GRAP-IV triggers hybrid learning in Delhi schools as AQI crosses severe levels

Delhi schools hybrid classes 2025: Schools across Delhi shifted to hybrid classes for students from Classes 1 to 9 and Class 11 with immediate effect as air quality deteriorated to severe levels and authorities enforced stricter measures under the Graded Response Action Plan, stage IV.The Directorate of Education issued directions to all government, government-aided and unaided recognised private schools, as well as institutions run by NDMC, MCD and the Delhi Cantonment Board, to allow both physical and online attendance wherever feasible.Hybrid learning for most classesThe order stated that schools must conduct classes in a hybrid mode, combining in-person teaching with online lessons, for children up to Class IX and Class XI, while Classes X and XII were excluded from the arrangement.In the circular, the Directorate clarified that the option to attend online classes, where available, would rest with students and their guardians, and schools were instructed to immediately inform parents of the change.Monitoring and compliance measuresDistrict and zonal education officers were directed to visit schools under their jurisdiction to ensure proper compliance with the instructions, according to officials quoted by the TNN in the report.Air quality triggers GRAP-IVDelhi recorded its worst air quality of the year, with the 24-hour average AQI standing at 431, while readings later crossed 450, pushing pollution into the severe plus category, officials said in statements cited by the TNN.The Commission for Air Quality Management imposed stage III measures earlier in the day before escalating to stage IV as conditions worsened, citing unfavourable meteorological factors, calm winds and pollutant accumulation, according to details shared with the TNN.

Work-from-home and transport restrictionsAlongside school measures, the Delhi government ordered all public and private offices to operate with no more than 50 per cent staff physically present, while the remaining employees were required to work from home.The restrictions also included a ban on construction and demolition activities, limits on non-essential truck entry, and prohibitions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, while essential services such as hospitals, public transport and utilities were exempted, officials told the TNN.Officials said the measures were aimed at preventing further deterioration in air quality, advising children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses to avoid outdoor activities until pollution levels show sustained improvement, according to advisories referenced by the TNN.Authorities stated that all stages of GRAP remain in force across Delhi-NCR, and enforcement agencies have been instructed to ensure strict implementation of the curbs until further orders, a senior official said in conversation with the TNN. No timeline for easing restrictions was indicated in the communication issued to concerned departments.

NEW DELHI: Delhi and its neighbouring areas were blanketed in dense smog on Sunday, as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to hazardous levels. Early morning readings from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the AQI at 491 at 7 am, categorising the air as “severe plus”.A thick layer of smog severely reduced visibility across the capital, causing discomfort for commuters.

All 40 monitoring stations in the city recorded “severe” pollution levels, with Rohini in northwest Delhi topping the chart at 499. Jahangirpuri and Vivek Vihar followed closely with AQI readings of 495.The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) — the strictest pollution control measure under the winter plan — following the record-high readings.Under Stage IV measures

Experts attributed the spike to high emissions combined with low wind speeds, winter inversion conditions, and poor pollutant dispersion. Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director at the Centre for Science and Environment, said: “This is a stark reminder of the urgent need to reduce emissions from vehicles, industries, waste burning, construction, and household fuels.”The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also issued a yellow alert for dense fog in isolated parts of Delhi, with visibility dropping below 200 metres in some areas. Moderate fog is expected throughout the day.Delhi last experienced a “severe plus” AQI day on 19 December last year, when the index hit 451. Authorities have warned that meteorological conditions are likely to remain unfavourable in the coming days.CM Rekha Gupta stated that no stubble-burning incidents had been recorded in Delhi this year, crediting coordinated efforts by agriculture and environment departments. However, data from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute reported five cases in the north district.Residents have been urged to minimise outdoor activity and follow all safety measures issued by CAQM and government authorities.

Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’ made it to the 70 mm on December 5, 2025. The movie successfully entered its second week on Friday and has shown no signs of slowing down so far. As a matter of fact, the Ranveer Singh, Akshay Khanna, R, Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt starrer has only seen an upward graph since Friday. According to the latest trade numbers, the Aditya Dhar espionage drama has crossed Rs.290 crore mark and is on its way to make over Rs. 300 crore by the end of its second week. At this pace, the movie will soon beat the lifetime collection of Ranveer and Deepika Padukone’s ‘Padmaavat’ and become Singh’s highest-earning movie ever. Read more for the detailed box office report of ‘Dhurandhar.’

