipur, along with Asem Bhakta, President of AMWJU.

Notable participants include Imphal Free Press Editor Irengbam Arun and Impact TV Chief Editor Yunam Rupachandra.

Speaking to reporters during the flag-off, Yunam Rupachandra said the main focus of the tour is to explore Vietnam’s tourism sector and study its development model. The delegation will visit important historical and cultural sites, including Ho Chi Minh City, known for its role in the Vietnam–USA war and its preserved war heritage sites, as well as Hanoi, the northern capital, to understand the progress of a communist country.

The delegation is scheduled to return to Imphal on February 19.

Photo: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh interacting with IDPs at a relief camp in Jiribam district and flagging off the AMWJU–DIPR delegation to Vietnam, February 2026.

The fire started around 1 am on Sunday when a gas cylinder exploded inside the popular nightclub, a well-known party venue located about 25 kilometres from Goa’s state capital, Panaji. According to eyewitnesses, the fire erupted on the first floor of the venue, where tourists were dancing, triggering chaos. Many panicked and rushed toward the basement, where they became trapped, unable to escape the rising flames and suffocating smoke. Officials said that most of the victims died due to suffocation, while three people succumbed to severe burn injuries.

In a statement issued by Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, he confirmed that an FIR had been lodged against the nightclub’s owner and general manager, who will face arrest. Sawant, who visited the site, also ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident to determine the cause and fix responsibility. The Chief Minister announced that action would be taken against the officials responsible for allowing the nightclub to operate despite violations of safety norms. “We will take action against the club management and also against the officials who allowed it to operate despite flouting safety norms,” Sawant told reporters after his visit to the scene.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his condolences, stating that the local administration is conducting rescue and relief operations. “The tragic loss of lives in a fire accident in Arpora, Goa, is deeply painful. My sincerest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Shah posted on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sorrow, offering his condolences to the victims’ families. “The fire mishap in Arpora, Goa, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest,” he posted on X. The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased. The injured will receive ₹50,000 each.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as the fire spread rapidly through the venue. Fatima Shaikh, a tourist from Hyderabad, said, “There was a sudden commotion as the flames started erupting. We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames.” Local police stated that over 100 people were on the dance floor when the fire broke out.

In response to the devastating incident, Goa’s BJP MLA Michael Lobo called for a thorough safety audit of all clubs in the state. “I am disturbed because of the incident. The safety of tourists and workers in these establishments is extremely important. Most people died due to suffocation as they ran toward the basement,” he said. Lobo emphasised that such incidents should never be allowed to occur again, stressing the need for stringent safety measures.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the fire. While initial reports suggest the explosion of a gas cylinder triggered the blaze, further inquiry is ongoing to identify any lapses in the venue’s fire safety systems. The local police and fire department are reviewing all aspects of the club’s operations, including its compliance with safety standards.

The incident has raised significant concerns about the safety protocols at nightclubs and other entertainment venues in Goa, particularly with regard to fire hazards and evacuation procedures. With tourism being a major industry in the state, ensuring the safety of both locals and tourists has become an urgent priority for the government.

As the investigation progresses, authorities have pledged to hold accountable those responsible for the tragedy and ensure that such an incident is prevented in the future.

PTI, 

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI, DEC 6, 2025 :  Domestic carrier IndiGo cancelled over 800 flights on Saturday, the fifth day of the ongoing crisis, even as the government imposed a cap on airfares and directed the airline to process all refunds by Sunday evening.

The airline’s on-time performance from six metro airports plunged to 3.7 per cent on Friday, according to the civil aviation ministry website. The government said regulatory action would be initiated against the airline in case of any non-compliance.

With IndiGo flight disruptions impacting thousands of passengers, the civil aviation ministry on Saturday directed the airline to complete the ticket refund process for cancelled flights by Sunday evening and ensure that baggage separated from the travellers is delivered within the next two days.

The airline had cancelled over 1,000 flights on Friday. IndiGo said its teams are focused on stabilising schedules, reducing delays, and supporting customers during this period. IndiGo, in a statement, also said it is addressing all customer refund issues on a “priority” basis.

