Supreme Court grants custody of Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash's son to estranged wife

The custody of a four-year-old boy, the son of Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash, who died by suicide in December, and his estranged wife Nikita Singhania, will remain with his mother, the Supreme Court ruled on Monday, according to an NDTV report. The decision came after a bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and SC Sharma spoke with the child via a video link. The case revolved around a plea filed by Anju Devi, the boy's grandmother and Atul Subhash's mother, who had sought custody of her grandson , the report said. During the hearing, the petitioner requested a week to submit a detailed affidavit. However, Justice Nagarathna denied the request, stating, This is a habeas corpus petition. We want to see the child. Produce the child. The court will take up the matter after some time, NDTV reported. After a 45-minute break, the child appeared via video link. To safeguard his identity, the court went offline except for the childs link. The custody battle stems from allegations of harassment that Atul Subhash levelled against his estranged wife, claiming it drove him to end his life. Why dont you want probe: Karnataka HC rejects plea to quash FIR in Atul Subhash suicide case Earlier this month, Nikita Singhania informed the Supreme Court that the boy was a student at a boarding school in Faridabad, Haryana, but would be withdrawn to accompany her to Bengaluru. We will take the child to Bengaluru... We have taken the boy out of school. The mother must be in Bengaluru to fulfil bail conditions, her lawyer told the court. Following this, a bench of Justice Nagarathna and Justice N Kotiswar Singh directed that the child be produced for the next hearing. Singhania, along with her mother Nisha and brother Anurag, faces charges of abetting the suicide of her estranged husband, Atul Subhash. They were arrested and subsequently granted bail. After Nikita Singhania's arrest, Atul Subhashs mother, Anju Devi, approached the Supreme Court seeking custody of her grandson. Meanwhile, Mr Subhashs father, Pawan Kumar, also demanded custody publicly. Techie's suicide: Bengaluru police in UP; estranged wife says Atul's family responsible for her father's death The petition alleged that Singhania and her family had failed to disclose the child's whereabouts. Singhania initially claimed the boy was with her uncle, Sushil Singhania, but he later denied knowledge of the child's location. The court then asked the Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana governments for clarity on the situation. The court noted the boy had spent minimal time with his grandmother, with Justice Nagarathna remarking, Sorry to say, the child is a stranger to the petitioner. The bench clarified that custody would ultimately need to be determined by an appropriate lower court. Subhash and Singhania, married in 2019, had their son in 2020. Nikita Singhania left their Bengaluru home in 2021 following an altercation and filed a case against Subhash and his family in 2022. After two years of disputes, Atul Subhash died by suicide on December 9 at his Bengaluru residence. In an 81-minute video and a 24-page suicide note, he accused Singhania and her family of extortion and filing false cases to demand Rs 3 crore. He also criticised the justice system for being biased in favour of women, sparking debates about the misuse of laws designed to protect women. Experts highlight challenges in proving abetment to suicide in Bengaluru techie case; low conviction rates persist

Indias first global CAR T-cell therapy for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma launched

NEW DELHI: Indias first global CAR T-cell therapy for adult B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL), a kind of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system, has been launched in the country, offering new hope to patients facing aggressive blood cancers. Qartemi, the countrys first global CAR T-cell therapy for adult B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL), uses genetically modified T-cells to fight cancer. It was launched by Immuneel Therapeutics, Indias leading cell and gene therapy start-up, backed by Indian billionaire entrepreneur Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw. India faces a rising burden of blood cancers, with around 120,000 new cases and over 70,000 deaths annually from leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. The countryannually reports approximately 40,000 new cases of NHL, which affects white blood cells called lymphocytes, which play a key role in fighting infections. In NHL, these lymphocytes grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming tumors in the lymph nodes and potentially spreading to other parts of the body, such as the spleen, liver, bone marrow, or other organs. The launch of Qartemi is setting a new standard in high quality and accessible cancer treatment, transforming the therapeutic landscape for blood cancers in India. This historic launch marks the beginning of a new era in personalised precision therapy, where hope and healing are within reach for countless Indian families, aligning with Indias mission to fight cancer and improve healthcare access for all, the company said. The therapy - benchmarked to global standards - is now available locally, offering renewed hope to patients for whom conventional treatments, including chemotherapy, prove ineffective. The therapy is priced between 35 lakhs to 50 lakhs.While this price reflects the complexity of manufacturing personalized CAR T-cell therapy, it is still significantly more affordable compared to similar global options, ensuring access for Indian patients without compromising on quality,Amit Mookim, CEO of Immuneel Therapeutics, told this paper. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Board Director and Co-Founder of Immuneel Therapeutics said, Since Immuneels inception in 2019, our mission has been to offer affordable and innovative, lifesaving therapies for cancer that are otherwise inaccessible. With Qartemi, our flagship CAR T-cell therapy, we aim to transform cancer treatment in India by providing globally advanced, personalised therapies at an affordable cost. Designed to improve patient outcomes, Qartemi exemplifies our commitment to positioning India as a leader in next-generation, transformative therapies, she said. The company initiated Indias first CAR-T cell therapy trial in 2022 for a novel autologous CD19-directed CAR-T cell therapy in patients with relapsed/ refractory B cell malignancies. The IMAGINE trial was conducted at Narayana Hospital in Bengaluru, Apollo Cancer Hospital in Chennai, and PGIMER in Chandigarh. It said the results from the IMAGINE trial showed that Qartemi's efficacy and safety are similar to those of CAR T-cell therapies approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Immuneels IMAGINE Phase 2 trial achieved 83.3% ORR at Day+90, setting a new benchmark for CAR-T therapy in India. This therapy harnesses a patients immune cells to target and eliminate cancer, offering new hope to those battling aggressive blood cancers. Dr Siddhartha Mukherjee, Board Director and Co-Founder, said, The launch of Qartemi marks a pivotal moment in Indias fight against cancer. By combining world-class research CAR-T cell therapy with indigenous manufacturing, we are offering new hope to patients facing aggressive blood cancers. By bringing globally benchmarked CAR-T cell therapy to India, we are providing a breakthrough treatment and redefining what is possible in precision medicine. This is a critical step in ensuring that advanced, life-saving therapies are within reach for patients who need them most, he said. Added Mookim, By offering Qartemi at a significantly accessible price compared to global alternatives, we are proud to develop this therapy indigenously at our facility in Bangalore to ensure global standards of safety and efficacy. For the first time, Indian patients now have access to lasting remission of relapsed and refractory Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, offering hope to patients when conventional therapies fall short. Collaborating with global partners to provide access to advanced treatments and cutting-edge therapies is the way forward, he said. Immuneel has partnered with leading hospitals, including Narayana Health, Apollo Hospitals, CMC Vellore & Ludhiana, Manipal Hospitals, RGCIRC Delhi, SGPGI Lucknow, Amrita Hospital Faridabad, HOC Vedanta Ahmedabad, Cytecare Bangalore, Sparsh Bangalore, Marengo Asia Hospitals among others, to provide Qartemi to their patients.

Faridabad: Youth slits minor lover's throat for refusing to marry him

A youth slit a minor girl's throat in Faridabad for not agreeing to marry him, police said.

HC to Faridabad MC: Give bogus billing scam probe record to ACB

Haryana govt identifies 370 'corrupt' patwaris, 170 middlemen; orders action within 15 days

CHANDIGARH: For the first time ever the Haryana Government has identified 370 corrupt patwaris (revenue officials) across the state as the revenue department in a confidential report has asked the deputy commissioners concerned to take action against them and report back within fifteen days. In a confidential letter dated January 14, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue), Anurag Rastogi, highlighted the impact of corruption by patwaris on the public and the governments reputation. The letter stated: As the common man has to go to the patwaris for their work, such corruption by the patwaris adversely affects the image of the government. Many people go to these patwaris to get work done related to their lands, and they put objections time and again to harass the public. Thus, perforce, 'bribe' has to be given to them. Rastogi also asked them to take strict action in the matter and report back to the government within fifteen days. Sources revealed that, in an unprecedented crackdown on corruption within the revenue department, the Haryana government has released a list of 370 patwaris. The list highlights allegations of these officials employing personal helpers and charging convenience fees for routine tasks. Kaithal district tops the list with 46 corrupt patwaris, followed by Sonepat with 41, Mahendragarh with 36, Gurugram with 27, and Fatehabad with 25. Other districts include Kurukshetra with 23, Jhajjar with 20, Palwal with 17, Rewari with 16, Yamunanagar with 14, and Sirsa, Hisar, and Hansi with 13 each. Bhiwani has 10 such patwaris, while Panchkula stands out with none identified. Additionally, the government has identified 170 middlemen accused of collecting bribes on behalf of the patwaris. While Kaithal district has maximum corrupt patwaris 46, followed by Sonepat 41, then Mahendragarh 36, Gurugram 27 such Patwaris, Fatehabad 25,Jahajjar 20, Kurukshetra 23, Palwal 17, Rewari 16, Yamunagar 14, Sirsa, Hisar and Hansi 13 each, Bhiwani 10 while Panchkula has zero. The government has also identified 170 middlemen who allegedly take bribes on behalf of the patwaris. Gurugram has the highest number of middlemen at 26, followed by Mahendragarh with 20. Sonepat, Palwal, and Rewari each have 15 middlemen, while Yamunanagar has 14. Sources revealed that the confidential report was compiled by the state revenue department with inputs from the state intelligence wing of the Haryana Police. The report details the modus operandi of the alleged corrupt patwaris and their duration of posting. According to the report, patwaris in Gurugram allegedly take the highest bribes in the state, charging between Rs 4,000 and Rs 5,000 for land mutations. For issuing fards, they reportedly demand between Rs 200 and Rs 500. Many of these officials are said to rely on middlemen to collect the bribes on their behalf. The report further states that Patwaris some Pawaris posted in Chakhi Dadri takes around Rs 1000 to Rs 2000 for doing land mutation. And others in the district take between Rs 1,500 to Rs 2000. While Faridaba they take between Rs 500 to 700 to locate old revenue files. The letter added that a Patwari posted in Ambala from last 18 months has kept a middle men and for doing land mutation and land measurement and rectifying the record he harasses the public and another Patwari in Amabla Cantonment who has been posted the last two years and Patwari posted in Ambala city for last one year they also do the same. It is learnt that there are 1,378 patwaris in the across the state and 1,313 posts are lying vacant. As recently 2600 patwaris were recruited and they will complete their training thus now there will be no shortage of these revenue officials. The report further mentions that patwaris in Charkhi Dadri charge between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000 for land mutations, with others in the district demanding Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000. In Faridabad, patwaris allegedly charge Rs 500 to Rs 700 for locating old revenue files. The report also mentions a patwari in Ambala, posted for the last 18 months, who employs a middleman and harasses the public while handling tasks such as land mutations, land measurements, and record corrections. Similarly, a patwari in Ambala Cantonment, posted for two years, and another in Ambala city, posted for one year, are accused of similar practices. The state has 1,378 sanctioned patwari posts, with 1,313 currently vacant. However, the recent recruitment of 2,600 patwaris, who are undergoing training, is expected to address this shortage soon.

Sameer app dysfunctional, complaints go unattended

Hyderabad: Ninety-six complaints registered on the Sameer app remain unresolved in Hyderabad, raising concerns over the effectiveness of the pollution-monitoring platform outside the National Capital Region (NCR). The app, developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), was designed primarily for monitoring air quality and handling pollution-related complaints. In Hyderabad, citizens who reported issues raning from air and water pollution to illegal dumping are still waiting for action. According to a senior CPCB official, the app was initially created for the NCR, which includes Delhi and its neighboring cities such as Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Meerut. Given the severe pollution levels in these areas, the app was integrated with 47 agencies in Delhi. However, such integration has not been extended to other states. In states like Telangana, complaints filed on the Sameer app are forwarded through emails to the respective State Pollution Control Boards. If officials fail to check their emails regularly, complaints may go unnoticed and unresolved. In Hyderabad, the app does not direct the complaints to local pollution control agencies. We cannot integrate the entire country into one app, a CPCB official told Deccan Chronicle. He added that states have been advised to develop their own complaint management systems to handle pollution-related grievances efficiently. Now we can clearly see how the government is actually working. If citizens are left to handle these issues on their own, then what is the point of having a separate department from the government for monitoring pollution? It is their responsibility to address these concerns, yet nothing is being done. said Navya Raj, a homemaker from the city. Multiple attempts from this correspondent to reach the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) for a response have gone unanswered. One complaint read in Sameer app Untreated sewage is let into Trimulgherry Lake by Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) and polluting the lake. Telangana Pollution Control board had served notice on 18th April 2018 and no show cause notice served from 2018. No action was taken by TSPCB against the SCB & GHMC MRO inspected & reported open defecation and dumping of garbage around the lake. Despite multiple follow-ups with EE, hesitating to serve show cause notice & SCB officials least bothered to divert sewage Multiple newspapers published articles on Trimulgherry Lake, we are tweeting TSPCB and sending emails requesting to serve show cause notice to SCB and GHMC but not serving show cause notice and not responding to our emails, Tweets etc. TSPCB should initiate serious action against the SCB to prevent untreated sewage not letting into the lake, the complaint said. Another complaint said We are getting a huge bad unhealthy smell at night due to factory emissions. The area where we reside is near the GMR convention center. Please investigate. PIN: 502319. They are burning garbage which has a lot of plastic. And they continue to do so even after telling, another complaint said. Typically, there has been no response.

