The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey, hosted a grand Diwali celebration featuring a spectacular fireworks display. The event drew thousands of attendees, including members of the Indian-American community and local residents, who gathered to witness the temple illuminated in vibrant colors. The fireworks lit up the night sky, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. The temple, known for its intricate architecture and spiritual significance, served as a cultural beacon during the festival. Videos of the celebration have gone viral, showcasing the scale and beauty of the event. This Diwali celebration marked one of the largest and most visually stunning in the region, blending tradition with community spirit.

Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan’s first female Prime Minister, elected leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Her “Sanaenomics” agenda promises market-friendly reforms, low interest rates, and increased defense spending, echoing her mentor Shinzo Abe’s policies. The Nikkei 225 surged near 50,000 amid optimism. Inflation exceeds 2.5%, wages remain stagnant, and the yen stays weak. Takaichi opposes rate hikes but pledges wage growth. She supports tax incentives for child care to address demographic decline. Her hawkish stance boosts defense stocks. Despite initial hesitation, she’ll honor Japan’s $550B pledge to the U.S. Her leadership faces entrenched resistance and coalition challenges, with uncertain prospects for lasting reform.

Rishabh Pant returns from injury to captain India A in two unofficial Tests against South Africa A starting October 30 and November 6. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee confirmed his appointment. Pant, who missed action since the fourth Test vs England due to a foot injury, was expected to play Ranji Trophy but will skip Delhi’s second round. India A will also play three unofficial ODIs. Ayush Mhatre, Rajat Patidar, and others feature in the first Test; KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, and Mohammed Siraj join for the second. Pant, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Harsh Dubey, Manav Suthar, and Tanush Kotian will play both matches. Pant is also set for a Test comeback vs South Africa. (PC: M9 News)

Delhi has been ranked the world’s most polluted city by Swiss air quality firm IQAir, recording an AQI of 350 on October 21, 2025. Mumbai and Kolkata also made the top 10, at 5th and 8th respectively. Lahore and Karachi from Pakistan ranked 2nd and 4th. The spike follows Diwali celebrations, where firecracker use exceeded Supreme Court’s permitted hours. Several Delhi areas, including Bawana and Jahangirpuri, recorded AQI levels above 401, classified as ‘severe’. The CPCB defines AQI above 300 as ‘very poor’ and above 400 as ‘severe’. The list also includes cities from Kuwait, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Australia, and Indonesia, highlighting a global air quality crisis.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected US peace talks, denying President Trump's claims that Iranian nuclear facilities were destroyed in June airstrikes. Khamenei accused Washington of "imposition and bullying," stating any deal with predetermined outcomes constitutes coercion, not negotiation. He dismissed Trump's nuclear destruction claims, saying "keep dreaming," and questioned America's authority over Iran's nuclear program. Khamenei branded the US a "terror state" and accomplice in Gaza war crimes, citing over 20,000 children killed. He accused Washington of creating and controlling Daesh (ISIS) elements in West Asia. This follows Trump's recent Israeli parliament address suggesting peace negotiations with Tehran after the Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. (PC: X & History.com) 

Delhi-NCR's air quality plummeted into the 'red zone' following Diwali celebrations with fireworks on Monday night, turning the air toxic with thick haze. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, 36 out of 38 monitoring stations recorded 'very poor' to 'severe' air quality. Ghaziabad recorded the highest pollution at 329 AQI, while Gurugram hit 340 and Rohtak 345. Despite Supreme Court restrictions allowing green firecrackers only between 8-10 pm, celebrations continued past the deadline. Delhi's overall AQI reached 345, with four stations including Dwarka, Ashok Vihar, Wazirpur, and Anand Vihar reporting 'severe' levels above 400. The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked Stage II GRAP measures across Delhi-NCR.

US President Donald Trump warned China of imposing 155 percent tariffs on Chinese goods by November 1 unless President Xi Jinping agrees to a "fair trade deal." Speaking during a critical minerals agreement signing with Australian PM Anthony Albanese, Trump stated China currently pays 55 percent tariffs and emphasized America won't tolerate unfair trade practices. Despite tensions, Trump confirmed maintaining a "very good relationship" with Xi and plans to meet him soon in South Korea. The warning follows China's September halt on US soybean imports, the first since November 2018. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced US-Chinese officials would hold discussions in Malaysia this week amid ongoing trade negotiations. (PC: X) 

A Louvre security worker revealed staff repeatedly warned about security vulnerabilities before Sunday's brazen jewellery heist. Elise Muller described "obsolete" equipment and drastic staff cuts that left them unable to adequately protect the museum. Thieves used a motorised ladder at 9:30am, smashed through windows, and accessed the Apollo gallery containing French Crown Jewels belonging to Napoleon and French regents. They stole necklaces, earrings, and a tiara before fleeing on scooters, dropping Empress Eugenie's crown. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin questioned why windows weren't secure. The prosecutor believes an organised criminal group, possibly working for collectors, executed the heist. France's Culture Ministry announced a "New Renaissance project" implementing upgraded security measures, though implementation takes time. (PC: Sky News)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended warm Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas greetings to Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs across Britain and globally. Recalling his recent India visit, Starmer shared that he lit a diya in Mumbai symbolizing devotion, joy, and strengthened Indo-UK friendship. During his October 9 joint press conference with PM Narendra Modi, he wished Indians in Hindi saying "Diwali ki Shubhkamnaye." The UK High Commission in India celebrated with traditional fervor, with officials wearing Indian attire and creating rangoli. UK High Commissioner Lindy Cameron highlighted the celebrations' significance, noting PM Modi's UK visit, the landmark trade deal signing, and Vision2035 launch. Diwali, representing light's victory over darkness and good over evil, was celebrated worldwide with great enthusiasm. (PC: DD News) 

Delhi’s air quality worsened sharply on Diwali, with 34 of 38 monitoring stations recording pollution levels in the ‘red zone’. The city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to 345, up from 326 a day earlier, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. Wazirpur recorded the worst AQI at 423, followed by Dwarka and Anand Vihar. Officials warned that pollution may rise further in the coming days. The Commission for Air Quality Management has enforced Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi-NCR. The Supreme Court had earlier allowed limited use of green firecrackers for Diwali celebrations. (PC: X)