Supreme Court directs Centre to hold emergency meeting to control air pollution

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November 15, 2021

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Centre to call an emergency meeting on Tuesday to take measures like stopping non-essential construction transport, power plants, and implementing work from home.

A bench, headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana, directed the concerned secretaries of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab and Delhi to attend the meeting to make their submissions before the committee formed by it.

“The affidavit filed by respondents and after hearing we come to the conclusion the major culprits of pollution are construction activity, industry, transport, power and vehicular traffic apart from stubble burning in some parts. Even though some decisions were taken by the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act has not indicated precisely what steps they are going to take to control factors that are causing air pollution.

“In view of that, we direct the government of India to a call for an emergency meeting tomorrow and discuss the areas which we indicated and what orders they can pass to effectively control air pollution. So far, as stubble burning is concerned, broadly affidavits state that their contribution is not so much except for two months. However, at present a good amount of stubble burning is taking place in Haryana and Punjab,” the bench also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and Surya Kant said.

The top court also asked the state governments of Punjab and Haryana to pursue the farmers for two weeks not to do stubble burning. “We direct the government of India, NCR states to examine introducing work from home for employees,” the bench said.

Maharashtra riots: Curfew announced amid more violence in Amravati; shops, private property destroyed

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Afternoon Voice

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November 14, 2021

The incident occurred during a bandh (shutdown) called by a saffron body against Friday’s stone-pelting incidents in Amravati city during rallies held by Muslim organisations in protest against the Tripura communal violence.

Hundreds of people, many of them holding saffron flags in their hands and raising slogans, came out on streets in Rajkamal Chowk area of this east Maharashtra city, located around 670 km from the state capital, in the morning.

A curfew has been imposed in Amravati city following further incidents of violence on Saturday morning when a huge mob of hundreds went on a rampage, destroying shops and private property, while the local police, greatly outnumbered, failed to stop them despite a lathi charge. The Maharashtra Police later dispatched four companies of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) and another 125 police personnel to rein in the mob.

In Amravati, Nanded and Malegaon there were some people from the minority community who took out a rally without due police permission to protest against the reported violence in Tripura against members of the minority community. Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil had on Friday promised stern action against those indulging in violence and the state BJP had called for a bandh in Amravati till 4 pm Saturday to mark their protest against the violence.

Opposition leader Devendra Fadnavis said the rallies in Maharashtra to protest against the Tripura incident seem to be a well-orchestrated plot to provoke communal clashes, adding that it is unfortunate and does not augur well for the state. “It is my ardent appeal to people from both the communities to maintain peace. Nobody should indulge in any violence,” he said.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said, “The Raza Academy is not strong enough to arrange such violence and manpower has been provided to them for it. We will arrest and unmask them; the real mobsters are different. They (Opposition) are the biggest enemies of Maharashtra. People are watching and they know who is behind the violence.”

Devendra Fadnavis urged the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government to initiate measures to restore communal harmony. He also demanded stern action against the ruling parties’ elected members and warned people who shared the dais with those protesting and making provocative speeches.

Authorities in Maharashtra’s Amravati city imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure after stone-pelting incidents during protests against the recent communal violence in Tripura. the district’s guardian minister Yashomati Thakur told the media.

Under the provision, district authorities imposed a curfew in the city for four days. People will not be allowed to come out of their homes unless there is a medical emergency and gatherings of more than five persons have been banned. Internet services will also remain suspended in the city for three days to stop the spread of rumours, the police said.

Kaitlyn Dever unveils first look image of her character in Hulu’s ‘Rosaline’

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Afternoon Voice

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November 14, 2021

Actor Kaitlyn Dever on Friday shared the first-look image of herself as the title character in Hulu’s upcoming romantic comedy ‘Rosaline’. The 24-year-old actor took to her Instagram handle and shared the first look image of her character as Rosaline. “I am SO excited for this one :),” she wrote in the caption.

Directed by Karen Maine, ‘Rosaline’ was included as part of Disney plus day and will release in 2022. ‘Rosaline’, a 20th Century project, is described as a comedic retelling of Shakespeare’s famous ‘Romeo and Juliet’, told from the perspective of Romeo’s ex, Rosaline.

Apart from Dever, Minnie Driver, Christopher McDonald, and Bradley Whitford also star in the film, with Kyle Allen as Romeo and Isabela Merced as Juliet, as per The Hollywood Reporter. The film is written by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber (‘The Fault in Our Stars’ fame) from Rebecca Serle’s 2010 novel titled ‘When You Were Mine’.

