50.41% turnout of voters in Majhawan assembly bypoll
Attack on Apna Dal man, cops act after rap from Anupriya Patel
Drug peddler nabbed after encounter in Jaunpur
Fake currency racket eyeing Maha kumbh busted; 2 held
Woman killed in celebratory firing in city
UP STF arrests wanted arms smuggler in Ballia
Newborn care week: Sensitisation workshop stresses better post-natal care
Monkey Jumps On SUV, Shatters Car's Sunroof And Escapes In Varanasi | Watch
The incident, which is going viral on social media left many netizens in splits. Some were worried about the monkey's safety, others were concerned about the financial burden on the car owner.
Kashi cancer hospitals enhance treatment capacity with new radiation machine
The Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital in Varanasi installed a new radiation machine. Indian Oil Corporation Limited donated the machine as part of its CSR initiative. The hospital has treated thousands of patients since its inception. The new machine will allow the hospital to treat an additional 1,500 patients annually.
NSUI questionsABVP meeton DDU campus
Gorakhpur gears up for ABVPs 70th natl convention
Dist-level meet focuses on agri devpt, FPO engagement
Workshop on silk branding & marketing in Kashi
Workshop on GIS, remote sensing applications
Cyber security cell to educate schoolkids in Kashi on digital fraud
NER staff trace passengerslaptop, hand it over to him
Fire safety inspections at Kashi hosps
Spl postal cover on Buddhas dharmachakra mudra issued
VBSPU girls stir over camera in hostel row
BHU doctors save 10-yr-old girl with high-risk heart procedure
Varanasi Bank Official Suspended For Missing Call, Reinstated Hours Later After Protests
Indian Bank's Vijay Kumar was suspended for missing a call from the Chief Manager. This sparked protests by colleagues who staged slogans outside the bank. Within hours, the suspension was revoked
Purvanchal University students protest over hidden camera fears in bathrooms
Girl students at Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University in Jaunpur, India, protested over fears of hidden cameras in their bathrooms. They reported receiving obscene calls and threats from an unknown number. University officials and police investigated the claims, finding no cameras. An investigation into the source of the calls is ongoing.
Varanasi launches cyber security awareness cell to educate students on cyber fraud prevention
To combat rising cybercrime, Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal launched a Cyber Security Awareness Cell to educate students on cyber fraud prevention. The cell will visit schools daily, and the cyber police station will be staffed with additional personnel. Agarwal emphasized thorough investigations to uncover entire cybercrime gangs and recover victims' money.
Festivities in the air at this do
The ladies' club celebrated the festival season in style with their 'Frenzy of Festivals' event. Members enjoyed themed performances, including dances representing Karwa Chauth, Diwali, and Navratri. A lively game involving song recognition and a dandiya session added to the festive cheer.
NGT advises Varanasi DM to declare Ganga water unsafe for bathing and drinking
The National Green Tribunal addressed the pollution of the Assi and Varuna rivers in Varanasi. The tribunal suggested that the Varanasi DM should install a board declaring the Ganga water unsafe for drinking or bathing. The NGT questioned if the DM could consume the water. The tribunal will resume the hearing on December 13.