BJP slammed for fake video on Delhi roads filmed in Haryana

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has received huge backlash after releasing a fabricated video made to highlight road conditions and drainage systems in Delhi under the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. Soon after, AAPs investigation proved that the video was shot in Faridabad city in BJP-ruled Haryana state, exposing the attempt to mislead the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Atishi's crowdfunding campaign collects over Rs 15 lakh in 6 hours

NEW DELHI: Just six hours after asking people to fund her assembly election campaign, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party candidate Atishi raised more than Rs 15 lakh through her online portal on Sunday. Atishi has set a goal of garnering Rs 40 lakh as her election campaign fund, contesting from the Kalkaji Assembly constituency. As of January 10, 5:30 PM, the party's donation page shows 278 people have donated a total of Rs 15,15,930 to her. Earlier, Atishi turned to crowdfunding, claiming that people have donated money supporting the party's honest politics and that the party does not take money from businessmen. People donated money to support Aam Admi Party's honest politics. We don't take money from big businessmen for elections. AAP government works for the common people. For my election from Kalkaji, I am launching a crowdfunding campaign for Rs 40 lakh, which I need for the election. People can donate any amount they want, Atishi told reporters here on Sunday. Not a contender: BJP leader Bidhuri responds to AAP's Chief Minister candidate claim Atishi emphasised that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has always relied on public donations to fund its election campaigns, refusing to accept money from big businessmen. She recalled how the AAP won previous elections with small donations from the people. Announcing the campaign on her social media account, she mentioned how being a young educated woman, she has been able to maintain a career in politics through the support of the people. As a young, educated woman, your belief and donations have enabled me to imagine a career in politics--a path I couldn't have walked alone. Now, as we face another election campaign, I need your support once again. Please contribute to my crowdfunding campaign, said Atishi in a post. Earlier today, party leader Reena Gupta pointed out that Atishi, who presented a budget of Rs 70,000 crore, is likely the first sitting CM in the country's history to seek crowdfunding for her election campaign. AAP leader Reena Gupta told ANI, Since its formation, AAP has collected funds from the public to contest elections. Meanwhile, the BJP has sharply criticised the AAP-led government, alleging widespread corruption, inefficiency in implementing welfare schemes, and a failure to address the growing pollution levels in the city. The Delhi assembly polls will be held in a single phase on February 5 and the counting of votes will take place on February 8. The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seat. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections by winning 62 out of 70 seats while the BJP got only eight seats. AAP files complaint with ECI against BJP for sharing false video of Faridabad roads as Delhi's

AAP files complaint against BJP for allegedly sharing false video showing pothole-ridden Faridabad roads as Delhi's

AAP has filed a complaint with the Election Commission against BJP. The complaint alleges that BJP shared a false video showing Delhi roads with potholes, which are actually in Faridabad, Haryana. AAP claims this is a violation of the Model Code of Conduct and seeks strict action against BJP for spreading misinformation during the election period.

AAP files complaint with ECI against BJP for sharing false video of Faridabad roads as Delhi's

NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India against the BJP, accusing it of spreading misinformation and violating the Model Code of Conduct. The complaint alleges that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shared a false video on social media, depicting pothole-ridden roads as being located in Delhi when they were actually from Faridabad, Haryana. The party (BJP) has been spreading misinformation through a false video on their social media channels, showcasing roads in Delhi in a deplorable condition. However, it has been exposed that the road featured in the video is actually located in Faridabad, Haryana, said the AAP's complaint letter. The letter attaches screenshots of tweets posted from the BJP's Delhi handle, where the purported videos were shared. It also includes links to videos debunking the claim, showing the actual location of the road. The AAP contended that such acts amount to a latant violation of the Model Code of Conduct, which prohibits the dissemination of false propaganda. The party has requested the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take strict action, including the immediate removal of the video from the BJP's social media accounts, legal prosecution under Section 123(4) of the Representation of People Act, 1951, Section 340 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 66 of the Information Technology Act, and measures to prevent the dissemination of such misinformation in future. These acts destroy the sanctity of the election process, and parties committing such offences should be held accountable. An example should be set for the public to maintain the integrity of the electoral process, the letter states. No immediate response was available from the BJP on the AAP's allegations.

10,000 human genomes database launched

This Genome India database, as it is known, will now be available to researchers across the world for investigations and is housed at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC), in Faridabad, Haryana

3 killed, 2 hurt as trucks collide amid dense fog in Hathras

Hathras: Three persons were killed while two others were injured after three trucks collided with each other amid dense fog on the Yamuna Expressway in the Sadabad area of Hathras district, police said.As per police, a truck was towing another truck with a chain when it suffered a break down. When the two drivers were trying to fix the glitch, a third truck coming from Agra side rammed into their vehicles from behind, killing all three drivers on the spot and injuring two others, police said. The deceased have been identified as Ranjit from Hathras, Rahul from Faridabad, and Tarun from of Agra, police said, adding that the injured have been rushed to a hospital.

Cities in India reduce PM2.5 pollution by 27 pc in six years: Report

From 2019 to 2024, Indian cities saw a 27% average reduction in PM2.5 pollution levels, with National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities achieving a 24% decline. Varanasi led with a 76% reduction. Despite these improvements, cities like Delhi, Gurugram, and Faridabad remain heavily polluted, highlighting ongoing challenges in air quality management.

Court's Stranger Remark As Atul Subhash's Mother Seeks Grandson's Custody

Ending weeks of suspense over the whereabouts of AI techie Atul Subhash's four-year-son, his estranged wife Nikita Singhania told the Supreme Court today that the child is at a boarding school in Haryana's Faridabad

Delhi to Meerut in 40 minutes for Rs 150 from January 5

NEW DELHI: The much-awaited metro train RRTS, also called Namo Bharat, connecting Delhi to Meerut in Uttar Pradesh will be made operational on Sunday evening. Meerut is 73km away from Delhi. This will reduce travel time by one-third, enabling commuters to take the train from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South in under 40 minutes. After the PMs inauguration, the passenger operation will commence from 5pm on Sunday. The trains will run at a frequency of 15 minutes. The fare from New Ashok Nagar, the first operational station from Delhi, to Meerut South will be Rs 150 for standard coach and Rs 225 for premium coach, according to an official statement on Saturday. The minimum fare in standard coach starts from Rs 20 and goes up to Rs 150 for a single trip, while in the premium coach, it ranges between Rs 30 and Rs 225. So far, the RRTS, which began in 2023, were available between Meerut and Ghaziabad. The 42-km stretch of the corridor between Sahibabad and Meerut South has nine stations. In Delhi, the services are planned till Sarai Kale Khan and the work is underway between the section beyond New Ashok Nagar. In Meerut, the tracks will go till Modipuram. Chief Minister Atishi, while speaking to the media on Saturday, said that Delhi has contributed Rs 1,260 crore to this project. These projects will not only reduce travel time but also accelerate regional economic growth, she said. The RRTS addresses the growing interdependence between Delhi and NCR towns such as Sonipat, Ballabhgarh, Noida, and Faridabad. Other proposals include Delhi-Alwar (cabinet approval granted) and Delhi-Panipat (cabinet approval granted), she added.

Commerce ministry planning to expand food testing infrastructure to boost exports: Official

The Export Inspection Council (EIC) is planning to expand India's food testing infrastructure to boost exports. A detailed study on gap assessment is underway and will be completed in 2-3 months. EIC aims to adopt advanced technologies and is forming mutual recognition agreements with different countries. New laboratories are being set up in Ahmedabad, Faridabad, and Mangalore.

Class 11 Student Stabbed 14 Times In Faridabad Market, Dies; 10 Detained

A Class XI student was fatally stabbed 14 times in Faridabad, allegedly by two main people and their accomplices over a prior argument.

Haryana engineer lost Rs 3.46L in 6-day digital arrest

A mechanical engineer in Faridabad was held 'digitally' hostage for six days by cyber fraudsters who duped him of Rs 3.46 lakh. The fraudsters forced him to lock himself in a room and monitored his activities through his mobile camera. They convinced him that he was involved in a drug smuggling operation and threatened him with legal action. The victim eventually realized the scam when the fraudsters forgot to switch off their mics and started talking to each other. Police have registered an FIR and are investigating the matter.

Scalp Torn Off In Serious Accident, 13-Year-Old Undergoes Miracle Surgery In Faridabad

Doctors at a private hospital in Faridabad successfully reattached the uprooted scalp of a 13-year-old girl after an eight-hour microvascular surgery, giving her a new lease on life

Several Delhi schools receive bomb threat; fifth incident in nine days

New Delhi: Bomb threats were received by a few schools in Delhi on Tuesday, making it the second such incident this week and the fifth in nine days in the national capital, officials said.On Monday, around 20 schools including DPS RK Puram had received threat emails. According to an official from the Delhi Fire Service (DFS), a call regarding a bomb threat was received from Crescent Public School in Saraswati Vihar, northwest Delhi. The official said that personnel from the fire department, local police, bomb detection team and dog squad conducted a search, but nothing suspicious was found so far. Some more schools have also received similar threat emails and checks are ongoing, the official added. However, schools in Delhi-NCR switched to hybrid mode for conducting classes on Tuesday, following the re-imposition of anti-pollution measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Under the revised GRAP schedule, classes for students in grades 6-9 and 11 in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar must operate in hybrid mode (physical and online) under Stage 4 but students in classes 10 and 12 are required to attend school in person. On December 14, eight schools, including the same DPS RK Puram, had received a similar email, in which the sender threatened to carry out an explosion using omb vests. Earlier, on December 13, about 30 schools received bomb threats via email, prompting a multi-agency search of their premises. At least 44 schools had received similar emails on December 9. The Delhi Police Special Cell had registered an FIR in connection with the threat mail to 44 schools and initiated an investigation.

GRAP Stage 4 curbs invoked in Delhi as air quality turns severe

Data from the central pollution monitoring agency showed that concentrations of Particulate Matter or PM 10 (coarser pollutants) was over 1,600 micrograms per cubic metre compared to a safe level of 100 at around 2 am in Delhi's Anand Vihar. PM 2.5, a standard measure of air quality, was as much as 14 times the safe limit. New Delhi: The Centre's air quality panel for Delhi-NCR on Monday imposed the strictest Stage 4 curbs under the winter air pollution control plan, including a ban on all construction activities, as the region's air quality deteriorated to 'severe' due to unfavourable weather conditions.Stage 4 curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for winters also include a ban on the entry of polluting trucks carrying non-essential goods into Delhi and mandatory shifting of school classes, except those for X and XII, to hybrid mode. Delhi's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI), which was 379 at 4 pm, breached the 400 mark around 10 pm amid extremely calm wind conditions and the buildup of an inversion layer, which adversely affects the vertical mixing height - the height up to which pollutants can disperse. The decision to impose Stage 4 curbs came just hours after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented restrictive measures under GRAP Stage 3, following Delhi's AQI breaching the 350 mark in the afternoon. According to the revised GRAP schedule, classes for students in grades VI-IX and XI in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar must operate in hybrid mode (physical and online) under Stage 4. Classes up to grade V are required to shift to hybrid mode under Stage 3. Parents and students have the option to choose online education wherever available. Stage 4 also includes a ban on all construction and demolition activities, including public projects like highways, flyovers, power lines, and pipelines. Non-essential diesel trucks are prohibited from entering Delhi. Public, municipal, and private offices must decide on allowing only 50 per cent of staff to work in offices, with the remaining staff working from home. States may consider additional measures like closing colleges, non-essential businesses and implementing odd-even vehicle restrictions. Under Stage 3, imposed earlier in the day, the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars (4-wheelers) is restricted in Delhi and nearby NCR districts. Persons with disabilities are exempt. Stage 3 also bans non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards in Delhi. The Delhi and NCR state governments have been asked to stagger timings for public and municipal offices under Stage 3. The Centre may consider similar measures for its offices in Delhi-NCR. During winters, Delhi enforces restrictions under GRAP, which categorises air quality into four stages Stage I (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage III (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage IV (Severe Plus, AQI above 450). GRAP 4 was invoked in Delhi for the first time this season in November due to consistently high pollution levels in the city and adjoining areas. The Supreme Court allowed the CAQM to relax the curbs in the first week of December after the city's air quality improved. Unfavourable meteorological conditions combined with vehicle emissions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers and other local pollution sources lead to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during winters. Doctors say that breathing Delhi's polluted air is equivalent to smoking approximately 10 cigarettes a day. Prolonged exposure to high pollution levels can exacerbate respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, according to doctors.

Air Pollution: Classes VI-IX, XI in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad & Noida to run in hybrid mode

Delhi's worsening air quality, reaching 'Severe+' under GRAP, has forced schools in Delhi-NCR to adopt hybrid learning for grades VI-IX and XI. This extends earlier measures for younger students, implemented as the AQI deteriorated to 'very poor'. Vehicle restrictions are also in effect, banning non-compliant petrol and diesel vehicles.

GRAP III restrictions back in Delhi as air quality dips; schools to go hybrid for up to class V

According to the revised plan, schools and colleges in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar are mandatorily required to shift classes up to Class V to hybrid mode under GRAP Stage III

GRAP III Invoked in Delhi-NCR as Pollution Rises, Schools Go Hybrid

New Delhi: The Centre's air quality panel for Delhi-NCR on Monday invoked restrictive measures under stage three of the air pollution control plan amid a sharp dip in air quality due to unfavourable meteorological conditions.Delhi's AQI stood at 367 at 2 pm. Poor air quality, caused by unfavourable weather conditions, often persists from November to January. Considering the highly unfavourable meteorological conditions including calm winds and very low mixing height leading the AQI of Delhi into the higher end of the very poor category, the panel's sub-committee on Graded Response Action Plan decides to impose stage 3 of the revised GRAP schedule (issued on Friday) in the entire NCR, with immediate effect, an official order said. According to the revised plan, schools and colleges in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar are mandatorily required to shift classes up to Class V to hybrid mode under GRAP Stage III. Students and parents will have the option to choose online education wherever it is available. Stage 3 also entails a ban on non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards within Delhi. Non-essential diesel light commercial vehicles of BS-IV or older standards, registered outside Delhi, are also not allowed to enter the city. Previously, such restrictions were applicable only to BS-III vehicles. Persons with disabilities are exempt from restrictions imposed on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars in Delhi and the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar under stage III. The Delhi and NCR state governments have also been directed to stagger timings for public offices and municipal bodies under stage III. The Centre may decide on similar staggered timings for central government offices in Delhi-NCR. During winters, Delhi frequently enforces restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which categorises air quality into four stages -- Stage I (Poor) with AQI between 201 and 300, Stage II (Very Poor) between 301 and 400, Stage III (Severe) between 401 and 450, and Stage IV (Severe Plus) for AQI above 450.

