If you were planning to buy a gold coin or some silver for Dhanteras, this fall has probably caught your eye. I’ve been watching the numbers over the weekend, so here’s a simple breakdown of what happened, why it happened, and what to keep in mind before you walk into a jewellery shop.

Gold and silver price today: where things stand

Before I get into the reasons, here are the latest numbers. Keep in mind that MCX (Multi Commodity Exchange) prices are futures prices, and the rate at your local jeweller will be different because of GST, making charges and local demand.

Key facts at a glance

• 24K gold (IBJA): ₹1,41,630 per 10 grams on October 23, down ₹6,258 from ₹1,47,888 on September 30.
• 22K gold (IBJA): ₹1,29,566 per 10 grams on October 23, down from ₹1,35,915 on September 30.
• Silver (IBJA): ₹1,94,415 per kg on October 23, down ₹26,020 from ₹2,20,435 on September 30.
• MCX gold futures: around ₹1.42 lakh per 10 grams in the last session, after roughly a 3.5–4% weekly fall.
• MCX silver futures: around ₹1.96 lakh per kg, almost 50% below the record ₹4,20,048 hit on January 29, 2026.
• Next big trigger: the US Federal Reserve policy meeting on October 27–28.
• Dhanteras 2026: Friday, November 6, with Diwali on Sunday, November 8.

The IBJA figures above come from a detailed report by NDTV India, which also notes that gold is now about ₹50,000 cheaper than its reported record high of roughly ₹1.93 lakh per 10 grams.

Why are gold and silver prices falling?

Gold usually goes up when people are scared, so it can feel strange that it’s falling while there’s tension in West Asia. But the story this time is about oil and interest rates.

1. Crude oil is pushing inflation worries

Oil prices jumped to a five-month high last week after Houthi attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure raised supply concerns. Higher oil means higher inflation, and higher inflation means central banks are less likely to cut rates. I covered the oil side of this story in my post on the Dow Jones fall and oil crossing $100.

2. US rates may stay high for longer

Gold and silver don’t pay you any interest. When interest rates are high, safe options like bonds and deposits look more attractive, so money moves away from metals. According to The Economic Times, traders largely expect the Fed to hold rates at its October 27–28 meeting, but they see a strong chance of a rate hike in December. That’s a big shift from earlier hopes of rate cuts.

3. Weak spot demand and selling pressure

CNBC-TV18 reported that on October 23, silver futures fell ₹4,191 (2.1%) and gold futures lost ₹1,230 in a single session, pointing to weak spot demand and selling pressure. Internationally, spot gold touched its lowest level since July 20 and was hovering around $4,016 an ounce.

Why silver has fallen much more than gold

This is the part that surprised me most. Silver nearly doubled earlier this year and hit ₹4,20,048 per kg on MCX in January. Now it’s trading close to half of that level.

Silver is more volatile than gold because it’s both an industrial metal and an investment metal. When it rises on hype, it tends to fall just as hard when the mood changes. Gold, on the other hand, is backed by steady demand from central banks and Indian households, so its moves are usually smaller.

Is this a good time to buy gold for Dhanteras?

I’m not a financial advisor, so I won’t tell you to buy or sell. But here’s how I think about it, and what experts quoted in the news are saying.

• If you’re buying for a festival or wedding: prices are clearly lower than a month ago. Many families buy a small coin or jewellery on Dhanteras anyway, and this dip makes that a little cheaper.
• If you’re investing: Manoj Kumar Jain of Prithvi Finmart told The Economic Times that long-term investors could build positions slowly through SIPs during the decline, while traders should be careful about fresh positions for now.
• If you’re trading short term: expect wild swings around the Fed meeting. Prices can move ₹1,000–2,000 in a single day.

A simple example: say you planned to buy 10 grams of 24K gold. At September 30 IBJA rates, that would cost about ₹1,47,888 before GST. At the October 23 rate, it’s about ₹1,41,630. That’s a saving of over ₹6,000, which is nothing to ignore. Add 3% GST on top for coins and bars, and making charges for jewellery.

Which way to buy gold makes more sense?

Physical gold

Coins and bars attract 3% GST. Jewellery also carries making charges, which you usually don’t get back when you sell. If you’re buying mainly as an investment, coins or bars are generally better than heavy-design jewellery.

Gold ETFs

Gold ETFs let you buy gold on the stock exchange through your demat account. NDTV reports that several fund houses stopped taking fresh money into their gold ETF fund-of-funds from October 16, but buying ETFs directly on the exchange is still open.

Sovereign Gold Bonds

The government has stopped issuing new SGBs, but older bonds can still be bought from other investors on the secondary market. If you like the idea of interest on top of gold returns, that’s worth checking.

If you’re thinking about other ways to put your money to work this season, you might also like my breakdown of the Jio Platforms IPO GMP and listing date.

What to watch this week

Three things will decide where gold and silver go next. First, the Fed’s decision on October 28 (it lands in the early hours of October 29 in India). Second, crude oil prices and any new developments in West Asia. Third, Indian festive demand, which usually picks up in the days before Dhanteras and can give prices some support.

Experts quoted by The Economic Times see MCX gold support around ₹1,42,200–₹1,40,400, with resistance at ₹1,44,100–₹1,45,000. For silver, support is placed at ₹1,96,000–₹1,93,300. These are trader levels, not guarantees, so treat them as a rough guide only.

FAQ

Why is gold price falling in India today?

Gold is falling mainly because high crude oil prices have raised inflation fears, which makes it likely that US interest rates stay high for longer. Higher rates make non-interest-paying assets like gold less attractive.

How much has gold fallen since September?

According to IBJA data, 24K gold fell from ₹1,47,888 per 10 grams on September 30 to ₹1,41,630 on October 23, a drop of ₹6,258.

Is silver below ₹2 lakh per kg?

Yes. IBJA silver was ₹1,94,415 per kg on October 23, and MCX silver futures have also been trading below ₹2 lakh.

When is Dhanteras 2026?

Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, November 6. Diwali Lakshmi Puja is on Sunday, November 8.

Will gold prices go up after the Fed meeting?

Nobody can say for sure. If the Fed sounds less aggressive about raising rates, gold could recover. If it signals a December hike, prices could stay under pressure.

Is the jeweller’s price the same as the MCX price?

No. MCX shows futures prices. Your jeweller’s rate includes local premiums, 3% GST and making charges, so it will usually be higher.

Prices change every day. Always check the latest rate with your jeweller or the IBJA website before you buy. This article is for information only and is not investment advice.

For Indian fans, this is another very-early-morning watch. Here’s everything in one place: IST timings, how to watch, the nominees, the favourites and how voting works.

Ballon d’Or 2026: Key Facts at a Glance

• Event: 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony
• Date (London): Monday, October 26, 2026
• Main ceremony in IST: 1:30 AM to about 3:30 AM, Tuesday, October 27
• Venue: London Palladium Theatre, London, England
• Organisers: France Football (L’Équipe Group), co-organised with UEFA since 2024
• Defending men’s champion: Ousmane Dembélé (PSG, France)
• Defending women’s champion: Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona, Spain), who is not on this year’s shortlist after missing most of the season through injury
• Total awards: 13
• Where to watch: DAZN streams it free in most countries; check DAZN India availability, plus the official ballondor.com live coverage

Ballon d’Or 2026 Time in IST (Full Schedule)

Here’s the thing a lot of people get wrong: the UK clocks went back on October 25, so London is now on GMT, not BST. That makes the gap with India exactly 5 hours 30 minutes. According to the official Ballon d’Or schedule, the evening runs like this (I’ve converted it to IST):

• Rankings 30 to 11 revealed: from around 9:30 PM IST, Monday, October 26
• Red carpet: 11:30 PM IST Monday to 1:10 AM IST Tuesday
• Main ceremony: 1:30 AM to 3:30 AM IST, Tuesday, October 27
• Winners’ press conference: from about 4:00 AM IST

So if you only care about who wins, the men’s Ballon d’Or is usually the last award of the night. That means the big reveal will most likely land somewhere around 3 AM IST. The exact order of awards hasn’t been published, so treat that as a rough guide, not a fixed time.

