In a landmark judgment that reshapes the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the Supreme Court of India, headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, has upheld the central government’s decision to abrogate Article 370, effectively removing the special status granted to J&K under the Indian Constitution. This pivotal ruling not only reaffirms the integration of Jammu and Kashmir into the Indian Union but also sets the stage for significant constitutional and political changes in the region. The court’s decision, aligning with the presidential proclamation to revoke Article 370, marks a historical turning point, emphasizing that the article was a temporary provision intended to facilitate J&K’s merger with India. As the nation anticipates state elections on September 30, 2024, this ruling paves the way for J&K to be treated on par with other Indian states, signifying a major shift in its governance and legal framework. The verdict, delivered by a five-judge bench, is a defining moment in India’s constitutional history, profoundly impacting J&K’s future and its relationship with the rest of the country. Article 370, according to a five-member Supreme Court panel headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud of India, was only a measure to facilitate Jammu and Kashmir’s integration with India.

 New, Delhi: The Supreme Court confirmed the Center’s decision to hold elections the next year and to withdraw Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 of the Constitution. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud of the Supreme Court stated in a majority ruling that Article 370 was only a temporary solution designed to facilitate Jammu and Kashmir’s unification with India. The Supreme Court mandated state elections for September 30, 2024, and declared that Jammu and Kashmir must be treated equally with other states “as soon as possible.”Each of the five judges has rendered a decision supporting the presidential proclamation that revokes Article 370. The bench rendered three separate decisions: Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul’s concurring opinion, Chief Justice Chandrachud’s decision on behalf of Justices BR Gavai, Surya Kant, and himself, and Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s third opinion, which agreed with the other two. It was not the intention for the J&K Constituent Assembly to exist indefinitely,” the Supreme Court said in explaining its decision, adding that Jammu and Kashmir lost its sovereignty when it joined India and that its constituent assembly was dissolved at the time of the merger. Its sole purpose was to draft the Constitution.

Supreme Court Verdict on Article 370: Integrating J&K with India

According to Chief Justice Chandrachud, the President need not heed the advice of the Constituent Assembly. The Supreme Court, on the other hand, explained why the state preserved its own identity despite losing “internal sovereignty” following its merger with India. The unique circumstance that led to the introduction of Article 370 vanished together with the constituent assembly. However, the state’s circumstances persisted, and as a result, the Article was upheld by the Supreme Court. Legal and executive authority is available to every state in the union but to varying extents. Some instances of specific agreements for various states are included in Articles 371A through 371J. An illustration of asymmetric federalism is this. The Supreme Court declared that Jammu and Kashmir shares no unique internal sovereignty with other states. Jammu and Kashmir was granted its constitution and the authority to make decisions on all issues except foreign policy, communications, and defense under Article 370. The state’s unique status terminated when it was removed. Article 35A, which was contained in Article 370, provided the former state the authority to determine who it recognized as permanent residents and granted them specific rights, such as the ability to work for the government and own property. The Supreme Court ruled that as the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory was just a temporary measure pending elections and the restoration of statehood, it was not essential to determine whether it was legal.

Also Read: Delhi, India’s capital city, is ranked seventh among the most polluted cities in the country, with air quality being “very poor”

Final Thought:

The Supreme Court of India’s ruling on Article 370 represents a monumental shift in the constitutional and political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. By affirming the removal of J&K’s special status and setting a roadmap for the upcoming state elections, the court has paved the way for the region’s full integration into the Indian Union. This decision not only reflects the end of J&K’s unique constitutional position but also signifies a move towards a more uniform application of the law across all Indian states. The court’s interpretation of Article 370 as a temporary measure, no longer necessary after the dissolution of J&K’s Constituent Assembly, underlines the importance of viewing J&K’s relationship with the rest of India through a contemporary lens. As J&K transitions into this new phase of governance, it is essential to keep an eye on how these changes will impact the lives of its residents and the overall stability of the region. The Supreme Court’s judgment is a defining moment in India’s constitutional history, marking a new chapter in J&K’s journey as an integral part of the nation.

