The Hindu festival of lights, symbolising victory of good over evil
Barnardo’s says 43% of parents expect to go into debt for Christmas, with many cutting essentials to fund festive gifts. Local and national appeals report rising demand as cost of living squeezes households. Shoebox and hamper drives are expanding to help families in need.
A stampede near a pavilion during Durga Puja in Kolkata has claimed 19 lives and injured dozens. Police say a sudden downpour triggered fear among worshippers, prompting a rush for exits. Authorities have ordered investigations into crowd-control and safety lapses, with security personnel and event organizers detained.
Opposition parties led by Rahul Gandhi have held a mass rally at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over a voter-roll revision that has removed more than 130 million names. Authorities have deployed thousands of security personnel and set up extensive surveillance; the Election Commission and the government deny wrongdoing.
AQI in Mumbai has surged to over 379 in early November, with PM2.5 levels around 277—more than 18 times the WHO guidance. The shift marks a reversal from October’s cleaner air as weather patterns and emissions interact with pollution sources.
New Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated to hazardous levels days before Diwali, with residents reporting breathing difficulties and eye irritation as the toxic haze blankets the city. Fireworks and crop burning contribute to the pollution spike, while authorities monitor potential post-Diwali impacts.