March 30, 2026
Oct 24, 2025, 11:17 IST

Oct 24, 2025, 11:17 IST

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

New Delhi: Kolhapur, in Maharashtra’s south, has a long and rich tradition of wrestling and was considered the wrestling capital of India long before Haryana emerged as the sport’s hotbed.The world remembers Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, the legendary wrestler from Maharashtra, as independent India’s first individual Olympic medallist. At the same Summer Games in Helsinki 1952,…

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Women’s World Cup 2025: Semi-final lineup confirmed – qualified teams, schedule | Cricket News

Women’s World Cup 2025: Semi-final lineup confirmed – qualified teams, schedule | Cricket News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Smriti Mandhana celebrates with teammate Harmanpreet Kaur following victory in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 match between India and New Zealand. (Getty Images) India secured their place in the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 following a decisive victory over New Zealand at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai,…

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Elon Musk’s Starlink bets on India! 9 gateway stations to be set up; preparations underway for commercial launch

Elon Musk’s Starlink bets on India! 9 gateway stations to be set up; preparations underway for commercial launch

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Elon Musk-owned Starlink is preparing to establish 9 gateway earth stations across India as it gears up to launch its satellite communication (satcom) services in the country.The proposed stations will be located in Mumbai, Noida, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Lucknow.“The company has applied for 600 gigabit per second capacity over India through its Gen 1…

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IIBF JAIIB admit card released at iibf.org.in: Direct link to download hall tickets here

IIBF JAIIB admit card released at iibf.org.in: Direct link to download hall tickets here

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

JAIIB admit card 2025: The Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF) has officially released the Junior Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers (JAIIB) Admit Card 2025 for the November session. The hall ticket is now available for download on the Institute’s official website, iibf.org.in. Candidates who have registered for the upcoming examination can access…

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Prabhas’s ‘Baahubali- The Epic’crosses Rs 1.80 crore mark in advance booking in US markets

Prabhas’s ‘Baahubali- The Epic’crosses Rs 1.80 crore mark in advance booking in US markets

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Prabhas’s ‘Baahubali- The Epic’ has crossed Rs 1.80 crore mark in advance booking in US markets SS Rajamouli, Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Tamannaah Bhatia,Anushka Shetty, Ramya Krishnan and Sathyaraj are just 6 days away from unlashing the magic of Baahubali films in a re-cut 3 hour and 45 minute film which brings both the parts together…

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Daily Lal Kitab Horoscope Today, October 24, 2025: Aquarius Rahu to bring karmic twists, these zodiac signs will confront long-pending issues

Daily Lal Kitab Horoscope Today, October 24, 2025: Aquarius Rahu to bring karmic twists, these zodiac signs will confront long-pending issues

Vamsikrishna07 mins mins

This daily horoscope series blends Lal Kitab’s astrological wisdom with personalized guidance for each zodiac sign. It focuses on planetary influences, karmic patterns, and simple, symbolic remedies. With grounded language and cultural depth, each entry helps you align your energy, thoughts, and actions for emotional and spiritual balance. Aries Lal Kitab Horoscope Today, 24 October…

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IND vs AUS: Big shake-up! Australia announce major squad changes midway through India series

IND vs AUS: Big shake-up! Australia announce major squad changes midway through India series

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Australia’s Cooper Connolly, left, shakes hands with India’s Virat Kohli (AP Photo) Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is set to return to cricket after recovering from a wrist fracture, joining the T20 series against India. Young Western Australian fast bowler Mahli Beardman has received a surprise call-up for potential international debut as Australia implements several team…

