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Groww Parent’s Rs 10,600 Million IPO Opens November 4, Price Band Set At Rs 95-100

Billionbrains Garage Ventures Limited, the parent company of investment platform Groww, will open its initial public offering (IPO) on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, according to a press release issued by the company. The company has set a price band of Rs 95 to Rs 100 per equity share for the offer. Bids can be made for a minimum of 150 equity shares and in multiples of 150 thereafter. The IPO consists of a fresh issue of shares worth Rs 10,600 million and an offer for sale of up to 557,230,051 equity shares. The anchor investor bidding is scheduled for Monday, November 3, 2025, and the public issue will close on Friday, November 7, 2025. The shares will be listed on both the BSE Limited (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE), with the NSE designated as the primary exchange. Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited, J.P. Morgan India Private Limited, Citigroup Global Markets India Private Limited, Axis Capital Limited, and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors Limited are acting as the book-running lead managers for the issue. As per the company's statement, the IPO will be conducted through the Book Building Process in line with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulations. Under this, not less than 75 per cent of the shares will be allotted to Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs). Within this segment, up to 60 per cent may be allocated to anchor investors on a discretionary basis, with at least one-third reserved for domestic mutual funds. If the anchor investor portion is not fully subscribed, the remaining shares will be added to the general QIB portion. Additionally, 5 per cent of this net QIB portion will be set aside exclusively for mutual funds, with the rest distributed among all QIB bidders. The offer also provides that not more than 15 per cent of the shares will be available for Non-Institutional Bidders, divided between those applying for shares worth between Rs 200,000 and Rs 1,000,000 and those applying for more than Rs 1,000,000. The remaining 10 per cent of the issue will be open to retail individual investors. According to the release, if the minimum subscription by institutional investors is not met, all application money will be refunded. The process, as outlined, aligns with SEBI's Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements (ICDR) and Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules (SCRR). (This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

India’s Fiscal Health Improves As Deficit Stays Below 40% Of Budget Target

India's fiscal deficit for the first six months of the current financial year (April-September) stood at Rs 5.73 lakh crore, which constitutes 36.5 per cent of the annual estimate in the budget, government data released on Friday showed. The figures show that the fiscal deficit is well under control, which paves the way for stable growth of the economy. Total receipts stood at Rs 17.30 lakh crore, while overall expenditure during April to September was at 23.03 lakh crore rupees. These comprised 49.5 per cent and 45.5 per cent, respectively, of the target set in the budget for 2025-26. Revenue receipts stood at Rs 16.95 lakh crore, of which tax revenue comprised Rs 12.29 lakh crore and non-tax revenue worked out to Rs 4.66 lakh crore. Non-tax revenue jumped as the Reserve Bank of India approved a dividend of Rs 2.69 lakh crore to the central government, up from Rs 2.11 lakh crore transferred last year. This will help the central government reduce its fiscal deficit further. The total government expenditure during the April-Sept period went up to Rs 23 lakh crore compared with Rs 21.1 lakh crore during the same period of the previous year. This reflects higher Government expenditure on big-ticket infrastructure projects in the highways, ports and railways sectors, which play a key role in spurring economic growth in the country amid increasing economic uncertainties triggered by geopolitical developments and the US tariff turmoil. The central government has pegged its fiscal deficit target at 4.9 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in its latest budget for FY25, compared with 5.6 per cent in the last fiscal year, which was lower than the revised estimates of 5.8 per cent. A declining fiscal deficit reflects the strengthening of the fundamentals of the economy and paves the way for growth with price stability. It leads to a reduction in borrowing by the government, thus leaving more funds in the banking sector for lending to corporates and consumers, which leads to higher economic growth. With the strong emerging fiscal position in 2025-26, the government is likely to have some additional headroom to meet unforeseen expenditure on account of defence, according to a recent Bank of Baroda report. The observation assumes importance in the backdrop of the tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. (This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

