US President Donald Trump (Photo credit: AP)

US President Donald Trump on Monday filed a defamation lawsuit against the BBC, accusing Britain’s public service broadcaster of misleadingly editing a speech he delivered to supporters in Washington on January 6, 2021, shortly before the US Capitol was stormed. The January 2021 attack on the US Capitol sought to block Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. Trump has repeatedly denied responsibility for the violence.According to Reuters, the lawsuit was filed in federal court in Miami. Trump has alleged that edited clips aired by the BBC falsely suggested he urged supporters to storm the Capitol, causing him serious reputational and financial damage.Trump claims the broadcaster stitched together excerpts from different parts of his speech including remarks urging supporters to march to the Capitol and another in which he said “fight like hell” — while excluding a passage calling for peaceful protest. He argues that the edit created a misleading impression of a direct call for violence.

BBC’s response so far

The BBC did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit, according to The Guardian. However, the broadcaster has previously apologised, conceding an “error of judgment”, and acknowledged that the edit gave a mistaken impression. It has maintained that there is no legal basis for a defamation claim.In a statement issued earlier, a BBC spokesperson said lawyers had replied to Trump’s legal notice, adding: “While the BBC sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited, we strongly disagree there is a basis for a defamation claim.”

What the edited clip showed?

The disputed clip featured in an episode of Panorama broadcast shortly before the 2024 US presidential election. The controversy triggered one of the biggest crises in the BBC’s 103-year history and led to the resignations of director general Tim Davie and BBC News chief Deborah Turness last month, The Guardian reported. The broadcaster has said it does not intend to rebroadcast the documentary on any of its platforms.According to The Guardian, the edit drawn from sections of Trump’s speech delivered almost an hour apart gave the impression that he told the crowd: “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol and I’ll be there with you, and we fight. We fight like hell.”A spokesperson for Trump’s legal team said the edited footage, aired in the run-up to the 2024 election, amounted to a “brazen attempt” to interfere in the contest. “The BBC has a long pattern of deceiving its audience in coverage of President Trump, all in service of its own leftist political agenda,” the spokesperson said. “President Trump’s powerhouse lawsuit is holding the BBC accountable for its defamation and reckless election interference.”The row intensified after the leak of a BBC memo by an external editorial standards adviser, which raised concerns over how the programme had been edited as part of a wider review into alleged political bias at the publicly funded broadcaster. The documentary was not aired in the United States.Trump’s lawyers argue that the BBC acted “intentionally, maliciously, and deceptively”. In the filing, Trump is seeking damages of at least $5 billion.Speaking earlier to reporters, Trump said: “We’ll sue them for anywhere between $1bn and $5bn probably sometime next week. I think I have to do it. They cheated. They changed the words coming out of my mouth,” as quoted by the BBC. In a separate interview, he said: “I think I have an obligation to do it. If you don’t do it, you don’t stop it from happening again with other people.”Legal experts cited by Reuters say Trump faces a high legal threshold under US law. As a public figure, he must prove not only that the edit was false and defamatory, but also that the BBC knowingly misled viewers or acted with reckless disregard for the truth, given strong constitutional protections for free speech and the press.The BBC is expected to argue that the programme was substantially accurate, that its editing did not materially distort the meaning of the speech, or that Trump’s reputation was not harmed. In the UK, defamation claims must be filed within a year of publication, a deadline that has passed for the Panorama episode which may explain why Trump has chosen to sue in the US.Trump’s lawsuit argues that the Florida court has jurisdiction because the BBC conducts “substantial” business in the state, including through its website and the BritBox streaming service, which operates in the US.The case adds to a series of legal actions Trump has brought against media organisations. While CBS and ABC have settled lawsuits with him following his 2024 election victory, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and an Iowa newspaper have denied wrongdoing in cases filed against them.

The air in Abu Dhabi is thick with anticipation as the IPL 2026 mini-auction is set to begin tomorrow, December 16th. With franchise war chests loaded—especially for teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (₹64.3 Cr) and Chennai Super Kings (₹43.4 Cr)—and only 77 available slots to fill, the competition will be fierce. While global stars like Cameron Green and Wanindu Hasaranga will command attention, history proves that it is the premium Indian players who dictate the auction’s strategic flow and ignite the most explosive bidding wars. As teams look to plug crucial gaps in their domestic core, some Indian cricketers, possessing unique and high-demand skill sets, are perfectly poised to break the bank and become the headlining stories of the day.

