Gopal Rai: News
Gopal Rai is an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) politician and social activist, a Member of the Delhi Legislative Assembly since 2015. As of 2021, he is the Minister for Environment, Development, and General Administration in the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi Government. Rai obtained his Masters of Arts (MA) degree in Sociology from Lucknow University, Uttar Pradesh. Active in student politics during college years, Rai was a member of the All India Students Association (AISA), the student wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation. He participated in Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement in the early 2010s and joined AAP on its founding. He had a verbal clash with General VK Singh, former Chief of Army Staff, during Hazare’s fast in 2013 when the latter took a dig at the newly formed AAP for causing a divide in the movement. In 2013, Rai contested the Delhi Assembly elections from the Babarpur constituency but lost. Rai, however, won in the 2015 and 2020 elections from the same constituency. He has served as Minister for Transport, Labour, Environment, Development, and General Administration in the Delhi Government since 2015.
01 Nov 2024
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'Anti-Hindu' AAP government to blame for Delhi pollution: BJP
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi, calling it "anti-Hindu" and responsible for the city's perennial air pollution.
01 Nov 2024
Air Quality IndexDelhi's air quality worsens as residents defy firecracker ban
The air quality in Delhi worsened considerably after Diwali celebrations, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) plummeting to a "very poor" level of 359 on Friday morning.
31 Oct 2024
DelhiSmog engulfs Delhi, air quality in 'severe' category on Diwali
Delhi and its neighboring areas woke up to a thick blanket of smog on Diwali morning.
18 Oct 2024
Air Quality IndexHaze engulfs Delhi, AQI set to worsen over weekend
Delhi's air quality has been on a steady decline, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) teetering on the edge of the "very poor" category.
14 Oct 2024
DelhiDelhi government imposes complete ban on firecrackers
The Delhi government has imposed a blanket ban on the manufacturing, storage, selling (including online sales), and bursting of all kinds of firecrackers till January 1, 2025.
25 Sep 2024
CPCBDelhi prepares for artificial rain to combat peak pollution
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has announced plans for artificial rain in the capital between November 1 and 15, a period when pollution levels are expected to peak.
15 Sep 2024
Arvind KejriwalWho will be Delhi's next CM after Kejriwal's resignation?
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced his decision to resign from his position in two days.
09 Sep 2024
Delhi PoliceDelhi government bans firecrackers until January 1, 2025
The Delhi government has imposed a ban on the production, sale, and use of firecrackers in the national capital until January 1, 2025.
30 Aug 2024
DelhiHere's how Delhi is planning to combat winter air pollution
The Delhi government is developing a "Winter Action Plan" to combat recurring air pollution in the national capital.
02 Aug 2024
Atishi13 children 'mysteriously' die at Delhi shelter home: Report
Thirteen children have died under mysterious circumstances within a span of 20 days at Asha Kiran, a shelter home for the mentally challenged run by the Delhi government.
04 Jul 2024
Jairam RameshWill Congress-AAP contest assembly polls together? Jairam Ramesh responds
The Congress on Thursday dismissed the possibility of an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the upcoming assembly elections in Delhi and Haryana.
14 May 2024
Arvind KejriwalAAP launches new 'washing machine' campaign to attack BJP
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday launched a new campaign—"washing machine ka kaala jaadu," to "expose the Bharatiya Janata Party's anti-corruption poll plank."
19 Apr 2024
Amanatullah KhanNot arrested, was called for questioning by ED: AAP's Amanatullah
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan left the Delhi office of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) after a grueling 12-hour interrogation, after midnight on Friday.
03 Apr 2024
Arvind KejriwalAAP announces 'samuhik upwas' to protest against Kejriwal's arrest
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday announced a 'Samuhik Upwas' (community fasting) on Sunday (April 7) at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
27 Mar 2024
Arvind KejriwalIndia calls US diplomat over remarks on Kejriwal's arrest
The Acting Deputy Chief of Mission for the United States, Gloria Berbena, was called to a meeting at the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday.
27 Mar 2024
Arvind KejriwalDelhi Assembly session today, 1st since Kejriwal's arrest
The Delhi Assembly will convene on Wednesday, marking its first session since the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case.
