<p>As the intensity of the monsoon rains is increasing, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts heavy rains in North and Northeast India.</p>

<p>After a long spell of dry and hot weather, Delhi-NCR has witnessed rains and relief from the heat over the last week. It is expected that Delhi will observe rainfall between July 11 and 13. Alerts have been issued for the rising water level in the Yamuna River during the monsoon rains.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-people-scream-run-for-life-as-massive-landslide-blocks-badrinath-highway-in-joshimath-739586">Watch: People scream, run for life as massive landslide blocks Badrinath Highway in Joshimath</a></strong></p>

<p>The weather is expected to remain cloudy in the national capital today with light rainfall. Maximum is expected to settle around 36 degrees Celsius and minimum around 26 degrees Celsius.</p>

<p>An 'orange alert' for heavy rains has been issued for parts of Uttar Pradesh as IMD predicts isolated very heavy rainfall in the region. Bihar is to witness extremely heavy rains on July 11, according to the weather department.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Mumbai rains</h2>

<p>The IMD has issued a 'yellow alert' for several parts of Mumbai after the city witnessed torrential rains on Monday. Heavy to very heavy rainfall alert has been issued in the city for the next three days, July 12 to 14.</p>

<p>On Monday, heavy rainfall lashed Mumbai, disrupting public services due to waterlogging. Bus services, local trains, and flight operations were affected. The schools and colleges also remained closed.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/monsoon-mayhem-incessant-rains-continue-to-lash-mumbai-over-248-flights-delayed-739255">Monsoon mayhem: Incessant rains continue to lash Mumbai, over 248 flights delayed</a></strong></p>

<h2>Other parts of the country</h2>

<p>According to IMD, several states are expected to witness rainfall activity until July 15. Heavy rains are expected over Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha, and Jharkhand. Light rains are expected in Uttarakhand, Jammu-Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, and central parts of the country.</p>

<p>A yellow alert has been issued in Himachal Pradesh for July 11 and 12 as IMD forecasts lightning, thunderstorms, and strong winds, while sporadic rains are to continue till July 15.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the intensity of the monsoon rains is increasing, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts heavy rains in North and Northeast India. After a long spell of dry and hot weather, Delhi-NCR has witnessed rains and relief from the heat over the last week.

As the intensity of the monsoon rains is increasing, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts heavy rains in North and Northeast India. After a long spell of dry and hot weather, Delhi-NCR has witnessed rains and relief from the heat over the last week. It is expected that Delhi will observe rainfall between July 11 and 13. Alerts have been issued for the rising water level in the Yamuna River during the monsoon rains. Also Read | Watch: People scream, run for life as massive landslide blocks Badrinath Highway in Joshimath The weather is expected to remain cloudy in the national capital today with light rainfall. Maximum is expected to settle around 36 degrees Celsius and minimum around 26 degrees Celsius. An 'orange alert' for heavy rains has been issued for parts of Uttar Pradesh as IMD predicts isolated very heavy rainfall in the region. Bihar is to witness extremely heavy rains on July 11, according to the weather department. Mumbai rains The IMD has issued a 'yellow alert' for several parts of Mumbai after the city witnessed torrential rains on Monday. Heavy to very heavy rainfall alert has been issued in the city for the next three days, July 12 to 14. On Monday, heavy rainfall lashed Mumbai, disrupting public services due to waterlogging. Bus services, local trains, and flight operations were affected. The schools and colleges also remained closed. Also Read | Monsoon mayhem: Incessant rains continue to lash Mumbai, over 248 flights delayed Other parts of the country According to IMD, several states are expected to witness rainfall activity until July 15. Heavy rains are expected over Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha, and Jharkhand. Light rains are expected in Uttarakhand, Jammu-Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, and central parts of the country. A yellow alert has been issued in Himachal Pradesh for July 11 and 12 as IMD forecasts lightning, thunderstorms, and strong winds, while sporadic rains are to continue till July 15. (With inputs from agencies)

IMD issues yellow and orange alerts as heavy monsoon rains lash several parts of India

<p><strong>Delhi-NCR Weather heatwave:</strong> The heatwave in northern India continues over the weekend with Delhi and surrounding National Capital Region (NCR)&nbsp;reeling under rising temperature. The mercury breached 45 degree Celsius mark on Saturday (May 18) across 10 weather stations.</p>

<p>In northwestern Delhi, Mungeshpur weather station recorded day temperature of 46.8 degree Celsius. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'Red' alert for Sunday (May 20) and an 'Orange' alert has been issued from May 20 to May 22.</p>

<p>Delhi is set to vote on May 25 in&nbsp;the ongoing general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India: Heatwave in Punjab, Haryana &amp; Delhi to last until May 21</strong></p>

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<p>The met department said that "there is a very high likelihood of developing heat illness and heat stroke in all ages" on Sunday (May 19).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Delhi NCR heatwave: What next?</strong></h2>

<p>The heat spell in the region is&nbsp;expected to continue over next week till May 22. The maximum&nbsp;temperature is likely to hover around 45 degree Celsius.</p>

<p>A few weather stations, like Mungeshpur, are expected to record temperatures upward of 45 degrees.</p>

<h2><strong>Delhi weather in recent days</strong></h2>

<p>On Saturday (May 18), the maximum temperature at the Safdarjung Observatory,&nbsp;Delhi’s base station, stood at 43.7°C, three notches above normal, making it the highest recorded day temperature of the season so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mercury breached 45°C at Ridge in north Delhi (45.5°C), Ayanagar (45.2°C), Gurugram (45°C), Faridabad (45.8°C), Jafarpur in southwest Delhi (45.6°C), Mungeshpur (46.8°C), Najafgarh (46.7°C), Noida (45.6°C), Pitampura (46.1°C) and Pusa (46°C). On Friday, Najafgarh was the warmest station in the country at 47.4°C.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwave-hits-north-india-south-to-see-rainfall-imd-climate-central-warn-722663">Heatwave to intensify in north India, south to see rainfall: IMD, Climate Central warn</a></strong></p>

<p>IMD considers a heatwave if the maximum temperature touches 45°C or above. A heatwave day is also declared when the maximum is 4.5 degrees or more than&nbsp;normal, and the maximum is at least 40°C. A 'severe' heatwave is declared when the maximum is 6.5 degrees or more above normal.</p>

<p>"As per Delhi’s climatology, the peak temperature is recorded during this time of the year," an official was quoted as saying by The Times of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Heat wave to severe heat wave conditions are likely to continue over the plains of northwest India, including Delhi, during the next five days," IMD said in its bulletin.</p>

<p>Elsewhere in the country,&nbsp;IMD has&nbsp;issued 'Red' alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall for Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Kottayam districts for Sunday. Orange alert has been issued for the Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Delhi-NCR Weather heatwave: The heatwave in northern India continues over the weekend with Delhi and surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) reeling under rising temperature.

Delhi-NCR Weather heatwave: The heatwave in northern India continues over the weekend with Delhi and surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) reeling under rising temperature. The mercury breached 45 degree Celsius mark on Saturday (May 18) across 10 weather stations. In northwestern Delhi, Mungeshpur weather station recorded day temperature of 46.8 degree Celsius. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'Red' alert for Sunday (May 20) and an 'Orange' alert has been issued from May 20 to May 22. Delhi is set to vote on May 25 in the ongoing general elections. Also watch | India: Heatwave in Punjab, Haryana & Delhi to last until May 21 × The met department said that "there is a very high likelihood of developing heat illness and heat stroke in all ages" on Sunday (May 19). Delhi NCR heatwave: What next? The heat spell in the region is expected to continue over next week till May 22. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 45 degree Celsius. A few weather stations, like Mungeshpur, are expected to record temperatures upward of 45 degrees. Delhi weather in recent days On Saturday (May 18), the maximum temperature at the Safdarjung Observatory, Delhi’s base station, stood at 43.7°C, three notches above normal, making it the highest recorded day temperature of the season so far. The mercury breached 45°C at Ridge in north Delhi (45.5°C), Ayanagar (45.2°C), Gurugram (45°C), Faridabad (45.8°C), Jafarpur in southwest Delhi (45.6°C), Mungeshpur (46.8°C), Najafgarh (46.7°C), Noida (45.6°C), Pitampura (46.1°C) and Pusa (46°C). On Friday, Najafgarh was the warmest station in the country at 47.4°C. Also read | Heatwave to intensify in north India, south to see rainfall: IMD, Climate Central warn IMD considers a heatwave if the maximum temperature touches 45°C or above. A heatwave day is also declared when the maximum is 4.5 degrees or more than normal, and the maximum is at least 40°C. A 'severe' heatwave is declared when the maximum is 6.5 degrees or more above normal. "As per Delhi’s climatology, the peak temperature is recorded during this time of the year," an official was quoted as saying by The Times of India. "Heat wave to severe heat wave conditions are likely to continue over the plains of northwest India, including Delhi, during the next five days," IMD said in its bulletin. Elsewhere in the country, IMD has issued 'Red' alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall for Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Kottayam districts for Sunday. Orange alert has been issued for the Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts. (With inputs from agencies)

India heatwave: Red Alert issued in Delhi-NCR; heavy rainfall expected in Kerala

As North India grapples with winter, dense fog is causing significant travel disruptions in the capital city of Delhi. Delhi and its adjoining areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) woke up to a thick layer of fog this morning, which made for poor visibility in various areas.

Delhi Fog: Around 30 flights delayed, 17 cancelled

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<p>Delhi-NCR residents witnessed moderate rainfall and gusty winds on Friday morning, as predicted by the India Meteorological Department's weather forecast. The Met Office urged people to practice caution and stay prepared for adverse conditions during the morning hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the IMD weather forecast, Delhi-NCR will likely experience gusty winds of 50 to 70 kilometres per hour, with moderate rainfall, followed by occasional intense spells. A weather system coming from the northwest region of Uttar Pradesh is causing the bad weather. IMD also said the rainfall activity might continue until around 09:30 am on Friday and decline gradually.</p>

<p>The IMD bulletin stated, "Thunderstorm with light to moderate intensity rain with heavy intensity rain over few places and gusty winds with speed of 50-70 Km/h would occur over and adjoining areas of entire Delhi and NCR ( Loni Dehat, Hindon Air Force Station, Ghaziabad, Indirapuram, Chhapraula, Noida, Dadri, Greater Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, Manesar, Ballabhgarh) Gannaur, Sonipat, Kharkhoda (Haryana) Sakoti Tanda, Hastinapur, Baraut, Meerut, Modinagar, Pilakhua, Hapur, Daurala, Bagpat, Khekra (UP)."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-anantnag-encounter-resumes-for-third-day-636116" target="_blank">Jammu and Kashmir: Another Indian Army martyred as Anantnag encounter enters third day</a></p>

<p>"Light to moderate intensity rain would occur over and adjoining areas of Shamli, Muzaffarnagar, Kandhla, Khatauli, Chandpur, Kithor, Garhmukteshwar, Gulaoti, Sikandrabad (UP) during the next two hours," it further stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What will be the impact of the rains in&nbsp;Delhi-NCR?</strong></p>

<p>IMD has suggested several measures to help residents stay safe from the heavy rainfall lashing Delhi-NCR and adjacent areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The heavy rainfall might lead to traffic congestion and create slippery roads. People travelling via roads must stay careful while driving and consider alternative routes if required.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The heavy showers might reduce visibility, which is a challenge for drivers. Use headlights and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to ensure road safety.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The adverse weather conditions might affect routine outdoor activities and business operations. Authorities have advised people to stay indoors whenever possible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rainfall might cause damage to the plantations, horticulture, and standing crops. Farmers should take preventive measures to protect their crops.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If rainfall worsens, weak infrastructure, including kutcha houses, walls, and huts, might experience partial damage. Residents must stay cautious and seek safe shelter if necessary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Roads might become impassable due to flooding caused by heavy rainfall. Residents must avoid driving through flooded areas and find alternative routes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Avoiding unnecessary travel can prevent accidents and traffic jams. IMD has urged commuters to stay updated on traffic advisories issued by local authorities.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Delhi-NCR residents witnessed moderate rainfall and gusty winds on Friday morning, as predicted by the India Meteorological Department's weather forecast. The Met Office urged people to practice caution and stay prepared for adverse conditions during the morning hours.

