Name: 'My brother didn't insult Hindus': Priyanka defends Rahul Gandhi
Uploaded: 2024-07-01T17:13:34.000+05:30
Duration: T00M44S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: She also brushed aside allegations of BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that Rahul insulted the Hindu community with his remarks.

The scheme, originally introduced in the 2024-25 budget under the name 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana,' aims to empower women financially.

Delhi Elections 2025: AAP Government Approves ₹1,000 Monthly Aid for Women Under Mahila Samman Yojana

The scheme, originally introduced in the 2024-25 budget under the name 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana,' aims to empower women financially.

Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 2025, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal unveiled the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana, a scheme aimed at providing monthly financial assistance to women in the national capital. Under this initiative, eligible women will receive ₹1,000 each month, with Kejriwal promising an increase to ₹2,100 if AAP retains power in the upcoming elections.
The announcement, made on December 12, 2024, comes as part of the AAP's campaign to appeal to women voters. The scheme, approved by the Delhi Cabinet, was first proposed during the Delhi Budget for 2024-25. The government has allocated ₹2,000 crore for the initiative, which is expected to benefit approximately 38 lakh women out of the 67 lakh women voters in the city.
Eligibility Criteria and Rollout
To qualify for the scheme, women must meet the following criteria:
<ul>
<li>Be a registered voter in Delhi.</li>
<li>Have an annual income of ₹2.50 lakh or less.</li>
<li>Be between the ages of 18 and 60 years.</li>
<li>Not own a four-wheeler.</li>
</ul>
Kejriwal emphasized that women can now register for the scheme, with payments expected to begin after the election. While the financial assistance will initially be ₹1,000, the Chief Minister assured that it would rise to ₹2,100 per month if AAP wins another term.
Political Context and Election Strategy
The announcement comes as the AAP seeks to secure a third consecutive term in Delhi after winning 67 seats in the 2015 elections and 63 seats in 2020. The party's popularity has largely been attributed to its focus on welfare schemes, including healthcare and education.
However, the Mahila Samman Yojana has faced some hurdles. The Finance Department had previously raised concerns over budgetary constraints, but Kejriwal remains optimistic about its successful implementation. He also took a swipe at opposition parties, stating that the rollout of the scheme had been delayed due to political challenges, adding, "I wanted to roll out this scheme earlier, but they put me in jail."
With the assembly elections looming, the announcement of the Mahila Samman Yojana is expected to boost AAP&rsquo;s appeal among women voters, a crucial demographic in the upcoming elections.

The excise department of the Delhi government, during routine inspections by its teams in recent days, found customers younger than 25 years having alcohol at bars, clubs and restaurants.

Clubs, restro-bars to seek hard copies of age proof to stop violation of legal drinking age rule

The excise department of the Delhi government, during routine inspections by its teams in recent days, found customers younger than 25 years having alcohol at bars, clubs and restaurants.

The Delhi government has directed operators of the city's hotels, clubs and restaurants serving liquor to verify the age of their clients through hard copies of government-issued identity proofs after violations of the legal drinking age norm were detected.
In Delhi, liquor is served only to persons aged 25 years and above.
The excise department of the Delhi government, during routine inspections by its teams in recent days, found customers younger than 25 years having alcohol at bars, clubs and restaurants.
The inspections also revealed that some customers were consuming liquor pretending to have completed 25 years. Complaints were also received by the department that some excise licensees were serving liquor to underage persons, officials said.
Under the Delhi Excise Act, 2009, no person or licensed vendor or his employee or agent will sell or deliver liquor to any person apparently under the age of 25 years for personal or others' consumption.
The violations of the age restriction norms were reviewed by the department.
"All the licence holders of hotels, clubs, restaurants (HCR) are hereby directed to be more careful and to not serve liquor to any person under the age of 25 years without verifying the age through government-issued IDs," stated a circular issued by the department.
Further, the department has advised the HCR licensees to verify customers' age only with physical IDs instead of virtual ones saved by people on their mobile phones (excluding those in the Digilocker portal) to minimise the use of fake or edited digital IDs.
The violation of the legal drinking age norm invites action under the Delhi Excise Act, 2009.
The legal drinking age was a lingering issue in Delhi as it was lower in the NCR cities of Nodia, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Faridabad. Under the excise policy 2021-22, now scrapped, there was a plan to lower the legal drinking age to 21 years but it failed to materialise as the policy itself came under attack over allegations of corruption and violations of rules.
Further, in pursuance of a campaign launched recently by Delhi to make the city drug-free in the next three years, the excise department has directed the licensees to take e-pledge on its official website and conspicuously display the certificate at the hotels, clubs and restaurants.
The department has advised the licensees to create awareness among their staff and customers to cooperate in stopping drug abuse and stay away from its use to have a healthy life.

