The market gained widespread attention five years ago when Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the term “Khan Market gang,” sparking curiosity among people. However, Khan Market is special for more than just its name. It is a popular destination for shopping and enjoying delicious food, attracting visitors from far and wide.

The Origin of Khan Market

Khan Market was established in 1951 to provide homes for people who migrated to India from Pakistan during the partition. The design featured shops on the ground floor and residential spaces above. The market was named after Abdul Jabbar Khan, a freedom fighter and the brother of Abdul Ghaffar Khan. Abdul Jabbar Khan played a crucial role during the partition by helping Hindus safely migrate from Pakistan to India.

Initially, the market consisted of just three houses, but over time, the residential spaces gave way to restaurants and shops. Today, Khan Market has grown into a bustling hub with thousands of establishments.

Who Manages the Shops?

Most of the shops in Khan Market are on lease. In the early days, the rent for these shops was as low as Rs. 50 per month. Later, under a resettlement ministry plan in 1956, shops were allotted for Rs. 6,516 each.

Currently, the average rent for a commercial space in Khan Market is between Rs 1,800 and Rs 2,200 per square foot, , and their monthly rent exceeds Rs. 6 lakh.  Hundreds of shops in the market are under government control, and their monthly rent exceeds Rs. 6 lakh. Some shops are managed by the municipal corporation. At one point, Home Minister Rajnath Singh proposed renaming the market, but local shop owners opposed the idea, and the name remained unchanged.

Khan Market today stands as a symbol of Delhi’s history, culture, and luxury, making it one of the most sought-after destinations in the city.

Traffic regulations and restrictions in Delhi

• Connaught Place: From 8 PM on December 31, restrictions will be in effect for both private and public vehicles.
• Public Transport: Buses heading towards Connaught Place will be rerouted from 7 PM, and the exit gates of Rajiv Chowk Metro Station will be closed after 9 PM to avoid overcrowding.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla shared that large gatherings are expected in clubs, restaurants, malls, parks, and popular hotels. Special arrangements will be made for Connaught Place/Connaught Circus, Khan Market, five-star hotels, including The Lalit, Imperial, Park, Royal Plaza, Shangri-La, Le Meridien, Taj Mahal, Taj Vivanta, Metropolitan, Claridges, Ashoka, Samrat, ITC Maurya, and Taj Palace, India Gate, ‘C’ Hexagon and Kartavya Path, temples and gurudwaras.

Special Security Measures:

• Emergency Services: Ambulances, fire tenders, and bomb disposal squads will be stationed at key locations.
• Patrolling and Monitoring: Teams equipped with metal detectors, SWAT units, and motorcycle patrols will be active. Foot-patrolling teams and plain-clothes officers will monitor the crowds.
• Vehicle Checks: Over 30 vehicle-checking units will be deployed, and 47 pickets have been set up to divert traffic around Connaught Place.

Strict action will be taken against drink-driving, overspeeding, stunt biking, and reckless driving. Medical professionals and excise inspectors will be available to handle violations related to alcohol and other regulations.

India Gate traffic restrictions

Due to the expected heavy pedestrian movement, vehicles may be diverted from the following points: Q-Point, R/A MLNP, R/A Sunheri Masjid, R/A Mar-Janpath, Rajpath Rafi Marg, R/A Windsor Place, R/A Rajindra Prasad Road-Janpath, KG Marg-Ferozshah Road, R/A Mandi House, W-Point, Mathura Road-Purana Qila Road, Mathura Road-Sher Shah Road, SBM-Zakir Hussain Marg, SBM-Pandara Road.

Enhanced Security at Key Spots

The police will provide extra security at 35 major celebration venues, including malls, motels, and cinemas. Hauz Khas, a popular party hub, and eight prominent hotels will also see increased vigilance. Additional patrolling teams will oversee critical roads, while bus stops and public areas will be secured to prevent any incidents.

Delhi metro restrictions

Explaining the scheme during a press conference, Kejriwal stated that the Hindu and Sikh priests of the shrines will get a honorarium of Rs 18,000 per month. “Today I am making an important announcement regarding a scheme. The name of the scheme is Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana. Under this, there is a provision to give an honorarium to the priests of temples and the ‘granthis’ of the Gurudwara. They will be given an honorarium of about ₹18,000 per month. This is happening for the first time in the country. The priest is a class that has carried forward the rituals from generation to generation. They never paid attention to their family and we never paid attention to them.”

