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New Delhi, Apr 4 (PTI) The higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday witnessed fresh snowfall as a spell of wet weather gripped north India, bringing rainfall to parts of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. Rains and hailstorms have continued to lash the northern states intermittently this week, with wheat growers in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan staring at major losses due to crop damage. The national capital, meanwhile, witnessed rain during the night between Friday and Saturday in isolated areas. However, the maximum temperature in the city dropped due to persistent cloudy conditions throughout the day. In Jammu and Kashmir, the snowfall also led to the closure of many important inter-district roads, officials said. The Met Office warned of brief but intense heavy showers in isolated parts, which may lead to flash floods and landslides at a few vulnerable places and waterlogging in a few low-lying areas. Sadhna Top and other higher reaches in Kupwara, Mughal Road in Shopian, Margan Top connecting Anantnag with Kishtwar, and Razdan Top, Gurez, and Tulail in Bandipora district, received fresh overnight snowfall. The Affarwat mountain in Gulmarg tourist resort, the Sonamarg-Zojila axis, and some other hilly areas of the valley also received snowfall. The plains of the valley, including the summer capital Srinagar, received rains, they added. The wet weather brought down the day temperature across the valley as people had to layer up to battle the fresh cold. Similarly, both maximum and minimum temperatures decreased in Himachal Pradesh, with light to moderate rain and snowfall observed in several areas. The Shimla Meteorological Office has issued an orange alert for hailstorms, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds with speeds of 40 to 50 kmph in the Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts on Tuesday and Wednesday. In the higher reaches of Lahaul and Spiti and Kullu, fresh snowfall was witnessed over the past 24 hours since Friday evening. The weather department also predicted a wet spell in the state till April 10. In the national capital, the minimum temperature rose to 20.7 degrees Celsius, which is 1.9 degrees above normal and 1.5 degrees higher than the previous day. In contrast, the maximum temperature reached 32 degrees Celsius, two degrees below normal and one degree lower than the day before. Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet, said, "This is due to the presence of a cloud cover, as a result of which lesser heat penetrates during the day and lesser heat escapes from the earth's surface at night." Additionally, the air quality in Delhi showed significant improvement due to fresh showers and gusty winds the day before. The 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) was reported at 137 (moderate) at 4 pm on Saturday, compared to an AQI of 266 (poor) recorded at the same time on Friday, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. According to CPCB standards, an AQI of 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'. Parts of Rajasthan recorded rainfall and gusty winds over the past 24 hours due to a cyclonic circulation with more thunderstorms and hail activity forecasted for the region in the coming days, the IMD said on Saturday. "A new and strong western disturbance is likely to become active over parts of Jodhpur and Bikaner divisions from the afternoon of April 6, leading to a high possibility of thunderstorm and rainfall activity in some areas," the IMD said. The impact of the cyclone is expected to peak on April 7. "Under its activity, several parts of Jodhpur, Bikaner, Ajmer, Jaipur, Bharatpur and Kota divisions are likely to experience strong thunderstorms, gusty winds of 50-60 kmph, moderate to heavy rainfall and isolated hailstorms," it said. "Farmers are advised to cover harvested crops and grains kept in open areas or shift them to safe storage to prevent damage due to rain and hail," the weather office said. Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot demanded immediate financial assistance for farmers affected by unseasonal rain and hailstorms in parts of the state, saying the damage has caused a crisis for farmers. "In some parts of the state, unseasonal rain and hailstorms have brought disaster upon farmers. Wheat and isabgol crops have been damaged in Bikaner division, while in Nagaur, crops like isabgol, cumin, wheat and fennel have suffered heavy losses," he said. The IMD on Friday said temperatures are likely to remain below normal or near normal over most parts of the country in the next few days. In March, eight western disturbances impacted the country, against the normal of five or six, it said. PTI PRK
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 >
The weather body also issued an orange alert for Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur and Palakkad. India Meteorological Department (IMD) revised its earlier alert issued in Kerala to red for four districts in the state, forecasting extremely heavy rains on December 2. According to the weather forecaster, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur are expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall on Monday. Though the weather agency earlier placed Kottayam and Pathanamthitta under an "orange" alert today, it was changed into a "red alert" later in the day. A red alert indicates heavy to extremely ...Read More >
