Several cities across Punjab were covered in a blanket of fog on Wednesday, sharply reducing visibility and signalling deteriorating air quality. Amritsar and Moga were among the most affected. Most cities recorded 'moderate' air quality with Ludhiana at 139 AQI, Bathinda at 143 and Patiala at 132. However, Amritsar, with an AQI of 100, remained in the 'satisfactory' category.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reacted to provocative remarks by Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah against India. Sarma said India is a “very large country and a nuclear power” that wouldn't remain silent if such narratives continue. Abdullah had claimed Dhaka would shelter anti-India forces and seek to cut off India’s Seven Sisters from the mainland.

According to the Handbook of Statistics on Indian States 2024–25,Tamil Nadu achieved India's highest nominal GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product) growth of 16% in 2024-25, reaching ₹31.19 lakh crore from ₹26.89 lakh crore. This outpaced Maharashtra (10-13%), Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh (12.7%), and Gujarat, widening leads over UP by ₹1.4 lakh crore and Karnataka by ₹2.35 lakh crore.

The Maharashtra SEC (State Election Commission) announced the BMC elections date as well as the expenditure cap. The cap is set at ₹15 lakh for candidates in 'A' category municipal corporations, while category D has a maximum expenditure limit of ₹9 lakh. The commission also warned that action will be taken against candidates who exceed the expenditure limit.

Shillong MP Ricky AJ Syngkon has sought urgent intervention from Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav to prevent acquisition of land belonging to Experimental Botanical Garden at Barapani for proposed Greenfield high-speed corridor of National Highway-6. Barapani garden houses over 1,200 plant species, including endemic, endangered and threatened taxa from Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.

Bengaluru taxi and auto driver unions staged a large protest on Tuesday morning against the newly enforced pick-up and parking restrictions for cab drivers at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). The demonstration took place near the Sadahalli toll plaza, close to the airport, and led to traffic congestion in the area for several hours.

The Bengaluru-Mangaluru Gomteshwara Express has resumed operations after a six-month suspension due to electrification work. South Western Railway has introduced Vistadome coaches, offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats. The train will run on its regular route and schedule from Yesvantpur, benefiting pilgrims and tourists travelling to coastal and temple towns.

A Bengaluru college student who recently signed up as a Rapido rider to earn extra income during the winter holidays, alleged extortion and sexual assault by a group of transgender individuals near NH44 during a late-night ride. The rider said he was threatened, humiliated and forced to pay ₹5,000 to escape. The incident has sparked debate on gig worker safety and night-time policing in the city.

A Bengaluru-based woman revealed she spends nearly ₹1 lakh a month while living alone, sparking an online debate on the city's rising cost of living. Her expenses include rent, transport, food delivery, shopping, subscriptions and EMIs. While some users criticised her lifestyle choices, others said metro living and convenience costs make saving difficult for young professionals in Bengaluru.

A 34-year-old man named Venkataramana died after suffering a heart attack on a road in Bengaluru's Banashankari area on December 13. Despite his wife's repeated pleas, no passer-by stopped to help. The incident has reignited concerns over public apathy, fear of crime, and lack of bystander intervention during medical emergencies.