The former chief minister stated that he would launch the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana after visiting the Hanuman Temple in Delhi’s Connaught Place.

“Registration for this scheme will begin tomorrow. I will be visiting Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place tomorrow to start the registration of this scheme,” he added.

Mahila Samman Scheme Row

Recently, Arvind Kejriwal launched the Mahila Samman Scheme, offering a monthly allowance of Rs 2100 to jobless women. Members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) began the process of enrolling interested individuals into the scheme. Strikingly, the next day, the Women and Child Development (WCD) department from the government clarified that the “Mahila Samman” scheme doesn’t officially exist and guided residents to avoid sharing private details.

The Aam Aadmi Party promptly alleged that the implicated officers in the incident were under the BJP’s sway. The party pledged to hold these officials accountable too. On the flip side, the BJP accused AAP of deception, stating that the AAP and the Delhi administration were not on the same page.

Delhi Governor Ordered Enquiry

Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena instructed officials to conduct an inquiry against private persons allegedly collecting details of women beneficiaries in the name of enrolling them for the scheme.

Notably, the inquiry was ordered following a complaint by Congress leader and party’s New Delhi Assembly seat candidate Sandeep Dikshit.

The Delhi Police are investigating the matter. Several teams have been formed to identify camps which are allegedly gathering details of women for Mahila Samman Yojana.

On Friday, rains caused waterlogging situations and severe traffic jams in several parts of the city. Burari was one of the worst-hit areas, where vehicles were stuck in knee-deep water.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature in the capital city on Saturday was recorded at 12 degrees celsius, while the maximum reached 19 degrees Celsius. It reported that Delhi experienced its highest December rainfall in 15 years on Friday. The heavy rains started in the early hours of Friday and persisted throughout the day.

IMD Predictions

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of more rain and thunderstorms throughout the day, and areas such as Palam, Safdarjung, Lodhi Road, IGI Airport, Mehrauli, Ayanagar, and Chhattarpur are likely to be the worst hit. Neighbouring cities like Gurugram, Noida, Manesar, and Faridabad are also expected to witness moderate to heavy rainfall with lightning.

In addition to that, the weather department has also predicted light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms in parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. This includes areas like Saharanpur, Gangoh, Deoband, Muzaffarnagar, Sakoti Tanda, Baraut, Daurala, Baghpat, Meerut, Modinagar, Kithor, and Nandgaon in Uttar Pradesh; Yamunanagar, Jhajjar, Farukhnagar, and Hodal in Haryana, with Tizara and Alwar in Rajasthan.

#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals from India Gate as the National Capital received rainfall today early in the morning.

The lowest recorded temperature is 12°C today, as per the IMD pic.twitter.com/fFO9P2cSEg

— ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2024

However, despite the improved weather, the air quality index of Delhi remained in the “very poor” category, with an AQI of 371 at 7 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Areas like Anand Vihar, IGI Airport, Aya Nagar, Lodhi Road, ITO, Chandani Chowk and Punjabi Bagh recorded an AQI of 398, 340, 360, 345, 380, 315, and 386 respectively.

On December 24, the Central government’s air quality monitoring panel decided to revoke Stage IV (‘Severe+’) measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to the improvement in air quality. However, Stage I, II, and III measures will continue to curb further deterioration of air quality. The improvement in air quality was attributed to favourable meteorological conditions, including improved wind speed, according to forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

In accordance with the Supreme Court’s directives, Stage IV measures were invoked on December 16 when the AQI level crossed the 400 mark. These measures were designed to control the severe pollution levels by imposing restrictions on industrial activities, construction, and the entry of non-essential trucks into Delhi.

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency steps implemented in Delhi-NCR to combat air pollution, tailored to the severity of the Air Quality Index (AQI).

(With inputs from agencies)

AQI of Delhi

As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reports for Thursday, the AQI in Delhi was recorded at 372 at 8 am, showing a slight rise from 360 on Wednesday. Specific areas in the city, including Anand Vihar (372), Ashok Vihar (362), and Bawana (376), reported ‘very poor’ air quality.

