Daily Briefing: Farm fires & weather behind ‘severe’ AQI in Delhi; Work starts on shaping first national security strategy; and more

1) As winter approaches, Delhi’s air quality woes are making a comeback. The national capital choked with ‘severe’ air quality for several days now. Nonetheless, a western disturbance event, likely around November 7, is expected to come as a respite.

But what’s behind the rapidly depleting air quality in the National Capital? Well, one big reason is the spike in agriculture burning incidents in Punjab. We break down some of the biggest factors contributing to  the “smog and haze situation” in Delhi.

If you’ve been keeping up with Indian Express’ Death by Breath series, you’re likely aware of the poor air quality levels in Mumbai. In our explained section today, two leading atmospheric and environmental scientists propose practical solutions to tackle the declining AQI.

2) India has set the ball rolling to bring out a National Security Strategy after years of deliberations within the military and the strategic community on the need to have one. This is the first time that the country will come out with a national security strategy. Read our story to understand the aims and objectives of the document.

3) This election, it’s an all-out war in Madhya Pradesh — and in the style of the many princely battles this region has witnessed, there is the right dose of intrigue, betrayal and revenge. To get a sense of the vote ahead of the November 17  polls in the state, The Indian Express travels across nine districts: from the Scindia bastion of Gwalior-Chambal through arid Bundelkhand and tribal Mahakoshal to end at Kamal Nath’s Chhindwara. To gain deeper insights into the sentiments of the people in the poll-bound state, dive into this week’s Big Picture.

4) In our Opinion section today, Menaka Guruswamy writes on the world getting older and where India stands: ‘By the turn of the century, India herself will have declined in numbers and will have a substantial senior citizen composition. Finally, that change in population will result in a geopolitical reorganisation of the order of nations. The question is whether India is prepared for this change in her demographics?’

5) Confused about what to binge-watch this weekend? Read Shubhra Gupta’s review of the Sushmita Sen-starrer “blood-and-gore series”, Aarya season 3: “The series doesn’t pull its punches when it comes to bumping off its characters, so those with delicate sensibilities need to be careful.”

Until next time,

Gargi Nandwana