Air quality expected to enter the very poor category.

Delhi Air Quality remains Poor on Diwali

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<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday celebrated Diwali with personnel of Indian Army in Rajouri district along the Line of Control (LoC).</p>

<p>Accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and Northern Army Commander Lieutenant-General Ranbir Singh, Modi, clad in&nbsp;army colours,&nbsp;greeted the soldiers and served them sweets on the auspicious occasion.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Like he has done during previous Diwalis, PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> celebrated this festival with soldiers protecting India.<br />
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He went to Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir, where he interacted with soldiers and exchanged sweets.<br />
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Here are some pictures. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Diwali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Diwali</a> <a href="https://t.co/AfaNOhfMr1">pic.twitter.com/AfaNOhfMr1</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1188423351691366400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The prime minister shared pictures from the celebration with jawans on his social media accounts, including Instagram."Celebrated #Diwali with the brave soldiers of the Indian Army in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir. It is always a matter of great joy to be able to interact with these courageous personnel," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>Modi also addressed the soldiers, thanking them for their service and talked about major steps being taken by the government for their welfare."While interacting with our soldiers, I thanked them on behalf of the people of India for their monumental service.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their vigilance and valour keep our nation safe! I also spoke about the major steps our Government is taking for the welfare of soldiers," Prime Minister Modi said in another tweet.</p>

<p>Modi also exchanged Diwali greetings with the Indian Air Force Personnel at Pathankot Air Force Station."On the way back from Rajouri, also interacted with air warriors and personnel of the army at Pathankot Air Force Station," tweeted Modi.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day on his monthly radio programme `Mann Ki Baat`, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Diwali greetings to everyone.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday celebrated Diwali with personnel of Indian Army in Rajouri district along the Line of Control (LoC). Accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and Northern Army Commander Lieutenant-General Ranbir Singh, Modi, clad in army colours, greeted the soldiers and served them sweets on the auspicious occasion.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday celebrated Diwali with personnel of Indian Army in Rajouri district along the Line of Control (LoC). Accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and Northern Army Commander Lieutenant-General Ranbir Singh, Modi, clad in army colours, greeted the soldiers and served them sweets on the auspicious occasion. Like he has done during previous Diwalis, PM @narendramodi celebrated this festival with soldiers protecting India. He went to Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir, where he interacted with soldiers and exchanged sweets. Here are some pictures. #Diwali pic.twitter.com/AfaNOhfMr1 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 27, 2019 × The prime minister shared pictures from the celebration with jawans on his social media accounts, including Instagram."Celebrated #Diwali with the brave soldiers of the Indian Army in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir. It is always a matter of great joy to be able to interact with these courageous personnel," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi also addressed the soldiers, thanking them for their service and talked about major steps being taken by the government for their welfare."While interacting with our soldiers, I thanked them on behalf of the people of India for their monumental service. Their vigilance and valour keep our nation safe! I also spoke about the major steps our Government is taking for the welfare of soldiers," Prime Minister Modi said in another tweet. Modi also exchanged Diwali greetings with the Indian Air Force Personnel at Pathankot Air Force Station."On the way back from Rajouri, also interacted with air warriors and personnel of the army at Pathankot Air Force Station," tweeted Modi. Earlier in the day on his monthly radio programme `Mann Ki Baat`, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Diwali greetings to everyone. (With inputs from ANI)

PM Modi celebrates Diwali with army jawans, air force personnel in J&K

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PM Modi arrives at Rajouri near LoC to greet & celebrate Diwali with Indian soldiers. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi arrives at Rajouri near LoC to greet & celebrate Diwali with Indian soldiers

<p>Prime Minisiter Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation through his monthly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-gives-call-for-bharatkilaxmi-campain-to-honor-achievements-of-daughters-of-the-nation-252663">radio programme 'Mann ki Baat</a>'. The prime minister started off his address by wishing everybody on the occasion of Diwali.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi said Diwali is celebrated across the world and urged people to popularise the festival. "India is a land of festivals... Indians abroad must popularise our festivals," he noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He talked about the concept of festival tourism and lauded the "Lakshmis" of the nations, the daughters of the country who he described as the "future of the country".</p>

<p>In his last 'Mann ki Baat' address in September, the prime minister spoke about initiating a 'Bharat Ki Laxmi' campaign to honour the girls who have brought a change in society.</p>

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<p>Last month, during the 57th episode of 'Mann ki Baat', Modi announced starting this campaign during Diwali and called on citizens to outline the achievements of 'daughters' of the country using BharatKiLaxmi hashtag.</p>

<p>"There must be numerous daughters amongst us who, through their perseverance, diligence and talent have brought glory to their families, society and the country. This Diwali, can we arrange programmes to honour the Laxmi of India?" Modi had said.</p>

<p>"This time, let us do campaign #Bharatkilaxmi. Encouraging the Laxmi of Bharat amounts to strengthening the paths of prosperity for the country and her citizens," he added.</p>

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Prime Minisiter Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation through his monthly radio programme 'Mann ki Baat'. The prime minister started off his address by wishing everybody on the occasion of Diwali.

Prime Minisiter Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation through his monthly radio programme 'Mann ki Baat'. The prime minister started off his address by wishing everybody on the occasion of Diwali. PM Modi said Diwali is celebrated across the world and urged people to popularise the festival. "India is a land of festivals... Indians abroad must popularise our festivals," he noted. He talked about the concept of festival tourism and lauded the "Lakshmis" of the nations, the daughters of the country who he described as the "future of the country". In his last 'Mann ki Baat' address in September, the prime minister spoke about initiating a 'Bharat Ki Laxmi' campaign to honour the girls who have brought a change in society. × Last month, during the 57th episode of 'Mann ki Baat', Modi announced starting this campaign during Diwali and called on citizens to outline the achievements of 'daughters' of the country using BharatKiLaxmi hashtag. "There must be numerous daughters amongst us who, through their perseverance, diligence and talent have brought glory to their families, society and the country. This Diwali, can we arrange programmes to honour the Laxmi of India?" Modi had said. "This time, let us do campaign #Bharatkilaxmi. Encouraging the Laxmi of Bharat amounts to strengthening the paths of prosperity for the country and her citizens," he added.

Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi wishes nation on Diwali, lauds country's daughters as future of India 

<p>Just a day ahead of Diwali, Delhi's air quality dropped to season's worst on Saturday, due to decrease speed of the wind affecting the dispersion of dust particles.</p>

<p>"The decrease in wind speed has started to negatively influence Delhi's air quality by drastically decreasing ventilation coefficients and thereby affecting dispersion," said the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).</p>

<p>At 10 am today, the overall air quality of Delhi was docking at 305, said SAFAR. The organisation had predicted that tomorrow, the air quality will get even worse from today.</p>

<p>The AQI is expected to be around 324. An AQI between 0 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 increasing menace of air pollution in Delhi has erupted a political slugfest with allegation and counter allegation levelling across party lines.</p>

<p>On Saturday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijay Goel slammed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not taking requisite measures to combat the pollution.</p>

<p>Speaking to ANI, the former union minister said, " Pollution has increased in Delhi. In the last five years, Arvind Kejriwal has done nothing to reduce air pollution in the national capital. It was only the Centre who has taken steps like constructing bridges, highways and widened roads for traffic management and decongestion."</p>

<p>He also slammed the Delhi government for re-introducing the Odd-Even scheme in Delhi in saying, "They have introduced this scheme just to be in the news. Their (AAP government) is to be in the advertisements. Odd-Even will again cause a problem for the people."</p>

<p>To combat the menace of air pollution, the Arvind Kejriwal-led government in Delhi has announced the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme from November 4 to 15, 2019, stating that the smog from the nearby states due to the burning of crop residue is the major cause of pollution in the region.</p>

<p>On a closer look, farmers residing in Haryana and Punjab usually burn the crop residue after harvesting paddy in the autumn season in order to clear the fields for summer harvest. Smoke from these two states travels to the national capital each year, leading to a spike in the air pollution levels.&nbsp;</p>

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Just a day ahead of Diwali, Delhi's air quality dropped to season's worst on Saturday, due to decrease speed of the wind affecting the dispersion of dust particles.

Just a day ahead of Diwali, Delhi's air quality dropped to season's worst on Saturday, due to decrease speed of the wind affecting the dispersion of dust particles. "The decrease in wind speed has started to negatively influence Delhi's air quality by drastically decreasing ventilation coefficients and thereby affecting dispersion," said the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). At 10 am today, the overall air quality of Delhi was docking at 305, said SAFAR. The organisation had predicted that tomorrow, the air quality will get even worse from today. The AQI is expected to be around 324. An AQI between 0 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 increasing menace of air pollution in Delhi has erupted a political slugfest with allegation and counter allegation levelling across party lines. On Saturday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijay Goel slammed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not taking requisite measures to combat the pollution. Speaking to ANI, the former union minister said, " Pollution has increased in Delhi. In the last five years, Arvind Kejriwal has done nothing to reduce air pollution in the national capital. It was only the Centre who has taken steps like constructing bridges, highways and widened roads for traffic management and decongestion." He also slammed the Delhi government for re-introducing the Odd-Even scheme in Delhi in saying, "They have introduced this scheme just to be in the news. Their (AAP government) is to be in the advertisements. Odd-Even will again cause a problem for the people." To combat the menace of air pollution, the Arvind Kejriwal-led government in Delhi has announced the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme from November 4 to 15, 2019, stating that the smog from the nearby states due to the burning of crop residue is the major cause of pollution in the region. On a closer look, farmers residing in Haryana and Punjab usually burn the crop residue after harvesting paddy in the autumn season in order to clear the fields for summer harvest. Smoke from these two states travels to the national capital each year, leading to a spike in the air pollution levels.

Delhi chokes again day ahead of Diwali, likely to worsen tomorrow

<p>In his Diwali message, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-validates-impeachment-enquiry-against-donald-trump-orders-mueller-document-release-258208">US President Donald Trump</a> described the festival as a "sacred period" and an "opportunity to commemorate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance".</p>

<p>Trump's presidential message on Diwali was released by the White House on its official website on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As Diwali commences, Melania and I wish those observing the Festival of Lights a blessed and happy celebration," the statement read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his statement, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-cancels-times-post-258117">Trump</a> stated the significance of the festival in the United States and said that the festive period "throughout America is an important reminder of the significance of one of our nation’s core tenets — religious liberty".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump hoped this year's celebrations will bring "love, joy, and eternal peace" ensuring that his administration will continue&nbsp;to enable people of "all faiths to worship according to their beliefs and conscience".</p>

<p>During last year's Diwali celebrations at the White House, Trump joked that Indians are "very good traders" and "very good negotiators".</p>

<p>"I am grateful for my friendship with Prime Minister Modi. We are trying very hard to make better trade deals with India. But they're very good traders. They're very good negotiators, the best," the US president said.</p>

<p>"So we're working and it's moving along. India is the world's largest democracy and the relationship between our two countries can act as a bulwark for freedom, prosperity and peace," he said as Indian-Americans at the White House applauded.&nbsp;</p>


In his Diwali message, US President Donald Trump described the festival as a "sacred period" and an "opportunity to commemorate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance".

In his Diwali message, US President Donald Trump described the festival as a "sacred period" and an "opportunity to commemorate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance". Trump's presidential message on Diwali was released by the White House on its official website on Friday. "As Diwali commences, Melania and I wish those observing the Festival of Lights a blessed and happy celebration," the statement read. In his statement, Trump stated the significance of the festival in the United States and said that the festive period "throughout America is an important reminder of the significance of one of our nation’s core tenets — religious liberty". Trump hoped this year's celebrations will bring "love, joy, and eternal peace" ensuring that his administration will continue to enable people of "all faiths to worship according to their beliefs and conscience". During last year's Diwali celebrations at the White House, Trump joked that Indians are "very good traders" and "very good negotiators". "I am grateful for my friendship with Prime Minister Modi. We are trying very hard to make better trade deals with India. But they're very good traders. They're very good negotiators, the best," the US president said. "So we're working and it's moving along. India is the world's largest democracy and the relationship between our two countries can act as a bulwark for freedom, prosperity and peace," he said as Indian-Americans at the White House applauded.

Diwali, throughout America, is an important reminder of religious liberty: Donald Trump

The air quality index recorded at 388 on Friday inching towards 'Severe' levels

Air Pollution spikes in Delhi ahead of Diwali

London's mayor calls for a ban on Sunday's march. WION accesses letter by London's Mayor.

Anti-India march in London on Diwali

<p>Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that Delhi government would organise "pollution-free" Diwali celebration in a grand manner at Connaught Place from October 26 to 29.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The celebration will feature laser shows and cultural activities.</p>

<p>Addressing a press conference with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Kejriwal said, "We have planned to celebrate Diwali on a grand scale at Connaught Place. We would like every Delhite to come and celebrate a pollution-free Diwali."</p>

<p>"Connaught Place will be illuminated with lasers and lighting shows. One cycle of laser show will last one hour. It will be running back to back from 6 pm to 10 pm. There is a provision of passes. All are invited," he added.</p>

<p>Kejriwal further announced that art and culture events and food court will also feature during the celebrations.</p>

<p>"Our aim is to celebrate a pollution-free Diwali together as one family. We hope that after this, there will be no need to burst crackers," said Kejriwal.</p>

<p>Deputy Chief Sisodia said that the aim of the exercise is to reduce the use of crackers and celebrate a pollution-free Diwali.</p>

<p>"Every year, there is a discussion on the next day of Diwali on the pollution caused by crackers. I appeal to the people of Delhi to come together and celebrate Diwali as a community," he said.</p>

<p>" If our experiment at Connaught Place is successful, we may replicate this at other places in the national capital as well," said Sisodia.&nbsp;</p>


Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that Delhi government would organise "pollution-free" Diwali celebration in a grand manner at Connaught Place from October 26 to 29.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that Delhi government would organise "pollution-free" Diwali celebration in a grand manner at Connaught Place from October 26 to 29. The celebration will feature laser shows and cultural activities. Addressing a press conference with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Kejriwal said, "We have planned to celebrate Diwali on a grand scale at Connaught Place. We would like every Delhite to come and celebrate a pollution-free Diwali." "Connaught Place will be illuminated with lasers and lighting shows. One cycle of laser show will last one hour. It will be running back to back from 6 pm to 10 pm. There is a provision of passes. All are invited," he added. Kejriwal further announced that art and culture events and food court will also feature during the celebrations. "Our aim is to celebrate a pollution-free Diwali together as one family. We hope that after this, there will be no need to burst crackers," said Kejriwal. Deputy Chief Sisodia said that the aim of the exercise is to reduce the use of crackers and celebrate a pollution-free Diwali. "Every year, there is a discussion on the next day of Diwali on the pollution caused by crackers. I appeal to the people of Delhi to come together and celebrate Diwali as a community," he said. " If our experiment at Connaught Place is successful, we may replicate this at other places in the national capital as well," said Sisodia.

