June 26, 2026

Vamsikrishna

Daily Shani Predictions, October 23, 2025: Saturn to bring stability after struggle, these zodiac signs will regain control

Daily Shani Predictions, October 23, 2025: Saturn to bring stability after struggle, these zodiac signs will regain control

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

Saturn is the planet of our karmas. It teaches us valuable lessons by encouraging us to learn from our mistakes. Saturn wants us to grow, evolve, and continuously improve as we move forward in our life journey. It also wants us to introspect about our actions to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Currently, Saturn is…

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Who is Dr Ashokkumar Veeramuthu? Indian researcher named among the World’s Top Scientists for the third time

Who is Dr Ashokkumar Veeramuthu? Indian researcher named among the World’s Top Scientists for the third time

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Environmental scientist Dr Ashokkumar Veeramuthu from Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris district has once again brought pride to India, earning a place in the World’s Top Scientists list compiled by Stanford University and Elsevier Publishers. This marks his third consecutive appearance — in 2023, 2024, and 2025 — an honour achieved by only a handful of Indian…

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Child can cancel property deals by parents at 18: SC says no formal lawsuit needed; free to sell, transfer | India News

Child can cancel property deals by parents at 18: SC says no formal lawsuit needed; free to sell, transfer | India News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Supreme Court (L); AI image (R) NEW DELHI: Supreme Court has ruled that minors can challenge any property sale or transfer done by their parents or guardians without a lawsuit, after turning 18. The court said adults can cancel such transfers by taking clear actions, like selling or transferring the property themselves.“It can safely be…

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Bill Gates, Kash Patel, and why the West loves saying ‘Jai Shri Krishna’ | World News

Bill Gates, Kash Patel, and why the West loves saying ‘Jai Shri Krishna’ | World News

Vamsikrishna07 mins mins

It was the kind of television moment that doesn’t announce itself as historic but lingers anyway. On one side of the screen, Tulsi Virani — stalwart matriarch of Indian primetime melodrama — offered her trademark folded-hand salutation. On the other side, beamed in from across the world, Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder and global philanthropist, smiled…