Delhi-NCR residents witnessed moderate rainfall and gusty winds on Friday morning, as predicted by the India Meteorological Department's weather forecast. The Met Office urged people to practice caution and stay prepared for adverse conditions during the morning hours. According to the IMD weather forecast, Delhi-NCR will likely experience gusty winds of 50 to 70 kilometres per hour, with moderate rainfall, followed by occasional intense spells. A weather system coming from the northwest region of Uttar Pradesh is causing the bad weather. IMD also said the rainfall activity might continue until around 09:30 am on Friday and decline gradually. The IMD bulletin stated, "Thunderstorm with light to moderate intensity rain with heavy intensity rain over few places and gusty winds with speed of 50-70 Km/h would occur over and adjoining areas of entire Delhi and NCR ( Loni Dehat, Hindon Air Force Station, Ghaziabad, Indirapuram, Chhapraula, Noida, Dadri, Greater Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, Manesar, Ballabhgarh) Gannaur, Sonipat, Kharkhoda (Haryana) Sakoti Tanda, Hastinapur, Baraut, Meerut, Modinagar, Pilakhua, Hapur, Daurala, Bagpat, Khekra (UP)." ALSO READ | Jammu and Kashmir: Another Indian Army martyred as Anantnag encounter enters third day "Light to moderate intensity rain would occur over and adjoining areas of Shamli, Muzaffarnagar, Kandhla, Khatauli, Chandpur, Kithor, Garhmukteshwar, Gulaoti, Sikandrabad (UP) during the next two hours," it further stated. What will be the impact of the rains in Delhi-NCR? IMD has suggested several measures to help residents stay safe from the heavy rainfall lashing Delhi-NCR and adjacent areas. The heavy rainfall might lead to traffic congestion and create slippery roads. People travelling via roads must stay careful while driving and consider alternative routes if required. The heavy showers might reduce visibility, which is a challenge for drivers. Use headlights and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to ensure road safety. The adverse weather conditions might affect routine outdoor activities and business operations. Authorities have advised people to stay indoors whenever possible. The rainfall might cause damage to the plantations, horticulture, and standing crops. Farmers should take preventive measures to protect their crops. If rainfall worsens, weak infrastructure, including kutcha houses, walls, and huts, might experience partial damage. Residents must stay cautious and seek safe shelter if necessary. Roads might become impassable due to flooding caused by heavy rainfall. Residents must avoid driving through flooded areas and find alternative routes. Avoiding unnecessary travel can prevent accidents and traffic jams. IMD has urged commuters to stay updated on traffic advisories issued by local authorities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Delhi-NCR: IMD predicts heavy rainfall with strong winds; issues 'impact' warning. Check full weather update

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<p>Frank Hoogerbeat is a Dutch researcher at Solar System Geometry Survey. In the past, he predicted the deadly earthquakes in Turkey and Syria based on planetary positions. Recently, he predicted the earthquake in Delhi-NCR on March 21 in the latest prediction video on SSGEOS's YouTube channel posted on March 20.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the video 'Planetary &amp; Seismic Update March 20 2023,' Frank Hoogerbeets suggested "some seismic increase, more likely around March 22" as he observed a primary lunar peak followed by planetary conjunction after the New Moon on March 21. His forecast of earthquakes in India was correct. People around the globe are surprised to know the accuracy of Hoogerbeets' earthquake predictions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here's everything you need to know about Geologist Frank Hoogerbeets and his predictions.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Frank Hoogerbeets Predictions</strong></h2>

<p>Frank Hoogerbeets predicted the upcoming earthquakes in the recent videos on SSGEOS's YouTube channel. He estimated 'strong to major' seismic activity of 7.1 magnitude&nbsp;on March 16 in the Kermadec Islands and a 6.8 magnitude earthquake near the coast of Ecuador on March 18. Both his predictions were accurate. Furthermore, he explained he based his predictions on the analysis of the planetary geometry and pointing to lunar (red) heights in the SSGI graph. According to him, the planetary conjunction of Sun-Mercury-Jupiter converged with New Moon on March 21. Thus, he anticipated a 'mid-6 magnitude range' earthquake on March 22.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Frank Hoogerbeets consistently uploads YouTube videos and Twitter posts with seismic updates on SSGEOS's social media handles. In the recent video titled 'NOT EVERY FULL MOON IS THE SAME,' he briefs the viewers about the correlation between the full moon and planetary positions with earthquakes.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>SSGEOS' Solar System Geometry Index</strong></h2>

<p>Frank Hoogerbeets works for SSGEOS, the Netherlands-based research institute. It has crucially contributed to 'seismic activity predictions' by launching pivotal software Solpage and SSGI. Frank Hoogerbeets contends that planetary alignment can foretell earthquakes. The Solar System Geometry Index (SSGI) is a dataset computation based on values provided by particular geometric planetary positions, the Moon and the Sun.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="www.wionews.com/world/here-are-some-safety-measures-you-should-take-when-earthquake-strikes-574645">&nbsp;Here are some safety measures you should take when earthquake strikes</a></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Frank Hoogerbeat is a Dutch researcher at Solar System Geometry Survey. In the past, he predicted the deadly earthquakes in Turkey and Syria based on planetary positions.

Frank Hoogerbeat is a Dutch researcher at Solar System Geometry Survey. In the past, he predicted the deadly earthquakes in Turkey and Syria based on planetary positions. Recently, he predicted the earthquake in Delhi-NCR on March 21 in the latest prediction video on SSGEOS's YouTube channel posted on March 20. In the video 'Planetary & Seismic Update March 20 2023,' Frank Hoogerbeets suggested "some seismic increase, more likely around March 22" as he observed a primary lunar peak followed by planetary conjunction after the New Moon on March 21. His forecast of earthquakes in India was correct. People around the globe are surprised to know the accuracy of Hoogerbeets' earthquake predictions. Here's everything you need to know about Geologist Frank Hoogerbeets and his predictions. Frank Hoogerbeets Predictions Frank Hoogerbeets predicted the upcoming earthquakes in the recent videos on SSGEOS's YouTube channel. He estimated 'strong to major' seismic activity of 7.1 magnitude on March 16 in the Kermadec Islands and a 6.8 magnitude earthquake near the coast of Ecuador on March 18. Both his predictions were accurate. Furthermore, he explained he based his predictions on the analysis of the planetary geometry and pointing to lunar (red) heights in the SSGI graph. According to him, the planetary conjunction of Sun-Mercury-Jupiter converged with New Moon on March 21. Thus, he anticipated a 'mid-6 magnitude range' earthquake on March 22. Frank Hoogerbeets consistently uploads YouTube videos and Twitter posts with seismic updates on SSGEOS's social media handles. In the recent video titled 'NOT EVERY FULL MOON IS THE SAME,' he briefs the viewers about the correlation between the full moon and planetary positions with earthquakes. SSGEOS' Solar System Geometry Index Frank Hoogerbeets works for SSGEOS, the Netherlands-based research institute. It has crucially contributed to 'seismic activity predictions' by launching pivotal software Solpage and SSGI. Frank Hoogerbeets contends that planetary alignment can foretell earthquakes. The Solar System Geometry Index (SSGI) is a dataset computation based on values provided by particular geometric planetary positions, the Moon and the Sun. ALSO READ | Here are some safety measures you should take when earthquake strikes WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Who is Frank Hoogerbeets, the researcher behind predictions of quakes in Delhi-NCR, Turkey & Syria?

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<p>Pollution has made the air of India's capital New Delhi and the surrounding regions unbreathable. The toxic air poses multiple severe health complications to those who are breathing it, including children, adults elderly,&nbsp;and also animals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Describing the conditions in one word, Dr Arvind Kumar of Medanta hospital called it a "disaster". The government and related agencies are trying to mitigate the effects by implementing several measures, but the quality of air has gotten worse in the past few days, with experts saying that it might deteriorate further.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To discuss the situation in-depth, and understand how it will put a long-term impact on our health, WION spoke to Dr Arvind Kumar, who is the chairman of the institute of chest surgery- chest Onco Surgery and lung transplantation at Medanta hospital in Gurugram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The levels of air pollution in Delhi and rest of the north India today are at a disastrous level, Dr Kumar said while speaking to WION in a virtual interaction.&nbsp;Dr Kumar said,&nbsp;"No one can escape the ill effects of pollution. The quality of the air is disastrous and horrible."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Last year, we used the term 'medical emergency', but now the situation has gone worse than a medical emergency," Dr Kumar said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, desperate measures have been put in by the administration to improve the situation, but the air in different parts of the northern Indian region remains toxic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) on Sunday (November 6) stood at 339 at 4pm IST. It dropped from 381 a day ago. On Friday, it was 447.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When it comes to Air Quality Index (AQI), it is considered "good" between zero and 50, between 51 and 100 is "satisfactory", 101 and 200 is "moderate", 201 and 300 is "poor", 301 and 400 is "very poor", and 401 and 500 is "severe".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Massive impact on our health&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Dr Kumar said that "when you are exposed to such levels, the first impact is on the surface" of your body. Eyes, nose, lips, mouth, throat, skin, hair...these are exposed to the toxic air.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Kumar said that people report issues like redness, &nbsp;burning sensation, watering &nbsp;and itchiness in the eyes. He mentioned, itching in the nose, soreness in the throat, metallic taste in the mouth, dry hair, dry skin, rashes in the skin, and itchy skin also happens.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Kumar explained that an adult breathes 25,000 times in a day and every time, about 250cc to 350cc of air goes inside, around 10,000 litres in a day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Therefore, with the air we breathe, tonnes&nbsp;of toxins go into our system, and that&nbsp;toxins get deposited inside and they have short as well as long-term effects.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Impact of air pollution&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Immediate impact&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Dr Kumar said that on the breathing passage, the immediate effect is in the form of swelling in the windpipe, in the lining of the lungs. And when these "toxins get absorbed through the lungs into the blood", they can go everywhere, from the brain to the toe, "causing swelling" everywhere.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that in such scenarios, there is swelling in the brain, which is why we often get headaches when there's extreme pollution and it causes "hyperexcitability in children".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There's swelling in the heart, there's swelling in the blood vessels... so people are having pre-mature hypertension. A lot of them have high heart rates, which is called tachycardia," Dr Kumar said, adding that people are having different problems in other organs also.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Short-term problems</strong></p>

<p>Dr Kumar said that people also suffer from short-term effects like bronchiolitis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma and pneumonia caused in the lungs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You have all kinds of hyperexcitability, low IQ and other problems caused in the brain. You have pre-mature hypertension, irregular heartbeat, high heartbeat, etc in the heart. And other organs are also affected," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Long-term problems</strong></p>

<p>He noted that in long term, air pollution leads to "disastrous effects". In the brain, there is a 5%-10% higher incidence of brain attacks in adults. There is a 5%-10% higher incidence of heart attacks in adults. There are also problems occurring like hypertension and a high incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in the lungs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Kumar said that there are diseases like COPD and emphysema. And lung cancer is being reported more and more in non-smokers from polluted areas across the country and also in the global scenario.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Air pollution leads to deaths'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Dr Kumar said that from head to toe, diseases are being reported due to air pollution. Also, disabilities and premature deaths are caused by it.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Kumar said that the number of deaths caused by air pollution annually "far exceeds" the number of deaths caused by coronavirus (COVID-19), TB, malaria, HIV and some other diseases combined.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, this major and avoidable cause of death gets little attention from people as well as the government, said the doctor adding that other causes get much more attention just because they are more "visible and direct".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The effects of air pollution are invisible and indirect, he said, explaining that there's nothing like "air pollution caused heart attack".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So when a person dies of a heart attack, you will say he/she died of heart attack, but that attack was caused by air pollution, this fact doesn't get highlighted," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said also said that he is trying to highlight the point and inform people that air pollution is the primary cause of a lot of diseases we are dying of today, even though the visible cause is something else.&nbsp;</p>

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Pollution has made the air of India's capital New Delhi and the surrounding regions unbreathable. The toxic air poses multiple severe health complications to those who are breathing it, including children, adults elderly, and also animals.

