Smaller Sweet Boxes, Bigger Bills: How Inflation Is Changing India’s Festive Shopping Budgets
Traditional Indian sweets have become around 15 per cent more expensive this festive season compared with last year
THE LEAD
Congress Donations Plunge Nearly 75% To Rs 130.69 Crore In 2025-26, Sharpest Fall In A Decade
The latest figure also marks a sharp reversal after two years of stronger collections
Who Is Arjun Rajput? Meet The Star Who Scored A Sensational Century Against Pakistan In U-19 Asia Cup
Arjun Rajput struck a superb hundred for India U-19 against Pakistan in the ACC U-19 Asia Cup on Sunday, November 8, at a time when the rest of the batting line-up struggled. The Jalandhar batter’s innings lifted India to 161/6 after 34 overs, with Aaryavir Sehwag next best on 22, as Rajput’s rise reflected years of family hardship and support
Diya In The Oval Office: Diwali’s journey Through The White House
The White House marked Diwali for the first time in 2003, when George W. Bush’s adviser Karl Rove led the ceremony. Barack Obama later became the first president to light a diya there, turning the observance into a presidential tradition
Delhi Turns To Cloud Seeding Again To Fight Pollution, But Winter Weather Remains A Challenge
With last year's experiment failing to produce rainfall, the Delhi government is preparing another attempt to artificially induce rain and tackle worsening air quality.
Israel President Tasks Gadi Eisenkot With Forming Government; Netanyahu Falls Short Of Majority
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has tasked Gadi Eisenkot with forming the next government after 67 Knesset members recommended him for the mandate, compared with 46 who backed Benjamin Netanyahu
Beyond Special Trains: India’s Recurring Festive Season Overcrowding Problem
India is operating around 18,000 special trains during the 2026 festive season, against 12,000 last year, yet the scale of additional services and passenger facilities points to the continuing challenge of managing heavy seasonal demand across the railway network
Seattle Diwali Event Disrupted By Far-Right Activist Jake Lang With Anti-Hindu Slogans
Far-right activist Jake Lang and other protesters attempted to disrupt a Diwali celebration in Seattle with anti-Hindu placards, drawing condemnation from Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Indian-American organisations
Hamza Zahoor's Heroic Century Steers Pakistan To Victory Over India In U-19 Asia Cup
Pakistan defeated India by three wickets as Hamza Zahoor pulled off a heroic unbeaten knock. Zahoor scored 100* off 108 balls, smashing 10 fours and 3 sixes.
NEWS
National
Yogi Adityanath said the political fortunes of both Congress and Samajwadi Party would suffer if the state’s “journey of heritage and development” continued.
National
The September 1-November 5 drive covered 56,431 establishments and led to the seizure of more than 3,270 tonnes of food products.
Art & Entertainment
Amitabh Bachchan said he has been in discomfort, including in the hand he uses for writing. Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 shoot has been halted amid his health concerns
National
Sonia Gandhi also spoke about the demolition of Babri Masjid in December 1992, the rise of the BJP and what she described as failings within the Congress
International
Nepal celebrated Kukur Tihar, the festival dedicated to dogs, with people adorning canines with colourful garlands, applying tika and offering food. Observed as part of the five-day Tihar festival, the day honours dogs for their loyalty, companionship and their association with Hindu mythology
Cricket
Hamza Zahoor’s sensational unbeaten 100 mounted a dramatic rescue effort, lifting Pakistan U19 from 61/5 to a thrilling three-wicket victory over India. His match-winning century and pivotal 107-run partnership with Hasnain Abbas Dar ultimately trumped Arjun Rajput’s earlier hundred
International
World leaders and diplomats, including UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, extended Diwali greetings, while New York and Toronto formally recognised the Festival of Lights
MAGAZINE
The Unequal Frontier - 23 November 2026 Issue
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SubscribeEvery few years, the remote Himalayan ridge becomes a national headline. The script rarely changes—troops meet, officials explain, talks follow and attention moves on. A border issue both governments say they want settled remains unsettled. From Manmohan Singh to Modi, little has changed. Each time, the government has to huddle and act until the crisis temporarily fizzles out. Each crisis gives ammunition to the opposition camp to attack the government and question its foreign policy. China’s frequent military stand-offs have had a significant impact on India’s policymaking, pushing New Delhi to rethink its national security priorities, economic strategy, diplomacy and infrastructure development. China is no longer viewed merely as a neighbour with whom India has an unresolved boundary dispute, but as a long-term strategic challenge that influences decisions across several areas of governance. In a classic grey-zone fashion, Beijing is using these encounters to test India’s preparedness and gauge New Delhi’s response without a conventional war. China’s strategy is simple: advance strategic goals below the threshold of open conflict. India can no longer afford to be defensive, hesitant or overly cautious in dealing with China. It needs to be bold, assertive and strategically fearless in protecting its national interests. Beijing understands the language of power, not diplomatic niceties alone. India must be willing to impose economic and diplomatic costs whenever China violates its territorial integrity or undermines its interests. But being tough on China does not mean being reckless or rushing into conflict. It means building the economic muscle, military strength and political resolve to ensure that India is never bullied, never cornered and never forced to negotiate from a position of weakness. India must engage China when it serves Indian interests, confront it when necessary and never mistake restraint for weakness.