Illegal tree felling at government office in Faridabad: NGT forms panel to ascertain facts

Waiter Shot Dead At Faridabad Wedding, 2 Held

Two men were arrested in connection with the shooting within five hours of the murder, they said.

Ocus Group Drives Urban Excellence with Premium Developments in Gurugram

At the heart of the organization lies the expertise of Mr. Prakash Mehta, the Chairman and Managing Director of Ocus Group. With over four decades of experience in the real estate industry, Mr. Mehta's journey began in Kuwait in 1982, where he cultivated deep insights into global business practices. He returned to India in 1989 to make his mark in the domestic real estate sector. Under his leadership, the group has not only created iconic developments but has also built enduring relationships, embodying its core philosophy of trust and reliability in every venture. Ocus Group is dedicated to shaping the future of real estate with a steadfast commitment to quality, innovation, customer satisfaction, and delivering spaces that inspire and empower. The group offers a diverse portfolio to meet the needs of modern consumers Commercial Projects Hotel Rhythm @ Ocus 24K: Positioned right on Sohna Road located in Sector 68, Gurugram, at Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, marks the first-ever hospitality project launched by Ocus. This mixed-use development offers an ideal combination of luxury and functionality, featuring premium service. The fully furnished, air-conditioned living spaces are thoughtfully designed for both comfort and efficiency. With its prime location and a focus on exceptional service, Hotel Rhythm represents its strategic partnership with Ocus to ensure the delivery of top-notch services setting a new standard for convenience and experiences for its top notch clients. The property is well-connected, with easy access to Golf Course Road, Golf Course Extension Road, NH-48, and is only 30 minutes from Delhi International Airport. It is also close to renowned hospitals like Medicity, Fortis, and Max. High Street Retail @ Ocus 24K : Ocus 24K, spanning 4.44 acres in Sector 68, Gurugram, is a landmark high-street retail destination offering an exceptional mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Strategically located on Sohna Road, it enjoys excellent connectivity to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Golf Course Extension Road, and NH-48, while being just 30 minutes from Delhi International Airport. Surrounded by luxury residential communities, IT parks, SEZs, and international schools, it caters to a thriving, affluent catchment. The retail hub features anchor spaces, F&B outlets, a modern food court, and a 50,000 sq. ft. entertainment zone, supported by state-of-the-art facilities like high-speed escalators, EV charging stations, multi-level parking, and 24/7 security. Designed to elevate the shopping experience, Ocus 24K seamlessly integrates convenience and sophistication, making it a vibrant lifestyle destination. Galleria 99 @ Ocus Medley : Galleria 99 at Ocus Medley, located in Sector 99 bang on Dwarka Expressway, is a mixed-use development spanning 4.14 acres. Designed to offer a premium blend of retail, entertainment, and business experiences, it features high-street retail spaces, a multiplex with three screens, diverse dining options, bars, trampoline park and food court. Strategically positioned for seamless connectivity to IGI Airport, NH-48, and nearby residential and commercial hubs, the project boasts a family-friendly entertainment zone with outdoor patios, water features, and an amphitheatre. With its prime location and multi-level parking ensuring ease of access, Galleria 99 emerges as a hub for leisure, business, and lifestyle in Gurugram. Business Tower @ Ocus Medley : Strategically positioned on the Dwarka Expressway, Business Tower @ Ocus Medley redefines workplace excellence with its ready-to-move-in Grade A office spaces tailored for multinational corporations and startups alike. Just 15 minutes from IGI Airport and NH-48, this prime location offers unparalleled connectivity and convenience. The tower features a majestic 62 ft. high atrium, scenic views, and floor plate designs, creating a productive work environment EV charging stations and dedicated office-retail separation, it is a state-of-the-art destination for urban professionals. Retail @ Ocus Quantum : Situated in Sector 51, Gurugram, Ocus Quantum reimagines retail with its sleek, open-to-sky design, offering a vibrant shopping atmosphere. Featuring a curated mix of brands, eateries, and entertainment options, the development includes spaces on the Ground, Upper Ground and Second Floor for seamless access. With hypermarket and anchor stores provisions, it is located near key business hubs like DLF Cyber Park, educational institutions such as Presidium School & Gurugram University, and top healthcare facilities, including Artemis and C.K Birla hospitals. Excellent connectivity via Huda City Center Metro and IGI Airport further cements its position as a go-to destination for shoppers and families alike. Offices @ Ocus Quantum : Ocus Quantum in Sector 51, Gurugram, offers premium Grade A office spaces designed for productivity and creativity. With ample parking, including a two-level basement, it ensures convenience for businesses. Strategically located near major roads, metro stations, and IGI Airport, this multi-storey development combines modern work environments with unmatched accessibility. Ocus Technopolis : Strategically located in Sector 54, Gurugram, OCUS Technopolis offers a prestigious business address with unmatched accessibility and visibility. Positioned on the coveted Golf Course Road, it provides seamless connectivity to Gurgaon-Faridabad Road, MG Road, and Rapid Metro while surrounded by high-end restaurants, luxury residences such as The Camellias, ,exclusive retail hubs and top healthcare facilities like Sanar Hospital. With proximity to top malls, five-star hotels, and major transportation routes, OCUS Technopolis is ideal for businesses seeking sophistication and convenience. Mr. Prakash Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director, Ocus Group, said, At Ocus Group, we are driven by a vision to create developments that elevate both the urban experience and business landscape. With a strong commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, we have established a diverse portfolio of projects that redefine real estate standards in Gurugram. Our focus remains on delivering spaces that not only meet the needs of modern consumers but inspire success and growth for businesses and communities. With a diverse portfolio and a commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth, the group is dedicated to offering unmatched business exposure and lifestyle solutions in Gurugram. Disclaimer: The mentioned distances and travel times are approximate and are based on ideal traffic conditions. Actual time may vary depending on traffic and road condition.

Aravalli Green Wall Project: Haryana to revive 35k hectares of degraded land

CHANDIGARH: With the aim of encouraging an ecological wall by restoring vast swathes of hills lost to urbanisation, mining, and other commercial activities, the Haryana Government has launched the Aravalli Green Wall Project. This initiative, spearheaded by the Union Environment Ministry, aims to create a 1,400-km-long and five-kilometre-wide buffer zone around the Aravalli Hill Range across four states to combat land degradation and desertification. In the first phase of the project, Haryana plans to revive 35,000 hectares of Aravalli land, including 18,000 hectares in Gurgaon. The state has modelled this project after Saudi Arabia's green initiatives, emphasising environmental sustainability. As part of this phase, 75 water bodies will be developed in the Aravalli regions of Gurgaon, Faridabad, Nuh, Rewari, Mahendergarh, Charkhi Dadri, and Bhiwani districts. Following a five-day visit to Saudi Arabia, Haryana Forest and Environment Minister Rao Narbir Singh highlighted Saudi Arabia's achievements in transforming arid landscapes into vibrant green belts. The Haryana Government, in collaboration with the stakeholder states of Rajasthan, Delhi, and Gujarat, has ambitious plans to bolster environmental sustainability by expediting the execution of the project. It would be modelled after Saudi Arabia's green initiatives, he said. The Aravalli Green Wall Project was recently showcased at a UN climate event as part of CoP16, where India underscored the need for such innovative efforts to restore degraded forest lands. Inspired by Africa's Great Green Wall initiative, this project aims to cover over 1.15 million hectares across Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi by 2027, demonstrating a robust model of multi-state collaboration. The project seeks to enhance afforestation with indigenous tree species, conserve biodiversity, improve soil health, and boost groundwater recharge. Additionally, efforts will focus on rejuvenating water bodies and local stream catchments to improve soil moisture, productivity, and drought resilience. Rao added that the initiative would create green employment opportunities for local communities in the Aravalli region, fostering sustainable livelihoods and promoting environmental stewardship. In Haryana, the state has appointed Van Mitras to raise awareness among the younger generation about the importance of protecting nature and fostering sustainable practices. These Van Mitras are also working to strengthen local engagement with forest conservation efforts, enhancing both ecological balance and community resilience, he stated. Meanwhile, protesters are urging the government to impose a ban on midnight premiere shows, citing environmental concerns.

12 Girls In Faridabad Decide To Never Get Married. The Reason Will Stun You

One of the members of this group, Meenu Goyal explained that all twelve girls were dedicated towards working for the betterment of the society.

AAP MP Raghav Chadha proposes financial assistance to farmers for stubble management

CHANDIGARH: Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha proposed a comprehensive initiative to support farmers in stubble management, requesting the central government to provide assistance of Rs 2,500 per acre to farmers. He added that sustainable solutions to stubble burning require robust financial and policy backing. While taking up this issue in the upper house of the parliament today, Chadha also pointed out that while farmers are unfairly blamed for contributing to air pollution in North India, the problem is fuelled by several factors across many states. He emphasised that this year, under AAPs leadership, Punjab saw a remarkable 70 per cent drop in stubble-burning incidents, proving that progress is possible with the right support. Chadha raised concern over prevailing pollution in North India and its impact in Rajya Sabha, stating that North India is currently covered in a thick blanket of smoke. He said, with every breath, we are unknowingly inhaling the equivalent of numerous cigarettes and bidis. Air pollution isnt just Delhis problem its a crisis affecting the entire region, spanning multiple states. Cities in the North such as Bhagalpur, Muzaffarnagar, Noida, Hapur, Bhiwani, Agra, Faridabad face way more pollution than Delhi. Yet, the blame is disproportionately placed on farmers. Today, I stand to raise my voice in their defence, he added. He further stated that an IIT study shows that while stubble burning is a cause of air pollution, it is not the only one. However, the entire blame is unfairly shifted onto farmers. Punjab reports 70 per cent reduction in stubble burning, highlights Ex-Situ management efforts Throughout the year, we call farmers our gods and anndata, but come November, we label them as criminals, demanding they be fined or jailed, he said. Chadha asserted, no farmer deliberately or willingly burns stubble. They do it out of sheer compulsion. This year, AAP ruled Punjab saw a reduction of more than 70 per cent in stubble-burning incidents. In contrast, states like Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan reported an increase. He emphasised that Punjab took up paddy farming to feed the country when there was a shortage of food grains. However, this has come at a great cost to Punjab. He said, Our water table has dropped by 600 feet, our soil has degraded, and this is despite the fact that rice is not a staple food for Punjabis. He added that after harvesting paddy, farmers are left with stubble, which they have only 1012 days to clear before sowing the next crop. If they dont clear it in time, the yield of the next crop is adversely affected. This forces farmers to burn the stubble. SC raises concerns over Punjab, Haryanas inaction on stubble burning amid rising air pollution Chadha pointed out that solutions like Happy Seeders and Paddy Choppers come with a hefty price tag, requiring farmers to spend Rs 2,0003,000 per acre to operate them. For farmers already struggling to break even, such expenses are unaffordable, leaving them with no choice but to burn stubble. Tragically, the worst affected by this toxic air are the farmers themselves and their families, who are forced to breathe it. He proposed a solution stating, if we provide farmers in Punjab and Haryana Rs 2,500 per acre as immediate financial assistance to manage stubble, no farmer will burn it. Of this, Rs 2,000 should be contributed by the central government, and the state government will bear the remaining cost. This will offer a short-term solution to the stubble-burning issue. Chadha further stated, As for a long-term solution, we need to promote crop diversification, moving away from paddy to crops like cotton, maize, pulses, and oilseeds. While we talk a lot about AI (Artificial Intelligence), we also need to talk about AQI (Air Quality Index).

Auto Sales In November 2024: Escorts Dips Nearly 10%, Toyota India Surges 44%

Indian automakers are declaring their monthly sales data for November 2024. Here's a look at which automaker sold how much in the month gone by. Escorts Tractor Sales Slump Nearly 10% In November Total sales of Escorts Kubota Ltd. fell in November due to a shift of major festive days to October this year. The Faridabad-based company sold 8,730 tractors last month as against 9,503 tractors in the year-ago period---a decline of 9.4%, according to an exchange filing on Sunday. Domestic sales fell 8.1% year-on-year to 8,730 units while exports shrank 39.5% to 244 units. During the festive months of September to November, Escorts sales rose 9% year-on-year to 38,554 tractors as compared to 35,387 tractors in the year-ago period, the exchange filing stated. We expect the growth momentum to continue in the remaining fiscal year, driven by favorable macroeconomic conditions, higher minimum support price, improved terms of trade, and higher water reservoir levels. Toyota India Sales Grow 44% In November On SUVs Total sales of Toyota Kirloskar Motor India Pvt. Ltd. surged yet again in November on the back of demand for its larger cars. The Indian unit of the world's largest carmaker shipped to dealerships as many as 25,586 units last month as against 17,818 units in the year-ago period---a growth of 44% year-on-year, according to a media statement on Sunday. Notably, two of our flagship models---the Innova Hycross and Urban Cruiser Hyryder---have each achieved the milestone of 1,00,000 unit sales, Sabari Manohar, vice president for sales, service and used cars at Toyota India, said in the statement. Toyota India is now offering year-end benefits of up to Rs 1 lakh on the Glanza, Rumion and Urban Cruiser Taisor models, which are cross-badged versions of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Ertiga and Fronx, respectively. The Hyryder is made by Toyota and rebadged as the Suzuki Grand Vitara. The year 2024 has exceeded our expectations and we are gearing up to close it on a strong note, with a continued focus on redefining customer experience to effectively meet evolving market demands, Manohar said. . Read more on Business by NDTV Profit.

Faridabad: A Thriving Hub Poised for Growth in NCR's Real Estate Landscape

Faridabad's ongoing transformation demonstrates that it is well on its way to becoming a prominent urban destination within the NCR, with a blend of economic opportunity, robust infrastructure, and community-oriented development.

