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Delhi Suffers Smog for Second Day, AQI Hits 432

Delhi has been shrouded in severe smog for the second consecutive day, with the air quality index (AQI) recorded at 432 early on Thursday morning, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Visibility issues have affected flights, with Amritsar and Pathankot airports in Punjab reporting zero visibility at 5:30 am, and Gorakhpur airport in Uttar Pradesh following suit by 7 am. IndiGo issued a travel advisory urging passengers to check flight statuses due to potential delays caused by winter fog. The spike in pollution levels has seen 30 out of 36 monitoring stations in Delhi report severe AQI, with nearby cities like Chandigarh, Ghaziabad, and Noida also experiencing very poor air quality. While stronger winds are expected to gradually improve conditions, the Commission for Air Quality Management is monitoring the situation closely, considering strict measures under Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan if necessary. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2024, 8 am

Delhi Primary Schools Shift to Online Classes Due to Pollution

Delhi's Chief Minister Atishi announced that primary schools in the capital will transition to online classes starting Friday due to severe air pollution, which has prompted authorities to raise the pollution alert level to GRAP-3. This designation, effective from 8 am, bans all non-essential construction and prohibits older petrol and diesel vehicles from operating in Delhi and surrounding areas. The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at a severe 428, marking the worst air quality in the country, with health experts urging residents to remain indoors and limit outdoor activities. Dr. Arunesh Kumar, a respiratory medicine consultant, advised wearing N95 masks when outside and using HEPA air purifiers indoors to mitigate the harmful effects of pollution. The online classes for primary students will continue until further notice, as authorities address the escalating health crisis linked to air quality. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2024, 9 pm

Rajasthan Candidate Hits Official, Aids Police Instead of Fleeing

Violence erupted in Rajasthan's Tonk district on Thursday following the arrest of former Congress leader Naresh Meena, who faces allegations of assaulting a district official during by-poll voting. Meena, an independent candidate for the Deoli-Uniara constituency, was apprehended after a chaotic scene involving stone-pelting and arson from his supporters, prompting police to respond with tear gas and a lathi charge. Following his arrest, clashes broke out on the Tonk-Sawai Madhopur highway, resulting in injuries to journalists and the vandalism of vehicles. The unrest stemmed from a widely circulated video showing Meena attacking Sub-Divisional Magistrate Amit Choudhary, leading to a statewide strike by government officials. Political tensions escalated, with accusations exchanged between the ruling BJP and Congress regarding Meena's actions and motives. Authorities have detained over 60 individuals linked to the violence, while investigations reveal Meena has a history of legal troubles, including multiple assault charges. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2024, 7 pm

Delhi Implements Stricter Anti-Pollution Measures: Construction Halted, Buses Restricted

Delhi has activated the third phase of its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-3) to combat severe air pollution, as the air quality index (AQI) hit alarming levels, exceeding 400. Effective from 8 am on Friday, the measures include a ban on all non-essential construction and demolition work, alongside restrictions on older petrol and diesel vehicles in the city and surrounding areas like Gurugram and Ghaziabad. Exceptions are made for projects related to national security and public infrastructure. The plan also mandates increased mechanized road-sweeping and water-sprinkling to mitigate dust, with diesel generators limited to emergency use. Delhi's AQI reached 428, prompting health officials to advise residents to stay indoors and limit outdoor activities, particularly in the early morning and late evening. Experts recommend using N95 masks outdoors and HEPA air purifiers indoors to reduce exposure to harmful particles. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2024, 6 pm

GRAP 3 in Delhi: Bans and Permitted Activities Explained

New Delhi is currently enveloped in thick smog, with air quality plummeting to 'Severe' levels, as the air quality index (AQI) exceeds 400 in several areas. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage III of the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP), effective from 8 am tomorrow. This phase includes a ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities, restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, and limited use of diesel generators. Enhanced measures will also include intensified mechanized road sweeping, increased public transport services, and promotion of off-peak travel. GRAP operates in four stages, with Stage I addressing 'Poor' air quality and Stage IV managing 'Severe Plus' conditions. The CAQM had previously invoked Stage II in October, indicating ongoing efforts to combat worsening air pollution in the region. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2024, 6 pm