The refund process for all cancelled or disrupted flights must be completed by 8 pm on Sunday, the civil aviation ministry said in a statement. “Airlines have also been instructed not to levy any rescheduling charges for passengers whose travel plans were affected by cancellations,” it said.

IndiGo has also been instructed to set up a dedicated passenger support and refund facilitation cell. “These cells have been tasked to proactively contact affected passengers and ensure that refunds and alternative travel arrangements are processed without the need for multiple follow-ups. The system of automatic refunds will remain active until operations stabilise completely,” the statement said.

Further, the ministry said the airline should ensure that baggage separated from passengers due to flight cancellations or delays should be traced and delivered to them within the next 48 hours.

“The number of cancellations on Saturday dropped below 850 flights, much lower compared to Friday. We are continuing to work towards reducing this number progressively over the next few days,” IndiGo said. The airline’s teams are focused on stabilising schedules, reducing delays, and supporting customers through this period, it said, adding, “We are also working closely with all airports and partners to ensure timely updates are provided to customers at terminals, on our website, and via direct notifications.”

In the two-page order on capping the airfares, the ministry said disruptions in flight operations of one of the scheduled airlines had resulted in flight cancellations, leading to capacity constraints and unreasonable surges in fares on a number of sectors.

The fare limits, excluding applicable charges, are not applicable for business class and UDAN flights, the civil aviation ministry said in an order. However, the order did not provide clarity on whether the caps are applicable for economy class tickets or both economy and premium economy class tickets.

Under the limits, for a flight flying up to 500 kilometres, the fares are capped at Rs 7,500, and for 500-1,000 kilometres, the ticket price cap is Rs 12,000. For flights operating 1,000-1,500 kilometres, the fares are limited to Rs 15,000, and for flights above 1,500 kilometres, the cap is Rs 18,000. This means that for a Delhi-Mumbai flight, which covers a distance of over 1,300 kilometres, the fare for at least the economy class is capped at Rs 18,000. The limits will remain in place until the situation stabilises, the ministry said in a statement.

It excludes User Development Fee (UDF), Passenger Service Fee (PSF), and taxes on air tickets.

The ministry, in the statement, said it will continue to closely monitor fare levels through real-time data and active coordination with airlines and online travel platforms, adding that any deviation from the prescribed norms will attract immediate corrective action in the larger public interest.

“These fare limits shall be applicable for all forms of bookings, regardless of whether the purchase is made directly through the airline’s official website or through various online travel agents’ platforms,” it said.

The ministry has also asked airlines to avoid steep or unusual upward fare revisions on sectors affected by the cancellations.

An analysis of fares on airlines’ websites on Friday showed that a one-way, one-stop economy-class SpiceJet Kolkata-Mumbai flight ticket for December 6 was priced up to Rs 90,000, and a similar ticket for Air India for Mumbai-Bhubaneswar went up to Rs 84,485.

Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) President Ravi Gosain said unpredictable spikes damage consumer confidence and create chaos for tour operators. “A temporary fare cap may provide immediate relief, but the durable solution is better contingency planning, rapid capacity deployment, and transparent fare monitoring,” he noted.

Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) Board Member Anil Kalsi said the fare cap is essential to protect flyer rights in India, and there is a need for a permanent policy in this regard.

The Sangai festival was held from November 21 to 30 amid protests by IDPs demanding that they be allowed to return to their homes.

At least 260 people were killed and thousands homeless in ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur since May 2023.

In a joint statement, leaders of the Kangleipak Communist Party, Kanglei Yawol Kanba Lup, People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, PREPAK (Progressive), and United National Liberation Front alleged that displaced people are struggling to survive in relief camps.

The outfits also alleged the government was not doing anything to resolve the conflict.

They said that all artists, business enterprises, professionals and stall owners who participated in the festival should issue a public apology by December 10.

The groups also announced a one-year ban on any performance on four major drama troupes which participated in the event, allegedly for going against the wishes of the people.