For context, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered in the good category, 51 to 100 in the satisfactory category, 101 to 200 is moderate, 201 to 300 is considered as poor, while 301 to 400 is marked in the very poor category, and 401 to 500 come in the severe category.

Delhi Airport advisory

In consideration with poor air quality in the national capital, the Delhi Airport has implemented low visibility procedures, and all flights are operating according to the schedule, according to an official advisory issued on Thursday. Taking on X (formerly Twitter), the Delhi Airport reported that the low visibility procedures are in progress at Delhi Airport with all flights running as per schedule. The authorities further advised the to stay informed by the latest flight updates by contacting the respective airlines.  

“Low Visibility Procedures are in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are presently normal. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updates of flight information.” the post read.

Update issued at 07:28 hours.
Kind attention to all flyers!#Fog #FogAlert #DelhiAirport pic.twitter.com/XM7ZTibTyG

— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) December 26, 2024

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Delhi Airport authorities issued a cautionary advisory, informing passengers that flights not equipped with CAT III compliance could face disruptions due to low visibility. In a post on X, they clarified that while landings and take-offs were continuing at the airport, non-CAT III compliant flights might be affected. They urged passengers to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight updates and apologized for any inconvenience caused.

Update issued at 05:45 hours.
Kind attention to all flyers!#Fog #FogAlert #DelhiAirport pic.twitter.com/ulkZjQM1p0

— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) December 25, 2024

The CAT III approach system enables flights to land safely during poor visibility, and ensures smooth operations for aircraft that are compliant with this technology.

(With inputs from agencies)

As per the information, the delayed trains included the Mumbai Central Rajdhani Express traveling from New Delhi to Mumbai, the Durg-Hazrat Nizammudin Express from Durg to Delhi, the Dakshin Express from Delhi to Hyderabad, the Duronto Express, and the Jabalpur-Hazrat Nizammudin Gondwana Express from Jabalpur to Delhi, among others.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 10 degrees Celsius, with visibility dropping to 100 meters at 5:30 a.m. The dense fog, along with persistent cold temperatures, created challenges for both commuters and railway operations.

According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 8 am was recorded at 333, placing it in the “very poor category.” While several areas of the national capital recorded relatively higher AQI levels, with Anand Vihar at 360, Ashok Vihar at 372, Bayana at 362, and CRRI Mathura road at 324.

For context, an AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor, and 401-500 is severe.

On December 24, Delhi experienced moderate rainfall, intensifying the winter chill. The combination of rain, dense fog, and poor air quality has made this festive season particularly challenging for Delhiites. Authorities have advised travelers and commuters to exercise caution, especially those travelling from trains, as disruptions are likely to persist until visibility improves.

Several areas in Delhi recorded alarming AQI levels, including Mundka (463), Ashok Vihar (440), Bawana (455), Rohini (451), Wazirpur (442), Burari (435), Nehru Nagar (433), and Vivek Vihar (433). Other areas such as Anand Vihar (422), Jahangirpuri (424), Najafgarh (426), Patparganj (425), and Punjabi Bagh (430) also experienced poor air quality.

AQI categories

For context, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) categorizes AQI as follows: 0 to 50 is considered “good,” 51 to 100 is considered “satisfactory,” 101 to 200 as “moderate,” 201 to 300 as “poor,” 301 to 400 as “very poor,” and 401 to 500 is considered as “severe”.

Actions taken

Due to the fluctuating air quality in Delhi, Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented across the National Capital Region (NCR) since December 16. Additionally, the Supreme Court has instructed the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to impose a firecracker ban and to strictly enforce GRAP measures and the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016. The Court also directed NCR states to deploy teams at Delhi’s entry points to ensure compliance with GRAP IV.

In response to the cold wave, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has set up 235 pagoda tents as night shelters for the homeless. These shelters offer essential services, including food, medicines, and ambulances.

Meanwhile, residents are reporting increasing health issues due to rising pollution levels in Delhi, including respiratory problems and eye irritation. Thick fog and toxic air quality have made life challenging, raising the demand for stronger and more effective measures to address this crisis.

Despite of the cold weather conditions, rehearsals for the Republic Day parade continued at Kartavya Path. However, the ongoing cold wave and dense fog added to the difficulties of the event due to poor visibility and air quality.