Grand pollution-free Diwali celebrations at Connaught Place from October 26 to 29, announces Kejriwal

<p>Diwali, the festival of lights, is just around the corner; and while all of us must stay away from crackers, there's no harm in pampering our loved ones with some gifts! Here&nbsp;we hand-pick some of the best products in our tech gift guide! So get set, there are plenty of options to suit all kinds of budgets coming your way.</p>

<h3><u><b>Under Rs 5000</b></u></h3>

<p>Are you looking to buy a present under 5,000 rupees? Here's a list of four gadgets that cost about that much. These quirky yet handy devices are sure to make Diwali more memorable for the lucky receivers.</p>

<p><b>Xech iSoothe eye massager</b><br />
This gift idea is for those who spend a lot of time peering into screens. The Xech iSoothe is an automated massager for the eyes. It claims to relax and rejuvenate tired eyes within minutes. Priced at Rs 4,999, it is designed by an Indian company Xech. The headset looks sturdy and has a good build quality. Also, the controls are neatly placed on one side. It is comfortable to wear and the foldable design makes it portable. Xech iSoothe massages the area around the eyes and forehead and stimulates blockages. The user can feel the&nbsp;difference within ten&nbsp;minutes. It uses a combination of intelligent air pressure, vibration techniques, and gentle infrared heat to soothe away stress, strain and aches. The iSoothe comes with five different massage modes, automatic, fresh, smart, lenses and sleep mode. Users can choose the mode as per their requirement. And that’s not all, it comes with embedded speakers which means you can enjoy music along with the massage.</p>

<p><b>Carvaan Go</b><br />
This one is for those who love the golden era Hindi songs. The Carvaan Go is the most compact music player Saregama has released so far. Like other Carvaan audio players, this one can also play your favourite evergreen Hindi songs, but its USP is that it’s portable, lightweight and slim; which means you can easily slip it into your pocket and take it wherever you go which makes it the true companion for travellers. Encased in a metal body, the Carvaan Go has premium looks. &nbsp;There are a few buttons to control the different features of the device and they are neatly designed and aesthetically placed. It is priced at Rs 3,990. The Carvaan Go comes pre-loaded with 3000 evergreen Hindi songs from celebrated artists like Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, and Mohammed Rafi.</p>

<p>Songs are categorised not just by the name of the singers but also, as per moods such as happy, sad or romantic. It also has 50 curated playlists to match your activities like driving, walking and travelling. The Carvaan go also includes FM, as well as a MicroSD card slot so that you can tune into your own playlists too. The user also can easily connect the player to earphones or external speakers via Bluetooth and Aux.</p>

<p>We say it’s a good gift item for those who love to collect all things retro.</p>

<p><b>Mi soundbar</b><br />
Next up in our list is Xiaomi's Mi soundbar, which is touted to offer a home theatre-like experience at an affordable price. Priced at Rs 4,999, the Mi Soundbar has a slim and minimalistic design and you can either mount it on the wall or just keep it on a table; either way, it nicely blends with the aesthetics of the living room. This compact soundbar includes multiple connectivity options such as Bluetooth, S/PDIF, aux-in, and line-in connectivity ports that allow you to connect it to any television or mobile device. Not just the design, the audio quality is also very good and gives the surround sound experience. The Mi Soundbar can be a good addition to your friend’s living room this Diwali.</p>

<p><b>Shifu Plugo</b><br />
Our gift guide isn’t just about adults, we have something in store for kids also. An augmented reality-based educational toy, Shifu Plugo can turn electronic devices into a great source of learning. It comes with different types of gaming kits and it’s targetted at children over the age of five. The price of this toy is Rs 2,499. Shifu Plugo is also very easy to set up. Just download the Plugo app unfold and set the gamepad, which houses a magnetic area to play games; and then just attach a compatible tablet or a smartphone.</p>

<p>Shifu Plugo allows children to play different games, such as the link game, which comes with hexagon-shaped building blocks. It's fun and challenging at the same time. There are several games too that are compatible with this kit. The Shifu Plugo claims to improve children’s logical reasoning, boost their mental abilities, and enhance their problem-solving skills. Quite a fun way to brighten up Diwali for children.</p>

<p><u><b>Under Rs 10,000</b></u></p>

<p><b>Huami Amazfit GTR</b><br />
There are many smartwatches available under 10,000 rupees, but the Huami Amazfit GTR is the one that ticks all the right boxes. In terms of design, the watch has very premium looks. The dial is made of aluminium and gives quite elegant looks. It is also slim and doesn't weigh much which makes it comfortable to wear for long hours. The watch is priced at Rs 9,999. The display of this watch is another highlight. It has a 1.2-inch AMOLED screen which is a treat to the eyes. The display is vibrant, highly responsive and offers a smooth experience. Most importantly, it’s visible in bright sunlight!</p>

<p>That’s about the look and feel.&nbsp;Huami Amazfit GTR is simple to use; just install the Amazfit app to pair the watch with your phone. Once that's done you can access all the data of the watch with the phone. Like many other smartwatches, the Amazfit GTR uses a set of sensors to track the number of steps, calories burned, heart rate and sleep patterns. It not only records but also offers smart analysis of all the activities undertaken. Also, you can receive call alerts and read messages on the watch. The user can also personalise the watch before strapping it on your wrist as it comes with a hundred watch faces to give you plenty of variety.</p>

<p>The battery life is also good. It can last for around a week with basic usage. The Amazfit GTR is also water-resistant which is a pleasant surprise for a watch at this price range. It is water-resistant to a depth of 50 metres which means and can be used for activities like swimming and snorkelling.<br />
<br />
<b>Skullcandy Indy</b><br />
Wireless earbuds are all the rage these days. So why not surprise a loved one with a wireless audio device? Like most wireless earbuds, the Indy comes with its own storage case that doubles up as a charger. All you need is a micro USB cable. The sound quality is good and loud enough with decent bass. Its noise cancellation is also excellent.</p>

<p>It scores a perfect ten when it comes to comfort. The fit is snug enough to keep the buds in place without being tight. The case is pretty handy and lightweight and will fit easily in a small bag, or even a trouser pocket. You’ll keep looking for buttons on the earbuds and the case, but there are none as it has the tap technology. You can change songs, adjust volume, and manage calls just by tapping your earbuds. How minimalist is that!</p>

<p>The earbuds' battery lasts for around 3-4 hours. All in all, these wireless earbuds make a good present.</p>

<p><u><b>Under Rs 20,000</b></u></p>

<p><b>Fujifilm Instax Share SP-2 smartphone printer</b><br />
If you have dear ones who love to collect photographs, this would be a thoughtful gift. The Fujifilm Instax Share SP-2 smartphone printer can print smartphone photos with ease, to bring those heartwarming moments to life. The instant printer has a neat design with a few buttons. Just like a regular printer, it has a separate compartment to accommodate print sheets and outlet that dispenses the printed photos.</p>

<p>The led lights near the dispenser will update you about the number of sheets left inside. The printer is it’s light-weight and easy to use and it can be paired with your phone via wifi. Photos can be printed from the phone’s gallery or from social media accounts like Instagram and Facebook. The printer gives good photo quality and reasonably detailed. The colours and contrast are good as well. It is priced at Rs 13,499. All in all, we think the printer is value for money.</p>

<p><b>Kent CamEye</b><br />
Kent CamEye is an interesting product for your car. The device aims to ensure the safety of the vehicle as well as the passengers. The device has two cameras, one on each side, that record everything that's happening both inside and outside of the car while the entire footage is live-streamed to your phone. Since it's always on, Kent CamEye live-streams videos to your phone and keeps you up to date with the whereabouts of the car.</p>

<p>It also alerts you if your driver is being rash, over-speeding, or taking intentional detours for personal work. It also alerts you if the driver sleeps in the car with the AC on. The CamEye combines the work of a dash-cam, and a GPS tracker, making for a neat safety device. The security camera offers a lot of features and they work smoothly. It is also very easy to pair it with your phone. The CamEye is priced at 17,999 rupees and comes with a free subscription of 3 months.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Diwali, the festival of lights, is just around the corner; and while all of us must stay away from crackers, there's no harm in pampering our loved ones with some gifts!

Diwali, the festival of lights, is just around the corner; and while all of us must stay away from crackers, there's no harm in pampering our loved ones with some gifts! Here we hand-pick some of the best products in our tech gift guide! So get set, there are plenty of options to suit all kinds of budgets coming your way. Under Rs 5000 Are you looking to buy a present under 5,000 rupees? Here's a list of four gadgets that cost about that much. These quirky yet handy devices are sure to make Diwali more memorable for the lucky receivers. Xech iSoothe eye massager This gift idea is for those who spend a lot of time peering into screens. The Xech iSoothe is an automated massager for the eyes. It claims to relax and rejuvenate tired eyes within minutes. Priced at Rs 4,999, it is designed by an Indian company Xech. The headset looks sturdy and has a good build quality. Also, the controls are neatly placed on one side. It is comfortable to wear and the foldable design makes it portable. Xech iSoothe massages the area around the eyes and forehead and stimulates blockages. The user can feel the difference within ten minutes. It uses a combination of intelligent air pressure, vibration techniques, and gentle infrared heat to soothe away stress, strain and aches. The iSoothe comes with five different massage modes, automatic, fresh, smart, lenses and sleep mode. Users can choose the mode as per their requirement. And that’s not all, it comes with embedded speakers which means you can enjoy music along with the massage. Carvaan Go This one is for those who love the golden era Hindi songs. The Carvaan Go is the most compact music player Saregama has released so far. Like other Carvaan audio players, this one can also play your favourite evergreen Hindi songs, but its USP is that it’s portable, lightweight and slim; which means you can easily slip it into your pocket and take it wherever you go which makes it the true companion for travellers. Encased in a metal body, the Carvaan Go has premium looks. There are a few buttons to control the different features of the device and they are neatly designed and aesthetically placed. It is priced at Rs 3,990. The Carvaan Go comes pre-loaded with 3000 evergreen Hindi songs from celebrated artists like Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, and Mohammed Rafi. Songs are categorised not just by the name of the singers but also, as per moods such as happy, sad or romantic. It also has 50 curated playlists to match your activities like driving, walking and travelling. The Carvaan go also includes FM, as well as a MicroSD card slot so that you can tune into your own playlists too. The user also can easily connect the player to earphones or external speakers via Bluetooth and Aux. We say it’s a good gift item for those who love to collect all things retro. Mi soundbar Next up in our list is Xiaomi's Mi soundbar, which is touted to offer a home theatre-like experience at an affordable price. Priced at Rs 4,999, the Mi Soundbar has a slim and minimalistic design and you can either mount it on the wall or just keep it on a table; either way, it nicely blends with the aesthetics of the living room. This compact soundbar includes multiple connectivity options such as Bluetooth, S/PDIF, aux-in, and line-in connectivity ports that allow you to connect it to any television or mobile device. Not just the design, the audio quality is also very good and gives the surround sound experience. The Mi Soundbar can be a good addition to your friend’s living room this Diwali. Shifu Plugo Our gift guide isn’t just about adults, we have something in store for kids also. An augmented reality-based educational toy, Shifu Plugo can turn electronic devices into a great source of learning. It comes with different types of gaming kits and it’s targetted at children over the age of five. The price of this toy is Rs 2,499. Shifu Plugo is also very easy to set up. Just download the Plugo app unfold and set the gamepad, which houses a magnetic area to play games; and then just attach a compatible tablet or a smartphone. Shifu Plugo allows children to play different games, such as the link game, which comes with hexagon-shaped building blocks. It's fun and challenging at the same time. There are several games too that are compatible with this kit. The Shifu Plugo claims to improve children’s logical reasoning, boost their mental abilities, and enhance their problem-solving skills. Quite a fun way to brighten up Diwali for children. Under Rs 10,000 Huami Amazfit GTR There are many smartwatches available under 10,000 rupees, but the Huami Amazfit GTR is the one that ticks all the right boxes. In terms of design, the watch has very premium looks. The dial is made of aluminium and gives quite elegant looks. It is also slim and doesn't weigh much which makes it comfortable to wear for long hours. The watch is priced at Rs 9,999. The display of this watch is another highlight. It has a 1.2-inch AMOLED screen which is a treat to the eyes. The display is vibrant, highly responsive and offers a smooth experience. Most importantly, it’s visible in bright sunlight! That’s about the look and feel. Huami Amazfit GTR is simple to use; just install the Amazfit app to pair the watch with your phone. Once that's done you can access all the data of the watch with the phone. Like many other smartwatches, the Amazfit GTR uses a set of sensors to track the number of steps, calories burned, heart rate and sleep patterns. It not only records but also offers smart analysis of all the activities undertaken. Also, you can receive call alerts and read messages on the watch. The user can also personalise the watch before strapping it on your wrist as it comes with a hundred watch faces to give you plenty of variety. The battery life is also good. It can last for around a week with basic usage. The Amazfit GTR is also water-resistant which is a pleasant surprise for a watch at this price range. It is water-resistant to a depth of 50 metres which means and can be used for activities like swimming and snorkelling. Skullcandy Indy Wireless earbuds are all the rage these days. So why not surprise a loved one with a wireless audio device? Like most wireless earbuds, the Indy comes with its own storage case that doubles up as a charger. All you need is a micro USB cable. The sound quality is good and loud enough with decent bass. Its noise cancellation is also excellent. It scores a perfect ten when it comes to comfort. The fit is snug enough to keep the buds in place without being tight. The case is pretty handy and lightweight and will fit easily in a small bag, or even a trouser pocket. You’ll keep looking for buttons on the earbuds and the case, but there are none as it has the tap technology. You can change songs, adjust volume, and manage calls just by tapping your earbuds. How minimalist is that! The earbuds' battery lasts for around 3-4 hours. All in all, these wireless earbuds make a good present. Under Rs 20,000 Fujifilm Instax Share SP-2 smartphone printer If you have dear ones who love to collect photographs, this would be a thoughtful gift. The Fujifilm Instax Share SP-2 smartphone printer can print smartphone photos with ease, to bring those heartwarming moments to life. The instant printer has a neat design with a few buttons. Just like a regular printer, it has a separate compartment to accommodate print sheets and outlet that dispenses the printed photos. The led lights near the dispenser will update you about the number of sheets left inside. The printer is it’s light-weight and easy to use and it can be paired with your phone via wifi. Photos can be printed from the phone’s gallery or from social media accounts like Instagram and Facebook. The printer gives good photo quality and reasonably detailed. The colours and contrast are good as well. It is priced at Rs 13,499. All in all, we think the printer is value for money. Kent CamEye Kent CamEye is an interesting product for your car. The device aims to ensure the safety of the vehicle as well as the passengers. The device has two cameras, one on each side, that record everything that's happening both inside and outside of the car while the entire footage is live-streamed to your phone. Since it's always on, Kent CamEye live-streams videos to your phone and keeps you up to date with the whereabouts of the car. It also alerts you if your driver is being rash, over-speeding, or taking intentional detours for personal work. It also alerts you if the driver sleeps in the car with the AC on. The CamEye combines the work of a dash-cam, and a GPS tracker, making for a neat safety device. The security camera offers a lot of features and they work smoothly. It is also very easy to pair it with your phone. The CamEye is priced at 17,999 rupees and comes with a free subscription of 3 months.

