India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
Delhi Car Ban News: Delhi is rolling out new rules to fight air pollution. Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control certificate will not get fuel. Only BS-VI compliant vehicles from outside the city will be allowed entry. These steps aim to reduce emissions and improve air quality. The government is also focusing on cleaner public transport and addressing pollution hotspots. The Delhi government has announced a fresh set of strict measures to curb air pollution in the national capital, including a ban on fuel for vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate and restrictions on the entry of non-BS-VI vehicles from outside the city. The steps, which come into effect from Thursday, were announced by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa as Delhi continues to face poor to severe air quality conditions. From Thursday, only BS-VI vehicles coming from outside Delhi will be permitted to enter the city. Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be allowed to refuel at petrol or diesel pumps. All other older vehicles from outside Delhi will be restricted from entering the national capital. Residents with compliant vehicles can continue normal travel and refuelling within the city, while strict enforcement will be in place at entry points and petrol pumps. Sirsa said vehicle owners have been given one day to comply with the PUC rule. "After tomorrow, vehicles that do not have a valid PUC certificate will not be provided fuel," he said. The government has started strict enforcement, with challans being issued for PUC violations. In the last few days, authorities in Delhi and the National Capital Region invoked the strictest level of pollution control under the Graded Response Action Plan, known as GRAP‑4, after air quality levels deteriorated sharply into the severe or severe plus category. This triggered emergency measures, including restrictions on heavy vehicle entry, reduction of office attendance with work‑from‑home directives, and shifting school classes to hybrid or online modes for several grades. Outdoor activities and physical sports programmes were also suspended to limit public exposure to hazardous air. The move was prompted by dense smog and toxic air conditions, with the Air Quality Index crossing dangerous thresholds, raising health concerns for children, the elderly and people with respiratory issues. Sirsa said the government is taking daily action to reduce pollution. He cited measures such as cutting the height of garbage mountains by 15 metres and cleaning and reclaiming 45 acres of land. He said the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has installed more than 2,000 pollution-monitoring plants so far. The minister said the government has identified 13 pollution hotspots in the city and has called in concerned agencies to address them. He claimed that AQI levels at these locations were lower this year than in the past decade, except during the Covid period. Speaking on Delhi-NCR's air quality, which has ranged from poor to severe, Sirsa said it was unrealistic to expect quick results. "It is impossible for any elected government to reduce AQI in 9-10 months. I apologise for the pollution in Delhi. We are doing better work than the dishonest AAP government, and we have reduced AQI each day. This disease of pollution is given to us by the Aam Aadmi Party, and we are working to fix it," Sirsa said. Sirsa said the government is focusing on cleaner public transport and plans to deploy 7,500 electric buses in Delhi. He said this would reduce vehicular pollution. A scientific committee has also been formed and has already held meetings to suggest effective pollution-control measures. Sirsa said biomethanation plants also contribute to pollution. He added that the government has provided heaters at these facilities to reduce emissions and ensure cleaner operations. The minister said Delhi's air quality remained better for nearly eight months this year compared to the same period last year. He admitted that pollution levels have worsened in recent weeks but said the situation is still better than last year due to continuous efforts by the present government over the past ten months. Targeting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Sirsa alleged that after "distorting Delhi," it is now trying to divert attention by staging protests over pollution. He questioned what steps the party had taken to control pollution during its time in power. (Inputs from PTI)
Srinagar, Nov 27 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir's Road Transport Corporation (RTC), a crucial backbone of public transportation, has raised serious concerns over the barring of its buses from entering Srinagar city limits. The move has triggered alarm within the Corporation, with officials cautioning about significant disruptions to public transport services and daily commutes, alongside substantial financial losses for the RTC. The restriction, in effect since November 4 when the maiden session of the Assembly commenced, is causing a daily revenue loss of Rs. 4 lakh to the Corporation. In a lette ...Read More >
