President Droupadi Murmu awarded 2 Padma Vibhushan, 9 Padma Bhushan, and 56 Padma Shri Awards for 2024 at the prestigious Civil Investiture Ceremony-II. The ceremony, held at the Darbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, was attended by esteemed recipients and their families, making it a grand celebration of their remarkable achievements. These awards recognize outstanding contributions in various fields, showcasing the diverse talent and remarkable achievements of individuals in India.
After decades of dormancy, Resumed Excavation at Ratnagiri Buddhist Monastery in Jajpur district is expected to shed light on previously unknown aspects of the historic site. Led by ASI officer Debala Mitra, previous excavations in the 1960s yielded thousands of rare artifacts, establishing Ratnagiri as an ancient Buddhist university. With renewed efforts beginning on November 20 and the participation of students from prestigious universities, the mysteries of Ratnagiri may finally be revealed. However, logistical challenges and lack of on-site facilities for workers and researchers are causing some concerns. Nevertheless, this venture promises to greatly expand our knowledge of Buddhist heritage in the region and contribute to further studies.
As winter sets in, North India is facing a hazardous rise in air pollution, with several cities recording ‘severe’ and ‘very poor’ air quality. Delhi, the nation’s capital, is currently covered in thick smog, causing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to reach dangerous levels. In response, the Delhi administration has implemented anti-pollution measures and advised vulnerable populations to limit outdoor activities. While some cities, such as Patna and Lucknow, also faced ‘very poor’ air quality, others like Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad saw ‘moderate’ or even ‘satisfactory’ levels.
The Delhi Traffic Police has started cracking down on violators of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) III in the national capital. On the first day of the ban on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles, around 550 challans were issued with a total fine of over Rs 1 crore. Additionally, 4,855 vehicles were also fined for not having a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). The ban also extends to inter-state buses from NCR cities into Delhi. Traffic police have intensified checking and returned over 300 prohibited vehicles, prosecuting those without PUCC certificates. This comes as the city faces severe air pollution levels and the Delhi government implements restrictions under stage III of the GRAP.
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.
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.
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.