News Analysis India

Tag: Diwali

  • No urgent hearing on plea on firecracker ban: Supreme Court

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday refused to accord urgent hearing on a plea relating to the ban on firecrackers, saying Diwali is round the corner and people must have invested money in the firecracker business. 

    “Sorry. We would not list that matter now. Diwali is round the corner. You come in the nick of time. People must have invested money in firecrackers business. You should have come two months earlier,” a bench comprising Chief Justice U U Lalit and Justice Hemant Gupta said.

    “We would not be able to deal with this matter. Otherwise, look at the consequences of this. Any injunction and those people are out of business,” the bench told the counsel, who mentioned the matter for urgent listing. The counsel told the bench the matter pertains to this year’s firecracker ban in Delhi and some other states. “Sorry. It will be done after Diwali,” the bench said.

    The apex court had on Thursday refused to accord urgent hearing to a plea against an order banning storage, sale, and use of all types of firecrackers in the national capital till January 1, 2023.

    The top court had asked the lawyer, who had mentioned the matter on Thursday and sought urgent hearing, to approach the Delhi High Court. The Delhi HC had earlier deferred hearing on the plea of green cracker merchants against the blanket ban on  firecrackers till January 1.

    On October 10, the apex court had refused to stay the Delhi government’s order banning storage, sale, and use of all varieties of firecrackers till January 1 to check pollution levels in the national capital, saying it did not want to add to the air pollution. The top court had last year clarified there is no blanket ban on the use of firecrackers and only those fireworks which contain barium salts are prohibited.

    In 2020, the National Green Tribunal banned the sale of all types of firecrackers in any district with AQI of 201 or more. The air quality index having readings between zero and 50 is termed as ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 and 500 ‘severe’. Despite the ban on crackers in 2021, the AQI for places in Delhi and those surrounding Delhi too remained poor.

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday refused to accord urgent hearing on a plea relating to the ban on firecrackers, saying Diwali is round the corner and people must have invested money in the firecracker business. 

    “Sorry. We would not list that matter now. Diwali is round the corner. You come in the nick of time. People must have invested money in firecrackers business. You should have come two months earlier,” a bench comprising Chief Justice U U Lalit and Justice Hemant Gupta said.

    “We would not be able to deal with this matter. Otherwise, look at the consequences of this. Any injunction and those people are out of business,” the bench told the counsel, who mentioned the matter for urgent listing. The counsel told the bench the matter pertains to this year’s firecracker ban in Delhi and some other states. “Sorry. It will be done after Diwali,” the bench said.

    The apex court had on Thursday refused to accord urgent hearing to a plea against an order banning storage, sale, and use of all types of firecrackers in the national capital till January 1, 2023.

    The top court had asked the lawyer, who had mentioned the matter on Thursday and sought urgent hearing, to approach the Delhi High Court. The Delhi HC had earlier deferred hearing on the plea of green cracker merchants against the blanket ban on  firecrackers till January 1.

    On October 10, the apex court had refused to stay the Delhi government’s order banning storage, sale, and use of all varieties of firecrackers till January 1 to check pollution levels in the national capital, saying it did not want to add to the air pollution. The top court had last year clarified there is no blanket ban on the use of firecrackers and only those fireworks which contain barium salts are prohibited.

    In 2020, the National Green Tribunal banned the sale of all types of firecrackers in any district with AQI of 201 or more. The air quality index having readings between zero and 50 is termed as ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 and 500 ‘severe’. Despite the ban on crackers in 2021, the AQI for places in Delhi and those surrounding Delhi too remained poor.

  • Partial solar eclipse on October 25 will be visible from most parts of India

    By PTI

    KOLKATA: During the Diwali festival on October 25, there will be a partial solar eclipse which will be visible from the city as well as from most parts of the country, astrophysicist Debi Prasad Duari said.

    The eastern metropolis, however, will be able to witness the partial solar eclipse, the second in 2022, for a very small duration, the celestial phenomenon will be better observed in the northern and western regions of the country, he said.

    The eclipse will not be observed from northeastern India as the celestial phenomenon will be occurring after sunset in those regions, Duari said.

    Apart from India, the October 25-partial cosmic affair will be visible from most parts of Europe, northern Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, Duari elaborated.

