A thick layer of fog covered Delhi-NCR on Sunday morning, reducing visibility to near zero and delaying flights and trains. The minimum temperature fell to 5.3°C, below normal for this time of year. Air quality remained severe, with the AQI reaching 439, prompting authorities to enforce GRAP-IV curbs. The India Meteorological Department reported zero visibility at Safdarjung and very low visibility at Palam. Airlines issued advisories, while train services faced delays of up to 12 hours. Similar fog conditions were reported in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. (PC: India Today)

Music composer AR Rahman faced social media backlash over claims he refused to sing Vande Mataram in an interview. Journalist posts suggested Rahman had declined requests to perform the patriotic song. Singer Chinmayi Sripada defended him, tweeting that Rahman and his team had performed Vande Mataram with audiences at events, including a November 2025 concert in Pune, and that he often sings Maa Tujhe Salaam at shows — suggesting any refusal may have had non-controversial reasons. Actress Meerra Chopraa also supported Rahman, comparing his global stature to Priyanka Chopra and urging respect for the music legend. (PC: HT)

European Union leaders have strongly condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on several European countries over their opposition to his bid to acquire Greenland. Trump announced 10% tariffs on imports from nations including Denmark, Sweden, Germany, France, the UK, the Netherlands, Finland and Norway from February 1, rising to 25% by June unless the U.S. deal is reached. EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa said such tariffs risk undermining transatlantic relations and could spark a “dangerous downward spiral.” Diplomats plan an emergency meeting to coordinate a collective response, stressing unity and respect for sovereignty. (PC: PTI)

The West Bengal government has urged the Election Commission (EC) to rescind its directive to file FIRs against four electoral officers over alleged “ghost voters” found in electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Moyna (Purba Medinipur) and Baruipur East (South 24 Parganas). The state argued that the officials have already faced suspensions and departmental action, and that criminal prosecution for procedural lapses is excessive, citing legal advice from the Advocate General. FIRs have not yet been registered, and the chief electoral officer’s office has forwarded the request to the EC for a final decision.

An 11-year-old boy in Duncannon Borough, Pennsylvania, has been charged with criminal homicide after allegedly shooting his 42-year-old father, Douglas Dietz, early on 13 January. The incident occurred around 3:20 a.m. after the boy’s Nintendo Switch had been taken away and his father told him to go to bed. Court documents say the child found the key to a gun safe, unlocked it, and loaded a firearm before shooting his father in bed. When police arrived, the boy reportedly told his mother, “I killed Daddy,” and later admitted he intended to shoot his father. He has been denied bail and is due in court on 22 January. (PC: Getty Images)

US President Donald Trump announced a punitive 10% tariff on imports from several European countries including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland, beginning February 1, 2026, in response to their opposition to his push to gain control of Greenland. He warned the tariff will increase to 25% on June 1 if no agreement is reached on the “complete and total purchase” of the Arctic island, framing it as crucial for national and global security and utilising trade policy to exert geopolitical leverage. (PC: India Today)

Data reveals that **more than 77% of all illegal mining FIRs in Rajasthan were filed in districts within the Aravalli mountain region, despite it having relatively fewer mining leases and lower mineral production than other areas. This highlights the intensity of illegal extraction activities in one of India’s most ecologically sensitive landscapes, which spans much of the state. Environmentalists warn that any changes to the legal definition or protection of the Aravalli range could further exacerbate rampant violations. The trend underscores ongoing environmental and regulatory challenges in curbing unlawful mining and safeguarding the ancient hills. (PC: PTI)

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has responded to controversy after the absence of a customary handshake between the captains of India and Bangladesh at the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 toss in Bulawayo. Bangladesh vice-captain Zawad Abrar, standing in for the ill skipper Azizul Hakim, and India captain Ayush Mhatre did not exchange pleasantries, sparking debate. The BCB called the omission “completely unintentional” and due to a momentary lapse in concentration, insisting there was no disrespect intended and reminding players of sportsmanship standards. The board reiterated its commitment to cricketing values and has taken the matter seriously. (PC: HT)

Indian intelligence agencies have issued a high alert ahead of the 26 January Republic Day, warning that Khalistani terrorist outfits and Bangladesh-based terror groups may attempt to target Delhi and other major cities across the country. According to sources, Punjab-based gangsters are increasingly being used as foot soldiers by radical handlers abroad, establishing operational links with extremist networks active in Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. In response, authorities have heightened security measures and conducted mock anti-terror drills at sensitive locations like Red Fort and Chandni Chowk to improve preparedness and response. The alert underscores the emphasis on ensuring safety during the 77th Republic Day celebrations. (PC: PTI)

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has imposed a ₹22.2 crore fine on IndiGo Airlines following widespread flight disruptions in early December. The action came after an inquiry found serious operational and crew management failures, leading to mass cancellations, delays, and passenger inconvenience across several airports. The regulator also issued warnings to IndiGo’s senior management and highlighted violations related to duty time limits and operational preparedness. IndiGo stated that it has processed refunds, offered alternative arrangements to affected passengers, and taken corrective measures. Flight operations have since returned to normal, according to the airline. (PC: NDTV)