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Delhi records very poor air quality as Mumbai sees rain on New Year

Delhi began 2026 under a blanket of smog and intense cold with very poor air quality, while Mumbai witnessed unusual early morning rainfall on the first day of the year.

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Delhi's air quality

India’s two biggest metropolitan cities ushered in 2026 with sharply contrasting weather patterns. While the national capital remained engulfed in thick smog and severe cold, Mumbai woke up to unexpected rainfall on the first morning of the New Year.

Early visuals from central Delhi, including areas around India Gate and Kartavya Path, showed reduced visibility as pollution levels stayed alarmingly high. Official data indicated that Delhi’s air quality remained in the “very poor” category on Thursday morning.

At 8 am, Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 371, placing it firmly within the very poor bracket. Several neighbouring cities also reported similar conditions, underlining the widespread impact of pollution across the National Capital Region.

Delhi among most polluted cities

Delhi emerged as the most polluted city in the country on Thursday morning. Noida followed with an AQI reading of 364, while Ghaziabad recorded 338. Greater Noida stood close behind with an AQI of 336. All these cities fell under the very poor air quality category.

Coldest December day in six years

Alongside hazardous pollution levels, Delhi also witnessed an intense cold spell while bidding farewell to 2025. The city recorded its coldest December day in six years on Wednesday, with the maximum temperature dropping sharply to 14.2 degrees Celsius.

Meteorological data showed that the last time Delhi recorded a lower maximum temperature on December 31 was in 2019, when it fell to 9.4 degrees Celsius. The temperature on Wednesday was around 6.2 degrees below normal, marking the lowest maximum recorded this winter season so far.

The minimum temperature settled at 6.4 degrees Celsius, slightly below the seasonal average. December 20 and 21 also saw notably low maximum temperatures earlier in the month.

Weather officials indicated that colder conditions could intensify from January 3 onwards, as cold northerly winds from the Himalayan region are expected to move towards the capital, potentially leading to a further drop in minimum temperatures.

Mumbai wakes up to rain on first day of 2026

In contrast to Delhi’s smog and cold, Mumbai experienced rainfall on the morning of January 1. Several parts of the city, particularly areas in the island city, witnessed showers instead of the usual New Year sunshine.

The rain began shortly before 6 am, with some localities recording heavier showers while others saw light drizzle. The intensity of rainfall reduced gradually after 6.15 am, bringing brief relief but surprising residents on the first day of the year.

India News

Rabri Devi removes new security detail after Z-plus cover withdrawal, Tejashwi Yadav follows suit

Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav reportedly removed newly assigned security personnel after the state government revised security cover for several political leaders, including Lalu Prasad Yadav.

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Rabri Devi

Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi has reportedly removed a newly deployed security team from her residence after the Bihar government revised the security cover provided to several political leaders in the state.

The move came days after a security review resulted in changes to the protection arrangements of several politicians, including RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav. According to reports, Rabri Devi expressed displeasure over the withdrawal of the Z-plus security cover that had previously been provided to her and her husband.

Security cover revised after government review

The Bihar government recently conducted a review of security arrangements for a number of political leaders. Following the assessment, the security category of some leaders was altered based on the recommendations of security agencies.

As part of the exercise, the Z-plus cover earlier available to Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi was reportedly withdrawn. Revised security arrangements were subsequently put in place by the administration.

However, reports suggest that Rabri Devi was unhappy with the changes and directed the newly assigned personnel to leave her residence.

Tejashwi Yadav also takes similar step

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav is also reported to have objected to the revised security deployment. According to sources, he too asked the newly assigned security personnel to leave.

The development has triggered political discussion in Bihar, with the RJD questioning the rationale behind the changes in security arrangements for members of the Yadav family.

Political reactions expected

The security review comes at a time when Bihar’s political environment remains active ahead of upcoming electoral battles. While the state government has maintained that security decisions are based on assessments by agencies and established protocols, opposition leaders are expected to raise questions over the timing and nature of the changes.

No official indication has emerged suggesting a reversal of the revised security arrangements so far.

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India News

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke joins protest, 6 detained during demonstration

Abhijeet Dipke joined supporters at Jantar Mantar as the Cockroach Janta Party staged a protest in Delhi, during which six individuals were detained by police.

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Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke joined supporters at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday as the organisation held a demonstration over examination and recruitment-related concerns. The protest took place under heightened security arrangements, with police detaining six individuals during the course of the gathering.

Supporters assembled at the designated protest venue to raise concerns over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment processes. The demonstration marked a significant public mobilisation by the organisation, which has gained attention in recent months through campaigns focused on issues affecting students and job aspirants.

Six detained amid tight security arrangements

Police maintained a strong presence around Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas ahead of the protest. Security personnel were deployed to monitor the gathering and ensure law and order during the demonstration.

According to reports, six protesters were detained during the event. Authorities closely monitored the situation as participants continued to gather at the venue. Despite the detentions, the protest remained largely peaceful.

Dipke joined supporters at the site and reiterated the group’s demand for greater transparency and accountability in examination and recruitment systems. Protesters also voiced concerns over issues related to educational governance and opportunities for young job seekers.

Protest highlights concerns of students and job aspirants

The demonstration drew participants from different regions who gathered to express concerns over examination-related controversies and recruitment processes. Organisers maintained that the protest was intended to be a peaceful and democratic expression of public grievances.

Addressing supporters, Dipke stressed the importance of continuing the movement through constitutional means and public engagement. Protesters carried banners and raised slogans highlighting their demands for reforms and greater accountability.

The event was held after authorities granted permission for the demonstration at Jantar Mantar, one of the capital’s designated venues for public protests. Security remained in place throughout the programme as officials monitored developments.

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Cricket news

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s India call-up hailed as a game changer by BCCI

BCCI has hailed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s selection in the Indian team as a significant moment for Indian cricket, rewarding the teenager’s outstanding performances in IPL 2026.

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Vaibhav suryavanshi123

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has welcomed the selection of teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Indian team, describing his rapid rise as a major positive development for the future of Indian cricket.

The 15-year-old earned his maiden senior national team call-up after a stunning IPL 2026 campaign that established him as one of the country’s most exciting young talents. His fearless batting and consistent performances throughout the tournament caught the attention of selectors and cricket experts alike.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia praised the youngster’s achievements, noting that exceptional performances are always rewarded. He highlighted that Sooryavanshi’s progress reflects the strength of India’s cricket development system and the opportunities available to emerging players.

Sooryavanshi’s selection comes after a season in which he produced remarkable numbers with the bat and played a crucial role for his franchise. His ability to handle pressure situations and score at a brisk pace made him one of the standout performers of the tournament.

The teenager’s inclusion in the national squad is being viewed as an important step in India’s efforts to build a strong pool of young talent for the future. Cricket observers believe the experience of being part of the senior setup will aid his development and help him adapt to the demands of international cricket.

His rise has generated significant excitement among fans, many of whom have followed his journey from age-group cricket to the IPL and now to the national team. The selection also underlines the growing trend of young players making a rapid transition to the highest level based on outstanding performances in domestic and franchise cricket.

With expectations high, Sooryavanshi will now look to make the most of the opportunity and continue the form that earned him recognition at the national level.

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