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Pakistanis claim it was a ‘fixed match’ after India beat Afghanistan in T20 World Cup

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistanis claim it was a ‘fixed match’ after India beat Afghanistan in T20 World Cup

Following the victory of India against Afghanistan by a margin of 66 runs in the group stage match of T20 World Cup 2021, Pakistani cricket fans tried to sour India’s celebrations. They alleged that the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) fixed the match in its favour and that Afghan players complied with such wrongdoing for lucrative IPL contracts.

Afghanistan won the toss and decided to bowl first. With a strong partnership at the very onset, India managed to post a mammoth score of 210 runs on the scoreboard in 20 overs. In reply, Afghanistan could only score 144 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. Soon after, Pakistanis began peddling conspiracy theories to tarnish the credibility of the Indian team.

Hans Masroor Badvi, a network security professional, claimed that the match between India and Afghanistan was fixed to ensure the place of Afghan players in the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). “Everyone knows this is completely a fixed match to fix India in WCT20 and Fix Afghanistan Players in IPL. Such a shame. #INDvsAFG,” he wrote.

Screengrab of the tweet

Arfa Feroz Zake, a Pakistani journalist, also tried to peddle conspiracy theories. He alleged, “You really think KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma scored massive partnership on merit? You really think Afghanistan played as per their strength ie spinners? Wasn’t fielding dramatic?” The journalist also claimed that the casual chat between the skippers of both the teams during the toss was ‘fishy’, suggesting that the alleged ‘fixing plan’ must have been made at that point in time.

Screengrab of the tweet

Another Pakistani journalist tried to cast aspersions about the integrity of the Indian cricket team. “India deliberately lost to England in World Cup 2019 & prevented #Pakistan from reaching the semi-finals. Today Afghanistan is deliberately losing to India in a fixed match to help them reaching the semifinals. It is always India who fixes sports,” wrote Umer Inam.

Screengrab of the tweet

Another Pakistani shared a clip of a misfielding by an Afghan cricketer to claim that BCCI had fixed the India Vs Afghanistan match.

Popular Twitter user Zaid Ali claimed, “Well paid India!! Oh sorry, I mean well played*!”

Screengrab of the tweet

It must be mentioned that Pakistan has qualified for the semi-finals while India’s hopes rest on the loss of New Zealand against Nambia or Afghanistan.

‘Britain would be a lesser country without your contribution’ – UK PM Boris Johnson to British Indians on Diwali

OpIndia Staff
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‘Britain would be a lesser country without your contribution’ – UK PM Boris Johnson to British Indians on Diwali

United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has greeted Hindus on the eve of Diwali. Mentioning Bhagwan Ram’s return to Ayodhya, he said, “Hi folks, this is Boris Johnson wishing everybody a very happy Diwali. The lights are on in Leicester’s Golden Mile, the samosas and sweet treats are being handed out, and people are taking in all the wonderful sights, smells and sounds that make this festival so luminous and exciting. And, of course, so meaningful. Because Today marks the moment when Lord Rama and Sita – their way lit by many thousands of lamps – returned triumphantly to their home after the Demon King Ravana had been roundly defeated.”

He further added, “And, of course, running through this occasion is the central message of good over evil, hope over despair, knowledge over ignorance, an uplifting message that I believe we can all take to our hearts. And with the autumnal nights growing ever longer and darker across Britain, this spectacular festival usher in a new mood and a new spirit of optimism and joy. So whether you have been celebrating on Soho Road in Birmingham, enjoying a ride on the Wheel of Light in Leicester, or you’re going alone to watch the fireworks later this week, this really is a festival that can bring all of us together.”

