Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali, is a day of shopping for wealth-related items. This year, falling on October 18, it adds to the festive buying as it's a weekend. Along with shopping, remember to send wishes to loved ones and to value true wealth, including health, happiness, and harmony. May the light of Dhanteras bring prosperity and peace. Happy Dhanteras!
Diwali, the Hindu "Festival of Lights", symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated with traditional rituals and worship of Goddess Laxmi. It has become a global occasion with grand festivities in cities worldwide, including Singapore, Toronto, Leicester, Kuala Lumpur, and Dubai, showcasing its widespread popularity and cultural significance.
Young adults are increasingly choosing non-alcoholic drinks, leading to a rise in the "no-lo" category in the market. This is driven by a desire for moderate and mindful drinking, health awareness, and inclusivity. Sober and Heineken 0.0 are popular non-alcoholic options, providing a healthier and guilt-free alternative for social drinking without the negative effects of alcohol.
The gifting industry in India is shifting towards personalized and artisanal products that reflect thought, identity, and values. Niche brands are gaining popularity, offering unique, eco-friendly, and sustainable options. While scaling these bespoke gifts is a challenge, the increasing demand and customer satisfaction make it a worthwhile trend this Diwali.
Indian festivals are now promoting wellness by using natural sweeteners and healthier options in traditional sweets. Mithai is being made with organic superfoods and ingredients like jaggery, ragi, and millet by brands and chefs. Luxury hotels and patisseries are also following the trend, offering guilt-free and portion-controlled sweets.
Quick commerce platforms have made festival preparations easy and convenient for urban Indians. From gifting to home cleaning and catering, everything can be accessed in under 15 minutes through services like Amazon Now and Swiggy Giftables. Traditional elements like puja kits and artisanal sweets are also available, making it a stress-free, on-demand experience.
Dr. Brian Hoeflinger warns about the dangers of social smoking, which is often mistaken as harmless. Despite only occurring in social situations, it can lead to serious health risks and even addiction. Learn the difference between social and regular smoking before making a decision to quit smoking at Diwali parties.
The 52nd Daytime Emmys saw General Hospital take home the most awards, while Drew Barrymore surprised viewers by beating fan-favourite Kelly Clarkson for daytime talk series host. However, the standout moment was Sir David Attenborough's win for 'daytime personality' at the age of 99. His Netflix documentary, 'The Secret Lives of Orangutans', also won multiple awards.
UltraTech Cement, the flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, reported a massive 74.87% YoY net profit growth in Q2 FY26. Its consolidated revenue also grew by 20.3% YoY, reaching Rs 19,606 crore. The company plans to invest Rs 10,255 crore for capacity expansion, adding 22.8 mtpa in a phased manner. The recent acquisitions of India Cements and Kesoram are rapidly
AI tools are set to enhance Diwali celebrations by 2025, with a majority of consumers open to using them for shopping and research. The Maharashtra government has already utilized AI for personalized video greetings, while gifting and greeting websites offer AI-generated designs. Companies are also adopting AI for Diwali gifts to employees, with customization options available.
"A Sixth of Humanity" is a detailed account of India's development, covering state building, economic growth, societal change, and nation building. "Fixing the System" focuses on China's persistence in global involvement despite increasing protectionism. "Click Here" provides valuable insights on utilizing digital marketing for business success.
Shashi Budhiraja's book, The Governance Gap, exposes the flaws in India's political and economic systems and calls for urgent reforms. Backed by evidence, the author discusses issues like corruption in politics, dysfunction in Parliament, and challenges in federalism. He also addresses problems in the economy, including agriculture, education, health, and workforce.
"Geopolitics has greatly influenced the energy sector and its security. RN Prasher's book explores the role of energy in geopolitics and the urgency for a shift to green energy. It features essays from experts, providing a detailed view of the current state and potential directions.
Punjab National Bank reported a 14% increase in net profit for the September quarter of FY26. Operating profit also saw a growth of 5.46% and 6.51% in July-September and April-September, respectively. The bank's total income and net interest income also showed a positive trend, with an improvement in gross and net NPA ratios. Business per employee and branch also improved
Diwali celebrations can turn risky if safety measures are not taken. Last year, Delhi recorded over 700 fire incidents and the highest number of emergency calls in a decade. Dr Sanjay Mehta advises precautions like wearing cotton clothing, lighting crackers in open areas, and having a first-aid kit. Smoke inhalation, noise pollution, and overindulgence can also pose health risks.
Diwali, a joyous festival in India, poses a threat to stray animals due to the negligence of humans towards their civic sense and empathy. With the relaxation of the firecracker ban in Delhi, the streets become even more hazardous for these animals. This year, the Supreme Court has allowed the use of green crackers for a few hours, resulting in around 20,000 animals being at risk.
