On Bhai Dooj, PM Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conveyed warm wishes on social media. Celebrating the unique bond between brothers and sisters, PM Modi called it a festival symbolizing sacred sibling bonds. Amit Shah extended greetings, emphasizing the festival's significance of love and affection. Rajnath Singh wished for a day filled with love, trust, and affection between siblings. Bhai Dooj, usually observed on the second day after Diwali, holds cultural importance across India with different regional names. [ Representative Image ]

In a somber announcement, Sahara India Pariwar confirms the demise of its esteemed leader, 'Saharasri' Subrata Roy Sahara. The visionary Chairman succumbed to cardiorespiratory arrest on November 14, 2023, at 10.30 pm (IST), following complications from metastatic malignancy, hypertension, and diabetes. Admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on November 12, his passing is a profound loss for the entire organization. Described as a guiding force and mentor, Saharasri leaves an indelible legacy. Sahara India Pariwar expresses commitment to upholding his vision and will communicate details about the last rites in due course.

Adultery should be made a crime again as "the institution of marriage is sacred" and must be "protected," a parliamentary panel recommended to the government on Tuesday. In its report on the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita bill, the panel argued the adultery law should treat both genders equally. Its report counters a 2018 Supreme Court ruling that struck down adultery as a crime, saying adultery "can be a ground for a civil offence... for divorce..." but could not be a criminal offence. The court reasoned that the 163-year-old, colonial-era law followed the invalidated concept of "husband is master of the wife." Dissenting Congress MP P Chidambaram said the state has "no business to enter into the lives of a couple." However, the panel wants adultery brought back as a gender-neutral offense, contradicting the SC judgment upholding privacy. [Image Courtesy: VFMI]

In a race against time, rescue teams in Uttarakhand are intensifying efforts to free 40 workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway. Following a landslide, authorities maintain contact with the workers, providing food and oxygen through a water pipeline. The men are currently in a buffered area, with 400 meters to navigate. Despite removing 21 meters of debris, 19 meters remain. Rescue teams plan to deploy a 900mm diameter pipe, utilizing a new drill to expedite the process. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assures close monitoring and support for the ongoing mission. [ photo courtesy: airnewsalerts/X ]

The Delhi Police registered nearly 100 cases for illegal firecracker bursting on Diwali despite a Supreme Court ban. According to police data, most cases were in East Delhi (29) and Southwest Delhi (28). Other areas like North, South, and Shahdara saw 13-17 cases each. No cases were filed in Rohini and North Delhi. The firecrackers worsened Delhi's hazardous air quality, with AQI levels breaching 900 in some areas. The police crackdown aims to curb dangerous pollution levels caused by celebratory firecrackers.

An under-construction tunnel on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarkashi district partially collapsed at around 5 am yesterday, leaving 40 workers trapped inside. A multi-agency operation, involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF), and the police, is underway to rescue the workers. Communication has been established, and all 40 workers are reportedly safe, receiving oxygen through a pipe. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the site, expressing hope for a swift and safe rescue. The tunnel is part of the Char Dham Road Project, aiming to shorten the journey from Uttarkashi to Yamunotri Dham.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with troops in Himachal Pradesh's Lepcha. Addressing the soldiers, he lauded the Army's role in securing India's borders amid global conflicts. PM Modi said India is safe as long as the Army stands firm like the Himalayas. He remarked that expectations from India are increasing and it's important its borders remain secure. PM Modi highlighted the Army's contributions to nation-building. He applauded the soldiers for celebrating Diwali away from families, calling their service the pinnacle of devotion. PM Modi said India is now a global defence player, with exports rising eightfold since 2016. He affirmed India's security with the Army guarding its borders.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Himachal Pradesh's Lepcha on Saturday to celebrate Diwali with security personnel stationed there. Wearing military fatigues, Modi interacted with the troops and celebrated the festival of lights with them. The Prime Minister makes it a tradition every year to spend Diwali with soldiers deployed on the borders. Since taking office in 2014, he has visited troops in border areas including Siachen, Kashmir, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan to celebrate with them on Diwali. The visits are meant to boost the morale of the forces and highlight their service and sacrifice.

On Diwali eve, Ayodhya surpassed its own record by lighting over 22 lakh diyas across 51 ghats during the 'Deepotsav' celebration. The tradition, initiated in 2017 under the Yogi Adityanath government, started with 51,000 diyas and has since grown exponentially, setting Guinness World Records. This year, UP CM Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel participated in symbolic rituals, including pulling a chariot to signify Lord Ram's return. The seventh Deepotsav in Ayodhya witnessed a spectacular display, with the previous record of 15.76 lakh lit diyas in 2022 now exceeded.          

On Diwali morning, Delhi's air quality experienced a slight decline, registering in the 'poor' category, reports the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Anand Vihar recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 266, RK Puram at 241, Punjabi Bagh at 233, and ITO at 227. Despite Friday's rain providing relief, Sunday is forecasted without rain, with temperatures ranging from 14 to 28 degrees Celsius. Saturday's overall AQI in the national capital was 220, with pollution levels dropping after rain but rising again at night, particularly in Jahangirpuri. The Delhi health department advises precautions due to elevated pollution levels. [ photo courtesy: screengrab from ANI/X ]