Smartwatch to soundbar: Your complete Diwali gift guide suiting all kinds of budget ranges

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In pictures: Trump celebrates Diwali at White House with Indian-Americans

<p>United States President Donald Trump would celebrate Diwali in his Oval Office next Tuesday, the White House has said.</p>

<p>"The President will be celebrating Diwali with a ceremonial lighting of the diya (lamp) in the Oval Office next Tuesday," Deputy Assistant to the president Raj Shah said in a statement on Thursday.</p>

<p>A day earlier Trump had greeted people celebrating the festival of lights the world over and said it is a special opportunity to reflect on the bond of friendship between India and the United States.</p>

<p>Trump said First Lady Melania joins him in sending their best wishes for a very happy and memorable Diwali.</p>

<p>He also recognised the "extraordinary" contributions of Indian-Americans in the development of the United States.</p>

<p>"We recognise the extraordinary contributions of Indian-Americans to the strength and success of our nation. Their achievements in business and industry, public service, education, scientific research, and other fields continue to represent the very best of our American virtues and the spirit of the Diwali season," said Trump, who had celebrated Diwali last year by lighting the ceremonial lamp in the Oval Office.</p>

<p>Asserting that Diwali is a joyous and spiritual time marked by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, Trump said lighting of lamps on the occasion symbolises the true meaning of Diwali, which is triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.</p>

<p>Republican National Committee (RNC) chairperson Ronna McDaniel also greeted people celebrating Diwali.</p>

<p>"We wish you and your family and friends a meaningful celebration of the victory of light over darkness. We at the RNC will continue to honour the traditions of diverse communities that enrich and strengthen our country," she said.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said nearly a billion people from around the world will light the lamp "as a reminder that good ultimately overcomes evil, understanding over ignorance, and kindness over animosity".</p>

<p>"As those celebrating decorate their homes with vibrant lights, I would also like to recognise the achievements of our friends in the United States observing Diwali who make important contributions to our country on a daily basis," he had said.</p>

<p>Top American lawmakers also joined Trump in extending Diwali greetings.</p>

<p>"Wishing a very happy Diwali to everyone around the world celebrating the Festival of Lights!" said Senator Mark Warner, the Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus.</p>

<p>"These lights are physical, including lanterns, candles, and fireworks, but for those who light the flames, they hold a deeper meaning. Diwali celebrates awareness of one's inner light and light's triumph over darkness. It celebrates goodness over evil and hope over despair," Senator John Cornyn, the Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus, said.</p>

<p>Indian American lawmaker Raja Krishnamoorthi said, "Happy Diwali to those celebrating the Festival of Lights today, which commemorates the victory of good over evil and illumination of knowledge."</p>

<p>Congressman John Sarbanes said the festival of lights serves as an important reminder for all that love and light will always prevail over hate and darkness, and that knowledge and reason will invariably overcome intolerance and ignorance.</p>

<p>Indian American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said, "Happy Diwali to the millions around the world celebrating the Festival of Lights! What a beautiful reminder that light prevails over darkness and that goodness will guide us toward a better future."</p>

<p>Congressman Derek Kilmer said, "Diwali is a celebration of our shared aspirations for the world: The triumph of light over darkness. As millions come together to celebrate this holiday, let's join them in striving to embrace the values of Diwali in our politics &amp; our communities."</p>

<p>Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu elected to the House of Representatives, in a video message said Diwali is such a special time of year where people all over the world are coming together to light their lamps in honour the return of Lord Ram to His kingdom after many years in exile, and celebrate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.</p>


United States President Donald Trump would celebrate Diwali in his Oval Office next Tuesday, the White House has said. "The President will be celebrating Diwali with a ceremonial lighting of the diya (lamp) in the Oval Office next Tuesday," Deputy Assistant to the president Raj Shah said in a statement on Thursday.

United States President Donald Trump would celebrate Diwali in his Oval Office next Tuesday, the White House has said. "The President will be celebrating Diwali with a ceremonial lighting of the diya (lamp) in the Oval Office next Tuesday," Deputy Assistant to the president Raj Shah said in a statement on Thursday. A day earlier Trump had greeted people celebrating the festival of lights the world over and said it is a special opportunity to reflect on the bond of friendship between India and the United States. Trump said First Lady Melania joins him in sending their best wishes for a very happy and memorable Diwali. He also recognised the "extraordinary" contributions of Indian-Americans in the development of the United States. "We recognise the extraordinary contributions of Indian-Americans to the strength and success of our nation. Their achievements in business and industry, public service, education, scientific research, and other fields continue to represent the very best of our American virtues and the spirit of the Diwali season," said Trump, who had celebrated Diwali last year by lighting the ceremonial lamp in the Oval Office. Asserting that Diwali is a joyous and spiritual time marked by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, Trump said lighting of lamps on the occasion symbolises the true meaning of Diwali, which is triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Republican National Committee (RNC) chairperson Ronna McDaniel also greeted people celebrating Diwali. "We wish you and your family and friends a meaningful celebration of the victory of light over darkness. We at the RNC will continue to honour the traditions of diverse communities that enrich and strengthen our country," she said. Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said nearly a billion people from around the world will light the lamp "as a reminder that good ultimately overcomes evil, understanding over ignorance, and kindness over animosity". "As those celebrating decorate their homes with vibrant lights, I would also like to recognise the achievements of our friends in the United States observing Diwali who make important contributions to our country on a daily basis," he had said. Top American lawmakers also joined Trump in extending Diwali greetings. "Wishing a very happy Diwali to everyone around the world celebrating the Festival of Lights!" said Senator Mark Warner, the Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus. "These lights are physical, including lanterns, candles, and fireworks, but for those who light the flames, they hold a deeper meaning. Diwali celebrates awareness of one's inner light and light's triumph over darkness. It celebrates goodness over evil and hope over despair," Senator John Cornyn, the Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus, said. Indian American lawmaker Raja Krishnamoorthi said, "Happy Diwali to those celebrating the Festival of Lights today, which commemorates the victory of good over evil and illumination of knowledge." Congressman John Sarbanes said the festival of lights serves as an important reminder for all that love and light will always prevail over hate and darkness, and that knowledge and reason will invariably overcome intolerance and ignorance. Indian American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said, "Happy Diwali to the millions around the world celebrating the Festival of Lights! What a beautiful reminder that light prevails over darkness and that goodness will guide us toward a better future." Congressman Derek Kilmer said, "Diwali is a celebration of our shared aspirations for the world: The triumph of light over darkness. As millions come together to celebrate this holiday, let's join them in striving to embrace the values of Diwali in our politics & our communities." Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu elected to the House of Representatives, in a video message said Diwali is such a special time of year where people all over the world are coming together to light their lamps in honour the return of Lord Ram to His kingdom after many years in exile, and celebrate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

Trump to celebrate Diwali in Oval Office next Tuesday: White House

<p>Sonali Bendre, who is undergoing treatment in New York for metastatic cancer, spent an 'unconventional'Diwali this year.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Sonali, who regularly shares her thoughts and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sonali-bendre-opens-up-about-pain-in-an-inspring-instagram-post-170470">updates about her treatment </a>on Instagram, &nbsp;posted photos of the intimate Diwali celebrations in New York. Sonali, her husband Goldie Behl and their son Ranveer did a customary puja on Diwali.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Sonali wrote, "Diwali in New York happens much later than in Mumbai... Hence the late wish! It was quite an unconventional one... We didn't have Indian clothes, we had a small puja... But it was all heart.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Happy Diwali everyone! May this year bring you good health, wealth and prosperity... Hope you celebrated this festival with your family and friends, and hope you cherish every moment of happiness with them!"</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp5_cJPBH8L/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Diwali in New York happens much later than in Mumbai... Hence the late wish! It was quite an unconventional one... We didn't have Indian clothes, we had a small puja... But it was all heart. Happy Diwali everyone! May this year bring you good health, wealth and prosperity... Hope you celebrated this festival with your family and friends, and hope you cherish every moment of happiness with them!</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/iamsonalibendre/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Sonali Bendre</a> (@iamsonalibendre) on <time datetime="2018-11-08T04:34:28+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Nov 7, 2018 at 8:34pm PST</time></p>
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<p>The 43- year-old actress was diagnosed with metastatic cancer in July. She has been in New York since then.</p>

<p>“I have recently been diagnosed with a high-grade cancer that has metastised, which we frankly did not see coming. A niggling pain led to some tests, which led to this unexpected diagnosis. My family and close friends have rallied around me, providing the best support system that anyone can ask for. I am very blessed and thankful for each of them,” she had revealed through an Instagram post in July.</p>


Sonali Bendre, who is undergoing treatment in New York for metastatic cancer, spent an 'unconventional'Diwali this year. Sonali, who regularly shares her thoughts and updates about her treatment on Instagram, posted photos of the intimate Diwali celebrations in New York.

Sonali Bendre, who is undergoing treatment in New York for metastatic cancer, spent an 'unconventional'Diwali this year. Sonali, who regularly shares her thoughts and updates about her treatment on Instagram, posted photos of the intimate Diwali celebrations in New York. Sonali, her husband Goldie Behl and their son Ranveer did a customary puja on Diwali. Sonali wrote, "Diwali in New York happens much later than in Mumbai... Hence the late wish! It was quite an unconventional one... We didn't have Indian clothes, we had a small puja... But it was all heart. Happy Diwali everyone! May this year bring you good health, wealth and prosperity... Hope you celebrated this festival with your family and friends, and hope you cherish every moment of happiness with them!" View this post on Instagram Diwali in New York happens much later than in Mumbai... Hence the late wish! It was quite an unconventional one... We didn't have Indian clothes, we had a small puja... But it was all heart. Happy Diwali everyone! May this year bring you good health, wealth and prosperity... Hope you celebrated this festival with your family and friends, and hope you cherish every moment of happiness with them! A post shared by Sonali Bendre (@iamsonalibendre) on Nov 7, 2018 at 8:34pm PST × The 43- year-old actress was diagnosed with metastatic cancer in July. She has been in New York since then. “I have recently been diagnosed with a high-grade cancer that has metastised, which we frankly did not see coming. A niggling pain led to some tests, which led to this unexpected diagnosis. My family and close friends have rallied around me, providing the best support system that anyone can ask for. I am very blessed and thankful for each of them,” she had revealed through an Instagram post in July.

