The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert in several districts of Odisha amid reports that a low-pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by Monday. Heavy to very heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds of 30-40 km/h have been forecast for three days starting Monday. The state government has mobilised relief supplies, placed all key departments on high alert, and asked district collectors to remain vigilant. (PC: PTI)  

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has downgraded the green turtle’s status from Endangered to Least Concern, marking a major conservation success. However, experts warn that the species remains far below historic population levels, facing ongoing threats from habitat loss, fishing, and climate change. In regions like Raine Island, Australia, declining hatch rates highlight the continued urgency of protection efforts. In contrast, Arctic seals face worsening conditions: the hooded seal is now Endangered, and bearded and harp seals are Near Threatened due to melting sea ice that jeopardizes their breeding, feeding, and survival. (PC: BBC)    

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the city has successfully tested artificial rain at Burari. The project, developed by IIT Kanpur and the Delhi government, aims to reduce air pollution through cloud seeding. Experts fired special flares to form rain clouds, marking a major step in pollution control. If weather conditions remain good, Delhi could see its first artificial rainfall on October 29. The Environment Minister said the trial flight tested the system’s safety and coordination. The project has approvals from 23 departments and will continue till November with help from IITM Pune and IMD. (PC: HT)

On 22 October 2025, the national capital’s air-quality readings showed a stark contrast: CPCB reported an AQI of approximately 351, while IQAir’s measurement soared past 1,100. The explanation lies in differing methodology — CPCB’s index is capped at 500, uses reference-grade monitors and Indian standards, while IQAir draws on lower-cost sensors, global standard conversions and reports raw values beyond 500. Both readings are technically correct within their frameworks, but the discrepancy has sparked public confusion and highlights the challenge of interpreting air-quality data. (PC: NDTV)

Delhi’s air quality worsened sharply after two days of Diwali celebrations, reaching the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories. The city’s average AQI was 341 on Wednesday afternoon, with Punjabi Bagh recording the highest at 419. Areas like Anand Vihar, ITO, and Ashok Vihar also reported ‘very poor’ air. The lowest AQI, 209, was seen at Lodhi Road and DTU. The Commission for Air Quality Management has enforced Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan, which includes higher parking fees and curbs on diesel generators and polluting vehicles to reduce emissions across Delhi-NCR. (PC: HT)

Delhi's air quality plummeted to the 'very poor' category following Diwali celebrations, with some areas recording 'severe' levels. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 338 as of 8 AM on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Notably, Punjabi Bagh and Wazirpur had AQIs of 433 and 401, respectively, both in the 'severe' category. The spike in pollution is attributed to widespread firecracker use beyond the stipulated time, leading to a toxic mix of pollutants and heavy metals. Experts warn of worsening conditions due to factors like stubble burning and unfavorable meteorological conditions. (PC: PTI)  

Several districts in Tamil Nadu have declared holidays for schools and colleges following continuous heavy rainfall that has disrupted daily life across the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued a yellow alert for 10 districts in Kerala, warning of more rain, thunderstorms, and possible flooding. Areas in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, and Thoothukudi witnessed severe downpours leading to waterlogging and traffic delays. Disaster management teams are on high alert, and residents in low-lying and hilly regions have been advised to remain cautious due to risks of landslides and flash floods.    

Tamil Nadu is on high alert as continuous heavy rain hits several districts. The weather office has issued a red alert for eight coastal districts, including Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Nagapattinam. A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal may soon develop into a cyclone. Schools and colleges in affected areas are closed as precaution. Chennai recorded up to 100 mm of rainfall, with water released from reservoirs to prevent flooding. Fishermen have been told not to venture into the sea. Chief Minister MK Stalin reviewed emergency measures while rescue teams prepared for possible evacuation and relief work. (PC: NDTV)

Delhi’s air quality hit its worst post-Diwali level in five years despite claims of using ‘green’ firecrackers. PM2.5 levels touched 488 micrograms per cubic metre on average and peaked at 675 on Diwali night — about 100 times the safe limit. Experts said weak winds and dropping temperatures trapped the pollution. Data showed that local emissions, not stubble burning, were the main cause this year. The air quality index was higher than the last three years, proving that ‘green’ crackers made little difference. Health experts warned of serious risks to children and the elderly. (PC: NDTV)

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa ruled out immediate artificial rain plans despite post-Diwali air quality hitting 'severe' levels across the capital. While addressing concerns Tuesday, Sirsa emphasized cloud seeding requires actual clouds, responding to critics he called "illiterate people burning with vengeance." The Delhi government remains fully prepared with trained pilots and necessary permissions secured for the cloud seeding operation. Both pilots recently completed trial flights, familiarizing themselves with designated areas over four days of successful training. Sirsa confirmed they're awaiting the Meteorological Department's green signal within two to three days. Once favorable weather conditions emerge with cloud formation, sample seeding will commence immediately to combat worsening air pollution plaguing Delhi. (PC: Times Now)