

In an effort to reduce air pollution and combat the heat wave in Delhi, a meeting was held on Tuesday by over 25 government agencies under the leadership of Delhi's Forest and Environment Minister Gopal Rai. The meeting aimed to execute the 12-point Summer Action Plan formulated by the Delhi government, which includes a tree plantation campaign to increase the green belt in the city. The goal is to plant 2 crore saplings in 5 years, with the government claiming to have already exceeded their target in the fourth year of their tenure.
Greener Delhi with AAP: Combatting Pollution and Heat
Background:
Delhi, India's capital, has long grappled with severe air pollution and extreme heat waves. In response, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has made environmental initiatives a priority.
Summer Action Plan:
On Tuesday, Delhi's Forest and Environment Minister Gopal Rai held a meeting with over 25 government agencies to implement the 12-point Summer Action Plan. The plan includes a comprehensive tree plantation campaign to increase the city's green belt.
Tree Plantation Campaign:
The AAP government aims to plant 2 crore saplings in 5 years, with a target of 50 lakh saplings per year. As of the fourth year of their tenure, they claim to have exceeded their planting goal. The trees will help absorb pollutants, regulate temperature, and provide shade from the scorching heat.
Other Initiatives:
In addition to the tree plantation campaign, the Summer Action Plan includes other measures to reduce air pollution and combat the heat wave. These include:
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What is the ultimate goal of the Summer Action Plan? To reduce air pollution and combat the extreme heat wave in Delhi.
2. How many saplings will be planted under the tree plantation campaign? 2 crore saplings in 5 years.
3. Has the AAP government met its tree planting target? Yes, they claim to have exceeded the target in the fourth year of their tenure.
4. What are some other measures included in the Summer Action Plan? Sprinkling water on roads, increasing road sweeping frequency, banning open burning, and public awareness campaigns.
5. How has the Summer Action Plan been implemented so far? The government has held a meeting with various agencies to coordinate efforts and implement the plan's measures.

Government officials in the UK are facing backlash from citizens as Storm Bram brings heavy rain and winds, leading to flood warnings and potential risks to life. Good Morning Britain presenters Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid raised concerns about the lack of warning to those living in affected areas, while viewers expressed frustration over inconsistent warning systems. With severe weather conditions expected to continue throughout the country, citizens are calling for better communication and preparation from their government.

A shocking conspiracy was uncovered by the Bihar Police when they arrested an individual from Bhojpur for allegedly issuing death threats to MP Pappu Yadav. The whole scheme was concocted by his close associates to garner enhanced security for Yadav. The arrested man, Ram Babu, has confessed to making a threatening video at the behest of the MP's associates, who had promised him a position in their party. Police are still investigating the instigator of this plot and are also looking into other aspects of the case.

Congress-led UDF emerged as the leading force in the Kerala local body elections, securing a majority in 505 out of 941 Grama Panchayats. Meanwhile, the BJP-led NDA made significant gains, winning the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation for the first time and retaining key municipalities. Union Home Minister Amit Shah credited the victories to PM Narendra Modi's leadership and vision for "Vikasita Keralam".

In a significant victory for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), three women candidates secured seats in the Kerala local body elections. Former Mayor and MCD AAP Councillor Dr. Shelly Oberoi congratulated the winners, praising their success as a strong example of women's empowerment. Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his gratitude to the people of Kerala for giving a decisive verdict in favor of the United Democratic Front (UDF), while Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged and praised the efforts of BJP workers in the state. This outcome reflects the increasing support for female leaders and potentially hints at a greater shift towards progressive politics in the state.

As the counting for the local body elections in Kerala began, the Congress-led UDF is in the lead in most of the city and town local bodies. This two-phase election, held on December 9 and 11, has seen a high voter turnout of over 70%. The results of this election will have a significant impact on the political landscape ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections in Kerala, with local body results often reflecting voter mood. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has expressed confidence in the UDF alliance's chances in the upcoming Assembly polls.

R Sreelekha, the former DGP and BJP's mayoral candidate in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, secured a victory in the Sasthamangalam ward and pledges to deliver a corruption-free administration if given the chance to serve the public. Other notable victories in the corporation elections include former district president VV Rajesh and UDF mayoral candidate KS Sabarinathan. However, some high-profile defeats were seen, including actor Poojapura Radhakrishnan and Congress leader Johnson Joseph. Independent candidate Pattoor Radhakrishnan and Congress candidate Mary Pushpam also emerged victoriously in their respective wards.

According to sources, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in West Bengal has identified a total of 58,80,202 voters who may be excluded from the draft voter list. This includes people who have passed away, transferred, missing, and identified as 'fake' by the Election Commission. These numbers are subject to change in the final list, which is set to be published on February 14, 2022. The commission has divided voters into three categories - own mapping, progeny mapping, and non-mapping - depending on their presence in the 2002 voter list. Those not falling into any of these categories will be called for a hearing by the EC.

In a significant shift in voter sentiment, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is set for a decisive win in the Kerala local body elections, dealing a major setback to the ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The UDF has consolidated its gains across urban local bodies, while the LDF's last-minute welfare push failed to curb anti-incumbency. The NDA also made significant gains, underlining its expanding presence in urban Kerala.

In a major upset, the BJP-led NDA has won the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, ending the CPI(M)-led LDF's 45-year reign. The victory, with the NDA winning 50 out of 101 seats, is a boost for BJP's aspirations in Kerala's upcoming Assembly elections. The party's strong focus on development and Hindutva in Thiruvananthapuram, under the leadership of state unit president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, proved successful despite challenges faced during the campaigning. This victory has put the BJP in a strong position for the 2021 Assembly elections.

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has taken a huge lead in Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, giving a setback to the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). Initial trends show the NDA leading in 25 wards, while the LDF is ahead in 15 wards and the UDF in 10 wards. This is a major blow to the LDF ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala, with a record voter turnout of 73.69%. The State Election Commission has also commended the peaceful conduct of the elections.