UPDATED: Nov 5, 2026 08:09 ISTAir quality across Delhi and the National Capital Region continues to deteriorate, with the average Air Quality Index touching 399, just a notch below the hazardous category. Key locations including India Gate, ITO, and Kartavya Path recorded poor visibility and severe pollution levels as a thick blanket of toxic smog covered the city.

Despite the enforcement of GRAP 2 measures and the winter action plan, meteorological conditions and local pollutants have kept skies heavily congested. The worsening environmental conditions have triggered a fierce political exchange between authorities in Delhi and Punjab over stubble burning.

While allegations were raised regarding farm fires in Punjab impacting the national capital, counterclaims dismissed these charges as an attempt to defame local farmers, noting that harvesting had not commenced in certain regions. Ground reports from Punjab revealed sporadic stubble fires even as authorities cited reduced counts compared to previous seasons.

Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSCentre Revises Agnipath Scheme; 75% Agniveers Offered 2-Year Extension As Opposition AttacksThe central government has announced significant revisions to the Agnipath military recruitment scheme. Under the new policy, seventy-five percent of Agniveers who were scheduled to exit after completing four years of service will now be offered an additional two-year engagement.

Following the completion of six years, they will have the opportunity to apply for regular enrolment in the armed forces, subject to objective selection criteria, while twenty-five percent continue to be absorbed into the regular force after four years. Other modifications include changes to the examination sequence, with written exams preceding physical tests, and the issuance of skill certificates upon completion of service.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed the move, asserting it will prepare a younger and fitter military. However, the decision triggered strong political reactions, with opposition leaders terming it an election-driven U-turn and questioning whether Agniveers will receive full service benefits or permanent job guarantees, while the Bharatiya Janata Party defended the changes.US Sanctions 4 Indians, 9 Firms in Maritime Fraud Crackdown Over Iranian Shadow Oil FleetThe United States has announced sanctions against four Indian nationals and nine Indian companies for allegedly aiding Iran's shadow fleet to transport and sell oil illicitly.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled the measures under Operation Economic Outcast, accusing the network of conducting extensive maritime fraud by providing fraudulent registry websites, false flags, and unauthorised certifications to sanctioned vessels since 2014. Those designated include Chandigarh-based Sunil Kumar Sharma, his spouse Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, and business directors Ashwini Kumar Dhiman and Ishwinder Singh, associated with Aryavart Ship Management Private Limited.Trump-Vance Banner Burned in Tehran After Republican Midterm Poll LossTehran residents gathered at Enghelab Square on Wednesday evening and burned a large banner depicting US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance following the Republican Party's loss in the midterm elections.

The banner also featured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. The demonstration occurred during a state-organised rally commemorating the 1979 US Embassy takeover during the Islamic Revolution.

Demonstrators mocked Donald Trump and celebrated the Republican election defeat, stating that the American public opposes war with Iran and affirming support for the mandate delivered by US voters.Trump Blames Iran War For Midterm Poll Loss; Defends Action, Issues Veto WarningUS President Donald Trump has reacted to the Democrats winning both chambers of the US Congress in the midterm elections, attributing the Republican defeat to the war with Iran and higher gasoline prices. Defending his foreign policy, Trump maintained that the action was necessary to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, stating he would take the same decision again.

He also claimed that voters were unable to transfer their support for him to Republican candidates. Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance blamed the war, inflation, the cost of living, and Washington's policy towards Israel for voter discontent.

With Democrats securing majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, Trump cautioned that he is prepared to use his presidential veto power against any congressional legislation he opposes on taxation, government spending, or immigration. Discussions continue in Washington as Republicans assess the election outcome and potential policy implications.