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The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly’s autumn session began with heated debates over former governor Satya Pal Malik’s role in the 2019 Article 370 abrogation during obituary references. NC MLA Bashir Veeri called Malik ‘controversial,’ sparking a demand for expungement from the BJP, which the Speaker refused. The session concluded with a two-minute silence for the deceased. J&K Assembly (File photo) NEW DELHI: The first day of the autumn session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly saw sharp exchanges between the National Conference (NC) and the BJP over the role of former governor Satya Pal Malik in the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, during obituary references to him.Malik, who passed away in August, was called “controversial” by NC MLA Bashir Veeri, prompting BJP’s Sham Lal Sharma to demand that his remarks be removed. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather advised restraint but refused to delete Veeri’s comments.PDP MLA Rafiq Naik urged members not to speak ill of the dead. However, CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami said paying tribute should not stop members from learning lessons from a leader’s actions. Defending Malik, BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa called August 5, the day Article 370 was scrapped and coincidentally the day Malik died this year, a “historic day,” which drew protests from NC members. Deputy chief minister Surinder Choudhary suggested that officials serving in J-K should record their experiences before leaving the state.Omar Abdullah added that everyone makes mistakes and that the best tribute to those who have passed away would be to focus on public work rather than lengthy tributes. He proposed that, like in parliament, only the speaker should read obituary references to save time.The session ended with a two-minute silence for the deceased, including former ministers and legislators, before the house was adjourned till Monday.Satya Pal Malik served as the last Governor of Jammu and Kashmir from August 2018 to October 2019. It was during his tenure that the abrogation of Article 370 took place on August 5, 2019, marking a historic and controversial decision that led to the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.Following his stint in J&K, he was also appointed as the Governor of Bihar and Meghalaya.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTejashwi Yadav Named INDIA Bloc’s CM Face; Watch Key Highlights from Mahagathbandhan PresserBattle for Bihar: Voters At Gandhi Maidan Reveal Mood of the State Ahead Of Assembly Elections’World Has Not Forgotten’: India Blasts Pakistan’s Double Game on Terror at UN, Reminds Of PahalgamBJP MP Anurag Thakur Warns UN Must Act Now Or Risk Losing Credibility Amid Global ConflictsPM Modi Confirmed to Give ASEAN Summit a Miss, Avoids Trump Again: Here’s The Real Reason WhyDelhi Encounter: Four Most Wanted Bihar Gangsters Killed in Joint Operation”They are going to stop…” Trump Reiterates Claim That India Is Cutting Down Russian Oil Imports’Domestic Politics Won’t…’: Expert’s Indo-US Deal Prediction Ahead Of Bihar Polls| India Connect‘Good Policy In Place’: Rare Earth Expert On India’s National Critical Minerals MissionPak PM Sharif’s Minority Rights Hypocrisy Exposed After Reports Of Attack On Hindus On Diwali123 Photostories How Sreeleela’s biggest hits turned her into cinema’s most sought-after starFrom interacting with Bill Gates to being the highest-paid TV star: Times when Smriti Irani made headlines7 daily habits from Ikigai that can add years to your lifePhotos: Fighting Mislabelled ORS Drinks – How Hyderabad’s Dr Sivaranjani Santosh Ended the Misuse of Sugar-Laden Drinks and Changed India’s Health RulesNo more long hauls: Bengaluru-Mumbai superfast train soon; 14–15 hours journey; fast, comfortable, and game-changing travel experienceArchitects of the wild: 10 animals that construct their own homesFirst Japanese female PM Sanae Takaichi rejects work-life balance in her first speech: From Shah Rukh Khan to Elon Musk, 5 successful people who think like herMumbai Metro Line 2B Phase I: Mandale–Chembur Stretch to Bring First Metro Service to Eastern Suburbs with 5 Stations, Faster Travel, and Harbour Line Connectivity (Photos)Forget Rajma Chawal and Chole Bhature: Here are 7 regional food combos that are true flavor bombs and showcase the diversity of Indian cuisine5 ways ADHD ‘looks different’ in women (and why it’s often undiagnosed)123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingAre Stephen and Ayesha Getting a DivorceLeBron JamesAuston MatthewsStephen CurryKarl Anthony TownsBrady TkachukTaylor LorenzOrlando Magic vs Miami HeatMark SanchezAntonio Gibson Wife Pregnancy

