NEW DELHI: Delhi’s air quality improved for the second consecutive day on Thursday, though pollution levels continued to remain a concern. The city’s 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 234 at 4 pm, placing it in the ‘poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The reading marked an improvement from an AQI of 271 recorded at the same time on Wednesday and a sharp recovery from the ‘severe’ level of 412 recorded on Tuesday.

Of the 40 functional air quality monitoring stations in the capital, 10 reported ‘moderate’ air quality with AQI levels below 200. These included Lodhi Road, IIT Delhi, Indira Gandhi International Airport and Aya Nagar. Meanwhile, 27 stations continued to record air quality in the ‘poor’ category.Two stations — Jahangirpuri and Bawana — recorded ‘very poor’ air quality, with AQI levels crossing 300.Despite the recent improvement, forecasts indicate that air quality is likely to deteriorate to the ‘very poor’ category in the coming days.As per CPCB classification, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 to 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’ and 401 to 500 ‘severe’.Data from the Decision Support System (DSS) for Air Quality Management showed that vehicular emissions were the largest contributor to Delhi’s pollution load on Wednesday, accounting for 18.5 per cent. Industries in Delhi and adjoining areas contributed 9.5 per cent, followed by construction activities at 2.5 per cent and waste burning at 1.6 per cent.Among NCR districts, Jhajjar in Haryana emerged as the highest contributor to Delhi’s pollution at 17.6 per cent, followed by Rohtak at 5.9 per cent and Sonipat at 3.1 per cent.

Hybrid learning ends as Delhi schools reopen for 6 to 9 and 11 following GRAP 4 revocation. (Representative Image)

Delhi schools have ended hybrid learning and returned to normal physical classes for students of Classes 6 to 9 and 11. The move follows the lifting of GRAP 4 restrictions after a clear improvement in air quality levels across the national capital.If you are a student or parent, this means regular classroom learning is back. You no longer need to switch between online and offline classes every day.The Directorate of Education issued a circular directing all government, government-aided and recognised private schools under DOE, NDMC, MCD and the Delhi Cantonment Board to conduct physical classes. The order applies with immediate effect and covers thousands of students across Delhi.

Decision taken after air quality improvesThe decision came after the Commission for Air Quality Management revoked actions under GRAP 4. In its order, the commission noted that Delhi’s air quality had shown “significant improvement” due to favourable weather conditions. The AQI was recorded in the poor category, allowing authorities to ease emergency measures.R.K. Agarwal, Director (Technical) and Member Convenor of the Sub-Committee on GRAP, said in a statement issued by the commission that actions under GRAP 4 were revoked with immediate effect. He added that measures under GRAP stages 1, 2 and 3 would remain in force to prevent further deterioration.What changes for studentsAccording to the DOE circular, normal physical classes will now be held for Classes 6 to 9 and 11. Classes for students up to Class 5 will continue in hybrid mode, meaning both physical and online learning where feasible. Classes 10 and 12 will remain fully offline, as they were earlier.Dr Rita Sharma, Additional Director of Education (School), said in a circular issued by the DOE that all heads of schools must ensure immediate compliance. She directed schools to inform parents and guardians without delay and ensure smooth implementation of the instructions.Schools asked to ensure smooth complianceDistrict and zonal education officers have also been asked to monitor the situation closely. The DOE has instructed them to ensure that schools follow the directions properly and without disruption.The Commission for Air Quality Management stated that it would keep a close watch on air quality trends. It said the situation would be reviewed regularly, especially during winter, when conditions can change quickly.Authorities have also urged citizens to continue following the citizen charter under GRAP stages 1 to 3. The aim is to make sure that air quality levels do not slip back into the severe category while schools function normally again.Read the official notice here

Beijing on Thursday rejected a Pentagon report that accused China of using easing border tensions with India to weaken US-India ties, calling the claims false and aimed at creating discord.“The Pentagon’s report distorts China’s defence policy, sows discord between China and other countries, and aims at finding a pretext for the US to maintain its military supremacy,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a media briefing in Beijing, firmly opposing the report.Chinese defence ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang also rejected the findings, including references to growing defence and space cooperation between China and Pakistan and suggestions about a possible military base. Zhang called the report biased and said that it exaggerated the so-called “Chinese military threat” and misled the international community. He further urged the US to stop spreading false narratives and provoking confrontation.

