The Supreme Court has mandated urgent action from Delhi and three neighbouring states (Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana) to tackle the sharp increase in vehicular emissions contributing to air pollution in the National Capital Region. The court has sought detailed responses on measures to prevent over-age vehicles, enforce emission standards, and improve inter-state coordination, highlighting the critical need for intervention despite a decline in stubble burning.
The Supreme Court has permitted the bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali on November 7 and 8, 2026, with specific time restrictions. The court emphasized that the right to engage in practices with religious colour is qualified and cannot override constitutional restrictions on environmental pollution. It also issued detailed guidelines for manufacturers, traders, and authorities to ensure compliance and monitor air quality.
A new analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reveals that Delhi-NCR's early-winter air pollution has reached a three-year high in the week preceding Diwali. The average PM2.5 concentration significantly increased compared to previous years, driven primarily by vehicular emissions and regional pollution inflow. The report highlights the failure of year-round pollution control measures, with Diwali firecrackers exacerbating an already deteriorating situation, and notes the emergence of new pollution hotspots and the ineffectiveness of emergency traffic restrictions.
Large office leases in Mumbai and Delhi-NCR are commanding premium rentals in key micro-locations, driven by a scarcity of quality Grade-A space and sustained occupier demand, according to real estate consultants.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR after the Air Quality Index (AQI) deteriorated to the 'poor' category. Forecasts indicate the AQI will remain poor in the coming days, triggering restrictions like banning coal and firewood in eateries and limiting diesel generator use.
The Supreme Court has strongly asserted the critical need to instill fear in criminals and enhance women's safety across Delhi-NCR, taking suo motu cognisance of recent alarming rape incidents.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented stage one measures in Delhi-NCR under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as air quality declined to the 'poor' category.
A 26-year-old proclaimed offender and alleged kingpin of a Mewat-based gang involved in targeting and uprooting mobile stores across Delhi-NCR has been arrested after evading arrest for over three years.
Delhi Police have arrested six suspects linked to a cross-border gang involved in mobile phone thefts across Delhi-NCR, with stolen devices allegedly smuggled into Bangladesh. The gang reportedly used minors to carry out the thefts in crowded areas.
A suspected member of a human trafficking gang, who allegedly used his auto-rickshaw to facilitate the kidnapping of children in Delhi NCR, has been arrested in Hardoi district, Uttar Pradesh.
Delhi Police have dismantled an interstate cocaine trafficking network operating in Delhi-NCR, leading to the arrest of four individuals, including a Ghanaian national. The network allegedly supplied drugs to youths in pubs and bars across South Delhi and Gurugram. Further investigation is ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
A new study by Toxics Link reveals widespread lead contamination in soil near battery recycling units across Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, posing significant public health and environmental risks.
The Supreme Court has permitted the sale and bursting of green crackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali, relaxing the ban on green firecrackers as a temporary measure from October 18 to 21. The court has asked pollution control boards to monitor pollution levels and file reports. The order also includes measures to prevent the sale of non-compliant crackers.
The Supreme Court is considering relaxing the ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali, citing practical concerns and the need to balance environmental and livelihood interests.
Delhi Police have arrested three Nigerian nationals and a Delhi resident in connection with an alleged drug trafficking operation. Authorities recovered 417 grams of MDMA and 105 grams of cocaine, with an estimated street value of Rs 1.5 crore. The foreign nationals were found to be overstaying their visas, and all four are facing charges under the NDPS Act.
Gurugram police seized over 580 kilograms of illegal firecrackers in the Badshahpur area ahead of Diwali. A joint team conducted a raid on Monday evening, arresting one man, Rajkumar, for allegedly selling the crackers. An FIR has been registered, and further investigation is underway regarding the source of the crackers, as the sale and storage of traditional firecrackers are banned in Delhi-NCR due to air pollution concerns.
Mount Everest summiteer Dr Chinmayee J Thrishulamurthy will make her debut as a pacer at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, guiding runners in the 10K race. She is part of a 25-member pacer squad, which includes an all-women team for the 10K and professionals for the half marathon.
Delhi Police have filed a non-cognisable report against PWD Minister Parvesh Verma for slapping a man during a road inspection in Tilak Nagar, while an FIR has been registered against AAP MLA Jarnail Singh for obstructing public servants. The incident, captured on video, occurred amidst a dispute over road quality, with the slapped individual, Sahib Singh, having a prior assault case.
Gurugram police have dismantled an interstate illegal arms supply network, arresting four individuals and seizing a total of 13 illegal pistols and 27 magazines. The operation began with two arrests on October 29, leading to further arrests on Sunday of individuals transporting weapons from Madhya Pradesh for distribution in the Delhi-NCR region. The accused had been involved in arms trafficking for four years, earning significant commissions.
The Supreme Court has allowed certified manufacturers to produce green crackers, but restricted their sale in Delhi-NCR without approval. The court has asked the Centre to review the ban on firecracker manufacturing in the region.
Police in Faridabad have arrested a mother and daughter who allegedly used a dating app to lure financially well-off individuals, drug them, commit theft, and then extort money by threatening false rape charges. The duo reportedly operated in Andaman, Surat, and Delhi-NCR regions as well.
The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of recent heinous crimes against minor girls and women in the Delhi-NCR region, highlighting a systemic failure in law enforcement. Citing parallels to the 2012 Nirbhaya case, the court demanded accountability from authorities and sought comprehensive reports on public safety measures and the utilisation of the National Database on Sexual Offenders.
A mild earthquake of magnitude 3.2 struck Delhi-NCR on Tuesday morning, with its epicenter in Faridabad. No casualties or damage to property were reported.