Taking to social media X, Shah said that the government would commemorate the massive contributions of all those who endured the inhuman pains of the 1975 Emergency.

Modi govt to observe 1975 Emergency as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' on June 25 every year  

Taking to social media X, Shah said that the government would commemorate the massive contributions of all those who endured the inhuman pains of the 1975 Emergency.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the 12th of July announced that the Narendra Modi-led government would every year observe June 25, the day the Emergency was declared in 1975, as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas'.
Taking to social media X, Shah said that the government would commemorate the massive contributions of all those who endured the inhuman pains of the 1975 Emergency.
"On June 25, 1975, the then PM Indira Gandhi, in a brazen display of a dictatorial mindset, strangled the soul of our democracy by imposing the Emergency on the nation. Lakhs of people were thrown behind bars for no fault of their own, and the voice of the media was silenced."
"The Government of India has decided to observe the 25th of June every year as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas.' This day will commemorate the massive contributions of all those who endured the inhuman pains of the 1975 Emergency."
The government has been stepping up its attack against the Congress by repeatedly raking up the Emergency imposed by former prime minister Indira Gandhi, in response to the Opposition using the Constitution to target the Modi-led government.&nbsp;
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/andhra-police-book-ex-cm-jagan-two-senior-ips-officers-in-attempt-to-murder-case-1720784218526">Andhra police book ex-CM Jagan, two senior IPS officers in 'attempt to murder' case</a>

According to the revisions, two readings on Manusmriti are proposed to be introduced for the students.

DU mulling teaching Manusmriti in LLB, proposal to be discussed; teachers' body opposes 

According to the revisions, two readings on Manusmriti are proposed to be introduced for the students.

A proposal to teach Manusmriti (Laws of Manu) to Delhi University's LLB students is slated to be discussed in a meeting of its Academic Council on Friday, a move which has drawn criticism from a section of teachers.
The Faculty of Law has sought approval from the highest decision-making body of Delhi University (DU) to revise the syllabus of its first and third-year students to teach them 'Manusmriti'.
The changes in the syllabus of the jurisprudence paper pertain to semesters one and six of LLB.
According to the revisions, two readings on Manusmriti -- Manusmriti with the Manubhasya of Medhatithi by G N Jha and Commentary of Manu Smriti - Smritichandrika by T Kristnasawmi Iyer -- are proposed to be introduced for the students.
The decision to suggest the revisions was unanimously approved in a June 24 meeting of the faculty's Course Committee headed by its dean Anju Vali Tikoo, according to the minutes of the meeting.
Objecting to the move, the Left-backed Social Democratic Teachers Front (SDTF) has written to DU Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh stating that the manuscript propagates a "regressive" outlook towards the rights of women and the marginalised communities and that it is against a "progressive education system".
In a letter to Singh, SDTF general secretary S S Barwal and chairperson S K Sagar said recommending Manusmriti to students as a suggested reading "is highly objectionable as this text is adverse to the progress and education of women and marginalised communities in India".
"In Manusmriti, in several sections, it opposes women's education and equal rights. Introduction of any section or part of Manusmriti is against the basic structure of our Constitution and principles of Indian Constitution," the letter read.
The SDTF demanded that the proposal be immediately withdrawn and it should not be approved in the Academic Council's meeting scheduled to be held on July 12.
It further requested the vice-chancellor to issue an order to the law faculty and the concerned staff members to continue teaching the paper jurisprudence based on the existing syllabus.&nbsp;

Ramesh stated that though Modi did not specifically name Ansari, his remarks were attributed to the former vice president. 

