The air quality in the national capital on Tuesday has remained in the 'severe plus' category for a second consecutive day, with dense smog enveloping the city, leading to reduced visibility and worsening pollution levels to alarmingly high levels of poor AQI, reported the ANI.. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Tuesday reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 488 at 8 am, categorising it as 'severe plus.' Such elevated AQI levels pose serious health risks, especially to vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Drone footage from Bhikaji Cama Place at 7:20 am this morning revealed a thick layer of smog covering the area. Despite the smog, train operations have continued in Delhi. However, reports from New Delhi Railway Station indicated delays for 22 trains and rescheduling for 9 others due to the poor visibility conditions. Visuals from Kartavya Path and nearby areas showed individuals engaging in their morning routines, such as walking and cycling, amidst the pervasive haze. Additionally, toxic foam has been spotted floating in sections of the river near Kalindi Kunj and Okhla Barrage, highlighting ongoing environmental concerns. Residents throughout Delhi are expressing alarm as air quality readings in various neighbourhoods remain in the 'severe plus' category. As of 8.30 am, the AQI for Anand Vihar was recorded at 500, Bawana at 500, CRRI Mathura Road at 500, DTU at 494, Dwarka Sector-8 at 494, ITO at 391, Jahangirpuri at 493, Lodhi Road at 488, Mundka at 498, Narela 500, North Campus at 494, Punjabi bagh at 495, RK Puram at 490, Shadipur at 498 and Wazirpur at 498, according to SAFAR-India (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research), stated ANI. In response to the deteriorating air quality, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has opted to conduct classes online until November 22, citing the hazardous conditions in Delhi and the NCR. Similarly, in Haryana, the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Gurugram announced that all in-person classes for students up to the 12th standard would be suspended from November 19 to November 23, or until further notice. The air quality crisis extends beyond Delhi, affecting several cities, including Mumbai and various northern regions, raising significant health concerns. In light of the ‘severe’ pollution in the national capital, the Supreme Court has issued a circular urging litigants and advocates in its premises to wear masks and follow health precautions on Monday. The Supreme Court referenced an order from November 17, 2024, regarding the implementation of Stage-IV measures of the Graded Response Action Plan for the National Capital Region. "Inviting reference to Order dated November 17, 2024, of Director (Technical), Member Convenor of Sub-Committee on GRAP, Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas notifying implementation of Actions under stage-IV (Severe Air Quality) of revised Graded Response Action Plan in Delhi-NCR, it has been directed that an advisory be issued for taking preventive health measures including wearing of mask," the SC stated in the notice. The SC notice advised the public to adopt preventive health measures, including mask-wearing, to mitigate the health risks associated with the current air quality crisis. (With inputs from ANI)
19 November,2024 02:20 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAn on-duty railway employee, identified as Vipin Kumar Singh, died after being hit by train number 07545 Katihar-Jogbani Passenger on platform number 3 of Katihar railway station in Bihar on Monday. Vipin Kumar, who worked in the SSE (C&W) department, is a resident of Katihar and was performing his duties at the time of the accident. The incident occurred when Vipin Kumar was busy with work on the platform. He was struck by the approaching train, resulting in his death. Upon receiving information about the accident, the Government Railway Police (GRP) immediately reached the spot to begin their investigation. Vipin Kumar’s body was recovered and sent for the postmortem at Sadar Hospital. The GRP has launched an inquiry into the matter to determine the exact circumstances leading to the accident and to address potential shortcomings in operational protocols. Manoj Kumar Singh, Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM) of the Katihar Railway Division, expressed sorrow over the incident, saying, “The incident is very sad. Orders have been given to investigate the matter. Further action is being taken.” Vipin was reportedly involved in shunting trains when he was struck by Katihar-Jogbani Passenger. The unexpected accident caused chaos at the railway station, leaving passengers and staff alarmed. On November 9, a tragic accident occurred at Barauni Railway Station in Begusarai, Bihar, when an employee was crushed between engine and bogie and died on the spot. The incident occurred at platform five when railway worker Amar Rawat, who was responsible for uncoupling the engine from the bogie of the 5204 Barauni-Lucknow Express, lost his life after an engine unexpectedly moved backwards without a signal, trapping him between the engine and the bogie. