Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets into central Israel on Tuesday, setting off air raid sirens in the country's most populated areas but causing no apparent damage or injuries. The Israeli military said five projectiles were fired from Lebanon into Israel and said most were intercepted by Israel's missile defense system. One landed in an open area. The rocket fire came as Israel stepped up its strikes in Lebanon, targeting a Hezbollah-run financial institution, and as the U.S. pushed to resume cease-fire talks in Gaza following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to annihilate Hamas and recover dozens of hostages held by the group. Hamas says it will only release the captives in return for a lasting cease-fire, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led militants blew holes in Israel's security fence and stormed in, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250. Israel's offensive in Gaza has killed over 42,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, who do not distinguish combatants from civilians. The war has destroyed large areas of Gaza and displaced about 90% of its population of 2.3 million people. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 October,2024 03:45 PM IST | Tel Aviv | PTIA day after India announced reaching an agreement with China on patrolling along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday said as of now "we are trying to restore the trust" and both sides will have to "reassure each other" to achieve this. He was speaking at an interaction session here after delivering a lecture hosted by defence think-tank USI. India on Monday announced it has reached an agreement with China on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. This is seen as a major breakthrough in ending the over four-year-long military standoff ahead of a likely meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russia this week. "As far as we are concerned, we were looking at... we want to go back to the status quo of April 2020. Thereafter, we will be looking at disengagement, de-escalation and normal management of Line of Actual Control. And, this normal management of the LAC will not just start there. There are phases in that also," the Army chief said. "So, this is what I am saying. This has been our stance since from April 2020...and even today remains the same. So, as of now, we are trying to restore the trust. How the trust will get restored. It will get restored once we are able to see each other, and we are able to convince each other" related to the buffer zones that have been created, he said. "And, both will have to reassure each other," the Army chief added. Patrolling gives you that kind of advantage and, that is what is commencing. "And, as we restore the trust, the other stages will follow through," he said. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said the agreement was finalised following negotiations by the two sides over the last several weeks and that it will lead to a resolution of the issues that had arisen in 2020. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said Indian and Chinese soldiers will be able to resume patrolling in the way they had been doing before the border face-off began and the disengagement process with China has been completed. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 October,2024 03:36 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIThe Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday said it has arrested six persons in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged drug trafficking racket running from Afghanistan to India. Lovejit Singh alias Labba, Manjeet Singh alias Manna were taken into custody under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on October 11. Prabhjit Singh, Gurjot Singh, Ramandeep Singh were arrested on October 18 while Gurpreet Singh was arrested on October 20, the federal agency said in a statement. The money laundering case stems from an complaint of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the special cell of the Delhi Police that seized 293.81 kg heroin from the Nhava Sheva Port, Mumbai in containers imported by a company named Sandhu Exports and 352.71 kg heroin from two vehicles and a flat in Faridabad, Haryana some time back, respectively. The accused "coordinated the smuggling, storage and distribution of heroin across Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi." "These individuals were key members of a syndicate that smuggled heroin from Afghanistan and Iran concealing them within shipments of talc stone and gypsum powder," the ED said. These persons incorporated Sandhu Exports, a "front company " owned by Prabhjit Singh, to carry out the smuggling of drugs, it alleged. The accused, the agency said, "disguised" the origin of the illicit funds, which were further layered and integrated into seemingly legitimate financial activities. It was also found that the syndicate did not make any payments to Afghan suppliers until the drugs were sold in the local market, the ED probe found . They used "cash" to purchase vehicles like Toyota Fortuner, Etios, Hyundai Verna etc, from the second hand market for trafficking the drug. Cash, as per the ED, was also used for purchase of high-end smartphones and encrypted communication apps were used to coordinate smuggling activities. "Drugs smuggled from Iran and Afghanistan used to be imported via Nhava Sheva Port, later stored at a rented godown in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh and further distributed for local supply in parts of Delhi, Punjab and Haryana. "Transportation was carried out in lesser quantities of 10 kg to prevent detection by law enforcement agencies," it said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 October,2024 03:30 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIThe Odisha government has kept ready around 800 cyclone shelters for people who will be evacuated from vulnerable areas as the well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a depression on Tuesday and moved towards the eastern coast with the likelihood of turning into a severe cyclone Dana, reported the PTI. Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management minister Suresh Pujari on Tuesday said officials have so far visited 250 cyclone relief centres where the people will be housed after evacuation. He said that food, water, medicine, electricity and other essentials are kept in readiness for the people to be evacuated due to the impending cyclone. Apart from 800 cyclone shelters, the minister said an additional 500 temporary shelters have been made ready including schools and colleges. The officials at the ground level have been instructed to make arrangements for women in cyclone shelters where women police will be deployed, he said. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has stressed on 100 per cent evacuation of people from vulnerable areas to ensure "zero Casualty" in the impending cyclone, Pujari said. The minister said the government has also prepared a list of pregnant women who are expected to deliver in a fortnight. All those women are being shifted to the nearby hospital in order to avoid any difficulty during the calamity. Asked about the situation if the cyclone changes its track as forecast by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the minister said that the state government has also studied that aspect. "In the past it has been noticed that cyclones change its anticipated track, Therefore, keeping in view the possibilities, the state government has already identified certain places and made equal arrangements in vulnerable places. A red alert has been issued for nine districts and orange warning for heavy rain in some districts, Therefore, there should be no fear in this regard," the minister said, according to the PTI. The state government has already ordered closure of schools in Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Angul, Khurda, Nayagarh and Cuttack districts for three days from Wednesday, as a precautionary measure against the cyclone, an official said. The Odisha government has also cancelled the leave of all staff from October 23 to 25. In a letter to all the departments, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) DK Singh has asked them to remain prepared to tackle the challenges of the impending calamity. Suresh Pujari further said that personnel of ODRAF and Fire service have been dispatched to the possible vulnerable areas. He said the Centre has agreed to send 11 more teams of NDRF keeping in view the intensity of the impending calamity. The minister said districts have been earmarked as red, orange and yellow zones keeping in view the possible impact of the cyclone, as per the PTI. Stating that October 24 and 25 are two crucial days for the state, Pujari said a red alert of heavy to very heavy rain and wind has been issued for Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Jagatsingpur, Jajpur and Cuttack on October 24 and Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Keonjhar on October 25. As per the state's advisory, tourists in Puri have already started leaving the pilgrim town on Tuesday morning. This apart, the Puri district administration was discouraging tourists from visiting the town from Tuesday. Meanwhile, Odisha's Director of Health Services Bijay Kumar Mohapatra said that the government has suspended the leaves of the health service providers, the PTI reported. (with PTI inputs)
22 October,2024 03:27 PM IST | Odisha | mid-day online correspondentDiwali, also known as Deepavali or Festival of Lights, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals across India. Marking the triumph of good over evil or the victory of light over darkness depicts Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya following his victory over Ravana and his 14-year Vanvaas. As it was the darkest night of the Hindu month of Kartik, the people of Ayodhya lit up the streets with earthen lamps to welcome him. The celebrations span five days, from the 13th day of the month of Ashvina to the second day of the month Karttika, according to the Hindu calendar. When is Diwali 2024? According to Drik Panchang, Diwali will be observed on October 31 this year. The festival commences with Dhanteras and concludes with Bhai Dooj, while others mark this day as Vishwakarma Puja. Lakshmi Puja is performed in all Indian states, during Amavasya. It marks the beginning of a fresh start and good fortune by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and God Ganesha. During these five days, you would see families coming together, kids bursting firecrackers, neighbours distributing traditional Diwali sweets and people decorating their homes with lights, rangoli, diyas, and lanters and participating in various rituals in order to receive blessings. Here's the full calendar of the Diwali celebrations: Dhanteras - October 29 Dhanteras is the first day of the five-day celebration, where people buy idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesh and Lord Kuber. On this day Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber are worshipped for health and prosperity in homes. People also decorate their vehicles and entrances of their homes with flowers and garlands. Choti Diwali - October 31 The celebration continues on the second day known as Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi, marking Lord Krishna's triumph against the demon Narakasura. Diwali and Lakshmi Puja - October 31 Diwali and Lakshmi Puja marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya along with Mata Sita, and Lakshman after defeating Ravana. On this day, people decorate their homes and perform Lakshmi and Ganesh puja in the evening. Govardhan Puja - November 2 Govardhan Puja is celebrated after Diwali and is dedicated to the Govardhan Parvat. Bhai Dooj - November 3 Bhai Dooj also known as Bhau Beej or Bhaiya Dooj is the last day of celebration, where the special bond between brothers and sisters is celebrated. Lakshmi Puja: Date and Shubh Muhurat Lakshmi puja muhurat - 06:57 pm to 08:36 pm on October 31,2024 Pradosh kaal - 06:05 PM to 08:36 PMVrishabha kaal - 06:57 PM to 08:56 PM Amavasya tithi begins - 03:52 PM on Oct 31, 2024 Amavasya tithi ends - 06:16 PM on Nov 01, 2024