Congress submits breach of privilege notice against PM Modi over remarks on Hamid Ansari  

Ramesh stated that though Modi did not specifically name Ansari, his remarks were attributed to the former vice president.&nbsp;

Congress Party's Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh on the 9th of July submitted a breach of privilege notice against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making &ldquo;derogatory&rdquo; remarks against former vice president Hamid Ansari during a speech in the Lok Sabha.
Earlier in a letter to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar,&nbsp; Ramesh also alleged that no prime minister has ever attacked a former speaker of Lok Sabha or chairman of Rajya Sabha in the manner in which Modi has done.
Notwithstanding the fact that the prime minister did not specifically took the name of Ansari, needless to state that these "derogatory remarks" were attributed to the former chairman, Rajya Sabha, Ramesh said in his letter to Dhankhar, who is also the Chairman of the Upper House.
"The accusation attributed to Dr. Hamid Ansari of 'leaning' towards the Opposition made by the prime minister is wholly unacceptable and grossly derogatory to say the least, apart from being completely false," he said.
Incidentally, this is not the first time that the prime minister has targeted former vice president Ansari, Ramesh said in his letter dated July 8.
He pointed out that on August 10, 2017, the prime minister in his farewell speech on Ansari's retirement in the Balayogi Auditorium had alluded to then retiring chairman's earlier diplomatic postings in a "mischievous manner".
"No prime minister has ever attacked a former speaker of Lok Sabha or chairman of Rajya Sabha in the manner in which Shri Narendra Modi has done," the Congress leader alleged.
The prime minister has broken all parliamentary norms, decorum and, as a matter of fact, set a new low to the dignity of the very office of the Prime Minister of India, he claimed.
"Such defamatory remarks made on the floor of Lok Sabha, attributing derogatory motives to the former Chairman of Rajya Sabha when he was not present to defend himself is tantamount to grave disregard and disrespect to the high office of the Chairman, Rajya Sabha, as well as to the Rajya Sabha itself. I, therefore, seek privilege proceedings against the prime minister in the matter," Ramesh said in his letter to Dhankhar.
While Modi did not name anyone, former vice president Ansari was the chairman of the Rajya Sabha from August 2012 to August 2017.
Last week, in a post on X, Ramesh had said, "One thing that the non-biological PM said in the Lok Sabha on July 2nd has escaped much media notice. What he said was simply awful and unacceptable, and ought to have been immediately expunged."&nbsp;
&nbsp;

During his day-long visit to Manipur, Gandhi visited several relief camps where people displaced by the ethnic violence in the northeastern state are staying.

Rahul Gandhi urges PM to visit violence-hit Manipur, says Cong ready to help bring peace

During his day-long visit to Manipur, Gandhi visited several relief camps where people displaced by the ethnic violence in the northeastern state are staying.

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the ethnic violence-affected Manipur to give solace to the people.
Describing what has happened in Manipur as a "tremendous tragedy", Gandhi also said that Congress is ready to do everything it can to bring peace to the state.
Ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities since May last year claimed more than 200 lives in Manipur since May last year.
"The PM should have visited the state long back. It is important that he visit Manipur. I request him to come to Manipur and try and understand what is happening here. People of Manipur, probably people of the entire country, want the PM to visit the state and listen to the victims&rsquo; woes. It will comfort the people. Congress is ready to support anything that would improve the situation," the Raebareli MP told a press conference here.
During his day-long visit to Manipur, Gandhi visited several relief camps where people displaced by the ethnic violence in the northeastern state are staying.
&ldquo;This is the third time I come here since the problem started. It has been a tremendous tragedy. I was expecting some improvement in the situation. But I was quite disappointed to see that the situation is still nowhere near where it should be," he said.
Gandhi visited Manipur weeks after ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3 last year. He also began his 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' from the state in January 2024.
This is his first visit to Manipur after becoming the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha and after the Congress won both Lok Sabha seats in the state.
Gandhi said he came to the state to listen to the woes of the violence-hit people and build confidence in them and as an opposition leader, he would pressure the government so that it acts.
"I want to tell all the people of Manipur (that) I came here as your brother, as somebody who wants to help you, wants to work with you to bring back peace in Manipur. I am ready to do whatever I can, Congress party is ready to do whatever it can to bring back peace here," he said.
Stating that he had never seen anywhere in India what is going on in Manipur, Gandhi asserted that violence and hatred are not going to get any solution, while respect and interaction can.
&ldquo;The state is completely split in two and it is a tragedy for everybody involved. The entire state is suffering. If we start to think about peace and affection, it will be a very very big step for Manipur," the Congress leader said.
The leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha said that whenever the people of Manipur want, he and his party will be available.
&ldquo;Indian government and everybody who considers himself a patriot must embrace the people of Manipur," said the Congress leader who also met Governor Anusuiya Uikey before holding the press conference.
"We expressed to the governor that we would like to help in whatever way we can. We also expressed our displeasure. We are not happy with the progress that has taken place here. I don&rsquo;t want to politicize the issue, it is not my intention," Gandhi said in the press conference.
The Congress leader did not take questions from the media people saying he has made his message clear.
"I am not ready to take questions that are designed to divert the issue," he said.&nbsp;

