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Delhi Government tries Anti-Smog Guns to kill Air Pollution in the Capital

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Struggling to find ways to deal with the problem of haze and air pollution in the capital, the Delhi government is trying out a novel technique: using ‘anti-smog guns’, which spray water droplets in the air to settle particulate matter, like rain does.

A trial of the anti-smog gun was held in East Delhi at Anand Vihar on Wednesday even as the air quality in the city deteriorated to ‘very poor’ levels and, in Anand Vihar, it entered the ‘severe’ zone with air quality index (AQI) touching 413. (See chart at the bottom for AQI categories).[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]In Delhi, pollution levels usually remain poor during winters primarily due to stubble burning from adjoining state and rapid drop in temperature.

Earlier on Monday, deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and environment minister Imran Hussain had reviewed the trial of fog cannon to control dust particulate matter at the Delhi Secretariat.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]Rising humidity and low wind speed were behind the spike in pollution levels, according to experts. SAFAR, India’s official pollution forecasting system, has claimed that pollution could spike further over the next three days.

“The wind speed dropped from around 15km/hour on Sunday to around 4 km/hour on Wednesday,” said media reports quoting a senior official of the regional weather forecasting centre in New Delhi.

The humidity level was also high, the relative humidity level crossing 80 per cent on Wednesday morning.

“While on one hand, the moisture in the air is trapping the pollutants that are being emitted locally, the low-velocity winds are unable to flush them out. As a result, pollutants are accumulating and pollution in rising gradually,” said D Saha head of the air quality laboratory at the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report.

CPCB data showed that levels of both PM10 and PM2.5 — primary pollutants in Delhi’s air — have almost doubled since Sunday, reported HT.

Experts said Delhi would need some strong winds from the north to flush out the pollutants, but, coming from the Himalayas, these would also send temperatures plummeting.

“Presently, the winds are coming in from the west, as a result of which the minimum temperature is more than the climatic normal. On Wednesday the minimum temperature was 9.6, which is two degrees above the normal,” said a MeT official.

At a meeting on Tuesday to review the detailed action plan of agencies and stakeholders on measures to combat air pollution, Environment secretary Anil Kumar Singh had apprised Lt Governor Anil Baijal of plans for the trial run of anti-smog gun.

The Lt Governor directed authorities to ensure management of municipal solid waste completely in a time frame of 16 months.

“The plan should cover a time-frame not exceeding 16 months and also indicate the exact requirement of funds. The chief secretary has been asked to coordinate and finalise it,” said  the L-G office in a statement.

Delhi-SmogBaijal directed all three corporations to ensure that no methane fires occur at the three landfill sites and for this, they should take help of experts of the Science & Technology Ministry, the statement said.

The L-G also asked all three municipal commissioners to procure requisite mechanical sweepers, litter pickers, water sprinklers within a stipulated time.

The Lt Governor was informed in the meeting that Badarpur Thermal Power Station will be permanently closed by July 2018.

“It was also informed that at present over 800 acres ash pond is in O Zone and NHAI is lifting 600 MT ash daily. The L-G stressed for optimal future utilisation of this huge land parcel. Apart from this, measures to provision full gas for Bawana plant were also discussed,” the statement reportedly said.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

AQI Category, Pollutants and Health Breakpoints
AQI Category (Range) PM10

24-hr

PM2.5

24-hr

NO2

24-hr

O3

8-hr

CO

8-hr (mg/m3)

SO2

24-hr

NH3

24-hr

Pb

24-hr

Good (0-50) 0-50 0-30 0-40 0-50 0-1.0 0-40 0-200 0-0.5
Satisfactory (51-100) 51-100 31-60 41-80 51-100 1.1-2.0 41-80 201-400 0.5 –1.0
Moderately polluted

(101-200)

101-250 61-90 81-180 101-168 2.1- 10 81-380 401-800 1.1-2.0
Poor

(201-300)

251-350 91-120 181-280 169-208 10-17 381-800 801-1200 2.1-3.0
Very poor

(301-400)

351-430 121-250 281-400 209-748* 17-34 801-1600 1200-1800 3.1-3.5
Severe

(401-500)

430 + 250+ 400+ 748+* 34+ 1600+ 1800+ 3.5+

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India News

Indian Army Agniveer CEE Result 2026 declared, ARO-wise merit list released

The Indian Army has announced the Agniveer CEE Result 2026. Candidates can now download the ARO-wise merit list and check their eligibility for the next stages of recruitment.

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Indian Army Agniveer Result

The Indian Army has announced the Agniveer Common Entrance Examination (CEE) Result 2026, allowing candidates to check their qualifying status through the official recruitment portal. The Army Recruitment Office (ARO)-wise merit lists have been uploaded on joinindianarmy.nic.in, where candidates can download the PDF corresponding to their recruitment region.

The merit lists contain the names and roll numbers of candidates who have successfully cleared the written examination and become eligible for the next phase of the Agniveer recruitment process.

How to check Indian Army Agniveer CEE Result 2026

Candidates can access their results by following these steps:

  • Visit the official Indian Army recruitment website.
  • Click on the Agniveer CEE Result 2026 link available on the homepage.
  • Select the relevant Army Recruitment Office (ARO) or recruitment region.
  • Download the merit list PDF.
  • Search for your roll number or name to confirm your qualification status.

