Supreme Court relaxes Deepavali firecracker ban
The Supreme Court of India has eased its Deepavali firecracker ban, allowing the controlled use of eco-friendly “green crackers” in New Delhi from Oct 18 to 21.
The decision comes despite the city’s worsening winter pollution, where PM2.5 levels often exceed safe limits by over 60 times, reported AFP.
Though firecracker bans exist, enforcement has been weak. Delhi, home to 30 million people, ranks among the world’s most polluted cities every winter.
Rajasthan bus fire claims 20 lives
At least 20 people died when a bus travelling between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur in Rajasthan caught fire on Oct 14.
Reports say smoke was seen near the rear, prompting the driver to stop, but flames quickly engulfed the vehicle. Police suspect a short circuit caused the fire.
The bus carried more than 50 passengers, and several sustained injuries.
India unveils S$94.3 billion hydro plan
India’s Central Electricity Authority has proposed a Rs6.4 trillion (S$94.3 billion) plan to move 76GW of hydroelectric power from the Brahmaputra basin by 2047.
The plan includes 208 projects across eight northeastern states, reported Reuters.
With China building a dam upstream on the Yarlung Zangbo, India is concerned about dry-season water flow. The basin holds 80 per cent of India’s untapped hydro potential, with Arunachal Pradesh alone contributing over 52GW.
India and Canada restart diplomatic dialogue
India and Canada are rebuilding diplomatic ties following last year’s tensions over the killing of a Canadian Sikh leader.
On Oct 13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in New Delhi, the highest-level visit since ambassadors were reinstated.
Reuters noted that bilateral relations, disrupted after the 2023 assassination allegations, are improving under Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s leadership.
Karnataka approves menstrual leave for all women workers
The Karnataka government has introduced the Menstrual Leave Policy 2025, offering one paid day off per month to women during their periods, reported NDTV.
Announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the policy applies to both government and private sectors, including IT and garments.
The initiative promotes gender-sensitive workplaces and recognises women’s health as a right. It aims to end stigma and support women in balancing professional duties with physical well-being.
Crime agency raids cough syrup firm linked to child deaths
India’s financial crime agency is investigating Sresan Pharma for alleged money laundering, after its cough syrup was linked to 19 child deaths in Madhya Pradesh, reported NDTV.
The toxic syrup contained diethylene glycol at nearly 500 times the safe limit.
Raids in Chennai targeted seven locations, including drug control officials’ homes. The company owner was recently arrested.
Top Maoist commander surrenders in Maharashtra
Bhupati, a most-wanted Maoist commander with bounties up to Rs10 crore, surrendered with 60 associates in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra.
Known by many aliases, the 69-year-old was a central committee member of the CPI (Maoist) party and a key strategist.
His surrender, after 40 years in the movement, marks a major blow to Maoist operations across several Indian states, noted NDTV.
Singapore-based NRIs testify in Zubeen Garg death probe
Two more Assamese non-resident Indians (NRI) from Singapore appeared before the Assam Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Oct 14 in the ongoing investigation into singer Zubeen Garg’s death.
Mr Abhimanyu Talukdar and Mr Tanmoy Phukan joined five others who have already testified about the events on the yacht party in Singapore, where Zubeen collapsed and died.
The CID continues to record statements, with four more NRIs summoned.
India drops in 2025 passport index rankings
India’s passport has dropped five places to 85th in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, offering visa-free access to only 57 destinations – down from 62 last year.
Singapore retains the top position with visa-free access to 193 countries. South Korea ranks second, followed by Japan.
The Index ranks passports by the travel freedom they provide to citizens.
Rape survivor’s father seeks Mamata’s support
The father of the Odisha MBBS student gang-raped in Durgapur, West Bengal, has appealed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for justice, calling her a “mother-like figure.”
He earlier criticised her for victim-blaming remarks and expressed fear for his daughter’s safety.
Six people have been arrested, including the girl’s male friend. The father has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation probe and said he will take his daughter back to Odisha once she recovers.
Madurai mayor resigns amid Rs200 crore property tax scam
Madurai Mayor Indrani Ponvasanth has resigned amid a Rs200-crore property tax fraud investigation. Her husband, recently released on bail, said she stepped down for health reasons.
A Special Investigation Team found that from 2022 to 2024, officials undervalued taxes on 150 commercial properties. Eight individuals, including a former assistant commissioner, have been arrested.
The scam surfaced during an audit, prompting a formal police complaint by the civic commissioner.