The court has asked the NTA to disclose the steps taken so far for the identification of beneficiaries of wrongdoings.

Supreme Court says NEET re-exam should be last resort, seeks details on paper leak

The court has asked the NTA to disclose the steps taken so far for the identification of beneficiaries of wrongdoings.

The Supreme Court on the 8th of July said that it was not completely against conducting a re-exam of the NEET-UG paper, but stressed that it should be the last resort.
While hearing a clutch of petitions seeking a re-test of the medical entrance examination, the bench led by Chief Justice Chandrachud observed that there was a need to gauge the extent of the paper leak as it could also impact the honest students.
The court also acknowledged that questions were leaked on social media and via popular messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp at least 24 hours before the May 5 exam, but pointed to a lack of clarity over its spread.&nbsp;
"One thing is clear... questions were leaked. The sanctity of the exam has been compromised... This is beyond doubt. Now we have to establish the extent of the leak," the Chief Justice said.
"We have to be careful while ordering a re-test. We are dealing with the careers of lakhs of students."
"You don't cancel because some students cheated. We must be careful..."
The apex court has also asked the Centre and the National Testing Agency to respond to certain specific queries and posted the matters for further hearing on July 11.&nbsp;
The Court also asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a status report on the investigation into the paper leak cases.
It said the NTA must disclose about the steps taken so far for identification of beneficiaries of wrongdoings.
Referring to legal position on ordering re-test, the top court said it will have to be "scrutinised whether the alleged breach has taken place at systemic level, whether the breach has affected integrity of the entire exam process and whether it is possible to segregate the beneficiaries of fraud from the untainted students".
"In a situation where breach affects the entirety of process and it is not possible to segregate the beneficiaries from others, it may be necessary to order a re-test," said the bench, also comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.
It said the NTA must disclose about the steps taken so far for identification of beneficiaries of wrongdoings.

The government further said that cancelling the exam would jeopardise the future of lakhs of students who attempted the exam with honesty. 

Centre tells SC not rational to conduct NEET-UG re-exam, says 'no proof of large-scale irregularities'

The government further said that cancelling the exam would jeopardise the future of lakhs of students who attempted the exam with honesty.&nbsp;

Amidst the controversy over the NEET paper leak, the central government informed the Supreme Court on the 5th of July that it would not be rational to scrap the medical entrance examination and hold a re-test.&nbsp;
In an affidavit, the government affirmed that there were no large-scale irregularities in the exam.
The government further said that cancelling the exam would jeopardise the future of lakhs of students who attempted the exam with honesty.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Scrapping exam in entirety would jeopardise lakhs of honest candidates,&rdquo; it said in the affidavit. &nbsp; The Centre has further stated that the CBI has been tasked with investigating the full range of allegations regarding alleged irregularities, including conspiracy, cheating, impersonation, and breach of trust.
"The Union of India duly appreciates that the confidentiality of the question papers is the utmost priority in any examination and that if, due to some criminality at the behest of some criminal elements, the confidentiality has been breached, the Union of India submits that the said person must be dealt with sternly and with the full force of law to ensure that they are punished," the affidavit said.
The top court is scheduled to hear on July 8 a batch of pleas, including those alleging irregularities in the examination held on May 5 and seeking a direction that it be conducted afresh.
Allegations of irregularities, including paper leaks, have led to protests in several cities and sparring between rival political parties.

