Page 48 - Delhi

Delhi govt to prepare 1,000 'model ghats' for Chhath Puja: CM Atishi

The Delhi government will set up 1000 "model ghats" for the Purvanchali festival Chhath across the city, Chief Minister Atishi said on Monday. The ghats will be constructed in each of the 70 assembly constituencies to facilitate Chhath Puja performed by lakhs of devotees in Delhi, she said. In a high-level meeting, the chief minister instructed officials to coordinate with Chhath Puja committees and incorporate their suggestions while making preparations for the festival including lighting, clean water, toilets, tents, security at the ghats, said a Delhi government statement. She assured that the Delhi government is committed to ensuring that the festival is celebrated without any inconvenience, it said. The ghats will have clean water, tents, electricity, toilets, security, medical facilities, power backup, CCTV cameras, and other necessary arrangements, the statement said. Atishi also instructed officials to pay special attention to cleanliness at the 'ghats'. The chief ministe

Grap stage 1 kicks in as Delhi registers 2nd consecutive day of 'poor' AQI

The Centre's air pollution control panel for Delhi-NCR on Monday directed state governments in the region to implement the first stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as the capital's air quality was in the 'poor' category for the second consecutive day. The Stage I of GRAP, a set of winter-specific anti-pollution measures, focuses on controlling pollution through dust mitigation at construction sites, proper waste management, and regular road cleaning. It mandates strict checks on polluting vehicles, better traffic management, and emission controls in industries, power plants, and brick kilns. The first stage also bans open burning of waste, limits the use of diesel generators, and prohibits the use of coal or firewood in eateries. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's 24-hour average air quality index stood at 234 (poor category) as of 4 pm on Monday. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)'s Sub-Committee, tasked with implementing GR

Atishi meets PM Modi, seeks cooperation of Centre's in Delhi's development

Atishi took oath as Delhi Chief Minister in September following resignation of Arvind Kejriwal. Atishi became the third woman Chief Minister of Delhi, following Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit

Air India Mumbai-New York flight diverted to Delhi after bomb threat

A New York-bound Air India plane carrying 239 passengers from Mumbai was diverted to the national capital early morning on Monday due to a bomb threat, according to officials. Police said following standard security protocols, a thorough inspection was conducted and no suspicious item was found inside the aircraft. "Flight AI 119 operating from Mumbai to JFK on October 14 received a specific security alert and on instructions of the government's security regulatory committee, (it) was diverted to Delhi," Air India said in a statement. "Staff on ground are working to minimise the inconvenience caused to our guests by this unexpected disruption, it said. All 258 people onboard the aircraft have disembarked and are currently undergoing security procedures. Once the security protocols are completed, the passengers will be moved to hotels, it added. There were 239 passengers and 19 crew members onboard the plane. The flight has been rescheduled and will now depart for New York from De

Consumer affairs minister slams air purifier firms for false claims

Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday criticised air purifier manufacturers for making false claims about their products, and called for increased consumer awareness ahead of winter when air pollution worsens in Delhi due to crop stubble burning in neighbouring states. Addressing an event commemorating World Standards Day, Joshi expressed concern over misleading marketing tactics adopted by some air purifier companies. "Discussion on air pollution has begun. Looking at Air Quality Index (AQI) on mobiles, people out of fear, go and buy air purifiers. Air purifiers make such false claims. ...We see air purifiers and so much is written but nothing is there in it. There is just a fan in it, yet claims are still made," the minister stated. Joshi called for a collaborative approach involving the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the consumer affairs ministry and consumers to address the issue. While praising the BIS for their "exceptionally wonderful job" in recent years, the

Air India Mumbai-New York flight diverted to Delhi after bomb threat

According to Delhi Police, the aircraft is currently stationed at the IGI Airport, and all standard safety protocols are being diligently followed to ensure the safety of passengers

Delhi's air quality turns 'poor' after Dussehra, likely to improve soon

Delhi's air quality worsened to the 'poor' category on Sunday, the day after Dussehra, with the Centre deciding to closely monitor the situation before taking anti-air pollution measures under Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Effigies of demon king Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghnad packed with firecrackers went up in flames at open grounds in the national capital during Dussehra celebrations on Saturday. Delhi's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 224 on Sunday, according to the 4 pm AQI bulletin from the Central Pollution Control Board. The Commission for Air Quality (CAQM) Sub-Committee reviewed the current air quality and weather forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), according to a statement. It said Delhi's air pollution had already started declining, dropping to 222 by 5 pm, and is expected to decline further. The IMD/IITM forecast also predicts air quality

