Business Varta

Delhi’s air quality deteriorates to ‘severe’ category on the Diwali eve, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching alarming levels. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to mitigate the pollution crisis.

Weather Update: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rains in Tamil Nadu. According to the weather department, the northeast monsoon has strengthened over Tamil Nadu, bringing widespread rainfall and atmospheric disturbances to southern India.

Ayodhya Dham lit up with over 26 lakh diyas on Sunday during Deepotsav 2025, earning two Guinness World Records for Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the celebration symbolised India’s enduring spiritual heritage and the fulfilment of a centuries-old faith.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has approved the advance release of Rs 1,950.80 crore for Karnataka and Maharashtra to aid flood-affected areas, as part of a broader nationwide disaster relief effort. The Centre has so far released more than Rs 13,600 crore under the State Disaster Response Fund to 27 states during 2025-26.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has confiscated smuggled Chinese firecrackers worth over Rs 5 crore at Tuticorin Port under ‘Operation Fire Trail’. Four people have been arrested in coordinated raids across Chennai, Tuticorin and Mumbai.

The Centre has revised the maximum number of notaries in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Nagaland, following requests from the State Governments. The move aims to address the growing demand for notarial services amid population growth and administrative expansion.

Delhi AQI Update: On Sunday morning, the air quality in Delhi remained in the ‘poor’ category. The air quality index (AQI) around the national capital’s ITO was recorded at 284, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The Special Operations Group seized counterfeit currency worth Rs 43 lakh from a flat in Jaipur’s Narayan Vihar area on Friday evening, arresting two men. Officials said the fake Rs 500 notes carried advanced security features, suggesting an organised network operating across states.

Delhi Metro has announced early morning services on select lines on October 19 and an earlier close on October 20 for Diwali. Meanwhile, NHAI’s ‘Rajmargyatra’ app now lets users gift a FASTag annual pass, promoting convenient and cashless highway travel during the festive season.

The Banke Bihari Temple in Mathura reopened its treasury on Dhanteras, October 18, after 54 years, following a Supreme Court directive. The process was carried out under the supervision of a High-Powered Committee, with elaborate security and videography arrangements.