Monday, July 20, 2026
Home Blog Page 219

Delhi’s Air Quality Improves but Stays ‘Very Poor’; Season’s Lowest Temperature Recorded

Himalayan Express
-
0
Delhi’s Air Quality Improves but Stays ‘Very Poor’; Season’s Lowest Temperature Recorded

New Delhi, Nov 21 : After a week of severe pollution levels, Delhi’s air quality showed slight improvement on Thursday but remained in the “very poor” category, while the city recorded the season’s lowest temperature.

The minimum temperature in the national capital dropped to 10.2°C, 2.1°C below the season’s average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

At 9 a.m., Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 376, classified as “very poor” by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The IMD also forecasted shallow fog during the day.

On Sunday, the city’s AQI was recorded in the “severe” category, prompting authorities to implement the GRAP-IV measures. Pollution worsened further on Monday and Tuesday, with AQI levels surpassing 450, entering the “severe plus” category. Though there was a slight improvement by Wednesday, the AQI still remained in the severe range.

The AQI scale is as follows: 0-50 (good), 51-100 (satisfactory), 101-200 (moderate), 201-300 (poor), 301-400 (very poor), and 401-500 (severe).

The IMD has predicted a maximum temperature of around 27°C for the day, while the humidity level at 8:30 a.m. was recorded at 80%.

Gautam Adani Faces US Charges Over $250 Million Bribery and Fraud Allegations

Himalayan Express
-
0
Gautam Adani Faces US Charges Over $250 Million Bribery and Fraud Allegations

New York/New Delhi, Nov 21 : Billionaire Gautam Adani has been charged by US prosecutors in connection with an alleged years-long scheme to bribe Indian officials with $250 million in exchange for favorable terms on solar power contracts.

Adani, 62, along with his nephew Sagar Adani and other defendants, is accused of paying over $250 million in bribes between 2020 and 2024 to secure lucrative solar energy contracts potentially worth over $2 billion in profits. The scheme was allegedly concealed from US banks and investors who funded the Adani Group’s solar projects.

US law allows the prosecution of foreign corruption cases that involve links to US investors or markets. The Adani Group did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Breon Peace, US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, described the scheme as an “elaborate” effort to bribe Indian government officials for billions of dollars in contracts.

The charges include securities fraud, securities fraud conspiracy, and wire fraud conspiracy against Adani, his nephew Sagar, and former Adani Green Energy CEO Vneet Jaain. Additionally, a civil case has been filed against the Adanis by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The indictment also accuses Sagar and Jaain of violating federal laws. Three former employees of Canadian pension fund CDPQ, a shareholder in Adani companies, are charged for obstructing the bribery investigation by deleting emails and providing false information to the US authorities.

The charges come at a time when the Adani Group is already recovering from the damage caused by Hindenburg Research’s allegations of stock manipulation and accounting fraud in January 2023. The group’s market value had dropped by $150 billion but has since regained most of the losses.

The charges focus on Adani Green’s efforts to raise over $175 million from US investors, with Azure Power’s stock also being traded on the New York Stock Exchange during the alleged bribery.

In the court documents, some conspirators reportedly referred to Gautam Adani as “Numero Uno” and “the big man,” while his nephew allegedly tracked the bribes on his cellphone.

US authorities revealed that FBI agents seized electronic devices from Sagar Adani in March 2023 as part of their investigation. Additional charges were brought against Ranjit Gupta and Rupesh Agarwal, former executives of Azure Power, for their involvement in the bribery scheme.

The US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York unsealed the indictment, charging five others with conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in relation to the bribery scheme linked to one of the world’s largest solar energy projects.

J&K Government Encourages Consumers to Adopt Rooftop Solar Panel Installation

Himalayan Express
-
0
J&K Government Encourages Consumers to Adopt Rooftop Solar Panel Installation

JAMMU, Nov 20: The Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) is urging consumers to take advantage of subsidies under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, promoting the installation of rooftop solar panels to reduce soaring power bills.

JAKEDA is committed to advancing the adoption of renewable energy, including solar, hydropower, wind, geothermal, biomass, and hydrogen energy, to support sustainable development, energy access, and low-carbon emissions.

Officials stated that the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) is actively encouraging domestic consumers to install grid-connected rooftop solar (RTS) plants as part of the PM Surya Ghar scheme. This initiative aims to help households cut down on high electricity costs by becoming their own power producers.