He thanked British Indians for their contributions and said Britain would have been a lesser country without them. He said, “And to British Indians for whom this festival means so much, I want to express my personal admiration and respect for everything you do for our country. Quite simply, Britain would be a lesser country without your contribution. From running most of our successful businesses to leading scientific research, serving the public in our NHS, our police, our Armed Forces, at every turn making our country more prosperous, healthy, generous and secure. So to everyone celebrating Diwali here in Britain and around the world, I want to wish you all a happy Diwali and a joyful and successful new year. Shubh Diwali!”

Boris Johnson’s address for Sikhs on Bandi Chhor Diwas

In another address, he wished Sikhs on Bandi Chhor Diwas and Jains on Diwali. He said, “Namaste, it’s Boris Johnson here, sending my best wishes to everyone celebrating this year’s Festival of Lights, and after the tough times we’ve all had, I hope that this Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas for our Sikh friends are truly special.”

“Of course, this time of the year is about getting together with family and friends, and when we think back to last November, there’s no doubt we’ve come a long way. So I want once again to say a huge thank you to Britain’s Hindus, Sikhs, Jains for everything you have done to support the vulnerable and help keep people safe over the past 18 months.”

PM Johnson further reminded people that Covid is not over yet, and one much follow guidelines while enjoying festivities and meeting people. He said, “This year the Wheel of Lights is back up in Leicester, events are being held across the country, and as you look forward to the celebrations and to feating, perhaps some delicious mithai, we can all reflect on the powerful message at the heart of this festival, of good triumphing over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance.

And, of course, its knowledge in the form of a vaccine that’s allowing us to get on with our lives in the face of COVID. Of course, the pandemic isn’t over yet, and I urge everyone to keep sticking to the guidance. Wash your hands, keep fresh air flowing, consider using a face covering in a crowded place, where meeting people you don’t normally meet and get that booster jab as soon as you’re called for it.”

Remembering the struggle India faced at the beginning of 2021 due to the second wave of Covid, he said, “But for now, I simply want to wish everyone in the UK and around the world and particularly our friends in India who suffered so much earlier this year, a very happy Diwali. May your year be filled with light and joy and prosperity.”

After centre cuts excise duty on fuel, NDA ruled states follow the suit, UP announces petrol-diesel price will come down by Rs 12

OpIndia Staff
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After centre cuts excise duty on fuel, NDA ruled states follow the suit, UP announces petrol-diesel price will come down by Rs 12

On November 3, after the centre announced cut in excise duty on petrol and diesel, the NDA-ruled states followed suit and reduced VAT on the fuel. The BJP/NDA-ruled stated announced new fuel prices almost immediately after the Government of India said that the petrol price would be reduced by Rs 5 and diesel price would go down by Rs 10 from November 4.

Uttar Pradesh

Poll-bound Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister Office announced that prices of diesel and petrol in the state would be reduced by Rs 12 per litre each.

Before announcing the additional reduction in the price of fuel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath thanked Prime Minister Modi for reducing excise duty. In a tweet in Hindi, he said, “Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s decision to reduce excise duty on petrol and diesel in the public interest has brought more happiness on Diwali. The decision is going to bring relief to every section of society. Heartfelt thanks to the respected Prime Minister on behalf of all the people of the state.”

Karnataka

Chief Minister of Karnataka, Basavaraj S Bommai, thanked Prime Minister Modi for the decision. He further added that the state of Karnataka has decided to reduce the price of diesel and petrol by Rs 7 per litre. The petrol price in the state would go down to Rs 95.50 and diesel price would be Rs 81.50.

It will be applicable across the state from the evening of November 4. “It is the gift of Diwali to the people of the state by the central and state government,” he added.

Assam

Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, thanked PM Modi and announced an additional reduction of Rs 7 on VAT for both petrol and diesel. In a tweet, he said, “Heartening to learn Central Govt decision to reduce excise duty on petrol and diesel. In consonance with the decision of Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi, I am pleased to announce that Assam Govt will also reduce VAT on petrol and diesel by Rs 7/- with immediate effect.”

