Business Varta

World Food Day is observed every year on October 16 to promote awareness regarding access to safe, nutritious, and sustainable food for all. The theme this year is ‘Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future’.

Delhi-NCR’s air quality has reached alarming levels, with several areas crossing the 300 mark on the Air Quality Index. The government has imposed GRAP-1 restrictions to control pollution and protect public health amid the festive season.

The India–AI Impact Summit 2026 marks the first global AI forum to be hosted in the Global South, reflecting India’s growing leadership in shaping the global AI agenda, as per the statement.

“The Import of roasted Areca nuts falling under ITC (HS) Code 20081991, having CIF value less than Rs 351/- per kilogram, is prohibited,” the notification said.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced a 3 per cent DA hike for state employees and pensioners, to be credited with October salaries. The move, confirmed via his official X post, comes alongside assurances of financial reforms, healthcare upgrades and rural support measures amid ongoing fiscal challenges.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Andhra Pradesh on October 16 to launch and dedicate projects worth Rs 13,430 crore, spanning sectors from energy and infrastructure to defence. Schools in parts of Kurnool have been closed for two days ahead of his visit.

The Indian Air Force and the UK Royal Navy held a joint air combat exercise over the Indian Ocean, showcasing growing military cooperation and shared commitment to regional security. The drills followed bilateral naval exercise KONKAN 25 and coincided with India’s push to upgrade its air combat capabilities.

The bench directed the formation of patrolling teams, as a temporary measure, for conducting regular checks and ensuring the sale of only green crackers with QR codes. The court also ordered that there will be no sale of firecrackers through e-commerce websites.

Delhi-NCR imposes strict pollution curbs under GRAP Stage 1, including bans on diesel generators and coal-fired food stalls, as air quality dips to “poor” with an AQI of 211 ahead of Diwali.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a Rs 1,022 crore Diwali bonus for 14.82 lakh state government employees, recognizing their dedication and spreading festive cheer. Eligible staff in pay matrix level 8 will receive up to Rs 6,908 each, with payments expected by mid-October.