1. Ayodhya Prepares for Record-Breaking Diwali Festival 2025
Preparations are in full swing to make the ninth edition of Ayodhya’s Deepotsav 2025 the grandest ever. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and with the active participation of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Awadh University, volunteers have begun decorating 56 ghats with rows of lamps amid chants of Jai Shri Ram. The target this year is to light over 26.11 lakh diyas (earthen lamps), aiming to set a new world record. The event symbolizes India’s spiritual and cultural brilliance, drawing global attention to Ayodhya — the heart of Sanatan faith.
2. Yogi Government Transfers Scholarships to 5 Lakh OBC Students
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will transfer ₹126.68 crore directly to the bank accounts of over 4.83 lakh OBC students through DBT on Friday.This marks the first time the scholarship distribution for FY 2025–26 has begun as early as September. In the first phase, ₹62.13 crore has already been disbursed to 2.5 lakh students from classes 9 to 12.Minister Narendra Kashyap stated that the initiative ensures no talented student is deprived of education due to financial hardship, adding that the entire process has been digitalized for transparency and efficiency.
3. India Expands Global Trade Reach — Deals with EU & Oman Near Final Stage
India’s trade diplomacy continues to gain momentum as talks with the European Union and Oman enter their final stages. Following the successful agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the Commerce Ministry expects these deals to boost exports in both goods and services.Several developed countries have shown keen interest in strengthening economic ties with India, marking a new era for global trade partnerships under India’s growing influence.
4. Gujarat Cabinet Reshuffle Scheduled — All Ministers Resign
Ahead of a major Cabinet expansion on Friday, all existing ministers in Gujarat have tendered their resignations. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who took oath for his second term in December 2022, is expected to induct around 10 new ministers while replacing nearly half of the current team. The swearing-in ceremony is set for Friday at 11:30 AM, with political circles abuzz over the new lineup. Recently, Minister Jagdish Vishwakarma was appointed as BJP’s Gujarat State President, succeeding CR Patil.
5. Amit Shah Declares Abujhmad ‘Naxal-Free’, 258 Maoists Surrender
In a landmark announcement, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared Abujhmad region of Chhattisgarh Naxal-free, marking a significant victory in India’s internal security efforts. Within just two days, 258 Maoists surrendered, including 170 who publicly renounced violence and joined mainstream society. Shah praised their decision as a courageous step of faith in the Constitution of India and said that Naxalism is now nearing its end. He also emphasized the government’s continued efforts to bring fugitives and foreign-based criminals to justice.
6. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Ready for Australia ODI Series
Cricket superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are all set to return for India’s upcoming ODI series against Australia starting October 19. Both players were last seen in the Champions Trophy final earlier this year. Rohit will play solely as a batsman, with Gautam Gambhir as head coach overseeing the preparations. During the first practice session in Australia, Kohli and Rohit trained for 30 minutes in the nets, later engaging in a deep strategy discussion with Gambhir. Team India will play three ODIs and five T20 matches during the tour.
7. Delhi Enforces GRAP-1 Restrictions as Air Quality Deteriorates
With the onset of winter, Delhi’s air pollution levels have started rising again. Authorities have implemented Stage-1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to control emissions in Delhi-NCR.The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 211 on Tuesday and 201 on Wednesday, categorized as ‘poor’. Experts have warned of further deterioration in the coming days and urged citizens to take precautionary measures to protect respiratory health.
8. Ayodhya Ensures Food Safety for Devotees — 8 Special Teams Deployed
To ensure safe and hygienic food for millions of visitors during Deepotsav 2025, Ayodhya administration has formed eight special food safety teams under the Chief Minister’s directive.So far, 54 inspections, 34 raids, and 76 samples have been conducted. Authorities confiscated ₹33 lakh worth of adulterated goods and destroyed 167 kg of unsafe food items. The campaign will continue throughout the festival, with support from neighboring district teams.
9. Festive Gold Rush: Jewelry Sales and Bookings Soar Ahead of Diwali
As festive vibes rise, jewelry stores are witnessing a massive surge in customers and advance bookings. With gold and silver prices climbing, buyers are eager to invest before rates rise further. Jewellers have introduced exclusive designs and special gift offers to attract shoppers. While earlier only one or two pre-bookings were made per day, now stores are logging 8–10 advance orders daily. The festive boom has visibly revived market sentiment and optimism among traders.
10. Kashipur’s Dron Sagar Dazzles with 31,000 Diyas
Kashipur’s historic Dron Sagar Lake glowed magnificently as 31,000 lamps illuminated its surroundings during a grand Deepotsav celebration organized by Hindu Rashtra Shakti. Spiritual leader Mahamandaleshwar Swami Dharmadev Ji Maharaj graced the event as chief guest. The divine lights, devotional music, and vibrant cultural performances by local artists filled the air with devotion and joy, making the evening a memorable blend of faith and festivity.