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Smog Covers Delhi, Mumbai as Air Quality Declines

Delhi and Mumbai are experiencing severe cold wave conditions accompanied by a thick layer of smog that has significantly impacted air quality. In Delhi, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 386, categorizing it as 'very poor' for the second consecutive day, while Mumbai's AQI was recorded at 176, classified as 'moderate.' Authorities in Delhi have re-implemented the fourth stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), leading to the closure of schools and a ban on older diesel vehicles, with all construction activities halted. On Monday, Delhi's AQI breached 400, entering the 'severe plus' category, and visibility issues prompted an advisory at Delhi Airport. Meanwhile, Mumbai is experiencing its coldest winter in decades, with residents sharing images of the smog, which has obscured landmarks like the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. The smog is expected to persist in both cities as cold conditions intensify. sources

Published:
Dec 22 2024, 8 am

BJP Leader Challenges Election Loss to Priyanka Gandhi, Congress Responds

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Navya Haridas has filed a petition in the Kerala High Court contesting the election of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who won the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat by over five lakh votes in a recent bypoll. Haridas claims that Gandhi Vadra failed to accurately disclose her and her family's assets in her nomination papers, alleging this constitutes corrupt practices under the Model Code of Conduct. The petition, filed by advocate Hari Kumar G Nair, seeks to annul Gandhi Vadra's election, stating she misled voters regarding her financial disclosures. Congress leaders have dismissed the petition as a publicity stunt, expressing confidence it will be rejected. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra declared assets worth over Rs 12 crore in her nomination, including significant movable and immovable properties. The case is expected to be heard in January 2024 after the court's holiday. sources

Published:
Dec 22 2024, 3 pm

PM Modi Awarded Kuwait's Highest Honor, The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Kuwait's highest honour, 'The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer,' during his two-day visit to the Gulf nation, marking the 20th international accolade he has received. This prestigious knighthood is typically conferred upon heads of state and members of foreign royal families as a gesture of friendship, with past recipients including Bill Clinton and Prince Charles. The honour was presented at the Bayan Palace, where Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, was in attendance. Modi's visit is particularly significant as it is the first by an Indian prime minister to Kuwait in 43 years. The Indian community in Kuwait is eagerly anticipating his address at the 'Hala Modi' event, and earlier, he visited a camp for Gulf Spic employees, acknowledging the vital role of Indian workers in Kuwait's development. sources

Published:
Dec 22 2024, 3 pm

Judge Shares Tale of Two Lawyers' Remarkable Careers

In a poignant lecture at the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru, Supreme Court Justice BV Nagarathna paid tribute to her late father, former Chief Justice ES Venkataramiah, during a centenary celebration of his birth. Justice Nagarathna, who is poised to become India’s first female Chief Justice, reflected on her father's profound influence on her life and career, emphasizing his strength of character and dedication to justice. She also highlighted her mother, Smt Padma's unwavering support for her father's judicial aspirations, describing her as pragmatic and patient. In her address, Nagarathna recounted a touching anecdote about a chance meeting between two lawyers on a train in 1946, one of whom became President R Venkataraman and the other her father, Chief Justice Venkataramiah, illustrating the interconnectedness of their journeys in law and governance. sources

Published:
Dec 22 2024, 2 pm

150-Year-Old Stepwell Found During Excavation in Sambhal, UP

An excavation team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has uncovered a likely 150-year-old stepwell, or 'baoli', in the Chandausi area of Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh, following the reopening of a Shiv-Hanuman temple after 46 years. District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya confirmed the discovery of a 400-square-meter structure featuring four chambers, with lower floors made of marble and upper floors constructed from bricks. The excavation was initiated after a public meeting highlighted the potential significance of the site. Currently, only 210 square meters of the stepwell are visible, as much of it remains buried under mud, with plans in place to address encroachment issues. Additionally, an ASI team recently conducted a survey of five shrines and 19 wells in the area, with findings expected to be reported soon. sources

Published:
Dec 22 2024, 2 pm

Teen Driver Arrested After 4-Year-Old Boy Run Over in Mumbai

A four-year-old boy, Ayush Laxman Kinvade, was tragically killed in Mumbai after being struck by a speeding Hyundai Creta driven by 19-year-old Sandeep Gole, who has since been arrested. The incident occurred near Ambedkar College in Wadala, where Ayush's family lives on the footpath; his father is a worker. This accident follows a recent incident in Kurla, where a driver lost control of an electric bus, resulting in seven fatalities and 42 injuries. Maharashtra has been highlighted as one of the states with the highest road accident rates, with over 66,000 deaths reported between 2018 and 2022, according to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The alarming statistics place Uttar Pradesh at the top of the list for road accident deaths, followed by Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing. sources

