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&nbsp;Schools in the National Capital will reopen on Monday after closing for two days due to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../gurugram-struggles-to-breathe-as-air-quality- crosses-700-262316">spike in pollution levels</a>, but air quality is likely to remain "very poor" - a notch below the most hazardous "severe" rating - raising health risks for millions of students.

As a thick cover of toxic smog wrapped New Delhi's 20 million residents on Friday, government pollution monitor SAFAR showed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../pollution-continues-to-hurt-delhi-as-air-quality- close-in-on-emergency-mark-262234">air quality index</a> in the capital was at 540, indicating "severe" conditions, and relief was unlikely in the next 24 hours.

By Monday, Delhi's air quality would likely remain "very poor", SAFAR said, indicating prolonged exposure could lead to respiratory illness.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../govt-to-decide-extending-odd-even-if-air- quality-in-delhi-doesnt-improve-in-2-3-days-arvind-kejriwal-26228...">The state&nbsp;government of Delhi</a> had imposed a two-day shutdown on schools for a second time this month after pollution control authorities declared a public health emergency.

For 32-year old Shamin Qureshi and his 10-year old daughter Akshara, a challenging week lies ahead.

"We have no choice but to send her back to school with her inhaler and medicines," Qureshi said.

The maximum impact would be on school children, said Dhiren Gupta, senior consultant, paediatrics at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, who is also treating 10-year old Akshara.

Toxic smoke wreathing the city has plunged air quality into the "severe" pollution category on more days this month, as data showed that a pledge by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stamp out burning of crop stubble in neighbouring states has not worked.

The air quality index measured by the US&nbsp;embassy in New Delhi surpassed 500 on Friday, which reflects conditions that could cause more serious health effects for everyone.

The index measures the concentration of tiny particles that can lodge deep in the lungs and cause serious ailments, known as fine particulate matter PM 2.5, from their diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. Levels above 60 are considered unhealthy.

Every month, Qureshi spends $50, nearly a quarter of his monthly salary, on multiple visits to the hospital for his daughter's medical review.

"These medicines, which either you give by nebulisers or by inhalers, are costly. So the burden lies on the parents and the family," Gupta said.

Activists who say the federal government has been unable to resolve the issue also point to the inability of ordinary people to pressure authorities to fight the public health crisis.

Critics have also questioned the silence of Modi, an avid user of Twitter.

"Undoubtedly, this is a collective failure of all governments," said Anupam, a spokesman of political party Swaraj India, referring to the federal government, the city government of Delhi and its neighbouring states.

Anupam, who uses one name, belongs to the regional party founded by Yogendra Yadav, a leading academic turned politician.

Schools in the National Capital will reopen on Monday after closing for two days due to a spike in pollution levels, but air quality is likely to remain "very poor" - a notch below the most hazardous "severe" rating - raising health risks for millions of students.

Schools in the National Capital will reopen on Monday after closing for two days due to a spike in pollution levels, but air quality is likely to remain "very poor" - a notch below the most hazardous "severe" rating - raising health risks for millions of students. As a thick cover of toxic smog wrapped New Delhi's 20 million residents on Friday, government pollution monitor SAFAR showed air quality index in the capital was at 540, indicating "severe" conditions, and relief was unlikely in the next 24 hours. By Monday, Delhi's air quality would likely remain "very poor", SAFAR said, indicating prolonged exposure could lead to respiratory illness. The state government of Delhi had imposed a two-day shutdown on schools for a second time this month after pollution control authorities declared a public health emergency. For 32-year old Shamin Qureshi and his 10-year old daughter Akshara, a challenging week lies ahead. "We have no choice but to send her back to school with her inhaler and medicines," Qureshi said. The maximum impact would be on school children, said Dhiren Gupta, senior consultant, paediatrics at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, who is also treating 10-year old Akshara. Toxic smoke wreathing the city has plunged air quality into the "severe" pollution category on more days this month, as data showed that a pledge by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stamp out burning of crop stubble in neighbouring states has not worked. The air quality index measured by the US embassy in New Delhi surpassed 500 on Friday, which reflects conditions that could cause more serious health effects for everyone. The index measures the concentration of tiny particles that can lodge deep in the lungs and cause serious ailments, known as fine particulate matter PM 2.5, from their diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. Levels above 60 are considered unhealthy. Every month, Qureshi spends $50, nearly a quarter of his monthly salary, on multiple visits to the hospital for his daughter's medical review. "These medicines, which either you give by nebulisers or by inhalers, are costly. So the burden lies on the parents and the family," Gupta said. Activists who say the federal government has been unable to resolve the issue also point to the inability of ordinary people to pressure authorities to fight the public health crisis. Critics have also questioned the silence of Modi, an avid user of Twitter. "Undoubtedly, this is a collective failure of all governments," said Anupam, a spokesman of political party Swaraj India, referring to the federal government, the city government of Delhi and its neighbouring states. Anupam, who uses one name, belongs to the regional party founded by Yogendra Yadav, a leading academic turned politician.

Delhi's schools to reopen next week, parents wary of hazardous air

A puff of fresh air is all for what the Indian capital New Delhi is gasping for over the last 15-20 days as air quality is hovering from 'poor' to 'severe plus' category since late October. Although its effects are unproven, middle-aged and elderly residents were flocking to 'Oxygen bar', that is offering the city a 15-minute session to inhale a cocktail of oxygen in different flavours, for 500 rupees ($7).

Delhi Odd-Even scheme ends today, ‘Oxygen Bar’ sells puff of fresh air to pollution-hit Delhi

India has demanded that Islamabad should hand over Indians wanted for terror activities living in Pakistan to be handed over back to New Delhi. In 2011, India had handed over a list of 48 most wanted people living in Pakistan and included names such as underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

In an interview to French newspaper Le Monde, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, "We need actions" from Pakistan "that demonstrate a real willingness to cooperate. For example, there are Indians wanted for terrorist activities living in Pakistan. We are telling Pakistan: hand them over to us."

Highlighting Pakistan's use of terrorism against India, Jaishankar said, "Pakistan has developed an important terrorist industry and sends terrorists to India to carry out attacks. Pakistan itself does not deny this situation."

Explaining, "Now, tell me: which country would be willing to talk and negotiate with a neighbour who openly practices terrorism against it? If one of your neighbours did, would you, France, pretend that everything is fine?"

India has been calling Pakistan to take "credible, irreversible and verifiable" against terror camps on its territory. Meanwhile, the EAM also spoke on Kashmir, saying restrictions have been "gradually reduced" and the situation is normalising with telephone and mobile lines being restored and shops being opened.

Asked if foreign journalists will be allowed to visit Kashmir, Jaishankar said, while he "can't commit to a deadline" but "as soon as it is safe, they can go", adding, "We don't want their presence to provoke problems - from people who would take advantage of it to show that there is unrest."

India has demanded that Islamabad should hand over Indians wanted for terror activities living in Pakistan to be handed over back to New Delhi. In 2011, India had handed over a list of 48 most wanted people living in Pakistan and included names such as underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

India has demanded that Islamabad should hand over Indians wanted for terror activities living in Pakistan to be handed over back to New Delhi. In 2011, India had handed over a list of 48 most wanted people living in Pakistan and included names such as underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. In an interview to French newspaper Le Monde, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, "We need actions" from Pakistan "that demonstrate a real willingness to cooperate. For example, there are Indians wanted for terrorist activities living in Pakistan. We are telling Pakistan: hand them over to us." Highlighting Pakistan's use of terrorism against India, Jaishankar said, "Pakistan has developed an important terrorist industry and sends terrorists to India to carry out attacks. Pakistan itself does not deny this situation." Explaining, "Now, tell me: which country would be willing to talk and negotiate with a neighbour who openly practices terrorism against it? If one of your neighbours did, would you, France, pretend that everything is fine?" India has been calling Pakistan to take "credible, irreversible and verifiable" against terror camps on its territory. Meanwhile, the EAM also spoke on Kashmir, saying restrictions have been "gradually reduced" and the situation is normalising with telephone and mobile lines being restored and shops being opened. Asked if foreign journalists will be allowed to visit Kashmir, Jaishankar said, while he "can't commit to a deadline" but "as soon as it is safe, they can go", adding, "We don't want their presence to provoke problems - from people who would take advantage of it to show that there is unrest."

Hand over Indians wanted for terror activities, India tells Pakistan

Foreign minister S Jaishankar said that if <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-fatf-blues-looms-as-group-finds-deficiencies-in-terror-combating-measures-260754">Pakistan </a>wants the resumption of talks with India, it needs to demonstrate real willingness to cooperate on terrorism.&nbsp;

"The relationship is difficult since many years, mainly because Pakistan has developed an important terrorist industry and sends terrorists to India to carry out attacks. Pakistan itself does not deny this situation," Jaishankar said in an interview to a French newspaper Le Monde.&nbsp;

He added: "Now, tell me: which country would be willing to talk and negotiate with a neighbour who openly practices terrorism against it? If one of your neighbours did, would you, France, pretend that everything is fine? We need actions that demonstrate a real willingness to cooperate."

