FIRECRACKERS
India revels in Diwali celebrations; crackers contribute to 'very poor' Delhi air
On Sunday, Diwali celebrations were held across India, with various leaders participating in customary rituals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the festival with security personnel in Chhattisgarh, marking a new era free from Naxalism. In Delhi, strict measures were taken to ensure compliance with safety regulations regarding firecrackers during the festivities. Meanwhile, the air quality in Delhi worsened due to pollution from celebrations and stubble burning.
Sonia Gandhi revisits Diwali memories, recalls family traditions with Priyanka
Sonia Gandhi reflected on her childhood Diwali celebrations in a recent video with her daughter Priyanka. They shared memories of family traditions that included diyas and visiting markets for firecrackers. Sonia spoke about the festive food, particularly Kashmiri dishes, which remain part of their celebrations. The conversation highlighted how the festival has historically involved friends and family from various communities visiting their home.
GCC deploys 600 workers, 350 vehicles for firecracker waste collection in Chennai
The Greater Chennai Corporation has initiated a drive for managing firecracker waste during Deepavali. They have deployed 600 personnel and provided 30,000 collection bags for segregation. Residents are requested to separate firecracker waste from regular garbage and hand it over to workers. The civic body is enhancing cleaning efforts with mechanical sweepers and awareness campaigns across neighborhoods. Safety guidelines advise the use of approved green crackers to reduce pollution levels.
Gurgaon offices calling more than half of staff to office, violating 50% WFH rule, will be issued show-cause notices; employees can complain on 112
Gurgaon administration has opened two helplines, including 112, for residents to report companies violating the 50% work-from-home requirement. Anonymous complaints will trigger inspections. The move follows show-cause notices to law firms Trilegal and JSA after inspections found more than 60% of their employees working from office.
Diwali Patakha from China: The world's fireworks capital is reinventing its centuries-old industry
Liuyang in China's Hunan province is a significant hub for global fireworks production. The county supplies around 60% of the domestic fireworks market and 70% of exports. This industry has evolved to incorporate advanced technology, like digital ignition and AI. Although safety measures have improved since past catastrophic incidents, risks still exist.
Delhi govt urges citizens to burst only green crackers, stick to specific timings: Check permitted time, restricted areas and other key details
Delhi pollution news: Delhi government has outlined restrictions on firecracker use for the upcoming Diwali festival. Green firecrackers will be allowed only on specific dates and times in November. The sale is limited to certified green firecrackers at authorized locations only. Violators of these regulations may face penalties and confiscation of illegal products. Supreme Court has mandated these conditions to reduce pollution and noise during the celebrations.
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Diwali 2026: Delhi Metro to commence services at 6 am on select routes; check new timings here
Delhi Metro has announced earlier train services on select lines for Diwali festivities. Trains on the Pink Line, Magenta Line, and Grey Line will begin operations at 6 am. Regular services will continue according to the Sunday timetable after the early start. Last trains from all terminal stations will depart at 10 pm on Sunday. This revised schedule aims to accommodate commuters during the festive occasion.
D Street lights up, ends Diwali week with a firecracker of a Friday
Indian stocks witnessed impressive growth, with the Sensex and Nifty surging over 2%, defying declines in Asian markets. This robust rally is fueled by strong corporate earnings coupled with declining crude oil prices, boosting investor morale significantly. Over the recent weeks, foreign portfolio investors have surpassed net purchases of $4 billion, enhancing the positive outlook.
Choti Diwali in North vs South India: 5 Traditions That Will Surprise You, From Ganga Snanam to Evening Diyas
Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, is celebrated with strikingly different customs across India. While many North Indian families observe it with evening diyas, traditional baths and preparations for Lakshmi Puja, several South Indian communities celebrate Deepavali itself with pre-dawn oil baths, new clothes, festive breakfasts and firecrackers. Here are five traditions that reveal how differently the same festival is experienced across the country.
