Blog

New Delhi, Dec 17: Authorities in Delhi-NCR have enforced Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after air quality deteriorated to the ‘Severe Plus’ category. With the Air Quality Index crossing extremely hazardous levels, the highest set of restrictions has been imposed to curb pollution sources and reduce public exposure, especially among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions.

GRAP-IV is an emergency response mechanism triggered during extreme pollution episodes. The measures focus on restricting high-emission activities, regulating traffic and limiting outdoor exposure until air quality shows sustained improvement.

Thane (Maharashtra), Dec 17: Just days before the Ambernath Municipal Corporation elections scheduled for December 20, tension escalated in Thane district as unidentified assailants opened fire outside the office of BJP candidate Pawan Walekar. The incident, which occurred in the Ambernath area, triggered panic among local residents and political workers, compounding an already charged atmosphere in the run-up to the civic polls. A security guard at the office was injured in the attack and has been taken to hospital, while authorities are probing CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators.

Local police have increased security in the area and launched an investigation, with officers questioning witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage to ascertain the motive and those responsible for the firing. The attack has raised concerns over poll-related violence and the safety of candidates and election staff, prompting senior officials to urge calm as political parties intensify campaigning in various parts of the Thane district ahead of the local body elections.

London/Dec 17: Scientists in the United Kingdom have developed a groundbreaking blood test that could transform how lung cancer is diagnosed and monitored. The new method, based on Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) microspectroscopy, can identify a single lung cancer cell circulating in a patient’s bloodstream by analysing its unique chemical fingerprint. This represents a major advance over traditional techniques, which can be slow, expensive and often require invasive tissue biopsies.

The research team, including experts from the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Keele University and Loughborough University, says the test’s ability to detect even one cancer cell in a routine blood sample could allow doctors to monitor disease progression in real time, personalise treatments and catch cancer earlier than ever before. By using standard laboratory equipment and advanced computer analysis, the technique might soon be integrated into clinical practice, helping reduce diagnostic delays and improving survival outcomes for lung cancer patients worldwide.

New Delhi, Dec 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Indian soldiers on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, remembering the courage and sacrifice of the armed forces that led to India’s victory in the 1971 war. He said the nation remains eternally grateful to the brave soldiers who safeguarded India’s sovereignty and honour.

In a separate message, the Prime Minister expressed deep sorrow over a tragic road accident on the Yamuna Expressway and announced ex-gratia assistance for the families of those who lost their lives, as well as financial support for the injured. He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Amman/New Delhi, Dec 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday stressed the need to significantly expand economic engagement between India and Jordan. During high-level talks with Jordanian leadership, Modi proposed doubling bilateral trade within the next five years, highlighting India’s readiness to partner in infrastructure and reconstruction projects.

The discussions also focused on strengthening cooperation in renewable energy, digital innovation, water conservation and skill development. PM Modi said deeper economic collaboration would benefit both countries and contribute to long-term regional stability and prosperity.

New Delhi/Addis Ababa, Dec 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing multi-nation foreign tour has resulted in key diplomatic breakthroughs, significantly strengthening India’s global engagement. During his visit to Ethiopia, India and Ethiopia elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, opening new avenues of cooperation in infrastructure development, trade, defence collaboration and people-to-people exchanges.

In recognition of his leadership and contribution to strengthening India-Africa relations, the Ethiopian government conferred its highest national honour on PM Modi. The Prime Minister described the gesture as a tribute to the growing friendship between the two nations and reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Africa’s development priorities.