Hyderabad: The Society for Employment Promotion and Training in Twin Cities (Setwin) announced plans to introduce electric mini buses in Hyderabad to combat pollution, which is decided in a recent review meeting. Setwin operates 37 buses across six routes, serving the public in Hyderabad and its surrounding areas. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Setwin chairman N. Giridhar Reddy and managing director K. Venu Gopal Rao said the decision aligns with the RTA Act, which mandates the replacement of buses older than 15 years. The resolution to transition to electric buses has been passed, and plans a ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Delhi chief minister Atishi on Thursday described Aam Admi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal as a prominent leader and said he is the first leader who understood the pain of women. "Arvind Kejriwal, the prominent leader, is the first leader in the history of this country who understood the pain of women. The biggest concern for women is that they have to stretch out their hands before a man even for their humble needs. In childhood, it is before their parents, before their spous ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Delhi chief minister Atishi on Thursday described Aam Admi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal as a prominent leader and said he is the first leader who understood the pain of women. "Arvind Kejriwal, the prominent leader, is the first leader in the history of this country who understood the pain of women. The biggest concern for women is that they have to stretch out their hands before a man even for their humble needs. In childhood, it is before their parents, before their spouses when they grow up and in old age, before their children," CM Atishi told ANI. "To fulfil this n ...Read More >
Chandigarh, Dec 18 (PTI) Noise levels exceeded the prescribed limits during singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh's concert here on Saturday, the Chandigarh administration told the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday. The submission was made by the administration before a division bench of the high court. "Strict action" has been recommended against the violators, the court was further informed. On December 13, the high court had allowed Dosanjh's event scheduled to take place the next evening, with a direction that the organisers comply with the noise pollution regulations. While greenlighti ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar, Dec 18 (PTI) Ahead of BJD's 28th foundation day on December 26, its chief Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday urged members to remain dedicated to serving the people of Odisha, while the party announced a mass demonstration in Bhubaneswar on January 6 to highlight the price rise of essential commodities and other issues. Patnaik asked party supporters to "raise voice against the BJP government's 'anti-people' policies" and also highlight the impact of high inflation, which hits the poor and middle class. "The party leaders and workers need to create awareness among people on the state B ...Read More >
Winter pollution is increasingly harmful, posing serious physical and mental health risks. As air quality deteriorates, cities, particularly the capital, face heightened pollution levels, leading to stress and health complications. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is on the rise, especially among the young, while adults are experiencing worsened existing conditions. To combat the effects of pollution, it's essential to adopt mindful practices, stay hydrated, follow a skincare routine, keep indoor plants, and maintain regular exercise. These steps can improve well-being, reduce stress, and enh ...Read More >
Delhi's air pollution continues to worsen, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting a hazardous 490, despite the government's 21-point plan to tackle the issue. The city’s residents are struggling to breathe, even indoors, and hospitals are overwhelmed with patients facing respiratory problems. The pollution crisis is exacerbated by the lack of cooperation among Delhi and neighboring states, and the central government, with each blaming the other. This pollution not only threatens public health but also jeopardizes Delhi's economic future, as it could drive away professionals and harm business ...Read More >
Noida: The city's air quality improved slightly on Wednesday but remained in the 'poor' category with an air quality index (AQI) of 208, compared to the previous day's 223. The AQI of Greater Noida (231) and Ghaziabad (216) improved marginally but also stayed 'poor'. It was 234 in Greater Noida and 238 in Ghaziabad on Tuesday. In Noida, Sector 62 was the worst hit and recorded an AQI of 271 (poor), followed by Sector 116 (230) -- also 'poor'. The Sector 1 monitoring station recorded a 'moderate' AQI at 121. The Sector 125 station did not record this data. In Greater Noida, the AQI at Knowled ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 4 (PTI) The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday cleared a bill to provide for the regulation of boilers, safety of life and property of persons from the danger of explosions of steam-boilers and uniformity in registration. The Boilers Bill, 2024 seeks to repeal the century old Boilers Act, 1923. Also Read | Naresh Balyan in Trouble: Delhi Police Seeks Arrest of AAP MLA in Fresh Case, Moves Court. The bill, which aims to decriminalise seven offences and promote ease of doing business, was cleared in the Upper House by a voice vote. The bill also provisions to ensure the safety of person ...Read More >