Withdraw Kangana Ranaut’s Padma Shri: DCW chief Maliwal writes to Prez

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Afternoon Voice

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November 14, 2021

Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal wrote to President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday urging him to withdraw the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, bestowed on actor Kangana Ranaut for her remarks allegedly belittling the country’s Independence.

Ranaut on Thursday had kicked off a row by saying India attained “real freedom” in 2014, apparently referring to the Narendra Modi-led government assuming power, and describing the country’s Independence in 1947 as “bheek” (alms).

Maliwal, in her letter, said the actor had ”made certain outrageous statements disgracing the great freedom fighters of the country”.

The DCW chief also demanded sedition charges against the ‘Queen’ actor. “These statements reflect her hatred for our great freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, and countless others who laid down their lives for the nation! We all know that our nation got its Independence from British rule through ultimate sacrifices and martyrdom of our great freedom fighters,” she wrote.

Highlighting that Ranaut’s statements have hurt the sentiments of millions of Indians and are “seditious” in nature, she urged the president to “kindly take cognizance of the matter and withdraw the Padma Shri honour bestowed upon Ms Ranaut”.

“I also request you to kindly ensure that an FIR is registered against her on charges of sedition. I hope that you will uphold the sentiments of crores of Indians and do the needful in the matter,” Maliwal stressed.

The DCW chief said Ranaut, “through her insensitive and thoughtless lies”, had demeaned and belittled ”the sacrifices of millions of Indians who participated” in various movements such as the revolt of 1857, the Champaran Satyagrah, the Khilafat Movement, the Quit India Movement, the Dandi March and the Non-Cooperation Movement among several others.

“How can we forget the thousands who had assembled at the Jallianwala Bagh to protest against British rule and the massacre that followed? Are these chapters in our history a ‘bheek’?” Maliwal sought to know.

She also pointed out that it was not a stray incident by the actor and that “Ranaut appears to not be of sound mind”.

“She habitually spews venom against people of her own country and has repeatedly used vile language to attack those she does not agree with. Her behaviour is in no way befitting of the recipient of the highest award in the country and is also an insult to the stalwarts who received the award with and before her,” Maliwal added.

Ranaut was recently awarded the Padma Shri.

Not necessary whatever I do will be great, says Pankaj Tripathi

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Afternoon Voice

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November 14, 2021

Actor Pankaj Tripathi is arguably in the best phase of his career: he is not only swamped with work but continues to garner applause for his every outing, regardless of the format.

But the actor, a scene-stealer in any film or web series he does, is a little concerned about “disappointing” his fans if his work is not up to the mark, someday.

“I remember 10 days ago I met a group of people at the airport who were from the South and Bengal and they said when they see a shot of mine in a trailer, they feel they want to see the film as I will do something for sure. “There is a sense of responsibility too (and also) that the day I mess up a little, people might be disappointed. I am also a human being. I do feel a little worried sometimes. It is not necessary that whatever I do will be great. It might be average but then people say that my average will be fine too,” Tripathi told PTI in an interview.

The 45-year-old actor said he tries to concentrate on doing his job and believes in giving his 100 per cent to every role. “I try to maintain a balance of entertainment and sensitivity; I make sure the purpose is not missed.” After years of struggle, Tripathi has been working round-the-clock and said he wishes to slow down a bit after honouring his prior commitments.

”This has not happened overnight; it has taken a lot of time to be here. I am 45-years-old today and at this age, the success won’t get to my head because you know and understand life. So, my perspective is a little different.

“I feel I need to slow down now and I will, after finishing my prior commitments. I have pre-COVID-19 commitments which will take six months or so. I will after that (slow down) a little bit because I need (to look at) physical health,” he added.

With fewer breaks in between Tripathi visits his family in Bihar’s Gopalganj district less often now. But the actor, a graduate from the National School of Drama (NSD), shared that during his time at home around 600 people queue up to take selfies and he happily obliges them.

“They all love me and come this far to my house to see me and I don’t want to upset them. Although, I do get a bit tired, smiling all the time but I don’t get irritated soon,” he said.

Back in Mumbai at his sea-facing apartment in Madh Island, Tripathi prefers to stay away from the limelight and finds peace in being close to nature.

“When I am at home, the phone is off. Today, I am not worried about missing a phone call, earlier I was. For three years or so the phone is on silent mode as I have prior commitments so I want to finish that first. “Besides, I also read books of contemporary Hindi writers like Satya Vyas, Nilotpal Mrinal and others and some who write on nature, environment and farming. I also read political columns in the newspaper,” he said.

