The Ministry of Civil Aviation has provided for extensive rights and protections of air travelers. It gives clear guidelines on flight delays, cancellations, baggage, ticket management among other things.These provisions become significant to understand to ensure consumer rights especially after the recent flight disruption crisis. Here’s a glimpse at certain key provisions to ensure passenger convenience:

Compensation rulesThe Ministry has laid down regulations regarding compensation and assistance for disrupted flights, such as:Delays: Passengers are entitled to free meals in flights delayed between 2 to 4 hours, while alternative flights or refunds have to be given for flights that are delayed for over 6 hours. Meanwhile, in case of delays beyond 24 hours, hotel accommodation needs to be provided.Cancellations: The compensation offered varies from Rs 5,000 for 1-hour cancellation to Rs 10,000 for over 2 hours delay.Overbooking: Airlines are required to provide alternate flights within one hour. Additionally, compensation worth a maximum of Rs.20,000 is given for delayed rebooking after more than 24 hours.Accessibility and emergenciesThere are certain safety guidelines when it comes emergency or unprecedented situations, such as: Disability rights: Airlines cannot refuse service to passengers with disabilities. They must provide assistive devices, accessible seating, and prior support, provided the passenger has given 48-hour prior notice.Medical emergencies: Airlines are required to provide medical assistance, including doctors, paramedics, or ambulance services.Flight diversions: The passengers are entitled to disembarkation and refreshments, depending on the waiting time.Baggage and liabilityThe charter defines compensation limits for lost or damaged baggage and cargo, such as:Domestic: Rs 20,000 per passenger for baggage, Rs 350 per kg for cargo.International: 1,131 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) for baggage, 19 SDR per kg for cargo.Fatality: Fatality liability means the compensation an airline must pay to a passenger’s family in case of death during air travel. It is set at Rs 20 lakh for domestic flights, while for international flights it is 113,100 SDRTicket management and refundsPassengers have the ability to cancel and/or reschedule their tickets for a full refund of all the taxes and fees. This comes with a 24-hour free cancellation window up to 7 days before the flight. Refund timelines are immediate for cash payments and up to seven days for credit card transactions.Protections and escalationThe rules cover also covers exceptions due to strikes, weather, security, or air traffic control issues. The passengers can complain about the matter to the help desk, Air Sewa app, or any statutory authority. The additional benefits specified for the passengers are free Wi-Fi at all airports, with the right to written notice about their rights.

Sperm count in men is an area that gets little attention, but the findings are very clear. Sperm count in the past four decades has been steadily declining. It was found that there was almost a 60 per cent fall in the average sperm concentration, which creates concern for those couples wanting to raise families, with many nowadays even delaying their childbearing years. According to UChicago Medicine, the impact in this case could be attributed to genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors, diet plays a crucial role in this scenario, as it affects sperm negatively in some foods and positively in others. This awareness can help men maintain their sperm count and motility, thereby staying fertile.

Infertility in males: Everyday foods linked to poor reproductive health

Bacon, hot dogs, salami, and beef jerky are delicious but may negatively impact sperm concentration. Studies link excessive consumption of processed meats to lower sperm counts and overall reproductive health issues. Limiting intake is advisable for men trying to conceive.Bacon, hot dogs, salami, or beef jerky may contain high amounts of processed meat that might affect the quality and count of sperm. Processed meats have been connected to low sperms by people who overconsume the foods. This condition is best avoided by men struggling to produce offspring.High intake of soy can lower the concentration of sperm because of phytoestrogens, which act as estrogens in the body. Moderate intake is not likely to be detrimental, but excessive intake should be followed cautiously.

Residues of chemicals found in fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish, as well as BPA found in canned and packaging materials, are known as xenoestrogens. These substances either act as estrogen or can lead to an imbalance of hormones, resulting in a lowering of sperm count and vitality.

Foods that support fertility

Vegetarian whole foods, especially vegetables, beans, and antioxidant-filled fruits, help improve the number and motility of sperm. Vitamins such as vitamin C, lycopene, and coenzyme Q10 help shield sperm from oxidative stress, improving vigour and fertilising capacity. Research also shows that regular consumption of nuts by men can increase sperm vitality and motility. This is because nuts are rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and nutrients that are vital for male reproductive health.