The Codes, which come into effect on November 21, 2025, have been criticised for undermining the hard-won rights of journalists by subsuming two landmark legislations – the Working Journalists and Other Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1955 and the Working Journalists (Fixation of Rates of Wages) Act, 1958. These Acts, the result of decades of struggle by journalists and media unions, have long been viewed as vital protections that shield journalism’s independence from undue influence by employers, advertisers, and political forces.

By incorporating these laws into the broader Labour Codes, the government has effectively weakened the institutional framework that safeguarded press autonomy, critics argue. “This move is nothing short of an assault on the freedom of the press. The Working Journalists Act was not merely a labour law; it was a constitutional guarantee of media independence,” said Geetartha Pathak, the President of IJU and a former Member of the Press Council of India. He further added that this reform “directly undermines the democratic role of the press.”

Vinod Kohli, IJU’s Secretary General and a former member of the Press Council of India, echoed these sentiments, saying the Labour Codes were implemented without adequate consultation with key media stakeholders. He warned that this lack of dialogue would embolden employers to dilute working conditions, suppress critical voices, and weaken institutional journalism.

The IJU also highlighted several provisions in the new Labour Codes that are expected to disproportionately impact journalists and precarious media workers, including fixed-term employment, retrenchment clauses, and stricter regulations on the right to strike. These provisions, critics say, will further exacerbate job insecurity for media professionals, many of whom already work under precarious conditions.

Moreover, the Union expressed concern over the government’s dismissive approach to widespread opposition from central trade unions, journalists’ bodies, and labour experts. The absence of consultations at the Indian Labour Conference (ILC) since 2015, despite repeated calls to scrap or amend the Codes, is seen as an alarming erosion of democratic consultation, the IJU noted.

In a show of solidarity with central trade unions, the IJU is calling for the immediate repeal of the Labour Codes and a restoration of the Working Journalists Acts. Furthermore, the IJU is demanding the expansion of legal protections to include workers in electronic and digital media, who have long been excluded from such safeguards. They are also calling for the immediate reconvening of the ILC to allow for democratic deliberation on these significant changes to India’s labour landscape.

In response to these concerns, the government has defended the reforms, which are part of a broader push to modernise India’s labour laws. The new framework, which includes the Code on Wages (2019), Industrial Relations Code (2020), Code on Social Security (2020), and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (2020), aims to replace 29 outdated and fragmented labour laws, some of which date back to the colonial era.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has argued that the Codes will simplify compliance, extend social security benefits to more workers, and modernise workplace conditions, including provisions for women workers and gig economy employees. The new laws will also introduce a national floor wage, expected to standardise minimum wages across the country, and extend statutory protections, such as timely wage payments and the right to appointment letters, to all workers, including those in the unorganised and gig sectors.

The reforms also introduce significant shifts in how factories and industries operate, including provisions that allow women to work night shifts, grant employers greater flexibility to extend working hours, and raise the threshold for prior approval of layoffs from 100 to 300 workers. Additionally, the new laws provide fixed-term workers with benefits on par with permanent employees, including gratuity after one year of service. They will improve protections for contract and migrant workers.

However, critics argue that these reforms favour business interests at the expense of worker rights. Trade unions have raised concerns about the potential dilution of job security and collective bargaining power under the new Industrial Relations Code. Amarjeet Kaur, from the All India Trade Union Congress, described the Labour Codes as an assault on workers’ rights, particularly in relation to fixed-term employment and other protections that were available under earlier laws.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly backed the reform, describing it as “one of the most comprehensive labour-oriented reforms since Independence.” He said that the new Codes would empower workers, simplify compliance, and ease business processes, making India a more attractive destination for investment.

Despite these claims, many analysts suggest that the reforms’ immediate effects could be challenging for small and informal firms, potentially straining their operations. However, some economists argue that the long-term benefits, such as improved minimum wages and expanded social security, could strengthen household incomes and improve working conditions over time.

The government’s announcement of these reforms comes after years of delay: Parliament approved the changes in 2020, but political resistance and pushback from unions and several states have delayed their implementation. Officials maintain that the Labour Codes will ultimately lead to a more formalised, efficient, and globally competitive workforce, particularly as the gig economy continues to grow. The government estimates that by 2030, India’s gig economy could employ over 23.5 million workers, up from about 10 million in 2024.

