More than two million earthen oil lamps in india's temple town of QAyodhya a day ahead of the hindu festival of lights diwali and set a world record. The three-km-long bank of river Sarayu in the holy city glistened when all the lamps were lit by volunteers and people drawn from various walks of life. Adding to its shine was the grand temple of Lord Ram, which is under construction and will open in January.

Ayodhya sets Guinness record by lighting over 2.4 million diyas

India's financial capital Mumbai is witnessing a new Public Health concern as there's a rise in the number of suicide cases especially amongst minors. This is said to be especially true for minor girls as the latest data suggest that more minor girls than boys have committed suicide in a span of four years.

Mumbai: 23% more minor girls than boys died by suicide in 4 years

In Jammu and Kashmir a massive fire reportedly broke out in the capital city Srinagar's Dal Lake and several house boats were reduced to complete ashes including at least about three tourists.

India: Five houseboats destroyed by fire in Srinagar's Dal Lake

WION unwraps the magic of the festival of lights. This Diwali, experience eco-friendly home decor for your homes, indulge in the sweetness of luxury Diwali treats and take a peek into what goes behind the scenes of the most extravagant Diwali parties. Join us on WION's Diwali special.

WION unwraps the magic of the festival of lights

The pace of India's consumer price inflation is anticipated to have eased to a four-month low of 4.80 per cent in October, nearing the Reserve Bank of India's 4 per cent medium-term target, a Reuters poll revealed on Thursday. &nbsp;

The poll, conducted from November 6-9 with 53 economists, suggested a slowdown from the 5.02 per cent rate recorded in September. Volatile food prices, constituting about half of the consumer price index (CPI) basket, are expected to have moderated after a spike in July and August. &nbsp;

However, despite this overall moderation, onion prices, a staple in Indian cooking, continue to rise sharply, adding a layer of complexity to the inflation dynamics.&nbsp;

"I'm expecting a further slide in inflation in October, thanks primarily to a continued moderation in food inflation. Underlying our forecast is a fall in food and beverage inflation to below 6 per cent," Reuters quoted Miguel Chanco, Chief Emerging Asia Economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics as saying. &nbsp;

Chanco further noted, "Beyond October, I wouldn't be surprised if there is some stickiness in the headline rate, particularly if the ongoing increase in onion prices persists. But stickiness is very different from a surge, and I don't expect any breach of the target range in the foreseeable future."&nbsp;

While the slowing pace of price increases may offer some relief to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), achieving its mandate to anchor inflation to the 4 per cent mid-point target remains a distant prospect. The central bank is anticipated to maintain its key policy rate at 6.50 per cent at least until the end of June 2024, followed by a 25 basis points cut in the subsequent quarter, as indicated by a separate Reuters survey. &nbsp;

The projection suggests that headline inflation may not return to the RBI's mid-point target until at least the second half of 2025.&nbsp;

"Inflation is expected to have a choppy ride in the months ahead... Passage of base effects and a sharper rise in selected vegetable prices are likely to take the headline back above 5 per cent this quarter and keep in that territory into 1Q24," Reuters cited Radhika Rao, a Senior Economist at DBS Bank.&nbsp;

She emphasised the cautious stance of the central bank on the inflation outlook, suggesting a likelihood of an extended pause before considering any change in policy direction.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

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The pace of India's consumer price inflation is anticipated to have eased to a four-month low of 4.80 per cent in October, nearing the Reserve Bank of India's 4 per cent medium-term target, a Reuters poll revealed on Thursday.