China on ties with India

Responding to sections of the report that discussed India-China relations, Lin said Beijing viewed its ties with New Delhi from a long-term and strategic perspective.“We stand ready to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, promote cooperation, and properly handle differences with India, and advance a sound and stable bilateral relationship,” he said.On references to the Line of Actual Control, Lin said the boundary issue was a matter between China and India, and that the current border situation was stable.“The boundary question is a matter between China and India, and the current border situation between the two countries is generally stable with smooth communication channels.”

What Pentagon said

In its annual report to Congress titled ‘Military and security developments involving the People’s Republic of China 2025, the US department of war said China may seek to use easing tensions along the Line of Actual Control to stabilise relations with India and prevent closer US-India ties.The report referred to a meeting between Chinese president Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in October 2024. The report also said China has expanded the definition of its “core interests” to include Taiwan and sovereignty claims in the South China Sea, the Senkaku Islands, and Arunachal Pradesh.It further highlighted cooperation between China and Pakistan in areas such as defence and space, adding that Beijing has “likely also considered” setting up a military base in Pakistan.

Beijing on Thursday rejected a Pentagon report that accused China of using easing border tensions with India to weaken US-India ties, calling the claims false and aimed at creating discord.“The Pentagon’s report distorts China’s defence policy, sows discord between China and other countries, and aims at finding a pretext for the US to maintain its military supremacy,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a media briefing in Beijing, firmly opposing the report.

Chinese defence ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang also rejected the findings, including references to growing defence and space cooperation between China and Pakistan and suggestions about a possible military base. Zhang called the report biased and said that it exaggerated the so-called “Chinese military threat” and misled the international community. He further urged the US to stop spreading false narratives and provoking confrontation.

China on ties with India

Responding to sections of the report that discussed India-China relations, Lin said Beijing viewed its ties with New Delhi from a long-term and strategic perspective.“We stand ready to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, promote cooperation, and properly handle differences with India, and advance a sound and stable bilateral relationship,” he said.On references to the Line of Actual Control, Lin said the boundary issue was a matter between China and India, and that the current border situation was stable.“The boundary question is a matter between China and India, and the current border situation between the two countries is generally stable with smooth communication channels.”

What Pentagon said

In its annual report to Congress titled ‘Military and security developments involving the People’s Republic of China 2025, the US department of war said China may seek to use easing tensions along the Line of Actual Control to stabilise relations with India and prevent closer US-India ties.The report referred to a meeting between Chinese president Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in October 2024. The report also said China has expanded the definition of its “core interests” to include Taiwan and sovereignty claims in the South China Sea, the Senkaku Islands, and Arunachal Pradesh.It further highlighted cooperation between China and Pakistan in areas such as defence and space, adding that Beijing has “likely also considered” setting up a military base in Pakistan.

Rohit Sharma in Vijay Hazare opener (Photo by PTI and Screengrab)

Indian batting stalwart Rohit Sharma once again showed why he is loved not just for his cricket, but also for his humble nature. After Mumbai’s opening match in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Wednesday, a young fan tried to touch Rohit’s feet as a mark of respect.

Rohit immediately stopped him and instead acknowledged the fan warmly. As the clip went viral on social media, the moment won many hearts.Click here to watch the viral moment of Rohit Sharma stopping the young fan from touching his feet.On Wednesday, Rohit played a brilliant innings to help Mumbai begin their Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign on a winning note in Jaipur. Mumbai defeated Sikkim by eight wickets at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Chasing a target of 237 runs, Mumbai made the task look very easy, thanks mainly to their captain. Sikkim won the toss and chose to bat first. They put up a fighting total of 236 for 7 in their 50 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Ashish Thapa was the star for Sikkim. He scored a steady 79 runs from 87 balls and held the innings together. K Sai Satwik and Kranthi Kumar added 34 runs each, while Robin Limboo stayed unbeaten on 31. Mumbai’s bowlers did a good job in keeping the score under control. Shardul Thakur led the attack and picked up two wickets while giving away very few runs. Musheer Khan and Shams Mulani also contributed with one wicket each. Even though Sikkim’s total looked decent, it did not seem enough once Mumbai began their chase. Mumbai started carefully, with young Angkrish Raghuvanshi scoring 38 runs at a steady pace. Rohit smashed a stunning 155 runs from just 94 balls. His innings included 18 fours and nine sixes. He scored at a very fast pace and made the chase look effortless. Rohit reached his century in just 62 balls, which became the fastest List A hundred of his career. The Sikkim bowlers had no answer once Rohit found his rhythm. Musheer Khan stayed not out on 27 and supported Rohit well, while Sarfaraz Khan finished the match with a quick knock of eight runs. Mumbai reached the target in just 30.3 overs and won the match with ease.

