Delhi Worst In PM2.5 Pollution; 447 Districts Breach National Air Quality Norm: Analysis
New Delhi, Nov 25: Delhi ranked as the most polluted among 33 states and Union territories with an annual mean PM2.5 concentration of 101 micrograms per cubic metre, 2.5 times the Indian standard and 20 times the WHO guideline, according to a new satellite-based analysis. The report by the independent research organisation Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air said Chandigarh recorded the second-highest annual average PM2.5 level at 70 micrograms per cubic metre during the study period from [] The post Delhi Worst In PM2.5 Pollution; 447 Districts Breach National Air Quality Norm: Analysis appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Delhi tops India in PM2.5 pollution; 447 districts exceed national air quality limit: Report
New Delhi, Delhi is the most polluted state. Its annual PM2.5 concentration is 101 micrograms per cubic metre. This is 2.5 times the Indian standard. Chandigarh is second. Many districts across India exceed air quality standards. Delhi and Assam have the most polluted districts. This analysis uses satellite data from March 2024 to February 2025.
Delhi worst in PM2.5 pollution; 447 districts breach national air quality norm: Report
Delhi recorded the highest PM2.5 pollution levels in India, with an annual average concentration of 101 micrograms per cubic metre, 2.5 times the national limit and 20 times the WHO guideline, according to a new satellite-based assessment by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Chandigarh logged the second-highest PM2.5 level at 70 micrograms per cubic metre between March 2024 and February 2025, followed by Haryana (63) and Tripura (62). Several other states, including Assam (60), Bihar (59), West Bengal (57), Punjab (56), Meghalaya (53) and Nagaland (52), also surpassed the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) of 40 micrograms per cubic metre. Overall, 447 of 749 districts, about 60 per cent breached the annual PM2.5 limit. Pollution was highly concentrated in specific regions, with Delhi and Assam each contributing 11 of the 50 most polluted districts. Bihar and Haryana followed, with seven each. Other states in the top tier included Uttar Pradesh (4), Tripura (3), Rajasthan (2) and West Bengal (2). In several regions, every monitored district exceeded national norms, including Delhi, Assam, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Jammu & Kashmir. Many others had an overwhelming majority of districts above the threshold, such as Bihar (37 of 38), West Bengal (22 of 23), Gujarat (32 of 33), Nagaland (11 of 12), Rajasthan (30 of 33) and Jharkhand (21 of 24). Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep were excluded due to insufficient monitoring data. (With inputs from PTI)
Guru Tegh Bahadur ji was protector of humanity
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, revered as a protector of humanity and religious freedom, sacrificed his life to oppose Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's forced conversions. His martyrdom in 1675 safeguarded India's spiritual soul and the principle of universal family. Haryana commemorates his 350th martyrdom year with extensive events and initiatives.
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Bhagavad Gita transcends religious boundaries; is universal guide to righteous living: S Jaishankar
CHANDIGARH, Nov 24: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that the Bhagavad Gita transcends religious boundaries and is a universal guide to righteous living, inner strength and spiritual clarity. Jaishankar said this in a video message which was played out on Monday at the International Gita Festival being held in Kurukshetra from November 15 to December 5. This sacred scripture transcends religious boundaries. It is a universal guide to righteous living, to inner strength, and to spiritual clarity. Its [] The post Bhagavad Gita transcends religious boundaries; is universal guide to righteous living: S Jaishankar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
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Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo and Galiara, close to Golden Temple in Amritsar declared 'holy cities'
CHANDIGARH: The cities of Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo and the Galiara around the Golden Temple in Amritsar have been accorded the status of 'holy cities' in the special Vidhan Sabha session at Anandpur Sahib to mark the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur. This is the first time in the history of the State that a session was held outside the assembly building in Chandigarh. The resolution was moved by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during a special session of the Punjab Assembly and was unanimously passed. Mann said that along with this, an interfaith committee related to all religious institutions in these holy cities will be formed, comprising representatives of all faiths. He said that the Punjab Government will make dedicated efforts for the development, cleanliness, security, and promotion of religious tourism in these holy cities. He also said that the state government will allocate the necessary budget, and also seek funds from the Central Government, as this is imperative to perpetuate the legacy of these towns for the next generations. Meanwhile, Mann said that as a humble tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur, the State government has organised a series of events across the State to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day. He said that todays session was part of these events, only adding that the sacrifice made by Guru Tegh Bahadur was supreme and unprecedented, as it was aimed at protecting the religion of others. He said that Guru Tegh Bahadur made the supreme sacrifice to protect the religious rights of humanity to set an example for the world. Mann said that these functions will continue and be held across the State in the coming years, too. He added that every year, events will be organised to mark the martyrdom day. He also remarked that the State government has made elaborate arrangements for facilitating the devotees coming to the holy city to pay their reverence. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and National Convener of AAP Arvind Kejriwal said that for decades, people have been seeking holy city status for these towns. They said that there are five Takhts of Sikhs, out of which three are Akal Takht (Amritsar), Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda) and Takht Keshgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib). They said that the sale and use of meat, liquor, tobacco, and other intoxicants will be prohibited in these cities to fulfil the long-pending demand of the devotees. They also said that these cities are not just religious centres but also symbols of our civilizational heritage, adding that, therefore, this demand is not confined to any single political party, community, or religion, but rather an essential step towards the preservation and global promotion of our cultural heritage. Kejriwal and Mann said that the state government will ensure the holistic development of these cities, besides accelerating religious tourism. Earlier, the House also passed another resolution to draw inspiration from Guru Tegh Bahadur's life and teachings to work towards the welfare and prosperity of the people of Punjab, promoting peace, tolerance and harmony in society. According to a resolution moved by Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, the House expressed its deepest reverence and humbly bowed down to the Sikh Guru in respect, devotion and faith. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa also spoke about the supreme sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur, saying it is a moving testament to his unwavering commitment to the principles of freedom of religion and human dignity. Notably, Bajwa raised the issues of Chandigarh, Panjab University, the pending rural development fund and the water sharing issue and said all Punjabis should come together for the state's rights. In a veiled attack on the BJP-led Centre, Bajwa said attempts were being made to ewrite history. A makeshift assembly hall was created at Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial Park in Anandpur Sahib for the special session, replicating the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in Chandigarh. The state government is organising an elaborate three-day event from November 23 to 25 to commemorate the ninth Sikh masters martyrdom in 1675. On November 25, the government will organise state-wide blood donation and plantation drives, Sarbat Da Bhalla congregation and a drone show. The events are also dedicated to Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dyala, who were also martyred along with the Guru. A 360-degree mixed reality (MR) experience has been introduced by the government, aiming at bringing Guru Teg Bahadurs legacy closer to the younger generation. Thus, QR codes have been placed at the event venue, which will allow visitors to access the MR experience through a smartphone scan, bridging technology and spiritual devotion. The interactive journey blends virtual storytelling with real-world surroundings to portray key episodes from the life of the ninth Sikh Guru. The MR layer has been developed with the support of Flam, and the augmented reality technology creates immersive visuals while highlighting the teachings and sacrifice of Guru Teg Bahadur. The central feature of the experience, entitled The Eternal Flame of Sacrifice, recreates 11 significant moments from the Gurus life. These include his coronation, standing for religious freedom, his martyrdom at Chandni Chowk, and the secret cremation at Rakab Ganj Sahib. Each segment is presented with detailed visuals, authentic narration, and references from the Guru Granth Sahib and preserved historical records.
Punjab Assembly declares Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo and Golden Temple area as holy cities
Punjab Assembly unanimously declared Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, and the Galiara area around the Golden Temple as holy cities, imposing a ban on liquor, meat, and tobacco. The resolution was passed during a special session convened to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, held for the first time outside Chandigarh.
Punjab Assembly declares Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo and Golden Temple area as holy cities
Punjab Assembly unanimously declared Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, and the Galiara area around the Golden Temple as holy cities, imposing a ban on liquor, meat, and tobacco. The resolution was passed during a special session convened to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, held for the first time outside Chandigarh.
In a spirited session, the village panchayat of Moga district has rallied together to advocate for Panjab University to receive state university status. They are urging immediate Senate elections and a dedicated quota for Punjabi students.
What Sparked The Chandigarh Bill Controversy, And Why Punjab Says Its Rights Are At Risk
A Parliament bulletin mentioning a proposal to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 triggered sharp reactions from Punjab, even as the Centre said no Bill is being moved now
Centre says no plan to table Chandigarh Bill, denies move to alter UT setup
This comes a day after the Union Home Ministry proposed to include the Union Territory of Chandigarh under the ambit of Article 240 of the Constitution, which empowers the president to make regulations for the UT and legislate directly
Centre clarifies Chandigarhs status amid political tension
The Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified that it will not introduce any bill to change Chandigarhs administrative structure in the upcoming winter session of Parliament. The announcement comes after strong objections from the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress, who argued that such a move could undermine Punjabs rights. The post Centre clarifies Chandigarhs status amid political tension appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .
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The proposal in no way seeks to alter Chandigarh's governance or administrative structure, nor does it aim to change the traditional arrangements between Chandigarh and the states of Punjab or Haryana, the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement.
