Exclusive: Boris Johnson on India, Narendra Modi, Brexit

Air quality across Delhi NCR deteriorated into the poor category as winter approaches and the annual pollution season begins. According to an order from the Commission for Air Quality Management, Delhi's Air Quality Index surged from 179 in the moderate category on October 20 to 244 at 2:00 p.m. on October 21. Following the breach of the 200 threshold, CAQM invoked Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan. Meteorological forecasts from the IMD and IITM indicate that poor air quality will persist due to declining temperatures, cold haze, low wind speeds, and reduced westerly disturbances. Local vehicular emissions and dust pollution continue to keep ambient air toxic right ahead of Diwali.

The Prime Minister held a key economic review meeting to evaluate India's economic progress and discuss the roadmap ahead towards the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attended the meeting alongside members of the Economic Advisory Council. Discussions centred on India's GDP growth rate, economic policies, upcoming budget preparations, and a crucial trade deal underway with the United States. Key priorities highlighted also included boosting youth employment, multiplying growth, and addressing domestic economic concerns through planned policy measures.

The Delhi High Court questioned Cockroach Janta Party members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka over calls for regime change and the breach of peace bonds during a hearing regarding their judicial custody. The court observed that violent protests in Europe had escalated into arson and looting, questioning the petitioners' involvement and noting their departure from peaceful student demonstrations. The bench expressed disinclination to entertain the writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution, emphasizing that alternate statutory appellate remedies were available before the district court and the Special Executive Magistrate. Following the bench's observations on maintainability and the procedural availability of legal remedies, legal counsel representing the petitioners chose to withdraw the petition. Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing on behalf of the Delhi Police, highlighted that the petitioners had not filed replies before the Special Executive Magistrate despite being granted time and argued regarding the validity of sureties. The court directed that factual matters regarding sureties and custody be addressed through statutory authorities.

An explosion at an under-construction building in Bengaluru's Pulikeshi Nagar left two labourers injured after they handled an unidentified bag containing a battery and wires. Forensic and internal security teams are investigating the incident to determine the nature of the blast. Meanwhile, heavy northeast monsoon rains triggered waterlogging and disrupted normal life across Chennai, with residents in areas like T. Nagar and Panagal Park facing inundation. Greater Chennai Corporation Mayor Priya raised concerns over targeted online trolling and AI-generated deepfake videos aimed at women leaders after she questioned civic authorities. In another development, the release on parole of five convicts from the 1998 Coimbatore blast has sparked a political clash, with the BJP alleging appeasement politics while the ruling establishment defends the move as a regular judicial and administrative protocol.