A major Hindu festival honouring the goddess Durga, celebrated by Bengalis and others across South Asia.
The Reserve Bank of India has raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50% as inflation accelerates toward the RBI’s 4% target. The move mirrors global tightening amid Middle East energy risks and weak monsoon effects. Growth remains resilient, but policymakers warn that inflation and external shocks could weigh on activity.
A stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata has left multiple dead, including a seven-year-old girl, and dozens injured as sudden rainfall sparked crowd surges. Authorities say police are reviewing CCTV and action will follow for crowd-control lapses. Prime Minister Modi has offered condolences and support to victims.