Tripura

Biplab Kumar Deb, Chief Minister of Tripura, also welcomed the decision by the central government. He said, “Following Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji led central govt’s decision on reduction of excise duty on petrol & diesel. Tripura govt has also decided to reduce petrol & diesel cost by ₹ 7 from tomorrow.”

Bihar

Sushil Kumar Modi, former deputy CM of Bihar, announced a reduction of VAT by Rs 1.30 on petrol and 1.90 on diesel. The total price of the fuel will go down by Rs 6.30 for petrol and Rs 11.90 for diesel in the state.

Goa

Dr Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of thanked PM Modi for the Diwali gift to all Indians by reducing excise duty on the fuel. He announced an additional reduction of VAT by Rs 7 on both petrol and diesel. He said. “The Modi Govt. has given a great Diwali gift to all Indians by announcing a reduction in Excise Duty on Petrol and Diesel. I thank the Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi Ji as this decision shall give great relief to the common man and help control inflation.”

He further added, “In addition, Government of Goa shall reduce an additional Rs 7 on petrol and Rs 7 on Diesel, thereby reducing the price of diesel by Rs 17 per litre and petrol by Rs 12 per litre.”

Gujarat

Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, thanked PM Modi for the announcement.

He also announced an additional reduction of Rs 7 on VAT and said, “Today, the state has announced an additional reduction of Rs 7 per litre in petrol and diesel prices.”

He added, “Gujarat Administration has decided to implement the central government’s decision to reduce the excise duty on petrol and diesel from midnight today.”

Manipur

N Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, thanked PM Modi for the decision and announced an additional reduction of Rs 7 on VAT for both petrol and diesel.

Uttarakhand

Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, announced an additional reduction of Rs 2 on VAT, making it a total price drop of Rs 7 for petrol in the state.

Sikkim

Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), chief Minister of Sikkim, also announced an additional price drop of the fuel.

He said, “I would like to announce that the State Government will be reducing the prices of Petrol & Diesel in the state by Rs.7/(seven) per litre as a Diwali gift.”

Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh government, too, announced reduction of 4% reduction in VAT on petrol and diesel.

Haryana

NDA-ruled Haryana government, too, reduced VAT making petrol and diesel cheaper by Rs 12 per litre.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar took to Twitter to say that on occasion of Diwali, the state government of Haryana, after Central government cut Excise, has decided to reduce VAT and now both, petrol, as well as diesel will be cheaper by Rs 12/litre.

‘If you say so Mr Secular’: Chess Grandmaster Ramachandran Ramesh goes off at critics offering sermons over his cracker celebration

OpIndia Staff
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‘If you say so Mr Secular’: Chess Grandmaster Ramachandran Ramesh goes off at critics offering sermons over his cracker celebration

On Thursday (November 4), Indian chess grandmaster Ramachandran Ramesh endorsed the celebration of the Hindu festival ‘Diwali’ by burning firecrackers.

In a tweet, he wrote, “Proper way to celebrate Diwali! Happy Diwali wishes to all!” The chess wizard had shared an image of him holding a long thread of firecrackers, outside his residence. Ramachandran Ramesh thus became one of the high profile celebrities to not toe the liberal line and remain unapologetic about celebrating the Hindu festival.

As expected, he soon came under a barrage of attack by pseudo activists, left-liberal lobby and wannabe environmentalists whose sudden sense of sustainable development gets activated before Hindu festivals. One such patronising liberal, Shubhra Gupta, claimed, “Crackers and the stubble burning puts a lot of pressure on Delhi’s already fragile atmosphere. Banning crackers seems more controllable, although not permanent solution.”

Ramachandran Ramesh cited the IIT Kanpur report and pointed out that firecrackers did not feature in the top 15 list of pollutants affecting the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the National Capital. “Crackers is not even in the top 15 factors of pollution as per this IIT study based on science. But, let facts not come in way of narrative building. One tweet per year focusing on factors causing actual pollution will show real intent than going after soft targets.”