Published:
Dec 22 2024, 1 pm

Lt Governor's "Hellish" Post Sparks Arvind Kejriwal's Response

Delhi's Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena highlighted "hellish living conditions" during his visit to Rangpuri Pahari and Kapashera, sharing images of overflowing sewers and residents' complaints about high electricity bills. Saxena urged Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Atishi to address the issues, noting inadequate power supply, irregular water access, and poor waste management faced by local residents. He announced a cleanliness drive to commence immediately, emphasizing the need for urgent action to improve living conditions. This criticism comes as AAP campaigns for upcoming Assembly polls, showcasing its achievements despite ongoing disputes with Saxena's office over governance. In response, Kejriwal expressed gratitude for Saxena's observations, promising to rectify the identified shortcomings and improve the areas visited. The exchange underscores the political tensions in Delhi as both parties navigate their respective agendas amidst pressing civic issues. sources

Published:
Dec 22 2024, 1 pm

Smuggler Caught During Pushpa 2 Screening in Cinema Hall

In a surprising turn of events, moviegoers at a late-night screening of "Pushpa 2" in Nagpur, Maharashtra, found themselves witnesses to a real-life police operation when officers arrested wanted gangster Vishal Meshram. The arrest occurred shortly after midnight, as Meshram, who had been on the run for 10 months and had 27 criminal cases against him—including murder and drug trafficking—was apprehended while absorbed in the film's climax. Authorities had tracked him down using cyber surveillance and intercepted his new SUV outside the multiplex by deflating its tyres to prevent his escape. Meshram, known for his violent history, including past attacks on police, is currently in Nagpur Central Jail and is set to be transferred to a facility in Nashik. "Pushpa 2: The Rule," starring Allu Arjun, is a sequel to the 2021 hit "Pushpa: The Rise," and was released in multiple languages on December 5. sources

Published:
Dec 22 2024, 1 pm

Fans Criticize Organizers for Issues at Bryan Adams Concert

Recent concerts in India, including Bryan Adams' performance in Gurgaon, have faced severe criticism for mismanagement, prompting public outrage over issues like ticket scams, high prices for basic amenities, and poor connectivity. Concertgoer Akassh Ashok Gupta took to social media to express his discontent, alleging "corruption at play" due to the chaotic organization at the event. He recounted his experience of struggling to purchase food and drinks due to a cash-only coupon system, which he claimed was an attempt to evade taxes. Despite the machines functioning properly, staff insisted on cash payments, citing internet problems. Gupta's confrontation with the staff led to a quick resolution, demonstrating the impact of assertive action against systemic corruption. This incident reflects broader concerns about concert management in India, as highlighted by other attendees facing similar frustrations, including a man who suffered due to inadequate restroom facilities at a separate concert. sources

Published:
Dec 22 2024, 12 pm

GST Council's Recommendations: Price Increases and Decreases

In a significant move during the 55th GST Council meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, several tax adjustments were announced to alleviate financial burdens for consumers and businesses. Key reductions include a decrease in GST on fortified rice kernels to 5% when supplied through the Public Distribution System and a complete exemption for gene therapy, making treatments more accessible. Additionally, food preparations for free distribution will also see a 5% GST rate. However, certain items will become more expensive, notably old and used vehicles, which will now incur an 18% GST, up from 12%. Ready-to-eat popcorn and autoclaved aerated concrete blocks will also face increased taxes. Other recommendations include exempting vouchers from GST and clarifying that penalties from banks and NBFCs are not subject to GST. The Council also proposed updates to the definition of pre-packaged goods to enhance regulatory clarity. sources

Published:
Dec 22 2024, 11 am

Chillai Kalan Starts; Srinagar's Coldest December Night in 50 Years

Chillai Kalan, the 40-day period marking Kashmir's harshest winter, began on Saturday, with Srinagar recording its coldest December night in 50 years at minus 8.5 degrees Celsius, according to the meteorological department. This temperature, which dropped from minus 6.2 degrees Celsius the previous night, is the lowest since 1974 and the third coldest since 1891. The extreme cold has frozen several water bodies, including parts of Dal Lake, disrupting water supply lines across the valley. Other regions also reported significant lows, including Pahalgam at minus 8.6 degrees Celsius and Konibal at minus 10.5 degrees Celsius. The weather office predicts mainly dry conditions until December 26, with potential light snowfall in higher areas around December 21-22 and again on New Year's Eve. Chillai Kalan concludes on January 31, followed by the shorter Chillai-Khurd and Chillai-Bachha periods. sources

Published:
Dec 22 2024, 10 am

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