The national capital witnessed a marginal improvement in air quality on Saturday morning, yet pollution levels remained within the ‘poor’ category as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 259 at 8 am, prompting authorities to continue implementing Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR.

Several pockets record severe pollution levels

Despite the slight improvement, several areas continued to report alarming pollution levels. Anand Vihar in east Delhi registered an AQI of 412, placing it in the ‘severe’ category, while RK Puram and Patparganj recorded 265 and 263 respectively — both under the ‘poor’ bracket. Bawana reported a ‘very poor’ AQI of 336, and ITO stood at 248. Dwarka fared comparatively better with 276, still falling under the ‘poor’ category.

Truck-mounted water sprinklers were deployed on Janpath Road to suppress dust and particulate matter, as air pollution persisted unevenly across the city.

Government pushes cloud seeding initiative

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reiterated that cloud seeding has become a necessary experiment to counter Delhi’s pollution crisis. She said it marks the first such attempt in the national capital and expressed optimism that it could bring relief from the worsening air quality.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the government has completed preparations for artificial rain, with cloud formations expected between October 28 and 30. The plan is to conduct physical trials and possibly induce rain on October 29.

Experts warn of health concerns

Former AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria cautioned that the prolonged exposure to high pollution levels can lead to acute respiratory and cardiac issues, particularly among children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing lung conditions. He noted that even healthy individuals are reporting throat irritation, chest tightness, and coughing.

He also pointed out that post-Diwali firecracker use, including so-called “green crackers,” has worsened air pollution further.

Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha has hinted at a “larger conspiracy” behind Thursday evening’s violent clashes in Shantirbazar, Dhalai district, which erupted during a 24-hour statewide bandh called by Tiprasa Civil Society, a group affiliated with BJP’s ally Tipra Motha.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the injured at Agartala Government Medical College and GBP Hospital, Saha condemned the attacks on government officials and civilians, asserting that the unrest appeared to be a deliberate attempt to destabilise the state.

“This is clearly part of a conspiracy. The government will not tolerate such acts, and police have been instructed to act firmly against the culprits,” he said.

Saha’s remarks come at a time of visible strain between the BJP and Tipra Motha. He warned that those trying to “create pressure on the government through violence” would face strict action.

In his earlier social media post, Saha had denounced the “violent attack by Tipra Motha supporters” on Block Development Officer Abhijit Majumder, engineer Animesh Saha, and several local residents, describing the incident as “unacceptable” and directing officials to ensure “swift and strict action.”

When asked whether the bandh-related violence was part of pressure tactics by the alliance partner, the chief minister said, “That pressure will be diminished in due course of time.” On being pressed about factionalism within the BJP, he added that “conspiracy covers everything,” a remark widely viewed as an indirect admission of internal tensions.

Violence During Bandh

The violence reportedly broke out when bandh supporters clashed with local shopkeepers, attacking them and on-duty officials with sticks and rods, and looting valuables. Several police personnel, administrative officers, and a trader named Subrata Paul sustained injuries in the attack.

Tripura BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee also termed the incident a “planned conspiracy” aimed at disturbing law and order and maligning the state’s image.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a heartfelt tribute to veteran advertising icon Piyush Pandey, remembering his creative genius and lasting legacy in Indian advertising. Pandey, who coined the slogan “Ab Ki Baar, Modi Sarkar,” passed away on Friday at the age of 70 after suffering from an infection.

PM Modi remembers “monumental contribution”

Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss. “Shri Piyush Pandey Ji was admired for his creativity. He made a monumental contribution to the world of advertising and communications. I will fondly cherish our interactions over the years. Saddened by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” he wrote.

Pandey’s most recognized work came in 2014 when he helped design the campaign slogan “Ab Ki Baar, Modi Sarkar,” which became one of India’s most memorable political taglines.

Piyush Pandey’s journey in advertising

A stalwart in the industry, Pandey served as the Chief Creative Officer Worldwide and Executive Chairman India at Ogilvy. He began his journey with the company in 1982, creating his first advertisement for Sunlight Detergent. Over the next four decades, he crafted some of India’s most beloved ad campaigns for brands like Fevicol, Cadbury, Vodafone, Ponds, and Asian Paints.

His creativity also extended beyond advertising — Pandey wrote lyrics for the iconic song Mile Sur Mera Tumhara, which promoted national unity, and co-wrote the screenplay for the film Bhopal Express. In 2013, he made a cameo in Madras Cafe starring John Abraham.

Honours and recognition

For his unparalleled contribution to Indian advertising, Piyush Pandey was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2016. Business leaders and creative professionals across the country have remembered him for giving Indian advertising its “Swadeshi swagger.”