Delhi govt identifies sites for Durga idol immersion for devotees' safety

The Delhi government has identified multiple sites across the city for Durga idol immersion to ensure safe and coordinated process for the devotees. In compliance with environmental regulations, idol immersion in rivers, including the Sahibi River, is strictly prohibited,an official statement said. The Delhi government announced comprehensive plans for Durga idol immersion. With directives issued to Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) a month in advance, the government has identified 31 immersion sites across the city, an official statement said. SDMs will conduct inspections of these sites in collaboration with the concerned departments ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place, the statement read. The Delhi government has asked everyone to adhere to the guidelines and maintain cleanliness at the sites. "In a meeting chaired by the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of West Delhi on October 10, the Delhi government outlined comprehensive plans for Durga Pooja idol ...

'Ram Rajya' means education, healthcare for all: Kejriwal at Ramleela

AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal invoked "Ram Rajya" on Friday and said that no child should remain uneducated and no one should be denied healthcare in the country. Attending a Ramleela in East Delhi's Mayur Vihar, he said the Aam Aadmi Party is following the "principles of Ram Rajya" to serve the people Delhi. The former Delhi chief minister said Lord Rama's ideals of justice, equality, and service should be emulated by all. "We should take lessons from Lord Ram's life, which reflects the essence of Indian and Hindu culture. It is crucial that we pass this cultural heritage to our children by ensuring they watch events like Ramleela," he said. According to the vision of "Ram Rajya" no child should remain uneducated, nor should anyone be denied healthcare for lack of money, Kejriwal said.

AAP to appoint 11 volunteers for every booth to oversee voting in Delhi

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) plans to appoint 11 dedicated volunteers for every booth to oversee voting during the upcoming assembly polls in Delhi. These volunteers will also carry forward Arvind Kejriwal's message and the achievements of the AAP government, the AAP said in a statement on Friday. In a meeting held at the party headquarters here, AAP's National General Secretary (Organisation) and Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak took stock of the party's readiness for the poll and urged volunteers to remain resolute in their efforts to serve the people of Delhi, it said. "The AAP is fully prepared for the upcoming elections, and we will not rest until Arvind Kejriwal is re-elected as Chief Minister," Pathak said. As the elections approach, the party plans to deploy 11 volunteers at every booth, who will act as "soldiers on the ground", he added. According to the statement, Pathak also cautioned the party workers against falling into any BJP conspiracy, and focus solely on the welfare o

Delhi DoE issues advisory against misleading promises of edtech companies

The Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) has issued an advisory to protect students and parents from the misleading promises of ed-tech companies. According to the advisory issued on Tuesday, the ed-tech companies lure students and parents with extravagant promises, often leading them to incur loans at excessive interest rates, risking their financial stability. The DoE said these companies use syllabi and teaching methodologies which are not regulated by NCERT, SCERT and any other educational body. According to the directorate, many of these firms repackage freely available educational content, market it as exclusive, and employ aggressive marketing strategies and social media campaigns. The DoE emphasised the strength of Delhi's educational system, which is designed to support learners' mental, emotional, social, and psychological well-being. It also directed all government and private schools to raise awareness among students about the importance of regular attendance and makin

Atishi 'removed' from Delhi CM's residence: How is official house allotted

The bitter blame game over the occupation of the Flagstaff Road bungalow between the AAP, BJP, and Delhi LG's office erupted after former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal vacated the residence last week

Delhi to Kashmir in 13 hours: Vande Bharat sleeper to Srinagar announced

Indian Railways has announced the Delhi-Srinagar Vande Bharat train that will cover over 800 km in 13 hours. The train will depart at 19:00 hrs from Delhi to reach Srinagar at 08:00 hrs

Days after Kejriwal vacates, Delhi CM Atishi to shift to 6, Flagstaff Road

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi will shift to the 6, Flagstaff Road bungalow on Monday, days after her predecessor Arvind Kejriwal vacated it and moved to a new address in Lutyens' Delhi, officials said. The shifting of the chief minister's personal effects and other belongings is underway, they said. Atishi was earlier allotted the AB-17 bungalow on Mathura Road after she was appointed a minister in the Kejriwal government last year. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Kejriwal, who resigned as chief minister in September, vacated the Flagstaff Road bungalow in Civil Lines last Friday. His new address is 5, Ferozeshah Road near Mandi House, which has been allotted to AAP Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab Ashok Mittal. Atishi used to stay in south Delhi's Kalkaji with her parents while former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia was occupying the AB-17 bungalow. Last week, Sisodia vacated the house and moved to Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh's official residence on RP Road, officials ad