22 October,2024 02:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFollowing relentless rainfall that has left Bengaluru's streets waterlogged, the Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) has launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Siddaramiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for their so-called 'visionary' governance. As per ANI, the situation has become increasingly dire for residents.In a post on X, the JDS remarked, "Welcome to Brand Bengaluru! Where a physically challenged woman falling into a pothole during heavy rains is just another day in paradise. While @siddaramaiah and @DKShivakumar keep patting themselves on the back for their 'visionary' governance, the city's crumbling infrastructure is doing all the talking. The BBMP's mastery in turning roads into death traps is unmatched. Bravo on setting new standards of neglect and irresponsibility."The situation has drawn criticism from various quarters, including BJP state President BY Vijayendra, who also condemned the state of the city. He quipped, "Thank you, DCM DK Shivakumar for painting a visionary picture of Bengaluru—a dreamland with sky-high decks and underground wonders. It felt like stepping into 'Alice in Wonderland.' Yet, Nature had a different script in mind. Just one generous downpour was enough to shatter those glossy dreams." He questioned whether the government had concrete plans to tackle the daily struggles faced by residents.Meanwhile, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda conducted an inspection of the flood-affected areas, where incessant heavy rains have caused significant disruptions. Residents in Allalsandra, Yelahanka, shared their experiences of the ongoing crisis. One worker lamented, "The situation here right now is very bad. It has been raining since yesterday evening. We are poor labourers and come here to work. We have no work because of the heavy rain."Local residents have expressed frustration over the lack of government assistance. One area resident reported, "No government help has come here. The drainage system has been closed for the last two months, which has led to more waterlogging. All the water from the river comes in here. No one can be held responsible. What are we supposed to do now?"As Bengaluru grapples with the aftermath of the rains, the Indian Meteorological Department has issued an alert for continued heavy rainfall across South Interior and coastal Karnataka from October 23 to October 26, as per ANI. The city now faces mounting challenges as officials and residents alike call for urgent attention to the crumbling infrastructure and the ongoing plight of those affected. (With inputs from ANI)
22 October,2024 02:48 PM IST | BengaluruSeveral Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) heavyweights, including three former Legislative Assembly (MLA) members, have joined the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) just weeks before the Jharkhand assembly elections 2024, reported PTI. According to the PTI report, Lois Marandi, Kunal Sarangi, and Lakshman Tudu are three former MLAs who moved to JMM on Monday. This comes barely two days after three-term BJP MLA Kedar Hazra and AJSU Party leader Umakant Rajak both joined JMM. Sarangi, a former BJP spokesperson and ex-MLA from Baharagora, confirmed the transition, adding, "We joined the JMM today." Lois Marandi, who had previously beaten Chief Minister Hemant Soren in 2014, was welcomed to JMM by Soren via social media. He went on: "We heartily welcome respected Lois Marandi Ji to the JMM family." Soren won the Dumka seat by 13,188 votes in 2019 but left it to run in the Barhait constituency. Basant Soren, Soren's brother, defeated Marandi in a by-election. According to PTI sources, Marandi wrote to BJP state president Babulal Marandi, expressing her concerns over "neglect" and factionalism in the party. She mentioned that the BJP first won the Dumka seat in 2014, which was historically a JMM bastion. Sarangi had earlier resigned from the BJP in July, citing a variety of organisational challenges as well as displeasure with the party's handling of his concerns. He expressed dismay that his efforts to raise significant problems were ignored. "I resigned from the spokesman's post hoping that the party leadership would address the concerns I raised, but nothing has happened yet," Sarangi had told media then per the news agency report. Lakshman Tudu had already defeated a JMM candidate in the Ghatshila constituency. Other BJP members joining JMM include Ganesh Mahli, Basco Besra, and Bari Murmu of Seraikela. The elections for the 81-member Jharkhand parliament will be held in two parts on November 13 and 20, with vote counting slated for November 23. Nominations for the 43 constituencies voting in the first phase began Monday, with three already submitted. Around 2.60 crore people are eligible to vote in Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024.