‘Dhurandhar’ to cross Rs 300 crore mark

Based on real-life incidents, ‘Dhurandhar’ with its solid star cast, their stellar performances and a gripping tale packed with action, has been keeping the cash register ringing at the box office. The movie made Rs 32.5 crore on Friday, which was its day 8, recording a rise of over 20 per cent from day 7’s collection. Then it benefited from the weekend surge, saw over 60 per cent rise in the collection and minted Rs 53 crore. The net box office collection of ‘Dhurandhar’ in India currently stands at Rs 292.75 crore.

‘Dhurandhar’ box office collection week 1

With a promising opening, ‘Dhurandhar’ maintained a strong hold during week 1. Here’s the day-wise breakdown of its collection Day 1 [1st Friday] Rs 28 Crore Day 2 [1st Saturday] Rs 32 Crore Day 3 [1st Sunday] Rs 43 Crore Day 4 [1st Monday] Rs 23.25 Crore Day 5 [1st Tuesday] Rs 27 Crore Day 6 [1st Wednesday] Rs 27 CroreDay 7 [1st Thursday] Rs 27 Crore Week 1 Collection Rs 207.25 Crore

‘Durandhar’ week 2 collection

In week two, the Aditya Dhar film remains the undefeated titan.Day 8 [2nd Friday] Rs 32.5 Crore Day 9 [2nd Saturday] Rs 53 Crore rough data Total Rs 292.75 Crore

‘Dhurandhar’ to become Ranveer Singh’s highest grosser, beating ‘Padmaavat’

Since its big screen debut, ‘Dhurandhar’ has been shattering box office records. At the current pace, ‘Dhurandhar’ after Sunday’s (Day 10’s) collection, is expected to beat Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor starrer ‘Padmavaat.’ The historical drama made Rs 302.15 crore net in India, and in just 10 days, ‘Dhurandhar’ is set to break this record, making it Ranveer Singh’s highest-earning movie ever.DISCLAIMER: The box office numbers in this article are compiled from our proprietary sources and diverse public data. We strive for accuracy and all figures are approximate unless explicitly mentioned. We offer a fair representation of the project’s box office performance. We are open to feedback and suggestions on toientertainment@timesinternet.in

KOLKATA: The much-hyped Messi show, which descended into utter chaos after the football star stepped out of the Salt Lake stadium on Saturday, left the fans not just disappointed, but in some cases feeling completely despondent. Most of them were left searching for answers as to why their dream show, for which they had paid through their nose, had to turn into a disaster. Messi was laughing, smiling, waving, obliging selfie-hunters till his entourage decided they had had enough.And they had a reason. Every step of Messi was an effort in itself as hundred-odd people surrounded him throughout, some coming too close for comfort. That also blocked the view of the 60,000-odd paying fans who had shelled out anything between Rs 5,000 to Rs 16,000 to be there just for a glimpse of the superstar. Patience in the stands was already running thin and the bubble burst just after Messi exited.

“When you buy a ticket worth Rs 16,000, you expect to get at least a clear view of Messi. We have been scammed,” Soumyadeep Ghosh of Kalighat said, holding half of his torn hospitality ticket. Many of the sandwiches in the hospitality packets were used as missiles as the fans vented their anger. One of his friends, a delivery boy, had saved up for this day after buying a Rs 9,000-worth ticket. Delhi-based student Shaban had shelled out Rs 11,000. “In Delhi, it was costlier. So I decided to come home to Ranchi and attend the Messi show here.”Fans were not allowed to carry water inside either, but plastic bottles were being sold at a premium. “I bought this for Rs 200,” a fan chucked away a bottle that would normally cost Rs 20. Many of these landed inside the ground.As varied emotions flowed, the question was what compelled Messi to abort the show for fans he himself had termed as passionate. The answer perhaps lies in the selfie-hunters. There were just too many people in the middle of the Salt lake stadium who were looking to get a picture clicked with him, get him to sign their jersey and even let them touch his feet. Just too many people, and that included the security personnel who had been tasked with the job of ensuring that no one got close to him.But, how do you ensure that when the selfie-hunters are themselves bigshots who do not take a no? What do you tell a top football official, who wants his shirt signed by Messi? How do you stop the Argentina-jersey wearing son of an official, who has no business being there, but wants a picture with the legend?Satadru Dutta, the sole organiser of the Messi G.O.A.T India Tour, kept on asking people to vacate the ground. But the question is, why did he allow them to be there in the first place? How can you eject people whom you yourself have invited by handing out a plethora of inside-the-ground accreditation cards. “What were the politicians doing inside the ground,” Subhasish Dutta of Narayanpur asked.And finally, did the organiser put too much on Messi’s platter? In his quest to pick up as much sponsorship as possible and also please the powers that be, Dutta perhaps piled up too many events on the superstar’s shoulders and it would have been a miracle if he had managed to pull it off without a glitch.