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The Election Commission is gearing up for a nationwide special intensive revision of electoral rolls, urging Chief Electoral Officers to train Booth Level Officers immediately. Political parties are also encouraged to appoint Booth Level Agents to ensure smooth implementation. This crucial exercise, set to begin soon, aims to update voter lists across India, with a focus on poll-bound states. Election Commission NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Thursday asked all chief electoral officers (CEOs) — particularly of states/UTs due for assembly polls next year — to start training booth level officers (BLOs) and urge the political parties to appoint adequate number of booth level agents (BLAs) ahead of the impending announcement of a staggered, pan-India special intensive revision (SIR) of their electoral rolls.These directions were given by EC on the concluding day of CEOs conference — presided over by chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in the presence of election commissioners S S Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The Commission on Thursday also held separate, one-on-one interactions with the CEOs of the five poll-bound states/UT — Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry — to understand any issues unique to them. The SIR process in these states/UT and a few others to be covered in the initial phase, is likely to stretch over three months, culminating with the publication of their final roll in January end or start of February.Having heard all CEOs at the two-day conference, on the progress of mapping of their electors with the roll published after the last intensive revision undertaken in 2003-2004 and also having clarified their queries on the SIR process, EC is set to hold internal deliberations over the next couple of days to finalise the pan-India SIR schedule.As reported by TOI on Wednesday, EC may announce the nationwide SIR exercise — covering the five poll-bound states/UT and a few others in the initial phase — within the next 3-4 days.Elaborating on the need for CEOs to start training BLOs immediately, a senior EC official said: “BLOs are a crucial link in the implementation of SIR”. The officer added that BLOs shall be updated on the processes to be followed, including distribution of enumeration forms and aiding the electors to sign and submit them, either physically or online. The mandatory requirement of making three visits to the electors’ addresses shall be emphasised during their daylong training.Also, given that EC is keen to hold the pan-India SIR with full involvement of the political parties, it has directed the state/UT CEOs to engage with the parties and encourage them to appoint BLAs. These BLAs may also be trained on aspects of SIR.Sources said it was explained to CEOs that any elector in their state/UT can easily be mapped with the 2003/04 roll of any state/UT as rolls of all states/UTs are now available in a digitised form.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Gave A Good Dose…’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan From Rajasthan Border, Lauds Operation SindoorPolish FM Snubs Pak FM Ishaq Dar’s ‘Kashmir’ Rant, Issues Warning On Illegal Immigration’Had No Choice’: Hyderabad Man Duped On Pretext Of Job In Russia, Forced To Fight War In UkraineSurajbhan Singh Reveals Why He Left NDA To Join RJD And Contest From Mokama | Battle for BiharJaishankar To Represent India at ASEAN Summit As PM Modi Gives Chance To Meet Donald Trump a MissMumbai’s Arthur Road Jail Prepares Boutique-Style Cell For Fugitive Diamantaire Mehul Choksi’Drugged’ Sikh Truck Driver Behind Fiery Crash in California Reignites Illegal Immigration DebateTejashwi Yadav Named CM Face, BJP Retaliates with ‘Weak Alliance’ Remark at MahagathbandhanDGCA Plans New Rules For Power Banks On Flights After Fire Scare On IndiGo PlaneH-1B Visa Changes Explained: Indian Talent Could Gain Or Lose Depending On Policy123 Photostories THIS Prithviraj Sukumaran film took 16 years to make, flopped at the box officeEverything you should Know about pandasTop 5 retro boot trends you’ll see everywhere this fall 20257 most common signs of protein deficiency seen in men above 35Unforgettable Bollywood villains who defined evil8 must-try South Indian rice dishesHow to know if a diamond is natural or lab grown10 cutest animal smiles that will melt your heartFrom celebrating his first Diwali in his new house to holding a small pooja with GF Yogita: Inside Aaryamann Sethi’s Diwali celebrations with familyBihar Elections 2025: Stage set for Mahagathbandhan vs NDA; key fights to watch out for123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop Trendingjj mccarthy injuryStephen Curry WifePaige SpiranacDiddyAaron JonesPatrick MahomesNBA Gambling ScandalStephen Curry WifeChauncey BillupsTiago Splitter