    “The partial solar eclipse will begin in Iceland at around 14:29 hours IST and will be seen at its maximum from Russia at 16:30 hours (IST).

    It will end at around 18:32 hours (IST) over the Arabian Sea,” he told PTI while sharing information on the celestial event.

    “The eastern part of the country will see the partial eclipse only marginally, that also during the sunset. The northern and western part of the country is a better location to observe the partial eclipse with a better view and for a longer period of time.”

    During the new moon (Amavasya) the Sun, Moon and Earth almost come in a linear configuration, whereby from earth we can see the moon without any sunlight falling on it.

    But at times, as on October 25, the Sun, Moon and Earth will almost be on the same plane resulting in the moon appearing to cover the Sun partially for a period of time causing a partial Solar Eclipse,” he explained.

    In and around the metropolis, the partial eclipse will begin at around 16:52 hours, the maximum occurring at 17:01 hours, and will cease to be seen at 17:03 hours at the sunset, Duari said.

    “Even at the maximum eclipse, only 4 per cent of the lighted disc of the setting Sun will be covered by the Moon,” he said.

    In the north Bengal town of Siliguri, the celestial phenomenon will be occurring between 16:41 and 16:59 hours and during the maximum eclipse (at around 16:56 hours) about 8.91 per cent of the Sun will be covered by the Moon’s disc, Duari stated.

    “In New Delhi, it will commence at around 16:29 hours and end with the sunset at 18:09 hours with the maximum eclipse to occur at 17:42 hours when the Sun will be obscured by the Moon by an amount of only 24.5 per cent,” Duari said.

    Jaisalmer in Rajasthan will experience the eclipse from 16:26 hours to 18:09 hours with the maximum at around 17:30 hours. when the disc of the Sun will be obscured by 42.5 per cent.

    “In Mumbai, the eclipse will begin at 16:49 hours with the maximum occuring at around 17:42 hours. It will end at 18:09 hours, when the Sun appears to go down the Arabian Sea at sunset. Here, the Sun’s disc will be covered by about 24.5 per cent,” he added.

    In southern and central India, the eclipse will be again observed just before the sunset with Nagpur experiencing the eclipse during 16:49 to 17:42 hours.

    In Bengaluru, the eclipse will begin at 17:12 hours, reaching its maximum at 17:49 hours and ending at 17:55 hours during sunset. Chennai will have the eclipse during 17:14 to 17:44 hours, the astrophysicist said.

    The next major solar eclipse to be visible from India will be an annular eclipse on May 21, 2031 when the annularity can be observed from a narrow patch of land in south India, he said.

    Three years later, on March 20, 2034, the next total solar eclipse will be visible from India and the totality will be observed from the northernmost part of Kashmir.

    On both occasions, the whole country will observe a partial eclipse of varying magnitude depending upon its geographical location, Duari said. Another partial eclipse can be seen from the northern part of India on June, 1, 2030.

    Referring to the harm caused to eyes by Sun’s rays during an eclipse, Duari cautioned the sky enthusiasts to take “extreme precaution” while observing it.

    “Even if the degree of the partial eclipse is not appreciable in most of the country, extreme precaution has to be taken by everybody who wants to observe this cosmic event. The Sun’s rays can be very harmful for the eye and can become critical,” he said.

    KOLKATA: During the Diwali festival on October 25, there will be a partial solar eclipse which will be visible from the city as well as from most parts of the country, astrophysicist Debi Prasad Duari said.

    The eastern metropolis, however, will be able to witness the partial solar eclipse, the second in 2022, for a very small duration, the celestial phenomenon will be better observed in the northern and western regions of the country, he said.

    The eclipse will not be observed from northeastern India as the celestial phenomenon will be occurring after sunset in those regions, Duari said.

    Apart from India, the October 25-partial cosmic affair will be visible from most parts of Europe, northern Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, Duari elaborated.

    “The partial solar eclipse will begin in Iceland at around 14:29 hours IST and will be seen at its maximum from Russia at 16:30 hours (IST).

    It will end at around 18:32 hours (IST) over the Arabian Sea,” he told PTI while sharing information on the celestial event.

    “The eastern part of the country will see the partial eclipse only marginally, that also during the sunset. The northern and western part of the country is a better location to observe the partial eclipse with a better view and for a longer period of time.”