Sonali Bendre celebrates an 'unconventional' Diwali with husband and son

<p>A thick haze engulfed the national capital Wednesday night with the air quality deteriorating to the "very poor" category as Delhiites continued to burst firecrackers long after the deadline set by the Supreme Court, the authorities said.</p>

<p>The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 302 at 11 pm, which fell in the very poor category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).</p>

<p>The air quality started deteriorating rapidly from 7 pm. The AQI was 281 at 7 pm. It rose to 291 at 8 pm and further deteriorated to 294 at 9 pm and 296 at 10 pm, according to the CPCB.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court had allowed bursting of firecrackers from 8 pm to 10 pm only on Diwali and other festivals. It had also allowed manufacture and sale of only "green crackers", which have a low light and sound emission and less harmful chemicals.</p>

<p>The court had asked the police to ensure that banned firecrackers were not sold and said in case of any violation, the station house officer (SHO) of the police station concerned would be held personally liable and it would amount to committing contempt of the court.</p>

<p>But despite the apex court order, there were reports of its violation from many areas long after 10 pm.</p>

<p>Several areas showed a spike in air pollution. Areas like Anand Vihar, ITO and Jahangirpuri recorded very high pollution levels.</p>

<p>Violations of the Supreme Court order were reported from Mayur Vihar Extension, Lajpat Nagar, Lutyens Delhi, IP extension, Dwarka, Noida Sector 78 among other places.</p>

<p>The police admitted that there were violations, adding that they would take serious legal action against those violating the apex court order.</p>

<p>The online indicators of the pollution monitoring stations in the city indicated "poor" and "very poor" air quality as the volume of ultra-fine particulates PM2.5 and PM10, which enter the respiratory system and manage to reach the bloodstream, sharply rose from around 8 pm.</p>

<p>According to the CPCB data, the 24-hour rolling average of PM2.5 and PM10 were 164 and 294 micrograms per cubic metre respectively.</p>

<p>The SAFAR forecast "bad" air quality Thursday even though partially toxic crackers were burst as compared to 2017. It also said the pollution levels would peak between 11 am and 3 am Wednesday and Thursday.</p>

<p>The situation was similar, if not worse, in the neighbouring areas of Delhi such as Gurugram, Noida and Ghaziabad, where crackers were burst as usual, raising question marks on the efficacy of the administration in enforcing the apex court's ban.</p>

<p>A "very poor" AQI essentially means that people may suffer from respiratory illnesses on a prolonged exposure to such air. If the air quality dips further, the AQI will turn "severe", which may trouble even those with sound health conditions and seriously affect those with ailments.</p>

<p>As many as 209 calls were received by the Delhi Fire Services on Diwali, including one related to a huge fire in a factory at Bawana, officials said.</p>

<p>Of these, 89 calls were related to fire incidents at garbage and dumpyards, while the rest were related to fire incidents involving electric wires, at factories and residential areas, a senior Delhi Fire Services officer said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officials said the number of calls related to firecrackers was comparatively low, but there was no decline in the number of calls related to fire incidents.</p>

<p>The Centre, in collaboration with the Delhi government, has launched a 10-day "Clean Air Campaign" from November 1 to 10 to monitor and report polluting activities as well as to ensure quick action.</p>

<p>About 52 teams deployed under the campaign are visiting different parts of Delhi and the adjacent towns of Faridabad, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Noida.</p>

<p>The teams are being led by the sub-divisional magistrates of the respective areas and comprise senior officials of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), representatives of the CPCB, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).</p>


A thick haze engulfed the national capital Wednesday night with the air quality deteriorating to the "very poor" category as Delhiites continued to burst firecrackers long after the deadline set by the Supreme Court, the authorities said.

A thick haze engulfed the national capital Wednesday night with the air quality deteriorating to the "very poor" category as Delhiites continued to burst firecrackers long after the deadline set by the Supreme Court, the authorities said. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 302 at 11 pm, which fell in the very poor category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The air quality started deteriorating rapidly from 7 pm. The AQI was 281 at 7 pm. It rose to 291 at 8 pm and further deteriorated to 294 at 9 pm and 296 at 10 pm, according to the CPCB. The Supreme Court had allowed bursting of firecrackers from 8 pm to 10 pm only on Diwali and other festivals. It had also allowed manufacture and sale of only "green crackers", which have a low light and sound emission and less harmful chemicals. The court had asked the police to ensure that banned firecrackers were not sold and said in case of any violation, the station house officer (SHO) of the police station concerned would be held personally liable and it would amount to committing contempt of the court. But despite the apex court order, there were reports of its violation from many areas long after 10 pm. Several areas showed a spike in air pollution. Areas like Anand Vihar, ITO and Jahangirpuri recorded very high pollution levels. Violations of the Supreme Court order were reported from Mayur Vihar Extension, Lajpat Nagar, Lutyens Delhi, IP extension, Dwarka, Noida Sector 78 among other places. The police admitted that there were violations, adding that they would take serious legal action against those violating the apex court order. The online indicators of the pollution monitoring stations in the city indicated "poor" and "very poor" air quality as the volume of ultra-fine particulates PM2.5 and PM10, which enter the respiratory system and manage to reach the bloodstream, sharply rose from around 8 pm. According to the CPCB data, the 24-hour rolling average of PM2.5 and PM10 were 164 and 294 micrograms per cubic metre respectively. The SAFAR forecast "bad" air quality Thursday even though partially toxic crackers were burst as compared to 2017. It also said the pollution levels would peak between 11 am and 3 am Wednesday and Thursday. The situation was similar, if not worse, in the neighbouring areas of Delhi such as Gurugram, Noida and Ghaziabad, where crackers were burst as usual, raising question marks on the efficacy of the administration in enforcing the apex court's ban. A "very poor" AQI essentially means that people may suffer from respiratory illnesses on a prolonged exposure to such air. If the air quality dips further, the AQI will turn "severe", which may trouble even those with sound health conditions and seriously affect those with ailments. As many as 209 calls were received by the Delhi Fire Services on Diwali, including one related to a huge fire in a factory at Bawana, officials said. Of these, 89 calls were related to fire incidents at garbage and dumpyards, while the rest were related to fire incidents involving electric wires, at factories and residential areas, a senior Delhi Fire Services officer said. The officials said the number of calls related to firecrackers was comparatively low, but there was no decline in the number of calls related to fire incidents. The Centre, in collaboration with the Delhi government, has launched a 10-day "Clean Air Campaign" from November 1 to 10 to monitor and report polluting activities as well as to ensure quick action. About 52 teams deployed under the campaign are visiting different parts of Delhi and the adjacent towns of Faridabad, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Noida. The teams are being led by the sub-divisional magistrates of the respective areas and comprise senior officials of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), representatives of the CPCB, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).

Thick haze engulfs Delhi as Diwali celebrations continue long after Supreme Court deadline

When it comes to Bollywood, each and every festival is celebrated in a grand way. The festivities began early for Diwali with stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Ekta Kapoor throwing big Diwali parties ahead of the festival.

When it comes to Bollywood, each and every festival is celebrated in a grand way. The festivities began early for Diwali with stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Ekta Kapoor throwing big Diwali parties ahead of the festival. ON Wednesday, Bollywood celebrities celebrated the festival at home with their families and then headed to Karan Johar's grand bash. After a super fun bachelorette that last over a weekend in Amsterdam, Priyanka Chopra came back to India just in time to celebrate Diwali with her family. Priyanka, who is to wed Nick Jonas in December, shared photos from her home as she posed with her mother and brother. "Happy Diwali. So good to be home to celebrate with my loved ones. I wish for the world to be bestowed with love, light and happiness. (sic)" Priyanka wrote. Happy Diwali. So happy to be home to celebrate with my loved ones. I wish for the world to be bestowed with love, light and happiness. 💥✨ pic.twitter.com/dU4iU2bXmv — PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) November 7, 2018 × Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan hosted a dinner at their residence which had Karisma Kapoor and her children and Soha Ali Khan along with her husband Kunal Kemmu in attendance. View this post on Instagram Mama’s and their babies 😇 #aboutlastnight ✨✨ #onlylove #family❤️ #diwali #festivaloflights pic 📸 @khemster2 A post shared by KK (@therealkarismakapoor) on Nov 7, 2018 at 11:02pm PST × Kareena was later seen bonding with actors Kartik Aryan and Bhumi Pednekar at Karan Johar's house party. View this post on Instagram Last night ❤️ #kareenakapoorkhan @manishmalhotra05 thank you for the picture 😘 and @kartikaaryan for being a poser 😂 ❣ #happydiwali A post shared by Bhumi Pednekar (@psbhumi) on Nov 8, 2018 at 4:09am PST × One of India's favourite couple, Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli spent time at home and posted adorable photos posing at the balcony of their house. Anushka wrote, " Happy Diwali from our home May you all find the light in you this Diwali" View this post on Instagram Happy Diwali from our home ✨ May you all find the light in you this Diwali .... 🕉️✨🙏 A post shared by AnushkaSharma1588 (@anushkasharma) on Nov 7, 2018 at 7:13am PST × The Bachchans posed for their customary picture after the puja. They even matched their outfits in white for this year's festival. View this post on Instagram Deepavali JI anek anek shubhkamanayein .. आप सब की दीपावली शुभ हो A post shared by Amitabh Bachchan (@amitabhbachchan) on Nov 7, 2018 at 2:36pm PST × Sonam Kapoor, who is holidaying with her husband Anand Ahuja and family in London, did a small puja at home post which the newlyweds went to a local eatery to celebrate. View this post on Instagram Happy happy Diwali folks. A post shared by SonamKAhuja (@sonamkapoor) on Nov 7, 2018 at 9:36am PST × Mira Kapoor's Diwali pics were all about celebrating love as she posed with her husband, actor Shahid Kapoor and brother-in-law Ishaan Khatter. View this post on Instagram Only love 💕Happy Diwali! A post shared by Mira Rajput Kapoor (@mira.kapoor) on Nov 7, 2018 at 7:03am PST × View this post on Instagram Nice to you today 🤪 A post shared by Mira Rajput Kapoor (@mira.kapoor) on Nov 7, 2018 at 7:44am PST × View this post on Instagram With Dadi!! Ta-Thai-Thai-Tat 😘 A post shared by Mira Rajput Kapoor (@mira.kapoor) on Nov 8, 2018 at 3:29am PST × Both Arpita Khan and Karan Johar threw parties at their respective homes which saw many of the Bollywood celebrities in attendance including Sara Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Malaika Arora, Salman Khan, Sonakshi Sinha, and others. While most of the celebrities were in Mumbai for Diwali, Kangana Ranaut celebrated it at her Manali home with her immediate family. Lighting diyas, my fav time of the festival !! ♥️♥️♥️ pic.twitter.com/t9oF1bjDQD — Rangoli Chandel (@Rangoli_A) November 7, 2018 ×

In pics: How Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut and others celebrated Diwali

<p>The recent judgment by the Supreme Court is well-intentioned and a bold attempt to address a grave issue concerning the health of citizens, especially the infants and the old. The court refused to impose a nationwide blanket ban on the manufacture and sale of firecrackers. However, it did not allow anything other than green crackers to be burst in the NCR region. It has fixed a time band of 8 pm to 10 pm — on Diwali and other festivities, including weddings for the bursting of firecrackers across the country.<br />
<br />
A separate time slot (11.55 pm to 12.30 am) has been allowed for bursting crackers during Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebration across the country. In addition, certain excessive polluting category of firecrackers have been banned along with the complete prohibition of online sale of crackers.</p>

<p>The apex court has tried to show environmental stewardship while dealing with the firecrackers issue though it has favoured a moderate use of crackers after its failure in controlling the sale and use of firecrackers last year. The core content of the SC order revolves around manufacturing and sale of “green crackers”. Surprisingly, the apex court has failed to inquire into a potent question, whether green crackers are manufactured in India or not? The answer is perhaps “no”.<br />
<br />
The concept of “green firecracker” is still in the embryonic stage. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) had come up with that idea but there is hardly any research on developing green crackers, nor is there any scientific, technical and socio-economic information available to understand the issue. Hence, the one way worth exploring is the importation of such green crackers from some foreign countries — if at all they are in use. They could be shipped to Indian in massive quantities.</p>

<p>Though the court has tried to balance various competing interests like those relating to the firecracker industry’s needs, the livelihood of workers, the rights of consumers, religious sentiments, environmental prerogatives and even the problems of local administrations, it is very difficult to strike a fine balance among the extremely contradictory and competing interests, and that is why it poses serious doubts on implementability of the court’s order. The last years’ experience speaks volume about it.</p>

<p>It is an undenying fact that bursting of firecrackers releases a heavy dose of carcinogens in the atmosphere, presenting a humongous public health challenge for Delhi and NCR regions. Though the executive wing is duty bound to ensure safe health by regulating the use of such polluting materials, its constant dereliction forces the courts to step in. Even the state governments are quite lethargic in fighting the pollution menace.</p>

<p>In the wake of the ban, the argument over the firecracker industry’s estimated loss of more than Rs 1,000 crore in the current year is not convincing in terms of the potentiality of health hazards. It is high time the firecrackers manufacturing sector ought to be persuaded to use the latest technology that reduces pollution. It is equally important to educate the people, especially children, about the threat to health posed by firecrackers. Campaigns over the years have yielded some dividends, however, there is a greater need to promote emancipatory environmentalism. We need to ponder over how the traditional value system of sustainability has been sacrificed at the altar of mindless consumerism and pomp, deliberately ignoring the long-term deleterious impact of such action.</p>

<p>The simplistic mass cultural extravaganza has gradually divorced itself from many traditional, religious and cultural specific aspects of the festival. It is used more as a potent marketing tool in cities diluting the essence of worship, honour and devotion to the divine. In fact, the literal meaning of Deepavali is “row of lamps” which projects the glorious past of our country that teaches us true values of our lives. That is being gradually fading in the face of loud firecrackers. The growing social awareness concerning emulating eco-friendly measures in every aspect of our life will lead to arresting the persistent dangers emanating from the bursting of crackers. It is hoped and believed that mass awareness for the love for our ecology will be the best tool against polluting firecrackers.<br />
<br />
<em>(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-green-diwali-is-a-distant-dream-nurtured-by-eco-awareness-2683712">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


The recent judgment by the Supreme Court is well-intentioned and a bold attempt to address a grave issue concerning the health of citizens, especially the infants and the old.