As the Labour Codes are set to come into effect next month, the debate over their impact on journalists and workers across various sectors is expected to intensify. The Indian Journalists Union has pledged to remain vigilant in its fight to protect the rights of journalists, media workers, and the freedom of the press.

The government’s stance remains that these reforms are necessary for India’s economic future. For better protection of its workforce, but with strong opposition from trade unions and media bodies, the implementation of these Labour Codes is likely to remain a contentious issue in the coming months.

The meeting, attended by delegates from across India and abroad, was inaugurated by former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and current Member of Parliament, Jagdambika Pal. The event witnessed participation from representatives of the Nepal Press Union and the Bangladesh Press Union, strengthening international solidarity among journalists. 

Pal assured that he would bring the concerns raised during the meeting to Parliament for discussion.

In his inaugural speech, Jagdambika Pal expressed his strong support for the IJU’s demands and reiterated that the issues raised during the NEC meeting would be presented in Parliament. Pal, a Member of Parliament from the BJP, assured the attendees that he would work towards addressing these concerns at the highest legislative levels.

“Journalists play an essential role in a democracy, and their safety and well-being should always be prioritized. I will make sure these critical issues are brought to Parliament,” he assured.

At the heart of the discussions was the demand for a Journalists’ Safety Law, designed to provide stronger protection against violence and intimidation faced by reporters. The IJU leadership pointed out the increasing number of attacks on journalists, especially those reporting on sensitive issues, and emphasized the need for legal safeguards. Additionally, the union stressed the urgency of a uniform pension scheme for journalists, advocating for a consistent and reliable financial security framework for the profession.

The meeting also raised concerns about the impact of India’s digital laws, which, according to the IJU, have become increasingly repressive. The union called for amendments to these laws, citing their potential to stifle press freedom and curtail the rights of journalists to report freely, without fear of surveillance, punishment, or censorship.

In his presidential address, Geethartha Pathak, IJU President, stressed the critical importance of defending journalism, free speech, and the core values of democracy. He acknowledged the growing challenges faced by the journalism community in India, especially under increasing pressure from various political and social forces. Pathak highlighted that despite the threats, journalists cannot and should not be silenced.

“Journalism in India is under siege. However, our commitment to truth, democracy, and justice must remain stronger than the pressures we face. Let’s leave this meeting with renewed determination – to protect journalism, to defend free speech, and to strengthen our union,” said Pathak. He reaffirmed the IJU’s mission to continue being the voice of journalists and the conscience of democracy in India.

Pathak also addressed the evolving media landscape, urging journalists to embrace new technologies, including digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI), while adhering to ethical standards, credibility, and public trust. He acknowledged the opportunities that AI presents for data analysis, investigative reporting, and content automation but also pointed out the challenges it brings, including the risk of job losses, ethical dilemmas, and the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation.

“The digital era offers great opportunities, but it also presents new challenges. AI can enhance journalism, but it must not come at the cost of ethics or the truth,” Pathak added, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that technological advancements do not compromise journalistic integrity.

A Roadmap for the Future

Pathak outlined a detailed one-year roadmap for the IJU, which includes several initiatives aimed at strengthening the union and safeguarding the rights of journalists. Key proposals include:

• National Legal Aid Cell: Establishing a dedicated legal cell to assist journalists facing police cases or harassment.

• Safety Helpline: Launching a safety helpline to provide immediate assistance for journalists under attack or threat.

• Capacity Building and Training: Providing skills training for journalists, especially in areas like digital reporting and investigative journalism.

• International Advocacy Partnerships: Building solidarity with international media organizations like the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

• Journalist Protection Bill: Continuing to lobby for the passage of the Journalist Protection Bill, which remains pending in Parliament.

• Youth Recruitment and Digital Engagement: Encouraging affiliates to recruit younger journalists, particularly those skilled in digital journalism, and to create state-level solidarity funds to assist distressed journalists.