Couple Found Dead At Oyo Room In Faridabad

According to preliminary findings, Awana and Tanu were friends. Despite family disapproval, Awana, a milk seller, maintained the friendship. It has also been found that Awana briefly left the OYO room on Sunday evening to ask hotel staff for an address

Faridabad cow vigilantes charged with mob lynching

Five cow vigilantes in Faridabad have been charged with mob lynching in the death of a student who they mistook for a cattle smuggler. The Faridabad police filed a 600-page chargesheet against the accused, including statements from 30 witnesses. The chargesheet includes sections for murder, criminal conspiracy, and intentionally concealing evidence.

NIA raids multiple places in 3 states as part of probe into Davinder Bambiha case

NEW DELHI: In a crackdown against terror-gangster nexus, the NIA on Wednesday conducted raids at premises linked with associates of Davinder Bambiha syndicate at nine locations in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, officials said. The NIAs probe into the case relates to a conspiracy by terror outfits to smuggle arms and ammunition into the country, they said. The NIA teams searched the premises of suspects in the terror-gangster syndicate case in Palwal, Faridabad and Gurugram districts of Haryana, Jalandhar district of Punjab and Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, a senior official said. Later in an official statement, the NIA said that following the searches at the premises, the team of investigators recovered a host of incriminating materials, including mobile/digital devices, banking transactions and property-related documents, and seized them. In a massive crackdown on the terror-gangster nexus case, the NIA on Wednesday conducted extensive searches at premises linked with associates of Davinder Bambiha syndicate at nine locations in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, it said. Bambiha, a notorious gangster, was killed in a police encounter in 2016, the officials said. Bambiha gang members are considered rivals of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his associates, they added. Wednesdays searches were part of the NIAs continuous crackdown on terror outfits engaged in criminal conspiracies to smuggle terrorist hardware, such as arms, ammunition, narcotics, explosives and other contraband into India, the agency said. NIA investigations in the case, registered on the directions of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), further show large-scale attempts by these organisations and terrorists to raise funds for carrying out terror acts on Indian soil, the agency noted in the statement. AGTF, SAS Nagar police nab two operatives of Davinder Bambiha Gang

Haryana CM Saini launches Swachh Kurukshetra Mahasafai Abhiyan

CHANDIGARH: Following the footsteps of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini launched `Swachh Kurukshetra Mahasafai Abhiyan in Kurukshetra today. The CM himself participated in a cleanliness drive, picking up a broom to sweep, embodying the true spirit of a 'Swachhata Doot'. His actions thus reaffirm his dedication to a cleaner environment and emphasising the crucial role of cleanliness in shaping a beautiful Haryana. After inaugurating the Swachh Kurukshetra Mahasafai Abhiyan in Thanesar city, CM Saini also flagged off the Swachhata Rath, initiated to ensure cleanliness in Kurukshetra ahead of International Gita Mahotsav. Besides this, he also signed the Swachh Kurukshetra board to emphasize the message of cleanliness. During the event, hundreds of people joined the Chief Minister for an hour-long cleanliness drive from Sheikh Chillis Tomb to OP Jindal Park, Jyotiba Phule, and Tau Devi Lal Chowk. The Chief Minister launched the campaign across 18 zones of Kurukshetra, administered a cleanliness pledge, and urged every citizen to participate in the movement. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Saini said that ensuring cleanliness and making Kurukshetra more beautiful should be the utmost priority of the officers and the residents, especially as the International Gita Mahotsav is nearing and thousands of visitors from across the globe will be visiting the holy land. He said that Kurukshetras cleanliness and aesthetic appeal are vital to its global recognition. He reiterated Prime Minister, Narendra Modis call for a nationwide Swachata Abhiyan. He said that a clean environment will not only eradicate diseases but also ensure a healthier population, paving the way for national progress. Haryana, he said, is on track to develop three times faster, with cleanliness as its foremost goal. Efforts are being made to address the shortage of staff in all civic bodies, and there will be no shortage of resources. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, 7,75,810 individual toilets and more than 6,000 community sanitation complexes have been constructed in rural areas so far, said Saini. He said that Haryanas strides in cleanliness were noted, with 17 urban local bodies certified as Open Defecation Free (ODF), 59 as ODF Plus, and 2 as Water Plus. The state ranked 14th nationally in the Swachh Survekshan 2023 among states with fewer than 100 urban local bodies. Two waste management plants, each with a capacity of 1,200 metric tons, in Gurugram and Faridabad will be set up, which are expected to boost Haryanas ranking in cleanliness surveys, said Saini. He assured that there would be no funds constraints or compromises in the mission to keep Kurukshetra clean. He emphasized strict implementation of the campaign, with close monitoring by the Deputy Commissioner to ensure no lapses. Former Minister of State, Subhash Sudha said that Thanesar has been divided into 18 zones, with thousands contributing to the cleanliness drive. He called for greater participation, emphasizing that achieving a clean Kurukshetra requires the collective effort of every citizen.

NIA Conducts Searches Against Terror-Gangster Syndicate Involved In Smuggling Arms Into India

New Delhi, Nov 27: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted searches at nine locations in multiple states as part of a probe into a conspiracy by terror outfits to smuggle arms and ammunition into the country, according to an official statement. NIA teams searched the premises of suspects in the terror-gangster syndicate case in Palwal, Faridabad and Gurugram districts of Haryana, Jalandhar district of Punjab, and Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, it said. A host of incriminating materials, [] The post NIA Conducts Searches Against Terror-Gangster Syndicate Involved In Smuggling Arms Into India appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

NIA Searches in 3 States in Bambiha Terrorist Gangster Syndicate Case

New Delhi: In a massive crackdown in the terror-gangster nexus case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted extensive searches at premises linked with associates of Davinder Bambiha syndicate at nine locations in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The NIA teams conducted searches at premises of suspects in the terror-gangster syndicate case in Palwal, Faridabad and Gurugram districts of Haryana, Jalandhar district of Punjab, and Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh. A host of incriminating materials, including mobiles/digital devices, banking transactions and property related documents, were seized during the searches. The searches were part of NIA's continuous crackdown on terror outfits engaged in criminal conspiracies to smuggle terrorist hardware, such as arms, ammunition, narcotics, explosives etc, into India. The NIA investigations in the case RC 22/2023/NIA/DLI, registered on the directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs further show large-scale attempts by these organisations and terrorists to raise funds for carrying out terror acts on the Indian soil.

Delhi-NCR Air Quality Deteriorates as AQI Reaches Dangerous Levels

The air quality in Delhi-NCR worsened on Wednesday, remaining in the very poor category with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 396, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The worsening pollution levels have raised serious health concerns among residents, especially with several areas in Delhi recording AQI levels above 400, edging closer to the severe category. Mundka topped the list with an AQI of 443, followed by Rohini and Vivek Vihar at 432 each. Anand Vihar saw an AQI of 431, while Jahangirpuri recorded 422. Other areas heavily impacted by the pollution include Sonia Vihar at 425, Shadipur at 423, and Punjabi Bagh at 413. Alipur, Narela, and Ashok Vihar also recorded AQI levels in the severe range, at 416, 415, and 420, respectively, painting a grim picture of the air quality in the region. Nearby NCR cities have also seen a decline in air quality, though not as severe as Delhi's. Faridabad reported an AQI of 184, Gurugram at 160, and Noida at 257. While these figures are relatively better, they still pose health risks. The CPCB categorizes AQI levels as follows: 0-50 is good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor, 401-450 is severe, and any AQI above 450 is considered severe plus. Amid these hazardous air conditions, the Supreme Court upheld the restrictions imposed under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which aims to reduce pollution in the area. These restrictions include a ban on non-essential truck entry, with exceptions for those carrying essential goods or using clean fuels like LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electricity. Additionally, construction activities at public infrastructure sites have been suspended to limit dust emissions. As air quality continues to deteriorate, experts emphasize the need for long-term solutions to control pollution. Residents are urged to minimize outdoor exposure and take necessary precautions to protect their health as the region faces severe air pollution. Delhi's Air Quality Stays in 'Very Poor' Range Amid Persistent Smog Delhi Orders 50% Work-from-Home as Air Quality Deteriorates Delhi Minister Gopal Rai Urges Urgent Meeting for Cloud Seeding to Combat Smog

Man Shot At In Road Rage Case In Faridabad

An event manager was allegedly shot near the house of Union Minister Krishan Pal Gurjar in Sector 28 here in a road rage incident, police on Tuesday said.

Schools to stay closed in Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad due to pollution? Heres the latest update

Schools Reopening in Delhi-NCR: Schools across Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad remained closed due to hazardous air pollution on Monday. Online classes continue while authorities continue to monitor AQI levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) indicated some improvement on Monday and is anticipated to get better in the days ahead.

Physical classes in schools in Gurugram, Faridabad to be suspended till Nov 25 due to pollution

Due to persistently poor air quality, physical classes for students up to Class 12 in Gurugram and Faridabad have been extended until November 25th. Both districts issued orders citing health concerns, mandating online classes for all government and private schools during the closure.

Delhi-NCR Air Pollution: Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad schools likely to stay closed till...

This decision was taken after Delhi's daily average AQI rose sharply to 441 on Sunday and further escalated to 457 by 7 pm which prompted an emergency meeting of the GRAP Sub-Committee.

Faridabad Court Awards Woman And Lover Life Imprisonment For Murder Of Husband, Father-in-law

The two men were murdered by hitting them on their heads with a pan, an iron rod and a stick.

Faridabad Cop Held for Taking Rs 12 Lakh Bribe

Over Rs 7 lakh cash was recovered from the accused, Arjun, while the other PSI associated with him managed to flee from the spot, the official said

Patralekha Chatterjee | Dirty air could be a blow to Indias $5 trillion dreams

India aspires to become a $5 trillion economy, the third largest in the world, in the next five years. But that dream, constantly referenced by the countrys political leadership, depends on many ifs and buts. One key issue is the health of its people. Dirty air, currently a top headline-grabber in Delhi and across the National Capital Region (NCR), can potentially dent India's aspirations. The health impacts of toxic air are quite widely known. But that is only part of the story. Linked to it is the high economic cost. Exposure to air pollution is linked to one in eight deaths worldwide, according to The State of the Global Air 2024. Air pollution now ranks as the second leading risk factor for death, accounting for 8.1 million deaths globally. According to estimates by the World Health Organisation, in 2019, some 68 per cent of outdoor air pollution related premature deaths were due to ischaemic heart disease and stroke, 14 per cent were due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 14 per cent were due to acute lower respiratory infections, and four per cent of deaths were due to lung cancers. Some argue that poor air quality is the price India must pay for rapid economic growth. There is mounting evidence to the contrary. Conventional wisdom, says a 2021 report, considers air-pollution an unavoidable by-product of economic growth, thus limiting the intensity of response to it. In existing literature and publications, GDP per capita and growth rate are often linked to emissions levels, one predicting the other. This has framed an understanding, with many businesses, that growth and good air-quality are always in conflict, which has led to an entrenched perception of environmental regulations as being a cost that holds back companies. But air pollution costs Indian businesses Rs 7 lakh crores ($95 billion) every year -- 40 per cent of the cost of tackling the Covid-19 pandemic. This is equivalent to three per cent of Indias GDP. While this cost may have gone unnoticed thus far, it is high and persistent, says the report c ommissioned by the Clean Air Fund and developed in partnership with Dalberg Advisors, Blue Sky Analytics and the Confederation of Indian Industry. The cost of air pollution manifests in six ways: lower labour productivity, lower consumer footfall, premature mortality, lower asset productivity, increased health expenses and welfare losses, the report notes. Out of these, employee productivity, consumer footfall and premature mortality impact businesses directly. Air pollution resulted in 1.3 billion working days lost, costing $6 billion in India in 2019 due to absenteeism. As air pollution soars, employees can get sick or opt to stay at home to take care of their children and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to air pollution: 98 per cent of this cost is borne by Indias northern and eastern part, where AQI levels cross 300-plus frequently, says the report. An Indian IT firm in Delhi loses 33 per cent of its competitive advantage over a Filipino company due to air pollution. In South Delhis Govindpuri, a top cloth store owner told me the number of customers had nosedived in the past week. Not too many people want to step out of home unless absolutely necessary, he said. Work-from-home, stay-at-home, and air purifiers, however, are temporary solutions for the relatively privileged. The vast majority of Indians work dont have the luxury of staying confined to air-purified settings. With the Indian populations median age rising, its susceptibility to air pollution will increase, raising the question of a sub-optimal workforce. Delhi grabs headlines, but this isnt Delhi's problem alone. Several towns in northern India are suffering from dirty air. In recent days, Bahadurgarh in Haryana had the worst air quality. Air pollution is also not confined to just the cold season. It is a year-long problem in Delhi, due to multiple reasons. About 40 per cent of Delhi's air pollution is due to vehicular emissions, diesel vehicles being a key contributor. Industries around Delhi, especially in Ghaziabad, Noida, and Faridabad, are also part of the problem: they release pollutants like sulphur dioxide (SO2). Pollution control measures remain poor. Burning of rice stubble in neighbouring states like Haryana and Punjab simply makes things worse. Add to that another critical factor: public apathy. How else do you explain people voluntarily adding more toxicity to an already toxic air by burning firecrackers every other night? The police do precious little despite the Supreme Court directives. Clean air is still not a top electoral issue. Indias political class is unwilling to take tough measures against special interest groups which contribute to dirty air because it knows it will get away. A decade ago, Delhi and Beijing competed in the toxic air stakes. Both grappled with devastating health and economic impacts. Now, Delhis rival is Lahore, when it comes to polluted air. Beijing has cleaned up its act significantly. One key factor which led to Beijings transformation is its transport policy. Highly polluting cars are off the roads; the focus is on sustainable public transport. Experts note Beijing tightened emissions standards for vehicles and power plants, and actively coordinated air pollution control measures with surrounding areas, such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Collaborative planning, unified standards, joint emergency responses and information sharing significantly improved the air quality in this broader region. India must promote mass transport as well as walking and cycling. It will not happen overnight. It requires hard infrastructure like more buses, better pavements as well as safety. Women should be able to walk back from the bus stop or Metro station without fear. Alongside, we need clean fuels, strict enforcement of a ban on open waste burning; strict compliance with emission norms for all industries; management of road dust and more equitably spread green spaces to improve the citys air quality and breathability. Beijings example also teaches us that no city can clean up its air alone. We need a cluster-based approach bringing together officials from cities and regions connected to each other through common contexts and challenges. We need more cooperation across inter-state and inter-country borders between researchers, scientists, public health advocates and top political leaders. What is needed is a regional approach to air quality management. What will not help -- framing Delhi-NCRs ongoing health and environmental crisis as a boxing match between the ruling BJP and the Opposition. We need collaboration, not perilous polarisation. Air pollution is a killer. India must treat it as a top priority, above partisan politics. Or else Indias aspirations will go up in smoke.

