Dense fog and heavy smog hit Delhi on Thursday morning. Low visibility disrupted air travel at the Delhi airport. More than 250 flights were delayed due to poor visibility. At least 22 flights were cancelled, officials said. Several airlines issued travel advisories and asked passengers to check flight status. Roads across the city also saw slow traffic. The weather office said shallow to moderate fog is likely on more days this month. Pollution levels remained high in many areas. Authorities said emergency measures are in place to manage air quality. Political reactions also surfaced as parties blamed each other over the pollution crisis.

US President Donald Trump has announced major cuts in prescription drug prices. The move is under a new “Most Favoured Nation” policy. It links US drug prices to lower prices paid in other countries. Trump said the policy will sharply reduce healthcare costs in the US. He also said trade pressure and tariff threats were used on foreign nations. Indian drug companies supply many low-cost medicines to the US. The new policy may affect how much they earn. Experts say pricing pressure could rise on both branded and generic drugs. Indian firms may face challenges but remain key to US healthcare supply chains. (PC: NDTV)

Indian scientists have warned about the risk of bird flu spreading to humans. Researchers from Ashoka University used computer models to study a possible outbreak. They said the virus could first infect people who work with poultry. The main danger begins if the virus spreads from human to human. The study found early action is crucial. Quarantine and isolation can stop the spread if done fast. Delay can lead to wider infection. The model was based on a poultry village in Tamil Nadu. Scientists said better monitoring and quick response can prevent a major outbreak. Health officials are urged to stay alert. (PC: BBC)

An Air India Express flight made an emergency landing at Kochi airport on Thursday. The flight was traveling from Jeddah to Kozhikode with 160 passengers on board. It was diverted after a problem was found in the landing gear. Airport officials said there was a tyre failure on the right side of the aircraft. Full emergency services were activated before landing. The plane landed safely at 9:07 am. No passenger or crew member was injured. A check later confirmed that both right-side tyres had burst. Air India Express said the damage may have been caused by an object on the runway. Passengers were later sent to Kozhikode by road. (PC: X)

Imran Khan’s sons have spoken about their father’s condition in jail. In an interview with Sky News, they said the former Pakistan prime minister is kept in a “death cell.” They claimed he faces mental pressure and harsh treatment every day. The sons said Khan is cut off from people and basic facilities. They called it psychological torture. They also said the family fears for his safety. According to them, jail rules are not being followed. They warned his health is at risk. The sons said they may never see their father again. Pakistani authorities have not responded to these claims. (PC: India Today)

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a major legislative push to crack down on hate speech and extremist “preachers of hate” in the wake of the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack, which killed 15 people at a Hanukkah event. The government will adopt recommendations from an antisemitism envoy, introducing aggravated hate speech offences, increased penalties for violent hate speech, and a federal offence for serious vilification. New powers will allow visa cancellation for those who spread division, and a task force will ensure antisemitism education across schools. Critics call for even stronger action, including banning hate preachers and a royal commission. 

Delhi has implemented strict anti-pollution measures from December 18, barring entry of non-BS VI vehicles into the city and refusing fuel at petrol pumps to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate as part of Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan to tackle hazardous air quality. Authorities deployed 580 police personnel and 37 enforcement vans at 126 checkpoints to enforce the curbs. The rules target around 1.2 million non-compliant vehicles from neighbouring NCR areas, aiming to cut emissions and improve public health amid worsening smog. 

The fourth India vs South Africa T20 International in Lucknow was abandoned without a ball bowled due to thick smog and extremely poor visibility at Ekana Stadium, triggering criticism of scheduling matches in northern cities during peak winter pollution. Air Quality Index (AQI) levels soared in the hazardous range, making play unsafe and leading to six inspections before officials called off the game. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav claimed Delhi’s pollution had spread to Lucknow, calling it smog, not fog, and questioned state policies on air quality. The incident sparked broader debate on environmental planning for major events. (PC: HT)

Pilot unions — including the Indian Pilots Guild and the Federation of Indian Pilots — have raised serious concerns about alleged corruption and regulatory failures within the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. They told a parliamentary panel that unsafe practices, improper extensions of flight-duty regulations, and improper approvals have compromised safety and operational standards. The issue follows major flight disruptions at IndiGo, prompting pilots to urge stronger oversight and accountability. The complaints are now being examined by the transport-tourism parliamentary committee, with responses from DGCA and ministry officials expected. (PC: Reuters)  

India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the fourth T20I against South Africa due to a foot injury after a series of low scores and continued poor form, sparking debate about his place in the side. Fans on social media questioned whether his absence was performance-related rather than just injury-linked, with many trolling his recent struggles at the top order. Gill managed just 32 runs in the first three T20Is, prompting criticism and calls for opportunities for others like Sanju Samson. The controversy highlights growing pressure ahead of the T20 World Cup.