This report explores India's consumer confidence as the festive season gets busier with some of the country's largest spending spikes expected soon. But can the spending boom support India's growing economy? Watch to know more.

India: Experts Predict Spending Surge Ahead Of Diwali

Sourabh Chandrakar, who used to be a juice vendor in the Indian state of&nbsp;Chattisgarh's Bhilai, is expected to be extradited to India after his&nbsp;arrest in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for an alleged $713 million betting scam.&nbsp;

Chandrakar, one of the main promoters of the Mahadev app, was arrested in the scam case. Chandrakar and his business partner, Ravi Uppal, have been under "house detention" in Dubai since December 2023.&nbsp;

In November 2023, the Enforcement Directorate alleged that the duo paid bribes in millions, to the then Chattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.&nbsp;

To bring Chandrakar back to India, federal agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Chhattisgarh Police are processing extradition documents through the Ministry of External Affairs, Hindustan Times reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahadev-betting-app-owner-detained-in-dubai-following-interpol-notice-766531">Also read:&nbsp;Mahadev betting app owner detained in Dubai following Interpol notice</a>

A Raipur Court on Thursday (Oct 10) issued an extradition order for the alleged scammer, which is now being sent to the UAE authorities, the report stated.&nbsp;

Before partnering with co-founder Ravil Uppal, Chandrakar started a juice shop in Bhilai. Later, both of them moved to Dubai in 2019, according to NDTV.&nbsp;

The duo expanded their operations by setting up call centres in cities across Malaysia, Thailand, the UAE, and India to create subsidiary apps for online betting.&nbsp;

<h2>Duo opened 30 call centres&nbsp;</h2>

They opened about 30 call centres in Chhattisgarh and other Indian states, with the support of Sunil Damani and Anil Damani, who were the trusted associates of Chandrakar and Uppal.&nbsp;

According to the ED, their network included approximately 4,000-panel operators spread across India, each managing around 200 customers placing bets.&nbsp;

Through this, they both allegedly earned at least $23 million, allowing them to establish a criminal empire in the UAE.&nbsp;

Moreover, Chandrakar got married in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, in February 2023, and allegedly spent around $23.7 million&nbsp;in cash on the event, according to the ED's chargesheet.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Sourabh Chandrakar, who used to be a juice vendor in the Indian state of Chattisgarh's Bhilai, is expected to be extradited to India after his arrest in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for an alleged $713 million betting scam.

Sourabh Chandrakar, who used to be a juice vendor in the Indian state of Chattisgarh's Bhilai, is expected to be extradited to India after his arrest in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for an alleged $713 million betting scam. Chandrakar, one of the main promoters of the Mahadev app, was arrested in the scam case. Chandrakar and his business partner, Ravi Uppal, have been under "house detention" in Dubai since December 2023. In November 2023, the Enforcement Directorate alleged that the duo paid bribes in millions, to the then Chattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. To bring Chandrakar back to India, federal agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Chhattisgarh Police are processing extradition documents through the Ministry of External Affairs, Hindustan Times reported. Also read: Mahadev betting app owner detained in Dubai following Interpol notice A Raipur Court on Thursday (Oct 10) issued an extradition order for the alleged scammer, which is now being sent to the UAE authorities, the report stated. Before partnering with co-founder Ravil Uppal, Chandrakar started a juice shop in Bhilai. Later, both of them moved to Dubai in 2019, according to NDTV. The duo expanded their operations by setting up call centres in cities across Malaysia, Thailand, the UAE, and India to create subsidiary apps for online betting. Duo opened 30 call centres They opened about 30 call centres in Chhattisgarh and other Indian states, with the support of Sunil Damani and Anil Damani, who were the trusted associates of Chandrakar and Uppal. According to the ED, their network included approximately 4,000-panel operators spread across India, each managing around 200 customers placing bets. Through this, they both allegedly earned at least $23 million, allowing them to establish a criminal empire in the UAE. Moreover, Chandrakar got married in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, in February 2023, and allegedly spent around $23.7 million in cash on the event, according to the ED's chargesheet. (With inputs from agencies)

How juice vendor Chandrakar from Chhattisgarh became a millionaire?

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he had a "brief exchange" with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the ASEAN summit in Laos, a year after he accused India's government of involvement in the killing of a Canadian Sikh activist in B.C.

Indian PM Modi, Canada's Trudeau Come Face-To-Face at ASEAN

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (October 10) spoke at the ASEAN-India Summit held in Vientiane, Laos, where he stressed how India's Act East policy has strengthened its longstanding ties with ASEAN nations. He also highlighted the importance of India-ASEAN collaboration, especially amid current global challenges. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a 10-point plan to strengthen the comprehensive India-ASEAN partnership. he presented the plan at the 21st India-ASEAN Summit at Laos on Thursday. Watch in for more details!