“Significant subsidies are being offered by both central and state governments for setting up these systems. Consumers should seize this opportunity to benefit from free electricity,” said an official.

Under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, the total cost of a solar project with a capacity of up to three kilowatts is approximately Rs 1.50 lakh. Of this, 60 percent—around Rs 94,800—is covered by subsidies, meaning consumers only need to pay Rs 64,200.

Additionally, the Jammu and Kashmir government is offering further subsidies: Rs 3,000 for one kilowatt peak, Rs 6,000 for two kilowatts peak, and Rs 9,000 for three kilowatts peak.

Officials also called on consumers to settle outstanding electricity bills to avoid disconnections. Those with long-overdue dues are encouraged to take advantage of the ongoing amnesty scheme before the March 31, 2025 deadline.

The JPDCL, along with the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL), is advising consumers to install rooftop solar systems under the Prime Minister’s Surya Ghar scheme. Launched in February 2024, the scheme aims to install rooftop solar systems in one crore households across India by March 2027.

ICRA Projects India’s GDP Growth to Slow to 6.5%, Maintains 7% Estimate for FY25

Himalayan Express
-
0
ICRA Projects India’s GDP Growth to Slow to 6.5%, Maintains 7% Estimate for FY25

Mumbai, Nov 20 – Domestic rating agency ICRA on Wednesday revised India’s GDP growth forecast for the September quarter, projecting a decline to 6.5% due to heavy rainfall and weaker corporate performance. However, it maintained its full-year estimate for FY25 at 7%, anticipating a recovery in economic activity during the second half of the fiscal year.

ICRA’s updated outlook comes amidst growing concerns over a potential growth slowdown, with factors such as slowing urban demand and weaker corporate margins weighing on the economy. Despite these concerns, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has retained its 7.2% GDP growth projection for FY25, though most analysts expect growth to fall below 7%. Official Q2 data will be released on November 30; the economy had expanded by 6.7% in Q1.

ICRA attributed the anticipated dip in Q2 growth to factors like severe monsoon rains, weak corporate margins, and slower industrial output, particularly in the mining and electricity sectors. While government spending and a strong kharif sowing season showed positive trends, the industrial sector faced headwinds.

The services sector, however, is expected to see improvement, contributing to a back-ended recovery and a projected full-year GDP growth of 7%. ICRA’s chief economist, Aditi Nayar, noted that while several sectors faced challenges due to the rains, including mining and retail, the monsoon’s positive impact, such as a bumper kharif crop and replenished reservoirs, is expected to support rural sentiment in the coming months.

Nayar also highlighted that the government’s capital expenditure is expected to rise in the second half of FY25, with a 52% year-on-year increase required to meet the full-year budget estimate.

While investment activity showed signs of improvement in Q2, the execution of infrastructure projects remained sluggish due to the monsoon. However, new project announcements surged to Rs 6.7 lakh crore in Q2, signaling a potential rebound.

ICRA remains cautious about the impact of slower personal loan growth on private consumption and the potential effects of geopolitical developments on commodity prices and external demand.

PM Modi Receives Unprecedented Welcome in Guyana, Presented with Key to Georgetown

Himalayan Express
-
0
PM Modi Receives Unprecedented Welcome in Guyana, Presented with Key to Georgetown

GEORGETOWN (GUYANA), Nov 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Guyana on Wednesday, marking the first visit by an Indian head of state in over 50 years. During the historic visit, Modi expressed that his trip “will deepen the friendship between our nations.”

In a remarkable gesture, Modi was greeted at the airport by Guyana’s President Irfan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Anthony Phillips, and over a dozen cabinet ministers. At his hotel, the reception continued with the presence of Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.

As a symbol of the strong bilateral ties between India and Guyana, Modi was handed the ‘Key to the City of Georgetown’ by the Mayor of Georgetown. This gesture is a testament to the deepening relationship between the two nations, officials said.

Modi is in Guyana on the final leg of his three-nation tour, which included attending the G20 Summit in Brazil and a visit to Nigeria. He will stay in Guyana until Thursday at the invitation of President Ali.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Modi expressed gratitude for the warm reception: “Landed in Guyana a short while ago. Gratitude to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, PM Mark Anthony Phillips, senior ministers, and other dignitaries for coming to receive me at the airport. I am confident this visit will deepen the friendship between our nations.”

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the significance of the visit, noting that it is the first time in 56 years that an Indian PM has visited Guyana. “PM Modi received a special welcome by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, PM Dickon Mitchell of Grenada, PM Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados, and several Cabinet Ministers of Guyana,” the MEA posted on X, alongside photos of the arrival.

