New Delhi (NVI): The national capital engulfed in a blanket of smog this morning due to firecracker emissions during Diwali celebrations, which dipped the air quality index (AQI) to “severe” at several places across Delhi.
Almost all areas in the city logged PM2.5 levels above 400 with many regions nearing the 500-mark.
According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality index (AQI) stood at 467, at around 8 am today, which falls in the ‘severe’ category.
Most of the areas in Delhi recorded the AQI for PM 2.5 pollutant which stood at 481 in Anand Vihar, 444 in IGI Airport area, 457 in ITO, and 414 in Lodhi Road area, all four in the ‘severe’ category, as per CPCB data.
This comes as many burst firecrackers in violation of the ban on the sale and bursting of firecrackers in the national capital by the Delhi government and the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Earlier, a layer of haze was also seen over Delhi-NCR on Diwali night as people defied ban and bursted firecrackers with calm winds allowing accumulation of pollutants.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ air quality monitor, SAFAR, said that even a small increase in local additional emissions is likely to have significant deterioration impact on air quality on Sunday and Monday.
Delhi recorded a 24-hour average AQI of 337 on Diwali last year on October 27 and 368 and 400 in the next two days leading to pollution levels remaining in the ‘severe’ category for three days.
This year, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that a fresh western disturbance could increase the wind speed and improve the air quality in Delhi-NCR after Diwali.
New Delhi (NVI): The Ministry of External Affairs today summoned the Charge d’Affaires of High Commission of Pakistan and lodged a strong protest over unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pak forces on multiple sectors along LoC in J&K that led to the death of four civilians and serious injuries to 19 others.
“India condemns, in the strongest terms, the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians by Pakistani forces. It is highly deplorable that Pakistan chose a festive occasion in India to disrupt peace and perpetrate violence in J&K through coordinated firing along the length of the LoC using heavy caliber weapons, including artillery and mortar on Indian civilians,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
The MEA also strongly protested Pakistan’s continued support to cross border terrorist infiltration into India, including through supporting cover fire provided by Pakistan forces.
“Pakistan was once again reminded of its bilateral commitment to not allow any territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India in any manner,” the MEA said in a statement.
The MEA summoned the Pakistan envoy a day after a major flare-up at LoC as Pakistan resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violations at multiple locations, drawing a sharp retaliation from the Indian Army.
The Indian Army yesterday eliminated four SSG commandos, who wanted to carry out a BAT (Border Action Team) attack. They belonged to 2 SSG Unit located at Sharda Valley in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), as per defence sources.
Five Indian troopers and 4 civilians were also killed in the heavy Pak shelling yesterday.
Srinagar (NVI): Senior People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Muzaffar Hussain Beigh today quit from the party over a seat-sharing agreement with other parties of People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD).
According to Beigh, National Conference (NC) is fighting on the majority of seats which is not in the interest of PDP. “I respect Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and I wish them luck,” he said.
He said that he was not consulted regarding the seat-sharing agreement with PAGD affiliated parties.
He resigned from the party by conveying his decision to PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti via telephone.
Beigh will address a press conference tomorrow, regarding his resignation.
New Delhi (NVI): Visiting an area bordering Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today made a veiled but strong attack on China, saying expansionism reflects “mental disorder”, and asserted that India will give a befitting response to any challenge to its sovereignty.
Modi, keeping with his tradition of visiting troops on Diwali every year and celebrating the festival with them, went to the Longewala Post in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer which has historic importance in the context of defeat of Pakistan at the hands of India in the 1971 war.
Addressing the troops there, the PM said no force in the world could prevent India’s soldiers from protecting the country’s borders.
The Prime Minister’s visit to the border area came a day after a major flare-up at the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K as Pakistan resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violations at multiple locations, drawing a sharp retaliation from the Indian Army.
In an indirect reference to the border face-off with China at LAC in Ladakh, PM Modi said that India has shown its strength and political will to give a befitting reply to those challenging it.
While slamming China, the PM said that the entire world is troubled by expansionist forces. “Today the whole world is troubled by expansionist forces. Expansionism is, in a way, a mental disorder and reflects 18th-century thinking. India is also becoming a strong voice against this thinking,” he said.
Modi further said that India won’t compromise its interests at any cost now. “The repute and stature of India is due to your strength and valour. India is clearly presenting its opinions on international fora today because you’ve secured the nation,” he said while addressing the jawans.
Notably, for the last seven years, PM Modi has celebrated the festival of lights with security personnel.
“I extend my Diwali greetings to you. I have brought the greetings of every Indian to you today. You may be on snow-capped mountains or in deserts, but my Diwali is complete only when I celebrate with you. My happiness doubles when I look at the joy on your faces,” he said while addressing the Indian Army and BSF jawans.
