Ban on entry of polluting commercial vehicles into Delhi from Nov 1
New Delhi (PTI): The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday approved a sweeping ban on the entry of polluting commercial vehicles into Delhi from November 1 and warned of strict action against officials failing to stop stubble burning in NCR states.
Chairing the 25th meeting of the Commission, CAQM Chairperson Rajesh Verma ratified directions empowering district authorities in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and NCR regions of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to initiate legal proceedings against officials showing inaction on stubble burning.
In line with a Supreme Court order, CAQM decided that only BS-VI, CNG, LNG, and electric goods vehicles will be allowed to enter Delhi from November 1.
BS-IV light, medium, and heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi will be permitted till October 31, 2026, as a transitional measure.
Enforcement agencies have been told to ensure strict checks at all border entry points.
CAQM also put on hold its earlier directive to remove 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles in NCR after the court barred coercive steps against such owners.
The meeting reviewed winter action plans of Delhi and NCR states and asked Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to intensify surveillance and ensure effective crop residue management.
The Commission took note of the Supreme Court's October 15 order allowing sale of green firecrackers only at designated NCR locations between October 18 and 20 and restricting their use to specific hours on Diwali eve and day.
District teams have been directed to ensure strict enforcement.
CPCB and state pollution boards will monitor air quality from October 14 to 25 and collect sand and water samples from areas with heavy firecracker use.
All agencies were told to regularly review air pollution control measures and ensure strict implementation under the Graded Response Action Plan.
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US renews sanctions waiver for purchase of Russian oil
Washington (PTI): The United States has extended by a month a waiver from sanctions to allow countries to buy petroleum products from Russia, days after it ruled out renewal of the special measure.
The US Department of Treasury issued an order late Friday extending the waiver from sanctions on Russian oil that is already at sea on or before April 17 through May 16.
Earlier, the US had granted an exemption from sanctions to India for buying Russian oil for a month beginning March 5. A few days later, a similar waiver was extended to several other countries, which ended on April 11.
The general licence issued by the US on Friday does not authorise any transaction involving a person, entity or joint venture located in Iran, North Korea, Cuba, or parts of Ukraine.
On Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would not be renewing the waiver for Russian oil and another for Iranian oil.
The previous waiver of sanctions had made available 140 million barrels of Russian oil already loaded on ships to global markets as prices soared against the backdrop of the US war with Iran.
"Effective April 17, 2026, General License No. 134A, which was dated March 19, 2026 and expired on April 11, 2026, is replaced and superseded in its entirety by this General License No. 134B," said the order issued by the Department of Treasury.
