The environment ministry of India has extended the deadline for thermal power plants to install Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) equipment by three more years, with plants near the NCR or cities with over a million population given until December 2027. Previous deadlines were missed due to delays and limited vendor capacity.

«Health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001... HMPV spreads through the air and can affect people of all age groups. The virus spreads more during the winter and early spring months,» Union Health Minister JP Nadda said.

During the winter months, there is an increased likelihood of transmission of respiratory diseases such as seasonal influenza (H1N1, H3N2), influenza-like illness (ILI), and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI). HMPV, specifically, presents with symptoms similar to the common cold and typically resolves on its own within 3 to 5 days. As a result, there is no need for panic or misinformation regarding this illness, the release issued.

Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel assured the public on Monday that there is «no need to panic», as the state government is taking all precautionary measures and following procedures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah using a morphed 'Ghajini' video, emphasizing their achievements and promises for Delhi. As the Delhi assembly elections approach, a fierce contest is expected between AAP, BJP, and Congress. Notably, Arvind Kejriwal faces Congress's Sandeep Dikshit and BJP's Parvesh Verma in New Delhi constituency.

Justin Trudeau led Canada for nine years, navigating crises like the pandemic and trade renegotiations with the US. As one of the few leaders to win three consecutive terms, his tenure was marked by his feminist stance and gender-parity cabinets. However, internal conflicts, notably with ex-finance minister Chrystia Freeland, ultimately ended his leadership.

Around 15 labourers are feared trapped after water flooded a coal mine in Assam's Dima Hasao district. The incident happened around 7 am at Assam Coal Quarry in Umrangso. Rescue operations involving the Army, State Disaster Response Force, and National Disaster Response Force are underway. The exact number of trapped workers is not yet confirmed.

The Enforcement Directorate faces a setback as Kolkata police file closure reports in FIRs against Santiago Martin and his company for lack of evidence, potentially hindering the PMLA probe. ED appeals in court, stressing incomplete investigations and urging the reopening of these cases.

India reported seven cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in children. Union health minister J P Nadda assured that it won't lead to a Covid-like outbreak. HMPV is known since 2001, often self-limiting, and mostly affects children. Surveillance and health systems are actively monitoring the situation.

The Supreme Court has commented that legislators appear to have forgotten to be respectful during dissent. This observation was made during a case involving RJD's Sunil Kumar Singh, who was expelled from Bihar legislature for alleged misconduct. The court refused to stay bypolls for Singh's seat and will have a final hearing on his petition in January.

For over three weeks, more than 5,000 residents of Soraha village in UP's Budaun district have faced severe winter conditions without electricity due to the theft of a 250kVA transformer. Despite temporary arrangements and police investigations hinting at insider involvement, villagers still dispute claims of restored power supply.

Captains Devi Sharan and S.P.S. Suri, involved in the IC-814 hijacking, faced another peril in 2011 during the Libyan civil war, getting held at gunpoint before escaping. Their subsequent flights faced hurdles, including denied airspace entry, but they managed to return to Delhi safely.

Spice Jet issued a warning of flight delays due to poor visibility caused by bad weather in multiple cities including Delhi, Amritsar, and Patna. Passengers are advised to check flight statuses to avoid inconvenience. Flight operations in Kolkata and Srinagar were also disrupted due to dense fog and overnight snowfall, respectively.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee criticizes the central government for spending on Kumbh Mela while neglecting Gangasagar Mela. She announces state government's initiative to build a bridge for easier access. Advanced technological measures including 1,000 CCTV cameras, drones, and a mega control room are to be implemented for the Mela.

Union health minister JP Nadda assures that the HMPV virus is not new and has been circulating since 2001. Despite rising cases in Karnataka and Gujarat, the health ministry and experts are monitoring the situation closely. Nadda emphasizes there is no reason to worry as health systems are vigilant and ready to respond to any emerging health challenges.

Several individuals are feared to be trapped in a coal mine in Assam's Dima Hasao district, officials say. The exact number of people affected is unknown. Rescue operations are underway with assistance from the army, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India's first bullet train would soon be operational while inaugurating several railway projects. He highlighted the trial run of the new sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train at 180 km/hr. Modi also marked the country's milestone of exceeding 1000 km in metro network service.