Gold Rates On October 31: See Prices In Kolkata And Major Markets In India

Gold prices in Kolkata edged up on Friday, tracking a mild rise in both global and domestic markets. The city saw 24-karat gold (999 purity) priced at Rs 12,268 per gram, while 22-karat gold was available at Rs 11,245 per gram. India’s appetite for the yellow metal remains strong, making it the world’s second-largest gold consumer after China. However, despite initiatives to boost recycling and encourage local sourcing, the share of recycled gold in total supply remains limited. As gold is traded globally in US dollars, movements in the rupee directly influence local gold prices. A weaker rupee typically pushes up import costs, resulting in higher domestic rates. Conversely, a firm rupee helps ease these pressures, offering some relief to consumers. International Trends and Investor Demand Drive Prices Globally, gold prices climbed marginally on Friday amid subdued bond yields and mixed economic data. Analysts noted that concerns over slowing global growth and speculation of potential monetary easing by major central banks bolstered the metal’s appeal. Gold’s reputation as a hedge against inflation and geopolitical uncertainty ensures its steady demand among investors. Back home, other major Indian cities mirrored this modest upward trend. In Delhi, 24-karat gold stood at Rs 12,283 per gram and 22-karat at Rs 11,260 per gram, while in Chennai, the respective prices were Rs 12,328 and Rs 11,300 per gram. Mumbai and Pune also reported similar price levels at Rs 12,268 per gram for 24-karat and Rs 11,245 per gram for 22-karat gold. Cultural and Economic Factors Strengthen Demand in Kolkata For residents of Kolkata, gold holds a deeper emotional and financial connection, particularly during festive seasons such as Durga Puja and Diwali, when jewellery demand typically surges. Jewellers in the city have noted steady footfall as prices remain within a moderate range, prompting customers to make advance purchases ahead of upcoming festivals. Market analysts suggest that the gradual increase in gold investment, both in physical and digital formats, indicates rising financial awareness among consumers. In addition, the shift toward certified, organised retail outlets has improved transparency and trust in the gold trade. Kolkata’s long-standing tradition of gold craftsmanship and its role as an eastern hub for bullion trade also continue to support local demand. As global investors monitor upcoming economic data and central bank announcements, experts predict gold prices could remain range-bound in the short term but retain an upward bias if inflationary pressures persist. For many in Kolkata, however, the value of gold extends far beyond investment metrics—it remains a timeless store of wealth, a cultural mainstay, and a symbol of prosperity across generations.

Gold Price On October 31: Check Yellow Metal's Rates In Lucknow

Gold prices in Lucknow moved slightly higher on Friday, echoing the nationwide trend of modest gains in the precious metal. The price of 24-karat gold (999 purity) was recorded at Rs 12,283 per gram, while 22-karat gold traded at Rs 11,260 per gram. India’s reliance on imported gold remains strong, despite a gradual rise in organised recycling and collection channels. Recycled gold continues to make up only a minor share of the total supply, keeping imports essential to meet the country’s massive consumption. Since gold is priced internationally in US dollars, any movement in the rupee-dollar exchange rate significantly impacts domestic prices. When the rupee depreciates against the dollar, the cost of importing gold increases, resulting in higher local prices. Conversely, when the rupee strengthens, buyers benefit from relatively lower costs. Mixed Global Cues Influence Market Sentiment On the global stage, gold prices remain sensitive to a complex mix of factors—including shifts in bond yields, monetary policy decisions by central banks, and broader investor sentiment. The metal’s status as a safe-haven investment continues to draw interest during periods of inflation, geopolitical tension, or financial instability. On Friday, global gold prices rose marginally as investors sought safety amid ongoing economic uncertainty. Market analysts attributed the uptick to expectations of slower interest rate hikes and concerns over global growth. Meanwhile, steady oil prices and softer inflation readings provided additional support for the metal. Elsewhere in India, similar price trends were observed. In Chennai, 24-karat gold was priced at Rs 12,328 per gram and 22-karat at Rs 11,300 per gram. In Kolkata and Mumbai, 24-karat gold stood at Rs 12,268 per gram and 22-karat at Rs 11,245 per gram. Despite short-term fluctuations, gold continues to serve as a trusted investment choice for households and traders in Lucknow. For many, it remains both a financial safeguard and a symbol of enduring value in uncertain times.

Gold Price Today In Chennai: Yellow Metal Sees Modest Rise Amid Currency Fluctuations

Gold prices in Chennai climbed marginally on Friday, reflecting the broader movement seen across Indian markets. The rates for 24-karat gold (999 purity) stood at Rs 12,328 per gram, while 22-karat gold was priced at Rs 11,300 per gram. India, the world’s second-largest gold consumer after China, continues to rely heavily on imports to meet its vast demand for the precious metal. Despite the growing push for recycling and the emergence of organised collection systems, recycled gold remains a small contributor to the overall supply. As gold is traded globally in US dollars, the Indian rupee’s exchange rate plays a vital role in determining local gold prices. A weaker rupee increases the cost of imports, leading to higher prices for consumers, while a stronger rupee provides some cushion by reducing import expenses. Global Market Trends Shape Local Sentiment On the international front, gold prices are influenced by a range of economic factors, including changes in bond yields, central bank policies, and shifts in investor confidence. The yellow metal remains a preferred safe-haven asset during periods of inflation, economic instability, or geopolitical uncertainty. Investors often turn to gold as a hedge against volatility, making it a long-standing symbol of security and wealth preservation. Globally, spot gold prices inched up on Friday amid softer bond yields and cautious sentiment ahead of major economic announcements. Analysts noted that expectations of potential rate cuts by central banks, coupled with subdued inflation data, contributed to the modest uptrend. Across India, other key cities also witnessed similar movements in gold rates. Delhi recorded prices of Rs 12,283 per gram for 24-karat gold and Rs 11,260 per gram for 22-karat. In Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune, 24-karat gold stood at Rs 12,268 per gram and 22-karat gold at Rs 11,245 per gram. At a time of economic uncertainty and fluctuating markets, gold continues to hold its allure for Indian investors. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its cultural significance but also in its reputation as a reliable store of value for long-term wealth protection.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX unveils bold ‘simplified’ Starship plan to accelerate Artemis 3 Moon mission and ensure astronaut safety