Screengrab of the tweet by Ramachandran Ramesh

When one liberal tried to mock the chess grandmaster as stupid and ignorant, he responded, “Doing this stupidity since the age of 5 years. Thanks.”

Screengrab of the tweet by Ramachandran Ramesh

Another liberal tried to patronise Ramachandran Ramesh and asked him to stick to chess instead. The chess wizard shut the troll by responding, “If you say so Mr. Secular. The Whole world is at your service.”

Screengrab of the tweet

Diwali is a once in a year celebration for the Hindu community where people burst firecrackers in the evening to celebrate Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya. While multiple governments, organisations and courts are launching a systematic attack against the Hindu festival, painting it as the evil cause behind air pollution, the claims are not supported by research and are dishonest, to say the least.

It is notable here that in 2016, a research study by IIT Kanpur had found that firecrackers are not the top contributors to Delhi’s poor air quality. The study had pegged construction dust as the top cause, followed by vehicular pollution and bad infrastructure, the next worst cause was stubble burning. However, during a hearing in a plea against the NGT order of ban against firecrackers this July, the Supreme Court had rejected the study, saying they do not need IIT Kanpur to decide that firecrackers cause pollution.

The pollution data of Delhi analysed by IIT Kanpur had suggested that suggest that the pollution caused by Diwali is extremely short-lived (less than 24 hrs), and is no worse than the usual spikes of pollutants that are present in Delhi’s air almost all the year.

Courts and governments not first to ban firecrackers during Diwali, Mughal ruler Aurangzeb had banned them 350 years ago: Details

OpIndia Staff
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Courts and governments not first to ban firecrackers during Diwali, Mughal ruler Aurangzeb had banned them 350 years ago: Details

In the last decade, India has witnessed massive attacks on Hindu festivals from the left liberals, with enough support from judicial bodies. Each festival is attacked and restrictions are imposed in the name of pollution, hurting religious sentiments of others etc. Among the festivals, Diwali is most attacked, and every year courts and governments impose restrictions on bursting firecrackers, an integral part of the Hindu festival. Even though the Supreme Court has ruled out a blanket ban on firecrackers, several restrictions on it have been imposed by the courts and governments on Diwali in several cities and districts across the country, citing air pollution and problems to the Covid-19 patients. However, even though the ban on firecrackers started in the last decade, it was not the first time. This is because, this is not a new phenomenon but has a history of over 350 years.

When Mughal ruler Aurangzeb ruled major parts of India around 350 years ago in the 17th century, an order was passed imposing a complete ban on firecrackers. The order issued on April 8, 1667, is well preserved and can be seen in the State Archive in Bikaner.

Aurangzeb’s order to ban fireworks. Source: Twitter/ State Archive in Bikaner

The order states a ban on firecrackers and fireworks in all states that were under Aurangzeb’s rule. The order gave instructions to the officers to impose a ban on firecrackers in all provinces under the empire. It also instructed the officers to announce the ban across provinces to inform the residents. There was no time set for how long the ban was imposed.

The order reads, “The emperor has directed to tell the authorities in the provinces that there is a ban on firecrackers. Make an announcement that no one should burst fireworks (those items made of gunpowder that are used on happy occasions and festivals).”

While talking to Hindi Daily Dainik Bhaskar, Mahendra Singh Khadgawat, director, Rajasthan State Archive, said that a ban was imposed on the firecrackers during the time of Aurangzeb. The letter dated April 1667 is preserved in the archive but it did not mention specifically Diwali.

The orders were shared on social media by a Twitter user, humlogindia. In the tweet, he wrote, “The orders passed by the emperor on April 7, 1667, with the Hindi translation. The order talks about the ban that has been imposed on the use of firecrackers during Diwali. Hindus were not allowed to celebrate Diwali during Aurangzeb’s rule.”