26 Mar 2024
Arvind KejriwalDelhi CM Arvind Kejriwal issues 2nd order from jail
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal issued his second order from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody jail on Tuesday.
25 Mar 2024
Arvind KejriwalAAP launches social media 'DP campaign' over Arvind Kejriwal's arrest
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) launched a social media campaign on Monday to protest against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
22 Mar 2024
Arvind KejriwalArvind Kejriwal's family put under 'house arrest': Gopal Rai
Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Minister Gopal Rai on Friday claimed that the family of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal—who was arrested a day earlier—has been put under "house arrest."
27 Feb 2024
Arvind KejriwalLok Sabha elections: AAP announces candidates for Delhi, Haryana
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday announced the names of candidates for four Lok Sabha seats in Delhi and one in Haryana.
21 Feb 2024
Mamata BanerjeeSandeshkhali unrest: BJP hits out at Mamata, opposition
Expressing concern over the unrest in Sandeshkhali, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday hit out at West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee.
25 Dec 2023
DelhiCold wave: Delhi flight operations hit, thick fog reduces visibility
Delhi residents woke up to a chilly morning with heavy fog on Monday as the cold wave intensified across North India.
30 Nov 2023
DelhiDelhi: AAP to start campaign seeking opinion on Kejriwal's arrest
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is set to commence its signature "Mai Bhi Kejriwal" campaign from Friday, seeking public opinion on whether Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal should continue governing from jail or resign if arrested.
27 Nov 2023
DelhiDelhi air pollution: Here's what is worsening air quality
After showing a slight improvement over the past week, Delhi's air quality on Monday again nosedived, as thick smog covered the national capital.
23 Nov 2023
DelhiDelhi's AQI expected to improve, GRAP III in place
Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, said on Thursday that the city's air quality, as per experts, will improve within the next two to three days.
17 Nov 2023
DelhiDelhi's air quality still in 'severe' category, AQI at 404
Delhiites woke up to a thick layer of smog covering the national capital's skies again as the air quality on Friday morning remained in the "severe" category.
16 Nov 2023
DelhiDelhi government sets up 6-member STF to implement GRAP
The Delhi government formed a six-member special task force on Thursday to oversee strict implementation of the measures listed in the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Environment Minister Gopal Rai said.
15 Nov 2023
DelhiSmog engulfs Delhi, air quality remains 'severe' days after Diwali
Delhi's air quality index (AQI) remained in the "severe" category on Wednesday for the second consecutive day.
14 Nov 2023
Shehzad PoonawallaDelhi pollution: AAP blames 'patakas, parali' for deterioration, BJP reacts
As Delhi's air quality turned "severe" on Tuesday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) engaged in a blame game with Delhi's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government over the worsening air pollution levels.
13 Nov 2023
Kapil Mishra'Proud of Delhi' for bursting crackers on Diwali: BJP's Mishra
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kapil Mishra triggered a controversy after he praised the people of Delhi for burning crackers in the capital despite the ongoing pollution crisis in the city.
12 Nov 2023
DelhiDelhi: Amid 'poor' air quality, government issues 2nd pre-Diwali advisory
The Delhi government released a pre-Diwali advisory on Sunday, providing general guidelines, including "dos and don'ts," for people to follow during the festivities.
11 Nov 2023
DelhiDelhi health department issues advisory amid pollution crisis
The health department of Delhi issued a health advisory on Saturday as air quality stayed in the "poor" category in several parts of the national capital.
11 Nov 2023
DelhiDelhi's air quality 'poor' despite rain, DU advances winter break
Delhi's air quality remained in the "poor" range despite some relief from rain on Friday, per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
10 Nov 2023
DelhiDelhi: SC rejects proposal to extend odd-even scheme to taxis
The Supreme Court (SC) rejected the Delhi government's proposal to extend the odd-even rule to taxis on Friday.
10 Nov 2023
DelhiOdd-even rule won't come into effect for now: Delhi government
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Friday announced that its odd-even rule for vehicles will not come into effect after the national capital's air quality improved due to rain.
09 Nov 2023
DelhiKnow about Delhi government's 'artificial rain' plan to combat pollution
The Delhi government is planning to use "artificial rain" on November 20-21 in an attempt to combat the increasing pollution levels in the national capital.
