12 Shot Dead In Mexico Christmas Party

by Manisha Das

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

At least 12 people were shot dead during a Christmas party in the municipality of Salvatierra of Guanajuato state, Mexico, authorities have said.

Mexico City, Dec 18: At least 12 people were shot dead during a Christmas party in the municipality of Salvatierra of Guanajuato state, Mexico, authorities have said.

The bloodshed occurred on Sunday during a Christmas posada, a traditional Mexican celebration, in the community of San Jose del Carmen, the Guanajuato Attorney General's Office said, adding that an investigation is under way.

A group of armed attackers arrived unexpectedly and opened fire at posada participants, the majority of them young people, leaving 12 dead and 10 injured, Xinhua news agency reported, citing initial reports from the municipal government.

The wounded were taken to hospitals in the municipality, authorities said, without providing details about their conditions.

In recent years, violence has increased in the region due to the dispute between criminal groups seeking control.

(IANS)

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Habishyalis' 'Maha Kartika Brata' Begins In Puri

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

Puri, Oct 18: The serene and devotional atmosphere of Puri was enhanced further as Habishyalis started to observe a month-long vow, named 'Pabitra Kartika Brata' with the beginning of the holy month of Kartika on Friday.

More than 2500 Habishyalis from different parts of the State have been accommodated in four temporary camps in Puri. They will stay in the camps and observe Kartika Brata through the entire month of Kartika.

The Bratadharis took baths in their camps and did 'Maha Sankalpa' (Sacred promise to observe the Brata) at the Tulsi Chaura.

As per the tradition, the Habishyalis will go to the Shreemandir to have the Darshan of Lord Jagannath in Radha Damodar Besha every day.

The State government has created all facilities to help Habishyalis observe their Brata throughout the Kartika month.

Process For Choosing Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Begins

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

Bhubaneswar, Oct 18: The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has started a process of selecting a leader for the post of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president, which has been lying vacant for a few months following the general elections.

The AICC has entrusted Charan Das Mahanta, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Leader of Chhattisgarh, with the responsibilities of preparing a report on the organizational work and leadership regarding the Pradesh Congress Committee. He has been advised to coordinate with senior leader Meenakshi Nataranj and visit Odisha at the earliest.

AICC general secretary KC Venugopal has written to Charan Das Mahanta in this regard.

The PCC headed by Sarat Pattanaik was dissolved on July 21 after the dismal performance of the Congress in the general elections in Odisha. After that, the AICC formed a steering committee to manage party affairs in the State.

Delhi Chokes As Air Quality Deteriorates

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

New Delhi, Oct 18: Delhi's air quality is deteriorating rapidly and the average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 293 on Friday.

In several parts of the national capital, the AQI has fallen into the 'severe' category, posing significant health risks. People are experiencing difficulty in breathing due to the hazardous air.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), as of 9 a.m. on Friday, Delhi's average AQI stands at 293. Meanwhile, in the surrounding NCR areas, Faridabad recorded an AQI of 194, Gurugram 196, Ghaziabad 247, Greater Noida 296, and Noida 242.

In several parts of Delhi, the AQI levels are hovering between 300 and 400, indicating severe pollution. Notable areas include Wazirpur (379), Vivek Vihar (327), Shadipur (337), Rohini (362), Punjabi Bagh (312), Patparganj (344), Narela (312), Mundka (375), Jahangirpuri (354), Dwarka Sector 8 (324), Bawana (339), Anand Vihar (342), and Alipur (307).

Rahul, a Delhi resident sharing his concerns, stated that pollution levels have significantly risen in recent days. He expressed frustration, saying that every year, the government makes lofty promises to control pollution but no effective action is taken. He is experiencing breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and sore throat, prompting him to wear a mask while outdoors.

"Pollution has made it extremely hard to breathe," he said.

In order to curb increasing pollution, the Delhi government has implemented GRAP-1. Chief Minister Atishi and Environment Minister Gopal Rai had a meeting with officials regarding the increasing pollution in Delhi. After this meeting, it was told that 99 teams would inspect the construction sites to check dust pollution. 200 anti-smog guns from PWD, 30 from MCD, 14 from NCRTC and 80 from DMRC will also be deployed.

Apart from this, the Delhi government has appealed to people not to burn crackers, and if any pollution-causing activities are done anywhere, then they should inform on the Green Delhi app.

--IANS

12 Shot Dead In Mexico Christmas Party

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