On Thursday, the Directorate of Education announced that all government and private schools in the capital city can return to regular classroom learning. This decision was made after the Supreme Court changed air quality rules to a less strict level, allowing for normal activities again.
The Supreme Court told the Commission for Air Quality Management that if the air quality index (AQI) goes above 350 or 400, they should quickly bring back tougher measures. The court will keep an eye on how these air quality rules are applied in the city.
The Directorate of Education’s notice stated that all types of schools—government, government-aided, and private—were previously told to switch to online classes starting from November 17. However, this order is no longer in effect. Now, all schools must conduct classes in-person immediately. School leaders must also inform students, teachers, and parents about this change.
On Thursday, the air quality in the capital improved, with an AQI recorded at 161, which is in the ‘moderate’ range. For context, an AQI from 0 to 50 is ‘good’, 51 to 100 is ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 is ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 is ‘poor’, 301 to 400 is ‘very poor’, and 401 to 500 is ‘severe’.
Online classes were introduced on November 17 due to dangerously poor air quality, but high school students in Grades 10 and 12 were also moved online on November 18.
When air quality was rated at ‘severe plus’, some strict rules were set in place, like limiting diesel vehicles to those carrying important goods only. Other trucks and light commercial vehicles were prevented from entering the city unless they used cleaner fuel.
Similarly, offices in the Delhi NCR region were asked to run at half capacity, meaning half the employees worked in the office, while the others worked from home. Many businesses followed this advice.
Now that the situation has improved with the air quality, the restrictions have eased, but the use of coal and firewood, like in restaurants or open eateries, is still not allowed.
Tag: thellv.com
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Delhi Schools Resume In-Person Classes as Air Quality Improves
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Devendra Fadnavis Sworn in as Maharashtra CM: Promises Stability & Progress
Devendra Fadnavis Sworn in as Maharashtra Chief Minister, Promises Stability and Development
On Thursday, Devendra Fadnavis took the oath of office as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. He promised to work together with his allies for a strong and stable government. Fadnavis acknowledged Eknath Shinde from the Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar from the NCP, who are now his two deputy chief ministers.
“We are all here to work for the people,” he said. He noted the importance of the ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana’, which aims to support women in the state. Fadnavis emphasized that the new government will keep the momentum of progress from the past two and a half years going strong.
Fadnavis announced that a special assembly session will be conducted from December 7 to 9, where they will elect a Speaker. He also mentioned that the cabinet will be expanded before the winter session.
In the recent elections, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance won a significant victory, securing 230 out of 288 assembly seats. After taking the oath, Fadnavis and his deputies went to the state secretariat to hold their first cabinet meeting.
Fadnavis revealed that the choice of departments for ministers is almost final, with only a few minor changes from the previous government.
One of his first actions in office was to approve Rs 5 lakh in aid for a patient needing a bone marrow transplant. This assistance came after the patient’s wife requested help.
Fadnavis highlighted that his government will work openly for the people’s benefit and will avoid any form of political revenge. He also called for a fresh start in political communication, inviting leaders from other parties, although they did not attend the swearing-in event. -
Pink-Ball Tests: Challenging Cricket’s Newest Adventure
In November 2015, Adelaide hosted the first-ever day-night cricket Test played with a pink ball. It was an exciting match where Australia edged out New Zealand by three wickets on the third day. At that time, many people were unsure if the pink ball would hold up well during the game. There were even talks about players wearing colored uniforms because it was an experiment to attract more fans back to Test cricket.
Fast forward nearly ten years, and pink-ball Tests have become quite normal. The pink ball now comes with an extra layer of shine, and pitchers prepare the field like they would for a regular red-ball game, leaving less grass on the pitch. Players are ready for the challenges that come with the new ball and the tricky twilight hours. Fans expect that these matches won’t last the full five days, especially in Adelaide.
Adjusting to a different color ball can be tricky for teams, as Rohit Sharma mentioned while preparing for a match at the Oval, “We know that when we arrive in Adelaide, we’ll play a day-night Test. But we aren’t going to complain; we’ll just focus on the game.”
India doesn’t play day-night Tests often, but they face the same challenges that Australia does. As assistant coach Abhishek Nayar noted, “Our team always thinks about strategies, whether it’s with a pink ball or red ball. The biggest change comes from our mindset.”
KL Rahul pointed out that batters sometimes struggle to see the ball clearly, saying it feels harder than the red ball. He shared, “It seems to come at you quicker, and it also seams around more. But I’m excited because it’s my first pink-ball game.”
Wicketkeeper Alex Carey from Australia added that the changing light can affect how he sees the ball, making it look a bit blurry. “I must focus on watching the ball closely. The pink ball adds a great challenge to the game,” he explained.