NEW DELHI: Air India has offered to explore operating 275 additional flights this month in wake of the government-ordered 10% capacity cut for IndiGo. The Tata Group airline has asked aviation ministry, which is likely to finalise the route curtailment over the weekend itself, for a long-term plan so that it acts accordingly, reports Saurabh Sinha. “There are about 1,900 IndiGo routes of which we are cutting at least 10%. A final decision will be taken by Sunday or Monday. Some of these routes will be given to Air India, AI Express and Akasa. We can’t allow people to suffer in peak travel season. Also, this is a way to check a single airline’s domination,” said a senior govt official. SpiceJet may also operate some extra flights.Sources said AI sought clarity from the government about how long the current situation would play out. “In the short term, we are exploring operating 275 extra fights this month on routes that bear the maximum brunt (of IndiGo cuts). Whenever possible, we operate our widebody Boeing 777 between Delhi and Mumbai. We want to know how long this (IndiGo cuts) will continue so that accordingly we can act. The short-term addition is coming from the spare capacity we had in our existing system,” said sources. Other airlines have seen a major jump in aircraft occupancy after the IndiGo fiasco.Meanwhile, IndiGo operated over 2,050 flights for the second day running Saturday “as per the revised, scaled down schedule.” An IndiGo statement said, “…We have informed all our airport partners to publish the new flight schedules of the adjusted network on terminal screens to avoid any confusion. With over 3.2 lakh customers choosing to fly with us daily, we are grateful for the confidence they continue to place in us.” Aviation secretary Samir Kumar Sinha has majorly upped the scale of Air Sewa, the government’s complaint redress forum, so that issues of affected IndiGo passengers can be addressed quickly.Officials probing the IndiGo fiasco said the airline had denied pilot shortage. “Probe is on. What we have observed so far is a mix of several things like not having a buffer in pilot numbers to meet any sudden increased requirement; a bravado by the airline that it can ‘manage’ the situation created by the new crew duty rules (which have now been put in abeyance for IndiGo A320 pilots till Feb 10) and a breakdown in management-pilot relations,” they said.

DEHRADUN: Nineteen years ago, during Indian Military Academy’s passing out parade, then-President APJ Abdul Kalam bent down and held the hands of a bright-eyed three-year-old boy standing beside his father. “Ye fauji ka haath hai (These are the hands of a soldier),” he told the child. On Saturday, those words came full circle on the same parade ground as a strapping young man got commissioned into the Indian Army.Lieutenant Harmanmeet Singh’s commissioning marked the continuation of a family tradition that stretches back to the early years of independent India. He is the fourth generation from his family to don the olive green, following a legacy that began with his great-grandfather, late Subedar Partap Singh, who joined the Army in 1948. He was followed by Harmanmeet’s grandfather, late Sepoy Daljeet Singh, and his grand-uncles — late Major Bhagwant Singh and Col Ujagar Singh (retd).The 22-year-old Kanpur native was awarded the Silver Medal at the Cadets Training Wing of Military College of Telecommunication Engineering under the technical entry scheme (46th course). He will serve with 6 Maratha Light Infantry, the regiment commanded by his father, Colonel Harmeet Singh.Col Harmeet graduated from IMA on Dec 9, 2000 — almost exactly 25 years before his son marched out of the gates. The Army, he said, had always been part of Harmanmeet’s world. Watching his father in uniform, Harmanmeet insisted on a miniature Army outfit with matching insignia and badges. “It was his favourite attire. Even as a three-year-old in kindergarten, he told his teacher he wanted to be a Gentleman Cadet,” Col Harmeet said.Between 2005 and 2007, Col Harmeet served as an instructor at IMA. It was during this period, in Dec 2006, that President Kalam visited as the reviewing officer for the PoP, at which he shook Harmanmeet’s tiny hand.Harmanmeet topped both Class X and Class XII. Though his father suggested he consider IIT — a path no one in the family had taken — Harmanmeet remained resolute about the Army. “He trained at the Officers Training Academy in Gaya under the technical entry scheme, spent three years at CTW at Military Headquarters of War near Indore, and reported to IMA in November,” said Col Harmeet.Harmanmeet’s mother, Harveen Reen — whom Col Harmeet calls their pillar of strength — said there could be no greater pride than seeing her husband and son serve the country together.For Lt Harmanmeet, the journey felt both inevitable and overwhelming. “I couldn’t dream of anything else after seeing my father in uniform and witnessing PoPs at IMA when he was an instructor. Today, I finally realised my dream,” he said.