The Election Commission is gearing up for a nationwide special intensive revision of electoral rolls, urging Chief Electoral Officers to train Booth Level Officers immediately. Political parties are also encouraged to appoint Booth Level Agents to ensure smooth implementation. This crucial exercise, set to begin soon, aims to update voter lists across India, with a focus on poll-bound states. Election Commission NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Thursday asked all chief electoral officers (CEOs) — particularly of states/UTs due for assembly polls next year — to start training booth level officers (BLOs) and urge the political parties to appoint adequate number of booth level agents (BLAs) ahead of the impending announcement of a staggered, pan-India special intensive revision (SIR) of their electoral rolls.These directions were given by EC on the concluding day of CEOs conference — presided over by chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in the presence of election commissioners S S Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The Commission on Thursday also held separate, one-on-one interactions with the CEOs of the five poll-bound states/UT — Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry — to understand any issues unique to them. The SIR process in these states/UT and a few others to be covered in the initial phase, is likely to stretch over three months, culminating with the publication of their final roll in January end or start of February.Having heard all CEOs at the two-day conference, on the progress of mapping of their electors with the roll published after the last intensive revision undertaken in 2003-2004 and also having clarified their queries on the SIR process, EC is set to hold internal deliberations over the next couple of days to finalise the pan-India SIR schedule.As reported by TOI on Wednesday, EC may announce the nationwide SIR exercise — covering the five poll-bound states/UT and a few others in the initial phase — within the next 3-4 days.Elaborating on the need for CEOs to start training BLOs immediately, a senior EC official said: “BLOs are a crucial link in the implementation of SIR”. The officer added that BLOs shall be updated on the processes to be followed, including distribution of enumeration forms and aiding the electors to sign and submit them, either physically or online. The mandatory requirement of making three visits to the electors’ addresses shall be emphasised during their daylong training.Also, given that EC is keen to hold the pan-India SIR with full involvement of the political parties, it has directed the state/UT CEOs to engage with the parties and encourage them to appoint BLAs. These BLAs may also be trained on aspects of SIR.Sources said it was explained to CEOs that any elector in their state/UT can easily be mapped with the 2003/04 roll of any state/UT as rolls of all states/UTs are now available in a digitised form.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Gave A Good Dose…’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan From Rajasthan Border, Lauds Operation SindoorPolish FM Snubs Pak FM Ishaq Dar’s ‘Kashmir’ Rant, Issues Warning On Illegal Immigration’Had No Choice’: Hyderabad Man Duped On Pretext Of Job In Russia, Forced To Fight War In UkraineSurajbhan Singh Reveals Why He Left NDA To Join RJD And Contest From Mokama | Battle for BiharJaishankar To Represent India at ASEAN Summit As PM Modi Gives Chance To Meet Donald Trump a MissMumbai’s Arthur Road Jail Prepares Boutique-Style Cell For Fugitive Diamantaire Mehul Choksi’Drugged’ Sikh Truck Driver Behind Fiery Crash in California Reignites Illegal Immigration DebateTejashwi Yadav Named CM Face, BJP Retaliates with ‘Weak Alliance’ Remark at MahagathbandhanDGCA Plans New Rules For Power Banks On Flights After Fire Scare On IndiGo PlaneH-1B Visa Changes Explained: Indian Talent Could Gain Or Lose Depending On Policy123 Photostories THIS Prithviraj Sukumaran film took 16 years to make, flopped at the box officeEverything you should Know about pandasTop 5 retro boot trends you’ll see everywhere this fall 20257 most common signs of protein deficiency seen in men above 35Unforgettable Bollywood villains who defined evil8 must-try South Indian rice dishesHow to know if a diamond is natural or lab grown10 cutest animal smiles that will melt your heartFrom celebrating his first Diwali in his new house to holding a small pooja with GF Yogita: Inside Aaryamann Sethi’s Diwali celebrations with familyBihar Elections 2025: Stage set for Mahagathbandhan vs NDA; key fights to watch out for123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop Trendingjj mccarthy injuryStephen Curry WifePaige SpiranacDiddyAaron JonesPatrick MahomesNBA Gambling ScandalStephen Curry WifeChauncey BillupsTiago Splitter

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Thursday asked all chief electoral officers (CEOs) — particularly of states/UTs due for assembly polls next year — to start training booth level officers (BLOs) and urge the political parties to appoint adequate number of booth level agents (BLAs) ahead of the impending announcement of a staggered, pan-India special…

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Updated: Oct 24, 2025, 09:46 IST

