A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan sustained injuries in an IED blast orchestrated by Naxalites during election duty in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district. The incident occurred in the Naxal-affected region of Tondamarka while a joint team of CRPF and CoBRA 206th battalion was on an area domination operation. The injured CRPF member triggered the explosive accidentally, resulting in the blast. The attack took place in the Konta assembly segment, one of the 20 constituencies participating in the first phase of Chhattisgarh's two-phase elections, conducted amidst heightened security due to Naxal threats. [ Representative Image ]

Voting has begun in Chhattisgarh and Mizoram, marking the start of month-long assembly elections. In Chhattisgarh, 20 seats are contested in the first phase, with the ruling Congress facing BJP opposition amid recent controversies. Meanwhile, Mizoram's diverse political scenario involves MNF, ZPM, Congress, BJP, and AAP contenders. These elections serve as a significant test for BJP, the INDIA bloc, and regional parties, influencing strategies for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Tight security measures are in place, with over 60,000 troops deployed in Chhattisgarh and stringent protocols in Mizoram ensuring a secure voting process.          

The Delhi government has announced the implementation of the odd-even vehicle rationing scheme from November 13 to 20 given the severe air pollution levels in the city. Schools up to class 10 will remain shut till November 10. The earlier ban on BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles will continue along with a ban on construction activities. The stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan has been activated. Work from home for 50% of government and private employees is also recommended but a decision is yet to be taken.

A strong 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal on Monday evening as the country reeled from last week's devastating temblor that killed over 150 people. This marks the third earthquake to hit Nepal in four days, underscoring the vulnerable Himalayan nation's ongoing seismic turbulence. Tremors were felt in parts of northern India too, triggering panic and vigorous furniture shaking in Delhi and surrounding regions. The epicenter was located about 233 kilometers north of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh per India's National Center for Seismology. Monday's quake comes after last Wednesday's massive 6.4 magnitude earthquake, Nepal's worst since 2015, which resulted in over 150 deaths and 160 injuries primarily in remote western villages. Situated atop colliding tectonic plates, Nepal lies in one of the world's most seismically active zones, making powerful earthquakes a persistent threat. 

In an unusual event, Karnataka's Bidar district experienced two low-intensity earthquakes, measuring 1.9 and 2.1 in magnitude, according to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC). The tremors, felt within a 25-kilometre radius from the epicentre at Waddankera village, caused mild vibrations. KSNDMC assured the public that the seismic activity posed no threat, emphasizing the low intensity and lack of structural disruptions in the region. Such events are rare in the area, contrasting with the frequent minor tremors experienced in India's capital and neighboring regions.

Delhi's air quality plummeted to the 'severe plus' category with an AQI of 470, nearly 20 times above WHO's recommended limit. Increased burning of paddy straw in neighboring states, especially Haryana and UP, worsened the situation. Delhi's CM Arvind Kejriwal convened a high-level meeting to address the crisis, implementing stage 4 of GRAP. The city recorded 4,160 farm fires, exacerbating pollution. Health hazards, including heart attacks and strokes, are rising. Cricketers struggle to practice outdoors, highlighting the severe impact on daily life. IMD predicts no relief as no rainfall is expected.

The Commission for Air Quality Management has decided to implement Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect across the entire Delhi-NCR region. This is in addition to actions under earlier stages to prevent further deterioration of air quality. Stage IV entails a 8-point plan including restricting truck entry, prohibiting non-Delhi diesel vehicles except essential services, halting construction activities in public projects, and enforcing a ban on industries not running on clean fuels. The CAQM cited the prevailing trend of severe air quality in Delhi-NCR behind invoking the emergency Stage IV measures under GRAP to contain pollution.

Amidst escalating pollution levels in Delhi, primary schools will remain closed until November 10, as announced by Education Minister Atishi. For Class 6-12, the option of shifting to online classes is available. Unfavorable wind conditions led to the return of the city's air quality to the "severe plus" category, prompting emergency measures. Delhi's AQI soared to 460, surpassing safe limits significantly. Authorities are enforcing bans on polluting vehicles and construction activities. Health risks are heightened, urging urgent actions to curb pollution and ensure residents' well-being.

The national capital's air quality stayed in the 'severe' category for the third consecutive day on Sunday, recording an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 460 at 7 am. Most areas in the city registered an AQI above 400, with some nearing 500. Neighboring regions like Noida and Gurugram also grappled with 'severe' air quality. Stubble burning in Punjab continues to be a major contributor. Stringent measures, including school closures and vehicle restrictions, are in place, but Delhi's pollution crisis persists, raising concerns about public health and well-being.

A 19-year-old from Telangana has been arrested for alleged involvement in death threats sent to Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani last week. Ganesh Ramesh Vanapardhi was taken into custody till November 8. Ambani received three threat emails demanding hefty sums - first ₹20 crore, then ₹200 crore and finally ₹400 crore along with a death threat. A complaint was registered by Ambani's security head after the first email on October 27. Police investigation found the emails came from Belgium using an ID belonging to one Shadab Khan. They are probing if this is the real ID of the accused or a fake one. The teenage accused has been nabbed in the high-profile case.