Goa began its Diwali celebrations with the burning of giant Narakasura effigies at dawn on Monday. The tradition, known as Narak Chaturdashi, marks Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon king Narakasura. Once a small village ritual, it has now become a grand event featuring DJs, drones, lights and massive hydraulics-powered effigies. Groups like the Zingaro Boys in Betim and Mala spend weeks crafting the 50-foot figures from bamboo, paper and clay. The celebrations draw huge crowds and competitions with cash prizes. Historians say the festival reflects Goa’s cultural revival after Portuguese rule ended in 1961. (PC: X)

Delhi’s air turned toxic on Diwali, with the city’s AQI reaching 335 in the “very poor” category and Anand Vihar recording 417, marked “severe.” The Commission for Air Quality Management enforced Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi-NCR to fight rising pollution. The move adds to earlier measures under Stage I, including strict dust control and curbs on construction. The spike followed the Supreme Court’s relaxation allowing green crackers within fixed hours. The IMD warned of further deterioration after Diwali. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta urged citizens to celebrate safely and use only green crackers. (PC: India Today)

A passenger at Jabalpur railway station lost his watch over a failed UPI payment for samosas on October 17. The vendor, Sandeep Gupta, grabbed the passenger's collar when his train began departing. After unsuccessful digital payment attempts, the passenger surrendered his watch. The viral video sparked online debate after some condemned the act as "shameful" while others defended the vendor's right to payment. West Central Railway identified and arrested Gupta under Railway Act, cancelling his license. However, many questioned the harsh action against the poor vendor, noting the video showed him giving additional samosas after receiving the watch, suggesting he only sought legitimate payment, not theft.

The Supreme Court has allowed the sale and bursting of CSIR-NEERI-certified green crackers in Delhi-NCR from October 18 to 20. Residents can burst them only between 6–7 am and 8–10 pm. The decision comes as Delhi’s air quality worsens, with the AQI at 296, close to the ‘very poor’ mark. Experts fear pollution may reach ‘severe’ levels during Diwali. Ghaziabad, Noida, and Gurugram are also seeing rising pollution. A survey shows 34% of families plan to burst crackers this year. Doctors have urged citizens to avoid all crackers to protect health and air quality. (PC: HT)

Indian Army and BSF soldiers celebrated Diwali at forward posts along the Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab borders. The jawans lit diyas, offered prayers, and burst firecrackers, showing their spirit and dedication while guarding the nation away from home. BSF personnel Ruby and Khushpreet Kaur said they celebrate so citizens can enjoy Diwali safely. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi celebrated with troops in the Kumaon region, praising their readiness and devotion. He reviewed operations and commended their eco-friendly initiatives. Soldiers called their units a “family” as they marked the festival with pride and unity.

A blast at a firecracker warehouse in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, killed one person and injured another on Sunday. The explosion near Bagwala Chowraha destroyed four shops and collapsed roofs of two homes. The injured, Sanju Lodhi, 40, is in serious condition at the district hospital. Rescue teams are working to ensure no one is trapped under debris. The warehouse, run by Rais Khan, had just opened for Diwali sales. Officials said a similar blast at the same location killed five people a few years ago. The area is sealed for safety. (PC- The Hindu)

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram criticized India's 6.5% growth rate as "dismal," warning the country is trapped in lower-middle income status without "ideas or intrepidity" to break free. He called for "Manmohan Singh-like courage" to address the situation. Chidambaram highlighted that India's Gross National Income per capita of $2,650 needs to double to exit lower-middle income classification, which would take nine years at current growth rates. He flagged declining capital formation as critical, noting Gross Fixed Capital Formation dropped from 35.8% of GDP in 2007-08 to 30.1% in 2024-25. The Congress leader emphasized this growth rate isn't celebratory but indicates economic stagnation requiring bold reforms.

Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP and former UN diplomat, recently visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, describing it as an "extraordinary experience" and a "remarkable structure." He commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his pivotal role in facilitating the temple's establishment in the UAE, highlighting the Prime Minister's engagement with the UAE government as instrumental in transforming the vision of a Hindu place of worship into reality. Tharoor lauded the temple's intricate design, including the Wall of Harmony at its entrance and heat-resistant tiles. He also praised the handcrafted sandstone carvings and detailed statues representing seven major deities with individual shrines, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship. Reflecting on his UN tenure, Tharoor noted the temple as a "microcosm of the unity of creation," embodying the common humanity he championed. (PC: NDTV)

A pet dog named Rocky heroically battled and killed a deadly cobra that entered his owner's yard in Kerala's Alappuzha around 1:30 PM Tuesday. Owner Subash Krishna was working in the Middle East while his wife was home. Hearing commotion, she discovered the dead cobra and Rocky suffering from a venomous bite. She immediately rushed Rocky to a veterinary doctor, who referred him to several hospitals. A medical team led by veterinary surgeon Dr. Bipin Prakash successfully treated the injured dog after several days of intensive care. Rocky is now recovering. Despite being the weaker opponent in this "David vs Goliath battle," Rocky's determination to protect his owner proved sufficient to defeat the dangerous serpent.

Ladakh campaigners for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections held symbolic protests Saturday amid heavy restrictions. Leh administration suspended mobile internet, restricted gatherings, closed educational institutions, and deployed security forces. Campaign co-chairman Chering Dorjay was briefly confined home, with only "15 to 20" participants allowed in the silent march. Hundreds marched in neighboring Kargil demanding justice for four killed in September 24 violence during statehood protests. Dorjay criticized restrictions as "totally illegal," saying "when government is scared of its people, there is something to hide." While welcoming Centre's judicial inquiry announcement, he expressed concerns about FIR 144 incorporation and absence of Ladakhi representation among inquiry members led by retired Justice B.S. Chauhan.