Union communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday denied claims that the Sanchar Saathi app could be used for snooping. Speaking in Lok Sabha, he said such use of the app was “not possible” and stressed that the government wants to empower people to protect themselves. His remarks came after criticism over a DoT order asking phone makers to pre-install the app on all devices. Scindia said the app is voluntary and can be deleted by users. The Sanchar Saathi platform helps people check mobile connections linked to their IDs, report fraud numbers and trace lost phones. (PC: India Today)

Talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner ended without a breakthrough on a Ukraine peace deal. The Kremlin said the meeting was “constructive” but key parts of the US-backed plan were still unacceptable to Russia. Putin earlier criticised changes proposed by Kyiv and Europe, calling them unrealistic. Ukraine and Russia remain divided over territory and security guarantees. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said there was a chance to end the war but only with clear guarantees. Fighting also continued on several fronts, with both sides rejecting each other’s claims of battlefield gains. (BBC)

The rupee fell below the 90-per-dollar mark for the first time on Wednesday, hitting 90.11 in early trade. The drop shocked traders as the currency faced strong global and domestic pressure. Foreign investors have been pulling money out of India, and the strong US dollar has added more strain. Delays in the India–US trade deal and record-high commodity prices have also hurt sentiment. Experts say muted RBI intervention led to a faster fall. Markets now wait for the RBI policy update on Friday. Analysts warn the rupee may stay volatile and could fall further if global cues remain weak. (PC: India Today)

Virat Kohli has confirmed his availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy after 15 years, DDCA president Rohan Jaitley announced Tuesday evening. The domestic 50-over competition begins December 24, with Delhi facing Andhra Pradesh. Kohli's decision aligns with Indian team management's directive, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, requiring senior players to play domestic cricket for World Cup 2027 consideration. Kohli last participated in 2010, captaining Delhi against Services. He'll likely play multiple matches before joining India's January 11 ODI series against New Zealand. Delhi's group fixtures run through January 8 against Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Saurashtra, Odisha, Services, Railways, and Haryana. (PC: The Cricketer)

The results of the MCD by-election in 12 wards of Delhi were announced on Tuesday. The BJP won seven seats, while the AAP won three. The Congress also won one seat, opening its account with a win in the Sangam Vihar-A ward. Voting was held on November 30. Nine of these wards were earlier with the BJP and three with the AAP. The voter turnout was 38.51%, which was lower than the 50.47% turnout in the 2022 civic polls. Counting took place at ten centres across the city under strict security, the State Election Commission said.

Jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan launched his fiercest attack on Army Chief General Asim Munir, accusing him of being "mentally ill," "morally depraved," and destroying Pakistan's constitutional framework. In a message on X, Khan described four weeks of solitary confinement without human contact, claiming he and wife Bushra Bibi face "severe mental torture" on false charges. He accused Munir's policies of fueling terrorism resurgence and sacrificing national interests for Western approval. Khan resigned from PTI's political committee, giving Secretary General Salman Akram Raja full authority. He urged Pakistanis to "break chains of slavery" and resist "mafia systems," warning those threatening governor's rule to "see what happens." (PC: The Hindu)

The Indian rupee hit an all-time low on Wednesday, slipping past 90 per US dollar for the first time, trading at 90.11 by 10 AM with no signs of stabilization. The slide, driven by weak foreign portfolio flows, US-India trade uncertainty, and global dollar strength, caught markets off guard despite building pressure for weeks. The Reserve Bank of India intervened to calm volatility but with limited success. A weaker rupee increases import costs for crude oil, electronics, and industrial goods, raises overseas loan repayment burdens, and impacts students and travelers. Analysts warn volatility will persist unless foreign flows stabilize, with markets watching whether RBI will defend the 90-level more forcefully. (PC: Reuters)

Air India said one of its aircraft flew without a valid airworthiness review certificate. The airline called the incident “regrettable” and said safety rules were not followed. The issue was reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation as soon as it was found. Air India said all staff involved in the decision to operate the aircraft have been suspended while a review is carried out. The airline added that it has begun a full internal probe and is working with the regulator. Air India said it remains committed to strict safety standards and full compliance with all rules. (PC: HT)

India plans to continue importing Russian crude despite new US sanctions, using "less transparent routes," analysts say. November saw imports surge to 1.9-2.0 million barrels per day a five-month high as refiners front-loaded before the November 21 sanctions deadline. December arrivals are expected to drop to 1.0-1.2 mbpd, potentially stabilizing around 800,000 barrels daily. Kpler analyst Sumit Ritolia notes Indian leaders "will not want to be seen as bending down to US sanctions," as Russian barrels remain cost-competitive. Moscow has adapted through ship-to-ship transfers near Mumbai and mid-voyage diversions. Indian refiners argue Russian oil itself isn't sanctioned and will pivot to non-sanctioned entities and opaque trading channels while diversifying suppliers. (PC: The Economic Times)

Delhi reported over 2 lakh acute respiratory illness (ARI) cases across six central hospitals during 2022-2024, with the Health Ministry attributing the surge to worsening air pollution. Emergency ARI cases totaled 67,054 in 2022, 69,293 in 2023, and 68,411 in 2024, while hospital admissions rose from 9,878 to 10,819. Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav identified polluted air as a "triggering factor" for respiratory diseases. Similar trends emerged in Mumbai and Chennai. An ICMR study covering 33,213 emergency patients found strong correlations between pollution levels and respiratory visits. The National Centre for Disease Control now operates 230 surveillance sites nationwide to monitor these health trends.