Two Famed Pupils of Pt Ravi Shankar Underscore Importance of Having a Guru
Hyderabad: Two legendary Hindustani classical instrumentalists took Hyderabadi audience in the palm of their hands with their virtuoso renditions. Exclusive interactions with them provided insights on the connection between life and music. Grammy-nominated flautist Ronu Majumdar and Grammy-winning slide guitarist Vishwa Mohan Bhatt are highly acclaimed musicians (both are recipients of Padma Bhushan and Sangeet Natak Academy awards), who are widely recognised for carrying forward the legacy of their revered guru, Pandit Ravi Shankar. The two captivated the city audience with their stunning performances during the Bade Ghulam Ali Khan music festival, under the auspices of Sangitanjaly Foundation, at Ravindra Bharati here on Sunday. The proceeds of the show are earmarked for Autism Ashram. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle about his time spent with Pt Ravi Shankar, Majumdar said that he understood the concept of spiritual loneliness from his guru. At that time I was unable to fully understand it, but now I can beyond its mere technical sense: the thehraav (pause) between two notes. You can hold a note for long and create magic. It is about being one with your instrument; you are so immersed that you tend to forget that someone is listening to you. You meet the raag where the aatma and parmaatma blend. What you like is liked by the audience also because the music is so refined at that stage. He said that his association with Hyderabad goes back a long way. He performed with Pt Ravi Shankar in the late 1980s and even shared the stage with tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. Pandit Bhatt, who won the 1993 Grammy for the album A Meeting by the River with Ry Cooder, said Pt Ravi Shankar was a complete guru; a god to me. I learnt a lot watching him closely, including the technical aspects of music; life itself so to say. He taught me to be honest, disciplined and punctual and concentrate on what I am doing and that too with integrity. The two amazing exponents spoke about the shifts in music and how accessing good music was a struggle in their learning days. The internet has simplified things for learners, albeit at its own cost, they said. In my days, I was thirsting for some good music. I wanted to hear Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, but where was the problem. We had to depend on radio broadcasts and akashvani. Nowadays, it is just a click away. I even utilise my bathing time to listen to songs on YouTube, Pt. Bhatt said. They opined that the internet has helped music reach a larger audience and democratised the world of music. This is the golden time for any kind of music. You can become popular within months, Bhatt said. Majumdar said that it is both a boon and bane but for learners, YouTube can guide you to ifs and buts to go about your passion. Guidance is lacking. You can listen, learn, create and upload your music on platforms like YouTube and Spotify but it cannot tell you the finer aspects, which only a guru can. It is good to reach a mass audience. In my time, finding record companies was a daunting task, he said. On how artificial intelligence (AI) could change the world of music, Bhatt said, It is intelligent and at the same time quite dangerous. It can destroy many significant things. I hope that this is not misused. Creativity is within you. AI is just a medium to help you express your ideas the way you wish because sometimes it is difficult for us to define our ideas. Interview with Flautist Ronu Majumdar Music becomes transcendental when there is spiritual loneliness in renditions Interview with Grammy nominated flautist Ronu Majumdar, who performed at Ravindra Bharathi on Sunday, as part of Bade Ghulam Ali Khan music festival organised by Sangitanjaly Foundation. He is a disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar. Excerpts: Would you like to talk about your association with Hyderabad? RM: My association with Hyderabad goes way back. I used to perform here with my guru, Pandit Ravi Shankarji. Later, I had the opportunity to bring together many artistes like Bickram Ghosh and Roop Kumar Rathod, on the same platform for the One World Fusion. I also had the privilege of performing alongside Zakir Hussain at Hussainsagar. Hence, there are many fond memories of this city. Is there any defining moment that made you decide to dedicate your life to music? RM: Honestly, I never thought of music as a career in the beginning. For any musician, music starts as a passion, a hobby. Even today, it cannot be just a professionits something you do because youre deeply passionate about it. I was born in Varanasi and my first concert was alongside my brother at New Era High School in Mumbai, when I was 13. From the age of six, I had been playing the flute, while balancing my studies with hours of practice. But it was during my first concert when I realised that there was nothing else I could do. Music was my calling. When did you decide that flute was going to be your instrument? RM: I never really decided to play the flute. It was something my father gifted me. In Varanasi, I used to play with flutes as toys, even breaking many of them. It wasnt a conscious decisionit just happened. The flute is often seen as a folk instrument, not always on par with other classical instruments. How do you respond to that? RM: Youre right as historically the flute is considered a folk instrument that is often used in tribal music or bhajans, rather than in classical settings. But it was Pandit Pannalal Ghosh, who, in the 1930s, revolutionised its role in Indian classical music. He introduced the flute in solo performances and jugalbandis, including for serious ragas like Raga Darbari. This