    During the new moon (Amavasya) the Sun, Moon and Earth almost come in a linear configuration, whereby from earth we can see the moon without any sunlight falling on it.

    But at times, as on October 25, the Sun, Moon and Earth will almost be on the same plane resulting in the moon appearing to cover the Sun partially for a period of time causing a partial Solar Eclipse,” he explained.

    In and around the metropolis, the partial eclipse will begin at around 16:52 hours, the maximum occurring at 17:01 hours, and will cease to be seen at 17:03 hours at the sunset, Duari said.

    “Even at the maximum eclipse, only 4 per cent of the lighted disc of the setting Sun will be covered by the Moon,” he said.

    In the north Bengal town of Siliguri, the celestial phenomenon will be occurring between 16:41 and 16:59 hours and during the maximum eclipse (at around 16:56 hours) about 8.91 per cent of the Sun will be covered by the Moon’s disc, Duari stated.

    “In New Delhi, it will commence at around 16:29 hours and end with the sunset at 18:09 hours with the maximum eclipse to occur at 17:42 hours when the Sun will be obscured by the Moon by an amount of only 24.5 per cent,” Duari said.

    Jaisalmer in Rajasthan will experience the eclipse from 16:26 hours to 18:09 hours with the maximum at around 17:30 hours. when the disc of the Sun will be obscured by 42.5 per cent.

    “In Mumbai, the eclipse will begin at 16:49 hours with the maximum occuring at around 17:42 hours. It will end at 18:09 hours, when the Sun appears to go down the Arabian Sea at sunset. Here, the Sun’s disc will be covered by about 24.5 per cent,” he added.

    In southern and central India, the eclipse will be again observed just before the sunset with Nagpur experiencing the eclipse during 16:49 to 17:42 hours.

    In Bengaluru, the eclipse will begin at 17:12 hours, reaching its maximum at 17:49 hours and ending at 17:55 hours during sunset. Chennai will have the eclipse during 17:14 to 17:44 hours, the astrophysicist said.

    The next major solar eclipse to be visible from India will be an annular eclipse on May 21, 2031 when the annularity can be observed from a narrow patch of land in south India, he said.

    Three years later, on March 20, 2034, the next total solar eclipse will be visible from India and the totality will be observed from the northernmost part of Kashmir.

    On both occasions, the whole country will observe a partial eclipse of varying magnitude depending upon its geographical location, Duari said. Another partial eclipse can be seen from the northern part of India on June, 1, 2030.

    Referring to the harm caused to eyes by Sun’s rays during an eclipse, Duari cautioned the sky enthusiasts to take “extreme precaution” while observing it.

    “Even if the degree of the partial eclipse is not appreciable in most of the country, extreme precaution has to be taken by everybody who wants to observe this cosmic event. The Sun’s rays can be very harmful for the eye and can become critical,” he said.

  • Maharashtra offers Rs 100 Diwali kits to ration card holders; to cost state Rs 500 crore

    Express News Service

    MUMBAI:  The BJP and Shinde-led government in Maharashtra has decided to sweeten the Diwali of ration card holders by offering them a Diwali kit free of cost. In Maharashtra, as many as 1.62 crore ration card holders will be directly benefited by this decision of the Maharashtra government. The cabinet committee took this decision of giving free-of-cost Diwali kits to ration card holders on Tuesday. The Diwali kit will have 1kg sugar, 1 litre palm oil, 1kg chana dal and 1kg rice.

    The cost of this essential stuff kit will be on average Rs 100 and it will put an additional Rs 500 crore’s burden on Maharashtra government exchequer. The Food and Civil Supplies Department of the state government has decided to directly purchase these items from the open market, bypassing the prevailing tender process, in order to supply these items to the citizens in a short period of time.

    Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that they have taken this decision in cabinet so that people can celebrate Diwali with more ease and joy. “We have instructed the food and civil supplies department to take precautions and ensure that no complaints are made as the set of rations should be distributed before Diwali,” he added.

    The Opposition alleged that on one hand, PM Narendra Modi criticises the non-BJP ruled states governments for their ‘Revadi culture’, but at same time, the BJP-ruled states, including Maharashtra are indulging in the same culture.