The relations between India and Pakistan are tensed since the Pulwama suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir which was carried on by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Nearly 30 security officials were killed in the Pulwama attack. The relations worsened after India abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution.&nbsp;

Over the years, terrorism in Pakistan, which is often state-sponsored has paralysed the nation and has carried out attacks in India.&nbsp;

On October 18, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) declared that Pakistan will remain in the grey list because of failing to fulfill its commitments to control terrorism.&nbsp;

FATF is an international watchdog that aims to control terror finance. If Pakistan fails to meet FATF commitments by February 2020, the counrtry can be blacklisted.&nbsp;

(with ANI inputs)

Foreign minister S Jaishankar said that if Pakistan wants the resumption of talks with India, it needs to demonstrate real willingness to cooperate on terrorism.

Foreign minister S Jaishankar said that if Pakistan wants the resumption of talks with India, it needs to demonstrate real willingness to cooperate on terrorism. "The relationship is difficult since many years, mainly because Pakistan has developed an important terrorist industry and sends terrorists to India to carry out attacks. Pakistan itself does not deny this situation," Jaishankar said in an interview to a French newspaper Le Monde. He added: "Now, tell me: which country would be willing to talk and negotiate with a neighbour who openly practices terrorism against it? If one of your neighbours did, would you, France, pretend that everything is fine? We need actions that demonstrate a real willingness to cooperate." The relations between India and Pakistan are tensed since the Pulwama suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir which was carried on by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Nearly 30 security officials were killed in the Pulwama attack. The relations worsened after India abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution. Over the years, terrorism in Pakistan, which is often state-sponsored has paralysed the nation and has carried out attacks in India. On October 18, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) declared that Pakistan will remain in the grey list because of failing to fulfill its commitments to control terrorism. FATF is an international watchdog that aims to control terror finance. If Pakistan fails to meet FATF commitments by February 2020, the counrtry can be blacklisted. (with ANI inputs)

Pakistan needs to demonstrate real willingness to cooperate on terrorism: Foreign minister Jaishankar

The Supreme Court on Friday called the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-to-decide-extending-odd-even-if-air-quality-in-delhi-doesnt-improve-in-2-3-days-arvind-kejriwal-262285">odd-even rationing scheme </a>"half-baked" and said that it might not be a solution to control the deteriorating air quality in the national capital. The apex court said that despite the implementation of the scheme, the pollution levels have continued to increase.

Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Delhi government, told the court that if certain exemptions are removed, it will help. "We are trying to work it out further. If two-wheelers are not allowed, the city will come to a standstill," he said. He further said that stubble burning is the main cause of air pollution.

The court pulled up AAP-led Delhi government and asked it to apprise it about the effect of the scheme on air pollution levels. "Even Delhi government's affidavit says we have not conducted such study on the odd-even. It's a halfway solution, either it's full odd-even or no odd-even, there has to be no exemption. We don't know whether it's really working or not," the top court said.

It added, "Delhi is suffering badly, the AQI is almost 600 even today. How do people breathe?"

The court also directed the Centre to prepare a road map for installation of air-purifying towers to deal with the pollution crisis in the national capital. The air pollution levels in Delhi and its adjoining areas remained in the 'severe'&nbsp;category today for the third consecutive day.

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital was recorded at 482 which falls under the 'Severe'&nbsp;category with PM10 being 504 and PM2.5 - 332, according to Center-run SAFAR.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Friday called the odd-even rationing scheme "half-baked" and said that it might not be a solution to control the deteriorating air quality in the national capital.

The Supreme Court on Friday called the odd-even rationing scheme "half-baked" and said that it might not be a solution to control the deteriorating air quality in the national capital. The apex court said that despite the implementation of the scheme, the pollution levels have continued to increase. Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Delhi government, told the court that if certain exemptions are removed, it will help. "We are trying to work it out further. If two-wheelers are not allowed, the city will come to a standstill," he said. He further said that stubble burning is the main cause of air pollution. The court pulled up AAP-led Delhi government and asked it to apprise it about the effect of the scheme on air pollution levels. "Even Delhi government's affidavit says we have not conducted such study on the odd-even. It's a halfway solution, either it's full odd-even or no odd-even, there has to be no exemption. We don't know whether it's really working or not," the top court said. It added, "Delhi is suffering badly, the AQI is almost 600 even today. How do people breathe?" The court also directed the Centre to prepare a road map for installation of air-purifying towers to deal with the pollution crisis in the national capital. The air pollution levels in Delhi and its adjoining areas remained in the 'severe' category today for the third consecutive day. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital was recorded at 482 which falls under the 'Severe' category with PM10 being 504 and PM2.5 - 332, according to Center-run SAFAR.

Supreme Court again pulls up Delhi govt, says odd-even not a solution to air pollution

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold countrywide protests on Friday against Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-slams-rahul-gandhi-over-chowkidar-chor-hai-remark-rafale-claims-after-sc-verdict-demands-apology-262036">Rahul Gandhi </a>and his party for "misleading" the country on Rafale deal.

The BJP leaders will hold protests outside All India Congress Committee office in Delhi and other Congress offices in other parts of the country demanding an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Rafale.

A party release signed by general secretary Arun Singh said that Congress and Rahul Gandhi gave 'false', 'fabricated'&nbsp;and 'undignified'&nbsp;statements on Rafale deal. The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed the review petitions challenging its verdict in the Rafale case passed on December 14, 2018, upholding the 36 Rafale jets deal.

A three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and KM Joseph passed the order on a batch of petitions seeking review of its December 14, 2018 verdict which had upheld purchase of <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/supreme-court-dismisses-rafale-review-petitions-261965">36 Rafale jets </a>by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government from France.

The apex court closed the contempt petition filed by BJP lawmaker Meenakshi Lekhi against Rahul Gandhi for his remarks. The Supreme Court accepted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's apology for wrongly attributing his infamous "chowkidar chor hai" remark in Rafale case to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opined that a person holding a place of importance in political spectrum should have been more careful."Rahul Gandhi needs to be more careful in the future. It was unfortunate," a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said in their verdict.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold countrywide protests on Friday against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his party for "misleading" the country on Rafale deal.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold countrywide protests on Friday against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his party for "misleading" the country on Rafale deal. The BJP leaders will hold protests outside All India Congress Committee office in Delhi and other Congress offices in other parts of the country demanding an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Rafale. A party release signed by general secretary Arun Singh said that Congress and Rahul Gandhi gave 'false', 'fabricated' and 'undignified' statements on Rafale deal. The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed the review petitions challenging its verdict in the Rafale case passed on December 14, 2018, upholding the 36 Rafale jets deal. A three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and KM Joseph passed the order on a batch of petitions seeking review of its December 14, 2018 verdict which had upheld purchase of 36 Rafale jets by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government from France. The apex court closed the contempt petition filed by BJP lawmaker Meenakshi Lekhi against Rahul Gandhi for his remarks. The Supreme Court accepted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's apology for wrongly attributing his infamous "chowkidar chor hai" remark in Rafale case to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opined that a person holding a place of importance in political spectrum should have been more careful."Rahul Gandhi needs to be more careful in the future. It was unfortunate," a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said in their verdict.

BJP to hold nationwide protests against Rahul Gandhi over claims on Rafale deal

Gurugram residents continued to struggle for clean air as the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked at 703, which falls in the 'severe plus'&nbsp;category, on Friday morning, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

Isolated pockets of the region were covered by a thick blanket of smog due to the spike in the pollutants in the air. The smog cover has also reduced the visibility at the major junctions of the city in the wee hours. The commuters were only able to see till 100-150 meters of the road while driving.

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Haryana: Smog engulfs the city as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirQuality?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirQuality</a> worsens in Gurugram. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirPollution?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirPollution</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ir8vGlKEjL">pic.twitter.com/Ir8vGlKEjL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1195178995727261697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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People residing in Gurugram complained of breathlessness and allergic reactions due to the toxic air.

"The pollution is increasing each day here. I am having irritation in my eyes. I use a handkerchief to cover my mouth while travelling," said Naresh Kumar Bhardwaj.

An old man named Dharam Singh Yadav, a resident of Om Nagar of Gurugram, told ANI that he feels suffocated while going for a walk in the morning. "Nowadays, I feel suffocated when I come for a walk at the park. But I have to maintain my fitness during this season also. Vehicles have increased on roads also which I believe is the major cause of pollution."

According to the India Meteorological Department, fog and mist cover is very likely over the region for the next three days.

