A recent address by Prime Minister Modi criticized the Delhi and West Bengal governments for not participating in the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). In response, AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal defended the Delhi government's health scheme, stating that every resident receives free treatment. He also urged the adoption of the Delhi model nationwide. Meanwhile, in preparation for Thursday's event honoring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, traffic restrictions have been announced in central Delhi.
Delhi Air Pollution: A Persistent Crisis and Government Responses
Delhi, India's capital city, has been plagued by severe air pollution for decades. The city often ranks among the world's most polluted due to a combination of factors, including vehicle emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, and crop burning in neighboring states.
The air quality in Delhi can have severe health implications for its residents. Prolonged exposure to air pollutants can lead to respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. In 2019, a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found that air pollution was responsible for nearly 30,000 deaths in Delhi.
The Indian government has taken several steps to address the air pollution crisis in Delhi. In 2019, the Supreme Court of India ordered the city government to implement a series of measures to reduce pollution, including restricting the use of private vehicles, promoting electric vehicles, and increasing public transportation.
In addition, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has set strict air quality standards for Delhi. These standards were revised in 2020 to align with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is a national health insurance scheme launched by the Government of India in 2018. The scheme aims to provide free health coverage to over 100 million poor and vulnerable families in India.
Under the PM-JAY scheme, families can receive coverage for a wide range of medical treatments, including hospitalization, surgeries, and emergency care. The scheme also covers pre-existing conditions and does not require any co-payment from beneficiaries.
The PM-JAY scheme has been widely praised for its potential to improve healthcare access for the poor in India. However, some critics have expressed concerns about the sustainability of the scheme and the quality of care provided by empaneled hospitals.
FAQs
1. What is the current air quality in Delhi?
The current air quality in Delhi can be checked on the website of the CPCB. The index ranges from 0 to 500, with higher values indicating worse air quality.
2. What are the main sources of air pollution in Delhi?
The main sources of air pollution in Delhi include vehicle emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, and crop burning in neighboring states.
3. What are the health effects of air pollution?
Prolonged exposure to air pollutants can lead to respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer.
4. What is the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)?
The PM-JAY is a national health insurance scheme launched by the Government of India in 2018. It provides free health coverage to over 100 million poor and vulnerable families in India.
5. What are the concerns about the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)?
Some critics have expressed concerns about the sustainability of the scheme and the quality of care provided by empaneled hospitals.
In a powerful speech, Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai highlighted the essential role of human dignity in the Constitution and the judiciary's responsibility to uphold it. He emphasized that dignity forms the very core of fundamental rights and has been consistently upheld by the Supreme Court in landmark judgments. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla echoed this sentiment, stating that it is crucial for the government and judiciary to work together to deliver justice to the people.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin will be attending the grand celebration of Mupperum Vizha, which marks the birth anniversary of party founder CN Annadurai, social reformer Periyar, and DMK's founding day. Several prestigious awards, including the Periyar Award for Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, will be presented during the event, which has been designed like a fortress with a capacity to seat one lakh people. The stage is dominated by portraits of Chief Minister Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, along with banners highlighting the achievements of the Tamil Nadu government.
The Vantara zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre, established by Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar, was under scrutiny by the Supreme Court following allegations of irregularities. On 15 September 2025, the Court accepted the findings of the special investigation team (SIT) in a "sealed cover," concluding that there were no violations of various laws and regulations. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh expressed admiration for the justice system's rare display of efficiency in this case, but also raised questions about the use of sealed covers in court proceedings.
The District Administration, in collaboration with the Department of Urban Development & Housing, has officially kicked off the Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 campaign in Ziro, India. The initiative aims to promote mass participation in cleanliness and waste management activities, with the goal of making Ziro a model of hygiene and environmental stewardship. The launch event, attended by government officials and members of the public, also saw the administration taking the Swachhata Pledge to reaffirm their commitment to a "Clean India, Green India". Stay tuned for upcoming activities and events leading up to Gandhi Jayanti on October 2.
In a dramatic turn of events, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was stopped from accessing flood-hit villages on the India-Pakistan border due to safety concerns. A three-week-long investigation into allegations against Reliance Foundation's Vantara wildlife centre found no evidence of wrongdoing, prompting the Supreme Court to close the case. Forest officials in Madhya Pradesh are seeking answers from an IRS officer and his wife, who are accused of building a resort in an ecologically sensitive zone. Stay updated with these and other news stories on the Indian Express.
Rahul Gandhi, who was on a visit to flood-hit villages in Amritsar and Gurdaspur, was stopped by police from crossing the Ravi river to the "zero line" villages on the Indo-Pak border. The Congress leader had spent the day assessing damage and meeting with victims before being told it was unsafe to attempt the boat crossing. This comes after the Supreme Court closed a case involving allegations against the Reliance Foundation's wildlife rescue centre in Gujarat. Meanwhile, forest officials have sought clarification from an IRS officer and his wife for allegedly building a hotel/resort in an ecosensitive zone at Panna Tiger Reserve. Stay updated with breaking news on our live blog on Instagram.
Global leaders take to social media to send well wishes to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday. With the upcoming national election and ongoing tensions with neighboring countries, world leaders hope for continued success and prosperity for both Modi and the nation. India's growing presence on the global stage is recognized and celebrated by leaders across the world, showing the significance and influence of the country's political landscape.
Today, September 17, marks the birthday of India’s Prime Minister and influential global leader, Narendra Modi. As he turns another year older, people from all over the world are sharing warm wishes, heartfelt messages, and inspiring quotes to honor his dedication and leadership to the nation. With a dominating presence on social media, PM Modi's birthday images are the perfect way to extend your wishes and celebrate his special day.
As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates his 75th birthday, world leaders, including former US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sent messages of congratulations and appreciation. In their messages, they praised PM Modi for his leadership and his role in strengthening India's position on the global stage. In a phone call, President Trump and PM Modi also discussed important global issues and their commitment to further enhancing India-US relations.
On his 75th birthday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received warm wishes and praise from President Droupadi Murmu and leaders across party lines. Murmu praised Modi for instilling a culture of achieving great goals in the country and wished for his ongoing good health and leadership. Other leaders, like Yogi Adityanath and Nitish Kumar, also thanked Modi for his contributions to India's progress and development. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and her cabinet colleagues also participated in a blood donation camp organized as part of the BJP-led city government's 'Sewa Pakhwada' to commemorate the PM's birthday.