India
Air quality in the national capital worsens to very poor levels after Diwali
The air quality in the national capital has sharply declined into the very poor category following brief relief after Diwali. The overall Air Quality Index reached 319, with several areas recording pollution levels above 400, such as IIT Delhi at 416, ITO at 399, and JNU near 400. The increase in smog is linked to vehicular emissions, ongoing construction, and stagnant wind conditions preventing pollutant dispersal. Forecasts suggest that air quality will remain poor, with the AQI between 300 and 400 for the next three to four days until winds pick up.
DU Diljit Concert Row: Freshers Lured on WhatsApp as NSUI Faces Heat Over StudentA major controversy has erupted at Delhi University's Ramanujan College over allegations that a student linked to the National Students' Union of India approached female freshers on WhatsApp groups to accompany non-resident Indians to singer Diljit Dosanjh's upcoming Ahmedabad concert. A student of the college recounted how candidates were sought based on looks and age, being offered cash incentives between 10,000 and 30,000 rupees, free flight tickets, and VIP passes in return for male companionship.
The student also disputed claims by the student outfit that the accused had been suspended two months ago, describing the purported resignation as backdated. In response, National Students' Union of India President Vinod Jakhar stated that the organisation condemned the incident and asserted that the accused was already suspended during the Delhi University Students' Union elections in September for anti-party activities.
The development has triggered sharp political reactions on campus, with rival student groups questioning the timing of the disassociation.