How to Watch Ballon d’Or 2026 in India

UEFA’s broadcast list says DAZN is the global partner for every territory that doesn’t have its own local broadcaster, and India isn’t on the list of local exceptions. In most countries you just sign up for a free DAZN account with your email to watch.

That said, I’d keep a backup ready. NDTV Profit notes that Indian viewers should check DAZN India for availability, and that Sony Sports Ten 1 aired last year’s ceremony. Whether Sony shows it again this year is unconfirmed. The official ballondor.com site will also run live results and analysis through the night, so even if a stream doesn’t work for you, you won’t miss the winners.

Why Is the Ballon d’Or in London This Year?

The ceremony has been held in Paris for years, mostly at the Théâtre du Châtelet since 2019. For the 70th edition, organisers moved it to London as a tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews, the English winger who won the very first Ballon d’Or back in 1956. UEFA confirmed this is the first time the ceremony is being staged in England.

Men’s Ballon d’Or 2026 Favourites

This is a World Cup year, and that always shakes things up. Spain won the 2026 World Cup, and there are six Spanish players on the shortlist. But big individual seasons matter a lot too. Based on BBC Sport’s preview, these are the players most talked about:

Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)

Kane scored 73 goals across club and country in 2025-26 and was Europe’s top club scorer. He also led England to a bronze medal at the World Cup, their best finish since 1966. For a lot of fans, this feels like his best shot ever.

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)

The 19-year-old finished second last year and has already won the Kopa Trophy twice. He was a key part of Spain’s World Cup win and Barcelona’s La Liga title, with 24 goals and 18 assists for his club despite some injury time.

Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, France)

Mbappé won the World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals and became the tournament’s all-time top scorer. He also scored 42 goals in 44 games for Real Madrid. The catch? No major trophy for club or country. He was also one of the big names in this weekend’s El Clásico, and I covered the build-up in my El Clásico time in IST and team news post.

The Outsiders: Messi, Rodri and Haaland

Lionel Messi, already an eight-time winner, captained Argentina to the World Cup final and scored eight goals at the tournament. Rodri was named player of the tournament as Spain’s captain, but injuries limited his club season. Erling Haaland was the Premier League’s top scorer with 27 goals and took Norway to their first World Cup quarter-final. All three are in the conversation, but most previews don’t see them winning.

Just to be clear: nobody outside the organisers knows the result yet. Any “leaked winner” posts you see on social media right now are unverified, so I’d ignore them.

Full Men’s Shortlist (30 Players)

Jude Bellingham, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Ousmane Dembélé, Luis Díaz, Bruno Fernandes, Gabriel, Erling Haaland, Achraf Hakimi, Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lamine Yamal, Sadio Mané, Marquinhos, Lautaro Martínez, Kylian Mbappé, Nuno Mendes, Lionel Messi, João Neves, Michael Olise, Willian Pacho, Julián Quiñones, Declan Rice, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, William Saliba, Ferran Torres, Dayot Upamecano, Vinícius Júnior and Vitinha.

PSG have the most players on the list, which makes sense after their run of success. Manchester United fans have Bruno Fernandes to cheer for, even though it’s been a rough week at the club. I wrote about that in Bruno Fernandes being dropped for the Bournemouth game.

Women’s Ballon d’Or 2026 Favourites

With Bonmatí out of the running, the women’s prize is wide open. The names to watch are:

• Alexia Putellas: captained Barcelona to a quadruple in 2025-26, including the Champions League, and could win her third Ballon d’Or.
• Khadija Shaw: WSL top scorer for a third straight season, with 21 league goals as Manchester City won their first title in a decade.
• Ewa Pajor: top scorer in the Champions League with 11 goals.
• Melchie Dumornay: 22 goals and 12 assists as Lyon won a domestic treble.

How Is the Ballon d’Or Winner Decided?

For the men’s award, journalists from France Football and L’Équipe pick a 30-player shortlist. Then 100 journalists from around the world each rank those players, and the combined rankings decide the winner. Jurors are told to judge players on three things, in this order:

1. Individual performances and decisive impact
2. Team performances and trophies won
3. Class and fair play

Since 2024, only the most recent season counts, not the calendar year. That’s why World Cup form and club seasons from 2025-26 matter so much this time.

All 13 Awards Being Handed Out

• Men’s and Women’s Ballon d’Or
• Kopa Trophy (best young player, under 21), men and women
• Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), men and women
• Gerd Müller Trophy (best striker), men and women
• Johan Cruyff Trophy (best coach), men and women
• Club of the Year, men and women
• Sócrates Award (for social and charity work)

FAQ

What time is the Ballon d’Or 2026 in India?

The main ceremony starts at 1:30 AM IST on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. The red carpet starts at 11:30 PM IST on Monday night.

Where is the Ballon d’Or 2026 being held?

At the London Palladium Theatre in London. It’s the first time the ceremony has been held in England.

Can I watch the Ballon d’Or 2026 for free in India?

DAZN is streaming it free in most countries after a simple sign-up. Check whether it’s available on DAZN India. Official live updates will also be on ballondor.com.

Who won the Ballon d’Or in 2025?

Ousmane Dembélé of PSG and France won the men’s award, and Aitana Bonmatí won the women’s award for the third year in a row.

Who is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or 2026?

Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé are the most talked-about contenders, according to BBC Sport. The winner hasn’t been announced yet.

I’ll update this post with the full list of winners once the ceremony wraps up on Tuesday morning, India time.

If you’re an F1 fan in India, this is one of those nights where setting an alarm actually feels worth it. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver has been the story of the 2026 season, and Austin is the first race where the championship can mathematically be settled. I’ll be honest though: the maths says it probably won’t happen tonight. Here’s everything you need to know before the lights go out.

US GP 2026: Race Time in India and Where to Watch

The race is scheduled for 3:00 PM local time (CDT) on Sunday, October 25, in Austin, Texas. That works out to 1:30 AM IST on Monday, October 26. A normal dry race at COTA takes around 90 to 100 minutes, so expect the chequered flag somewhere around 3:00 to 3:30 AM IST.

There’s no regular TV broadcast of Formula 1 in India. You can watch the US Grand Prix live on the FanCode app or website, and FanCode also offers F1 TV Pro if you want onboard cameras and team radio. According to Sporting News India, FanCode is the only live streaming option for Indian viewers this weekend.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Race: Formula 1 United States Grand Prix 2026, round 18 of the season
• Venue: Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Austin, Texas, a 5.513 km track
• Laps: 56
• Start time in India: 1:30 AM IST, Monday, October 26
• Live stream in India: FanCode (F1 TV Pro available through FanCode)
• Pole position: Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), 1:34.035
• Championship lead: Antonelli has 340 points, 102 ahead of George Russell
• Defending US GP winner: Max Verstappen

Antonelli’s “Miracle Lap” for Pole

Going into qualifying, Mercedes didn’t look like the fastest car. Red Bull had the momentum, with Max Verstappen arriving in Austin after winning the last two races. Then Antonelli put together a 1:34.035 in Q3, his first run of the session, and nobody could beat it.

The official Formula 1 qualifying report says this is his seventh pole of 2026. Verstappen was 0.179 seconds slower in second, with his Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar third. Even Mercedes boss Toto Wolff seemed a bit surprised by the lap.

US GP 2026 Starting Grid: Top 10

1. Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
2. Max Verstappen, Red Bull
3. Isack Hadjar, Red Bull
4. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
5. Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
6. George Russell, Mercedes
7. Oscar Piastri, McLaren
8. Lando Norris, McLaren
9. Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls
10. Pierre Gasly, Alpine

Lando Norris actually set a time good enough for sixth, but it was deleted for track limits, so he starts eighth. Arvid Lindblad qualified inside the top 10 but dropped down the grid after a five-place penalty for going over his engine allocation.

Can Antonelli Win the F1 Title at the US GP?

Yes, but he needs a lot to go his way. Antonelli leads Russell by 102 points and Hamilton by 111. With five races left after Austin on the current calendar, the most anyone can score after tonight is 125 points. So Antonelli needs to leave Texas at least 125 points clear of everyone.