Pollution has made the air of India's capital New Delhi and the surrounding regions unbreathable. The toxic air poses multiple severe health complications to those who are breathing it, including children, adults elderly, and also animals. Describing the conditions in one word, Dr Arvind Kumar of Medanta hospital called it a "disaster". The government and related agencies are trying to mitigate the effects by implementing several measures, but the quality of air has gotten worse in the past few days, with experts saying that it might deteriorate further. To discuss the situation in-depth, and understand how it will put a long-term impact on our health, WION spoke to Dr Arvind Kumar, who is the chairman of the institute of chest surgery- chest Onco Surgery and lung transplantation at Medanta hospital in Gurugram. The levels of air pollution in Delhi and rest of the north India today are at a disastrous level, Dr Kumar said while speaking to WION in a virtual interaction. Dr Kumar said, "No one can escape the ill effects of pollution. The quality of the air is disastrous and horrible." "Last year, we used the term 'medical emergency', but now the situation has gone worse than a medical emergency," Dr Kumar said. Currently, desperate measures have been put in by the administration to improve the situation, but the air in different parts of the northern Indian region remains toxic. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) on Sunday (November 6) stood at 339 at 4pm IST. It dropped from 381 a day ago. On Friday, it was 447. When it comes to Air Quality Index (AQI), it is considered "good" between zero and 50, between 51 and 100 is "satisfactory", 101 and 200 is "moderate", 201 and 300 is "poor", 301 and 400 is "very poor", and 401 and 500 is "severe". Massive impact on our health Dr Kumar said that "when you are exposed to such levels, the first impact is on the surface" of your body. Eyes, nose, lips, mouth, throat, skin, hair...these are exposed to the toxic air. Dr Kumar said that people report issues like redness, burning sensation, watering and itchiness in the eyes. He mentioned, itching in the nose, soreness in the throat, metallic taste in the mouth, dry hair, dry skin, rashes in the skin, and itchy skin also happens. Dr Kumar explained that an adult breathes 25,000 times in a day and every time, about 250cc to 350cc of air goes inside, around 10,000 litres in a day. Therefore, with the air we breathe, tonnes of toxins go into our system, and that toxins get deposited inside and they have short as well as long-term effects. Impact of air pollution Immediate impact Dr Kumar said that on the breathing passage, the immediate effect is in the form of swelling in the windpipe, in the lining of the lungs. And when these "toxins get absorbed through the lungs into the blood", they can go everywhere, from the brain to the toe, "causing swelling" everywhere. He said that in such scenarios, there is swelling in the brain, which is why we often get headaches when there's extreme pollution and it causes "hyperexcitability in children". "There's swelling in the heart, there's swelling in the blood vessels... so people are having pre-mature hypertension. A lot of them have high heart rates, which is called tachycardia," Dr Kumar said, adding that people are having different problems in other organs also. Short-term problems Dr Kumar said that people also suffer from short-term effects like bronchiolitis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma and pneumonia caused in the lungs. "You have all kinds of hyperexcitability, low IQ and other problems caused in the brain. You have pre-mature hypertension, irregular heartbeat, high heartbeat, etc in the heart. And other organs are also affected," he said. Long-term problems He noted that in long term, air pollution leads to "disastrous effects". In the brain, there is a 5%-10% higher incidence of brain attacks in adults. There is a 5%-10% higher incidence of heart attacks in adults. There are also problems occurring like hypertension and a high incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in the lungs. Dr Kumar said that there are diseases like COPD and emphysema. And lung cancer is being reported more and more in non-smokers from polluted areas across the country and also in the global scenario. 'Air pollution leads to deaths' Dr Kumar said that from head to toe, diseases are being reported due to air pollution. Also, disabilities and premature deaths are caused by it. Dr Kumar said that the number of deaths caused by air pollution annually "far exceeds" the number of deaths caused by coronavirus (COVID-19), TB, malaria, HIV and some other diseases combined. However, this major and avoidable cause of death gets little attention from people as well as the government, said the doctor adding that other causes get much more attention just because they are more "visible and direct". The effects of air pollution are invisible and indirect, he said, explaining that there's nothing like "air pollution caused heart attack". "So when a person dies of a heart attack, you will say he/she died of heart attack, but that attack was caused by air pollution, this fact doesn't get highlighted," he said. He said also said that he is trying to highlight the point and inform people that air pollution is the primary cause of a lot of diseases we are dying of today, even though the visible cause is something else. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Delhi air pollution is a 'disaster', a major and avoidable 'cause of death', expert tells WION

Indian capital New Delhi recorded its highest rainfall in nearly 122 years. Indian capital received some 88.2 millimeters of rain in the first month of the year. This is the highest rainfall in the capital recorded since 1901.

Indian capital New Delhi receives highest January rainfall

<p>The air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category across Faridabad, Gurgaon, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad on Sunday, data from a government agency showed.</p>

<p>The presence of pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 also remained high in the five immediate neighbours of Delhi, according to the air quality index (AQI) maintained by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).</p>

<p>According to the index, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.</p>

<p>The average 24-hour AQI at 4 pm on Sunday was 236 in Faridabad, 242 in Gurgaon, 268 in Noida, 273 in Greater Noida and 300 in Ghaziabad, according to the CPCB's Sameer app.</p>

<p>On Saturday, it was 171 in Faridabad, 204 in Gurgaon, 233 in Noida, 226 in Greater Noida and 240 in Ghaziabad.<br />
The CPCB states that an AQI in the "poor" category may cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure.</p>

<p>The AQI for each city is based on the average value of all stations there. Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad have four stations each, while Gurgaon has three and Greater Noida two, according to the app</p>


The air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category across Faridabad, Gurgaon, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad on Sunday, data from a government agency showed.

The air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category across Faridabad, Gurgaon, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad on Sunday, data from a government agency showed. The presence of pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 also remained high in the five immediate neighbours of Delhi, according to the air quality index (AQI) maintained by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). According to the index, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. The average 24-hour AQI at 4 pm on Sunday was 236 in Faridabad, 242 in Gurgaon, 268 in Noida, 273 in Greater Noida and 300 in Ghaziabad, according to the CPCB's Sameer app. On Saturday, it was 171 in Faridabad, 204 in Gurgaon, 233 in Noida, 226 in Greater Noida and 240 in Ghaziabad. The CPCB states that an AQI in the "poor" category may cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure. The AQI for each city is based on the average value of all stations there. Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad have four stations each, while Gurgaon has three and Greater Noida two, according to the app

Air quality remains 'poor' in National Capital Region

A day after hundreds of effigies of demon king Ravana were burnt in the national capital on the occasion of Dussehra, the air quality of the region has worsened.

Air Quality in New Delhi Worsens After Dussehra celebrations

The overburdened Civil Hospital warned that it was struggling to provide care to twice as many patients as it was designed to accommodate.

COVID-19 Crisis: National capital of India faces shortage of burial space

<p>After more than 10 earthquakes ranging around&nbsp;magnitude 4.5 on the Richter scale, experts fear a major earthquake can jolt the Delhi NCR region in June.</p>

<p>Professor Chandon Ghose of the Indian Institute of Technology, Jammu, has warned that after-effects of such an earthquake could be cataclysmic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the experts, the region of Delhi NCR falls under&nbsp;seismic zone-4, and is prone to tremors.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-asteroids-head-towards-earth-one-the-size-of-stadium-303234"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Five asteroids head towards Earth; one the size of stadium</strong></a></p>

<p>One major reason for the increased number of tremors has been proved to be the active nature of local fault system. Experts believe such fault systems can produce earthquakes on around&nbsp;6 to 6.5 Richter scale.</p>

<p>Majority experts have claimed that it is hard to predict the exact time, place and extent of the earthquake. However, they also believe that the predictions will turn into reality soon as there is a constant&nbsp;seismic activity going around in the Delhi-NCR region, which can give rise to a major earthquake.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/construction-of-emergency-landing-airstrip-on-nh-44-for-indian-airforce-starts-in-kashmir-303208"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Construction of emergency landing airstrip on NH-44 for Indian Airforce starts in Kashmir</strong></a></p>

<p>One major threat in such a case is the poorly-constructed buildings. According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), many of the buildings in the Delhi-NCR region do not adhere to the mandatory guidelines, which&nbsp;can lead to severe destruction if an earthquake of&nbsp; 6.0 Richter scale, or more, occurs in the region.</p>

<p>Even though this is known to the builders and the officials that the area is prone to earthquakes, builders generally ignore the guidelines laid down by the BIS. This compromises the safety of thousands of the residents of these areas.&nbsp;So, if a major earthquake, more than 6.0 Richter scale, strikes, the damage will be severe.</p>

<p>According to studies of the Seismic Hazard Microzonation, it has been observed that few areas in the South and Central Delhi are safer than the areas surrounding the Yamuna river. The Yamuna riverbed is more prone to the earthquakes.</p>

<p>An urgent modification in the BIS codes, and stricter rules are needed to make reduce the damage done by the earthquakes.</p>

<p>Japan is a country that is the most seismically active regions in the world as it&nbsp;sits in the Pacific Ring of Fire. However, the country has better condition of houses, and the buildings match the&nbsp;constructions codes. India, according to experts, lacks the strict protocol, which can lead to massive destruction in such cases.</p>


After more than 10 earthquakes ranging around magnitude 4.5 on the Richter scale, experts fear a major earthquake can jolt the Delhi NCR region in June. Professor Chandon Ghose of the Indian Institute of Technology, Jammu, has warned that after-effects of such an earthquake could be cataclysmic.

After more than 10 earthquakes ranging around magnitude 4.5 on the Richter scale, experts fear a major earthquake can jolt the Delhi NCR region in June. Professor Chandon Ghose of the Indian Institute of Technology, Jammu, has warned that after-effects of such an earthquake could be cataclysmic. As per the experts, the region of Delhi NCR falls under seismic zone-4, and is prone to tremors. Also read: Five asteroids head towards Earth; one the size of stadium One major reason for the increased number of tremors has been proved to be the active nature of local fault system. Experts believe such fault systems can produce earthquakes on around 6 to 6.5 Richter scale. Majority experts have claimed that it is hard to predict the exact time, place and extent of the earthquake. However, they also believe that the predictions will turn into reality soon as there is a constant seismic activity going around in the Delhi-NCR region, which can give rise to a major earthquake. Also read: Construction of emergency landing airstrip on NH-44 for Indian Airforce starts in Kashmir One major threat in such a case is the poorly-constructed buildings. According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), many of the buildings in the Delhi-NCR region do not adhere to the mandatory guidelines, which can lead to severe destruction if an earthquake of 6.0 Richter scale, or more, occurs in the region. Even though this is known to the builders and the officials that the area is prone to earthquakes, builders generally ignore the guidelines laid down by the BIS. This compromises the safety of thousands of the residents of these areas. So, if a major earthquake, more than 6.0 Richter scale, strikes, the damage will be severe. According to studies of the Seismic Hazard Microzonation, it has been observed that few areas in the South and Central Delhi are safer than the areas surrounding the Yamuna river. The Yamuna riverbed is more prone to the earthquakes. An urgent modification in the BIS codes, and stricter rules are needed to make reduce the damage done by the earthquakes. Japan is a country that is the most seismically active regions in the world as it sits in the Pacific Ring of Fire. However, the country has better condition of houses, and the buildings match the constructions codes. India, according to experts, lacks the strict protocol, which can lead to massive destruction in such cases.

Delhi: After more than 10 earthquakes, experts fear major quake

<p>An earthquake of magnitude 2.7 with epicentre in Delhi shook the region on Monday afternoon, prompting panic-stricken people to rush out of their homes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is the second consecutive day when people in the Delhi-NCR region felt the tremors.</p>

<p>Yesterday, An earthquake of mild intensity was felt in Delhi and NCR region on Sunday at 5:45 pm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the magnitude of the earthquake on the Richter scale was 3.5. The earthquake had a depth of 8 km at NCT Delhi.</p>

<p>Scores of people came out of their houses in fear, but there was no report of any injury or damage to property.</p>


An earthquake of magnitude 2.7 with epicentre in Delhi shook the region on Monday afternoon, prompting panic-stricken people to rush out of their homes. This is the second consecutive day when people in the Delhi-NCR region felt the tremors.

An earthquake of magnitude 2.7 with epicentre in Delhi shook the region on Monday afternoon, prompting panic-stricken people to rush out of their homes. This is the second consecutive day when people in the Delhi-NCR region felt the tremors. Yesterday, An earthquake of mild intensity was felt in Delhi and NCR region on Sunday at 5:45 pm. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the magnitude of the earthquake on the Richter scale was 3.5. The earthquake had a depth of 8 km at NCT Delhi. Scores of people came out of their houses in fear, but there was no report of any injury or damage to property.

