Consumer behaviour this season reflects a bullish sentiment, fuelled by GST-enabled price reductions that have lowered costs in high-ticket categories such as electronics and pushed festive demand up 23-25 per cent across metropolitan and emerging markets.


GST 2.0: E-commerce sales up 25% this festive season

It wasn’t the comeback Indian fans were hoping for! Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli fell cheaply on their return to international cricket. Sharma managed just 8, while Kohli was dismissed for an 8-ball duck in Perth. Australia made light work of the modest chase in the rain-hit first ODI, with skipper Mitchell Marsh leading from the front with an unbeaten 46.


Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma fail to fire as Australia beat India in 1st ODI 

The Air Quality Index (AQI) around India Gate was recorded at 269, in the 'Poor' category, in Delhi this morning as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).


India: AQI slips to 'severe' category, Delhi government deploys water sprinklers 

Ayodhya, the revered birthplace of Lord Ram, shines brilliantly during the Diwali season as the city is adorned with thousands of lights and decorations. Celebrations include traditional rituals, cultural performances, and the lighting of diyas along the banks of the Sarayu River, creating a breathtaking spectacle. This year's festivities emphasize the spirit of unity and devotion, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike to witness the divine transformation of this historic city.  


India: 26 lakh diyas make Guinness World Record as holy city celebrates homecoming of lord Ram

Aqeel Akhtar (35), son of former Punjab Director General of Police Mohammad Mustafa and former state minister Razia Sultana, was found dead at his residence in Panchkula on Thursday evening.


India: Former Punjab DGP's son found dead at Panchkula home

Pakistani Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has issued fresh threats against India. While Pakistan itself was raining bombs on Afghan civilians, Munir doubled down on anti-India nuclear rhetoric, claiming Islamabad's expanding military capabilities could "shatter the misconceived immunity of India's geographical warspace."


India-Pak Rift: Munir Rakes Up Nukes, Anti-India Rhetoric Again Amid Internal Turmoil

During Diwali, demand for flowers soars across India, with marigold garlands, lotus, and rose petals topping festive purchases as people prepare for celebrations.


India's Festive Season: What People Are Buying This Diwali

Snow-covered peaks along the LoC in the Tangdhar village of Kupwara district


Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple illuminated with vibrant lights for Diwali 2025

India all-rounder Deepti Sharma admitted that morale remains high within the camp as they look to bounce back from consecutive losses at the ICC Women’s World Cup, where they are set to face England in Indore on Sunday, October 19.

ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025: Deepti Sharma speaks ahead of key England clash 

Estimates suggest that Dhanteras sales in India crossed 1 lakh crore, or $11 billion, with gold constituting a major chunk of it. This comes as union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the recent GST rate cuts have reached the common man. The government monitored 54 essential daily-use items and confirmed that tax benefits were fully passed on to consumers. 

Dhanteras Sales Cross $11 Billion, Gold Shines Bright

Dhanteras, Diwali, wedding season, is usually all about gold and celebrations. This year, there’s something different in the air: sweeping gst cuts are rewriting what shoppers buy, how they buy, and when they buy. In this report, we look into the heart of India’s festive boom, from glowing screens to revved-up car showrooms, and if your wallet will feel the difference.


India 'Lights Up': GST 2.0 Boosts Consumer Demand

Pakistani Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has issued fresh threats against India. While Pakistan itself was raining bombs on Afghan civilians, Munir doubled down on anti-India nuclear rhetoric, claiming Islamabad's expanding military capabilities could "shatter the misconceived immunity of India's geographical warspace."

India-Pak Rift: Munir Rakes Up Nuclear Threat Again Amid Internal Turmoil

India-Pak rift: Munir rakes up nuclear threat again amid internal turmoil

The mysterious vault of the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan was opened today, October 18, 2025, after being sealed for 54 years. The Supreme Court-appointed high-powered committee oversaw the opening on the occasion of Dhanteras, revealing a treasure trove of ancient items, including gold and silver coins, jeweled objects, and historic documents.


Banke Bihari's Treasury to Be Opened After 54 Years on the Occasion of Dhanteras 

Kathmandu comes alive with lights, music, and millions of marigold garlands as Nepal celebrates Tihar — a festival of joy, faith, and togetherness that mirrors India’s Diwali celebrations.


Nepal: India celebrates Diwali, its neighbour celebrates Tihar 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw address a joint press conference on Dhanteras to discuss the impact of GST 2.0 on festive season sales, consumer sentiment, and credit growth across key sectors. 


GST 2. 0: Indian ministers say GST cuts boost consumer spending

India-Pak rift: Pakistan's nuclear blackmail amid implosion at home

This week on wings, we bring you the stories of the grand celebration in India as the country prepares for the celebration of the festival of lights, Diwali. We will also show you how different parts of the world has embraced the Indian tradition of Diwali and is celebrating with grandeur.

We also take you to Rome, where a secret imperial tunnel beneath the Colosseum reopens for the first time, offering a rare glimpse into ancient history. The United States of America’s Joshua Tree National Park welcomes visitors for free amid a government shutdown, while in Somalia, weekly tours are reviving a long-lost culture of travel. And in Egypt, after two decades of restoration, the magnificent tomb of Pharaoh Amenhotep iii opens its doors once again, bringing ancient artistry back to life. All this and more, only on Wings, your global travel and culture show.

Celebrating Diwali worldwide, global heritage from Italy to Egypt

India: Marking a major milestone in India’s defence manufacturing drive, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday flagged off the first batch of BrahMos missiles produced at the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow.


India flags off first BrahMos missile batch from Lucknow facility

Delhi-NCR and its adjoining areas made it to the list of the cities with the worst air quality today as they logged quite high on the AQI scale. While the AQI in Ghaziabad was recorded at 306 (very poor), it was 278 (very poor) in Manesar, Noida and Rohtak and Hanumangarh and 266 (poor) in Gurugram.

Delhi AQI Worsens: Govt Ramps Up Measures To Combat Air Pollution

India’s Zorawar Light Tank Successfully Test-Fires DRDO’s Nag MkII Anti-Tank Missile 

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s Cabinet saw a major rejig after a day of suspense in Gujarat. Governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oath to office to the ministers. BJP National President and Union Minister JP Nadda arrive attended the oath ceremony for the Gujarat Cabinet expansion.


Gujarat cabinet rejig 2025: 26 ministers including CM takes oath

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