Delhi

A SpiceJet flight bound for Leh was forced to return to Delhi shortly after takeoff after the crew detected a potential technical irregularity. The Boeing 737 aircraft, operating as flight SG121, turned back as a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety. The aircraft landed safely in the national capital, and no injuries were reported. The incident underscores the aviation sector’s strict adherence to safety-first protocols, particularly on routes such as Leh that demand precise operational performance due to challenging terrain and high-altitude conditions.

India’s artificial intelligence labor market is expanding rapidly, with hiring momentum clustering in the country’s largest technology and commercial hubs. Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR and Mumbai have emerged as the dominant centers for AI job creation, reflecting strong demand from technology firms, financial institutions and enterprise services companies. Employers are seeking a mix of advanced technical expertise and applied business skills as AI adoption accelerates across sectors.

Delhi has taken a significant public health step by bringing rabies under the list of notifiable diseases, a move aimed at improving surveillance, reporting and prevention of a fatal yet preventable infection. The decision mandates hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centers to report every confirmed or suspected case to health authorities. Officials say the policy will help bridge long-standing data gaps, strengthen coordination between civic bodies and health institutions, and support targeted interventions such as vaccination and awareness campaigns.

Indian Railways has set an ambitious target to fully deploy its indigenous train protection system, Kavach, across the high-density Mumbai–Delhi–Kolkata rail corridors by 2026. The move marks a critical step in modernizing rail safety infrastructure on some of the country’s busiest and most commercially vital routes. Kavach is designed to prevent collisions, overspeeding and signal-passing-at-danger incidents through automated intervention.

An Air India aircraft operating a scheduled service was forced to return to Delhi shortly after departure due to a technical issue related to one of its engines. The decision was taken as a precautionary measure in line with standard aviation safety protocols. All passengers and crew remained safe, and the aircraft landed without incident. The airline arranged alternative travel and assistance for affected passengers. Aviation experts say such turnbacks, while inconvenient, underscore the industry’s emphasis on safety and proactive risk management amid increasing air traffic volumes.

Severe fog conditions in the national capital led to widespread disruption at Indira Gandhi International Airport, forcing the cancellation of 129 flights and causing delays across domestic and international operations. The weather-related setback once again highlighted the vulnerability of aviation schedules to seasonal winter fog in North India. Airlines were compelled to ground several services as visibility levels dropped sharply, affecting both departures and arrivals. Airport authorities activated low-visibility procedures, while carriers worked to accommodate stranded passengers.

Delhi’s worsening air pollution has become more than an environmental concern; it is now a serious economic, public health, and governance challenge. As policy measures struggle to deliver lasting results, startups are stepping in with technology-driven solutions aimed at monitoring, mitigating, and managing air quality. From data intelligence platforms and clean mobility innovations to industrial filtration and indoor air purification systems, these young companies are positioning clean air as both a public necessity and a viable business opportunity.

Delhi residents woke up to a ‘very poor’ air quality index (AQI) today, raising health concerns across the capital. Environmental authorities attribute the deterioration primarily to local emissions from traffic and industrial activity, compounded by meteorological conditions. Additionally, experts have highlighted potential contributions from volcanic ash originating from recent eruptions in Ethiopia, which may have traveled across long distances.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued a formal clarification dismissing reports that Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been imposed across Delhi-NCR. The authority stated that no such directive has been issued and categorically termed the widely shared information as “misleading.” The clarification comes amid heightened public anxiety over deteriorating air quality and speculation regarding potential restrictions.

The Supreme Court of India has clarified that there will be no blanket ban on construction activities in Delhi, emphasizing the need for sustainable and long-term urban planning solutions rather than temporary restrictions. The ruling responds to ongoing disputes over environmental regulations, urban congestion, and air quality concerns, balancing developmental imperatives with ecological sustainability.