Delhi's Air Quality Deteriorates Post-Diwali
The national capital, Delhi, and surrounding regions experienced a severe decline in air quality immediately after the Diwali festivities. Numerous reports indicated that fireworks contributed significantly to the plummeting Air Quality Index (AQI), pushing it into the "red zone" and "hazardous" categories. This annual phenomenon has once again highlighted the persistent environmental challenges faced by the city, prompting renewed calls for stricter implementation of pollution control measures.
Strengthening India-Japan Ties and Diplomatic Shifts in Afghanistan
In a significant diplomatic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended congratulations to Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister, underscoring the vital role of India-Japan ties for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. This engagement signals continued cooperation on strategic and economic fronts. Furthermore, India announced the immediate upgrade of its technical mission in Kabul to an Embassy. This decision marks a notable shift in India's diplomatic presence in Afghanistan, reflecting evolving geopolitical dynamics and potentially a renewed engagement with the current administration in the country.
Academic Freedom Concerns and Bihar Election Developments
In a development that drew attention to academic freedoms and visa policies, Francesca Orsini, a distinguished SOAS Hindi scholar, was denied entry into India and sent back to London from the New Delhi airport. Orsini, known for her extensive work on Hindi literature, had mentored numerous scholars and delivered lectures on literary history. This incident has sparked discussions regarding the criteria and implications of such entry denials. Meanwhile, the political landscape in Bihar remains dynamic as the Assembly elections approach. Prashant Kishor, a political strategist, alleged that candidates from his Jan Suraaj Party were intimidated by the top BJP leadership into withdrawing their nominations, adding a layer of controversy to the ongoing electoral process.
Other Noteworthy Events
Other recent events include reports of heavy rainfall and subsequent waterlogging in parts of Tamil Nadu, particularly Chennai and Thoothukudi, leading to flood alerts and prompting Chief Minister Stalin to review the situation. Additionally, a freight train derailment involving 12 loaded wagons occurred in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, disrupting traffic on the crucial Delhi-Mumbai route. These incidents underscore ongoing challenges in infrastructure and disaster management across different regions of the country.