The pace of India's consumer price inflation is anticipated to have eased to a four-month low of 4.80 per cent in October, nearing the Reserve Bank of India's 4 per cent medium-term target, a Reuters poll revealed on Thursday. The poll, conducted from November 6-9 with 53 economists, suggested a slowdown from the 5.02 per cent rate recorded in September. Volatile food prices, constituting about half of the consumer price index (CPI) basket, are expected to have moderated after a spike in July and August. However, despite this overall moderation, onion prices, a staple in Indian cooking, continue to rise sharply, adding a layer of complexity to the inflation dynamics. "I'm expecting a further slide in inflation in October, thanks primarily to a continued moderation in food inflation. Underlying our forecast is a fall in food and beverage inflation to below 6 per cent," Reuters quoted Miguel Chanco, Chief Emerging Asia Economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics as saying. Chanco further noted, "Beyond October, I wouldn't be surprised if there is some stickiness in the headline rate, particularly if the ongoing increase in onion prices persists. But stickiness is very different from a surge, and I don't expect any breach of the target range in the foreseeable future." While the slowing pace of price increases may offer some relief to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), achieving its mandate to anchor inflation to the 4 per cent mid-point target remains a distant prospect. The central bank is anticipated to maintain its key policy rate at 6.50 per cent at least until the end of June 2024, followed by a 25 basis points cut in the subsequent quarter, as indicated by a separate Reuters survey. The projection suggests that headline inflation may not return to the RBI's mid-point target until at least the second half of 2025. "Inflation is expected to have a choppy ride in the months ahead... Passage of base effects and a sharper rise in selected vegetable prices are likely to take the headline back above 5 per cent this quarter and keep in that territory into 1Q24," Reuters cited Radhika Rao, a Senior Economist at DBS Bank. She emphasised the cautious stance of the central bank on the inflation outlook, suggesting a likelihood of an extended pause before considering any change in policy direction. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India inflation likely to ease to four-month low in October, says Reuters poll 

2 weeks after Qatar sentenced 8 Indian nationals to death, India has filed an appeal to nullify the death sentence & secure their release. Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: India files appeal with Qatar to bring 8 Indians back

U.S. Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin arrived in India on Thursday for the 2+2 Ministerial dialogue scheduled to be held on Friday.

US defense secretary begins 2 day visit to India

Indian goods are gradually replacing Chinese products on American shelves. Made-in-India is gaining more traction in the U.S. and it's happening at China's expense. American imports from India surged by 44% between 2018 and 2022.

Gravitas: Diwali driving American markets | US imports from India grow

Stocks, SIPs, real estate or gold where should you invest this Diwali to gain maximum benefits? Know from the market veteran, Dhirendra Kumar, CEO, Value Research.

Stocks, SIPs, real estate or gold where should you invest this Diwali?

The recent cost of living crisis globally has everyone anticipating a real income rise. While income struggles to keep up with inflation in major economies, India is bucking this trend

India to lead global real wage growth in 2024

Will you benefit from investing in real estate this Diwali? Watch what Niranjan Hiranandani, Co-founder, and MD, of Hiranandani Group has to say.

Will you benefit from investing in real estate this Diwali?

Vijay Bhambwani, Founder and Promoter, Bhambwani Securities tells you why investments in gold will shine for you this Diwali season.

Why investments in gold will shine for you this Diwali?

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in New Delhi, India on November 9, 2023, for talks on defense issues, strategies, and regional security

US Secretary of state Antony Blinken, US Defense Secretary LLoyd Austin in India

India's foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra informed that they had flagged the increasing presence of ‘pro-Khalistan’ incidences and members in North American country Canada to the United States. Watch this press conference to know more.

India-US defence ministers discuss China, Indo-Pacific

This Diwali Indian premium and expensive sweets finds takers

In a unique initiative to empower specially-abled people and promote greater inclusivity and accessibility for them,&nbsp;Chief Justice of India, Dr DY Chandrachud, inaugurated the 'Mitti Cafe' within the Supreme Court premises on Friday (Nov 10). The cafe is&nbsp;distinctive as it is fully operated by a team of specially-abled individuals.

The presence of such kind of a cafe also becomes crucial as it serves as a symbol&nbsp;of providing equal opportunities to everyone. One of the most eye-catching moments of the inauguration was the performance of the National Anthem in sign language. Chief Justice Chandrachud, during the ceremony, was quite enthusiastic about this joint venture and said that 'Mitti Cafe' has successfully established 38 cafes nationwide.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-huge-amount-of-cash-recovered-in-income-tax-raids-in-indias-rajasthan-657319">Huge amount of cash recovered in income tax raids in India's Rajasthan</a>

India, just like all the other nations, was facing an unprecedented time during the COVID-19 crisis that struck the world in early 2020. During the Covid&nbsp;crisis, the cafe played a pivotal role in lending a helping hand in ensuring that people don't go to bed hungry.&nbsp;

Chief Justice&nbsp;Chandrachud said that 'Mitti Cafe'&nbsp;served six million meals during the pandemic. He also urged for support for the venture while noting that all who are managing it are disabled.