shift had a profound impact, and today the flute is accepted in the same league as the sitar and sarod, which were traditionally seen as the primary instruments for classical music. The flute is also associated with Lord Krishna. Do you think its spiritual and devotional aspects have influenced its place in classical music? RM: Yes, there is a spiritual and devotional aspect to the flute, particularly in folk traditions where its associated with Lord Krishnas bansuri. However, the acceptance of the flute in classical music came with the contribution of great musicians like Pandit Pannalal Ghosh. Over time, weve seen the flute become a serious classical instrument, capable of conveying the depth and emotion of ragas, alongside its more devotional connotations, with equal dexterity. Whats your take on fusion music, and where do you see the flute fitting into that genre? RM: Fusion music is an area where the flute excels. The instruments versatility allows it to seamlessly transition across different pitches and octaves, making it ideal for fusion genres. You can easily switch between different types of flutes, like C-sharp, D, or A, to suit the requirements of the music. This flexibility makes the flute a perfect fit for fusion. Do you think young people are also getting attracted to the flute these days? RM: Absolutely. Flute playing is becoming more popular, and youll see young people playing the instrument in every corner of the country. On that count, it has caught the attention of many. I notice more and more youngsters picking it up, which is unprecedented. What do you think about the interest of young people in classical music? Has it increased in recent years? RM: Yes, I believe interest in classical music has increased, especially among younger audiences. Todays youth seek something new, and classical music is finding its place in their lives. However, classical music faces the challenge of adapting to shorter formats. In the past, we would perform a long aalap or a detailed rendition of a raga. But now, to engage younger audiences, we need to condense it into more digestible packages. For example, jugalbandisboth south and north Indianare becoming more popular. While older generations still believe in long, detailed renditions, younger audiences want something thats compact yet rich in content. Its about making it engaging while still honouring the tradition. Do you think platforms like YouTube and Spotify are changing how young people learn and listen to classical music? RM: Music, especially classical music, is traditionally passed down through the 'guru-shishya' tradition. While platforms like YouTube can teach you 'what' to do, they cannot teach you 'what not to do'. I have come across students in the US saying I learnt this from YouTube, but they often miss the finer detailsthe nuances of a raga and the proper way to phrase a note. A video cant correct you if you go wrong, whereas a teacher can guide you. Technology can assist, but it cant replace the depth of learning that comes from personal instruction. Could you share an anecdote from your time with your Guruji? RM: One of the most memorable moments was when I was recording the album 'Chants of India' with George Harrison. At that time, I was learning Raga Parmeswari from Pandit Ravi Shankarji. He was listening to me play, but he kept telling me that there was no spiritual loneliness in my notes. At first, I didnt understand what he meant. But after many trials, I finally succeeded, and he blessed me, saying, You are ready now. You will be the first flute player to play my raga. That precise moment, when I truly understood what he meant, was the turning point of my life. What did he mean by spiritual loneliness? RM : As I matured in music, I came to understand that it refers to the space, the silence, between two notes that creates the magic in music. It's that emptiness or gap that gives music its soul. Whether youre performing for an audience or playing alone at home, the magic happens when youre able to fill that silence with deep, personal expression. Initially, I was copying the notes mechanically, but Guruji was teaching me that true music comes from a place of inner stillness and spiritual connection. Its that sense of aloneness with your instrument that allows you to bring music to life. Your son Hrishikesh has been performing with you for some time now. What advice would you give him and other young classical musicians? RM: I always tell Hrishikesh to be true to himself. Find your own identity, go beyond the teachings Ive given you, and discover your own voice. To be a legend in this field, you must contribute something new, something unique. A true legend doesnt simply mimic but bring something fresh to the table, something unexpected. It's about creating that awakening in your musica moment when you know youve played something extraordinary. That comes from within. A true masterpiece is born from your own soul, and when you play with that connection, the music becomes transcendental. Interview with Viswa Mohan Bhatt, Grammy winning instrument player Viswa Mohan Bhatt won Grammy for his album 'A Meeting By the River' with Ry Cooder in 1993. He was a disciple of Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi SHankar, renowned Sitar player and music composer. Viswa Mohan Bhatt is known for the invention of a 20-stringed instrument 'Mohan Veena'. He performed at Ravindra Bharathi on Sunday on occasion of Bade Ghulam Ali Khan music festival organised by Sangitanjaly Foundation. The organisation felicitated him with a Lifetime Achievement award. Could you share the journey behind the invention of the Mohan Veena? VMB: The idea for the Mohan Veena started in 1966 or 1967, when I had a simple thought: to create an instrument that