The recent judgment by the Supreme Court is well-intentioned and a bold attempt to address a grave issue concerning the health of citizens, especially the infants and the old. The court refused to impose a nationwide blanket ban on the manufacture and sale of firecrackers. However, it did not allow anything other than green crackers to be burst in the NCR region. It has fixed a time band of 8 pm to 10 pm — on Diwali and other festivities, including weddings for the bursting of firecrackers across the country. A separate time slot (11.55 pm to 12.30 am) has been allowed for bursting crackers during Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebration across the country. In addition, certain excessive polluting category of firecrackers have been banned along with the complete prohibition of online sale of crackers. The apex court has tried to show environmental stewardship while dealing with the firecrackers issue though it has favoured a moderate use of crackers after its failure in controlling the sale and use of firecrackers last year. The core content of the SC order revolves around manufacturing and sale of “green crackers”. Surprisingly, the apex court has failed to inquire into a potent question, whether green crackers are manufactured in India or not? The answer is perhaps “no”. The concept of “green firecracker” is still in the embryonic stage. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) had come up with that idea but there is hardly any research on developing green crackers, nor is there any scientific, technical and socio-economic information available to understand the issue. Hence, the one way worth exploring is the importation of such green crackers from some foreign countries — if at all they are in use. They could be shipped to Indian in massive quantities. Though the court has tried to balance various competing interests like those relating to the firecracker industry’s needs, the livelihood of workers, the rights of consumers, religious sentiments, environmental prerogatives and even the problems of local administrations, it is very difficult to strike a fine balance among the extremely contradictory and competing interests, and that is why it poses serious doubts on implementability of the court’s order. The last years’ experience speaks volume about it. It is an undenying fact that bursting of firecrackers releases a heavy dose of carcinogens in the atmosphere, presenting a humongous public health challenge for Delhi and NCR regions. Though the executive wing is duty bound to ensure safe health by regulating the use of such polluting materials, its constant dereliction forces the courts to step in. Even the state governments are quite lethargic in fighting the pollution menace. In the wake of the ban, the argument over the firecracker industry’s estimated loss of more than Rs 1,000 crore in the current year is not convincing in terms of the potentiality of health hazards. It is high time the firecrackers manufacturing sector ought to be persuaded to use the latest technology that reduces pollution. It is equally important to educate the people, especially children, about the threat to health posed by firecrackers. Campaigns over the years have yielded some dividends, however, there is a greater need to promote emancipatory environmentalism. We need to ponder over how the traditional value system of sustainability has been sacrificed at the altar of mindless consumerism and pomp, deliberately ignoring the long-term deleterious impact of such action. The simplistic mass cultural extravaganza has gradually divorced itself from many traditional, religious and cultural specific aspects of the festival. It is used more as a potent marketing tool in cities diluting the essence of worship, honour and devotion to the divine. In fact, the literal meaning of Deepavali is “row of lamps” which projects the glorious past of our country that teaches us true values of our lives. That is being gradually fading in the face of loud firecrackers. The growing social awareness concerning emulating eco-friendly measures in every aspect of our life will lead to arresting the persistent dangers emanating from the bursting of crackers. It is hoped and believed that mass awareness for the love for our ecology will be the best tool against polluting firecrackers. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Green Diwali is a distant dream nurtured by eco-awareness

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Harsil near the India-China border in Uttarakhand to celebrate Diwali with Army and ITBP personnel on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Greeting the jawans on the occasion, the prime minister said their devotion to duty in the remote icy heights, is enabling the strength of the nation, and securing the future and the dreams of 125 crore Indians, a statement from his office said.</p>

<p>He said that Diwali is the festival of lights, it spreads the light of goodness and dispels fear. He said that the jawans, through their commitment and discipline, are also helping to spread the sense of security and fearlessness among the people.</p>

<p>The prime minister recalled that he has been visiting soldiers on Diwali ever since he was the chief minister of Gujarat.</p>

<p>He also spoke of his interactions with the jawans of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), years ago when he was part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">While interacting with Army and <a href="https://twitter.com/ITBP_official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ITBP_official</a> Jawans in Harsil, spoke about the numerous steps being taken by the Government of India for the strengthening of the defence sector, welfare of ex-servicemen and highlighted how Indian forces are admired globally for the skills. <a href="https://t.co/DFAuJfrQwy">pic.twitter.com/DFAuJfrQwy</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1060049142133727232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The prime minister said India is taking great strides forward in the defence sector. He spoke of various measures being taken for the welfare of ex-servicemen, including implementation of 'one rank, one pension' (OROP).</p>

<p>Modi said that the Indian Armed Forces draw admiration and appreciation across the world, in UN peacekeeping operations.</p>

<p>The prime minister offered sweets to the jawans. He also interacted with people from nearby areas who had gathered to greet him on Diwali.</p>

<p>Harshil is a cantonment area situated at a height of 7,860 feet close to the India-China border in Uttarkashi district.</p>

<p>The prime minister is scheduled to go to Kedarnath later in the day to offer prayers and review the progress of reconstruction projects at Kedarpuri.</p>

<p>Kedarpuri, the township situated close to the Himalayan shrine, had bore the brunt of the catastrophic floods of 2013 which killed thousands of people.</p>

<p>Responding to Diwali greeting from Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday night, Modi had said, "Every year, I visit our border areas and surprise our troops. This year too, will spend Diwali with our brave troops. Spending time with them is special."&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Harsil near the India-China border in Uttarakhand to celebrate Diwali with Army and ITBP personnel on Wednesday. Greeting the jawans on the occasion, the prime minister said their devotion to duty in the remote icy heights, is enabling the strength of the nation, and securing the future and the dreams of 125 crore Indians, a statement from his office said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Harsil near the India-China border in Uttarakhand to celebrate Diwali with Army and ITBP personnel on Wednesday. Greeting the jawans on the occasion, the prime minister said their devotion to duty in the remote icy heights, is enabling the strength of the nation, and securing the future and the dreams of 125 crore Indians, a statement from his office said. He said that Diwali is the festival of lights, it spreads the light of goodness and dispels fear. He said that the jawans, through their commitment and discipline, are also helping to spread the sense of security and fearlessness among the people. The prime minister recalled that he has been visiting soldiers on Diwali ever since he was the chief minister of Gujarat. He also spoke of his interactions with the jawans of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), years ago when he was part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. While interacting with Army and @ITBP_official Jawans in Harsil, spoke about the numerous steps being taken by the Government of India for the strengthening of the defence sector, welfare of ex-servicemen and highlighted how Indian forces are admired globally for the skills. pic.twitter.com/DFAuJfrQwy — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 7, 2018 × The prime minister said India is taking great strides forward in the defence sector. He spoke of various measures being taken for the welfare of ex-servicemen, including implementation of 'one rank, one pension' (OROP). Modi said that the Indian Armed Forces draw admiration and appreciation across the world, in UN peacekeeping operations. The prime minister offered sweets to the jawans. He also interacted with people from nearby areas who had gathered to greet him on Diwali. Harshil is a cantonment area situated at a height of 7,860 feet close to the India-China border in Uttarkashi district. The prime minister is scheduled to go to Kedarnath later in the day to offer prayers and review the progress of reconstruction projects at Kedarpuri. Kedarpuri, the township situated close to the Himalayan shrine, had bore the brunt of the catastrophic floods of 2013 which killed thousands of people. Responding to Diwali greeting from Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday night, Modi had said, "Every year, I visit our border areas and surprise our troops. This year too, will spend Diwali with our brave troops. Spending time with them is special."

PM celebrates Diwali with soldiers in Harshil near India-China border

<p>Higher prices, lending curbs and a move to online shopping are denting the cheer for Indian retailers at this year's Diwali Hindu festival, with lacklustre sales for high-end items ranging from iPhones to cars and even gold.</p>

<p>A weak rupee has pushed prices on Apple Inc's costly iPhones even higher in India, while surging fuel costs and a liquidity crunch in India's shadow banking sector have taken a bite out of growth in carmakers' sales during the country's heaviest shopping weeks.</p>

<p>Demand for gold, which typically surges during the season that started in mid-October and ends on Friday, is also weak despite dealers offering discounts on the precious metal for the first time in three years.</p>

<p>The tepid sales may prompt the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to find additional ways to stimulate the economy, especially given there is an election due by May. The government has already reduced fuel excise taxes, pushed the Reserve Bank of India to ease curbs on bank lending, and provided support for weak crop prices in recent weeks.</p>

<p><strong>UNDER STRESS</strong></p>

<p>Expecting the usual spike in demand during Diwali, when people traditionally buy gifts for family and friends, Sanjay Mahadik, owner of an apparel shop in Satara in Maharashtra stocked up. But demand is weak, he says.</p>

<p>"Only a few customers are turning up. During Diwali week normally the shop gets so crowded that customers struggle to find space to stand," said Mahadik.</p>

<p>Indian households' consumption has grown ahead of income for five years, brokerage UBS Securities India said in a note, thanks to lower interest rates that have reduced savings and encouraged people to take more loans.</p>

<p>But signs of a slowdown in lending by non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) as some of them struggle for liquidity may hurt discretionary consumption, UBS said.</p>

<p>"With NBFCs and banks under stress, the availability of finance and general sentiment is affected," said Sugato Sen, deputy director general at the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), a trade body that counts Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Motor Corp, Volkswagen and BMW among others, as members.</p>

<p>While passenger vehicle sales at Maruti Suzuki, which sells one in every two cars in India, rose just 0.6 per cent to 135,948 units in October from a year ago, motorbike and scooter sales are strong as shown by the 33 per cent growth reported by Bajaj Auto Ltd.</p>

<p>Also doing well are online retailers like Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart, who have both reported robust sales thanks to major promotional events this season, to the detriment of some traditional retailers.</p>

<p>Just days ahead of Diwali, some wholesale and retail markets in cities like Mumbai saw lower customer numbers as consumers shifted to buying online to take advantage of greater discounts.</p>

<p>Sales of large appliances grew 2.5 times year-earlier numbers during Amazon's Great Indian Festival sale last week, with smart TVs accounting for more than 50 per cent of total TV sales, the online retailer said in an email. Amazon also said there was an increase in sales of air purifiers, furniture and clothes.</p>

<p>Other big electronics retailers say zero-interest financing schemes are helping buoy demand for white goods like TVs and refrigerators.</p>

<p>"The availability of high speed internet, Amazon and Netflix has something to do with this. People want to access that content so the feeling is that the TV must be nicer, bigger," said a large Mumbai-based retailer.</p>

<p><strong>APPLE'S WOES</strong></p>

<p>For Amazon, smartphones continued to be the biggest-selling product by value but this year sales were driven by Chinese phone-makers Xiaomi and OnePlus in a setback for Apple.</p>

<p>Sales of iPhones in India will fall for the first time since 2014, one research firm estimates, as users in the world's fastest growing major economy find the phones to be too expensive.</p>

<p>In 2018, Apple is set to sell about 2 million phones in the country - a drop of about 1 million from last year, said Neil Shah, director at Hong Kong-based Counterpoint Research.</p>

<p>The Cupertino, California company's struggle to win over India's 1.4 billion consumers swung more sharply into focus this week after Apple blamed a disappointing set of sales forecasts on a handful of big emerging markets like India.</p>

<p>Rushabh Doshi, analyst at Singapore-based Canalys, said Apple could be forced to launch cheaper devices.</p>

<p>"That is the only way it will gain volume in price-conscious markets like India," he said.</p>


Higher prices, lending curbs and a move to online shopping are denting the cheer for Indian retailers at this year's Diwali Hindu festival, with lacklustre sales for high-end items ranging from iPhones to cars and even gold.

Higher prices, lending curbs and a move to online shopping are denting the cheer for Indian retailers at this year's Diwali Hindu festival, with lacklustre sales for high-end items ranging from iPhones to cars and even gold. A weak rupee has pushed prices on Apple Inc's costly iPhones even higher in India, while surging fuel costs and a liquidity crunch in India's shadow banking sector have taken a bite out of growth in carmakers' sales during the country's heaviest shopping weeks. Demand for gold, which typically surges during the season that started in mid-October and ends on Friday, is also weak despite dealers offering discounts on the precious metal for the first time in three years. The tepid sales may prompt the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to find additional ways to stimulate the economy, especially given there is an election due by May. The government has already reduced fuel excise taxes, pushed the Reserve Bank of India to ease curbs on bank lending, and provided support for weak crop prices in recent weeks. UNDER STRESS Expecting the usual spike in demand during Diwali, when people traditionally buy gifts for family and friends, Sanjay Mahadik, owner of an apparel shop in Satara in Maharashtra stocked up. But demand is weak, he says. "Only a few customers are turning up. During Diwali week normally the shop gets so crowded that customers struggle to find space to stand," said Mahadik. Indian households' consumption has grown ahead of income for five years, brokerage UBS Securities India said in a note, thanks to lower interest rates that have reduced savings and encouraged people to take more loans. But signs of a slowdown in lending by non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) as some of them struggle for liquidity may hurt discretionary consumption, UBS said. "With NBFCs and banks under stress, the availability of finance and general sentiment is affected," said Sugato Sen, deputy director general at the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), a trade body that counts Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Motor Corp, Volkswagen and BMW among others, as members. While passenger vehicle sales at Maruti Suzuki, which sells one in every two cars in India, rose just 0.6 per cent to 135,948 units in October from a year ago, motorbike and scooter sales are strong as shown by the 33 per cent growth reported by Bajaj Auto Ltd. Also doing well are online retailers like Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart, who have both reported robust sales thanks to major promotional events this season, to the detriment of some traditional retailers. Just days ahead of Diwali, some wholesale and retail markets in cities like Mumbai saw lower customer numbers as consumers shifted to buying online to take advantage of greater discounts. Sales of large appliances grew 2.5 times year-earlier numbers during Amazon's Great Indian Festival sale last week, with smart TVs accounting for more than 50 per cent of total TV sales, the online retailer said in an email. Amazon also said there was an increase in sales of air purifiers, furniture and clothes. Other big electronics retailers say zero-interest financing schemes are helping buoy demand for white goods like TVs and refrigerators. "The availability of high speed internet, Amazon and Netflix has something to do with this. People want to access that content so the feeling is that the TV must be nicer, bigger," said a large Mumbai-based retailer. APPLE'S WOES For Amazon, smartphones continued to be the biggest-selling product by value but this year sales were driven by Chinese phone-makers Xiaomi and OnePlus in a setback for Apple. Sales of iPhones in India will fall for the first time since 2014, one research firm estimates, as users in the world's fastest growing major economy find the phones to be too expensive. In 2018, Apple is set to sell about 2 million phones in the country - a drop of about 1 million from last year, said Neil Shah, director at Hong Kong-based Counterpoint Research. The Cupertino, California company's struggle to win over India's 1.4 billion consumers swung more sharply into focus this week after Apple blamed a disappointing set of sales forecasts on a handful of big emerging markets like India. Rushabh Doshi, analyst at Singapore-based Canalys, said Apple could be forced to launch cheaper devices. "That is the only way it will gain volume in price-conscious markets like India," he said.