IMD Predictions

The IMD has already issued warnings for severe cold wave conditions in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and other remote northern regions. Cold waves are also likely to continue in isolated parts of Punjab and Rajasthan with dense fog likely to prevail over parts of Himachal Pradesh and eastern Rajasthan.

Delhi is not the only place experiencing harsh weather conditions. The IMD had predicted earlier that the cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are likely to prevail over major parts of North India in the next two days. A sharp drop in temperatures was also seen Delhi earlier this week at a minimum temperature of 7°C.

Severe air quality in Delhi

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi on December 21 reached a hazardous mark of 398, falling into the “severe” category. Some parts of the city recorded the highest AQI levels such as Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 414, Dwarka Sector 8 recorded 413, and Rohini measured 425. While other parts of the city, including Lodhi Road and North Campus of Delhi University, reported AQI levels of 362 and 376, respectively. The air quality in the national capital continues to remain in poor category, with residents advised to limit outdoor activities, particularly those with respiratory conditions

Advisory for residents

In consideration with worsening air conditions, the health experts have advised residents, especially children and those with respiratory problems to remain indoors as much as possible. The residents have been asked to monitor the AQI and take appropriate precautions for health protection in this extreme weather condition.

#WATCH | A private school in Delhi’s Dwarka area recieved bomb threats this morning. Emergency response teams have been sent to the spot. Classes have been shifted to Online mode: Delhi Police

More details awaited

(Visuals from outside the school) pic.twitter.com/MP67VfLQ5y

— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2024

Notably, this is the sixth instance of a Delhi school receiving a bomb threat within the last 11 days. Earlier on December 14, a school in Paschim Vihar received a bomb threat mail. However, upon investigation, it was found that a student sent this threat mail to the school.  According to police, the student had sent the threat email to his school, and after tracing the IP address, the police team traced his home. Upon questioning, the child admitted to the act and was later counseled.

Meanwhile, on December 14 and 17, several schools in Delhi received bomb threats via email, and on December 13, around 30 schools across Delhi received bomb threat emails.

The former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP supremo, Arvind Kejriwal, on December 13, expressed concern over the impact on the students’ mental health and academics, arguing the need for more strict preventive measures.

Last month, on November 19, the Delhi High Court ordered the Delhi Government and the police to develop a comprehensive action plan with a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address the rising concerns of bomb threats. The court has set an eight-week deadline to implement these measures.

(with inputs from agencies)

Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated to hazardous levels. On Monday night, the city’s average AQI stood at 399 at 9 PM and surpassed the 400 mark by 10 PM. The sharp increase in pollution levels is linked to unfavorable weather conditions and stagnant wind patterns. Consequently, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) sub-committee held an emergency meeting and promptly implemented Stage IV (‘Severe+’) of GRAP across the NCR region.

Most Polluted Areas in Delhi:

• Rohini: AQI 451
• Punjabi Bagh: AQI 447
• Wazirpur: AQI 446
• Vivek Vihar: AQI 446
• Nehru Nagar (Lajpat Nagar): AQI 441

AQI at Other Key Locations:

• ITO: AQI 425
• Mandir Marg: AQI 412
• Major Dhyan Chand Stadium: AQI 411

Strict rules enforced under GRAP-IV

1. Complete Ban on Truck Movement: All types of trucks are prohibited from operating.
2. Exemption for Essential Services: Only trucks associated with essential services are allowed.
3. Ban on Construction and Demolition Activities: This includes development projects as well.
4. Hybrid Mode for School Classes: Classes in all schools will operate in hybrid mode (online and physical).
5. Government Offices at 50% Capacity: Government offices will function at 50% capacity, with work-from-home arrangements available for employees.

Deployment of Shelter homes

To support homeless people during cold-wave conditions, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has established 235 pagoda tents to serve as night shelters. Many individuals have taken refuge in these facilities during the night. These shelter homes have been equipped with essential amenities, including medicines, meals, and ambulances.

Meanwhile, a thick layer of smog blanketed several parts of Uttar Pradesh this morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that Moradabad is experiencing a ‘cold wave’ with a minimum temperature of 8°C on Monday. These poor air quality, fluctuating temperatures, and fog continue to be a cause of concern for residents of the national capital, calling for effective measures to curb pollution and ensure proper shelter during winter.

