The Latest Breaking News from Newslaundry

It was an autumn day in 1999. I was an undergraduate student among a thin audience at the auditorium of Delhi University’s Hindu College. That was the first time I saw Dr Manmohan Singh in person. And that was when I noticed core attributes he carried even in high office…

Some years may go by without major surprises. And some years may pass without a scandal. But no year goes by without a new ‘jihad’ flooding the Indian mediascape. 

“Loud sounds of firecrackers were heard. Upon arrival, the police team noticed the offenders fleeing the scene. Their identities remain unknown. By setting off loud firecrackers, they caused noise and air pollution, violating the orders of the National Green Tribunal and the Hon’ble Supreme Court regarding firecrackers…”

Aaj Ka AQI is a new show aimed at fixing accountability for a solution to India’s air crisis. In the second episode, Newslaundry went to Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Singh’s residence at Mathura Road on Wednesday. 

A Madhyamam journalist has reportedly been told by the Kerala police to produce his mobile phone. This is part of an investigation into his report, which had cited a “highly secret” document to point to an alleged leak of data of job aspirants at the state public service commission.

Aaj Ka AQI is a new show aimed at fixing accountability for a solution to India’s air crisis. For the first episode, Newslaundry went to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav’s home in Delhi’s Lutyens zone on Tuesday.

Days after security forces shot at four children in Chhattisgarh’s Abujmarh in an “operation” against “Naxals”, the Chhattisgarh police allegedly harassed two of the children and prevented them from going home after being discharged from the hospital. 

Every year, the media rises to India’s air crisis challenge when the numbers go off the charts. But as soon as the air quality index turns less critical, the headlines fizzle out, leaving little accountability for those who can fix the problem. 

Individuals have limited options to reduce exposure to air pollution. But a collective effort can tackle the problem. And for a sustained attempt to solve this existential crisis, it will need more than high-AQI-induced seasonal media coverage. That’s why we have launched the Fight To Breathe.