Delhi's air quality deteriorated sharply ahead of Diwali, with the AQI at ITO reaching 349 on Monday, placing it in the 'very poor' category, according to the CPCB. The city's average AQI rose from 117 on Saturday to 261 on Sunday, reversing the relief brought by rainfall and strong winds. Jahangirpuri recorded the highest reading at 378. PM2.5 was the dominant pollutant at most monitoring stations. Stubble burning contributed 18.57% of Delhi's pollution on Sunday. Lower temperatures, calm winds and fog are worsening pollutant dispersion. The winter pollution action plan, effective November 1, includes vehicle restrictions, construction curbs and 50% office attendance.

A 21-year-old man accused of attacking a 15-year-old schoolgirl with a chainsaw in Andhra Pradesh was shot by police on Sunday. The incident took place at Zilla Parishad High School in Rapthadu, Anantapur district. The accused, identified as Hemanth alias Dummu, was arrested by a special police team in the Atmakur forest area. Officials said he was shot while allegedly trying to escape from police custody. The schoolgirl, a Class 10 student, was attacked earlier. Further details about the accused's condition were not immediately available.  

#   The CBI has brought Sourabh Chandrakar, promoter of the Mahadev online betting app, back to India from Oman. He is accused of running an illegal betting network worth ₹6,000 crore with co-founder Ravi Uppal. Chandrakar was detained by Omani police in June following an Interpol Red Notice. Indian agencies later secured his extradition. He will be produced before a special CBI court in Raipur. Investigators allege the network used several websites and fake bank accounts to move illegal money. The Enforcement Directorate has also seized assets linked to the accused and their associates.  

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has made two pilots mandatory for all Char Dham helicopter charter flights from November 2. The move follows a recent helicopter crash in Uttarakhand. The new rules also require pilots to seek clearance before every flight and submit reports after landing. However, helicopter operators have opposed the decision. They say the rule will increase costs and create staffing problems. The operators have warned that they will suspend charter services from November 2 if the order is not reviewed. They have urged authorities to discuss a practical solution.  

#   Heavy traffic jams were reported at Delhi's borders on Sunday as new anti-pollution rules came into effect. Long queues formed at the Delhi-Gurugram and Delhi-Noida entry points as officials checked vehicles. The restrictions aim to control rising pollution during winter. Delhi recorded an AQI of 261, its highest reading in 198 days. Jahangirpuri reported the worst AQI at 378. The new measures include restrictions on older vehicles, a ban on outdoor construction work, higher parking charges and work-from-home rules for 50% of office staff. The measures will remain in place until February 28.  

The All Ladakh Hotels and Bars Association has accused climate activist Sonam Wangchuk of double standards over his campaign for a liquor-free Ladakh. The association claims that an apple wine brand called 'Uley', linked to Wangchuk's family, is being sold without proper licences. The allegation was raised at a press conference in Leh. The traders questioned why local wine sales should be treated differently from licensed liquor businesses. They also said hotel and bar operators contribute around ₹112-115 crore in taxes. The association has urged the administration to investigate the alleged unlicensed business.  

India recorded its highest-ever UPI transactions in October, driven by festive shopping and online sales. According to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), transactions reached 25.47 billion, up 23% from the same month last year. The total value also hit a record ₹31.53 lakh crore, marking a 16% annual rise. Average daily transactions increased to 822 million from 802 million in September. Payments peaked at 873 million on October 9. Experts expect UPI use to remain strong in November as Dhanteras and Diwali are likely to boost spending further.  

Delhi Police have arrested three people, including a woman, over pro-Khalistan graffiti found at two Metro stations. The slogans targeting singer Diljit Dosanjh were found at Jahangirpuri and Shastri Nagar stations on October 29 and 30. Police suspect the accused were working with people linked to the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). Investigators allege they were offered around ₹1 lakh for the task. CCTV footage and technical surveillance helped police trace the suspects. The Special Cell is now probing the alleged network, foreign-based handlers and money transfers linked to the incident.

Kashmiri apple supplies are struggling to meet rising festive demand ahead of Diwali after a widespread apple scab outbreak damaged this year's crop. According to growers and traders, around 50–60% of apples arriving in wholesale markets belong to lower-demand Grade B and Grade C categories. The outbreak has significantly affected fruit quality, reducing growers' potential earnings despite unchanged production costs. Grade A apples, particularly larger fruits and gift packs, continue to attract strong demand. Traders report that prices remain reasonable, with daily shipments of approximately 400–500 truckloads leaving markets for destinations across India. (PC: PT)

A search operation is underway in Uttarakhand's Kedartal region to locate 8 trekkers who have been missing. Rescue teams are working to trace the missing trekkers in the mountainous area. Kedartal, located in the Gangotri region of Uttarkashi district, is a high-altitude glacial lake surrounded by challenging terrain. The operation is being carried out amid difficult conditions, making the search challenging for rescue personnel. Authorities are continuing efforts to locate the missing group. Further details about the trekkers' identities, the circumstances surrounding their disappearance and the progress of the rescue operation are awaited. (PC: X)