Hindi Ban Backlash: Stalin Govt Pauses Bill After India Today Report Sparks Outrage

Delhi's Diwali War: SC Allows Green Crackers, Activists Warn Of 'Apocalypse' Air

This special report investigates the Supreme Court's decision to permit certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali, a ruling made amidst existing air quality concerns and the implementation of GRAP-1 measures. India Today's Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor moderates a debate featuring activist Sujata Pandey, environmentalist Vimlendu Jha, and Bhavreen Kandhari, discussing the bench's ruling led by CJI B.R. Gavai. The discussion addresses perspectives on faith versus selective activism and evaluates whether the decision offers a pragmatic solution to illegal cracker smuggling or presents a public health risk. The program details green cracker specifications, enforcement challenges, and the conflict between celebration rights and the right to clean air in the capital. Environmentalist Vimlendu Jha commented on the Supreme Court's approach to balancing interests. The report further covers Delhi's air pollution situation, including contributing factors like industrial and vehicular emissions, and the Delhi government's proposed cloud seeding or artificial rain initiative. Additionally, the program explains recent updates to Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) rules, outlining conditions for withdrawing up to 100% of the PF balance.