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Based on data recorded at 7:00 am by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality in Delhi is still classified as “very poor” and is currently at 316. The capital city’s air quality briefly improved to the “poor” category before dropping to “very poor” levels starting on Friday. Currently ranked seventh among India’s top ten most polluted cities in Delhi. For the previous two weeks, Delhi’s air quality has ranged from “severe” to “very poor.” On the other hand, after rain on December 3, the quality of the air improved. There were several places in Delhi with “very poor” and “poor” air quality ratings today, but no area had “severe” ratings. Nehru Nagar recorded the lowest air quality, with an AQI of 378. With an AQI of 223—which is in the “poor” range—Dilshad Garden had the best air quality readings in all of Delhi. In the capital city, there are several locations with relatively high levels of pollution: R K Puram (342 AQI), Okhla Phase-2 (339 AQI), Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range (337 AQI), New Moti Bagh (334 AQI), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (328 AQI), Sirifort (328 AQI), ITO (327 AQI), Pusa (326 AQI), IGI Airport (323 AQI), and Patparganj (321 AQI).

Cold Mornings and Persistent Pollution: Delhi’s Air Quality Dips

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the national capital had an 8.4-degree Celsius temperature at 7:00 am. The IMD predicted that there would mostly be clear skies with mist or shallow fog in the morning and that similar weather conditions would persist until December 12. The IMD also predicted that there would not be any rainfall in the national capital until December 12. The National Capital Region did better than Delhi when it came to pollution levels; in Noida, for example, the AQI was 257; in Greater Noida, it was 262; in Ghaziabad, it was 230; and in Gurugram, it was 247. All of these locations were classified as having “poor” air quality; in Faridabad, it was 308, falling into the “very poor” category. Earlier, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced that Grap-3 had been lifted in the national capital, but the government was working hard to make sure that Grap-1 and 2 restrictions were strictly adhered to. Following many days in the “poor” range, Delhi’s air quality reverted to the very poor category on Friday. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an AQI of 316 at 7:00 am.

On today’s list of the ten most polluted cities in India, Delhi came in third. For the previous two weeks, Delhi’s air quality has ranged from “severe” to “very poor.” On the other hand, after rain on December 3, the quality of the air improved. There were several places in Delhi with “very poor” and “poor” air quality ratings today, but no area had “severe” ratings. The area with the lowest air quality, Vivek Vihar, has an AQI of 373. The Lodhi Road site in Delhi had the best air quality, with an AQI of 224, falling into the “poor” category. Other locations with relatively high pollution levels include Ashok Vihar where AQI stood at 364, Nehru Nagar where AQI stood at 361, Sonia Vihar where AQI stood at 340 and Wazirpur where AQI stood at 340, R K Puram where AQI stood at 330, Punjabi Bagh where AQI stood at 328, Shadipur where AQI stood at 326 ant ITO where AQI stood at 324.

Delhi Temperature and Air Quality Update:

The national capital recorded a minimum temperature of 9.4 degrees Celsius and a maximum temperature of 25.7 degrees Celsius according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD predicted mainly clear sky with mist or shallow fog in the morning and similar weather conditions to remain until December 12. IMD has further predicted no rainfall in the National Capital till December 12. Locations where air quality was within very poor range but AQI was less than 330 include Anand Vihar where AQI stood at 316, Pusa where AQI stood at 314, New Moti Bagh where AQI stood at 313, Patparganj where AQI stood at 310, North Campus where AQI stood at 302 and Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium where AQI stood at 301. Locations around the National Capital Region fared better than Delhi in terms of pollution level including Noida whose AQI stood at 241, Greater Noida’s AQI stood at 246, Ghaziabad’s AQI stood at 246, Faridabad’s AQI stood at 233 and Gurugram AQI stood at 222. All these places registered ‘poor’ air quality. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai last week informed that Grap-3 has been lifted in the national capital however the government is making efforts to ensure that Grap-1 and 2 restrictions are strictly implemented.

 Delhi Tops India’s Air Pollution Chart: CPCB Reports Alarming AQI Levels

Major Northern Indian cities have been battling with poor air pollution with toxic haze blanketing the cities. In the list of the top 10 most polluted cities in India, Delhi currently ranks top, followed by cities from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data of 244 cities on 1 December, 22 cities registered ‘very poor’ air quality above 300 while 34 Indian cities registered ‘poor’ air quality above 200. According to the CPCB data, Delhi recorded the worst air quality with an overall AQI of 388 while three Rajasthan cities namely Bikaner, Bhiwadi, and Hanumangarh took the second, third, and fourth spots with AQI registering at 377, 362, and 360 respectively.

Severe Air Pollution Grips Northern India: Noida, Bihar, and Haryana etc.

