Delhi air pollution Update Highights: Amid AQI reaching ‘severe’ category, demand for air purifiers, masks rises

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While the Delhi government stressed the importance of implementing a "long-term plan" to reduce air pollution during a meeting today, these are the interim steps that were chosen:

• The Environment Department will issue warnings advising children and the elderly to stay indoors.
• To use public transport as much as possible, avoid travelling unnecessarily.
• All govt depts should prioritise pollution mitigation in their activities.
• CAQM measures with regard to GRAP are to be implemented strictly on the ground.
• Road sweepers, water sprinklers, and anti-smog weapons will be used more efficiently.
• To appeal to neighbouring states to curtail crop residue burning by incentivising farmers.
• Need to put in place a long-term permanent plan of action after the emergency ends.

"The problem of pollution is increasing by the day...There is a need for behavioural change to tackle pollution...It would be great to use digital crackers," said Dr. Naresh Tyagi, Chairman of the National Climate Action Committee while speaking about the Delhi pollution.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel responded to the ED's claim that he was paid Rs 508 crore by the promoters of the Mahadev app.

A gas cylinder exploded at a house in West Kamal Vihar, Karawal Nagar, Delhi, injuring four people. All four injured people were transferred to GTB Hospital for treatment. The following factors are being investigated as the cause of the fire and explosion as per the Delhi Police

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that Israel refused a temporary ceasefire that does not include the release of their hostages. Israel will not enable the entry of fuel to Gaza and opposes sending money to the Strip.

A lighting incident in Madurai district today killed two individuals and injured 18 more. Six people were sent to the Madurai Government Hospital. Rest if the people have been admitted to Sivagangai Government Hospital, said SP Madurai R Shiva Prasad.

Blinken told reporters in Tel Aviv that we need to significantly and quickly expand long-term humanitarian assistance to Gaza. He emphasised the importance of resuming the route towards a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian issue, describing it as the only guarantee of a secure and democratic Israel and an independent Palestine. He stated that work on that must begin today, not tomorrow or after today.

According to the Associated Press, Hezbollah Chief Nasrallah, in his speech, applauded the Hamas attack on farming villages and military posts in southern Israel four weeks ago. In Israel, more than 1,400 people were killed in an attack by Hamas, a Hezbollah partner.

According to The Times of Israel, he also stated that a Hamas win in Gaza against Israel would be a victory for Palestinians rather than Iran and the Muslim community and that supporting Hamas in its continued war against Israel is its "duty."

"Preemptive strike on Lebanon would be its most foolish mistake ever," said Hezbollah chief Nasrallah, warning Israel.

In Delhi-NCR, all emergency measures, including a ban on polluting trucks, commercial four-wheelers, and all sorts of construction, are mandated at this level. At various areas throughout the region, the concentration of PM2.5, a fine particulate matter capable of penetrating deep into the respiratory system and causing health problems, surpassed the acceptable limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre by seven to eight times.

The air quality in Delhi fell to the "severe plus" category on Friday, even as the central government delayed the execution of stronger measures under the air pollution management plan, citing a falling trend in the region's AQI.

While addressing Tel Aviv, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "As long as the United States stands, Israel will never stand alone. Today, in my fourth visit to Israel since October 7, I reiterated that in all my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Herzog, and the Security Cabinet, I reiterated and made clear our support for Israel's right to defend itself, indeed, its obligation to defend itself...We're working with Congress now, to provide for Israel's defense, as well as for urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza. This right to self-defence, indeed, this obligation to self-defence, belongs to every nation. No country could or should tolerate the slaughter of innocents." -- this too, if not added already...his fourth meet with Netanyahu since Hamas attacks."

Blinken also further emphasize that the protection of civilians must take place not just in Gaza, but also in the West Bank, where incitement and extremist violence against Palestinians must be stopped and perpetrators held accountable. "Third, we need to substantially and immediately increase the sustained flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza and getting American citizens and other foreign nationals out of Gaza," he added.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "We've provided Israel advice that only the best of friends can offer on how to minimize civilian deaths while still achieving its objectives of finding and finishing Hamas terrorists and their infrastructure of violence. Today, I spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other senior officials about concrete steps to do that. President Biden has consistently stressed the need for Israel to operate according to international humanitarian law..."

IPS officer Pravin Madhukar Pawar has been appointed as the CBI's Joint Director for a five-year term beginning on the day of his appointment or until further orders, whichever comes first, according to India's government statement.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir will be officially visiting India from November 6 to 7 to co-chair the 6th India-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) in New Delhi, at the invitation of External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar.

