India
Rupee Climbs to 93.75, Six Killed in Madhya Pradesh Fire, Delhi Air Quality Hits Severe Levels
The Indian rupee rose 23 paise to 93.75 against the U.S. dollar in early trade. In Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh, police reported that six members of a family were killed when a fire broke out at their house. Across Chhatarpur district, at least 35 people suffered severe burn injuries in separate incidents linked to firecracker use during Diwali celebrations. District hospitals’ emergency wards were overwhelmed late into the night as sparks from firecrackers caused localized blazes and accidental detonations. Medical authorities said most victims are receiving treatment for minor to moderate burns, while several seriously injured patients have been referred to specialised care units.
The morning after Diwali, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to the ‘severe’ category. The Central Pollution Control Board recorded AQI levels above 430 in hotspots such as Jahangirpuri, Anand Vihar, and Mundka, attributed to widespread firecracker emissions and calm wind conditions.
In the United States, a Diwali celebration was disrupted by a group of right‑wing activists. Indian‑American political figures and U.S. representatives condemned the incident, calling the targeting of cultural festivities unacceptable and demanding a law‑enforcement probe.
A major fire erupted in a high‑rise residential apartment building in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, late on Diwali night. Fire tenders were dispatched to extinguish the flames, which are believed to have been triggered by a stray firecracker hitting a balcony enclosure. No casualties were reported.
The Congress party expelled a local leader in Madhya Pradesh following allegations of involvement in an illegal liquor smuggling network. The decision came after the ruling BJP launched a political offensive, alleging institutional protection for illicit bootlegging operations across state borders.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang publicly admitted to an extramarital affair involving a person identified in intelligence reports as an alleged corporate spy for China. The disclosure has raised corporate governance and national security concerns in global technology and financial markets.
A level 2 fire broke out in a garage at Haji Kasam Chawl in south Mumbai’s Dongri area around 10 pm on Sunday night. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation disaster cell said the blaze originated in the garage and spread to several adjacent shanties. No injuries or casualties were reported, but multiple shanties were completely gutted before the fire was brought under control.
In West Bengal’s Uttar Dinajpur district, a man accused of raping and murdering a 12‑year‑old girl was killed in an exchange of fire with police late on Sunday night. The accused, Dilip Roy, allegedly opened fire at a police team conducting a raid near Raiganj, striking a police vehicle tyre before officers fired back in self‑defence. He was declared dead upon arrival at Raiganj Medical College and Hospital. The Raiganj shooting marks the fourth reported police encounter in the state since the BJP came to power.
Frequently asked questions
What was the rupee's value against the U.S. dollar?
The rupee rose to 93.75 against the U.S. dollar.
How many people were killed in the Madhya Pradesh house fire?
Six members of a family were killed in the Madhya Pradesh house fire.
What were Delhi's AQI levels after Diwali?
Delhi's AQI levels were above 430 in hotspots such as Jahangirpuri, Anand Vihar, and Mundka.