Today, the minimum and maximum temperature in Gurugram is hovering around 15 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius. Apart from Gurugram, neighbouring Delhi is also blanketed with smog with the overall AQI in the severe category, crossing the 400-mark this morning.&nbsp;

Gurugram residents continued to struggle for clean air as the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked at 703, which falls in the 'severe plus' category, on Friday morning, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

Gurugram residents continued to struggle for clean air as the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked at 703, which falls in the 'severe plus' category, on Friday morning, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). Isolated pockets of the region were covered by a thick blanket of smog due to the spike in the pollutants in the air. The smog cover has also reduced the visibility at the major junctions of the city in the wee hours. The commuters were only able to see till 100-150 meters of the road while driving. Haryana: Smog engulfs the city as #AirQuality worsens in Gurugram. #AirPollution pic.twitter.com/Ir8vGlKEjL — ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2019 × People residing in Gurugram complained of breathlessness and allergic reactions due to the toxic air. "The pollution is increasing each day here. I am having irritation in my eyes. I use a handkerchief to cover my mouth while travelling," said Naresh Kumar Bhardwaj. An old man named Dharam Singh Yadav, a resident of Om Nagar of Gurugram, told ANI that he feels suffocated while going for a walk in the morning. "Nowadays, I feel suffocated when I come for a walk at the park. But I have to maintain my fitness during this season also. Vehicles have increased on roads also which I believe is the major cause of pollution." According to the India Meteorological Department, fog and mist cover is very likely over the region for the next three days. Today, the minimum and maximum temperature in Gurugram is hovering around 15 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius. Apart from Gurugram, neighbouring Delhi is also blanketed with smog with the overall AQI in the severe category, crossing the 400-mark this morning.

Gurugram struggles to breathe as air quality index crosses 700

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said that the government will decide on extending the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-hints-at-extending-odd-even-scheme-as-national-capitals-air-quality-deteriorates-261805">odd-even </a>scheme depending on the air quality in the national capital in the next two-three days.

"As per weather forecast, air quality in Delhi to improve in the next 2-3 days. If the air quality doesn't improve, we will take a decision on extending odd-even vehicle scheme on November 18," Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said in a press conference on Friday. &nbsp;

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Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: As per weather forecast, air quality in Delhi to improve in the next 2-3 days. If the air quality doesn't improve, we will take a decision on extending Odd-Even vehicle scheme on November 18 <a href="https://t.co/S9J7jrZPSD">pic.twitter.com/S9J7jrZPSD</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1195232579311398916?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The odd-even scheme which came to force in the national capital on November 4 will end today. Under the scheme, cars that have odd and even number plates are allowed to hit the streets on alternate days. It is applicable from 8 am to 8 pm and exempts all-women vehicle with children upto 12 years of age, two-wheelers and private CNG vehicles. The scheme was first implemented in 2015.

Earlier today, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pollution-continues-to-hurt-delhi-as-air-quality-close-in-on-emergency-mark-262234">air quality </a>worsened even more in Delhi as the air quality index (AQI) in many regions was very close to the "emergency" mark of 500. The deteriorating air quality is also due to the influence of western disturbance which is causing a dip in wind speed and making the air dense, experts said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gurugram-struggles-to-breathe-as-air-quality-crosses-700-262316">Gurugram</a>, a city that falls under Delhi NCR, witnessed an AQI of over 700 in the morning, which is way above the "emergency" level. The city was engulfed in smog and visibility hit a new low. Residents of Gurugram complained of suffocation, breathlessness and irritation in the eyes.&nbsp;

The Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar said that the Centre is very serious regarding the issue of pollution in Delhi. He also added that joint cooperation of all the agencies is required to tackle the menace of pollution.&nbsp;

During this time of the year, Delhi and other regions in north India face severe air pollution due to factors such as stubble burning and industrial and construction activities combined with winter's dense air.&nbsp;

Delhi is the most polluted capital city of the world. Also, 14 Indian cities are in the list of world's 15 most polluted cities. Millions die every year in India due to pollution.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said that the government will decide on extending the odd-even scheme depending on the air quality in the national capital in the next two-three days.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said that the government will decide on extending the odd-even scheme depending on the air quality in the national capital in the next two-three days. "As per weather forecast, air quality in Delhi to improve in the next 2-3 days. If the air quality doesn't improve, we will take a decision on extending odd-even vehicle scheme on November 18," Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said in a press conference on Friday. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: As per weather forecast, air quality in Delhi to improve in the next 2-3 days. If the air quality doesn't improve, we will take a decision on extending Odd-Even vehicle scheme on November 18 pic.twitter.com/S9J7jrZPSD — ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2019 × The odd-even scheme which came to force in the national capital on November 4 will end today. Under the scheme, cars that have odd and even number plates are allowed to hit the streets on alternate days. It is applicable from 8 am to 8 pm and exempts all-women vehicle with children upto 12 years of age, two-wheelers and private CNG vehicles. The scheme was first implemented in 2015. Earlier today, the air quality worsened even more in Delhi as the air quality index (AQI) in many regions was very close to the "emergency" mark of 500. The deteriorating air quality is also due to the influence of western disturbance which is causing a dip in wind speed and making the air dense, experts said. Gurugram, a city that falls under Delhi NCR, witnessed an AQI of over 700 in the morning, which is way above the "emergency" level. The city was engulfed in smog and visibility hit a new low. Residents of Gurugram complained of suffocation, breathlessness and irritation in the eyes. The Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar said that the Centre is very serious regarding the issue of pollution in Delhi. He also added that joint cooperation of all the agencies is required to tackle the menace of pollution. During this time of the year, Delhi and other regions in north India face severe air pollution due to factors such as stubble burning and industrial and construction activities combined with winter's dense air. Delhi is the most polluted capital city of the world. Also, 14 Indian cities are in the list of world's 15 most polluted cities. Millions die every year in India due to pollution. (with inputs from agencies)

Govt to decide extending odd-even if air quality in Delhi doesn't improve in 2-3 days: Arvind Kejriwal

The toxic air in the capital city and its adjoining areas maintained its intensity as the air quality observed on early Friday was still in the "severe" mark. Visuals of deadly smog were witnessed in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-air-pollution-peaks-in-delhi-schools-to-remain-shut-for-two-days-261891">Delhi</a> this morning which significantly lowered the visibility.&nbsp;

In Delhi and its neighbouring areas, the air quality index (AQI) was maximum in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Nehru Nagar, and Dwarka Sector 8 with indices of 498, 497 and 496, which was very close to the emergency mark of 500, at 9 am as per the data shared by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The AQI readings in other areas of Delhi NCR were: ITO 490, Sirifort 495, Pusa Delhi 491, Aurobindo Marg 489, Wazirpur 472, and RK Puram 459.&nbsp;

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Haryana: Smog engulfs the city as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirQuality?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirQuality</a> worsens in Gurugram. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirPollution?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirPollution</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ir8vGlKEjL">pic.twitter.com/Ir8vGlKEjL</a>
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An AQI of 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", 401-500 "severe" and 500 and above "very severe" or "emergency".

In <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gurugram-struggles-to-breathe-as-air-quality-crosses-700-262316">Gurugram</a>,&nbsp;a city that is a part of Delhi NCR, observed an AQI of over 700 in the morning, which is way above the "emergency" level. The visibility was extremely low in the city and residents complained of suffocation, breathlessness and irritation in the eyes.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/delhis-air-quality-deteriorates-to-450-schools-to-remain-shut-till-15th-nov-261936/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Delhi residents are not likely to get any relief from air pollution as experts said that the western disturbance will continue to influence the atmosphere which is the reason behind&nbsp;dense cloud cover and a fall in wind speed.

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Delhi: Thick layer of smog blankets several areas in the national capital; Visuals from All India Institute of Medical Sciences and National Highway-24 <a href="https://t.co/btxvdx6LMQ">pic.twitter.com/btxvdx6LMQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1195169745370152962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Today is also the last day of Delhi government's odd-even rationing scheme. The government is mulling over the extension of the scheme. As per the odd-even rules, cars with even and odd registration numbers are allowed to run in the streets of Delhi on alternate days. Two-wheelers and women-only vehicles with children upto 12 years of age are exempted from this scheme. &nbsp;

Earlier, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-air-pollution-peaks-in-delhi-schools-to-remain-shut-for-two-days-261891">schools in Delhi </a>were again asked to shut down for two days till November 15 due to the deteriorating pollution levels.

The Supreme Court had also ordered Centre to explore <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-directs-centre-to-explore-hydrogen-based-fuel-technology-to-combat-air-pollution-261858">Hydrogen-based fuel technology </a>to tackle air pollution. The apex court had also pulled up governments of northern Indian states for not doing enough to control pollution.&nbsp;

The practice of stubble burning where farmers set residue on fire after harvesting is one of the prime contributors to pollution. Various packages to farmers are also announced in order to stop stubble burning. The relief from farm fires is expected to come by the end of November as wheat sowing has already covered nearly 60 per cent.

(with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The toxic air in the capital city and its adjoining areas maintained its intensity as the air quality observed on early Friday was still in the "severe" mark. Visuals of deadly smog were witnessed in Delhi this morning which significantly lowered the visibility.