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly’s autumn session began with heated debates over former governor Satya Pal Malik’s role in the 2019 Article 370 abrogation during obituary references. NC MLA Bashir Veeri called Malik ‘controversial,’ sparking a demand for expungement from the BJP, which the Speaker refused. The session concluded with a two-minute silence for the deceased. J&K Assembly (File photo) NEW DELHI: The first day of the autumn session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly saw sharp exchanges between the National Conference (NC) and the BJP over the role of former governor Satya Pal Malik in the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, during obituary references to him.Malik, who passed away in August, was called “controversial” by NC MLA Bashir Veeri, prompting BJP’s Sham Lal Sharma to demand that his remarks be removed. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather advised restraint but refused to delete Veeri’s comments.PDP MLA Rafiq Naik urged members not to speak ill of the dead. However, CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami said paying tribute should not stop members from learning lessons from a leader’s actions. Defending Malik, BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa called August 5, the day Article 370 was scrapped and coincidentally the day Malik died this year, a “historic day,” which drew protests from NC members. Deputy chief minister Surinder Choudhary suggested that officials serving in J-K should record their experiences before leaving the state.Omar Abdullah added that everyone makes mistakes and that the best tribute to those who have passed away would be to focus on public work rather than lengthy tributes. He proposed that, like in parliament, only the speaker should read obituary references to save time.The session ended with a two-minute silence for the deceased, including former ministers and legislators, before the house was adjourned till Monday.Satya Pal Malik served as the last Governor of Jammu and Kashmir from August 2018 to October 2019. It was during his tenure that the abrogation of Article 370 took place on August 5, 2019, marking a historic and controversial decision that led to the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.Following his stint in J&K, he was also appointed as the Governor of Bihar and Meghalaya.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTejashwi Yadav Named INDIA Bloc’s CM Face; Watch Key Highlights from Mahagathbandhan PresserBattle for Bihar: Voters At Gandhi Maidan Reveal Mood of the State Ahead Of Assembly Elections’World Has Not Forgotten’: India Blasts Pakistan’s Double Game on Terror at UN, Reminds Of PahalgamBJP MP Anurag Thakur Warns UN Must Act Now Or Risk Losing Credibility Amid Global ConflictsPM Modi Confirmed to Give ASEAN Summit a Miss, Avoids Trump Again: Here’s The Real Reason WhyDelhi Encounter: Four Most Wanted Bihar Gangsters Killed in Joint Operation”They are going to stop…” Trump Reiterates Claim That India Is Cutting Down Russian Oil Imports’Domestic Politics Won’t…’: Expert’s Indo-US Deal Prediction Ahead Of Bihar Polls| India Connect‘Good Policy In Place’: Rare Earth Expert On India’s National Critical Minerals MissionPak PM Sharif’s Minority Rights Hypocrisy Exposed After Reports Of Attack On Hindus On Diwali123 Photostories How Sreeleela’s biggest hits turned her into cinema’s most sought-after starFrom interacting with Bill Gates to being the highest-paid TV star: Times when Smriti Irani made headlines7 daily habits from Ikigai that can add years to your lifePhotos: Fighting Mislabelled ORS Drinks – How Hyderabad’s Dr Sivaranjani Santosh Ended the Misuse of Sugar-Laden Drinks and Changed India’s Health RulesNo more long hauls: Bengaluru-Mumbai superfast train soon; 14–15 hours journey; fast, comfortable, and game-changing travel experienceArchitects of the wild: 10 animals that construct their own homesFirst Japanese female PM Sanae Takaichi rejects work-life balance in her first speech: From Shah Rukh Khan to Elon Musk, 5 successful people who think like herMumbai Metro Line 2B Phase I: Mandale–Chembur Stretch to Bring First Metro Service to Eastern Suburbs with 5 Stations, Faster Travel, and Harbour Line Connectivity (Photos)Forget Rajma Chawal and Chole Bhature: Here are 7 regional food combos that are true flavor bombs and showcase the diversity of Indian cuisine5 ways ADHD ‘looks different’ in women (and why it’s often undiagnosed)123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingAre Stephen and Ayesha Getting a DivorceLeBron JamesAuston MatthewsStephen CurryKarl Anthony TownsBrady TkachukTaylor LorenzOrlando Magic vs Miami HeatMark SanchezAntonio Gibson Wife Pregnancy

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

J&K Assembly (File photo) NEW DELHI: The first day of the autumn session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly saw sharp exchanges between the National Conference (NC) and the BJP over the role of former governor Satya Pal Malik in the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, during obituary references to him.Malik, who passed away in…

Read More
Ashes: Ex-England cricketer makes baffling 5-0 prediction for the Test series | Cricket News

Ashes: Ex-England cricketer makes baffling 5-0 prediction for the Test series | Cricket News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Steve Smith speaks to the media at Cricket Central on October 21, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) Former England cricketer David Llyod has predicted a 5-0 whitewash victory for England in the upcoming Ashes series in Australia, citing concerns about Australia’s batting lineup and emphasizing the crucial battle between Joe Root…

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‘Strong immunity to Western restrictions’: Russia hits out as Trump sanctions its oil firms; ‘step entirely counterproductive’

‘Strong immunity to Western restrictions’: Russia hits out as Trump sanctions its oil firms; ‘step entirely counterproductive’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Russia said that recent US sanctions targeting its oil sector could potentially undermine diplomatic initiatives. (AI image) Russia has slammed Donald Trump administration’s sanctions on its oil firms saying that the move undermines efforts for peace, adding that it is immune to any such restrictions.Russia said that recent US sanctions targeting its oil sector could…