Retired IAS officer Sanjay Dixit also shared a screenshot of the order and said, “Return of Aurangzeb. He was the first to ban crackers on Diwali. So now we have new Aurangzeb as judges and politicians.” There is a ban on the sale of fireworks in Rajasthan.

Notably, there was a ban on the use of gunpowder before independence in Bikaner. As per the regulations at that time, anyone found using items made with gunpowder could face a jail term of up to ten years. Fireworks and firecrackers were also regulated at that time.

Bigg Boss: Afsana Khan accuses inmates of touching her inappropriately, Shamita Shetty says ‘can’t play woman card after hiding coconuts in shirt’

OpIndia Staff
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Bigg Boss: Afsana Khan accuses inmates of touching her inappropriately, Shamita Shetty says ‘can’t play woman card after hiding coconuts in shirt’

On Day 33 of the 15th edition of the reality TV show ‘Bigg Boss’, popular contestant Afsana Khan accused two other inmates of touching her inappropriately. As per reports, Khan had accused Pratik Sehajpal and Simba Nagpal of the act while completing the ‘coconut task’ that was assigned to them in Bigg Boss.

However, she got negligible support from the other contestants as many of them including Jay Bhanushali, and Shamita Shetty sided with Pratik and Simba. Shamita went on to tell Afsana Khan that she could not play the ‘woman card’ if she chose to hide coconuts in her shirt during the Bigg Boss task.

Nevertheless, Khan received the support of Karan Kundrra who drew a rape analogy in her defense. “If a girl goes in a dangerous area and if she gets raped, you can’t say it is her fault,” he remarked while calling for a probe into the matter. A video of the incident has now surfaced on social media where Khan can be seen yelling at Simba to not touch her. “I have no interest in touching you,” Simba can be heard as saying.

The Bigg Boss audience has extended their support to Pratik Sehajpal and Simba Nagpal and accused Afsana Khan of dramatising the events. “And the epic joke in tonight’s episode was, Afsana Khan yelling at Pratik Sehajpal not to touch her, and she said this thing over and over again. I am sure Pratik has no interest or intention to touch her except for the sake of the task,” wrote a Twitter user.

Popular TV presenter Andy Kumar shared a video wherein Afsana Khan was seen asking Pratik Sehajpal to ‘zip her up.’ A Twitter user added, “Again if she plays women card she should be evicted. Pratik Sehajpal intentions are clear he is not there to touch her Afsana Khan don’t disrespect womanhood #PratikIsTheBoss.”

One Twitter user, Bhavika, inquired, “Like seriously AfsanaKhan, are you freaking dumb or what? Pushing and shoving people is fine but touching someone unintentionally is wrong?… Why is Karan Kundra extrapolating the matter (and relating it to rape)?”

Another user recounted how Afsana Khan had earlier asked Pratik to help her zip her dress.

The user pointed out, “If she had a problem with his touch, why did you make him to zip you up? If anyone saw that record a video!The double standard of people.”

Gurugram: BJP leader Kapil Mishra to join Govardhan Puja organized at former Namaz sites, locals had opposed blocking of public spaces

OpIndia Staff
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Gurugram: BJP leader Kapil Mishra to join Govardhan Puja organized at former Namaz sites, locals had opposed blocking of public spaces

BJP leader Kapil Mishra is all set to participate in the Govardhan Puja organized by locals and Hindu organizations in Gurugram’s Sector 12A at former Namaz sites. The locals had risen in protest against members of Muslim community occupying public spaces every Friday to offer Namaz and thereby blocking roads. 

The protest had led to the administration taking back their order of allowing Namaz in eight public places in the city. 

Supporting the protest, Mishra said, “I have been approached by the Samiti members to attend the Govardhan puja. I shall be attending. This is a movement for citizens’ right for free roads and their demands are legitimate. No one has the right to block roads every week.”

“I support this movement. The protesting citizens of Gurgaon are showing the way to other citizens, who are bothered with blocking of roads but are not courageous enough to come out and demand their rights,” he added further while speaking with The Indian Express. 