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has taken significant action in a case involving the alleged illegal sale of foreign liquor and tax evasion amounting to over Rs 10 crore. Raids were conducted across Delhi-NCR, Haryana, and Punjab, leading to seizures of cash and crucial documents. The investigation targets a syndicate accused of misusing bond-to-bond transfer systems to sell imported liquor without paying applicable duties, primarily through 'The Theka' in Gurugram.
The Supreme Court stated it is not inclined to completely ban firecrackers but emphasised the need for authorities to implement existing orders on the ground to combat air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The court highlighted that annual orders become a "mockery" without proper enforcement and urged serious action, public awareness campaigns, and on-ground officer presence. It also noted ongoing consultations regarding the use of Barium in firecrackers and discussed measures taken by the Delhi government and CAQM to tackle pollution, including curbs on vehicles and construction. The court reiterated its stance of finding a middle ground rather than a complete ban or round-the-clock fireworks.
Delhi Police have apprehended three wanted men, including a history-sheeter with 13 prior criminal cases, for a violent attack in northeast Delhi last month. The accused allegedly assaulted a man with sticks, fired gunshots, and vandalised his car. Four others were previously arrested in connection with the September 25 incident.
Delhi experienced its most polluted Diwali in five years, but the official air quality figures are under scrutiny. Several monitoring stations reportedly went offline during the peak firecracker period on Sunday night, leading to discrepancies between government and private agency data. Experts and opposition leaders have raised concerns about the reliability of the AQI tracking, with allegations of "data fraud" and calls for greater transparency and accountability.
The Delhi High Court has granted bail to former Director General of Health Services Dr Vatsala Aggarwal and ex-head of the Central Procurement Agency Dr Vinod Kumar Ranga in an alleged corruption case involving irregularities in procuring medical supplies for Delhi government hospitals. The court noted that continued custody was not necessary as the case relies on seized official records and the accused are not flight risks.
The Delhi Police have arrested Mursaleen alias Gullu (25) and Naveen (20), alleged operatives of the Himanshu Bhau gang. They are accused of facilitating financial transactions, arranging fake identities, and providing logistical support to shooters, acting on instructions from the gang's leaders based abroad. A pistol and five live cartridges were recovered during the operation.
Two foreign nationals, a man from Ghana and a woman from Uzbekistan, were arrested in Greater Noida on Monday for alleged drug-trafficking. Police recovered 920 grams of MDMA, valued at approximately Rs 1 crore, and seized a scooter used for the illicit trade. Efforts are underway to apprehend a third individual involved in preparing the MDMA.
The Supreme Court of India has refused to relax the ban on firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region, citing continued alarming levels of air pollution. The court emphasized the right to a pollution-free atmosphere as a fundamental right, stating that the ban is necessary to protect public health. The court also highlighted the issue of noise pollution caused by firecrackers. The decision comes after a batch of petitions were filed by firecracker manufacturers seeking relaxation of the ban.
A recent survey reveals that a significant number of households in Delhi-NCR are experiencing health problems due to the worsening air quality, with residents reporting symptoms like sore throat, cough, and burning eyes.
Delhi Police arrested three men, Navdeep Goyat, Bunty, and Sandeep, with 1.279 kg of charas allegedly procured from Himachal Pradesh for sale in the national capital. The arrests were made near Yashobhoomi T-point in Dwarka on October 27, following an intelligence-based operation. The accused planned to sell the contraband in the Delhi-NCR region. One of the accused, Navdeep Goyat, has 17 previous criminal cases, including murder.
Four members of the Hindu Raksha Dal were arrested in Delhi for allegedly assaulting students and women during a protest on October 10. The arrests came after a video of the incident went viral, prompting police to take suo motu cognisance despite no formal complaint. The incident occurred amidst broader protests and detentions.
Delhi Police have successfully dismantled an alleged interstate heroin manufacturing and supply network, arresting seven individuals and seizing over 8 kg of heroin valued at approximately Rs 60 crore. The operation spanned Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, uncovering an illicit manufacturing unit in Lucknow and tracing raw opium supply to Jharkhand. The arrests include an alleged raw opium supplier involved in illegal poppy cultivation.
The Supreme Court has issued comprehensive directives to the Delhi Police Commissioner to enhance safety for women and minor girls in Delhi-NCR. These measures include forming dedicated police teams, conducting vulnerability audits of public spaces, improving lighting and CCTV surveillance, and strengthening grievance redressal mechanisms. The court also sought reports on the functioning of fast-track courts, utilisation of sexual offender databases, and the Mission Shakti programme.
A 6.2-magnitude earthquake originating in Afghanistan caused strong tremors across Delhi-NCR and Jammu and Kashmir, leading to panic but no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
An 18-year-old man, Ankit, went missing after being swept away by rainwater in a drain in southeast Delhi's Priyanka Camp area during heavy downpour. A large-scale search operation involving rescue teams from the Delhi Disaster Management Authority and Delhi Fire Service is underway, but he has not yet been traced.
Faridabad police have arrested seven members of an interstate "Gulel" gang involved in dacoity and robbery following an encounter. Two accused sustained gunshot wounds. The gang, originating from Madhya Pradesh, travelled to various states to commit crimes, using slingshots to check for occupants before breaking into houses. Police recovered weapons and are investigating further crimes across multiple states.
Net office space leasing in India's top eight cities declined by 20 per cent in the January-September period to 36.7 million sq ft, primarily due to limited fresh supply of quality workspaces and a high base effect from the previous year, according to a report by Cushman & Wakefield. Despite this, gross leasing saw a 1 per cent increase, reaching a record 64.6 million sq ft, indicating strong underlying market activity.