Apart from Indian SC Chief Justice, Attorney General R Venkataramani also welcomed the move. He also acknowledged that the one-of-its-kind cafe demonstrates compassion.&nbsp;

<h2>Supreme Court's Committee on Accessibility</h2>

This latest positive step comes at a time when the Supreme Court has already been advocating for increasing accessibility within&nbsp;the premises of the apex court. In 2022, the Supreme Court's Committee on Accessibility laid out recommendations that called for accessibility and breaking barriers for specially-abled individuals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-major-national-highways-closed-in-kashmir-valley-due-to-fresh-snowfall-657305">India: Major national highways closed in Kashmir valley due to fresh snowfall</a>

The comprehensive audit report also aimed to make the justice system more accessible for persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and senior citizens.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bhutan-king-wangchuck-welcomed-by-assam-cm-himanta-biswa-sarma-654764">Bhutan King Wangchuck welcomed by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma</a>

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Some of the suggestions included accessible maps, provision of sign language interpretation, ensuring accessibility to restrooms, setting up of a breastfeeding&nbsp;room, reserved auditorium seating, and a framework to enable the de-identification of HIV-positive persons at the time of legal hearings in a bid to protect&nbsp;their identity, media reports said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a unique initiative to empower specially-abled people and promote greater inclusivity and accessibility for them, Chief Justice of India, Dr DY Chandrachud, inaugurated the 'Mitti Cafe' within the Supreme Court premises on Friday (Nov 10).

In a unique initiative to empower specially-abled people and promote greater inclusivity and accessibility for them, Chief Justice of India, Dr DY Chandrachud, inaugurated the 'Mitti Cafe' within the Supreme Court premises on Friday (Nov 10). The cafe is distinctive as it is fully operated by a team of specially-abled individuals. The presence of such kind of a cafe also becomes crucial as it serves as a symbol of providing equal opportunities to everyone. One of the most eye-catching moments of the inauguration was the performance of the National Anthem in sign language. Chief Justice Chandrachud, during the ceremony, was quite enthusiastic about this joint venture and said that 'Mitti Cafe' has successfully established 38 cafes nationwide. Also Read | Huge amount of cash recovered in income tax raids in India's Rajasthan India, just like all the other nations, was facing an unprecedented time during the COVID-19 crisis that struck the world in early 2020. During the Covid crisis, the cafe played a pivotal role in lending a helping hand in ensuring that people don't go to bed hungry. Chief Justice Chandrachud said that 'Mitti Cafe' served six million meals during the pandemic. He also urged for support for the venture while noting that all who are managing it are disabled. Apart from Indian SC Chief Justice, Attorney General R Venkataramani also welcomed the move. He also acknowledged that the one-of-its-kind cafe demonstrates compassion. Supreme Court's Committee on Accessibility This latest positive step comes at a time when the Supreme Court has already been advocating for increasing accessibility within the premises of the apex court. In 2022, the Supreme Court's Committee on Accessibility laid out recommendations that called for accessibility and breaking barriers for specially-abled individuals. Also Read | India: Major national highways closed in Kashmir valley due to fresh snowfall The comprehensive audit report also aimed to make the justice system more accessible for persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and senior citizens. Watch | Bhutan King Wangchuck welcomed by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma × Some of the suggestions included accessible maps, provision of sign language interpretation, ensuring accessibility to restrooms, setting up of a breastfeeding room, reserved auditorium seating, and a framework to enable the de-identification of HIV-positive persons at the time of legal hearings in a bid to protect their identity, media reports said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: 'Mitti Cafe' with specially-abled staff opens in Supreme Court, elevates inclusivity

The India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, involving the defence and foreign ministers of the two countries, concluded on Friday (Nov 10) in the Indian capital New Delhi.&nbsp; Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar of India held talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on strategic and defence ties, cooperation in space and tech, increased people-to-people contacts.

