Is India Winning the War Against Pollution? The fight for cleaner air and water intensifies as the nation grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change. From the devastating floods in Assam to the alarming rise in air pollution levels in Delhi, environmental challenges demand urgent action. This week saw crucial discussions on sustainable agriculture and renewable energy sources at the India Climate Change Conference, highlighting the government's commitment to tackling deforestation and promoting biodiversity conservation. But are these efforts enough? Experts warn of looming water scarcity and the need for stricter regulations on industrial emissions. The future of India's environment hangs in the balance, demanding collective responsibility and innovative solutions. Explore Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and the latest updates on environmental policies, climate activism, and the ongoing struggle for a sustainable India. Discover how you can contribute to a greener tomorrow.
New Delhi: Supreme Court's move to ease the ban on firecrackers is largely seen as a festive allowance, but some Delhiites are planning to illuminate homes and hearts, not skies. They plan to replace fireworks with earthen lamps, lanterns and shared meals at community gatherings.The shift from smoke to light, which reflects a growing awareness that Diwali joy needn't be at the cost of the city's air and its residents' health, is palpable in several neighbourhoods. Locals in Greater Kailash-II have embraced the idea of a quiet Diwali over the years. "We have got used to meeting at the park and catching up with the community on the night, and the urge to burst crackers isn't there anymore," said Sanjay Rana, president of GK-II RWA. The locality now glows on Diwali with rows of diyas and floating lanterns, a gesture that preserves the essence of the festival without adding to pollution. A similar approach defines celebrations in Vasant Kunj's Pocket B11, where community spirit takes precedence over the spectacular. Sudhir Sibal, president of the RWA, said residents of 26 flats gather every Diwali, but desist from bursting crackers. The families also pool in money for the local workers on this occasion. Model Town residents, too, are balancing celebrations with care this time. "We have welcomed the court's decision, but that doesn't mean we will go berserk," said Mohit Goel, a local, adding many of his neighbours plan to stick to phuljhari and poppers in moderation.However, parents across the city are trying to figure out how to guide their children to celebrate Diwali responsibly. Many hope awareness campaigns in schools will pay off. Yet, others remain skeptical, fearing the court's ruling may undo progress made towards fostering eco-conscious habits. "We are hoping years of awareness will help them understand that they will have to breathe the same toxic air after Diwali. If they have learnt a lesson over the past years, now is the time to show it through restraint," said Satpal Kalra, a Kalkaji RWA member. Saurabh Gandhi, president of United Residents of Delhi, is apprehensive of how to rein in children. "Most shops continue selling normal crackers. The lack of clarity on what qualifies as 'green' leaves room for misuse. I just saw some youngsters heading home with loads of crackers -- all Chinese, with no green tag or QR code on the packets," he said.However, Patel Nagar's Harmeen Kaur Ghai, a member of Varishth Nagrik Sanskritik Sangathan who felt the 'green' tag on crackers is "just a lighter shade in the entire spectrum of pollution", dismissed the idea that children insist on bursting crackers. Her granddaughters are happier with sweets and lamps, she said.