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Trapped at the desk: Why 23% of US workers skip vacation despite paid leave

Trapped at the desk: Why 23% of US workers skip vacation despite paid leave

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

In theory, paid vacation represents freedom, a rare pause in the relentless cadence of modern work. Yet, for a significant portion of US employees, this freedom remains unrealized. The promise of decompression and renewal is eclipsed by mounting workloads, relentless deadlines, and an entrenched culture that subtly equates absence with weakness. The modern workplace, despite…

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Park Bom DENIES Trillion Won lawsuit against Yang Hyun-suk; singer focusing on recovery |

Park Bom DENIES Trillion Won lawsuit against Yang Hyun-suk; singer focusing on recovery |

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Park Bom, former member of ‘2NE1’, has firmly denied recent rumors of suing Yang Hyun-suk, YG Entertainment’s former head producer. Her agency, D-Nation Entertainment, stated on October 23 that all financial settlements related to Park Bom’s activities with ‘2NE1’ have been completed. Despite a suspicious legal document shared by Park Bom herself on social media…

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Horoscope Tomorrow, October 24, 2025: These Zodiac Signs Will Feel Motivated to Take Meaningful Action

Horoscope Tomorrow, October 24, 2025: These Zodiac Signs Will Feel Motivated to Take Meaningful Action

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

Embrace everything that life has to offer! Tomorrow’s horoscope unfolds the agenda set forth by the universe for each sign of the zodiac. Whether its relationship matters, job changes, or simply the reflection and realization moments, let celestial guidance take the lead. Be mindful; trust your instinct, and walk through the day confidently. Aries (Mar…

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Sabesan Death News: Veteran composer-singer Sabesan passes away; Who was Sabesan aka Sabesh? |

Sabesan Death News: Veteran composer-singer Sabesan passes away; Who was Sabesan aka Sabesh? |

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Veteran music director M.C. Sabesan, known as Sabesh, has passed away at 68. He, along with his brother Murali, composed music for numerous Tamil films, beginning their careers in the late 1990s under the mentorship of their elder brother Deva. The duo’s notable works include ‘Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi’ and ‘Thavamai Thavamirundhu’. Music director M.C….

