Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday called the worsening air pollution in Delhi a “health emergency” and urged the Centre to present a strict, enforceable action plan to tackle the crisis. He also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence as toxic air continues to choke residents of the national capital.

Gandhi said he met several mothers who expressed fear and frustration over their children growing up in severely polluted air. Sharing a video of his conversation with them, he said many families felt helpless as the situation persisted.

Seeks accountability, detailed action plan

In a post on X, the Leader of Opposition said the government was showing “no urgency, no plan, no accountability” despite the alarming conditions. He demanded an immediate debate in Parliament on the pollution emergency and stressed that India’s children deserved clean air instead of “excuses and distractions”.

Gandhi also asked why the government was not taking responsibility for the prolonged deterioration in air quality across the national capital region.

Delhi’s air quality remains in ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ range

Delhi has been struggling with very poor air quality for nearly two weeks. Forecasts by the Air Quality Early Warning System indicate that the pollution levels are expected to stay in the ‘very poor’ category over the coming week as well.

With pollution-linked ailments rising, doctors have advised regular diagnostic screening, especially for asthma patients, children, smokers and those with cardiac or respiratory conditions. Experts warn that toxic air can worsen inflammation, reduce lung capacity and aggravate pre-existing diseases.

US President Donald Trump has announced that he will “permanently pause migration from all Third World countries”, asserting that the move is necessary for the United States to “recover” and “heal”. His remarks were delivered in a Thanksgiving post, where he sharply criticised the Biden administration’s immigration policies and outlined sweeping measures aimed at restricting migration and removing non-citizens who, he says, do not contribute to the country.

Trump said he intends to reverse what he described as “illegal admissions”, end federal benefits for non-citizens, and strip citizenship from migrants who pose security concerns. He also reiterated plans to deport individuals he considers a “public charge” or “non-compatible with Western Civilization”.

The statement came shortly after two members of the National Guard were shot near the White House, an attack Trump called an “act of terror”.

One National Guard member dies after Washington shooting

Trump confirmed that Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, one of the two West Virginia National Guard soldiers shot near Farragut West Metro station on Wednesday, died of her injuries. The ambush occurred while Trump was in Florida.

The alleged shooter was identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the US in September 2021, according to enforcement officials.

‘Reverse migration’ needed, says Trump

In his post, Trump said his actions aim to significantly reduce “illegal and disruptive populations”, adding that only “reverse migration” can address the current situation. He accused the Biden administration of admitting migrants through an “unauthorized and illegal” approval process.

Concluding his message, he wished Americans a Happy Thanksgiving but added that those who “hate, steal, murder, and destroy” would “not be here for long”.

Attacks on foreign populations and Minnesota officials

Trump also targeted Somali refugees in Minnesota, alleging that gangs from the community are creating fear on the streets. He accused the Minnesota Governor of failing to address the situation due to “fear or incompetence”.

He further criticised Ilhan Omar, accusing her of complaining about the US despite her origins in a “crime ridden” nation.

Comments on America’s foreign-born population

Citing Census estimates, Trump claimed that the US foreign-born population stood at 53 million, alleging that “most are on welfare” or come from “failed nations” or criminal backgrounds. He said American citizens continue to support this population despite personal discomfort.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin will travel to India on December 4-5 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Moscow. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the visit comes on the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to the government, the two leaders will assess ongoing bilateral cooperation, set future goals for the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, and discuss key regional and global developments of mutual concern.

President Droupadi Murmu will receive Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan and host a banquet in his honour.

Talks expected to focus on bilateral progress

PM Modi and Putin are expected to review major areas of cooperation, including trade, investments, defence ties and energy engagements. India has remained one of the key buyers of Russian oil, despite global pressure and criticism.

The visit is also significant as India continues to balance ties with both Russia and the United States. New Delhi’s continued oil imports from Moscow earlier led to punitive tariffs imposed by the US.

Background of the visit

Putin’s India trip was first indicated in August during National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s visit to Moscow. The dates were finalised later.

The two leaders last met informally in September during the SCO Summit in China, where they held discussions inside the Russian president’s limousine.

Earlier this month, PM Modi conveyed his greetings to Putin when Nikolai Patrushev, a senior Russian official, met him in Delhi.

Putin’s reduced foreign travel

The Russian president has made limited overseas trips since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict due to an International Criminal Court warrant. India is not a party to the ICC, and therefore, has no obligation to act on the warrant.

Bilateral ties remain strong

India and Russia share decades-old defence and economic cooperation. Moscow remains a major defence supplier to India, while New Delhi continues as an important buyer of Russian crude.

The summit is expected to reinforce this long-standing partnership.