could combine the sound and technique of several traditional Indian instruments veena, sitar, sarod, santur, and sarangi all in one. Then, quite serendipitously, a German lady came to India to learn Indian music on her guitar. When she left, we bought her guitar for 25 rupees. It sat there, tempting me to do something with it. I began experimenting with it, but I felt the sound was somewhat lonely. So, I added sympathetic strings, inspired by the sitars principle. These strings vibrate on the same frequency as the main strings and resonate without being struck. This idea of sympathetic resonance became the core of my design. Pandit Brijbhushan Kabra ji had already introduced this guitar to Indian classical music, and I added to it by incorporating 12 sympathetic strings, a tumba (a resonator), and other features. The result was the Mohan Veena, with a total of 20 strings. I also created another instrument, the Vishwa Veena, which combines the 20 strings of the Mohan Veena with 15 harp strings totaling 35. However, it became difficult to manage, so I now primarily perform with the Mohan Veena. I made my debut performance in 1970 in Mumbai, and I still remember the headline: 20-year-old artiste steals the limelight. That was a huge encouragement for me. From there, my journey continued, performing at major Indian classical music conferences, receiving awards, and gaining recognition. Thats more than 50 years in your musical journey. Looking back, what has been the most memorable or transformative experience? VMB: There are many memorable moments, but the biggest encouragement came from my Guru, Pandit Ravi Shankarji. His blessing meant everything to me. He once told me, You will rule the world. What you have done with this instrument is unparalleled, and you will receive your due recognition soon. His words were powerful and guided me through my journey. Later, receiving prestigious awards like the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, the Tansen Award, and the Grammy was validating, but for me, the true reward is the respect from my peers and the satisfaction of knowing Ive contributed to Indian classical music. The Padma awards and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award are particularly meaningful to me, as they recognise the artistry and tradition of my work. But I dont chase awards; I am content with my music and my life. Could you share your experience of winning Grammy? VMB: I would say I was the one who popularised Grammy in India, as most people were not aware. Nowadays everyone talks about Grammy and the award popularises me. For me, the prestige comes from Padma awards and Sangeet Natak Akademi award. What are some life lessons you learned from Pandit Ravi Shankar that you carry with you? VMB: There were so many lessons. He was not only a great musician but a complete Guru to me. I observed him closely his discipline, punctuality, how he conducted himself, and how he ran his programmes. Beyond the technical aspects, he taught me important life values: be honest with your work, be honest with others, be disciplined and punctual and always perform with integrity. These lessons have stayed with me throughout my career. You mentioned how media and technology have transformed music, with platforms like YouTube and Spotify making music more accessible. Whats your perspective on this? VMB: These platforms are a wonderful way to spread music. Theyve completely changed the landscape. In my time, we were starving to hear good music. I wanted to listen to Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, but where could I find it? We were dependent on Akashvani (radio), and sometimes youd only hear rare broadcasts. Now, with just a click, you can listen to anything, anywhere. Even I use YouTube to listen to music when Im bathing! Its a golden era for music, where exposure is just a click away, and artistes can become popular in months. But there's also artificial intelligence (AI) emerging in music production. What do you think about this? VMB: AI is certainly intelligent, but it can be dangerous too. It can help us express ideas, but if misused, it could harm the very essence of creativity. AI can replicate music, but it lacks the emotional depth and spiritual connection that human creativity brings. While AI may assist in composing or producing, true creativity comes from within usits deeply connected to our soul and experience. Do you think AI can truly replace the kind of creativity and spirituality associated with classical music? VMB: Creativity is within you. I live in the U.S., and my daughter is learning about AI. AI can help you express ideas, as it gets difficult to define them sometimes but AI needs to be used appropriately.
Three arrested for arms smuggling in Mirzapur
Cattle smuggler held in encounter in Jaunpur
IMS (BHU) neurology dept holds epilepsy awareness rally
Deoria youth murder: KarniSena issues ultimatum
IIT-BHUs bid to address water, waste management challenges
Entomological surveillance training for disease control in Kashi
New physiotherapy unit opens at Cholapur CHC
3 dead, 2 hurt in separate road accidents
Meet on inclusive urban transport systems in city today
Slivers of action from the 200-year-old Ramnagar-ki-Ramlila in Varanasi
Staged for a month, this performance tradition continues to draw a huge crowd
3 dead, 2 injured in separate road accidents in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi
Three people died in two separate road accidents in Varanasi. A man died after being hit by a bus in Rohania. Two teachers died after being hit by a speeding vehicle in Chaubeypur. The Rohania accident happened when the victim was returning from a wedding. The Chaubeypur accident victims were returning home after attending a wedding ceremony.