For that to happen, all three of these need to come true:

• Antonelli wins the US Grand Prix
• George Russell finishes ninth or lower
• Lewis Hamilton finishes fifth or lower

If Russell finishes exactly ninth, the two Mercedes drivers would be tied on the maximum possible gap, but Antonelli would still take the title on countback. He’d have nine wins against Russell’s three, and even if Russell won every remaining race he couldn’t catch up on that tie-breaker. Motorsport.com’s breakdown lays out the full permutations for each rival.

If Antonelli finishes second or lower, the title fight automatically moves on to the Mexico City Grand Prix next weekend.

Current F1 Drivers’ Standings (Before Austin)

• Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes): 340 points, 8 wins
• George Russell (Mercedes): 238 points, 3 wins
• Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari): 229 points, 1 win
• Max Verstappen (Red Bull): 221 points, 2 wins
• Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): 215 points, 1 win
• Lando Norris (McLaren): 201 points, 2 wins

What If the Calendar Changes?

There’s one twist worth knowing. The Qatar and Abu Dhabi races are still on the calendar for November 29 and December 6, but ESPN reports there are question marks over both, and F1 has a contingency plan to hold a single round at Imola instead. That would cut the season by one race. If that happens, Antonelli would only need a 100-point lead, and a win tonight would be enough on its own. To be clear, no change to the calendar has been confirmed as of October 25, so the stricter conditions above still apply.

Is It Likely to Happen Tonight?

Honestly, probably not. Russell starts sixth and Hamilton starts fifth, so both of them would need a bad race at the same time Antonelli wins. Antonelli himself said earlier in the week that it would need “something catastrophic to happen to the others”, as quoted by the BBC.

Wolff has also played it down, telling Sky Sports that winning the title on Sunday is “not realistic” and that he doesn’t think Mercedes has the quickest race car this weekend. Red Bull looked strong on long runs in Friday practice, and with Verstappen and Hadjar starting right behind Antonelli, the run to Turn 1 could get interesting.

Still, that’s a short-term question. A 102-point lead with six races left means Antonelli becoming world champion is looking like a matter of “when”, not “if”. As Verstappen put it, if it doesn’t happen in Austin, it’ll probably happen in Mexico or São Paulo.

Why This Title Would Be Historic

At 20, Antonelli would become the youngest Formula 1 world champion ever, beating Sebastian Vettel’s record from 2010, when he won the title at 23. If he clinches it in Austin, he’d also be champion with five rounds to spare, which is just one short of Michael Schumacher’s record from 2002.

What makes it more impressive is that he had an up-and-down rookie season in 2025. This year he won five races in a row from round two to round six and has led the championship since the early part of the season. If you follow young sporting talent the way I do, it’s a bit like watching a debutant suddenly grab their big moment, except Antonelli has done it over a full season.

What Happens Next

After Austin, the F1 calendar heads straight to Mexico City next weekend and then to São Paulo. If the title isn’t settled tonight, Antonelli gets another shot in Mexico. I’ll keep an eye on how tonight goes. If you’re staying up for more late-night sport, you might also like my guide on El Clasico timings in IST.

FAQ

What time does the US GP 2026 start in India?

The race starts at 1:30 AM IST on Monday, October 26, 2026. That’s 3:00 PM local time in Austin on Sunday, October 25.

Where can I watch the US Grand Prix live in India?

You can stream it live on the FanCode app or website. There’s no TV channel showing F1 in India right now. F1 TV Pro is also available through FanCode.

Who is on pole for the 2026 US Grand Prix?

Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes is on pole with a 1:34.035. Max Verstappen starts second and Isack Hadjar third.

Can Kimi Antonelli win the championship at the US GP?

Yes, but only if he wins the race, George Russell finishes ninth or lower and Lewis Hamilton finishes fifth or lower. Otherwise the title fight moves on to Mexico.

How old is Kimi Antonelli?

He’s 20. If he wins the 2026 title, he’ll be the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history.

How many laps is the US Grand Prix?

The race is 56 laps around the 5.513 km Circuit of the Americas.

This preview was written before the race on October 25, 2026 (IST). I’ll update it with the result once the race is over.

I’ve followed United long enough to know that benching the captain is never a small call. But this one feels bigger than usual. It’s the first time Carrick has left Fernandes out of a Premier League starting XI, and it happened in a game he really needed to win. It didn’t work. Here’s what happened, why it happened, and what it could mean next.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Match: Manchester United vs Bournemouth, Premier League, Old Trafford
• Date and time: Sunday, October 25, 2026, kick-off 2 PM GMT (7:30 PM IST)
• Result: Bournemouth won 3-0 (Rayan 38′, Marcus Tavernier 42′, Evanilson 71′)
• Fernandes: named among the substitutes; Harry Maguire captained the side
• Carrick’s reason: “Pure football”
• Trigger: Fernandes criticised the team’s pressing approach after the 4-1 defeat at Como on Wednesday, October 21
• Form before kick-off: seven games without a win in all competitions, 15th in the table with one league win from seven

Why Was Bruno Fernandes Dropped?

It goes back to Wednesday night in Italy. United lost 4-1 to Como, who are playing in the Champions League for the first time. Fernandes was taken off in the second half and, after the game, he spoke to TNT Sports about how the team had set up.

According to a Reuters report, he said: “The coaching staff decided not to press man-to-man, but instead to sit back and look to win the ball; the problem, however, is that you give teams like that confidence when you allow them that space.” He also said teams under pressure sometimes need to be “braver” and press higher up the pitch.

That’s a captain openly questioning his manager’s game plan on camera. At his Friday press conference, Carrick refused to say whether Fernandes would play and did not rule out disciplinary action. On Sunday, the team sheet gave the answer.

What Carrick Said

Speaking to Sky Sports before kick-off, Carrick was asked whether the decision was about football or something else. His reply was short: “Pure football.” He added: “When you have options it’s always a difficult decision. We have to make the right one for today and the team to get that performance we want.”

Honestly, not many people believed that was the full story. As BBC Sport reported, pundits were split. Jamie Carragher said Carrick “had to make the stand,” while Julien Laurens argued that leaving Fernandes on the bench was only “half of a sanction.” Neither the club nor Carrick has confirmed any formal disciplinary action, so that part remains unconfirmed.

How the Bournemouth Game Went

If Carrick hoped the big call would spark a reaction, it didn’t. Bournemouth were the better side from early on, and reporters at Old Trafford described a flat, passive first half from United.

Rayan opened the scoring in the 38th minute, volleying in at the back post after a set piece. Four minutes later, Leny Yoro slipped in his own box, and Adrien Truffert squared for Marcus Tavernier to tap into an empty net. United went in 2-0 down to loud boos.

Carrick brought on Matheus Cunha at half-time, and United had a better spell. Fernandes was sent to warm up around the hour mark to applause from the Stretford End. But in the 71st minute, Evanilson beat goalkeeper Senne Lammens to a long ball and finished from a tight angle to make it 3-0.

The most talked-about detail? Fernandes never came on. As NBC Sports’ live coverage noted, United used their final substitution on Shea Lacey, which left the captain sitting on the bench for the full 90 minutes.

Final Score

Manchester United 0-3 Bournemouth. That stretches United’s winless run to eight games in all competitions.

Why This Is Such a Big Moment

To understand why this matters, look at what Fernandes has meant to Carrick’s United. Since Carrick’s first game in charge in January 2026, Fernandes has registered more assists (14) and created more chances (96) than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues, according to Reuters. He started every one of the previous 24 Premier League games under Carrick.

The BBC also pointed out that this was only the sixth time Fernandes has started a Premier League game on the bench for United. And United’s record without him in the starting XI is poor: just one win in their last 10 league games before Sunday.

Then there’s the bigger picture. Carrick took over on a temporary basis in January after Ruben Amorim was sacked, won his first games against Manchester City and Arsenal, and led United back into the Champions League. The club then gave him a permanent contract in May 2026, running until 2028 with an option for another year. Just five months later, the mood has flipped completely.

