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<ul class="summary-list"><li><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cracker-barrel-restaurant-store-not-as-relevant-any-more-2024-6">Cracker Barrel</a> is considering changes to its old-timey restaurants.</li><li>The chain is testing new menu items and restaurant remodels, CEO Julie Masino has said.</li></ul>Cracker Barrel's CEO is overseeing some big changes at the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cracker-barrel-review-cozy-charming-underwhelming-photos-prices-2022-2">restaurant chain</a>.Foot traffic at the restaurant chain has worsened over the last few quarters. The latest example came in May when Cracker Barrel reported a net loss and declining comparable sales for its third quarter.CEO Julie Masino, who is in her first year as the chain's top executive, said fewer people visited <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cracker-barrel-vs-waffle-house-which-is-better-review-2024-7">Cracker Barrel's stores</a> during the quarter."We're just not as relevant as we once were," she told investors on a call at the time.Longtime patrons and an employee told Business Insider earlier this month that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cracker-barrel-customers-employees-say-food-chain-needs-turnaround-2024-7">service and food quality have declined at Cracker Barrel</a> in recent years. Many called for changes, ranging from bringing back discontinued menu items to overhauling the largely pre-World War II decor common at many restaurants.Given the challenges, Masino this year outlined a three-year plan to turn Cracker Barrel around. It includes some changes that could be coming to a Cracker Barrel near you soon.For example, Cracker Barrel is testing four new layouts for its stores, Masino told <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/25/cracker-barrel-ceo-gives-progress-update-on-the-chains-turnaround-plan-.html">CNBC</a> on Thursday."Not only are sales and traffic up in all four of them, but people are loving them," Masino said. She did not describe what the four layouts look like.Cracker Barrel still has to decide which new format it will roll out more broadly based on the cost of each, Masino added.Masino said earlier this year that a new format could bring Cracker Barrel's restaurants a "lighter, brighter, fresher and cleaner" look. Bookcases could replace the antique-covered lattice dividers common at Cracker Barrel locations today, and booth seating could become an option, she has said.The company <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://investor.crackerbarrel.com/news-releases/news-release-details/cracker-barrel-provides-update-strategic-transformation-plan-and#:~:text=Capital%20expenditures%20over%20the%20three,30%20stores%20in%20fiscal%202025.">said in May</a> that it plans to test new layouts in up to 30 stores during its 2025 fiscal year, which starts this summer. From there, the company could roll out its preferred formats over the next two years, backed up by up to $700 million in investment.Cracker Barrel is also testing about 20 new menu items at some locations in Texas, including a Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd's Pie and Green Chile Cornbread, a company spokesperson told BI earlier this month.The test's goal is to add "food offerings that speak to current tastes, but doing so in a way that is authentic to Cracker Barrel and true to our roots," the spokesperson said.Do you work for Cracker Barrel and have a story idea to share? Reach out to this reporter at abitter@businessinsider.com

Here's what Cracker Barrel's CEO is doing to help the chain become 'relevant' again