    “We are not against giving to poor and needy people. In fact, the Congress was the first party who always focused on welfare schemes. Therefore, the PM should not tarnish the schemes that are made for the common people. In fact, giving tax relaxations and waiving off and writing off loans of corporate houses harmed the country’s economy more than helping the poor and needy,” said Atul Londe, chief spokesperson of Maharashtra Congress.

    Shinde govt forgoes tender process for schemeThe Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Department has decided to directly purchase these items, including sugar, palm oil, chana dal and rice from the open market, bypassing the prevailing tender process, in order to supply these items to the citizens in a short period of time. The cost of this essential stuff kit will be on average Rs 100 and it will put an additional Rs 500 crore’s burden on Maharashtra government exchequer. Maharashtra deputy CMDevendra Fadnavis said that they have taken this decision i so that people can celebrate Diwali with more joy 

    MUMBAI:  The BJP and Shinde-led government in Maharashtra has decided to sweeten the Diwali of ration card holders by offering them a Diwali kit free of cost. In Maharashtra, as many as 1.62 crore ration card holders will be directly benefited by this decision of the Maharashtra government. The cabinet committee took this decision of giving free-of-cost Diwali kits to ration card holders on Tuesday. The Diwali kit will have 1kg sugar, 1 litre palm oil, 1kg chana dal and 1kg rice.

    The cost of this essential stuff kit will be on average Rs 100 and it will put an additional Rs 500 crore’s burden on Maharashtra government exchequer. The Food and Civil Supplies Department of the state government has decided to directly purchase these items from the open market, bypassing the prevailing tender process, in order to supply these items to the citizens in a short period of time.

    Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that they have taken this decision in cabinet so that people can celebrate Diwali with more ease and joy. “We have instructed the food and civil supplies department to take precautions and ensure that no complaints are made as the set of rations should be distributed before Diwali,” he added.

    The Opposition alleged that on one hand, PM Narendra Modi criticises the non-BJP ruled states governments for their ‘Revadi culture’, but at same time, the BJP-ruled states, including Maharashtra are indulging in the same culture.

    “We are not against giving to poor and needy people. In fact, the Congress was the first party who always focused on welfare schemes. Therefore, the PM should not tarnish the schemes that are made for the common people. In fact, giving tax relaxations and waiving off and writing off loans of corporate houses harmed the country’s economy more than helping the poor and needy,” said Atul Londe, chief spokesperson of Maharashtra Congress.

    Shinde govt forgoes tender process for scheme
    The Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Department has decided to directly purchase these items, including sugar, palm oil, chana dal and rice from the open market, bypassing the prevailing tender process, in order to supply these items to the citizens in a short period of time. The cost of this essential stuff kit will be on average Rs 100 and it will put an additional Rs 500 crore’s burden on Maharashtra government exchequer. Maharashtra deputy CMDevendra Fadnavis said that they have taken this decision i so that people can celebrate Diwali with more joy 

  • India chokes due to foul air post Diwali, Delhi registers worst spike in its pollution index

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  Delhi woke up to a thick layer of haze and smoke-filled skies on Friday, registering the worst post-Diwali pollution spike in five years.

    A combination of factors — firecracker emissions despite a blanket ban; first winter fog and calm winds; and peak stubble burning  — pushed the air quality into the severe zone, an analysis by government agencies said.

    Poor enforcement of cracker ban in Delhi and the absence of any bar in the satellite towns allowed large-scale burning of firecrackers overnight, resulting in a midnight spike in pollution levels.

    As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s overall air quality index (AQI) on Friday was 462, a sharp rise from 382 the previous day.

    The PM 2.5 levels — the most prominent pollutant that can enter the blood stream and pose a serious health risk — shot up five times the permissible limit at midnight.

    Besides, the wind direction changed on Thursday night, bringing in smoke from peak stubble burning in neighbouring Punjab and Haryana. 

    Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai on Friday said NASA images show stubble burning instances shot up from 1,000 last week to over 3,500 on Thursday.

    “A large population of Delhi did not burst crackers, but the BJP-ruled Union government did not enforce or place a blanket ban in satellite towns resulting in people bursting firecrackers,” Rai said. 

    The Delhi government had launched an anti-firecracker campaign last month — Patakhe Nahi, Diye Jalao to discourage people from burning crackers.