Kejriwal's lawyers argued that he is not a flight risk, while the CBI objected to the AAP leader directly approaching the HC without first going to the trial court. 

Delhi HC issues notice to CBI on Arvind Kejriwal's bail plea in liquor case

Kejriwal's lawyers argued that he is not a flight risk, while the CBI objected to the AAP leader directly approaching the HC without first going to the trial court.&nbsp;

The Delhi High Court on Friday asked the CBI to respond to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's bail plea in the corruption case registered by the CBI in connection with the alleged excise policy scam.
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna issued a notice to the CBI on the bail plea and listed it for further hearing on July 17.
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, said the AAP leader is not a flight risk and not a terrorist and the CBI arrested him after he got bail in the ED's money laundering case.
Advocate DP Singh, appearing for the CBI, raised objection over Kejriwal directly approaching the HC without first filing the bail plea before the trial court.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener was arrested by the CBI on June 26 from Tihar Jail, where he is still lodged in judicial custody in a connected money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Kejriwal, who was arrested by the ED on March 21, was granted bail by the trial court in the money laundering case on June 20. However, the trial court's order was stayed by the high court.
The excise policy was scrapped in 2022 after the Delhi lieutenant governor ordered a CBI probe into alleged irregularities and corruption involving the formulation and execution of the policy.
According to the CBI and the ED, irregularities were committed while modifying the excise policy and undue favours extended to the licence holders.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/delhi/delhi-liquor-policy-case-arvind-kejriwal-sent-to-judicial-custody-till-july-12-1719673094491">Delhi liquor policy case: Arvind Kejriwal sent to judicial custody till July 12</a>

Later Agniveer Ajay Singh's father purportedly said that even though Rajnath Singh has said the families of martyrs are given a compensation of Rs 1 crore, no such assistance has been received by his family.

Cong wants 'white paper' from Modi govt on Agnipath scheme, alleges 'discrimination' 

Later Agniveer Ajay Singh's father purportedly said that even though Rajnath Singh has said the families of martyrs are given a compensation of Rs 1 crore, no such assistance has been received by his family.

Amid a row over compensation to "Agniveer" martyrs, the Congress on Thursday said the government should bring a "white paper" on the Agnipath scheme for short-term military recruitment, so that the country gets to know the reality of the ground situation.
Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters here, Congress's ex-servicemen department chief Colonel (retired) Rohit Chaudhry claimed that the family of late "Agniveer" Ajay Singh from Punjab's Ludhiana has got only Rs 48 lakh from the Centre, while it has received Rs 1 crore from the Punjab government and Rs 50 lakh as insurance money from a private bank.
His remarks came a day after Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi alleged that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh "lied" in Parliament about the issue of compensation to the families of martyred Agniveers and demanded an apology for it.
Gandhi had also referred to a purported statement of Ajay Singh's father.
Ajay Singh's father purportedly said in a video shared by Gandhi on X that even though Rajnath Singh has said the families of martyrs have been given a compensation of Rs 1 crore, no such assistance has been received by his family.
The Indian Army, however, later rejected claims on social media that compensation has not been paid to the next of kin of Agniveer Ajay Singh, who lost his life in the line of duty, and said his family has already been given Rs 98.39 lakh of the due amount.
The total amount will be Rs 1.65 crore approximately, it said in the "clarification" that came after Gandhi shared the video on the microblogging platform.
Chaudhry said, "In Parliament, the defence minister gave incomplete information to the country, which created an atmosphere of doubt. As the main opposition, it is our responsibility to raise the issue of discrimination being carried out with the Army and Agniveers." "Rahul Gandhiji says there should be no discrimination with the soldiers and martyrs of the country. This is not just a matter of martyred Agniveer Ajay Singh, but of the 13 Agniveers who have been martyred so far," he said.
Chaudhry said the government should bring a "white paper" on the Agnipath scheme, the discrimination between Agniveers and regular soldiers and the assistance amount to be given to the families of martyrs.
He said if the Congress comes to power, it will scrap the Agnipath scheme, "Agniveers" will be made permanent, the old recruitment process in the armed forces will be restored and the 1.5 lakh youngsters, who were not taken into service despite selection, will be inducted in the forces.
Addressing the presser along with Chaudhry, Wing Commander (retired) Anuma Acharya alleged that the Narendra Modi government is bringing out half-truths, entangling them in technical intricacies and using the Additional Directorate General of Public Information's official X handle to mislead the people of the country. "We condemn this," she added.&nbsp;
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/delhi/rahul-gandhi-plans-to-visit-hathras-says-venugopal-1720087945608">Rahul Gandhi plans to visit Hathras, says Venugopal</a>

