Indian capital chokes after Diwali firework frenzy
Mumbai (India) (AFP) – Toxic air in India’s capital hit more than 56 times the UN health limit after fireworks for the Hindu festival of Diwali worsened air pollution.

Mumbai (India) (AFP) – Toxic air in India’s capital hit more than 56 times the UN health limit after fireworks for the Hindu festival of Diwali worsened air pollution.

Paris (AFP) – Nicolas Sarkozy’s lawyer calls it “a grim day” for France as the former French president is taken into custody at La Sante prison in Paris. Sarkozy has been given a five-year jail term for criminal conspiracy over a plan for late Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi to fund his electoral campaign. He denies any wrongdoing.

Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Palestinians at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City and at the Nuseirat camp for displaced people mourn relatives killed in strikes the day before. Israel resumed enforcement of a Gaza ceasefire after carrying out dozens of deadly strikes on Hamas positions Sunday, accusing the group of targeting its troops, in the most serious violence since the truce began.

Paris (AFP) – “We stood in line like 40 minutes until they finally got confirmation that it had been closed,” says an American tourist as the Louvre is closed for a second consecutive day following a major jewellery heist from its Apollo Gallery. Officials said a team of 60 investigators was working on the theory that an organised crime group was behind the theft of nine pieces of jewellery, one of which — a crown covered in more than 1,000 diamonds — they dropped as they fled.

Jerusalem (AFP) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells parliament Israel dropped 153 tons (337,307 pounds) of bombs on Sunday on targets in Gaza in response to what the army said was a ceasefire breach by the Palestinian group Hamas.

La Paz (AFP) – Supporters of Bolivian presidential candidate Rodrigo Paz celebrate his victory in the general election on the streets of La Paz. Bolivians elect the pro-business center-right senator as their new president, ending two decades of socialist rule that have left the South American nation deep in economic crisis. IMAGES

Lodi (AFP) – For more than a century, Lodi’s grape growers have supplied the old wineries that make this Californian city famous. But rocketing costs, falling demand, and competition from imports mean some are now abandoning their vineyards. Some farmers are reluctantly giving up the grapes, at least on a portion of their land, opting instead for in-demand and lower-cost products like almonds.

New York (AFP) – Huge crowds take to the streets in all 50 US states, including New York, Florida, and DC, to vent their anger over President Donald Trump’s hardline policies at ‘No Kings’ protests that Republicans ridiculed as ‘Hate America’ rallies. Demonstrators are up in arms over what they see as strong-arm tactics since the Republican billionaire returned to the White House in January, including attacks on the media, prosecuting political opponents and a vast immigration crackdown.

Mexiko-Stadt (AFP) – Mexicans parade with huge mythical creatures made of ‘cartoneria’, a kind of papier-mache, during the Alebrijes Parade, an annual event that celebrates the country’s handcrafts and folk art. The parade travels from the Zocalo Square to the Angel de la Independencia monument in Mexico City, where the mythical creatures remain on display.

Paris (AFP) – Robbers wielding power tools have scaled a furniture hoist outside the Louvre in Paris to make off with priceless jewels from the world-renowned museum, taking just seven minutes for the brazen, broad-daylight heist, according to sources and officials. The hunt is still on for the culprits, but a 19th-century crown covered in diamonds and emeralds has been found broken in the vicinity. The robbery has forced the closure for the rest of the day of the Louvre, home to some of the world’s most famous artworks, including the Mona Lisa.

Los Angeles (AFP) – The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures holds its fifth annual Gala in Los Angeles, drawing a star-studded crowd including Kim Kardashian, Bruce Springsteen, and Selena Gomez. The event raises critical funds for the museum’s exhibitions, education initiatives, and public programming.

Mexico (AFP) – Participants parade with huge mythical creatures made of “cartoneria” (a kind of papier-mache) during the Alebrijes Parade, an annual event that celebrates Mexican handcrafts and folk art. The parade travels from the Zocalo Square to the Angel de la Independencia monument in Mexico City, where the mythical creatures remain on display. IMAGES