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Tejas pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal cremated with full military honours
CHANDIGARH: The mortal remains of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, the Indian Air Force pilot who died in a Tejas fighter jet crash at the Dubai Air Show , were laid to rest with full military honours at his native village, Patialkhad near Yol in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. From the airport, his mortal remains were taken to Patialkhad, where villagers, family members and officials gathered to pay emotional tributes as the last rites were performed with full military honours. The atmosphere was filled with patriotic fervour as locals chanted Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Jab tak suraj chand rahega, Nammu bhai ka naam rahega, referring to Syal by his nickname. In an emotional moment, Squadron Leader Afshan, in uniform, stood beside her husbands coffin and offered a final salute as her eyes filled with tears, a gesture symbolising both love and unshakeable service to the nation. Meanwhile, his mother Veena Devi clung to the coffin of her son. A cousin of Syal lit his pyre. In tears, his father Jagan Nath, an ex-serviceman and former principal with the Himachal Pradesh Education Department, said, The country has lost a remarkable pilot, I have lost my son. I have now to be brave and take care of myself and the family. When I asked him about the air show he told me to watch on YouTube. Remembering his son, Nath added, From LKG till he completed his education he was never slapped by me. In whichever competition he took part he always stood first. He had also won the national talent scholar competition. His parents were in Hyderabad to meet him when the tragedy allegedly struck. Meanwhile, his uncle Madan Lal said, All villagers are waiting here. Some relatives have also arrived. The last rites will be performed today. This is a great loss for the country. He was exceptionally honest and straightforward. Possible g-force blackout: Expert on Tejas crash; pilots father says he learnt of sons death from YouTube Locals described Syal as a gem and the pride of their village and school. Pankaj Chadha, who studied with him at Sainik School Sujanpur Tira, said they had lost one of our gems, as Syal was the pride of their school. We will go to his native village, Patialkhad as he made all of us very proud, he said. Everyone in Patialkhad is grieving. He was like a younger brother to us. This should not have happened. We met him just three to four months ago when he visited the village, said local resident Sandeep Kumar. A highly skilled fighter pilot with an exemplary service record, Syal was posted at the Hyderabad airbase. His mortal remains were flown from Coimbatore to Kangra in a special Air Force aircraft, in which his wife, Wing Commander Afshan, their seven-year-old daughter Arayana and his parents, Jagannath Syal and Veena Devi, accompanied him. He had visited the village four months ago. His elder sister works with the Education Department. Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma was also present during the cremation. He termed the loss unbearable for both the state and the country and assured the family of the governments unwavering support. Nagrota Bagwan MLA R S Bali, who holds cabinet rank as chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, was present at the airport on behalf of the state government to receive the body. Syal joined the IAF after clearing the National Defence Academy exam in 2009. He had studied at a primary school in Dalhousie, Army Public School in Yol cantonment, and Sainik School in Sujanpur Tira.
Chandigarh bill attempt by BJP to pave way for Governors Rule in Punjab, alleges LoP Bajwa
CHANDIGARH: Senior Congress leader and Punjab Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa alleged that the BJP-led Union Government is using the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill on Chandigarh as a deliberate tactic to provoke confrontation in Punjab and create conditions to impose Governors Rule in the state. Bajwa said the amendment, which seeks to place Chandigarh under Article 240, is not an administrative reform but a politically driven move to sever Chandigarh from Punjab permanently. He said Punjabis, who gave up land, homes, and entire villages to build Chandigarh after the loss of Lahore, will not tolerate any move that undermines their rightful claim over the city. The BJP knows that pushing this bill will trigger widespread protest across Punjab. That is exactly what they want to provoke Punjab and then use the resulting situation as a pretext to centralise power, he claimed. Calling it a calculated strategy, Bajwa said, This is a classic pattern of the BJP: manufacture tension, allow protests to escalate, and then weaponise the situation to justify Governors Rule. He said the amendment fits into a wider pattern of central overreach seen over the past ten years. From unilateral service rules for Chandigarh officers to interference in BBMB appointments, from meddling in the Punjab Agricultural University Bill to taking decisions on Punjabs river waters without the states consent, the Centre has repeatedly tried to dilute Punjabs powers. The Chandigarh amendment is the most blatant and provocative assault yet, Bajwa added. Bajwa said every major political party in Punjab has opposed the move, leaving only the BJP isolated. He demanded that the Central Government withdraw the Bill at once and urged the Chief Minister to convene an all-party meeting to present a united resistance. Punjab must speak with one voice. This is not a party issue this is about our constitutional rights and our historical claim, he said. Reaffirming the stance of the Congress, Bajwa said the party will block the bill in Parliament, challenge it on every available platform, and take the issue directly to the people. Punjab will protest this move peacefully, democratically, and with absolute determination. Chandigarh is our history, our identity, and our rightful capital and no government in Delhi can change that truth, he concluded. Meanwhile, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said only Punjab has the rightful claim to Chandigarh, a city built by displacing 24 villages of the state. He warned that any attempt by the BJP to take Chandigarh would face two-pronged resistance: a legal battle by the Punjab government and a determined struggle by the Aam Aadmi Party from the streets to the Parliament. He said this conspiracy is being hatched even as the Punjab government and people across the country are marking the 350th anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadurs martyrdom for religious freedom and national unity. Cheema cited a pattern of anti-Punjab actions by the BJP, starting with the three black farm laws intended to destroy the agricultural economy, followed by attempts to compromise state's interests through the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), the unpleasant bid to seize senate of Panjab University which could directly affect the working of about 200 colleges, and now the deceitful maneuver to snatch Chandigarh.