09 Nov 2023
DelhiDelhi-NCR remains under smog blanket, AQI in 'severe' category
The national capital remained under a blanket of toxic smog, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifying Delhi's air quality in the "severe" category on Thursday morning.
08 Nov 2023
Supreme Court Of IndiaDelhi AQI in 'severe' category again, government calls emergency meeting
Delhi's air quality deteriorated on Wednesday again, as the overall air quality index (AQI) reached 421 at 7:00am, marking a return to the "severe" category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
07 Nov 2023
Arvind Kejriwal'Kejriwal's plot against Sanatana Dharma': BJP MP on odd-even rule
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has come under fire from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ramesh Bidhuri for implementing the odd-even rule in the city.
07 Nov 2023
DelhiDelhi's air quality improves slightly but remains toxic
Delhi continues to remain engulfed in toxic air even as its air quality index (AQI) saw a slight improvement on Tuesday.
07 Nov 2023
Supreme Court Of India'Schemes like odd-even mere optics': SC on Delhi's air pollution
The Supreme Court on Tuesday came down heavily on the Delhi government over the deteriorating air pollution, saying the national capital cannot go through such grievous issues every year.
06 Nov 2023
DelhiOdd-even rule in Delhi from November 13-20 amid pollution crisis
Amid the deteriorating air pollution levels, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday said the odd-even vehicle rationing rule will be implemented in the national capital from November 13 to 20.
06 Nov 2023
DelhiDelhi pollution: High-level meeting today as AQI turns 'severe plus'
A thick layer of smog continued to engulf Delhi as the air quality in the national capital remained in the "severe plus" category on Monday for the second day.
04 Nov 2023
Air Quality IndexDelhi's air turns toxic, environment minister blames UP vehicles
Delhi's air quality turned hazardous on Saturday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 457 recorded at 10:00am, per Swiss-based IQAir.
03 Nov 2023
DelhiCan't control Delhi's air pollution, where's union minister: Gopal Rai
As Delhi's air quality deteriorated severely, Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government cannot control the air pollution completely.
03 Nov 2023
Delhi Air PollutionDelhi air pollution: AQI turns 'severe'; schools shut, curbs imposed
Delhiites woke up to a smoggy Friday morning as the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped to 460 at 7:00am, the worst so far this year.
30 Oct 2023
Air Quality IndexDelhi bans entry of diesel buses from other states
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday said that diesel buses from other states would be barred from entering the national capital starting Wednesday (November 1).
30 Oct 2023
DelhiDelhi's air quality remains 'very poor' despite government efforts
Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) grappled with "very poor" air quality for the third consecutive day on Monday.
28 Oct 2023
DelhiDelhi-NCR's air quality might worsen as stubble burning begins
Delhi saw a decline in air quality on Saturday, with the average air quality index (AQI) reaching 303, placing it in the "very poor" category.
23 Oct 2023
DelhiDelhi: 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' replaces odd-even anti-pollution rule
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday said the "Red Light On, Gaadi Off" initiative would be relaunched on Thursday, as the national capital's air quality index (AQI) has dropped to "very poor."
23 Oct 2023
DelhiGRAP Stage 2 implemented amid Delhi's 'very poor' air quality
Delhi's air quality index (AQI) deteriorated to the "very poor" category, reportedly touching 306 on Monday.
21 Oct 2023
Bhupender YadavDelhi government seeks blanket ban on firecrackers across NCR
The Delhi government has sought a total ban on the burning of firecrackers and the movement of diesel buses throughout the National Capital Region (NCR).
18 Oct 2023
DelhiDelhi government's month-long anti-industrial pollution drive from Friday
The Delhi government will launch a month-long drive to check industrial pollution in the national capital starting Friday, Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Wednesday.
11 Sep 2023
Diwali'With lights, lamps': Delhi government bans firecrackers this Diwali too
The Delhi government on Monday said that the ban on the production, sale, storage, and use of firecrackers will continue in the national capital region this Diwali, too.
01 Oct 2022
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)Delhi: No fuel from October 25 without pollution check certificate
The Delhi Government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has taken significant steps to reduce vehicle pollution in the national capital.
07 Sep 2022
DelhiDelhi: Firecracker ban to continue this Diwali, says environment minister
Delhi Government will continue its ban on firecrackers this Diwali as well, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Wednesday.
