RAIPUR

Lower prices add glitter to Dhanteras gold sales

Fresh impetus to festive buying was seen as gold prices corrected, boosting jewellery sales on Dhanteras. Sales volume increased by 8-10% and value growth reached 18-20% compared to last year. Consumers in both metros and smaller cities showed significant demand for lightweight jewellery, coins, and smaller-ticket purchases. Jewellers reported a surge in footfalls and sales, particularly in traditional and diamond pieces.

Saturday bank holiday: Are bank branches open today, November 7, 2026? Check details

Customers should mark November 7, 2026, on their calendars as banks will be fully operational on this first Saturday of the month. They will be able to process cash deposits, withdrawals, and cheque services. However, bank closures will occur on the second and fourth Saturdays. Additionally, with upcoming holidays such as Diwali and Guru Nanak Jayanti, it’s advisable to check the holiday schedule for effective banking planning.

Jewellers report brisk Dhanteras sales as gold price drop lures buyers; volumes seen flat

Volumes, however, are likely to remain roughly flat from a year earlier because prices are still well above last year's levels, said Rajesh Rokde, chairman of the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC).

Dhanteras bank holiday: Will banks be open or closed today, November 6, 2026?

Banks in India will remain open on Dhanteras, which falls on November 6, 2026? Although most transactions can be completed online, some may require in-person visits. It is advisable for customers to check with their banks about specific transaction requirements beforehand. Dhanteras is not a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act.

Mahadev case: Chandrakar's custody needed to identify officials who got 'protection money', says CBI

Saurabh Chandrakar, accused of masterminding the Mahadev betting app scam, was extradited from Oman for interrogation. The Central Bureau of Investigation is seeking information on Chhattisgarh public servants allegedly involved in corruption. Reports claim that huge amounts of protection money were paid to facilitate illegal operations of the betting syndicate. Investigations have revealed a substantial financial network utilising fake bank accounts for gambling transactions.

Mahadev betting app co-promoter Ravi Uppal arrested in UAE

Uppal, who is wanted in the Mahadev betting syndicate case, allegedly operated the betting network along with fellow promoter Sourabh Chandrakar. The development comes days after Chandrakar was brought to India following his detention in Oman. Like Chandrakar, Uppal too had renounced his Indian passport and taken the citizenship of the Republic of Vanuatu.

Mahadev betting app kingpin Saurabh Chandrakar sent to 8-day police custody

Saurabh Chandrakar, wanted in the Mahadev betting app case, was granted eight days of police custody. The Central Bureau of Investigation brought him from New Delhi for examination before a special court. Chandrakar was arrested in Oman after being detained by the Royal Oman Police. He is facing allegations related to illegal online betting and corruption charges. The Enforcement Directorate has also filed a prosecution complaint against him.

RBI launches 3 surveys to capture inflation expectations, consumer confidence ahead of December policy meeting

Reserve Bank of India has announced the November 2026 round of the Inflation Expectations Survey of Households. This survey aims to capture households' perceptions regarding price movements and inflation based on their consumption patterns. Additionally, the Urban Consumer Confidence Survey seeks to understand household sentiments on the economic situation and employment. The Rural Consumer Confidence Survey collects perceptions from rural areas on economic conditions, income, and spending.

Govt ready to convene special Parliament session to discuss SIR: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the government was willing to convene a special session of Parliament to discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. His remarks came amid Opposition criticism of the exercise and demands for a discussion on its implementation and implications.

‘Ready for special session on SIR’: Amit Shah dares Rahul Gandhi to debate in Parliament

India needs indigenous technologies to ensure energy security: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy

At the NIT Raipur convocation, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy emphasized India's need for innovations in energy, mining, and healthcare. He noted significant growth in higher education infrastructure and international rankings over the past decade. Reddy mentioned government initiatives aimed at supporting research and development in technology sectors. He encouraged graduates to tackle real-world challenges in their fields over the next three years.

20-foot Lord Hanuman statue made with 2.5 lakh pearls attracts visitors in Raipur

Mahadev promoter faces ED trial for money laundering under online betting case

CBI has taken Sourabh Chandrakar into custody following his arrival from Oman, as he faces serious money laundering charges. The Enforcement Directorate has attached approximately ₹3,500 crore in assets associated with a betting scandal. Additionally, they're attempting to seize properties and alleged financial transfers related to former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel. Reports suggest that large sums were directed to officials for protection from exposure.