Updated: Oct 24, 2025, 09:46 IST

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Harmanpreet Kaur celebrates with Pratika Rawal following India’s victory against New Zealand in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup at DY Patil Stadium. (Getty Images) India secured a commanding 53-run victory over New Zealand via DLS method in the Women’s World Cup on Thursday, qualifying for the semi-finals after three consecutive defeats. The win was…

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‘Egregious behavior’: Trump says he’s ending trade talks with Canada over TV ads – All you need to know

‘Egregious behavior’: Trump says he’s ending trade talks with Canada over TV ads – All you need to know

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Donald Trump, Mark Carney (AP) US President Donald Trump announced late Thursday that he is halting “all trade negotiations” with Canada, citing recent television ads protesting US tariffs as “egregious behavior” intended to influence American court decisions.“The Ronald Reagan Foundation has just announced that Canada has fraudulently used an advertisement, which is FAKE, featuring Ronald…

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KSET admit card 2025 expected to release soon at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in: Check details here

KSET admit card 2025 expected to release soon at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in: Check details here

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

KSET admit card 2025: The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) is expected to release the hall tickets for the Karnataka State Eligibility Test (KSET) 2025 today. Aspiring candidates aiming to secure eligibility for the role of Assistant Professor can access their admit cards through the official KEA portal at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in once it is made available.The much-anticipated…

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‘Maa kasam khao…’ Yuzvendra Chahal reacts to ex Dhanashree Verma’s Rs 4 crore alimony after HC verdict | Hindi Movie News

‘Maa kasam khao…’ Yuzvendra Chahal reacts to ex Dhanashree Verma’s Rs 4 crore alimony after HC verdict | Hindi Movie News

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal’s recent social media post has ignited discussions about his personal life. The post, referencing a court ruling on alimony, has led fans to speculate about his divorce from Dhanashree Verma. Chahal’s actions come amidst reports of their settlement. Dhanashree Verma has previously addressed alimony rumors, stating they are untrue and that the…

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‘Maa kasam khao’: Yuzvendra Chahal takes an indirect dig at Dhanashree Verma over Delhi HC verdict on alimony

‘Maa kasam khao’: Yuzvendra Chahal takes an indirect dig at Dhanashree Verma over Delhi HC verdict on alimony

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

File photo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma. Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal shared a now-deleted cryptic Instagram Story featuring a Delhi High Court ruling about alimony payments, seemingly an indirect dig after his divorce from Dhanashree Verma. The post included a screenshot carrying a news article that said “financially independent wives cannot demand alimony from…

