Delhi’s air quality stayed in the ‘poor’ category for the second day on Wednesday, with AQI at 213. The city recorded its first poor air day since June. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage-1 measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across NCR, including road cleaning, dust control, and checking polluting vehicles. Forecasts suggest AQI will remain poor until October 17 and may reach ‘very poor’ during Diwali. Transport, residential emissions, and unfavourable weather are the main causes. Authorities urge citizens to celebrate eco-friendly Diwali and avoid firecrackers. (PC: HT)

Delhi’s air quality dipped to the “poor” category on Monday, with the AQI reaching 211. The Central Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. The measures include bans on open waste burning, use of coal or wood in eateries, and limits on diesel generators. Construction sites must follow strict dust control rules. Older vehicles are also barred from operating. Authorities in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan have been asked to ensure full compliance. Experts blame vehicle pollution, crop burning, and weather for the worsening air quality. (PC: India Today)

A rare and powerful tornado-like phenomenon formed over Chilika Lake near the Kalijai Temple in Odisha, sending tourists and locals into panic. The swirling column of air and water, resembling an “elephant trunk,” locally called Hatiasundha, was captured on video by several visitors. The vortex lasted for a few minutes before dissipating without causing damage. Meteorologists described it as a waterspout, a type of tornado that occurs over water bodies. The incident quickly went viral on social media, highlighting the unpredictable weather patterns emerging along India’s eastern coast.    

A 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck offshore near Manay town, Davao Oriental, in southern Philippines on October 10, 2025, at a shallow depth of 10 km, according to Phivolcs. Authorities issued a tsunami warning for coastal and low-lying areas, urging residents to evacuate to higher ground. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center predicted waves up to 3 meters high along the Philippine coast, with smaller waves possible in Indonesia and Palau. While no major casualties or damage have been reported yet, officials warned of aftershocks and possible infrastructure damage. The quake follows a 6.9-magnitude tremor that hit Cebu last week.    

The first snowfall of the season has arrived in the Himalayas, bringing an early winter and joy to tourists and residents. Reports from Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Kashmir indicate that popular tourist destinations like Kedarnath, Gulmarg, and Manali have been blanketed in snow. This early snowfall is also a welcome sign for the tourism industry, which suffered significant losses during the recent monsoon season. The photos in the article show picturesque snow-covered landscapes at places such as Sinthan Top, Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, and Aru Valley, signaling the beginning of the winter tourist season.

At least 15 people lost their lives when a massive landslide buried a private bus in Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, on Tuesday evening. The bus, en route from Marotan to Ghumarwin with 30–35 passengers, was struck in the Bhalughat area. Three people, including two children, have been rescued, while many are still feared trapped. Rescue operations are ongoing with NDRF teams and heavy machinery deployed. Chief Minister Sukhu and PM Modi expressed condolences, with the PM announcing ₹2 lakh compensation for the deceased’s families and ₹50,000 for the injured. (PC: PTI)

The death toll in North Bengal floods and landslides rose to 28, with several people still missing. Continuous heavy rainfall has stranded thousands of tourists in hill areas. North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha said the toll may rise. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called the floods "man-made" and announced ₹5 lakh compensation and a home guard job for one family member of each deceased. The worst-hit areas include Mirik, Sukhiapokhri, Jorebunglow, and Nagrakata. Rescue teams, led by the NDRF, are clearing over 40 landslide sites. Relief camps provide food, water, and medicine. Heavy rains may continue. (PC: HT)

At least 23 people, including seven children, died after heavy rain triggered landslides in Darjeeling, West Bengal, on Sunday. Homes collapsed, roads were blocked, and many areas remain cut off. In Nepal, 52 people died in floods and landslides caused by nonstop rain. A flood alert was issued in Bengal after Bhutan’s Tala Dam began overflowing. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will visit affected areas and announced compensation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah expressed grief and promised help. The IMD issued a red alert for more rain in Darjeeling and Kalimpong as rescue work continues. (PC: X)

Dozens have died and hundreds remain trapped as heavy rain, snow, and landslides hit India’s Darjeeling, Nepal, and the Mount Everest region. At least 17 people were killed in Darjeeling and over 40 in Nepal, officials said. Nearly 1,000 people were stranded on the Tibetan side of Everest after a massive blizzard. Two iron bridges collapsed in North Bengal following 300 mm of rainfall in 12 hours. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said several districts, including Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri, were flooded. Bhutan also reported floods near the Amochu river, where Indian troops helped rescue stranded families. (PC: HT))

At least six people have died in Darjeeling district following a devastating landslide in Mirik, triggered by continuous heavy rainfall. The Dudia Iron Bridge, a vital link between Mirik and Kurseong, collapsed, isolating these towns from each other. Additionally, a landslide at Hussain Khola along National Highway 110 near Kurseong severed the crucial route connecting Siliguri to Darjeeling. The region remains under a red alert, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting extremely heavy rainfall in sub-Himalayan West Bengal until Monday morning.