In a post on X,&nbsp;Jaishankar said, "Followed up on PM Narendra Modi’s State visit to the US this June. Our agenda covered advancing our strategic partnership, including elevating our defense ties, &nbsp;moving forward in space &amp; tech, future logistics cooperation, and people-to-people contacts."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-asks-western-media-to-clarify-the-presence-of-photographers-during-hamas-attack-657246">Israel asks Western media to clarify the presence of photographers during Hamas attack</a>

The talks also included discussions on the wider challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, the fallout of the Russia-Ukraine war, and the Israel-Hamas war. "Also exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific, South Asia, West Asia, and Ukraine conflict," Jaishankar wrote.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-trumps-china-in-indo-pacific-by-offering-tuvalu-citizens-climate-refuge-657191">Australia trumps China in Indo-Pacific by offering Tuvalu citizens climate refuge</a>

India, a collective voice of the Global South, pledged further engagement in the region and reaffirmed its commitment to its collaboration with the US through multilateral partnerships.&nbsp;"Thank US State Secretary Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin for their friendship and contributions," Jaishankar added in the post.&nbsp;

<h2>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-joe-bidens-ratings-drop-657266">US President Joe Biden's ratings drop</a></h2>

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The India-US 2+2 dialogue came shortly after Blinken held bilateral talks with Jaishankar, where the two ministers had "open and productive conversation." As China continues to hold expansionist ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region,&nbsp;Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the "security challenges and the threat" posed by Bejing were part of the discussion.&nbsp;

<h2>MQ-9B drones on the charts</h2>

On MQ-9B drones, Austin said there is no new announcement regarding the potential deal and an announcement will be made "at the right time."

"We are doing everything so that India gets this capability. But we are going to co-produce an armoured vehicle. Have sent a letter of request, they have to respond...," the defence secretary said on the Predator&nbsp;drone&nbsp;deal.

Speaking of a GE F414 engines&nbsp;deal between the nations, the defence secretary said, "It's on track."

<h2>India's steadfast position on Israel-Palestine conflict&nbsp;</h2>

In a press briefing after the ministerial dialogue, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said that during the meet, the ministers restated India's long-standing position on the Israel-Palestine conflict, which calls for a two state solution. He added that the ministers also called for an early resumption of dialogue condemning the terror attack by Hamas on October 7. A support for continued humanitarian&nbsp;aid to Gaza was also showed during the ministers dialogue.&nbsp;

<h2>India-Canada row&nbsp;</h2>

Asked if talks around the India-Canada diplomatic row also featured in the key dialogue, Kwatra said, "We have been having consistent conversations with all our friends &amp; partners. Our position has been explained on multiple occasions." On video threats by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Indian foreign secretary Kwatra said that it "presents serious security&nbsp;concerns."

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, involving the defence and foreign ministers of the two countries, concluded on Friday (Nov 10) in the Indian capital New Delhi.

The India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, involving the defence and foreign ministers of the two countries, concluded on Friday (Nov 10) in the Indian capital New Delhi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar of India held talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on strategic and defence ties, cooperation in space and tech, increased people-to-people contacts. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Followed up on PM Narendra Modi’s State visit to the US this June. Our agenda covered advancing our strategic partnership, including elevating our defense ties, moving forward in space & tech, future logistics cooperation, and people-to-people contacts." Also Read | Israel asks Western media to clarify the presence of photographers during Hamas attack The talks also included discussions on the wider challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, the fallout of the Russia-Ukraine war, and the Israel-Hamas war. "Also exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific, South Asia, West Asia, and Ukraine conflict," Jaishankar wrote. Also Read | Australia trumps China in Indo-Pacific by offering Tuvalu citizens climate refuge India, a collective voice of the Global South, pledged further engagement in the region and reaffirmed its commitment to its collaboration with the US through multilateral partnerships. "Thank US State Secretary Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin for their friendship and contributions," Jaishankar added in the post. Watch | US President Joe Biden's ratings drop × The India-US 2+2 dialogue came shortly after Blinken held bilateral talks with Jaishankar, where the two ministers had "open and productive conversation." As China continues to hold expansionist ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the "security challenges and the threat" posed by Bejing were part of the discussion. MQ-9B drones on the charts On MQ-9B drones, Austin said there is no new announcement regarding the potential deal and an announcement will be made "at the right time." "We are doing everything so that India gets this capability. But we are going to co-produce an armoured vehicle. Have sent a letter of request, they have to respond...," the defence secretary said on the Predator drone deal. Speaking of a GE F414 engines deal between the nations, the defence secretary said, "It's on track." India's steadfast position on Israel-Palestine conflict In a press briefing after the ministerial dialogue, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said that during the meet, the ministers restated India's long-standing position on the Israel-Palestine conflict, which calls for a two state solution. He added that the ministers also called for an early resumption of dialogue condemning the terror attack by Hamas on October 7. A support for continued humanitarian aid to Gaza was also showed during the ministers dialogue. India-Canada row Asked if talks around the India-Canada diplomatic row also featured in the key dialogue, Kwatra said, "We have been having consistent conversations with all our friends & partners. Our position has been explained on multiple occasions." On video threats by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Indian foreign secretary Kwatra said that it "presents serious security concerns." (With inputs from agencies)