Other Players in the Spotlight

Fernandes isn’t the only senior player to speak out this month. Lisandro Martinez criticised the club’s hierarchy after the 2-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid earlier in October. Two senior players going public within a week tells you the dressing room is under real strain.

What Happens Next for Carrick and Fernandes?

This is where I have to be careful, because a lot of what you’ll read online right now is speculation. Here’s the honest picture:

• Carrick’s future: Several UK outlets describe his job as under severe pressure. As of Sunday night (IST), Manchester United have not announced any change, and any talk of a sacking or a replacement is unconfirmed.
• Fernandes and the captaincy: Carrick had earlier refused to commit to keeping Fernandes as captain. Whether he stays captain is unconfirmed.
• Disciplinary action: Not ruled out by Carrick, but nothing has been announced. Unconfirmed.

If you follow European football the way I do, you might also like my guide to El Clasico timing in IST and team news. And for another big coaching story this week, here’s my piece on Kieron Pollard becoming Mumbai Indians head coach.

My Take

I get why Carrick did it. A manager can’t let his captain criticise his tactics on TV and then hand him the armband three days later as if nothing happened. But dropping your best creative player when you’re desperate for a win is a huge gamble. After a 3-0 home loss, with the captain left unused, the pressure on Carrick is heavier than ever. The next few days will tell us whether the club backs him or not.

FAQ

Why was Bruno Fernandes dropped against Bournemouth?

Michael Carrick said it was for “pure football” reasons. It came four days after Fernandes publicly criticised the team’s tactics following the 4-1 Champions League loss to Como.

Who captained Manchester United against Bournemouth?

Harry Maguire wore the captain’s armband with Fernandes on the bench.

What was the Man United vs Bournemouth score?

Bournemouth won 3-0 at Old Trafford on October 25, 2026. Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson scored the goals.

Has Michael Carrick been sacked?

No. As of the evening of October 25, 2026 (IST), Manchester United had not announced any change. Reports say he is under heavy pressure, but nothing official has been confirmed.

Is Bruno Fernandes still Manchester United captain?

As of October 25, 2026, the club has not announced any change to the captaincy. Carrick had earlier declined to commit to Fernandes keeping the armband, so this is still unconfirmed.

Last updated: October 25, 2026 (IST). I’ll update this post if United announce any decision on Carrick or the captaincy.

If you applied for the Jio Platforms IPO, you’re probably checking the grey market premium every few hours like I am. It’s one of the biggest IPOs India has ever seen, and the excitement is real. But the GMP isn’t official, and there’s a lot of noise out there. So here’s what’s actually confirmed, what’s just market chatter, and what you should do over the next three days.

Jio Platforms IPO: Key facts

• Issue size: about ₹30,213 crore, all fresh shares (no offer for sale)
• Price band: ₹1,065 to ₹1,119 per share
• Final issue price: ₹1,119 (top of the band), as confirmed in Reliance’s exchange filing dated October 24, 2026
• Lot size: 12 shares, so the minimum retail bid was ₹13,428
• Bidding window: October 21 to October 23, 2026
• Overall subscription: 22.19 times (QIB 70.55x, NII 14x, retail 2.72x, employees 2.93x, shareholders 7.60x)
• Basis of allotment: Monday, October 26, 2026
• Refunds and demat credit: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
• Listing: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, on NSE and BSE (trading expected to start at 10 AM IST)
• Registrar: KFin Technologies
• GMP (unofficial): about ₹247–₹250 as of October 25 afternoon

What is the Jio IPO GMP right now?

On Sunday, October 25, most trackers put the Jio IPO GMP between ₹247 and ₹250. Mint reported a GMP of ₹250 at 1 PM that day, which works out to an estimated listing price of ₹1,369 (₹1,119 + ₹250), a gain of about 22.3%.

The interesting part is how steady it has been. Over the last couple of weeks, the GMP mostly stayed in the ₹235–₹275 range, with a brief high of about ₹273 around October 20. It dipped slightly during bidding days and settled near ₹245–₹250 after the issue closed. In my experience, a GMP that stays flat after a huge subscription is a calmer sign than one that swings wildly.

Quick math: what a 22% premium means for one lot

If you get one lot of 12 shares and the stock lists exactly where the GMP suggests, here’s the rough picture:

• You paid: 12 × ₹1,119 = ₹13,428
• Value at ₹1,369: 12 × ₹1,369 = ₹16,428
• Paper gain: about ₹3,000 before brokerage and taxes

Remember, that’s a “what if.” The real opening price will be decided in the special pre-open session on listing day, not by the grey market.

Why you shouldn’t treat GMP as a promise

I’ll be honest here, because I see a lot of people getting carried away. GMP is an unofficial number traded in an unregulated market. SEBI doesn’t recognise it, the exchanges don’t publish it, and nobody is bound by it.

Here’s why it can go wrong:

• Market mood can flip. Indian indices ended lower on Friday, October 23, after crude oil prices rose. If global markets have a rough start to the week, listing day can feel very different.
• Big IPOs have disappointed before. The Hindu pointed out that analysts are flagging valuation concerns, with past examples like the Reliance Power IPO in 2008, which saw huge demand and then a weak debut.
• Different sources show different GMPs. Even on the same day, numbers vary by ₹5–₹10 between trackers. That alone tells you it’s not precise.

So use the GMP as a mood meter, not a price target.

How big was the demand?

Pretty massive. The issue was fully subscribed within about 100 minutes of opening on day one, and by the end it had received bids for more than 421 crore shares against roughly 19.75 crore on offer. According to The Hindu, total demand crossed ₹7 lakh crore and the IPO drew more than one crore applications.

Most of the heat came from big institutions. The QIB portion alone was booked over 70 times. Before the issue opened, 212 anchor investors had already picked up shares worth about ₹8,110 crore at ₹1,119.

Retail demand was solid but much smaller at 2.72 times. That’s actually good news if you applied as a retail investor, because your odds of getting a lot are better than in those small IPOs that get booked 200 times.

Where is the money going?

This was a fully fresh issue, so the money goes to the company, not to existing shareholders selling out. As per NDTV Profit, up to ₹27,500 crore will be used to repay borrowings at Reliance Jio Infocomm, Jio’s telecom arm. The rest is for general growth spending and working capital. Reliance Industries holds about a 66.4% stake in Jio Platforms.

How to check Jio IPO allotment status

The basis of allotment is due on Monday, October 26. Status usually shows up on the registrar’s site first, often in the evening. Here are the three places to check:

1. KFin Technologies (registrar)

1. Go to the KFin IPO status page (ipostatus.kfintech.com).
2. Pick “Jio Platforms Limited” from the dropdown. It only appears once allotment is finalised.
3. Choose PAN, application number, or demat account (DP ID/Client ID).
4. Enter your details, fill the captcha and submit.

2. BSE

Open the “Status of Issue Application” page on bseindia.com, select Equity, choose the issue name and enter your PAN or application number.

3. NSE

Use the “Verify IPO bid/allotment details” page on nseindia.com with your PAN and application number.

Simple tip: check your bank’s UPI mandate too. If the blocked money gets debited, you got shares. If the block is released on October 27, you didn’t.

What should you do before listing day?

This isn’t financial advice, just how I think about it:

• If you got shares: decide your plan before October 28. Are you holding Jio for the long term, or booking listing gains? Writing it down stops you from panicking at 10 AM.
• If you didn’t get shares: don’t rush to buy at the open just because of the buzz. Listing-day prices can be jumpy. Watching for a few days won’t hurt.
• Watch the wider market: oil prices and global cues matter. I covered a recent example of that in my post on the Dow Jones falling as oil crossed $100.

FAQ

What is the Jio IPO GMP today?

On October 25, 2026, the Jio IPO GMP was around ₹247–₹250, according to Mint and other trackers. This number is unofficial and can change before listing.

What is the expected listing price of Jio Platforms?

Based on the GMP, the expected listing price is around ₹1,366–₹1,369. This is only an estimate. The actual price will be set on listing day.

When is the Jio IPO allotment date?

The basis of allotment is due on Monday, October 26, 2026. You can check status on KFin Technologies, BSE or NSE.

When will Jio Platforms shares list?