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Amid increasing pollution in metros, especially after Diwali, couples are finding fresh beginnings in Goa, where clean air and blue skies promise a healthier future for them and their childrenLast Oct, hotelier Ankit Gupta flew to Delhi from Panaji to celebrate Diwali with his parents in Maharani Bagh, an upscale residential area in South-East Delhi. Within hours, he developed a sinus infection. Ten days later, he remained on medication, struggling with respiratory problems.“Every friend of mine in Delhi is suffering from some form of respiratory illness,” Gupta said.Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates Sharply to ‘Red Zone’ as Diwali Fireworks Trigger Severe PollutionGupta, his wife Meenakshi Rajput (45) and 10-year-old daughter had moved to Goa in Jan 2024 after repeated bouts of respiratory problems left them scrambling for sanity, amid repeated visits to doctors’ chambers.Families that uprooted themselves from Delhi to settle in Goa — with great reluctance at first — are glad they made the shift.Delhi’s 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) on Diwali touched 345, in the ‘very poor’ category — the highest since 2021, when it had reached 382. Toxic smoke caused PM2.5 levels to soar to 675 micrograms per cubic metre at midnight, again the worst since 2021.PM2.5, or particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less, are tiny airborne particles that pose significant health risks when inhaled. Because of how small they are, they can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular problems, including asthma, coughing, breathing difficulties, and increased risk of conditions like lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.Mumbai, too, saw a sharp rise, with AQI levels up 9% on Diwali, compared to the night before.“Our respiratory issues were getting worse,” said Gupta. “We had chronic bouts of respiratory illness after every Diwali. Given our health concerns, we had no choice but to move. My daughter developed an adenoid infection because of respiratory illness and we had to get them surgically removed. We were asked by our doctors to go to a cleaner area. Delhi is like a gas chamber.”For Prashant Kalra and his wife, their decision to relocate was driven by concern about their daughter’s health. He put up a post on Instagram recently, explaining why — as a responsible father and a husband — he took the seemingly “reckless” decision. His post soon went viral, with many joining in and sharing their own reasons for leaving Gurugram and Delhi.“We were on a road trip in 2018, around Diwali,” Kalra said. “We were headed to a boutique hotel in Rajasthan to escape the Diwali pollution. While on that trip, our very boutiquey hotel decided to have a Diwali firework display, which prompted a coughing bout from our daughter. At that point, we decided that the north was no longer going to be home, and that a relocation was unavoidable.”In 2019, the Kalras made the journey south, seeking refuge in Goa, where the air was free from toxic smog.“Young parents like us are looking for cleaner air for our kids,” Kalra explained. “The main challenges are giving up work, the social circle, the convenience of a big city, the fear of the unknown and similar issues. But increasingly, there are parents who just don’t have a choice as their kids are getting sicker each year.”Gupta and Kalra are part of a growing tribe of Indian parents fleeing the deadly air pollution that envelops the country’s metros. These ‘pollution refugees’ have found that Goa’s palm-tinged villages and sunny climes are kinder to their lungs.On Aug 6, 2022, four-year-old Damian (name changed) lay gasping for breath at Hiranandani Hospital in Powai, an upscale suburb in Central Mumbai. His fretful parents watched their son, his face dwarfed by the oxygen mask that was helping his lungs.Midnight visits to the emergency room had become routine for Damian’s parents. This was not the first time that they had seen doctors pump steroids and medicines into the wiry frame of their boy. But it would be the last, they decided.“We realised that this was the tipping point for us,” said Damian’s father, Lionel. “Our company was going remote and there was nothing keeping us in Mumbai any more.”Musician Stefan Kaye and his wife were in the same boat. Their move away from the national capital began with the search for suitable schools for their three-year old daughter.“It got to a stage where we were checking schools to see if they had air purifiers in every room and if the children were made to exercise outdoors or indoors. There were serious ramifications for her health and we were dissatisfied with the facilities that schools had to counter the effects of pollution,” Kaye said.The Kayes could feel their eyes stinging in Delhi because of the toxins in the air. “There used to be a yellow haze, and we always had a burning sensation at the back of our throat. This can take years of your life,” said Kaye, who now lives in Goa.According to the India State Level Disease Burden Initiative study published in The Lancet, one out of every eight deaths in India is attributable to air pollution. The study says that the average life expectancy in India would have been 1.7 years higher, had the air pollution level been less than the minimal level causing health loss.The ambient air quality in Delhi dances between hazardous and very severe. A deadly cocktail of construction dust, vehicular emissions and ash from crop burning chokes the national capital region, which fumes from firecrackers only exacerbates.“We moved to Goa because the health of our daughter was a real concern. As parents, we felt that it was irresponsible to raise a child and almost negligent in a way to live in Delhi,” Kaye said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Gave A Good Dose…’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan From Rajasthan Border, Lauds Operation SindoorPolish FM Snubs Pak FM Ishaq Dar’s ‘Kashmir’ Rant, Issues Warning On Illegal Immigration’Had No Choice’: Hyderabad Man Duped On Pretext Of Job In Russia, Forced To Fight War In UkraineSurajbhan Singh Reveals Why He Left NDA To Join RJD And Contest From Mokama | Battle for BiharJaishankar To Represent India at ASEAN Summit As PM Modi Gives Chance To Meet Donald Trump a MissMumbai’s Arthur Road Jail Prepares Boutique-Style Cell For Fugitive Diamantaire Mehul Choksi’Drugged’ Sikh Truck Driver Behind Fiery Crash in California Reignites Illegal Immigration DebateTejashwi Yadav Named CM Face, BJP Retaliates with ‘Weak Alliance’ Remark at MahagathbandhanDGCA Plans New Rules For Power Banks On Flights After Fire Scare On IndiGo PlaneH-1B Visa Changes Explained: Indian Talent Could Gain Or Lose Depending On Policy123 Photostories THIS Prithviraj Sukumaran film took 16 years to make, flopped at the box officeEverything you should Know about pandasTop 5 retro boot trends you’ll see everywhere this fall 20257 most common signs of protein deficiency seen in men above 35Unforgettable Bollywood villains who defined evil8 must-try South Indian rice dishesHow to know if a diamond is natural or lab grown10 cutest animal smiles that will melt your heartFrom celebrating his first Diwali in his new house to holding a small pooja with GF Yogita: Inside Aaryamann Sethi’s Diwali celebrations with familyBihar Elections 2025: Stage set for Mahagathbandhan vs NDA; key fights to watch out for123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingTravis KelceCardi BAJ McCarronDiddyAaron JonesPatrick MahomesNBA Gambling ScandalStephen Curry WifeChauncey BillupsTiago Splitter

