Union Minister Giriraj Singh sparked fresh outrage by defending Bihar CM Nitish Kumar in the hijab controversy, saying the Muslim woman who allegedly refused a government job “can refuse it or go to hell”, drawing sharp criticism from opposition leaders and civil society. Singh argued that showing one’s face is necessary when receiving appointment letters and insisted there was nothing wrong in Kumar’s act of pulling the woman’s hijab at an official event in Patna, framing it as identity verification. His remarks intensified debate over personal dignity, religious freedom and public conduct. 

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)

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. 

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)  

Football star Lionel Messi visited Vantara, a wildlife centre in Gujarat’s Jamnagar, on Tuesday. He was welcomed by Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. During the visit, Messi interacted with animals and took part in traditional Hindu rituals. A video of Messi playing football with a baby elephant named Maneklal has gone viral online. The elephant gently pushed the ball back, delighting everyone present. Messi also met a lion cub named ‘Lionel’ in his honour. He praised Vantara’s work in rescuing and caring for animals. Messi ended his India tour with the Jamnagar visit. 

4 pilgrims died and one was injured after a truck hit them in Gujarat’s Morbi district on Wednesday morning. The accident happened around 6 am on a state highway between Maliya and Jamnagar. Police said the truck hit the group from behind while they were walking towards Dwarka on a pilgrimage. Four people died on the spot. The injured pilgrim was taken to a hospital in Morbi. The group had stayed overnight at a temple in Sarvad village. The victims were from Banaskantha district. Police have started an investigation.

A Goa court on Wednesday sent nightclub co-owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra to five days of police custody. The brothers owned ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’, where 25 people died in a fire on December 6. They were arrested after landing in Delhi following deportation from Thailand. The court ordered fresh medical tests before remand. Police said the brothers had fled to Phuket hours after the fire. Their passports were cancelled by Indian authorities. An FIR has been filed under serious charges, including culpable homicide and negligence. Police are searching for another accused linked to the case. (PC: ANI)

The Supreme Court has allowed authorities to act against old vehicles below BS IV standards in Delhi-NCR. The move comes as air quality remains poor in the region. The court modified its earlier order after the Delhi government sought changes. It said highly polluting older vehicles add to the air crisis. The bench clarified that BS IV and newer vehicles will not face action only due to age. Earlier, the court had protected diesel vehicles over 10 years and petrol vehicles over 15 years. The new order allows action against pre-BS IV end-of-life vehicles to help control pollution. (PC: India Today)

Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has refused to apologise for his contentious comments on Operation Sindoor, insisting he “didn’t say anything wrong” and will not retract his statements. Chavan sparked a political storm by claiming India was “completely defeated on Day 1” of the military operation, alleging Indian aircraft were shot down and the Air Force grounded — remarks that drew sharp criticism from the BJP, which accused him of insulting the armed forces. The episode has intensified debate over military operations and political rhetoric, with Chavan defending his right to question defence strategy amid backlash. (PC: HT)

The Supreme Court of India has transferred the high‑profile rape and murder case of a trainee doctor from **R.G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata, to the Calcutta High Court for continued judicial oversight and effective monitoring of related legal proceedings. The case, which involves the brutal rape and killing of the 31‑year‑old doctor on August 9, 2024, sparked nationwide outrage, doctors’ protests and a CBI probe after being moved from the Kolkata Police due to investigation concerns. The SC’s order aims to streamline judicial scrutiny closer to the ground, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure justice in this sensitive matter. (PC: PTI)