Higher prices, lending curbs dim Diwali festival for Indian retailers

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he would celebrate Diwali with Army jawans and share pictures of his experience.</p>

<p>Responding to Diwali greetings from Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi said, "Every year, I visit our border areas and surprise our troops. This year too, will spend Diwali with our brave troops. Spending time with them is special."</p>

<p>He said he would share the photos of the same Wednesday evening.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bibi, my friend, thank you so much for the Diwali wishes.<br />
<br />
Every year, I visit our border areas and surprise our troops. This year too, will spend Diwali with our brave troops. Spending time with them is special.<br />
<br />
I will share photos of the same tomorrow evening. :) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netanyahu</a> <a href="https://t.co/gnouOA3QGt">https://t.co/gnouOA3QGt</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1059842760159694849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Modi also thanked Bibi, as Netanyahu is called, for the Diwali wishes.</p>

<p>Sources in the government had Monday said that the prime minister would offer prayers at the Kedarnath shrine on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"On behalf of the people of Israel, I would like to wish my dear friend @narendramodi and the people of India a joyous Diwali. May this luminous festival of lights bring you happiness and prosperity. Reply to this tweet with the name of the city where you're celebrating!," the Israel premier had tweeted.</p>

<p>After becoming the prime minister in 2014, Modi had spent Diwali at Siachen with Army jawans.</p>

<p>In 2015, he had visited the Punjab border on Diwali. His visit had coincided with 50 years of the 1965 Indo-Pak war.</p>

<p>The next year, Modi was in Himachal Pradesh, where he spent time with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel at a border outpost.</p>

<p>He had spent his fourth Diwali as prime minister with soldiers at Gurez in Jammu and Kashmir last year.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he would celebrate Diwali with Army jawans and share pictures of his experience. Responding to Diwali greetings from Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi said, "Every year, I visit our border areas and surprise our troops.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he would celebrate Diwali with Army jawans and share pictures of his experience. Responding to Diwali greetings from Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi said, "Every year, I visit our border areas and surprise our troops. This year too, will spend Diwali with our brave troops. Spending time with them is special." He said he would share the photos of the same Wednesday evening. Bibi, my friend, thank you so much for the Diwali wishes. Every year, I visit our border areas and surprise our troops. This year too, will spend Diwali with our brave troops. Spending time with them is special. I will share photos of the same tomorrow evening. :) @netanyahu https://t.co/gnouOA3QGt — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 6, 2018 × Modi also thanked Bibi, as Netanyahu is called, for the Diwali wishes. Sources in the government had Monday said that the prime minister would offer prayers at the Kedarnath shrine on Wednesday. "On behalf of the people of Israel, I would like to wish my dear friend @narendramodi and the people of India a joyous Diwali. May this luminous festival of lights bring you happiness and prosperity. Reply to this tweet with the name of the city where you're celebrating!," the Israel premier had tweeted. After becoming the prime minister in 2014, Modi had spent Diwali at Siachen with Army jawans. In 2015, he had visited the Punjab border on Diwali. His visit had coincided with 50 years of the 1965 Indo-Pak war. The next year, Modi was in Himachal Pradesh, where he spent time with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel at a border outpost. He had spent his fourth Diwali as prime minister with soldiers at Gurez in Jammu and Kashmir last year.

PM Modi in Kedarnath today, will spend Diwali with soldiers

<p>The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is mulling inducing artificial rain in Delhi after Diwali to wash away hazardous pollutants that is plaguing the national capital.</p>

<p>A senior CPCB official said they are in talks with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for inducing artificial rain after Diwali when the pollution is expected to reach "severe-plus emergency" stage.</p>

<p>The official said they are waiting for meteorological conditions to become stable and then use cloud seeding for inducing artificial rain.</p>

<p>Cloud seeding is the process of combining different kinds of chemical agents including silver iodide, dry ice and even common table salt with existing clouds in an effort to thicken the clouds and increase the chance of rain or snowfall.</p>

<p>An IIT Kanpur professor said weather conditions are being monitored to become favourable for creating artificial rain.</p>

<p>"We are supporting the project by providing salt mix for inducing artificial rain. The weatherman is monitoring weather conditions to become favourable for creating artificial rain," the IIT Kanpur professor, who is part of the project, said.</p>

<p>In 2016, the government tried to explore the possibility of cloud seeding for artificial rain but the plan never worked out. Last year, the government has proposed the possibility of reducing dust by watering Delhi from a helicopter to Union Minister Harsh Vardhan.</p>

<p>Delhi's air quality has again deteriorated to alarming levels in the past three weeks.</p>

<p>Delhi's air quality was recorded in 'very poor' category on Tuesday as wind continued to blow from regions where there is rampant stubble burning, authorities said, warning of severe spike in pollution levels after Diwali even if "partial toxic crackers" are burnt compared to last year.</p>

<p>The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 394, which falls in the 'very poor' category, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board.&nbsp;</p>


The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is mulling inducing artificial rain in Delhi after Diwali to wash away hazardous pollutants that is plaguing the national capital.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is mulling inducing artificial rain in Delhi after Diwali to wash away hazardous pollutants that is plaguing the national capital. A senior CPCB official said they are in talks with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for inducing artificial rain after Diwali when the pollution is expected to reach "severe-plus emergency" stage. The official said they are waiting for meteorological conditions to become stable and then use cloud seeding for inducing artificial rain. Cloud seeding is the process of combining different kinds of chemical agents including silver iodide, dry ice and even common table salt with existing clouds in an effort to thicken the clouds and increase the chance of rain or snowfall. An IIT Kanpur professor said weather conditions are being monitored to become favourable for creating artificial rain. "We are supporting the project by providing salt mix for inducing artificial rain. The weatherman is monitoring weather conditions to become favourable for creating artificial rain," the IIT Kanpur professor, who is part of the project, said. In 2016, the government tried to explore the possibility of cloud seeding for artificial rain but the plan never worked out. Last year, the government has proposed the possibility of reducing dust by watering Delhi from a helicopter to Union Minister Harsh Vardhan. Delhi's air quality has again deteriorated to alarming levels in the past three weeks. Delhi's air quality was recorded in 'very poor' category on Tuesday as wind continued to blow from regions where there is rampant stubble burning, authorities said, warning of severe spike in pollution levels after Diwali even if "partial toxic crackers" are burnt compared to last year. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 394, which falls in the 'very poor' category, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board.

CPCB mulling using artificial rain in Delhi to tackle pollution after Diwali

<p>A new world record was set in the holy city of Ayodhya on the eve of Diwali Tuesday with over three lakh 'diyas' or earthen lamps lit up simultaneously on the banks of the Saryu river, officials said.</p>

<p>Rishi Nath, official adjudicator of the Guinness World Records, made the announcement that the record was created at the Deepotsav event on the ghats here.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A total of 3,01,152 diyas were lit up simultaneously for a period of five minutes, which is a new record," Nath said in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi</p>

<p>Adityanath and South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook.</p>

<p>The target was to illuminate a total of 3.35 lakh diyas on both sides of ghats at Ram Ki Paidi here.</p>

<p>"It beat the earlier record set in Haryana in 2016, where at an event 1,50,009 diyas were lit," Nath said and hailed the new record as "phenomenal".&nbsp;</p>


A new world record was set in the holy city of Ayodhya on the eve of Diwali Tuesday with over three lakh 'diyas' or earthen lamps lit up simultaneously on the banks of the Saryu river, officials said.

A new world record was set in the holy city of Ayodhya on the eve of Diwali Tuesday with over three lakh 'diyas' or earthen lamps lit up simultaneously on the banks of the Saryu river, officials said. Rishi Nath, official adjudicator of the Guinness World Records, made the announcement that the record was created at the Deepotsav event on the ghats here. "A total of 3,01,152 diyas were lit up simultaneously for a period of five minutes, which is a new record," Nath said in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook. The target was to illuminate a total of 3.35 lakh diyas on both sides of ghats at Ram Ki Paidi here. "It beat the earlier record set in Haryana in 2016, where at an event 1,50,009 diyas were lit," Nath said and hailed the new record as "phenomenal".

Over 3 lakh diyas lit on banks of Saryu river in new world record

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to spend the festival of Diwali in Kedarnath, sources said on Monday.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi, after assuming office in 2014, has primarily spent the festival every year with soldiers and security personnel at different parts of the country.</p>

<p>Last year, Prime Minister Modi celebrated Diwali with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel posted in Gurez at Jammu and Kashmir`s Bandipora district and a day later he visited Kedarnath to inaugurate various development projects.</p>

<p>In 2016, Prime Minister Modi met jawans of the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITPB), the Indian Army and Dogra Scouts in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh on the day of Diwali.</p>

<p>In 2015, he visited the Dograi War Memorial in Khasa, Amritsar to celebrate Diwali with the troops.</p>

<p>Months after becoming Prime Minister in 2014, he had paid a surprise visit to the Siachen Base Camp to celebrate Diwali with the soldiers deployed at the World`s highest battlefield.</p>

<p>The festival of lights, Diwali, will be celebrated on November 7 this year.&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to spend the festival of Diwali in Kedarnath, sources said on Monday. Prime Minister Modi, after assuming office in 2014, has primarily spent the festival every year with soldiers and security personnel at different parts of the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to spend the festival of Diwali in Kedarnath, sources said on Monday. Prime Minister Modi, after assuming office in 2014, has primarily spent the festival every year with soldiers and security personnel at different parts of the country. Last year, Prime Minister Modi celebrated Diwali with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel posted in Gurez at Jammu and Kashmir`s Bandipora district and a day later he visited Kedarnath to inaugurate various development projects. In 2016, Prime Minister Modi met jawans of the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITPB), the Indian Army and Dogra Scouts in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh on the day of Diwali. In 2015, he visited the Dograi War Memorial in Khasa, Amritsar to celebrate Diwali with the troops. Months after becoming Prime Minister in 2014, he had paid a surprise visit to the Siachen Base Camp to celebrate Diwali with the soldiers deployed at the World`s highest battlefield. The festival of lights, Diwali, will be celebrated on November 7 this year.

PM Modi likely to spend Diwali at Kedarnath

<p>The Diwali air pollution issue has gained currency in the public discourse majorly from the standpoint of the public health and environmental threat that it poses on a pan-India scale.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the intention of resolving the issue, the Supreme Court imposed a ban on the sale of firecrackers last year on a pilot basis in Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, this year the strategy is seemingly more rational and holistic, mindful of environmental health concerns as well as the celebratory sentiments, which are otherwise difficult to curb, owing to the various implementation challenges intricately linked with socio-economic factors and cultural practices.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an attempt to understand the efficacy of the 2017 ban at reducing fine particulate matter, a local monitoring station was set up during the Diwali period in a typical urban pocket of South Delhi, characterised by the presence of an affluent urban neighbourhood, an urban slum, an urban village and a resettlement colony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The station enabled collection of granular data at one-minute resolution and reflected that local PM2.5 levels were as high as 2500 µg/m3 with the 24-h median PM2.5 concentrations having increased by 300 per cent on the day of Diwali.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The impact of Diwali emissions was seen on ambient PM2.5 levels up to two days after the festival. The neighbourhood levels captured by the local monitor is important to understand the magnitude of actual exposure contrary to the centrally located CPCB monitors, which reported relatively lower values.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although the prevalence of particulate matter in the ambient air is contingent upon a number of factors, mainly meteorological conditions, emissions of such escalating levels require a more graded approach rather than a blanket ban.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Supreme Court’s order this year for “green and improved” firecrackers concurs with a scientific rationale and is aligned with socio-political complexities involved in imposing such measures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While endorsing some of the criticism about the ban being discussed in the public domain, one can agree with the fact that it does not limit the ban of cracker-burning to the festival of Diwali, but also a few other festivals and wedding celebrations, recognizing the practice as a problem rather than being an event-centric intervention.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, it attempts to address the problem at a manufacturing level without upsetting the economic ecosystem of cracker producers. The ban on its sale through online channels is also laudable given that those availing frequent online platforms for shopping are usually the higher income strata, who naturally have a more disposable income to purchase crackers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, one needs to be mindful of the fact that the presence of particulate matter in the ambient conditions are heavily dependent on meteorological conditions and the two-hour time period recommended could well be characterised by inversion or very stable atmospheric conditions, which may become an antithesis to the intention of the pollution redressal measure.</p>

<p>Also, vigilance mechanisms need to be substantiated with behaviour-centric approaches to be deployed well ahead of this time at a mass scale and in a context-sensitive way aligned with regional sentiments and practices in order to tackle the issue in a holistic fashion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the same time enforcement of existing policies such as the ban of cracker burning around health facilities need to be aggressively imposed to reduce exposure related threats to vulnerable groups.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, congested neighbourhoods, where the likelihood of emission entrapment is higher, are needed to be rigorously prevented from the use of crackers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The timeliness of the proposed air pollution control measures to tackle burning during festivities can, however, be criticized given that it needs to be mindful of sensitisation and preparedness on the part of manufacturers to produce green or “reduced emission crackers”. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The procurement of raw material and chemicals for mass scale production does not begin right before the festivity but in accordance to the life-course of a production mechanism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From the perspective of the general public, even though there seems to be a resonance with the need for pollution-curbing measures, it does seem to upset an age-long sentiment. Under such circumstances, phasing out can only happen when strategies to curtail emissions are popularised, implying the need for dissemination of knowledge on the various emission levels of cracker types and the subsequent health risks that they pose.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Catastrophic air pollution issues need to be unpacked to provide a plethora of measures that communities can adopt and alternate with. Simultaneously, attention to peri-urban locations and smaller cities with poor air quality monitoring are also important owing to the acute nature of the exposures that take place while burning the crackers. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The measures undertaken so far are understandably in an experimental phase and need to evolve in a more timely manner to allow all stakeholders - manufacturers, users and regulators - to prepare ahead. The recognition of the problem on this scale and intention to improvise strategies are, however, appreciable.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(The article is co-authored by </em><em>Samyita</em><em> Ghosh. She works with the Centre for Environmental Health, PHFI)</em></p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-demystifying-the-diwali-ban-2680685">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


The Diwali air pollution issue has gained currency in the public discourse majorly from the standpoint of the public health and environmental threat that it poses on a pan-India scale.