3 FIRs lodged inGhosi attack andsubsequent rioting
50 farmers, 20 tech assistants embark on millet revival tour
Natl meet at BHUs agri instt ends
BHU VC calls for strong mental health support to students
Girl students protest over spy camera in college washroom; teen booked
BLWs futuristic locomotives shine at IITF 2024
Fighting TB with nutrition: Kashi distributes kits among patients
Varanasi TB patients receive nutrition kits to boost health under Eradication program
In a push to eradicate tuberculosis, Varanasi marked Nikshay Day with the distribution of nutrition kits to TB patients. Dr. Sandeep Chaudhary, Chief Medical Officer, emphasized the curability of TB with proper treatment adherence. Since January, over 15,000 TB cases have been registered in the district, highlighting the importance of early detection and consistent care.
Banaras Hindu University's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sudhir Kr. Jain, visited the Wellbeing Services Cell to discuss strategies for enhancing mental health support for students. The Vice Chancellor emphasized the university's commitment to fostering a holistic environment and highlighted the importance of measuring the impact of their efforts over time.
Govt aims to train 1 crore farmers in natural farming
Man kills alcoholic son, arrested
Girl, 5, raped in Kushinagar , accused booked
Undertrials bro clashes with cop over delay in postmortem
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Paan masala wholesaler shoots self; family claims depression
CM Yogi assures ailing BJP veteran of proper med care
Creativity to the fore at BHU girls hostel showSrijan
On Dev Diwali, Varanasi Witnesses Fireworks, Laser Show Over Ganga River
Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi on Friday witnessed spectacular fireworks and a mesmerizing laser show on the occasion of Dev Deepawali.
Diyas form 'Batoge to Katoge' slogan at Varanasi ghat
More than 51,000 diyas were lighted on Friday on Dev Deepawali at a Varanasi ghat to form 'Batoge to Katoge' -- a slogan given recently by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a call apparently to Hindus to stay united.
India is land of Sanatan, with Kashi at its core: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the Namo Ghat in Varanasi on Dev Deepawali, calling India the land of Sanatan, with Kashi at its core. He emphasized Sanatan's message of peace, inclusivity, and national duty, urging Indians to uphold its spirit for the nation's progress.
Dev Diwali 2024 Varanasi: Grand fireworks show on river Ganga ghats, Watch!
Gorakhpur cyber fraud: Paan masala owner impersonated, 2.7cr scammed
FIR against inspector, others for decamping with Rs 41 lakh from gamblers
Ganga water now drinkable, thanks to PMs efforts: Yogi
Devotees take holy dip, perform deepdaan on Kartik Purnima
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New landmark: Namo Ghat to give devotees divine experience with enhanced facilities
Finish all works at Varanasi City Station within deadline: NER GM
World Astonished by Indias Transformation Under Modi, Yogis Leadership: VP Dhankhar
Varanasi (UP), Nov 15: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, saying the world is amazed at the changes brought about by their efforts. During the Dev Deepawali celebrations in Varanasi, Dhankhar lit ceremonial lamps and inaugurated the Namo Ghat on the Ganga river in Modis parliamentary constituency. The Namo Ghat is a fitting tribute to the persona of Narendra Modi and it should indeed be [] The post World Astonished by Indias Transformation Under Modi, Yogis Leadership: VP Dhankhar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
World astonished by India's transformation under Modi, Yogi's leadership: VP Dhankhar
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the Namo Ghat in Varanasi during Dev Deepawali celebrations, praising Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Adityanath's leadership. He highlighted India's global recognition and the significance of the day, coinciding with Guru Nanak Dev's Prakash Parv and Birsa Munda's birth anniversary.
In SP regime only Saifai family, mafia flourished: CM in Majhawan
Man injured in gunfire during wedding clash in Uttar Pradesh, 3 arrested
A wedding celebration in Shahganj took an unexpected turn when a clash erupted between two groups. During the altercation, a man was accidentally shot in the leg. The injured individual was promptly taken to the hospital and is currently in stable condition. Law enforcement swiftly apprehended three suspects and seized a firearm. Legal proceedings are underway.
Suspended police inspector charged for looting Rs 41 lakhs from gamblers in Varanasi
A suspended police inspector and his accomplice, who impersonated the chief minister's OSD, are facing charges for allegedly extorting Rs 41 lakhs from gamblers in Varanasi. The duo threatened legal action during the incident at Rudra Heights Apartment. A video of the incident surfaced online, prompting a police investigation. The suspects are currently in hiding.