News LIVE Updates: Antony Blinken held meeting with Israeli PM Netanyahu

"Met with Israeli PM Netanyahu and reiterated the US' support for Israel's right to self-defence and reaffirmed our commitment to a two-state solution," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted.

Afghanistan (181/3) beat Netherlands (179/all out) by 7 wickets. Afghanistan is now at the 5th position.

According to the Associated Press, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows to press on in Gaza and rules out a cease-fire until Hamas frees hostages.

After meeting with Delhi LG VK Saxena to discuss the issue of rising air pollution in Delhi NCR, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said, "We had detailed talks to ensure that the measures taken to control pollution are implemented strictly. We also discussed about the officials who missed the previous meetings and requested that the senior officials join the meeting, cooperate and work actively."

"I have returned to the region (Israel) to engage intense diplomacy with our partners to ensure that the October 7 attack never happens again and we forge a different future for Israelis and Palestinians alike," says US State Department Secretary Antony Blinken in Tel Aviv.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai arrived at Raj Niwas to attend a meeting held by LG Delhi VK Saxena to discuss the city's escalating air pollution.

According to the Associated Press, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that "we need to do more to protect Palestinian civilians."

UN aid chief said, “I heard just this morning as I came in, there has been some progress on allowing some more fuel in through these negotiations,” Martin Griffiths told a meeting at the United Nations in New York, referring to ongoing negotiations between the global body, Israel, Egypt and the United States. “I hope to see that confirmed during today."

The two leaders called for an early resolution of the security and humanitarian situation. They emphasized the importance of durable peace, security and stability in the region. They also reiterated their commitment to continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation in diverse areas within the framework of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke via phone with the President of the UAE today, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders discussed regional developments in West Asia. Both leaders expressed serious concerns about terrorism, the deteriorating security situation, and the loss of human life.

The Delhi Government's Directorate of Education (DOE) stated that in accordance with the CAQM order regarding the implementation of GRAP-III, and with the health and safety of Delhi students/children in mind due to low air quality, all Zonal sports tournaments and Delhi State School Games or events are suspended with immediate effect until further orders.

Six people have been arrested in a snake venom case in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, including Elvish Yadav. The court sentenced the five accused to 14 days in judicial prison.

After thoroughly analysing the entire air quality scenario and related factors, the Sub-Committee unanimously resolved to monitor the situation for a day or more before invoking more stringent disruptive steps under GRAP Stage-IV. The continuing steps implemented under GRAP Stages I, II, and III will continue for the time being, and the Sub-Committee will keep a careful eye on the situation for future decisions.

The Sub-Committee further highlighted that GRAP Stage-III was only deployed on November 2 (late evening), and it is only acceptable to allow time for its full impact on the average AQI to be realised. The acts contained within are likely to produce positive consequences.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) 4 PM AQI Bulletin, Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) was 468 today. The CAQM Sub-Committee for GRAP operationalization reviewed the air quality scenario and projections for meteorological conditions and air quality index provided by IMD/ IITM. The Sub-Committee noted that Delhi's average AQI has been falling since the afternoon. At 12 PM, the average AQI in Delhi was 475, which improved to 468 at 4PM and 456 at 5 PM today. The IITM/IMD projection also predicts continued improvement in the AQI.

National Green Tribunal (NGT) spoke on the air pollution situation saying, "A serious condition is reflected in various cities in Air Quality Bulletins. Hence, immediate action is required for prevention and control of the air pollution in these cities so as to ensure better air quality to the residents."

The NGT requested a response from the Chief Secretaries of the states whose cities' AQIs have fallen to severe, very poor, and poor, ordering them to take prompt corrective action and submit an action taken report to the Tribunal.

IndiGo CEO also stated that the airline is looking at Madina as a potential new international destination.

"IndiGo will take new measures to mitigate the issue of grounded planes going forward. We will continue to keep fuel charges as we don't expect ATF prices to fall anytime soon. We do get better prices in the secondary aircraft leasing market when compared to our Indian peers," said IndiGo's CFO Gaurav Negi.

IndiGo's CEO is confident that domestic air passenger demand in India will continue to grow. "We have not yet finalised fleet growth guidance for FY25.26% of our capacity is being used on our international network, we plan to grow this to 30 percent soon," he added.