SpaceX has submitted a simplified Starship mission plan to NASA, aiming for a faster and safer lunar landing. This comes amid NASA's concerns about the rocket's readiness for Artemis III, with the agency reportedly facing internal pressures. SpaceX highlighted its development milestones and upcoming tests, including crucial in-space refuelling demonstrations.

Halloween 2025: The Real Connection Between Pumpkins And Spooky Costumes You Didn’t Know About

Halloween 2025: Every year on 31 October, the world celebrates Halloween, a festival known for its spooky costumes, glowing pumpkins, and the thrill of “trick or treat.” Mostly observed in Europe and the United States, Halloween has become a global symbol of fun mixed with fright. But have you ever wondered what pumpkins have to do with this eerie night, or why people dress up like ghosts and witches? The story behind these customs goes back thousands of years, blending ancient Celtic beliefs, harvest rituals, and folklore. ALSO READ: Halloween 2025: 8 Fascinating Festivals Like Halloween Celebrated Around The World Why Halloween Is Celebrated Halloween finds its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest season and the start of winter, a time believed to blur the line between the living and the dead. The Celts thought that on this night, spirits of the dead returned to roam the earth, causing mischief and bringing ill fortune. To protect themselves, people would light bonfires, wear frightening masks, and perform rituals to keep evil spirits away. Over time, as Christianity spread, the festival merged with All Saints’ Day, known as All Hallows’ Day, and the night before became known as All Hallows’ Eve, later shortened to Halloween. The Secret Behind The Spooky Costumes The Halloween tradition of dressing up in ghostly or monstrous costumes is not just for fun — it has ancient spiritual roots. People once believed that if they disguised themselves as spirits, the real ghosts wandering the earth would not harm them. Today, this has evolved into a fun and creative custom where both children and adults wear costumes inspired by ghosts, witches, zombies, and even popular movie characters. It’s a way to embrace the spooky season while keeping centuries-old traditions alive. Why Pumpkins Became The Symbol Of Halloween No Halloween is complete without carved pumpkins glowing with candles, but this wasn’t always the case. The practice began in Ireland, where people originally carved turnips and potatoes into lanterns to ward off evil spirits. When Irish settlers brought the tradition to America, they found pumpkins that are larger, softer, and easier to carve, and adopted them for the festival. These glowing lanterns became known as Jack-o’-lanterns, named after an Irish folktale about a man named Jack who tricked the Devil and was doomed to wander the earth with only a carved lantern to light his way. Since then, pumpkins have become the global symbol of Halloween, representing both protection from dark spirits and the spirit of celebration. The Origin Of ‘Trick Or Treat’ The popular Halloween phrase “trick or treat” also has a fascinating history. It began centuries ago as a Christian custom where children and the poor would go door-to-door offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food or sweets — a practice called “souling.” Over time, this evolved into the fun-filled tradition where children, dressed in their Halloween best, knock on doors for chocolates and sweets. The phrase “trick or treat” symbolises the playful choice between receiving a treat or playing a harmless trick. Pumpkins And The Harvest Connection For many farmers, the pumpkin also symbolises the autumn harvest and abundance. Lighting a candle inside the pumpkin was believed to guide wandering souls and protect crops from evil forces. Even today, in many rural areas, people keep carved pumpkins at their doors to invite prosperity and good fortune for the coming year, blending spiritual belief with harvest gratitude. Light Over Darkness: The True Essence Of Halloween Beyond its spooky surface, Halloween carries a deeper meaning, it’s a celebration of light overcoming darkness, good defeating evil, and life continuing beyond death. Whether through glowing lanterns, warm bonfires, or cheerful costumes, the festival reminds us that even in the darkest night, light and laughter can shine through.

