Delhi Chokes Under Severe Smog Ahead of Diwali as Punjab Stubble Burning Triggers Political WarDelhi woke up to severe air pollution ahead of Diwali as a thick blanket of smog engulfed the national capital region, pushing the Air Quality Index near hazardous levels. Several monitoring stations across the capital recorded AQI readings well above the 400 mark, with iconic landmarks including Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate obscured by poor visibility.
Amid deteriorating weather and calm wind conditions, authorities are anticipating stricter restrictions under GRAP 3 to curb local emissions. Meanwhile, a intense political blame game has erupted between the Delhi and Punjab governments over stubble burning.
While Delhi authorities hold farm fires in neighbouring states responsible for the toxic air, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann countered that paddy harvesting in Malwa had barely started, calling the accusations an attempt to defame the state. Stubble burning cases continue to be reported from parts of Punjab including Patiala.Punjab Agrees to ₹2 Crore Aid & Job for Parvinder Jhota's Wife; Family Consents to AutopsyThe Punjab government has reached an agreement with the family of slain anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, ending a prolonged standoff.
Under the settlement, the state government will provide two crore rupees in compensation and a government job to Jhota's wife, while criminal cases registered against his family and anti-drug task force members will be withdrawn. The authorities also agreed to release arrested activists and drop cases linked to torn government posters.
Following extensive discussions involving Punjab Vidhan Sabha representatives and the Agriculture Minister, the family has consented to the postmortem examination at PGI Chandigarh on 6 November, to be followed by the cremation, while the Central Bureau of Investigation continues its probe into the murder.Punjab Records Over 2,000 Farm Fires as AAP Faces Criticism Over Stubble BurningMore than 2,000 farm fire cases have been recorded in Punjab till November 4, despite claims by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann that stubble burning has not contributed to air pollution in Delhi. Over 600 FIRs and 40 lakh rupees in penalties have been imposed so far, with Tarn Taran reporting the highest number at 558 cases and Patiala recording 110 cases.
A political blame game has intensified between Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and the Punjab government, with AAP stating that farmers are being targeted unfairly and that harvest in Malwa has not yet begun. However, ground reports confirm ongoing stubble burning incidents across the state.Delhi Police Registers FIR Against Meta India Over Child Sexual Abuse ContentThe Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report against Meta India following directions from the National Human Rights Commission.
The legal action addresses the availability of child sexual exploitative and abuse material on Meta-owned platforms, including Instagram. Investigations revealed that platforms allegedly hosted paid advertisements using objectionable keywords, redirecting users to external messaging channels where illegal abuse material was commercialised.
The commission scrutinised Meta as an active publisher of paid content rather than a passive intermediary, highlighting potential violations under the POCSO Act. Officials reiterated that platforms operating in India must strictly adhere to Indian regulations to safeguard children online.