State-owned <keyword id="20039950" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharat-Petroleum-Corporation" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Bharat Petroleum Corporation" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Bharat Petroleum Corporation">Bharat Petroleum Corporation</keyword> plans to invest Rs 1.7 lakh crore over the next five years to grow its core oil refining and fuel marketing business as well as in 'future big bets' of <keyword id="20115883" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="petrochemicals" source="keywords">petrochemicals</keyword> and <keyword id="19895435" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-energy" source="keywords">green energy</keyword>, its chairman G Krishnakumar has said. At present, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (<keyword id="19908646" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="BPCL" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="BPCL" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="BPCL">BPCL</keyword>) owns about 14 per cent of India's oil <keyword id="20064251" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="refining-capacity" source="keywords">refining capacity</keyword> and about a quarter of the fuel retailing network. It plans to grow these businesses while foraying into newer areas. The firm is now implementing the first phase of a multi-decade aspirational journey in the form of '<keyword id="22826627" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="project-Aspire" source="keywords">Project Aspire</keyword>' - its five-year strategic framework that is based on two fundamental pillars - 'Nurturing the Core' and 'Investing in Future Big Bets', he said in the company's latest annual report. "Our mid-term strategy is on a continuum. While we remain committed to growing our core businesses, which include refining and marketing <keyword id="20037698" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="petroleum-products" source="keywords">petroleum products</keyword> and upstream, we are equally focused on our big bets comprising petrochemicals, gas, green energy, non-fuel retail, and digital. "Project Aspire, with a planned capex outlay of around Rs 1.70 lakh crore over five years, will enable us to create long-term value for our stakeholders while preserving our planet for future generations," he said. "A cornerstone of our long-term strategy, Project Aspire, with a Rs 1.70 trillion investment, marks the initial phase of our multi-decade odyssey to shape the energy of tomorrow. This, coupled with our robust balance sheet, fuels our ambition to lead the <keyword id="19951336" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="energy-transition" source="keywords">energy transition</keyword>." The company is targeting net zero carbon emissions from its operations by 2040. "BPCL has drawn a net-zero roadmap, which encompasses renewable power, green hydrogen, compressed biogas, carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), efficiency improvement and the offsets procurements. This would require a phased capital outlay of approximately Rs 1 lakh crore till 2040, and the company is geared for the same," he said. The firm's bet on continuing investing in core businesses is based on the premise that India's booming economy will drive a 4-5 per cent annual increase in energy demand and petroleum product consumption. Also, the demand for major petrochemical products is expected to rise by 7-8 per cent annually. "This presents a strategic opportunity to expand refining capacity alongside the development of integrated petrochemical complexes," he said. BPCL is implementing new petrochemical projects at two of its three oil refineries. A Rs 49,000 crore ethylene cracker project is being implemented at the Bina refinery in Madhya Pradesh, alongside raising oil refining capacity from the current 7.8 million tonnes to 11 million tonnes annually by 2029. A polypropylene project is being set up at Kochi refinery in Kerala by 2027. "To meet the anticipated demand beyond our planned expansions in Bina and Kochi, we are actively evaluating options for setting up additional integrated refining and petrochemical capacities within the next 5-7 years," Krishnakumar said without disclosing either the investments or the location of such a project. Andhra Pradesh is being speculated as the likely site after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP and regional party TDP stormed to power in the state in recently concluded assembly elections. TDP has been demanding the implementation of a refinery-cum-petrochemical complex that was promised as part of the package when the state was split more than a decade back. "Our investment in the petrochemical project is consistent with our aspiration of becoming a dominant player in India's petrochemical growth story," Krishnakumar said. On energy transition, he said BPCL is targeting to build 2 gigawatts (GW) of <keyword id="19895602" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewable-energy" source="keywords">renewable energy</keyword> capacity by 2025 and 10 GW by 2035. "We are investing nearly Rs 1,000 crore to establish two 50 MW captive wind power plants in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, which will support our refineries in Mumbai and Bina." The firm is also investing around Rs 300 crore in 72 MWp of solar project in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. "Concomitantly, we are executing green hydrogen projects aligned with the National Green Hydrogen Mission. These projects include a 5 MW electrolyser plant at Bina refinery and a green hydrogen refuelling station with an indigenously developed electrolyser at Kochi," he noted. BPCL, he said, is committed to supporting the transition to electric mobility through a robust and accessible charging infrastructure. The company has installed over 3,000 charging stations, including fast chargers for cars and two-wheelers. 900 fast chargers are installed across 120 highway corridors, which helps address the range, discovery and time anxiety of electric vehicle (EV) owners. "Over the next five years, we aim to install 4-wheeler fast chargers at approximately 6,000 retail outlets across 400 highway corridors, prioritising high-traffic corridors like the Golden Quadrilateral and N-S/E-W highways," he said. On biofuels, he said BPCL sells petrol with 20 per cent ethanol blend at 4,279 out of its over 22,000 petrol pumps. It is also building compressed biogas plants using municipal solid waste to make gas that can be used as CNG in automobiles. The firm is also exploring partnerships in the arena. "These combined efforts, along with the upcoming commissioning of a bio-ethanol refinery, positions BPCL as a key player in India's transition to a greener fuel mix, creating a robust ecosystem for the adoption of cleaner fuels across the country," he added. BPCL is establishing a corporate venture capital fund to invest directly in promising startups. "In order to thrive in this complex and challenging business landscape, we will leverage our agility and focus on operational excellence to ensure continued success. Safety and reliability will remain our top priorities, guiding all our actions. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance," he added. He said the energy sector of India stands at an inflection point. "The nation has an ambitious vision of becoming a USD 30 trillion developed economy by 2047. 'Viksit Bharat @2047' will necessitate an almost fourfold increase in primary energy demand." India's exponential growth trajectory will propel it to a pivotal role in the global energy market, accounting for roughly 12 per cent of world energy consumption by 2047. "The key strategic objectives for India in the energy sector will entail significant expansion in refining capacities, raising the share of gas in the energy basket from about 6 per cent to 15 per cent, establishing leadership in petrochemical exports, and sharply reducing energy imports from current levels of 47 per cent to below 25 per cent by 2030 and to zero by 2047," he said. India is targeting 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity, sourcing half of its energy needs from renewables, reducing carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes and lowering carbon intensity by 45 per cent by 2030 with the ultimate goal of net-zero emissions by 2070. "Building on its strong Indian energy presence, BPCL aspires to meet 7-10 per cent of the nation's primary energy demand by 2047," he said.