Currently, he is busy promoting his next film “Bunty Aur Babli 2”, backed by Yash Raj Films. The film is a sequel to the 2005 Shaad Ali-directed blockbuster, which featured Rani Mukerji and Abhishek Bachchan as the titular characters.

While Mukerji is returning as the original Babli, the sequel stars Saif Ali Khan who steps in for Bachchan’s Bunty, with Siddhant Chaturvedi and debutante Sharvari who are the new age con-couple, also called Bunty and Babli, respectively.

Recalling watching “Bunty Aur Babli” in a Patna theatre upon its release 16 years ago, Tripathi said he thoroughly enjoyed the original, which he said had a beautiful storyline and music.

In “Bunty Aur Babli 2”, the actor will be seen as Jatayu Singh, a shrewd cop, who pits the two pairs of con artists Bunty and Babli against each other.

“In the film, the new Bunty Aur Babli are tech-savvy. The old con couple had an old-world set-up. In this new digital age, to earn quick money some people, unfortunately, get trapped. It is the right time to come up with a film like this,” he said.

Like any other common man, Tripathi said he too was conned years ago over car insurance after a man, who claimed to be an agent took money from him. It was a few months later that the actor learnt it was a fraud, he added.

“When I contacted the company to check on the policy, they denied having it. After this, I made sure to make only a cheque payment. It was a small amount of Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 but the incident made me aware,” he said.

The movie, directed by Varun V Sharma, is set to be released in theatres worldwide on November 19. Tripathi will next be seen in Kabir Khan’s much-anticipated cricket drama “83”. He is also working in films like “Bachchan Pandey”, “Oh My God! 2” and will reprise his role as lawyer Madhav Mishra in the Hotstar web series “Criminal Justice”.

Delhi Air pollution: All schools, educational institutions in National Capital to remain closed till Nov 20

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Afternoon Voice

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November 14, 2021

In view of the extreme air pollution situation, the Delhi government, in an order issued on Saturday directed all schools and other educational institutions in the national capital to remain shut till November 20.

The order read, “Keeping in view the need in the public interest to curb high air pollution in Delhi… All Schools, Colleges, Educational/Coaching Institutes, Skill Development, and Training Institutes, Other Training Institutes. Libraries (except where exams are being conducted) shall be closed with immediate effect till November 20.”

Government office employees have been asked to operate from home (WFH) at 100 per cent capacity till November 17, while the order has also advised the private offices to go for WFH (work from home) option as much as possible to avoid vehicular traffic. As per the order, all construction and demolition activities have also been shut till November 17.

The orders came after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal chaired a high-level emergency meeting with senior officials and ministers of the Delhi government yesterday.

Delhi’s air quality on Sunday improved marginally as the air quality in the national capital reached the ‘very poor’ category with Air Quality Index (AQI) at 386 (overall), according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

Don’t change your expectations from me: Pak’s Hasan Ali pens heartfelt note

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Afternoon Voice

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November 14, 2021

Pakistan bowler Hasan Ali on Friday issued a statement for the first time since the Men in Green’s semi-final defeat in the T20 World Cup 2021 against Australia. Hasan Ali was one of the main talking points in Pakistan’s five-wicket defeat against the Aussies.

In the penultimate over of the match which later turned out to be the final over, Ali dropped the catch of Australia batter Matthew Wade, who then smashed three sixes in three balls to win the match for his team.

Ali took to Twitter and wrote: “I know you all are upset because my performance didn’t meet your expectations from me but not more disappointed than me. Don’t change your expectations from me. I want to serve Pakistan cricket at the highest level possible, so back to hard work. This patch will make me stronger so Alhumudilah. Thank you for all the messages.”

میرا سینہ تیری حُرمت کا ہے سنگین حصار،
میرے محبوب وطن تُجھ پہ اگر جاں ہو نثار

میں یہ سمجھوں گا ٹھکانے لگا سرمایہِ تن،
اے میرے پیارے وطن ??? pic.twitter.com/4xiTS0hAvx

— Hassan Ali ?? (@RealHa55an) November 13, 2021

In the second semi-final, when David Warner and Maxwell fell in successive overs from Shadab Khan, the chase of 177 seemed a distanced dream but Stoinis and Wade had other ideas as they put on 81 in 7.4 overs.

Stoinis started the comeback as he went after Rauf, but it was Wade who did the most damage with three consecutive sixes off Shaheen Shah Afridi. Australia will now play New Zealand in the final of the T20 World Cup on Sunday.