Taking an eco-friendly step, the University of Jammu has announced a ban on the entry of four-wheelers on the campus with effect from 5 December. Taking an eco-friendly step, the University of Jammu has announced a ban on the entry of four-wheelers on the campus with effect from 5 December. Prof Prakash Antahal, Chief Proctor, said that the University had been planning for a long time to implement this Green Campus initiative. However, the decision was delayed due to non-availability of a designated parking slot. Now that the parking facility is ready, the University has taken this decisive ...Read More >
Khordha (Odisha): A severe cold wave gripped northern Odisha on Sunday, with the Mayurbhanj in the northern part of the State bearing the brunt of the intense chill with Ramatirtha area in the district recording as low as -10 degrees Celsius. According to the Forest Department, temperatures while other areas such as Gurguria and Barehipani recorded 6 degrees Celsius, Chahala 4 degrees Celsius, Nawana -5 degrees Celsius, and Upper Baraha Kamuda (UBK) -3 degrees Celsius. Statement Of IMD Scientist Dr Soma Sen Roy On Saturday, IMD scientist Dr Soma Sen Roy said that the cold wave will last for ...Read More >
Khordha (Odisha) [India], December 15 (ANI): A severe cold wave gripped northern Odisha on Sunday, with the Mayurbhanj in the northern part of the State bearing the brunt of the intense chill with Ramatirtha area in the district recording as low as -10 degrees Celsius. According to the Forest Department, temperatures while other areas such as Gurguria and Barehipani recorded 6 degrees Celsius, Chahala 4 degrees Celsius, Nawana -5 degrees Celsius, and Upper Baraha Kamuda (UBK) -3 degrees Celsius. Also Read | CAT 2024 Results: IIM Calcutta Likely To Release CAT 2024 Results Today at iimcat.ac. ...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 >
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 11 (PTI) The national capital on Wednesday recorded the lowest minimum temperature of this winter season so far with the mercury dropping sharply to 4.9 degrees Celsius compared to 8 degrees Celsius the previous day. "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 India Meteorological Department said. ...Read More >
Uttarakhand Weather: After several places in Uttarakhand witnessed snowfall, minimum the temperature in the state on Tuesday settled at below 5 degrees Celcius. Due to snowfall on the peaks, the temperature has dropped at many places including Dehradun, with some also witnessing cold waves. Meanwhile, several hilly areas received the season's first snowfall on Monday. In most areas of Uttarakhand, the maximum temperature settled at one to two degrees Celsius below normal and the minimum temperature has also dropped by three to six degrees Celsius. In some areas, the minimum temperature has re ...Read More >
A statement issued by the Bijapur police said the incident took place in Somnapalli village under Farsegarh Police Station area of the district. According to the statement, the Maoists dragged 35-year-old Kudiyaam Mado out of his house and strangled him to death. Mado was the district vice president of Bharatiya Janata Kisan Morcha -the farmers' unit of the BJP. Police said that they have also recovered a pamphlet issued by the banned CPI (Maoist)'s Bijapur National Park Area Committee, in whic ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Dec 12 (PTI) Rains lashed Bengaluru and parts of the south interior and coastal districts of Karnataka, causing traffic congestion on Thursday, officials said. For the next 24 hours, Bengaluru city and neighbourhood areas are likely to witness a generally cloudy sky with moderate rain likely in some areas, they said. In a statement, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the weather to a well marked low pressure area over Gulf of Mannar and neighbourhood with the associated upper air cyclonic circulation extending up to midtropospheric levels persists. The system is ...Read More >
The meteorological centre in Srinagar on Wednesday predicted a brief spell of snowfall during the night followed by a week-long spell of dry weather. The centre said that the weather will remain generally cloudy with light snow over isolated higher reaches during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. "From December 12-20, the weather will be generally dry. Overall, nothing significant till December 20, " it said in an update. The centre cautioned that cold and dry weather will gener ...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 >
Muzaffarnagar (UP), Dec 6 (PTI) A teacher who asked other students to slap a Muslim boy in a school here surrendered at a POCSO court and was released on bail, an official said on Friday. Tripta Tyagi was caught last year in a video asking children to slap a boy in a school where she taught. Additional District Judge (POCSO) Alka Bharti on Thursday granted her bail and ordered her to furnish two sureties of Rs 25,000 each. She posted the matter for further hearing on Friday. Kapil Ahlawat, Tyagi's lawyer, told PTI that Tyagi had surrendered in the Special POCSO court on Thursday and sought ...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 >
New Delhi: The opposition INDIA bloc formed to take on the BJP led NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is struggling with internal rift with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledging the growing discontent among the alliance partners and asking Congress to justify its leadership role instead of taking it for granted. Suggesting the Congress to raise the issue of raise the issue of restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said the leadership "has to be earned" and cannot be taken for granted. "By virtue of being the single largest party in Parliament, and als ...Read More >
