UPDATED: Nov 2, 2026 18:07 ISTThe political confrontation in Uttar Pradesh has intensified with sharp exchanges between the ruling party and the opposition. From Gonda, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister criticised the previous state government, alleging that the Samajwadi Party regime pushed the state into darkness, joblessness, hunger, and corruption, specifically citing a food grain scam.
In response, the Samajwadi Party leadership targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party following an opposition rally in Delhi, asserting that the ruling party will face defeat in the state. The opposition stated that while voters offered a partial rejection in the parliamentary elections, the 2027 assembly elections will result in a complete departure for the ruling alliance.
Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSLeave India Notice: Actor Imran Khan Apologises, Gives Bombay HC UndertakingActor Imran Khan has tendered an unconditional apology and submitted an undertaking to the Bombay High Court affirming that he will not participate in any protests. Khan, a United States citizen, was previously issued a leave India notice following his participation in an anti-CAA protest.
The order directing him to leave the country had subsequently been put on pause. With the undertaking submitted to the court assuring no further involvement in agitations, Khan has received relief and can continue to stay in India for the time being.Delhi Air Touches Very Poor; Supreme Court Allows Green Crackers For DiwaliDelhi woke up to its worst air quality since February, with average AQI crossing 300 and Jahangirpuri recording 417, marking the season's first 'very poor' level.
On the same day, the Supreme Court permitted the use of green crackers in Delhi NCR for Diwali on November 7 and 8 within designated morning and night time slots, barring areas within 300 metres of hospitals, schools, and silent zones before reinstating the ban on November 9. The report charts a 10-year timeline of shifting judicial directives, beginning with a 2015 petition by three children.
Between 2016 and 2025, authorities alternated repeatedly between total bans and permissions for green crackers, even as enforcement remained a persistent challenge. The analysis notes that crackers add to ongoing pollution from vehicles, dust, and stubble burning, pointing out that past bans failed to halt firecracker bursting while green cracker mandates struggled with on-ground verification and market availability.S.
Jaishankar: 'Security of the Seas Is Fundamental to Our Well-Being'Addressing an International Institute for Strategic Studies dialogue in Manama, Bahrain, an Indian representative highlighted the mounting geopolitical and asymmetric threats facing global maritime commons. Emphasising that disruptions in vital choke points like the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab-el-Mandeb, and the Red Sea reverberate across worldwide supply chains, the speaker noted that innocent parties and civilian merchant seafarers often bear the heaviest burdens through elevated crude oil, LPG, and food prices.
India underlined the establishment of the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers with Liberia at the UN in Geneva to safeguard maritime workers and civilian navigation. As chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for 2025-27, India outlined a five-pillar framework: information sharing through Gurugram's Information Fusion Centre, capability development, capacity building, operational coordination, and coordinated public messaging to counter misinformation.
The address urged adherence to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, affirming that security must be pursued via inclusive cooperation rather than confrontation.Delhi Air Quality Breaches 300 AQI Mark, CAQM Set to Impose GRAP 2 Curbs Ahead of DiwaliAir quality levels in Delhi-NCR have deteriorated significantly, breaching the 300 average mark and exceeding 400 at multiple locations in the national capital ahead of Diwali. Following the spike in pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management convened to decide on imposing Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan, with official orders expected shortly.
The curbs under GRAP 2 include stricter vehicle restrictions such as barring non-BS-VI vehicles not registered in Delhi, halting non-emergency construction work, and prohibiting coal usage. Despite rising pollution and planned curbs, crowded markets like Lajpat Nagar and Connaught Place recorded heavy vehicular jams and large gatherings of festive shoppers.
Ground reports indicate that despite enforcement claims by the authorities, no significant reduction in vehicular movement was observed. Meanwhile, residents expressed concern over worsening air conditions and respiratory issues while navigating festive shopping.