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NEW DELHI: Delhi recorded its worst PM2.5 levels of the year on Diwali and the day after, with pollution continuing to blanket the city well into midweek, according to a new analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Despite attempts to control emissions, several neighbourhoods reported hazardous air quality levels, crossing both national and global safety limits by staggering margins.The CREA study found that Delhi’s average PM2.5 concentration stood at 228 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) on Diwali and rose further to 241 µg/m³ the following day — levels seen only four times this year, all in January. The capital ranked as the seventh most polluted city in the country on Tuesday, trailing Haryana’s Jind (412), Dharuhera (298), Gurgaon (290), Narnaul (266), Bahadurgarh (247), and Rajasthan’s Bhiwadi (244). Rohtak (223), Noida (218) and Ghaziabad (207) rounded off the top ten.Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates Sharply to ‘Red Zone’ as Diwali Fireworks Trigger Severe PollutionIn some areas, the pollution levels were off the charts. At Nehru Nagar, hourly PM2.5 concentration skyrocketed from 679 µg/m³ at 9pm on Diwali to an alarming 1,763 µg/m³ at 10pm — 29 times the national ambient air quality standard and 118 times the WHO’s daily safe guideline of 15 µg/m³. Fourteen of the 20 Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) monitoring stations reported hourly PM2.5 levels above 1,000 on Diwali night, compared to only five the previous year.“However, the AQI levels appear lower than reality because several CAAQMS stations maxed out or recorded missing values. This reminds us to interpret data cautiously and recognise that pollutant concentrations might have exceeded the instruments’ detection limits. For instance, Anand Vihar reported missing data from 11pm on 20 Oct to 3pm the next day, a window when Diwali pollution typically peaks, suggesting concentrations went beyond the measurable range,” said Manoj Kumar, analyst, CREA.Two days after Diwali, areas such as Anand Vihar continued to record dangerous pollution levels, with hourly PM2.5 at 579 µg/m³ — a slight improvement from 656 µg/m³ a day earlier.Health experts have warned that prolonged exposure to such fine particulate matter can have serious consequences. “These particles (PM2.5) are so small they can easily enter the bloodstream and impact different organs in the body, leading to toxic effects. The tinier the particle, the greater the health risk,” said Anumita Roy Chowdhury, executive director, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).As the capital struggles under its annual smog blanket, attention has again turned to possible solutions — including the much-debated idea of cloud seeding.Cloud seeding: What it means and if it can helpYesterday, Delhi officials said the city was ready for artificial rain. Today, the plan is uncertain again. Amid these flip-flops, experts are questioning whether cloud seeding can really solve the capital’s pollution crisis.Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that involves releasing chemicals such as silver iodide (AgI) or salt particles into clouds to induce rainfall. These particles act as nuclei, allowing moisture to condense into ice crystals which can then melt into raindrops. Aircraft usually disperse the seeding material depending on the humidity and temperature levels.Why the idea is on the tableArtificial rain is being considered as a way to temporarily wash pollutants out of the air during Delhi’s pollution season, driven by:Vehicular and industrial emissionsOpen area dustBiomass and waste burningStubble burning and stagnant winter airBy inducing rain, suspended particles could be removed from the atmosphere for a short duration.The science and its limitationsWhile the technique has been used globally — from China and the UAE to Indonesia and Malaysia — experts remain sceptical about its effectiveness in Delhi’s dry winter conditions. Cloud seeding requires moist, dense clouds like nimbostratus, which are rare over north India during this period. The western disturbances that pass over the region often bring high or short-lived clouds, unsuited for seeding, and any rain that does form may evaporate before reaching the ground.Global experience and history1931 – First experiments using dry ice (CO₂) for cloud seeding in Europe.1946-47 – GE scientists Schaefer & Vonnegut identify silver iodide as an effective ice nucleant.Modern usage: Countries like China, UAE, Indonesia and Malaysia use cloud seeding for agriculture, pollution control and event planning.2023 – Pakistan conducts its first artificial rain operation in Lahore with UAE assistance.Experts advise cautionThe India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have all warned that the method may have limited impact in Delhi’s climate. They have also raised questions about the chemical and environmental implications of silver iodide dispersal.For now, experts say that while cloud seeding may offer temporary respite, it cannot replace long-term measures to curb emissions — from reducing vehicular and industrial output to controlling crop residue burning.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBJP MP Anurag Thakur Warns UN Must Act Now Or Risk Losing Credibility Amid Global ConflictsPM Modi Confirmed to Give ASEAN Summit a Miss, Avoids Trump Again: Here’s The Real Reason WhyDelhi Encounter: Four Most Wanted Bihar Gangsters Killed in Joint Operation”They are going to stop…” Trump Reiterates Claim That India Is Cutting Down Russian Oil Imports’Domestic Politics Won’t…’: Expert’s Indo-US Deal Prediction Ahead Of Bihar Polls| India Connect‘Good Policy In Place’: Rare Earth Expert On India’s National Critical Minerals MissionPak PM Sharif’s Minority Rights Hypocrisy Exposed After Reports Of Attack On Hindus On DiwaliPiyush Goyal Highlights India’s Growth Amid Global Trade Challenges at UNCTAD In GenevaJaish-e-Mohammed Launches Online Jihad Course For Women In Pakistan, Targets Mass Recruitment’They Have Room For Certain Kind of…’: Zohran Mamdani Slams PM Modi During Diwali Temple Visits123 Photostories How Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha turned a serendipitous encounter into a love story written in golden lettersWhat not to eat with blood pressure medicines: Common foods that can weaken the medicationsFrom Amitabh Bachchan’s Jalsa to Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat: The most extravagant Diwali lighting at Bollywood celeb housesDeepika Padukone in Sabyasachi: 5 times the actress and designer proved they are a match made in heavenWhy meditation is central to Shiva’s spiritual teachings6 creative ways to turn leftover mithai into gourmet dessertsFrom ‘Dangal’ to ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’: Bollywood blockbusters that earned over 10× their budget at the box officeThe fascinating world of unusual turtles and tortoiseHeart health tips: 7 low-impact exercises you can do anytime, anywhereAlia Bhatt to Kriti Sanon: Modern maang tikka designs inspired by Bollywood actresses123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingAre Stephen and Ayesha Getting a DivorceLeBron JamesAuston MatthewsStephen CurryKarl Anthony TownsBrady TkachukTaylor LorenzOrlando Magic vs Miami HeatMark SanchezAntonio Gibson Wife Pregnancy