• Special Campaigns: Launching campaigns focused on critical issues like climate journalism, combating fake news, and protecting democratic rights.

Global Solidarity and Advocacy

IJU Secretary-General Sabina Inderjeet voiced strong support for global journalistic solidarity, particularly highlighting the plight of Palestinian journalists who have faced violence during the Israel-Gaza conflict. She expressed deep concern over the growing attacks on journalists who are critical of the ruling government in India.

She also pointed out that journalists globally, including those in conflict zones, should not be silenced, and that global advocacy is needed to stand up for press freedom and the safety of journalists everywhere. “We need to be proactive in raising our voices against the impunity with which journalists are attacked — both in India and globally,” Sabina said, calling on IJU members to take action.

The two-day IJU NEC meeting in Siddharth Nagar concluded with a renewed commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and rights of journalists across India. As the media landscape evolves with new technological advances, the IJU remains determined to navigate these changes while safeguarding the foundational principles of journalism.

With the rise of digital platforms and AI, alongside increasing threats to press freedom, the need for a strong, united response from both national and international journalist organizations has never been greater. The road ahead for the IJU will involve both advocacy for legislative reform and the strengthening of journalistic ethics and solidarity within the profession.

The updated order, effective from September 2025, extends the deadline for persecuted minorities seeking refuge in India from these neighboring countries, allowing them to stay without valid documents. Initially, the CAA, which became law in 2019, applied to individuals who entered India by December 31, 2014, but the recent extension to December 31, 2024, addresses the ongoing influx of refugees fleeing religious persecution. This change offers a lifeline, particularly for many Hindus from Pakistan, who have been residing in India since 2015 but lacked the documentation to regularize their stay.

The amended law allows individuals from these minority communities who arrived in India without valid documents — or whose documents have expired — to apply for citizenship under the CAA. The key criteria for the exemption include being persecuted or fearing religious persecution in their countries of origin. The new measure addresses concerns from many who arrived post-2014 and had feared being left in legal limbo, particularly those unable to obtain or renew essential travel documents due to political instability or lack of consular support from their home countries.

In a significant shift from the original cut-off date of December 31, 2014, the MHA’s decision marks a decade-long extension. This move comes after appeals from various refugee organizations and minority rights bodies that argued the original deadline did not account for the continued migration of persecuted communities. Notably, Hindus from Pakistan have been among the most vocal in seeking this extension, given their precarious position in Pakistan’s religious landscape.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, passed by Parliament in 2019, sought to fast-track citizenship for non-Muslim refugees who had fled Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to escape religious persecution. Under the CAA, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians were granted an expedited path to citizenship, but Muslims were notably excluded from the provision, sparking widespread debate and controversy.

The extension to December 31, 2024, also responds to the challenges posed by the ongoing refugee crisis. Cross-border migration, particularly in the context of religious persecution, has been a long-standing issue. Many of those seeking shelter in India did so with expired documents or without any formal travel papers. As a result, the MHA’s recent move to waive the requirement for valid documentation aims to address the humanitarian aspect of the crisis, providing much-needed clarity and protection for displaced individuals.

However, the CAA continues to face significant opposition, especially in India’s northeastern states, where the law has fueled fears of demographic change. Critics argue that the law’s exclusion of Muslims violates the secular principles enshrined in India’s Constitution. The law has been challenged in the Supreme Court for its constitutionality, with opponents claiming it discriminates against Muslims, including those who face religious persecution in the countries from which they are fleeing, such as the Ahmadiyyas and Shias in Pakistan and the Hazaras in Afghanistan.

Protests against the CAA erupted across India in 2019, with large demonstrations continuing in 2024 when the rules for implementing the law were finalized. Opposition parties and civil society groups have expressed concerns that the CAA, when coupled with the National Register of Citizens (NRC), could render Indian Muslims vulnerable to losing their citizenship status, while non-Muslims excluded from the NRC would be able to reclaim citizenship under the CAA.