“Be it the peaks of the Himalayas, the stretch of the desert, dense forests or the depths of seas — your valour has triumphed in every challenge,” he added.
The PM said that India is working rapidly to increase its defence capability and make its defence sector Atmanirbhar. “We’ve decided to focus on the indigenous arms factory. This one decision of the defence sector propelled 130 crore Indians to work towards vocal for local doctrine,” he said.
The Longewala post is a strategic post on the western border where the first major battle of the 1971 war, known as the Battle of Longewala, was fought by Indian Army’s 23rd Battalion, Punjab Regiment which was commanded by Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri.
Rajouri (NVI): The Indian army issued an alert in Rajouri and Poonch districts today after the movement of two groups of militants close to the LoC was detected.
Defence officials said that all the units deployed on the LoC have been asked to remain on high alert and to remain ready for effective retaliation for any action by the Pakistan army.
“Two groups of militants, which could also be of Border Action Teams, have been spotted near Line of Control with one in Rajouri district and another in Poonch district.”
Officials said that there are apprehensions regarding some action by these groups.
In a major flare-up along Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir yesterday, Pakistan resorted to multiple ceasefire violations at forward locations in J&K after the Indian Army foiled yet another infiltration bid by four Pak commandos in Kupwara’s Keran sector.
The Army killed these 4 commandos and destroyed multiple terror launch pads across the Line of Control while retaliating to the enemy shelling in which 5 Indian troopers and 4 civilians were killed.
New Delhi (NVI): The Taiwan government today held Diwali celebrations at the capital Taipei with the country’s foreign minister Jausheh Joseph Wu and Indian envoy Gourangalal Das, in attendance.
In another sign of the growing friendship between the two countries, a Diwali event was held at the historical Taipei Guest House which is often used to host government guests.
Taiwan’s foreign minister Wu, in a tweet, shared pictures of the event saying: “Happy #Diwali to #IndiaFlag of India & all friends around the world from the great fellow democracy. It’s awesome that I’m one of YOU tonight in #TaiwanFlag of Taiwan. We’re #StrongerTogether! #Namaste JW.”
— 外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) ?? (@MOFA_Taiwan) November 13, 2020
Notably, India had also celebrated Taiwan’s National Day on October 1, for which the country thanked India, while also taking a jibe at China.
“Hats off to friends from around the world this year, India in particular, for celebrating the Taiwan National Day. With your support, Taiwan will definitely be more resilient in meeting challenges, especially those “Get Lost” types,” Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry had said in a tweet.
China considers the island nation of Taiwan, or the Republic of China, as part of its territory, and regards it as a wayward province.
The celebrations come amid border tensions between India and China that have shown no sign of respite despite a series of military and diplomatic level engagements.
Srinagar (NVI) Indian Army today killed 4 commandos of Pakistan Army and destroyed multiple terror launch pads across the Line of Control while retaliating to the enemy shelling in which 5 Indian troopers and 4 civilians were killed.
In a major flare-up along Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir today, Pakistan resorted to multiple ceasefire violations at forward locations in J&K after the Indian Army foiled another infiltration bid by the four Pak commandos in Kupwara’s Keran sector.
The SSG commandos, who wanted to carry out a BAT (Border Action Team) attack belonged to 2 SSG Unit located at Sharda Valley in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
According to some reports, around 11 Pakistan Army personnel are believed to have been killed in retaliatory action by Indian Army, besides the 4 SSG commandos.
The 11 Pakistani troops are believed to be killed by the Indian Army while blasting several Pak bunkers across LoC by using rockets and ATGMs (Anti Tank Guided Missiles).
Indian Army’s Northern Command also released video footage of the targeted bunkers in which around 11 Pakistani troops are believed to have been killed.
A Border Security Force (BSF) officer is also among the five slain security forces personnel. A woman was among the four civilians killed in one of the intense shellings by the Pakistan army that took place today.
Slain BSF Sub Inspector Rakesh Dobhal
According to the Indian Army, the Pakistani troops resorted to heavy shelling at multiple locations in north Kashmir’s Kupwara, Bandipora and Baramulla districts.
“Pakistan initiated unprovoked Ceasefire Violation along the LoC spread across multiple sectors to include Dawar, Keran, Uri and Naugam. Pakistan used mortars and other weapons. Pakistan deliberately targeted civilian areas,” Srinagar-based Defence spokesperson Colonel Rajesh Kalia said.
Kalia had earlier said that three army soldiers were killed in action while a BSF officer also laid down his life in Kupwara’s Naugam sector.
“Own troops retaliated strongly causing substantial damage to Pakistan Army’s infrastructure and casualties across the LoC. Several ammunition dumps, FOL dumps and multiple terrorist launch pads have been damaged,” he said, adding that “three army jawans have also been injured.”
