The Post Office has released its last dates for Christmas posting to help people ensure their gifts arrive in time for the big day.

Some 67% of Britons have received Christmas cards and presents in the post after December 25, a survey for the Post Office found.

The majority of last international posting dates have passed but some carriers can still offer Christmas delivery to select countries until December 15.

Postmasters are urging the public to send early to avoid being part of the 17% of those who have left it too late in previous years.

The final date for posting gifts and cards for those prepared to pay for Royal Mail’s Special Delivery Guaranteed or DPD Gold – which both guarantee a next day delivery or your money back – is December 23.

Postmaster Arif Matadar said: “After 15 years as a postmaster, I’ve seen it all when it comes to festive sending, and a little preparation really helps everything go smoothly so here are my top tips to ensure precious gifts arrive on time.

“When you’re posting a parcel, we’ll always ask what’s inside as we need to find out if it’s safe to post and make sure your item can be sent to its destination. For example, perfume can be sent within the UK but not overseas.

“We’ll also check the value, how quickly you want it delivered and what tracking you want which helps us recommend the best delivery option.”

Mr Matadar urged consumers to package parcels securely to ensure they are protected and to write addresses, including a return, as clearly as possible.

If sending abroad, details about the contents will have to be provided to ensure correct customs information meets international regulations.

The Post Office offers delivery options from carriers other than Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide, with options from Evri and DPD offered in selected branches.

Candice Ohandjanian, mails and parcels director at the Post Office, said: “We’re at that time of year when celebrations are in full swing but we still have important last-minute present-buying to do.

“We know customers want to make the most of the festive season – not wait at home for deliveries. That’s why our convenient Pick Up and Drop Off service continues to be a favourite, especially during this busy period.

“By choosing your local Post Office branch as a delivery address, customers can collect parcels at a time that suits them, with the reassurance that we’ll keep everything safe and secure. It’s all part of our commitment to being the one-stop shop for all your posting and parcel needs this festive season.”

The last posting dates are:

Last Royal Mail 2nd Class: Wednesday December 17Last Parcelforce express48 date: Friday December 19Last Royal Mail Tracked 48 date: Friday December 19Last Evri Standard date: Friday December 19Last Royal Mail 1st Class date: Saturday December 20Last DPD 2Day date: Saturday December 20Last Parcelforce express24 date: Monday December 22Last Royal Mail Tracked 24 date: Monday December 22Last Evri Next Day date: Monday December 22Last DPD Next Day date: Monday December 22 (some postcode exceptions)Royal Mail’s Special Delivery Guaranteed: Tuesday December 23DPD Gold: Tuesday December 23

India’s recently introduced flight duty regulations for pilots are significantly stricter than those in many other countries, but operations are expected to stabilise over time, International Air Transport Association (IATA) Chief Willie Walsh said.His remarks follow a week of major disruptions at IndiGo, India’s largest airline, which saw hundreds of flights cancelled and thousands of passengers affected. The lack of careful planning during the rollout of the second phase of the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, which came into effect on November 1 is possibly the main reason for the disruption. Operations at the airline are now nearing normalcy.“The new Indian regulations appear to be much more restrictive than those in other jurisdictions but I think you have got to always recognise that regulators have a responsibility to ensure that the industry is safe and secure. The changes have been implemented, I think for the right reasons. It is just a matter of time now before it settles down,” Walsh said, as quoted by PTI.Speaking at a media session in Geneva, Walsh noted that pilot fatigue rules are a topic of ongoing discussion in Europe and the United States. “India has decided that they want to take measures, particularly around potential fatigue around night time operations, which instinctively would have a greater impact on low-cost carriers, given their business model… it is disappointing that so many consumers have been impacted as a result of this change,” he said.The second phase of the FDTL regulations also limits the number of night landings a pilot can conduct, affecting airlines like IndiGo. In response, India’s civil aviation ministry announced a 10 per cent reduction in the carrier’s winter flight schedule to help stabilise operations.“During the last week, many passengers faced severe inconvenience due to IndiGo’s internal mismanagement of crew rosters, flight schedules and inadequate communication,” Civil aviation minister K Rammohan Naidu said Tuesday, as quoted by PTI.The IATA represents nearly 360 airlines worldwide, accounting for over 80 per cent of global air traffic. Its members include major Indian carriers such as IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, and SpiceJet.

Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Sleeper: Indian Railways passengers have been waiting eagerly for the new luxurious Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, which has been in the final stages of roll out and is being given final touches at the BEML factory. Passengers travelling between Patna and New Delhi are set to get a completely new travel experience as the much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is expected to begin operations this month. The train promises the speed of Tejas, the comfort of Rajdhani, and the advanced technology of Vande Bharat — all in a sleeper configuration for the first time.

Designed for high-speed night travel, the train is being positioned as a premium option for long-distance passengers.

Trial Runs to Begin Soon

Two rakes of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train are being manufactured at the BEML factory in Bengaluru. The first rake is expected to be ready and dispatched by December 12, after which trial runs will begin on the Patna–New Delhi route, reported Dainik Bhaskar. The train will cover around 1,000 kms in around eight hours.

Railways plan to start regular services before the New Year. The train is expected to run six days a week, departing Patna in the evening and arriving in Delhi the next morning. The return service will follow the same overnight schedule, reported Prabhat Khabar.

Speed and Performance Highlights

The train is designed to run at an operational speed of 160 km/h, with a maximum speed capability of 180 km/h. According to railway officials, the ride will be so stable that even tea kept in a cup will not spill while the train is running at full speed.

One of its key strengths is rapid acceleration and braking, allowing it to cover distances faster and reduce time spent stopping and restarting at stations.

Coach Composition and Seating Capacity

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will have 16 coaches with a total capacity of 827 passengers:

* 11 coaches of AC 3-tier (611 berths)

* 4 coaches of AC 2-tier (188 berths)

* 1 coach of AC 1st Class AC (24 berths)

Railways may increase the number of coaches in the future based on passenger demand. Ticket prices are expected to be around the fare of the Rajdhani Express.

Current Status of Vande Bharat Trains in India

At present, 164 chair-car Vande Bharat Express trains are operating across India. These semi-high-speed trains are manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai and have received strong passenger response.

Due to growing demand for comfortable long-distance night travel, the sleeper variant has been developed, with the Patna–Delhi route likely to be among the first to get this service.

What the Railway Minister Said

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently told the Lok Sabha that the sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train has been indigenously designed for medium and long-distance overnight journeys.

He said that two rakes have been produced and are currently undergoing trials and commissioning.

Key Features and Facilities in Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

The interior of the train is designed to provide a premium airline-like and hotel-style experience. Major facilities include:

Passenger Comfort Features

* USB-integrated reading lamps for night-time reading

* Real-time passenger information system with audio and video updates

* High-speed Wi-Fi and onboard infotainment system

* Modular pantry unit for freshly prepared onboard meals

* Touch-free bio-vacuum toilets

* Hot water shower facility in First AC coaches

* Ergonomic ladders for upper berths

* PRM-friendly berths and toilets for elderly and differently-abled passengers

Advanced Safety and Security Systems

* KAVACH anti-collision technology to prevent train accidents

* Integrated emergency talk-back units for direct communication with train crew

* Fully sealed gangways between coaches to prevent dust and enhance safety

* Automatic plug doors that close before departure

* CCTV surveillance in every coach to deter theft and ensure passenger safety

Timings of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

The train will run six days a week:

* Evening departure from Patna, Morning arrival in New Delhi

* Evening departure from New Delhi, Morning arrival in Patna

The Vande Bharat Sleeper has been specially designed to offer high speed, superior comfort, and a premium travel experience for overnight journeys.