    This year, it had placed a blanket ban on sale and purchase of firecrackers early on while no licenses were issued to traders.

    Police officials said that it is mainly the NCR towns from where people have been buying crackers, as sale was not restricted there. 

    A senior police official who did not wish to be named, said, “Crackers were not available anywhere in Delhi. People bought them from Noida and Ghaziabad. The only solution is to put a complete ban on selling and bursting crackers in NCR regions too.” 

    According to an analysis by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, this was the sharpest rise in pollution levels in the city on the morning after Diwali since 2016 when the AQI was 445 (see graphics). 

    Rai also blamed the BJP, alleging that the saffron party instigated people to defy the ban on firecrackers, as the city’s air quality index (AQI) entered the ‘severe’ category on Diwali night and continued its upward trend to reach 462 at noon on Friday.

    Hitting back, Delhi BJP spokesperson Naveen Kumar Jindal said that Diwali is a festival of Hindus and not of a political party and asked if the Hindus who are with Rai’s Aam Aadmi Party are not allowed to celebrate their festival.

    The 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) the day after Diwali was 435 last year, 368 in 2019; 390 in 2018; 403 in 2017 and 445 in 2016.

    As a thick layer of acrid smog enveloped the Delhi-NCR region throughout the day, blotting out the sun, the 24-hour AQI was the highest in the country in Noida at 475, while others – Faridabad (469), Greater Noida (464), Ghaziabad (470), Gurgaon (472) – also recorded ‘severe’ air pollution levels.

    An AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 and 500 ‘severe’.

    According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several other cities and districts in the country recorded severe AQI — Agra, Baghpat, Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh; Ballbhgarh, Bhiwani, Hisar, Jind, Panipat, Rohtak in Haryana and Bhiwadi in Rajasthan.

    Among the districts and cities where the AQI was ‘very poor’ were — Ambala in Haryana; Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota in Rajasthan, Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, Gorakhpur in UP, Jalandhar in Punjab and Chennai in Tamil Nadu.

    The AQI was in the poor category in Kolkata and Howrah in West Bengal; Patiala in Punjab and Patna in Bihar along with other districts in various states.

    The 24-hour average concentration of lung-damaging fine particles known as PM2.5 in Delhi-NCR shot up from 243 micrograms per cubic metre at 6 PM on Thursday (Diwali day) to 410 micrograms per cubic metre at 9 AM on Friday, around seven times the safe limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre.

    ALSO READ | Thanks to Deepawali, Chennai chokes as AQI hits hazardous levels

    Experts said the air quality turned severe in Delhi-NCR owing to unfavourable meteorological conditions — calm winds, low temperature and low mixing height — and a poisonous cocktail of emissions from firecrackers, stubble burning and local sources.

    The Ministry of Earth Sciences’ air quality forecast agency SAFAR, stated that stubble burning accounted for 36 percent of Delhi’s PM2.5 on Friday, the highest so far this season.

    “A large number of people did not burst firecrackers. I thank them all. But some people burst firecrackers on purpose. I categorically say the BJP instigated them to do it,” Rai told reporters.

    The minister said the number of farm fires has risen to 3,500 and its impact is visible in Delhi.

    Ahead of the festive season, the Delhi government had announced a complete ban on firecrackers till January 1, 2022, and ran an aggressive campaign against their sale and use.

    The Delhi Police arrested 281 people — 138 for selling and supplying firecrackers and 143 for bursting them — between September 29 and Diwali on Thursday, according to data provided by the force.

    Concerned citizens and environment activists shared pictures and videos of fireworks on social media and called the ban on crackers a “joke”.

    “I will shock you by saying that the only thing good about this morning is this event because the weather outside is not good at all,” Supreme Court judge Justice S Ravindra Bhat quipped at a book launch while referring to the spike in air pollution level in the national capital.

    The air quality status in Chennai was very poor with a substantial increase in pollutants in the metropolis when compared to the previous year, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board said.

    The AQI observed from 6 AM on November 4 to 6.00 AM the following day, the “average value of AQI in Chennai city ranges between 342 to 385 and the Air quality status is very poor,” an official release said.

    ALSO READ | Pollution levels go up nearly five-fold on Diwali night in Hyderabad, city centre worst hit

    About 2,000 cases have been registered by police across Tamil Nadu against those who violated the Supreme Court directives in respect of firecrackers, police sources said on Friday.

    The Haryana government had imposed a ban on the sale or use of all kinds of firecrackers in 14 of its districts in the National Capital Region.

    Green crackers were allowed on Diwali in Uttar Pradesh only for two hours in areas with moderate or better air quality.

    In West Bengal, except for some pockets in south Kolkata very few cases of firecracker bursting were reported from the state capital on Kali Puja night even though the air quality in the metropolis dipped from moderate to poor, a West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) official said.

    “The dip in air quality cannot be entirely attributed to the fireworks issue and more due to the moisture and the emissions from vehicular traffic as a higher number of vehicles hit the road on the Kali puja night,” the WBPCB official said.

    The Calcutta High Court had directed that all necessary efforts must be made by the West Bengal government to ensure that only green crackers are used during Diwali-Kali Puja and other ensuing festivals, observing that the sincerity of the state would be reflected in the enforcement mechanism.

    According to the CPCB, the AQI was moderate in aharastra capital Mumbai, though it was poor in Navi Mumbai and Nashik.

    In Hyderabad, two persons were killed and another injured in an explosion of firecrackers during Diwali celebrations.

    Incidents of fire and burn injuries were also reported in many parts of the country during Diwali night.

    The Delhi Fire Service received 152 fire-related calls on Diwali, the lowest in the last 15 years, officials said.

    The DFS control room usually responds to maximum calls on Diwali, and fire-fighters need to be on their toes to deal with emergencies, they said.

    Fire tenders and motorcycles fitted with fire-fighting equipment were deployed in many places.

    (With PTI Inputs)

  • Potters a happy lot this Diwali as diyas in demand to send political signals in poll-bound UP

    Express News Service

    LUCKNOW: Yashpal Prajapati, a potter who spins the wheel churning out diyas (earthen lamps) in Bakshi Ka Talab, is a happy soul this Diwali as sales have really been impressive and people preferred diyas to Chinese lights.

    Apart from the general public, diyas were also in demand among political parties to convey messages. While the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reiterated its focus on religious sites by lighting diyas in lakhs in Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura, the Samajwadi Party tried to embarrass the dispensation by lighting them as a tribute to farmers who lost their lives during the ongoing protest over the three contentious farm laws.

    Potters from across the state were a happy lot as their business picked up substantially, with diyas being used for political symbolism in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh. A record nine lakh diyas were lit in Ayodhya, another 7 lakh plus in Varanasi and around the same number in Mathura — enough to convey the nuance of the BJP’s political intent.

    With the UP assembly election just a few months away, the BJP is all out to woo social groups through caste conferences. Prajapatis (a subcaste among the OBCs) are engaged in diya making. The ruling party promoted its leader Dharamvir Prajapati as one of the seven newly-inducted ministers in the Yogi cabinet apart from commencing its caste conferences with one for the Prajapati community.

    Moreover, this Diwali, in the wake of the border stand-off with China, the swadeshi push of the BJP for diyas over Chinese lights attained a higher pitch. The lighting of diyas across the state in large numbers is also being portrayed by the BJP as a gesture representing the housewarming ceremonies of those who got dwellings in the state. Additionally, the target was also to light another 45 lakh diyas across the state – each of them representing the total number of homeless across rural and urban UP who got a house under the government’s ‘awaas yojana’ initiative.

    UP CM Yogi Adityanath had directed officials to ensure that at least one diya was lit at the homes of all those who got a house across the state, whether in an urban setting or rural. As per RSS sources, the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), a subsidiary of the Sangh pariwar, also lit one lakh diyas across the state as part of its swadeshi push. Government-sponsored Diwali melas at 217 places across the state also added sheen to the festival with the lighting of diyas.

    Meanehile, the main opposition Samajwadi Party (SP) directed cadres to light up a diya each in memory of farmers who died while protesting against the government’s three farm laws. “I would want each party cadre to light up a diya for farmers,” SP chief Akhilesh Yadav told his cadres.

  • Quieter Diwali for Mumbai this year as compared to 2020 despite more use of crackers, says NGO

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Mumbai recorded a quieter Laxmi Pujan during this year’s Diwali as compared to last year although the overall use of firecrackers was more than what it was during the festival in 2020 when several COVID-19 curbs were in place, an organisation said on Friday.