Delhi's Air Quality Stays in 'Very Poor' Range Amid Persistent Smog

NEW DELHI: The air quality in Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) remained in the 'very poor' category on Friday morning, with a layer of smog hanging over the region. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 371 as of 7:15 a.m. In other NCR cities, the AQI readings were also concerning: Faridabad had an AQI of 263, Gurugram was at 281, Ghaziabad registered 274, Greater Noida stood at 234, and Noida recorded a level of 272. Several areas in Delhi showed particularly alarming figures, with AQI readings over 400, which falls into the 'severe' category. The specific AQI levels were 410 in Anand Vihar, 411 in Bawana, 426 in Jahangirpuri, 402 in Mundka, 410 in Nehru Nagar, 402 in Shadipur, and 413 in Wazirpur. Many other areas of Delhi also faced 'very poor' air quality, including Alipur (389), Ashok Vihar (395), Aya Nagar (369), Burari Crossing (369), Chandni Chowk (369), Mathura Road (333), Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range (373), IGI Airport (357), Dilshad Garden (320), and ITO and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, both at 342. The CPCB categorizes AQI levels between 200 and 300 as poor, 301 to 400 as very poor, 401 to 450 as severe, and anything above 450 as severe plus. In response to the pollution, the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) initiated night-time cleaning and road sweeping at several locations early on Friday. On Thursday, after days of being in the 'severe' and 'severe plus' categories, the city's overall air quality showed slight improvement, moving into the 'very poor' range. Despite this, a thick smog continued to linger, with the AQI at 389 at 7:15 a.m. Several neighborhoods remained in the 'severe' category, with 12 locations recording AQI levels between 400 and 500, and 26 others between 300 and 400. In light of the hazardous air quality, the government has implemented several measures to reduce pollution. The Centre has announced staggered working hours for its employees. An official order from the Union Ministry of Personnel encouraged staff to carpool and use public transport, stating that offices could operate from either 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has also tightened the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), introducing stricter regulations. Under the updated guidelines, physical classes for students up to Class 5 will be suspended during GRAP Stage 3, and for students up to Class 12 in GRAP Stage 4. In addition, the revised GRAP mandates staggered timings for public offices and municipal bodies to help reduce traffic and emissions. During Stage 4, residents are advised to wear masks when venturing outdoors to protect themselves from the poor air quality. Delhi Orders 50% Work-from-Home as Air Quality Deteriorates Delhi Minister Gopal Rai Urges Urgent Meeting for Cloud Seeding to Combat Smog Delhi-NCR Pollusion LIVE: Severe Air Pollution Sparks Medical Emergency Across Northern India

Opinion: Opinion | Baku To Faridabad: India's Roadmap To Embrace Clean Transport

As the engines of hydrogen buses hum and LNG-powered trucks traverse the countrys highways, Indias journey toward sustainable transportation continues to gain momentum.

DC Edit | Delhi-NCR air too toxic to breathe, but govts dither

Delhis air in winter is injurious to health. With an Air Quality Index nearing 500, even breathing in Delhi has become hazardous. In the old days, people visiting India would be advised, gratuitously of course, not to drink the water or breathe the air. Todays air over the region, including Gurugram, Noida and Faridabad, is smothered in a pea soup fog that hangs like a malevolent blanket, so much so people are being advised to stay indoors on days of poor AQI. Emergency responses have seen the closing of schools, people working from home and regulations imposed inhibiting normal life as the geographical and meteorological conditions of the winter season take over to affect the weather pattern with a foul fog because of which even trains struggle and flights get routinely rerouted. When there was a pressing need for action on a war footing to mitigate or try to stave off the crisis that grips New Delhi and many parts of north India every year starting in November, the governments of Delhi and the Centre and of many adjoining states have not been seen to be proactive. They have done little about helping people breathe air that is tolerable, and which can support life in people with medical conditions while not incommoding normal persons. The political blame game, however, creates only din of the kind that people have become inured to as netas point fingers at each other. Truth to tell, the burning of stubble is a national problem about which not enough has been done to find alternatives like changing cropping patterns. Some states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan may have contributed their share to exacerbate this problem by being blas about it while Punjab and Haryana have at least taken some measures to control it. The problem is, however, larger than crop burning which is only one contributing factor. Giving up construction and demolitions may be tough to do in a country that is an eternal work in progress, but rules must be adhered to if such activity is not to add to the existing dust and vehicle pollution from transporting people and goods. It will take years anyway to phase out the more polluting older vehicles, but leaders do swear by half-measures like odd and even number plates on alternate days. The Supreme Court was incensed at the lackadaisical attitude of governments towards handling this recurring crisis until the problem of severe air pollution peaks in November-December when crop burning adds to it because of the timing of harvests. The fact of the matter is that it wont go away until a national effort is coordinated by the Centre and the states follow a host of regulations lest they leave a sizeable population of the country gasping for air and millions risk dying prematurely. The people can contribute by taking public transportation or car-pooling and the Delhi government can help by not letting solid waste burn and regulating better the incineration of waste in unscientific manners through private industry. So long as blaming everyone but themselves and passing the buck are national pastimes of leaders, the state of the capital will be like this in its unbeautiful cloak of winter. Governments must act round the year to control the conditions that lead to foggy winters and people must wake up, too, and help.

Air pollution: As Delhi struggles to catch a breath, how are NCR cities faring? Check AQI for Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad

Delhi's air quality reached a hazardous 'severe plus' level, prompting school closures and emergency measures. The Supreme Court intervened, ordering strict enforcement of anti-pollution measures as the city grapples with dangerously high levels of pollutants.

Punjab reports season's highest stubble burning cases as Haryana AQI touches 'severe' levels

CHANDIGARH: The highest number of stubble burning cases in this season, at 1,251 incidents, were reported in Punjab on Monday increasing the total number of reported cases this year to 9.655, according to data by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PCCB). The Air Quality Index (AQI) level in the state was in the 'Poor category, while in Haryana five towns were in the 'Severe category and six places in the 'Very Poor category. Of the total 1,251 incidents reported on Monday, 247 cases were in Muktsar district followed by 149 in Moga, 130 incidents of stubble-burning were in Ferozepur, 129 in Bathinda, 94 in Fazilka, 88 in Faridkot, 77 in Tarn Taran and 73 in Sangrur. Ludhiana had 52 cases, Barnala 42 incidents, 40 in Mansa and Amritsar had 36 reported cases and Marelkotla had 34. Meanwhile on Sunday, 404 stubble burning cases were reported across the state, of which 74 new cases were from Ferozepur and 70 in Bathinda. An environmental compensation of Rs 1.35 crore had been imposed for 3,943 cases till November 15. As per the central pollution control board, the AQI levels of both Amritsar and Jalandhar around 7.30 pm were 241 in the 'Poor' category. Khanna was 143 in the 'Moderate' category and Ludhiana, Patiala and Rupnagar all three were at 262 and Mandi Gobindgarh was 213 - all in the 'Poor' category. While the AQI level of Chandigarh was 270 at the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) in Sector 22, the AQI at around 7.30 pm on Monday was at 250 and that at CAAQMS Sector 53 was recorded at 240 and at the Sector 25 station it was 270. Ambala residents report breathing issues due to fog, pollution. In Haryana the Air Quality Index at Gurugram was 494, Dharuhera was 447, Bahadurgarh was 443, Faridabad was 432 and Bhiwani 405, all in the 'Severe category. While Jind was 387, Fatehabad was 383, Kaithal was 354, Karnal was 348, Palwal was 327, Narnaul was 320 - in the 'Very Poor category. Kurukshetra's AQI was 298, Mandikhera was at 293, Hisar at 281, Charkhi Dadri at 226 - all in the 'Poor' category. Only two places - Ambala and Panchkula - were in the 'Moderate category. In response to worsening air pollution, the Nuh Administration has declared holidays for schools up to class 5 from November 18 to November 22, according to an official order. As per the order from the office of the District Elementary Education Officer of Nuh, the holiday has been declared in all government, semi-government, and private schools in the Nuh district of Haryana. Sources pointed out that the PPCB is under scrutiny and facing allegations of under-reporting of farm fire incidents. The scientists monitoring the farm fires claimed that many farmers were setting paddy residue on fire post afternoon, dodging the satellite. While the pollution control board claimed have brought down farm fires by 70 per cent than previous years, farmers could be seen evading the satellite by setting the paddy residue on fire post 3 pm.

ED seizes Rs 8.8 crore from corporate office of lottery king Santiago Martin

Chennai: The Enforcement Directorate on Friday seized Rs.8.8 crore in cash from the corporate office of Chennai-based 'lottery king' Santiago Martin, officials said. Martin was the single biggest donor to political parties with over Rs.1,300 crore in now-scrapped electoral bonds. The searches were carried out in multiple states as part of a money laundering investigation against the 'lottery king', officials said. The action comes after the Madras High Court recently allowed the ED to proceed against Martin as the Tamil Nadu Police had decided to close the predicate or primary FIR against him and a few others and a lower court accepted this police plea. Officials said at least 20 premises linked to Martin, his son-in-law Aadhav Arjun and associates in Chennai and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, Faridabad in Haryana, Ludhiana in Punjab and Kolkata in West Bengal were being searched as part of a comprehensive action against his business empire. A clutch of police FIRs have been taken into cognisance by the ED to initiate the latest action against Martin and his business network for lottery fraud and illegal sale of lottery. The agency searched him earlier too. The federal agency last year attached assets worth about Rs 457 crore in a case against Martin linked to an alleged loss of over Rs 900 crore to the Sikkim government by fraudulent sale of the state lottery in Kerala. Future Gaming Solutions India Pvt. Ltd. is the master distributor of Sikkim lotteries and the ED has been investigating Martin, known as 'lottery king' in Tamil Nadu, since 2019. Martin recently made news after it came to light through Election Commission data that his company (Future Gaming) was the largest purchaser of now-scrapped electoral bonds worth more than Rs 1,300 crore, between 2019 and 2024, meant for donations to political parties. The Madras High Court last month allowed the ED case against Martin and his linked people to go on as it set aside a lower court order which had accepted a closure report filed by the Chennai Police crime branch in a case related to the seizure of unaccounted Rs 7.2 crore from his Chennai home. His other companies include Martin Builders Pvt. Ltd. and Daison Land and Development Pvt. Ltd. The ED had said earlier that these firms acquired immovable properties worth Rs 19.59 crore from the loans and advances given by Martin and his family members.

grap-iii-in-place-how-delhi-struggles-to-control-worsening-air-pollution

Delhi continues to grapple with worsening air quality as authorities struggle to control damage by imposing restrictions under the third stage of GRAP, which will come into force on Friday at 8 am. Under the third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), all inter-state buses from NCR states -- except electric vehicles, CNG vehicles and BS-VI diesel buses -- will be prohibited from entering Delhi. There is also a ban on construction and demolition activities and mining-related activities. Any violation will attract a fine of Rs 20,000. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said there is a strict ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel (four-wheelers) in the national capital and neighbouring Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar. Though less-polluting construction activities are permitted, those will be subjected to strict compliance with the C&D Waste Management Rules. GNCTD (Delhi government) will impose strict restrictions on plying of Delhi-registered diesel operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs), of BS-III standards or below, in Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities/providing essential services, the order stated. There will also be exemptions for construction works for railway and metro rail projects, airports and interstate bus terminals, national security or defence-related projects, healthcare facilities, hospitals, and public infrastructure projects like highway work. The Delhi government has also decided to switch to online classes for students until class 5. The government will also have to undertake more mechanised sweeping of roads, daily water sprinkling along with dust suppressants and proper disposal of collected dust in landfills. This comes as the city's 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI), recorded at 4 pm every day, stood at 424 on Thursday, up from 418 the previous day. On Friday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Anand Vihar area dips into the 'Severe' category. AQI in Anand Vihar is at 441 Meanwhile, the decision has come as a blow to truck drivers, who cited the ban will affect their livelihood. We are going to face a lot of problems related to livelihood if our vehicles won't be allowed to enter Delhi. How are we going to bear the extra expenses? Each of us has EMIs to pay for our vehicles, a truck driver told ANI.