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She also brushed aside allegations of BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that Rahul insulted the Hindu community with his remarks.

'My brother didn't insult Hindus': Priyanka defends Rahul Gandhi  

She also brushed aside allegations of BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that Rahul insulted the Hindu community with his remarks.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi defended her brother Rahul Gandhi over his remarks that those who call themselves Hindus are engaged in "violence and hate" round the clock.
She also brushed aside allegations of BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that Gandhi insulted the Hindu community with his remarks at the Lok Sabha.
"He cannot insult Hindus. He spoke eloquently. He was talking about the BJP and its leaders," she said.

PM2.5 particles, which are smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter, pose severe health risks as they can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

Delhi Suffers Worst Air Quality for Second Consecutive Day; CPCB Issues Health Warning

PM2.5 particles, which are smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter, pose severe health risks as they can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

For the second straight day, Delhi recorded the worst air quality in the country, with pollution levels skyrocketing. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issued a warning, highlighting severe health risks for both healthy individuals and those with pre-existing conditions.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/676253451e3c5_1734497093.png" width="500" height="216">
Air Quality Deteriorates After Brief Relief
The alarming spike in pollution comes after a two-week respite from hazardous air quality. On December 5, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) rolled back Stage IV restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) following significant improvement in Delhi-NCR&rsquo;s air quality. However, conditions have worsened again, prompting the reimposition of the strictest measures.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67625367968b4_1734497127.png" width="500" height="204">
AQI Reaches 'Severe' Category
Delhi&rsquo;s Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 401 (severe) on Monday night, December 16, 2024, triggering the reinstatement of Stage IV GRAP restrictions. By Tuesday afternoon, the AQI surged further to 433, with the concentration of hazardous particulate matter (PM2.5) soaring to 251.5 micrograms per cubic meter&mdash;16.7 times higher than the World Health Organization&rsquo;s (WHO) safe limit of 15 micrograms per cubic meter.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/6762538e0bc8e_1734497166.jpeg" width="300" height="374">
PM2.5 particles, which are smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter, pose severe health risks as they can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
Causes of Pollution Surge
The CPCB attributed the spike in pollution to factors such as:
<ul>
<li>Slower wind speeds hinder pollutant dispersion.</li>
<li>Persistent vehicular emissions.</li>
<li>Stubble burning in neighbouring states.</li>
</ul>
The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi also forecasted continued severe pollution for Wednesday due to stagnant wind conditions.
Health Risks and Restrictions
CPCB&rsquo;s warning emphasized the severe impact on public health, with vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues at higher risk. In response, the government has reimposed:
<ul>
<li>A ban on construction activities.</li>
<li>Restrictions on the movement of older vehicles.</li>
</ul>
Improvement Expected by December 19
The Central Agency predicts a gradual improvement in air quality from December 19, with AQI levels likely to shift to the &lsquo;very poor&rsquo; category due to a forecasted increase in wind speeds.
Authorities have urged residents to take precautions, including limiting outdoor activities, using air purifiers indoors, and wearing masks when stepping out.

GRAP-4 is the most stringent set of anti-pollution measures aimed at reducing emissions and protecting public health. 

Delhi-NCR Enforces GRAP-4 Restrictions as Air Quality Deteriorates to 'Severe+' Category

GRAP-4 is the most stringent set of anti-pollution measures aimed at reducing emissions and protecting public health.