22 October,2024 02:37 PM IST | Ranchi | mid-day online correspondentAmid rising Delhi pollution, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Tuesday that GRAP-II (Graded Response Action Plan) rules have been enforced across North India after the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassed 300, reported news agency ANI. He said, "Five new initiatives have been introduced in GRAP-II. Diesel generators will be regulated. The frequency of metros and buses will be increased. Parking costs will be increased so that people don't use their cars for commuting. The aim is to further reduce dust and vehicular pollution," reported ANI. A meeting with senior officials has been called to improve GRAP-II implementation in Delhi NCR. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) ordered the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II) in Delhi-NCR on Monday after the overall Air Quality Index dropped into the 'very poor' category in the region. Delhi recorded a daily average AQI of 310, placing it in the 'very poor' category, according to the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). "As per the dynamic model and forecasts for weather and air quality made available by IMD/IITM, there is a likelihood of the daily average AQI of Delhi staying in the 'very poor' category (AQI 301-400) in the coming days owing to unfavourable meteorological and climatic conditions. Accordingly, the Sub-Committee for the operationalization of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining areas (CAQM) met today to take stock of the air quality scenario of Delhi-NCR," according to a release from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on the Delhi pollution, reported ANI. According to the CPCB order, the Sub-Committee decided that all actions as envisioned under Stage II of the GRAP for Very Poor Air Quality be implemented by all concerned agencies in the NCR, in addition to the Stage-I actions already in force, from 8:00 AM on October 22, 2024, in the National Capital Region (NCR) to prevent further deterioration of air quality, reported ANI. With Stage II of GRAP coming into force, an 11-point action plan is applicable with immediate effect throughout the NCR, in addition to all Stage-I actions of GRAP already in place. The action plan advises various agencies, including the Pollution Control Boards of NCR states and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), to carry out mechanical vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling of identified roads daily. It also mandates ensuring water sprinkling, along with the use of dust suppressants (at least every alternate day during non-peak hours), on roads to control road dust, especially at hotspots and heavy traffic corridors. Proper disposal of dust collected in designated sites or landfills is also required, reported ANI. The plan aims to intensify inspections for strict enforcement of dust control measures at construction and demolition (C&D) sites. It urges focused and targeted action for air pollution abatement in all identified hotspots in NCR. The CAQM has called for uninterrupted power supply to discourage the use of alternate power-generating sets and strict implementation of the regulated operations schedule for diesel generators across all sectors, including industrial, commercial, residential, and offices, reported ANI. The CAQM has urged people to use public transport, minimize personal vehicle use, and regularly replace air filters at recommended intervals in their automobiles. The Sub-Committee also encouraged citizens to take specific steps, including using public transport and minimizing personal vehicle use, taking less congested routes even if slightly longer, regularly replacing air filters in automobiles, avoiding dust-generating construction activities from October to January, and refraining from open burning of solid waste and biomass. It urged the public to assist in effectively implementing the GRAP measures aimed at sustaining and improving air quality in the region. (With inputs from ANI)
22 October,2024 02:14 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentJunior doctors protesting the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case called off their hunger strike after a two-hour meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday night. After the meeting, Sayantani Ghosh Hazra, a junior doctor, told ANI, "Today at the meeting with the Chief Minister, we got the opportunity to discuss many things and she also spoke to us about many things. We have got assurance of some directives, which she said we would get by 3 pm tomorrow" #WATCH | Sayantani Ghosh Hazra, a junior doctor who was on hunger strike says, " Today the meeting that took place with CM, we got the opportunity to discuss many things and she also spoke to us many things. We have got some directives which she said that we will get by 3pm… https://t.co/3lvbrnxtyN pic.twitter.com/2G4JXrpUHe — ANI (@ANI) October 21, 2024 Seventeen junior doctors attended the conference, which was televised live from the state secretariat in Nabanna. In the last few days, Chief Minister Banerjee has urged doctors to cease their protest over Kolkata doctor rape-murder case and resume discussions. After terminating their extended hunger strike, many of the junior doctors were rushed to the hospital due to poor health throughout the protest. Protests have erupted across West Bengal following the murder of a trainee doctor, whose body was discovered in the seminar hall of the institution on August 9. This incident has generated a political controversy between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the state administration, with the BJP demanding Banerjee's resignation. Doctors around the country have expressed their support for the junior doctors. On October 15, the Indian Medical Association declared that the IMA Junior Doctors Network throughout the country would fast in support of their colleagues in West Bengal. Kolkata doctor rape-murder: Case background On August 9, 2024, a 31-year-old female postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal, was sexually assaulted and killed. The act prompted widespread indignation, with doctors protesting and seeking justice for the deceased doctor. The police arrested Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police Disaster Management Force stationed at a police outpost near the medical campus. The case was eventually moved to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is presently looking into the incident.