The shares are scheduled to list on NSE and BSE on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, with trading expected to start at 10 AM IST.

When will I get my refund if I didn’t get shares?

Refunds and UPI block releases are scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Shares for successful applicants should also reach demat accounts that day.

Is GMP a reliable indicator?

Not fully. It reflects grey market mood, which often lines up with listing day but not always. Treat it as a hint, not a guarantee.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and is not investment advice. Grey market premium figures are unofficial. Please talk to a SEBI-registered adviser before making investment decisions.

If you saw her name trending on Google this weekend and wondered who she is, you’re not alone. I had to look her up too. She isn’t a big WPL star yet, and she hadn’t played a single game in the T20I series that came just before. So her sudden debut caught a lot of fans by surprise. Here’s everything I could confirm about her, in plain words.

Jintimani Kalita: Key Facts at a Glance

• Full name: Jintimani Nakul Kalita
• Age: 22 (born December 25, 2003, as per ESPNcricinfo’s player profile)
• Home state: Assam, from the town of Mangaldai (also spelt Mangaldoi)
• Role: Seam-bowling all-rounder: right-arm medium-fast, bats left-handed
• Domestic team: Assam (senior team since the 2019-20 season)
• WPL: Bought by Mumbai Indians for ₹10 lakh in the first WPL auction in 2023; 13 WPL matches, 1 wicket
• India debut: 1st ODI vs Zimbabwe, October 23, 2026, at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara
• Debut cap handed by: Harmanpreet Kaur
• Debut figures: 5 overs, 23 runs, no wicket (plus one catch)

How Did Jintimani Kalita Get Her India Debut?

The short answer: an injury-style replacement call. Renuka Singh Thakur was originally in India’s ODI squad for the Zimbabwe series. But the BCCI said she was “still building up the bowling volume required for the 50-over format” at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, so she was ruled out of all three games. Kalita, who was already travelling with the team, was named in her place on October 22. Cricbuzz reported the switch along with the BCCI’s statement.

Interestingly, Kalita was part of India’s T20I squad against Zimbabwe earlier this month but didn’t get a game, as India swept that series 3-0. Then, just a day after being added to the ODI squad, she walked straight into the playing XI for the opener.

Captain Smriti Mandhana explained the pick at the toss. She called Kalita an “exciting player” and said she had “a good India A series”. That India A experience matters. Earlier in 2026 she toured England with the A side and then played the white-ball series against Australia A in September.

Her Debut Match: What Happened

The first ODI was also the first-ever women’s ODI between India and Zimbabwe, and India’s first match in the new ICC Women’s Championship cycle that runs up to the 2029 World Cup. So it was a nice game to debut in.

Kalita bowled five overs for 23 runs and didn’t pick up a wicket. To be fair, she had some bad luck: Deepti Sharma dropped Modester Mupachikwa at slip off her bowling in the eighth over. She did get her name on the scorecard, though, by taking the catch that sent back Michelle Mavunga off Shree Charani.

India won that game easily, by nine wickets. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 197, with Charani taking 4 for 23. Pratika Rawal then made an unbeaten 100 and Shafali Verma smashed 64 not out off 33 balls as India chased it down in just 27.1 overs.

Kalita has kept her place for the second ODI today (October 25) in Vadodara, where India won the toss and chose to bat. As of about 3 PM IST on Oct 25, 2026, that match is still in progress.

Her Journey From Mangaldai to Team India

This is the part of her story I liked the most. Kalita didn’t plan to become a cricketer. She used to go with her younger brother to a cricket coaching centre in Mangaldai, and a coach there pushed her to try it herself. That was around 2016. Her parents needed some convincing, but they came round.

Money was tight. As per a profile in The Times of India, which cites The New Indian Express, her father worked as a fourth-grade employee in the state government, and she often trained with boys using borrowed kits and shoes. As a child, she reportedly wanted a cricket bat more than new clothes or jewellery.

Step by step, she climbed the domestic ladder:

• Played for Assam’s senior side from the 2019-20 season
• Represented India B in the Under-19 Women’s Challenger Trophy in 2021
• Was among the top 25 Under-19 players called to a National Cricket Academy (NCA) high-performance camp in 2022
• Became the first woman cricketer from Assam to be bought in the WPL in 2023

That WPL deal was a big deal for her family too. She has said in past interviews that it let her support her parents as the eldest child.

Jintimani Kalita in the WPL

Mumbai Indians picked her up for ₹10 lakh at the inaugural WPL auction in 2023. She played for them in the 2023 and 2025 seasons and, as Sportstar notes, has played 13 WPL matches with one wicket so far.

Honestly, those numbers don’t jump off the page. But she was playing in a team stacked with international stars, often as a backup seamer. Her time at MI also put her alongside Harmanpreet Kaur, who leads Mumbai Indians, which is why it felt special that Harmanpreet was the one to hand her the India cap.

The Times of India also reports that Gujarat Giants signed her as an injury replacement in January 2026, but she didn’t get a game that season. I couldn’t find an official WPL announcement confirming this, so please treat that detail with a little caution.

Why Her Debut Matters for Assam

Assam isn’t a state you hear about much in women’s cricket. Before Kalita, only wicketkeeper-batter Uma Chetry from Assam had played for India’s senior women’s team. So her debut is a proud moment for cricket in the Northeast and could inspire more girls from smaller towns to pick up a bat or ball.

For India, it’s also about depth. With Renuka building up her workload, having another seam option who can bat a bit is useful, especially in the long ICC Women’s Championship cycle ahead.

India’s ODI Squad vs Zimbabwe

Here’s the updated squad, as shared by the ICC:

Smriti Mandhana (captain), Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma (vice-captain), Richa Ghosh (wk), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Vaishnavi Sharma, Nandni Sharma, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Jintimani Kalita.

All three ODIs are being played in Vadodara, and the series wraps up on October 28, 2026. If you follow men’s cricket too, you might like my notes on the India A vs New Zealand A unofficial Test and the LA 2028 Olympic cricket qualifiers, where women’s teams will also be fighting for spots.

What’s Next for Jintimani Kalita?

Right now, nothing beyond this series is confirmed. Whether she keeps her spot once Renuka is fully fit is anyone’s guess. A wicket or two in the remaining games would surely help her case. I’ll update this post once the series ends.

FAQs

Who is Jintimani Kalita?

She is a 22-year-old seam-bowling all-rounder from Mangaldai, Assam. She bowls right-arm medium-fast, bats left-handed and plays for Assam in domestic cricket.

When did Jintimani Kalita make her India debut?

She made her ODI debut on October 23, 2026, against Zimbabwe at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, receiving her cap from Harmanpreet Kaur.

Whom did Jintimani Kalita replace in the squad?

She replaced Renuka Singh Thakur, who was ruled out because she was still building up her bowling workload for 50-over cricket.

Which WPL team does Jintimani Kalita play for?

She played for Mumbai Indians in the 2023 and 2025 WPL seasons after being bought for ₹10 lakh. Reports say Gujarat Giants signed her as a replacement in January 2026, though she didn’t play for them.

Is Jintimani Kalita the first cricketer from Assam to play for India?

No. She is the second woman from Assam to play for India’s senior team, after Uma Chetry.

What were her debut figures?

She bowled five overs for 23 runs without a wicket and took one catch as India beat Zimbabwe by nine wickets.

I saw “RRR” and “Rajamouli” pop up on Google Trends in India this weekend, mostly from Telugu searches, and the reason is simple. The man who took Naatu Naatu to the Oscars has finally spoken openly about Hollywood. Fans are now asking one thing: is his next film after Varanasi going to be an American project? Here is what he actually said, what is confirmed, and what is still just fan talk.

What Rajamouli Said About Hollywood

Rajamouli was in Brazil for the 50th São Paulo International Film Festival. In a chat with the Brazilian outlet Omelete, he was asked if a Hollywood project is on the cards. He did not dodge the question.

According to Variety India, he said: “There were many offers, and some of them are still open. I want to make a film in Hollywood, at least one, because they have a wonderful work ethic and structure, from which I could learn a lot.”