The toxic air in the capital city and its adjoining areas maintained its intensity as the air quality observed on early Friday was still in the "severe" mark. Visuals of deadly smog were witnessed in Delhi this morning which significantly lowered the visibility. In Delhi and its neighbouring areas, the air quality index (AQI) was maximum in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Nehru Nagar, and Dwarka Sector 8 with indices of 498, 497 and 496, which was very close to the emergency mark of 500, at 9 am as per the data shared by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The AQI readings in other areas of Delhi NCR were: ITO 490, Sirifort 495, Pusa Delhi 491, Aurobindo Marg 489, Wazirpur 472, and RK Puram 459. Haryana: Smog engulfs the city as #AirQuality worsens in Gurugram. #AirPollution pic.twitter.com/Ir8vGlKEjL — ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2019 × An AQI of 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", 401-500 "severe" and 500 and above "very severe" or "emergency". In Gurugram, a city that is a part of Delhi NCR, observed an AQI of over 700 in the morning, which is way above the "emergency" level. The visibility was extremely low in the city and residents complained of suffocation, breathlessness and irritation in the eyes. Watch Video: Delhi residents are not likely to get any relief from air pollution as experts said that the western disturbance will continue to influence the atmosphere which is the reason behind dense cloud cover and a fall in wind speed. Delhi: Thick layer of smog blankets several areas in the national capital; Visuals from All India Institute of Medical Sciences and National Highway-24 pic.twitter.com/btxvdx6LMQ — ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2019 × Today is also the last day of Delhi government's odd-even rationing scheme. The government is mulling over the extension of the scheme. As per the odd-even rules, cars with even and odd registration numbers are allowed to run in the streets of Delhi on alternate days. Two-wheelers and women-only vehicles with children upto 12 years of age are exempted from this scheme. Earlier, schools in Delhi were again asked to shut down for two days till November 15 due to the deteriorating pollution levels. The Supreme Court had also ordered Centre to explore Hydrogen-based fuel technology to tackle air pollution. The apex court had also pulled up governments of northern Indian states for not doing enough to control pollution. The practice of stubble burning where farmers set residue on fire after harvesting is one of the prime contributors to pollution. Various packages to farmers are also announced in order to stop stubble burning. The relief from farm fires is expected to come by the end of November as wheat sowing has already covered nearly 60 per cent. (with inputs from agencies)

Pollution continues to hurt Delhi as air quality nears 'emergency' mark

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday said that his party wants to rule Maharashtra for the next 25 years.

''We want to rule Maharashtra for 25 years and you are talking about five years,'' Shiv Sena leader was quoted as saying when asked&nbsp;whether the party is eyeing the post of chief ministership for 2.5 or 5 years.

He also said that Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP have finalised the draft of the Common Minimum Programme in the interests of the people of the state after several consultations over the last 48 hours.

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Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on being asked 'if Shiv Sena CM will be for 5 years or CM will be for 2.5 years each from NCP and Shiv Sena?': Hum toh chahte hain aane wale 25 saal tak Shiv Sena ka CM rahe, aap 5 saal ki baat kyun karte ho. <a href="https://t.co/ZH69LUDoTG">pic.twitter.com/ZH69LUDoTG</a>
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Three weeks after election results were announced on October 24, the new government is likely to be formed in Maharahstra soon.&nbsp;NCP leader Sharad Pawar on Friday said that the process to form government in the state has begun and it would run for full 5 years.

Meanwhile, NCP leader Nawab Malik said that the CM will be from Shiv Sena. "Shiv Sena has been insulted, so it is our responsibility to fight for their self-respect", Malik added.

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Nawab Malik, NCP: Sawaal baar-baar poocha ja raha hai ki Shiv Sena ka CM hoga kya?CM ke post ko leke hi Shiv Sena-BJP ke beech mein vivaad hua, toh nishchit roop se CM Shiv Sena ka hoga. Shiv Sena ko apmanit kiya gaya hai, unka swabhimaan banaye rakhna hamari zimmedari banti hai. <a href="https://t.co/qHiVoFoRlR">pic.twitter.com/qHiVoFoRlR</a>
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On November 12, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-placed-under-presidents-rule-after-parties-fail-to-claim-power-261610">President's rule </a>was implemented in Maharashtra after BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP failed to form government in the time period allotted to them.

In the Assembly elections that were held on October 21 in Maharashtra, BJP won the maximum number of seats 105. Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress won 56, 54 and 44 seats respectively. A majority of 144 seats is required to form government in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday said that his party wants to rule Maharashtra for the next 25 years. ''We want to rule Maharashtra for 25 years and you are talking about five years,'' Shiv Sena leader was quoted as saying when asked whether the party is eyeing the post of chief ministership for 2.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday said that his party wants to rule Maharashtra for the next 25 years. ''We want to rule Maharashtra for 25 years and you are talking about five years,'' Shiv Sena leader was quoted as saying when asked whether the party is eyeing the post of chief ministership for 2.5 or 5 years. He also said that Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP have finalised the draft of the Common Minimum Programme in the interests of the people of the state after several consultations over the last 48 hours. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on being asked 'if Shiv Sena CM will be for 5 years or CM will be for 2.5 years each from NCP and Shiv Sena?': Hum toh chahte hain aane wale 25 saal tak Shiv Sena ka CM rahe, aap 5 saal ki baat kyun karte ho. pic.twitter.com/ZH69LUDoTG — ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2019 × Three weeks after election results were announced on October 24, the new government is likely to be formed in Maharahstra soon. NCP leader Sharad Pawar on Friday said that the process to form government in the state has begun and it would run for full 5 years. Meanwhile, NCP leader Nawab Malik said that the CM will be from Shiv Sena. "Shiv Sena has been insulted, so it is our responsibility to fight for their self-respect", Malik added. Nawab Malik, NCP: Sawaal baar-baar poocha ja raha hai ki Shiv Sena ka CM hoga kya?CM ke post ko leke hi Shiv Sena-BJP ke beech mein vivaad hua, toh nishchit roop se CM Shiv Sena ka hoga. Shiv Sena ko apmanit kiya gaya hai, unka swabhimaan banaye rakhna hamari zimmedari banti hai. pic.twitter.com/qHiVoFoRlR — ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2019 × On November 12, President's rule was implemented in Maharashtra after BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP failed to form government in the time period allotted to them. In the Assembly elections that were held on October 21 in Maharashtra, BJP won the maximum number of seats 105. Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress won 56, 54 and 44 seats respectively. A majority of 144 seats is required to form government in Maharashtra. (with inputs from agencies)

'We want to rule Maharashtra for 25 years,' says Sanjay Raut as Shiv Sena closes in on deal with Congress, NCP

As talks are going on between Shiv Sena, Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to form a non-BJP government in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-want-a-cm-from-shiv-sena-for-25-years-sanjay-raut-on-maharashtra-power-struggle-262273">Maharashtra</a>, NCP leader Nawab Malik said that the chief minister will be from Shiv Sena only.

"Sawaal baar-baar poocha ja raha hai ki Shiv Sena ka CM hoga kya?CM ke post ko leke hi Shiv Sena-BJP ke beech mein vivaad hua, toh nishchit roop se CM Shiv Sena ka hoga. Shiv Sena ko apmanit kiya gaya hai, unka swabhimaan banaye rakhna hamari zimmedari banti hai. (Question is being asked continuously whether the Chief Minister will be from Shiv Sena? Differences came up between Shiv Sena and BJP due to the Chief Minister's post, so definitely Chief Minister will be from Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena has been insulted, it is our responsibility to maintain their self-respect)," Malik told ANI here.

Malik said that the leaders of Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP have finalized its draft of the Common Minimum Programme and the said draft has already been sent to the top leadership of all three political parties and now it is under their consideration." Soon there will be a decision on it," Malik said.

"Our Common Minimum Programme basically includes the issue of farmers, loan waiver, Job creation to youngsters etc," he added.

Malik said that looking at the current farmers'&nbsp;issues in Maharashtra, the parties are of the view of forming a "stable government as soon as possible."

Asked about former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis's&nbsp;comment that there is no alternative than BJP in Maharashtra to form the government, Malik said, "Devendra Fadnavis is now a former chief minister and he is reacting like a lost General of the Army who is falsely encouraging his Army to fight in the battlefield. There is no chance of BJP forming government in the state because BJP doesn't have the required number to form the government."

On Thursday, leaders from Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress held a meeting to finalise its draft of Common Minimum Programme.

Maharashtra came under President's Rule after no party was able to show numbers to form a government after the assembly polls. The BJP and Shiv Sena, who fought the polls together, got an absolute majority but could not form a government due to differences over power-sharing.BJP, which emerged the single-largest party with 105 seats in 288-member assembly, expressed its inability to form the government. The state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari later asked Shiv Sena and NCP about their intent and ability to form the government. Both parties sought more time. NCP and Congress fought the elections in an alliance.&nbsp;

As talks are going on between Shiv Sena, Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to form a non-BJP government in Maharashtra, NCP leader Nawab Malik said that the chief minister will be from Shiv Sena only.

