British travel creator Jack Heaton has praised the Delhi Metro after paying approximately Rs 31 for a journey during his visit to New Delhi. Impressed by the stations’ cleanliness, modern facilities and passenger discipline, he said the network offered a better experience than several European systems, including London's. Heaton shared his experience on Instagram, noting that his first ride coincided with protests that caused delays. Despite the disruption, he described the metro as extensive and technologically advanced. Delhi Metro operates across 374.46 km, with 271 stations on nine main lines, including the Airport Express. Across the wider NCR, connected metro services extend the network to 519.50 km.

Delhi continued to battle heavy air pollution on Tuesday, with thick haze and reduced visibility as the overall air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category. Several monitoring stations recorded readings approaching the severe threshold. Chandni Chowk registered the highest AQI at 400, while Pusa recorded 398 and NSUT Jaffarpur reported 384. The Commonwealth Sports Complex recorded 380, followed by Sirifort at 375 and Talkatora Garden at 373. Mathura Road stood at 372, while IIT Delhi registered 361. The India Gate and Kartavya Path area recorded an AQI of 258, classified as ‘poor’, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.

US Congresswoman Grace Meng has introduced the Diwali Day Act, proposing to recognise Diwali as a federal holiday in the United States amid concerns over rising anti-Hindu and anti-South Asian hate. Meng said Hindu and South Asian communities were facing increasing intimidation, targeted violence and discrimination, arguing that federal recognition would affirm their place in American society. The bill has received co-sponsorship from 19 lawmakers, including Representatives Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Rashida Tlaib. Meng cited vandalism at Hindu temples, an attempted mass shooting at a temple in Aurora, Illinois, and disruption of a Diwali celebration in Washington State as examples of targeted incidents.

US President Donald Trump has defended Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang following reports that Chinese businesswoman Alice Huang, with whom he reportedly had an affair, was allegedly involved in a Chinese espionage campaign. Trump said he questioned the technology executive about whether he knew she was a spy. According to Trump, Huang denied having any knowledge, and the president said he believed him. Trump also confirmed that the FBI was investigating the matter but offered no details about the probe. US intelligence officials reportedly believe Alice Huang, also known as Huang Le, was recruited by China's top intelligence agency. She is not related to the Nvidia chief.

US President Donald Trump said Iran was communicating with Washington “very politely” and indicated that military action against Tehran did not currently appear necessary. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump said the two sides were engaged in discussions, but offered no details about the nature or progress of those contacts. He also cautioned that the US military remained prepared to act if circumstances changed. “The military action doesn't seem to be a very necessary thing, but we're locked and loaded, ready to go for any reason that changes,” Trump said. His remarks signal a preference for continued engagement for now, while keeping the possibility of military intervention open.

American national Matthew VanDyke has alleged that his arrest in India alongside six Ukrainian nationals was connected to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. VanDyke, who was released from Tihar Jail in September, accused of providing weapons and drone-warfare training to ethnic armed groups in Myanmar, has also promised to disclose what he described as “shocking details” about the case over the coming months. His remarks come weeks after he returned to India to attend a court hearing and was subsequently permitted to travel back to the United States. The allegations linking his arrest to a Russian plot remain unsubstantiated in the available account.

India has offered to help establish food corridors through the Black Sea, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after speaking with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. The discussion focused on Russia’s restrictions on grain exports and the conflict’s wider humanitarian and economic consequences. Zelenskyy said India could help mediate efforts to restore food shipments and urged Moscow to demonstrate readiness for de-escalation ahead of US-brokered Russia-Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution. Separately, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov about the conflict and diplomatic initiatives. India has been engaging both sides on shipping, grain and energy exports. (PC: X)

Pakistan has come under attention amid reports of unusual military aircraft movements at its Nur Khan Air Base near Rawalpindi. A News18 report claims that military aircraft from Russia, China and the United Arab Emirates have landed in Pakistan, raising questions about the country's role in the escalating US-Iran tensions. The report also raises the possibility that the United States could use the strategic air base for a potential operation against Iran. However, there is no independent confirmation that Washington is planning an attack from Pakistani territory. The reported aircraft movements and their purpose remain unclear. (PC: X)

Pakistani television anchor Rabia Ahsan, 41, was found shot dead at her home in Rawalpindi on Sunday. Her husband, Ahsan Tahir, has been taken into police custody in connection with the killing. She was reportedly shot in her bedroom in the Gulshanabad area while her mother and sister were at home. Police recovered a suspected murder weapon, a .30-bore pistol, from the scene. A domestic worker told investigators that her husband had claimed the gun went off accidentally. A murder case has been registered, and forensic teams are examining evidence. The investigation is underway. (PC: NDTV)

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday renewed his challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an open debate on who is anti-national and controlled by foreign forces. Reacting to Modi's recent remarks on ‘Dimagi Naxals’, Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of branding political opponents as Naxals. In a post on X addressed to CRPF personnel, Gandhi said, “My challenge stands. Let him debate me on who is anti-national and who is controlled by foreign forces. Any time, any place.” Modi had made the remarks while celebrating Diwali with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Bastar. (PC: HT)