Air Pollution Grips Northern India

In Uttar Pradesh, Noida became the fifth most polluted city in the country with an overall air quality index of 358, followed by 356 in Greater Noida, and 355 in Meerut. Rajgir and Arrah cities in Bihar ranked at the eighth and ninth spot with AQI registering at 345 and 342 respectively while Haryana’s Manesar took the 10th spot with AQI recording 339. As per CPCB data, in Delhi, many cities are currently witnessing ‘severe’ category air quality i.e. above 400. Areas like Alipur, Aya Nagar, and Rohini recorded AQI at 410 while Dwarka Sector-8, RK Puram recorded 401 AQI. AQI in Jahangirpuri stood at 407, 415 in Punjab Bagh, and 427 in Wazirpur.In the most polluted cities data, other areas that recorded AQI above 300 included: Begusarai with 308, 327 in Ghaziabad, 319 in Gurugram, 317 in Meghalaya’s Byrnihat, 319 in Faridabad, 329 in UP’s Hapur, 305 in Patna and 333 in Bihar’s Motihari.

Also Read: The AQI in Delhi returns to “very poor,” and the IMD forecasts no rain over the next few days

Final Thought:

The air quality in Delhi and its neighboring regions continues to be a significant concern. As of recent data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s air quality remains in the “very poor” category, with an AQI of 316, placing it seventh among India’s most polluted cities. Notably, areas like Nehru Nagar and Vivek Vihar are experiencing even higher pollution levels. Despite temporary improvements following rain, the air quality fluctuates frequently, underscoring the persistent challenge of air pollution in the region. The situation in the National Capital Region (NCR) is slightly better but still worrisome, with cities like Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram recording “poor” air quality. The IMD’s forecast of clear skies and no rainfall until December 12 suggests little immediate natural relief from the pollution. The Delhi government, recognizing the severity of the issue, has lifted Grap-3 but is enforcing Grap-1 and 2 restrictions to combat the pollution.

This ongoing air quality crisis highlights the urgent need for effective and sustained measures to address environmental and health concerns. The CPCB data, revealing Delhi as the most polluted among major Northern Indian cities, emphasizes the broader challenge India faces in tackling air pollution. With Delhi leading the list of the top 10 most polluted cities, followed by other cities across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, it’s clear that a collaborative and comprehensive approach is required to mitigate this environmental and public health emergency.

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The pollution in the air level in Delhi is back to the “very poor” category after being classified as “poor” for a while. The AQI, or Air Quality Index, was 316 on Friday when the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issued a concerning statement at 7 in the morning. This deterioration has significantly hampered the city’s ongoing efforts to lower air pollution. Air quality in Delhi continues to be a major cause for worry because of its regular swings between “extreme” and “very poor.”  it has been a major cause for concern for some time.  Air pollution in cities is mostly caused by automobile emissions, agricultural burning nearby, and industrial processes.   High amounts of particulate matter in the air are caused by these sources, endangering the health of nearby residents.The city, which recently witnessed a temporary improvement in air quality, particularly following the rainfall on December 3, has seen these gains quickly reversed. This variation highlights the intricacy and enduring nature of Delhi’s air pollution issue.Given the circumstances, prompt and decisive action is required. This includes enforcing environmental regulations strictly, encouraging public transportation, and developing regional plans to address major sources of pollution. Such low air quality has detrimental effects on public health, raising the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses.To solve this issue, a concerted effort involving the public sector, private sector, and individual citizens is needed. Only by prioritizing clean air initiatives and putting comprehensive environmental management strategies into practice can Delhi’s citizens be guaranteed a healthier and more sustainable future.

India’s Most Polluted Cities: Delhi Comes in at Number Three

Based on a ten-city ranking, Delhi is the third most polluted city in India due to recent weeks of “severe” to “very poor” air quality. Industrial activity and vehicle emissions are just two examples of the factors that have always contributed to the city’s air pollution problem. After rainfall on December 3, which provided some respite by washing away airborne pollutants, the situation briefly improved. This brief improvement, nevertheless, brought attention to the continuous difficulty in managing the capital’s air quality.The city’s ranking highlights how important it is to keep up the fight against air pollution with sensible laws and coordinated efforts from the government, business community, and the general public. Maintaining cleaner air quality in Delhi is still vital to the citizens’ health and welfare.

