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President Droupadi Murmu extended Diwali greetings, wishing happiness, peace, and prosperity to all. She described Diwali as the festival of lights, symbolizing good over evil and knowledge over ignorance, urging safe, responsible, eco-friendly celebrations while promoting self-reflection, helping the needy, and fostering mutual affection and brotherhood.
The Sensex and Nifty opened at fresh record levels in early trade on Monday, October 20, 2025. The Sensex started trading today at 84269.30, up at 317.11 points or 0.38%, and the Nifty was at 25824.60, up at 114.75 points or 0.45%. Meanwhile, the Indian rupee was trading today at 87.89 against the dollar.
The BRICS group aims to promote multipolar global governance, economic cooperation, sustainable development, and reform of international financial institutions. It seeks to enhance trade, investment, and innovation among member nations while supporting inclusive growth in emerging economies, challenging the dominance of Western-led global structures.
AP state TDP Vice President and AP state Agro Industries Development Corporation (APSAIDC) Chairman Malepati Subbanayudu has passed away. Malepati, who had been undergoing treatment for a brain stroke at a hospital in Vijayawada for the past 10 days, breathed his last on Sunday night. The last rites will be performed today in Dagadarthi.
The India Meteorological Department has issued heavy rainfall warnings for 18 Tamil Nadu districts today, alongside alerts for twin cyclonic systems in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. A deep depression may intensify into a cyclonic storm, with a new low-pressure area forming in the Bay. Authorities anticipate widespread heavy rain on October 23-24.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta urged residents to use only green firecrackers this Diwali to reduce pollution. She encouraged traditional celebrations with diyas, rangoli, and sharing sweets. Highlighting peace and harmony, she said, “Delhi is my family, and I wish happiness and a brighter future for every member of this family this festival.”
In a surprising twist on Bigg Boss 9 Telugu, popular TV actor Bharani was eliminated, shocking fans who admired his calm and composed demeanor in the house. Reports reveal he earned ₹3.5 lakh per episode, totaling around ₹21 lakh for six weeks. Fans expressed disappointment, calling his unexpected exit unfair and criticizing the makers’ decision.
PM Modi extended Diwali greetings, wishing the festival of lights brings harmony, happiness, prosperity, and positivity. Since 2014, he has celebrated Diwali with armed forces, including at Siachen and the Dograi War Memorial. This year, PM Modi is likely to mark the festival with the Indian Navy onboard INS Vikrant, celebrating Operation Sindoor’s success.
French authorities are hunting four thieves who stole eight priceless jewellery pieces from the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery, Paris’s chief prosecutor said. The “strike team” wore masks and used high-powered scooters to escape. The brazen heist targeted France’s crown jewels, prompting an urgent investigation as police search for the suspects across the city.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to celebrate the festive season by buying Indian-made products and supporting local artisans. Emphasising pride in “Swadeshi,” he said, “Let’s celebrate the hard work of 140 crore Indians.” PM Modi also encouraged people to share their festive purchases on social media to inspire others to choose Indian products.
Ukrainian drones struck Russia’s Orenburg gas plant, sparking a major fire and halting Kazakh gas processing, officials said. The facility, run by Gazprom, is among the world’s largest. Meanwhile, Donald Trump suggested Kyiv may need to cede land to end the war, as Ukraine accused Russia of using new long-range bombs on civilian areas.
Delhi’s air quality dipped into the ‘very poor’ category, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management to enforce Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan across NCR. With AQI crossing 300, authorities have been directed to intensify dust control, sweeping, and water sprinkling measures, as forecasts warn of further pollution worsening.
Trump threatened to send troops to San Francisco, saying he wants to “make it great again.” The move follows earlier National Guard deployments to cities like Los Angeles and Washington, often against local opposition. California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the idea, calling it political overreach amid growing backlash from San Francisco leaders and residents.
As Bihar assembly polls approach, Congress and RJD face tensions over seat sharing, with both fielding candidates against each other in some seats. Congress accuses RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav of undermining the alliance, while RJD says concerns will be addressed. Friendly fights are expected in several constituencies amid stalled seat talks in the Grand Alliance.
Former Nepal PM K P Sharma Oli accused the current government of trying to arrest him without grounds and criticized its handling of the upcoming 2026 election. He condemned protests by Gen Z youths, alleging external infiltration, and accused the caretaker government of unconstitutional formation. Oli remains CPN-UML chair and hints at a political comeback.