Dhanteras, the first day of the five-day Diwali festival, holds significant cultural and financial importance, particularly for auspicious gold and silver purchases. In 2025, the festival falls on either October 18 or 19, depending on regional lunar calendar calculations. Traditionally, buying precious metals on Dhanteras is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune. Devotees also perform rituals to honor wealth deities, combining spiritual observance with financial prudence. Understanding the precise muhurat, or auspicious timing, is essential for maximizing the benefits of this day.

Housing sales across India’s eight largest metropolitan regions witnessed a moderate decline during the July–September quarter, marking a period of market consolidation after several quarters of strong growth. The dip is attributed to seasonal factors, elevated property prices, and cautious buyer sentiment following successive interest rate hikes.

In a dramatic turn of events in World Cup qualifying, Hungary held Portugal to a 1-1 draw, preventing Cristiano Ronaldo from adding to his record-breaking goal tally. Despite Portugal dominating possession and creating multiple scoring opportunities, Hungary’s resilient defense and strategic counterattacks frustrated the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and his teammates. The result has significant implications for Portugal’s qualification campaign, emphasizing the unpredictability of international football.

The Indian cricket team has embarked on its tour of Australia for the upcoming ODI series, with star players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma heading the first batch of travelers. Notably, former player and cricket commentator Gautam Gambhir will not be accompanying the squad, drawing attention among fans and analysts. The initial contingent is expected to focus on acclimatization, training, and preparation for the high-stakes series. Cricket authorities have emphasized strategic planning, player fitness, and team cohesion as priorities.

During a glamorous Diwali celebration in Mumbai, Suhana Khan, daughter of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, was seen dancing alongside rumored beau Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan. The duo performed to the iconic song “Kajra Re,” originally popularized by Aishwarya Rai, attracting widespread attention on social media and entertainment circles. The event, attended by several industry celebrities, highlighted festive glamour, star power, and the ongoing public fascination with the younger generation of Bollywood families.

In a notable development in the Raj Kundra pornography case, the Bombay High Court has directly questioned actress and entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty on why she has not turned approver in the ongoing investigation. The court’s query underscores the judiciary’s scrutiny over the involvement and potential cooperation of key individuals in high-profile criminal cases. Legal experts suggest that the court is exploring avenues to expedite evidence collection and ensure accountability.

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan turned heads at Vikram Phadnis’ latest fashion show, walking the runway with his trademark charisma and effortless style. The event, a showcase of the designer’s luxurious collection, brought together prominent celebrities, media personalities, and industry influencers, highlighting the intersection of Bollywood glamour and high fashion. Salman’s appearance was widely praised for its energy, confidence, and sartorial elegance, reinforcing his enduring appeal in popular culture.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the untimely death of renowned singer Zubeen Garg has summoned three additional Assamese non-resident Indians (NRIs) for questioning. Authorities indicate that the move is part of an ongoing effort to examine all possible leads and ensure a comprehensive investigation. Law enforcement officials are coordinating with international agencies to facilitate the attendance of the NRIs and gather relevant evidence.

Severe rainfall in Tamil Nadu has prompted authorities to declare a holiday for schools across 12 districts, affecting thousands of students. Meteorological departments issued warnings of continuous precipitation and potential localized flooding, emphasizing public safety as the top priority. District administrations have mobilized disaster management teams to monitor water levels and ensure timely interventions where required. Transportation services and essential public operations are being closely supervised to mitigate disruptions.

In a strategic move ahead of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its first list of candidates, notably dropping 16 sitting MLAs. Analysts interpret this as a calculated attempt to counter anti-incumbency sentiment and refresh the party’s appeal among voters. The list reflects a blend of experienced politicians and new entrants, aiming to strike a balance between continuity and change.