The Centre&rsquo;s air quality panel, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), invoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR on Monday night as air quality dipped to the "Severe+" category. The decision came after Delhi's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) breached the 400 mark at 10 PM, with unfavourable meteorological conditions trapping pollutants near the surface.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67611b057a910_1734417157.png" width="520" height="622">
AQI Breach and Emergency Measures
Delhi&rsquo;s AQI, which stood at 379 at 4 PM, saw a sharp rise due to calm winds and the buildup of an inversion layer that lowered the vertical mixing height&mdash;the zone above the ground where pollutants can disperse. The lack of wind and a temperature drop compounded the pollution crisis.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Sub-Committee decided to impose Stage-IV (&lsquo;Severe+&rsquo; Air Quality) of the GRAP schedule (issued on 13.12.2024) in the entire NCR, with immediate effect.
&mdash; Commission for Air Quality Management (@CAQM_Official) <a href="https://twitter.com/CAQM_Official/status/1868705845611315570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
In a late-night emergency meeting, CAQM decided to implement the strictest GRAP-4 measures. The panel cited "highly unfavourable meteorological conditions" and "absolute calm wind conditions" as the primary reasons for the deteriorating air quality.
Restrictions Under GRAP-4
GRAP-4 is the most stringent set of anti-pollution measures aimed at reducing emissions and protecting public health. The restrictions include:
<ul>
<li>Construction Ban: All construction and demolition activities, including public infrastructure projects such as highways and flyovers, have been halted.</li>
<li>Truck Restrictions: Entry of trucks carrying non-essential goods into Delhi has been banned, except for LNG, CNG, electric, and BS-VI diesel trucks.</li>
<li>School Adjustments: Schools in Delhi-NCR will shift to a hybrid mode of education for students up to Class IX and XI, combining online and physical classes where feasible.</li>
<li>Vehicle Restrictions: Ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida. Exceptions are made for vehicles modified for use by persons with disabilities.</li>
<li>Emergency Measures: State governments have been advised to consider closing non-emergency commercial activities, implementing odd-even vehicle rules, and allowing only 50% of office staff while the rest work from home.</li>
</ul>
Impact on Public Life
The stringent measures aim to curb immediate emissions and protect vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory ailments. Officials have also recommended limiting outdoor activities and wearing masks for those stepping out.
In addition to the GRAP-4 restrictions, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced the installation of "mist sprayers" on electric poles along Lodhi Road to combat air pollution. These sprayers use treated water to disperse the fine mist, aiming to settle the particulate matter.
Weather and Cold Wave Conditions
Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 4.5&deg;C on Monday, 4.1&deg;C below normal, marking the fourth time in December that temperatures dropped below 5&deg;C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a maximum temperature of 24&deg;C and a minimum of 5&deg;C on Tuesday, with cold wave conditions expected to persist.
Supreme Court Directions and Revised GRAP Norms
The Supreme Court had earlier revised the GRAP thresholds, mandating the imposition of Stage IV when AQI crosses 400, down from the earlier threshold of 450. This revision aims to ensure a faster response to deteriorating air quality.
Public Advisory
Authorities have issued a series of health and safety advisories:
<ul>
<li>Avoid outdoor activities, especially for vulnerable groups.</li>
<li>Use public transport or carpool to reduce emissions.</li>
<li>Refrain from burning wood or coal for heating.</li>
<li>Employers are encouraged to allow remote work where possible.</li>
</ul>
Looking Ahead
This is the second time this winter that GRAP-4 restrictions have been implemented. Authorities are monitoring the air quality and meteorological conditions closely to decide on lifting or extending the restrictions.
Delhi-NCR&rsquo;s recurring pollution crisis highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions, including reducing industrial emissions, promoting green energy, and improving public transport infrastructure. For now, these immediate measures aim to provide relief during a critical period of severe air pollution.

The petition, filed through advocate Vivek More, claimed the family was deprived of their property by the Britishers following the first War of Independence in 1857

Delhi: Kin of Bahadur Shah Zafar-II seeks possession of Red Fort, High Court rejects plea

The petition, filed through advocate Vivek More, claimed the family was deprived of their property by the Britishers following the first War of Independence in 1857.