Diwali 2026: You can't control outdoor air pollution, but 6 things you can do to improve indoor air quality during Diwali firecracker season without an air purifier
Diwali festivities, while joyous, often contribute to heightened air pollution from firecrackers and outdoor emissions. To combat indoor air quality issues during this period, consider keeping windows shut and steering clear of incense burning to minimize smoke. Regular cleaning and maintaining home appliances can effectively reduce dust buildup. Although indoor plants add a touch of beauty, they don't significantly enhance air quality throughout Diwali.
Happy polluted Diwali! Get ready for severe air pollution as AQI monitoring agency sounds warning this year
Delhi AQI News: Get ready for severely polluted Delhi this year as the national capital is likely to face severe air pollution this year, with AQI forecast to cross 400. Stubble burning, firecracker emissions and unfavourable weather conditions could worsen the capital's air quality, raising concerns about another post-Diwali pollution spike.
Indian auto dealers flag post-festive demand risks as vehicle stocks stay high
Indian auto dealers warned that high vehicle inventories and rising financing costs could hurt post-festive demand. Passenger vehicle stocks remained at 43-45 days despite record wholesale dispatches, though dealers expect strong retail sales in the coming weeks to help clear inventory, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations said.
Raj Thackeray's MNS cancels Dipotsav in Mumbai over drought, urges restraint during Diwali
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray announced the cancellation of Dipotsav this year to address the severe drought. He urged the citizens to celebrate Diwali mindfully in light of the challenges faced by farmers. The state government declared 85 percent of Maharashtra drought-hit following inadequate rainfall. An interim aid of Rs 5,000 has been announced for affected farmers before the festival.
Bombay HC asks BMC to restore Dia Mirza’s Diwali video, questions politicians’ remarks
The Bombay High Court asked BMC to restore Dia Mirza’s Diwali video after BJP leaders objected to her inclusion in the civic body’s anti-pollution campaign. The bench questioned the remarks against the actress, saying it was disturbed by the comments and asking whether India was not a secular country.
Green crackers: Where can you buy them in Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida and Ghaziabad? How to identify if it is real or polluting cracker?
Green crackers list: Green crackers are low-emission fireworks developed to reduce air and noise pollution compared with conventional firecrackers. With the Supreme Court allowing their use in Delhi-NCR on November 7 and 8, 2026, consumers are looking for authorised markets to purchase them ahead of Diwali. These crackers use a modified chemical composition and are designed to reduce particulate matter emissions by at least 30% and gaseous emissions by 10%.
Bombay HC invokes secular spirit, slams 'petty mindset', says restore Dia Mirza clip
The Bombay High Court expressed discontent over the removal of Dia Mirza's eco-friendly Diwali campaign video. Political objections led to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's decision to delete the clip. The court emphasized the need for a secular approach in environmental awareness efforts. Justice Gokhale criticized local politicians for not advocating for environmental issues effectively.
BJP attacks Dia Mirza, Naseeruddin Shah over 'selective' environmental concerns
BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia criticized actors Dia Mirza and Naseeruddin Shah for what he called selective outrage regarding environmental issues. He noted their silence during pollution spikes associated with other religions' festivals while targeting Hindu celebrations. The Bombay High Court expressed skepticism over a video Mirza produced for an eco-friendly Diwali campaign, emphasizing the importance of consistent advocacy for the environment across all cultural events.
SC flags sale of firecrackers despite restrictions, asks Centre to ensure compliance
The Supreme Court of India has called for strict enforcement of firecracker restrictions in Delhi-NCR. This decision follows a report revealing ongoing sales of both licensed and unlicensed firecrackers. While green firecrackers can be sold and burst on specific dates, the court has mandated designated 'no-cracker zones' around sensitive locations. Authorities must mark and publicize these areas to ensure compliance.
Bombay HC slams row over Dia Mirza's Diwali video, directs BMC to re-upload clip
The Bombay High Court expressed discontent over the removal of Dia Mirza's video promoting an eco-friendly Diwali. This decision came after objections from certain political figures who labeled the campaign as anti-Hindu. The court emphasized the message was important for environmental awareness, irrespective of individual beliefs. Consequently, the court ordered the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to restore Mirza's video on social media.