Importance of a diet for male fertility

A sperm-supportive diet is crucial to promoting fertility in a man. Man should avoid processed meat products, high-fat dairy products, increased consumption of soy products, and chemical-based foods, but opt for fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Small modifications within a diet can bring great changes to sperm quality. Decreasing sperm counts are more than a figure. They can directly affect fertility. It has been found that male-related factors cause infertility in a third of infertile couples. Poor sperm quality may lead to fertility problems and even require treatment. Since trends point toward a delay in procreation, for men who want optimally healthy sperm, a healthy diet is more essential than ever before.Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While the content discusses diet and nutrition related to male fertility, individual health conditions and circumstances vary.

Modi, Priyanka At Post-Session Tea Meeting

NEW DELHI: Rancour and blame game inside Parliament made way for conviviality and cordiality at a customary post-parliamentary session get-together of govt functionaries, including PM Narendra Modi, and opposition MPs at Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s chamber over tea on Friday.Congress and other opposition parties, which had skipped the meeting in a few previous sessions to convey their protest with happenings inside Parliament, were present in full force in an informal setting marked by Modi’s wit and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s relaxed and easy presence.Sources said Priyanka made polite enquiries from Modi about his foreign trip, setting the tone for a rare convivial setting involving govt & opposition members, some of whom nudged for a longer session as the 15-day sitting of winter session, which was adjourned sine die, was one of the shortest ever.With her brother Rahul Gandhi, leader of opposition in LS being in Germany, first-time MP Priyanka was the main Congress voice in the meeting. Her confidence but easy manner was a change from Rahul’s more aggressive and confrontational approach, a source said.Modi, sources said, asked opposition MPs about the session and praised RSP MP NK Premachandran, a Congress ally, for his diligence in parliamentary business. Several others too echoed the positive view of the seasoned parliamentarian. The PM made some light comments, evoking smiles from everyone.Sources said that Priyanka spoke about the health benefits that she got using a herb from her constituency Wayanad in Kerala.Modi used the Tamil greeting ‘Vanakkam’ for Manickam Tagore, and Priyanka quipped that she too has learnt a line in the language which means ‘Vote for Congress’, eliciting smiles from everyone, sources said. There was all-round laughter when a vocal opposition MP’s pitch for a longer session drew a quip from govt side that a short sitting might have given his throat some rest.Birla, sources said, emphasised the opportunity given to so many of the members from different parties to speak on bills and different issues despite the relatively short session. This was acknowledged by members at the meeting. Lok Sabha’s productivity was 111% in this session.Defence minister Rajnath Singh was among the ministers present at the meeting, which was also attended by Kumari Selja, Mohammad Jawed, from Congress, SP’s Dharmendra Yadav, DMK’s A Raja and NCP(SP)’s Supriya Sule, besides several BJP allies.After returning last night from his three-nation tour, Modi joined LS as Vande Mataram was played to mark the session’s end moments after it convened at 11am. This Parliament session was headlined by the passage of VB-G RAM G bill to replace the UPA-era MGNREGA amid fierce opposition protest. The session marked by high productivity ended with govt and opposition benches trading punches.As Birla read out his valedictory statement in LS, opposition raised slogans of “Mahatma Gandhi ki jai” to highlight their protest against removal of Gandhi’s name from the rural job guarantee scheme. A debate listed on air pollution, which was jointly moved by Priyanka, DMK’s Kanimozhi, did not take place due to what a govt functionary described as “bad atmosphere” inside the House.

The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) has sent waves through the cricketing world by naming a powerhouse 20-member squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 for the first two games. This announcement is headlined by the rare return of Virat Kohli to domestic List A cricket, marking his first appearance in the tournament since 2010.

Following a strict BCCI mandate requiring centrally contracted players to participate in at least two rounds of the 50-over event, Kohli and fellow star Rishabh Pant have confirmed their availability for Delhi’s opening games. Pant has been officially appointed as the captain, with high-flyer Ayush Badoni named his deputy. With the tournament set to kick off on December 24, 2025, in Bengaluru, Delhi enters Group D as clear favorites, boasting a roster that blends legendary experience with explosive young talent.