India-US 2+2: Defence, foreign ministers discuss West Asia; MQ-9B drones deal on charts

US Secretary of state Blinken, Defence Secretary Austin in India

InterGlobe Enterprises, which runs&nbsp;India's leading airline, IndiGo, and US-based Archer Aviation, have announced plans to introduce an all-electric air taxi service in India by 2026, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The partnership, contingent on regulatory approvals, aims to address the escalating need for efficient transport solutions in India, a country grappling with severe ground travel congestion and urban pollution. Archer Aviation, endorsed by industry giants like Boeing and United Airlines, specialises in electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, considered the future of urban air mobility.&nbsp;

The proposed 'Midnight' e-aircraft, capable of carrying four passengers and a pilot for up to 100 miles, is slated to begin services in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The companies emphasise that the electric air taxi service will be "cost-competitive" with on-road services. A trip that typically takes 60 to 90 minutes by car in Delhi is estimated to take approximately 7 minutes in an air taxi.&nbsp;

InterGlobe Enterprises, holding a nearly 38 per cent stake in IndiGo-parent InterGlobe Aviation, envisions using the e-aircraft for various purposes beyond passenger transport. Plans include deploying them for cargo, logistics, medical, emergency, and charter services, broadening the scope of their impact on India's transportation landscape.&nbsp;

Archer Aviation recently secured a $142 million deal from the US Air Force in July to supply six Midnight aircraft. In October, the company announced plans to launch an air taxi service in the UAE. Archer Aviation's shares reflected optimism, with a 1.5 per cent increase in U.S. premarket trading on Thursday. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, InterGlobe Aviation experienced a 0.12 per cent increase in its shares ahead of the groundbreaking announcement. As the collaboration progresses, regulatory clearances will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of electric air taxis in India, offering a potential solution to the country's pressing urban mobility challenges.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

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InterGlobe Enterprises, which runs India's leading airline, IndiGo, and US-based Archer Aviation, have announced plans to introduce an all-electric air taxi service in India by 2026, Reuters reported.

InterGlobe Enterprises, which runs India's leading airline, IndiGo, and US-based Archer Aviation, have announced plans to introduce an all-electric air taxi service in India by 2026, Reuters reported. The partnership, contingent on regulatory approvals, aims to address the escalating need for efficient transport solutions in India, a country grappling with severe ground travel congestion and urban pollution. Archer Aviation, endorsed by industry giants like Boeing and United Airlines, specialises in electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, considered the future of urban air mobility. The proposed 'Midnight' e-aircraft, capable of carrying four passengers and a pilot for up to 100 miles, is slated to begin services in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The companies emphasise that the electric air taxi service will be "cost-competitive" with on-road services. A trip that typically takes 60 to 90 minutes by car in Delhi is estimated to take approximately 7 minutes in an air taxi. InterGlobe Enterprises, holding a nearly 38 per cent stake in IndiGo-parent InterGlobe Aviation, envisions using the e-aircraft for various purposes beyond passenger transport. Plans include deploying them for cargo, logistics, medical, emergency, and charter services, broadening the scope of their impact on India's transportation landscape. Archer Aviation recently secured a $142 million deal from the US Air Force in July to supply six Midnight aircraft. In October, the company announced plans to launch an air taxi service in the UAE. Archer Aviation's shares reflected optimism, with a 1.5 per cent increase in U.S. premarket trading on Thursday. Meanwhile, InterGlobe Aviation experienced a 0.12 per cent increase in its shares ahead of the groundbreaking announcement. As the collaboration progresses, regulatory clearances will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of electric air taxis in India, offering a potential solution to the country's pressing urban mobility challenges. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

InterGlobe and Archer to launch electric air taxis in India by 2026 

The eight former Indian Navy personnel were on October 26 given death sentence by Qatar's Court of First Instance.