UP Decides on Job Exam Amid Prayagraj Protests, Students Unsatisfied

A significant protest is ongoing outside the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) office in Prayagraj, driven by student demands for a single-shift examination for the Provincial Civil Service (PCS) and Review Officer/Assistant Review Officer (RO/ARO) posts. In response to escalating tensions, the UPPSC announced that the PCS prelims will now be held in a single shift, while a committee will explore how to conduct the RO/ARO exams. However, students remain dissatisfied, accusing the commission of attempting to dilute their protest and insisting on a single-day, single-shift format for both exams due to concerns over potential paper leaks. The backdrop of this unrest is heightened by upcoming bypolls, with opposition parties criticizing the state government’s handling of the situation. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has called for a swift resolution to prevent further agitation, emphasizing the need for officials to address students' concerns sensitively. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2024, 5 pm

AAP's Mahesh Khinchi Elected Delhi Mayor

Aam Aadmi Party's Mahesh Khinchi has been elected as Delhi's new Mayor, marking a historic moment as he becomes the city's first Dalit Mayor. Khinchi secured 133 votes, narrowly defeating BJP's Kishan Pal, who garnered 130 votes during a tumultuous election marked by a walkout from Congress members. The BJP, initially holding 120 seats, managed to garner additional support. Khinchi's term will be limited to just five months due to repeated postponements since April, primarily stemming from disputes between the AAP and BJP. The Congress party's walkout was driven by their demand for a full one-year tenure for the new mayor. Notably, Councillor Sabila Begum resigned from Congress, voicing her dissent against the party's decision, which she believed would only aid the BJP. The election delays were exacerbated by procedural issues and previous political controversies involving the AAP leadership. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2024, 6 pm

Study Reveals Mysterious 'Interstellar Tunnel' Near Solar System

Scientists have identified a "cosmic tunnel" near our solar system, as detailed in a study published in _Astronomy & Astrophysics_. This tunnel is believed to be part of the Local Hot Bubble (LHB), a vast region of hot gas surrounding our solar system, formed approximately 14 million years ago from supernova explosions. The tunnel, located between cooler gas and extending towards the Centaurus constellation, was confirmed using 3D images from the eROSITA telescope, which employs X-ray detectors to reveal previously hidden aspects of the LHB. This discovery raises questions about the existence of similar tunnels across the Milky Way, potentially forming a cosmic network influenced by supernovae. Additionally, the study notes a temperature disparity within the LHB, with the northern section being significantly hotter, offering new insights into the bubble's structure and the dynamics of our galaxy. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2024, 6 pm

Trump and India: New Delhi Should Exercise Caution

As US President Donald Trump embarks on his second term, Indian officials express cautious optimism regarding the continuation of strong ties between India and the US, built over decades. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar noted that while some countries may be apprehensive about Trump's return, India is not, partly due to Trump's rapport with Prime Minister Modi. Key appointments, such as Marc Rubio as Secretary of State and Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser, are viewed positively for their potential to enhance defense and technology cooperation. However, concerns linger over human rights reports and economic pressures, including possible tariffs and H1B visa restrictions. Despite these challenges, the personal connection between Modi and Trump may help mitigate undue trade pressures. The evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly regarding China and Russia, will require India to maintain a balanced foreign policy approach while navigating its strategic interests. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2024, 5 pm

Chandrababu Naidu's Son Confronts YSR Congress Over Insult

In a heated session of the Andhra Pradesh assembly, Nara Lokesh, an MLA and son of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, accused the YSR Congress of insulting his mother and subsequently "running away" from accountability. Lokesh's emotional address highlighted his discontent with former Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy for allegedly defending those who insulted his family by granting them tickets in the recent elections. He questioned why YSR Congress members were absent, emphasizing that his family had never targeted Jagan's family. His remarks were echoed in a post on X, where he called out the YSRCP's actions and their decision to boycott the budget session. The YSR Congress has seen a significant decline, now holding only 11 seats in the assembly following the recent polls. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2024, 4 pm

Congress Councillor Resigns Before Delhi Mayor Elections Amid Chaos

Chaos erupted during the mayoral election in Delhi as the Congress party boycotted the vote, insisting that the new Mayor, expected to be a Dalit, should serve a full term rather than the truncated five months proposed due to delays stemming from disputes between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the BJP. Amid the turmoil, Congress Councillor Mohammad Khushnood and his wife, Sabila Begum, resigned from the party, with Begum choosing to vote for the AAP candidate instead. In her resignation letter, she criticized the party's decision to walk out, arguing it would benefit the BJP, particularly in their Muslim-majority ward. The election faced multiple delays, including procedural disputes and a previous boycott by AAP. AAP has nominated Mahesh Khichi for Mayor against BJP's Kishan Lal, while the Deputy Mayor race features AAP's Ravinder Bharadwaj and Nita Bisht. This marks the third mayoral election since AAP took control in December 2022. sources

Published:
Nov 14 2024, 4 pm

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