INDIA bloc partners in Bihar are in damage control mode before the first phase of polling, with some withdrawing candidates against each other. Despite internal conflicts and the JMM’s exit, leaders hope for clarity by October 23, the last date for withdrawal of candidatures for the second phase.

With people across the national capital celebrating Diwali with fireworks on Monday night, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated.

Delhi’s air quality plunged into the ‘red zone’ on Diwali night as fireworks celebrations extended beyond permitted hours. Most monitoring stations reported ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ pollution levels. Despite Supreme Court-sanctioned green cracker timings, the city’s AQI reached 344, with expectations of further deterioration.