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced several pre-election promises targeting auto drivers. These include a ₹10 lakh insurance policy, ₹1 lakh for daughters' marriages, a biannual ₹2,500 uniform allowance, free coaching for their children, and the relaunch of the 'PoochO' ride-booking app. Kejriwal and the AAP are campaigning to secure a third term in the upcoming February elections.Ahead of crucial Delhi assembly polls, Arvind Kejriwal promised several measures for auto dri ...Read More >
Mumbai: The death toll in Monday's BEST bus crash rose to seven and the number of injured to 42 even as the driver, Sanjay More, booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, claimed he had noticed a spark and mistakenly accelerated the bus instead of applying brakes. Seeking More's custody, police said they want to investigate if he intentionally used the vehicle as a weapon. The bus on Route 332 had accelerated on a congested 200m stretch near Kurla station hitting vehicles and pedestr ...Read More >
Listening to the sounds of nature such as birdsong reduces stress levels - but the sound of traffic increases them, new research shows. The research lends support for anyone who is a firm believer in the curative powers of a walk in the countryside or through a forest. In a study, 68 volunteers listened to three three-minute soundscapes: a nature soundscape recorded at sunrise in West Sussex, the same soundscape combined with 20 mile per hour road traffic sounds, and the same soundscape with 40 mile per hour traffic sounds. General mood and anxiety were assessed before and after the soundsc ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Lieutenant governor VK Saxena has given his approval to the reconstitution of Delhi Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, paving the way for govt to prepare a scheme to provide compensation to the construction workers who lost work due to the implementation of GRAP IV provisions. The board was not in place for the last couple of years. While giving his nod to its reconstitution, LG directed that immediate steps should be taken to implement Supreme Court directions to provide subsistence allowance to workers affected due to restrictions on construction activities be ...Read More >
For the second consecutive day on Monday (December 2, 2024), Delhi's air quality showed a slight improvement although it remained in the 'poor' category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 273 in the morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's 24-hour average AQI on Sunday stood at 285, an improvement to the 'poor' category and a welcome relief following 32 consecutive days of 'very poor' and 'severe' air quality (AQI over 400). The city's air quality was last recorded in the 'poor' category on October 29 with an AQI of 268, according to the CPCB. Farm fires ris ...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: The BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicle ban has been lifted in Delhi after the Air Quality Index (AQI) improved to the moderate category. The Supreme Court allowed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to ease restrictions due to the improvement in the national capital's air pollution situation. Delhi had been facing high pollution levels, which led CAQM to enforce Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The court has now asked the commission to apply GRAP Stage 2. ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Delhi recorded its lowest minimum temperature of the winter season on Wednesday, with the mercury plunging to 4.9 degrees Celsius, a sharp drop from 8 degrees Celsius the previous day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated, "The minimum temperature of 4.9 degrees Celsius reported over Safdarjung is the lowest minimum of this winter season. The same minimum temperature of 4.9 degrees Celsius was reported last year also on 15th December." The coldest minimum temperature ever recorded at the Safdarjung station was 0.0 degrees Celsius on December 27, 1930, according to the ...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 >
Severe air pollution in northern India has led to a surge in demand for respiratory medications, with Foracort becoming India’s top-selling drug in October. The inhaler, used to treat asthma and COPD, recorded Rs 75 crore in sales, surpassing popular medicines like Augmentin and Glycomet-GP. Manufactured by Cipla, Foracort combines budesonide and formoterol for effective dual-action therapy. Other respiratory drugs, Duolin and Budecort, also saw increased sales. With Delhi’s Air Quality Index reaching hazardous levels, the rise in respiratory issues underscores the urgent need for better healt ...Read More >
The Supreme Court on Monday (December 2, 2024) refused to relax emergency measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) dealing with air pollution in the national capital till it noticed a downward trend in the AQI level. A Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih further sought the presence of the chief secretaries of NCR states to appear through video-conferencing to inform it whether or not any compensation was paid to the construction workers who were without work owing to the restrictions. Delhi air pollution: Air quality in Capital plunges to 'very po ...Read More >