India files appeal against death penalty to 8 former Navy personnel in Qatar

The Diwali week of lights and festivities quickly turned into a shrieking moment of darkness for a 45-year-old man, who threw his five-month-old son out of the window of a burning bus on an Expressway near New Delhi. While the man managed to save the baby's life by throwing him into the arms of the locals standing outside, his wife could not survive the highway fire that struck the bus they were riding in on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway this week.&nbsp;

In hospital with burn injuries, Dinesh also made it out of the bus, but his wife Maya did not.

"I didn't know how else to save him," Dinesh said on Thursday (Nov 9).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-three-killed-several-injured-after-suv-hits-multiple-cars-at-mumbais-bandra-worli-sea-link-657165">India: Three killed, several injured after SUV hits multiple cars at Mumbai's Bandra-Worli Sea Link</a>

Dinesh was reported to be weary after several traumatic hours during which his younger daughter was wrongly identified as the second person to have died in the tragedy other than Maya, The Times of India reported. So far, the younger daughter is deemed missing.

The bus was destined to travel to the Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh state in northern India on Wednesday (Nov 8).&nbsp;

Operated by a private travel agency, the coach reportedly had 40 passengers. Two people died in the accident while 12 others were injured.

Also watch |&nbsp;WION Dispatch: Tata Sons Ex Chairman Cyrus Mistry dies in a road accident near Mumbai

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According to reports, some 5 kg LPG cylinders were loaded onto the bus, which are suspected to have triggered the fire.

Three of the injured, who have critical burn injuries, are admitted to the Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. The rest of the passengers with mild injuries were treated at the Civil Hospital in Gurugram.

"We were going to Rath town in Uttar Pradesh for Diwali. My wife was carrying Deepali and I was holding our son. My eldest daughter Alka (7) was sitting beside us. Suddenly, smoke filled the bus, and we could feel the heat. Within a few seconds, I saw people trying to break windows. I broke the windowpane with our tiffin box. I called out to people outside to catch my son and threw him out of the window," said Dinesh, who managed to run out of the bus with Alka, according to The Times of India.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Diwali week of lights and festivities quickly turned into a shrieking moment of darkness for a 45-year-old man, who threw his five-month-old son out of the window of a burning bus on an Expressway near New Delhi.

The Diwali week of lights and festivities quickly turned into a shrieking moment of darkness for a 45-year-old man, who threw his five-month-old son out of the window of a burning bus on an Expressway near New Delhi. While the man managed to save the baby's life by throwing him into the arms of the locals standing outside, his wife could not survive the highway fire that struck the bus they were riding in on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway this week. In hospital with burn injuries, Dinesh also made it out of the bus, but his wife Maya did not. "I didn't know how else to save him," Dinesh said on Thursday (Nov 9). Also read | India: Three killed, several injured after SUV hits multiple cars at Mumbai's Bandra-Worli Sea Link Dinesh was reported to be weary after several traumatic hours during which his younger daughter was wrongly identified as the second person to have died in the tragedy other than Maya, The Times of India reported. So far, the younger daughter is deemed missing. The bus was destined to travel to the Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh state in northern India on Wednesday (Nov 8). Operated by a private travel agency, the coach reportedly had 40 passengers. Two people died in the accident while 12 others were injured. Also watch | WION Dispatch: Tata Sons Ex Chairman Cyrus Mistry dies in a road accident near Mumbai × According to reports, some 5 kg LPG cylinders were loaded onto the bus, which are suspected to have triggered the fire. Three of the injured, who have critical burn injuries, are admitted to the Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. The rest of the passengers with mild injuries were treated at the Civil Hospital in Gurugram. "We were going to Rath town in Uttar Pradesh for Diwali. My wife was carrying Deepali and I was holding our son. My eldest daughter Alka (7) was sitting beside us. Suddenly, smoke filled the bus, and we could feel the heat. Within a few seconds, I saw people trying to break windows. I broke the windowpane with our tiffin box. I called out to people outside to catch my son and threw him out of the window," said Dinesh, who managed to run out of the bus with Alka, according to The Times of India. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian father saves 5-month-old baby by tossing him out of burning bus, loses wife

India's global influence | India to lead global real wage growth in 2024

On November 7, India's Supreme Court gave a clarification over its order to ban firecrackers across the country. The Court stated that the use of firecrackers, which are filled with barium and other banned chemicals, is banned in the entire nation, and not only in the National Capital Region. 
 