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 November,2024 01:34 PM IST | Patna | IANSThe Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board has passed a resolution banning political statements within the sacred precincts of Tirumala, warning that legal action will be taken against violators and those propagating such statements. This decision was made in the first meeting under the chairmanship of BR Naidu on Monday at the Annamaiah Bhavan in Tirumala. In addition to the political statement resolution, the board also discussed key issues concerning the management and services of the temple. Among the notable decisions, the TTD Trust Board resolved to request the Andhra Pradesh Government to take appropriate action regarding the presence of non-Hindu employees working within the Tirumala temple complex. Another significant resolution was the decision to use enhanced-quality ghee for preparing the famed Srivari Laddu, ensuring a better experience for devotees. The board meeting, which reviewed 80 important matters, also unveiled the TTD local temple calendar, marking an essential milestone in temple administration. Speaking to the media post-meeting, TTD board chief BR Naidu explained that steps were being taken to reduce the lengthy darshan times of Sri Venkateswara Swamy, from 20-30 hours to just 2-3 hours, by leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, with expert consultation. Further decisions included the merging of the SRIVANI Trust into the TTD account, and a thorough examination to potentially rename the trust while continuing its services. Additionally, the board resolved to discontinue the Tourism Corporation's darshan quota for various states following complaints regarding irregularities in the issuance of Special Entry Darshan (SED) tickets. In the realm of infrastructure, the TTD Trust Board announced plans to clear the piled-up debris in the dumping yard at Tirumala within three to four months. The Srinivasa Setu Flyover will be renamed Garuda Varadhi, and the board intends to request the state government to hand over 20 acres of land near the Devlok Project to TTD. The TTD board also emphasised the importance of regular maintenance, approving repairs to the age-old Potu temple kitchen and modernisation of the Vengamamba Annaprasadam Complex, with a partnership with TVS company. Furthermore, a 10 per cent increase in Bahumanam (honorarium) for employees who served during the recent Brahmotsavam of the Tirumala Srivari Temple was approved. These decisions highlight the board's continued focus on improving temple operations, maintaining its sanctity, and ensuring better services for pilgrims. The board has also requested a review of employee policies, including a letter to the Andhra Pradesh Government to address the issue of non-Hindu employees working at Tirumala. (With inputs from ANI)
19 November,2024 01:14 PM IST | TirupatiCongress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday paid a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, at Shakti Sthal in New Delhi, commemorating her birth anniversary, reported the ANI. In a touching social media post on X (formerly Twitter), Rahul Gandhi reflected on Indira Gandhi’s legacy, describing her as an embodiment of "courage and love." दादी हिम्मत और मोहब्बत दोनों की मिसाल थीं। उन्हीं से मैंने सीखा है कि निडर होकर देशहित के रास्ते पर चलते रहना असली ताकत है। उनकी यादें मेरी शक्ति हैं, जो हमेशा मुझे राह दिखाती हैं। pic.twitter.com/TfVSaoAcNi — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 19, 2024 He emphasised the strength he draws from her memories, stating, "Grandma was an example of both courage and love. It is from her that I have learnt that the real strength is to fearlessly walk on the path of national interest. Her memories are my strength, which always shows me the way," the post read. Indira Gandhi, born on November 19, 1917, to India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Kamala Nehru, holds a prominent place in Indian history as the first and only female Prime Minister. Her tenures spanned from January 1966 to March 1977, and again from January 1980 until her assassination in October 1984. Notably, she was the second longest-serving Prime Minister after Nehru, recognized for her transformative economic and social policies, including the nationalisation of banks and the abolition of privy purses for former princely states. Indira Gandhi’s leadership and policies remain influential. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, also paid respects at Shakti Sthal on Tuesday. सशक्त एवं प्रगतिशील भारत के निर्माण में अपनी दक्षता, दृढ़ इच्छाशक्ति, कुशल नेतृत्व, अद्वितीय कार्यशैली एवं दूरदर्शिता से भारत निर्माण में अग्रणी योगदान देने वाली भारत की प्रथम महिला प्रधानमंत्री व हमारी आदर्श, इंदिरा गांधी जी को भावभीनी श्रद्धांजलि। 