ASEAN-India Summit: Ongoing Conflicts Are Negatively Impacting Global South: PM Modi

PM Modi's 10-Point Plan To Strengthen India-ASEAN Ties

In Bangladesh's Satkhira temple on Thursday (Oct 10), when the priest left the temple after performing worship, the cleaning staff noticed later the crown was missing from the goddess’s head. This missing crown was offered by PM Modi in the year 2021.

Theft From Temple In Bangladesh's Satkhira

The stage is set for formation of a new government in India's Jammu and Kashmir, four independent MLAs have decided to back the National Conference led Alliance. This comes as Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was unanimously elected as the head of the national conference's legislative party.

J&K Elections: Four Independent MLAs Back National Conference

Ratan Tata leaves his grand legacy behind, a big loss for India as Ratan Naval Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, passes away at the age of 86, on Wednesday (Oct 9). He was hospitalised and was in a critical condition in intensive care at a Mumbai hospital. Earlier on Monday, he said he was undergoing a routine medical investigation due to his age and related medical conditions. Watch to know more.

Ratan Tata: Man Who Transformed The Tata Group Into A Global PowerHouse

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two day visit to Laos where he will be attending 21st Asean-India and 19th East Asia Summit. Chinese Premiere, Japan's new PM and South Korea's President is also expected to participate in the summit. Watch to know more.

Indian PM To Attend Asean-India And East Asia Summits

Ratan Tata was famous for his charitable work, making large donations to social causes. His foundation Tata Trusts is one of India’s largest charitable organisations. Tata Trust supports healthcare, education, rural development and sustainable living. Trust has financed educational institutions such as the India Institute of Science, and IIM campuses. Watch to know more!

Ratan Tata: Phenomenal Contributions By India's Widely Celebrated Philanthropist | WION Originals

As the festive season unfolds, India's housing market is heating up! With buyers eager to invest in their dream homes, developers are rolling out enticing offers and flexible payment plans. This surge in demand not only reflects changing consumer preferences but also signals a robust boost for the Indian economy. Take a look at this report for more...

India's Festive Trends: Housing Market Boom

From India to New York the Durga Puja festivities are on, stunning pandals welcome goddess Durga, the goddess associated with protection and strength. From Kolkata to New York people are reveled in the festive Spirit. Watch to know more.

Durga Puja Celebrated In The Heart Of Times Square

Ratan Tata leaves his grand legacy behind. This comes as a big loss for India as Ratan Naval Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, passes away at the age of 86, on Wednesday (Oct 9). He was hospitalised and was in a critical condition in intensive care at a Mumbai hospital. Earlier on Monday, he said he was undergoing a routine medical investigation due to his age and related medical conditions. Watch to know more.

From Indica To Jaguar: Ratan Tata's Legacy Lives On

A big loss for India as Ratan Naval Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, passes away at the age of 86, on Wednesday (Oct 9). He was hospitalised and was in a critical condition in intensive care at a Mumbai hospital. Earlier on Monday, he said he was undergoing a routine medical investigation due to his age and related medical conditions. Watch to know more.

Ratan Tata's Leadership & Philanthropy Leaves Lasting Legacy

Ratan Tata: A Catalyst For India's Economic Growth

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (October 10) spoke at the ASEAN-India Summit held in Vientiane, Laos, where he stressed how India's Act East policy has strengthened its longstanding ties with ASEAN nations. He also highlighted the importance of India-ASEAN collaboration, especially amid current global challenges.

'21st Century is the Century of India and ASEAN Countries', Says PM Modi

Indian PM Modi Addresses 21st ASEAN-India Summit

Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Chief Minister of Pakistan's Punjab province, has advocated for "climate diplomacy" with India to address the issue of smog ahead of the winter months. Watch for more details!

Pakistan: Punjab's Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Reaches Out to India to Tackle Smog

Indian PM Modi to Attend ASEAN-India And East Asia Summits In Laos

Ratan Tata's Philanthropic Journey Ends

In connection with Mehdi Foundation case the Bengaluru police has made 10 more arrests. 10 Pakistani nationals were arrested by the Bengaluru police. This makes the total number of arrests to 20. As per the officials the arrests have been made from various cities including Chennai and Hyderabad.