Turned to artificial intelligence (AI) to help you stand out during the job process, but got rejected in the first round? Or are you a hiring manager who relied on AI to frisk through applications to select the best candidate, but ended up with not what you quite envisioned?The answer lies in the approach itself. Relying on artificial intelliegnce for job application might be doing you more harm than good.The growing use of artificial intelligence in recruitment is reshaping how Americans search for work, just as the country’s labour market shows signs of slowing. From automated interviews to AI-written cover letters, technology is now a part of almost every stage of the hiring process. But is it working? In 2025, more than half of organisations surveyed by the Society for Human Resource Management reported using AI tools to recruit workers. At the same time, almost one-third of ChatGPT users turned to the OpenAI chatbot for help with job applications. Yet recent research indicates that candidates who rely on AI during the application process are actually less likely to be hired, even as employers struggle to cope with a flood of applications. “The ability (for companies) to select the best worker today may be worse due to AI,” Anais Galdin, a researcher at Dartmouth told CNN Business. Galdin and Jesse Silbert of Princeton University examined tens of thousands of cover letters submitted on Freelancer.com, a job listing platform and found that after the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, cover letters became longer and more polished. However, employers placed less importance on them, making it harder to distinguish strong candidates from the wider pool. As a result, hiring rates dropped, and so did average starting wages, CNN reported. “If we do nothing to make information flow better between workers and firms, then we might have an outcome that looks something like this,” Silbert said, referring to the study’s findings.

A negative cycle

As application volumes rise, companies are increasingly automating interviews as well.According to a survey by recruitment software firm Greenhouse conducted in October, 54% of US job seekers said they had taken part in an AI-led interview. While virtual interviews became common during the pandemic in 2020, many employers now use AI systems to conduct interviews, without necessarily removing subjectivity from hiring decisions. “Algorithms can copy and even magnify human biases,” said Djurre Holtrop, a researcher who studies the use of asynchronous video interviews, algorithms and large language models in hiring.“Every developer needs to be wary of that,” CNN cited the expert. Daniel Chait, chief executive of Greenhouse, said the growing use of AI by both applicants and employers has created a negative cycle. “Both sides are saying, ‘This is impossible, it’s not working, it’s getting worse,’” Chait told CNN.

What’s next?

Despite these concerns, adoption of the technology continues with one estimate projecting that the market for recruitment technology will grow to $3.1 billion by the end of this year. At the same time, resistance is mounting from lawmakers, labour groups and workers worried about discrimination. Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO labour union, described AI-driven hiring as “unacceptable”. “AI systems rob workers of opportunities they’re qualified for based on criteria as arbitrary as names, zip codes, or even how often they smile,” Shuler said in a statement to CNN. Several US states, including California, Colorado and Illinois, are introducing new laws and regulations aimed at setting standards for the use of AI in hiring. However, a recent executive order signed by US President Donald Trump raised questions about the future of state-level oversight. Samuel Mitchell, a Chicago-based employment lawyer, said the order does not “preempt” state law but adds to the “ongoing uncertainty” around regulation. He added that existing anti-discrimination laws still apply, even when companies use AI systems, and legal challenges are already emerging. In a case supported by the American Civil Liberties Union, a deaf woman is suing HireVue, an AI-powered recruitment company, alleging that an automated interview failed to meet legal accessibility standards. HireVue denied the claim, telling CNN that its technology reduces bias through a “foundation of validated behavioral science”. Even with these challenges, more and more AI is getting hiring access. New tools have made resume screening more sophisticated, potentially helping some candidates who may have been overlooked. But for those who value personal interaction, the shift has been unsettling. Jared Looper, an IT project manager in Salt Lake City, Utah, who previously worked as a recruiter, recently underwent an AI-led interview during his job search. He described the experience as “cold”, and said he initially hung up when contacted by the automated system. Looper said he worries about job seekers who have yet to adapt to a hiring environment where appealing to algorithms has become essential. “Some great people are going to be left behind.”