The controversial nature of the law has also led to concerns regarding its impact on the Assam Accord of 1985, which set a cut-off date for detecting and deporting illegal immigrants in Assam, regardless of their religion. Critics argue that the CAA could undermine the Assam Accord, particularly in light of concerns that the law could bring large numbers of migrants to the region, changing its demographic composition.

In response to these concerns, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that only three individuals in the state have been granted citizenship under the CAA so far, highlighting that the process is ongoing, with nine more applications under consideration. Sarma emphasized that the law, as it stands, would not be implemented indiscriminately, and applicants must go through a rigorous verification process.

While the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has defended the CAA, asserting that it provides shelter to persecuted minorities, the law remains highly contentious. Proponents of the Act argue that it is a necessary measure to protect the religious minorities facing persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, countries where Islam is the state religion and religious minorities are often marginalized.

The CAA’s critics, however, point out that the law fails to address the plight of Muslim minorities in these countries, particularly the Shia, Ahmadiyya, and Hazaras in Pakistan, and the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, who also face severe persecution. The exclusion of Muslims from the CAA has led to accusations of religious discrimination and a violation of India’s secular ethos.

The government, on its part, has stated that the CAA does not affect the citizenship of any Indian citizen and is solely intended to provide protection to religious minorities who have been persecuted for their faith. The MHA has clarified that the law’s provisions are designed to address the needs of communities facing genuine religious persecution, with a particular focus on minorities from neighboring Islamic-majority countries.

The implementation of the CAA, particularly in the context of the extended deadline and its implications for India’s demographic composition, continues to be a subject of intense debate. As the legal challenges against the law continue to unfold, the future of the CAA and its impact on India’s secular fabric remains uncertain. For now, the latest order from the Ministry of Home Affairs provides a crucial lifeline to many individuals who have sought refuge in India but were left without a clear path to citizenship.

The members of the naval, military, or air forces of India entering or exiting India on duty, along with the family members of any such person when accompanying them on a government transport, will also not be required to carry a passport or visa, according to an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) following the enforcement of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.

The requirement of a valid passport or other valid travel documents, and a valid visa for entry into, stay in, and exit from India shall not apply if “a citizen of India is entering India by land or air over the Nepalese or Bhutanese frontier, a citizen of Nepal or Bhutan is entering India by land or air over the Nepal or Bhutan border, or if they possess a valid passport while entering or exiting India from or to a place other than Nepal or Bhutan, but not from China, Macau, Hong Kong, or Pakistan,” the MHA said.

The provision is also applicable to Tibetans who have already entered India and are staying in the country, or entering India if they have registered with the registration officers concerned and obtained certificates of registration. This applies to those who entered India after 1959 but before May 30, 2003, on the Special Entry Permit issued by the Indian embassy in Kathmandu, or those who entered India after May 30, 2003, till the date of the Act coming into force, on the new Special Entry Permit issued by the Indian embassy in Kathmandu through the immigration post on the Indo-Nepal border, as designated by the Centre.

A person belonging to a minority community in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan — Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians — who were compelled to seek shelter in India due to religious persecution or fear of religious persecution, and entered the country on or before December 31, 2024, without valid documents, including a passport or other travel documents, or with valid documents, including a passport or other travel documents whose validity has expired, will be exempted from the rule of possessing a valid passport and visa.

The rule will also not apply to registered Sri Lankan Tamil nationals who took shelter in India by January 9, 2015.

Potdar had been undergoing treatment at Jupiter Hospital in Thane for age-related ailments and breathed his last there. While the exact cause of death has not yet been disclosed, his funeral is scheduled to be held on August 19 in Thane. News of his passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from across the Indian film and television fraternity.

Before making his mark in cinema, Potdar served in the Indian Armed Forces, retiring with the rank of Captain, and later held a senior position at the Indian Oil Company. Despite a secure professional life, his passion for acting remained undimmed, leading him to enter the film industry in the 1980s. What followed was a prolific career spanning more than 125 films in both Hindi and Marathi, as well as memorable performances on television.

Potdar became a familiar face with significant roles in acclaimed films such as Aakrosh, Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai, Ardh Satya, Tezaab, Parinda, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Dilwale, Rangeela, Vaastav, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Parineeta, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Dabangg 2, and Ventilator. His characters, often layered with authority and depth, resonated deeply with audiences across generations.