Several civilians were also injured in the Pakistan shellings who are being treated at various hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir. Four civilians were killed in Baramulla district while five were wounded in the Bandipora’s Gurez area.
Five civilians including a woman and two porters have also been injured in Pakistan shelling in Poonch’s Sawjian sector.
“At least 10 civilians have been injured in Jammu and Kashmir during the unprovoked firing from the Pakistani side. They are stable and are being treated at various hospitals in the regions,” a senior army official said on the condition of anonymity.
He further said, “Following multiple Ceasefire violations from Pakistan, panic and fear spread among the residents. They were evacuated to safer places and some took shelter in underground bunkers.”
Earlier, the BSF, while confirming the killing of their officer in the line of duty said that Sub Inspector Rakesh Dobhal sustained a head injury at around 12:20 pm while on duty at a forward location and succumbed at around 01:15 pm.
“Constable Vasu Raja sustained splinter injuries on his arms and cheeks. He was deployed at the same forward defended location. The constable is stable,” NS Boparai, BSF PRO-based in Srinagar said.
New Delhi (NVI): India today successfully test-fired indigenously developed Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) System that can shoot a plane 30 km away.
The Missile system achieved a major milestone by a direct hit on to a Banshee Pilotless target aircraft at medium range and medium altitude, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
The missile launch took place from ITR Chandipur at 3.50 pm off the Odisha Coast. The missile is propelled by a single stage solid propellant rocket motor and uses all indigenous subsystems. The Missile is canisterised for transportation and launch using a mobile launcher capable of carrying 6 canisterised missiles, the MoD said.
All QRSAM weapon system elements like Battery Multifunction Radar, Battery Surveillance Radar, Battery Command Post Vehicle and Mobile Launcher were deployed in the flight test. The system is capable of detecting and tracking targets on the move and engaging target with short halts. The system is designed to give air defence coverage against strike columns of Indian Army, the MoD said in a release.
The radar tracked the Banshee target from farthest range and missile was launched when target was within kill zone and achieved the direct hit with terminal active homing by RF Seeker guidance. Various DRDO labs DRDL, RCI, LRDE, R&DE(E), IRDE, ITR have participated in the test.
The weapon system elements have been realized through Defence PSUs BEL, BDL and private industry L&T. The missile system is fully indigenous with active RF Seekers, Electro Mechanical Actuation (EMA) systems sourced from various industries. The Radar is four walled Active Phased Array Radar. All range Tracking stations, Radar, EOTs & Telemetry Stations monitored the flight parameters, the Defence Ministry said.
On the occasion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Secretary DD R&D & Chairman DRDO, Dr G Satheesh Reddy congratulated DRDO Scientists for the achievement.
Srinagar (NVI): National Conference leader and former lawmaker Altaf Ahmed Kaloo today said that he was stopped at the immigration counter at New Delhi Airport, “detained” and barred from travelling to Dubai.
“I was barred to board a Dubai bound airplane. I was scheduled to visit Dubai to attend a family function but I was stopped and detained for more than four hours,” Kaloo said.
Kaloo, who represents South Kashmir’s Pahalgam constituency said he was informed that politicians from Jammu and Kashmir are barred from travelling outside the country.
They told me that they have a list of 38 politicians from Jammu and Kashmir, who won’t be allowed to travel outside the country.
“I was not only stopped from travelling to Dubai but treated like a criminal for more than four hours. It was only after the intervention of Kashmir police officers that I was released and allowed to travel back to Kashmir,” he said.
Kaloo was among the several Kashmiri politicians who were detained after the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in August last year.
New Delhi (NVI): Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh today visited INS Baaz, the Naval Air Station located at Campbell Bay, Great Nicobar Island, to express solidarity with personnel on the occasion of Diwali.
The chief of naval staff was received by Lieutenant General Manoj Pande, AVSM, VSM, Commander-in-Chief Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN).
Karambir Singh was briefed on the operational preparedness and infrastructure aspects of the Command, including readiness in the prevalent security scenario, said a statement by the Ministry of Defence .
During his interaction with personnel, the Naval Chief acknowledged their contribution in keeping the strategically important base operational at all times. Personnel from Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Coast Guard, DSC and GREF, as well as Defence civilians were also present at the occasion.
The geo-strategically located Air Station, INS Baaz, overlooks critical International Sea Lanes passing through the IOR.
INS Baaz supports operations of a multitude of military aircraft, which enable surveillance over the Southern Bay of Bengal, South Andaman Sea, Malacca Straits and the Southern Indian Ocean.
Furthermore, the Airbase provides aid to civil authorities, including casualty evacuation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief apart from search and rescue, the ministry said.
“INS Baaz also serves as a supporting base for operational turn-around facilities of ships deployed in the Nicobar Group of Islands,” it added.
