Retired Justice Giridhar Malaviya, Grandson of BHU Founder, Passes Away at 88
Retired Justice Giridhar Malaviya, the grandson of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) founder Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, passed away on Monday at his residence in Prayagraj. He was 88.
His son, Manoj Malaviya, shared that although Justice Malaviya had been unwell for the past week, he did not suffer from any major illness prior to his death.
Malaviya is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son.

A distinguished legal figure, he served as a judge at the Allahabad High Court from 1988 to 1998. In November 2018, he was unanimously elected as the Chancellor of BHU, a position he held until his passing.
The Banaras Hindu University expressed its sorrow in a tribute, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “The Banaras Hindu University is deeply saddened by the passing away of Honourable Chancellor, Justice (retd) Sh. Giridhar Malaviya ji. Our heartfelt tributes.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid his respects, calling Malaviya’s death an “irreparable loss” to the nation.
PM Modi, Yogi Adityanath Lead Tributes as Giridhar Malaviya Passes Away
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Justice (retd) Giridhar Malaviya, calling his death an “irreparable loss” to both the country and the world of education. In a post on X, Modi highlighted Malaviya’s significant contributions to the Ganga Cleanliness Campaign and his distinguished service in the judiciary.
“He had a unique identity through his work in judicial service, and his efforts for the Ganga cleaning will always be remembered. I had the privilege of meeting him several times. He was the proposer from my parliamentary constituency of Varanasi in both 2014 and 2019, a memory I will cherish. May God give strength to his family in this moment of grief. Om Shanti,” Modi wrote in Hindi.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid his respects, describing Malaviya’s passing as “extremely sad” and a great loss for education. “He will always be remembered for his invaluable contributions to judicial service and the Ganga cleanliness initiative. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant him a place at His lotus feet and give strength to the family in this time of sorrow. Om Shanti,” Adityanath wrote on X.
Ajay Rai, president of the Uttar Pradesh Congress unit, said the news of Malaviya’s death was “heartbreaking” and offered prayers for his soul and the strength of the grieving family. “I pray to Baba Shri Kashi Vishwanath to give the departed soul a place at His feet and grant strength to the family,” Rai wrote.
Malaviya’s last rites will be performed on Tuesday at Rasulabad Ghat in Prayagraj, as confirmed by his son.
Delhi Government to Implement Additional Measures to Combat Air Pollution, Says Gopal Rai
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai assured that the government is actively taking all necessary steps to tackle the city’s escalating air pollution. He added that further measures, including the potential reintroduction of the odd-even vehicle rationing scheme, would be implemented based on expert advice and the evolving situation.
Speaking at a press conference as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital soared into the “severe-plus” category with a reading of 494, Rai stated that the Delhi government is closely monitoring the air quality and taking proactive steps to mitigate the crisis.
When asked about the possibility of implementing the odd-even scheme, Rai explained, “The Delhi government is closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary actions at our level. We are evaluating the situation daily and consulting with experts. Any additional measures, including the odd-even scheme, will be based on their recommendations and the needs of the situation.”
Air Emergency in Delhi: AQI Surpasses 1,500; Smog Paralyzes City, Schools Shut
Delhi faced its second-worst air quality in six years on Monday, as smog blanketed the city and brought life to a halt. Fifteen air quality monitoring stations recorded AQI levels reaching the hazardous maximum of 500.
By 4 pm, Delhi’s 24-hour AQI hit the highest in the country, soaring to 1,500, up from 441 the previous day, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
In response to the severe air quality, the Delhi government has reactivated the odd-even vehicle rationing scheme, which was first introduced in 2016 by the AAP government to curb vehicular pollution and reduce rising levels of particulate matter. The scheme alternates vehicle use based on odd or even registration numbers.
Amid the worsening conditions, schools across the city have been closed as a precautionary measure to protect public health.
Breathing or Smoking? Delhi’s Air Quality Now Equivalent to Smoking 49 Cigarettes a Day
Delhi’s air quality has reached alarming levels, with the pollution now equivalent to smoking 49 cigarettes a day, a stark reminder of the city’s severe air crisis.
