Firecracker smoke disrupted flight operations at Chennai International Airport on Diwali night, delaying 26 flights and diverting one IndiGo service to Bengaluru. Visibility around the airport dropped below the required landing limit after rain stopped and smoke from firecrackers covered the area.

The disruption was caused by low runway visibility rather than a blanket flight ban. According to the reported details, visibility fell to around 900 metres, below the 950-metre Runway Visual Range (RVR) required for landings on runway 07. Under airport safety procedures, aircraft cannot land when visibility falls below the required minimum.

The situation affected 26 flights, including 11 arrivals and 15 departures. One IndiGo flight, 6E2002, travelling from Raipur to Chennai with 78 passengers, was diverted to Bengaluru at 11:15 pm after the pilot found that visibility was below the landing requirement.

Several other scheduled services were also affected, with departures delayed and some arriving aircraft held in holding patterns. The reported routes included Chennai connections with Kolkata, Delhi, Pune, Tiruchirappalli, Thiruvananthapuram, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi and Sri Lanka. However, the available reports do not provide a complete airline-wise list of affected flights or confirm cancellations specifically caused by the smoke.

Air quality also deteriorated sharply across Chennai during the celebrations. Reports placed the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) at around 907 on Diwali night, while the city average was reported at 159 after the celebrations.

Pollution and Visibility Concerns Across Cities

Chennai was not the only city to experience poor air quality during the Diwali period. Delhi-NCR faced severe pollution, with AQI levels crossing 400 in several areas. Thick smog also reduced visibility, while Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was already in force ahead of Diwali.

Mumbai reported hazy conditions and smog around areas such as Kalanagar and Bandra. Kolkata was also covered in post-Diwali air-quality reports, with conditions described as unhealthy. However, the available reports did not identify flight disruptions in these cities on a scale comparable to Chennai.

Why Diwali Pollution Affects Flight Operations

Diwali-related pollution can become an aviation concern when firecracker emissions combine with weather conditions that keep smoke and pollutants close to the ground. In north India, winter temperature inversions, vehicle emissions and seasonal stubble burning can add to the problem. In Chennai, the immediate trigger reported this year was concentrated firecracker smoke around the airport after rainfall stopped.

Low visibility directly affects aircraft landing operations. Pilots and air traffic control teams must follow fixed safety limits based on runway conditions and aircraft requirements. Even when a runway remains physically open, arrivals may need to be delayed, held or diverted if the Runway Visual Range falls below the required minimum.

Steps to Reduce Future Disruptions

Preventing similar incidents requires action before pollution levels become severe. Seasonal restrictions on high-emission firecrackers, designated bursting hours and stronger enforcement near airports can help reduce smoke concentrations around critical flight paths.

Weather forecasting and airport preparedness are equally important. Combining India Meteorological Department forecasts, satellite information, air-quality sensors and wind-direction models can help airports anticipate smoke movement towards runways and alert airlines in advance.

Airports must also maintain reliable Runway Visual Range systems, lighting, instrument-landing facilities and diversion plans. Airlines need to prepare for possible disruptions through suitable fuel arrangements, crew planning and alternate-airport options during major festival periods.

Other measures include controlling construction and road dust, restricting older vehicles during severe pollution episodes and encouraging public transport. Cleaner celebrations, including community light shows and green crackers where permitted, can also help reduce the impact of festival emissions, particularly in areas close to airports.

Timely passenger communication is another important part of managing such disruptions. Airlines and airports need to share clear updates about expected delays, diversions and rebooking arrangements so that travellers can plan their journeys accordingly.

The disruption at Chennai Airport shows that air pollution is not only a public health concern but also a challenge for aviation and city connectivity. With at least 26 flights delayed and one IndiGo service diverted, the incident highlights the need for better pollution forecasting, airport readiness and preventive measures before the festival season begins.

India's energy drinks market is facing increased regulatory scrutiny after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) accused PepsiCo and Monster Beverage of misleading consumers by marketing their high-caffeine beverages under the label 'energy drink'. According to court filings reviewed by Reuters, the regulator has argued that India has never established a formal standard for an energy drink category and that using the term could amount to misbranding.

The dispute forms part of India's wider food safety and labelling crackdown. PepsiCo, which introduced Sting in India in 2017, and Monster Beverage have separately challenged FSSAI's June decision restricting the use of the term 'energy drink'. Both companies have argued that the regulator acted without prior warning or giving them an opportunity to be heard.

In court filings dated October 28, FSSAI sought dismissal of the challenges, stating, "Purposely in order to dupe the consumers, a product is being marketed as a 'Energy Drink'."

The Delhi High Court has allowed companies to sell their existing stock carrying the 'energy drink' label, but has not permitted the use of the wording on new stock. The regulator's position is that the issue concerns product naming, labelling and advertising claims rather than an outright ban on caffeinated beverages.

What Is FSSAI Objecting To?

FSSAI maintains that no dedicated standard has been notified for an 'energy drink' category under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the related regulations. It argues that using the term may create an impression that the product offers specific functional or health benefits that are not recognised under the existing framework.

The regulator has also raised concerns about claims such as 'vitalises body and mind', 'enhances focus', 'boosts energy levels' and 'helps in general weakness'. Such statements may fall under functional or therapeutic claims that food products cannot make unless they are specifically permitted and supported by the applicable regulations.

The reported direction issued on June 30 asked PepsiCo to stop using 'energy' as a product name or descriptor. Labels, marketing material and advertisements carrying the term were reportedly required to be withdrawn or changed within 90 days.

However, the action does not mean that caffeine-based beverages are prohibited in India. The focus is on how these products are classified, described and promoted to consumers.

Why Consumer Awareness Matters

The dispute has also brought attention to how consumers understand and consume beverages marketed for energy. Products containing caffeine, sugar and other ingredients such as taurine should not automatically be viewed as healthy drinks or substitutes for regular hydration.

Frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages can contribute to excess calorie intake, weight gain and tooth decay, while also being associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. A typical can of a sugary drink may contain around 40 grams of free sugar, equivalent to approximately 10 teaspoons.

For consumers, moderation remains important. Water should be the first choice for everyday hydration, while plain milk, unsweetened tea or coffee and sparkling water can also be part of regular beverage choices. Soft drinks and highly caffeinated beverages are better treated as occasional choices rather than daily essentials. Even zero-sugar alternatives should not automatically be considered everyday wellness drinks.

India's ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines, 2024, recommend limiting free sugar and avoiding frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. The broader message is to understand what a beverage contains rather than relying only on its marketing or product name.

The Need for Clearer Standards and Labelling

The ongoing dispute highlights the need for a clear and consistent regulatory framework for high-caffeine beverages. FSSAI could consider notifying a dedicated standard for energy drinks or clearly retaining the existing caffeinated beverage classification, with unambiguous definitions, permitted ingredients, caffeine limits and packaging requirements.

A practical framework could include clear caffeine limits, serving-size guidance and detailed ingredient disclosure. The existing caffeine range for caffeinated beverages is 145–300 mg per litre. Regulations could also make caffeine content easier to understand by requiring brands to display the amount per serving and per container, rather than relying only on information per litre.

Labels should clearly disclose caffeine, total sugar, sweeteners, taurine, vitamins, botanical extracts and other stimulant-like ingredients. Front-of-pack information could also highlight high caffeine content and advise consumers against combining these products with alcohol or other caffeine sources.

Warnings for children, pregnant or lactating women and caffeine-sensitive individuals should be clearly visible. The existing framework includes a daily-intake statement of no more than 500 ml and specific consumer warnings. Stronger visibility and awareness could help consumers make informed choices.

Responsible Advertising and Brand Communication

The issue extends beyond packaging to advertising and brand positioning. Under FSSAI's Advertising and Claims Regulations, food-related claims must be truthful, clear, non-misleading and supported by appropriate evidence.

Brands should avoid unsupported statements suggesting that a beverage improves concentration, increases stamina, addresses weakness or delivers specific mental and physical benefits. The presence of vitamins, taurine or other ingredients should not be used to create an impression that a product is suitable for daily wellness.

The same standards should apply across television advertisements, packaging, e-commerce platforms, quick-commerce listings, social media campaigns and influencer promotions. Sports and gaming partnerships should also avoid suggesting that consuming such beverages is necessary for athletic performance or success.

Clear caffeine and sugar information, responsible age-related messaging and warnings against excessive consumption should form part of brand communication.

Consistent Enforcement and Consumer Protection

The regulatory approach also needs to be consistent across manufacturers and sales channels. Regular label audits, batch-level testing of caffeine and declared ingredients, transparent compliance timelines and clear guidance for manufacturers could help improve enforcement.

Consumer awareness campaigns by FSSAI and state food-safety departments can further explain why energy drinks should not be treated as sports or hydration drinks, why excessive caffeine consumption can affect sleep and why combining these products with alcohol should be avoided.

The industry has also called for stakeholder consultation, risk assessment and predictable implementation of regulatory changes. A transparent process could reduce uncertainty for manufacturers while allowing the regulator to address misleading claims and protect consumers.

Ultimately, the issue is not simply about removing the words 'energy drink' from a label. It is about ensuring that product names, packaging and advertisements accurately communicate what consumers are purchasing. As India's market for these beverages continues to grow, responsible branding, clear regulations and informed consumption will be important in balancing business interests with public health.

Severe weather conditions associated with Cyclone Murasu have disrupted travel across parts of Andhra Pradesh, affecting flight and railway services. Gale-force winds and heavy rainfall led to the suspension of train movements along the Vijayawada–Ongole–Gudur section, leaving several passengers stranded and causing major delays to services connecting Chennai with different parts of North India.

According to the details shared, more than 35 trains were cancelled, while nearly 29 trains were regulated, including 19 in the UP direction and 10 in the DOWN direction. Select services of the Pinakini Express, the Secunderabad–Thiruvananthapuram Sabari Express via Coimbatore, and local passenger trains operating on the Vijayawada–Gudur route were among those affected.

The disruption also impacted the Charminar Express operating between Hyderabad and Tambaram, along with connected services. With train movements suspended by the Vijayawada Division, several trains faced delays exceeding 12 hours. Some services were held between stations such as Chirala and Ongole, near Ammanabrolu, as a safety measure amid the severe weather.

For passengers onboard, the extended halt brought additional challenges. Travellers were reportedly inside trains for more than 12 hours, with limited access to food and tea. Delays in receiving clear information and updates from the authorities added to the uncertainty, making an already difficult journey more stressful.

While suspending train services during severe weather is important to protect passengers and railway operations, the situation also highlights the need for better passenger support during unexpected disruptions. Timely communication about cancellations, rescheduling, route changes and expected delays can help travellers make informed decisions and plan their onward journeys.

Access to basic essentials is equally important during prolonged train halts. Arrangements for drinking water, food, milk and baby food can make a significant difference, particularly for families travelling with children, senior citizens and passengers with specific needs.

Cyclones and heavy rainfall can create unpredictable challenges for India's transport network. However, passenger support should remain an important part of emergency planning. Along with prioritising safety and preventing accidents, railway authorities need to ensure that passengers receive regular updates and assistance throughout such disruptions.

The experience along the Vijayawada–Ongole–Gudur section serves as a reminder that managing travel during extreme weather goes beyond stopping or regulating train services. Clear communication, access to essential supplies and coordinated assistance can help make unexpected delays more manageable for passengers.