Delhi Latest News Today on October 21st, 2026: Poor AQI, CJP Leaders & Dussehra

Delhi: Delhi is grappling with its first "poor" air quality day of the season, prompting immediate discussions on pollution control measures. The city also saw significant political and legal developments, with CJP leaders facing ongoing judicial scrutiny and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reportedly encountering an incident at the Delhi Airport. Meanwhile, the festive spirit of Dussehra concluded with various celebrations across the capital.

Top Stories

Delhi Records 'Poor' AQI, Winter Action Plan Announced to Combat Pollution

Delhi recorded its first 'poor' air quality of the season on October 21, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 227-230. This signals the onset of winter pollution, prompting the Delhi government to announce its 'Winter Action Plan,' set for implementation from November 1. The plan includes barring non-BS-VI vehicles, construction curbs, and potential AI surveillance, with GRAP restrictions possibly enforced immediately. Advocate Seeks FIR Against Sanjay Raut over Social Media Post on Burning of Albania’s Supreme Court.

CJP Leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka Face Legal Scrutiny

Delhi Police transferred a second case registered against Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to the Crime Branch on October 20. On October 21, the Delhi High Court agreed to urgently hear their pleas against the extension of their judicial custody. The court also took up a separate petition by AISA President Neha Bora against a Delhi Police notice, with reports indicating the court's observation on the leaders' respect for law.

PM Modi Leads Dussehra Celebrations, Political Effigies Burned Across Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in Vijaya Dashami celebrations on October 20 at the DDA Utsav Ground in IP Extension, Delhi, where he took part in the traditional Ravana effigy-burning ceremony. Separately, the NSUI organized a protest and burned a Ravana effigy featuring the faces of the Prime Minister, Amit Shah, and CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Lieutenant Governor also attended the Love-Kush Ramlila at Red Fort on October 20. A 30-foot cockroach effigy was also part of Delhi's Dussehra celebrations, sparking political reactions. Delhi Government Announces 'Winter Action Plan' to Combat Air Pollution from November 1.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Reportedly Detained at Delhi Airport

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was reportedly detained for three hours at Delhi Airport on October 21 upon his return from France and was issued a fine of ₹50,000. The Aam Aadmi Party has alleged central government involvement in the incident.

Civic & Local Government

Delhi Government Expands Primary Healthcare with New Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

The Delhi Public Works Department has issued tenders for 61 new Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and is actively seeking sites for an additional 150 centers. This initiative, reported on October 21, is part of the city's broader plan to expand neighborhood primary healthcare services.

Recruitment Relaxations Announced for Ex-Agniveers in Delhi

The Delhi Government formally notified wide-ranging recruitment relaxations for ex-Agniveers in the Fire Service and Prison Department on October 21. These relaxations include exemptions from both written examinations and physical tests, going beyond an earlier order.

Hygiene Lapses Found in Delhi Sweet Shops Ahead of Festive Season

Ahead of the festive season, the Delhi Government's Food Safety Department conducted inspections on October 21, revealing hygiene and food-handling lapses at several sweet manufacturing units and shops. Officials also collected food samples from multiple establishments for laboratory testing.

Guest Teachers in Delhi to Receive Monthly Salaries from November

The Delhi government announced on October 21 that guest teachers will transition from a daily wage system to receiving monthly salaries. This new payment structure is set to be implemented from November.

Senior Officials Mandated to Attend Chief Minister's Meetings

Senior officials are now mandated to attend Chief Minister's meetings, with reports on October 20 indicating that absence will not be tolerated.

Crime & Safety

Four Arrested in Delhi in Connection with Tiger Shroff Firing Case

Delhi Police reportedly arrested four individuals, including two women, on October 20, in connection with the Tiger Shroff firing case. The accused are alleged to have supplied weapons and had also reconnoitered other prominent Bollywood actors.

Youth Beaten to Death Over Shoulder Bump in Delhi

A youth was reportedly beaten to death in Delhi on October 20 following an altercation that began with a shoulder bump.

Two Injured in Vikas Puri Swing Accident

Two individuals were reportedly injured on October 20 in Vikas Puri when the door of a swing broke, narrowly avoiding a larger accident.

Education

JNU Revokes Rustication of Five Students After Hunger Strike

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) revoked the rustication of five students on October 20, agreeing to key demands following a 17-day hunger strike. This development comes after sustained protests by the students.

Business & Economy

Gold Prices Decline in Delhi

Gold prices saw a decline in Delhi on October 21, with 22-carat gold reportedly priced at ₹134,040.

Karol Bagh Market Faces Parking Crisis During Festive Season

Karol Bagh Market is experiencing a significant parking crisis during the festive season, as reported on October 20, impacting shoppers and local businesses.

City Briefs

Bhind MLA's Son Passes Away in Delhi

The 35-year-old son of Bhind MLA Kushwah passed away in Delhi on October 21, after undergoing treatment for a liver ailment. He had reportedly been on life support for eight days.

Weather & Outlook

Clear Skies in Delhi Today, Cooler Temperatures Expected with Potential Rain Later This Week

Delhi is experiencing a clear sky today, October 21, with temperatures around 28.9°C. The forecast indicates clear skies throughout the day, with a high of 29°C and a low of 20°C. Cooler temperatures have set in after Dussehra, and a Western Disturbance is expected to bring cloud movement and potential rain on October 24-25.

Weather: Clear sky — 28.9°C. Today: Clear sky, 20°C – 29°C.

Delhi Weather Live Tracker Map on Windy

As Delhi navigates its initial phase of winter pollution, the effectiveness of the upcoming Winter Action Plan will be closely watched. The ongoing legal proceedings involving political figures and the city's efforts to enhance public services will continue to shape the daily discourse. Residents are encouraged to stay informed on civic updates and health advisories in the coming days.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 21, 2026 01:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).