22 October,2024 02:03 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentA day before Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra files nomination for the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll, Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said he cannot imagine a better representative for the constituency than his sister. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will file her nomination for the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll on Wednesday. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi will be present during the filing of papers. "The people of Wayanad hold a special place in my heart, and I can't imagine a better representative for them than my sister, Priyanka Gandhi," Rahul Gandhi said in a post in X on Tuesday. The people of Wayanad hold a special place in my heart, and I can’t imagine a better representative for them than my sister, @priyankagandhi.I’m confident she will be a passionate champion of Wayanad’s needs and a powerful voice in Parliament. Join us tomorrow, 23rd October,… pic.twitter.com/Pe4GVUhGXL — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 22, 2024 "I'm confident she will be a passionate champion of Wayanad's needs and a powerful voice in Parliament," he added. Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi will also lead a roadshow from Kalpetta New Bus Stand at 11 AM before filing her nomination before the district collector at 12 noon. Urging people to join them, Gandhi said, "Together, let's ensure Wayanad continues to be represented with love." Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who has been the Congress general secretary for a few years now, will make her electoral debut from the Wayanad seat, a constituency earlier represented by Rahul Gandhi. Priyanka Gandhi meets Kharge Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday met party chief Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi to discuss campaign strategies as she prepares to file nomination for the by-elections in Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency. After the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the bypoll, Congress declared Gandhi's candidature for the Waynad seat as part of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala. The Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll is scheduled to be held on November 13. Along with this, the election commission announced by-elections in 47 assembly seats across 15 states. If Priyanka Gandhi wins from Waynad, she will be the third person from the Gandhi family to enter Parliament. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had retained the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh and vacated the Wayanad seat, paving the way for his sister to make her electoral debut. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is contesting against Navya Haridas, a candidate fielded by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Left Democratic Front's (LDF) candidate Sathyan Mokeri. Haridas is a two-time Kozhikode Corporation Councillor. (With inputs from Agencies)
22 October,2024 01:57 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentDelhi's air quality has fallen to the 'very poor' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 385 recorded around 8:00 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). As the city's air quality deteriorated, a heavy layer of fog formed in areas such as Anand Vihar, Kalkaji, Nehru Place, and Akshardham Temple. The pollution also reduced visibility in the Ghazipur area. The CPCB has classed the air as 'very bad,' indicating potential health risks, particularly for those with respiratory difficulties. High levels of pollution are predicted to persist if weather conditions remain poor. #WATCH | Delhi | A layer of smog engulfs the Akshardham Temple and adjacent areas as the AQI drops to 385, categorised as ' Very Poor' according to the CPCB pic.twitter.com/XKeai1BKWI — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2024 Saif, a visitor to Kartavya Path, stated, "Everyone faces difficulty in breathing during these months, especially in October, November, and December. The government is taking the right steps to curb pollution. The situation in Delhi is such that if the right steps are not taken on time, it could cause a lot of trouble in the future." On Monday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II) in Delhi-NCR after the total AQI fell into the 'very bad' category. The CPCB recorded a daily average AQI of 310. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, estimates show that the daily average AQI in Delhi would continue in the 'very bad' range (AQI 301-400) in the next days due to unfavourable weather and climate conditions. Under Stage II of GRAP, an 11-point action plan is presently in force throughout the NCR. This includes mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on specific routes, heightened inspections at construction sites, and correct disposal of collected dust. The CAQM has recommended residents to use public transportation, minimise their personal vehicle use, and change their car's air filters on a regular basis. Citizens are also encouraged to avoid dust-generating activities and to desist from open rubbish burning. According to CAQM data, the AQI in Delhi stayed above 300 all day Monday, peaking at 310 around 4:00 p.m.
22 October,2024 01:33 PM IST | Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