BPCL planning Rs 1.7 lakh crore spend to expand core business, new energy foray over next five years

<ul><li><keyword id="6981350" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-firecrackers">Green firecrackers</keyword> are in short supply across shops in <keyword id="90232" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="North-India">North India</keyword>. </li><li>Despite the government announcing that there are eight options, only two varieties are available in the market.</li><li>Green firecrackers are also more expensive than their traditional counterparts.</li></ul> Last year, green firecrackers were nowhere to be found because they weren’t being produced. This year, the Indian government is doling out licenses for the production of green firecrackers — but they still aren’t easy to find. It’s not just consumers that are left in a bind, but shopkeepers as well. Even if consumers are able to track down a shop selling green firecrackers, there are only two types on sale — anaars (fountain crackers) and phuljhadis (sparklers). And, they’re 30-50% costlier than the traditional alternatives. If consumers don’t have the patience, traditional firecrackers are still being sold in lesser known markets, that too in ample varieties. For shopkeepers, this creates a conundrum. They can either skirt the new law and sell traditional fireworks — for which there is still demand — or they can offer green firecrackers and have consumers walk away in a huff over the lack of variety or the cost. Why are there only two options? The simple answer is that are, in fact, more than two options. Government-run labs around the country have actually come up with eight different alternatives that can be manufactured and sold legally. These crackers are dubbed ‘green’ because they produce less noise and produce less particulate matter. According to the Department of Science and Technology and CSIR, traditional crackers produced a noise level of 160 decibels, whereas the noise of <keyword id="6123753" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-crackers">green crackers</keyword> is limited to 125. They also produce 30% less PM 2.5. Squeeze on the supply of green crackers The small town of Sivakasi is responsible for 95% of the country’s crackers. The city’s workers went on a six-month strike to protest against the Supreme Court’s ban on traditional crackers. During those months, a lot of workers migrated to other locations looking for work. So, when factories reopened in May whoever was left was briefed on manufacturing green crackers. By then, there was a 30-40% labour shortage. Even the overall amount of manufacturers is less than half of last year. In 2018, there were 1,600 units licensed to produce fireworks. Come 2019, only 350 manufacturers have gotten new licenses to make green crackers. The industry feels that its usual yearly earning of ₹1,800 crore is likely to dip into the red, this season. But the government doesn’t seem to be worried. "After the Supreme Court ban, there was a threat of closure of the fireworks industry. However, science has again come to the rescue and millions of jobs have been saved," said Union Health and Science &amp; Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan in a statement.

Diwali with green crackers in distress — production is down and prices are up

The world is becoming more conscious of the environmental pollution due to different kinds of human activity. Amidst the growing efforts in every sector to move towards eco-friendly alternatives, <keyword id="810932" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Eco-friendly-crackers">eco-friendly crackers</keyword> mark a new way of celebrating Diwali with less impact on the environment. <keyword id="6123753" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-crackers">Green crackers</keyword> as they are called, eco-friendly <keyword id="32601" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Crackers">crackers</keyword> are a new initiative by the Indian Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). These crackers feature different formulations than the present crackers and fireworks you will see around in the market. The goal of developing green crackers is to reduce pollution and minimize the health risks. What are green crackers? The regular firecrackers pose high degree of pollution and health risks. The green crackers or eco-friendly crackers are manufactured from alternative raw materials to leave lesser impact on the environment and pose lesser health risks. News about green crackers In a recent press meet held on October 5, 2019 in New Delhi, the Health and Family Welfare Minister Harsh Vardhan explained about the green crackers and showed some recently developed green crackers to the media persons like flower pots, pencils, sparklers and chakkar. Talking on the green crackers, the minister said the environmental friendly crackers will help maintain the vibrant tradition of celebrations besides also providing livelihood to millions of homes that are solely dependent on the manufacture and sale of fireworks. In a tweet, the minister said, “These will reduce the dust &amp; smoke associated with crackers by 30% and also reduce sulfur oxide &amp; nitrous oxide emissions by 20%”. Manufacture of green crackers The manufacture of green crackers has started in India already and thee eco-friendly crackers and fireworks are right now available for sellers and consumers in India in the market. The new formulations for the making of green crackers have been developed based on the suggestions received from the Supreme Court. Following the moves by the Supreme Court, so far about 230 MoUs and 165 non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) have been signed with the companies that manufacture fireworks. The green crackers have been developed as a result of the initiatives by the CSIR based on the new formulations for emitting lesser pollutants and sound. Since these crackers and fireworks make use of Potassium Nitrate as an oxidant, there will be about 30 percent reduction in the amount of particulate matter emitted. The prices of green crackers are lesser than or at least equal to the prices of the regular crackers. As per the instructions by the government, the green crackers manufacturers are printing a green logo developed by the government and a quick response (QR) code on the crackers and packets in order to help distinguish them from the regular ones. Why green crackers have been developed? On grounds of increasing pollution levels due to the firing of crackers, in October 2018, the Supreme Court had banned the manufacture, sale and use of crackers that are not environment friendly. The apex court had also announced some restrictions on the time of bursting the crackers during the <keyword id="3405" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Diwali-celebrations">Diwali celebrations</keyword>. During last year, the territory of Delhi faced very poor levels of air quality following Diwali due to the emissions from crackers and fireworks. As per the Supreme Court orders, the green crackers are not loud enough beyond a particular limit. It is mandatory for the green crackers to be free of harmful ingredients like arsenic, mercury and barium. The manufacturers must obtain clearance for the green crackers from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO). The CSIR got some samples of newly developed green crackers approved by the PESO and so the Supreme Court has permitted the bulk manufacturing of green crackers from May 2019. There is no better way of celebrating this Diwali then by buying green crackers you can find easily in the market.