The Diwali air pollution issue has gained currency in the public discourse majorly from the standpoint of the public health and environmental threat that it poses on a pan-India scale. With the intention of resolving the issue, the Supreme Court imposed a ban on the sale of firecrackers last year on a pilot basis in Delhi. However, this year the strategy is seemingly more rational and holistic, mindful of environmental health concerns as well as the celebratory sentiments, which are otherwise difficult to curb, owing to the various implementation challenges intricately linked with socio-economic factors and cultural practices. In an attempt to understand the efficacy of the 2017 ban at reducing fine particulate matter, a local monitoring station was set up during the Diwali period in a typical urban pocket of South Delhi, characterised by the presence of an affluent urban neighbourhood, an urban slum, an urban village and a resettlement colony. The station enabled collection of granular data at one-minute resolution and reflected that local PM2.5 levels were as high as 2500 µg/m3 with the 24-h median PM2.5 concentrations having increased by 300 per cent on the day of Diwali. The impact of Diwali emissions was seen on ambient PM2.5 levels up to two days after the festival. The neighbourhood levels captured by the local monitor is important to understand the magnitude of actual exposure contrary to the centrally located CPCB monitors, which reported relatively lower values. Although the prevalence of particulate matter in the ambient air is contingent upon a number of factors, mainly meteorological conditions, emissions of such escalating levels require a more graded approach rather than a blanket ban. The Supreme Court’s order this year for “green and improved” firecrackers concurs with a scientific rationale and is aligned with socio-political complexities involved in imposing such measures. While endorsing some of the criticism about the ban being discussed in the public domain, one can agree with the fact that it does not limit the ban of cracker-burning to the festival of Diwali, but also a few other festivals and wedding celebrations, recognizing the practice as a problem rather than being an event-centric intervention. Additionally, it attempts to address the problem at a manufacturing level without upsetting the economic ecosystem of cracker producers. The ban on its sale through online channels is also laudable given that those availing frequent online platforms for shopping are usually the higher income strata, who naturally have a more disposable income to purchase crackers. However, one needs to be mindful of the fact that the presence of particulate matter in the ambient conditions are heavily dependent on meteorological conditions and the two-hour time period recommended could well be characterised by inversion or very stable atmospheric conditions, which may become an antithesis to the intention of the pollution redressal measure. Also, vigilance mechanisms need to be substantiated with behaviour-centric approaches to be deployed well ahead of this time at a mass scale and in a context-sensitive way aligned with regional sentiments and practices in order to tackle the issue in a holistic fashion. At the same time enforcement of existing policies such as the ban of cracker burning around health facilities need to be aggressively imposed to reduce exposure related threats to vulnerable groups. Similarly, congested neighbourhoods, where the likelihood of emission entrapment is higher, are needed to be rigorously prevented from the use of crackers. The timeliness of the proposed air pollution control measures to tackle burning during festivities can, however, be criticized given that it needs to be mindful of sensitisation and preparedness on the part of manufacturers to produce green or “reduced emission crackers”. The procurement of raw material and chemicals for mass scale production does not begin right before the festivity but in accordance to the life-course of a production mechanism. From the perspective of the general public, even though there seems to be a resonance with the need for pollution-curbing measures, it does seem to upset an age-long sentiment. Under such circumstances, phasing out can only happen when strategies to curtail emissions are popularised, implying the need for dissemination of knowledge on the various emission levels of cracker types and the subsequent health risks that they pose. Catastrophic air pollution issues need to be unpacked to provide a plethora of measures that communities can adopt and alternate with. Simultaneously, attention to peri-urban locations and smaller cities with poor air quality monitoring are also important owing to the acute nature of the exposures that take place while burning the crackers. The measures undertaken so far are understandably in an experimental phase and need to evolve in a more timely manner to allow all stakeholders - manufacturers, users and regulators - to prepare ahead. The recognition of the problem on this scale and intention to improvise strategies are, however, appreciable. (The article is co-authored by Samyita Ghosh. She works with the Centre for Environmental Health, PHFI) (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Demystifying SC order on firecrackers to combat pollution

<p>While the Supreme Court order allowing sale of firecrackers, though with caveats, this Diwali came as a breather to businessmen, who had to shut shop after the ban last year, some remain concerned if the sale over the next 15 days would be profitable. Sitting in her thinly crowded store in Sadar Bazar, Himani Srivastava of Royal Fireworks told PTI the sales so far have been low, perhaps because many potential buyers would have anticipated the blanket ban would continue this year too.</p>

<p>“Although there is no ban this year, we are worried as we don’t know what to do with our old stock now, as these wouldn’t be up to the regulations (to be able to follow the court-mandated caveats). Diwali is still 15 days away but we can’t get new supplies by then. Let’s see what happens,” she said.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court order permitted “green” firecrackers and fixed a two-hour time period, from 8pm to 10pm, for bursting them on Diwali and other festivals. The permissible limit of sound and smoke of crackers will be approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), the court said.</p>

<p>Despite a number of conditions prescribed by the Court, Satish Manocha of SM Trading Company in Model Basti is hopeful for a better season as “at least there is no ban this year”.”We are relieved, as last year they had completely banned the sale. Now our aim is to clear our stock that couldn’t be sold last Diwali. We will obviously run the business as the Supreme Court has directed, we are yet to receive clear instruction so everything will be decided after that,” Manocha, who has been in the fireworks business for last 20 years, said.</p>

<p>Worried about a probable repetition of the ban, Abhishek Sehgal of GSP Fireworks in Ramnagar also did not order a fresh stock this year and is relying on last year’s. Having faced a “normal sale” so far, they expect it to get better near Diwali. “We hope people will follow the Court’s instructions and the sale would get better. It is also a relief that no temporary licences has been issued this year, otherwise small seasonal shops take away our business,” Sehgal said.</p>

<p>He added that now that there is a clarity about the sale, they will order new items according to demand. While Sehgals are hopeful for a better season, especially given the non-issuance of temporary licences, Manocha, who is primarily focused on wholesale, feels let down as there wouldn’t be many large purchases. “The business so far is not very good. Dussehra went well, but without temporary licensees we are not hoping for a great sale during Diwali,” he said.</p>


While the Supreme Court order allowing sale of firecrackers, though with caveats, this Diwali came as a breather to businessmen, who had to shut shop after the ban last year, some remain concerned if the sale over the next 15 days would be profitable.

While the Supreme Court order allowing sale of firecrackers, though with caveats, this Diwali came as a breather to businessmen, who had to shut shop after the ban last year, some remain concerned if the sale over the next 15 days would be profitable. Sitting in her thinly crowded store in Sadar Bazar, Himani Srivastava of Royal Fireworks told PTI the sales so far have been low, perhaps because many potential buyers would have anticipated the blanket ban would continue this year too. “Although there is no ban this year, we are worried as we don’t know what to do with our old stock now, as these wouldn’t be up to the regulations (to be able to follow the court-mandated caveats). Diwali is still 15 days away but we can’t get new supplies by then. Let’s see what happens,” she said. The Supreme Court order permitted “green” firecrackers and fixed a two-hour time period, from 8pm to 10pm, for bursting them on Diwali and other festivals. The permissible limit of sound and smoke of crackers will be approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), the court said. Despite a number of conditions prescribed by the Court, Satish Manocha of SM Trading Company in Model Basti is hopeful for a better season as “at least there is no ban this year”.”We are relieved, as last year they had completely banned the sale. Now our aim is to clear our stock that couldn’t be sold last Diwali. We will obviously run the business as the Supreme Court has directed, we are yet to receive clear instruction so everything will be decided after that,” Manocha, who has been in the fireworks business for last 20 years, said. Worried about a probable repetition of the ban, Abhishek Sehgal of GSP Fireworks in Ramnagar also did not order a fresh stock this year and is relying on last year’s. Having faced a “normal sale” so far, they expect it to get better near Diwali. “We hope people will follow the Court’s instructions and the sale would get better. It is also a relief that no temporary licences has been issued this year, otherwise small seasonal shops take away our business,” Sehgal said. He added that now that there is a clarity about the sale, they will order new items according to demand. While Sehgals are hopeful for a better season, especially given the non-issuance of temporary licences, Manocha, who is primarily focused on wholesale, feels let down as there wouldn’t be many large purchases. “The business so far is not very good. Dussehra went well, but without temporary licensees we are not hoping for a great sale during Diwali,” he said.

Some traders concerned, others hopeful over Supreme Court verdict on firecracker sale

<p>The Supreme Court on Friday refused to lift the ban on firecrackers in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.</p>

<p>The court will now hear the case against on January 5.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">SC refuses to lift the ban on bursting of firecrackers in Punjab, Haryana &amp; Chandigarh, says it would hear the case against the ban on January 5.</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941579213445898245?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Supreme court had in October ordered a ban on the sale of firecrackers ahead of Diwali and even after Diwali in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh till the next hearing.</p>

<p>The ruling came in order to curb the rise in air pollution caused by burning of firecrackers&nbsp;after Diwali in Delhi.</p>


The notice came in order to curb the rise in air pollution caused by burning of firecrackers, after Diwali in Delhi

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to lift the ban on firecrackers in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. The court will now hear the case against on January 5. SC refuses to lift the ban on bursting of firecrackers in Punjab, Haryana & Chandigarh, says it would hear the case against the ban on January 5. — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2017 × The Supreme court had in October ordered a ban on the sale of firecrackers ahead of Diwali and even after Diwali in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh till the next hearing. The ruling came in order to curb the rise in air pollution caused by burning of firecrackers after Diwali in Delhi.

Supreme Court refuses to lift ban on firecrackers in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh

<p>The Supreme Court is to hear a&nbsp;plea seeking &#39;complete ban&#39; on firecrackers in Delhi and NCR on&nbsp;Friday.</p>

<p>A bench headed by&nbsp;Justice A K Sikri&nbsp;on October 6&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-bans-sale-of-firecrackers-in-delhi-ncr-this-diwali-21145">banned the sale of firecrackers </a>in the national capital till November 1, 2017.</p>

<p>In a plea filed in the apex court on October 27,&nbsp;Arjun Gopal sought the ban on firecrackers&nbsp;beyond November 1.</p>

<p>The court in its earlier order stated that&nbsp;lifting the ban on the sale of firecrackers might require a &quot;review&quot; after Diwali depending on the ambient air quality after the festival - which is set for today.</p>

<p>Advocate Gopal Shankarnarayanan, appearing for Gopal, had earlier contended before the court that ban on the use of firecrackers&nbsp;should be restored as the NCR had witnessed a huge rise in air pollution during and after Diwali last year.</p>


The impact of ban on the pollution level in the capital remains a bone of contention among experts

The Supreme Court is to hear a plea seeking 'complete ban' on firecrackers in Delhi and NCR on Friday. A bench headed by Justice A K Sikri on October 6 banned the sale of firecrackers in the national capital till November 1, 2017. In a plea filed in the apex court on October 27, Arjun Gopal sought the ban on firecrackers beyond November 1. The court in its earlier order stated that lifting the ban on the sale of firecrackers might require a "review" after Diwali depending on the ambient air quality after the festival - which is set for today. Advocate Gopal Shankarnarayanan, appearing for Gopal, had earlier contended before the court that ban on the use of firecrackers should be restored as the NCR had witnessed a huge rise in air pollution during and after Diwali last year.

Supreme Court to hear plea seeking 'complete ban'  on firecrackers today

<p>The Supreme Court ban on firecrackers this Diwali (October 19) began with a bang (no pun intended) but ended in a whimper.</p>

<p>We talk about &quot;judicial activism&quot; but this is a classic case of the top court being constrained to take action, on a petition filed by three infants after the alarming rise in pollution levels and smog which enveloped the national capital last year on Diwali.</p>

<p>On October 13, the court refused to modify its earlier order banning the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR.</p>

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<h5>The administration allowed those people who have already purchased firecrackers to burst them on Diwali.</h5>
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<p>&quot;It&#39;s just an experiment for one year, we will take stock after that,&quot; Justice A K Sikri, who heard the case today, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-to-lift-ban-on-firecrackers-in-delhi-ncr-says-its-an-experiment-for-1-year-22393">was quoted as saying by WION</a>.</p>

<p>The judge said its 2016 order suspending the licences &quot;should be given one chance to test itself&quot;.</p>

<p>Far from activism, the Supreme Court ban stopped short of altogether banning the bursting of firecrackers. The administration in Delhi and the National Capital Region issued directives to the shopkeepers to stop selling firecrackers. But the administration allowed those people who have already purchased firecrackers to burst them on Diwali.</p>

<p>The results were there for everyone to see. While pollution levels, which were &quot;very poor&quot; just 10 days prior remained at &quot;very poor&quot; on the night of October 19, they shot up to &quot;severe&quot; the next day, the Central Pollution Control Board reported.</p>

<p>The online indicators of the pollution monitoring stations in the city on Diwali glowed red, indicating a &quot;very poor&quot; air quality as the volume of PM2.5 and PM10 sharply rose from around&nbsp;7 pm.&nbsp;The&nbsp;state-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR)&nbsp;estimated the 24-hour rolling average of PM2.5 and PM10, ultrafine particulates which are up to 30 times tinier than the width of a human hair, at 154 and 256 micrograms per cubic metre at around&nbsp;11 pm.</p>

<p>The 24-hour rolling average of PM2.5 and PM10 were 424 and 571 micrograms per cubic metre (ug/m3) the next day, much higher than the safe limits of 60 and 100. PM 2.5 can travel through the respiratory tract and reach the lungs causing short-term respiratory ailments such as eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, coughing and sneezing. They can also worsen respiratory ailments such as asthma and heart disease.</p>