5 Indian players who can trigger a bidding war in the IPL 2026 auction

1) Ravi Bishnoi

Despite a challenging IPL 2025 season (Economy Rate over 10), Bishnoi remains the most valuable Indian spin property available. His high base price of ₹2 Crore reflects the strategic value franchises place on a young, capped wrist-spinner. Notably, Indian wrist-spinners who can be reliable wicket-takers in the middle overs are a structural necessity for almost every team. Furthermore, Bishnoi has shown the ability to bowl in the powerplay, a tactical ace few Indian spinners possess.

Teams like CSK, playing on a spin-friendly pitch and needing a long-term Indian option, and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who need to balance their pace attack with a wicket-taking spinner, are expected to enter a fierce bidding war.

2) Venkatesh Iyer

Venkatesh Iyer’s release by KKR after a high-price season (₹23.75 Cr) shocked many. However, his base price of ₹2 Crore still puts him in the top bracket, highlighting his perceived value. The scarcity of a left-handed Indian batting all-rounder who can open or anchor the middle order while offering handy seam bowling is immense. Iyer’s versatility allows a team to adjust their entire batting line-up without using an overseas slot.

While KKR may attempt to buy him back at a lower price, they will face stiff competition. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), with a substantial purse and a need to bolster their middle-order power, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who were keen on him previously and require more Indian batting depth, will likely push his price further.

Also READ: 5 overseas players that franchises can target in IPL 2026 Auction ft. Cameron Green

3) Prithvi Shaw

After going unsold in the last auction, Prithvi Shaw has registered at a modest ₹75 Lakh and is notably placed in the opening set of Capped Batters. His recent domestic form revival for Maharashtra, including a strong Ranji Trophy run, has put him back in the spotlight. Teams needing an explosive Indian opener to maximize the Powerplay, a strategy that is non-negotiable in modern T20 cricket, will target him. His career IPL strike rate is a proven asset.

As one of the first players up, he will benefit from teams having their full purse and a clear, immediate need for an opener. His former team, Delhi Capitals (DC), is reportedly keen to re-acquire him, while KKR, with the biggest purse and a need for a dynamic Indian opener, are prime candidates to launch a bidding war that could easily push his price.

4) Sarfaraz Khan

Like Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan is featured in the initial Capped Batters set, registering at a very attractive base price of ₹75 Lakh. His domestic record is undeniable: a First-Class average of over 63 and recent white-ball heroics. Franchises desperately need Indian batters who can handle the pressure of the middle-order, rotate strike, and accelerate at the death. Sarfaraz offers a rare combination of composure and power, especially in the context of filling the crucial No. 4 or No. 5 slot.

His low base price is almost certain to be ignored as teams prioritize his current form over his inconsistent IPL past. Teams that have secured their top-order and now seek an experienced, in-form Indian middle-order anchor—such as Gujarat Titans (GT) or SRH—will drive his bidding, expecting him to fetch a price in the big bracket.

5) Akash Madhwal

Akash Madhwal’s base price in the Uncapped category makes him the ultimate value-for-money high-potential asset on the auction list. His defining moment remains his record-breaking 5/5 spell in the IPL 2023 Eliminator. Indian pacers who can execute yorkers reliably in the death overs are the rarest asset in the IPL. Madhwal has proven his ability to perform in high-pressure knockout scenarios.

While he was with Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2025, his value far exceeds his modest base price. Teams that miss out on the top-tier Indian pacers, or those looking to add high-impact Indian depth to their bowling unit, will see him as a steal. Every team, especially Punjab Kings (PBKS) and DC, will vie for him. Expect an exponential jump in his bidding, as he is a top uncapped talent who could land a mega deal.