Bengaluru Police Detains 10 More Pakistani Nationals

PM Modi: Visit Marks A Decade Of India's Act East Policy

In connection with Mehdi Foundation case the Bengaluru police has made 10 more arrests. The arrested people were found in possession of various Indian documents including Aadhar cards and changed their identities to Hindu. As per the officials the arrests have been made from various cities including Chennai and Hyderabad.

Pakistani Nationals Found In Possession Of Indian Documents

As India's festive season approaches, the food and beverage industry is buzzing with excitement restaurants are revamping menus, rolling out enticing discounts, and creating vibrant dining experiences to attract young consumers eager to indulge. With social media campaigns capturing their attention, dining out is transforming into a celebration of creativity and connection. Watch in for more details!

India's Festive Demand Drives New Trends

FTSE Russell recently announced that it would add India's sovereign bonds to its Emerging Markets Government Bond Index, or EMGBI, from September 2025. It is the third major index provider to announce this inclusion, after JP Morgan and Bloomberg Index Services.

While one cannot assign a specific dollar value to this development, it will potentially pave the way for billions of dollars of inflow into Indian bonds as detailed in a report by Reuters.&nbsp;

Brief history of the FTSE World Government Bond Index

The FTSE World Government Bond Index (WGBI) measures the performance of fixed-rate, local currency, investment-grade sovereign bonds. The WGBI is a widely used benchmark that currently includes sovereign debt from over 20 countries, denominated in a variety of currencies, and has more than 30 years of history available. The WGBI provides a broad benchmark for the global sovereign fixed-income market. Sub-indices are available in any combination of currency, maturity, or rating.

The report further stated that the&nbsp;South Korean government bonds will be added to the FTSE World Government Bond Index (WGBI) two years into observation on the watch list. South Korean bonds constitute 2.22 per cent&nbsp;of the WGBI from November 2025 onwards.

India's bonds, which have been on FTSE's watch list for the last three years, will account for 9.35 per cent&nbsp;of the FTSE Emerging Markets Government Bond Index (EMGBI). Further, the total market value of the EMGBI is about $4.7 trillion.

The key highlights, said Madhavi Arora, chief economist at Emkay Global Financial Services in a note, was the positive sentiment booster in such drastic development and structurally enhancing demand for Indian bonds. Since their inclusion in the JPMorgan Emerging Market Index was announced way back in September 2023, Indian bonds have attracted nearly $18.5 billion worth of foreign inflows. These inflows have boosted market sentiments and have improved India's presence in global markets.&nbsp;

FTSE had earlier delayed the inclusion of Indian bonds in March due to tax, registration, and settlement issues; it later notes, however, that "there have been significant improvements in access to these securities". FTSE has an announcement in line with the inclusion of Indian government securities in JPMorgan's Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets starting from June 2024 and Bloomberg Index Services' Emerging Market Local Currency index from January 2025.

FTSE Russell recently announced that it would add India's sovereign bonds to its Emerging Markets Government Bond Index, or EMGBI, from September 2025. It is the third major index provider to announce this inclusion, after JP Morgan and Bloomberg Index Services.

FTSE Russell recently announced that it would add India's sovereign bonds to its Emerging Markets Government Bond Index, or EMGBI, from September 2025. It is the third major index provider to announce this inclusion, after JP Morgan and Bloomberg Index Services. While one cannot assign a specific dollar value to this development, it will potentially pave the way for billions of dollars of inflow into Indian bonds as detailed in a report by Reuters. Brief history of the FTSE World Government Bond Index The FTSE World Government Bond Index (WGBI) measures the performance of fixed-rate, local currency, investment-grade sovereign bonds. The WGBI is a widely used benchmark that currently includes sovereign debt from over 20 countries, denominated in a variety of currencies, and has more than 30 years of history available. The WGBI provides a broad benchmark for the global sovereign fixed-income market. Sub-indices are available in any combination of currency, maturity, or rating. The report further stated that the South Korean government bonds will be added to the FTSE World Government Bond Index (WGBI) two years into observation on the watch list. South Korean bonds constitute 2.22 per cent of the WGBI from November 2025 onwards. India's bonds, which have been on FTSE's watch list for the last three years, will account for 9.35 per cent of the FTSE Emerging Markets Government Bond Index (EMGBI). Further, the total market value of the EMGBI is about $4.7 trillion. The key highlights, said Madhavi Arora, chief economist at Emkay Global Financial Services in a note, was the positive sentiment booster in such drastic development and structurally enhancing demand for Indian bonds. Since their inclusion in the JPMorgan Emerging Market Index was announced way back in September 2023, Indian bonds have attracted nearly $18.5 billion worth of foreign inflows. These inflows have boosted market sentiments and have improved India's presence in global markets. FTSE had earlier delayed the inclusion of Indian bonds in March due to tax, registration, and settlement issues; it later notes, however, that "there have been significant improvements in access to these securities". FTSE has an announcement in line with the inclusion of Indian government securities in JPMorgan's Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets starting from June 2024 and Bloomberg Index Services' Emerging Market Local Currency index from January 2025.

