Dense winter fog and severely reduced visibility across Delhi and northern India have significantly disrupted flight operations at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and other airports, forcing pilots to rely on advanced CAT III landing systems. Multiple flights were delayed, cancelled, or diverted, leaving many passengers stranded and prompting urgent advisories from IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India to check flight statuses before travelling. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for very dense fog, while airlines activated special measures including rebooking options and refund flexibility to help travellers cope with the weather-related chaos. (PC: HT)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged that the Indian National Congress is fractured into two rival factions — one loyal to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and the other to her brother Rahul Gandhi — signalling deep internal discord within the main opposition party. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla claimed the division has surfaced at the national level, not just in states, with leaders publicly taking sides and some questioning Rahul’s leadership, while others align with Priyanka’s influence. The BJP asserts that calls to “remove Rahul and bring Priyanka” are gaining traction, although Congress has not responded to the allegations. (PC: The Hindu)

Russia has accused Ukraine of launching drone strikes targeting President Vladimir Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region soon after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming 90+ long-range drones were intercepted by Russian air defenses. Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, condemned it as “state terrorism” and said Moscow might revise peace-talk positions. Kyiv strongly denied the allegations, calling them false and a possible pretext for new Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure. It remains unclear whether Putin was present during the incident. (PC: Reuters)

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Dec 29, 2025 strongly dismissed Pakistan’s criticism of India over treatment of religious minorities, calling the remarks baseless and hypocritical. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal rejected Islamabad’s claims, saying Pakistan has its own “horrific and systemic victimisation of minorities of various faiths” and that its “abysmal record speaks for itself.” India added that Pakistan’s accusations won’t change realities and urged it to focus on its internal issues rather than pointing fingers at New Delhi. The rebuttal highlights ongoing diplomatic tensions between the neighbors on human rights narratives. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court of India on Dec 29, 2025 stayed the Delhi High Court’s order that had suspended the life sentence and granted bail to Kuldeep Singh Sengar, the former BJP MLA convicted in the 2017 Unnao rape case involving a minor. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant ruled that substantial legal questions, including interpretation of “public servant” under the law, require scrutiny and issued notice to Sengar, giving him four weeks to respond. Sengar will remain in custody, also serving a separate sentence in the custodial death of the victim’s father. (PC: The Hindu)

The Supreme Court of India on Dec 29, 2025, paused its November 20 order that had adopted a uniform definition of the Aravalli Hills and ranges—a move that had raised concerns over potential expansion of regulated mining and loss of ecological protections. A vacation bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant said key ambiguities in that definition need expert assessment, especially questions over conservation zones, mining eligibility and ecological continuity. The court issued notices to the Centre and four states (Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Delhi) and formed a new expert committee to review environmental impacts before finalising any policy. Hearing set for Jan 21, 2026. (PC: India Today)

Two young women from Telangana’s Mahabubabad district, Pulakhandam Meghana Rani (25) and Kadiyala Bhavana (24), were killed in a car accident in California, USA, while on a trip with friends. They had moved to the US in 2023 for higher studies, recently completed their Master’s degrees and were job hunting. The vehicle failed to navigate a curve on Alabama Hills road, veered off, and plunged into a deep gorge, killing both on the spot. Two others in the car were injured. Families are seeking help for quick repatriation of the bodies. US police are investigating the crash. 

Two coaches of the Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express (Train No. 18189) caught fire in the early hours of December 29, 2025, near Yalamanchili/Elamanchili in Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh, while en route from Tatanagar to Ernakulam. Flames broke out around 12:45–1:30 am, leading to a swift halt and evacuation of passengers. About 158 people were aboard the affected B1 and adjacent coach when the fire engulfed them. One man, identified as Chandrasekhar Sundar (70), was found dead in the B1 coach. The remaining passengers escaped safely. The damaged coaches were detached, and an investigation into the cause is underway.

Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, died on December 26, 2025, after a racially motivated attack in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The assault began on December 9 when a group of six men allegedly hurled racial slurs at Anjel and his brother in the Selaqui area. When they protested, the attackers hit Michael with a metal kada and stabbed Anjel with knives and other sharp objects, causing severe head and spinal injuries. He fought for life in hospital for 17 days before succumbing to wounds. Five suspects are in custody while the main accused remains at large, prompting a police search. (PC: X)

A Sydney shop owner who disarmed a shooter during the Bondi Beach attack has spoken about his actions. Ahmed al Ahmed told US media he tackled one gunman from behind and pulled away a long weapon. He said he warned the man to drop the gun. Mr Ahmed was later shot several times by the second attacker and needed surgery. The attack at a Hanukkah event on December 14 killed 15 people and injured 40. Police have called it a terrorist act aimed at the Jewish community. One gunman was killed by police. The other has been charged with murder and terrorism offences. Mr Ahmed said he only wanted to stop the killing. (PC: BBC)