The clarification was given by a bench, comprising Justices A S Bopanna and M M Sundresh, when they were hearing an application which was seeking direction to the Rajasthan government for complying with the order of the top court on the on barium crackers and decreasing air and noise pollution. 
 
“At this juncture, no specific order will be necessary in as much as this Court in the course of hearing the petitions has passed several orders, where steps have been indicated to minimise and avoid air as well as noise pollution. Hence the said orders will bind every state in the country, including the state of Rajasthan,” stated a bench of Justice A S Bopanna and Justice M M Sundresh, in its order. 
 
“Therefore, we make it clear that the state of Rajasthan would also take note of this and take all steps to minimise air and noise pollution, not only during the festival season but even thereafter," it added. 
 
The Supreme Court's order came as India is gearing up for Diwali celebrations on November 12. The order raised questions like what type of firecrackers are permitted in the country and what are these firecrackers made of?

<h2>What orders have been issued by the Supreme Court on firecrackers?</h2>

The apex court in October 2018 placed a ban on the sale and production of all crackers except ‘green crackers’ and also those which have reduced emissions or improved crackers. 
 
The sale and manufacture of ‘joined crackers’ (which are long rows of joined crackers) was also banned and the use of barium salts in firecrackers was not permitted. The court had also stated that their noise levels should remain within permissible limits. 
 
This was reiterated by the October in its order issued on October 29, 2021. In September, the Supreme Court turned down a plea submitted by the firecracker manufacturers’ association which sought permission to the use of joined crackers and to add barium salt along with improved additives in the green crackers. 
 
The use and sale of all types of firecrackers in the National Capital Region was banned by the National Green Tribunal in 2020, which stated that the green crackers would only be allowed in towns and cities where air quality was poor or moderate.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/directions-meant-to-regulate-firecrackers-meant-for-entire-india-not-just-delhi-supreme-court-656152">Directions to regulate firecrackers meant for entire India, not just Delhi: Supreme Court</a>

<h2>What are firecrackers made of?</h2>

Generally, the firecrackers are made with four primary ingredients — colouring agents, fuel, oxidiser, and binder. An oxidiser is added to the cracker so that it can catch fire, the fuel helps in sustaining it and colouring agents add the colours and sparkles to the crackers, while the mixture is held in place by the binder till the cracker has been spent completely. 
 
Chemicals such as barium are a type of colouring agent, and they were banned by the court because they harmfully impact the health of human beings. These chemicals cause skin allergies, breathing difficulties, irritation in the respiratory tract, and even cancer. 
 
In a cracker, aluminium, magnesium and titanium emit the white colour, while carbon or iron emit&nbsp;orange colour. 
 
Similarly, sodium compounds work as yellow agents, while copper compounds and strontium carbonates emit blue and red colours, respectively. The green agent is barium chlorate barium nitrate or barium monochloride salts.

<h2>What are green crackers that cause less pollution?</h2>

Former director of the Council of Scientific &amp; Industrial Research’s National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) Dr Rakesh Kumar, while speaking to The Indian Express in 2018, stated that green crackers have been named so because they “do not contain harmful chemicals” which can cause air pollution. 
 
In the green crackers, the components used in traditional crackers are replaced with others which are “less dangerous” and “less harmful” to the atmosphere. 
 
A network of CSIR labs, which included the Central Electro Chemical Research Institute (CECRI), Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, National Botanical Research Institute and National Chemical Laboratory, had researched the ways of producing green crackers.

WATCH |&nbsp;India: New Delhi puts firecracker ban ahead of Diwali, 3 years in jail if caught bursting crackers

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-new-delhi-puts-firecracker-ban-ahead-of-diwali-3-years-in-jail-if-caught-bursting-crackers-527821/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

These green crackers release water vapour that works as a dust suppressant and emits less-harmful chemicals. Such crackers are divided into three broad categories SWAS, SAFAL and STAR, which have been defined by CSIR. 
 
SWAS stands for “safe water releaser” and it contains a small water pocket which gets released in the form of vapour after the cracker bursts. This release of vapour suppresses the dust. 
 
STAR, which is known as a “safe thermite cracker”, does not contain sulphur and potassium nitrate, and releases reduced particulate matter at lesser sound intensity. 
 
SAFAL refers to safe minimal aluminium in which aluminium is minimally used and magnesium is used instead. This also emits less noise compared to traditional crackers.