As talks are going on between Shiv Sena, Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to form a non-BJP government in Maharashtra, NCP leader Nawab Malik said that the chief minister will be from Shiv Sena only. "Sawaal baar-baar poocha ja raha hai ki Shiv Sena ka CM hoga kya?CM ke post ko leke hi Shiv Sena-BJP ke beech mein vivaad hua, toh nishchit roop se CM Shiv Sena ka hoga. Shiv Sena ko apmanit kiya gaya hai, unka swabhimaan banaye rakhna hamari zimmedari banti hai. (Question is being asked continuously whether the Chief Minister will be from Shiv Sena? Differences came up between Shiv Sena and BJP due to the Chief Minister's post, so definitely Chief Minister will be from Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena has been insulted, it is our responsibility to maintain their self-respect)," Malik told ANI here. Malik said that the leaders of Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP have finalized its draft of the Common Minimum Programme and the said draft has already been sent to the top leadership of all three political parties and now it is under their consideration." Soon there will be a decision on it," Malik said. "Our Common Minimum Programme basically includes the issue of farmers, loan waiver, Job creation to youngsters etc," he added. Malik said that looking at the current farmers' issues in Maharashtra, the parties are of the view of forming a "stable government as soon as possible." Asked about former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis's comment that there is no alternative than BJP in Maharashtra to form the government, Malik said, "Devendra Fadnavis is now a former chief minister and he is reacting like a lost General of the Army who is falsely encouraging his Army to fight in the battlefield. There is no chance of BJP forming government in the state because BJP doesn't have the required number to form the government." On Thursday, leaders from Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress held a meeting to finalise its draft of Common Minimum Programme. Maharashtra came under President's Rule after no party was able to show numbers to form a government after the assembly polls. The BJP and Shiv Sena, who fought the polls together, got an absolute majority but could not form a government due to differences over power-sharing.BJP, which emerged the single-largest party with 105 seats in 288-member assembly, expressed its inability to form the government. The state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari later asked Shiv Sena and NCP about their intent and ability to form the government. Both parties sought more time. NCP and Congress fought the elections in an alliance.

Maharashtra CM will be from Shiv Sena, says senior NCP leader

Kashmir has witnessed a similar level of horror and brutality as inflicted by the Islamic State in Syria, prior to the time when the West and other international communities were apprised about the worst human rights situation in the Valley, claimed Kashmir columnist Sunanda Vashisht.

"We have seen ISIS level of horror and brutality in Kashmir, 30 years before the West was even introduced to the brutalities of radical Islamic terror. I am glad these hearings are happening here today because when my family and everyone like me lost our homes our livelihood and our way of life the world remained silent," Vashisht told a Congressional hearing on Human Rights organised by Tom Lantos HR Commission in Washington on Thursday (local time).

"Where were the advocates of human rights when my rights were taken away?" Vashisht asked the panelists who were present at the hearing."Where were they on the night of January 19, 1990, when there were voices blaring from all mosques in Kashmir that they wanted Kashmir with Hindu women but without Hindu men?"

"Where was the saviour of humanity when my feeble old grandfather stood with kitchen knives and an old rusted axe ready to kill my mother and I in order to save us from the much worse fate that awaited us?" she questioned further.

She then said, "My people were given three choices by the terrorists: flee, convert or die on the same fateful night.

"Around 400,000 Kashmiri Hindus fled right after the night of horror. They survived. Those who didn`t were killed. Today, 30 years later, I am still not welcome in my home in Kashmir. I am not allowed to follow my faith there. My house in Kashmir is illegally occupied as most others in my communities. And those which were not occupied have been burnt down or ransacked," she told the hearing.

Meanwhile, Sheila Jackson Lee, a Representative from Texas, in response to Vashisht asked for a pathway to ensure human rights in the region."We should try to find a pathway to at least do the basics to ensure human rights in the region. Why not allow the members of the US Congress to visit both parts of the Jammu and Kashmir-- in India as well as Pakistan," Lee said.&nbsp;

Kashmir has witnessed a similar level of horror and brutality as inflicted by the Islamic State in Syria, prior to the time when the West and other international communities were apprised about the worst human rights situation in the Valley, claimed Kashmir columnist Sunanda Vashisht.

Kashmir has witnessed a similar level of horror and brutality as inflicted by the Islamic State in Syria, prior to the time when the West and other international communities were apprised about the worst human rights situation in the Valley, claimed Kashmir columnist Sunanda Vashisht. "We have seen ISIS level of horror and brutality in Kashmir, 30 years before the West was even introduced to the brutalities of radical Islamic terror. I am glad these hearings are happening here today because when my family and everyone like me lost our homes our livelihood and our way of life the world remained silent," Vashisht told a Congressional hearing on Human Rights organised by Tom Lantos HR Commission in Washington on Thursday (local time). "Where were the advocates of human rights when my rights were taken away?" Vashisht asked the panelists who were present at the hearing."Where were they on the night of January 19, 1990, when there were voices blaring from all mosques in Kashmir that they wanted Kashmir with Hindu women but without Hindu men?" "Where was the saviour of humanity when my feeble old grandfather stood with kitchen knives and an old rusted axe ready to kill my mother and I in order to save us from the much worse fate that awaited us?" she questioned further. She then said, "My people were given three choices by the terrorists: flee, convert or die on the same fateful night. "Around 400,000 Kashmiri Hindus fled right after the night of horror. They survived. Those who didn`t were killed. Today, 30 years later, I am still not welcome in my home in Kashmir. I am not allowed to follow my faith there. My house in Kashmir is illegally occupied as most others in my communities. And those which were not occupied have been burnt down or ransacked," she told the hearing. Meanwhile, Sheila Jackson Lee, a Representative from Texas, in response to Vashisht asked for a pathway to ensure human rights in the region."We should try to find a pathway to at least do the basics to ensure human rights in the region. Why not allow the members of the US Congress to visit both parts of the Jammu and Kashmir-- in India as well as Pakistan," Lee said.

Kashmir witnessed ISIS-level horror before the West was apprised on it: Columnist Sunanda Vashisht

A day after Supreme Court's Karnataka verdict,15 out of 17 disqualified rebel MLAs, including those from Congress and JD(S) joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday in the presence of Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa here.

Out of the 17 disqualified MLAs, MTB Nagaraj is already a member of the BJP, while Roshan Baig has been left out. The top court has allowed 17 disqualified rebel MLAs to contest in the upcoming bypolls which are slated to be held on December 5.

Baig did not attend the joining program held at the party office here. According to sources, he was not allowed to take membership of BJP due to the IMA Ponzi scam and allegations against him in RSS worker Rudresh's murder case.

"We didn't come out of the coalition government just to save the state from evil politics. We came out of Congress and JD(S) and joined BJP, it's not anti-defection, it's political polarisation. We will stand with BJP leaders and we will work along with them as they have given us a chance to work along with them. I thank you all including Prime Minister, Home Minister and BJP working president JP Nadda," said H Vishwanath, one of the 17 disqualified MLAs.

The Supreme Court had on Wednesday upheld the decision of the then Karnataka speaker KR Ramesh Kumar to disqualify 17 rebel Congress-JD(S) MLAs under the anti-defection law but said that they can contest the upcoming by-elections in the state.

The rebel legislators were disqualified by the then speaker KR Ramesh Kumar in July earlier this year under the anti-defection law after they tendered their resignation. They were also barred from contesting polls for the duration of the current assembly, which is slated to end in 2023. The move led to the collapse of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government, paving way for BJP to stake claim to form a new government in the state.

The disgruntled MLAs then moved the apex court challenging their disqualification. They sought quashing of the order passed by the Speaker and prohibition imposed on them to contest elections. The matter was reserved by the court on October 25. The elections for 15 out of 17 seats are slated to be held on December 5.&nbsp;

A day after Supreme Court's Karnataka verdict,15 out of 17 disqualified rebel MLAs, including those from Congress and JD(S) joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday in the presence of Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa here.

A day after Supreme Court's Karnataka verdict,15 out of 17 disqualified rebel MLAs, including those from Congress and JD(S) joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday in the presence of Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa here. Out of the 17 disqualified MLAs, MTB Nagaraj is already a member of the BJP, while Roshan Baig has been left out. The top court has allowed 17 disqualified rebel MLAs to contest in the upcoming bypolls which are slated to be held on December 5. Baig did not attend the joining program held at the party office here. According to sources, he was not allowed to take membership of BJP due to the IMA Ponzi scam and allegations against him in RSS worker Rudresh's murder case. "We didn't come out of the coalition government just to save the state from evil politics. We came out of Congress and JD(S) and joined BJP, it's not anti-defection, it's political polarisation. We will stand with BJP leaders and we will work along with them as they have given us a chance to work along with them. I thank you all including Prime Minister, Home Minister and BJP working president JP Nadda," said H Vishwanath, one of the 17 disqualified MLAs. The Supreme Court had on Wednesday upheld the decision of the then Karnataka speaker KR Ramesh Kumar to disqualify 17 rebel Congress-JD(S) MLAs under the anti-defection law but said that they can contest the upcoming by-elections in the state. The rebel legislators were disqualified by the then speaker KR Ramesh Kumar in July earlier this year under the anti-defection law after they tendered their resignation. They were also barred from contesting polls for the duration of the current assembly, which is slated to end in 2023. The move led to the collapse of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government, paving way for BJP to stake claim to form a new government in the state. The disgruntled MLAs then moved the apex court challenging their disqualification. They sought quashing of the order passed by the Speaker and prohibition imposed on them to contest elections. The matter was reserved by the court on October 25. The elections for 15 out of 17 seats are slated to be held on December 5.