OnlyFans model has made new allegations.(Image via X)

Sherrone Moore and Paige Shiver’s affair has taken the world by storm and now, an OnlyFans model has stepped into the whole drama.A few days ago, the OnlyFans model Mia Sorety accused Sherrone Moore of “sliding into her DMs” and now, she has made new accusations against the former University of Michigan coach.

OnlyFans model Mia Sorety makes more accusations against Sherrone Moore as Paige Shiver stays away from the drama

A few hours ago, OnlyFans model Mia Sorety accused Sherrone Moore of berating her after he was released from police custody.Justin Spiro, host of The Spiro Avenue Show, a podcast about Michigan sports, took to X to post a screenshot of Sherrone Moore’s message to Mia Sorety even though the texts were blurred.The caption of the post reads as, “Sherrone Moore contacted OnlyFans model @miasorety on Instagram after his release from jail. In the message sent, Moore blasted Sorety for discussing her story and past experiences with him. She wishes to keep the exact contents of the message redacted, but intends to share them at a later date. This is incredibly bizarre behavior in the immediate aftermath of his release from jail.“To this, the OnlyFans model Mia Sorety replied, “Confirmed” and added, “he is really pissed at me and im not even the one that broke the stroy [sic] @nypost is!”However, Sherrone Moore has not responded to the accusations yet as his alleged affair partner, Paige Shiver has also stayed away from the drama.

What allegedly happened between Sherrone Moore and Paige Shiver?

For the unversed, on 10th December, the University of Michigan released a statement that read as, “U-M head football coach Sherrone Moore has been terminated, with cause, effective immediately. Following a University investigation, credible evidence was found that Coach Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.”The statement added, “This conduct constitutes a clear violation of University policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior. Biff Poggi has been appointed head football coach in an interim capacity, effective immediately…”While the University of Michigan remained silent about the identity of the woman, fans were quick to link it to Paige Shiver.Paige Shiver has remained silent and has not confirmed or denied the speculations yet.Also Read: Who is Mia Sorety? OnlyFans model enters Sherrone Moore and Paige Shiver’s alleged affair drama with bold allegations against the coach

Argentine footballer and 2022 FIFA World Cup winning captain Lionel Messi, his Inter Miami teammates Rodrigo De Paul, and Luis Suarez during the second leg of ‘GOAT India Tour 2025’, in Hyderabad. (Left), and Lionel Messi playing football (Photo/Agencies)

NEW DELHI: Lionel Messi’s programme in Hyderabad on Saturday offered a clear contrast to the disorder seen earlier in Kolkata, as the second leg of the GOAT India Tour passed without disruption and ended on a smooth note.After a troubled start in the City of Joy, Hyderabad offered a setting where the event was allowed to breathe. The structure held, the crowd stayed in place, and the programme ran as intended, drawing a clear line between what had gone wrong earlier in the day and what was put right later.

