Adverse weather conditions, marked by dense fog, wreak havoc on travel plans in Delhi. Approximately 80 flights face delays at Indira Gandhi International Airport, affecting frustrated passengers. Poor visibility prompts disruptions, with one traveler to Gangtok expressing discontent over a 2-hour delay. Ground transportation also bears the brunt, as trains experience delays, leaving passengers stranded. The India Meteorological Department issues warnings for dense fog in North Indian states, impacting regions including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, and parts of Himachal Pradesh. Travelers are urged to brace for further disruptions amid challenging weather conditions.      

Following the recent low-intensity blast near the Israeli embassy in Delhi, the Delhi Police have initiated an investigation, registering an FIR against "unknown" persons under Section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act. The blast occurred on Tuesday evening in an area lacking CCTV coverage. No injuries were reported, but an "abusive" letter addressed to the Israeli ambassador was found near the blast site. Security agencies, including NSG, Dog Squad, and Bomb Squad, are conducting a thorough examination. The incident raises concerns about diplomatic security amid ongoing developments.

Ayodhya is abuzz with anticipation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi gears up for a transformative visit. The city is adorned with flowers and murals, tight security in place. PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the revamped railway station and a new airport, with over 1,400 artists presenting cultural programs. A public event will showcase projects worth Rs 15,700 crore, enhancing Ayodhya's infrastructure. Additionally, Modi will flag off new trains and launch projects for Uttar Pradesh. The visit precedes the upcoming consecration of the Ram temple, bringing heightened excitement to Ayodhya's vibrant preparations.

Pushpalatha R, the head teacher at Murugamalla Village Government High School in Chikkaballapur, Karnataka, has been suspended after photos from her allegedly "romantic photoshoot" with a Class 10 student circulated on social media. The images, taken during a study tour, showed the teacher hugging and kissing the student. Outraged parents filed a complaint with the Block Education Officer, leading to a thorough investigation. Social media users expressed anger, calling for action against both parties. Following the inquiry, BEO V Umadevi recommended suspension, a decision implemented by the Deputy Director of Chikkaballapur District Education Department. Both the student and the teacher have claimed that the photos were meant to be private and got leaked, leading to outrage from the parents.

President Droupadi Murmu has granted assent to a bill establishing a mechanism for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners in India. The law provides for a search committee to prepare a panel of names for consideration by a selection panel chaired by the Prime Minister. This committee will then make recommendations to the President for formally appointing the CEC and ECs. The bill aims to bring greater transparency and accountability to the appointment process. The President also approved the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, which replaces a British-era law governing the publishing sector with simplified regulations. As per I&B Minister Anurag Thakur, the law will enable a streamlined, technology-driven registration process for newspapers and magazines.

A historic peace agreement has been signed between the Central government, Assam government and the insurgent group United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). Home Minister Amit Shah announced that ULFA will be disbanded as an organization, with the Centre promising to meet their reasonable demands regarding issues like illegal immigration and indigenous rights. Shah credited PM Modi for bringing stability to the Northeast, evidenced by reduced AFSPA. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said the deal largely solves the militancy problem in the region. However, the Paresh Baruah-led ULFA (Independent) faction remains opposed to talks currently. The peace pact ends the decades-long insurgency by one of the major separatist groups in the Northeast.

Mangaluru International Airport authorities conducted extensive security checks after receiving a bomb threat email on Tuesday night claiming explosives were planted on a plane and elsewhere in the airport. The email, sent by a purported terrorist group called 'Funing', threatened to kill everyone at the airport. Mangaluru Police were alerted on Wednesday morning and launched search operations, tightening security with additional checkpoints. An anti-sabotage team swept the airport along with a bomb detection squad but found nothing suspicious. A case was registered by Bajpe Police under IPC Section 507 for criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication. The threat comes after similar emails were sent to multiple airports across India on the same night.

Four employees of Air India SATS (AISATS) and an Indian passenger were arrested at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport for alleged involvement in a human trafficking operation. CISF personnel uncovered the suspicious activity when immigration officials flagged a UK-bound passenger's doubtful documents. Further scrutiny via CCTV footage showed AISATS staffers at the check-in counter using invalid documents to facilitate boarding for the passenger and two others. The four staffers - Rohan Verma, Mohammad Jahangir, Yash, and Akshay Narang - along with passenger Diljot Singh were handed to police. AISATS CEO Sanjay Gupta said the company played a key role in working with authorities to thwart the trafficking attempt. The arrests come after a recent case where a charter jet to Nicaragua was grounded in France over trafficking concerns.

Voting will be held today to decide which idol of Lord Ram Lalla will be installed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust will vote among three options crafted by different sculptors, choosing the one with the best divine and childlike look to represent the god. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ayodhya on December 30th to inaugurate the redeveloped railway station and airport ahead of the consecration ceremony to be held on January 22nd, which Modi will also attend. The city is preparing for the event with enhanced security near the temple site and decorations like new ceremonial gateways.

Bimlendra Mohan Pratap Mishra, the 'King of Ayodhya,' anticipates a thriving future as the city undergoes a remarkable transformation before the Ram Temple's grand consecration on January 22. Revealing a surge in development, he notes, "More than 100 applications for five-star hotels have come in." Ayodhya, once lacking proper accommodations, is set to become a Smart City with a new airport and revamped railway station. Mr. Mishra expresses optimism, stating, "Ayodhya will be known as the best holy town in the country." The developments signal a positive turn as the city sheds the historical shadow of 'Mata Sita's Curse.'