NEW DELHI
The Rajya Sabha on Friday held a shorter Question Hour, but the discussion remained lively as members raised concerns about the nationwide IndiGo flight disruption. Many members were stuck in Delhi because hundreds of flights were grounded. Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien asked the Chairman to extend Question Hour by one more hour, saying members could use the time well since travel was already blocked. However, Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan declined the request, noting that Union Minister Kiren Rijiju had explained the IndiGo situation earlier in the day.
During the session, Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw spoke about India’s growing work in Artificial Intelligence. He said that more than 200 events had been held across the country, with nearly two lakh students and teachers taking part. These events are part of the preparations for the India AI Impact Summit 2026. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants technology to reach everyone and that the government is building an AI system that is open and useful for all people. He also mentioned efforts in AI learning, research, and support for startups.
The Railways Ministry also faced detailed questions. BJP MP Sasmit Patra asked about the progress of the new anti-collision system called Kavach 4.0. Minister Vaishnaw shared the latest information about where the system has been installed and the plan to cover the busy railway routes soon.
A serious moment came when a Kerala MP raised the case of a 19-year-old student who was injured after being pushed from a moving train near Varkala by a drunk passenger. The minister said extra compensation had been approved and that CCTV cameras, panic buttons, and more railway police would be added to improve women’s safety in trains.
