CTI demands reduction of VAT on air purifiers to 5% and their inclusion in the category of medical devices

The central government has adopted a firm stance regarding the growing air pollution in Delhi-NCR during the winter period. The Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, reviewed measures to control pollution in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan on Saturday. He instructed the respective states and agencies to ensure the practical implementation of plans within the stipulated timelines, rather than merely developing strategies.

The Union Minister emphasized that NCR states should not limit themselves to drafting plans but must take decisive action to prevent pollution in the allotted time. He noted that air pollution is not confined to a single state, making it crucial to apply a unified strategy across the entire NCR region.

According to ministry data, over the past year, Bhupender Yadav has conducted more than 30 reviews with the governments of the NCR states and municipal bodies. Ministers of Environment for Delhi, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Haryana, Rao Narbir Singh, and Uttar Pradesh, Arun Kumar Saxena, along with other responsible officials, participated in these meetings.

During the inspection, CPCB ordered the immediate closure of 191 industrial establishments that were sources of pollution. These establishments failed to even provide applications for installing emission reduction equipment (APCDs) despite repeated directives.

Out of a total of 2345 industrial units, 2298 were connected to the Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System (OCEMS), which accounts for about 98% of the overall target. The remaining 47 establishments were closed or suspended.

The enterprises were mandated to keep airborne particulate matter emissions within the set limit of 50 mg/Nm³.

Highlighting that road dust is a major cause of pollution, the minister announced a goal to repair 5480 kilometers of roads; however, only 3221 kilometers have been completed so far. He ordered an acceleration of the remaining work, the filling of potholes, and the repair of sidewalks. Furthermore, he directed that mechanized road sweeping machines be deployed in two shifts.

In addition, instructions were given to take immediate measures at 233 congested spots in NCR and establish a multi-lane free-flow system at 154 entry points into Delhi by December 31, 2026.

Municipal bodies were instructed to address the deficit in daily waste disposal capacity amounting to 6747 tons. They were also tasked with accelerating the removal of old waste accumulated in Okhla, Ghazipur, Bhalswa, and Bandhwari. Instructions were given to personally inspect over 3000 construction sites.

Emphasis was also placed on accelerating the implementation of the PARIVARTAN program, aimed at replacing old trucks and buses with BS-VI, CNG, and electric vehicles by 2028. Moreover, pollution monitoring will be carried out through the PAVAN ICCC and CAQM platform, launched in Delhi on October 5, 2026.

Residents of Delhi-NCR annually check the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the morning after Diwali due to high levels of air pollution in the region. Breathing such toxic air can cause serious harm to health, making having an air purifier at home a good solution.

For those planning to purchase an air purifier, there is good news: during the Big Bang Diwali Sale on Flipkart, a favorable offer is available for one such device. It can be bought for less than 10,000 rupees, making this opportunity attractive for budget-conscious buyers.

The favorable offer applies to the Mi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite on Flipkart. According to the company's official description, its original retail price (MRP) is 14,999 rupees. However, during the sale, it can be purchased for 10,990 rupees. With the use of a bank offer, the cost drops to approximately 9,671 rupees.

It is important to note that this promotion ends on November 10th, so those who wish to take advantage of this offer have limited time.

Regarding the performance of the Mi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite, it is capable of purifying an area of up to 640 square feet. The company states that the device is equipped with a 360-degree air intake, which helps draw in and clean the surrounding air.

Furthermore, it can clean the air in a room of 160 square feet in about 6 minutes, allowing it to be used in bedrooms or small living rooms.

When purchasing an air purifier, the filtration system is critically important. The Mi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite has a three-stage filtration system that helps remove dust, dirt, and other pollutants from the air.

Additionally, the device supports app connectivity. Using this application, the user can check the real-time air quality (AQI) and receive information about the filter status and replacement needs.

Those planning to improve the air quality in their homes can consider this offer on the Mi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite.

Due to the closure of Pakistani airspace, Air India is facing significant difficulties compared to other competing airlines. Air India's CEO, Tevold, stated that the restrictions imposed in Pakistani airspace directly affect their airline's operations, while their competitors are not feeling this impact.

Tevold also noted that geopolitical tensions observed in the Middle East affect all global airlines to some extent. According to the Air India CEO, due to restrictions related to Pakistani and Middle Eastern airspace, Air India is forced to make changes to its route network. Furthermore, airlines are facing issues such as doubling fuel prices compared to last year.

The Air India CEO called the closure of Pakistani airspace a unique problem for the company. He emphasized: 'We have a separate issue with the closure of Pakistani airspace. It affects us. Our competitors are not affected by this problem.'

Regarding the situation in the Middle East, the Air India head stated that geopolitical problems in the region affect all airlines, directly or indirectly. In this regard, Air India is also forced to adjust its flight plans and network according to current circumstances.

Tevold viewed these difficulties as temporary challenges, noting that the airline must handle these conditions strongly. He added: 'I view all these problems as short-term challenges or difficult conditions. We must deal with them to emerge stronger in the future and achieve long-term growth.'

The statement by the Air India CEO clearly shows that Air India is currently going through a difficult period, trying to reorganize its network amid geopolitical tension, airspace restrictions, and rising fuel prices. The company considers these difficulties merely a temporary obstacle on the path to future growth.