In his visit, Modi is expected to meet with President Ali to discuss enhancing the strategic direction of their countries’ unique relationship. He will also pay homage to one of the oldest Indian diaspora communities, which has been in Guyana for over 185 years. Additionally, he is set to address the Guyanese parliament.

Around 320,000 people of Indian origin live in Guyana, according to the MEA. Modi’s visit will also include participation in the second India-CARICOM Summit with leaders from Caribbean countries.

The Prime Minister’s three-nation visit began with a productive trip to Nigeria, where he held bilateral talks with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and engaged with the Indian community. His visit to Nigeria marked the first by an Indian PM in 17 years.

Following Nigeria, Modi attended the G20 Summit in Brazil, where he engaged with global leaders, including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Speaking at the summit, Modi emphasized the relevance of India’s G20 theme, “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” and called for greater focus on addressing the crises faced by the Global South, especially regarding food, fuel, and fertilizer shortages.

On the sidelines of the summit, Modi held several bilateral meetings with leaders from countries such as Brazil, Italy, Indonesia, Portugal, Norway, Chile, Argentina, Egypt, and South Korea to strengthen cooperation in defense, trade, technology, and other sectors.

Rajasthan’s Khairthal-Tijara Schools Shift Online for Classes 1 to 5 Due to Pollution

Himalayan Express
-
0
Rajasthan’s Khairthal-Tijara Schools Shift Online for Classes 1 to 5 Due to Pollution

Jaipur, Nov 20 : In response to the severe pollution levels in the Delhi-NCR region, the Khairthal-Tijara district administration in Rajasthan has decided to shift all schools to online classes for students in grades 1 to 5. The move will be in effect for four days, starting Wednesday, November 20.

The decision was made by District Collector Kishore Kumar on Tuesday, following the Supreme Court’s directive to states within the Delhi-NCR region to assess whether to hold physical classes for students up to grade 12 amidst the ongoing air quality crisis.

Khairthal-Tijara, which became a separate district from Alwar in August 2023, is part of the National Capital Region (NCR).

According to the order, all government and private schools in the district will suspend physical classes for students in classes 1 to 5 from November 20 to November 23, or until further notice. Teachers will conduct online classes during this period.

The order applies only to students, with teachers required to report to school to facilitate the online sessions.

SLCM Collaborates with Bank of Baroda to Strengthen Agricultural Financing

Himalayan Express
-
0
SLCM Collaborates with Bank of Baroda to Strengthen Agricultural Financing

New Delhi, Nov 20 – Sohan Lal Commodity Management (SLCM), a leading warehousing and collateral management firm, has entered into a strategic partnership with Bank of Baroda to offer collateral management services for agricultural financing. This collaboration will allow farmers to access credit against their crops through Bank of Baroda’s extensive network across India, as stated by the company.

SLCM’s assets under management (AUM) have seen a significant increase of 73% in the first half of fiscal year 2024-25, reaching Rs 11,952 crore, compared to Rs 6,911 crore in the same period last year.

Sandeep Sabharwal, Group CEO of SLCM, highlighted that the company’s Agri Reach technology, combined with its physical infrastructure, will help reduce default risks and enhance financial access within the agricultural sector. SLCM operates over 17,000 warehouses and 36 cold storage facilities across 19 states in India, managing over 1,080 commodities such as cotton, pulses, and maize.

The company also maintains partnerships with more than 20 financial institutions in India and Myanmar, further strengthening its position in the agricultural financing landscape.

Delhi Endures Toxic Air After Coldest Night of the Season

Himalayan Express
-
0
Delhi Endures Toxic Air After Coldest Night of the Season

New Delhi, Nov 20: Delhi faced yet another day of hazardous air quality on Wednesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 426 in the “severe” category, following the coldest night of the season so far.

The minimum temperature plunged to 11.1°C on Tuesday night, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Dense fog coupled with the temperature drop blanketed the city, reducing visibility to 500 meters as of 8:30 am. The IMD predicts that the dense fog is likely to persist throughout the day. Morning humidity levels were recorded at 84%, with the maximum temperature expected to reach 25°C.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an AQI of 426 at 9 am, indicating severe pollution levels that pose health risks to healthy individuals and are particularly hazardous for those with pre-existing conditions. Among the 38 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi, all but one were in the “severe” category. The Lodhi Road station, however, reported “very poor” air quality.

