Delhi-NCR woke to toxic air on Diwali morning as air quality plummeted to "very poor" category. The Central Pollution Control Board recorded an AQI of 335 at 8 am after overnight firecracker bursting caused severe noise pollution and blanketed the capital in smoke. The Board's forecast warns of further deterioration into "severe" category on Tuesday and Wednesday. Last Wednesday, the Supreme Court permitted sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR with specific conditions, restricting usage to 6-7 pm the day before Diwali and 8-10 pm on festival day itself. Despite regulations, widespread cracker usage severely impacted air quality in the national capital region. (PC: Business Standard & Moneycontrol)

Delhi-NCR has activated GRAP 2 restrictions as air quality worsens ahead of Diwali. The AQI in the capital reached 296 on Sunday evening, nearing the “very poor” category. Stage 2 measures ban coal and firewood use, including tandoors in hotels and eateries, and restrict diesel generators except for essential services. Citizens are advised to use public transport, avoid dust-generating construction, and refrain from burning waste. Authorities will sprinkle water on roads, conduct dust control, and inspect construction sites. The restrictions aim to prevent severe pollution during Diwali, as firecracker use and weather conditions could further worsen air quality. (PC: HT)

A viral 17‑second video posted by IFS officer Parveen Kaswan shows a leopard rummaging through a pile of trash near Mount Abu in Rajasthan, highlighting the distressing impact of human waste on wildlife. The big cat—normally a stealthy apex predator—can be seen digging in plastic and spoiled food, clearly driven into desperation. Kaswan captioned the post, “What a sad visual… See how our trash is reaching the wild! Let’s be better, protect forests, manage waste, and give the wild its home back.” Social‑media users responded with outrage over habitat encroachment and called for stronger anti‑litter enforcement and better forest‑waste management.  

Delhi’s air quality stayed in the ‘poor’ category for the fourth day on Friday as pollution rose ahead of Diwali. The CPCB reported an AQI of 254 at 4 pm. Ghaziabad had the worst air at 306, followed by Noida 278 and Gurugram 266; Faridabad remained moderate at 105. Five Delhi stations, including Anand Vihar (382) and Wazirpur (351), recorded very poor air. Transport emissions and stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh were major causes. The IMD forecasts a misty Saturday with temperatures around 33°C maximum and 19°C minimum. (PC: BBC)

A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Friday evening, causing strong tremors across parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The quake hit near the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border at a depth of 10 kilometres around 5:45 pm. People in Srinagar and nearby areas rushed out of their homes as buildings shook for several seconds. No damage or casualties have been reported so far. This comes just a month after a powerful 6.2 magnitude quake killed over 1,400 people in Afghanistan. Authorities are monitoring the situation and have urged residents to stay alert for aftershocks.

Delhi's air quality deteriorated for the fourth consecutive day Friday, recording an AQI of 242 in the 'poor' category, with some areas reaching 'very poor' levels above 301. Transport emissions contributed 18.7% of total pollution. Areas like Akshardham (369) and Bawana (310) showed particularly hazardous readings. The pollution coincides with approaching Diwali festivities and winter stubble burning in neighboring states. The Supreme Court permitted green firecrackers with time restrictions (6-7 AM, 8-10 PM) on a test basis. Delhi government pledged strict enforcement through designated sale locations and patrol teams. Experts warn vulnerable populations like infants, elderly, pregnant women, and those with respiratory conditions might face severe health risks as pollution levels continue rising. (PC: Hindustan Times)

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.