IndiGo CFO Gaurav Negi said that IndiGo's Yield in October 2023 is lower than October 2022 due to Diwali shifting to November. The expected yields in November 2023 are to be higher than in November 2022.

IndiGo CFO Gaurav Negi stated that Indigo has witnessed an increase in the leasing cost, especially for damp leases and the increase in leasing cost will be offset by high passenger demand.

The CEO continued by saying, "IndiGo had after Q1FY24 said that it plans to increase its fleet by high teens in FY24." he also added that Indigo will take delivery of one aircraft every week next year.

IndiGo has taken a number of measures including leasing new aircraft, and reintroduction of older Airbus CEO aircraft to mitigate issues of grounded planes, added the company's CEO.

IndiGo Chief Financial Officer Gaurav Negi said, "PW usually takes 250-300 days to carry out inspection of its aircraft. PW usually takes 250-300 days to carry out an inspection of its aircraft... IndiGo has 40+ aircraft grounded at the moment."

IndiGo management stated that a high number of groundings are expected from PW engine issues from Q4.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made its 15th arrest in the ISIS-inspired car bomb blast case in Coimbatore, where the accused, Jamesha Mubeen, was murdered when his vehicle-borne IED exploded, according to NIA's statement.

IndiGo CEO said they are confident of meeting capacity guidance despite grounded planes due to engine issues.

"The Haryana government had said that stubble burning will be stopped completely in the state. However, their claims have failed totally. They have wasted crores on this. Farmers of Haryana are compelled to burn stubble because the state government is not giving any subsidy on stubble (parali)," said AAP Haryana president Dr Sushil Kumar Gupta.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated that a decision on additional school closures will be made based on air quality on November 6.

LG Saxena is extremely worried about the current situation."I appeal to the people to remain indoors as much as possible and to not expose themselves- especially children & elderly to hazardous ambient conditions wherein AQI has reportedly crossed 800 at places," posted Saxena on X, while urging people to stay indoors. He also cancelled his upcoming public engagements and requested others to avoid large public gatherings as far as possible.

Lt Gov VK Saxena posted on X saying, “The situation arising out of air pollution in the City is extremely worrying. I have asked Hon’ble CM and Hon’ble Minister (Environment) for a meeting at Raj Niwas at 06:00 PM today, to take stock of the situation."

"People of Delhi are bearing the consequences of the insensitivity of CM Arvind Kejriwal as the city has turned into a gas chamber. Unfortunately, CM Kejriwal is busy in political tourism," said Delhi BJP chief Virend Sachdeva regarding the deteriorating air quality situation in Delhi NCR.

"Delhi government should have taken measures to control air pollution 15 days ago. Infrastructure projects are delayed while the public transport system has collapsed leading to a rise in the usage of private vehicles in the city contributing to air pollution" said Delhi Congress chief Arvinder Lovely.

In an effort to reduce air pollution in Delhi-NCR, the Noida Police Department began a specific campaign targeting 10- and 15-year-old automobiles. Anil Yadav, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Traffic Police, stated that police confiscated 175 automobiles between the ages of 10 and 15. He also stated that owners of almost 7,000 automobiles were fined for not having a fitness certificate or a pollution certificate.

Dr Rajdeep Roy, a BJP MP and member of Parliament's Ethics Committee said, "Mahua Moitra was given a chance to speak. She spoke at length uninterrupted. In fact, we didn't want to listen to her personal stories. Despite that, she alleged that she was not heard. In the post-lunch session of the Committee, after answering a few questions she started creating a ruckus and said that you have no right to ask this question as it is personal in nature. Being an MP, you can't say that allegations are personal in nature so you can't answer....Mahua Moitra was given almost 2-2.5 hours to plead her side of the story."

While discussing the present air pollution situation in Delhi NCR, Vice President Meteorology and Climate Change, Skymet Mahesh Palawat said the air pollution level is likely to remain unchanged for the next 3-4 days. Smoke from stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is not reaching Delhi at the moment due to low wind speed and changes in direction. He also warned that air pollution may rise in the second week of November, when winds from the northwest begin to arrive in Delhi, carrying stubble-burning smoke.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai explained about the two smog towers in Delhi. "One is in Anand Vihar, which is run by the central government, while the other is in Connaught Place, which is situated by the Delhi government. DPCC's chairman, Ashwani Kumar, joined in December. His payment has been stopped by IIT Bombay, and for the past 8 months, the smog tower has been closed. We are tired of saying it again and again, but he's not ready to open it. Though it is the decision of the cabinet and it's the order of the Supreme Court and still, they have closed it... These conditions are against us, but in these conditions, if other states like Haryana and UP would have been active like Delhi, then the situation could improve," he said.

