Briefly: SC extends firecracker ban in NCR

In a bid to combat air pollution, the Supreme Court on Friday extended the firecracker ban imposed by Uttar Pradesh and Haryana in the National Capital Region (NCR) until further notice. The ban, originally set to expire on January 17, will remain in effect as the court hears an application from the Federation of Fireworks Traders. During the hearing, Justice Abhay S Oka’s, the court highlighted the pollution concerns, noting the ban in Delhi and Rajasthan would only take effect once other states follow suit. The Supreme Court also previously criticised Delhi for failing to enforce the firecracker ban and has suggested actions, including sealing premises of sellers and banning imports from neighbouring states. IANS

MC to hold ‘Run for Democracy’

New Delhi: In a bid to encourage higher voter turnout in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, the South Zone of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has announced a ‘Run for Democracy’ event, scheduled three days before voting begins. Deputy Commissioner Badal Kumar said the initiative aims to raise awareness about citizens’ democratic rights and responsibilities. TNS

GRAP III curbs revoked

New Delhi: The Centre’s panel on Delhi-NCR’s air quality on Friday revoked curbs under stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) amid a dip in pollution due to favourable meteorological conditions, according to an official order. Calm winds, low temperatures and foggy conditions had allowed accumulation of pollutants in the region earlier this week, promoting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement strictest curbs under stage 3 and 4 of GRAP. The panel decided to revoke stage 4 curbs on Thursday amid a dip in pollution levels. PTI