Politics over Punjab farm fires: Same old story as Delhi air gets toxic before Diwali
India Today · India Today Video Desk ·
Delhi and the National Capital Region face severe air pollution ahead of Diwali, with 18 monitoring stations recording Air Quality Index readings above 400. Jahangirpuri recorded an AQI of 459, prompting authorities to impose restrictions until November 20, including halting dust-generating construction, deploying flying squads, and directing offices to maintain 50 percent attendance, amid a political dispute between the BJP and AAP over Punjab farm fires. In financial markets, the BSE Sensex surged past 79,000 points, boosting total listed market capitalisation across the 500 lakh crore rupee mark amid lower crude oil prices and foreign institutional investments. In the legal domain, 2020 Delhi riots accused Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam approached the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court rejected their bail pleas. Ahead of Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, Union Minister Chirag Paswan indicated Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) may contest all 403 seats independently. The broadcast also reviews Nitesh Tiwari's cinematic adaptation Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash.
Delhi and the National Capital Region face severe air pollution ahead of Diwali, with 18 monitoring stations recording Air Quality Index readings above 400. Jahangirpuri recorded an AQI of 459, prompting authorities to impose restrictions until November 20, including halting dust-generating construction, deploying flying squads, and directing offices to maintain 50 percent attendance, amid a political dispute between the BJP and AAP over Punjab farm fires. In financial markets, the BSE Sensex surged past 79,000 points, boosting total listed market capitalisation across the 500 lakh crore rupee mark amid lower crude oil prices and foreign institutional investments. In the legal domain, 2020 Delhi riots accused Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam approached the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court rejected their bail pleas. Ahead of Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, Union Minister Chirag Paswan indicated Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) may contest all 403 seats independently. The broadcast also reviews Nitesh Tiwari's cinematic adaptation Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash.
A debate on India Today focuses on the recent wave of price hikes in Karnataka, including increases in milk and public transport fares. Congress spokesperson Raghu Dodderi defended the hike, explaining that rising fuel costs, a stronger dollar, and drought-induced input pressures forced the milk federation and transport corporations to adjust rates to protect farmers and operational viability. He asserted that 'the central government has to come to our people's rescue and has to reduce the fuel prices', arguing that high central fuel cesses and inadequate tax devolution disproportionately burden Karnataka. In response, BJP spokesperson Surabhi Hodigere criticised the state administration for fiscal mismanagement, alleging an 'A to Z' rise in costs across commodities and arguing that election guarantees have emptied state coffers instead of delivering promised subsidies directly from government funds.
A festive dampener hit Karnataka after the state government introduced price hikes across dairy products and public transport. Nandini milk prices rose by 8 to 12 rupees per litre, while government bus fares increased by 23%. The administration stated the adjustments were necessary to support farmers and offset surging diesel costs, urging the central government to reduce fuel taxes and address inflation. Meanwhile, the opposition BJP protested against the moves, alleging that government funds were depleted due to state guarantee schemes. Scrutiny mounted further following state submissions before the High Court citing financial constraints behind delayed Gruha Lakshmi scheme instalments.
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