He also explained why he did not take those offers earlier. When RRR released in 2022 and the calls started coming, Varanasi was already underway. And he made it clear he is not someone who juggles films. In his words, he needs to completely finish one project before focusing on the next. “When Varanasi is ready, I will consider that angle.”

So the honest reading is this: Rajamouli is open to Hollywood, he likes how they work, and there are live offers on the table. But nothing is signed or announced. His focus right now is 100% on Varanasi.

Is a Hollywood film confirmed?

No. As of October 25, 2026, there is no confirmed Hollywood project. No studio, no title, no cast and no date has been announced. Some Telugu websites and social media pages are calling his next film a Hollywood one already, but that is speculation. He only said he will “consider” the offers once Varanasi is done.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Where he said it: 50th São Paulo International Film Festival, Brazil (interview with Omelete)
• What he said: Many Hollywood offers came after RRR; some are still open; he wants to do at least one Hollywood film
• When: Only after Varanasi is complete
• Hollywood film status: Not confirmed, no studio or title announced
• Current film: Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran
• Varanasi release date: April 7, 2027 (worldwide)
• Format: Shot for IMAX, one single film of about three hours
• Shooting days: About 275, compared with 315 for RRR (as per Rajamouli)

Why Varanasi Comes First

If you have followed Rajamouli for a while, this answer will not surprise you. He took about five years over the two Baahubali films and then spent years on RRR. He does one film at a time and goes all in.

Varanasi is his biggest bet yet. At the same festival, he said the film is roughly five to six times bigger than RRR in scale. As reported by News18, he said: “We shot RRR in 315 days and Varanasi, despite being bigger, in 275 days, saving 40 days.” He credited the extra planning and paperwork he did before filming started.

One small thing to note here. Some Telugu outlets like TV9 Telugu and NTV reported him saying that only around 10 days of shooting are left. So I would treat the final wrap as “very close” rather than officially announced.

What is Varanasi about?

From what the makers and Rajamouli have shared so far, the story revolves around a huge asteroid that threatens the city of Varanasi. Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra, an explorer pulled into a mission to recover an ancient artefact. Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays Mandakini, and Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the villain Kumbha.

The journey goes from Varanasi to Antarctica, then Africa, back in time to Ancient Rome, and finally home to Varanasi. Rajamouli has also said the film is the first non-English film to be shot entirely in IMAX, as covered by The Indian Express. The title was unveiled at a big “Globetrotter” event at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, on November 15, 2025.

Why Hollywood Keeps Chasing Rajamouli

This is not random hype. Here is why studios are interested:

• Baahubali showed that an Indian film could become a huge pan-India and overseas hit.
• RRR went global, grossed over ₹1,200 crore worldwide, and became a favourite with Western audiences on streaming.
• Naatu Naatu won the Oscar for Best Original Song in March 2023, a first for an Indian film’s song.
• He sells spectacle. His films are built for big screens, which is exactly what studios and premium formats like IMAX want right now.

Put simply, he is one of the very few Indian directors whose name alone travels abroad. So it makes sense that offers came in, and that some are still waiting for him.

What This Means for Fans

For Indian fans, especially Telugu audiences, there are two takeaways.

First, Varanasi is not being rushed. Rajamouli is not splitting his time, so the film gets his full attention. That is good news if you are waiting for April 2027.

Second, a Rajamouli Hollywood film is realistic, but it is at least a couple of years away. Even if he signs something soon after Varanasi releases, writing and pre-production alone take a long time with him. A realistic guess (my guess, not his) would be an announcement sometime after mid-2027 at the earliest.

Also, how Varanasi performs worldwide will matter. A strong global run would give him a lot more say in any Hollywood deal. If you follow box office numbers, you may like my breakdown of Jailer 2’s worldwide box office collection, which shows how big South Indian films have become.

Confirmed vs Not Confirmed

FAQs

Is SS Rajamouli making a Hollywood movie?

He wants to. He said he has several Hollywood offers and would love to direct at least one film there. But no Hollywood project has been announced yet.

When will Rajamouli do a Hollywood film?

Only after Varanasi is finished. He said he works on one film at a time and will consider Hollywood offers once Varanasi is ready.

Where did Rajamouli talk about Hollywood?

At the 50th São Paulo International Film Festival in Brazil, in an interview with the Brazilian outlet Omelete, in October 2026.

What is the release date of Varanasi?

Varanasi is set to release worldwide in theatres on April 7, 2027.

Who is in the Varanasi cast?

Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra, Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays Mandakini, and Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the villain Kumbha. Prakash Raj is also part of the cast.

Is Varanasi coming in two parts?

No. Rajamouli has said it will release as a single film of roughly three hours.

Final Thoughts

I like how straight Rajamouli was about this. He did not tease a fake announcement or hype up a secret project. He simply said Hollywood interests him, the offers are real, and Varanasi comes first. For now, that is the full story. I will update this post if he or any studio announces a Hollywood film.

If you saw “कोजागिरी पौर्णिमा” trending on Google this morning and wondered whether the festival is today or tomorrow, you’re not alone. I had the same doubt, because some calendars print October 25 and some print October 26. So I checked the panchang timings and put everything in one place: the date, the puja time, what people actually do on this night, and a simple way to make the famous moonlight kheer or masala milk at home.

Kojagiri Purnima 2026: Key Facts

• Festival: Kojagiri Purnima / Sharad Purnima / Kojagari Lakshmi Puja
• Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026 (the night of October 25 into October 26)
• Purnima tithi begins: 11:55 AM IST, October 25, 2026
• Purnima tithi ends: 9:41 AM IST, October 26, 2026
• Moonrise (New Delhi): around 5:00 PM on October 25
• Kojagara Puja Nishita time (New Delhi): 11:40 PM on October 25 to 12:31 AM on October 26 (about 51 minutes)
• Hindu month: full moon of Ashwin (Ashwin Shukla Purnima)
• Main rituals: Goddess Lakshmi puja, night vigil (jagaran), and kheer or milk kept under the moonlight

These timings are for New Delhi and come from Drik Panchang’s Kojagara Puja page. Moonrise and the midnight muhurat shift by a few minutes (sometimes more) depending on your city, so if you’re in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai or anywhere else, check your local panchang before you plan the puja.

Is Kojagiri Purnima on October 25 or October 26?

Short answer: the festival night is October 25.

Here’s why the confusion happens. In a Hindu panchang, a day usually “belongs” to whichever tithi is running at sunrise. On the morning of October 26, Purnima is still running (it ends at 9:41 AM), so some calendars list October 26 as Ashwin Purnima.

But Kojagiri is a night festival. The Lakshmi puja is done at Nishita kaal, which is around midnight, and the full moon has to be present at that time. On the night of October 25, Purnima is fully active, so that’s the night for the puja, the vigil and the kheer. Hindustan Times also lists Sharad Purnima on October 25, citing the same Drik Panchang timings.

What Does “Kojagiri” Mean?

The name comes from the Sanskrit phrase “ko jagarti?”, which means “who is awake?” The popular belief is that on this full moon night, Goddess Lakshmi goes around asking this question and blesses the homes where people are awake and remembering her. That’s why staying up late, or even the whole night, is part of the celebration.

The same night carries other meanings too. Sharad Purnima marks the full moon after the monsoon, when the sky is usually clear and the moon looks very bright. In Vrindavan and Braj, it’s linked with Lord Krishna’s Maha Raas. Many people also believe the moon shines with all its sixteen kalas (phases) on this night, which is why the moonlight is considered special.

How Kojagiri Purnima Is Celebrated Across India

Maharashtra: Masala Milk Under the Moon

In Maharashtra, Kojagiri is a big social event. Families and housing societies gather on terraces, boil milk with saffron, cardamom and dry fruits, offer it to the moon, and then drink it together late at night. Many families also honour the eldest child of the house (called “Aashvin”) on this day.

West Bengal, Odisha and Assam: Kojagari Lakshmi Puja

In Bengal, this night is Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, one of the most important home pujas of the year, coming just days after Durga Puja. Homes are cleaned, alpana (rangoli-style patterns) is drawn at the entrance, and Lakshmi is worshipped with simple bhog. Odisha observes the same full moon as Kumar Purnima, and Assam also celebrates Lakshmi puja on this night.

