IBTimes

Dhanteras will be celebrated on November 6, 2026. Dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari. Buying gold, silver and household utensils is considered auspicious. Lord Dhanvantari, associated with Ayurveda and healing, is worshipped for good health and well-being.

Rahul Gandhi criticised the Centre's decision to privatise IDBI Bank, accusing the BJP-led government of selling public institutions built during the Congress regime. He backed employees opposing the sale, raising concerns over job security, service conditions and reservation provisions.

The J&K Government has issued the winter Darbar Move schedule for 202627, directing designated offices to shift from Srinagar to Jammu. Offices will close on October 30 or 31, depending on the working week, and reopen in Jammu on November 2. The order also outlines transport, security, medical facilities, employee allowances, and other arrangements for the annual move.

Rebel National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has criticised the Omar Abdullah-led government over its handling of political promises, Article 370, employment, reservation and student grievances. Ruhullah, who has announced plans to resign from the Lok Sabha and the National Conference on November 3, also accused the BJP of creating a hostile atmosphere for Kashmiris since 2019.

Kishtwar Police in Jammu and Kashmir have claimed to have solved the murder of Special Police Officer Bashir Ahmad, whose body was recovered from a forested area in Trigam on October 16. A father-son duo has been arrested, with police suspecting a land dispute as the motive behind the crime.

The three-day Basohli Utsav 2026 commenced on October 19 with cultural programmes, a cartoon workshop, traditional Santholia matches and a JammuBasohli bike ride to promote the region's rich heritage, artistic traditions, tourism potential and the message of a drug-free society. The festival will continue until October 21.

Days after the conclusion of Jammu and Kashmir Police's 100-day Nasha Mukti Abhiyan, a probationer sub-inspector posted in Kathua's Hiranagar was allegedly caught consuming heroin. The incident has raised questions about drug abuse within the police force, particularly as several police personnel have previously faced arrest, dismissal or termination in narcotics-related cases.

Security forces on Friday eliminated one terrorist during a 12-hour-long joint operation in the Ashdar Gali area of Budgam district. The operation was conducted by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF following specific intelligence inputs.