Flight operations at Delhi airport were affected today as dense fog brought down visibility in some parts of the national capital to zero. Passengers have been advised to contact their respective airlines for updates on their flights

The mercury dipped to 9.4 degrees Celsius, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Delhi. The visibility in various parts of the capital plummeted to a mere 125 meters, causing widespread disruptions to daily life. The National Capital Region (NCR) also bore the brunt of the thick fog, resulting in low visibility across most areas.

Fog (Visibility in m) reported at 0830 hours IST today, the 25th December over Airports
Delhi-Palam 00m
Amritsar-00m
Agra-00m
Gwalior-00m
Prayagraj-00m
Jaisalmer-00m
Delhi-Safdarjung-200m
Barapani/Shillong-300m @moesgoi @ndmaindia @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) December 25, 2023

As the chilling cold tightens its grip on the national capital, residents sought refuge in night shelters across various parts of the city. Similar scenes unfolded in other areas, with locals gathering near fires in the Lodhi Road area to seek solace from the biting cold.

Visuals captured from key locations such as Lodhi Road, Munirka, RK Puram, and Ring Road near AIIMS revealed a dense layer of fog enveloping the surroundings.

The air quality in the national capital remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Monday. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) hovered around 400.

Flight operations were also affected in southern India as well with Vistara announcing the diversion of two of its flights. 

Flight UK897, originally scheduled to travel from Bangalore to Hyderabad, has been redirected back to Bangalore due to adverse weather conditions at Hyderabad airport. Similarly, Flight UK873, which departed from Mumbai en route to Hyderabad, has also encountered unfavorable weather conditions.

Days after his mimicry on Parliament premises raised a political storm, Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee has said he is “helpless” if someone “does not understand humour” and does not have a “cultured mind” to appreciate mimicry.

Addressing a political meeting at his Lok Sabha constituency Serampore, Mr Banerjee said the first person to perform mimicry inside Lok Sabha was Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He then mimicked the Prime Minister while on stage. “He did that, we smiled. We did not take an exception.”

Mimicry, the Trinamool leader reiterated, is an art. “If someone does not understand art, what can I do? If someone does not understand humour, if someone does not have a cultured mind, if someone identifies himself as the target, I am helpless,” he said, without naming Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who has taken strong note of his act of mimicry.

“I can’t understand why you think it is about you, he’s crying from day to night. Why is he crying so much, like a child?,” the Trinamool MP said, and proceeded to mimic a child complaining to his mother about someone teasing him.

Mr Dhankhar had said the Trinamool MP’s “shameful” act of mimicry had pained him and that he had been insulted as a farmer’s son from the Jat community. He had also hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for filming Mr Banerjee’s act.

Hitting back at the Vice-President’s remark that he had been insulted as a farmer’s son, the Trinamool MP dared him to tell the people of the country how many days he had worked in a field. “I pray that crores of farmers in the country amass as much property as him,” he said.

“You say you are a farmer’s son. You wear a suit worth Rs 20 lakh. Many Indian farmers can’t even afford a blanket in this winter. So after rising to such a position, how many lakh blankets have you sent to their homes. Please tell the people,” he said.

“You say you are a farmer’s son. Then tell us, during your career as a lawyer, how many times have you fought a case for farmers? I have done it. I have fought cases for the poor for 40 years,” he said.

Mr Banerjee also questioned why the Vice-President had not supported Olympic bronze medallist Sakshee Mallikkh, who led the protest against BJP MP and former wrestling boss Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Ms Malikkh and other ace wrestlers have accused the BJP MP of sexually harassing women wrestlers. “You didn’t speak a word, why? Please answer” he said. “Just me, me, me despite being on such a high post.”

Accusing the Vice-President of trying to flatter the Prime Minister, Mr Banerjee said, “You choke the voices of the Opposition. And then you say Narendra Modi is the ‘Mahapurush’ of this century. It is clear how much you flatter him.”

Mr Banerjee had broken into the act of mimicry during an Opposition MPs’ protest on Parliament premises against the spree of suspensions, A total of 146 Opposition MPs have been suspended from the two Houses for ‘unruly conduct’ after they demanded a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the Parliament security breach.

The BJP strongly criticised the MP, calling his act of mimicry disrespectful towards the Vice-President. In a unique gesture, BJP MPs remained standing in Rajya Sabha for an hour to protest the act.

2023 has been a splendid year for Alia Bhatt. One might almost say it’s a continuation from the past year where not only did she get married, but also gave birth to her baby girl Raha and delivered a blockbuster with Gangubai Kathiawadi. The year has been all about winning accolades, celebrating milestones with families and a lot of international collaborations.

From becoming Gucci’s first Indian ambassador, a Hollywood debut, a blockbuster again with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, celebrating her daughter’s first birthday, winning the most coveted National Award to starting her second film Jigra as a producer and starring in it – the achievements have been countless.

Here’s a look at Alia Bhatt’s best Instagram moments from 2023:

Out of the many posts that she put up throughout the year with Ranbir Kapoor, the one post she penned down on the phenomenal success of Animal was truly heart-touching.

Alia Bhatt bagged the Black Lady once again, this time for her OTT film Darlings which was her first as a producer and in the OTT space as well. She won it for Best Actor, Web Original Film (Female) category. 

National Award – Alia Bhatt has bagged another award for Gangubai Kathiawadi. A well-deserved win!

Gucci Cruise Show – What an honour indeed to be announced as the first Indian Global Ambassador of one of the most celebrated couture brands – Gucci. Alia truly nailed it with this one.

Met Gala Debut – the prestigious debut at one of the biggest fashion events in the world. Alia Bhatt’s pearl ensemble was a vision to behold at the Met Gala 2023.

Alia’s big Hollywood debut with Heart of Stone alongside Jamie Dornan and Gal Gadot was one of her biggest milestones this year.

The Black Lady for Gangubai Kathiawadi – Alia Bhatt won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) for her most special film yet, Gangubai Kathiawadi.

Sharing screen space with Kareena Kapoor Khan for the first time in an AD shoot – Alia and Kareena’s pictures went viral online in no time!

The second film under her production house Eternal Sunshine – Jigra’s first poster was intriguing. The actress started shooting for it this year and the BTS shots are stunning!

Raha’s first birthday –  Alia’s daughter turned one and the birthday post was all things adorable. From a creamy birthday cake with her little hands immersed in it to La Vie En Rose playing in the backdrop – too special!

Alia Bhatt has had a spectacular 2023, here’s wishing the coming year is full of even more milestones.