Delhi’s air quality had first breached the “severe plus” category on Sunday, prompting authorities to activate Stage IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Monday morning. These emergency steps include a complete ban on construction and demolition activities and the suspension of physical classes in schools.

Additional restrictions were imposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), including a prohibition on four-wheeler diesel light motor vehicles (LMVs) in Delhi and its surrounding NCR districts, except for BS-VI compliant vehicles and those engaged in essential or emergency services. Diesel-powered medium and heavy goods vehicles have also been barred from entering Delhi, except those transporting essential goods. Only electric and CNG trucks are permitted, with exceptions made for essential services.

Implemented since 2017, GRAP categorizes air quality into four stages of severity: Stage 1 – “poor” (AQI 201-300), Stage 2 – “very poor” (AQI 301-400), Stage 3 – “severe” (AQI 401-450), and Stage 4 – “severe plus” (AQI above 450).

As the capital struggles with plummeting temperatures and persistent pollution, public health remains a pressing concern.

PM Modi to Inaugurate Kashmir-Delhi Vande Bharat Express in January: MoS Railways

Himalayan Express
-
0
PM Modi to Inaugurate Kashmir-Delhi Vande Bharat Express in January: MoS Railways

Jammu, Nov 19: The Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh, announced on Tuesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the Vande Bharat Express connecting Kashmir to New Delhi in January 2025. The train will operate on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) and pass through the iconic Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge.

According to officials, the Railways have completed 255 kilometers of the 272-kilometer USBRL project, leaving only a 17-kilometer stretch between Katra and Reasi, expected to be finished by December. Singh emphasized that safety checks and inspections are ongoing to ensure the project meets all standards.

“This project is a massive undertaking, and only after thorough inspections will a final inauguration date be announced. The Prime Minister’s schedule currently points to January,” Singh told reporters.

A Transformative Initiative

Singh highlighted the project’s significance for the people of Kashmir, stating it would alleviate traffic congestion on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, which frequently closes during winter. “The Vande Bharat Express is a gift from the NDA government and the Prime Minister to the people of Kashmir. It will boost tourism, enhance business opportunities, and provide much-needed relief to the valley,” he said.

He also noted the expedited work on the project over the past eight years, following earlier delays. The train service is expected to offer affordable travel, with fares ranging between ₹1,500 and ₹2,100, and stops at major destinations like Jammu and Mata Vaishno Devi.

Boost to Local Economy

The minister highlighted the project’s economic benefits, stating that fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers from Kashmir will now reach Delhi faster, providing a significant boost to local businesses.

Engineering Marvels

Singh also visited key sections of the project, including the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. In a post on X, he lauded the engineering brilliance behind the project and praised the collaborative efforts of IRCON International Limited and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL).

The Chenab Rail Bridge, standing 359 meters above the riverbed and 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower, is a critical part of the USBRL project. Spanning 1.3 kilometers, it connects Katra to Banihal, forming a crucial segment of the 111-km Kashmir Railway project.

Project Timeline and Updates

Declared a “National Project” in 2002, the USBRL spans 272 kilometers. Key sections have been commissioned in phases:

  • Qazigund-Baramulla (118 km): October 2009
  • Banihal-Qazigund (18 km): June 2013
  • Udhampur-Katra (25 km): July 2014
  • Banihal-Sangaldan (48.1 km): February 2020

Recent inspections, including those by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), focused on the Sangaldan-Reasi section, featuring the Chenab Rail Bridge and several tunnels.

With the anticipated inauguration of the Vande Bharat Express in January, the project is set to become a milestone in connecting Kashmir to the rest of the country, fostering development and strengthening ties.

“Srinagar Experiences First Sub-Zero Night of the Season”

Himalayan Express
-
0
“Srinagar Experiences First Sub-Zero Night of the Season”

Srinagar, Nov 20: Srinagar experienced its first sub-zero temperature of the season on Wednesday, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting a low of minus 0.7 degrees Celsius in the summer capital.

In South Kashmir, Shopian recorded an even colder night at minus 3.9 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam registered a low of minus 3.7 degrees Celsius.

The weather department has forecast a dry spell across Kashmir until November 23, with no significant precipitation expected during this period.

1...218219220...1,133Page 219 of 1,133

Travel

Upsc

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

Contact us: info@himalayanexpress.in

FOLLOW US

© Himalayan Express Designed And Developed By TR Technology Solutions.