    It attributed the dip in the noise level to the use of “green firecrackers” that have lower decibel levels as compared to the traditional ones.

    “The noise levels in Mumbai were much lower this Laxmi Pujan, which was celebrated on Thursday, as compared to the previous years with the highest reading of 100.4 dB (dB – the unit in which sound is measured) recorded at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai’s Dadar area,” Sumaira Abdulali, founder of Awaaz Foundation, which has been campaigning for bringing down noise levels, told PTI.

    In South Mumbai, the Marine Drive promenade, where people generally throng to burn firecrackers on a large scale during Diwali, was completely silent even before the 10 pm-deadline due to the heavy presence of police personnel, she said.

    During Diwali last year, the noise level recorded at Shivaji Park was 105.5 dB, while it was 112.3 dB in Marine Drive, Abdulali said. The rest of the city witnessed moderate use of crackers, mostly green crackers like anar, sparklers, chakris and aerial fireworks, this year, she added.

    “The maximum noise levels were lower than the last year during COVID-19 pandemic. This is only of because the green crackers that have lower decibel levels than the traditional ones. Although the overall bursting of crackers was more this year as compared to last year, the use of green crackers kept the maximum decibel levels less,” she said.

    Before Diwali, Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar had urged citizens to keep noise and air pollution levels under check while bursting firecrackers during the festival of lights.

    “Crackers are an integral part of Diwali festivities and they should be. However, while bursting crackers, people must keep a check on noise and air pollution levels,” Pednekar had said.

    Last year, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had banned fireworks in the city during Diwali, but permitted the use of mild crackers at private premises on the day of Laxmi Pujan.

  • BSF, Pak Rangers exchanged sweets at outposts along International Border on Diwali 

    By PTI

    JAMMU: The Border Security Force and the Pakistan Rangers on Wednesday exchanged sweets at dozens of border outposts along the International Border on the occasion of Diwali for the first time since the Pakistani side shunned the tradition in 2019.

    On the auspicious occasion of Deepawali, the BSF’s Jammu troops offered sweets to Pakistan Rangers at various BOPs in Samba, Arnia, R S Pura, Nikowal and Akhnoor areas today, a BSF spokesperson said.

    As a reciprocal gesture, the Pak Rangers too offered sweets to BSF, he added.

    04th November 2021 @BSF_PunjabSweets and pleasantries exchanged between #BSF and Pakistan Rangers at JCP #Attari, JCP #Hussainiwala and other border locations of Punjab on occasion of #DiwaliHappy #Deepavaliसीमा सुरक्षा बल – सर्वदा सतर्क #FirstLineOfDefence#JaiHind pic.twitter.com/ofEpeOAwP4
    — BSF PUNJAB FRONTIER (@BSF_Punjab) November 4, 2021

  • PM Modi celebrates Diwali in Nowshera says India is alert about its capabilities and resources

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with the Indian Army soldiers in Nowshera, close to the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. This is in keeping with the practice of celebrating Diwali with uniformed personnel which Modi has followed since he became the PM in 2014.
    Addressing the soldiers Narendra Modi said, “Nowshera’s history celebrates the bravery of India and its present is the embodiment of the bravery and determination of the soldiers. The region has stood strongly against the aggressor and encroachers.”

    Modi paid tribute to the heroes of Nowshera, Brigadier Usman and Naik Jadunath Singh, who sacrificed for defending the country.

    Brigadier Mohammed Usman remains one of the greatest soldiers and an inspiring military leader India has ever produced. For his inspiring leadership and great courage, he was awarded the “Maha Vir Chakra” posthumously.

    The military prowess of Brigadier Usman, who commanded the famed 50 Parachute, earned him the nickname Lion of Nowshera. He had not only repulsed tribal irregulars who were sent by Pakistan to capture Jammu and Kashmir but also recaptured those areas which were taken by the Pak Army regulars.

    In another critical battle for Naushera, as Pakistan Army charged to capture a picket, Naik Jadunath saved his picket but lost his life. He was honoured with the nation’s highest gallantry award, “Param Vir Chakra” for his outstanding bravery, unyielding fighting spirit and self-sacrifice for the nation.