Also READ: 5 uncapped stars who can trigger a bidding war in IPL 2026 mini auction

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta shakes hands with footballer Lionel Messi (ANI Photo/Naveen Sharma)

Delhi’s worsening air quality cast a shadow over Lionel Messi’s farewell appearance in India, as a section of the crowd at the Arun Jaitley Stadium voiced its anger at the political leadership even while welcoming the global football icon. As Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stepped onto the stage on Monday to receive Messi during the final leg of the GOAT India Tour, chants of “AQI, AQI” rang out from parts of the stands. The reaction came amid hazardous pollution levels in the national capital, with the Air Quality Index touching 498 in the morning before easing slightly to 427 by evening, remaining in the ‘severe’ category for the third consecutive day. Visibility across the city dropped sharply, with a thick haze obscuring the skyline. The chants contrasted sharply with the celebratory atmosphere inside the stadium, where nearly 25,000 fans had gathered to catch a glimpse of Messi. The Delhi leg marked the conclusion of a tour that had begun chaotically in Kolkata but ended on a more organised note in the capital. Spectators packed the stands, many wearing Argentina’s blue and white jersey with the iconic No. 10, while celebrities and dignitaries watched from inside the ground. Messi, speaking briefly in Spanish, thanked the crowd for the affection shown throughout his India visit. He described the experience as intense but unforgettable, saying the love he received exceeded expectations and promising that he would return to India someday, possibly to play a match. After arriving at the stadium, Messi walked around the field smiling, watched the 7×7 celebrity match conclude, and waved repeatedly to the crowd. Alongside Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, he kicked footballs into the stands during a lap of honour and later felicitated the Minerva Academy football team. The reception was notably freer than in Kolkata, where heavy security and political entourages had limited fan interaction. The tightly scripted 30-minute programme revolved largely around Messi. He was joined on stage by Rekha Gupta, ICC chairman Jay Shah, DDCA president Rohan Jaitley and former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia towards the end of the event. While Messi mania dominated the evening, the chants inside the stadium underlined a growing public frustration over Delhi’s air crisis, turning a celebratory sporting moment into a pointed reminder of the capital’s ongoing environmental emergency.

New Delhi: Noting that the social evil of dowry still prevails showing the ineffectiveness of the anti-dowry laws and at the same time the law is being misused by women for ulterior motives, Supreme Court Monday said this contradiction needed to be resolved as it is creating judicial tension.A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol & N K Singh highlighted this issue while convicting a man and his 94-year old mother in dowry death case when a 20-year old girl burnt to death in 2001 for not fulfilling the demand for a colour television, a motorcycle and Rs 15,000 cash. Bringing the curtain down on the case after almost a quarter of century, the court awarded life imprisonment to the husband but refrained from incarcerating the mother considering her old age.The bench expressed concern over delay in deciding the case and passed a series of directions for social measures to tackle the menace of dowry by spreading awareness among youth as the law had been ineffective in curbing the practice.“While on the one hand, the law suffers from ineffectiveness and so, the malpractice of dowry remains rampant, on the other hand, the provisions of this (Dowry Prohibition) Act have also been used to ventilate ulterior motives along with Section 498-A, IPC. This oscillation between ineffectiveness and misuse creates a judicial tension which needs urgent resolution. While this urgent resolution cannot be stressed upon enough, at the same time it is necessary to be recognised that particularly when it comes to the giving and taking of dowry, this practice unfortunately has deep roots in society, hence, it not being a matter of swift change, instead needs concentrated effort on part of all the involved parties, be it legislature, law enforcement, judiciary, civil society organisations etc,” the bench said.In this case a 20-year old Nasrin was set on fire by pouring kerosene oil on her and she died within a year of her marriage. The trial court convicted both her husband and mother-in-law but Allahabad HC set aside the conviction and acquitted them. The HC decision was based on one part of the deceased father’s statement in which she said that his daughter was happily married.Setting aside HC order and convicting both the accused, SC said, “When the harassment for dowry is proved and so is the fact that such harassment was made soon before her death, then a mere statement of one of the witnesses that she was apparently happy, would not save the Respondents from guilt”.“The HC appears to have been misdirected by the use of the word ‘happily’, at least insofar as the testimony of PW1 (father) is concerned. Reading the entire statement as extracted herein above, clearly establishes that the deceased went back to her matrimonial home having been persuaded and assured by her father. He also states that she had been assaulted and dowry had been demanded from her. Therefore, the use of one word does not colour the entire tenor of the evidence. The sum of the evidence is to be understood, taking into account all aspects testified to therein,” the bench said.As the present case took 24 years to be concluded, SC said there would be many such similar cases and requested all high courts to take stock of the situation, ascertain the number of cases pending dealing with Section 304-B, 498-A from the earliest to the latest for expeditious disposal.