NEW DELHI: Axiom-4 crew members, including Shubhanshu Shukla, were welcomed with hugs and drinks as they stepped into the International Space Station on Thursday. The newly launched spacecraft -- the fifth in the Dragon series and named Grace -- successfully completed a soft docking with the International Space Station at 4.01pm while orbiting above the North Atlantic Ocean."At 6:31 am EDT (4:01 IST) on Thursday, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked to the International Space Station for the fourth private astronaut mission to the orbiting laboratory, Axiom Mission 4," the National Aeronautics ...Read More >
Moradabad (UP), Aug 1 (PTI) The Moradabad district administration has cancelled the allotment of a government bungalow granted to former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav. The Samajwadi Party (SP) has been asked to vacate the premises within 30 days. The bungalow, located in the posh Civil Lines area near the Police Training College (PTC II), was allotted to the SP patriarch 31 years ago. Spread across nearly 1,000 square meters on Nazul land, the property serves as the local SP office. District Magistrate Anuj Singh said the property is needed for housing officers and other ...Read More >
Lucknow, Sep 13 (PTI) The Uttar Pradesh government has begun preparations to make Deepotsav 2025 in Ayodhya a grand and divine event, officials said on Saturday. The tourism department will illuminate the ghats of the Saryu river and Ram Ki Paidi with over 26 lakh diyas. "This sea of lamps will symbolise Lord Ram's arrival in Ayodhya, spreading the light of faith among countless devotees," a statement said. A special highlight will be a pollution-free green fireworks show on October 19. Designed to meet international standards, the 10-minute display will be a fusion of music, laser effects, ...Read More >
October 2025 is packed with major festivals like Dussehra, Diwali, Chath Puja and Durga Puja In this festive season, several states will observe many bank holidays during the month. In October 2025, there will be a national holiday when banks across all states will remain closed. Due to various local festivals, several bank branches will also remain closed in different states. While online banking services will remain available, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has listed specific days in October ...Read More >
Hyderabad, Sep 26 (PTI) The Telangana government on Friday said it aims to attract Rs 1 lakh crore in investments in the aerospace industry over the next five years. According to a press release, State Industries Minister Sridhar Babu chaired a special meeting at the secretariat with leading representatives from the aerospace sector, engaging in in-depth discussions on the future of aerospace development in the state. ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], September 29: This Diwali, OyeGifts, a leading name in the gifting industry, brings to you exceptional express Diwali hampers that are truly a celebration of tradition and that of thoughtful gifting. The inclusion of fresh flowers amidst gifts for the season of lights, is a careful blend of convention with that of modern elegance for the matter. The brand's new collection of Gift Hampers for the upcoming festival is to present an assortment of traditional sweets, colourful flow ...Read More >
New Delhi: Environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday said the city was ready to carry out cloud seeding. A four-day flight trial has been completed by two pilots who will execute the operation in northwest Delhi and they are awaiting IMD's green signal to induce artificial rain, he added."Our special aircraft is stationed at Meerut. The pilots completed four successful trial flights over the target area. We are simply waiting for the right cloud conditions and India Meteorological D ...Read More >
New Delhi, Aug 28 (PTI) India's gains from importing discounted Russian oil are estimated to be just USD 2.5 billion per annum, significantly lower than the previously speculated range of USD 10-25 billion, a research report said on Thursday. Stopping Russian oil imports would force India, the world's third-largest oil importer and consumer, to rely on limited alternatives, potentially driving global crude prices up to USD 100 per barrel amid rising demand and tight supply. "Benefit from Russian oil imports is way less than exaggerated media numbers," brokerage CLSA said in a report. While ...Read More >
Self-styled godman Chaitanyananda Saraswati faces five days of police custody. He was arrested in Agra for molesting female students at a Vasant Kunj institute. Saraswati, a former college chairman, allegedly created a zone of fear in the hostel. He used remote CCTV access and tampered with DVR systems. Financial misconduct charges also emerged against him. Delhi's Patiala House Court on Sunday remanded self-styled godman Parthasarathy alias Chaitanyananda Saraswati to five days of police custod ...Read More >
HYDERABAD: After four days of relentless downpours, Telangana is expected to have a brief respite on Monday, with no rainfall alerts issued. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) placed the state under a yellow alert for thunderstorms. IMD data showed that Papannapet in Medak district received the heaviest 24-hour rainfall at 10.6 cm, followed by Manoor in Sangareddy with 9.28 cm and Nallabelly in Warangal at 9.15 cm. The statewide average rainfall for the day stood at 7.3 mm, notably higher than the normal 4.3 mm. Warangal's Sangem recorded the day's highest maximum temperature ...Read More >