To tackle the worsening pollution, the Delhi government has reintroduced the odd-even vehicle rationing scheme. Under this scheme, vehicles with registration numbers ending in even digits (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) are allowed on the roads on even dates, while those with registration numbers ending in odd digits (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) can operate on odd dates.
The scheme is enforced daily from 8 am to 8 pm, limiting vehicle movement based on this alternating pattern in an effort to reduce traffic-related pollution and improve air quality.
Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s Brother Anmol Detained in the US: Mumbai Police
Anmol Bishnoi, the brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has been detained in the United States, Mumbai police sources confirmed on Monday. Anmol is wanted for his involvement in several serious criminal cases, including the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique and the shooting outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s residence in Mumbai.
Believed to be living in Canada and frequently traveling to the US, Anmol is accused of being an active figure in his brother Lawrence’s global criminal syndicate, despite Lawrence’s imprisonment.
The police sources did not provide specific details about Anmol’s detention, but confirmed his involvement in the October 12 murder of Baba Siddique in Bandra, Mumbai, as well as the April 14 shooting incident outside Salman Khan’s home.
Earlier this month, Mumbai police submitted a formal request to the Indian government for Anmol Bishnoi’s extradition, after US authorities informed them of his presence in the country. The request followed a communication from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which has also named Anmol in an FIR related to counter-terrorism investigations.
The official request for extradition was sent to the Centre on November 2, sources said.
Mumbai Police Moves for Extradition of Anmol Bishnoi; Fugitives Linked to Salman Khan Shooting and Terrorist Conspiracy
In October, the Mumbai police’s crime branch approached a special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court, seeking approval to begin the extradition process for fugitive criminal Anmol Bishnoi. The court granted permission for the police to proceed with their efforts.
The Mumbai police subsequently sent a formal proposal for Anmol Bishnoi’s extradition to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which will forward the request to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for further processing, according to official sources.
Anmol, along with his brother Lawrence Bishnoi, both hailing from Fazilka in Punjab, has been named as a key accused in the chargesheet related to the April shooting outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s residence. The attack was allegedly carried out by two men, Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal, who were reportedly acting on orders from the Bishnois.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has recently announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to the capture of Anmol Bishnoi. Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently incarcerated in Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad, is also a wanted accused in several high-profile cases.
A lookout circular for Anmol Bishnoi was issued in April after he reportedly took responsibility for the shooting incident outside Salman Khan’s Galaxy Apartment. In August 2022, an FIR was filed by the NIA against nine individuals, including the Bishnoi brothers, accusing them of conspiring to raise funds, recruit youth for terrorist activities, and carry out targeted killings of prominent figures in Delhi and across India.
Delhi Faces “Severe-Plus” Air Quality; GRAP Stage IV Measures Activated
Delhi is grappling with “severe-plus” air quality, with the AQI exceeding 480, making it difficult for unmasked individuals to breathe outdoors, especially during the morning hours.
In response to this critical situation, the government has enforced strict restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV. These measures include limiting the movement of large diesel-powered freight vehicles, halting trucks carrying non-essential goods, and shifting schools and educational institutions to online modes of instruction.
According to the Center’s Decision Support System for Air Quality Management, vehicles were responsible for 15.8% of Delhi’s air pollution on Sunday.
What is GRAP?
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is implemented when air quality deteriorates to a hazardous level, with specific actions taken according to the severity of pollution. Delhi’s air quality is classified into four stages under GRAP based on the Air Quality Index (AQI):
- Stage I: “Poor” (AQI 201-300)
- Stage II: “Very Poor” (AQI 301-400)
- Stage III: “Severe” (AQI 401-450)
- Stage IV: “Severe Plus” (AQI >450)
The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change first notified the GRAP system in January 2017, following a proposal submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in November 2016.
In 2021, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) was established under the CAQM Act, which came into effect on April 13 of that year, to oversee and enforce air quality management in the National Capital Region (NCR).