Earthquake with magnitude 2.7 hits Delhi-NCR

<p>Around 50 senior executives of Delhi NCR-based companies fell victim to a racket that spanned three months and tangled 150 people in its web.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-gay-dating-app-halts-registration-after-underage-hiv-report-188529"><strong>Also read: Chinese gay dating app halts registration after underage HIV report</strong></a></p>

<p>The cornerstone to this fraudulent scheme was a social networking app called Grindr, which is designed to accommodate gay, bisexual and transgender people who were reportedly blackmailed with intimate pictures.</p>

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<p>Targets of the racket were allegedly contacted through the app and dates were arranged after befriending them on isolated stretches of the Western Peripheral Expressway and Southern Peripheral Road in Gurugram.</p>

<p>Most victims were reportedly ambushed in their cars by the gang members, beaten up, photographed in the nude and robbed of their belongings.</p>

<p>The operation involving six men was busted in November after a decoy was sent to meet one of the members on Southern Peripheral Road following a complaint by a victim. Four of the culprits were arrested post-haste while two are still at large.</p>

<p>80 of the 150 victims have been tracked down by local law enforcement in the last three months, though the investigation is far from over. No response has been available from the US-based company Grindr on its horrifying misuse on Indians from the LGBTQ community.</p>

<p>The modus operandi for this crew involved striking friendship on the app and calling the victims to Sector 29 where one of the two members of the gang would meet the victim, chosen on account of their looks.</p>

<p>Most victims failed to realise that the person was different from the picture in the app or probably didn’t mind the difference. The stigma attached to same-sex relationships runs deep within India, even though such bonds are not illegal. Many of the senior executives who fell victims to this were married and had children, and could therefore not come out yet.</p>

<p>Victims would then be coerced to take a drive along the Southern Peripheral Road and Western Peripheral Expressway where police presence is low and the streets are improperly lit. Following them were the gang, who would ambush the two once they started performing a sexual act.</p>

<p>Gang members surrounded the parked cars and threatened the couple with a pistol, following which they clicked pictures and forced them to hand over their belongings. Victims threatened by the idea of their nude photos and videos being posted on several websites would hand over cash, laptops, watches and even transferred money into different accounts.</p>

<p>Most victims returned home and spent restless nights allegedly being blackmailed by the gang to transfer more money into specific accounts. Many could not disclose their predicament to their families or friends, for few would have understood.</p>

<p>Most victims the police reached out to were hesitant to discuss the matter and feared to take any legal action. Local law enforcement collected details and contact numbers of more victims after they had sufficient evidence of the gang's activities.</p>

<p>One officer set up a meeting in Sector 29 from where the suspect took him to the Southern Peripheral Expressway, where the police arrested the four men. The arrested goons admitted to robbing and assaulting around 150 people in three months.</p>

<p>Fears of their intimate images being on several electronic devices to be used for blackmail on a later date is rampant among the victims of this racket, who feel that Grindr has disrupted their personal lives and embarrassed them socially.</p>

<p>Law enforcement branches are determined to identify similar cases and are appealing to citizens with any information to contact the police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police were keen to identify more people involved in similar cases and were appealing to residents with any information to contact the police.</p>

<p>“We want to urge people who use these online dating applications not to share their details with strangers and not to meet them in isolated places; they should meet at public places,” said Police Commissioner Muhammad Akil in a statement.</p>


Around 50 senior executives of Delhi NCR-based companies fell victim to a racket that spanned three months and tangled 150 people in its web. Also read: Chinese gay dating app halts registration after underage HIV report The cornerstone to this fraudulent scheme was a social networking app called Grindr, which is designed to accommodate gay, bisexual and transgender people who were reportedly blackmailed with intimate pictures.

Around 50 senior executives of Delhi NCR-based companies fell victim to a racket that spanned three months and tangled 150 people in its web. Also read: Chinese gay dating app halts registration after underage HIV report The cornerstone to this fraudulent scheme was a social networking app called Grindr, which is designed to accommodate gay, bisexual and transgender people who were reportedly blackmailed with intimate pictures. Targets of the racket were allegedly contacted through the app and dates were arranged after befriending them on isolated stretches of the Western Peripheral Expressway and Southern Peripheral Road in Gurugram. Most victims were reportedly ambushed in their cars by the gang members, beaten up, photographed in the nude and robbed of their belongings. The operation involving six men was busted in November after a decoy was sent to meet one of the members on Southern Peripheral Road following a complaint by a victim. Four of the culprits were arrested post-haste while two are still at large. 80 of the 150 victims have been tracked down by local law enforcement in the last three months, though the investigation is far from over. No response has been available from the US-based company Grindr on its horrifying misuse on Indians from the LGBTQ community. The modus operandi for this crew involved striking friendship on the app and calling the victims to Sector 29 where one of the two members of the gang would meet the victim, chosen on account of their looks. Most victims failed to realise that the person was different from the picture in the app or probably didn’t mind the difference. The stigma attached to same-sex relationships runs deep within India, even though such bonds are not illegal. Many of the senior executives who fell victims to this were married and had children, and could therefore not come out yet. Victims would then be coerced to take a drive along the Southern Peripheral Road and Western Peripheral Expressway where police presence is low and the streets are improperly lit. Following them were the gang, who would ambush the two once they started performing a sexual act. Gang members surrounded the parked cars and threatened the couple with a pistol, following which they clicked pictures and forced them to hand over their belongings. Victims threatened by the idea of their nude photos and videos being posted on several websites would hand over cash, laptops, watches and even transferred money into different accounts. Most victims returned home and spent restless nights allegedly being blackmailed by the gang to transfer more money into specific accounts. Many could not disclose their predicament to their families or friends, for few would have understood. Most victims the police reached out to were hesitant to discuss the matter and feared to take any legal action. Local law enforcement collected details and contact numbers of more victims after they had sufficient evidence of the gang's activities. One officer set up a meeting in Sector 29 from where the suspect took him to the Southern Peripheral Expressway, where the police arrested the four men. The arrested goons admitted to robbing and assaulting around 150 people in three months. Fears of their intimate images being on several electronic devices to be used for blackmail on a later date is rampant among the victims of this racket, who feel that Grindr has disrupted their personal lives and embarrassed them socially. Law enforcement branches are determined to identify similar cases and are appealing to citizens with any information to contact the police. The police were keen to identify more people involved in similar cases and were appealing to residents with any information to contact the police. “We want to urge people who use these online dating applications not to share their details with strangers and not to meet them in isolated places; they should meet at public places,” said Police Commissioner Muhammad Akil in a statement.

Thugs used online dating app 'Grindr' to rob CEOs of Delhi-NCR

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ajit-pawar-took-false-documents-to-raj-bhawan-yesterday-sanjay-raut-264162">Income Tax Department</a> is conducting searches at 25 locations in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pune-notices-issued-to-163-people-ahead-of-202nd-anniversary-of-bhima-koregaon-269744">Pune</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cold-continues-in-delhi-dense-fog-hampers-visibility-270958">Delhi-NCR</a> at properties belonging to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-case-enforcement-directorate-seeks-custody-of-ratul-puri-accuses-him-of-influencing-witnesses-239702">Sushen Mohan Gupta</a> and Pune-based industrialist Dinesh Munot in connection with Rs 3,600 crore <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-allows-ed-to-record-christian-michels-statement-in-agustawestland-case-259504">VVIP AgustaWestland</a> chopper deal, sources said on Thursday.<br />
<br />
The searches are currently underway. Gupta was arrested on March 26 this year by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-high-court-adjourns-hearing-on-enforcement-directorates-plea-seeking-cancellation-of-robert-vadras-anticipatory-bail-269750">Enforcement Directorate</a> (ED) on charges of money laundering.<br />
<br />
A special CBI court had in June granted him bail in connection with the case.<br />
<br />
In 2014, India had scrapped a contract with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-attempts-to-tamper-with-evidence-influence-witnesses-christian-michel-in-bail-plea-in-agustawestland-case-257771">Finmeccanica's British</a> subsidiary, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-to-examine-agustawestland-middleman-christian-michel-in-another-defence-deal-case-265457">AgustaWestland</a>, for supplying 12 VVIP choppers to the Indian Air Force, over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of kickbacks worth Rs 423 crore being paid to secure the deal.</p>


The Income Tax Department is conducting searches at 25 locations in Pune and Delhi-NCR at properties belonging to Sushen Mohan Gupta and Pune-based industrialist Dinesh Munot in connection with Rs 3,600 crore VVIP AgustaWestland chopper deal, sources said on Thursday.

The Income Tax Department is conducting searches at 25 locations in Pune and Delhi-NCR at properties belonging to Sushen Mohan Gupta and Pune-based industrialist Dinesh Munot in connection with Rs 3,600 crore VVIP AgustaWestland chopper deal, sources said on Thursday. The searches are currently underway. Gupta was arrested on March 26 this year by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on charges of money laundering. A special CBI court had in June granted him bail in connection with the case. In 2014, India had scrapped a contract with Finmeccanica's British subsidiary, AgustaWestland, for supplying 12 VVIP choppers to the Indian Air Force, over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of kickbacks worth Rs 423 crore being paid to secure the deal.

AgustaWestland deal: IT department conducts raids at 25 properties in Pune, NCR-Delhi

<p>The national capital continues to reel under noxious air after a brief relief from the <a href="On Tuesday morning, the air quality index docked at 352 with PM2.5 at 188 and PM10 306, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). ">poor air quality</a> during the last week.</p>

<p>On Tuesday morning, the air quality index docked at 352 with PM2.5 at 188 and PM10 306, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).</p>

<p>At 9 in the morning, the AQI at Dhirpur, Delhi University and Chandni Chowk was at 363, 357 and 377 respectively. At the city`s major junction such as IIT Delhi, Pusa Road and Mathura Road, the AQI was recorded at 328, 333 and 336, respectively.</p>

<p>Today, the minimum and maximum temperature of Delhi will hover around 8 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius with the humidity at 50 per cent. A shallow fog will envelop the region throughout the day.</p>

<p>The AQI is expected to improve from December 12 due to the prevalence of the western disturbance."Under the influence of approaching western disturbance, increased wind speed and scattered rainfall is expected by the evening of 12th December, improvement in AQI is expecting," stated SAFAR in its advisory.</p>

<p><strong>Also Watch:&nbsp;How Pollution is taking a toll on the GDP</strong></p>

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<p>Even in the capital`s adjoining area Ghaziabad, the AQI was hovering around 400 marks. The residents` complaint of breathlessness and eye irritation while moving outdoors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The top court had on Monday lifted the ban on construction activities partially in Delhi-NCR to contain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chokes-again-as-aqi-level-deteriorates-265878">air pollution levels</a>.</p>

<p>The judicature had imposed a moratorium on all construction and demolition activities in light of the deteriorating air quality from the past couple of weeks in the region.</p>

<p>The Center-run SAFAR has advised people residing in the national capital and its adjoining areas to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion."Take more breaks and do less intense activities. Asthmatics, keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. Heart patients, see a doctor if you get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue," it said in an advisory.&nbsp;</p>


The national capital continues to reel under noxious air after a brief relief from the poor air quality during the last week. On Tuesday morning, the air quality index docked at 352 with PM2.

The national capital continues to reel under noxious air after a brief relief from the poor air quality during the last week. On Tuesday morning, the air quality index docked at 352 with PM2.5 at 188 and PM10 306, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). At 9 in the morning, the AQI at Dhirpur, Delhi University and Chandni Chowk was at 363, 357 and 377 respectively. At the city`s major junction such as IIT Delhi, Pusa Road and Mathura Road, the AQI was recorded at 328, 333 and 336, respectively. Today, the minimum and maximum temperature of Delhi will hover around 8 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius with the humidity at 50 per cent. A shallow fog will envelop the region throughout the day. The AQI is expected to improve from December 12 due to the prevalence of the western disturbance."Under the influence of approaching western disturbance, increased wind speed and scattered rainfall is expected by the evening of 12th December, improvement in AQI is expecting," stated SAFAR in its advisory. Also Watch: How Pollution is taking a toll on the GDP × Even in the capital`s adjoining area Ghaziabad, the AQI was hovering around 400 marks. The residents` complaint of breathlessness and eye irritation while moving outdoors. The top court had on Monday lifted the ban on construction activities partially in Delhi-NCR to contain air pollution levels. The judicature had imposed a moratorium on all construction and demolition activities in light of the deteriorating air quality from the past couple of weeks in the region. The Center-run SAFAR has advised people residing in the national capital and its adjoining areas to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion."Take more breaks and do less intense activities. Asthmatics, keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. Heart patients, see a doctor if you get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue," it said in an advisory.

