In response to the hazardous levels of air pollution in Delhi, the Commission for Air Quality Management has enforced stricter measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan. As a result, all schools in Delhi will transition to online learning except for Grades 10 and 12, and this decision will remain in effect until further notice. Additionally, Haryana has also implemented measures to address the poor air quality, with deputy commissioners being authorized to temporarily close physical classes up to Grade 5 in affected districts. Stay updated on the latest education news, exam updates, campus updates, and study abroad related news live on NDTV.com.
Delhi and Haryana Schools Closed Due to Air Pollution
New Delhi – As per the official sources, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented stricter measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in response to severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR, which has impacted several daily routines.
Consequently, all schools in Delhi will switch to online learning with the exception of Grades 10 and 12, a measure that will be in place until further notice. This decision was taken by the Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA) after reviewing the air quality situation and deliberating upon the need for immediate actions to mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution on public health. Schools in Haryana have also been impacted by the air pollution, with deputy commissioners authorized to temporarily close physical classes up to Grade 5 in affected districts.
Background
Air pollution has been a recurring issue in Delhi and its neighboring areas, particularly during the winter months. Factors contributing to the poor air quality include vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction work, biomass burning, and unfavorable meteorological conditions. The worsening air quality has led to severe health concerns among the population, especially children and the elderly.
Measures Taken
To address the alarming levels of air pollution, the CAQM has implemented various measures under Stage 4 of GRAP. These include:
FAQs
Q1: Why are schools being closed in Delhi and Haryana?
A: Schools are being closed due to the severe air pollution levels that pose health risks to students.
Q2: When will schools in Delhi and Haryana reopen?
A: The reopening of schools will be subject to the improvement in air quality and the decision of the authorities.
Q3: What other measures are being taken to address air pollution in Delhi and Haryana?
A: Various measures are being implemented, including restrictions on construction, enhanced public transport, and industrial emission controls.
Q4: What are the potential health impacts of air pollution on children?
A: Air pollution can cause a range of health issues in children, including respiratory problems, asthma, and developmental delays.
Q5: What can individuals do to reduce air pollution?
A: Individuals can contribute by reducing vehicle usage, using public transport, and conserving energy. Additionally, avoiding the burning of biomass and promoting tree plantation can help mitigate air pollution.
A Roman Catholic priest named Christopher Lee was stabbed inside a church in Singapore by a Singaporean attacker. The priest was in stable condition and the attacker has been arrested. Despite the rarity of violent crimes in Singapore, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed shock and sadness over the incident and reminded that violence has no place in the city. Preliminary investigations suggest that the attack was not an act of terrorism and the suspect, a 37-year-old Christian from the local Sinhalese community, acted alone. Masses at the church will continue as scheduled despite the incident.
Delhi experienced a cold and breezy evening on Thursday, accompanied by dense fog that resulted in low visibility and added to the chill in the air. The city recorded its second-lowest daytime temperature of the season at 29.4 degrees Celsius. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature on Wednesday was the lowest of the winter season so far. Visibility was also significantly affected, measuring at 200 metres at Safdarjung and Palam.
As Delhi's air quality reaches hazardous levels, Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan has been activated, leading to shifts in daily routines for residents. The Commission for Air Quality Management announced that all students except for those in Classes 10 and 12 will switch to online classes until further notice. With the AQI exceeding 450, authorities are urging vulnerable groups to stay indoors and take precautions to protect their health.
A CCTV footage from Rajasthan's Mount Abu capturing a leopard attacking a pet dog has gone viral, sparking safety concerns for tourists visiting the region. The alarming encounter shows the intense struggle between the big cat and the Labrador Retriever, with the dog eventually escaping after the leopard is distracted by a woman's screams. This incident serves as a reminder for visitors to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines in areas known for wild animals.
The Delhi government has taken strict measures to combat pollution and smog in the city by implementing GRAP Stage III, which includes a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles. This comes as part of India's efforts to adopt Bharat Stage VI emission norms by 2020 and reduce air pollutants by 80%. The move aims to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for the citizens of Delhi.
A tragic fire in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Jhansi Medical College took the lives of 10 newborns and sparked a multi-level investigation by the Uttar Pradesh government. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak announced that three separate probes will be conducted to determine the cause of the fire and any possible lapses. Hospital officials suspect a short circuit in an oxygen concentrator as the origin of the fire. While the incident was deemed "sad and unfortunate," BJP MLA Rajeev Singh Parichha highlighted that 35 infants were rescued. CM Yogi Adityanath has urged for swift rescue operations and support for affected families.
A shocking fire at Jhansi Medical College has taken the lives of 10 infants and left 16 others injured, as sources revealed the staff had ignored a previous short circuit. The state government has launched a 4-member committee to look into the incident while CM Yogi has offered financial assistance to the bereaved families. Meanwhile, politicians like PM Modi and President Droupadi Murmu have expressed their condolences and called for a thorough probe of the incident.
A couple in Adelaide, Australia was in for a shock when they returned home from work to find a koala sitting on their bed. The incident was captured on video and has since gone viral on social media. Despite the couple's initial fear, the cuddly koala turned out to be friendly and eventually was safely removed from their home. While some may find the experience unsettling, for the couple, it was a unique and special encounter with one of Australia's most beloved animals.
A couple in Adelaide, Australia experienced a rare encounter when returning home from work one evening. To their surprise, they found an adult koala sitting on the floor beside their bed. Sharing the experience on Instagram, the couple can be heard asking "What can I do?" as they try to coax the koala out of their bed with a sweater. The koala eventually hopped away through a hallway and out of the house.