Virat Kohli’s comeback after 15 years in the Vijay Hazare tournament

The most significant narrative of the squad selection is the return of Kohli to the Delhi jersey for a domestic 50-over match after a staggering 15-year hiatus. Kohli, who last played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in February 2010, has been in phenomenal form recently, smashing two centuries during the ODI series against South Africa.

His return is not merely a formality; it is a strategic move by the BCCI to ensure top players remain match-fit during the three-week gap before India’s ODI series against New Zealand begins on January 11. DDCA President Rohan Jaitley confirmed Kohli’s participation for the first two games against Andhra and Gujarat, where he will likely reunite with long-time friend Ishant Sharma. For the fans in Bengaluru, the chance to see Kohli play for his home state at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, a venue where he is a local icon for his IPL franchise, has turned these domestic fixtures into some of the most anticipated matches of the season.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Josh Inglis faces Punjab Kings owner’s wrath over unprofessionalism claims

Delhi squad strength under Rishabh Pant and the pace battery

Under the captaincy of Rishabh Pant, Delhi has assembled a squad that looks formidable on paper, particularly in its bowling department. The inclusion of veteran pacers Ishant Sharma and Navdeep Saini, alongside young sensation Harshit Rana (who will join after India’s T20I duties), provides a depth of speed and experience rarely seen in domestic cricket.

The batting unit is equally robust, featuring the aggressive Nitish Rana and former India U-19 captain Yash Dhull, while Ayush Badoni provides middle-order stability and tactical support as vice-captain. Explaining the selection, DDCA officials emphasized that this balanced mix is designed to navigate a grueling Group D schedule that includes powerhouse teams like Saurashtra and Haryana. By appointing Pant as leader, the selectors have signaled a commitment to modern, aggressive white-ball cricket, ensuring that the stars not only fulfill their BCCI obligations but actively drive Delhi toward their first title in over a decade.

Delhi squad for the first two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches

Rishabh Pant (c), Ayush Badoni (vc), Virat Kohli, Arpit Rana, Yash Dhull, Sarthak Ranjan, Priyansh Arya, Tejasvi Singh (wk), Nitish Rana, Hrithik Shokeen, Harsh Tyagi, Simarjeet Singh, Prince Yadav, Divij Mehra, Ayush Doseja, Vaibhav Kandpal, Rohan Rana, Ishant Sharma, Navdeep Saini, Anuj Rawat (standby wicketkeeper)

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction – Salary of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) players; check out how much Rishabh Pant and Josh Inglis earn

MUMBAI: With victims and eyewitnesses deposing in sign language, a special Pocso court recently convicted and sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment the former headmaster and a retired teacher of a school for the deaf and aphasic for the sexual assault of three students between 2013 and 2014. The judge noted school is a “pious institute” and children trust their teachers and consider them as guiding light for life. “If this trust is betrayed and when (a) Godlike figure himself sexually tortures, no doubt the victims would carry a trauma for life,” special judge Satyanarayan R Navander said.Finding the accused, both in their 60s, guilty of aggravated sexual assault, the court said “the accused were teachers of the school for the deaf and dumb students i.e. the victims. That way, the victims were in their custody and care. Misusing their position of trust and taking undue advantage of their physical disability, the accused had committed sexual assault.”The court summoned experts in sign language to act as official interpreters. One expert, Sanyogita Devale, assisted during police investigation, while another, Bharati Lele, assisted during trial to translate the victims’ gestures into spoken word for the record. The initial statements of victims were video-recorded by police to ensure their gestures and signs were captured accurately before the trial began. The conviction came despite the primary informant and her mother turning hostile. The judge relied on “clinching evidence” provided by another victim and an eyewitness student, both of whom remained consistent in their deposition despite being subjected to lengthy cross-examination.The judge said no extraordinary leniency can be shown to the accused while awarding the sentence despite their advanced age. The judge noted that for the “physically challenged students”, with bare support, it was not easy to approach the police and file a complaint. “Only because of the status the teachers enjoy, the parents did not believe the victims. However, when the illicit acts persisted, when the victims multiplied and assault was made repeatedly... they raised the voice and ultimately approached the law-implementing machinery… The steps taken by them itself (sic) connotes the gravity of the torture they suffered,” the judge said.On her first day of deposition, the child who had first complained to police affirmed the allegations against the headmaster. After a delay in the trial, she returned to court and completely changed her story. She began claiming the headmaster treated everyone “like his child” and any touching was merely a “pat on the back” for good grades. The judge observed that the victims appeared to have been “won over” by the accused during the decade-long wait for trial.The judge also said that the later retractions by witnesses seemed to be the “outcome of undue influence and pressure of accused.”The defence claimed all the victims were “tutored” by a social activist because she wanted to force the school to adopt a sign-language curriculum. However, the victims deposed that while the activists “guided them on how to approach the police,” the decision to seek justice came from the students and their families. “From the assessment of the evidence of the victims and the witnesses… it is found that Sangita Gala (activist) certainly helped the victims and their parents to approach police and lodge complaint… No malice can be attributed to her for the efforts made… to secure justice for the specially abled victims,” the judge said. The duo were also fined Rs 25,000 each. Out of this amount, Rs 15,000 is to be given to each of the victims as compensation. “The amount of… Rs 15,000 per victim is inadequate and an additional compensation may be awarded by the state. For that purpose, the copy of judgment and order be forwarded to the District Legal Services Authority, Mumbai, to consider the case under the victim compensation scheme,” the judge said. The case dates back to July 2014, when a 13-year-old student, assisted by social activist Gala, filed a complaint at Dadar police station. The investigation revealed a pattern of systemic abuse occurring between June 2013 and June 2014. According to the victim, the headmaster frequently summoned young female students to his office under the guise of academic appreciation, where he would sexually assault them. Meanwhile, the teacher was found to have sexually harassed students during typing classes.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma (ANI Photo)

