Iran's Revolutionary Guards launched missile attacks on alleged Israeli "spy headquarters" in Iraq's Kurdistan region and terrorist sites in Syria. The strikes, in response to recent attacks on Iranians, resulted in four deaths and six injuries in Iraq. The US condemned the "reckless" actions, while explosions were reported in Syria. Tensions escalate as Iran accuses Israel of conducting "spy operations." The region is on edge amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, with previous strikes and counter-strikes heightening geopolitical tensions. The situation remains fluid, with international concerns about the potential for further violence.

Delhi continues to shiver under a harsh coldwave, with temperatures dropping to 4.8 degrees Celsius. Thick fog blankets the city, causing chaos in air and train travel. Safdarjung recorded a visibility of 50 meters at 0730 hrs IST, leading to the delay of 30 flights and cancellation of 17. Train operations are also heavily affected, with nearly 30 trains running late. The India Meteorological Department issues a red alert for parts of Punjab and Haryana as cold to severe cold conditions persist. Passengers at airports and railway stations face delays amid the challenging weather conditions.

The UK announces its largest NATO deployment in four decades, sending 20,000 armed forces personnel to Exercise Steadfast Defender. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps highlights the need for reassurance against the "menace" of Russian President Putin post-Ukraine invasion. The deployment includes advanced warships, submarines, fighter jets, and surveillance aircraft. Shapps emphasizes facing rising dangers to the international rules-based order and a period of "hard-headed realism" against global threats. The exercise aims to strengthen NATO's capabilities amid challenges from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.

UN agency chiefs warn of an impending humanitarian crisis in Gaza as the Israel-Hamas war marks its 100th day. The death toll rises to 24,100, with urgent appeals for more aid. UN officials emphasize the necessity of additional entry routes, increased daily truck allowances, and safe movement for aid workers. While not directly blaming Israel, they cite hindrances, including limited border crossings and ongoing fighting. Gaza faces famine and disease, impacting a desperate population displaced by the conflict. Tensions escalate regionally, and calls for international assistance intensify amid a dire situation.

The Met Office expanded weather warnings across the United Kingdom on Monday as an icy blast of Arctic air brings snow and freezing temperatures. Yellow and amber alerts now encompass nearly all of the UK through Thursday. The warnings highlight risks of travel chaos, power cuts and infrastructure damage from accumulating snow and ice. Forecasters predict up to 10 centimeters of snow in Scotland and northern England. Bitterly cold temperatures raise health concerns as well. The expansive alerts come on the heels of recent deadly flooding across Britain. With no reprieve in sight, the Met Office urges vigilance and preparation as the unsettled winter weather persists.

As the Israel-Hamas war hits its 100th day, PM Netanyahu vows unyielding determination: "No one will stop us." Families rally for hostages in Tel Aviv, marking three months since their captivity. Former hostages express despair in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square. Gaza witnesses a rising death toll, with over 23,000 casualties since the conflict began. UN deems Gaza "uninhabitable." Questions arise on Gaza's rebuilding as Israel faces genocide accusations in the International Court of Justice. Tensions persist on Israel's northern border, and fears grow over the war's potential spread in the Middle East.

In an unprecedented incident at Delhi Airport, frustrated passengers resorted to sitting on the tarmac and having meals next to an IndiGo aircraft after enduring a 12-hour delay. The chaos unfolded as hundreds demanded answers from airlines due to widespread flight disruptions caused by dense fog. The situation escalated, leading to a man slapping an IndiGo pilot inside a parked aircraft. The airline, along with others, faced operational challenges and diversions. Air India issued a statement expressing regret for disruptions. The incident highlights the strain on air travel amidst weather-related challenges, impacting both passengers and airline operations.

UK PM Rishi Sunak dismissed claims linking UK airstrikes against Houthis to Israel-Gaza, asserting the action was a self-defensive response. He highlighted Houthi attacks on British warships, emphasizing the need to safeguard freedom of navigation. Sunak stated all 13 targets were successfully hit, with no evidence of civilian casualties. The airstrikes aimed to protect international shipping and uphold global commerce. Sunak urged against accepting a "malign narrative," asserting the focus was on shipping security, unrelated to Israel-Gaza. He affirmed ongoing efforts for a Gaza ceasefire and Yemen's settlement but clarified the airstrikes' direct response to Houthi threats.

In the 10-day period for public feedback, the ‘One Nation, One Election’ committee established by the Law Ministry has amassed over 8,000 responses regarding simultaneous elections. The committee, initiated in September 2023 to explore possibilities for synchronized polls at various levels, received diverse suggestions. Respondents included the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), expressing concerns about the impact on parliamentary democracy, and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi opposing the move without clear rationale. The committee will analyze the submissions in an upcoming meeting, expecting the final count to rise. Former Chief Election Commissioners have also been invited to share their insights by January 15.      

In response to escalating complaints about flight disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced stringent Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Airlines are now mandated to proactively cancel flights, well in advance, if delays due to prevailing adverse weather conditions exceed 3 hours. The SOPs also emphasize real-time information dissemination, staff sensitization, and transparent cancellation policies. The move aims to prevent airport congestion, minimize passenger inconvenience, and address recent incidents of passenger outbursts triggered by prolonged delays. The DGCA's directive comes after incidents of flight delays, cancellations, and passenger frustration, particularly at airports like Delhi.