Satellite-tagged Amur falcons from Manipur have completed remarkable long-distance migrations to Africa, covering up to 6,100 km in about six days. Three tagged birds — Apapang, Alang and Ahu — flew nonstop across India, the Arabian Sea and the Horn of Africa to reach countries like Zimbabwe, Kenya and Somalia. Apapang’s journey is one of the longest uninterrupted flights recorded for a small raptor. Their epic journey highlights the endurance of these tiny birds, the interconnectedness of global ecosystems, and the importance of conserving migratory routes across continents. (PC: India Today)

An American resident in Delhi shared how she manages dangerous seasonal pollution, especially in winter months. Kristen Fischer posted on Instagram that while outdoor air quality often reaches unhealthy levels, she keeps her indoor air safe by running four air purifiers, drastically reducing indoor AQI compared to outside readings. She emphasized that controlling indoor air is crucial for health, as outdoor pollution cannot be changed easily. Fischer noted that Delhi’s worst pollution is seasonal (November–January) and that limiting time outside helps her family cope with the city’s hazardous air.

Delhi authorities have lifted the strict GRAP-4 pollution curbs after air quality improved across the region. The decision was taken at a meeting of the GRAP sub-committee on Wednesday. The Commission for Air Quality Management said the Air Quality Index showed a clear improvement since Tuesday night. It added that strong winds and better weather helped reduce pollution levels. GRAP-4 measures were imposed a week ago after the AQI fell into the severe category. These steps included limits on construction work and vehicle use. Officials said they will keep monitoring the situation and may reapply controls if pollution rises again in the coming days. (PC: HT)

The Delhi government said the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule will stay in force even after GRAP-IV restrictions are lifted. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control certificate will not be allowed to operate. The rule came into effect on December 18 to curb rising pollution. Sirsa said anti-pollution steps will continue as air quality remains poor. Inspections found several PUC centres closed or using faulty equipment. Twelve centres were suspended and issued notices. Delhi’s Air Quality Index stayed in the severe range on Tuesday amid dense fog and low visibility. (PC: HT)

Dense fog disrupted travel across Delhi and the National Capital Region on Tuesday, delaying over 200 flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport, officials said. Visibility dropped to about 50 metres in the morning, with near-zero levels reported in parts of Ghaziabad and Noida. The India Meteorological Department said foggy conditions are likely to continue during morning hours over the next few days. Air quality remained poor, with the Air Quality Index at 414, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. Temperatures showed only a slight rise, while traffic and flight operations continued to face delays.

The Centre has rejected claims that new rules will allow large-scale mining in the Aravalli region. It said over 90 per cent of the area will remain protected. The government cited a Supreme Court-approved framework that freezes new mining leases. Mining will stay banned until a full management plan is ready. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said no relaxation has been given. He added that only 0.19 per cent of the region may be eligible for mining. The Centre said the new definition removes confusion and stops misuse. Illegal mining remains the main concern. (PC: NDTV)

Dense fog across northern India disrupted travel on Sunday, with Delhi airport cancelling 97 flights including 48 arrivals and 49 departures while over 200 flights faced delays. Northern Railways reported over 50 trains delayed due to adverse weather conditions. The Airports Authority of India issued an advisory warning that reduced visibility may cause flight operation changes at select airports, urging passengers to check updates through official channels. Delhi airport maintained operations were "normal" but advised consulting airlines for schedule updates. The capital woke to toxic smog with Air Quality Index at 390 (very poor category), while several areas reached severe levels. Morning fog has persisted across the region for days.

Delhi recorded its first cold wave of the season on Saturday, with the maximum temperature dropping to 16.9°C, officials said. The India Meteorological Department said this was the coldest December day so far. Dense fog and grey haze reduced visibility and disrupted air travel. At least 129 flights were cancelled at Indira Gandhi International Airport, including arrivals and departures. The minimum temperature fell to 6.1°C. Air quality also worsened, with the AQI touching 401 in the evening, entering the severe category. Authorities warned that fog and poor air quality may continue on Sunday. (PC: India Today)

Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Saturday warned of strict action against polluting industries and construction work violating curbs. He said all polluting units in Delhi will be sealed from Sunday. Sirsa added that construction work is banned under GRAP Stage 4 and violators will face legal action. His warning came as Delhi’s AQI touched 398, close to the severe mark, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The India Meteorological Department predicted cold day conditions and dense fog on Sunday. Sirsa urged people to cooperate to protect public health. (PC: ANI)

Extreme fog blanketed northern India on Saturday, severely disrupting air, rail, and road transport across multiple states. Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport cancelled 129 flights, 66 arrivals and 63 departures due to persistent low-visibility conditions. The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for Delhi, warning of dense to very dense fog. Visibility dropped to 200 metres at Safdarjung and 350 metres at Palam by 8:30 AM. Delhi's Air Quality Index stood at 376, with several areas recording severe levels above 400. The Ministry of Civil Aviation directed airlines to follow passenger facilitation norms, mandating timely updates and compensation. Dense fog also disrupted transport in Dehradun, Jammu, Bihar, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.(PC: India Today)