AHMEDABAD: Former India captain Rohit Sharma, India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and allrounder Shivam Dube have not been named by the Mumbai Cricket Association in Mumbai’s squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, this doesn’t mean that all these India stars will miss the One-day Tournament, which will start from December 24. The team will be captained by India allrounder Shardul Thakur.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“All these India players will be accommodated in the Mumbai squad when they are available. If they aren’t available, it’s not right to name them in the squad and deprive a youngster of a place in the team,” Mumbai’s senior selection committee chairman Sanjay Patil told TOI, after his panel picked the squad for the tournament on Friday. Also present in the selection meeting was former India skipper Dilip Vengsarkar, currently the MCA’s men’s cricket advisor.

Jaiswal, India’s Test and ODI opener, was hospitalised in Pune after suffering from a bout of acute gastroenteritis after Mumbai’s last match in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy against Rajasthan. “He will be included in the Mumbai squad once he gets clearance from the medical team,” Patil said.India play their next international series starting with the three-match ODI series against New Zealand from Jan 11, 2026 in Vadodara. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had recently made it compulsory for all the India players to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy when not injured or recuperating at the Centre of Excellence (CoE).Meanwhile, it’s learnt that former India and Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane has asked to be rested from the initial matches of the Mumbai team in the league stage of the tournament. “He has got a hamstring issue, and will rest and recover. He will join the Mumbai team after the first couple of matches,” Patil said.

The group stage of VHT which will be held between Dec 24, 2025 and January 8, 2026. Mumbai have been placed in Elite Group C, alongside Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Himachal, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Goa and will play their matches in Jaipur.The selectors have given a maiden call-up to opener Ishan Mulchandani. Young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who managed to score just 49 runs in four matches@16.33 in the recently-held Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, was lucky to survive the axe. Prolific domestic batter Sarfaraz Khan, who was in sizzling form in SMAT, hammering 329 runs in seven matches at an average of 65.80 and a strike rate of 203.80, including three fifties and a century, is a part of the squad, and so is his younger brother, allrounder Musheer Khan.Though Mumbai failed to defend their SMAT title, failing to advance beyond the Super League Stage, Patil was quite pleased with the team’s performance in the T20 tournament. “I’m quite happy with our performance. We won eight out of our 10 matches, which means that we played some good cricket. Everyone played well, especially Sarfaraz Khan. It’s just that we suffered badly due to the Net Run Rate Rule,” Patil said. Mumbai won two out of their three matches in the Super League stage, but crashed out as their NRR was inferior to the other teams.According to the rules of the tournament, the NRR was counted from scratch for the Super League. And, after three Super League games, if multiple teams were on equal points, then instead of looking at the head-to-head figures, the NRR was taken into consideration.