Brussels/New Delhi: Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi, accused in the ₹13,000-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, has suffered a major setback. The Supreme Court of Belgium has rejected Choksi’s appeal against his extradition to India, stating that his arguments lack merit and that the extradition process adheres to both Indian law and European human rights standards. The court dismissed Choksi’s three main claims: violation of the right to a fair trial, alleged abduction, and concerns about prison conditions in India. Choksi had contended that some documents were initially withheld, affecting his ability to defend himself. No Violation of Fair Trial RightsThe court noted that concerns regarding a fair trial had already been addressed at the appeal stage. It emphasized that t...

New Delhi: The Delhi-NCR region is currently enveloped in a thick blanket of smog, making daily life extremely challenging for residents. The toxic haze has obscured the blue skies and even the sun, prompting some citizens to consider leaving the city temporarily. Smog Crisis Reaches Unprecedented Levels The severity of pollution in Delhi-NCR has reached alarming proportions. Experts warn that the combination of vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and seasonal factors has created a hazardous environment for millions. Health risks, reduced visibility, and respiratory issues are now daily concerns for residents. Learning from China’s Clean Air Transformation China, once notorious for its heavily polluted cities, offers a model for addressing such crises. Decades ago, cities...