Arvind Kejriwal inaugurates tree plantation campaign, table tennis ground

Kejriwal also shared a post and expressed his happiness after the people of the New Delhi constituency

Rajnath Singh to inaugurate DefConnect 4.0 event in Delhi on Monday

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is slated to inaugurate an event on Monday that will bring together armed forces, defence PSUs, innovators and policymakers to discuss ways to advance indigenous innovation. 'DefConnect 4.0' will be held at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantonment, and will be a significant step towards advancing indigenous innovation and celebrating the growing defence ecosystem of the country, the defence ministry said in a statement. The event is being organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence - Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO), under the ministry's Department of Defence Production. DefConnect 4.0 marks a milestone in India's defence innovation journey, bringing together the armed forces, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), industry leaders, innovators, start-ups and MSMEs, academia, incubators, investors and policymakers, the statement said. It will feature an exciting technology showcase, presenting iDEX innovators with a unique opportunit

Haryana Assembly elections: Hooda leaves for Delhi ahead of counting

Ahead of Haryana poll results on October 7, Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda, a frontrunner for the chief minister's post, on Sunday left for Delhi where he is likely to meet party leadership. The Congress veteran and former chief minister Hooda will have his night stay at his Delhi residence, sources said. He is likely to meet the party's senior leadership before he returns to his Rohtak residence Monday afternoon, they said. An aide of Hooda said that he left for Delhi from Rohtak residence in the evening. Asked who would be the chief minister if the Congress comes to power, Hooda had Saturday reiterated that there is a laid down procedure in the party, according to which "the opinion of the MLAs will be sought and the high command will decide". About party leaders Kumari Selja and Randeep Singh Surjewala also reportedly being aspirants for the chief minister's post, last evening Hooda told reporters that one can have aspirations in politics but there is a procedure. Votin

Wangchuk's supporters say detention at Delhi border huge disappointment

Supporters of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who were detained on September 30 at the Delhi border, said on Sunday the detention was a huge disappointment for them and alleged that they were treated like "terrorists" upon reaching the national capital. Led by Wangchuk, around 150 'padyatris' (marchers) from Ladakh started a 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra' from Leh on September 1, and were detained upon reaching Delhi on the night of September 30 for "violating" prohibitory orders and were taken to different police stations. They were kept in detention till they were finally taken to Rajghat on October 2. The demands of the protesters include statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, among others. On Sunday, Wangchuk sat on a fast at Delhi's Ladakh Bhawan along with around a dozen supporters, after failing to get permission for a sit-in at Jantar Mantar. Gurmet Dorjay, former executive councillor of Korzok, who was among those who participated in

SC questions Delhi LG's hurry in holding MCD Standing Committee election

The Supreme Court on Friday questioned the "tearing hurry" on the part of the lieutenant governor's office to exercise executive powers for holding the election for the sixth member of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi's Standing Committee. A bench of Justices P S Narasimha and R Mahadevan asked the LG's office to not hold elections for the post of chairman of the Standing Committee till it hears the plea of Mayor Shelly Oberoi against the September 27 Standing Committee polls. "We will view it seriously if you hold an election for the MCD Standing Committee chairman," the bench told senior advocate Sanjay Jain, appearing for the LG's office. It said that initially it was not inclined to entertain this petition but had to issue notice because of Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena's decision to exercise his powers under Section 487 of the Delhi Municipal Act. "Democracy will be in danger if you start using executive powers under Section 487 of the DMC Act. How can you interdict the ...

BJP stages protest against Arvind Kejriwal occupying AAP MP's bungalow

Former Delhi BJP chief Vijay Goel, along with party workers, on Friday staged a protest against AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of unauthorised occupation of a government bungalow allotted to his party MP. Goel said he would lodge a complaint with the the Rajya Sabha chairman in the matter. During the protest, held at 5 Ferozeshah Road outside the MP's bungalow, the BJP leader criticised Kejriwal for betraying his earlier promises of not using government luxuries. "This is the same Arvind Kejriwal who had given an affidavit saying he wouldn't use a government bungalow, car, or security upon becoming chief minister, yet he occupied a mansion worth crores like Sheesh Mahal," the former Union minister added. He said the purpose of the protest was to expose Kejriwal's double standards to the people of Delhi. Former Delhi chief minister Kejriwal on Friday vacated the 6, Flagstaff Road address his home for nine years and moved to a bungalow in the Lutyens' zone. The Aam Aad