02 Dec 2021
DelhiDelhi shuts schools till further orders over air pollution
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Thursday said all schools in the city will be closed from Friday until further orders due to severe air pollution.
24 Nov 2021
DelhiDelhi schools and colleges to reopen from November 29
Schools, colleges, and other educational institutions will reopen in Delhi from Monday, November 29, the city's Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced.
19 Aug 2021
DelhiKejriwal to inaugurate Delhi's first smog tower on August 23
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will inaugurate Delhi's first smog tower at Connaught Place on August 23, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Thursday.
06 Nov 2020
Arvind KejriwalDelhi: Rs. 1 lakh fine on bursting or selling firecrackers
Bursting or selling firecrackers in the national capital this season could invite a fine of up to Rs. 1 lakh, Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Friday.
29 Oct 2020
Air PollutionDelhi's air quality worsens to 'severe'; thick smog envelops capital
The air quality in Delhi fell into the 'severe' category on Thursday as residents awoke to a thick smog blanketing the national capital.
28 May 2020
Madhya PradeshDelhi braces for 'probable locust attack'; issues advisory
The Delhi government on Thursday issued an advisory to help tackle a "probable locust attack."
17 Feb 2020
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)Delhi Cabinet finalized; Kejriwal to not hold any portfolios
After Arvind Kejriwal took charge as the Delhi Chief Minister for the third time on Monday, the portfolio allocation for the Cabinet was finalized.
16 Feb 2020
Delhi PoliceFor third time, Arvind Kejriwal takes oath as Delhi's CM
Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal took the oath as Delhi's Chief Minister for a third straight time today.
02 Mar 2019
Lok SabhaLok Sabha elections: AAP announces candidates for Delhi seats
Ending speculations of an alliance with the Congress, the Aam Admi Party announced the names of party candidates on six of seven seats today in Delhi for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
20 Feb 2019
Supreme Court Of IndiaAAP to hold campaign highlighting BJP's 'injustice' on full-statehood issue
CM Arvind Kejriwal today appealed to PM Narendra Modi to grant full statehood status to Delhi, an issue that the ruling AAP is expected to raise in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls in an emphatic manner.
01 Oct 2018
Delhi PoliceDelhi: Court dismisses plea seeking FIR against Kejriwal, others
A court in New Delhi has refused to direct the Delhi Police to lodge an FIR against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, and others for wrongfully restraining and criminally intimidating a person during their sit-in protest at the Lt Governor's (LG) office in June.
19 Jun 2018
Arvind KejriwalKejriwal ends sit-in-protest at L-G office; IAS-officers returning to work
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has finally ended his nine-day sit-in protest at Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal's office as the IAS officers on strike are now returning to work, according to Deputy CM Manish Sisodia.
18 Jun 2018
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)Delhi: Sisodia hospitalized; health deteriorates as hunger strike enters 6-day
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who has been on hunger strike since June 13 at the Lieutenant Governor's office, was on Monday taken to hospital after his health deteriorated, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said.
18 Jun 2018
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain's condition is stable: LNJP Hospital
Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain's condition is stable even as he is kept in ICU of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital.
15 Jun 2018
Arvind KejriwalPM, L-G refuse to intervene as AAP protest enters Day-5
The political drama in Delhi shows no signs of ending. The Center and L-G Anil Baijal have continued to remain mum, even as protests by AAP entered Day-5.
13 Jun 2018
Arvind KejriwalAs sit-in protest enters third-day, Kejriwal trains guns on Modi
As Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's at the L-G's office entered Day-3, the AAP chief trained his guns on PM Narendra Modi.
09 May 2018
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)Delhi BJP alleges labor fund scam, ACB registers case
Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari on Tuesday alleged that AAP workers were being registered as construction laborers to misuse labor welfare fund and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and minister Gopal Rai are responsible for it.
05 Dec 2017
South KoreaDelhi's New-Year gift: One common card for metro, bus travel
After several failed deadlines, Delhiites might finally get a common mobility card for the Delhi Metro and DTC buses this New Year.
18 Jul 2017
Delhi GovernmentAAP plans cabinet reshuffle, Sisodia might lose revenue
With plans to strengthen its base in rural Delhi, the AAP is considering a cabinet reshuffle. The changes are likely to bring Law and Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot to the forefront.