Delhi reels under bouts of air pollution as AQI crosses 350 mark

<p>Two persons were rushed to hospital after a fire break broke out at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/32-killed-in-a-major-fire-in-anaj-mandi-area-of-delhi-266886">Anaj Mandi</a> on Monday in the same premises where 43 were killed in a massive blaze on Sunday.</p>

<p>Soon after receiving the call of fire, four fire tenders were rushed to the spot.</p>

<p>Speaking about the rescue operation, Delhi Police Constable Naresh said: "When we received a PCR call, we immediately reached the spot with Station House Officer. Fire tenders too rushed to the spot."</p>

<p>"We were told by the SHO to save as many people as we can. We found a way to enter the building. We first rescued a person from the building where the fire broke out and then two other persons from the backside, who were shifted to a hospital for medical aid," he said.</p>

<p>This was the third incident of fire in three days at Anaj Mandi.</p>

<p>At least 43 people died after a massive fire broke out in the factory on Sunday morning, police said.Around 62 people were rescued from the building by fire tenders.</p>

<p>34 dead were confirmed by the Lok Nayak Hospital and 9 by the Lady Hardinge Hospital, police said.</p>

<p>Delhi Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/magisterial-probe-ordered-into-anaj-mandi-fire-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-266943">Arvind Kejriwal</a> had announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.</p>

<p>Additional assistance of Rs 1 lakh had also been announced to those injured.</p>

<p>The Delhi government has also ordered a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/magisterial-probe-ordered-into-anaj-mandi-fire-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-266943">magisterial inquiry</a> into the incident and sought a report within seven days.</p>


Two persons were rushed to hospital after a fire break broke out at Anaj Mandi on Monday in the same premises where 43 were killed in a massive blaze on Sunday. Soon after receiving the call of fire, four fire tenders were rushed to the spot.

Two persons were rushed to hospital after a fire break broke out at Anaj Mandi on Monday in the same premises where 43 were killed in a massive blaze on Sunday. Soon after receiving the call of fire, four fire tenders were rushed to the spot. Speaking about the rescue operation, Delhi Police Constable Naresh said: "When we received a PCR call, we immediately reached the spot with Station House Officer. Fire tenders too rushed to the spot." "We were told by the SHO to save as many people as we can. We found a way to enter the building. We first rescued a person from the building where the fire broke out and then two other persons from the backside, who were shifted to a hospital for medical aid," he said. This was the third incident of fire in three days at Anaj Mandi. At least 43 people died after a massive fire broke out in the factory on Sunday morning, police said.Around 62 people were rescued from the building by fire tenders. 34 dead were confirmed by the Lok Nayak Hospital and 9 by the Lady Hardinge Hospital, police said. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident. Additional assistance of Rs 1 lakh had also been announced to those injured. The Delhi government has also ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and sought a report within seven days.

Two rushed to hospital after fire breaks out at Anaj Mandi building again

<p>After days of 'severe' and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-pollution-air-quality-index-remains-in-very-poor-category-for-second-consecutive-day-262655">'very poor' air quality</a>, Delhi and its nearby areas witnessed a change with AQI improving to the 'poor' category in the morning on Tuesday.</p>

<p>According to SAFAR, this relief from toxic air is temporary as the wind speed is going to slow down from November 20. Due to this, the air quality is likely to plunge to the 'severe' category on Thursday (November 21).</p>

<p>"Pollutant accumulation leading to quick deterioration is predicted by November 20th and the probability of AQI touching the lower end of SEVERE category on 21st November is high," stated the organisation in its advisory.</p>

<p>Today, the overall <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">air quality of Delhi</a> was recorded at 218, with PM 10 at 155 and PM 2.5 at 67. People of the city expressed happiness over the improved air quality. "The pollution levels have definitely come down. The air is much cleaner today," said a resident of the city.</p>

<p>The Center-run SAFAR has advised people to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. "Take more breaks and do less intense activities. Asthmatics, keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. Heart patients, see a doctor if you get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue," it said in an advisory.</p>


After days of 'severe' and 'very poor' air quality, Delhi and its nearby areas witnessed a change with AQI improving to the 'poor' category in the morning on Tuesday.

After days of 'severe' and 'very poor' air quality, Delhi and its nearby areas witnessed a change with AQI improving to the 'poor' category in the morning on Tuesday. According to SAFAR, this relief from toxic air is temporary as the wind speed is going to slow down from November 20. Due to this, the air quality is likely to plunge to the 'severe' category on Thursday (November 21). "Pollutant accumulation leading to quick deterioration is predicted by November 20th and the probability of AQI touching the lower end of SEVERE category on 21st November is high," stated the organisation in its advisory. Today, the overall air quality of Delhi was recorded at 218, with PM 10 at 155 and PM 2.5 at 67. People of the city expressed happiness over the improved air quality. "The pollution levels have definitely come down. The air is much cleaner today," said a resident of the city. The Center-run SAFAR has advised people to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. "Take more breaks and do less intense activities. Asthmatics, keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. Heart patients, see a doctor if you get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue," it said in an advisory.

Air quality improves slightly in Delhi, SAFAR says relief temporary

<p>As concerns over pollution in the national capital continues to grow, Bangladesh`s players were seen training wearing marks at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday.</p>

<p>Bangladesh and India are all set to play the first T20I of the three-match series here in Delhi on Sunday, November 3.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/feeling-breathless-delhi-ncr-residents-complain-as-air-quality-turns-hazardous-259171">air quality in Delhi </a>continues to deteriorate and it has slipped into the `severe` category in several places across the city.</p>

<p>This has led many to urge the BCCI to shift the match from Delhi.</p>

<p>When ANI contacted the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), a source replied: "It is up to the players, if they want to use the mask they can, it is their choice".</p>

<p>On Thursday, Bangladesh's batsman Liton Das was seen training with a mask on, while others like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mustafizur Rahman were seen without masks.</p>

<p>But on Friday, the situation seems to have changed as many Bangladesh players opted to train with masks.</p>

<p>However, when Liton Das was asked why he chose to wear a mask during training, the batsman replied: "I had some personal problem that`s why I was wearing it. I was not feeling well".</p>

<p>India's stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma also downplayed pollution concerns in Delhi on Thursday.</p>

<p>"I have just landed and didn`t get the time to see/assess what it`s like in Delhi. The information I have is that the match is scheduled for November 3 and it will happen on the same day," he had said.</p>

<p>Earlier, the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sourav-ganguly-takes-charge-as-president-of-board-for-control-of-cricket-in-india-257654"> BCCI President</a> Sourav Ganguly confirmed the match will go on as planned in the national capital.</p>

<p>"We have spoken to Delhi authorities in the last two days. They are expecting the match to go through but it was already scheduled so we could not cancel it at the last minute. We came in on October 28 and it was too late to do anything because a lot of preparations go in matches; tickets, crowd, and everything. So it is not possible to cancel things in the last minute," Ganguly had said.</p>


As concerns over pollution in the national capital continues to grow, Bangladesh`s players were seen training wearing marks at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday.

As concerns over pollution in the national capital continues to grow, Bangladesh`s players were seen training wearing marks at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday. Bangladesh and India are all set to play the first T20I of the three-match series here in Delhi on Sunday, November 3. The air quality in Delhi continues to deteriorate and it has slipped into the `severe` category in several places across the city. This has led many to urge the BCCI to shift the match from Delhi. When ANI contacted the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), a source replied: "It is up to the players, if they want to use the mask they can, it is their choice". On Thursday, Bangladesh's batsman Liton Das was seen training with a mask on, while others like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mustafizur Rahman were seen without masks. But on Friday, the situation seems to have changed as many Bangladesh players opted to train with masks. However, when Liton Das was asked why he chose to wear a mask during training, the batsman replied: "I had some personal problem that`s why I was wearing it. I was not feeling well". India's stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma also downplayed pollution concerns in Delhi on Thursday. "I have just landed and didn`t get the time to see/assess what it`s like in Delhi. The information I have is that the match is scheduled for November 3 and it will happen on the same day," he had said. Earlier, the BCCI President Sourav Ganguly confirmed the match will go on as planned in the national capital. "We have spoken to Delhi authorities in the last two days. They are expecting the match to go through but it was already scheduled so we could not cancel it at the last minute. We came in on October 28 and it was too late to do anything because a lot of preparations go in matches; tickets, crowd, and everything. So it is not possible to cancel things in the last minute," Ganguly had said.

Delhi T20I: Bangladesh players train with masks as air quality drops in national capital

<p>People residing in the national capital and its nearby areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida are forced to breath <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/delhi-witnesses-public-health-emergency-as-air-quality-dips-to-severe-258952">hazardous air</a> as Air Quality Index (AQI) has plunged to 425, which falls in the severe category, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).</p>

<p>While speaking to ANI, many citizens complained of fatigue, breathlessness and eye irritation due to spike in dust particles in the air.</p>

<p>"There is too much smog nowadays, making it difficult for us to do exercise. I have also developed eye irritation. The only solution to this problem is that we should stop burning crackers during Diwali," said Farhan Khurshid, a local from New Delhi.</p>

<p>Ravi from Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh also expressed worry about the worsening health of his children due to deteriorating air quality in the region and said, "The situation is very bad and I don`t know what to do. My children are falling ill and has developed the respiratory problem as they are inhaling poisonous air. I am planning to move out of Delhi-NCR."</p>

<p>A Noida resident asked citizens to come forward and collectively take responsibility for tackling the pollution menace.</p>

<p>For Rashmi Sharma, a resident of Noida, the only way to curb this menace is by taking collective responsibility. " Reducing air pollution is not only the government`s responsibility but our responsibility also. We must all come together and take steps to reduce it."</p>

<p>According to SAFAR, the overall <a href="wionews.com/india-news/air-quality-dips-in-four-major-indian-cities-during-diwali-environment-startup-259055">AQI of Delhi</a> continues to be in the SEVERE category for the fourth consecutive day.</p>

<p>The calm surface wind condition that prevails last two days over Delhi has led to strong surface nocturnal inversion and accumulation of pollutants.</p>

<p>Also, the effective stubble fire counts of Northwest India (Haryana and Punjab) has increased from the previous day count of 1057 to 2396, as evident from SAFAR-multi-satellite fire product.</p>

<p>The stubble fire percentage contribution of Delhi`s air quality which has touched the season`s highest share of 35 per cent on October 30 is predicted to be 27 per cent for today and 25 per cent on November 1.</p>

<p>An improvement to the lower end of the `Very poor` category is expected by November 2.&nbsp;</p>


People residing in the national capital and its nearby areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida are forced to breath hazardous air as Air Quality Index (AQI) has plunged to 425, which falls in the severe category, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

People residing in the national capital and its nearby areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida are forced to breath hazardous air as Air Quality Index (AQI) has plunged to 425, which falls in the severe category, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). While speaking to ANI, many citizens complained of fatigue, breathlessness and eye irritation due to spike in dust particles in the air. "There is too much smog nowadays, making it difficult for us to do exercise. I have also developed eye irritation. The only solution to this problem is that we should stop burning crackers during Diwali," said Farhan Khurshid, a local from New Delhi. Ravi from Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh also expressed worry about the worsening health of his children due to deteriorating air quality in the region and said, "The situation is very bad and I don`t know what to do. My children are falling ill and has developed the respiratory problem as they are inhaling poisonous air. I am planning to move out of Delhi-NCR." A Noida resident asked citizens to come forward and collectively take responsibility for tackling the pollution menace. For Rashmi Sharma, a resident of Noida, the only way to curb this menace is by taking collective responsibility. " Reducing air pollution is not only the government`s responsibility but our responsibility also. We must all come together and take steps to reduce it." According to SAFAR, the overall AQI of Delhi continues to be in the SEVERE category for the fourth consecutive day. The calm surface wind condition that prevails last two days over Delhi has led to strong surface nocturnal inversion and accumulation of pollutants. Also, the effective stubble fire counts of Northwest India (Haryana and Punjab) has increased from the previous day count of 1057 to 2396, as evident from SAFAR-multi-satellite fire product. The stubble fire percentage contribution of Delhi`s air quality which has touched the season`s highest share of 35 per cent on October 30 is predicted to be 27 per cent for today and 25 per cent on November 1. An improvement to the lower end of the `Very poor` category is expected by November 2.

'Feeling breathless': Delhi-NCR residents complain as air quality turns 'hazardous'

<p>Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday accused Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of playing blame-game over rising <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/feeling-breathless-delhi-ncr-residents-complain-as-air-quality-turns-hazardous-259171">pollution level in Delhi</a> and said blaming Punjab and Haryana would not solve the problem.</p>

<p>"Delhi Chief Minister is playing politics and blame-game on pollution levels," he said. He further said, "Instead of blaming Punjab and Haryana, he would think about Modi ji`s proposal to curb pollutants produced by industries in five states (adjacent to Delhi)."</p>

<p>The Minister accused Kejriwal of not releasing the state`s share for the Eastern Peripheral Way and bypass road that could reduce the pollution levels in the national capital.</p>

<p>"The state government had to release Rs 35 crore but they did not give it. They had to release Rs 1000 crore on a court order," Javadekar said.</p>

<p>Earlier today, Kejriwal blamed the Haryana and Punjab governments for rising pollution levels in the national capital region.</p>

<p>"The (Manohar Lal) Khattar and Captain (Amarinder Singh) governments are forcing farmers to burn stubble, which is causing severe pollution in Delhi," he tweeted.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">खट्टर और कैप्टन सरकारें अपने किसानों को पराली जलाने पर मजबूर कर रहीं हैं जिसकी वजह से दिल्ली में भारी प्रदूषण है<br />
<br />
कल पंजाब और हरियाणा भवन पर लोगों ने प्रदर्शन कर वहां की सरकारों के प्रति अपना रोष प्रकट किया। <a href="https://t.co/p4MfgVND4C">https://t.co/p4MfgVND4C</a></p>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1190095635615059969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The air quality has been "hazardous" in the national capital for the past several days. According to Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC), straw burning in the two states has increased this year.</p>


Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday accused Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of playing blame-game over rising pollution level in Delhi and said blaming Punjab and Haryana would not solve the problem.

Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday accused Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of playing blame-game over rising pollution level in Delhi and said blaming Punjab and Haryana would not solve the problem. "Delhi Chief Minister is playing politics and blame-game on pollution levels," he said. He further said, "Instead of blaming Punjab and Haryana, he would think about Modi ji`s proposal to curb pollutants produced by industries in five states (adjacent to Delhi)." The Minister accused Kejriwal of not releasing the state`s share for the Eastern Peripheral Way and bypass road that could reduce the pollution levels in the national capital. "The state government had to release Rs 35 crore but they did not give it. They had to release Rs 1000 crore on a court order," Javadekar said. Earlier today, Kejriwal blamed the Haryana and Punjab governments for rising pollution levels in the national capital region. "The (Manohar Lal) Khattar and Captain (Amarinder Singh) governments are forcing farmers to burn stubble, which is causing severe pollution in Delhi," he tweeted. खट्टर और कैप्टन सरकारें अपने किसानों को पराली जलाने पर मजबूर कर रहीं हैं जिसकी वजह से दिल्ली में भारी प्रदूषण है कल पंजाब और हरियाणा भवन पर लोगों ने प्रदर्शन कर वहां की सरकारों के प्रति अपना रोष प्रकट किया। https://t.co/p4MfgVND4C — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 1, 2019 × The air quality has been "hazardous" in the national capital for the past several days. According to Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC), straw burning in the two states has increased this year.

Delhi pollution: Javadekar accuses Kejriwal of playing blame-game

Delhi witnesses public health emergency as air quality dips to 'severe'

<p>From the past few days, the discomfort level in the national capital and its surrounding areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida has increased due to warm weather conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Skymet, scattered rains accompanied by thunderstorms are likely to batter Delhi-NCR between September 13 to September 15.</p>

<p>Notably, Delhi and its nearby regions have not received any significant rainfall activity after August 17.</p>

<p>"These rains would be localised and would not last for long. These rainfall activities would not be widespread," stated the weather forecasting agency in its advisory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, in Mumbai, heavy rains are predicted for the next two days. This will also help the devotees of Lord Ganesha to perform Visarjan without any hindrance on September 12.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The weather experts also predicted that the region in and around Mumbai are likely to receive significant rain and thundershower activity around September 14 or 15, wherein moderate showers with one or two intense spells may appear over the city.</p>


From the past few days, the discomfort level in the national capital and its surrounding areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida has increased due to warm weather conditions.

From the past few days, the discomfort level in the national capital and its surrounding areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida has increased due to warm weather conditions. According to Skymet, scattered rains accompanied by thunderstorms are likely to batter Delhi-NCR between September 13 to September 15. Notably, Delhi and its nearby regions have not received any significant rainfall activity after August 17. "These rains would be localised and would not last for long. These rainfall activities would not be widespread," stated the weather forecasting agency in its advisory. However, in Mumbai, heavy rains are predicted for the next two days. This will also help the devotees of Lord Ganesha to perform Visarjan without any hindrance on September 12. The weather experts also predicted that the region in and around Mumbai are likely to receive significant rain and thundershower activity around September 14 or 15, wherein moderate showers with one or two intense spells may appear over the city.

Delhi likely to witness rain showers, thunderstorm between September 13 to 15

<p>The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday said that Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) are expected to witness light rain for the next three days.</p>

<p>However, as per weather predictions, these light showers will not have much impact on the overall temperature of the region as they would be short-lived.</p>

<p>The capital city of Uttar Pradesh- Lucknow is also witnessing on and off rains for quite some time now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, the region witnessed 66 mm of rains.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, as of now, the rain showers have reduced in the region due to the formation of a low-pressure area and are now moving southwards towards Northeast Madhya Pradesh.</p>

<p>"Strong easterlies have been blowing over the region and with an abundance of moisture rainfall activity will be seen during the next three to four days. However, these rainfall activities are expected to be light only with isolated moderate showers during this time period," predicted Skymet.</p>

<p>Apart from Delhi-NCR and Lucknow, heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely at isolated places over Odisha, Uttarakhand, East Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Assam.</p>

<p>Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning is likely at isolated places over Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal and Sikkim.</p>

<p>Strong winds, speed reaching 45-55 kmph, are very likely to prevail over southwest Arabian Sea, southeast and central Bay of Bengal and Andaman and the Nicobar Islands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The organisation has also advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday said that Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) are expected to witness light rain for the next three days.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday said that Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) are expected to witness light rain for the next three days. However, as per weather predictions, these light showers will not have much impact on the overall temperature of the region as they would be short-lived. The capital city of Uttar Pradesh- Lucknow is also witnessing on and off rains for quite some time now. According to Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, the region witnessed 66 mm of rains. However, as of now, the rain showers have reduced in the region due to the formation of a low-pressure area and are now moving southwards towards Northeast Madhya Pradesh. "Strong easterlies have been blowing over the region and with an abundance of moisture rainfall activity will be seen during the next three to four days. However, these rainfall activities are expected to be light only with isolated moderate showers during this time period," predicted Skymet. Apart from Delhi-NCR and Lucknow, heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely at isolated places over Odisha, Uttarakhand, East Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Assam. Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning is likely at isolated places over Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal and Sikkim. Strong winds, speed reaching 45-55 kmph, are very likely to prevail over southwest Arabian Sea, southeast and central Bay of Bengal and Andaman and the Nicobar Islands. The organisation has also advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

Delhi-NCR to witness light rain during the weekend

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/partly-cloudy-morning-in-delhi-respite-from-heat-likely-later-in-the-day-226394">The national capital on Wednesday</a> evening was gripped by a sudden dust storm. Private weather agency Skymet Weather predicted "intense rains ahead" for Delhi with "heavy showers" in some parts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Operations were temporarily halted at Indira Gandhi International airport due to the dust storm, news agency ANI reported. Till 7.50 pm, 27 flights had been diverted from Delhi airport.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Delhiites woke up to a partly cloudy morning on Wednesday, with the minimum temperature settling at 31 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average.</p>

<p>The weather department predicted some respite from the oppressive heat later in the day with gusty winds and thunderstorm to occur.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dust storm hits Delhi; Skymet Weather says "intense rains ahead, expect some parts to see heavy showers as well." <a href="https://t.co/tozHQSoG2Y">pic.twitter.com/tozHQSoG2Y</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1138803277863112705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Tuesday, the maximum temperature in the city was 44.5 degrees Celsius, five degrees above the season's average.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, all forces are on alert as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-vayu-turns-very-severe-10-districts-of-gujarat-on-alert-226555">Gujarat braces for Cyclone Vayu</a> to make landfall on Thursday. The Army, the Air Force, and the NDRF teams are deployed and put on standby for rescue and relief operations along with the coastal districts.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Heavy dust storm hits Janpath Road and India Gate, in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/WqiYvZq8Kq">pic.twitter.com/WqiYvZq8Kq</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1138804824181420034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has also deployed ships and aircraft to enable search and rescue post the landfall of the cyclonic storm.</p>

<p>Authorities have managed to evacuate around 1.60 lakh people on the coast to safer places.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The national capital on Wednesday evening was gripped by a sudden dust storm. Private weather agency Skymet Weather predicted "intense rains ahead" for Delhi with "heavy showers" in some parts.

The national capital on Wednesday evening was gripped by a sudden dust storm. Private weather agency Skymet Weather predicted "intense rains ahead" for Delhi with "heavy showers" in some parts. Operations were temporarily halted at Indira Gandhi International airport due to the dust storm, news agency ANI reported. Till 7.50 pm, 27 flights had been diverted from Delhi airport. Delhiites woke up to a partly cloudy morning on Wednesday, with the minimum temperature settling at 31 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average. The weather department predicted some respite from the oppressive heat later in the day with gusty winds and thunderstorm to occur. Dust storm hits Delhi; Skymet Weather says "intense rains ahead, expect some parts to see heavy showers as well." pic.twitter.com/tozHQSoG2Y — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2019 × On Tuesday, the maximum temperature in the city was 44.5 degrees Celsius, five degrees above the season's average. Meanwhile, all forces are on alert as Gujarat braces for Cyclone Vayu to make landfall on Thursday. The Army, the Air Force, and the NDRF teams are deployed and put on standby for rescue and relief operations along with the coastal districts. Heavy dust storm hits Janpath Road and India Gate, in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/WqiYvZq8Kq — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2019 × The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has also deployed ships and aircraft to enable search and rescue post the landfall of the cyclonic storm. Authorities have managed to evacuate around 1.60 lakh people on the coast to safer places. (With inputs from agencies)

Dust storm grips Delhi, 'intense rain ahead' predicts Skymet  

<p>Continuing its efforts to establish an environment-friendly network, the Delhi Metro has become the first ever project in the country to receive power generated from a waste-to-energy plant.</p>

<p>The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said it has started receiving 2 MW power from a 12 MW capacity waste-to-energy plant set up in Ghazipur.</p>

<p>"DMRC is receiving the power since the beginning of this month from this facility which is being utilised at the Vinod Nagar Receiving Sub-station (RSS) for meeting the operational requirements of Pink Line of Delhi Metro," said a press statement issued on Tuesday.</p>

<p>"DMRC will take approximately 17.5 million units per annum from this plant. However, the energy offtake will depend upon the actual generation of the plant," it said.</p>

<p>The waste-to-energy plant set up by East Delhi Waste Processing Company Limited (EDWPCL) is based on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) involving the Delhi government and East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC), besides the EDWPCL.</p>

<p>"The state of the art facility is set up to process above 1,500 tonnes per day (TPD) of waste and generate 12 MW of green power. The plant is India's first Euro norms compliant waste-to-energy facility," the DMRC said.</p>

<p>The plant will mitigate over 8 million tons of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) over the life of the project, thus combating global warming.</p>

<p>The Delhi Metro has been working continuously towards the conservation of the environment since the inception of the organisation. It is the first ever rail based organisation in the world to claim carbon credits.</p>

<p>The DMRC has also commissioned a facility at Rohini on PPP model with IL&amp;FS Environmental Infrastructure &amp; Services Ltd (IEISL) for recycling of Construction and Demolition (C&amp;D) waste with a capacity of 150 tons per day.</p>

<p>Currently, DMRC is producing 28 MW of solar power from the various rooftop solar power plants, which have been set up in its stations, depots and residential premises.</p>

<p>The mass transit operator has also started to receive solar power from the off-site solar power plant at Rewa in Madhya Pradesh.</p>

<p>In construction also, DMRC plants 10 trees for each tree that is cut. Close to 4 lakh vehicles are being removed from the streets because of the Delhi Metro.&nbsp;</p>


Continuing its efforts to establish an environment-friendly network, the Delhi Metro has become the first ever project in the country to receive power generated from a waste-to-energy plant.

Continuing its efforts to establish an environment-friendly network, the Delhi Metro has become the first ever project in the country to receive power generated from a waste-to-energy plant. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said it has started receiving 2 MW power from a 12 MW capacity waste-to-energy plant set up in Ghazipur. "DMRC is receiving the power since the beginning of this month from this facility which is being utilised at the Vinod Nagar Receiving Sub-station (RSS) for meeting the operational requirements of Pink Line of Delhi Metro," said a press statement issued on Tuesday. "DMRC will take approximately 17.5 million units per annum from this plant. However, the energy offtake will depend upon the actual generation of the plant," it said. The waste-to-energy plant set up by East Delhi Waste Processing Company Limited (EDWPCL) is based on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) involving the Delhi government and East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC), besides the EDWPCL. "The state of the art facility is set up to process above 1,500 tonnes per day (TPD) of waste and generate 12 MW of green power. The plant is India's first Euro norms compliant waste-to-energy facility," the DMRC said. The plant will mitigate over 8 million tons of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) over the life of the project, thus combating global warming. The Delhi Metro has been working continuously towards the conservation of the environment since the inception of the organisation. It is the first ever rail based organisation in the world to claim carbon credits. The DMRC has also commissioned a facility at Rohini on PPP model with IL&FS Environmental Infrastructure & Services Ltd (IEISL) for recycling of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste with a capacity of 150 tons per day. Currently, DMRC is producing 28 MW of solar power from the various rooftop solar power plants, which have been set up in its stations, depots and residential premises. The mass transit operator has also started to receive solar power from the off-site solar power plant at Rewa in Madhya Pradesh. In construction also, DMRC plants 10 trees for each tree that is cut. Close to 4 lakh vehicles are being removed from the streets because of the Delhi Metro.

