The big news: Modi dedicates this Diwali to Army soldiers in 'Mann ki Baat', and 9 other top stories
A 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck Central Italy, and the SBI has dispatched more than 6.29 lakh replacements debit cards.
A look at the headlines right now:
- Unite against divisiveness this Diwali, says Narendra Modi in his Mann ki baat address: In his radio programme, the prime minister said the cleaning undertaken during the festival should be extended to one's surroundings.
- Earthquake in Italy destroys historic Basilica of St Benedict and other structures: Officials said no casualties have been reported after the quake measuring 6.6 struck Central Italy.
- More than 6.29 lakh replacements dispatched since debit card breach, says SBI: The bank said 95.5% of the blocked cards had been sent out via courier, making it the largest such exercise in Indian banking.
- Four Pakistani posts destroyed during major operation in J&K's Keran sector, says Army: India's security forces said they had inflicted 'heavy casualties' but did not divulge further details.
- The air pollution in Delhi this Diwali is worse than the past two years, say experts: The air quality has been rated 'severe', and people are advised not to engage in strenuous physical activity outdoors in such conditions.
- CBSE asks schools to make public all admin information, including balance sheets, staff salaries: Most schools have objected to the order saying it amounts to a violation of their autonomy.
- Dozens feared dead in Yemen, including 17 civilians, as Saudi-led airstrikes hit several cities: The president-in-exile, Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, had earlier rejected a UN-brokered peace deal, saying it favoured the rebels.
- Four crows found dead at Delhi's Shakti Sthal, Indira Gandhi memorial event called off amid bird flu scare: The toll from the suspected virus has risen to 77, and samples of the carcasses have been sent for examination to Bhopal.
- Delhi University, Jamia Milia Islamia agree to share labs, libraries, teachers: The move is expected to be finalised through an MoU soon, though it is unclear if the faculty will be required to teach on both campuses.
- United Nations extends Diwali greetings with message on its headquarters facade: This is the first time the organisation has marked the celebration since it decided, in 2014, against holding meetings on the festival day.