So far, every pink-ball Test has produced results, mostly because the pink ball behaves very differently. Data shows that when Australia plays during the day in Adelaide, they score an average of 41.14 runs while the opposing team averages only 29.95. In contrast, in day-night Tests, Australia’s average drops to 38.81, but the opposition’s average falls all the way down to 20.29.
Interestingly, when looking at bowling, Australia’s bowlers don’t usually shine in day games but do exceptionally well in day-night matches, averaging just 21.11 runs compared to their opponents’ 43.09.
This year, the game may take a different turn because India’s bowling attack is just as strong as Australia’s, and their batting seems to be in better shape than the host team. While things may change quickly, India remains confident based on their recent performances in Perth.
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NGT Issues Warning: Sewage Threatens Health at Maha Kumbh Mela!
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has warned that the health of millions of pilgrims visiting the Maha Kumbh fair could be at risk if sewage keeps flowing into the Ganga River in Prayagraj. The Maha Kumbh Mela is a big event that will last for 40 days, starting on January 14 and ending on February 26. Many people from around the world are expected to attend this festival.
The tribunal was looking into a complaint that 50 drains were dumping dirty sewage directly into the Ganga River along an eight-kilometer stretch from Rasulabad to the Sangam, where the Ganga and Yamuna rivers meet. Earlier in September, the NGT created a high-powered committee to come up with solutions and report back by November 23.
On November 29, NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava pointed out that the committee had not submitted any report and hadn’t asked for more time to do so. The tribunal stressed that the pollution of the Ganga is urgent and must be addressed before the Kumbh Mela starts.
The NGT expressed concern that if no action is taken, the health of the millions of visitors could be harmed. It noted that the committee was expected to take this issue seriously. Although the UP state government’s lawyer asked for an extra 15 days to submit the report, the tribunal was not satisfied, especially since the report was supposedly already prepared.
In the end, the tribunal allowed the committee one week to file the report and reminded everyone involved about the need for quick action. The next hearing is scheduled for December 9. Previously, the tribunal had pointed out that the water quality in the area was not safe for drinking.
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New UGC Rules: Study Any Discipline After Class 12!
Good news for students wanting to pursue higher education! The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced new rules. Now, whether you studied science, arts, or commerce in Class 12, you can apply for any undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) program as long as you pass a national or university entrance exam.
UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar explained this change aims to make learning more flexible and open to everyone. You won’t be limited by what you studied earlier. For example, if you took arts in high school, you can still join a science program if you pass the test.
The universities can also admit students in the second, third, or fourth year of study based on what they have completed. If you’re interested in exploring different fields, you can even study two UG or PG programs at the same time, and you can switch between different subjects or schools.
Furthermore, students can now focus on important skills and work experiences while studying. They can earn 50% of their credits in their main subject and the rest can go towards skill-building activities or exploring new subjects.
These improvements mean that Indian higher education will meet international standards while also being welcoming to all types of learners!
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Pushpa 2: The Rule Breaks Records on Opening Day!
Sukumar’s new movie, Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil, hit theaters on December 5, with special previews on December 4. According to niftystat, the film made an amazing ₹50 crore in both Telugu and Hindi languages on its very first day!
Pushpa 2: The Rule was released in several languages like Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, and Hindi. Fans could watch it in different formats like 2D, IMAX, 4DX, D-Box, and special PVR ICE. The 3D version will come out later. Even though it was a weekday, the movie’s earnings were incredible!
To attract more viewers, the movie team raised ticket prices during its first week. This move faced some criticism, especially since the highest ticket cost as much as ₹2500 in certain theaters in Mumbai and Delhi. The local governments in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh also allowed the team to raise prices and plan special shows. The team hopes that these efforts will bring in larger audiences before prices drop after the first week.
About Pushpa 2: The Rule
Pushpa 2: The Rule is a continuation of the hit 2021 film, Pushpa: The Rise. Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil are back as Pushpa Raj, Srivalli, and Bhanwar Singh Shekawat. The story picks up after Pushpa becomes a powerful red sandalwood smuggler and leader. Not only does this movie continue the thrilling tale, but it also sets the stage for Pushpa 3: The Rampage. -
Delhi MLA Naresh Balyan in Judicial Custody for Organized Crime Case
A judge in Delhi sent Naresh Balyan, an MLA from AAP representing Uttam Nagar, to jail for a day in a case about organized crime. Judge Kaveri Baweja decided to keep him in jail because the police wanted to question him for 10 more days, but the discussion about this is still ongoing and will continue on December 6.
The police believe Balyan holds important information about a larger plan related to the case. Earlier, another judge stopped the police from taking him into custody and told them to bring Balyan to the right court that deals with cases involving lawmakers. When the police tried to justify their actions, the judge pointed out that they were wasting time.