(With inputs from agencies)

On November 7, India's Supreme Court gave a clarification over its order to ban firecrackers across the country. The Court stated that the use of firecrackers, which are filled with barium and other banned chemicals, is banned in the entire nation, and not only in the National Capital Region.

On November 7, India's Supreme Court gave a clarification over its order to ban firecrackers across the country. The Court stated that the use of firecrackers, which are filled with barium and other banned chemicals, is banned in the entire nation, and not only in the National Capital Region. The clarification was given by a bench, comprising Justices A S Bopanna and M M Sundresh, when they were hearing an application which was seeking direction to the Rajasthan government for complying with the order of the top court on the on barium crackers and decreasing air and noise pollution. “At this juncture, no specific order will be necessary in as much as this Court in the course of hearing the petitions has passed several orders, where steps have been indicated to minimise and avoid air as well as noise pollution. Hence the said orders will bind every state in the country, including the state of Rajasthan,” stated a bench of Justice A S Bopanna and Justice M M Sundresh, in its order. “Therefore, we make it clear that the state of Rajasthan would also take note of this and take all steps to minimise air and noise pollution, not only during the festival season but even thereafter," it added. The Supreme Court's order came as India is gearing up for Diwali celebrations on November 12. The order raised questions like what type of firecrackers are permitted in the country and what are these firecrackers made of? What orders have been issued by the Supreme Court on firecrackers? The apex court in October 2018 placed a ban on the sale and production of all crackers except ‘green crackers’ and also those which have reduced emissions or improved crackers. The sale and manufacture of ‘joined crackers’ (which are long rows of joined crackers) was also banned and the use of barium salts in firecrackers was not permitted. The court had also stated that their noise levels should remain within permissible limits. This was reiterated by the October in its order issued on October 29, 2021. In September, the Supreme Court turned down a plea submitted by the firecracker manufacturers’ association which sought permission to the use of joined crackers and to add barium salt along with improved additives in the green crackers. The use and sale of all types of firecrackers in the National Capital Region was banned by the National Green Tribunal in 2020, which stated that the green crackers would only be allowed in towns and cities where air quality was poor or moderate. ALSO READ | Directions to regulate firecrackers meant for entire India, not just Delhi: Supreme Court What are firecrackers made of? Generally, the firecrackers are made with four primary ingredients — colouring agents, fuel, oxidiser, and binder. An oxidiser is added to the cracker so that it can catch fire, the fuel helps in sustaining it and colouring agents add the colours and sparkles to the crackers, while the mixture is held in place by the binder till the cracker has been spent completely. Chemicals such as barium are a type of colouring agent, and they were banned by the court because they harmfully impact the health of human beings. These chemicals cause skin allergies, breathing difficulties, irritation in the respiratory tract, and even cancer. In a cracker, aluminium, magnesium and titanium emit the white colour, while carbon or iron emit orange colour. Similarly, sodium compounds work as yellow agents, while copper compounds and strontium carbonates emit blue and red colours, respectively. The green agent is barium chlorate barium nitrate or barium monochloride salts. What are green crackers that cause less pollution? Former director of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research’s National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) Dr Rakesh Kumar, while speaking to The Indian Express in 2018, stated that green crackers have been named so because they “do not contain harmful chemicals” which can cause air pollution. In the green crackers, the components used in traditional crackers are replaced with others which are “less dangerous” and “less harmful” to the atmosphere. A network of CSIR labs, which included the Central Electro Chemical Research Institute (CECRI), Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, National Botanical Research Institute and National Chemical Laboratory, had researched the ways of producing green crackers. WATCH | India: New Delhi puts firecracker ban ahead of Diwali, 3 years in jail if caught bursting crackers These green crackers release water vapour that works as a dust suppressant and emits less-harmful chemicals. Such crackers are divided into three broad categories SWAS, SAFAL and STAR, which have been defined by CSIR. SWAS stands for “safe water releaser” and it contains a small water pocket which gets released in the form of vapour after the cracker bursts. This release of vapour suppresses the dust. STAR, which is known as a “safe thermite cracker”, does not contain sulphur and potassium nitrate, and releases reduced particulate matter at lesser sound intensity. SAFAL refers to safe minimal aluminium in which aluminium is minimally used and magnesium is used instead. This also emits less noise compared to traditional crackers. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | What kind of fireworks are allowed across India after SC's ban on crackers?

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