Chandigarh bill not to be tabled in Winter Session; decision only after consultations, clarifies MHA
The clarification came after strong political reactions to the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha bulletins stating the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, on Chandigarh would come up during parliament session
The major news headlines of the day and more
This came a day after a bulletin of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha listed the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2025 among the provisional list of 10 bills for the upcoming session beginning December 1.
Centre's BIG clarification after row erupts over Chandigarh Bill: 'Proposal only to...'
The clarification comes after a political row erupted over the Centre's proposal to include the union territory of Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution in alignment with other Union Territories without legislatures such as Lakshadweep, Puducherry, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
What is Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill? What does it mean for Chandigarh? Know here
The Parliament is all set to witness a heated winter session, as the central government plans to introduce the contentious Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the upcoming session, which is scheduled to commence on December 1.
Chandigarh under Article 240: No bill this Winter Session; what the change would mean
The home ministry clarified that the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill for Chandigarh will not be introduced in the upcoming Winter Session. The government stated the Bill, aimed at simplifying law-making for the Union Territory, is still under consideration and no final decision has been made.
Centre Clarifies No Final Decision on Chandigarh Law-Making Proposal
Home Ministry says the move will not alter Chandigarhs traditional arrangements with Punjab and Haryana
No final decision on Chandigarh proposal, no change in administrative structure: MHA
The Union Home Ministry on Sunday clarified that no final decision has been taken on a proposal concerning the process of making laws for the Union Territory of Chandigarh. MHA said that the proposal, currently under consideration, does not seek to alter Chandigarhs governance framework or its long-standing arrangements with Punjab and Haryana. Chandigarh serves as the joint capital of both states. In an official statement, the Home Ministry said the proposal is aimed solely at simplifying the central governments law-making process for the Union Territory of Chandigarh. The ministry emphasised that fears of administrative restructuring or dilution of existing ties with Punjab and Haryana were misplaced. The proposal only to simplify the Central Governments law-making process for the Union Territory of Chandigarh is still under consideration with the Central Government. No final decision has been taken on this proposal. The proposal in no way seeks to alter Chandigarhs PIB - Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) November 23, 2025 Allaying concerns raised by political leaders in Punjab, the proposal in no way seeks to alter Chandigarhs governance or administrative structure, the statement said. A suitable decision will be taken only after adequate consultations with all stakeholders, keeping in mind the interests of Chandigarh. There is no need for any concern on this matter. The ministry further clarified that the Centre has no intention of introducing any such Bill in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. Concerns emerged after a Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha bulletin mentioned a proposal to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution. Article 240 empowers the President to frame regulations and legislate directly for certain Union Territories. If implemented, it could potentially allow for the appointment of an independent administrator for Chandigarh, similar to the arrangement that existed when the UT had its own Chief Secretary in earlier years. The mention triggered sharp reactions from political parties, including the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, and the Aam Aadmi Party, who viewed the proposal as a move that might affect Punjabs stake in the Union Territory. The Home Ministry said that the proposal remains under examination and assured that any step forward will follow due consultation and transparency. (With inputs from PTI)
Proposal On Chandigarh Doesnt Alter Administrative Structure, No Final Decision Yet: MHA
New Delhi, Nov 23: The Union Home Ministry Sunday said no final decision has been taken on the proposal to simplify law-making in Chandigarh, asserting that it does not aim to change traditional arrangements between the Union territory and Punjab and Haryana. Chandigarh is the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana. The proposal only to simplify the central governments law-making process for the Union territory of Chandigarh is still under consideration with the central government. No final decision has been [] The post Proposal On Chandigarh Doesnt Alter Administrative Structure, No Final Decision Yet: MHA appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Will meet Amit Shah: Punjab BJP chief on Centre's proposal for Chandigarh
In a pivotal meeting set for later this week, Punjab's BJP chief Sunil Jakhar will engage with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Jakhar is advocating for the withdrawal of a controversial law designed for Chandigarh's independent administrator, citing deep-rooted sentiments the people of Punjab hold for the city.