📍शक्ति स्थल, दिल्ली pic.twitter.com/nVkEjXZlmF — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) November 19, 2024 Taking to X, Kharge highlighted her as the "Iron Lady of India," stating that she was an epitome of struggle, courage, and dynamic leadership. “We have believed - and we do believe now - that freedom is indivisible, that peace is indivisible, that economic prosperity is indivisible.”~ Indira Gandhi Crores of Indians shall continue to draw inspiration from the life of ‘Iron Lady of India’, Smt. Indira Gandhi for she… pic.twitter.com/VBcfTPcEwW — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) November 19, 2024 “Crores of Indians shall continue to draw inspiration from the life of 'Iron Lady of India', Indira Gandhi for she was the epitome of lifelong struggle, courage and dynamic leadership, who selflessly contributed to nation building. She sacrificed her life to preserve the unity and integrity of India. Our humble homage on her birth anniversary,” wrote Mallikarjun Kharge. Indira Gandhi, who was hailed as one of the tallest world leaders, was assassinated by her own Sikh bodyguards at her residence on Akbar Road on October 31, 1984. This came after Operation Bluestar was executed at Amritsar's Golden Temple, wherein Gandhi ordered the Indian Army to confront Sikh separatists who had taken shelter at the holy shrine. Indira Gandhi, recognized as one of the most prominent global leaders, was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards at her residence on Akbar Road on October 31, 1984. This tragic event occurred in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star, which she had ordered to be carried out at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The operation aimed to confront Sikh separatists who had sought refuge within the sacred site. (With inputs from ANI)
19 November,2024 12:37 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 107th birth anniversary on Tuesday. PM Modi said in a post of X, "Tributes to our former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi Ji on her birth anniversary." Tributes to our former Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji on her birth anniversary. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 19, 2024 Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi paid tributes to Indira Gandhi at Shakti Sthal on her birth anniversary today, ANI reported. सशक्त एवं प्रगतिशील भारत के निर्माण में अपनी दक्षता, दृढ़ इच्छाशक्ति, कुशल नेतृत्व, अद्वितीय कार्यशैली एवं दूरदर्शिता से भारत निर्माण में अग्रणी योगदान देने वाली भारत की प्रथम महिला प्रधानमंत्री व हमारी आदर्श, इंदिरा गांधी जी को भावभीनी श्रद्धांजलि। 📍शक्ति स्थल, दिल्ली pic.twitter.com/nVkEjXZlmF — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) November 19, 2024 Kharge took to X and said, "Crores of Indians shall continue to draw inspiration from the life of 'Iron Lady of India', Indira Gandhi for she was the epitome of lifelong struggle, courage and dynamic leadership, who selflessly contributed to nation building. She sacrificed her life to preserve the unity and integrity of India. Our humble homage on her birth anniversary." “We have believed - and we do believe now - that freedom is indivisible, that peace is indivisible, that economic prosperity is indivisible.”~ Indira Gandhi Crores of Indians shall continue to draw inspiration from the life of ‘Iron Lady of India’, Smt. Indira Gandhi for she… pic.twitter.com/VBcfTPcEwW — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) November 19, 2024 Congress party's official X handle termed Indira Gandhi as an embodiment of strength and resilience, ANI reported. "Her transformative leadership propelled India to new heights, breaking barriers and shaping India's future. We pay our heartfelt tribute to Indira ji, whose patriotism and devotion to the nation inspire millions," the party said on X. Indira Gandhi was an embodiment of strength and resilience. Her transformative leadership propelled India to new heights, breaking barriers and shaping India's future.We pay our heartfelt tribute to Indira ji, whose patriotism and devotion to the nation inspire millions. pic.twitter.com/QbtKJIQGKb — Congress (@INCIndia) November 19, 2024 Indira Gandhi, born on November 19, 1917 to India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Kamala Nehru, she served as the first and the only woman prime minister from January 1966 to March 1977 and then again from January 1980 until her assassination on October 1984. She was also the second longest-serving Prime Minister after her father Nehru and was famous for implementing revolutionary social and economic reforms, such as nationalizing banks. She also abolished the privy purses of the erstwhile princely states. On October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi, who was regarded as one of the tallest world leaders, was killed at her residence on Akbar Road by her own Sikh bodyguards. Her assassination came following the execution of Operation Blue Star at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, where Gandhi gave the Indian Army orders to fight Sikh separatists who had taken refuge there.