Reportedly, the Sanyukt Hindu Sangharsh Samiti (organizers of the Govardhan Puja) had also extended an invite to Narsinghanand Saraswati, who was recently appointed the mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhara. However, he will not be attending the puja due to prior commitments. 

“We will continue our agitation”

State president of the Sanyukt Hindu Sangharsh Samiti, Mahavir Bhardwaj, while speaking of the event said, “We are making arrangements for the puja, which is expected to have a gathering of over 5000 people. After prayer, dhol and nagaras would be played at the site and prasad would be distributed.”

He further informed that a decision of replicating the event at different locations would be taken later. “We will continue our agitation to oppose namaz at all public places,” Bhardwaj asserted. 

Clarifying its decision of conducting a Govardhan Puja, the Samiti had said, “This is our way to protest peacefully. In all, 37 public places are being used every week for ‘namaz’ against norms. This is not against Muslims, but public spaces should not be misused for religious congregation.”

However, responding to an agitation, a cleric had lamented, “We are no criminals and hence, won’t bow down. Get an official order to stop and we will.”

Locals protest against Namaz

Due to the disturbances caused by offering of Namaz at public places, huge protests had ensued at several locations in Gurugram where a large number of people including Hindu women came out on the road for five consecutive weeks, chanting bhajan-kirtan and slogans. 

As many as 30 representatives of Hindu organizations who participated in the sector 12 A protests were detained.

Disha ‘I love animals’ Patani asks people to be kind to animals on Diwali, netizens remind her of her love for chicken

OpIndia Staff
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Disha ‘I love animals’ Patani asks people to be kind to animals on Diwali, netizens remind her of her love for chicken

Actress Disha Patani on Thursday wished people a ‘Happy Diwali’ and advised them to be kind to animals. Along with the message, a video of herself delivering kicks was also attached although it is not clear what the video has to do with the message itself.

People on social media were not pleased with the sermons during Diwali, as ‘being kind to animals’ is a trope that is used generously in anti-cracker campaigns. They reminded her of the fact she consumes chicken and mutton, which requires animals to be killed.

It has been reported widely in the media that the actress loves chicken and mutton. Disha Patani was also mocked online for the Diwali sermons.

Others said today is not Eid.

A video has also resurfaced on social media where Disha Patani can be seen eating chicken with Aditya Kapoor.

Hindus have fiercely protested brands using Diwali to preach sermons this festive season. Various brands have had to backtrack after online backlash. Consistent with the theme this year, Patani too faced backlash for her comments.

Ayodhya’s ‘Deepotsav’ enters Guinness Book of World Records with nine lakh earthen lamps lit on the occasion of Deepawali

OpIndia Staff
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Ayodhya’s ‘Deepotsav’ enters Guinness Book of World Records with nine lakh earthen lamps lit on the occasion of Deepawali

Lord Shri Ram’s Janmbhoomi Ayodhya was illuminated on November 03 as the Uttar Pradesh government’s Tourism Department lit nine lakh earthen lamps on the occasion of Diwali, creating a world record. Ram Ki Pauri in Ayodhya was lit with innumerable oil lamps, laser shows and crackers on the occasion of Deepotsav creating mesmerizing imagery. 

With the largest number of diyas lit during the Deepotsav, it won a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took to Twitter to share the Guinness World Record certificate.

“In the holy city of Shri Ayodhya, the banks of Saryu have come alive with lightings. With the spirit of truth, affection and world welfare, a world record has been set for lighting the maximum number of lamps with Vedic chants. This record is a result of the faith and belief of the devotees of Lord Shri Ram. I want to extend my greetings to everyone who participated in this Deepotsav program,” the CM Tweeted. 

The city of Ayodhya broke its own Guinness record made last year when the citizens lit 5,84,572 earthen lamps on the banks of Saryu. 