Amid increasing pollution in metros, especially after Diwali, couples are finding fresh beginnings in Goa, where clean air and blue skies promise a healthier future for them and their childrenLast Oct, hotelier Ankit Gupta flew to Delhi from Panaji to celebrate Diwali with his parents in Maharani Bagh, an upscale residential area in South-East Delhi. Within hours, he developed a sinus infection. Ten days later, he remained on medication, struggling with respiratory problems.“Every friend of mine in Delhi is suffering from some form of respiratory illness,” Gupta said.Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates Sharply to ‘Red Zone’ as Diwali Fireworks Trigger Severe PollutionGupta, his wife Meenakshi Rajput (45) and 10-year-old daughter had moved to Goa in Jan 2024 after repeated bouts of respiratory problems left them scrambling for sanity, amid repeated visits to doctors’ chambers.Families that uprooted themselves from Delhi to settle in Goa — with great reluctance at first — are glad they made the shift.Delhi’s 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) on Diwali touched 345, in the ‘very poor’ category — the highest since 2021, when it had reached 382. Toxic smoke caused PM2.5 levels to soar to 675 micrograms per cubic metre at midnight, again the worst since 2021.PM2.5, or particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less, are tiny airborne particles that pose significant health risks when inhaled. Because of how small they are, they can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular problems, including asthma, coughing, breathing difficulties, and increased risk of conditions like lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.Mumbai, too, saw a sharp rise, with AQI levels up 9% on Diwali, compared to the night before.“Our respiratory issues were getting worse,” said Gupta. “We had chronic bouts of respiratory illness after every Diwali. Given our health concerns, we had no choice but to move. My daughter developed an adenoid infection because of respiratory illness and we had to get them surgically removed. We were asked by our doctors to go to a cleaner area. Delhi is like a gas chamber.”For Prashant Kalra and his wife, their decision to relocate was driven by concern about their daughter’s health. He put up a post on Instagram recently, explaining why — as a responsible father and a husband — he took the seemingly “reckless” decision. His post soon went viral, with many joining in and sharing their own reasons for leaving Gurugram and Delhi.“We were on a road trip in 2018, around Diwali,” Kalra said. “We were headed to a boutique hotel in Rajasthan to escape the Diwali pollution. While on that trip, our very boutiquey hotel decided to have a Diwali firework display, which prompted a coughing bout from our daughter. At that point, we decided that the north was no longer going to be home, and that a relocation was unavoidable.”In 2019, the Kalras made the journey south, seeking refuge in Goa, where the air was free from toxic smog.“Young parents like us are looking for cleaner air for our kids,” Kalra explained. “The main challenges are giving up work, the social circle, the convenience of a big city, the fear of the unknown and similar issues. But increasingly, there are parents who just don’t have a choice as their kids are getting sicker each year.”Gupta and Kalra are part of a growing tribe of Indian parents fleeing the deadly air pollution that envelops the country’s metros. These ‘pollution refugees’ have found that Goa’s palm-tinged villages and sunny climes are kinder to their lungs.On Aug 6, 2022, four-year-old Damian (name changed) lay gasping for breath at Hiranandani Hospital in Powai, an upscale suburb in Central Mumbai. His fretful parents watched their son, his face dwarfed by the oxygen mask that was helping his lungs.Midnight visits to the emergency room had become routine for Damian’s parents. This was not the first time that they had seen doctors pump steroids and medicines into the wiry frame of their boy. But it would be the last, they decided.