What are eco-friendly crackers and how are they made

(Photo Credit: Wikipedia) <ul><li>Delhi police booked 562 people on <keyword id="188" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Diwali">Diwali</keyword> night and arrested 310 for violating the Supreme Court’s order restricting the use of fireworks in the national capital.</li><li>Police seize 2,776 kgs of crackers from across the region, according to official reports. </li><li>Out of the total documented cases, 87 people and 72 cases were booked in relation to the sale of firecrackers. </li></ul>Police in India’s national capital came down hard on violators of the recent Supreme Court order restricting the use of firecrackers, a huge contributor to Delhi’s toxic smog. On Diwali night – India’s ‘festival of lights’ – Delhi police reportedly <a href="https://www.news18.com/news/india/over-300-arrested-550-cases-registered-on-diwali-night-for-violating-sc-order-1933331.html">registered</a> over 500 cases and arrested over 300 people across the city for flouting Supreme Court’s restrictions on the use of fireworks. India’s apex court had recently allowed the use of <keyword id="6356460" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="firecracker">firecracker</keyword>s only within a two-hour window on Diwali night along with restricting firecracker sales to only ‘<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/the-rest-of-india-can-burst-normal-fireworks-but-its-national-capital-is-restricted-to-staying-green/articleshow/66463338.cms">green fireworks</a>’ in the Delhi- NCR region, in response to the rising smog levels in the city. Delhi police also reportedly confiscated over 2,776 kgs of firecrackers from across the national capital region, arresting 87 people in connection to illegal sale of firecrackers. In addition, 24 juveniles were also booked under the Juvenile Act for violating the directions. Overall, over 562 cases were registered under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code for disobeying the order. No Change It also appeared that despite the restriction on firecrackers sale, the amount of firecrackers used this Diwali was the same as last year. Close to 5 million kgs of firecrackers were used this year, ET <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/50-lakh-kg-of-crackers-burnt-in-delhi-this-year-report/articleshow/66547547.cms?from=mdr">reported</a> by. That corresponds to over 1,50,000 kgs of PM2.5 particles, which are extremely toxic. On Thursday, Delhi’s <keyword id="2071721" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Air-Quality-Index">Air Quality Index</keyword> in Delhi further deteriorated to 642, and is expected to remain ‘severe’ in part due to smoke from fireworks.

