India

Delhi Faces Worst Diwali Eve Air Quality in a Decade; Israel President Names Gadi Eisenkot to Form Government

By HT News Desk

Delhi woke up to Diwali on Sunday after recording its most polluted festival eve in a decade. The city’s air quality index (AQI) reached 369 at 4 pm on Saturday, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category on the Central Pollution Control Board’s 0‑500 scale. This was the highest AQI recorded on the day before Diwali since 2016, when it touched 404.

The Indian embassy in Tehran celebrated Diwali with members of the Indian and Iranian communities and diplomats. The event featured the lighting of ceremonial lamps by the ambassador, music, fireworks and festive treats, underscoring how traditions transcend borders and strengthen India‑Iran ties.

Israel’s president chose Gadi Eisenkot, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strongest rival, to try to form a new government after a deadlocked election left neither man with a clear path to power.

Punjab Police secured the return of wanted gangster Gurwinder alias Afridi from Ethiopia. Gurwinder arrived at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport in the early hours on Sunday and is being taken to Punjab by a team of the Anti‑Gangster Task Force.

Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming concert in Indore on November 15 has faced restrictions. District child protection authorities have asked organisers to exclude four of his songs from the setlist due to concerns about their lyrics and potential impact on children.

East Bengal FC became the first Indian club to qualify for the knockout stages of the AFC Women’s Champions League, despite a 0‑2 defeat to 4.25 SC of DPR Korea in their final Group B match of the 2026‑27 group stage at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday.