Articles by Abhro Banerjee,News18

Technology

'Ready To Share Our Journey': China Offers To Help India Fight Delhi's Toxic Air

As Delhi and its neighbouring regions continue to grapple with suffocating smog, China has offered to help India combat its worsening air pollution crisis. The offer comes amid hazardous air quality levels in the capital and surrounding areas that dropped to “severe” category over the past few days. Yu Jing, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India, wrote on X, “China once struggled with severe smog, too. We stand ready to share our journey toward blue ones — and believe India will get there soon.” China once struggled with severe smog, too. We stand ready to share our journey toward blue ones—and believe India will get there soon. ☀? #CleanAir #TogetherForEarth pic.twitter.com/VJQoa6ap1V — Yu Jing (@ChinaSpox_India) November 4, 2025 The statement shows Beijing’s willingness to share its experience in controlling pollution, as China itself underwent years of battling smog before achieving significant improvements in air quality. On Tuesday, Delhi’s air quality remained in the “severe” category, with the city recording an overall AQI of 420. Among the worst-hit areas were Anand Vihar (403) and Ashok Vihar (370), while both Bawana and Burari Crossing registered levels above 390. Neighbouring Noida also continued to reel under poor air quality — Sector 125 recorded an AQI of 345, Sector 116 stood at 357, and Sector 62 at 323. The situation in Ghaziabad was even more alarming, with Loni recording a “severe” AQI of 420, Vasundhara at 389, Sanjay Nagar at 360, and Indirapuram at 334. Experts have cautioned that continued exposure to the toxic air blanketing Delhi-NCR could worsen respiratory ailments, trigger eye irritation, and raise the risk of lung infections. They have urged children, the elderly, and people with asthma or pre-existing conditions to take extra precautions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a gradual dip in temperatures over the coming days. Between November 4 and November 9, Noida’s maximum temperature is expected to fall from 29°C to 27°C, while the minimum could drop from 19°C to 15°C. Light drizzle is also likely in parts of Delhi-NCR on Wednesday, the IMD said. Officials noted that a brief spell of rain and a shift in wind direction could bring minor relief from the choking pollution, but advised residents to limit outdoor activities, particularly during early morning and evening hours, and to wear masks when stepping out.

Technology

Cow Vigilante Shot At In Telangana; BJP Hits Out At AIMIM, Says Police ‘Colluding With Mafia’

A cow vigilante identified as Sonu was shot by alleged cow smugglers in Hyderabad’s Ghatkesar area on Wednesday, leaving him critically injured. Police said Sonu, who has been active in cow protection efforts for over five years, was lured to the site by a group claiming to have information on illegal cattle transportation. When he arrived, one of the men reportedly opened fire. He is now undergoing treatment in hospital, while police have detained several suspects and launched an investigation. Sonu’s mother, a member of the Valmiki community, told ANI that her son called moments after being shot. “My son is battling for his life. I will sacrifice 10 more sons for the cow vigilante… It has been 5–6 years since he has been doing this. I demand that the government arrest the perpetrator,” she said. The incident has triggered sharp political reactions. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy condemned the attack, alleging that cow-smuggling mafias operate freely due to police negligence. “A mafia that illegally transports cows called up ‘gau rakshaks’ and fired at them… Police are colluding with these mafias. I have spoken to Sonu—he demanded the arrest of the perpetrator,” Reddy said. BJP leader Madhavi Latha accused AIMIM of shielding the accused, calling it an “attempt to murder.” “Those who protect cows are protecting the Constitution. If police don’t arrest the culprit, they are helping them. The accused is an AIMIM man,” she claimed, challenging Telangana CM Revanth Reddy to act. State BJP president N. Ramchander Rao alleged that “MIM goons” orchestrated the attack to intimidate BJP and RSS workers. “This is a serious incident, and police were previously informed. BJP condemns this attack and the inaction of police,” he said. BJP MP Eatala Rajendar also criticised the government, saying such assaults on cow protectors are becoming frequent. “A goon named Ibrahim fired at Prashanth (Sonu). The state government must act against those responsible,” he said. Police said the shooting appears to be linked to illegal cattle transport networks and that further arrests are expected as investigations continue.