Diwali fireworks backfire: Over 300 people arrested for violating SC order

<ul><li>The <keyword id="6354977" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Supreme-Court">Supreme Court</keyword> of <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> has imposed a ban on bursting pollution causing fireworks during <keyword id="188" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Diwali">Diwali</keyword> in the country’s national capital, New Delhi. </li><li>Meanline, the other cities and states in the country have no such restrictions and can go about bursting normal fireworks. </li><li>If people in New Delhi want to burst ‘normal’ fireworks during the festive season, they will have to travel between 140kms to 200kms out of the city. </li></ul>India’s top court has cracked down on fireworks ahead of Diwali, one of India’s biggest Hindu festivals. While the Supreme Court has the banned the manufacturing and sale of all ‘pollution causing’ fireworks in New Delhi in face of deteriorating air quality, other states and cities in Indian can still indulge in normal fireworks. That being said, the Supreme Court has issued an alternative where people in New Delhi and its surrounding areas can still burst <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-are-green-crackers-5415113/">‘green fireworks’</a>, but only between the hours of 8PM and 10PM. The court also mentioned that green firecrackers would eventually supersede the other kinds with the increase in their manufacturing from next year onwards. It’s not that other states aren’t considering more strict regulations on the bursting of fireworks during the festive season, but they are still allowed to call on their previous stock of fireworks, green or otherwise <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/supreme-court-only-green-crackers-to-be-used-in-delhi-ncr-5428096/">according to</a> Justice AK Sikri and Justice Ashok Bhushan. But the ban on the online sale of fireworks through e-commerce portals like Amazon and Flipkart applies across the nation. In order to ensure effective implementation, the Supreme Court has also threatened to drag online retailers to court if they don’t abide by the issued guidelines. The rest of India The issue with the Supreme Court’s directive is that not everyone around India celebrates Diwali at the <a href="https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/diwali-crackers-bursting-time-north-south-india-supreme-court/story/286530.html">same time</a>. While northern states celebrate Diwali at night, southern states prefer to celebrate it in the morning. Meanwhile most states in the east celebrate Diwali a before the actual ‘designated’ day of the festival. States like Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sc-modifies-firecracker-order-tamil-nadu-puducherry-can-fix-timing-but-cannot-exceed-2-hours-5425063/">permitted</a> the use of fireworks between the hours of 4 AM to 5 AM in the morning and 9 PM to 10 PM during the night. Meanwhile, in the city of Mumbai, shopkeepers are <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/after-supreme-court-order-firecracker-retailers-stare-at-losses-this-diwali-stock-up-other-items-in-mumbai-5428097/">diversifying</a> the products they offer to include more ‘decorative fireworks’ and those approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). The firework ban legally covers areas that are nearly <a href="https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/firecracker-ban-in-delhi-where-all-ban-is-applicable-to-purchase-crackers-legally-this-is-how-far-you-will-have-to-go-answer-will-break-your-heart/888749/">140 kms to 200 kms</a> from the eastern and the southern borders of Delhi spreading out over 21 districts of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. About <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/many-people-now-want-curbs-on-firecrackers-in-their-cities-says-assocham/article9908815.ece">35%</a> of the citizens responded positively towards the ban of polluted firecrackers considering the<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/clean-air-week-india-to-deploy-emergency-measures-for-controlling-air-pollution/articleshow/66446663.cms"> worsening air pollution</a> situation. However, a lot of people still believe that the ban will not make much of a difference to the air quality. Majority of people are now gearing up for muted celebrations this Diwali, though the effectiveness is yet to be seen. Government initiatives have largely impacted the fireworks industry in India and it has seen a degradation of nearly 40% over the last five years.

The rest of India can burst normal fireworks, but its national capital is restricted to staying ‘green’

<ul><li><keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>’s apex court passed a verdict to restrict the use of firecrackers in lieu of the worsening <keyword id="53848" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-quality">air quality</keyword> in the country. </li><li>Along with time constraints on when firecrackers can be used, the Supreme Court is only allowing the sale of ‘<keyword id="6981349" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-fireworks">Green Fireworks</keyword>’. </li><li>While consumers cite tradition and religion, companies are wary of how this decision will affect their bottom line. </li><li>On the contrary, environmentalists feel that this barely enough to contain the excessive air pollution that occurs during the festive season of <keyword id="188" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Diwali">Diwali</keyword>.</li></ul>India’s national capital is no stranger to air pollution, especially when it’s festive season. Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights, is particularly an issue because it involves using firecrackers which not only depreciate the air quality, but cause noise pollution as well. The <keyword id="75952" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Supreme-Court-of-India">Supreme Court of India</keyword>, the country’s highest constitutional court, has deemed that while firecrackers won’t be banned altogether, strict restrictions are going to be put in place so people’s right to health isn’t adversely affected. This includes restricting when firecrackers can be burst, the implementation of ‘Green Crackers’ and banning online sales to curb the ill effects. Timely firecrackers One of the key takeaways from the Supreme Court’s judgement is that bursting of firecrackers will only be allowed between 8pm and 10pm on the day of Diwali. But, they haven’t put any reprimands in place if the decision isn’t followed. Traditionally, firecrackers aren’t only burst on Diwali but the day before and the day after as well. The day before, because it is Chotti Diwali (small Diwali) and the day after, because people want to use up the firecrackers that are leftover from the night before. While the time restriction is commendable, it’s unlikely to be enforced efficiently if there is no fear of consequences. 
	<div type="twitter" handle="OruvanYavano" handlename="Yavano Oruvan" image="http://abs.twimg.com/sticky/default_profile_images/default_profile_normal.png" favoritecount="2" retweetcount="0" status="Diwali is our traditional festival we don't need your suggestion to blast crakers #firecrackers #savediwali #saveourtradition" createdat="1540283144000" id="1054650065720008706"></div>



 
	<div type="twitter" handle="idontfaqwithu" handlename="rOhaN 🍌" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1019607935360512000/NrEMBz1Y_normal.jpg" favoritecount="6" retweetcount="0" status="Fuck supreme court. I'll burst crackers morning and evening on the day of diwali. Stop targeting our 1000s of year… https://t.co/MykMj8R6nv" createdat="1540283204000" id="1054650314375127040"></div>



 
	<div type="twitter" handle="rajat0807" handlename="Rajat Dariya" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/506866519372869632/Oz-ZCXJ6_normal.jpeg" favoritecount="2" retweetcount="1" status="It's not for #SupremeCourt to decide whether to ban #FireCrackers or not. We'll celebrate our festival the way we w… https://t.co/wdXjL5eti1" createdat="1540282277000" id="1054646429900259328"></div>