AQI Categories

For context, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) categorizes AQI as follows: 0 to 50 is “good,” 51 to 100 is “satisfactory,” 101 to 200 is “moderate,” 201 to 300 is “poor,” 301 to 400 is “very poor,” and 401 to 500 is “severe”.

Actions taken

Previously, in consideration of the fluctuating weather conditions of the National capital, the Supreme Court permitted the relaxation of GRAP Stage IV restrictions in Delhi NCR to GRAP Stage II. However, GRAP Stages IV and III were revoked by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the region with GRAP Stages II and I to continue to remain in force across Delhi NCR.

The air quality panel has also announced the shift to the hybrid mode of education i.e. to conduct classes both online and offline to avoid closure of schools and colleges during peak pollution in Delhi and other parts of North India.

(With ANI inputs)

Reportedly, these emails were sent at 6:12 am to the targeted schools. The sender, identified himself as “Barry Allah,” and using the email childrenofallah@outlook.com, made alarming threats in the message.

Schools quickly informed the Delhi Police, which deployed bomb detection teams and fire officials to the sites. However, according to officials, no suspicious items have been found yet.

The email threatened, “Allah sees your efforts to resist his punishment. But they are futile. For no mortal being can escape the judgement of Allah. The Prophet Mohammed declares all who go against Allah enemies to the world. We see your attempt to stop us. It will not work. The Prophet Mohammed has allowed the children to burn in the sacred flame of Allah.”

Bomb threats to 30 Delhi schools

This incident occurred the day after Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ravi Kumar Singh reported that over 30 schools had received fake bomb threat emails. While further investigations revealed that the emails were sent from outside the country. Bomb squads detailed searched and evacuated the buildings but no dangerous materials were found.

These repeated threats have raised concerns among parents, school staff, and authorities. Schools such as Bhatnagar Public School in Paschim Vihar, Cambridge School in Srinivaspuri, and Delhi Public School’s multiple branches were targeted on Friday. Earlier, on December 8, over 40 schools received similar emails demanding a ransom of $30,000.

Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed concern over the impact on the students’ mental health and academics, arguing that more strict preventive measures are required.

Authorities action

On November 19, the Delhi High Court ordered the Delhi Government and the Police to form a comprehensive action plan with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address the rising concerns of bomb threats. The court has set an eight-week deadline to implement these measures.

(With ANI inputs)

Specific areas of the city showed varying levels of pollution. In Alipur, the AQI stood at 205, while Anand Vihar recorded 249, Bawana 278, and Chandni Chowk at 168. While, other locations such as Dwarka Sector 8, Nehru Nagar, and the Indira Gandhi International Airport (Terminal 3) reported AQI levels of 212, 247, and 247 respectively. Rohini’s AQI reached 253, Pusa 242, and Mundka 264.

For context, the AQI scale between 0 to 50 is categorized as ‘good’, 51 to 100 as ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 as ‘moderate’, while between 201 to 300 is marked as ‘poor’, 301 to 400 as ‘very poor’, and 401 to 500 is considered in ‘severe’ category.

Significant drop in Delhi’s temperature 

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi witnessed a minimum temperature of 9.4 degrees Celsius early Saturday morning. This followed a significant temperature rise of 4-5 degrees on Friday, a day after which the city experienced cold wave conditions. Earlier on Wednesday, Delhi recorded its coldest December morning at 4.9 degrees Celsius, with a maximum temperature of 23 degrees Celsius.

To support the homeless people of the city during the colder months, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has established 235 pagoda tents to serve as night shelters. Many individuals have taken refuge in these facilities as temperatures remain low.

IMD Predictions

IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy reported that the sudden fluctuations in temperature have triggered a western disturbance, leading to an early sharp drop of 4-5 degrees Celsius earlier in the week . She predicted that the minimum temperature is likely to settle in the range of 8-9 degrees Celsius for the next five to seven days, and the maximum will be within 22-24 degrees Celsius.

“Fog conditions are expected to persist across northwest India,” She added. Additionally, she forecasted dense fog in eastern Uttar Pradesh on December 16 and 17. Meanwhile, southern parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu are likely to experience heavy rainfall ranging from 12-20 centimeters, while northeast India will also see foggy conditions.