Actress and content creator Sahiba Bali enjoyed a unique cricketing experience on Christmas Eve as she stepped onto the cricket field at Shivaji Park to learn spin bowling from Indian international Varun Chakravarthy. The light-hearted session, captured in photos and short videos, quickly gained traction on social media, delighting fans of both cinema and cricket.

Sahiba Bali shares festive cricket moment with World No.1 T20I bowler

The images show Chakravarthy holding a cricket ball at the iconic Mumbai venue while Sahiba stands beside her. A caption accompanying the post read, “Christmas Eve; just learning spin from the World No. 1 T20 bowler,” adding a playful tone to the festive interaction.

Cricket meets pop culture at Shivaji Park

Shivaji Park, known for producing generations of Indian cricketers, turned into a crossover stage for sport and entertainment during the informal practice session. Chakravarthy, dressed casually, was seen explaining grip and release while Bali attempted a few deliveries under his watchful eye.

The interaction reflected the relaxed atmosphere of the morning, with local players training in the background and curious onlookers watching the exchange unfold. Within hours, fan pages and cricket communities began sharing the images widely, celebrating the unexpected collaboration.

Sahiba Bali’s growing presence in cricket content

Sahiba Bali has steadily built a reputation for engaging, relatable content, often blending lifestyle, fitness and sports culture. Her appearance at Shivaji Park learning spin bowling further strengthened her connection with cricket fans, many of whom praised her enthusiasm and willingness to step out of her comfort zone.

Followers appreciated the authenticity of the moment, noting that it wasn’t a staged promotional shoot but a genuine learning experience. Comments ranged from admiration for her effort to light-hearted jokes about cricketing careers and festive fitness goals.

Varun Chakravarthy’s easygoing side wins fans

Known for his mystery spin and calm demeanour on the field, Varun Chakravarthy showcased a more relaxed, approachable side during the session. Rather than formal coaching, the interaction appeared conversational, with Chakravarthy offering simple tips and encouragement.

Fans lauded the Indian spinner for taking time out during the holiday period, highlighting how moments like these humanise elite athletes and make the sport feel accessible to wider audiences.

Also READ: Celebrity anchor Sahiba Bali responds to viral dating buzz with Washington Sundar

Shivaji Park: Mumbai’s heartbeat of grassroots cricket

Hosting the exchange at Shivaji Park added deeper meaning to the viral moment. The ground has long been synonymous with Indian cricket culture, serving as a training hub for legends and youngsters alike. Seeing a Bollywood actress and an international cricketer share the space reinforced its role as a meeting point for diverse walks of life.

The backdrop of high-rises, local nets sessions and open grounds added authenticity, reminding viewers that cricket in Mumbai remains rooted in public spaces rather than exclusive academies.

Also READ: Actress Shehnaaz Gill opens up about the idea of marrying Indian star Arshdeep Singh

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) urged the government to focus on institutional reforms and fiscal consolidation in the upcoming 2026-27 budget to maintain India’s growth momentum. The industry body presented these recommendations on Thursday, emphasising debt sustainability, fiscal transparency, revenue collection, and spending efficiency as key areas for improvement.“India has achieved a rare convergence of high growth, low inflation, and improving fiscal indicators. The next Union Budget must continue this momentum through disciplined fiscal management and deeper institutional reforms,” said CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee, as quoted by PTI.The CII wants the government to use better technology to catch tax cheaters. Right now, India’s tax collection is only 17.5 per cent of GDP when you combine central and state taxes. The group suggests connecting tax returns to big purchases and using smart computer programs to spot tax dodgers in real-time.To keep debt under control, CII stressed following the government’s plan to keep debt at 50 ±1% of GDP by 2031. They also want a 3-5 year plan for money coming in and going out, making it easier for everyone to plan ahead.The industry body proposed selling government-owned companies in non-essential sectors over three years. They intitially suggested cutting government ownership to 51 per cent, then eventually to 26-33 per cent, while still pushing for complete privatisation of some companies.CII also highlighted problems with nation’s food distribution system, which serves 813 million people but faces issues with old data and waste. They want the government to focus more on education, health, job training, and climate protection, using digital tools to track how money is spent.For better fiscal management, CII recommended creating a scoring system to rate how well states and the central government handle public money. States that manage money well and make good reforms would get more funds as a reward.