Former Punjab Police chief Mohammed Mustafa has claimed his family is being targeted in a “dirty” rival conspiracy following the death of his 33-year-old son, Aqil Akhtar. Found unconscious at his house in Panchkula and later declared dead, the family says his death resulted from a drug overdose. Videos of Aqil emerged in which he alleged his father and mother, former minister Razia Sultana, were having an affair and conspiring against him. A special investigation team has now been formed to probe the case and related claims. (PC: NDTV)  

Millions across India celebrated Diwali 2025 with lights, sweets, and fireworks, marking the festival of joy and unity. The Supreme Court allowed the use of “green crackers” in Delhi for the first time since 2020, balancing festivity with pollution control. From Srinagar’s glowing Ghanta Ghar to Guwahati’s lively streets, homes and temples shone bright. Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with Navy personnel aboard INS Vikrant, India’s largest indigenously built warship. Across cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Chandigarh, communities came together to light diyas, share sweets, and spread cheer. (PC: X)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Ayodhya's Nishad community during Deepavali, urging citizens to support those unable to afford Diwali celebrations. He praised the community for embodying values of friendship and devotion while emphasizing Deepotsav as continuation of Tretaa Yug traditions. Deepotsav 2025 shattered two Guinness World Records, lighting 26,17,215 lamps and featuring 2,128 Vedic scholars performing Saryu aarti simultaneously. Adityanath highlighted Ayodhya's cleanliness, crediting PM Modi for inspiring nationwide sanitation efforts. The spectacular event attracted devotees from various regions, celebrating Ayodhya's spiritual and cultural vibrancy while showcasing the city's festive spirit and rich cultural heritage through record-breaking achievements.

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.