Delhi air pollution: Flights, trains delayed due to fog

New Delhi: With air pollution reaching alarming levels, the Central pollution watchdog has announced the enforcement of stringent curbs under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan in Delhi-NCR from 8 am on Friday, November 15. Flights and train services, meanwhile, were also disrupted on Thursday as a thick blanket of fog covered parts of Delhi for the second consecutive day, with the air quality index still remaining in the severe category. Under GRAP-3, all inter-state buses from the NCR states except electric vehicles, CNG vehicles and BS-VI diesel buses will be prohibited from entering Delhi, alongside a stringent ban on construction and demolition activities, suspension of mining-related activities and daily water sprinkling on major roads. All schools have been told that classes up to Class 5 must switch from physical to online mode till further orders. While the third stage of the anti-pollution measure is in effect, there would also be restrictions on the plying of BS-lll petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi and the districts of Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar. On Thursday, about 400 flights, 257 departures and 139 arrivals, at Delhi airport experienced delays due to the low visibility. While the arrival n Turn to Page 4 delays averaged 17 minutes, departures reportedly faced a more substantial average delay of more than 50 minutes, as reported by a flight-tracking website. Delhi airport had also issued an advisory for passengers in the morning, alerting them of low visibility. Low visibility procedures in progress at Delhi Airport. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information, Delhi airport wrote in a post on X. Many long-distance trains heading to Delhi were delayed by several hours, causing considerable inconvenience to passengers. Departure time for these trains were also rescheduled. Local trains faced delays ranging from 30 to 90 minutes, further complicating the daily commute for office-goers in the city. Meanwhile, Delhi Metro also announced that it will be inducting 20 extra trips after GRAP- 3 restrictions. The GRAP for Delhi-NCR is divided into four stages of air quality: Stage 1 for poor AQI ranging between 201 and 300; Stage 2 for very poor AQI of 301-400; Stage 3 for severe AQI of 401-450; and Stage 4 for severe plus AQI (more than 450). The decision to implement GRAP-3 was taken by the Commission for Air Quality Management as Delhi's air quality remained in the severe category for the second consecutive day on Thursday with the AQI reaching 428 in the morning hours. Of 39 monitoring stations in Delhi, 32 recorded air quality in the severe category, with readings above 400. These stations include Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, IGI Airport, ITO, Mandir Marg, North Campus, Patparganj, Punjabi Bagh, and Pusa, among others. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court agreed to urgently list on November 18 a plea seeking enforcement of measures to check pollution in the national capital after it was told that Delhi should not become the most polluted city in the world. A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih agreed to list the matter after senior advocate Aprajita Singh, who has been appointed as amicus curiae, requested for urgent hearing looking at the prevailing situation in Delhi. Since yesterday we have been in severe mode. Just to avoid this situation, this court has asked them to take preemptive action. They have not done anything. We should not become the most polluted city in the world, Ms Singh told the bench. Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai had said during a press conference that GRAP-3 would not be imposed yet as the situation was expected to improve from Friday. But he stressed that the Delhi government would strictly implement GRAP-2 measures to prevent further deterioration of air quality. We will review all current action plans and campaigns and enhance enforcement efforts to prevent pollution levels from reaching emergency levels, he added. Mr Rai attributed the worsening conditions to a combination of calm winds and a drop in temperature. Citing studies, he said contributions from surrounding areas play a significant role in Delhi's pollution levels, with 30 per cent of the pollution originating from local sources and 34 per cent coming from the National Capital Region.

Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad's AQI hit scary levels: Check figures here

Delhi and the NCR region are engulfed in a thick blanket of smog. The air quality has reached 'Very Poor' levels, posing health risks. Anand Vihar, Punjabi Bagh, and Ashok Vihar are among the worst-hit areas in Delhi. Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad are also experiencing unhealthy air quality. Residents are advised to take precautions and limit outdoor exposure.

Delhi-NCR Pollution News | Toxic Air Engulfs Delhi-NCR | Air Quality Index hits Alarming Levels

Delhi-NCR Pollution News | Toxic Air Engulfs Delhi-NCR | Air Quality Index hits Alarming LevelsA thick layer of smog engulfed Delhi and surrounding areas of Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad on Wednesday morning.Delhi's air quality index was in the 'very poor' category, while that of Gurugram, Noida and Ghaziabad were in the 'Poor' category. Toxic Air Engulfs Delhi-NCR, Air Quality Index hits Alarming Levels

Thick Smog Blankets Delhi-NCR, Air Quality Index Crosses 400-Mark

A dense layer of smog enveloped Delhi and surrounding regions of Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad on Wednesday morning.

Dense Smog Envelops Delhi-NCR As AQI Breaches 400-Mark

A dense layer of smog enveloped Delhi and surrounding regions of Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad on Wednesday morning.

Delhi-NCR grapples with pollution as air quality dips

New Delhi: Delhi-NCR continues to grapple with hazardous air quality levels, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining at 355, classified as very poor. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhis AQI at 7:30 A.M. on Tuesday was 355, while surrounding NCR cities also recorded high AQI levels: Haryanas Faridabad was at Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

New Highway Will Cut Travel Time To Faridabad, Palwal, Sohna By 2 Hours From Tomorrow

Traveling from Delhi, Noida, or Ghaziabad to Faridabad and Palwal usually means going through Mathura Road, where traffic jams turn a 30-minute trip into a two and a half hour ride

Soon, travel on fast lane from Gurugram to Greater Noida

NEW DELHI: The National Capital Region (NCR) is all set to witness a new Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), a semi-high speed rail corridor, stretching from Rajiv Chowk in Gurugram to Noida Sector-142 and Surajpur in Greater Noida, passing through Bata Chowk in Faridabad. The 60-kilometre corridor is projected to feature eight intermediate stations, with an estimated total project cost of around Rs 15,000 crore. Once completed, the RRTS corridor is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in NCR. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini recently met with Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal in Delhi to discuss the expansion of the metro and the construction of the RRTS corridor. They also explored options for extending RRTS connectivity between Sarai Kale Khan and Karnal, as well as extending the metro line from Gurugram to AIIMS in Badsa. Meanwhile, there is an ongoing assessment to connect IGIA with key NCR locations, including Gurugram, Faridabad and Jewar Airport, through the RRTS network. The plan proposes two distinct lines, starting from Palam Vihar in Gurugram, to improve connectivity across the region. Another proposed extension aims to connect Sarai Kale Khan to Dharuhera, Bawal, and Shahjahanpur in Rajasthan. For the proposed metro line extension from Gurugram Sector-56 to Panchgaon, the Haryana government will cover the expenses. Upon receiving the projects Detailed Project Report, the Centre is likely to approve it.

Air quality 'poor' in large parts of Punjab, Haryana; Chandigarh 'very poor'

CHANDIGARH: The air quality in several parts of Punjab and Haryana was recorded in the 'poor' category on Saturday, while it was worst in the joint capital city of Chandigarh with an AQI of 322 which falls in the 'very poor' band. According to the Central Pollution Control Board's Sameer App, which provides hourly updates, Haryana's Bahadugarh recorded an Air Quality Index of 314 -- also in the 'very poor' category at 9 am. Among other places in Haryana, the AQI at Sonipat was 290, Hisar (285), Bhiwani (277), Jind (275), Charkhi Dadri (258), Gurugram (259), Faridabad (220), Yamunanagar (213), Rohtak (238), Kurukshetra (202), Kaithal (205), Fatehabad (198), Ambala (160), Sirsa (181), and Karnal (144). In Punjab, the AQI was registered at 264 in Mandi Gobindgarh, 258 in Amritsar, 257 in Rupnagar, 248 in Jalandhar, 197 in Ludhiana, 183 in Bathinda, 176 in Khanna, and 133 in Patiala. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', 401 and 450 'severe' and above 450 'severe plus'. The rise in air pollution levels in the two states and Delhi during this time of year is often blamed on farm fires. Punjab reported 730 farm fire incidents on Friday, taking the total count to 6,029 in the state this season. As the window for the Rabi crop -- wheat -- is very short after paddy harvest, some farmers set their fields on fire to quickly clear off the crop residue for sowing of the next crop.

Faridabad: 7 minors among 8 Hindu girls go missing, families and Hindu outfits allege involvement of Muslim men, police denies love jihad angle

The family of a missing girl charged that the police did not help them despite repeated appeals made to them.

Air quality remains 'very poor' in several parts of Haryana, Punjab

CHANDIGARH: The air quality index at several places in Punjab and Haryanawas recorded in the 'very poor' and 'poor' categories on Sunday. According to Sameer app that provides hourly updates of the national AQI published by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI in Punjab's Amritsar was recorded at 301,183 in Chandigarh, 119 in Bathinda, 214 in Jalandhar, 171 in Khanna, 153 in Ludhiana, 207 in Patiala, 184 in Mandi Gobindgarh and 141 in Rupnagar. Among several places in Haryana, the AQI was recorded at 293 in Bhiwani, 280 in Charkhi Dadri, 238 in Faridabad, 202 in Fatehabad, 266 in Gurugram, 266 in Hisar, 253 in Jind, 258 in Rohtak, 296 in Sonipat, 251 in Sirsa, 238 in Kurukshetra, 187 in Panipat, 142 in Yamunanagar and 112 in Ambala, the data showed. Spike in stubble burning on Diwali worsens Punjabs air quality The air quality index in Haryana's Bahadurgarh and Karnal were the worst hit with 313 and 316 respectively. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 satisfactory, 101 to 200 moderate, 201 to 300 poor, 301 to 400 very poor, 401 to 450 severe, and above 450 classified as 'severe plus.' Notably, Punjab recorded 379 farm fires on Saturday.

Devender Rana given tearful adieu; PM, LG, CM among others condole demise

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 2: Senior BJP leader and MLA Nagrota, Devender Singh Rana, who passed away in a hospital in Faridabad after illness, was cremated on Friday with State honour in Jammu, where thousands of people, cutting across party lines, bid adieu to him. Click Here To Join Daily Excelsior on WhatsApp And Get Latest News In the presence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Dr Jitendra Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, [] The post Devender Rana given tearful adieu; PM, LG, CM among others condole demise appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Elderly man killed, family attacked in Haryana over firecracker-related incidents during Diwali

A tragic incident unfolded in Faridabad, Haryana, where an elderly man was beaten to death after objecting to firecrackers being set off in his neighbourhood. According to a complaint filed by the victim's son, Vinod, three individualsRaju, Dheeraj, and Nanduwere setting off firecrackers in front of their residence in the Housing Board Colony, Sector 18, on Thursday evening. When the elderly man protested the noise disturbance, a heated argument ensued. Although the situation temporarily calmed, the three men reportedly returned around 1 am and resumed the noisy activity. As the elderly man stepped outside to object again, he was allegedly attacked by the trio. Despite attempts by Vinod and his wife to intervene, they too were assaulted. The elderly man succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Faridabad police have registered a case and launched a manhunt for the three accused. In a separate incident in Faridabad, a Hindu family was allegedly attacked with sticks and stones while bursting firecrackers on Diwali, police said on Friday. The incident occurred on Thursday in Subhash Colony. According to the police complaint, the family alleges that members of a Muslim family opposed the noise from the fireworks. When some women from the Hindu family went to the accused's house to discuss the matter, they were reportedly attacked with sticks and stones. The attackers then allegedly broke down the main door of the complainant's house and sexually harassed a girl from the family. Police have obtained CCTV footage of the incident, and a case has been registered as the investigation proceeds.

Man killed, mob attacks family over bursting crackers

Two incidents of violence over firecracker bursting on Diwali were reported from Haryana's Faridabad on Friday.

Elderly man beaten to death for objecting to firecrackers in Haryana

Faridabad: An elderly man was allegedly beaten to death in Haryanas Faridabad after he objected to people bursting firecrackers in his locality, police said on Friday, November 1. A case has been lodged on the basis of a complaint from the victims son. According to the complainant, Vinod, three men Raju, Dheeraj and Nandu Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Elderly man beaten to death for objecting to firecrackers being burst in Haryana's Faridabad: Police

According to the complainant, Vinod, three men Raju, Dheeraj and Nandu were bursting firecrackers in front of the victims residence in the Housing Board Colony in Faridabads Sector 18 on Thursday (October 31, 2024) evening

Elderly Man Beaten To Death Over Bursting Firecrackers In Haryana: Cops

An elderly man was allegedly beaten to death in Haryana's Faridabad after he objected to people bursting firecrackers in his locality, police said on Friday.

Devender Rana | Locals Mourn Voice Of Jammu; PM Modi, CM Abdullah Express Grief

Jammu, Nov 1: BJP MLA Devender Singh Rana, who passed away late Thursday night, was a prominent entrepreneur and influential politician often described as the voice of Jammu. Rana died at a hospital in Haryanas Faridabad after a brief illness. He was 59 years old. The legacy of Rana who is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son is marked by his remarkable journey from building a multi-crore automobile company to becoming a significant political figure [] The post Devender Rana | Locals Mourn Voice Of Jammu; PM Modi, CM Abdullah Express Grief appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Faridabad: Muslim mob attacks Hindu family for bursting firecrackers on Diwali, molests young girl, victim family puts up house for sale poster

In Faridabad, Haryana, a Hindu family was attacked by a Muslim mob over the use of firecrackers during Diwali celebrations

Spike in stubble burning on Diwali worsens Punjabs air quality

CHANDIGARH: The biggest spike in stubble burning cases this season in Punjab occurred on Diwali, with 484 farm fire incidents reported. So far, a total of 2,950 crop residue burning cases have been reported across the state, and the number is expected to rise in the coming days. The Air Quality Index (AQI) level this morning in Punjab and Haryana fell into the 'Very Poor' and 'Poor' categories, while the Union Territory of Chandigarh recorded 'Very Poor' air quality. Meanwhile, Pakistan Punjabs Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has described smog as a common enemy and called for joint efforts between the Punjab regions of India and Pakistan. She stressed that the issue is not political but a humanitarian one. According to data from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Sangrur topped the state with 89 stubble burning incidents, followed by Ferozepur with 65, Mansa with 40, Fatehgarh Sahib with 36, and 35 each reported in Tarn Taran and Kapurthala. In Patiala, 33 incidents occurred, followed by 29 in Amritsar, 28 in Bathinda, 20 in Gurdaspur, and 14 each in Moga and Barnala. Additionally, Ludhiana recorded 11 cases, Faridkot had 10, and seven cases were reported from Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur. Muktsar saw four cases, SAS Nagar three, and one case each was recorded in Fazilka and Malerkotla. Since October, there has been a noticeable uptick in stubble-burning incidents. On October 12, 177 cases were reported, followed by 163 on October 13, 173 on October 15, and 219 on October 29. Sources pointed out that the number of crop residue burning cases is expected to increase further in the coming days, as farmers prepare to clear their fields for wheat sowing during the November 1-15 window. Cracker ban goes up in smoke as Delhi records its most polluted Diwali in three years The deteriorating air quality in major cities across Punjab remains a concern. This morning, Amritsar recorded an AQI of 335 ('Very Poor'), Mandi Gobindgarh 326 ('Very Poor'), and Khanna 306 ('Very Poor'). In other cities, the AQI fell into the 'Poor' category: Patiala registered 255, Ludhiana 206, and Jalandhar 266. Bathinda was the only city with 'Moderate' air quality at 110. In Chandigarh, the AQI was marked as 'Very Poor' at 320. Haryanas air quality was also grim, with four cities recording 'Very Poor' AQI levels this morning: Gurugram at 376, Ambala at 336, Jind at 326, and Kurukshetra at 310. Twelve cities had AQI levels in the 'Poor' range, including Bahadurgarh at 284, Faridabad at 278, Bhiwani at 275, Kaithal at 260, and Daruhera at 257. Panchkula registered 249, Manesar 247, Hisar 246, Karnal 243, Ballabgarh 228, Fatehabad 233, and Charkhi Dadri 210. Only Palwal (129) and Mandikhera (136) recorded 'Moderate' air quality. Addressing a Diwali event in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasised the need for cooperation between the Punjab regions of India and Pakistan. She stated, Winds do not recognise boundaries; we must engage in diplomacy with the government of Indian Punjab, as smog has become a significant concern in Punjab, especially Lahore. I am thinking of writing to the CM of Indian Punjab for a joint war against smog and ask for a coordinated response to measures being implemented to prevent smog and environmental degradation. Until both Punjabs come together, we will not be able to tackle the smog issue.