Japanese delegation explores potential of golden sweet potato
Two chain snatchers held after encounter
Surinder Singh Mahayogi Gorakhnath Univs new VC
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Food delivery boy found dead in Gorakhpur; murder suspected
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217 PLHIV take part in social protection camp
Cooperative day care centre at IIT (BHU)
Night blood survey conducted to check filariasis spread
Empowering adolescent girls- Health awareness programme in Kashi school
Dev Deepawali: Varanasi prepares for huge influx of tourists, hotels & boats booked
Varanasi, Nov 14: As the city prepares to celebrate Dev Deepawali on Friday (November 15), lakhs of tourists are expected to throng the holy town to witness the auspicious festival. Dev Deepawali is particularly celebrated in Varanasi, also Prime Minister Narendra Modis parliamentary constituency. It is observed annually on the 15th lunar day of the [] The post Dev Deepawali: Varanasi prepares for huge influx of tourists, hotels & boats booked appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Little Blossoms: Cooperative day care centre opens at IIT (BHU)
IIT (BHU), Varanasi, celebrated Children's Day with the inauguration of 'Little Blossoms,' a new cooperative day care centre. The centre, with a capacity of 40 children aged 18 months to 10 years, aims to provide high-quality, affordable childcare for IIT (BHU) and BHU families.
Night blood survey conducted across Varanasi to combat Filariasis spread
A night blood survey was conducted in Varanasi from November 4th to 12th to assess the spread of filariasis after three years of mass drug administration. The survey focused on areas with a higher prevalence of the parasite. The results will determine if additional drug administration campaigns are necessary.
Empowering adolescent girls: Health awareness programme in Varanasi
BHU's Institute of Medical Sciences, in partnership with Mamta Health Institute and NHM, conducted a health awareness program at M.D. Public School, Varanasi. The program focused on educating adolescent girls about menstrual hygiene, cervical cancer prevention, the HPV vaccine, and the importance of a balanced diet to prevent anemia.
2-days social protection camp for HIV awareness concluded at Banaras Hindu University
A two-day social protection camp at Banaras Hindu University concluded Wednesday, benefiting 217 people living with HIV (PLHIV). The camp facilitated access to government schemes like Swarojgar, Sponsorship Yojna, and Ayushman Yojna. Experts emphasized the importance of utilizing these schemes, particularly the Uttar Pradesh government's sponsorship scheme for HIV-positive children. Participants received guidance on accessing various social welfare programs.
delhi-schools-face-shutdown-as-heavy-smog-keeps-aqi-in-severe-category
Delhi on Thursday morning recorded a severe AQI of 423, continuing the trend from the previous day. The Central Pollution Control Board said the AQI has worsened due to dense fog. Around 30 of the 36 AQI monitoring stations saw severe category in the past one day.Anand Vihar, one of the worst hit areas, recorded an AQI of 473 at 5am on Thursday, according to CPCB data. This year, the running average for PM10 was recorded at 193.25 micrograms per cubic metre. This is worse than 184.25 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023.The average PM2.5 level has also surged to 88.22 micrograms per cubic metre this year compared to 82.75 micrograms per cubic metre the previous year. If the Air Quality Index continues to deteriorate, the Commission of Air Quality Management could implement Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III. This could result is shutting schools for up to Class 5 student and banning construction activities. GRAP Stage II was enforced on October 22 when the AQI began to worsen for the first time. GRAP Stage III is usually implemented when the AQI continues to be in severe plus category, which is above 450. Punjab's Amritsar and Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur have also reported zero visibility. IndiGo had posted on X, urging flyers to track their flight status as some services could be delayed due to fog in Amritsar, Varanasi and Delhi. Chandigarh saw an AQI of 415 in the severe category. Ghaziabad recorded an AQI of 378 while Noida witnessed its air quality dipping to 372 and Gurugram 323, all in the very poor category. An AQI of 0-50 comes in the 'good' category, 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', 401-450 'severe' and above 450 'severe plus'.
Woman reports threats by Bishnoi gang member
On Dev Deepawali, Kashi to pay tribute to Indias bravehearts
Man kills teen daughter to frame neighbours in land dispute, held
