Category: National

National

Airbnb Brings Fans Closer to the Music with Exclusive Experiences at Lollapalooza India 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral National Desk

Airbnb is set to transform the live music experience in India with the launch of exclusive Airbnb Experiences at Lollapalooza India 2026, marking its first-ever global live music partnership. Scheduled to take place on January 24 and 25 at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse, the festival will now offer fans unprecedented access to the creative processes, backstage moments, and people who bring one of India’s most anticipated music festivals to life.

As part of this new initiative, Airbnb introduces a curated set of Experiences that go far beyond attending a concert. From guided backstage tours and artist-led sessions to behind-the-scenes access led by a Lollapalooza India Insider, these Experiences are designed to immerse guests in the world behind the stage, offering rare perspectives that are usually reserved for artists and crew.

Speaking on the partnership, Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s Country Head for India & Southeast Asia, highlighted the natural connection between music and travel, noting that festivals are as much about exploring a city and building meaningful connections as they are about performances. He said the collaboration with Lollapalooza India allows fans to experience the festival not just as attendees, but as insiders who become part of its story.

Among the standout Experiences is the opportunity to join celebrated singer-songwriter Ankur Tewari’s entourage at Lollapalooza India. Participants will gain backstage access, witness his pre-performance rituals, and attend exclusive aftershows, offering an intimate glimpse into the creative rhythm and collaboration that define his work. This Experience will take place on January 24, 2026.

Another immersive Experience brings fans behind the stage with composer-producer duo OAFF and Savera, known for shaping some of India’s most influential contemporary soundscapes. Guests will observe their pre-show creative process, connect with their crew, and experience how music transitions from studio to stage. This session is scheduled for January 25, 2026.

Festival-goers can also opt for a behind-the-scenes tour led by Raashi Sanghavi, a key figure behind Lollapalooza India’s production and global partnerships. Through insider stories, real-time insights, and festival trivia, this Experience reveals the scale, coordination, and creativity involved in producing a world-class live music event. The tour will take place on January 24, 2026.

Naman Pugalia, Chief Business Officer – Live Events at BookMyShow, said that Lollapalooza India has always been about more than performances, emphasising culture, community, and creativity. He added that the partnership with Airbnb opens up a side of the festival usually unseen by fans, bringing them closer to the people and moments that shape the event.

Bookings for all Experiences opened on December 15, 2025, with slots available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are required to arrange their own travel to and from Mumbai. With Lollapalooza India 2026 set over a long weekend, Airbnb also offers a wide range of stays across Mumbai’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, making it easier for fans to combine the festival with an immersive city experience.

National

World Remembers Nirbhaya on Her 13th Death Anniversary

Tanisha Cardozo

Thirteen years after the brutal incident that shook the nation, the world continues to remember Nirbhaya — a symbol of courage, resilience, and the fight for justice. Her tragic death not only sparked nationwide outrage but also ignited global conversations on women’s safety, legal reform, and accountability.

The Nirbhaya case became a turning point in India’s legal and social framework, leading to significant amendments in laws related to sexual violence and fast-track judicial processes. Millions across the globe stood in solidarity, demanding justice and systemic change, ensuring that her voice echoed far beyond borders.

On this solemn anniversary, people from all walks of life remember Nirbhaya not just as a victim, but as a catalyst for awareness and reform. Candlelight vigils, messages of remembrance, and renewed calls for safer spaces for women highlight the enduring relevance of her story.

As the world remembers Nirbhaya today, the collective resolve remains firm — to build a society where dignity, safety, and justice for women are non-negotiable, and where such tragedies never repeat.

National

Severe Delhi Smog: Singapore High Commission Issues Advisory to Nationals as AQI Crosses 400

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral National Desk

As Delhi’s air quality continued to remain in the ‘severe’ category on Monday, the Singapore High Commission in India issued an advisory for its nationals residing in the Delhi-NCR region, urging them to follow official health guidelines and remain cautious amid worsening pollution levels. According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app, the overall Air Quality Index in the capital stood at 437 at 2 pm, with all monitoring stations recording readings of 400 or above.

The advisory was shared by the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi through its official X handle, noting that on December 13, 2025, the Indian authorities invoked Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan, the highest level of pollution control measures in the Delhi National Capital Region. Under GRAP Stage 4, construction and industrial activities are heavily restricted, while schools and offices are encouraged to shift to a hybrid mode of functioning.

The High Commission highlighted that the Delhi government has advised residents, particularly children and individuals with respiratory or cardiac ailments, to stay indoors and to wear masks when stepping outside. In light of this, the High Commission urged Singapore nationals in the region to pay heed to the advisory and prioritise their health and safety.