Citigroup maintained its buy rating on Maruti Suzuki with the target price hiked to Rs 19,000 from Rs 18,900 earlier. Analysts said they were making minor changes to their estimates for the company’s numbers to account for the recent strength in volume growth. They increased the volume growth for Maruti for FY26 to FY28 by 2–3%, and trimmed margin assumptions, accounting for slightly lower gross margins. They said the company’s earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) and earnings estimates over FY26 – FY28 were increased by 0–1%.CLSA has upgraded its rating on JSW Energy to hold with the target price at Rs 486. Analysts said that the stock had, over the last 12 months, underperformed the market by 35%. They believed this underperformance had absorbed its recurring decline in net profit of 17% despite thermal power acquisition, mainly as the Supreme Court reversed a faulty regulatory order curtailing its merchant hydro power volume along with higher funding costs from leveraged M&As. Promoters have stepped-in to address its aggressive leverage via an Rs 3,000 crore equity injection along with a potential Rs 10,000 crore in additional equity. Analysts said while JSWE’s transition has slowed due to its move toward coal asset additions, this thin free-float stock at current valuations looks rich.Nuvama has a buy rating on Amber Enterprises with the target price at Rs 9,100. Analysts said that the company’s management reiterated their guidance, implying a strong 13–15 percentage point outperformance to industry in consumer durables, excellent traction in electronics and gradual improvement in Mobility. The management also highlighted deeper backward integration and recent acquisitions strengthen Amber’s capabilities and margin profile in the electronics business. Baking in recent takeover and raw material cost inflation yields a modest 6%/2% cut in FY26/27 earnings per share, analysts said.Jefferies has a buy rating on TBO Tek with the target price raised to Rs 1,950 from Rs 1,800 earlier. Analysts said that the management underscored sustained relevance of offline agents amid rising luxury and experiential travel demand. TBO is scaling AI tools to empower advisors, while partners like Emirates, Hilton value its reach, curated content, and service depth. With key account manager investments tapering, margin turnaround is underway.Morgan Stanley has initiated its coverage of Lenskart Tech at equal weight and a target price at Rs 445. Analysts said Lenskart is a distinctive play on shifting lifestyle dynamics and is largely insulated from macro headwinds. They believe the company has elements to be Essilor Luxottica (global eyewear leader) from India, given its leading position and fully integrated business model. However, at current levels the stock is fairly valued.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

Actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, were found dead in their Brentwood home on Sunday afternoon.According to the People, the couple was killed by their son Nick, multiple sources confirm to PEOPLE. As per TMZ, the couple was stabbed. Till now there is no information from the police confirming that Nick killed his parents or the motive behind the death.

The Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery Homicide Division is still investigating the incident. Authorities have not released further details regarding a motive or how the deaths occurred.Officers were called to the home Sunday afternoon, where they discovered a man and woman with stab wounds, according to cops and sources.LA Fire Department paramedics were called to the home on Chadbourne Avenue around 3.30 pm.The Los Angeles Fire Department told NBC Los Angeles that a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were found dead inside the home.Within a few minutes, LAPD officers were dispatched to the home for a report of an “ambulance death investigation,” which is LAPD terminology when officers are called by firefighters to the discovery of a death.“On December 14th, at around 1540 hours, LAPD Officers assigned to West LA Division responded to a death investigation in the 200 block of South Chadbourne Avenue. Once inside the residence, officers discovered two decedents. The identity of the decedents has not yet been confirmed. Robbery Homicide Division (RHD) responded to the residence, which has been identified as the home of Rob Reiner,” said LAPD in a statement before the identity of the couple was confirmed.Rob Reiner, the son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, carved out an influential career as an actor, director, writer and producer across five decades, according to the Variety.He first became a household name as Michael “Meathead” Stivic on All in the Family, earning two Emmy Awards for his performance on the groundbreaking sitcom. Transitioning behind the camera, Reiner made his directorial debut with the improvisational cult classic This Is Spinal Tap (1984), in which he also appeared.He followed it with an extraordinary run of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, including Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, Misery and A Few Good Men, showcasing rare versatility across genres. In 1987, he co-founded Castle Rock Entertainment, producing numerous hits.Though his later films were less commercially successful, Reiner continued making deeply personal and political projects.A vocal progressive activist, he remained committed to storytelling over profit. His most recent work was Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.Reiner and his wife are survived by children, Jake, Nick and Romy. He was the adoptive father of actress Tracy Reiner, the daughter of his first wife, the late actress and director Penny Marshall.