    The Prime Minister in his address talked about the infrastructure work being done to connect even the border areas with the rest of India. “Connectivity in border areas from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, from Jaisalmer to Andaman Nicobar has been established with modern infrastructure, leading to an unprecedent improvement in the infrastructure and convenience for soldiers.”

    The Prime Minister said that the responsibility of protecting the freedom of the county vests with everyone and today’s India, in the ‘Amrit Kaal’ of freedom, is alert about its capabilities and resources.

    PM Modi also talked about the growing Aatmnirbharta in defence resources as opposed to the earlier periods of dependence on foreign countries. He said 65 per cent of the defence budget is being used inside the country. A list of 200 products, a positive list, that will be procured only indigenously has been prepared. The list is going to be expanded soon, he said.

    He also talked of the seven new defence companies launched on Vijaya Dashmi as the old ordnance factories will now make specialised sector-specific equipment and ammunition. Defence Corridors are also coming up. India’s youth is involved in vibrant defence-related startups.  All this will strengthen India’s position as a defence exporter, he said.

    The Prime Minister emphasised that Indian Military power needs to be expanded and transformed according to the changing needs.

    PM Modi expressed happiness that the participation of women in the country’s defence is touching new heights. After being deployed on the frontlines in the Navy and Air Force, now women’s roles are being expanded in the Army also.

    Along with opening up of Permanent Commission, NDA, National Military School, National Indian Military College for women, the Prime Minister also mentioned his Independence Day announcement about the opening up of Sainik Schools for girls.

    Praising the soldiers, the PM said, “You are the custodians and defenders of India’s unity and integrity and the emotion of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. I am fully confident that with the inspiration of your bravery, we will take India to the zenith of growth and progress.”

    On Wednesday, ahead of PM Modi’s visit, Army Chief General MM Naravane was briefed about the prevailing security situation along the Line of Control in the Jammu area, said officials. The Army Chief also carried out an aerial reconnaissance of forward areas.

    From Nowshera, Shri Modi greeted the citizens for Diwali and other upcoming festivals such as Goverdhan Puja, Bhaiyya Dooj Chatth. He also wished Gujarati people for their new year.

  • Congress president Sonia Gandhi greets people on Diwali

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday extended Diwali wishes to the people of the country and emphasised the message of dispelling darkness through love and cooperation.

    In a statement, Gandhi said, “I pray to God that this festival of lights brings happiness, prosperity and opportunities of progress and development to every family in India.”

    “Deepawali gives us the message that no matter how dense the darkness is, the light of a lamp is enough to dispel that darkness,” she said.

    That is why it is imperative that the glow of this lamp of hope is kept illuminated in people’s hearts, she said.

    “The string of lamps on Deepawali makes us realise that all of us in the country can illuminate each other’s lives with love and cohesion, and with mutual cooperation, we can dispel the densest of darkness,” the Congress chief said.

    She called for taking a pledge that people with different languages, religions and creed celebrate this festival of happiness together and light the lamp of hope that removes the darkness.

    In a tweet in Hindi, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the lamp gives light to everyone without any discrimination and this is the message of Diwali.

    “Celebrate Diwali with your loved ones, may it connect everyone’s hearts,” he said.

    The Congress, from its official handle, tweeted, “This Diwali, lets spread love & positivity, lets strive for peace & prosperity. #HappyDiwali to all dear Indians.”

  • Bihar slashes VAT rates on fuel after centre’s announcement

    By PTI

    PATNA: The Nitish Kumar government in Bihar on Thursday reduced its VAT rate on petrol and diesel by more than Rs 3 per litre, a day after the Centre slashed excise duty on the products in a bid to provide relief to consumers.

    An announcement to this effect was made by the Chief Minister on his Twitter handle.

    “Following the Centre’s move to reduce petrol and diesel prices, the state government has decided to provide additional relief to people by reducing the VAT rates. The prices of petrol will be lowered further by Rs 3.20 per litre while for diesel it will be Rs 3.90 per litre,” Kumar tweeted.

    The Centre had, on Wednesday, made petrol and diesel cheaper by Rs 5 and Rs 10 per litre respectively, a move which has evoked similar response by many states, mostly the ones ruled by the BJP-led NDA.