Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) witnessed a notable drop, improving from "Severe" levels earlier this week to "Very Poor" on Thursday, with a reading of 302. By Friday morning, the AQI further improved to 294. This reduction in pollution levels follows rainfall on Wednesday, which significantly helped in clearing the air. The improved air quality prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to lift Stage-IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). For context, an AQI between 0-50 is classified as "Good," 51-100 as "Satisfactory," 101-200 as "Moderate," 201-300 as "Poor," 301-400 as "Very Poor," and 401-500 as "Severe." The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts partly cloudy skies for Friday, with smog and dense fog expected in most areas during the morning and very dense fog in isolated pockets. Shallow fog or smog is also likely to persist during the evening and night. Meanwhile, air traffic at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport faced disruptions on Friday morning. A video shared by news agency ANI showed several flights delayed due to the prevailing weather conditions. The airport issued an advisory at 7:50 am, cautioning that flights not equipped with CAT III technology might be affected by the low visibility. Passengers were advised to contact their respective airlines for updated flight schedules. The CAT III system enables aircraft to operate in poor visibility conditions, ensuring smoother operations in challenging weather. Disclaimer:This image is taken from Vipin Kumar/HT Photo.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, alongside US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, inaugurated the new US Consulate in Bengaluru, marking a significant milestone in strengthening India-US relations. Jaishankar emphasized that the opening of the consulate was long overdue, and it highlights the growing importance of Bengaluru in the bilateral relationship. He also announced that India would soon be opening its consulate in Los Angeles, the hometown of Ambassador Garcetti, further solidifying the diplomatic ties between the two nations. Jaishankar expressed the need for a permanent US diplomatic presence in Bengaluru, a city that plays a key role in India’s growth and technological advancements. He stated, "Bengaluru is such an important place, and it was imperative that American diplomats had a permanent presence here. It has been a long-awaited step. I told him (Garcetti) that once Bengaluru is done, I will make sure Los Angeles is done." In his address, Jaishankar underscored the evolving potential of India-US relations, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, space, and drones. He highlighted the growing technological collaboration, which will continue to shape the future of both countries. "Our relationship will increasingly be driven by technology, with a significant space component, as the space domain opens up further," he said, noting that defense collaboration has also strengthened, with advanced American weapons now part of India’s military inventory, including C-17s, C-130s, Chinooks, and Apaches. The Minister also touched upon the importance of educational and research partnerships between India and the US. "I envision more collaborative campuses, student exchanges, and a stronger American educational presence in the region," he added. Jaishankar concluded by noting that the formal opening of the consulate in Bengaluru was another step towards overcoming historical hesitations and advancing India’s deeper engagement with the world. He expressed hope that this development would encourage more consulates from other countries to open in Bengaluru, benefiting India, Karnataka, and the city itself. Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI

The 77th Army Day Parade was held at the Bombay Engineers Group (BEG) and Centre in Pune, Maharashtra, home to the Southern Command. The event showcased India’s military might with cutting-edge weapons and platforms. In a remarkable first, the parade included an all-female marching contingent from the National Cadet Corps (NCC), an all-female Agniveer unit, and a display of "robotic mules," alongside the Nepal Army band. This year’s Army Day celebration, themed "Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena," highlighted the Indian Army’s capabilities and its role in strengthening India. General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), presented the Sena Medal (Gallantry) during the event, recognizing acts of bravery within the forces. Army Day, celebrated every January 15, honors Lieutenant General KM Cariappa, who became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949, succeeding British General Francis Roy Bucher. Noteworthy Moments from the 77th Army Day Parade: Among the standout moments was the participation of 12 "robotic mules," a new addition to the parade, along with their handlers. The event also featured impressive military hardware, including the K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzer, the BMP-2 Sarath infantry combat vehicle, T-90 tanks, the Swathi weapon-locating radar, and multi-barrel rocket systems. Other significant displays included mobile communication nodes and drone jammer systems. Several elite regiments, including the Maratha Light Infantry, Madras Regiment, and Regiment of Artillery, participated in the march. The parade also featured a joint band performance by the Indian Army and Nepal Army, symbolizing the strong ties between the two nations. In a break from tradition, the parade was held in Pune this year, after being staged in Bengaluru in 2023, marking a shift from the usual venue of the national capital. COAS General Dwivedi’s Address: In his address, COAS General Dwivedi highlighted India’s progress toward becoming a developed nation, emphasizing the vital role of a stable and secure environment, which the Indian Army ensures. He expressed confidence in the Army's path toward becoming a modern, agile, and technology-enabled force ready for future challenges. General Dwivedi addressed the current situation along India’s northern borders, calling it "stable but sensitive," and reassured that the Army is fully prepared to tackle any threats. He also mentioned that while a ceasefire holds along the western borders, infiltration attempts persist. On a positive note, he highlighted the significant reduction in violence in Jammu and Kashmir, thanks to the sustained efforts of security forces, and praised the peaceful conduct of the Parliament and Assembly elections, as well as the Amarnath Yatra. Why Pune Hosted the Army Day Parade: Pune was chosen as the venue for this year’s Army Day Parade due to its historical significance and strong military ties. The city is home to key defense institutions such as the Southern Command Headquarters and the National Defence Academy (NDA). With a rich legacy tied to the Maratha Empire, Pune has been a central hub for military training, operations, and strategy. The city’s contribution to India's defense sector makes it an ideal location for the parade, which also serves as an inspiration for young people to consider joining the Indian Army. In addition to honoring Pune’s military history, the event aims to motivate future generations to serve in the armed forces. Disclaimer: This image is taken from Shutterstock