 Companies cry foul Most companies that have been disagreeing with the verdict have cited adverse economic and financial losses. But the Supreme Court has reinforced its stance stating that the economic loss in the form of treating respiratory ailments and health hazards resulting from firecrackers is much greater. Consumers and e-commerce companies, alike, aren’t too happy about the fact that firecrackers can’t be sold online anymore. Even the traditional Cock Brand Crackers and Sri Kaliswari Fireworks are going to be subject to restricting their inventory. The Supreme Court has mandated that ‘Green Crackers’ or fireworks that adhere to lower emissions will be the only ones allowed in the market now. While this may be a step in the right direction, environmentalists feel that it’s not nearly enough. Vimlendu Jha says that there’s really no such thing as an ‘environmentally safe’ <keyword id="6356460" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="firecracker">firecracker</keyword>. 
	<div type="twitter" handle="vimlendu" handlename="Vimlendu Jha" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/293375517/Vimlendu_MW_low_res_normal.jpg" favoritecount="15" retweetcount="7" status="What the hell does a 'good' firecracker even mean? Despite every scientific data available at the Courts disposal,… https://t.co/0Eamoh59Ve" createdat="1540292760000" id="1054690396452737024"></div>

India has sights set on banning firecrackers, bringing in 'Green Fireworks' – here's why it probably won't work

<ul><li>As <keyword id="55910" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Air-Pollution">air pollution</keyword> levels continue to worsen in India’s national capital and its surrounding area, New Delhi has decided to observe ‘Clean Air Week’ between 1 November to 5 November.</li><li>52 teams along with the support of local police and representatives from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will be coming together for the campaign.</li><li>The campaign will cover New Delhi and the surrounding areas of the National Capital Region (NCR)— Faridabad, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad and Noida.</li></ul>The air quality in India’s national capital, New Delhi, has become a major challenge <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/toxic-air-killed-highest-number-of-children-in-india-in-2016-who-report/articleshow/66446692.cms">threatening millions of lives</a>. The growing concern for air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) has pushed the government to organise a Clean Air Week from 1 November to 5 November. It’s an initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with the Delhi government and the other NCR cities, in order to combat the worsening conditions. Clean Air Week, scheduled just ahead of <keyword id="188" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Diwali">Diwali</keyword>, will bring together <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/clean-air-week-52-teams-supported-by-local-police-to-be-on-ground-in-delhi-4-neighbouring-cities/articleshow/66451468.cms">52 teams</a> along with the local police to take action against polluters in New Delhi and its neighbouring cities including Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad from this Thursday. Teams have also been formed to ensure safety on the roads of Delhi-NCR. Each team would have a senior official from MoEFCC and representatives from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). 44 of these teams are based out of Delhi and other cities will have 2 teams each supported by the local police. The teams will also ensure that the repeat offenders are taken seriously by ensuring criminal proceedings and that citizens abide by the <a href="https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/firecracker-ban-firecrackers-other-than-green-crackers-will-not-be-sold-in-delhi-ncr-supreme-court/307240">restrictions on placed on fireworks</a>. The Indian Supreme Court has directed that citizens in Delhi-NCR can only burst crackers between 8 PM and 10 PM during Diwali, one of India’s most popular Hindu festivals. And, people can’t just burst any old firecrackers, they have to be ‘<a href="https://news.google.com/articles/CBMihgFodHRwczovL3d3dy5pbmRpYXRvZGF5LmluL21haWwtdG9kYXkvc3RvcnkvZ3JlZW4tY3JhY2tlcnMtc2hvcGtlZXBlcnMtZGVsaGktbm9pZGEtc3VwcmVtZS1jb3VydC1lY28tZnJpZW5kbHktZGl3YWxpLTEzNzkxNTEtMjAxOC0xMC0zMdIB1AFodHRwczovL3d3dy1pbmRpYXRvZGF5LWluLmNkbi5hbXBwcm9qZWN0Lm9yZy92L3Mvd3d3LmluZGlhdG9kYXkuaW4vYW1wL21haWwtdG9kYXkvc3RvcnkvZ3JlZW4tY3JhY2tlcnMtc2hvcGtlZXBlcnMtZGVsaGktbm9pZGEtc3VwcmVtZS1jb3VydC1lY28tZnJpZW5kbHktZGl3YWxpLTEzNzkxNTEtMjAxOC0xMC0zMT9hbXBfanNfdj0wLjEjd2Vidmlldz0xJmNhcD1zd2lwZQ?hl=en-IN&amp;gl=IN&amp;ceid=IN%3Aen">green fireworks</a>’. The meeting held under the chairmanship of Union Environment Secretary, CK Mishra, proposed certain urgent steps that can be taken to address the issue. The Delhi government has also been asked to deploy 400 sprinklers as a backup to mitigate any crisis. In addition, construction sites in area have been instructed to shut down temporarily. Even trucks carrying construction and demolition waste aren’t allowed to move around the city uncovered. And if they do, the trucks will be confiscated. Mishra’s proposal also stated that the authorities will have to ensure that there is no burning of industrial waste and biomass fuel. Since of one the main problems in Delhi is its burgeoning traffic, it has also been advised that the Delhi traffic police launch a special drive for lane driving. District magistrates have be enrolled to ensure security and safety in their respective areas. The CPCB teams will be monitoring the <keyword id="2071721" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Air-Quality-Index">air quality index</keyword> in Delhi and NCR region while the campaign will continue till 5 November. It has been emphasised that all the necessary steps must be taken to ensure that air quality levels don’t plummet even further.