China has assured India and Bangladesh that its proposed dam on the Brahmaputra River will have no negative impacts on downstream countries. India has already expressed concerns and sought transparency over the project. The dam, located in Tibet, aims to aid in disaster prevention and climate change response, but India remains vigilant over potential impacts.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal urges the Centre to take immediate action against a potential HMPV outbreak in China, highlighting the need for early containment. Delhi hospitals are instructed to prepare for an increase in respiratory illnesses after detecting two cases in Karnataka and one in Gujarat.

BJP leader Sambit Patra accuses AAP's Arvind Kejriwal of corruption over the renovation of his official residence during the Covid-19 pandemic. Patra claims the construction estimate was Rs 7.61 crore, but the tender was released for Rs 8.62 crore, indicating a scam.

The Bharatiya Janata Party minority wing's national chief, Jamal Siddiqui, requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rename India Gate in New Delhi to Bharat Mata Dwar. In his letter, Siddiqui highlighted the patriotic sentiment fostered under Modi's leadership and acknowledged the renaming of significant landmarks. He believes renaming India Gate would honor the martyrs memorialized there.

Delhi chief minister Atishi became emotional during a press conference after BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri made personal remarks about her father, who is unwell at 80. Bidhuri claimed Atishi changed her father's name for election purposes, which she refuted, highlighting her father's dedication as a teacher and condemning the personal attack.

A Bangladeshi court has issued a second arrest warrant for former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, currently exiled in India, for her alleged role in enforced disappearances. The interim government is prioritising her extradition and trial, accusing her of crimes against humanity during her 15-year rule.

India’s MEA condemns Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan that killed 46 people, including women and children, in Paktika province. The MEA urges Pakistan to stop blaming neighbors for its internal problems and expresses concern over the loss of innocent lives and escalating border tensions.

BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan accuses Arvind Kejriwal of misusing Rs 33.66 crore of public funds to renovate his official residence during the pandemic, as per a CAG report. The scandal, which includes extravagant expenses, is expected to impact the upcoming Delhi assembly elections.

Arvind Kejriwal urged the Centre to address the HMPV virus outbreak after the health ministry confirmed two cases in Karnataka. The ministry is monitoring the situation and has not detected an unusual surge in respiratory illnesses. Delhi's health department has issued advisories for hospitals to prepare for potential cases.

Congress promises to give Rs 2,500 to every woman in Delhi under the 'Pyaari Didi' Yojana if elected, paralleling a similar scheme in Karnataka. CM Arvind Kejriwal's AAP government plans to enhance financial aid to women post-elections. Both parties are strategizing to appeal to women voters ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections.

The Indian Council of Medical Research reported Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in two infants in Bengaluru. The virus has caused global concern due to a surge in respiratory infections, especially in China. Delhi health authorities issued an advisory, while the Union health ministry and ICMR are closely monitoring the situation. Surveillance indicates India is well-prepared to handle such illnesses.

Tourists at Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh had a close call when a frozen lake they were on collapsed. Quick-thinking bystanders rescued them. Union minister Kiren Rijiju warned travelers of such dangers and urged precautions. The incident, caught on video, underscores the importance of proper preparation and experienced guides in winter tourism.

A political controversy arose in Tamil Nadu as Governor RN Ravi left the assembly ahead of the Winter Session due to the refusal to play the national anthem. The governor's office condemned the incident as disrespectful to the Constitution, while state Congress chief criticized the governor for opposing resolutions from the assembly.

Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh criticized AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, comparing him to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and accusing him of corruption. Singh also dismissed Lalu's recent comments and criticized his governance in Bihar, highlighting the progress made under Nitish Kumar.

Delhi Police have detained nine Bangladeshi nationals in a crackdown on illegal immigration. They were arrested from locations in Central and South West Delhi, including a hotel in Nabi Karim. Efforts include verification drives following directives from the lieutenant governor to address and take action against illegal immigrants.