Aya Nagar Displays Moderate Levels, Jahangirpuri Takes the Worst Hit on Delhi Air Quality

Worst Hit on Delhi Air Quality

None of the Delhi pollution ratings today were “severe”; rather, they fell around “very bad” and “weak.”Following a thorough evaluation, it was concluded that Jahangirpuri had the worst air quality, getting an AQI of 334 and being clearly classified as “very poor”. There are several serious dangers associated with this level of contamination, especially for the elderly, young individuals, and those with lung disorders.On the other hand, Aya Nagar had comparatively cleaner air, scoring 176 on the AQI scale, or “moderate.” This slightly improved air quality offers some relief to a city that is struggling with severe air pollution problems. Nevertheless, the situation is still dire because Delhi’s “best” air quality is only moderate, highlighting the widespread the issue with pollution.In the meantime, Vivek Vihar, another area of concern, saw a further decline in air quality and an alarmingly high level of pollution, as indicated by an AQI of 373. However, Lodhi Road—which is generally thought of as a cleaner area—registered an AQI of 224, placing it in the “poor” category. With regard to improving the general quality of the air in Delhi, comprehensive and focused measures are required, as demonstrated by the data that shows the city’s varying levels of air pollution. A comprehensive plan must be developed to effectively address Delhi’s air pollution problem because the variations in the Air Quality Index (AQI) readings across different areas demonstrate how complex the problem is. Many areas of Delhi are experiencing high AQI levels due to the city’s ongoing severe air pollution.

Many parts of Delhi are affected by the air pollution problem; Ashok Vihar and Nehru Nagar have dangerously high AQIs of 364 and 361, respectively. Wazirpur and Sonia Vihar both have AQIs of 340, indicating extremely high pollution levels. The next closest areas, all classified as having “very poor” air quality, are R K Puram (330), Punjabi Bagh (328), Shadipur (326), and ITO (324).With respective AQIs of 364 and 361, Ashok Vihar and Nehru Nagar rank among the most polluted areas. AQI scores of 340 indicate that Sonia Vihar and Wazirpur both have alarmingly high pollution levels. In close succession, R K Puram (330), Punjabi Bagh (328), Shadipur (326), and ITO (324) are all classified as having “very poor” air quality. These numbers highlight the extent of Delhi’s air pollution problem, which is affecting the entire city and calling for quick and decisive action to lessen the threat to the environment and public health.

Winter Weather in Delhi: Clear and Dry Until December 12

 The area typically experiences chilly mornings and mildly warm afternoons during the winter, and this temperature range is indicative of that weather. . In the morning, there may be some mist or light fog, but otherwise stable weather conditions are predicted by the IMD.Up until December 12, these weather conditions are predicted to last, giving the city a period of consistent and predictable weather. Since there are fewer clouds during the night, heat from the earth’s surface can radiate into space more effectively, cooler nights and mornings are probably due to the clear skies and low cloud cover during this time. In addition, the IMD has predicted that the National Capital won’t see any rain until December 12. Numerous things can happen when there isn’t any rain. It does, however, provide consistent and predictable weather, which is advantageous for both daily life and outdoor activities. Rain is a natural cleanser that helps to lower airborne pollutants, so its absence could exacerbate the city’s already high air pollution levels. Furthermore, the National Capital won’t see any rain until December 12, according to the IMD. There can be a variety of effects from a dry spell. In general, it can be advantageous for outdoor activities and daily living as it keeps the weather stable and predictable. Yet, since rain acts as a natural cleanser and helps disperse airborne pollutants, the absence of rain may make the city’s already high air pollution levels worse.

Delhi’s Winter Weather: Misty Mornings and Consistent Patterns

Worst Hit on Delhi Air Quality

Wintertime in Delhi is often accompanied by mist or light fog in the mornings, which can seriously impair visibility. This phenomenon makes outdoor activities difficult, and it particularly interferes with morning commutes. Delhi residents and commuters are urged to drive more cautiously, especially in these low-visibility situations. Reduced visibility could result from this, which would affect outdoor activities and the morning commute. It is recommended that commuters and locals drive cautiously, particularly in low-light situations. All things considered, the IMD’s forecast depicts a picture of a typical Delhi winter.  A classic winter’s day in Delhi, with crisp mornings and pleasant afternoon temperatures supported by reliable weather patterns, is depicted in the Indian Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast. Concerns about the environment are also raised by the lack of rain and clear skies, which many may welcome because they are predictable and ideal for outdoor activities. Its effect on air quality in particular continues to be a major problem. Air pollution in the city is made worse by the absence of natural purifying processes like rain, underscoring the continuous need for concentrated pollution control efforts. As a whole, the forecast highlights the environmental difficulties Delhi faces and the necessity of ongoing, practical steps to improve air quality, even as it also promises typical winter weather for the city.