North India: Kheer in the Moonlight

In Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and nearby states, the most common custom is to make rice kheer, cover it with a thin cloth or net, and keep it under the open sky after moonrise. It’s eaten as prasad the next morning. In Braj, temples hold special events around Krishna’s Raas Leela.

How to Do Kojagiri Puja at Home (Simple Steps)

You don’t need a big setup. Here’s a simple routine many families follow:

1. Evening: Clean the puja area, light a diya, and keep a picture or idol of Goddess Lakshmi.
2. Prepare the prasad: Make kheer or masala milk (recipe below) and let it cool a little.
3. After moonrise: Keep the kheer or milk in an open vessel on the terrace, balcony or courtyard where moonlight falls on it. Cover it with a thin muslin cloth or net to keep insects away.
4. Lakshmi puja at Nishita time: In New Delhi that’s 11:40 PM to 12:31 AM. Offer flowers, rice, coins and the diya, and say a simple prayer.
5. Stay awake for a while: Sing bhajans, chat with family, play board games. That’s the “who is awake?” spirit.
6. Next morning: Share the kheer as prasad with everyone at home.

Easy Kojagiri Masala Milk Recipe

This is the version I like because it’s quick and tastes great even if you’re short on time:

• 1 litre full-cream milk
• 3 to 4 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• A handful of chopped almonds, pistachios and cashews
• 4 to 5 strands of saffron soaked in a spoon of warm milk
• Half a teaspoon of cardamom powder, and a pinch of nutmeg if you like

Boil the milk and keep it simmering on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens a bit. Add sugar, nuts, saffron and cardamom, cook for another 5 minutes, and switch off the heat. Let it cool, then keep it in the moonlight.

A quick note: the idea that moonlight makes the kheer “healing” is a traditional belief, not something proven by science. Enjoy it for the ritual and the taste, and if the milk sits out all night, keep it covered and make sure it hasn’t spoiled before eating, especially in warmer cities.

Planning Your Sunday in Varanasi?

If you’re in Varanasi, Sunday is also the final day of the IAF show at Namo Ghat, so you could catch that and then watch the moon rise over the ghats. I’ve covered timings in my Wings Over Ganges air show guide.

FAQ

When is Kojagiri Purnima in 2026?

Kojagiri Purnima 2026 is on Sunday, October 25. The Purnima tithi runs from 11:55 AM IST on October 25 to 9:41 AM IST on October 26.

What is the Kojagara Lakshmi Puja time in 2026?

For New Delhi, the Nishita (midnight) muhurat is from 11:40 PM on October 25 to 12:31 AM on October 26, according to Drik Panchang. Other cities will have slightly different timings.

What time is moonrise on Sharad Purnima 2026?

In New Delhi, the moon rises at around 5:00 PM on October 25, 2026. Check your local panchang for your city’s exact moonrise time.

Are Sharad Purnima and Kojagiri Purnima the same?

Yes. They’re different names for the same Ashwin full moon. It’s called Kojagiri in Maharashtra, Kojagari Lakshmi Puja in Bengal, Kumar Purnima in Odisha, and Sharad Purnima in most of North India.

Why is kheer kept in moonlight on Sharad Purnima?

It’s a traditional belief that the moon is at its fullest on this night and its rays bless the food. The kheer is then eaten as prasad the next morning. There’s no scientific proof of health benefits, but it’s a much-loved family custom.

Why do people stay awake on Kojagiri night?

“Kojagiri” comes from “ko jagarti”, meaning “who is awake?” The belief is that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes on this night and blesses those who are awake and worshipping her.

Wishing you and your family a very happy Kojagiri Purnima. Make the masala milk, step out on the terrace, and enjoy the brightest moon of the season.

I’ve been following this event since the first show on Thursday, and honestly, it’s one of the biggest public air displays India has staged outside the usual Air Force Day venue. If you’re in Varanasi today, or just want to know what’s happening, here’s everything in one place.

What Is Wings Over Ganges?

“Wings Over Ganges” is the theme of the Indian Air Force Aerial Display 2026. It celebrates 94 years of the IAF and is being held over the Ganga at Namo Ghat, Varanasi. There were three show days: October 22, October 24 and today, October 25.

According to the official PIB release, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will watch today’s display as the chief guest at around 1 PM. The release also says aircraft from the Indian Navy and the Indian Army are taking part, which is meant to show how the three services work together.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Event: Indian Air Force Aerial Display 2026, “Wings Over Ganges”
• Occasion: 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force
• Venue: Namo Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• Show dates: October 22, 24 and 25, 2026 (today is the final day)
• Aircraft: About 100 in total: 52 fighters, 15 transport aircraft, 32 helicopters and 1 heritage aircraft
• Fighters: Rafale, Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, Tejas, MiG-29 and Jaguar
• Display teams: Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team and Sarang Helicopter Display Team
• Chief guest today: PM Narendra Modi, at around 1 PM
• Tickets: No public ticketing announced; Namo Ghat itself needs an IAF pass

Wings Over Ganges Timings for October 25

This is the part where reports don’t fully agree, so I’ll be straight with you. The local administration asked people to reach the ghats by 10 AM, with the flying starting at around 11 AM. Other reports describe two flying blocks with a short break in between, and Saturday’s show actually ran from about 11:40 AM to 2:30 PM.

So my simple advice: be at your spot by 10 AM and expect the action somewhere between 11 AM and 2:30 PM. The exact minute-by-minute schedule for today is unconfirmed, and with the Prime Minister attending, timings could shift a little.

Where can the public watch?

Namo Ghat is the main venue, but entry there is only through IAF passes. Local reports say ordinary visitors can watch from the other ghats along the river without any pass, and from both banks of the Ganga. Police have set up barricades, separate entry and exit routes, and CCTV on the ghats.

One thing to know: private boats on the Ganga have been stopped from 8 AM to 5 PM on show days for safety. So don’t plan a boat ride to get a “better view”.

Aircraft and Formations You’ll See

As PTI reported via ThePrint, aircraft are flying in from 12 air bases across the country. Here’s what stood out from the first two days.

Fighter jets

Six frontline fighter types are flying: Rafale, Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, Tejas, MiG-29 and Jaguar. Reports say all six flew together in an arrowhead formation, which is rare to see at a public show. The home-grown LCA Tejas also did low-level aerobatics on its own.

Helicopters and transport aircraft

The helicopter line-up includes the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, Apache, Chinook, ALH and Mi-17. On the transport side, there’s the C-17 Globemaster, C-130, C-295, AN-32 and IL-78 tanker. The Navy sent a P-8I patrol aircraft and a Kamov-31 helicopter.

The formations with Kashi names

This is the bit I liked most. Many formations are named after Varanasi’s landmarks and spiritual identity. Some examples:

• Kashi: Three Kiran aircraft in a V shape, trailing the colours of the national flag
• Omkar: Mi-17 helicopters carrying the Tricolour
• Tridev: Helicopters from the Army, Navy and Air Force flying together
• Dashashwa: A C-17 Globemaster leading nine Surya Kiran Hawk jets

ETV Bharat also listed formation names such as Trishul, Mahadev, Neelkanth, Vishwanath, Sarnath and Assi. Reports also mention a simulated mock attack by Jaguars and a public air-to-air refuelling demo with an IL-78 and Mirage 2000s. Whether every single formation repeats today is unconfirmed, since the IAF can change the sequence.

How to Watch If You’re Not in Varanasi

The Air Force Station in Jaipur has said the display will be shown live at Jal Mahal, Jaipur, from 10 AM today. Beyond that, I couldn’t find an official announcement of a national TV channel or a specific YouTube live link for today’s show. It’s common for Doordarshan and the IAF’s official social media handles to share coverage of such events, but please treat any online live stream as unconfirmed until it actually goes live on an official channel.

