Mon Dec 16 10:29:45 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Chokes on Pollution, GRAP-3 Reimposed; Jharkhand Protest Turns Violent

**New Delhi, [Date]:** Delhi’s air quality has plummeted to “very poor,” triggering the reimposition of GRAP-3 restrictions across the Delhi-NCR region. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) cited deteriorating air quality as the reason for the immediate implementation of the stricter measures.

GRAP-3 mandates several restrictions, including a potential shift to hybrid learning for schools up to the fifth standard, a ban on most small goods vehicles (excluding those providing essential services), and a prohibition on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles. The government may also adjust office timings for its employees. This comes after a brief relaxation of GRAP-3 and GRAP-4 restrictions earlier in December, granted by the Supreme Court following an improvement in air quality.

Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, police detained JLKMa leader Devendranath Mahato amidst protests related to the JSSC CGL exam. Reports indicate that police used lathi charges to disperse the protesting students.

The Rajya Sabha witnessed heated debate, with Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticizing the Modi government’s handling of Bangladesh, drawing parallels to Indira Gandhi’s era. Further parliamentary discussions included references to Nehru and the imprisonment of individuals like Majrooh Sultanpuri and Balraj Sahni.

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