As Delhi's air quality remains in the 'severe' category, the government and concerned citizens stage a protest at India Gate to demand urgent action. The Environment Minister blames the previous government for not taking sufficient measures, while the current government intensifies efforts to tackle the crisis. Delhiites brace for more pollution as authorities consider implementing stricter restrictions.
Scores of parents and environmental activists gathered at India Gate on Sunday to demand urgent government action to address Delhi's worsening air quality. Protesters expressed concern for their children's health, as every third child in Delhi already has damaged lungs due to pollution. The government has been accused of failing to provide the basic right of clean air, and politicians are being urged to take responsibility. Several protesters were reportedly detained by police for assembling without permission.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is set to expand his cabinet tomorrow with the resignation of all 16 ministers, except for him. The ceremony will be held at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, with the new ministers being administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Acharya Devvratji. Currently, there are 17 members in Gujarat's council of ministers, and this expansion will bring the number up to 26, close to the maximum of 27 for a 182-member assembly.
The Delhi Police have issued an order stating that no protest can take place at India Gate, the designated place for protest being Jantar Mantar, due to security and traffic protocols and Section 163 of the BNSS being implemented in the area. This has caused uncertainty for the protest against air pollution that was scheduled to take place on Sunday evening. With the city's air quality in the 'Very Poor' category, and several monitoring stations recording AQIs above 400, organisers are questioning the legality of the order and the feasibility of obtaining permission to protest at Jantar Mantar 10 days in advance.
The Centre's decision to issue new Terms of Reference for the 8th Central Pay Commission has sparked outrage among retired government employees and their family pensioners. The All India Defence Employees' Federation (AIDEF) has written to the Finance Minister, expressing disappointment over the omission of critical clauses on pension revision that were included in the previous pay commission. The federation is urging the government to amend the terms of reference to ensure fair pay and pension revisions for the 69 lakh pensioners who have been left out of the review.
Well-known storyteller Pandit Dhirendra Shastri has stirred controversy with his statements about minority communities during a public event in Haryana. Shastri, who is known for his religious Yatras, said that India should become a Hindu nation and called for an end to casteism and discrimination. However, his remarks have sparked outrage from political leaders and citizens, who have accused him of spreading hatred and sectarianism.
As the race for the Jubilee Hills by-election reaches its conclusion today, the primary battle appears to be among the Congress, BRS, and BJP parties. With the unfortunate passing of BRS MLA Maganti Gopinath, his wife is now contesting for the role while the opposition maintains a strong foothold in the constituency. Police Commissioner Sajjanar has announced strict enforcement of Section 144 in the area to ensure public peace and security on both polling and vote counting days. As tensions rise, all eyes are on the outcome of this crucial by-election.
On the 25th anniversary of Uttarakhand's formation, President Droupadi Murmu commends the state's achievements and contributions to India's cultural and spiritual heritage. Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi, has transformed from a people's movement to a model of balanced development and modernity. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extends his best wishes to the state and highlights its progress in various fields, including tourism.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has garnered criticism for his defense of former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani's legacy on the latter's 98th birthday. Tharoor argued that Advani's decades of public service should not be overshadowed by one controversial episode, referencing the leader's 1990 Ram Rath Yatra. The debate highlights differing interpretations of the Yatra, which was launched amidst the heightened communal tension and later led to the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.
As Bihar elections near their final phase, RJD leader and Mahagathbandhan's CM candidate Tejashwi Yadav celebrated his 36th birthday at his parents' residence in Patna, while party workers gathered outside to celebrate with sweets, songs, and slogans. Despite ongoing campaigning, Tejashwi's birthday became a public event with supporters presenting him a silver crown and even his brother, Tej Pratap Yadav, wishing him success amid increased security threats. Several political figures, including Akhilesh Yadav and Rakesh Roshan, took to social media to praise Tejashwi as the symbol of youth hopes for change in Bihar.