IPL 2026 mini-auction kicks off on December 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, drawing global attention with 350 shortlisted players vying for 77 slots across 10 franchises. This one-day event features a combined purse of ₹237.55 crore, spotlighting uncapped talents amid strategic team rebuilds post-November retentions. Among the buzz, five teenage prodigies aged 18 stand out, blending raw pace, spin wizardry, explosive batting, and all-round promise to potentially ignite T20 futures.​

Top 5 youngest cricketers heading to the auction table

1. Wahidullah Zadran (born November 15, 2007)

Wahidullah Zadran, at 18 years and 31 days, headlines as the youngest bidder with his right-arm off-spin at a ₹30 lakh base price. His T20 ledger boasts 22 wickets across 16 outings at an economy of 6.39, including ILT20 stints for Gulf Giants where he snared two scalps. Currently shining in the U-19 Asia Cup in Dubai, Zadran dominated Youth ODIs against Bangladesh with 11 wickets in four games, marking him as Afghanistan‘s top youth strike bowler.​

2. Sahil Parakh (born June 7, 2007)

Sahil Parakh, 18 years and 192 days old, offers left-handed opening fireworks from Maharashtra at ₹30 lakh. He amassed 202 runs in eight Maharashtra Premier League matches at a 177.19 strike rate, powering Eagle Nashik Titans to glory. Despite modest Syed Mushtaq Ali scores of 18 and 6 on senior debut, his unbeaten 109 off 75 balls against Australia U-19 underscores powerplay dominance.​

Also READ: Sanjay Bangar picks IPL 2026 auction’s biggest “steal deal”

3. R.S. Ambrish (born May 28, 2007)

R.S. Ambrish, turning 18 years and 202 days (born May 28, 2007), brings left-handed batting and right-arm medium pace from Tamil Nadu for ₹30 lakh. In two Ranji Trophy games, he tallied 43 runs including a top score of 28, plus two wickets at 3.43 economy. Youth stats dazzle with 125 runs at 31.25 average and 10 wickets in eight Youth ODIs, alongside a 29 batting average and six scalps in three Youth Tests.​

4. Bayanda Majola (born January 8, 2007)

Bayanda Majola, 18 years and 342 days, unleashes right-arm fast bowling at ₹30 lakh base, backed by Pretoria Capitals‘ SA20 faith. His U-19 haul includes 14 wickets in seven matches at 4.45 economy, plus a senior debut 2/56 for South Africa Emerging Players. Selected for the 2026 U-19 World Cup, Majola eyes IPL breakthroughs despite limited T20 senior exposure.​

5. Vihaan Malhotra (born January 1, 2007)

Vihaan Malhotra, 18 years and 349 days, idolizes Shubman Gill as Punjab’s left-handed opener listed at ₹30 lakh. On England‘s youth tour, he piled 243 runs in five Youth ODIs (third-highest) and 277 in four Youth Test innings (second-top). Vice-captain at the ongoing U-19 Asia Cup in Dubai, Malhotra awaits senior debut but promises IPL stability.

Also READ: Fans react as India lights up Dharamsala with clinical win over South Africa in the third T20I

The data for this weather forecast has been sourced from AQI.in, providing residents with comprehensive information to plan their daily activities and weekly schedules accordingly.Mumbai experienced a sunny and pleasant day on December 16, 2025, marked by clear skies and comfortable temperatures. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 30.3°C and a minimum of 22°C. This occurred despite the previous day’s air quality being categorized as ‘Poor‘, with an AQI-IN of 146. Elevated levels of PM2.5 and PM10 were identified as primary contributors to the air quality dip on December 15. The current weather conditions are anticipated to aid in pollutant dispersion. The week ahead is projected to maintain consistently sunny weather, with temperatures gradually increasing. Residents are advised to take precautions for outdoor activities, including carrying masks in high-traffic areas and using sun protection. The city has observed a gradual decrease in pollution levels over the past week, offering prospects for improved air quality during the holiday season.

