US POSTAL SERVICE DIWALI STAMP
Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper likely to launch on October 31, offering faster overnight travel between the two cities; check operating days, timings, stops and other details
Varanasi-Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper news: The new Sleeper Vande Bharat Express is expected to begin overnight services between Varanasi and New Delhi from October 31. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw are likely to flag off the train. The service is expected to operate six days a week, except Saturdays. Fares are expected to range from Rs 2.40 to Rs 3.80 per kilometre, depending on the travel class.
Mumbai man posed as doctor for nearly 30 years, Rs 188 crore transactions across 30 bank accounts under scanner
Dharmendrakumar Singh posed as a doctor for almost three decades and misappropriated Rs 188 crore. He allegedly diverted funds from various trusts and organizations to relatives and associates. Investigators scrutinized a tuberculosis screening project that had numerous unverified beneficiary records. During a July search, the police seized medical supplies and documents linked to his operations. The ongoing investigation focuses on the misuse of CSR funds and fraudulent healthcare initiatives.
November 2026 Hindu Festival Calendar: Diwali, Chhath Puja, Dev Diwali and Other Important Dates
November 2026 features several important Hindu festivals, including Dhanteras, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Gujarati New Year, Bhai Dooj, Chhath Puja, Tulsi Vivah and Dev Diwali. The month also includes Rama Ekadashi, Masik Shivratri, Kartik Purnima and Guru Nanak Jayanti. Check the complete November 2026 Hindu festival calendar for important dates, religious significance and observances across India.
5 ways to invest in gold this Dhanteras and Diwali: From jewellery and gold ETFs to digital gold
Gold purchasing sees a significant rise during Dhanteras and Diwali, celebrated for their cultural relevance. Investors can explore various avenues like physical gold, ETFs, and digital gold options.
US begins approving H-1B petitions without Trump's $100,000 fee: What it means for workers, employers
US Citizenship and Immigration Services has started approving H-1B visa petitions without the $100,000 fee. This change follows federal court orders that blocked the enforcement of this fee requirement. Many employers previously avoided hiring overseas candidates due to these costs, but approvals may open new opportunities. Petition processing is currently uneven, and some applications are still pending beyond premium processing deadlines.
What to watch this week in US: Minions & Monsters to Matthew Perry docuseries to The Gilded Age Season 4, new Hollywood movies and shows on Netflix, Hulu, Peacock and HBO Max
This week’s US entertainment lineup features new movies, series, documentaries, music and games from October 26 to November 1. Highlights include Minions & Monsters on Peacock, a Matthew Perry docuseries on Netflix, Dexter: Resurrection Season 2 on Paramount+ and The Gilded Age Season 4 on HBO Max. New albums from Daddy Yankee and Nickelback also arrive. Read on!
- Go To Page 1
Diwali travel rush: How to save on last-minute flight tickets and when to stop waiting for discounts
Waiting until the last minute in the hope of a sale can be costly. Airlines use dynamic pricing, and cheaper fares may disappear as more seats sell. If your dates are fixed, compare fares as early as possible and book when the price is reasonable for your budget. Set fare alerts to track changes, but don’t delay your booking expecting for a drop in prices.
Top 7 equity mutual funds deliver over 30% CAGR since last Diwali. Have you invested in any?
In the latest analysis by ETMutualFunds, the top seven equity mutual funds have recorded an impressive over 30% CAGR since last Diwali. Leading the pack, the Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund delivered an astonishing return of approximately 87.36%. Other noteworthy performers included ICICI Pru Strategic Metal and Energy Equity FoF, alongside HSBC Brazil Fund. However, it's important to note that some ICICI Prudential funds faced significant losses.
PM Modi delivers 'Mann ki Baat' speech, highlights 'vocal for local' initiative ahead of Diwali
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his 'Mann Ki Baat' speech, marking the 12th anniversary of the initiative. This program has highlighted the hard work and dedication of the common people of India. Modi described 'Mann Ki Baat' as an opportunity to recognize the contributions of citizens. He also compared this initiative to a pilgrimage for understanding people's efforts better.
