Air India Express issued a show-cause notice to pilot Virender Sejwal following an alleged assault and abuse incident involving passenger Ankit Dewan at Delhi Airport's Terminal 1. Sources confirmed proceedings are being conducted under labour laws since pilots fall under the workmen category. An external inquiry committee will be established this week to investigate the incident thoroughly. The airline is taking formal disciplinary action as part of standard protocol for such allegations. The case represents a serious breach of professional conduct standards expected from aviation personnel. Details about the specific circumstances leading to the confrontation remain under investigation as the external committee prepares to examine evidence and testimonies from involved parties.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman condemned Pakistan's double standards, arguing if Islamabad justifies striking Afghanistan causing civilian casualties then it cannot object to India's Operation Sindoor targeting terror bases in Bahawalpur and Muridke. Speaking at Karachi's Lyari conference, Rehman questioned Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir's logic: "If you attack your enemy in Afghanistan, India can also attack headquarters responsible for Kashmir attacks." Operation Sindoor referenced India's May 7 missile strikes on nine terror targets including Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba bases, avenging April 22's attack where 26 civilians were killed. Rehman, who previously offered to mediate Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions, remains the only Pakistani lawmaker meeting Taliban's supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada.

US Vice President JD Vance strongly condemned racist attacks against his Indian-origin wife Usha Vance, telling far-right commentator Nick Fuentes and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki they "can eat shit." Speaking to UnHerd, Vance denounced Fuentes, who called him a "race traitor" for marrying outside his race and harassed his family online through the "Groyper" movement. Vance stated racism should be opposed universally, with people judged by actions rather than ethnicity. However, he claimed race-based college admissions and employment policies discriminate against white Americans, arguing his mixed-heritage children face disadvantages in elite systems. Vance prioritized addressing powerful political figures over fringe online commentators regarding discrimination concerns. (PC: X)

Pakistan Muslim League youth leader Kamran Saeed Usmani threatened India over Bangladesh tensions, warning "Pakistan's army and missiles are not far away" if India attacks Bangladesh's autonomy. Usmani proposed a formal military alliance between Pakistan and Bangladesh, including mutual military bases on each other's territories. He claimed Pakistan wouldn't tolerate India's "Akhand Bharat ideology" being imposed on Bangladesh and suggested a strategic scenario where Pakistan attacks from the west, Bangladesh from the east, while China focuses on Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh. Usmani accused India's BSF of "disturbing" Bangladesh and argued linking China-Pakistan Economic Corridor with Bangladesh's ports would strengthen strategic control, claiming "those who control ports rule the world."

The United States has opened a rare filing window for Indian professionals waiting for Green Cards. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services allowed applicants to file using either of two visa charts. The January 2026 visa bulletin showed major progress in EB-1 and EB-5 categories for Indians. EB-2 and EB-3 also moved forward. Immigration experts called the change “extremely important.” They warned the relief may be short-lived. Applicants are advised to file quickly and prepare documents, including medical exams. The filing window runs from January 1 to January 31.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested in central London during a protest supporting Palestine Action hunger strikers. Police said the 22-year-old held a placard backing Palestine Action, which is a banned group in the UK. The arrest was made under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. The protest took place outside an insurance firm linked to an Israeli defence company. Two activists also damaged the building with red paint. City of London Police said legal action followed. The government said it will not interfere in ongoing court cases. (PC: Prisoners for Palestine/PA)

Russia launched a “massive” overnight attack on Ukraine, killing at least three people, including a four-year-old child, officials said. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia fired hundreds of drones and missiles, targeting cities and energy sites. “People simply want to be with their families and safe,” he said. Power cuts were reported in several regions. Russia claimed it struck military-linked facilities. The attack came despite peace talks and a proposed Christmas truce. Zelensky said Vladimir Putin “still cannot accept that he must stop killing.” (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan lawmaker Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticised his own government over strikes on Afghanistan that caused civilian deaths. Speaking in Karachi, he said, “If we justify attacks across the border, then we cannot object to India doing the same.” Rehman questioned the logic of the Pakistan army led by Asim Munir. He referred to India’s Operation Sindoor, saying Pakistan had lost moral ground. India has condemned Pakistan’s strikes on Afghan civilians and reaffirmed support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty.

Fresh violence broke out in Karbi Anglong, Assam, after clashes linked to an eviction drive. At least eight people were injured. Police used lathi-charge and tear gas to control the crowd. The Assam government suspended internet services in two districts to maintain peace. Heavy security was deployed in the area. Authorities imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita, banning gatherings and night movement. Officials said talks were held with both sides. People were urged to follow legal routes and not take the law into their own hands. (PC: PTI)

India has summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah for the second time in a week amid growing tensions. The move came hours after Bangladesh called in Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma over security concerns. India raised objections about threats near its mission in Dhaka and blamed extremist groups. The Ministry of External Affairs said Bangladesh must ensure the safety of Indian missions. Ties have been strained since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took charge. India said it supports peace and fair elections in Bangladesh. (PC: PTI)