Let’s take a walk on the banks of Saryu

Apart from Ram Ki Pauri, the city of Ayodhya was lit with 3 lakh additional diyas at different locations taking the tally to 12 lakh oil lamps. 

Ram Ki Pauri, Ayodhya

The lamps were lit with the chanting of Vedic mantras that resonated in the entire city of Lord Shri Ram.

Ram Ki Pauri, Ayodhya

The occasion was graced by Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath who apart from lighting diyas, performed aarti at the ghat.

Apart from Deepotsav, the devotees also participated to watch the 3D hologram, projection mapping and laser show at the banks of river Saryu. 

This was followed by a magnificent display of fireworks.

City of Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

While addressing the devotees at the Deepotsav in Ayodhya, Yogi Adityanath exclaimed that no power in the world can stop the construction of a majestic Ram Temple in Ayodhya by 2023.

Ram Ki Pauri, Ayodhya

Talking about the grand event, Additional Chief Secretary Navneet Sehgal said, “This time in the Deepotsav, apart from 45 help groups, students from 15 Universities and five colleges including students of Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University participated as volunteers.”

The event was made possible by a total of 12,000 volunteers.

The enchanting Ramleela was also performed by several artists as part of the Deepotsav.

The UP CM in his speech also encouraged seva bhaav (the act of giving). “Tomorrow is Diwali. I would urge all of you that tomorrow there should be no such deprived, no such Dalit, no such person in Uttar Pradesh, in whose house the lamp of Deepawali is not lit and the sweets of Deepawali do not reach,” Yogi said in his address.

Simultaneously, the UP government has extended the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) till Holi next year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 05, 2020, had laid the foundation stone of Ayodhya Ram Mandir. Since then the city of Ayodhya has seen many celebrations along with major infrastructural developments.

Adityanath in June had announced that the state government will develop Ayodhya as a religious, Vedic and solar city with world-class facilities. Laid on a historical, cultural and spiritual foundation, Ayodhya is all set to become a global tourist destination while being a sustainable city.

Share of stubble burning in Delhi air pollution may go up from 8% to 45% in the next three days

OpIndia Staff
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Share of stubble burning in Delhi air pollution may go up from 8% to 45% in the next three days

On November 3, the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR)’s forecast said that as the winds are coming from the northwest of Delhi, they would bring pollutants from stubble burning hotspots in Punjab and Haryana. It would increase its share in overall pollution in Delhi to 35% to 45%.

Central Pollution Control Board bulletin said that the overall air quality of Delhi has been marked as ‘very poor’ on Wednesday. The AQI was at 314, with PM10 and PM2.5 contributing as the main pollutants. On Tuesday, it was 303. The National Capital Region that includes Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bulandshahr and Noida also marked air quality as ‘very poor’ on Wednesday.

SAFAR said the air quality would deteriorate further from Thursday onwards, with a large contribution coming from stubble burning. Currently, its contribution stands at around 20% of overall air pollution in Delhi, which was 8% earlier. Stubble pollution adds a large quantity of PM2.5 to the national capital’s air.

As the local conditions in the national capital are predicted to be very calm for the next three days, the dispersion of the pollutants would be difficult. India Meteorological Department has forecasted that there would be strong winds on November 7 that would provide some relief.

‘Stubble burning is the main issue’

Recently, during a hearing over the firecrackers ban, Supreme Court had said that firecrackers are a temporary issue while stubble burning is the main issue. Acknowledging that the court did not get time to hear the issue, the two-judge bench of Justices MR Shah and AS Bopanna said that they’d take up the issue for hearing after Diwali vacation.

On November 1, three days before Diwali, Delhi’s air quality was already in very poor category, majorly due to stubble burning in the neighbouring states, especially in Punjab. The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR)’s data placed Delhi’s AQI at 302. The farmers in Punjab, Haryana etc., have been extensively burning stubble, causing a steep increase in the pollution in the national capital.

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