In The Magazine
A Piece of Paper - 09 November 2026 Issue
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SubscribeMillions of young Indians are stepping out of campus with degrees but no job offers. According to Niti Aayog, graduate unemployment stands at 13 per cent, higher than the national unemployment rate of 3.2 per cent. There is also the issue of mismatch between employment and degrees: only 8.25 per cent of graduates in India work in jobs that match their qualifications. Of the 3.4 crore students enrolled in undergraduate programmes, combined enrolment in B.A., B.Sc and B. Com exceeds two crore. However, degrees like these are not generating enough jobs. The problem is also systemic. Students have degrees, diplomas and certificates, but because of outdated curricula in many educational institutions, and higher and technical education failing to keep pace with changing industry requirements, they lack the required vocational skills and knowledge to keep pace with a demanding work culture. A large number of unemployable graduates in the country is likely to turn India’s demographic dividend into a liability.
An Outlook-Toluna Survey: India's Fertility Crisis - 26 October 2026 Issue
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SubscribeOutlook magazine's latest cover story is a package based on a survey that we conducted with market-research platform Toluna. The Outlook-Toluna Survey on Women and Family throws up some surprising facts and demolishes a number of myths. Some of the interesting findings are: Urban women want greater policy focus on human development-health and education rather than cash transfers or tax benefits to be mothers. Women want to be mothers not because cultural or societal pressures but because they want to start their own families. Then we discuss why working women are postponing motherhood and what they expect from employers. These and more stories in the latest Outlook issue.
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SPORTS
Delhi Capitals In Trade Talks! Axar Patel's Side Looking To Swap Indian Finisher With A Pacer; GT, LSG Interested
An Indian finisher has emerged as a possible IPL trade candidate as Delhi Capitals weigh a swap for a fast bowler ahead of the November 17 retentions and releases deadline
Pakistan defeated India by three wickets as Hamza Zahoor pulled off a heroic unbeaten knock. Zahoor scored 100* off 108 balls, smashing 10 fours and 3 sixes.
Hamza Zahoor’s sensational unbeaten 100 mounted a dramatic rescue effort, lifting Pakistan U19 from 61/5 to a thrilling three-wicket victory over India. His match-winning century and pivotal 107-run partnership with Hasnain Abbas Dar ultimately trumped Arjun Rajput’s earlier hundred
Usman Khawaja said in an Instagram video that Australia players from the 2018 South Africa tour, including himself, were not the victims of the ball-tampering scandal, and said he spoke because of a promise to David Warner.
Mike Hesson will remain Pakistan’s interim red-ball head coach until the end of the current ICC World Test Championship cycle, a reliable Pakistan Cricket Board source said on Sunday. Already the white-ball coach, Hesson took over during Pakistan’s disastrous England tour two months ago and will also lead the Test side against New Zealand next year
BUSINESS
Why Sustainability Reporting Matters for Data Centres
By Praveen Krishna
Why Sustainability Reporting Matters for Data Centres
MONEY
Muhurat Trading 2026: Bulls Take A Diwali Break As Sensex, Nifty End Flat
By Outlook Money
Muhurat Trading 2026: Bulls Take A Diwali Break As Sensex, Nifty End Flat
TRAVELLER
From The Latest Issue: The Many Diwalis Of India
By Sadaf Hussain
From The Latest Issue: The Many Diwalis Of India
Planning A One-Day Trip To Ayodhya For Deepotsav? Here's Your Complete Travel Guide
Planning A One-Day Trip To Ayodhya For Deepotsav? Here's Your Complete Travel Guide
The Old Planter Bungalows That Have Found A New Life As Luxury Stays
The Old Planter Bungalows That Have Found A New Life As Luxury Stays
"Ramayana: Rise Of A Legend" And Six Real Places That Bring The Epic To Life
"Ramayana: Rise Of A Legend" And Six Real Places That Bring The Epic To Life
Chavni Lohagad: A Luxury Stay That Brings Maharashtra’s Maratha Heritage To Life
Chavni Lohagad: A Luxury Stay That Brings Maharashtra’s Maratha Heritage To Life
LUXE
Diwali 2026 Edit: Five Luxe Finds To Make Your Festive Evening Special
By Sonali Mukherjee
Diwali evenings call for thoughtful details that make celebrations memorable. Explore five finds that bring together design, entertaining and the spirit of festive celebrations ranging from statement home décor and elegant tableware to Penfolds festive wines, designer candle holders and luxurious home fragrances
A Luxury Guide To Alba: White Truffles, Fine Dining And The Best Of Piedmont
By Sonali Mukherjee
Discover Alba in Italy's Piedmont region during white truffle season. Explore the International Alba White Truffle Fair 2026, experience guided truffle hunts, savour fine dining and discover the celebrated vineyards and culinary traditions of the Langhe
A Coffee Lover’s Guide To Geneva, Cafés And Coffee Experiences Worth Discovering
By Sonali Mukherjee
Geneva has a thriving coffee scene shaped by independent roasters, skilled baristas and an appreciation for carefully sourced beans. Explore five addresses that offer distinctive brews, thoughtful preparation and relaxed settings, giving visitors another reason to spend time discovering the Swiss city after the GPHG 2026 celebrations
How Raw Mango Brings India’s Textile Heritage To Life In Apple’s Diwali Film
By Sonali Mukherjee
Raw Mango joins Apple for Step Into The Light, a Diwali film directed by Sanjay Garg. Featuring Mashru, Varanasi brocades and Chanderi, the film celebrates India's textile heritage through dance, architecture and contemporary visual storytelling