The Delhi High Court on Friday rejected the plea of the widow of the great-grandson of Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar-II seeking possession of the Red Fort on account of being the legal heir.
A bench of Acting Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela dismissed the appeal by Sultana Begum against the December 2021 decision of an HC single judge, noting the challenge was filed after a delay of over two-and-a-half years, which could not be condoned.
Begum said she could not file the appeal owing to her bad health condition and the passing of her daughter. &ldquo;We find the said explanation inadequate, considering that the delay is more than two-and-a-half years. The petition was also dismissed (by a single judge) for being inordinately delayed by several decades. The application for condonation of delay is dismissed. Consequently, the appeal is also dismissed. It is barred by limitation,&rdquo; the bench said.
On December 20, 2021, the single judge dismissed Begum&rsquo;s petition seeking possession of the Red Fort taken illegally by the British East India Company, saying there was no justification for the inordinate delay in approaching the court after over 150 years.
The petition, filed through advocate Vivek More, claimed the family was deprived of their property by the Britishers following the first War of Independence in 1857, following which the emperor was exiled from the country and possession of the Red Fort was forcefully taken away from the Mughals.
It asserted that Begum was the owner of the Red Fort as she inherited it from her ancestor Bahadur Shah Zafar-II, who died on 11 November 1862 at age 82, and the government of India was an illegal occupant of the property.
The petition sought a direction to the Centre to hand over the Red Fort to the petitioner or give adequate compensation besides the compensation from 1857 to till date for alleged illegal possession by the government.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Deputy Commissioner of Police (southeast) Ravi Kumar Singh said, “We have identified more than 1,000 people during our drive and apprehended two men from Kalindi Kunj and Hazrat Nizamuddin area.”

Over 1,000 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants identified, 2 held: Delhi Police

Deputy Commissioner of Police (southeast) Ravi Kumar Singh said, &ldquo;We have identified more than 1,000 people during our drive and apprehended two men from Kalindi Kunj and Hazrat Nizamuddin area.&rdquo;

Delhi Police have apprehended two illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and over 1,000 others, an official said on Friday.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (southeast) Ravi Kumar Singh said, &ldquo;We have identified more than 1,000 people during our drive and apprehended two men from Kalindi Kunj and Hazrat Nizamuddin area.&rdquo;
The city police launched a drive for the identification of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants residing in Delhi on Wednesday, a day after the LG Secretariat ordered a crackdown on such persons.
One of the Bangladeshi entered the national capital on December 6, he said, adding that the other immigrant is a ragpicker.
Multiple security agencies, including the Delhi Police, are questioning them, the DCP said.
&ldquo;The one who entered Delhi December 6, told police that he paid Rs 25,000 to some agent in Bangladesh and was trying to look for a job here,&rdquo; he said.
Further details awaited.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Saxena made these remarks while addressing the culmination of the silver jubilee celebrations and the foundation day of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in Delhi.

Have been subjected to numerous personal attacks during my tenure: Delhi LG

Saxena made these remarks while addressing the culmination of the silver jubilee celebrations and the foundation day of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in Delhi.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Thursday said he has faced various allegations and personal attacks during his tenure, but these challenges have never deterred him from making strong decisions, even if they attract &ldquo;unjustified&rdquo; criticism.
Saxena made these remarks while addressing the culmination of the silver jubilee celebrations and the foundation day of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in Delhi.
He emphasised that his commitment to working for the betterment of Delhi residents has remained steadfast despite the obstacles he has encountered.
Speaking to the students, he said, &ldquo;Remember, making decisions that positively impact society is not easy. You will encounter unjustified criticism and challenges from those with vested interests in maintaining the status quo. There is a saying: &lsquo;When making big decisions, it is natural to feel afraid, but choosing not to act out of fear is the wrong move.'&rdquo;
Using his own experience as an example, Saxena added, &ldquo;I would like to share my own experience. Over the past two and a half years, there have been numerous attempts to stop me from doing the work I believe is good. I was subjected to various allegations and personal attacks. However, my commitment to working for the betterment of Delhi and its residents remained strong. That is why I never stopped and continued to work towards my goal.&rdquo;
He further emphasised the role of youth in shaping the country&rsquo;s future. &ldquo;You must be persistent and unwavering in your efforts to achieve your goals, always working in the larger interest of the people. You carry the responsibility to contribute to the nation&rsquo;s growth and its standing on the global stage. Let us hope that this university remains a catalyst for hope and change,&rdquo; Saxena said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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