IndusInd Bank suffered a net loss of 436.8 crores in Q2 FY26, a significant decline from the previous year's net profit of Rs 1,331 crore. This is attributed to write-offs and increased provisions for microfinance. The bank's net interest income also decreased by 17.5 per cent and margins were squeezed to 3.32 per cent in the same quarter.
ICICI Bank reported a 5.2% YoY profit growth in Q2 FY26, with a net profit of Rs 12,358.8 crore. The bank also saw a 7.4% increase in Net Interest Income, reaching Rs 21,529 crore. However, its Net Interest Margin remained flat at 4.30%. This is a slight increase from the previous fiscal year's NIM of 4.27%.
Yes Bank's Q2FY26 results showed a sequential improvement in slippages and a significant change in shareholding dynamics, with SMBC becoming the largest shareholder with 24.99%. SBI remains a major shareholder. Other key stakeholders include LIC, Vanguard, Blackrock, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank. Two SMBC nominee directors were also
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement of GST rate cuts has led to increased customer purchases and boosted consumption growth. Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Ashwini Vaishnaw have noted the positive impact, with significant growth in electronics sales and a decline in food inflation. India has also surpassed China in exporting mobile phones to the US.
Dubai is the ultimate destination for celebrating Diwali 2025, offering a city-wide fireworks display and multi-day festivities. From the iconic Burj Khalifa to Dubai Creek, the skyline will be illuminated with unity and joy. Pre-approved government fireworks will be showcased at popular locations like Al Seef and Global Village, which will also host Bollywood-themed events and a Diwali Mela.
Today, singer-songwriter Ejae (Kim Eun Jae) has become one of the biggest names to rise from the world of K-pop. Fans worldwide want her to release more Billboard toppers, but this success didn’t come easy to Ejae.
At the Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the three Khans of Bollywood - Aamir, Salman, and Shah Rukh - shared a stage with Aamir singing the hit song "Oh Re Taal Mile Nadi Ke Jal Mein". They also participated in a panel discussing fame, careers, and the movie industry. This rare moment was a nostalgic reminder of their legendary status in the entertainment world.
HDFC Bank, the largest private sector bank in India, saw a 10.82% YoY profit growth in Q2 FY26, with a net profit of Rs 18,641 crore. The bank's Net Interest Income also increased by 4.8%, reaching Rs 31,550 crore. However, the Net Interest Margin decreased from 3.35% in Q1 to 3.27% in Q2 FY26.
The upcoming film Thamma, featuring Ayushman Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, is creating a lot of excitement as it prepares for its Diwali release. Despite the festive season, the film has already sold 6,000 tickets and received positive reviews from advanced bookings.
The rising prices of silver due to supply shortages and demand for green energy will affect companies in the electric vehicle, semiconductor, and renewable energy sectors. As their long-term supply contracts expire, these firms must make crucial decisions. While some have contingency plans, others may struggle with production costs and may have to raise prices for customers.
A delegation from Afghanistan, led by Defence Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob, has departed for peace talks with Pakistan in Doha. The talks follow a ceasefire extension to border clashes between the two countries. While Pakistan's defence and foreign ministries have not confirmed their participation, sources say a delegation is already present.
Yes Bank saw a significant 18.34% increase in profits in the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, with a net profit of Rs 654 crore. This marks a 4.6% growth in Net Interest Income, reaching Rs 2,301 crore. Additionally, the bank's Net Interest Margin improved to 2.5%, up from 2.4% in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year.
India and UK have signed a significant agreement for Indian Air Force instructors to train Royal Air Force cadets in flying Hawk T2 jets, starting from October 2026. This was announced during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to India and highlights the two nations' growing military collaboration.
Delhiites face poor air quality as AQI drops, with worrying levels near Akshardham and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Pollution-related illnesses increase due to crop burning, fireworks, and vehicle exhaust. Precautions advised for vulnerable groups as weather remains dry. Commission for Air Quality Management implements Stage to address the issue.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's return to international cricket after a seven-month break will be tested by predicted rain in Perth during the three-match ODI series against Australia starting on October 19. The overcast conditions and bouncy pitch could favor the bowlers, making it a tough game for the batters. Australia has the advantage in head-to-head stats.
J&J faces first lawsuit in Britain over cancer-causing asbestos in talc products. 3000 people represented in suit against baby talcum powder. Company denies allegations and maintains product safety. Similar ongoing lawsuits in US.
At the Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh, Bollywood's three Khans - Salman, Shah Rukh, and Aamir - made history by coming together on stage. They engaged in an entertaining talk show, discussing their legacies, the younger generation, and even Aryan Khan's directorial debut. While Salman praised Aryan's skills, Shah Rukh expressed his desire to see Salman's son as the biggest star ever.