‘Clean Air Week’ — India to deploy emergency measures for controlling air pollution

First it was <keyword id="6354267" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Sachin-Tendulkar">Sachin Tendulkar</keyword> in 2010 who went past the 200 runs mark in <keyword id="65032" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="One-Day-International">one day international</keyword> cricket. Then it was <keyword id="6400518" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Sehwag">Sehwag</keyword> in 2011 who scored a <keyword id="117331" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="double-century">double century</keyword> in Indore. This time right before Diwali <keyword id="13937" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Rohit-Sharma">Rohit Sharma</keyword> went berserk on the Bangalore pitch and played a <keyword id="58953" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="Cracker">cracker</keyword> of an inning to ensure <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> win the match and with it the series. His 209 runs came off 158 balls, which left the Australians standing helplessly on the green, as the balls kept flying out of the ground. Only three people in the world have crossed the 200 runs point in the world and all three are Indians. Here are the highlights of how this 26 year old, who broke quite a few records in his run to glory, presented India with the best Diwali gift a day before the sacred day.

[Video] How Rohit Sharma Became The Third Indian To Surpass
200 Runs In ODI Cricket

<keyword id="60699" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Diwali-festivities">Diwali festivities</keyword> are right here, but have you done all that is needed to make these holidays perfect? No, we are not talking about offbeat home décor or great gift buying or the gourmet dishes cooking in the kitchen. Let’s face it – preparing for the festivities is a tough task with so many things to manage. Family time with friends and relatives can be stressful enough and stretching your budget for some last-minute spending takes its toll as well. Then there are the <keyword id="54214" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fireworks">fireworks</keyword>, Diwali feasts and a little bit of <keyword id="6366684" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="gambling">gambling</keyword> – must-do things but must be done with some care and caution. If you are already feeling a bit panicky, here are 5 tips to keep you happy and safe this Diwali. 
 
Play it safe: With loads of fireworks around, that’s the best thing to do, especially if you have kids at home. Gather the people beforehand and tell them all about the safety rules. Keep an eye on potential trouble-makers – even grown-ups tend to behave irresponsibly at times. Also, make sure all power points at home are working fine and don’t overload them with <keyword id="1924083" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Decorative-lighting">decorative lighting</keyword>. Finally, keep a first-aid box ready and the emergency numbers handy, along with some heavy blankets that could easily put out flames. This way, you can act fast in case of an accident or mishap. 
 
Watch your money: There are <keyword id="1689680" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="offshore-casinos">offshore casinos</keyword> and private house parties for diehard gamers, but even the neighbourhood <keyword id="16035" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Teen-Patti">teen patti</keyword> parties can burn a big hole in your pocket. Delhi card parties are (in)famous for big-bet gambling, but other metros have also caught up with it. Rumour mill says lakhs, even crores, are lost and won in card games across the national capital, and farmhouses, cars and jewellery are staked by owners. It reminds one a little about Mahabharata and Yudhisthira’s disastrous game of dice. So keep a wary eye on your money and possessions, and go slow on shopping and gambling. 
 
Keep a tab on food: Foodgasm is the latest buzz but don’t go overboard with enticing, spicy and oily food. Cook healthy as far as possible and try baking the bhujias or the chaklis (popular <keyword id="1924077" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Diwali-snacks">Diwali snacks</keyword>), instead of deep-frying them. It also makes sense to keep the mid-day meal simple if you are having an elaborate dinner every night. Cut down on alcohol, aerated drinks, high-sugar diet and extensive smoking – all these will clog your system. Now that the winter is setting in, drink a lot of water and try a cuppa or two of green tea. It will keep your system toxin free, keep you hydrated and boost your energy. 
 
Walk to wellness: A brisk walk in the morning is a great stress-buster and keeps those extra kilograms away. There’s a nip in the air, so you will enjoy the cool sojourn to a nearby park. Do some deep breathing, enjoy the greens and drive away any negative thought that pops up in your mind. If you can’t go for a walk, try some yoga exercise or practise meditation in the morning/evening. It is the ultimate de-stresser and will boost your mood in no time. 
 