Delhi Metro becomes India's first project to receive power from waste-to-energy plant

<p>Heat wave condition is likely to prevail in Gujarat for the next couple of days as there are no chances of rain, according to the India Meteorological&nbsp;Department (IMD).</p>

<p>"We have given heatwave alert for Gujarat for today. Many places have seen the temperature above 44 degree Celsius in Gujarat," IMD Gujarat Director Jayant Sarkar said.</p>

<p>"Tomorrow and day after tomorrow temperature will decrease because the wind pattern will change from northwesterly to southwesterly, but after that maximum temperature will again rise. We have today given orange alert for Ahmedabad," Sarkar added.</p>

<p>The temperature in Surendra Nagar was the highest on Thursday, recording a maximum of 45.7 degree Celsius. Deesa was at 45.2 while Ahmedabad, Idar and Kandla airport registered maximum temperatures of 44 degree Celsius, the&nbsp;IMD&nbsp;stated.</p>

<p>Besides Gujarat, the&nbsp;IMD&nbsp;had also stated that heat wave condition will prevail in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan too until Monday.</p>

<p>The central and northern India continues to remain under the grip of a heat wave.</p>


The central and northern India continues to remain under the grip of heatwave

Heat wave condition is likely to prevail in Gujarat for the next couple of days as there are no chances of rain, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). "We have given heatwave alert for Gujarat for today. Many places have seen the temperature above 44 degree Celsius in Gujarat," IMD Gujarat Director Jayant Sarkar said. "Tomorrow and day after tomorrow temperature will decrease because the wind pattern will change from northwesterly to southwesterly, but after that maximum temperature will again rise. We have today given orange alert for Ahmedabad," Sarkar added. The temperature in Surendra Nagar was the highest on Thursday, recording a maximum of 45.7 degree Celsius. Deesa was at 45.2 while Ahmedabad, Idar and Kandla airport registered maximum temperatures of 44 degree Celsius, the IMD stated. Besides Gujarat, the IMD had also stated that heat wave condition will prevail in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan too until Monday. The central and northern India continues to remain under the grip of a heat wave.

Heatwave condition to prevail in Gujarat

<p>The National Capital Region (NCR) and its adjoining areas witnessed a fresh thunderstorm on Saturday afternoon with gusty winds, followed by rain in some parts.</p>

<p>The minimum temperature recorded in the afternoon was 29 degrees Celsius.</p>

<p>The maximum temperature, on the other hand, was nearly 42 degrees Celsius.</p>

<p>The India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials on Saturday morning had issued a forecast of a thunderstorm in various parts of Delhi and NCR.</p>

<p>The warning came after deadly storms on May 13 and 14 claimed over 80 lives across five states in the country.</p>

<p>Earlier on May 2, at least 100 people died in north India and some other states, because of thunderstorms.&nbsp</p>


The India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials on Saturday morning had issued a forecast of a thunderstorm in various parts of Delhi and NCR

The National Capital Region (NCR) and its adjoining areas witnessed a fresh thunderstorm on Saturday afternoon with gusty winds, followed by rain in some parts. The minimum temperature recorded in the afternoon was 29 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature, on the other hand, was nearly 42 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials on Saturday morning had issued a forecast of a thunderstorm in various parts of Delhi and NCR. The warning came after deadly storms on May 13 and 14 claimed over 80 lives across five states in the country. Earlier on May 2, at least 100 people died in north India and some other states, because of thunderstorms.

Fresh thunderstorm hits Delhi-NCR

<p>Traffic came to a standstill in the National capital's Connaught place during the "Bharat bandh" protest on Monday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Traffic Alert<br />
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Traffic is heavy at outer circle Connaught Place near Janpath due to demonstration. Kindly avoid the stretch.</p>
— Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) <a href="https://twitter.com/dtptraffic/status/980730953860460549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Over hundred people marched to the area protesting against the apex court's order on SC/ST Act.</p>

<p>The protesters blocked roads outside Mandi House metro station disrupting the traffic in&nbsp;Janpath, Barakhamba road, Mandhi House and other areas in Delhi.</p>

<p>An endless&nbsp;stretch of vehicles blocked the roads on Sansad Marg, from Patel Chowk to Jantar Mantar.</p>

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Motorists going towards Kalindi Kunj from Gazipur, Dallupura and DND are advice to avoid the stretch due to demonstration. Traffic has been diverted from Vasundhara Enclave.</p>
— Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) <a href="https://twitter.com/dtptraffic/status/980681041840132096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Traffic is heavy in the carriageway from Moolchand towards South Ex. due to ongoing DMRC work. Kindly avoid the stretch.</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The commuters in Delhi NCR's Gurgaon and Noida also faced heavy traffic after 10 am.</p>

<p>The protest was organised by Dalit outfits&nbsp;against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act across the nation</p>

<p>The protest has&nbsp;led to the death of four persons.</p>

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The protesters blocked roads outside Mandi House metro station disrupting the traffic in Janpath, Barakhamba road, Mandhi House and other areas in Delhi

Traffic came to a standstill in the National capital's Connaught place during the "Bharat bandh" protest on Monday. Traffic Alert Traffic is heavy at outer circle Connaught Place near Janpath due to demonstration. Kindly avoid the stretch. — Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) April 2, 2018 × Over hundred people marched to the area protesting against the apex court's order on SC/ST Act. The protesters blocked roads outside Mandi House metro station disrupting the traffic in Janpath, Barakhamba road, Mandhi House and other areas in Delhi. An endless stretch of vehicles blocked the roads on Sansad Marg, from Patel Chowk to Jantar Mantar. Traffic Alert Motorists going towards Kalindi Kunj from Gazipur, Dallupura and DND are advice to avoid the stretch due to demonstration. Traffic has been diverted from Vasundhara Enclave. — Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) April 2, 2018 × Traffic Alert Traffic is heavy in the carriageway from Moolchand towards South Ex. due to ongoing DMRC work. Kindly avoid the stretch. — Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) April 2, 2018 × The commuters in Delhi NCR's Gurgaon and Noida also faced heavy traffic after 10 am. The protest was organised by Dalit outfits against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act across the nation The protest has led to the death of four persons.

Bharat Bandh protest: Heart of Delhi comes to standstill, arteries blocked

<p>As the nation welcomed the New Year, app-based cab aggregator Uber on Tuesday noted that Delhi, NCR was the most active city, as it clocked the highest number of trips taken on a single night.</p>

<p>In a report on highlights of services on New Year&#39;s Eve released by the company, Uber noted that over 90,000 riders used UberPOOL to cut down on congestion during this busy night, with over 22,000 riders reported to be from Delhi, NCR, followed by Hyderabad and Bengaluru.</p>

<p>Further, a driver partner from Delhi, NCR completed 18 trips on this one night, making it the highest across the country, followed by one in India&#39;s IT hub, who completed 14 trips.</p>

<p>The highlights also revealed that at the stroke of midnight, close to 15,000 riders were in an Uber across India.</p>

<p>&quot;New Year&#39;s Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year for Uber across the globe. Our goal was to ensure riders can get a reliable ride at the tap of a button and avoid getting behind the wheel. From training driver partners to partnering with traffic police and restaurants across many cities, we wanted to make a difference and reduce cases of driving under the influence in India,&quot; said Sanjay Gupta, Head of Marketing, Uber India and SA.</p>

<p>He also opined that the popularity of ride-sharing portrays a significant change in commuting behavior of riders, which is hinting towards attempting to decongest India&#39;s roads</p>


In a report on highlights of services on New Year's Eve released by the company, Uber noted that over 90,000 riders used UberPOOL to cut down on congestion during this busy night, with over 22,000 riders reported to be from Delhi, NCR, followed by Hyderabad and Bengaluru

As the nation welcomed the New Year, app-based cab aggregator Uber on Tuesday noted that Delhi, NCR was the most active city, as it clocked the highest number of trips taken on a single night. In a report on highlights of services on New Year's Eve released by the company, Uber noted that over 90,000 riders used UberPOOL to cut down on congestion during this busy night, with over 22,000 riders reported to be from Delhi, NCR, followed by Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Further, a driver partner from Delhi, NCR completed 18 trips on this one night, making it the highest across the country, followed by one in India's IT hub, who completed 14 trips. The highlights also revealed that at the stroke of midnight, close to 15,000 riders were in an Uber across India. "New Year's Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year for Uber across the globe. Our goal was to ensure riders can get a reliable ride at the tap of a button and avoid getting behind the wheel. From training driver partners to partnering with traffic police and restaurants across many cities, we wanted to make a difference and reduce cases of driving under the influence in India," said Sanjay Gupta, Head of Marketing, Uber India and SA. He also opined that the popularity of ride-sharing portrays a significant change in commuting behavior of riders, which is hinting towards attempting to decongest India's roads

Uber records maximum trips from Delhi-NCR on New Year's Eve

<p>This was a couple of years back. With my family, I was standing on the banks of river Hudson, eagerly waiting for the 4th July firework to play out in the night sky of New York City. Then it started, a burst of colour one after the another, as well as patterns and designs of all sorts, turning the stratosphere into a palette.</p>

<p>Celebrating the American independence day with firecrackers is a time-old custom in the US. I have witnessed student organisations, individuals, municipal corporations, military, all celebrating from the Pacific coast to New England, from the lake of Michigan to the hills of Tennesse. In all my years of stay in the US, I haven&#39;t come across even a whispering concern at the environmental damage that this annual ritual might cause.</p>

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<h5>The Supreme Court of India has imposed a ban on the sale of firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR.</h5>
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<p>Contrast this with what I experienced in the Delhi-NCR when I moved to Delhi last year. Immediately after Diwali, a heavy unpenetrable smog hung over schools and playgrounds, houses and hospitals. We could breathe, but with fear. Suffocation didn&#39;t seem to be a far-fetched idea in a gas chamber named Delhi.</p>

<p>Eventually, the huge civic protest against lenient environmental norms during festivals forced the hand of the government. Today, the Supreme Court of India has imposed a ban on the sale of firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR.</p>

<p>After the ban was pronounced, there has emerged over the last few dates an equally voracious argument whether such a verdict stems from a disregard of the cultural belief and practices of Hindus.</p>

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<p>Diwali or Deepavali is the festival of light but over the years, increasingly, it has become the festival of sound. Loud, crackling, incessant sound of firecracker - bursting and emitting smoke at the same time. But one should not only be thinking that it is sound or the smoke itself which is creating all the problems. Rather, it is the chemical compounds used in firecrackers that makes it so dangerous.</p>

<p>One of the biggest problem plaguing Diwali firework in India is the sale of illegal Chinese firecrackers in the local market. All Chinese firecrackers contain potassium chlorate, an ingredient whose use had been banned by the Indian government since 1992. Potassium Chlorate, when mixed with Sulphur, makes an extremely reactive compound, prone to explosion. The ban, however, led to the beginning of an illegal trade in Chinese firecrackers in India. Using of Chlorate, thus, did not stop, putting all the users in a potentially dangerous situation.</p>

<p>Those who argue that we are taking the fun out of Diwali by banning firecrackers may decide to learn from the examples of Europe and the US so that they can have the firework as well as maintain a standard of air quality.</p>

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<h5>Europe limits the time of firecracker use. The limit is not only to dates but also down by the hours.</h5>
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<p>If we go by Europe&#39;s example, the best practice they follow is to limit the time of use not only to dates but also down by the hours. In Finland, for instance, they can burst firecrackers only on New Year&#39;s Eve and that also between 6 pm to 2 am. The same guideline holds true for Netherlands and Norway. In the UK fireworks can be sold only through specialist stores.</p>

<p>Most of these countries also have an age bar, ranging from 16-18 years, for people to whom fireworks can be sold to.</p>

<p>The US does not have such a blanket approach to firecrackers; the laws governing consumer fireworks vary widely from state to state, or from county to county. The Consumer Product Safety Commission, the body governing the firework-related regulations, defines what fireworks may be considered consumer fireworks. Consumer fireworks in the United States are limited to 500 grams (this was previously 200 grams until recent years) of composition, and firecrackers may have up to 50 milligrams of flash powder.</p>

