A dense blanket of fog and cold conditions affected Delhi-NCR on Saturday morning, disrupting air, road, and rail traffic. Visibility dropped sharply in several areas, delaying flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The minimum temperature in the capital fell to around 7 degrees Celsius, while air quality worsened due to stagnant conditions. Authorities reimposed pollution curbs under Graded Response Action Plan Stage III as smog mixed with fog. Data from the India Meteorological Department showed very poor to severe air quality at many stations. Dry weather is expected to continue, with cold mornings likely over the coming days. (PC: India Today)

India has said it will not exit Iran’s Chabahar port project, calling it strategically essential despite US sanctions pressure. The Ministry of External Affairs said New Delhi is in touch with Washington to implement a temporary sanctions waiver allowing work at the port to continue. The clarification followed reports linking the project to possible US tariffs on countries trading with Iran. (PC: X) Located on Iran’s southern coast, Chabahar gives India access to Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan. India signed a 10-year deal in 2024 to operate the port through a state-run firm. Officials said talks with the US are ongoing as the waiver expires in April 2026.

The Trump administration has named senior US and international figures to a new “Board of Peace” to oversee Gaza’s post-war transition. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former UK prime minister Tony Blair are among the founding members, the White House said. President Donald Trump will chair the board, which is part of a 20-point plan to end the war between Israel and Hamas. The board is expected to temporarily oversee Gaza’s administration and reconstruction. Further members will be announced in coming weeks. (PC: BBC)

Several Indian nationals returned safely from Iran as unrest and communication blackouts worsened, following advisories issued by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Tehran. The passengers arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport late Friday. Returnees said protests, movement restrictions and internet shutdowns had made daily life difficult and cut them off from families. Many included students, pilgrims and business travellers. Families waiting at the airport expressed relief after days of no contact. The government has advised Indians to avoid travel to Iran until further notice and said coordination with the embassy is continuing as more citizens are expected to return. (PC: India Today)

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance recorded a sweeping victory in Maharashtra’s municipal corporation elections, emerging as the single-largest force across the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party won 1,425 of 2,869 seats in 29 civic bodies, followed by the Shiv Sena with 399 and the NCP with 167, according to the State Election Commission. (PC: X) In the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the BJP secured 89 seats, ending decades of Thackeray-led Sena dominance. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Mahayuti is set to govern 25 civic bodies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked voters for the mandate.

US President Donald Trump thanked Iran's leadership Friday for cancelling planned executions of over 800 protesters, posting "I greatly respect the fact" on Truth Social. Trump earlier stated killings from Iran's protest crackdown appeared subsiding, citing "very important sources" indicating no mass executions planned, though he didn't rule out US military intervention. The protests, Iran's most serious domestic challenge since 1979, have caused conflicting death toll reports: Iranian authorities claim 2,000 deaths since December 28, rights groups report over 3,500, with some estimates reaching 20,000. Iran's Foreign Minister called higher figures "exaggeration" and "misinformation." Trump dismissed Gulf officials' claims that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman dissuaded his attack plans.

Denmark badminton star Mia Blichfeldt criticized "unacceptable" and "highly unprofessional" conditions at India Open, questioning how World Championships could be held there. The ongoing tournament at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium faced multiple controversies: bird droppings halted HS Prannoy's match, monkeys appeared in stands, and Anders Antonsen withdrew citing severe Delhi pollution. Blichfeldt stated the "tough" conditions made focusing on performance "extremely difficult," stressing players and frustrating participants at the Super 750 event. BWF acknowledged seasonal challenges affecting air quality and temperature while defending the venue upgrade from KD Jadhav Stadium. The federation promised improvements before August's World Championships, thanking players for feedback while reaffirming commitment to high-quality standards. (PC: Instagram)

US President Donald Trump threatened tariffs against countries refusing to support US control of Greenland, stating "we need Greenland for national security." Following punitive measures on Russian oil buyers and Iran trade partners, Trump's latest economic weapon targets Greenland opposition. Recent Washington talks between US, Denmark, and Greenland officials revealed "fundamental disagreement," though they established a high-level working group. Denmark responded by increasing Greenland's military presence, with France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Britain sending symbolic troop deployments. Trump argues US control prevents Russian or Chinese footholds on the mineral-rich island claims Denmark and Greenland reject. Analysts warn the combination of tariff threats and military posturing risks straining transatlantic relations and NATO unity.

India plans to significantly ease foreign investment rules in defence firms to boost domestic manufacturing following last year's Pakistan conflict. The government will raise the FDI cap under the automatic route from 49% to 74% for companies with existing licenses, sources reveal. Currently, 74% foreign ownership is only permitted for firms seeking new licenses. Authorities are also considering dropping the vague "modern technology access" condition for investments beyond 74% and eliminating maintenance facility requirements for export-oriented manufacturers. Despite operations by Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Rafael, foreign defence investments totaled only $26.5 million in 25 years through September 2025. The defence ministry seeks 20% budget increase for fiscal 2026/27. (PC: Reuters)

India stated Friday that approximately 9,000 Indian nationals in Iran mostly students, businesspeople, professionals, pilgrims, and seafarers can return via continuing commercial flights. The government is exploring evacuation options once commercial flights cease or domestic travel becomes difficult. The MEA confirmed India holds a conditional US sanctions waiver for Iran's Chabahar port project valid until April 26, 2026, and remains engaged with Washington on arrangements. Amid street protests threatening Iran's regime, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India's commitment to citizen welfare while maintaining "long-standing relations with Iran." The Indian embassy in Tehran stays connected with the community. Chabahar port provides India strategic access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. (PC: AP)