Poor air quality, fluctuating temperatures, and fog continue to be a cause of concern for residents of the national capital, calling for effective measures to curb pollution and ensure proper shelter during winter.

(With ANI inputs)

In addition, Abdul Rehman, an AAP MLA from Seelampur who joined Congress just two days prior, has been given the Congress ticket from the same constituency.

The announcement came just a day after Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP supremo, once again dismissed any possibility of an alliance with the Congress, despite speculations that the two parties might come together for the upcoming elections in Delhi.

Full list of Congress candidates for Delhi Assembly Elections 2025

• Narela: Aruna Kumari
• Burari: Mangesh Tyagi
• Adarsh Nagar: Shivank Singhal
• Badli: Devender Yadav
• Sultanpur Majra: Jai Kishan
• Nangloi Jat: Rohit Chaudhary
• Shalimarbagh: Praveen Jain
• Wazirpur: Ragini Nayak
• Sadar Bazar: Anil Bhardwaj
• Chandni Chowk: Mudit Agarwal
• Ballimaran: Haroon Yusuf
• Tilak Nagar: PS Bawa
• Dwarka: Adarsh Shastri
• New Delhi: Sandeep Dikshit
• Kasturba Nagar: Abhishek Dutt
• Chhatarpur: Rajinder Tanwar
• Ambedkar Nagar: Jay Prakash
• Greater Kailash: Garvit Singhvi
• Patparganj: Anil Kumar
• Seelampur: Abdul Rehman
• Mustafabad: Ali Mahndi

As per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the air quality level measured at 7 am in Delhi was 277. Alipur recorded an AQI of 280, Ashok Nagar recorded 296, IGI Airport (T3) recorded 281, ITO recorded 280, and DTU recorded 228. While some areas fall into the ‘very poor’ category, as areas like Anand Vihar reported an AQI of 309, Dwarka Sector 8 recorded 315, 334 in Nehru Nagar, 329 in Rohini, and 309 in Pusa, and Mundka recorded 307. 

AQI Categories

For context, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered in the good category, 51 to 100 in the satisfactory category, 101 to 200 is moderate, 201 to 300 is considered as poor, while 301 to 400 is marked in the very poor category, and 401 to 500 come in the severe category. Night shelters have been deployed in several parts of the national capital including Jama Masjid and Nizamuddin flyover.

Cold wave predictions

However, cold wave conditions predictions are made for the isolated places in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh from 12 December to 16 December. Delhi will experience cold waves from December 12 to December 13, and the Jammu Kashmir region is expected to face cold waves from December 13 to December 16. 

Supreme court restrictions

In consideration of the weather conditions of Delhi, the Supreme Court permitted the relaxation of GRAP Stage IV restrictions in Delhi NCR to GRAP Stage II, while the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked Stages IV and III of GRAP in the region. However, GRAP Stages II and I will continue to remain in force across the entire NCR.

(With ANI inputs)

4 schools in Delhi received bomb threat emails today. Fire officals and police on the spot. Nothing suspicious found yet: Delhi Police

— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2024

The schools that received bomb threat included Salwan Public School in Mayur Vihar, Delhi Public School in the East of Kailash, and Cambridge School, India Today reported.

Further details are awaited.

(Note: This is a developing story and further details will be added.)

The national capital was covered under a thin layer of fog on Wednesday as the morning chill remained till around 9 am. According to IMD, the city is experiencing smog and mist conditions, with surface winds primarily coming from the northwest at eight to ten kilometers per hour, which is causing the temperature to drop.

Delhi air pollution

Meanwhile the air quality of New Delhi remained in the ‘poor’ category as per the reports by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Early at 7 am, the air quality index (AQI) was measured at 209. Areas like Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 218, Ashok Vihar recorded 227 while Dwarka measured 250 and 218 was measured at IGI airport. However, some areas recorded moderate air quality including areas like Aya Nagar recorded an AQI of 148, 187 at Burari Crossing, 181 at Chandni Chowk, and 165 at DTU, as per CPCB data. 