MP govt planning to purchase cow dung for making fertilisers, other products: CM Chouhan

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Afternoon Voice

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November 14, 2021

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said the state government is working on the idea of purchasing cow dung to make fertilizers and other products out of it.

The state government is also considering starting an ambulance service with the helpline number ‘109’ for animals to facilitate their medical treatment at their place instead of being transported, Chouhan said on Saturday during ‘Shakti 2021’, a convention of women veterinarians organized here by the Indian Veterinary Association.

“We are working in the direction of purchasing the cow dung and making fertilizers and other products out of it,” said. Several products, including fertilizers, pesticides, medicines, and other items, are these days being made using the cow urine and dung, he said Noting that at times cows, buffaloes and bulls suffer from various diseases, the chief minister said, ”We have thought that like ‘108’ (an ambulance service for citizens), ‘109’ ambulance services should be started for animals.” The animals will not need to be transported, which is a difficult task, to the hospital and a veterinary doctor will reach the spot for their treatment, he said.

Chouhan also said the state government has developed cow sanctuaries and shelters, but they require the participation of society for better functioning.

Watch | Rajkummar Rao gets engaged to ladylove Patralekhaa

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Afternoon Voice

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November 14, 2021

Actor couple Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa got engaged in a ceremony in Chandigarh on Saturday.

The couple, who have been dating since 2010, hosted a bash at The Oberoi Sukhvilas Spa Resort, New Chandigarh, which was attended by their friends, including filmmaker Farah Khan and actor Saqib Saleem.

In a video that has gone viral on social media, Rao, 37, can be seen going down on one knee and proposing to Patralekhaa with a ring.

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Patralekhaa, 32, also goes down on her knees and the duo exchange rings as singer Ed Sheeran’s chartbuster “Perfect” starts playing. The couple then dances, as the guests cheer for them.

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A post shared by eWood (@ewood_ent)

While Rao wore a white kurta-churidaar with a jacket and sneakers, Patralekhaa donned a white off-shoulder gown for the ceremony. The couple is reportedly set to tie the knot soon.

They have featured together in filmmaker Hansal Mehta’s 2014 film “Citylights” and ALTBalaji series “Bose: Dead/Alive“.

Top Maoist leader Milind Teltumbde, 26 others killed in a 9-hour encounter

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Afternoon Voice

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November 14, 2021

Top Maoist leader Milind Teltumbde was among the 26 Naxals killed in an encounter with police in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district, a senior police official said on Sunday.

The gunbattle took place on Saturday at Korchi in the Mardintola forest area of the district, located over 900 km from Mumbai, when a C-60 police commando team was conducting a search operation, police earlier said.

The C-60 commandos, an elite wing of the police, had recovered bodies of 26 Naxals during a search after the encounter and Teltumbde, one of the wanted accused in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, was suspected to be among the dead.

“Teltumbde was among the 26 dead Naxals,” a senior state police official confirmed on Sunday.

The police also recovered 29 firearms from the spot, including nine 12 bore weapons, nine SLRs (self-loading rifles) and five AK-47 guns, another police official said.

The dead rebels included 20 males and six females.

A male and a female bodyguard of Teltumbde were also among those killed in the encounter, police said.

Milind Teltumbde, the brother of activist and scholar Anand Teltumbde, was carrying a reward of Rs 50 lakh on his head for his alleged involvement in violent activities against the state.

Anand Teltumbde had been arrested earlier in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case and is currently lodged at the Taloja prison in neighbouring Navi Mumbai. As per a charge sheet filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the Elgar Parishad case, Milind Teltumbde was named as the ‘dreaded Maoist’, a top operative of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), and declared as absconding.

He was allegedly involved in the Naxal movement since 1996 and was on the radar of central and state security agencies for the last few years in the wake of his activities.

A witness of the NIA in the Elgar Parishad case in a statement claimed that Milind Teltumbde had lived in Dhammadeep Nagar at Ita Bhatti Chowk in Maharashtra’s Nagpur district.

The witness had claimed that Milind Teltumbde bought a property worth Rs 7 lakh under the name of an associate and stayed there between January 2017 and April 2018. According to the NIA, Milind Teltumbde used several alias names like ‘Anil’, ‘Deepak’, ‘Sahyadri’ and ‘Comrade M’ while on the run.

On Saturday, four police personnel were also seriously injured in the action against Naxals in Gadchiroli, which lies on the border of Chhattisgarh, and were taken to Nagpur by helicopter for treatment.