Indian auto's real test lies ahead after firecracker start to festive season
India’s passenger vehicle dispatches crossed the 5-lakh mark for the first time in October, with wholesales estimated to grow 13-15% year-on-year to 5.25-5.3 lakh units. Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai reported record monthly sales, while commercial vehicle makers also posted strong growth.
Delhi-NCR gets two days of green crackers as Supreme Court caps bursting at three hours a day and sets 300-metre no-cracker zones
The Supreme Court has authorized the use of certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR on specific dates. Firecrackers can only be burst within designated time limits on November 7 and 8. Certain areas, including hospitals and educational institutions, will be declared as 'No-Cracker Zones' to ensure safety. Manufacturers must comply with specific certifications to produce authorized firecrackers during this period. A complete ban on all firecrackers will resume after November 8.
Severe Cyclone Murasu: 19 flights cancelled across 3 Andhra airports
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu is expected to impact Andhra Pradesh, resulting in significant flight cancellations. At least 19 domestic flights have been canceled across Vijayawada, Tirupati, and Visakhapatnam airports. Major airlines such as IndiGo and Air India Express have announced several flight cancellations. The storm is anticipated to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast during the night between November 2 and November 3.
Pumpkin in laddoos? Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone’s nutritionist, shares healthy festive recipe for Diwali
As Diwali draws near, it brings with it opportunities for joyful feasting. Celebrity nutritionist Yasmin Karchiwala presents a delightful twist on traditional treats with her pumpkin laddoos. Combining almond flour and pumpkin purée, these healthier desserts offer indulgence without guilt. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, this recipe transforms festive gatherings into a celebration of both taste and well-being.
Diwali firecracker curbs: SC sets two time periods for fireworks, bans bursting near hospitals
The Supreme Court has permitted the use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali on specific dates. Firecrackers must not be used near hospitals, old-age homes, or designated silence zones. The court mandated that only certified green firecrackers may be manufactured and sold. Strict measures against unauthorized firecracker sales will be enforced to manage pollution concerns. A complete ban on firecrackers will be reinstated after November 9, 2026.
BMC takes down actor Dia Mirza's pollution-free Diwali video after BJP leader's objection
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation removed a video featuring Dia Mirza promoting an eco-friendly Diwali. This decision followed objections from BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam regarding the video’s message. Other campaign videos from different celebrities remained on social media despite the backlash. Opposition leaders criticized the removal, claiming it reflected increasing BJP influence over civic operations.
Dia Mirza's Diwali video row explained: Why BMC deleted Bollywood actress' pollution-free video
Dia Mirza recently faced controversy after her Diwali video message was reportedly removed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The video featured her urging citizens to avoid bursting firecrackers due to pollution concerns. BJP Mumbai president Ameet Satam criticised her involvement, claiming locals do not need advice from outsiders. Read on to know what happened next.
BS-IV vehicles barred, WFH mandates, construction ban: Delhi’s winter pollution crackdown begins
Delhi has introduced measures to address winter air pollution, including vehicle restrictions and construction curbs. Many government and private offices will operate with a 50% capacity requirement to reduce emissions. Restrictions will apply to older vehicles and dust-generating construction activities during this period. Schools have also been instructed to implement dust-control measures and promote public transport. Authorities plan to monitor compliance with these pollution curbing measures across the region.
Move beyond domestic market to build global brands: Piyush Goyal tells industry
Piyush Goyal emphasized that Indian talent should be viewed as a global brand alongside established names. He called for Indian businesses to enhance their competitiveness and focus on quality. Goyal mentioned the importance of promoting domestic products without restricting consumer freedom. He also outlined challenges posed by international competitors like Vietnam and Malaysia. Additionally, he stressed that work ethic contributes significantly to success in India’s economy.
Not inclined to completely ban firecrackers, says SC; stresses implementation of orders
The Supreme Court expressed reluctance in imposing a complete ban on firecrackers during a recent hearing. The bench indicated that effective enforcement of existing orders is crucial for addressing air pollution issues. Measures taken by the Delhi government and the Commission for Air Quality Management were discussed during the proceedings. The court encouraged utilizing prominent personalities for public awareness regarding firecracker regulations.
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