15 disqualified Karnataka MLAs join BJP

'No inquiry needed on Rafale' says Supreme Court; Dismisses review pleas. Watch video to know more.

'No inquiry needed on Rafale' says Supreme Court; Dismisses review pleas

Apex court dismisses all review petitions in Rafale fighter jets deal case. Watch video to know more.

Apex court dismisses all review petitions in Rafale fighter jets deal case

Sabarimala case Exclusive: Supreme Court refers case to larger bench. Watch video to know more

Sabarimala case Exclusive: Supreme Court refers case to larger bench

Sabarimala case: Apex Court five-judge bench to deliver the verdict. Watch video to know more.

Sabarimala case: Apex Court five-judge bench to deliver the verdict

Supreme Court on Thursday refused to review its order on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-will-prove-to-be-the-gamechanger-for-iaf-air-chief-marshal-bs-dhanoa-221975">the Rafale fighter jets</a>.

India's top court closed a contempt plea filed by BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for wrongly attributing to the court his “chowkidar chor hai” slogan against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale case.

The Supreme Court said, “Mr Rahul Gandhi needs to be more careful in future” for attributing to the court his remarks.

The petitioners had moved the top court seeking review of the&nbsp;verdict which dismissed a plea challenging India's agreement with France for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets.

India had inked a deal with Dassault for the fighter jets. India's defence minister Rajnath Singh officially received the first Rafale fighter jet from Dassault Aviation at a ceremony in Bordeaux in France last month.

Four jets are expected to arrive in India in May next year, the rest will arrive in September 2022.

Supreme Court on Thursday refused to review its order on the Rafale fighter jets. India's top court closed a contempt plea filed by BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for wrongly attributing to the court his “chowkidar chor hai” slogan against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale case.

Supreme Court on Thursday refused to review its order on the Rafale fighter jets. India's top court closed a contempt plea filed by BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for wrongly attributing to the court his “chowkidar chor hai” slogan against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale case. The Supreme Court said, “Mr Rahul Gandhi needs to be more careful in future” for attributing to the court his remarks. The petitioners had moved the top court seeking review of the verdict which dismissed a plea challenging India's agreement with France for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets. India had inked a deal with Dassault for the fighter jets. India's defence minister Rajnath Singh officially received the first Rafale fighter jet from Dassault Aviation at a ceremony in Bordeaux in France last month. Four jets are expected to arrive in India in May next year, the rest will arrive in September 2022.

Supreme Court dismisses Rafale review petitions

External Affair Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday said that evolution of India's foreign policy can be categorised into six broad phases - each a response to a different global strategic environment - and while previous phases have a neat description, it is harder to categorise the present one partly because it is still early phase of a major transition.

Delivering the 4th Ramnath Goenka Memorial Lecture here, Jaishankar said the first phase from 1946-62 could be characterised as an "era of optimistic non-alignment", that from 1962-70 as realism and discovery, from 1971-1991 as regional assertion, 1991- 1999 as quest for strategic autonomy, 2000- 2013 as balancing power and the last phase and 2014 to current as a phase of energetic diplomacy.

The BJP-led government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014.

Delineating the first phase between 1946, a year before the country gained Independence and 1962, when there was war with China, Jaishankar said 1946-62 was an "era of optimistic non-alignment" whose setting was very much in a bipolar world led by the United States and the USSR.

He added that India's objectives were to resist the constraining of choices and dilution of its sovereignty as it rebuilt its economy and consolidated its integrity.

"Its parallel goal, as the first of the decolonized nations, was to lead Asia and Africa in a quest for more equitable world order," said Jaishankar.

He said the second phase started in 1962 and lasted till 1971. It was a decade of "realism and recovery".

During this era, India made more "pragmatic choices" on security and political challenges despite a paucity of resources.

"It looked beyond non-alignment in the interest of national security, concluding a now largely forgotten defence agreement with the US in 1964. External pressures on Kashmir mounted in this period of vulnerability," Jaishankar said.

Jaishankar said in the third phase India had major "regional assertion" which began with the creation of Bangladesh and ended with Indian Peace Keeping Force "misadventure" in Sri Lanka.

"It was a particularly complex phase as the US-China-Pakistan axis which came into being at this time seriously threatened India's prospects The collapse of USSR, its close ally, and the not unconnected economic crisis in 1991 compelled us to look again at the first principles of both domestic and foreign policy," he said.

The dissolution of USSR in 1991 led to the emergence of the unipolar world, Jaishankar said, adding that these events led to the beginning of the fourth phase of Indian foreign policy.

"It encourages a radical rethink in India on a broad range of issues and it shifted focus safeguarding strategic autonomy," he said.

The minister said it was also a period Indian reached out to the US more intensively.

He said after 1998 Indian entered the fifth phase of foreign policy and acquired attributes to balancing power. "It is reflected in India-US nuclear deal as well as better understanding with the West at large," he said.

During this phase, India was successful in making common cause with China on trade and climate change, along with this that it was able to consolidate further ties with Russia, Jaishnakar said.

However, this phase also came to an end in 2014 and initiated the sixth phase. "To begin woith China gathered more momentum," he said.

"During this period India has chosen to turn to very energetic diplomacy. It did so by recognising that we are entering the world of convergences and issue-based arrangements," he said.

The minister said India still in the early phase of major transition in foreign policy.

"While the previous phases of foreign policy each have a neat description, it is harder to categorise the current one. Part of the challenge is that we are still in the early phase of a major transition. The contours of even the near future are not yet clear. One solution is to anchor it on Indian aspirations and to speak of our goal of emerging as a leading power," he added.

External Affair Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday said that evolution of India's foreign policy can be categorised into six broad phases - each a response to a different global strategic environment - and while previous phases have a neat description, it is harder to categorise the present one partly because it is still early phase of a major transition.

External Affair Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday said that evolution of India's foreign policy can be categorised into six broad phases - each a response to a different global strategic environment - and while previous phases have a neat description, it is harder to categorise the present one partly because it is still early phase of a major transition. Delivering the 4th Ramnath Goenka Memorial Lecture here, Jaishankar said the first phase from 1946-62 could be characterised as an "era of optimistic non-alignment", that from 1962-70 as realism and discovery, from 1971-1991 as regional assertion, 1991- 1999 as quest for strategic autonomy, 2000- 2013 as balancing power and the last phase and 2014 to current as a phase of energetic diplomacy. The BJP-led government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014. Delineating the first phase between 1946, a year before the country gained Independence and 1962, when there was war with China, Jaishankar said 1946-62 was an "era of optimistic non-alignment" whose setting was very much in a bipolar world led by the United States and the USSR. He added that India's objectives were to resist the constraining of choices and dilution of its sovereignty as it rebuilt its economy and consolidated its integrity. "Its parallel goal, as the first of the decolonized nations, was to lead Asia and Africa in a quest for more equitable world order," said Jaishankar. He said the second phase started in 1962 and lasted till 1971. It was a decade of "realism and recovery". During this era, India made more "pragmatic choices" on security and political challenges despite a paucity of resources. "It looked beyond non-alignment in the interest of national security, concluding a now largely forgotten defence agreement with the US in 1964. External pressures on Kashmir mounted in this period of vulnerability," Jaishankar said. Jaishankar said in the third phase India had major "regional assertion" which began with the creation of Bangladesh and ended with Indian Peace Keeping Force "misadventure" in Sri Lanka. "It was a particularly complex phase as the US-China-Pakistan axis which came into being at this time seriously threatened India's prospects The collapse of USSR, its close ally, and the not unconnected economic crisis in 1991 compelled us to look again at the first principles of both domestic and foreign policy," he said. The dissolution of USSR in 1991 led to the emergence of the unipolar world, Jaishankar said, adding that these events led to the beginning of the fourth phase of Indian foreign policy. "It encourages a radical rethink in India on a broad range of issues and it shifted focus safeguarding strategic autonomy," he said. The minister said it was also a period Indian reached out to the US more intensively. He said after 1998 Indian entered the fifth phase of foreign policy and acquired attributes to balancing power. "It is reflected in India-US nuclear deal as well as better understanding with the West at large," he said. During this phase, India was successful in making common cause with China on trade and climate change, along with this that it was able to consolidate further ties with Russia, Jaishnakar said. However, this phase also came to an end in 2014 and initiated the sixth phase. "To begin woith China gathered more momentum," he said. "During this period India has chosen to turn to very energetic diplomacy. It did so by recognising that we are entering the world of convergences and issue-based arrangements," he said. The minister said India still in the early phase of major transition in foreign policy. "While the previous phases of foreign policy each have a neat description, it is harder to categorise the current one. Part of the challenge is that we are still in the early phase of a major transition. The contours of even the near future are not yet clear. One solution is to anchor it on Indian aspirations and to speak of our goal of emerging as a leading power," he added.

Lack of response to 26/11 different from Uri and Balakot operations: S Jaishankar

From non-alignment to energetic diplomacy: Jaishankar delineates six phases of India's foreign policy

The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed petitions seeking review of its December 14, 2018 verdict which had upheld purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets by the Indian government and observed that it is not their function to determine the prices of jets.

