India ranks as the third most polluted country with an AQI of 111. Northern Indian cities, especially in the NCR, face extreme air pollution, with Delhi's AQI soaring to hazardous levels. Major contributing factors include vehicle emissions, stubble burning, and industrial pollutants.
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A CAG report has identified major irregularities in Delhi's excise policy from 2017 to 2021, costing the exchequer Rs 2,027 crore. Key issues include unauthorized pricing discretion for liquor manufacturers, lack of quality control, and ignored expert recommendations, leading to political criticisms against the AAP government.
The Supreme Court collegium held its first-ever offsite meeting in Visakhapatnam with HC judge candidates from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, assessing their personality and suitability directly. This move marks a shift from solely relying on biodata and intelligence reports, enhancing the judge selection process and potentially setting a new precedent.
Interpol issues its first 'Silver Notice' to track international laundered assets, aiding 52 countries, including India, which targets fugitive economic offenders. The initiative, requested by Italy, helps share alerts globally to locate and seize criminal assets under national laws, enhancing asset recovery efforts.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the execution of 214 hostages after Pakistan refused to negotiate a prisoner exchange. The mass execution included only Pakistan security personnel, contrasting with the Pak army's claim that 26 hostages were killed. The BLA also acknowledged losing 12 militants, including five suicide attackers, during the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paused his speech during a BJP victory event to inquire about a distressed party worker, ensuring they received medical assistance and water. Modi resumed after confirming the individual was fine. The event celebrated BJP's significant win in the Delhi assembly elections with 48 seats to AAP's 22.
Indian ambassador Gaurav Shresth and Afghanistan counterpart Fazl Haqqani met in Tehran to discuss cooperation via the Chabahar port. India remains engaged with the Taliban despite not recognizing its government, focusing on enhancing exports and imports and its extensive developmental projects in Afghanistan.
Over 200 Indians, mostly Gujaratis, are stranded in Sharjah after a promised illegal US entry scheme fell apart. Agents had collected crores for a chartered flight to Brazil, intending to cross the Mexico-US border by land before Trump's inauguration. The flight was delayed, and the group is now stuck at a Sharjah hotel.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid homage to Balasaheb Thackeray on his birth anniversary. The Prime Minister said that Balasaheb Thackeray is widely respected and remembered for his commitment to public welfare and Maharashtra's development.
Road transport minister Nitin Gadkari criticized engineers, consultants, and contractors for neglecting road safety, citing faulty planning and poor signage as primary causes of accidents. He urged collaboration between the industry and government to improve infrastructure, enforcement, and education. Experts highlighted the aim of achieving zero fatalities through improved road design and management.
Sex workers on Delhi's GB Road, the city's red-light area, face severe living conditions, including poor sanitation, unreliable electricity, and overcrowded rooms. Despite their struggles, they remain marginalized, with political leaders rarely addressing their issues during election campaigns. Many of these women, who live without basic amenities and social support, hope that the new government will finally address their long-standing problems. GB Road, historically a trading hub, now houses... Expand