19 November,2024 12:03 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentSpecial measures, including the use of water sprinklers, have been implemented at the Delhi Zoo to combat air pollution and ensure that wild animals are not adversely affected. The Director of the National Zoological Park, Dr. Sanjeet Kumar, on Monday, highlighted the challenges faced by zoo management during winter. Speaking to ANI, Dr. Kumar said, "As soon as the winter season begins, the zoo management faces two challenges. First, the pollution levels rise after Diwali, and second, the onset of winter... The area around the zoo is very green, and local pollution is minimal as no diesel or petrol vehicles are allowed inside. However, water sprinklers are used to mitigate the effects of pollution." He added, "We prioritise winter management to ensure the wild animals remain unaffected by the cold. A special vehicle sprays fine droplets of water to reduce pollution levels. The animals are provided with a winter diet enriched with fats, and heaters have been installed to keep them warm." Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday stated that the Delhi government is "doing its part" and urged the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central government to take immediate action to safeguard not only Delhi but the entire North India region. "At its level, the Delhi government is taking all possible steps. We have directed officials to ensure strict implementation of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) Stage IV guidelines. I urge the Central government to take emergency measures to save North India from this crisis," Rai said during a press conference in the capital. The AAP leader criticised the Central government for its "inaction" on the escalating pollution crisis in North India. "Pollution levels have become hazardous with the changing weather across North India. It is unfortunate that the Central government remains inactive at such a critical time, and there is no clarity on the Union Environment Minister's whereabouts. The Centre needs to collaborate with all states to address this issue," he said. Notably, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV in Delhi NCR starting Monday, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) plunged into the 'severe plus' category. The decision followed a sharp rise in Delhi's daily average AQI, which reached 441 by 4 pm on Sunday and further escalated to 457 by 7 pm, prompting an emergency meeting of the GRAP Sub-Committee. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 November,2024 09:23 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIAam Aadmi Party (AAP) Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condemned the attack on NCP-SCP leader Anil Deshmukh by unidentified miscreants, in a statement posted on Monday. Taking to social media platform X, Kejriwal decried the violence, stating it has no place in a democratic society. I strongly condemn the life-threatening assault on Anil Deshmukh ji. Violence has no place in a democratic society. https://t.co/Qo9JIKoLKS — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 18, 2024 "I strongly condemn the life-threatening assault on Anil Deshmukh ji. Violence has no place in a democratic society," Kejriwal wrote on X. Anil Deshmukh, who sustained injuries in the attack, was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The incident took place on the final day of campaigning for the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly elections. The Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) leader and former Maharashtra minister was reportedly injured when his car was attacked with stones on the Katol-Jalalkheda Road in the Katol Assembly constituency. Deshmukh's son, Salil Deshmukh, is contesting the election from the Katol seat on the NCP Sharad Pawar faction's ticket against BJP candidate Charansingh Thakur. The Maharashtra Assembly elections are set for November 20, with counting for all 288 constituencies scheduled for November 23. The opposition MVA coalition, comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (SCP), aims to reclaim power in the state, challenging the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the BJP, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction. In the 2019 Assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena 56, and Congress 44. In 2014, the BJP secured 122 seats, Shiv Sena 63, and Congress 42. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 November,2024 09:22 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIPunjab recorded its highest single-day count of stubble-burning incidents this season, with 1,251 farm fires reported on Monday. According to data from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), this has raised the total number of such cases in the state to 9,655. The surge underscores the ongoing challenge of stubble burning, a major contributor to air pollution in northern India. Monday's figures have surpassed the daily tallies of the past three years, with 701 incidents reported on the same day in 2022 and 637 in 2023. Officials from the PPCB have emphasised the need for stricter enforcement and greater cooperation from farmers to tackle the issue. Amid worsening air quality in Delhi, stubble