PM Modi meets President Murmu and Vice President Dhankhar on Diwali

On the occasion of Diwali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar at Rashtrapati Bhavan to extend his warm greetings. This tradition of exchanging greetings among the highest offices of the government emphasizes the importance of unity and collaboration during one of India’s most significant festivals. The Prime Minister's meeting with President Murmu marks a continued effort to strengthen ties between the executive branch and the President, while his interaction with Vice President Dhankhar underscores a commitment to maintaining effective communication and cooperation among key leaders.

Following his formal engagements, PM Modi honored his tradition of celebrating Diwali with the armed forces. He visited personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF), Army, Navy, and Air Force in Lakki Nala, located in the Creek Area of Kutch, Gujarat. During this visit, the Prime Minister distributed sweets and shared festive greetings with service members, highlighting the government's appreciation for the sacrifices made by the military. This annual celebration is part of PM Modi’s ongoing efforts to recognize the dedication of the armed forces and reinforce the bond between the government and its military personnel.

In the national capital, Delhi faced significant challenges related to air quality during the Diwali celebrations. The city recorded an air quality index classified as 'very poor,' with experts predicting further deterioration due to the anticipated bursting of firecrackers during the festivities. In response to the environmental crisis, the Delhi government had announced a complete ban on the manufacturing, sale, and storage of firecrackers in the days leading up to Diwali. The ban aims to mitigate pollution levels, which traditionally spike during the festival.

To ensure compliance with this ban, the Delhi government established 377 monitoring teams tasked with overseeing enforcement across the capital. Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasized the importance of public adherence to the restrictions to improve air quality. Despite these efforts, reports and videos circulated on social media showed extensive firecracker usage, raising questions about the effectiveness of the ban. The situation in Delhi serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to balance festive celebrations with environmental responsibility.