The advisory also cautioned travellers about possible disruptions to flight operations due to low visibility caused by thick smog. The Indira Gandhi International Airport and several airlines have issued advisories regarding delays, cancellations and diversions, prompting the High Commission to ask travellers to stay in touch with their respective airlines for real-time updates. A contact point was also provided for Singapore nationals requiring consular assistance.

The severe air quality and dense smog have engulfed the national capital for the third consecutive day, significantly impacting daily life and air travel. The CPCB categorises air quality as ‘moderate’ between AQI levels of 101 and 200, ‘poor’ between 201 and 300, ‘very poor’ between 301 and 400, and ‘severe’ for readings above 400. AQI levels of 450 and above fall under ‘severe plus’, while a reading of 500 is considered seriously dangerous.

According to airport authorities, over 400 flights at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport were delayed, with 61 cancellations and five diversions reported. In an operational update issued at 2 pm, the Delhi airport said that runway visibility had improved and flight operations were gradually returning to normal. However, it cautioned that some arrivals and departures could still be affected and advised passengers to remain in contact with their airlines for the latest information.

National

Vice-President Of India Releases Commemorative Postage Stamp Honouring Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral National Desk

The Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today released a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II, also known as Suvaran Maran, at the Vice-President’s Enclave in New Delhi. The release marked an important step in recognising the contributions of historically significant Tamil rulers who have shaped India’s cultural and political heritage.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President appreciated the Government of India under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for its sustained efforts in promoting Tamil culture and language. He highlighted initiatives such as the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and the broader focus on acknowledging Tamil kings, leaders and freedom fighters who had not received due recognition in the past.

Shri Radhakrishnan noted that the commemorative postage stamp honouring Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II forms part of this ongoing process of cultural recognition. He emphasised that acknowledging unsung heroes is vital to restoring national pride and strengthening India’s civilisational consciousness as the country moves forward on its journey towards Viksit Bharat.

The occasion was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Hon’ble Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh, and Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. L. Murugan. Their presence underscored the significance of the event and the collective commitment to celebrating India’s diverse historical legacy.

The release of the commemorative postage stamp stands as a tribute to Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II and serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of preserving and honouring India’s rich cultural and historical narratives.

National

President Droupadi Murmu Leads Human Rights Day Celebrations; Launches NHRC Mobile App in New Delhi

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New Delhi, December 10, 2025: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, commemorated Human Rights Day with a grand function at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest, reaffirming India’s commitment to protecting the dignity and rights of every individual.

Addressing a distinguished gathering that included members of the judiciary, senior government officials, diplomats, human rights defenders, and representatives from civil society, President Murmu said that universal human rights are inalienable and form the bedrock of a just, equitable, and compassionate society. She emphasised that India has played a pivotal role in shaping global human rights frameworks, with its freedom fighters championing dignity, justice, and equality.

Human Rights for All in the Spirit of Antyodaya

The President highlighted the importance of ensuring human rights for every individual, especially those at the last mile. She stressed that development initiatives must reach the most vulnerable communities to truly embody the principle of inclusivity. She reiterated India’s belief that peace and justice are inseparable, echoing the timeless truth: “There is no peace without justice and no justice without peace.”

Institutions as Custodians of Constitutional Conscience

Smt Murmu praised the NHRC, State Human Rights Commissions, the judiciary, and civil society for functioning as vigilant sentinels of India’s Constitutional conscience. She noted NHRC’s proactive efforts in addressing issues concerning Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, women, children, and prison inmates.

Women’s empowerment, she said, remains central to human rights protection. She appreciated NHRC’s recent conference on women’s safety, underscoring its potential to drive impactful policies for safer environments at workplaces and public spaces.

The President also highlighted that over the last decade, India has moved from an approach of entitlement to empowerment, ensuring essential services—clean water, electricity, healthcare, education, sanitation—reach all citizens, uplifting households and enhancing dignity.

Government Reforms & Labour Codes

Referring to the government’s recent notification on the implementation of four Labour Codes, the President said the reforms would create a future-ready workforce, ensure social security, and improve occupational safety.

Launch of NHRC Mobile App

During the event, the President launched the NHRC Mobile App, designed to make human rights complaint filing easier with streamlined features like real-time tracking and access to IEC resources. Two NHRC publications, including Hindi and English journals on human rights issues, were also released.

Messages from NHRC & United Nations

NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian urged citizens to rededicate themselves to protecting human rights, quoting Eleanor Roosevelt’s reminder that human rights begin in “small places, close to home.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a message read out by UN Resident Coordinator Ms Areti Sianni, called for prioritising human rights over profit or power.

The event also included a national conference on Ensuring Everyday Essentials: Public Services and Dignity for All, emphasising the importance of accessible and equitable public services.