New Delhi: What was being discreetly sold under the table just two days ago is now out in the open. With the Supreme Court permitting the sale of green crackers, hundreds of shoppers poured into the narrow lanes of Old Delhi on Wednesday in anticipation of purchasing firecrackers. However, as per the apex court's order, the sale is officially allowed only from Oct 18 to 20.Traders are now faced with the question of implementation as well as logistics. Harjeet Singh Chhabra, general secretary, Sadar Nishkam Welfare Association, said even though the ban has been lifted, what qualifies as a 'gree ...Read More >
Delhi residents breathed easier Thursday as air quality improved to 'moderate' after a month of severe pollution. The AQI dropped to 161, though some areas still experienced 'poor' air quality. Cooler temperatures and mist accompanied the improved air, with the minimum temperature reaching 9 degrees Celsius. The Supreme Court maintained GRAP-IV restrictions, demanding compensation for construction workers from NCR states.Residents in Delhi took a sigh of relief on Thursday as the air quality inde ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 29 (ANI): The Delhi government has requested Rs 1,000 crore in funding from the Central government to deploy new technology and implement measures aimed at reducing the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital, Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said on Sunday during an inspection of Nehru Park. Minister Singh visited Nehru Park along with Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, as part of the government's initiative to install air purifiers in the area. Also Read | US: 24-Year-Old Indian Woman Simran Simran Goes Missing Days After Arriving for Arranged Mar ...Read More >
The country's attraction towards Khadi has increased significantly in the last 11 years, said PM Modi. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the 126th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, called on the countrymen to adopt 'Swadeshi' this Gandhi Jayanti and express pride in it. "October 2 is Gandhi Jayanti. Gandhiji always emphasised the adoption of Swadeshi, and Khadi was the most prominent among them. Unfortunately, after Independence, the charm of Khadi was fading away, but dur ...Read More >
India's top court on Wednesday permitted the use of some firecrackers in New Delhi during the Diwali festival, easing a blanket ban even as the capital battles unhealthy winter air pollution. The Supreme Court said the controlled use of the less-polluting "green firecrackers" -- developed by federal research institutes to reduce particulate and gas emission -- would be allowed for limited periods between Saturday and Tuesday. During Diwali, a major Hindu festival of lights, widespread bursting ...Read More >
Delhi is facing worsening pollution and erratic weather patterns, with the air quality regularly reaching dangerous levels. This is partly due to climate change, with temperature rises and unpredictable rainfall patterns caused by global warming. The industrial revolution has played a significant role, contributing to the rise in global temperatures. The effects are already being felt, with 2024 witnessing record-breaking heat in India. Despite this, there is little action from society or leadership, with courts repeatedly stepping in to address issues like pollution and farm fires. The need f ...Read More >
MADURAI: Likening the custodial murder of Ajith Kumar in Tiruppuvanam to an 'organised crime by police where the state kills its own citizens,' Madras high court lambasted the Tamil Nadu police and said the action against the perpetrators should be more stringent than in normal murder cases.A division bench of Justice S M Subramaniam and Justice A D Maria Clete pointed to 44 external injuries on the person of Ajith Kumar and said no part of the body was spared by the delinquent cops. "Even an ordinary murderer would not have inflicted such kind of injuries," the bench said on Tuesday.The natur ...Read More >
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released a comprehensive holiday calendar, urging citizens to plan their banking activities accordingly to avoid inconvenience. Major festivals such as Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali, Chhath Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Bhai Dooj, and Gandhi Jayanti contribute to the extended closures. In addition to these, the second and fourth Saturdays and Sundays further reduce working days for banks. 🏦 Key Dates to Note: * October 1: Dussehra, Ayudha Puja, Durga Puja (West Be ...Read More >
Bengaluru: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge was admitted to MS Ramaiah Hospital in Bengaluru after developing a fever late Tuesday night, sparking concern among party workers and political leaders across the country. Doctors at the hospital are closely monitoring his condition and have assured that there is no immediate cause for alarm. Kharge, 83, was reportedly brought to the renowned medical facility after he complained of persistent fever. A medical team quickly initiated a series of diagnostic tests to determine the cause. While his condition is said to be stable, doctors have kept ...Read More >
Prayagraj: Police on Sunday arrested five persons and seized around 1,400 kg of illegal firecrackers worth lakhs of rupees from three separate raids and checking in Handia, Jhunsi and Kaudhiyara areas of district.In Handia police arrested three men, including two brothers, for storing firecrackers illegally at a storehouse in Baraut block and seized over 977.360 kg of illegal firecrackers worth Rs 8 lakh. The three accused were booked under section 288 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section ...Read More >
