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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a surprise visit to INS Vikrant, India's flagship aircraft carrier, on Diwali eve 2025. This marked his first visit to the high seas to celebrate with the Navy personnel stationed there. His visit included cultural activities, a yoga session, and an inspiring address to the naval staff, further strengthening the bond between the leader and the armed forces.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with the Indian Navy on the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier stationed off the coast of Goa and Karwar. The cultural programme organized by the Navy was described by PM Modi as an unforgettable experience. He also praised the dedication and creativity of the naval personnel and highlighted the success of the armed forces in Operation Sindoor with a patriotic song "The Vow of Sindoor". In addition, PM Modi also addressed the country's security forces and lauded their efforts in combating Naxalism.
In a powerful Diwali speech on board INS Vikrant, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the coordination of India's armed forces in Operation Sindoor, which led to a swift surrender by Pakistan. He also emphasized the importance of self-reliance in strengthening the armed forces and highlighted India's progress in manufacturing essential military equipment domestically. He further announced India's goal to become a top defence exporter, with a significant increase in defence exports in the last decade.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued his tradition of celebrating Diwali with India's armed forces by visiting the INS Vikrant off the coast of Goa and Karwar. He praised the Navy personnel for their dedication towards the security of the nation and expressed his gratitude to the families of the brave soldiers. PM Modi also witnessed an impressive display of precision and prowess during an Air Power Demo on INS Vikrant, showcasing the technological excellence of the Indian Navy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali 2025 with Indian Navy personnel aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, highlighting the ship's strength and psychological impact on adversaries. Commissioned in 2022, the carrier is a symbol of India's self-reliance and strategic resolve. PM Modi praised the bravery and dedication of the naval personnel, reinforcing the bond between the armed forces and the government.
The Allahabad High Court has directed the Jailer of Hisar Central Jail in Haryana to provide an explanation on how self-styled Godman Sant Rampal, currently held in the jail, is able to write and distribute books that allegedly target Hindu deities. This comes after a plea was filed by Hindu Front for Justice, calling for a ban on the books and action against Rampal. The petition alleges that the books contain offensive and provocative language and have been distributed through electronic communication platforms, causing disharmony between religious communities.
Following the latest string of scandals involving Prince Andrew, King Charles was photographed attending a Sunday morning service near his Scottish estate. The King wore a solemn expression as he drove to Crathie Kirk, displaying tension amidst a tumultuous time for the royal family. Recently, Prince Andrew announced his resignation from the Duke of York and membership of the Order of the Garter, the oldest chivalric order in the UK.
The nation's political leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, President Murmu, and Union Minister Amit Shah, took to social media to extend their warm wishes to the country on the occasion of Diwali. They highlighted the significance of the festival and urged people to celebrate it responsibly and with mutual love and harmony. EAM Jaishankar also wished everyone a happy and prosperous Diwali.
GB News journalist Nana Akua and royal fans are calling for King Charles to follow in Prince Andrew's footsteps and strip Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of their royal titles. This comes after the Duke of York voluntarily gave up his titles in light of the ongoing scrutiny surrounding his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Nana Akua ridiculed Meghan Markle's business ventures and urged the King to take away her Duchess of Sussex title in order to prevent her from setting foot in the UK again.
During a speech for Deepotsav 2025 celebrations in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized the opposition for denying Lord Ram's existence and obstructing the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple movement. He specifically called out the Congress for submitting an affidavit to the Supreme Court calling Lord Ram a myth and accused the Samajwadi Party of firing bullets at Ram devotees. Adityanath also emphasized the determination and resilience of the movement, which began in 1949 with the resolution "Ram Lalla Hum aayenge, Mandir wahin banayenge" and continues to this day.