India's housing market is booming, with 2024 projected to be the best year yet. Over 300,000 homes worth ₹510,000 crore are expected to be sold across the top seven cities, driven by economic growth and infrastructure improvements. Sales in the first nine months already reached nearly 230,000 homes, indicating continued robust demand and rising capital values.India's housing property market continues to remain on a strong footing, with the year 2024 expected to end as the best year ever in term ...Read More >
New Delhi: From 2025, the CUET-UG will be conducted exclusively as a computer-based test (CBT), and students will have the flexibility to appear for any subject, regardless of what they studied in class 12. This decision follows a review conducted by an expert panel set up by the University Grants Commission (UGC), as explained by UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar. What are the major changes? In an interview with PTI, Kumar elaborated on the changes saying, "The exam will be conducted only in CBT mode from 2025, unlike the hybrid mode used last year. We have also reduced the number of subjects fr ...Read More >
The Delhi BJP also shared a rap song "Delhi ka millionaire" alleging corruption against the party's top leadership. In a recently-released video, the Delhi BJP has given a tour of the luxurious bungalow of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, where he lived while serving as the Chief Minister of the state. The party also shared a rap song "Delhi ka millionaire" alleging corruption against the party's top leadership. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva, who shared the video on X, called the Civil Lines bu ...Read More >
New Delhi: Delhi government cabinet on Thursday gave its nod to the cash assistance scheme for women, Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, ahead of the Delhi Assembly Elections scheduled for next year. The announcement was made by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief, Arvind Kejriwal, in the presence of Chief Minister Atishi and other women legislators. The scheme was part of the Delhi government budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. It had a proposed allocation of Rs 2,000 crore and was proposed by Kejriwal early this year. "This scheme is for empowering women and addressing their financial needs. W ...Read More >
At Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, on Monday, a teacher played the role of a vegetable seller, complete with props, while students acted as buyers. "How much is this vegetable for?" asked the teacher, setting off lively exchanges -- all over a laptop screen. Advertisement https://images.indianexpress.com/2020/08/1x1.png This roleplay session, part of an online lesson about markets and vegetables, is one of many such creative strategies teachers are adopting as schools across Delhi shift to remote learning due to hazardous air pollution levels. The air quality in Delhi plummeted to "se ...Read More >
Mumbai BEST accident: Amid ongoing investigations into the Kurla accident case, the Mumbai police on Tuesday, sought custody of the driver of the electric bus - operated by the civic-run Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), which led to the death of seven persons, and injured 42 others on December 10. Reportedly, the Mumbai police suspect that the driver, Sanjay More, might have 'deliberately' attacked the people, using the bus as a 'weapon'. A magistrate court has now ruled that More would be under the custody of Mumbai Police until December 21. The Mumbai Police presented San ...Read More >
New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) Coworking firm Incuspaze, which provides managed flexible office spaces to corporates, is looking to raise USD 25 million (over ₹210 crore) to expand its business across major cities before planning to launch its Initial Public Offer (IPO). Established in 2016, Incuspaze has a presence in 44 locations across 18 cities with a total portfolio of 40 lakh square feet. "We plan to add another 2 million (20 lakh) square feet in our portfolio by the end of December 2025," Incuspaze founder and CEO Sanjay Choudhary told PTI. In view of the growing demand for flexible workspa ...Read More >
American entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, known for his quest to reverse aging, experienced the effects of Mumbai's air pollution during his India tour. Promoting his book Don't Die, Johnson detailed his discomfort despite using air purifiers and masks. He adhered to his rigorous health routine, carrying all his meals and supplements for the six-day trip. The visit included an exclusive meetup with prominent figures like Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal, showcasing his dedication to health and longevity advocacy.Bryan Johnson, the American entrepreneur renowned for his anti-aging mission, has drawn atten ...Read More >
Imphal, Dec 4 (PTI) The Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) has set up a three-member fact-finding team to investigate the killing of three women and three children by suspected militants in Jiribam district, an official said on Wednesday. The team will include its chairperson and two other members, he said. Also Read | Naresh Balyan in Trouble: Delhi Police Seeks Arrest of AAP MLA in Fresh Case, Moves Court. The bodies of the three women and three children were recovered in Jiri and Barak rivers in Manipur and Assam, respectively, last month. They had earlier gone missing from a reli ...Read More >