Balyan was arrested on December 4 and had recently been granted bail in a different case related to extortion.
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Robert Ryman’s $1.5M White Canvas Auction: A Minimalist Marvel!
A special white canvas made by famous artist Robert Ryman will be sold at an auction in Berlin this week. The artwork, named General 52 x 52, is from 1970 and is worth over $1.5 million! The auction will take place at Ketterer Kunst on December 6 and 7.
At first, you might think it’s just a blank canvas, but there’s much more to it. Ryman used special paints called white enamel and enamelac that are usually meant for metal. This makes the artwork unique and makes you think about what art really is. Ryman, who died in 2019, was a self-taught artist known for his clean white art. His simple pieces often made people question what they think of as art.
Delicate Art That Needs Care
Even though it looks simple, General 52 x 52 is very sensitive. Because the white surface is delicate, it can’t be moved for viewing before the auction. If it’s even slightly damaged, it could lose a lot of its value. The auction house, Ketterer Kunst, stated that any small flaw could really hurt the artwork’s worth, which is why they won’t be moving it anywhere.
Art You Can Experience
Simone Wichmann from Ketterer Kunst talked about how Ryman’s art invites viewers to be part of the experience. She explained that “white is not always white.” It changes with light, movement, and how we see it. Viewing Ryman’s work makes you part of the artwork, transforming you into a creator. That’s a big part of Ryman’s minimalist style, where just looking at the piece is part of the art itself.
Ryman’s Impact on Minimalism
Even though Ryman’s art often sparked arguments, he also received a lot of praise and sold pieces for large amounts of money. His simple style, especially the use of white, made him an important person in the minimalist art movement after World War II. Ryman was self-taught and used to work as a security guard at the Museum of Modern Art in New York before becoming famous for his thought-provoking art.
The General 52 x 52 is one piece in a larger series called General, which includes 15 artworks that are all slightly different from each other. Some of his works are in major museums, like the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, and one was even shown in a big exhibit in Germany in 1972.
This auction continues a trend of exciting art pieces being sold that get people talking. Just last month, Maurizio Cattelan’s artwork—a banana duct-taped to a wall—was sold for $6.2 million at Art Basel Miami Beach. The buyer, a cryptocurrency entrepreneur, even ate the banana shortly after buying it, sparking more discussion about what art really means.
As art sales keep pushing limits, Ryman’s General 52 x 52 offers yet another chance to think about art in new ways. The auction is set to keep discussions alive about how art changes in the 21st century.
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EQT Partners to Boost Investments in India’s Thriving Market!
EQT Partners, a big private equity firm from Sweden, is on the lookout for more companies to buy in India in 2025. Jean Eric Salata, a top EQT executive, shared that over the past year and a half, they have invested $6 billion in India—way more than they expected. They believe India is a fantastic place for international investments.
In these 18 months, EQT made seven investments in areas like financial services, tech services, and healthcare, and they expect the market for buyouts in India to grow from $10 billion now to $50 billion by the end of the decade.
Recently, EQT merged with Baring PE Asia, making it their Asian branch. They currently manage assets worth over $250 billion and are keen on boosting investments in infrastructure, real estate, and industrial technology, like electric vehicle manufacturing.
In their healthcare space, EQT is learning to use new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). Companies in their portfolio are adapting to AI, improving their services. For instance, Sagility, one of their healthcare companies, has acquired an AI firm to bring advanced solutions to the market.
Over the last 25 years, EQT has invested about $8 billion in more than 30 Indian companies, including names like Indira IVF and O2 Power.
Salata believes that India’s stock market is doing great compared to others globally, making it appealing for investors. However, he mentioned that finding the right price for assets can be a challenge. They also pay close attention to corporate governance, which means they carefully check how companies are run.
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IOC Drops Key Sports for 2026 Youth Olympics: Impact on India
In a major setback for India’s hopes of winning medals, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided that shooting, weightlifting, and hockey will not be medal events at the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal. These sports have been moved to a special program called the “engagement programme,” which means they won’t award medals.
At the last Youth Olympics in 2018, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, India won 13 medals, including 4 from shooting and 2 from hockey. Manu Bhaker, a talented young shooter from India, won one gold and one silver medal in shooting events.
The IOC announced this change on December 3, confirming that the youth games will take place from October 31 to November 13, 2026. The games are for young athletes aged 15 to 18.
Out of 35 sports, 25 will award medals, while 10 sports will be included in the engagement programme. The 25 sports that will offer medals include athletics, swimming, basketball, and many more.
This year, for the first time, there will be equal opportunities for boys and girls in every event, with a total of 151 events planned — down from 241 in the previous games. The total number of athletes expected is 2,700.
Originally, the 2026 Youth Olympics were scheduled for 2022, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they were postponed. The games will be held in three locations in Senegal: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.