Relax and connect, it’s rejuvenating: Staying happy and relaxed is the <keyword id="490344" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="holiday-season">holiday season</keyword> mantra, so try and get into that mental frame. After all, too many outings and parties are bound to wear you down. So plan smart and keep a little ‘me’ time just for yourself – to do anything you like. And last, but not the least – connect, connect and connect. As one hardcore tech professional just told us in his Diwali message: This festive season, forget your mobile, laptop, tab and smart TV. Celebrate with real people who need your time and attention. They have been waiting for it throughout the year. 
 
Image: Wikimedia

5 Ways To Drive Away Diwali Woes

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I got a Costco membership at the end of 2021 but quickly realized the warehouse wasn't for me.</li><li>I joined Costco to <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-i-buy-from-costco-to-save-money-extreme-couponer-2022-9">save money</a>, but the bulk-buy structure enabled my worst shopping habits.</li></ul>The first time I tagged along on a friend's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-you-should-always-get-at-costco-in-bulk">Costco</a> run, I was so enchanted that I signed up for a membership right after checkout. Not long after, I realized the bulk retailer wasn't for my two-person household. It's not that I hated Costco's quality or options — I actually really like the products and have few complaints.Instead, I realized the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/uk-vs-us-costco-food-court-2023-8">membership program</a> and structure enabled some of my worst shopping habits.<h2>I became a very impulsive shopper at Costco</h2>At first, being able to buy in bulk helped me plan ahead and stock up on supplies and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/costco-best-beauty-skin-care-buys-according-to-shopper-photos-2022-3">personal-care items</a>, like toilet paper.But if I ever wanted to try a new product, satisfying that curiosity involved a commitment. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/costco-best-things-for-single-people-to-buy">Exploring new products</a>, which Costco sells in large quantities or big sizes, had a more significant financial and spatial cost than purchases at regular grocery stores.I'd often grab something because I thought it was good to have on hand, only never to use it. It took me months to use a jar of capers from the warehouse, and I didn't even touch a large pack of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trying-trader-joes-pasta-sauces-ranking-review-photos">canned tomatoes</a> for almost a year. <div type="image" title="Canned tomatoes in a pantry." height="3024" width="4032" msid="112718148" hostid="261" sizebytes="822934"></div><h2>It became really easy to waste food and money, too</h2>If I can't see an item when I open my fridge or pantry, I completely forget it's there. This was bad news for buying in bulk at Costco. Though this wasn't as much of an issue with shelf-stable items, it was still frustrating to realize that I'd buy the same trail-mix bundles, trash bags, or Lysol wipes we already had at home.Meanwhile, my refrigerated or frozen items, like salad greens or massive bags of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trying-best-rotisserie-chicken-at-grocery-store-review-photos-2022-11">chicken</a> thighs, would often spoil or get freezer-burned before I could go through them.Obviously, this wasn't Costco's fault, but I hadn't wasted this much food or money before I had my membership.<h2>Buying snacks in bulk also led me to become a pretty bad snacker </h2>Large quantities of snacks such as trail-mix packets were an asset to my fiancé, whose job involves intense physical labor. But I work from home and found large portions and boredom often made a perfect combination for <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-to-get-costco-losing-weight-grocery-list-2023-9">mindless snacking</a>.The two of us could easily wipe out a bulk box of Simple Mills crackers within a week of purchasing it, and special sweets such as Thin Mints pretzels didn't stand a chance. Because we'd go through snacks so quickly, I found myself doubling up on items at the warehouse to save myself an extra trip.My worst offense was having to replace a massive bag of Halloween candy that I picked up in September because we whittled the whole thing down before the holiday even came around. <div type="image" title="The interior of a Costco store." height="2448" width="3264" msid="112718145" hostid="261" sizebytes="584298"></div><h2>My house also became overridden with large items</h2>I live in an older home with a shallow pantry, so storing large food items is already challenging. To combat the lack of space, I had to put my Costco buys wherever they would fit.I ended up <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/interior-designer-kitchen-design-tips-rental-space-2023-6">storing food among my kitchen</a> supplies and equipment, which took up valuable counter and cabinet space. When I ran out of room there, I stored boxes of snacks and tea on top of my refrigerator, even though they routinely fell onto the floor.<h2>Costco didn't save me much time, either </h2>Although Costco is a great place to stock up on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/costco-best-things-for-2-people-to-get-2021-6">basic staples</a>, from cleaning supplies to salt, I couldn't always find everything I needed at my local warehouse. After shopping there, I'd still have to supplement with trips to other supermarkets, specialty stores, and farmers' markets to grab herbs or spices.I've since let my Costco membership lapse and found that my pantry and kitchen have become better organized and less overrun with stuff. I still find bulk buys I've never opened. My new shopping habits better fit our lifestyle, and although I enjoyed shopping at Costco, I don't think I'll ever get a membership again. This story was originally published on September 28, 2023, and most recently updated on August 22, 2024.

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