India and South Korea bonds to join FTSE Russell government indexes in 2025

The Director General at the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce Stefan Halusa has expressed his optimism about India growth & said, "Now is the time to be in India as the German industry. Now is the time to really understand the market, to understand what is happening, where's the potential." His comments come ahead of the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK 2024) that will take place in Delhi later this month which will coincide with the visit of German chancellor Olaf Scholz. Scholz will be in India for the India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) that happens every 2 years and alternates between the 2 countries. Speaking to our assistant editor Sidhant Sibal, in WION Podcast, he said, "We cannot avoid it by not looking at India to see what the business potentials are. You see that across all different sectors". He emphasised on political stability as a major factor for India's attractiveness. He explained, "Political stability is a factor that is weighted very highly by investors, because they want to know that if they invest today, that for the next five years, 10 years, the regulatory framework, the political framework, will be the same."

Indo-German Chamber's DG Halusa optimistic on India's growth story

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Laos for a two-day visit starting October 10 for the ASEAN-India Summit and 19th East Asia Summit. Watch for more details!

Indian PM Modi To Visit Laos For ASEAN-India Summit

Sri Lanka’s new government on Tuesday (Oct 8) allowed a Chinese navy ship to dock in Colombo, a move likely to raise eyebrows in New Delhi. The move came despite Sri Lanka’s ban on foreign research vessels. However, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath later tried to allay concerns saying the permission was given because it was a “training vessel and not a research craft”.

“There is no change in the policy regarding research vessels,” the foreign minister told reporters.

Sri Lankan Navy earlier said the Chinese vessel, with 130 crew aboard, will stay docked till Friday (Oct 11). It added the crew will visit “tourist attractions of the country” as well as offer “briefings” to Sri Lankan sailors.

India looks askance upon such visits by Chinese vessels in its neighbourhood amid concerns about Beijing’s increasing influence on Sri Lanka and Maldives. Following India’s objections, Colombo last year denied permission to China’s Xiang Yang Hong 3 research ship to enter its waters.

On Tuesday, foreign minister Herath said Sri Lanka will follow a balanced approach, where no country is given preferential treatment.

“We are doing business with China just as we are doing business with India,” he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjy79PG1oCJAxWSja8BHbJbAYIQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/deflation-returns-to-sri-lanka-after-29-years-boon-or-bane-763438" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/deflation-returns-to-sri-lanka-after-29-years-boon-or-bane-763438&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjy79PG1oCJAxWSja8BHbJbAYIQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Deflation returns to Sri Lanka after 29 years: Boon or Bane?</a>

He also confirmed a visit by a Chinese military training vessel to Sri Lanka later this month, saying it was a part of regular diplomatic engagements. “The ship is scheduled to arrive in the port of Colombo this month,” he noted on Tuesday.

The new government took charge in Colombo last month, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake saying he doesn’t want to be sandwiched between giants India and China.

Dissanayake, in his interview with Monocle magazine, emphasised that under his leadership, the country will avoid being drawn into geopolitical rivalries.

“We won’t be a competitor in that geopolitical fight, nor will we be aligned to any party. We don’t want to be sandwiched, especially between China and India. Both countries are valued friends and, under an NPP government, we expect them to become close partners. We also want to maintain relations with the EU, the Middle East and Africa,” the president had said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka’s new government on Tuesday (Oct 8) allowed a Chinese navy ship to dock in Colombo, a move likely to raise eyebrows in New Delhi. The move came despite Sri Lanka’s ban on foreign research vessels.