NEW DELHI: Delhi recorded its worst PM2.5 levels of the year on Diwali and the day after, with pollution continuing to blanket the city well into midweek, according to a new analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Despite attempts to control emissions, several neighbourhoods reported hazardous air quality levels, crossing both national and global safety limits by staggering margins.The CREA study found that Delhi’s average PM2.5 concentration stood at 228 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) on Diwali and rose further to 241 µg/m³ the following day — levels seen only four times this year, all in January. The capital ranked as the seventh most polluted city in the country on Tuesday, trailing Haryana’s Jind (412), Dharuhera (298), Gurgaon (290), Narnaul (266), Bahadurgarh (247), and Rajasthan’s Bhiwadi (244). Rohtak (223), Noida (218) and Ghaziabad (207) rounded off the top ten.Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates Sharply to ‘Red Zone’ as Diwali Fireworks Trigger Severe PollutionIn some areas, the pollution levels were off the charts. At Nehru Nagar, hourly PM2.5 concentration skyrocketed from 679 µg/m³ at 9pm on Diwali to an alarming 1,763 µg/m³ at 10pm — 29 times the national ambient air quality standard and 118 times the WHO’s daily safe guideline of 15 µg/m³. Fourteen of the 20 Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) monitoring stations reported hourly PM2.5 levels above 1,000 on Diwali night, compared to only five the previous year.“However, the AQI levels appear lower than reality because several CAAQMS stations maxed out or recorded missing values. This reminds us to interpret data cautiously and recognise that pollutant concentrations might have exceeded the instruments’ detection limits. For instance, Anand Vihar reported missing data from 11pm on 20 Oct to 3pm the next day, a window when Diwali pollution typically peaks, suggesting concentrations went beyond the measurable range,” said Manoj Kumar, analyst, CREA.Two days after Diwali, areas such as Anand Vihar continued to record dangerous pollution levels, with hourly PM2.5 at 579 µg/m³ — a slight improvement from 656 µg/m³ a day earlier.Health experts have warned that prolonged exposure to such fine particulate matter can have serious consequences. “These particles (PM2.5) are so small they can easily enter the bloodstream and impact different organs in the body, leading to toxic effects. The tinier the particle, the greater the health risk,” said Anumita Roy Chowdhury, executive director, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).As the capital struggles under its annual smog blanket, attention has again turned to possible solutions — including the much-debated idea of cloud seeding.Cloud seeding: What it means and if it can helpYesterday, Delhi officials said the city was ready for artificial rain. Today, the plan is uncertain again. Amid these flip-flops, experts are questioning whether cloud seeding can really solve the capital’s pollution crisis.Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that involves releasing chemicals such as silver iodide (AgI) or salt particles into clouds to induce rainfall. These particles act as nuclei, allowing moisture to condense into ice crystals which can then melt into raindrops. Aircraft usually disperse the seeding material depending on the humidity and temperature levels.Why the idea is on the tableArtificial rain is being considered as a way to temporarily wash pollutants out of the air during Delhi’s pollution season, driven by:Vehicular and industrial emissionsOpen area dustBiomass and waste burningStubble burning and stagnant winter airBy inducing rain, suspended particles could be removed from the atmosphere for a short duration.The science and its limitationsWhile the technique has been used globally — from China and the UAE to Indonesia and Malaysia — experts remain sceptical about its effectiveness in Delhi’s dry winter conditions. Cloud seeding requires moist, dense clouds like nimbostratus, which are rare over north India during this period. The western disturbances that pass over the region often bring high or short-lived clouds, unsuited for seeding, and any rain that does form may evaporate before reaching the ground.Global