Today’s Weather Overview

Mumbai woke up to a sunny morning on December 16, 2025. Clear skies were observed across the city. Pleasant temperatures characterized the start of the day. The day promises to stay warm. However, it is expected to remain comfortable. A maximum temperature of 30.3°C is forecast. The minimum temperature for the day is 22°C.The sun is out in full force today. This contributes to a warm and clear day across the city. The day’s average temperature will hover around 25.7°C. Humidity levels are moderate, recorded at 39%. Winds will be gentle throughout the day. They are blowing at approximately 15.1 km/h. There is no chance of rain today. This means umbrellas can be left at home.The morning hours are considered perfect for a walk. Outdoor yoga activities are also suitable during this time. The afternoon might feel a bit warm. However, it is not expected to be unbearable. As evening approaches, a cool breeze is anticipated. This will make it ideal for a stroll along Marine Drive. A quiet dinner on a balcony would also be suitable.

Previous Day’s Air Quality

Yesterday’s air quality, on December 15, was less than ideal. The AQI-IN registered at 146. This measurement falls into the ‘Poor‘ category. Mumbai’s air quality took a hit on this day.The primary culprits for the reduced air quality were PM2.5 and PM10. Levels of PM2.5 were recorded at 73 µg/m³. PM10 levels reached 92 µg/m³. Carbon monoxide levels also rose slightly. They were measured at 293 µg/m³.This dip in air quality could have caused discomfort for individuals with respiratory issues. This was particularly true in traffic-heavy areas.

Precautions and Outdoor Activities

While today’s weather might help disperse some pollutants, precautions are still advised. It is a good idea to carry a mask. This is recommended if heading into high-traffic areas. Downtown or industrial zones are specific examples.Today’s clear skies and wind might help improve conditions slightly. However, it is still advisable to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure. This applies to highly polluted zones.Given today’s sunny weather, it is a day to enjoy outdoor activities. These activities should be undertaken with a few precautions. If heading out for a run or walk, early morning or late evening are the best times. The air is cooler and fresher during these periods.For those commuting, especially in areas like Andheri or Dadar, keeping a mask handy is recommended. This helps to minimise exposure to lingering pollutants. Individuals planning to spend time outdoors during the day should not forget sunglasses. Sunscreen is also important to protect against the strong midday sun.

The Week Ahead

The coming week in Mumbai looks consistently sunny. Temperatures are projected to climb gradually. Tuesday, December 17, will see highs of 30.7°C. Wednesday, December 18, is expected to reach highs of 31°C.Humidity levels are forecast to stay in the low 40s throughout the week. Nights will remain relatively cool. Lows around 23°C are anticipated.The weekend, from December 20 to 22, might bring a slight dip in daytime temperatures. These temperatures are expected to range from 29.2°C to 29.6°C. Overall, the weather remains dry and pleasant. The weather conditions are suitable for outdoor plans. These could include picnics or beach visits.

Pollution Trend and Outlook

December has presented a mixed bag for Mumbai’s air quality. Yesterday’s AQI of 146 represents a slight improvement. This is compared to Sunday’s AQI of 175.The city has observed a gradual decrease in pollution levels over the past week. This trend is attributed to steady winds and clear skies. If the trend continues, we might finally see a cleaner holiday season in the air.-Source: Data referenced in this article is taken from AQI.in.-