Sri Lanka’s new government on Tuesday (Oct 8) allowed a Chinese navy ship to dock in Colombo, a move likely to raise eyebrows in New Delhi. The move came despite Sri Lanka’s ban on foreign research vessels. However, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath later tried to allay concerns saying the permission was given because it was a “training vessel and not a research craft”. “There is no change in the policy regarding research vessels,” the foreign minister told reporters. Sri Lankan Navy earlier said the Chinese vessel, with 130 crew aboard, will stay docked till Friday (Oct 11). It added the crew will visit “tourist attractions of the country” as well as offer “briefings” to Sri Lankan sailors. India looks askance upon such visits by Chinese vessels in its neighbourhood amid concerns about Beijing’s increasing influence on Sri Lanka and Maldives. Following India’s objections, Colombo last year denied permission to China’s Xiang Yang Hong 3 research ship to enter its waters. On Tuesday, foreign minister Herath said Sri Lanka will follow a balanced approach, where no country is given preferential treatment. “We are doing business with China just as we are doing business with India,” he added. Also read: Deflation returns to Sri Lanka after 29 years: Boon or Bane? He also confirmed a visit by a Chinese military training vessel to Sri Lanka later this month, saying it was a part of regular diplomatic engagements. “The ship is scheduled to arrive in the port of Colombo this month,” he noted on Tuesday. The new government took charge in Colombo last month, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake saying he doesn’t want to be sandwiched between giants India and China. Dissanayake, in his interview with Monocle magazine, emphasised that under his leadership, the country will avoid being drawn into geopolitical rivalries. “We won’t be a competitor in that geopolitical fight, nor will we be aligned to any party. We don’t want to be sandwiched, especially between China and India. Both countries are valued friends and, under an NPP government, we expect them to become close partners. We also want to maintain relations with the EU, the Middle East and Africa,” the president had said. (With inputs from agencies)

Prez Dissanayake’s ‘balanced approach’ under scrutiny as Colombo welcomes Chinese vessel

The Indian Army on Monday rolled out its first overhauled T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tank. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi witnessed the rollout ceremony. The overhaul involved stripping the tank down to the last nut and bolt and rebuilding it from scratch. It was conducted by the course of the electronics and mechanical engineers at the 505 army base Workshop in Delhi cantonment. Watch in for more details!

Indian Army Rolls Out First Overhauled T-90 'Bhishma' Tank

In a move to support the ongoing protest against the alleged rape and murder of a junior doctor in West Bengal, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) on Monday announced a nationwide hunger strike.

The doctors’ association held a meeting on Monday and announced that the hunger strike will begin on Wednesday, which will be two months from the day the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College in West Bengal happened on August 9.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-doctor-murder-rape-cbi-files-chargesheet-ruling-out-gangrape-says-accused-roy-acted-alone-765198">Kolkata doctor murder-rape: CBI files chargesheet ruling out gangrape, says accused Sanjay Roy acted alone</a>

“We have been in close contact with the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front and are united in our stance,” said Suvrankar Datta, President of FAIMA.

“After extensive deliberation, we have decided to organise a nationwide hunger strike in solidarity with our colleagues in West Bengal, Datta said.

Datta also emphasised that the hunger strike is intended to amplify the voices of the junior doctors who have been on strike for weeks, advocating for better working conditions, enhanced safety protocols, and other essential reforms.

The doctors’ association has also called on healthcare workers across the country to participate in the strike, to highlight unity among medical professionals in their fight for fair treatment and improved conditions, FAIMA said in a statement.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

In a move to support the ongoing protest against the alleged rape and murder of a junior doctor in West Bengal, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) on Monday announced a nationwide hunger strike.

In a move to support the ongoing protest against the alleged rape and murder of a junior doctor in West Bengal, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) on Monday announced a nationwide hunger strike. The doctors’ association held a meeting on Monday and announced that the hunger strike will begin on Wednesday, which will be two months from the day the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College in West Bengal happened on August 9. Also read | Kolkata doctor murder-rape: CBI files chargesheet ruling out gangrape, says accused Sanjay Roy acted alone “We have been in close contact with the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front and are united in our stance,” said Suvrankar Datta, President of FAIMA. “After extensive deliberation, we have decided to organise a nationwide hunger strike in solidarity with our colleagues in West Bengal, Datta said. Datta also emphasised that the hunger strike is intended to amplify the voices of the junior doctors who have been on strike for weeks, advocating for better working conditions, enhanced safety protocols, and other essential reforms. The doctors’ association has also called on healthcare workers across the country to participate in the strike, to highlight unity among medical professionals in their fight for fair treatment and improved conditions, FAIMA said in a statement. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Indian doctors call nationwide hunger strike to protest rape, murder of Kolkata trainee doctor

The United States has approved a $175 million defense deal with India, marking a significant boost to India's maritime capabilities. Under the deal, India will acquire advanced lightweight torpedoes, enhancing its naval defense systems. This agreement strengthens defense ties between the two nations and supports India's efforts to modernize its military in response to growing regional security challenges. The deal reflects ongoing cooperation between the US and India in the defense sector, further solidifying their strategic partnership.

US Approves $175 Million Defence Deal To India, India To Get Lightweight Torpedoes

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