Ayodhya Lights Up with Record-Breaking Deepotsav
Ayodhya marked Chhoti Diwali with an unprecedented Deepotsav, illuminating over 26 lakh diyas (earthen lamps) and setting two new Guinness World Records. These records were for the most diyas lit simultaneously and the largest Saryu aarti performed together. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was present to receive the honors, highlighting the cultural and religious significance of the event.
Delhi Battles 'Very Poor' Air Quality Ahead of Diwali
As Diwali approaches, Delhi's air quality has plummeted to the "very poor" category, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the Delhi-NCR region. This mandates intensified inspections of construction and demolition sites to ensure strict dust control measures, among other actions to curb pollution. The Supreme Court has allowed the sale and use of green firecrackers for a limited two-day period with fixed hours, a decision that has sparked debate regarding its effectiveness and the BJP's stance on pollution control.
Political Row Over Foreign Acquisitions of Indian Banks
A significant political controversy has erupted between the BJP and Congress regarding the acquisition of Indian banks by foreign entities. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the government, citing instances like Singapore's DBS Group acquiring Laxmi Vilas Bank, Canada's Fairfax acquiring Catholic Syrian Bank, and Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation taking over Yes Bank, along with the anticipated privatization of IDBI Bank. Ramesh labeled these moves as "imprudent" and posing substantial risks. In response, the BJP accused the Congress of hypocrisy, alleging that the party presided over the "worst banking crisis" in independent India and was now engaging in "empty rhetoric."
Maharashtra Opposition Plans Rally Against Alleged "Fake Voters"
In Maharashtra, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP), along with the Raj Thackeray-led MNS, announced a joint rally on November 1. This protest is aimed at the Election Commission (EC) over alleged "arbitrary and corrupt administration" and claims by MNS chief Raj Thackeray that 96 lakh "fake voters" have been added to the electoral lists across the state. Thackeray asserted that this is an attempt to "finish off regional parties."
Indian Stock Market's Diwali Schedule
The Indian stock markets (NSE and BSE) are scheduled to operate on October 20th. A special one-hour Muhurat trading session will be held on October 21st to mark the beginning of the new Samvat year, a traditional ritual considered auspicious for wealth creation. Following this, the markets will remain closed on October 22nd for Diwali Balipratipada.
India's Gold Reserves Surpass $100 Billion
In a significant economic development, India's gold reserves have exceeded $100 billion for the first time in history. This milestone is primarily attributed to a substantial 65% rise in global gold prices during 2025. Gold's share in India's total forex reserves has also increased to 14.7%, reaching its highest proportion since 1996-97.
Strengthening EU-India Investment in Urban Mobility
EU-India trade talks continue to foster long-term confidence, with the European Investment Bank (EIB) playing a crucial role in India's development. The EIB has committed over 5.6 billion euros to India in the last two decades, with more than 90% of this funding directed towards climate action. Notably, India stands as the largest recipient of EIB urban mobility financing outside the European Union, with significant loans supporting metro projects in various Indian cities including Agra, Bengaluru, Pune, Nagpur, Lucknow, Bhopal, and Kanpur.
Bihar Assembly Elections Campaign Heats Up
The political landscape in Bihar is abuzz with intensified campaigning for the upcoming Assembly elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to launch his campaign on October 24 with multiple rallies. Concurrently, reports indicate internal strife within the Mahagatbandhan alliance, with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) reportedly breaking away to contest six border seats independently, adding complexity to the electoral dynamics.