burning continued in parts of Punjab, with incidents reported in fields in the Karamgarh village of Sri Muktsar Sahib. Earlier, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) took a significant step to curb stubble burning by issuing orders to ensure the imposition of revised Environmental Compensation (EC) for such cases. The directive, issued on November 7, 2024, was addressed to the Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi, as per a press release from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 November,2024 09:22 AM IST | Amritsar (Punjab) | ANIPrime Minister Narendra Modi, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, China's President Xi Jinping, and other leaders posed for a family photo at the 19th G20 Leaders' Summit. The photo was taken following the launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. The official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, described it as "a photo for posterity." "A photo for posterity! The #G20 leaders together for 'Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet'," Jaiswal posted on X. Earlier in the day, PM Modi welcomed Brazil's initiative to establish the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, emphasising that the Global South is severely impacted by food, fuel, and fertiliser crises caused by ongoing conflicts. He stressed that their concerns must be prioritised. "We support Brazil's initiative for a 'Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.' This is an important step towards implementing the Deccan High-Level Principles for Food Security, adopted at the New Delhi Summit," he stated. During his address at the G20 session on 'Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty,' PM Modi highlighted India's success in lifting 250 million people out of poverty over the last decade. He also reaffirmed India's support for Brazil's initiative. Speaking about India's achievements in ensuring food security, PM Modi noted that the country's approach, based on "Back to Basics and March to Future," is delivering significant results. He elaborated on measures taken by India to promote women-led development, highlighting that over 800 million people are provided with free foodgrains, and more than 550 million people benefit from the world's largest health insurance scheme. "With respect to the theme of the first session, I would like to share India's experiences and success stories. Over the last 10 years, we have lifted 250 million people out of poverty. Over 800 million people are provided with free foodgrains. More than 550 million people benefit from the world's largest health insurance scheme. Now, 60 million senior citizens, over the age of 70, will also be eligible for free health insurance," he said. Prime Minister Modi emphasised that the development of the Global South hinges on decisions made with their unique challenges in mind. "Countries of the Global South are most adversely impacted by the food, fuel, and fertiliser crisis caused by global conflicts. Our discussions can only succeed if we consider the challenges and priorities of the Global South. Just as we amplified the voice of the Global South by granting permanent G20 membership to the African Union during the New Delhi Summit, we will continue to reform global governance institutions," he said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 November,2024 09:22 AM IST | Rio de Janeiro | ANIFormer Delhi minister Kailash Gahlot joined the BJP on Monday, a day after resigning from the AAP, and accused his former party of constantly picking fights with the Centre and compromising the values which drew people to its fold. He joined the BJP at its headquarters in the presence of Union ministers Manohar Lal Khattar and Harsh Malhotra, Delhi unit president Virendra Sachdeva, party vice president Baijayant Jay Panda and national media head Anil Baluni among others. Gahlot said maintaining good relations with the Centre is essential for Delhi's development, as he accused the AAP government of constantly being in a fight with the central government led by the BJP. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 November,2024 07:36 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesPolice have booked 15 students of a medical college in Gujarat’s Patan district following the death of an 18-year-old student who was allegedly ragged by them, officials said on Monday. The accused, all second-year MBBS students, allegedly made some juniors, including the victim, stand in a hostel room for more than three hours on Saturday night and subjected them to “mental and physical torture,” as per the First Information Report (FIR). They have been booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and other offences, the FIR said. The accused students have been suspended from their hostel and academic activities until further orders, said officials from the GMERS Medical College and Hospital at Dharpur in Patan. The victim, Anil Methaniya, a first-year MBBS student, fell unconscious and died allegedly after being made to stand for three hours by his seniors at a hostel of the college on Saturday night. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 November,2024 07:33 AM IST | Patan (Gujarat) | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