Diwali clean-up opens up a growing market for home organisers
As Diwali approaches, urban Indian households are hiring professional organizers to help them declutter and organize. Companies like Joy Factory and Messmerize report significant growth in festive bookings compared to last year. The demand for such services not only peaks during festivals but is also becoming a year-round requirement. Organizers focus on sorting belongings and creating organized spaces rather than deep cleaning homes.
Chinese smartphone brands lose India market share as chip costs soar
Chinese smartphone brands' market share in India decreased to 67-68% in the recent July-September quarter. This decline represents the lowest percentage seen in more than eight years. Companies like Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi are reducing their budget models due to high memory chip prices. Domestic brands such as Lava and Ai+ are gaining traction among price-sensitive consumers as a result.
Ashwini Vaishnaw and MP CM inaugurate two rail sections spanning 118 km, connecting Sidhi district to the railway network for the first time since Independence, through 53-km Satna–Devendranagar and 65-km Rewa–Churhat lines
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav inaugurated two new rail sections on Saturday. These new connections between Satna-Devendranagar and Rewa-Churhat will improve regional transportation. A new passenger train service was also launched to facilitate travel in the Vindhya region. Ongoing railway projects with significant investment aim to enhance infrastructure and connectivity statewide. The developments are expected to boost local economies and transportation efficiency.
Indian Railways reservation counters across Delhi-NCR to remain closed or partially open on November 8
Indian Railways will partially or fully close several PRS counters across Delhi-NCR on November 8 for Diwali 2026. Some offices will provide limited evening services, others will shut from 2 pm to 8 pm, while six locations will remain closed for the entire day. Passengers should check their reservation office timings before travelling to book train tickets.
India Post revenue rises 25% in Q2 as parcel biz soars: Minister Scindia
India Post has reported a revenue growth of 25% year-on-year for the September quarter. The increase was largely driven by a 71% rise in parcel revenue. Revenue from premium and rural postal life insurance also surged by 44%, contributing significantly. The communications minister emphasized the need for improved customer engagement and digitisation. Efforts to enhance cross-selling among services were also highlighted during the announcement.
Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper to begin operations on November 1
India will launch its second Vande Bharat sleeper train service between Mumbai and Bengaluru on November 1. This service aims to reduce travel time by nearly eight hours, covering the 1,118-km distance in about 16 hours. The train will feature 16 air-conditioned coaches, offering 823 berths for passengers' comfort. Fares for the sleeper service will be determined based on a per-kilometer structure, which is competitive with global rates.
India Post revenue rises 25% YoY as parcel business soars
India Post has reported a revenue of Rs 4,202 crore for the second quarter ending September 30, 2026. This marks a growth of 25 percent compared to the same quarter in the previous year. The revenue growth was primarily driven by a 71 percent increase in parcel services. Additionally, Postal Life Insurance and International Business also saw substantial growth rates.
Builder promised 1,395 sq ft flat, parking, compensation in return for property, then issued notice demanding Rs 30 lakh; landowners win over Rs 1.22 crore relief
While the landowners were given physical possession of the flat in May 2018, the developer failed to pay their share of the stamp duty and execute the registered Permanent Alternate Accommodation Agreement. They claimed that the builder also didn’t pay the agreed enhanced compensation of Rs 88 lakh for the increased FSI, as stated in the Supplementary Agreement, among other dues.
US Postal Service releases new Diwali postage stamp featuring Indian artist's rangoli art
The US Postal Service has introduced a new postage stamp to commemorate the festival of Diwali. This stamp features a beautiful rangoli design created by Sangita Bhutada, an artist based in Houston. The stamp was unveiled at a ceremony attended by India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and USPS officials. Bhutada has been practicing the traditional art of rangoli for nearly three decades.
Navratri shoppers splurge on clothes, appliances as gadgets get pricier
Sales of apparel, footwear, and cosnumer durables increased over 20% during the recent Navratri-Dussehra festive period. Car retail sales saw a slight increase of 2% despite last year's GST-driven rush. Appliance sales were particularly strong, with air conditioners experiencing a growth of more than 50%. However, smartphone and television sales faced challenges due to rising prices of memory chips.