For context, an AQI between 0-50 is considered in the good category, 51-100 in the satisfactory category, 101-200 in the moderate, 201-300 in poor, 301-400 in very poor and 401-500 in the severe category.

The air quality remained in the poor category for consecutive two days as on Monday and Tuesday with AQI recorded at 231 and 224 respectively, as per CPCB data. The residents witnessed a thin layer of smog covering the parts of the metropolitan city reducing its visibility. On Monday, the AQI for Alipur was recorded as 239, Anandpur as 276, Ashok Vihar at 254, Bawana at 280, 220 at Burari Crossing, 152 in CRRI Mathura Road, 196 in DTU, 291 at Dwarka Sector 8, 242 at ITO, 154 at Lodhi Road, 315 in Mundka, 240 in Narela, 209 in North Campus, 170 at Pusa, and 230 in Vivek Vihar. 

(With ANI inputs)

However, some locations experienced relatively better air quality. Areas like DTU, Lodhi Road, and Najafgarh fell into the “moderate” category, with AQI levels recorded at 169, 123, and 142, respectively. The city has been dealing with similar conditions over the past few days. On Monday, Delhi recorded an AQI of 231, with areas like Mundka (315) falling into the ‘very poor’ category.

Nearby cities also faced deteriorating air quality. Lucknow, for instance, reported a higher AQI of 256, indicating similarly poor conditions. For context, an AQI levels between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good,’ 51-100 is ‘satisfactory,’ 101-200 is ‘moderate,’ 201-300 is ‘poor,’ 301-400 is ‘very poor,’ and 401-500 is considered in ‘severe’ category.

In response to fluctuating air quality, the Supreme Court recently permitted the relaxation of restrictions under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to Stage II across Delhi-NCR, as pollution levels showed slight improvement. Following the decision, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked GRAP Stages III and IV but maintained Stages I and II across the region. As smog continues to blanket the city, authorities and residents remain vigilant in monitoring pollution levels and implementing measures to curb its impact.

While Punardeep Singh Sawhney (Saby) will contest from Chandni Chowk, Parvesh Ratan from Patel nagar, Rakhi Bidlan from Madipur, Pravin Kumar from Janakpuri, Surendar Bharadwaj from Bijwasan, and Joginder Solanki from Palam. Prem Kumar Chauhan is contesting from Deoli, Anjana Parcha from Trilokpuri, Avadh Ojha from Patparganj, Vikas Bagga from Krishna nagar, Naveen Choudhary from Gandhi nagar, Jitender Singh Shunty from Shahdara Padamshri and Adil Ahmad Khan from Mustafabad.

The Aam Aadmi Party dropped 17 sitting MLAs in the second list replacing them with the new faces. Three names have been re-nominated including Manish Sisodia, Rakhi Bidlan and Deepu Chaudhary.

Taking on X (formerly Twitter), Deputy CM Manish Sisodia thanked Aam Aadmi Party for the responsibility of contesting elections from Jangpura. In the post he wrote, “My heartfelt gratitude to Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party, who showed faith in me and gave me the responsibility of contesting elections from Jangpura. I consider myself a teacher, not a politician. Patparganj was not just an assembly constituency for me, but the heart of the education revolution in Delhi,” 

He further added, “When Avadh Ojha ji joined the party and there was a demand to field him in the elections, all I could think was that there could be no better seat than Patparganj for a teacher. I am happy to hand over the responsibility of Patparganj to another teacher. Now I am ready to work with everyone in Jangpura to do the same work that I did in Patparganj for education, service and development. For me, politics is not a means to power, but a means to education, honesty and public welfare. From Patparganj to Jangpura, my resolve is firm: to make Delhi even better. Your trust is my strength. Jai Hind!” 

अरविंद केजरीवाल और उनकी टीम के बीच का रिश्ता पारंपरिक राजनीति के ‘पद, पैसा और प्रतिष्ठा’ से परे है। इसे वे कभी नहीं समझ सकते जिनकी राजनीति इन्हीं तक सीमित है।

दिलीप पांडे का अरविंद जी और AAP के लिए जो समर्पण और विश्वास है, वो एक नई राजनीति का चेहरा है—जहां नेतृत्व और कार्यकर्ता… https://t.co/NTN7190DLb

— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) December 9, 2024

(With ANI inputs)