Messi arrived in Hyderabad at around 5.40 pm, following a difficult opening leg of his three-day, four-city GOAT India Tour 2025. Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy received him at the Taj Falaknuma Palace before the Argentine headed to the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.The stands were close to full when Messi walked out, dressed simply in a green crew-neck T-shirt, black trousers and sports shoes. This time, there was no rush, no scramble. He stayed for about an hour, at ease, moving through the programme without the strain that had cut short his time in Kolkata.“I am very happy to be in Hyderabad in the midst of all the love and affection shown by you all,” Messi said through a translator, acknowledging the crowd.Messi, along with Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, took part in the GOAT Cup penalty shootout, with Revanth Reddy also joining them on the field in football attire. The players later conducted football clinics for children before the formalities drew to a close.Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi joined the group towards the end of the event during the felicitation ceremony, with photographs taken in front of the sponsor hoardings lining the ground.Messi presented the GOAT Cup to Singareni RR 9, winners of the seven-a-side exhibition match and a team representing the chief minister. Reddy presented a memento to Messi, while Gandhi handed one to Suarez.Before stepping onto the field, Messi spent time inside the stadium, looking at photographs on the walls and speaking with officials. He waved to fans from behind a glass barrier, then later offered glimpses of the touch and control that have defined his career, juggling and passing the ball with Suarez, De Paul and Reddy. A slow walk around the stadium followed, with Messi acknowledging the crowd along the way.Earlier in the day, scenes in Kolkata were very different. Around 50,000 spectators, many of whom paid between Rs 4,000 and Rs 12,000 — and in some cases up to Rs 20,000 in the black market — were left angry as politicians, VVIPs and security personnel surrounded Messi, limiting visibility for fans.The situation escalated when spectators threw bottles, which are banned inside stadiums. Food packets were also found inside the venue. Chairs were pulled out and thrown, and fibreglass seats were damaged across the field and the synthetic track.Messi will travel to Mumbai on Sunday for the third leg of the GOAT India Tour 2025. He will conclude his visit on Monday in New Delhi, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep shock and distress over the chaotic mismanagement at Salt Lake Stadium during Lionel Messi’s visit

KOLKATA: ‘I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi,’ West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said after thousands of fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the football icon were left disappointed, sparking chaos at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.In a post on X, Banerjee said “I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi.

“I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident. I am constituting an enquiry committee under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and the Additional chief secretary, Home and Hill Affairs Department, as members,” she wrote.

“The committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. Once again, I extend my heartfelt apologies to all sports lovers,” she added further.

What triggered the chaos

Thousands of fans at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium were left frustrated on Saturday after Argentine football star Lionel Messi cut short his appearance at a ticketed event, sparking scenes of chaos.Videos circulating on social media showed spectators breaking barricades, throwing bottles and chairs, and venting their anger inside the stadium. Many fans said they could not get a proper view of Messi despite paying between Rs 5,000 and Rs 25,000 for entry.“The minimum price of the ticket was 5 thousand, and why were the VVIPs around Messi? We couldn’t even see him… Why weren’t the police taking action? Everyone was furious. We want the refund,” one frustrated fan said. Another described the event as an “absolute disgrace,” claiming Messi did not take a full lap of the stadium as expected.

Lionel Messi, visiting India as part of his GOAT Tour India 2025, was forced to cut short his lap of honour. (Image credit: Agencies)

NEW DELHI: Kolkata witnessed an unprecedented mix of chaos and celebration as football superstar Lionel Messi made his much-anticipated appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The Argentine legend, visiting India as part of his GOAT Tour India 2025, was forced to cut short his lap of honour after an overwhelming crowd led to bottles being thrown by frustrated fans. Unable to catch a glimpse of the superstar, some spectators resorted to vandalising banners and seats, while others booed officials and politicians, highlighting serious security challenges amid the frenzy.

Despite the tumult at the stadium, Messi’s day also featured moments of admiration and excitement. Earlier, he virtually unveiled a towering 70-foot statue at the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, South Dum Dum. The iron statue, depicting Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy, was constructed in just 40 days as a tribute to his incredible achievements on the field. West Bengal Minister and Sree Bhumi Sporting Club President Sujit Bose confirmed, “We have talked to his manager, and today we will talk to Messi… He gave his consent for the statue and they are also happy…” Bose added that Messi and his team were delighted with the installation.The arrival of Messi in Kolkata early on Saturday morning drew massive crowds across key city locations, with fans eager to catch even a fleeting glimpse of the football icon. The excitement reflected Messi’s immense popularity in India, particularly in West Bengal, and underscored the global appeal of the World Cup-winning captain.Watch the video hereWatch the video hereThis visit marks Messi’s first trip to India since 2011. During his previous visit, he had played a friendly match at Salt Lake Stadium, where Argentina defeated Venezuela 1-0, leaving an indelible memory for fans. After 14 years, the legendary footballer’s return has sparked immense enthusiasm, with fans preparing elaborate celebrations to welcome him.While the chaos at Salt Lake Stadium underscored the challenges of managing such large gatherings, the day also celebrated Messi’s legacy and his deep connection with Indian football fans. Between the unveiling of his monumental statue and the excitement at the stadium, Kolkata truly witnessed a historic occasion in honour of one of football’s greatest icons.