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The Delhi Fire Services received 269 calls on Diwali night, mostly minor fires from firecrackers and diyas, with no major accidents or injuries reported. On high alert, all stations and quick response teams were deployed, staff leaves canceled, and equipment checked. DFS emphasized detailed planning and public safety, handling more calls than last year’s 200.
The US and Australia signed a critical minerals deal after China’s new export controls on rare earths. Hosted by Trump, the agreement aims to boost bilateral trade, with rare earths valued at $2 billion. Trump endorsed AUKUS, confirmed submarine plans, and hinted at a potential strong trade deal with China, while downplaying Taiwan invasion risks.
The IMD forecasts continuous rainfall in Tamil Nadu until October 23 due to the Northeast Monsoon and low-pressure systems over the Comorin Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Arabian Sea. Light to heavy rains with thunderstorms are expected, with alerts for districts including The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Tirupur, Erode, Salem, Tenkasi, and southern coastal areas.
Delhi’s air quality worsened on Diwali, with 34 of 38 monitoring stations in the ‘Red Zone,’ showing ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ levels. The city’s 24-hour AQI rose to 345 from 326, with Dwarka and Wazirpur above 400. Transport and industrial emissions contributed heavily. Authorities invoked Stage II of the GRAP, expecting conditions to worsen in [&h...
The US Supreme Court will review whether regular marijuana users can legally own guns, following a lower court’s decision striking down the federal ban. The case involves Texas man Ali Danial Hemani, whose felony charge was dismissed. Arguments are expected in early 2026, testing gun rights expanded by the court’s 2022 Second Amendment ruling.
A divided US appeals court ruled Donald Trump can deploy National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, overruling city and state objections. The 9th Circuit granted the Justice Department’s request to pause a lower court’s block. Two judges favored Trump, one dissented. A non-jury trial on the legality begins October 29 before Judge Karin Immergut.
As Deepavali celebrations continue, 89 people have been injured in firecracker-related incidents across Tamil Nadu, with 48 still receiving treatment. Health Minister Ma Subramanian confirmed no fatalities and fewer cases than last year. The government has set up burn treatment wards and flood prevention measures for emergencies during the festival and monsoon.
A 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck Pakistan today, marking the third tremor in three consecutive days. The quake, with a depth of 10 km, follows moderate quakes on Saturday and Sunday. Experts caution that shallow earthquakes can cause stronger shaking, urging residents to remain alert for aftershocks in affected areas.
Japan has approved Norlevo, its first OTC emergency contraceptive, eliminating the need for a doctor’s prescription. No age or parental consent is required, but it must be taken in a pharmacist’s presence. This follows years of advocacy and trials, aligning Japan with 90+ countries offering non-prescription morning-after pills.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cyclone alert for Andaman and Nicobar Islands due to a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, expected to intensify from October 21. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds, and rough sea conditions are forecast till October 25. Fishermen are advised to avoid the sea during this period.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today released its fourth list of 12 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, taking the total number of announced candidates to 132. The fourth list features Kumar Kunal in Madhuban, Brij Bhushan (Navin) in Sapaul, and Anil Kumar in Gaya Town, further strengthening AAP’s preparations ahead of the polls.
President Droupadi Murmu extended Diwali greetings, wishing happiness, peace, and prosperity to all. She described Diwali as the festival of lights, symbolizing good over evil and knowledge over ignorance, urging safe, responsible, eco-friendly celebrations while promoting self-reflection, helping the needy, and fostering mutual affection and brotherhood.
The India Meteorological Department has issued heavy rainfall warnings for 18 Tamil Nadu districts today, alongside alerts for twin cyclonic systems in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. A deep depression may intensify into a cyclonic storm, with a new low-pressure area forming in the Bay. Authorities anticipate widespread heavy rain on October 23-24.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta urged residents to use only green firecrackers this Diwali to reduce pollution. She encouraged traditional celebrations with diyas, rangoli, and sharing sweets. Highlighting peace and harmony, she said, “Delhi is my family, and I wish happiness and a brighter future for every member of this family this festival.”
PM Modi extended Diwali greetings, wishing the festival of lights brings harmony, happiness, prosperity, and positivity. Since 2014, he has celebrated Diwali with armed forces, including at Siachen and the Dograi War Memorial. This year, PM Modi is likely to mark the festival with the Indian Navy onboard INS Vikrant, celebrating Operation Sindoor’s success.