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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.
French authorities are hunting four thieves who stole eight priceless jewellery pieces from the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery, Paris’s chief prosecutor said. The “strike team” wore masks and used high-powered scooters to escape. The brazen heist targeted France’s crown jewels, prompting an urgent investigation as police search for the suspects across the city.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to celebrate the festive season by buying Indian-made products and supporting local artisans. Emphasising pride in “Swadeshi,” he said, “Let’s celebrate the hard work of 140 crore Indians.” PM Modi also encouraged people to share their festive purchases on social media to inspire others to choose Indian products.
Ukrainian drones struck Russia’s Orenburg gas plant, sparking a major fire and halting Kazakh gas processing, officials said. The facility, run by Gazprom, is among the world’s largest. Meanwhile, Donald Trump suggested Kyiv may need to cede land to end the war, as Ukraine accused Russia of using new long-range bombs on civilian areas.
Delhi’s air quality dipped into the ‘very poor’ category, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management to enforce Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan across NCR. With AQI crossing 300, authorities have been directed to intensify dust control, sweeping, and water sprinkling measures, as forecasts warn of further pollution worsening.
Trump threatened to send troops to San Francisco, saying he wants to “make it great again.” The move follows earlier National Guard deployments to cities like Los Angeles and Washington, often against local opposition. California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the idea, calling it political overreach amid growing backlash from San Francisco leaders and residents.
The BJP slammed SP chief Akhilesh Yadav for calling Diwali diya lighting a “waste of money,” calling his remarks insensitive and disrespectful to Hindu traditions. Leaders emphasized diyas symbolize devotion and cultural values, urging respect for India’s festivals. The backlash comes ahead of Ayodhya’s Deepotsav, where over 26 lakh diyas will be lit.
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has announced its list of 25 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections on November 6 and 11, with counting on November 14. The list, approved by the AIMIM Bihar unit and national leadership, includes Mohammed Kaif (Siwan), Anas Salam (Gopalganj), and Advocate Shams Aagaz (Kishanganj).