What happens after the Agniveer CEE result?

Candidates shortlisted in the Common Entrance Examination will now have to undergo the remaining stages of the recruitment process. These include:

  • Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
  • Physical Measurement Test (PMT)
  • Document Verification (DV)
  • Medical Examination

Only candidates who successfully clear every stage will be considered for final selection under the Agniveer recruitment programme.

Candidates advised to verify details carefully

After downloading the merit list, candidates should carefully check all the information mentioned in the document. If they notice any discrepancy related to their result or personal details, they should immediately contact their respective Army Recruitment Office (ARO) for assistance.

Candidates are also advised to keep checking the official Indian Army recruitment portal for updates regarding the schedule, venue and instructions for the upcoming physical tests, document verification and medical examination.

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India News

Delhi air quality slips to poor as AQI reaches 261, highest in over 85 days

Delhi’s air quality entered the ‘poor’ category after AQI touched 261, its highest level since April 17. Authorities attributed the spike to transnational dust from Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan.

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Delhi air quality

Delhi’s air quality fell into the ‘poor’ category on Sunday after the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 261, marking its highest level in more than 85 days, according to official data.

The reading was the highest since April 17, when the AQI stood at 263. Just a day earlier, Delhi had recorded an AQI of 140, while air quality had largely remained in the ‘moderate’ and ‘satisfactory’ categories for most of the month.

Transnational dust behind spike in pollution

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said the sudden deterioration in Delhi-NCR’s air quality was mainly caused by long-range winds carrying mineral dust generated by storm activity in Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan.

According to the commission, these dust-laden winds reached northwestern India, including Delhi, resulting in a significant rise in PM10 concentrations. Strong surface winds across the Indo-Gangetic Plain also contributed to the increase in pollution levels.

The CAQM said Delhi’s air quality is expected to remain in the ‘poor’ category for the next few days before improving once the transnational dust spell weakens.

No GRAP Stage-I restrictions for now

Despite the worsening air quality, the CAQM decided not to implement GRAP Stage-I restrictions, stating that the current pollution episode has been triggered by transnational dust rather than local emission sources.

However, the commission directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to intensify dust control measures across the city.

As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between 201 and 300 falls under the ‘poor’ category.

Delhi experiences humid weather

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the maximum temperature at Safdarjung reached 36.8 degrees Celsius, which was 1.3 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 28.3 degrees Celsius, one degree above the seasonal average.

Although the actual maximum temperature remained below 37 degrees Celsius, high humidity pushed the feels-like temperature to 45.7 degrees Celsius by 5:30 pm.

Among other weather stations, maximum temperatures were recorded at 37 degrees Celsius at Lodhi Road, 36.6 degrees Celsius at Palam, 36.2 degrees Celsius at Ayanagar and 36 degrees Celsius at Ridge.

Minimum temperatures stood at 27.1 degrees Celsius in Palam, 27.2 degrees Celsius in Lodhi Road, 27.4 degrees Celsius in Ayanagar and 25.6 degrees Celsius at Ridge.

Weather outlook

The IMD has forecast strong surface winds during the daytime on Monday, with the maximum and minimum temperatures likely to remain around 37 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Relative humidity varied between 64 per cent at 8:30 am and 52 per cent at 5:30 pm.

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India News

Red Fort bomb threat declared hoax after extensive security checks in Delhi

Delhi Police declared a bomb threat targeting the Red Fort a hoax after conducting a detailed security search following an alert received from Mumbai Police.

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Delhi’s iconic Red Fort witnessed heightened security on Saturday after authorities received a bomb threat targeting the historic monument. Following a detailed inspection and sanitisation drive, Delhi Police confirmed that the threat was a hoax and no explosives were found.

Threat call routed through Mumbai Police

According to officials, the threat was initially received by the Mumbai Police Control Room. The caller allegedly claimed that the Red Fort would be blown up.

Mumbai Police immediately shared the information with the Delhi Police Control Room, which alerted the North District Police. Security personnel were deployed at the monument, and a comprehensive search operation was launched to ensure public safety.

After completing the inspection, officials ruled out any security risk and declared the threat to be false.

Security concerns remain high after previous terror incident

The latest threat comes around eight months after a deadly vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) blast near the Red Fort Metro Station claimed 15 lives and left several others injured.

Investigators had alleged that the blast was carried out by Umar-un-Nabi, a Kashmiri doctor associated with Al-Falah University in Faridabad, who was driving a Hyundai i20. The explosion occurred on the same day security agencies recovered around 2,900 kg of explosives, including ammonium nitrate, from neighbouring Faridabad in Haryana.

According to investigators, the accused allegedly triggered the explosion after two suspected associates were arrested and the explosives were seized during the operation.

Authorities had identified several other accused linked to the case. Investigators alleged that the group was part of a white-collar terror module associated with Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organisation.

Earlier arrests linked to alleged attack plots

In May, Delhi Police’s Special Cell arrested nine men who were allegedly linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim.

Police alleged that the accused were planning attacks on critical infrastructure and security personnel in Delhi, Mumbai and other parts of the country. According to investigators, potential targets included airports, railway stations, power plants and other vital installations.

Although Saturday’s bomb threat was found to be fake, the incident once again prompted swift security measures at one of the country’s most significant heritage sites.

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