Yet, it was his portrayal of a strict but endearing engineering professor in Rajkumar Hirani’s blockbuster 3 Idiots that etched his name indelibly into popular culture. The professor’s interactions with Aamir Khan’s Rancho, particularly the iconic moment when he demanded, “Hey, kehna kya chahate ho?”, remain among the most fondly remembered scenes in contemporary Indian cinema. His lines continue to be quoted widely in conversations, memes, and pop culture references.

Potdar’s contribution was not limited to films alone. He brought the same dedication and authenticity to television, featuring in Wagle Ki Duniya, Majha Hoshil Na, Mrs. Tendulkar, and Bharat Ki Khoj, among others. His ability to move seamlessly between stage, television, and the silver screen earned him admiration and respect within the entertainment industry.

Colleagues and fans have remembered him as a disciplined, humble, and hardworking artist whose simplicity in real life contrasted with the intensity of the roles he portrayed. Social media has since been flooded with condolences, with admirers sharing clips from his most iconic performances and recalling his warmth off-screen.

Achyut Potdar’s journey from soldier and corporate professional to one of India’s most recognized character actors is a story of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to art. His body of work remains a treasure for Indian cinema and television, ensuring that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and film lovers alike.

KalimNews,  Imphal,  Aug 10, 2025 : In a remarkable recognition of his lifelong dedication to healthcare, hospitality, and tourism, Dr. Thangjam Dhabali Singh, the Chairman and Managing Director of the BABINA Group of Companies, was conferred the prestigious “Life-Time Achievement Award 2025” by the Mylai Thiruvalluvar Tamil Sangam (MTTS), Chennai. The award ceremony, held on August 9, 2025, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Manipur, took place at the Swamy Vivekananda Auditorium in Mantripukhri, Imphal.

Dr. Dhabali’s accomplishments were honored during a grand formal event attended by several distinguished personalities, including the Vice Chancellor of Manipur University, Professor N. Lokendra Singh, Dr. N. Murugan, the Founder Chairman of Thiruvalluvar, and Professor Krishnan Baskar, Director of IIIT, Manipur. This recognition comes as a testament to Dr. Dhabali’s immense contributions to multiple sectors, especially his transformative impact on the healthcare and tourism landscape of Manipur and the surrounding region.

A pioneering medical entrepreneur, Dr. Dhabali’s work has been instrumental in establishing a comprehensive network of diagnostic laboratories and healthcare facilities, notably including a state-of-the-art cancer treatment center. These contributions have not only enhanced the region’s healthcare infrastructure but also provided employment to over 1,250 professionals. His relentless efforts have broadened access to advanced medical services for the people of the region, improving the quality of healthcare available to the public.

Beyond healthcare, Dr. Dhabali has also made significant strides in the hospitality and tourism industries. As the founder of the Classic Group of Hotels, he played a critical role in the development of Manipur’s modern hospitality sector, thereby promoting tourism and bolstering the local economy. His vision led to the establishment of the Imphal Peace Museum in 2019, a project he spearheaded in collaboration with several international partners, including the Nippon Foundation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation of Japan. The museum commemorates the Battle of Imphal and stands as a beacon for peace, reconciliation, and cultural understanding.

The Life-Time Achievement Award 2025 serves as a symbol of Dr. Dhabali’s tireless dedication to service, innovation, and the holistic growth of his community. His leadership in public service, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his role in fostering cultural understanding through tourism have earned him recognition as a key figure in the region’s development.

In addition to the Life-Time Achievement Award, the event also honored numerous other outstanding individuals from diverse fields, including science and the arts, celebrating the excellence and contribution of professionals across the spectrum. Dr. Dhabali’s award stands as a culmination of a distinguished career devoted to public welfare, service, and the improvement of society.

Dr. Dhabali’s recognition is not just a personal achievement but a milestone for Manipur, highlighting the state’s growing influence and commitment to fostering innovation, peace, and development.