Tips If You’re Going Today

Crowds will be heavy because the Prime Minister is attending. Here’s what I’d keep in mind:

• Reach early, ideally before 10 AM, and expect traffic diversions near the ghats
• Carry water, a cap and sunscreen; you’ll be standing in the open for hours
• Don’t climb rooftops, trees or ghat structures for a view
• Keep kids and elderly family members close and fix a meeting point
• Don’t pay anyone selling “tickets”; no public ticket sale has been announced

Big events like this also bring a lot of defence interest online. If you follow India’s security news, you might like my earlier explainer on the India-China LAC face-offs in Arunachal and what the MEA said.

Why This Air Show Matters

Most people only see IAF jets on TV during Republic Day or the Air Force Day parade. Holding a three-day display over the Ganga in Varanasi brings that experience to a huge crowd in the heart of Uttar Pradesh. It also puts the spotlight on indigenous aircraft like the Tejas and the LCH Prachand, and on the idea of the three services operating as one team.

For me, the mix of frontline jets with formations named after Kashi’s ghats and temples is what makes this one different. It’s not just a fly-past. It’s a show built around the city it’s held in.

FAQ

When is the Wings Over Ganges air show in Varanasi?

The display was held on October 22, 24 and 25, 2026. Sunday, October 25 is the final day, with the flying expected between roughly 11 AM and 2:30 PM. Exact timing for today is unconfirmed.

Do I need a ticket for the Varanasi air show?

No public ticketing has been announced. Namo Ghat needs an IAF pass, but local reports say people can watch from other ghats and both riverbanks for free.

Which aircraft are taking part?

About 100 aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, Tejas, MiG-29 and Jaguar fighters, plus helicopters like the Apache, Chinook and LCH Prachand, and the Surya Kiran and Sarang display teams.

Is PM Modi attending the air show?

Yes. As per PIB, the Prime Minister will witness the display as chief guest on October 25 at around 1 PM, before travelling to Bhubaneswar.

Can I watch the air show online?

A live screening has been announced at Jal Mahal, Jaipur. An official national TV or online live stream for today had not been confirmed when I wrote this, so check the IAF’s official social media handles.

If you live in Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad or Faridabad and drive into Delhi for work, this one matters to you. I went through the reports from the last few days so you don’t have to, and here is the simple version of what changes, who is affected and what is still not clear.

What Did the Delhi Government Announce?

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the measures on October 20, 2026 as part of Delhi’s Winter Action Plan. The entry ban is the headline rule, but it is only one part of a bigger package meant to fight the winter smog that hits the city every year.

In her post on X, she said non-Delhi vehicles below BS-6 norms will not be allowed to enter Delhi from November 1 to January 31, and that there will be “no valid PUCC, no fuel.” The Hindu reported that these restrictions are part of the winter pollution-control measures the Delhi government notified back in June.

The full Winter Action Plan runs a little longer than the entry ban. It stays in force from November 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Entry ban period: November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027
• Who it applies to: Vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS6 emission norms
• Exempt: Electric vehicles, CNG vehicles and essential services
• Not covered: Vehicles registered in Delhi
• No PUC, No Fuel: No petrol, diesel, CNG or LPG for vehicles without a valid PUC certificate
• Checking at pumps: ANPR (number plate recognition) cameras at 500 fuel stations
• Parking: Fees at authorised municipal parking doubled; DMRC parking lots excluded
• Offices: Staggered timings and 50% work from home
• Construction: Curbs on dust-heavy work, with a complete ban on dust-heavy construction from December 10 to January 20
• Full Winter Action Plan: November 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027

Who Is Affected by the Non-BS6 Entry Ban?

The rule is aimed at older, more polluting vehicles coming in from outside. So the people most likely to feel it are daily commuters from NCR cities and other states who still drive BS4 or older petrol or diesel vehicles.

How do I know if my vehicle is BS6?

BS6 norms became mandatory across India for new vehicles from April 1, 2020. So as a rough rule of thumb, most vehicles registered after that date should be BS6. But don’t just guess. Check your registration certificate (RC) or the vehicle details on the Parivahan portal, where the emission norm is usually listed. If you bought a vehicle in early 2020, it is worth double-checking, because some BS4 stock was sold and registered around that time.

Who is exempt?

According to reports, electric vehicles, CNG vehicles and essential services are exempt from the entry ban. Delhi-registered vehicles are not covered by this specific rule at all. That said, the exact list of what counts as an “essential service” has not been spelled out in the reports I read, so treat that part as unconfirmed until the official order is clear.

How will it be enforced?

This is the big open question. As CNBC-TV18 noted, details of how the ban will be enforced at entry points and how compliance will be checked are yet to be announced. Fines and penalties for breaking the ban have also not been clearly reported yet, so I am not going to guess a number here.

What Is the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ Rule?

This rule hits everyone, including Delhi-registered vehicles. Fuel stations across Delhi will not sell petrol, diesel, CNG or LPG to a vehicle that does not have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.

To check this, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems will be used at 500 fuel stations. In simple words, a camera reads your number plate and the system can see whether your PUC is valid.

My honest advice: check your PUC validity this week. If it has expired or is about to expire, get it renewed before November 1. It takes a few minutes at an authorised PUC centre and saves you an awkward moment at the pump. With fuel prices already in the news because of crude oil crossing $100, nobody wants a wasted trip to the petrol pump.

Other Winter Action Plan Measures

Parking fees doubled

Fees at authorised municipal parking facilities will be doubled to push people towards public transport. Parking lots run by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation are excluded, which makes sense since the idea is to get people onto the Metro.

Staggered office timings and work from home

The plan includes staggered office timings and a 50% work-from-home arrangement. As reported by Autocar India, MCD offices will work from 8:30 am to 5 pm, while Delhi government offices will run from 10 am to 6:30 pm. If you work in a private company, keep an eye on your HR emails, because how each company applies the work-from-home part may differ.

Construction and dust control

Dust-generating construction and demolition work will face restrictions, along with the transport of construction materials. AI-enabled cameras linked to the government’s command and control centre will watch major sites. Dust-heavy construction will be completely banned from December 10 to January 20. Action against end-of-life vehicles is also being tightened.

How Is This Different From GRAP?

A lot of people are mixing these two up, so let me clear it. GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) is run by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). It kicks in stage by stage as the AQI gets worse, and GRAP Stage 1 is already in force in Delhi-NCR.

The Winter Action Plan is a separate set of measures from the Delhi government with fixed dates. So even if the air improves for a few days, the entry ban and the PUC rule are still expected to stay in place for their full period. And if the AQI gets much worse, stricter GRAP stages could add more curbs on top.

What Should You Do Before November 1?

• Check your RC to confirm whether your vehicle is BS6.
• Check and renew your PUC certificate if needed.
• If you drive in from outside Delhi in an older vehicle, plan a backup: Metro, bus, carpool or a CNG/EV cab.
• Ask your office about staggered timings or work-from-home plans.
• Be careful with random SMS links about “challans” or “PUC renewals.” Scammers love news like this. I wrote about how these phishing messages trick people, and the same rules apply here: use only official websites and apps.

FAQs

When does the non-BS6 vehicle ban start in Delhi?

The entry ban on non-BS6 vehicles registered outside Delhi starts on November 1, 2026 and is set to run until January 31, 2027.

Does the ban apply to Delhi-registered BS4 vehicles?

No. Based on current reports, the entry ban covers only vehicles registered outside Delhi. However, the No PUC, No Fuel rule applies to all vehicles fuelling up in Delhi.

Are CNG and electric vehicles allowed?

Yes. Electric vehicles and CNG vehicles are exempt from the entry ban, along with essential services.

What happens if my PUC certificate has expired?

Fuel stations in Delhi will not sell you petrol, diesel, CNG or LPG without a valid PUC certificate. ANPR cameras at 500 pumps will be used to check this.

What is the fine for entering Delhi in a non-BS6 vehicle?

This has not been clearly announced yet. Details on enforcement at entry points are still awaited, so check official Delhi government or Delhi Traffic Police updates before you travel.

How long will the Winter Action Plan last?

The Winter Action Plan runs from November 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027. The vehicle entry ban ends earlier, on January 31, 2027.

I’ll keep an eye on this and update the post once the official enforcement details and penalties come out. If you commute into Delhi every day, sort out your PUC and RC now, and you’ll be fine.