Delhi court grants 2-day transit remand for Mahadev app promoter Sourabh Chandrakar; Oman court had ordered his extradition on ED's request

Chandrakar was arrested on November 1 at 7.35 pm and produced before the court at around 11.45 am on Monday. The CBI told the court that he had been detained in Oman for illegal entry on forged travel documents and was subsequently surrendered to India by the Omani government. An open-ended non-bailable warrant issued against him by the CBI special court in Raipur was pending, and he has been charge-sheeted in the case.

Mahadev betting app kingpin Sourabh Chandrakar extradited from Oman, to face CBI court in Raipur

The CBI has secured the extradition of Sourabh Chandrakar, promoter of the Mahadev online betting syndicate, from Oman. Wanted in two CBI cases and an ED investigation, he will be produced before a special court in Raipur. Investigators allege the syndicate routed betting proceeds through mule accounts and hawala channels.

Mahadev app's Sourabh Chandrakar, accused of illegal betting syndicate, extradited to India

CBI secures extradition of Mahadev betting app promoter Sourabh Chandrakar from Oman

The CBI has secured the extradition of Sourabh Chandrakar, promoter of the Mahadev online betting syndicate, from Oman. Wanted in two CBI cases and an Enforcement Directorate investigation, Chandrakar is expected to be produced before a special court in Raipur on November 2, after completing transit formalities.

Saturday bank holiday: Are banks open or closed today on October 31, 2026?

Indian banks observe closures on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. Despite holidays, digital banking remains available for customers. October and November bring a series of holidays that may impact banking hours in certain locations, prompting patrons to take advantage of online banking services during these breaks.

School holiday (October 30): Are schools closed in Andhra, Odisha, Jharkhand and other regions due to Cyclone Arnab? Which UP districts have announced school holiday PET 2026? Check state-wise advisory

School attendance is likely to be affected by rainfall and thunderstorms across several Indian states on October 30. The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall for eastern and central India, raising concerns. In Uttar Pradesh, schools will remain closed in 60 districts due to the UPSSSC Preliminary Eligibility Test. Other states are monitoring their weather situations without confirmed school closures yet.

Karwa Chauth 2026 Moonrise Time Today: When will the moon be visible? Check city-wise timings for Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Jaipur, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Lucknow and other cities

Karwa Chauth Moonrise Time: Karwa Chauth is being celebrated today with married women fasting for their husbands' health and longevity. The fast begins with Sargi before sunrise and lasts until moonrise. Various cities have different moonrise times, which impact when the fast can be broken. Women perform traditional rituals in the evening before offering Arghya to the moon. It is essential to check local timings for accurate observance of the festival.

Bank holiday on Karva Chauth: Are banks open or closed today on October 29, 2026?

bank holiday today: Today, as the Karva Chauth festival is celebrated, banks in only one state are closed, contrasting with operations in other states. The October holiday schedule may impact banking operations, with regular Saturday hours on specified weekends.

Bank holidays in November 2026: Check state-wise list of bank closures and festival dates

Bank holidays in November 2026 will vary across Indian states based on local festivals. Customers must check specific holiday schedules before visiting bank branches to avoid inconvenience. Some notable holidays include Diwali, Wangala festival, and Chhath Puja, affecting different states. The Reserve Bank of India has outlined specific closure dates for scheduled banks. Both scheduled and non-scheduled banks observe holidays on specific Saturdays as per the RBI calendar.

After 79 years, Railways reaches this remote town for the first time since Independence; Rs 1,628 crore line opens, two new trains flagged off

Indian Railways has connected Chhattisgarh’s Rowghat to the national rail network for the first time since Independence, with the inauguration of the Tadoki-Rowghat railway line. The 17.5-km stretch completes the 95-km Dalli-Rajhara-Rowghat project. Two new passenger services, Rowghat-Raipur and Raipur-Kurud, were also flagged off, improving regional connectivity and access to industrial and economic opportunities.