A three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi dismissed the pleas as they were bereft of 'merit'.

A batch of petitions, filed by former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie, lawyer Prashant Bhushan and others, sought CBI probe into the purchase of Rafale jets.

The review was sought on the grounds that judgment contained several errors.

The bench, also comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and K M Joseph, further held that matter cannot be dealt with because of "mere suspicion" by the petitioners.

"Insofar as the aspect of pricing is concerned, the court satisfied itself with the material made available. It is not the function of this Court to determine the prices," the bench observed.

The top court added, "On the perusal of documents we had found that one cannot compare apples and oranges. Thus, the pricing of the basic aircraft had to be compared which was competitively marginally lower. As to what should be loaded on the aircraft or not and what further pricing should be added has to be left to the best judgment of the competent authorities."

The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed petitions seeking review of its December 14, 2018 verdict which had upheld purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets by the Indian government and observed that it is not their function to determine the prices of jets.

The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed petitions seeking review of its December 14, 2018 verdict which had upheld purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets by the Indian government and observed that it is not their function to determine the prices of jets. A three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi dismissed the pleas as they were bereft of 'merit'. A batch of petitions, filed by former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie, lawyer Prashant Bhushan and others, sought CBI probe into the purchase of Rafale jets. The review was sought on the grounds that judgment contained several errors. The bench, also comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and K M Joseph, further held that matter cannot be dealt with because of "mere suspicion" by the petitioners. "Insofar as the aspect of pricing is concerned, the court satisfied itself with the material made available. It is not the function of this Court to determine the prices," the bench observed. The top court added, "On the perusal of documents we had found that one cannot compare apples and oranges. Thus, the pricing of the basic aircraft had to be compared which was competitively marginally lower. As to what should be loaded on the aircraft or not and what further pricing should be added has to be left to the best judgment of the competent authorities."

Rafale deal verdict: Not our function to determine fighter jet’s prices, says Supreme Court

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India is the world's most open and investment-friendly economy due to political stability, predictable policy and business-friendly reforms.

In his speech, PM Modi termed India as a land of limitless opportunities and urged the business leaders of the BRICS nations to invest in India, particularly in its infrastructure development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said that BRICS nations contribute to half of global economic development.&nbsp;

"BRICS nations contribute 50% to the economic development of the world. Despite global recession BRICS nations have contributed to economic development and brought crores of people out of poverty," said PM Modi at BRICS business forum.

Addressing the Dialogue with BRICS Business Council and New Development Bank, Prime Minister Modi urged the BRICS Business Council to create a roadmap to achieve the $ 500 billion intra-BRICS trade target by the next summit.

He also urged the BRICS business leaders to identify the priority areas in business for the next ten years and make a blueprint of it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India is the world's most open and investment-friendly economy due to political stability, predictable policy and business-friendly reforms.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India is the world's most open and investment-friendly economy due to political stability, predictable policy and business-friendly reforms. In his speech, PM Modi termed India as a land of limitless opportunities and urged the business leaders of the BRICS nations to invest in India, particularly in its infrastructure development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said that BRICS nations contribute to half of global economic development. "BRICS nations contribute 50% to the economic development of the world. Despite global recession BRICS nations have contributed to economic development and brought crores of people out of poverty," said PM Modi at BRICS business forum. Addressing the Dialogue with BRICS Business Council and New Development Bank, Prime Minister Modi urged the BRICS Business Council to create a roadmap to achieve the $ 500 billion intra-BRICS trade target by the next summit. He also urged the BRICS business leaders to identify the priority areas in business for the next ten years and make a blueprint of it.

India is world's most open and investment-friendly economy: PM Modi at BRICS

Supreme Court on Thursday referred the review petitions in the&nbsp;Sabarimala&nbsp;case to a larger&nbsp;constitution&nbsp;bench.

A seven-judge bench will now hear the case. The verdict was reached with a 3:2 majority with&nbsp;Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman and Justice DY Chandrachud giving a&nbsp;dissenting judgement.&nbsp;

India's top court had on September 28 last year had permitted the entry of women of all age groups into the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple.

A five-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in its 4:1 verdict had said banning women's entry into the temple was gender discrimination and violated the rights of Hindu women.

Women of menstruating age, that is between the ages of 10 and 50, were barred from entering the Sabarimala&nbsp;temple by its officials, who argued that the temple deity, Lord Ayyappa, had taken a vow of celibacy.

Following the verdict, several women had tried to enter the temple amid heavy security even as protesters surrounded them and opposed their movement into the temple.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Supreme Court on Thursday referred the review petitions in the Sabarimala case to a larger constitution bench. A seven-judge bench will now hear the case. The verdict was reached with a 3:2 majority with Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman and Justice DY Chandrachud giving a dissenting judgement.

Supreme Court on Thursday referred the review petitions in the Sabarimala case to a larger constitution bench. A seven-judge bench will now hear the case. The verdict was reached with a 3:2 majority with Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman and Justice DY Chandrachud giving a dissenting judgement. India's top court had on September 28 last year had permitted the entry of women of all age groups into the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple. A five-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in its 4:1 verdict had said banning women's entry into the temple was gender discrimination and violated the rights of Hindu women. Women of menstruating age, that is between the ages of 10 and 50, were barred from entering the Sabarimala temple by its officials, who argued that the temple deity, Lord Ayyappa, had taken a vow of celibacy. Following the verdict, several women had tried to enter the temple amid heavy security even as protesters surrounded them and opposed their movement into the temple.

Supreme Court refers Sabarimala case to larger constitution bench

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that BRICS nations contribute to half of global economic development.&nbsp;

"BRICS nations contribute 50% to the economic development of the world. Despite global recession BRICS nations have contributed to economic development and brought crores of people out of poverty," said PM Modi at BRICS business forum.

Addressing the Dialogue with BRICS Business Council and New Development Bank, Prime Minister Modi urged the BRICS Business Council to create a roadmap to achieve the USD 500 billion intra-BRICS trade target by the next summit.

Calling India a land of limitless opportunities, the prime minister urged the business leaders of the BRICS nations to invest in India, particularly in its infrastructure development.

"India is the world's most open and investment-friendly economy due to political stability, predictable policy and business-friendly reforms," Modi said.

“Tax and Customs procedures between us five countries are getting easier. The business environment is getting easier with the collaboration between Intellectual Property Rights, and Banks. I request the BRICS Business Forum to study the necessary business initiatives to take full advantage of the opportunities thus generated,” Modi said while speaking at the BRICS Business Forum here.

“Intra-BRICS business and investment targets should be ambitious. Your suggestions will be helpful to further reduce the cost of trade between us,” he told the forum.

He also urged the BRICS business leaders to identify the priority areas in business for the next ten years and make a blueprint of it.

According to the BRICS joint statement, the five countries look forward to the opening of the two remaining NDB Regional Offices in Russia and India in 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that BRICS nations contribute to half of global economic development. "BRICS nations contribute 50% to the economic development of the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that BRICS nations contribute to half of global economic development. "BRICS nations contribute 50% to the economic development of the world. Despite global recession BRICS nations have contributed to economic development and brought crores of people out of poverty," said PM Modi at BRICS business forum. Addressing the Dialogue with BRICS Business Council and New Development Bank, Prime Minister Modi urged the BRICS Business Council to create a roadmap to achieve the USD 500 billion intra-BRICS trade target by the next summit. Calling India a land of limitless opportunities, the prime minister urged the business leaders of the BRICS nations to invest in India, particularly in its infrastructure development. "India is the world's most open and investment-friendly economy due to political stability, predictable policy and business-friendly reforms," Modi said. “Tax and Customs procedures between us five countries are getting easier. The business environment is getting easier with the collaboration between Intellectual Property Rights, and Banks. I request the BRICS Business Forum to study the necessary business initiatives to take full advantage of the opportunities thus generated,” Modi said while speaking at the BRICS Business Forum here. “Intra-BRICS business and investment targets should be ambitious. Your suggestions will be helpful to further reduce the cost of trade between us,” he told the forum. He also urged the BRICS business leaders to identify the priority areas in business for the next ten years and make a blueprint of it. According to the BRICS joint statement, the five countries look forward to the opening of the two remaining NDB Regional Offices in Russia and India in 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

BRICS nations contribute to half of global economic development: PM Modi

A day after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-upholds-disqualification-of-rebel-mlas-permits-them-to-contest-bypolls-261738">Supreme Court</a> permitted the disqualified Congress and JD(S) MLAs to contest the impending&nbsp; Karnataka bypolls on December 5, the Bharatiya Janata Party has released an official statement mentioning that 16 out of 17 disqualified MLAs in the state are all set to join the ruling&nbsp;BJP on Thursday, which excludes the name of&nbsp;Roshan Baig.

On Wednesday, sources shared that the BJP is open to the prospect of fielding all 17 disqualified Karnataka MLAs for the upcoming bypolls in the state. The top leadership, including chief Amit Shah and working president JP Nadda, have given their go-ahead for fielding the disqualified MLAs from their erstwhile seats, sources said.