Vice President Meteorology and Climate Change, Skymet Mahesh Palawat said that Dehi-NCR's air pollution has worsened due to low wind speed and the temperature hovering between 16-17°C. As a result, dust particles and pollutants remain near the surface of the Earth.

Amid escalating air pollution in Delhi, medical experts advise the use of N95 masks as a crucial preventive measure. Dr. Anil Goyal highlights the urgency, emphasizing the need to minimize vehicular emissions. The presence of harmful microparticles in the air contributes to respiratory problems and impacts the brain and heart. N95 masks are suggested to protect against these adverse effects.

A report from the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute reveals that the average resident in the National Capital Region (NCR) could face a life expectancy reduction of nearly 12 years due to air pollution. This alarming statistic highlights the pressing need for effective measures to combat the ongoing pollution crisis in the region.

To combat air pollution, Delhi's Environment Minister announced extended working hours for vacuum cleaners, with 52 MRS machines set to work 12 hours instead of 8. Additionally, 345 water sprinklers will operate for 12 hours to cover more areas. Mobile anti-smog guns will target pollution hotspots and other affected regions in an effort to improve air quality in the city.

The Delhi BJP has criticized Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of engaging in "political tourism" while the city's residents grapple with severe air pollution. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva stated that the inaction and insensitivity of the Kejriwal government have turned Delhi into a "gas chamber," with a current AQI of 700 in Anand Vihar. Sachdeva also questioned the status of smog towers, air purifiers, and water sprinklers to combat rising pollution, emphasizing the plight of Delhiites and children falling ill due to the pollution crisis. The AAP, in power in the national capital, has not responded to the allegations.

Environment Minister urges Delhi residents to opt for public transport, such as the metro and buses, to combat pollution from vehicles.

Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, emphasized that pollution in the city is influenced by external sources beyond its control. He noted that the government has made efforts to improve air quality, resulting in over 200 days of good air quality according to a central government report. However, the challenge remains, particularly during weather changes after November 1. The government follows the directives of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and will take further steps if the situation worsens. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded elevated AQI levels, with various locations in Delhi-NCR experiencing 'severe' air quality.

The Delhi Government has issued an order, effective from November 2, imposing a fine of ₹20,000 on BS-III Petrol and BS-IV Diesel LMV (4 Wheeler) vehicles found operating on the city's roads. This move is in line with Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, aimed at curbing the pollution caused by these vehicles.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed concern over the severe air pollution issue. He mentioned that the Supreme Court had issued notices to several states, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, addressing the ongoing pollution crisis. He highlighted the visible effects of smog, with NASA satellite images indicating extensive stubble burning in Punjab and northern Haryana. The resulting pollution traveled, shrouding Delhi in darkness and causing eye irritation and discomfort upon landing in Ghaziabad, illustrating the gravity of the problem.

Delhi and NCR have implemented various measures to combat the ongoing pollution crisis, including a ban on non-essential construction work and certain polluting vehicles. Exceptions were made for essential services like railways, metro, airports, defense activities, and healthcare services. The Graded Response Action Plan's third stage was initiated in the city, with restrictions on older emission standard vehicles and prohibitions on construction, stone crushing, and mining activities. Primary schools were closed for two days for the safety of children. Additionally, the government stopped construction near hotspots with high AQI levels and the entry of diesel buses into the city.

Despite the efforts taken to combat rising pollution in Delhi, the situation remains grim, with the city having the highest levels of PM 2.5 in India. Air quality has reached alarming levels in some areas, such as Noida's Sector 63, with an AQI reading as high as 695. Experts argue that more decisive measures are required, including upgrading from GRAP-III to GRAP-IV, and addressing the critical issue of farm fires which currently falls outside the ambit of Delhi-NCR authorities. The need for stricter actions is evident as partial results may not suffice.

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has offered to meet the chairperson and tender an unconditional apology as an alternative to pursuing litigation over his suspension. Chadha's lawyer emphasized his status as the youngest member in the house, which primarily consists of elders. The case has been deferred to after Diwali for the court to address the issue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizes India's long-standing sustainable food culture, deeply connected to Ayurveda, which has evolved over millennia. This cultural heritage underscores the significance of our ancestors' approach to food habits and their profound connection with Ayurveda principles.

