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.

Kerala's Responsible Tourism Mission has been honored with the Global Responsible Tourism Award 2023 in the 'Best for Local Sourcing - Craft and Food' category. The award recognizes Kerala's efforts in promoting sustainable and women-inclusive tourism initiatives. The state's Responsible Tourism Mission was commended for linking women-led small and medium-sized enterprises to tourism activities, effectively marketing indigenous products, and promoting authentic local food experiences. This prestigious international award highlights Kerala's successful implementation of responsible tourism projects, setting a viable model for other regions and countries. [ photo courtesy: kerala tourism Twitter handle ]

Air quality remains at dangerous 'severe' levels in parts of Delhi, prompting emergency government action. On Saturday the citywide AQI was 413 in the severe range, as per pollution control data. This follows an average AQI of 468 Friday, plunged from 392 the previous day due to northwesterly winds bringing stubble fire smoke, calmer winds, and dipping temperatures. An AQI above 400 is severe. Delhi's lieutenant governor convened an urgent meeting on the crisis, directing doubled use of water sprinklers and anti-smog guns. People are urged to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and use public transport to cut emissions and dust. RK Puram and Okhla Phase 2 were identified as the worst hot spots as air quality hit high severity unmatched since November 2021.

Nepal was jolted by a powerful 6.4-magnitude earthquake on Friday night, causing tremors in North India, including Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Bihar. While the epicenter was in Nepal at a depth of 10 km, residents in Delhi-NCR felt strong tremors, prompting them to rush out of their homes. This marks the third significant earthquake to hit Nepal in a month. Earlier, on October 15, Delhi and nearby areas experienced tremors with an estimated magnitude of 3.1. No immediate reports of injuries or serious damage have been received from the affected regions.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at 25 locations in Rajasthan, including Jaipur and Dausa, as part of a money laundering investigation into the Centre's 'Jal Jeevan Mission'. The searches targeted engineers, contractors, and former state government officials. The ED's action was based on an FIR filed by Rajasthan Police following allegations of a ₹20,000 crore scam in the mission's implementation. The raids come ahead of the state's assembly elections, raising concerns about the timing and intent of the Central government's actions. Polling for all 200 seats in the Rajasthan Assembly is scheduled for November 25.

Delhi continues to battle hazardous air quality as a thick haze blankets the city, with the air quality index (AQI) soaring to severe levels. The average AQI reached 464 (severe) on Friday morning, triggering stringent anti-pollution measures, including a ban on older vehicles and private construction activities. Due to deteriorating air quality, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a two-day closure of all government and private primary schools in Delhi yesterday. fires in neighboring states, driving up PM2.5 levels significantly. Authorities have implemented Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) amid concerns that the air quality may deteriorate further in the coming days.

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that divorce proceedings cannot be initiated in a court based solely on casual visits to its jurisdiction. Interpreting the Hindu Marriage Act's reference to 'residing', the bench said more than a casual visit is required for jurisdiction. It dismissed an Australian woman's appeal against a Moradabad family court rejecting her divorce plea for lack of jurisdiction. Though the Act allows women to file at their place of residence, the court said undisputedly the woman resides in Australia. Mere arguments against procedural flaws don't override the jurisdictional issue, the HC held. Casual visits don't meet the 'residing' threshold for divorce jurisdiction.

Archaeologists express grave concern over the fate of an 80-pillar assembly hall believed to have hosted Emperor Ashoka's meetings 2,000 years ago. Buried 20 feet underground since 2004 due to waterlogging, experts call for its immediate re-excavation. The site, located in Kumhrar area, Patna, holds significant historical value, representing Mauryan architectural prowess. Experts emphasize its restoration as the only evidence of Mauryan emperors' architectural activities in the Indian subcontinent. The demand coincides with the release of draft heritage bye-laws, urging the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to bring the ancient structure back to the surface. [ Representative Image ]