Novak Djokovic’s career has been marked by unforgettable moments that continue to resonate deeply. One such memory is his first Grand Slam victory in 2008, when he triumphed over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to claim the Australian Open men’s singles title. At just 21 years old, Djokovic became Serbia’s first Grand Slam singles champion, delivering a thrilling comeback after losing the first set. The tennis world buzzed with excitement, as fans were treated to an unexpected showdown after a Federer vs. Nadal final failed to materialize. Writing the match report for NDTV, I watched every point in awe, captivated by Djokovic’s brilliance. Seventeen years later, the young, wiry player who denied Federer a chance to defend his title has become synonymous with greatness. Now hailed as the GOAT, Djokovic boasts an astonishing 24 Grand Slam titles, 10 of which are Australian Open crowns. His dominance at this tournament is unparalleled, with nine wins in the last 13 editions and records for most titles, highest win percentage among active players (91.3%), and total match wins (102 as of the 2025 edition). The Australian Open is undeniably Djokovic’s domain. However, time spares no one. The aura of invincibility surrounding Djokovic has diminished since his shocking semi-final loss to Jannik Sinner in 2024, which ended his 33-match unbeaten streak at Melbourne Park. Committing 54 unforced errors, Djokovic fell to the eventual champion, losing the chance to surpass Margaret Court’s record of 24 Slam titles. As he approaches the 2025 Australian Open, the stakes are high once more, but he is no longer the same dominant force. At nearly 38 years old, Djokovic is the oldest Slam winner in the Open Era, dealing with the physical toll of a long career, including knee surgery. Rivals like Sinner and Alcaraz, significantly younger and in peak form, present formidable challenges. Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th Slam hinges on his motivation and resilience. With his focus on the Australian Open and Wimbledon as the most likely opportunities, he will need to summon his best form. Interestingly, Djokovic has enlisted former rival Andy Murray as his coach. Murray, who retired last year, brings fresh insight into the current competitive landscape. Despite his lack of coaching experience, Murray’s familiarity with Djokovic’s strengths and weaknesses, gained from 36 matches against him, could provide a tactical edge. This partnership reflects Djokovic’s adaptability and determination. He understands that success at this stage requires innovative strategies and unwavering motivation. While Djokovic’s Olympic gold in Paris reaffirmed his capabilities, his approach must evolve. As he contemplates his career’s final chapter, Djokovic remains focused on achieving a spectacular finish. His drive to exit the stage with a triumphant flourish underscores his enduring hunger for excellence. Disclaimer:This image is taken from Reuters.

California is grappling with devastating wildfires, forcing residents to evacuate as their homes are reduced to ashes. As climate impacts grow more severe, questions arise about the scale of natural disasters in 2025, both in the U.S. and globally. Jack Board and Liling Tan discuss the issue with Ira Spitzer, reporting from Los Angeles, to shed light on the worsening crisis. Disclaimer: This Image is taken from Wired

It's common to feel emotional and uncertain after being retrenched. However, after taking some time to recover, it's important to begin the job search. Sean Tong, head of Asia at Frazer Jones, shares insights with Tiffany Ang and Gerald Tan on the first steps to take in order to recover and get back on track professionally after retrenchment.

Caffeine boosts our energy, efficiency, and speed. However, we've grown so reliant on it that we now need it merely to function at a normal level. — Michael Pollan. Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

In August, a major global cybersecurity breach involving the Mobile Guardian app impacted around 13,000 students across 26 secondary schools in Singapore, with hackers remotely wiping the affected devices. The discussion focuses on how IT vendors are evaluated and who holds the responsibility for ensuring proper backups are maintained. Steven Chia and Crispina Robert speak with May Chng, COO and co-founder of Flexxon, and Ken Soh, chair of SGTech Cyber Security Chapter and CEO of Athena Dynamics Disclaimer: This Image is taken from CNA.