In an alarming environmental concern, a thick layer of smog engulfed the national capital Delhi’s AQI Hits Air Quality Index soared to a ‘severe’ 464 on Friday, prompting immediate action from the city’s government. For the second consecutive day, a grey smog has blanketed the capital, significantly reducing visibility and exacerbating health risks for its residents.
The Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has taken decisive steps to mitigate the crisis by announcing the closure of all government and primary schools for two days. The ban on non-essential construction and certain vehicle categories across Delhi-NCR on the plying of BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel cars in Delhi Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar is a direct response to the air emergency declared on Thursday.
While Delhi grapples with environmental challenges, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has voiced India’s perspective on the global stage. Addressing the recent Hamas attacks on Israel, Jaishankar condemned the act as terrorism, yet underscored the pressing need for a viable solution to the Palestine issue. He reiterated India’s support for a sovereign, independent state of Palestine, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance against terrorism and his solidarity with Israel.
In other national updates, the Supreme Court is currently scrutinizing the electoral bonds scheme, highlighting ‘serious deficiencies.’ Meanwhile, political dynamics take a new turn as Union Home Minister Amit Shah comments on the collaboration of Indian constituents to advance mutual interests.
The news landscape also presents pressing updates from Karnataka, where bus services to Maharashtra have been suspended amidst escalating Maratha quota agitation. Additionally, the legal proceedings against a Kerala TV channel and its journalist over their coverage of blasts reveal the tightening grip of law enforcement on media reportage.
On the international front, the US has condemned the brutal assault on a student from Telangana in Indiana, marking another concern for Indian nationals abroad. Furthermore, the conviction of former crypto mogul Sam Bankman-Fried over the FTX collapse has sent shockwaves through the financial sector, with a staggering 110-year prison sentence.
In the world of sports, Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer silenced critics with a stellar performance in the World Cup, spearheading India’s record-breaking win against Sri Lanka. The sports fraternity is now keenly anticipating the upcoming match against South Africa.
Entertainment buzz peaks as Shah Rukh Khan celebrates his birthday in an intimate gathering away from the public eye, while Bollywood’s beloved Kapoor sisters share a sneak peek into the star-studded evening.
As the city faces environmental adversities, the life and health segment brings a glimmer of normalcy, with Katrina Kaif dazzling fans at a beauty event in Mumbai, gearing up for her much-awaited film ‘Tiger 3.’Delhiites are now bracing for the impact of the government’s stringent measures to combat the severe pollution levels. As the winter season approaches, all eyes are on the effectiveness of these emergency actions to improve air quality in the heart of India’s bustling metropolis.