Delhi Pollution Curbs Eased Amid Improved Air Quality
The air quality panel for Delhi-NCR has lifted the Stage 4 restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) after pollution levels showed improvement. This decision, formalized in an official order, followed a spike in pollution caused by stagnant winds, low temperatures, and dense fog that pushed the air quality index to 396. The stringent measures under Stage 4 included halting all construction activities, banning non-essential diesel trucks from entering Delhi, and mandating hybrid learning for most school classes except for grades 10 and 12. Diesel-powered heavy vehicles registered under older standards were restricted, with exceptions for essential services.
Reliance Industries reported a consolidated profit of ₹18,540 crore for the October-December quarter, boosted by tariff hikes. Revenue from operations reached ₹2.44 trillion. Jio, its telecom arm, also saw a significant profit increase of 24% during the same period. Meanwhile, Havells India disclosed a net profit of ₹283 crore with total revenue of ₹4,883 crore. LTIMindtree exceeded estimates, registering a 7.1% year-on-year growth in revenue, which reached ₹9,661 crore, driven by the execution of major deals.
The Ministry of External Affairs welcomed an agreement between Israel and Hamas, brokered by the U.S. and Qatar, to cease hostilities in Gaza and exchange hostages. This development is expected to pave the way for humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza. India expressed hope that the truce and dialogue would result in sustainable peace. The deal, which has been months in the making, is anticipated to come into effect if both parties ratify it.
In Mumbai, actor Saif Ali Khan was hospitalized after being attacked by an intruder at his residence. The assailant reportedly stabbed him multiple times, leading to severe injuries near his spine. Doctors successfully removed the knife during surgery, and Khan is now out of danger. CCTV footage captured the suspect in the building’s stairwell, prompting a police investigation. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that a single incident should not tarnish Mumbai’s reputation for safety. The actor’s family and house staff were present during the assault, which occurred around midnight.
On the international stage, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams performed a spacewalk to address technical issues. In another significant update, Pope Francis suffered a fall, injuring his arm, but his condition is reportedly stable. In the U.S., President Joe Biden voiced concerns about the emerging “tech-industrial complex,” drawing parallels to former President Eisenhower’s warning about the military-industrial complex. Biden emphasized potential risks to democracy and called for vigilance.
India’s software giant Infosys recorded an 11% rise in net profit, amounting to ₹6,806 crore, with revenue climbing 8% to ₹41,764 crore. The company revised its full-year revenue forecast upward, projecting growth of 4.5-5%. Airtel Payments Bank enhanced digital services at the Maha Kumbh Mela, setting up kiosks for easier financial transactions amidst massive gatherings.
The Union Cabinet approved the construction of a third launchpad at Shriharikota, bolstering India’s space infrastructure. ISRO also achieved a milestone with the successful docking of satellites under its SpaDeX Mission. Additionally, the government announced plans for the establishment of the 8th Pay Commission, which is expected to address wage revisions for central government employees.
Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing drew widespread reactions, including from political leaders like Mamata Banerjee, who demanded strict accountability. Mumbai Police have intensified their investigation, examining evidence, including CCTV footage, to apprehend the attacker. The actor’s staff has filed a complaint against the intruder.
Amid this, dense fog in Delhi-NCR disrupted over 100 flights, exacerbating the ongoing cold wave. The Odisha Chief Minister launched a social security initiative, increasing allowances to ₹3,500. In Assam, the BJP is set to announce a new state president, with speculation rife about the selection criteria.
In conclusion, the day saw a mix of corporate achievements, environmental relief, global diplomatic progress, and significant developments in domestic and international arenas, highlighting a dynamic start to the year.