<p>Real-time pollution data was alarming. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee&#39;s (DPCC) RK Puram monitoring station recorded PM2.5 and PM10 at 878 and 1,179 micrograms per cubic metre at around&nbsp;11 pm. The pollutants peaked after&nbsp;midnight, surpassing the corresponding 24-hour safe limits of 60 and 100 more than 10 times. The monitors stopped working after&nbsp;midnight, suggesting that the pollutants had gone through the roof.</p>

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<h5>Stricter laws and stringent enforcing mechanisms seem to be the only way forward.</h5>
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<p>The Air Quality Index (AQI), a barometer for measuring air pollution, was above 400 in most places in the National Capital Region (NCR) the next day. It was at a &quot;hazardous&quot;&nbsp; 978 in New Delhi&#39;s RK Puram area. US embassy&#39;s pollution monitor also recorded &quot;hazardous&quot;&nbsp; with the index scoring an alarming 878, which the mission considers &quot;beyond its air quality index&quot;, which ends at 500. On Diwali, the AQI improved from &quot;severe&quot; (431) in 2016 to (319) &quot;very poor&quot;, the Central Pollution Control Board reported.</p>

<p>A &quot;very poor&quot; air quality implies that people may suffer from respiratory illnesses on prolonged exposure to such air. If the air quality dips further, the AQI will turn &quot;severe&quot;. An AQI level of 0-50 is considered &quot;good&quot;, 51-100 &quot;satisfactory&quot;, 101-200 &quot;moderate&quot;, 201-300 &quot;poor&quot;, 301-400 &quot;very poor&quot;, and 401 and above is &quot;severe&quot;.</p>

<p><strong>The way forward</strong></p>

<p>Stricter laws and stringent enforcing mechanisms seem to be the only way forward. We have the police for keeping crime in check, the traffic police for fining those who violate traffic rules. Perhaps, a similar law-enforcing mechanism on Diwali could be implemented.</p>

<p>China recently set up an &quot;anti-smog police force&quot;. Perhaps, something similar may help us breathe a little easier.</p>


Stringent action such as enforcing an 'anti-smog police force', is required to check air pollution during Diwali

The Supreme Court ban on firecrackers this Diwali (October 19) began with a bang (no pun intended) but ended in a whimper. We talk about "judicial activism" but this is a classic case of the top court being constrained to take action, on a petition filed by three infants after the alarming rise in pollution levels and smog which enveloped the national capital last year on Diwali. On October 13, the court refused to modify its earlier order banning the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR. The administration allowed those people who have already purchased firecrackers to burst them on Diwali. × "It's just an experiment for one year, we will take stock after that," Justice A K Sikri, who heard the case today, was quoted as saying by WION. The judge said its 2016 order suspending the licences "should be given one chance to test itself". Far from activism, the Supreme Court ban stopped short of altogether banning the bursting of firecrackers. The administration in Delhi and the National Capital Region issued directives to the shopkeepers to stop selling firecrackers. But the administration allowed those people who have already purchased firecrackers to burst them on Diwali. The results were there for everyone to see. While pollution levels, which were "very poor" just 10 days prior remained at "very poor" on the night of October 19, they shot up to "severe" the next day, the Central Pollution Control Board reported. The online indicators of the pollution monitoring stations in the city on Diwali glowed red, indicating a "very poor" air quality as the volume of PM2.5 and PM10 sharply rose from around 7 pm. The state-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) estimated the 24-hour rolling average of PM2.5 and PM10, ultrafine particulates which are up to 30 times tinier than the width of a human hair, at 154 and 256 micrograms per cubic metre at around 11 pm. The 24-hour rolling average of PM2.5 and PM10 were 424 and 571 micrograms per cubic metre (ug/m3) the next day, much higher than the safe limits of 60 and 100. PM 2.5 can travel through the respiratory tract and reach the lungs causing short-term respiratory ailments such as eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, coughing and sneezing. They can also worsen respiratory ailments such as asthma and heart disease. Real-time pollution data was alarming. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee's (DPCC) RK Puram monitoring station recorded PM2.5 and PM10 at 878 and 1,179 micrograms per cubic metre at around 11 pm. The pollutants peaked after midnight, surpassing the corresponding 24-hour safe limits of 60 and 100 more than 10 times. The monitors stopped working after midnight, suggesting that the pollutants had gone through the roof. Stricter laws and stringent enforcing mechanisms seem to be the only way forward. × The Air Quality Index (AQI), a barometer for measuring air pollution, was above 400 in most places in the National Capital Region (NCR) the next day. It was at a "hazardous" 978 in New Delhi's RK Puram area. US embassy's pollution monitor also recorded "hazardous" with the index scoring an alarming 878, which the mission considers "beyond its air quality index", which ends at 500. On Diwali, the AQI improved from "severe" (431) in 2016 to (319) "very poor", the Central Pollution Control Board reported. A "very poor" air quality implies that people may suffer from respiratory illnesses on prolonged exposure to such air. If the air quality dips further, the AQI will turn "severe". An AQI level of 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401 and above is "severe". The way forward Stricter laws and stringent enforcing mechanisms seem to be the only way forward. We have the police for keeping crime in check, the traffic police for fining those who violate traffic rules. Perhaps, a similar law-enforcing mechanism on Diwali could be implemented. China recently set up an "anti-smog police force". Perhaps, something similar may help us breathe a little easier.

Diwali pollution: Too little too late?

<p>Demand for<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wallet-investment-in-gold-stocks-or-fds-6122" target="_blank"> gold j</a>umped in India this week on account of Dhanteras and Diwali, but high prices took some sheen off the yellow metal&rsquo;s lure during the key festival period this year.</p>

<p>Demand in the world&rsquo;s second-largest gold consumer usually strengthens during the final quarter as the country gears up for the wedding season soon after the festivals when buying bullion is considered auspicious.</p>

<p>After poor sales during Dussehra festival, demand improved significantly over the last two weeks, but was still 15 per cent lower than last year&rsquo;s Diwali, said Nitin Khandelwal, chairman of All Indian Gems &amp; Jewellery Trade Federation.</p>

<p>&ldquo;In some regions, demand was nearly 30 per cent lower than normal, but in others, it was at par compared with last year. Overall for the country, demand was down around 15 per cent.&rdquo;</p>

<p>Local gold rates were at a premium of up to $2 an ounce over official domestic prices this week, unchanged from last week.</p>

<p>&ldquo;Consumers were price sensitive and buying less gold than last year. They had a very tight budget,&rdquo; said Mangesh Devi, a jeweller in the western state of Maharashtra.</p>

<p>Gold prices in India have risen nearly 8 per cent so far in 2017.</p>

<p>&ldquo;This year, my husband&rsquo;s business is down due to GST (Goods and Services Tax). That&rsquo;s why I reduced spending on gold,&rdquo; said Sangeeta Pardesi, a housewife, who buys gold on Dhanteras every year.</p>

<p>The launch of the GST in July, which transformed India&rsquo;s 29 states into a single customs union, has hit small and medium-size businesses and consumers overall.</p>

<p>Elsewhere in Asia, there was a slight uptick in demand for physical gold, with benchmark spot gold rates headed for a weekly decline after touching a one-week low of $1,276.22 an ounce on Thursday, pressured by a firmer dollar [GOL/].</p>

<p>&ldquo;There was some buying as prices fell, especially around the $1,280 level,&rdquo; said Ronald Leung, chief dealer at Lee Cheong Gold Dealers in Hong Kong.</p>

<p>However, investors remained cautious, awaiting direction on economic policy and market reforms during the 19th Communist Party Congress in China which kicked off on Wednesday and were also focused on the upcoming elections in Japan, he added.</p>

<p>In top consumer China, premiums charged ranged between $8 and $12 per ounce over the benchmark this week, compared with $9-$14 a week earlier.</p>

<p>Premiums of 50 cents were being charged in both Hong Kong and Singapore this week versus the 40 cents-$1.10 and 50-60 cents levels respectively in the previous week.</p>

<p>In Tokyo, gold continued to be sold flat versus the benchmark.</p>


After poor sales during Dussehra festival, demand improved significantly over the last two weeks

Demand for gold jumped in India this week on account of Dhanteras and Diwali, but high prices took some sheen off the yellow metal’s lure during the key festival period this year. Demand in the world’s second-largest gold consumer usually strengthens during the final quarter as the country gears up for the wedding season soon after the festivals when buying bullion is considered auspicious. After poor sales during Dussehra festival, demand improved significantly over the last two weeks, but was still 15 per cent lower than last year’s Diwali, said Nitin Khandelwal, chairman of All Indian Gems & Jewellery Trade Federation. “In some regions, demand was nearly 30 per cent lower than normal, but in others, it was at par compared with last year. Overall for the country, demand was down around 15 per cent.” Local gold rates were at a premium of up to $2 an ounce over official domestic prices this week, unchanged from last week. “Consumers were price sensitive and buying less gold than last year. They had a very tight budget,” said Mangesh Devi, a jeweller in the western state of Maharashtra. Gold prices in India have risen nearly 8 per cent so far in 2017. “This year, my husband’s business is down due to GST (Goods and Services Tax). That’s why I reduced spending on gold,” said Sangeeta Pardesi, a housewife, who buys gold on Dhanteras every year. The launch of the GST in July, which transformed India’s 29 states into a single customs union, has hit small and medium-size businesses and consumers overall. Elsewhere in Asia, there was a slight uptick in demand for physical gold, with benchmark spot gold rates headed for a weekly decline after touching a one-week low of $1,276.22 an ounce on Thursday, pressured by a firmer dollar [GOL/]. “There was some buying as prices fell, especially around the $1,280 level,” said Ronald Leung, chief dealer at Lee Cheong Gold Dealers in Hong Kong. However, investors remained cautious, awaiting direction on economic policy and market reforms during the 19th Communist Party Congress in China which kicked off on Wednesday and were also focused on the upcoming elections in Japan, he added. In top consumer China, premiums charged ranged between $8 and $12 per ounce over the benchmark this week, compared with $9-$14 a week earlier. Premiums of 50 cents were being charged in both Hong Kong and Singapore this week versus the 40 cents-$1.10 and 50-60 cents levels respectively in the previous week. In Tokyo, gold continued to be sold flat versus the benchmark.

Festive glitter brightens gold demand in India

<p>Prime Minister Modi today <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-dedicates-first-all-india-institute-of-ayurveda-to-country-22531">celebrated Diwali with Indian troops at a forward military </a>post along the Line of Control(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Gurez sector.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/diwali-wagah-border-india-pak-troops-exchange-gifts-504">&quot;I have an </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/just-having-best-development-ideas-not-enough-prime-minister-modi-21272">opportunity to spend the festival of Diwali with you</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/diwali-wagah-border-india-pak-troops-exchange-gifts-504">.</a> The presence of brave soldiers at the border, on this festive occasion, lights the lamp of hope, and generates new energy among crores of Indians,&quot; the prime minister wrote in the visitors&#39; book.</p>

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<p>Modi arrived at Gurez on Thursday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/india-celebrates-diwali-503">morning </a>in an unannounced visit with Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, Northern Command chief Lt General Devraj Anbu and Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen J S Sandhu present during the celebrations along the LoC.</p>

<p>&quot;To accomplish the dream of &#39;New India&#39;, this is a golden opportunity for all of us to work together. The Army too is a part of it,&quot; the Indian Prime Minister said.</p>

<p>PM Modi offered sweets and exchanged greetings with the BSF soldiers at Gurez.</p>

<p>The PM said each Indian citizen must cultivate a new resolve as India celebrates its 75th independence in 2022, adding that he considers the Indian Army his family.</p>

<p>Modi encouraged the soldiers to practise yoga and said after leaving the armed forces they can become excellent yoga trainers.</p>

<p>Modi said the Centre was committed to the welfare armed forces pointing towards the implementation of One Rank, One Pension.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Modi greeted the nation on Twitter as he left for the border to celebrate the occasion with the Indian troops.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">??????? ?? ???? ???? ?? ??? ?????????? ?? ??????? ??????????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyDiwali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyDiwali</a> to everyone!</p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi PM (@Narendramodi_PM) <a href="https://twitter.com/Narendramodi_PM/status/920856845425680384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: PM Narendra Modi celebrate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Diwali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Diwali</a> with jawans in Gurez Valley, near LoC, in J&amp;K <a href="https://t.co/gu2HxLRtq0">pic.twitter.com/gu2HxLRtq0</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/920959324733583360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi offered sweets and exchanged greetings with the BSF soldiers at Gurez.

Prime Minister Modi today celebrated Diwali with Indian troops at a forward military post along the Line of Control(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Gurez sector. "I have an opportunity to spend the festival of Diwali with you. The presence of brave soldiers at the border, on this festive occasion, lights the lamp of hope, and generates new energy among crores of Indians," the prime minister wrote in the visitors' book. × Modi arrived at Gurez on Thursday morning in an unannounced visit with Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, Northern Command chief Lt General Devraj Anbu and Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen J S Sandhu present during the celebrations along the LoC. "To accomplish the dream of 'New India', this is a golden opportunity for all of us to work together. The Army too is a part of it," the Indian Prime Minister said. PM Modi offered sweets and exchanged greetings with the BSF soldiers at Gurez. The PM said each Indian citizen must cultivate a new resolve as India celebrates its 75th independence in 2022, adding that he considers the Indian Army his family. Modi encouraged the soldiers to practise yoga and said after leaving the armed forces they can become excellent yoga trainers. Modi said the Centre was committed to the welfare armed forces pointing towards the implementation of One Rank, One Pension. Earlier in the day, Modi greeted the nation on Twitter as he left for the border to celebrate the occasion with the Indian troops. ??????? ?? ???? ???? ?? ??? ?????????? ?? ??????? ??????????? #HappyDiwali to everyone! — Narendra Modi PM (@Narendramodi_PM) October 19, 2017 × #WATCH: PM Narendra Modi celebrate #Diwali with jawans in Gurez Valley, near LoC, in J&K pic.twitter.com/gu2HxLRtq0 — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2017 ×

Watch: Presence of brave soldiers at the border lights the lamp of hope, says PM Modi at LoC

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