“We realised that this was the tipping point for us,” said Damian’s father, Lionel. “Our company was going remote and there was nothing keeping us in Mumbai any more.”Musician Stefan Kaye and his wife were in the same boat. Their move away from the national capital began with the search for suitable schools for their three-year old daughter.“It got to a stage where we were checking schools to see if they had air purifiers in every room and if the children were made to exercise outdoors or indoors. There were serious ramifications for her health and we were dissatisfied with the facilities that schools had to counter the effects of pollution,” Kaye said.The Kayes could feel their eyes stinging in Delhi because of the toxins in the air. “There used to be a yellow haze, and we always had a burning sensation at the back of our throat. This can take years of your life,” said Kaye, who now lives in Goa.According to the India State Level Disease Burden Initiative study published in The Lancet, one out of every eight deaths in India is attributable to air pollution. The study says that the average life expectancy in India would have been 1.7 years higher, had the air pollution level been less than the minimal level causing health loss.The ambient air quality in Delhi dances between hazardous and very severe. A deadly cocktail of construction dust, vehicular emissions and ash from crop burning chokes the national capital region, which fumes from firecrackers only exacerbates.“We moved to Goa because the health of our daughter was a real concern. As parents, we felt that it was irresponsible to raise a child and almost negligent in a way to live in Delhi,” Kaye said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Gave A Good Dose…’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan From Rajasthan Border, Lauds Operation SindoorPolish FM Snubs Pak FM Ishaq Dar’s ‘Kashmir’ Rant, Issues Warning On Illegal Immigration’Had No Choice’: Hyderabad Man Duped On Pretext Of Job In Russia, Forced To Fight War In UkraineSurajbhan Singh Reveals Why He Left NDA To Join RJD And Contest From Mokama | Battle for BiharJaishankar To Represent India at ASEAN Summit As PM Modi Gives Chance To Meet Donald Trump a MissMumbai’s Arthur Road Jail Prepares Boutique-Style Cell For Fugitive Diamantaire Mehul Choksi’Drugged’ Sikh Truck Driver Behind Fiery Crash in California Reignites Illegal Immigration DebateTejashwi Yadav Named CM Face, BJP Retaliates with ‘Weak Alliance’ Remark at MahagathbandhanDGCA Plans New Rules For Power Banks On Flights After Fire Scare On IndiGo PlaneH-1B Visa Changes Explained: Indian Talent Could Gain Or Lose Depending On Policy123 Photostories THIS Prithviraj Sukumaran film took 16 years to make, flopped at the box officeEverything you should Know about pandasTop 5 retro boot trends you’ll see everywhere this fall 20257 most common signs of protein deficiency seen in men above 35Unforgettable Bollywood villains who defined evil8 must-try South Indian rice dishesHow to know if a diamond is natural or lab grown10 cutest animal smiles that will melt your heartFrom celebrating his first Diwali in his new house to holding a small pooja with GF Yogita: Inside Aaryamann Sethi’s Diwali celebrations with familyBihar Elections 2025: Stage set for Mahagathbandhan vs NDA; key fights to watch out for123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingTravis KelceCardi BAJ McCarronDiddyAaron JonesPatrick MahomesNBA Gambling ScandalStephen Curry WifeChauncey BillupsTiago Splitter

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Amid increasing pollution in metros, especially after Diwali, couples are finding fresh beginnings in Goa, where clean air and blue skies promise a healthier future for them and their childrenLast Oct, hotelier Ankit Gupta flew to Delhi from Panaji to celebrate Diwali with his parents in Maharani Bagh, an upscale residential area in South-East Delhi….

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