J-K BJP MLA Devender Rana passes away at 59

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Nagrota MLA Devender Singh Rana, brother of Union minister Jitendra Singh, died on Thursday at a private hospital in Haryana's Faridabad. He was 59.

J-K MLA Devender Singh Rana's untimely demise shocking: PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed shock at the death of BJP MLA and veteran Jammu and Kashmir leader Devender Singh Rana. PM Modi said on X, Shri Devender Singh Rana Ji's untimely demise is shocking. He was a veteran leader, who worked diligently towards Jammu and Kashmir's progress. He had just won the Assembly polls and had also played a noteworthy role in making the BJP stronger in J-K. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with his family and supporters. Om Shanti. Rana (59), Union Minister Jitendra Singh's brother, was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Haryana's Faridabad, where he passed away. Rana was a stalwart leader of the Jammu region and leading face of the National Conference, especially in the Jammu region, for decades before he joined the BJP in 2021. After the abrogation of Article 370, Rana became a vocal advocate for the Jammu Declaration, calling for statehood restoration specifically for the Jammu region. His stance clashed with the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration, a coalition seeking the restoration of Article 370 and statehood for the entire Jammu and Kashmir region. He won the recent assembly polls from the Nagrota constituency with the highest margin in Jammu and Kashmir.

Smog blankets Delhi as residents defy firecracker ban, air quality drops to very poor

New Delhi: Relentless bursting of firecrackers blanketed Delhi in dense smoke on Thursday, causing severe noise pollution and reducing visibility, as people defied a ban on firecrackers to celebrate Diwali. The city's air quality dropped to the very poor category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 330 at 10 pm. Key areas, including Anand Vihar, saw the AQI plunge into the severe category while PM2.5 concentrations soared, creating hazardous conditions for respiratory health. In contrast to the clearer sky on Diwali last year, when favourable conditions kept the AQI at 218, this year's celebrations returned the city to its notorious pollution levels, a pattern worsened by unfavourable meteorological conditions, stubble burning and vehicular emissions. Although the city government had set up 377 enforcement teams and spread awareness through local associations to ensure compliance with the firecracker ban, neighbourhoods across east and west Delhi reported large-scale flouting of the restrictions. The city's 24-hour average AQI was recorded at 330, up from 307 the previous day. The smog-laden sky brought back memories of the severe pollution in 2020 as the PM2.5 and PM10 levels surged to 145.1 and 272 micrograms per cubic metre respectively at 9 pm. These fine particles, which easily penetrate the respiratory system, pose serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. In an effort to combat the spike in pollution, the Delhi government had enforced a comprehensive ban on firecrackers for the fifth consecutive year, prohibiting their manufacture, storage, sale and use. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai mobilised 377 enforcement teams, working closely with resident welfare associations, market committees and social organisations to ensure compliance. Police teams were deployed to monitor neighbourhoods, with officials warning that legal action would be taken against violators under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for defying government orders. However, reports indicated widespread defiance of the ban across east and west Delhi, with firecrackers lighting up the sky in areas such as Jaunapur, Punjabi Bagh, Burari and East of Kailash. Delhi's surrounding regions, including Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram, fared somewhat better, remaining in the poor AQI category, while Faridabad recorded a relatively moderate AQI of 181. Yet, unfavourable meteorological conditions, paired with emissions from vehicles, local pollution and stubble burning in neighbouring states, exacerbated the smog over Delhi-NCR, a phenomenon that peaks in winter. According to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), the highest pollution levels are anticipated in early November as incidents of stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana are expected to rise. Over the years, Delhi has seen fluctuations in the air quality on Diwali, recording an AQI of 312 in 2022, 382 in 2021 and 414 in 2020. Despite repeated government efforts to curb the use of firecrackers, the city's air pollution continues to spike during the festival.

Nagrota MLA Devender Singh Rana, Union Minister Jitendra Singhs Brother, Passes Away

Nagrota MLA Devender Singh Rana, the brother of Union Minister Jitendra Singh, passed away at a hospital in Faridabad.

BJP Leader Devender Singh Rana Dies At 59

Senior BJP leader and Nagrota MLA Devender Singh Rana, brother of Union minister Jitendra Singh, died on Thursday at a private hospital in Haryana's Faridabad. He was 59.

Haryana-Rajasthan challan war: Female cop from Haryana refuses to pay Rs 50 fare in Rajasthan Roadways bus, leads to challan war between the two states

In what is being called a revenge move, Haryana Police levied penalties on more than 50 Rajasthan buses operating on busy routes such as Gurugram and Faridabad shortly after the video went viral on social media.

PM Modi hits out at Delhi, WB government for not implementing Ayushman Bharat scheme

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Delhi and West Bengal governments on Tuesday for not implementing the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme due to political interests and said he was pained that the elderly in these places cannot avail of free treatment under the expanded program. The prime minister on Tuesday extended his government's flagship health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. I apologise to all the elderly aged 70 and above in Delhi and West Bengal that I cannot serve them. I would get to know about your pains and sufferings but I won't be able to help you, Modi said. The reason is that the governments in Delhi and West Bengal are not joining the scheme due to their political interests, he stated, adding the tendency to be oppressive against the sick people of one's own state for political interests does not align with the idea of humanity. People aged above 70 will get free treatment in hospitals and they will be given 'the Ayushman Vaya Vandana' card, Modi said. I am able to serve the people of the country but the walls of the political profession are preventing me from serving the elderly people of Delhi and West Bengal, he said. Elections in Delhi are due in 2025 and in West Bengal in 2026. Modi who launched development projects worth over Rs 12,850 crore on the occasion of the ninth Ayurveda Day and the birth anniversary of Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine, said that during this year's general elections, he had promised that people aged 70 years and above would be brought under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme during the third term of his government. This guarantee is being fulfilled today, he said, adding he will not rest until the poor and middle class of the country are free from the burden of expensive treatment. Modi informed that nearly four crore poor people have availed the benefits under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Had the scheme not been there, they would have had to shell out around Rs 1.25 lakh crore from their own pockets. I often interact with the beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat scheme and listen to their experience..., he said adding no such beneficial scheme existed in the past. Be it the poor or the middle class, the priority of the government has been to lessen the burden of medical expenditure, he said. Modi noted that more than 14,000 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras are operational across the country where medicines are available at an 80 per cent discount. He informed that due to these Janaushadhi Kendras, the poor and middle class have managed to save Rs 30,000 crore due to the availability of cheap medicines. Similarly, prices of devices like stents and knee implants have been reduced which led to savings of more than Rs 80,000 crore by the common citizens. He also mentioned that the free dialysis scheme and Mission Indradhanush campaign were preventing fatal diseases and saving the lives of pregnant women and newborn babies. I will not rest until the poor and middle class of the country are free from the burden of expensive treatment, he asserted. Modi emphasised the importance of timely diagnosis in reducing the risks and inconveniences associated with illnesses. He highlighted that over two lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established across the country to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. He said that these Arogya Mandirs enable crores of citizens to easily check for diseases like cancer, hypertension, and diabetes. He said that timely diagnosis leads to prompt treatment, ultimately saving costs for patients. Prime Minister Modi explained that the government is leveraging technology to enhance healthcare and save citizens' money under the e-Sanjeevani scheme where over 30 crore people have consulted doctors online. Free and accurate consultations from doctors have significantly reduced healthcare expenses, he added. Modi who announced the launch of the U-win platform said that it will provide India with a technologically advanced interface in the health sector. The world witnessed the success of our Co-win platform during the pandemic, and the success of the UPI payment system has become a global story, he said, adding that India aims to replicate this success in the healthcare sector through Digital Public Infrastructure. The prime minister highlighted the unprecedented progress made in India's healthcare sector over the past decade, contrasting it with the limited achievements in the previous six to seven decades. In the last 10 years, we have seen a record number of new AIIMS and medical colleges being established. Referring to Tuesday's event, the prime minister said that hospitals were inaugurated in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. He also mentioned the foundation stone laying for new medical colleges in Narsapur and Bommasandra in Karnataka, Pithampur in Madhya Pradesh, Achitapuram in Andhra Pradesh, and Faridabad in Haryana. Additionally, work has begun on the new ESIC Hospital in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, and a new hospital was inaugurated in Indore, he added. Modi emphasised that the increasing number of hospitals reflects a proportional rise in medical seats. He affirmed that no poor child's dream of becoming a doctor would be shattered, and no middle-class student would be forced to study abroad due to a lack of options in India. He informed that nearly 1 lakh new MBBS and MD seats have been added over the past 10 years and reiterated the commitment to announce another 75,000 seats in the next five years. The prime minister informed that 7.5 lakh registered AYUSH practitioners are already contributing to the nation's healthcare. He stressed on increasing this number further and highlighted the growing demand for medical and wellness tourism in India. He stressed the need for the youth and AYUSH practitioners to prepare for expanding fields such as preventive cardiology, Ayurvedic orthopaedics, and Ayurvedic rehabilitation centres, both in India and abroad. Immense opportunities are being created for AYUSH practitioners. Our youth will not only progress themselves through these opportunities but will also render a great service to humanity, he added. PM Modi noted the rapid progress in medicine during the 21st century, with breakthroughs in treatments for previously incurable diseases. He said, As the world places importance on wellness along with treatment, India has thousands of years of knowledge in this area. The Prime Minister announced the launch of the Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan aimed at designing ideal lifestyles and risk analysis for individuals using Ayurveda principles. Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of validating traditional herbs like Ashwagandha, turmeric, and black pepper through high-impact scientific studies. Lab validation of our traditional healthcare systems will not only increase the value of these herbs but also create a significant market, he remarked, pointing to the rising demand for Ashwagandha, which is projected to reach USD 2.5 billion by the end of this decade. Underlining that the success of AYUSH is transforming not only the health sector but also the economy, Prime Minister Modi informed that the AYUSH manufacturing sector has grown from USD 3 billion in 2014 to nearly USD 24 billion today, an eight-fold increase in just 10 years. Modi highlighted the global export of AYUSH products to 150 countries, benefiting Indian farmers by turning local herbs and superfoods into global commodities. He also pointed out initiatives like the Namami Gange project, which promotes natural farming and herb cultivation along the Ganga River.

PM Modi launches projects worth Rs 12,850 cr, extends Ayushman Bharat for all over 70 yrs

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched development projects worth nearly Rs 12,850 crore and extended his government's flagship health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. The major push in the health sector was unveiled on the occasion of the ninth Ayurveda Day and the birth anniversary of Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine. Modi also inaugurated phase II of India's first All India Institute of Ayurveda in the national capital which includes a Panchakarma hospital, an Ayurvedic pharmacy for drug manufacturing, a sports medicine unit, a central library, an IT and startup incubation centre, and a 500-seat auditorium among others. In an innovative usage of drone technology to enhance service delivery and make healthcare more accessible, Modi launched drone services at 11 tertiary healthcare institutions. These are AIIMS-Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, AIIMS-Bibinagar in Telangana, AIIMS-Guwahati in Assam, AIIMS-Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, AIIMS-Jodhpur in Rajasthan, AIIMS-Patna in Bihar, AIIMS-Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh, AIIMS-Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh, AIIMS-Raipur in Chhattisgarh, AIIMS-Mangalagiri in Andhra Pradesh and RIMS-Imphal in Manipur. The prime minister also launched a helicopter emergency medical service from AIIMS Rishikesh, which will help deliver medical care speedily. Modi launched a U-WIN portal that seeks to benefit pregnant women and infants by fully digitising the vaccination process. It will ensure timely administration of life-saving vaccines to pregnant women and children (from birth to 16 years) against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. Further, the prime minister launched a portal for allied and healthcare professionals and institutes. It will act as a centralised database of existing healthcare professionals and institutes. Modi also inaugurated three medical colleges at Mandsaur, Neemuch and Seoni in Madhya Pradesh, besides facility and service extensions at various AIIMS -- Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh, Kalyani in West Bengal, Patna in Bihar, Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, Guwahati in Assam and in New Delhi, which also include a Jan Aushadhi Kendra. Modi also inaugurated a Super Speciality Block in Government Medical College at Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh and a Critical Care Block in Bargarh, Odisha. The prime minister laid the foundation stones of five nursing colleges in Shivpuri, Ratlam, Khandwa, Rajgarh and Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh, 21 critical care blocks at Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Manipur, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan under the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, and several facilities and service extensions at AIIMS in New Delhi and Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur. Among other projects, Modi inaugurated an ESIC hospital at Indore in Madhya Pradesh and laid the foundation stone for such hospitals at Faridabad in Haryana, Bommasandra and Narasapur in Karnataka, Indore in Madhya Pradesh, Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, and Atchutapuram in Andhra Pradesh. These projects are expected to bring healthcare benefits to around 55 lakh ESI beneficiaries. The other projects whose foundation stones were laid include a central research institute in yoga and naturopathy at Khordha in Odisha and Raipur in Chhattisgarh, centres of excellence at NIPER-Ahmedabad for medical devices, at NIPER-Hyderabad for bulk drugs, NIPER-Guwahati for phytopharmaceuticals, and NIPER-Mohali for anti-bacterial anti-viral drug discovery and development. In a major boost to the Make in India initiative in the healthcare sector, the prime minister also inaugurated five projects under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for medical devices and bulk drugs at Vapi in Gujarat, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh and Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh. These units will manufacture high-end medical devices, such as body implants and critical care equipment, along with important bulk drugs.