<p>Moreover, reloadable shells are limited to 1.75&quot; in diameter, and shells in pre-fused tubes are limited to 2&quot;. Any fireworks that exceed these limits are not considered consumer fireworks and need a license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).</p>

<p>Most states allow different forms of fireworks on 4th July but barring few states, such as Georgia almost all of them prohibits the sale and use of firecrackers without a permit.</p>

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<h5>The five chemicals-lithium, arsenic, lead antinomy- banned by the Supreme Court of India.</h5>
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<p>Regulation and accountability to environmental norms rather than a straightforward ban seem to be a more effective response in this case. And Sivakasi, the main center of firecracker manufacture in India, is claiming of already following these norms. The five chemicals-lithium, arsenic, lead antinomy- banned by the Supreme Court of India have never been used, according to the manufacturers of Sivakasi.</p>

<p>The less Diwali celebration becomes a show, more we concentrate on the spirit, and greater our focus becomes on making all celebrations sustainable, we will learn to tread the earth with more care.</p>


Regulation and accountability to environmental norms rather than a straightforward ban seem to be a more effective in India

This was a couple of years back. With my family, I was standing on the banks of river Hudson, eagerly waiting for the 4th July firework to play out in the night sky of New York City. Then it started, a burst of colour one after the another, as well as patterns and designs of all sorts, turning the stratosphere into a palette. Celebrating the American independence day with firecrackers is a time-old custom in the US. I have witnessed student organisations, individuals, municipal corporations, military, all celebrating from the Pacific coast to New England, from the lake of Michigan to the hills of Tennesse. In all my years of stay in the US, I haven't come across even a whispering concern at the environmental damage that this annual ritual might cause. The Supreme Court of India has imposed a ban on the sale of firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR. × Contrast this with what I experienced in the Delhi-NCR when I moved to Delhi last year. Immediately after Diwali, a heavy unpenetrable smog hung over schools and playgrounds, houses and hospitals. We could breathe, but with fear. Suffocation didn't seem to be a far-fetched idea in a gas chamber named Delhi. Eventually, the huge civic protest against lenient environmental norms during festivals forced the hand of the government. Today, the Supreme Court of India has imposed a ban on the sale of firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR. After the ban was pronounced, there has emerged over the last few dates an equally voracious argument whether such a verdict stems from a disregard of the cultural belief and practices of Hindus. One of the biggest problem plaguing Diwali firework in India is the sale of illegal Chinese firecrackers in the local market. × Diwali or Deepavali is the festival of light but over the years, increasingly, it has become the festival of sound. Loud, crackling, incessant sound of firecracker - bursting and emitting smoke at the same time. But one should not only be thinking that it is sound or the smoke itself which is creating all the problems. Rather, it is the chemical compounds used in firecrackers that makes it so dangerous. One of the biggest problem plaguing Diwali firework in India is the sale of illegal Chinese firecrackers in the local market. All Chinese firecrackers contain potassium chlorate, an ingredient whose use had been banned by the Indian government since 1992. Potassium Chlorate, when mixed with Sulphur, makes an extremely reactive compound, prone to explosion. The ban, however, led to the beginning of an illegal trade in Chinese firecrackers in India. Using of Chlorate, thus, did not stop, putting all the users in a potentially dangerous situation. Those who argue that we are taking the fun out of Diwali by banning firecrackers may decide to learn from the examples of Europe and the US so that they can have the firework as well as maintain a standard of air quality. Europe limits the time of firecracker use. The limit is not only to dates but also down by the hours. × If we go by Europe's example, the best practice they follow is to limit the time of use not only to dates but also down by the hours. In Finland, for instance, they can burst firecrackers only on New Year's Eve and that also between 6 pm to 2 am. The same guideline holds true for Netherlands and Norway. In the UK fireworks can be sold only through specialist stores. Most of these countries also have an age bar, ranging from 16-18 years, for people to whom fireworks can be sold to. The US does not have such a blanket approach to firecrackers; the laws governing consumer fireworks vary widely from state to state, or from county to county. The Consumer Product Safety Commission, the body governing the firework-related regulations, defines what fireworks may be considered consumer fireworks. Consumer fireworks in the United States are limited to 500 grams (this was previously 200 grams until recent years) of composition, and firecrackers may have up to 50 milligrams of flash powder. Moreover, reloadable shells are limited to 1.75" in diameter, and shells in pre-fused tubes are limited to 2". Any fireworks that exceed these limits are not considered consumer fireworks and need a license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Most states allow different forms of fireworks on 4th July but barring few states, such as Georgia almost all of them prohibits the sale and use of firecrackers without a permit. The five chemicals-lithium, arsenic, lead antinomy- banned by the Supreme Court of India. × Regulation and accountability to environmental norms rather than a straightforward ban seem to be a more effective response in this case. And Sivakasi, the main center of firecracker manufacture in India, is claiming of already following these norms. The five chemicals-lithium, arsenic, lead antinomy- banned by the Supreme Court of India have never been used, according to the manufacturers of Sivakasi. The less Diwali celebration becomes a show, more we concentrate on the spirit, and greater our focus becomes on making all celebrations sustainable, we will learn to tread the earth with more care.

Regulation and accountability more effective than ban on firecrackers

<p>Hypothetically, time travels in my head, always take me to an imaginary window, through which I can see lush green trees across the street. Maybe after a cup of tea, practise yoga, inhaling the fresh air and while travelling to another place, cross a fresh stream or any water body that is responsible for providing drinking water to the city. Time and space window shopping, is a few minute luxury, always failing to the gravity of reality.</p>

<p>The alarming deterioration of air quality in and around my city, especially this time of the year always attracts multiple reports from various angles, parallel planes with other issues, and studio debates on the white smog. While all this goes on, we still breathe. We breathe the analogies, theoretical solutions, and short-term bans. All the while still choking on a constant deteriorating air of the National Capital Region and then like any particulate matter which cannot be seen, yet harmful for lungs as it can be absorbed by the body, we settle down at a corner away from the action.</p>

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<h5>Prolonged exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with the adverse cardiovascular event.</h5>
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<p><strong>Bad air, bad blood</strong></p>

<p>Various scientific studies prove that prolonged exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with the adverse cardiovascular event.</p>

<p>Both gaseous air pollutants (ie, ozone, sulphur and nitric oxides, carbon monoxide) and particulate matter (pm) cause adverse effects on health. However, the most serious effects are related to the particulate matter.</p>

<p>When we inhale polluted air with high levels of pm 2.5, due to their characteristic small size it penetrates beyond the upper respiratory tract into alveoli of the lungs, and from there enter into the circulation system.</p>

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<h5>The World Health Organisation calculates the urban air pollution is an important cause of global mortality, being responsible for almost 700,000 premature deaths.</h5>
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<p>These particulate matters also consist of many toxic substances (eg: metals) which leads to oxidative stress, i.e. impaired performance of cells caused by the presence of too many oxygen molecules in them and fibrinolysis, a process which prevents blood clots formation.</p>

<p>Few other toxins lead to blood clot formation in the arteries, thus considerably increasing the chances of a heart stroke. The World Health Organisation calculates the urban air pollution is an important cause of global mortality, being responsible for almost 700,000 premature deaths.</p>

<p><strong>The saga of an outsider: particulate matter</strong></p>

<p>The human immune system consists of many policemen known as the antibodies, their job is to check any infiltration of foreign bodies called antigen. In case they identify such antigen, pass the intelligence information to all the other forces (enzymes and other immune bodies).</p>

<p>Their job is to surround the foreign body and start killing it. Such intra body war-like scenario often gives out silent signals like itching and reddening of the area.</p>

<p>When a similar heightened process occurs in lungs due to the particulate matter, a foreign body settling in alveoli, the muscles in the airways of the lungs constrict, as a result the person find difficulty in breathing.</p>

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<h5>India accounts for a quarter of deaths caused worldwide by the two most chronic respiratory diseases COPD and asthma.</h5>
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<p><strong>The facts</strong></p>

<p>According to a recent survey: 35 per cent kids from Indian metro cities have asthma, whereas, about 22 million Americans have asthma. There are 5.4 million people with asthma in the UK, in every 10 seconds, someone is having a potentially life-threatening asthma attack in the UK.</p>

<p>India accounts for a quarter of deaths caused worldwide by the two most chronic respiratory diseases, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and asthma, according to the latest global burden of disease study.</p>

<p><strong>Perspective beyond obvious</strong></p>

<p>With each blow on the environment, we must realise that we are pushing the human race towards a vulnerable and low-quality lifestyle. We must have lost faith in ourselves, otherwise, we would have never doubted the power of one person dedicated to a good cause. The fact that we are casual about our habits and passive to surrounding problems, expose a threatening world in coming days. With the fast depletion of the basic resources, we are almost walking on the edge of time, where we might have to change few definitions in the social science books.</p>

<p>One of the leading physicists, Stephen Hawkings believes that human stupidity and pollution are the biggest threat to the mankind.</p>

<p>Even in a divided world, the sorrow of the environment unites us. Before the grief turns a threat to existence, lets at least make an attempt towards a better future.</p>


The continuous deterioration of air quality is leading to various cardiovascular diseases and breathing problem

Hypothetically, time travels in my head, always take me to an imaginary window, through which I can see lush green trees across the street. Maybe after a cup of tea, practise yoga, inhaling the fresh air and while travelling to another place, cross a fresh stream or any water body that is responsible for providing drinking water to the city. Time and space window shopping, is a few minute luxury, always failing to the gravity of reality. The alarming deterioration of air quality in and around my city, especially this time of the year always attracts multiple reports from various angles, parallel planes with other issues, and studio debates on the white smog. While all this goes on, we still breathe. We breathe the analogies, theoretical solutions, and short-term bans. All the while still choking on a constant deteriorating air of the National Capital Region and then like any particulate matter which cannot be seen, yet harmful for lungs as it can be absorbed by the body, we settle down at a corner away from the action. Prolonged exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with the adverse cardiovascular event. × Bad air, bad blood Various scientific studies prove that prolonged exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with the adverse cardiovascular event. Both gaseous air pollutants (ie, ozone, sulphur and nitric oxides, carbon monoxide) and particulate matter (pm) cause adverse effects on health. However, the most serious effects are related to the particulate matter. When we inhale polluted air with high levels of pm 2.5, due to their characteristic small size it penetrates beyond the upper respiratory tract into alveoli of the lungs, and from there enter into the circulation system. The World Health Organisation calculates the urban air pollution is an important cause of global mortality, being responsible for almost 700,000 premature deaths. × These particulate matters also consist of many toxic substances (eg: metals) which leads to oxidative stress, i.e. impaired performance of cells caused by the presence of too many oxygen molecules in them and fibrinolysis, a process which prevents blood clots formation. Few other toxins lead to blood clot formation in the arteries, thus considerably increasing the chances of a heart stroke. The World Health Organisation calculates the urban air pollution is an important cause of global mortality, being responsible for almost 700,000 premature deaths. The saga of an outsider: particulate matter The human immune system consists of many policemen known as the antibodies, their job is to check any infiltration of foreign bodies called antigen. In case they identify such antigen, pass the intelligence information to all the other forces (enzymes and other immune bodies). Their job is to surround the foreign body and start killing it. Such intra body war-like scenario often gives out silent signals like itching and reddening of the area. When a similar heightened process occurs in lungs due to the particulate matter, a foreign body settling in alveoli, the muscles in the airways of the lungs constrict, as a result the person find difficulty in breathing. India accounts for a quarter of deaths caused worldwide by the two most chronic respiratory diseases COPD and asthma. × The facts According to a recent survey: 35 per cent kids from Indian metro cities have asthma, whereas, about 22 million Americans have asthma. There are 5.4 million people with asthma in the UK, in every 10 seconds, someone is having a potentially life-threatening asthma attack in the UK. India accounts for a quarter of deaths caused worldwide by the two most chronic respiratory diseases, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and asthma, according to the latest global burden of disease study. Perspective beyond obvious With each blow on the environment, we must realise that we are pushing the human race towards a vulnerable and low-quality lifestyle. We must have lost faith in ourselves, otherwise, we would have never doubted the power of one person dedicated to a good cause. The fact that we are casual about our habits and passive to surrounding problems, expose a threatening world in coming days. With the fast depletion of the basic resources, we are almost walking on the edge of time, where we might have to change few definitions in the social science books. One of the leading physicists, Stephen Hawkings believes that human stupidity and pollution are the biggest threat to the mankind. Even in a divided world, the sorrow of the environment unites us. Before the grief turns a threat to existence, lets at least make an attempt towards a better future.

The future seems blurred through smog and dust

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