200 flights delayed, 19 diverted as Delhi fog causes zero visibility | Top News of Jan 4, 2025

[00:00:09] Hello, this is your Daily Dose of News from Onmanorama, I'm your host Vaishnavi and these are the major news stories of Saturday, January 4, 2025.

[00:00:23] Delhi experienced its worst fog of the season with zero visibility for nine hours starting Saturday midnight, severely affecting flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

[00:00:35] According to various media reports, 200 flights were delayed and 19 were diverted.

[00:00:41] The reduced visibility affected operations for the second consecutive day.

[00:00:46] Indigo temporarily suspended arrivals and departures early in the morning.

[00:00:51] Flights were diverted between 12.15 am and 1.30 am, including 13 domestic, 4 international and 2 non-scheduled flights.

[00:01:00] While operations have returned to normal, delays continued due to low visibility.

[00:01:05] The fog also impacted other airports in northern India, including Chandigarh, Amritsar and Patna.

[00:01:12] Russian forces are intensifying attacks near the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk to bypass it from the south and cut off supply routes to Ukrainian troops.

[00:01:21] The capture of the strategic road and rail hub in the Donetsk region would complicate Ukraine's position on the eastern front and allow Russia to reinforce its lines.

[00:01:31] In the past 24 hours, Russia launched 34 attacks in the area.

[00:01:36] Russian forces are focusing on blocking supply routes by sending small units to settlements south of Pokrovsk, aiming to avoid heavy urban combat.

[00:01:46] Ukraine is using drones and precision weapons to counter the Russian advances.

[00:01:53] The 63rd Kerala School Kalalswam commenced with much enthusiasm in Tiruvannandapuram as Chief Minister Pinaray Vijayan inaugurated the five-day cultural festival at the empty Nila venue.

[00:02:06] Showcasing the talents of over 11,000 young performers across 240 events and reflecting Kerala's rich artistic diversity, the festival is being held in the state capital for the first time in eight years.

[00:02:19] Chief Minister Pinaray Vijayan emphasized the role of the festival in cultural upliftment and resilience, highlighting the significance of students from landslide-affected regions participating as a symbol of hope.

[00:02:32] For the first time, tribal art forms have been included, adding to the festival's inclusivity and celebration of Kerala's deep cultural roots.

[00:02:41] Education Minister V. Shivankuti emphasized transforming the event from a mere competition to a festival celebrating talent, urging participants to express their creativity fearlessly.

[00:02:54] India emphasized that the movement of skilled professionals, including those on H-1B visas, is vital for strengthening India-US relations and benefits both countries.

[00:03:05] With India being a major source of IT professionals, it receives the largest share of H-1B visas issued by the US.

[00:03:13] India welcomed President-elect Trump's support for the H-1B program, a topic of debate,

[00:03:19] especially after Elon Musk expressed his strong defence of it.

[00:03:23] India highlighted that such visa programs contribute significantly to the two nations' growing economic and technological partnership.

[00:03:32] In 2023, India received about 78% of the total H-1B visas issued by the US.

[00:03:42] India's nuclear weapons program passed away in Mumbai on January 4, 2025, at the age of 88.

[00:03:49] A world-class physicist, he significantly contributed to nuclear physics and led India's atomic tests in Pokhran in 1974 and 1998.

[00:04:00] He was honoured with the Patma Shree and Patma Vibhushan and mentored many in the scientific community.

[00:04:07] That brings us to the end of this episode.

[00:04:10] Thanks for listening to Daily News Doors, hosted by me Vaishnavi and produced by Vishnu Murali Dharan.

[00:04:15] Follow on Manorama.com for detailed updates on the latest news and be sure to come back tomorrow.