The aviation regulator has reminded airlines that passengers must not use power banks during flights because of safety risks from lithium batteries. The rule is not new, but airlines have started making clear boarding announcements to ensure compliance. Officials said power banks can overheat or catch fire in rare cases, which is dangerous inside an aircraft cabin. Under current guidelines, travellers may carry power banks only in hand baggage and not in checked luggage. However, charging phones or other devices with them in the air is not allowed. Airlines have asked cabin crew to watch for misuse and tell passengers to switch off devices if needed. Passengers are advised to charge gadgets before boarding or use seat power ports where available. (PC: X)

Delhi stayed under heavy smog on Sunday as the city recorded a “poor” Air Quality Index of 248, data from the pollution board showed. Several areas such as Anand Vihar, Rohini and Chandni Chowk reported “very poor” levels above 350. Dense fog reduced visibility in many parts of the capital. The weather office said the minimum temperature was near nine degrees Celsius. It also issued cold wave and dense fog alerts for parts of north and central India in the coming days. Snow or rain is likely in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Authorities lifted some emergency curbs but urged people to follow basic pollution rules. (PC: HT)

The Supreme Court of India will pronounce its verdict on January 5, 2026 on the bail pleas of activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and five others accused in the 2020 Delhi riots “larger conspiracy” case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria reserved its judgment on December 10 after detailed arguments by the prosecution and defence, challenging a September 2 Delhi High Court order denying bail. The accused were alleged to be “masterminds” behind riots linked to protests against the CAA‑NRC, which left 53 dead and 700+ injured. (PC: India Today)

At least 14 Maoist cadres were killed in two separate encounters with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma and Bijapur districts on Saturday, police said. Twelve were killed in Sukma and two in Bijapur during ongoing anti-insurgency operations in the Bastar region. The action began late Friday after the District Reserve Guard launched a search based on specific intelligence. The exchange of fire started around 5 am in forest areas under Kistaram and Basaguda police station limits. The bodies of two cadres, including Hunga Madkam, were recovered along with one SLR and a 12-bore rifle. AK-47 and INSAS rifles were also seized. (PC: X)

An explosion rocked Nalagarh in Solan district, Himachal Pradesh on New Year’s Day, occurring around 9:40 AM near the town’s police station and shattering windows of nearby buildings, but no casualties were reported. Forensic teams and police quickly cordoned off the area, collected samples and began scanning CCTV footage as part of a detailed investigation into the cause and nature of the blast. Authorities have registered a case and coordinated with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Punjab Police. Two pro-Khalistan groups — Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and the Punjab Sovereignty Alliance (PSA) — claimed responsibility, citing grievances over alleged synthetic drug issues, while police continue probing the authenticity and motive behind the claims. (PC: ANI)

A 19-year-old student of Government Degree College in Dharamshala died on December 26 after allegedly being ragged, physically assaulted and sexually harassed, her father told police in a complaint. The incident reportedly occurred on September 18, 2025, involving three senior female students and a college professor, identified as Ashok Kumar. Before her death, the victim recorded a distressing video from her hospital bed detailing inappropriate touching and mental harassment by the accused. Police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Himachal Pradesh anti-ragging laws against all four individuals, and an investigation is ongoing.   

Police in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, have registered an FIR against a college professor and three senior women students for ragging, physical assault and sexual harassment in connection with the death of a 19-year-old student, police said. The victim’s father alleged his daughter was beaten and intimidated by seniors Harshita, Aakriti and Komolika on September 18, 2025, and subjected to obscene acts by Professor Ashok Kumar, leaving her traumatised. She was treated at multiple hospitals and later died during treatment on December 26, 2025. The FIR was filed under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Himachal Pradesh Ragging Act; investigations are ongoing. (PC: The Hindu)

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took strict action over the Indore water contamination crisis that has left many residents ill and caused multiple deaths, removing the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) Additional Commissioner and relieving the water works engineer of duty. Yadav, after reviewing the situation with senior officials, also issued show-cause notices to key civic administrators as anger grows over alleged negligence in managing water supply infrastructure. Water samples reportedly showed harmful bacterial contamination, prompting public health concerns and debate over accountability for the crisis. (PC: PTI)

A one-horned rhinoceros calf was born on January 1 at Jaldapara National Park in West Bengal, officials said. The newborn was first seen by forest staff on patrolling elephants during routine rounds. Jaldapara is home to India’s second-largest rhino population after Kaziranga in Assam. Forest officers said the calf will be closely tracked as part of the park’s regular monitoring system. Each birth is recorded to ensure the safety of the mother and the young animal. The park follows strict rules to guard rhinos from harm and illegal activity. Authorities said such births show that habitat care and protection work in the reserve is helping the species survive. 

The Centre has issued draft rules that set minimum work days for gig and platform workers to qualify for social security benefits. The labour ministry said workers must be engaged for at least 90 days in a financial year with one aggregator. Those working with more than one platform will need 120 days in total. A worker will be treated as engaged on any day they earn income, no matter the amount. If a person works for three aggregators on one day, it will count as three days. The notice came just before a New Year’s Eve strike by gig workers over pay and conditions. (PC: HT)