DA hike for central government employees: Can Centre announce dearness allowance on October 21, 2026?
DA hike news: Central government employees are eagerly awaiting a long-overdue increase in their dearness allowance, which was expected to take effect on July 1, 2026. The anticipated hike could boost the DA from 60% to 63%. With growing protests urging timely disclosure, the upcoming cabinet meeting may reveal crucial updates for employees and pensioners. Employee federations are applying pressure, prompting the government to address their concerns promptly.
PepsiCo India expects festive snack sales to match last year as new launches roll out
PepsiCo India anticipates steady growth in festive snack sales driven by innovative product launches and a focus on e-commerce. The company aims to expand its ready-to-eat snack range to align with consumer preferences during the festive season. SLMG Beverages, the largest Coca-Cola bottler in India, reports significant sales growth due to Diwali gift pack demand. Both companies are addressing rising input costs while focusing on consumer affordability.
Getting food on train? Surprise checks on train meals & station food counters to get stricter; how IRCTC plans to catch vendors violating hygiene rules
Indian Railways is strengthening food safety and hygiene checks after repeated passenger complaints, with IRCTC partnering with the Quality Council of India (QCI) for independent surprise audits across trains and railway stations. Inspectors will use geo-tagged photographs and time-stamped digital records, with reports due within 24 hours, to help authorities track violations and speed up corrective action against catering vendors.
Vande Bharat special to operate between Delhi and Patna for Diwali, Chhath: Check dates, timings, stoppages and more
Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat: The Indian Railways will operate a tri-weekly Vande Bharat Express festival special from New Delhi to Patna Junction. Services begin on October 21 and run until November 26, coinciding with Diwali and Chhath Puja. The special train features 16 chair-car coaches and will stop at six stations along the route. Two additional trips are scheduled prior to the service commencement on October 16 and 18.
Raja Krishnamoorthi’s office receives suspicious package amid US probe into hazardous mailings
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi reported a suspicious package at his Schaumburg district office following similar nationwide mailings. Local emergency responders and federal law enforcement acted quickly to safely remove the package. These incidents involve letters addressed to election officials and congressional offices across multiple states. Other lawmakers, including Representative Bobby Scott, also received hazardous mailings that were intercepted by authorities. The series of events raises security concerns as midterm elections approach.
How to vote in the 2026 US midterm elections: Early voting dates, ID rules and where to get help
Voters participating in the November 2026 midterm elections must check their registration details and polling locations. Additionally, they need to be aware of identification requirements specific to their state. Voters who cannot attend on Election Day should consider options for early and mail-in voting. It is essential to meet registration and ballot request deadlines to ensure their votes are counted.
Postal employees’ annual bonus for 2025-26: Check how much regular staff and Gramin Dak Sevaks can get
The central government has unveiled a Performance Linked Bonus for postal employees for the fiscal year 2025-26. This bonus will be equivalent to 60 days' emoluments, capped at Rs 7,000. Those eligible include Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS), Group ‘C’ workers, and non-gazetted Group ‘B’ members. Additionally, Gramin Dak Sevaks who meet certain criteria will be entitled to an ex-gratia bonus, as detailed by the Department of Posts.
USPS to close for many days in November: Does the post office actually close completely, or just slow down? What to know
In November, the U.S. Postal Service will suspend regular operations for Veterans Day on November 11 and Thanksgiving on November 26. While post office counters will close, customers can still access certain services through self-service kiosks and the USPS website. Priority Mail Express deliveries will continue during these holidays despite regular mail services being paused. Customers can manage postage and track their shipments using available technologies.
US midterm elections 2026: How to track your mail ballot and check whether it was received and counted by election officials
Ballot-tracking options differ by state and locality; some election offices have online tools to indicate whether ballots have been sent, received or accepted. For instructions on how to request, return and check the status of a ballot, voters should consult official election websites.
Load More
