Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and wife Akshata Murty celebrated Diwali in Leicester on October 31. This came a day after Sunak resigned as Opposition leader. The couple participated in festivities, serving prasadam to attendees. Notably, Sunak was the first British-Asian PM to celebrate Diwali at 10 Downing Street in 2022. Akshata Murty shared photos on Instagram, wishing others a happy Diwali and expressing gratitude for new beginnings. The celebration marked a significant occasion for the couple, blending tradition and community engagement amidst Sunak's transition from political leadership.

India's space agency, ISRO, has launched its first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh, to study the challenges of extraterrestrial conditions. The mission includes a compact, inflatable habitat named Hab-1, simulating life in an interplanetary habitat to tackle challenges of a base station beyond Earth. This groundbreaking project, developed in collaboration with ISRO's Human Spaceflight Centre, the University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and Aaka Space Studio, will help understand challenges future astronauts may face on missions beyond Earth. Key objectives include testing human endurance, advanced habitat designs, biometric data collection, and life support systems.

Pakistan's intelligence agency, directed by Chinese counterparts, is collecting sensitive information about Jammu and Kashmir's Chenab Bridge, sources reveal. The world's tallest railway bridge, connecting Reasi and Ramban districts, recently began trials to enhance regional connectivity. Pakistani and Chinese agencies have gathered crucial data on the bridge, sparking security concerns. This development comes as India strengthens its infrastructure in the region. The bridge's strategic importance has made it a target for espionage, highlighting tensions between India and its neighboring countries.

Russia has slapped Google with a staggering $20 decillion fine, exceeding the global economy's total value, over YouTube's blocking of Russian state-run media channels. The penalty, imposed by a Russian court, accuses Google of violating national broadcasting rules. The fine will double daily if Google fails to restore the channels within nine months. This astronomical sum, a 2 followed by 34 zeroes, is unpayable and likely symbolic. The move retaliates against Google's response to Russia's Ukraine invasion. Google's parent company, Alphabet, faces an impossible financial burden.

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti participated in Diwali celebrations at the New Delhi embassy, showcasing his enthusiasm for Indian culture. On Wednesday, Garcetti took the stage, dressed in a brown kurta and shades, and performed a lively Bhangra dance to the popular Hindi song 'Tauba Tauba' from the movie 'Bad Newz'. The audience cheered as he grooved to the tune. This gesture follows his recent attendance at Durga Puja celebrations in Delhi's CR Park, demonstrating his willingness to engage with Indian traditions.

Bibek Debroy, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, passed away today at AIIMS Delhi due to intestinal obstruction. He was 69. A renowned economist and Padma Shri awardee, Debroy served as Chancellor of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics and was a member of NITI Aayog until 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his death, praising Debroy's significant contributions to India's economic policy and intellectual landscape. Debroy's vast expertise spanned economics, policy, and research, leaving a lasting impact on the country.

A 16-year-old boy has been detained by Delhi Police for allegedly masterminding the murder of a man and his nephew in Shahdara's Farsh Bazar area on Diwali night. Akash Sharma, 44, and Rishabh Sharma, 16, were shot dead outside their residence. CCTV footage shows the boy touching Akash's feet before the shooter fired multiple rounds. The victim's 10-year-old son, Krish, was also injured. Police investigation revealed a money dispute as the motive behind the killings. The shooter and accomplice are still at large, with police efforts underway to apprehend them.

Delhi's air quality plummeted to "very poor" category on Friday morning, with PM2.5 levels reaching 209.3 micrograms per cubic meter, exceeding the WHO's 24-hour limit of 15 micrograms per cubic meter by 14 times. Despite the ban on firecrackers, Diwali celebrations led to a significant spike in pollution. According to CPCB data, the overall air quality deteriorated sharply. Authorities had imposed a ban on firecrackers to curb pollution, but its effectiveness was undermined by widespread violations. The severe air pollution poses serious health risks to Delhi's residents.

The Delhi Fire Department reported an unprecedented 320 emergency calls on Diwali night, marking the highest number of fire-related incidents in the last 10 years. From midnight to 6 a.m., officials responded to 158 fire cases across the capital. The incidents resulted in the deaths of at least three people, with 12 others sustaining injuries, according to Delhi Fire Services Director Atul Garg. This year’s Diwali night saw a sharp increase in fire emergencies compared to previous years, raising concerns over public safety and fire preparedness during the festive season across Delhi.

Mumbai Indians has retained star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for a whopping INR 18 crore, making him the highest-paid player in the team. Bumrah, considered one of the world's top bowlers, was the team's first-choice pick. Other retained players include Suryakumar Yadav (INR 16.35 crore), Rohit Sharma (INR 16.30 crore), Hardik Pandya (INR 16.35 crore), and Tilak Varma (INR 8 crore). Bumrah's retention underscores his value in the T20 format, where his exceptional skills continue to intimidate batsmen worldwide.