experience and history1931 – First experiments using dry ice (CO₂) for cloud seeding in Europe.1946-47 – GE scientists Schaefer & Vonnegut identify silver iodide as an effective ice nucleant.Modern usage: Countries like China, UAE, Indonesia and Malaysia use cloud seeding for agriculture, pollution control and event planning.2023 – Pakistan conducts its first artificial rain operation in Lahore with UAE assistance.Experts advise cautionThe India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have all warned that the method may have limited impact in Delhi’s climate. They have also raised questions about the chemical and environmental implications of silver iodide dispersal.For now, experts say that while cloud seeding may offer temporary respite, it cannot replace long-term measures to curb emissions — from reducing vehicular and industrial output to controlling crop residue burning.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBJP MP Anurag Thakur Warns UN Must Act Now Or Risk Losing Credibility Amid Global ConflictsPM Modi Confirmed to Give ASEAN Summit a Miss, Avoids Trump Again: Here’s The Real Reason WhyDelhi Encounter: Four Most Wanted Bihar Gangsters Killed in Joint Operation”They are going to stop…” Trump Reiterates Claim That India Is Cutting Down Russian Oil Imports’Domestic Politics Won’t…’: Expert’s Indo-US Deal Prediction Ahead Of Bihar Polls| India Connect‘Good Policy In Place’: Rare Earth Expert On India’s National Critical Minerals MissionPak PM Sharif’s Minority Rights Hypocrisy Exposed After Reports Of Attack On Hindus On DiwaliPiyush Goyal Highlights India’s Growth Amid Global Trade Challenges at UNCTAD In GenevaJaish-e-Mohammed Launches Online Jihad Course For Women In Pakistan, Targets Mass Recruitment’They Have Room For Certain Kind of…’: Zohran Mamdani Slams PM Modi During Diwali Temple Visits123 Photostories How Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha turned a serendipitous encounter into a love story written in golden lettersWhat not to eat with blood pressure medicines: Common foods that can weaken the medicationsFrom Amitabh Bachchan’s Jalsa to Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat: The most extravagant Diwali lighting at Bollywood celeb housesDeepika Padukone in Sabyasachi: 5 times the actress and designer proved they are a match made in heavenWhy meditation is central to Shiva’s spiritual teachings6 creative ways to turn leftover mithai into gourmet dessertsFrom ‘Dangal’ to ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’: Bollywood blockbusters that earned over 10× their budget at the box officeThe fascinating world of unusual turtles and tortoiseHeart health tips: 7 low-impact exercises you can do anytime, anywhereAlia Bhatt to Kriti Sanon: Modern maang tikka designs inspired by Bollywood actresses123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingAre Stephen and Ayesha Getting a DivorceLeBron JamesAuston MatthewsStephen CurryKarl Anthony TownsBrady TkachukTaylor LorenzOrlando Magic vs Miami HeatMark SanchezAntonio Gibson Wife Pregnancy

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Delhi recorded its worst PM2.5 levels of the year on Diwali and the day after, with pollution continuing to blanket the city well into midweek, according to a new analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Despite attempts to control emissions, several neighbourhoods reported hazardous air quality levels,…

Read More
India Women 116/0 in 20.2 Overs | India vs New Zealand Live Score, Women’s World Cup 2025: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal reach milestones against NZ; must-win game for INDW

India Women 116/0 in 20.2 Overs | India vs New Zealand Live Score, Women’s World Cup 2025: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal reach milestones against NZ; must-win game for INDW

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

India vs New Zealand Live Score, Women’s World Cup 2025: India face New Zealand in a crucial Women’s World Cup match at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, with the winner likely securing the last semi-final spot. The match, effectively serving as a virtual quarter-final, will determine if Harmanpreet Kaur’s team can join…

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