During a test launch from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base, an unarmed US intercontinental ballistic missile, the Minuteman 3, was intentionally destroyed over the Pacific Ocean due to an "anomaly." The incident occurred at 12:06 a.m. on Wednesday and was "safely terminated," as confirmed by the Air Force Global Strike Command. An investigative group is being assembled to determine the cause of the anomaly.

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea filed by a mosque panel challenging the order of the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, which reassigned the Gyanvapi case to a different High Court judge.

He will also inaugurate the food street at the event, featuring pavilions to showcase the diverse Indian food culture to the global audience. About, 50 dialogue sessions will be conducted, focusing on various aspects of the Food Processing Industry.

"This fusion of taste and technology will give birth to a new future and provide pace to a new economy. In these changing times, food security is a huge issue in the 21st century, and that is why events like World Food India are important," says PM

PM Modi is currently speaking at the world Food India Event in New Delhi.

At the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank, where it claims that multiple Hamas members were hiding, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) traded gunfire with the locals on Friday.

The military said in a statement that it had killed numerous militants in addition to hitting multiple sites.

The IDF also stated that there is a lot of gunfire going on in the region right now. The army added that as of right moment, there have been no IDF casualties. The Jenin refugee camp, which is the northernmost camp in the West Bank, is situated next to the Jenin municipality, according to the UN Relief Works Agency (UNRWA).

As of 2022, it stated, there were roughly 23,628 Palestine refugees officially registered in the camp.

The military reported that Israeli forces fighting Hamas militants surrounded Gaza City on Thursday, when the number of Palestinian deaths surpassed 9,000. Leaders from the US and the Arab world increased pressure on Israel to lift the blockade of Gaza and temporarily cease hostilities so that civilians might be helped.

The raid is related to Jal Jivan Mission Scam. A total of 25 residential and commercial premises are being covered in respect of senior PHED officials including Subodh Agarwal, IAS (currently ACS PHED) and other associated private persons.

According to US officials, the Russian paramilitary group Wagner Group plans to provide Hezbollah, the Lebanese organisation, with an air defence system. According to a Wall Street Report on Friday, the Russian SA-22 system in question uses a combination of cannons and anti-aircraft missiles to counter aircraft. Washington has not confirmed that the system has been transferred to Hezbollah, but the talks between Wagner and Hezbollah are being closely watched, and US officials are rather concerned about the possible weaponry trade.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted fresh searches in Rajasthan, including at the residence of a senior IAS officer, as part of a money laundering investigation related to the alleged Jal Jivan Mission scam. A total of 25 premises in Jaipur and Dausa, including that of ACS in the PHE department, Subodh Agarwal, were searched. Other individuals linked to the case are also being covered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

With the onset of rising pollution, Dr. Nikhil Modi, Senior Consultant in Respiratory Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at Apollo Hospital, emphasizes the increasing number of patients experiencing breathing problems, coughs, colds, eye irritation, and respiratory issues in various age groups. He advises the necessity of wearing masks and limiting outdoor activities to mitigate the impact of air pollution.

Delhi and NCR continue to grapple with severe air pollution, with AQI levels surpassing the '400' danger mark in various areas. Notable readings include 465 in Burari, 370 in Dwarka Sector-8, 491 in Jahangirpuri and Rohini, 491 at Wazirpur station, 469 at North Campus station, 433 at ITO station (falling in the 'very poor' category), and 451 at Mandir Marg station.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has convened an emergency meeting on November 3 to address the deteriorating air pollution levels in the region.

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the appointment of Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh as the Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court.

In a bid to combat worsening air quality, a ban on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers has been enforced in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar, and surrounding areas. This move aims to mitigate the adverse effects of vehicular emissions on air pollution in the region.

Delhi and the National Capital Region are grappling with a severe air quality crisis, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) breaching the '400' mark, prompting school closures and restrictions on diesel and petrol vehicles. This alarming situation is exacerbated by farm fires, dropping temperatures, and stagnant air, causing significant health concerns due to PM2.5 pollution exceeding safe limits. Smoke from stubble burning is a major contributor, reaching up to 35% of PM2.5 pollution.

Today, air quality in Delhi has taken a sharp turn for the worse, reaching the 'Severe' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Air Quality Index (AQI) in various parts of the city reflects the grim situation, with readings at 438 in Lodhi Road, 491 in Jahangirpuri, 486 in RK Puram, and 473 around the IGI Airport (T3).​ Restrictions on vehicles with older emissions standards have been imposed in several districts within the National Capital Region (NCR)