NEW DELHI: With severe levels of pollution routinely choking Delhi-NCR during winters, Supreme Court on Monday said a major reason for the ineffectiveness of a slew of orders and protocols to fight noxious air is the reluctance of the rich and affluent to change their lifestyles. The remark was made by a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi after amicus curiae and senior advocate Aparajita Singh complained to the court that air pollution continues to hover around severe levels, causing serious health issues to residents of Delhi-NCR, despite several SC orders putting in place anti-pollution protocols. Singh said, “Implementation of these orders and taking action as per the protocols has always remained tardy.” The CJI-led bench said, “The Supreme Court has passed a number of orders, yet the situation remains unchanged. What is the solution? We must pass practical orders which can be implemented. Otherwise, people will continue to flout it.” The CJI said, “People need to understand the need of the hour and change their lifestyles. The affluent class does not comply with the restrictions and continues to use big diesel-guzzling cars, generators and other polluting gadgets. The pollution caused by vehicles is choking the national capital and surrounding areas. It is the poor and working class who are most exposed to pollution and suffer the most.” In an affidavit last week, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had informed the court that transport sector accounts of 41% of the pollution load on Delhi-NCR’s ambient air, while dust and construction activities accounted for 21%, industry 19%, power plants 5%, residential activities 3% and other sources 11%. It said that while these factors are constant sources of pollution, stubble burning is only a periodic cause restricted to a short span in a year. As the CJI-led bench agreed to hear the air pollution issue on Wednesday, the amicus complained that though SC had barred schools and organisations from conducting sporting events for children, who suffer the most from hazardous air quality, the organisers continue to sidestep the restrictions and conduct such events, putting the well-being of students/children at risk.Another counsel raised the issue of health of schoolgoing kids during severe pollution, through a separate application. The bench said that judicial time cannot be spent hearing arguments from different counsels on the same issue and asked all advocates to give their suggestions to the amicus curiae, who alone would be making submissions on different issues before the court.

Mumbai: A survey of 36 poor air quality index (AQI) sites across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai largely showed “absolute non-compliance” with existing pollution control guidelines. The BMC’s 29-point standard operating procedure (SOP), though technically comprehensive, has not translated into effective on-ground implementation across areas inspected, said a fresh panel set up by the Bombay high court.The compliance across 17 under-construction sites, three ready-mix cement plants, seven road sites, and five infrastructure sites was more “reactive, rather than proactive”, with compliance intensifying after the HC’s suo motu PIL hearing following the recent spike in Mumbai’s AQI, said the panel on Monday. “Water sprinklers, fogging, and smog guns are deployed in a limited, ad hoc, or cosmetic manner and appear largely confined to areas where authorities claim clear jurisdiction,” and vehicles carrying demolition waste had no tracking system, while road cleaning activities were “often spreading pollution” not suppressing it with no wetting measures, the panel observed.Set up by the Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad, the panel comprising SGNP conservator of forests, Anita Patil, advocates Karan Bhosale, Namrata Vinod, and Anant Mallya was tasked with checking ground reality by visiting various parts. The CJ on Monday said, “Let us find some solution” and asked the developer’s body, orally, to inform how many sites are in breach of air pollution mitigation guidelines.Speaking for the panel, advocate Bhosale said they visited sites with high air quality indices (AQIs) from Dec 6 to 13, including RMC plants attached to construction sites. The report said the panel found stop-work notices or inspections were carried out by authorities primarily a few days prior to the committee’s visit. Only four construction sites were found by the panel to be compliant, in Prabhadevi, Cuffe Parade, Navi Mumbai, and Andheri East for sensor-based air quality monitors. At many sites, the monitors are not visible to the public, and readings are not collected in real-time or centralised. Besides, at some sites spread over 10 acres or those with 50-floor construction, there was only one sensor at the entry.The committee said it observed the MPCB air quality monitoring station at Navi Mumbai was poorly maintained and unmanned, and NNMC doesn’t have mandatory CCTV at construction sites. The panel concluded that systemic institutional fragmentation, reactive enforcement, incomplete monitoring data, and the absence of centralised, real-time oversight are the primary factors responsible for sustained air pollution and environmental risk across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.On Monday, the mother of a one-year-old afflicted by coughs and cold due to the incessant digging of roads, cement mixers’ movement, and construction activities invoked the infant’s right to life and filed an intervention plea in the air pollution PIL. Public authorities show scant regard for the plight of babies in the city, with no guidelines to address the growing needs of clean air for children as a preventive measure. Mentioning the plea, Advocate Simil Purohit said that if urgent steps are not resorted to, the city’s so-called development would come at the cost of her “youngest citizens”. The baby is unable to even take proper medicines as its organs are still developing, said the plea. The HC posted its suo motu PIL from 2023 for hearing now on Dec 22. The committee recommended centralised data integration is crucial to ensure AQI does not deteriorate further.