New Delhi: The air quality in the national capital remained in the 'very poor' category on Thursday, with a thin layer of fog blanketing parts of the city and affecting visibility. An AQI reading of 340 was recorded at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) data. Of the 38 monitoring stations that recorded air quality data in the national capital, 32 reported the AQI in the "very poor" category, according to the CPCB. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a thunderstorm accompanied by rain on Friday and Saturday, and issued a "yellow alert", predictin ...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 >
New Delhi: The Border Security Force (BSF) has completed the deployment of two fresh battalions, comprising more than 2,000 personnel, in the Jammu region to better plug infiltration from across the Pakistan front and check the recent spurt of terrorist activities in the area. Officials in the security establishment told PTI that the new troops of these units have been deployed "in depth areas" as the "second line of defence" just behind the BSF border deployment along the international border (IB) with Pakistan. These two BSF battalions were recently withdrawn from the anti-Naxal operations ...Read More >
Heavy rains across Tamil Nadu have led to school closures in several districts, including Chennai, on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, predicting moderate rains and light thunderstorms in parts of the state. Rainfall figures show significant precipitation in multiple areas. Meanwhile, Northern India braces for a cold wave beginning December 9, with the IMD forecasting plunging temperatures in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.Schools acros ...Read More >
KOLKATA: With the mercury dipping below 14 degrees before Dec 15, winter has set in early this year. In the past 11 years, the mercury dipped below 14 degrees before Dec 15 only once - in 2014. Even as the city started yearning for the chill, the Met office predicted a slight rise in mercury from Monday due to twin weather systems - one over the Bay of Bengal and another over north India. The minimum temperature plunged to 13.8 degrees on Thursday. The only time it dipped this low before the Dec fortnight was a decade ago. In the past two days, there has been a slight rise, with it standing a ...Read More >
Chennai ( Tamil Nadu) [India], November 27 (ANI): As a deep depression in the southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclone and move towards Tamil Nadu, the Indian Coast Guard has started coordinating with the state agencies to ensure seafarers' safety. The ICG said that its ships, aircraft and radar stations issued advisories for fishing boats to return to the harbour. "Deep Depression in the #BayofBengal likely to intensify into a cyclone and move towards #Tamilnadu, as per #IMD. @IndiaCoastGuard Region HQs (East) is coordinating with state agencies to ensure seafarers' saf ...Read More >
Srinagar: The minimum temperature has plummeted and settled below freezing point across Kashmir with many of the stations including Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir recording the season's coldest night. According to the news agency -- Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the night temperature in Srinagar settled at minus 2.1 degree Celsius. Shopian was the coldest in Kashmir as the mercury plummeted and settled at minus 5.5 degree Celsius. Pahalgam, a famous tourist destination, recorded minus 5.0 degree Celsius while Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort recorded a low of minus 2.5 degree ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Dec 3 (PTI) The Karnataka government on Tuesday requested the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to investigate and take necessary action against a West Bengal-based manufacturer, amid concerns that recent maternal deaths in Ballari district, could be linked to substandard Ringer Lactate solution supplied by the company. In a letter, Karnataka Health Principal Secretary Harsh Gupta, drew the attention of the DCGI to the supply of several batches of "Compound Sodium Lactate I P (Ringer's Lactate I P)" by the West Bengal-based pharmaceutical company Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical ...Read More >
Following violence in Sambhal on November 24 related to a mosque survey, authorities plan to publicly display posters of over 400 identified individuals involved. 32 have been arrested so far. The posters will exclude those arrested. The government aims to hold those responsible for property damage accountable. Four people were killed, and many injured during the clash.The Sambhal administration on Thursday said it will put up posters of those involved in the November 24 violence. "We will put up ...Read More >
Hyderabad, Dec 12 (VOICE) Cold wave conditions prevailed in parts of Telangana with minimum temperature dropping to single digit in at least six districts on Thursday. The average minimum temperature in the state was 14.3 degrees Celsius, which is 2.7 degrees below normal. Among all 33 districts, Adilabad was the coldest with average temperature of 9.3 degrees Celsius and Bela in Adilabad district was the coldest place in the state with the lowest temperature of 7 degrees Celsius, said meteorologists at the Telangana Development Planning Society (TGDPS). The lowest temperature in Sirpur (U) ...Read More >