A prominent Indian tech firm has gone viral for its generous Diwali gift to employees. Videos from Info Edge employees have flooded Instagram over the last two days, showing the Diwali gifts they received from the company. Each Info Edge employee received a set of VIP suitcases, a box of snacks, and a diya from the tech firm. Dozens of videos showing the gifts have surfaced online, while hundreds of Instagram users have reported seeing these Reels while casually scrolling the photo and video sha ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 8 (PTI) Fuel retailers' body DPDA on Tuesday hailed the central government panel's decision to defer the fuel ban on end-of-life (EOL) or overage vehicles until November 1, saying the move gives them ample time to prepare for the implementation. According to sources, Centre's panel on air quality in Delhi-NCR CAQM on Tuesday decided to put on hold the implementation of the fuel ban on end-of-life or overage vehicles in the national capital until November 1. Also Read | PM Modi in Brasilia: PM Narendra Modi Receives Grand Welcome From Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva ...Read More >
Bareilly (UP), Jul 17 (PTI) A teacher from Bahedi district, who went viral recently after reciting a poem mentioning Kanwar Yatra, approached the police on Thursday stating a threat to his life from anti-social elements. A case has been registered at Bahedi police station based on a complaint from Dr Rajneesh Kumar Gangwar, a teacher at MGM Inter College in the district. According to Circle Officer Arun Kumar Singh, Gangwar's complaint says that ever since his recitation of the poem 'Tum Kanwad Lene Mat Jana, Gyaan Ka Deepak Jalaana' (You don't go get Kavad, light the lamp of knowledge inste ...Read More >
Jammu- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reviewed the ongoing restoration work of the historic Mubarak Mandi complex, which was the power centre of the Dogra kings in Jammu, and stressed on enhancing its heritage appeal. The Mubarak Mandi Complex is one of Jammu's most significant architectural heritage sites and is envisioned as a comprehensive cultural centre, housing museums, conference venues and heritage hospitality services. Accompanied by Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Yudhvir Sethi during the visit, the chief minister was briefed in detail on the multi-phas ...Read More >
Deepotsav 2025: Ayodhya is gearing up for one of its most spectacular celebrations yet as preparations for Deepotsava 2025 gather pace. Scheduled for October 19, this year's festival will feature an international-standard green fireworks display, choreographed with music and laser effects, while more than 26 lakh diyas illuminate the ghats of the Sarayu River. The 10-minute aerial show, designed with eco-friendly technology, is set to rise over 200 metres into the night sky, blending tradition w ...Read More >
Gurugram (Haryana) [India], September 26 (ANI): As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign and in line with the theme "Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath", the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, organised a Shramdaan activity on Friday. According to the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, the event was organised with the Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT) in Gurugram, Haryana. Also Read | Raipur Steel Plant Collapse: 6 Killed, Several Injured After Portion of Under-Construction Godavari Ispat Plant Crashes, Chhattisgarh CM V ...Read More >
Meanwhile, Delhi experienced partially cloudy skies on Friday, with no rainfall recorded. (File) ShowQuick Read Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed * Rainfall and winds helped Delhi avoid a sharp pollution rise after Dussehra celebrations * Delhi's 24-hour average AQI was 88 on Friday, categorised as satisfactory * Post-Dussehra pollution spikes have been common, with AQI exceeding 200 in recent years Did our AI summary help? Let us know. Switch To Beeps Mode New Delhit: A combin ...Read More >
Stage I of GRAP is implemented when the AQI exceeds 200. Stage II (Very Poor) comes into effect when it crosses 300, Stage III (Severe) at levels above 350, and Stage IV (Severe Plus) when the AQI goes beyond 400. New Delhi: Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the 'poor' category for the first time this season with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 211 on Tuesday ahead of Diwali. It forced Commission for Air Quality Management to impose stage I of Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) in Delhi-NCR. The ...Read More >
Violators face legal action under Environment Protection Act The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has announced a comprehensive and immediate year-round ban on the manufacture, storage, sale, and bursting of all types of firecrackers within the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. This new directive, issued as a public notice on Sunday under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986, applies to all individuals, organisations, and institutions, requiring strict compliance. ...Read More >
Mumbai : Tesla's long awaited India debut finally took place with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurating its showroom in Mumbai on Tuesday. The Elon Musk-led car maker unveiled its Model Y compact all-electric SUV at its 'Experience Centre' in Bandra-Kurla Complex with the CM describing it as the "right city and the right state" for the launch."Mumbai stands for innovation and sustainability. In 2015, when I went to the US, I had my first ride in a Tesla, and then I thought we need such a vehicle for mobility in India. But it took 10 years for it to come to India. But we are very happy ...Read More >