The decision was reportedly taken at a high-level meeting held today, in which senior state leaders were also present. The by-polls in the state will be held on 15 out of the 17 seats on December 5. According to sources,&nbsp;Roshan Baig's name could not be included in BJP till he gets a clean chit in IMA Ponzi scam.

In the Karnataka elections, BJP had emerged as the largest party with 105 seats but failed to secure a majority in the 225-members assembly. The party is expecting that the by-polls on the 15 seats will boost their tally in the state. The 14-month old Congress-JD(S) coalition government, led by Kumaraswamy collapsed in July this year following a series of resignations from MLAs paving way for the BJP, which was the single largest party to form the government in Karnataka.

 
&nbsp;

A day after the Supreme Court permitted the disqualified Congress and JD(S) MLAs to contest the impending Karnataka bypolls on December 5, the Bharatiya Janata Party has released an official statement mentioning that 16 out of 17 disqualified MLAs in the state are all set to join the ruling BJP on Thursday, which excludes the name of Roshan Baig.

A day after the Supreme Court permitted the disqualified Congress and JD(S) MLAs to contest the impending Karnataka bypolls on December 5, the Bharatiya Janata Party has released an official statement mentioning that 16 out of 17 disqualified MLAs in the state are all set to join the ruling BJP on Thursday, which excludes the name of Roshan Baig. On Wednesday, sources shared that the BJP is open to the prospect of fielding all 17 disqualified Karnataka MLAs for the upcoming bypolls in the state. The top leadership, including chief Amit Shah and working president JP Nadda, have given their go-ahead for fielding the disqualified MLAs from their erstwhile seats, sources said. The decision was reportedly taken at a high-level meeting held today, in which senior state leaders were also present. The by-polls in the state will be held on 15 out of the 17 seats on December 5. According to sources, Roshan Baig's name could not be included in BJP till he gets a clean chit in IMA Ponzi scam. In the Karnataka elections, BJP had emerged as the largest party with 105 seats but failed to secure a majority in the 225-members assembly. The party is expecting that the by-polls on the 15 seats will boost their tally in the state. The 14-month old Congress-JD(S) coalition government, led by Kumaraswamy collapsed in July this year following a series of resignations from MLAs paving way for the BJP, which was the single largest party to form the government in Karnataka.

BJP says Karnataka's 16 disqualified MLAs set to join party

By:&nbsp;Sakshi Khandelwal and Ayushi Agarwal

Air pollution is high in more than 90 per cent of cities across the globe and climate change is already damaging the health of the world’s children, a new report revealed on Thursday.

According to the Lancet Countdown Report 2019 on Health and Climate Change, air, water, soil, and chemical pollution were responsible for 940,000 deaths of children worldwide in 2016 and two-thirds of them were under the age of 5.&nbsp;

Pollution is inequitably distributed, and the overwhelming majority of pollution-related deaths in children occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Most were due to respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases caused by polluted air and water.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the first Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in 2018 called air pollution a “silent public health emergency”.&nbsp;

Air pollution annually leads to nearly 7 million premature deaths, about 4 million of which are due to outdoor air pollution. It not only shortens our life span but also affects our day-to-day life negatively. It may cause various heart and lung diseases.&nbsp;

Recent research has linked air pollution to brain cancer for the first time. A comprehensive global review earlier in 2019 concluded that air pollution may be damaging every organ and virtually every cell in the human body.

India is in the midst of an air pollution crisis. Multiple studies show over one million deaths annually in recent years in India is caused by air pollution. According to a Greenpeace study, Delhi is the most polluted capital city on the planet.

World Health Organization (WHO) reports showing that air pollution has a vast and terrible impact on child health and survival. Globally, 93% of all children live in environments with air pollution levels above the WHO guidelines. More than one in every four deaths of children under 5 years is directly or indirectly related to environmental risks. Both ambient air pollution (AAP) and household air pollution (HAP) contribute to respiratory tract infections that resulted in 543 000 deaths in children under 5 years in 2016.&nbsp;

One of the best ways to make our future generations ready is to educate them about pollution and it's adverse effects.&nbsp;

Here is a list of children around the world who have come up with ways to combat pollution and lead a healthy life:

Licypriya Kangujam and her SUKIFU (Survival Kit for the Future)&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
8-years-old Indian Climate Activist Licypriya Kangujam brings out a symbolic device called SUKIFU to curb air pollution. SUKIFU is almost zero budget kit specially designed from trash to provide fresh air into our body when the pollution rate is high.This wearable plant is recognition of the Green Movement and it would be inspiring attention for all across the globe facing deadly pollution.Anybody can build up this concept at home from the trash by recycling to instil fresh air directly into our lungs.

“This is the ultimate solution. Whoever, carry this, especially the children moving on the popular street laced with Smog, would no doubt attract a due attention of the climate experts, pollution control board members, scientists, policymakers, city/municipal commissioners and the entire generation, who are bound to ensure “Safe Future” to their “Generation Next”. This type of pollution is not acceptable by any standards," she said.

Anna Du and her Deep Plastics Initiative 
&nbsp; 
A middle school girl has developed a robot that can find microplastics in the ocean and help in reducing waste and pollution.

She was walking along Castle Island’s beach in South Boston when she noticed plastic scattered on the shoreline. She reached down to pick it up and quickly realized there were many more tiny pieces than she could handle.

“When I realized how many pieces there were, it seemed impossible,” says Du, who was in sixth grade at the time.

Geetanjali Rao and her Tethys 
&nbsp; 
A 13-year-old, who already has her name in the Forbes '30 under 30' list for her small, mobile device that tests for lead in drinking water. It detects the amount of lead present in the sample and also indicates how safe is it to drink that water. She named the device Tethys after the Greek Titan goddess of clean water.

By: Sakshi Khandelwal and Ayushi Agarwal Air pollution is high in more than 90 per cent of cities across the globe and climate change is already damaging the health of the world’s children, a new report revealed on Thursday.

By: Sakshi Khandelwal and Ayushi Agarwal Air pollution is high in more than 90 per cent of cities across the globe and climate change is already damaging the health of the world’s children, a new report revealed on Thursday. According to the Lancet Countdown Report 2019 on Health and Climate Change, air, water, soil, and chemical pollution were responsible for 940,000 deaths of children worldwide in 2016 and two-thirds of them were under the age of 5. Pollution is inequitably distributed, and the overwhelming majority of pollution-related deaths in children occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Most were due to respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases caused by polluted air and water. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the first Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in 2018 called air pollution a “silent public health emergency”. Air pollution annually leads to nearly 7 million premature deaths, about 4 million of which are due to outdoor air pollution. It not only shortens our life span but also affects our day-to-day life negatively. It may cause various heart and lung diseases. Recent research has linked air pollution to brain cancer for the first time. A comprehensive global review earlier in 2019 concluded that air pollution may be damaging every organ and virtually every cell in the human body. India is in the midst of an air pollution crisis. Multiple studies show over one million deaths annually in recent years in India is caused by air pollution. According to a Greenpeace study, Delhi is the most polluted capital city on the planet. World Health Organization (WHO) reports showing that air pollution has a vast and terrible impact on child health and survival. Globally, 93% of all children live in environments with air pollution levels above the WHO guidelines. More than one in every four deaths of children under 5 years is directly or indirectly related to environmental risks. Both ambient air pollution (AAP) and household air pollution (HAP) contribute to respiratory tract infections that resulted in 543 000 deaths in children under 5 years in 2016. One of the best ways to make our future generations ready is to educate them about pollution and it's adverse effects. Here is a list of children around the world who have come up with ways to combat pollution and lead a healthy life: Licypriya Kangujam and her SUKIFU (Survival Kit for the Future) 8-years-old Indian Climate Activist Licypriya Kangujam brings out a symbolic device called SUKIFU to curb air pollution. SUKIFU is almost zero budget kit specially designed from trash to provide fresh air into our body when the pollution rate is high.This wearable plant is recognition of the Green Movement and it would be inspiring attention for all across the globe facing deadly pollution.Anybody can build up this concept at home from the trash by recycling to instil fresh air directly into our lungs. “This is the ultimate solution. Whoever, carry this, especially the children moving on the popular street laced with Smog, would no doubt attract a due attention of the climate experts, pollution control board members, scientists, policymakers, city/municipal commissioners and the entire generation, who are bound to ensure “Safe Future” to their “Generation Next”. This type of pollution is not acceptable by any standards," she said. Anna Du and her Deep Plastics Initiative A middle school girl has developed a robot that can find microplastics in the ocean and help in reducing waste and pollution. She was walking along Castle Island’s beach in South Boston when she noticed plastic scattered on the shoreline. She reached down to pick it up and quickly realized there were many more tiny pieces than she could handle. “When I realized how many pieces there were, it seemed impossible,” says Du, who was in sixth grade at the time. Geetanjali Rao and her Tethys A 13-year-old, who already has her name in the Forbes '30 under 30' list for her small, mobile device that tests for lead in drinking water. It detects the amount of lead present in the sample and also indicates how safe is it to drink that water. She named the device Tethys after the Greek Titan goddess of clean water.

As climate crisis claims over 9 lakh lives, children ready to lead fight against pollution

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