IndiGo, one of India's largest airlines, has confirmed an order for 30 Airbus A350 aircraft, doubling their wide-body order to 60. The company also has purchase rights for 40 more aircraft. This is in line with their goal of becoming a global aviation hub by 2030. The A350's fuel efficiency and range align with IndiGo's growth plans.
CPI(ML) Liberation has announced its list of 20 candidates for the Bihar Assembly election, including 12 re-nominated sitting MLAs and new faces in previously lost constituencies. The party has settled for 20 seats as part of the INDIA bloc. General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya is confident in the coalition's victory and government formation. All first-phase candidates have filed nominations.
India and Australia will play a three-match ODI series starting October 19, with the return of batting stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma creating excitement among fans. This series is seen as a crucial chance for the duo to assess their form and fitness before the 2027 ODI World Cup. The first ODI will take place in Perth and will be broadcasted live on Star Sports and J.
The Tamil film industry has released several films for Diwali 2025, including Pradeep Ranganathan's 'Dude' and Dhruv Vikram's 'Bison Kaalamaadan'. While 'Dude' emerged victorious with a collection of Rs 10 crore on its opening day and positive reviews for its Gen Z energy and chemistry between the lead actors, 'Bison Kaalamaadan' had a slow start with only Rs 2.5 crore and lower
India is preparing a major update to its laws on migration. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has recently released the draft Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2025, which will replace the nearly four-decade-old Emigration Act of 1983.
Gold and Silver prices on MCX saw a significant drop due to profit-taking and reduced global concerns. Gold fell by 3%, while Silver saw an 8% decline. Experts view this as a strategic pullback and recommend investors to take advantage of it for long-term investments. Despite the correction, the future looks positive for precious metals.
A school student in Kerala committed suicide due to pressure and threats from teachers over an Instagram post. The incident caused protests and suspension of two teachers. Family claims physical harassment, but postmortem showed no signs. Education Department investigating, police looking into cause. Argument over post led to teacher involvement. Student's uncle accuses teacher.
ISS is urging shareholders to reject Tesla's proposed $1 trillion pay package for CEO Elon Musk, citing concerns about high payouts and dilution for existing investors. This is the second year in a row that ISS has advised against Musk's compensation plan, which includes ambitious performance targets. While Tesla defends the plan as a way to incentivize Musk, ISS remains skeptical.
The FAA has granted Boeing permission to increase production of the 737 MAX to 42 planes per month, a move crucial for the company's financial stability. Despite extensive safety reviews, Boeing still faces challenges such as supply chain issues, but has prepared with a substantial inventory of parts and materials.
Jefferies expects Indian banks to have a positive results season, with steady macro conditions and improving liquidity. System-wide credit growth is at 10% year-on-year, while deposits are at 9%, keeping the credit-deposit ratio at 80%. Liquidity has turned positive, with a surplus of Rs 1.4 lakh crore.
Three Afghan cricketers were among eight people killed in a Pakistani airstrike in Paktika province. The Afghanistan Cricket Board expressed deep grief and withdrew from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I series. The players killed were identified as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon. The ACB extended condolences and prayers for the departed souls.
The Trump administration will furlough 1,400 workers at the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration due to the government shutdown. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that these workers are critical to modernizing the nuclear arsenal. However, a spokesperson said that nearly 400 workers will remain to secure dangerous nuclear materials.
Bernard Arnault, the richest man in Europe and the world's top-ranked billionaire, has a net worth of over $180 billion. He is the CEO and Chairman of LVMH, the largest French conglomerate with 75 fashion and cosmetic brands. In addition, he has a significant personal real estate empire and owns masterpieces from famous artists.
The ACB is grieving the death of three Afghan cricketers in a Pakistani airstrike and has withdrawn from the Tri-Nation T20I series with Pakistan. The players were attacked while attending a gathering in their hometown after a friendly match. The ACB sends condolences to the families and extends the ceasefire until the end of talks in Doha.
US President Donald Trump on Friday reiterated that India would no longer buy oil from Russia. Trump repeated his claims amid his efforts to pressure Moscow over the war in Ukraine. Speaking at the White House during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump said New Delhi had already “de-escalated” its purchases from Moscow.
A brawl erupted between catering staff on a Vande Bharat Express train at Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station. The IRCTC quickly responded by detaining the involved staff and the Delhi Police have opened an investigation. A viral video showed the staff throwing objects and physically fighting. No formal complaint has been filed yet.
President Trump proposed a 100% tariff on Chinese goods and expressed optimism for a fair deal at a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The WTO urged de-escalation of tensions, while China accused the U.S. of undermining the rules-based trading system. U.S. stock indexes rose, but Treasury Secretary Bessent criticized China's state-driven economic practices.
Prince Andrew has chosen to relinquish his title as Duke of York and associated honours due to public backlash and his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein. The decision was made with the approval of other senior royals and is seen as a way to restore his reputation. A recent poll revealed that most Britons support this move.