Residents across Delhi and adjoining areas woke up to dense smog on Saturday morning, with air quality levels edging close to the ‘severe’ category in several locations

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 390 at 8 am, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. However, multiple monitoring stations in the national capital recorded AQI readings in the ‘severe’ range.

Areas reporting severe air quality included Anand Vihar (435), Ghazipur (435), Jahangirpuri (442), Rohini (436), Chandni Chowk (419), Burari Crossing (415), and RK Puram (404). The high pollution levels were accompanied by a mix of smog and shallow fog, which reduced visibility in several parts of the city during the early hours.

Smog reduces visibility, health risks rise

As per AQI classification, readings between 401 and 500 fall under the ‘severe’ category, indicating serious health risks. Officials note that prolonged exposure at such levels can trigger respiratory problems even among healthy individuals, while those with existing conditions face higher risks.

Dangerous pollution levels have become a recurring concern in Delhi during the winter months. On Friday as well, a thick haze covered the city, with the overall AQI recorded at 386 and visibility remaining poor in several localities.

Delhi airport activates low visibility procedures

Amid the deteriorating air quality, Delhi airport issued an advisory stating that low visibility procedures were in place. In a post on X, the airport confirmed that flight operations were normal at present but advised passengers to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest updates.

Despite some marginal improvement over recent weeks, large parts of the capital continue to remain under a blanket of toxic smog. The worsening situation has also intensified political sparring over pollution control measures in the city.

A Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist carrying an AK rifle was arrested by the Border Security Force in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor sector while attempting to infiltrate from across the border, according to official sources.

The arrested individual has been identified as Abdul Khalik, a resident of the Budhal area in Rajouri district. Security officials said Khalik was working as an overground worker for a terror network active in the Poonch and Rajouri regions.

Terrorist crossed over to Pakistan for training

Preliminary investigations revealed that Khalik had gone missing from his native area a few years ago and had crossed into Pakistan, where he allegedly received arms training. He was intercepted by alert BSF personnel near the International Border during an infiltration attempt and was subsequently taken into custody.

After his arrest, Khalik was handed over to the local police for further questioning and legal action.

Security agencies on alert along border areas

Officials view the incident as part of a renewed push to revive terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir by sending back local operatives familiar with the region’s terrain. Security agencies have also stepped up vigilance following inputs that multiple launch pads across the border have been reactivated after a prolonged lull.

Authorities said enhanced surveillance and counter-infiltration measures are in place across vulnerable sectors in the Jammu region to prevent further attempts.

The Central government has moved a proposal to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGA), one of the country’s largest social security programmes, with the matter now placed before the Union Cabinet for approval. As per the proposal, the scheme could be rebranded as Pujya Bapu Gramin Rozgar Yojana

Preparations are underway to roll out the restructured programme, which is expected to increase the guaranteed employment days for rural households to 125 days per year, up from the current provision of at least 100 days.

Higher allocation and expanded employment guarantee

According to the information shared, the government is working on allocating more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore for the revamped rural employment scheme. The proposed changes are aimed at strengthening income support for poor families living in rural areas.

MNREGA, enacted as a labour law and social security measure, provides unskilled manual work to eligible rural households and legally guarantees the right to employment. At present, around 154 million people are employed under the programme, with women accounting for nearly one-third of the beneficiaries.

Background of the scheme

The employment guarantee programme was launched during the Manmohan Singh-led government and was initially known as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. In 2009, it was renamed after Mahatma Gandhi.

A key feature of the scheme is its decentralised structure, with the Panchayati Raj institutions responsible for ensuring 50 per cent of the work. Another crucial provision mandates that if employment is not provided within 15 days of application, beneficiaries are entitled to an unemployment allowance.

The proposal to rename the flagship scheme and expand its scope is currently awaiting Cabinet consideration, after which a formal decision is expected.