Parmish Verma and Sunanda Sharma Perform at Faridabad's Biggest Festive Event; Around 12000 Fans Gather at World Street by Omaxe

As Faridabad enters a new era of retail, World Street by Omaxe is rapidly emerging as a preferred destination for shopping, entertainment, and leisure. Spanning 130 acres in Sector 79, Faridabad, World Street by Omaxe brings the essence and aesthetics of the worlds famous shopping streets from London, Paris, Amsterdam, Athens, and Portugal.

Heated exchange between Haryana cop, bus conductor sparks fines for buses

A video of a heated argument between a female police officer from Haryana and a conductor of a Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) bus had gone viral on social media. The incident occurred when the officer refused to pay the bus fare, prompting the conductor to ask her to deboard. Kalesh inside Bus b/w a Conductor and Woman Constable (When the conductor asked a woman constable of Haryana Police travelling in a Rajasthan Roadways bus to pay for the ticket, the constable refused to pay) pic.twitter.com/Wi9aqhGENQ Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) October 26, 2024 In the video, the conductor is heard requesting 50 for the ticket, but the officer, dressed in uniform and with her face covered, declines to pay. When the conductor insists that she needs to pay if she wishes to travel to Dharuhera in Haryana, she responds defiantly, You will not get it. The conductor then informs her, If you want to travel, you need to pay, and blows his whistle to signal the driver to stop the bus. However, the officer refuses to exit and continues to argue over the fare. Following the videos widespread circulation, Haryana Police imposed penalties on over 50 RSRTC buses operating on busy routes, including Gurugram and Faridabad. In retaliation, Rajasthan authorities fined 26 Haryana Roadways buses. Reports indicate that nine of these fines were issued at Jaipurs Sindhi Camp, while 17 others were given in various locations across the state.

BJP's Harvinder Kalyan unanimously elected Speaker of Haryana Assembly

CHANDIGARH: BJP MLA Harvinder Kalyan was unanimously elected Speaker of Haryana Assembly here on Friday. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini moved a resolution in the House proposing Kalyan's name, while BJP MLA Ranbir Gangwa seconded the proposal. Kalyan is a three-time MLA from Gharaunda in Karnal district. Kalyan, who assumed the Chair, was congratulated by Saini and his party MLAs, Congress MLAs, including Bhupinder Singh Hooda, INLD MLAs Aditya Devi Lal and Arjun Chautala, and several other legislators. Earlier, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and other newly-elected MLAs were administered oath as member of the House of the 15th state Assembly. Pro-tem Speaker and senior Congress leader Raghuvir Singh Kadian administered oath to the newly elected MLAs. Saini, who was sworn in as the Haryana chief minister on October 17 in Panchkula, was the first one to be administered oath by the Protem Speaker. After Saini, his council of ministersseven-time MLA from Ambala Cantt Anil Vij, Israna MLA Krishan Lal Panwar, Badshahpur MLA Rao Narbir Singh, Panipat Rural MLA Mahipal Dhanda, Faridabad legislator Vipul Goel, Gohana MLA Arvind Sharma and Radaur MLA Shyam Singh Ranawere administered oaths by the Protem Speaker. Among ministers, Barwala MLA Ranbir Gangwa, Narwana MLA Krishan Kumar Bedi, Tosham legislator Shruti Choudhry, Ateli MLA Arti Singh Rao, Tigaon MLA Rajesh Nagar and Palwal legislator Gaurav Gautam were administered oath. Bedi took oath in Sanskrit, while Choudhry took oath in English. After the council of ministers, women MLAs were administered oath. Among them were BJP MLA Bimla Chaudhary, Congress MLA and former minister Geeta Bhukkal, BJP MLA Krishna Gahlawat, Congress MLA Manju Choudhary, Congress MLA Pooja, Independent MLA Savitri Jindal, BJP MLA Shakti Rani Sharma, Congress MLA Shakuntla Khatak and Congress MLA and Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat. Phogat, who was wearing a sports jersey, said 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Khiladi, Jai Naujawan and Jai Haryana' after taking oath. Taking oath by MLAs was still in progress. MLAs, including Nirmal Singh, Ghanshyam Saraf, Kapoor Singh, Satpal Sangwan, were also administered oaths. In the October 5 Haryana Assembly polls, the BJP returned to power for a third consecutive term by winning 48 seats, while the Congress won 37 seats. The INLD won two seats and three Independents were also elected.

NBCC Arm Wins Rs 1,363 Crore Order From Employee State Insurance Corp

Hindustan Steelworks Construction Ltd., a subsidiary of NBCC, secured major contracts from the ESIC, including a 500-bed hospital in Manesar and an expansion project in Faridabad.

Haryana cabinet portfolios allocated: CM Saini keeps Home, Finance; Vij gets Transport

CHANDIGARH: The BJP-led Haryana Government which came to power for a record third consecutive term by defying an anti-incumbency of ten years, has finally allocated portfolios to the newly constituted council of ministers under the second term of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini . As per a notification issued by the state government late yesterday night, Saini is in charge of twelve departments include Home and Finance, and former Home Minister Anil Vij is now the Energy and Transport Minister. The portfolios were allocated to the Council of Ministers on Sunday night, three days after the swearing-in of a new government in the state. CM Saini will handle 12 portfolios including Home, Finance, Excise and Taxation, Town and Country Planning and Urban estates, Information, Public Relations, Language and Culture, Criminal Investigation, Law and Legislative, and Housing for all departments. Seven-time MLA and the senior-most minister of the Saini government, Anil Vij, has been allotted Energy, Transport and Labour portfolios. Vij was the Home and Health Minister in the Khattar government. First-time MLA Artii Singh Rao will be the new state Health Minister and handle medical education and research and Ayush departments. Arti, a national-level shooter, is daughter of Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh. Four-time MLA and an Ahir leader, Rao Narbir Singh, has been given Industries and Commerce, Environment, Forests and Wildlife departments. Mahipal Dhanda, MLA from Panipat (Rural) and Jat face, has been allotted School Education department, Higher Education and Parliamentary Affairs. He is a third-time legislator. Vipul Goel, MLA from Faridabad, has been allotted Revenue and Disaster Management, Urban local bodies and Civil Aviation departments. He was formerly the Industries Minister in the first term of the Khattar government from 2014-19. Dr Arvind Sharma has been given the Jails and Cooperation portfolios. Shyam Singh Rana, MLA from Radaur and Rajput face, will be the new state Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development minister. Ranbir Gangwa, former Deputy Speaker of state assembly, has been allocated Public Health Engineering and Public Works (Roads and Bridges) departments. Krishan Kumar Bedi, a SC face, has given been Social Justice, Empowerment, and SCs and BCs welfare, Antyodaya (SEWA) and Hospitality departments. Another SC face Krishan Lal Panwar has been allocated Development and Panchayats, and Mines and Geology departments. Shruti Choudhry, daughter of BJP Rajya Sabha MP Kiran Choudhry and granddaughter of late chief minister Bansi Lal, along with her mother resigned from the Congress to join the BJP ahead of the assembly elections. She is the new Women and Child Development, and Irrigation and Water Resources Minister. A former MP from Bhiwani-Mahendergarh, she is a first-time MLA. Minister of State (Independent Charge), Rajesh Nagar, has been allocated Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs. The other Minister of State (Independent Charge), Gaurav Gautam, has been given Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, and Sports Departments.

Haryana CM Nayab Saini Pledges Good Governance and Welfare Initiatives

Chandigarh: Hours after being sworn in, Haryana's newly elected Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, expressed his gratitude to the people of the state and promised to work with energy and enthusiasm for good governance, equality, and the welfare of the poor. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), CM Saini thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving him the opportunity to serve as the Chief Servant of Haryana. He said, First of all, my heartfelt gratitude to my 2.80 crore family members for the mandate that has continued the development and reconstruction of Haryana. I am thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving me, a worker from a common family, the opportunity to serve as the Chief Servant of Haryana. He further added, Prime Minister, your special affection for Haryana gives us limitless energy to work continuously. Under your inspirational leadership, Haryana is reaching new heights of development every day. This uninterrupted journey of progress will continue in the state. CM Saini reiterated the BJP governments commitment, stating, For the third time, with a full majority, the BJP government will work with full energy and enthusiasm for good governance, equality, and the welfare of the poor. Nayab Singh Saini was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Haryana for the second time under the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government. The oath of office was administered by Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya at a ceremony held at Dussehra Ground in Sector 5, Panchkula. Several prominent leaders attended the event, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Rajiv Ranjan Singh. Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states, such as Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam), Bhupendra Patel (Gujarat), and Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), were also present. Former Deputy Chief Minister Anil Vij, along with MLAs like Shruti Choudhary, were inducted as ministers in CM Saini's Cabinet. Other BJP MLAs, including Arti Singh Rao (Ateli), Rajesh Nagar (Tigaon), Gaurav Gautam (Palwal), Arvind Kumar Sharma (Gohana), Shyam Singh Rana (Radaur), Ranbir Singh Gangwa (Barwala), and Krishan Bedi (Narwana), also took their oaths as ministers in the Haryana government. Additional cabinet ministers sworn in included MLAs Krishan Lal Panwar (Israna), Rao Narbir Singh (Badshahpur), Mahipal Dhanda (Panipat), Vipul Goel (Faridabad), Shruti Choudhry (Toshan), and former Deputy CM Anil Vij (Ambala Cantt).The BJP is forming its third consecutive government in Haryana after winning 48 out of 90 seats in the assembly elections, while the Congress secured 37 seats. Woman Shot During Family Dispute in Delhi's Seelampur; Four Arrested Bihar's DGP Confirms 25 Deaths Due to Spurious Liquor; 12 Arrested in Siwan and Saran 'Salaar: Part-1' Starring Prabhas Breaks Records with 30-Million TV Viewers After 700-Cr Box-Office Success

Bhumika Group Hosts Pragati ki Neev, Lays Foundation Stone for New Customer Experience Center in Faridabad

The Customer Experience Centre aligns with Bhumika Group's 60 years of trust and excellence in the real estate sector. With a commitment to offering the finest commercial & retail experience at strategic locations in the country, Bhumika Group continues to redefine real estate in India, building sustainable and modern spaces that cater to evolving lifestyle needs.

Police Bust Interstate Drug Trafficking Racket in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir; Three Arrested

Srinagar: The Anantnag police in Jammu and Kashmir arrested three individuals, successfully dismantling an interstate drug trafficking operation, according to a police statement on Saturday. The authorities seized 413 bottles of Codeine Phosphate (NRX), branded as Codril-T, which were hidden within the door panels of the suspects' vehicle. The arrested individuals have been identified as Monty Singh from Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh, Ashish Bardawaj, and Rahul from Chhatarpur, New Delhi. Police revealed that the consignment was meant for delivery in Sopore and Srinagar. The vehicle carrying the drugs was intercepted at Doonipora Sangam.Police had set up multiple checkpoints along the route from Delhi to Srinagar after receiving credible intelligence about the transportation of narcotic drugs. Further investigations led to several raids, including the detention of a local smuggler from Sopore for questioning. In collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in New Delhi, the police also raided a warehouse in Sector 135, Noida, where they recovered a significant quantity of Codeine. The primary individuals behind the operation, identified as Sachin Rana and Arun Rana from Faridabad, remain at large, with ongoing efforts to apprehend them. Earthquake of Magnitude 3.0 Hits Shimla; No Damage Reported PWD Issues Offer Letter for CM House to Atishi, Sets 8-Day Deadline for Acceptance BJP Prepares for Uttar Pradesh By-Elections: Key Leaders to Meet Amit Shah and JP Nadda

BSF Downs Drone Carrying Heroin and Pistol in Punjab's Ferozepore

The Border Security Force (BSF) successfully shot down a drone in Punjab's Ferozepore, which was transporting illegal goods, including 500 grams of heroin and a pistol. This incident highlights ongoing challenges in combating drug smuggling across the India-Pakistan border. On Saturday, the BSF reported the recovery of the drone, emphasizing that it represents a significant setback for trans-border criminals trying to smuggle drugs into India from Pakistan. Earlier, on Thursday, the BSF had seized 13 kilograms of suspected heroin in the Tarn Taran Border district. In a related operation, BSF personnel, along with Tarn Taran police, discovered an improvised Pakistani drone in Naushera Dhalla village during a search operation. This find underscores the innovative tactics employed by smugglers and the BSF's commitment to countering these threats. Additionally, on October 7, the BSF recovered about 560 grams of suspected heroin concealed in a plastic container in Ratankhurd village, Amritsar district. The container was found during monitoring of harvesting activities near the border security fence. Wrapped in yellow adhesive tape and equipped with an iron wire hook, it contained the illegal substance. On October 5, in another operation with Punjab Police, the BSF found a 68-gram packet of suspected heroin in Dal village, Tarn Taran district. This packet was also wrapped in yellow and white adhesive tape and was located in a farming field. The recent operations by the BSF demonstrate their active efforts to prevent drug smuggling and maintain border security in the region. BJP Worker Shot Outside Polling Booth in Faridabad, Hospitalised with Waist Injury Clash Between AAP and SAD in Punjab's Jalalabad Leaves One Injured Ahead of Panchayat Polls