Dalal Street Bleeds, Sensex Crashes Over 450 Points, Nifty Falls Nearly 150 Points

Dalal Street witnessed major losses on Friday evening as the Sensex crashed nearly 450 points to close at 83,955.14, and the Nifty fell over 145 points to end trade at 25,722. The top gainers on the 30-share BSE Sensex were stocks such as Bharat Electronics, L&T, TCS, ITC and State Bank of India while the laggards included stocks like Titan, Reliance, Hindustan Unilever, Maruti and Mahindra & Mahindra. In the broader markets, the Nifty Smallcap 250 fell 0.56 per cent. Sectorally, the Nifty PSU Bank gained 1.56 per cent and the Nifty Midsmall IT & Telecom index tumbled 1.11 per cent. Previously, in the morning Sensex and Nifty bounced back amid buying in blue-chips Tata Consultancy Services and ITC.  The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 132.77 points to 84,537.23 in early trade and the 50-share NSE Nifty went up by 37 points to 25,914.85 at 9:15 AM.  Global Markets And Foreign Outflows In Asian markets, South Korea's Kospi and Japan's Nikkei 225 index were trading in positive territory, while Shanghai's SSE Composite index and Hong Kong's Hang Seng index quoted lower. US markets ended in negative territory on Thursday.  Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 3,077.59 crore on Thursday, according to exchange data. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) however were the buyers, as they bought equities worth Rs 2,469.34 crore in the previous trade.  What Do Analysts Say? "Global markets are trading mixed this Friday morning, reflecting investor caution after US indices closed lower overnight... Investors remain guarded as they assess the Federal Reserve's latest policy signals and await upcoming economic data for clarity on the global outlook. Across Asia, the market tone is largely uneven, with investors treading cautiously ahead of the weekend amid lingering global volatility," Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money said. 

Trader Predicts DOGE to $1 and SHIB to $0.0002 — But Says Hidden Gem $LYNO Could Soar 3100% by Q1 2025

Top presale crypto tokens are capturing investor attention as the market shifts into Q4 2025. The top-discussed include Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba (SHIB) and the young 800-pound token — the $LYNO, which is expected to yield incredible returns during its early presale. The current investors who wish to explore new opportunities should move quickly to lock their position before such tokens take off. $Lyno – The DOGE Prediction That Could Rewrite the Meme Coin Playbook The long-time crowd favorite Dogecoin is projected to reach the $1 mark thanks to the large whale holdings. The trader who made this prediction pointed out the highest point of DOGE in 2025 at 0.2302 as a mere beginning. The high market sentiment and favorable community endorsement makes DOGE a worthy candidate for explosive expansion. Buyers need to take into consideration this momentum and analyze its participation before prices rise. $Lyno – The Hidden Burn That Could Ignite SHIB’s Next Firestorm Shiba Inu is a stable asset, currently trading at 0.00001008, and its market cap is 5.94 billion. Continued token burning programs will increase scarcity and push the price towards $0.0002. This is an approach that has received a lot of attention as SHIB is also riding a tide of investor confidence. The sooner we engage the better the returns might be because the platform is more utilized. $Lyno – The AI Underdog That Could Outthink the Entire Crypto Market The presale price of the $LYNO token is 0.050, and 869,102 tokens have already been sold, bringing in 43,455. The second presale is priced at 0.055 with the final target of 0.100. Decentralized arbitrage protocol The advanced AI used by Lyno AI scans across 15 blockchains to find arbitrage and execute profitable trades. This is confirmed by an audit by Cyberscope that its tools are institutional-grade when applied to retail investors, and this adds to the credibility. $Lyno – Early Buyers Hold the Golden Ticket to 3,100% Gains Early-bird presale users will benefit in the features of Lyno AI, including automatic execution and reward of fees. An extra bonus is added — those people who buy more than 100 dollars of $LYNO tokens will gain ten prizes of 10,000 dollars. The chance to enter in advance is before a projected 3,100 percent increase, which could see the price rise to $1.55 by Q1 2026. $Lyno – Final Call Before the Next Mega Rally Leaves You Watching from the Sidelines The people who missed out on earlier rallies such as Polygon or Avalanche can now have Lyno AI which is projected to yield an impressive 3,100 percent ROI. Presale participants of this top presale crypto stand at the forefront of what could be the next major market movement. Investors are urged to act fast and get hold of the available LYNO tokens under the early bird program before the expected boom changes the scene.  For more information about LYNO visit the links below: Website:https://lyno.ai/  Buy Presale- https://lyno.ai/#presale Whitepaper: https://lyno.ai/whitepaper.pdf Twitter/X: https://x.com/Lyno_AI Telegram:https://t.me/lyno_ai Win 100k: https://gleam.io/KCCV3/lyno-ai-giveaway Contact Details:LYNO AIcontact@lyno.ai Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article. ABP Network Pvt. Ltd. and/or ABP Live do not endorse/subscribe to its contents and/or views expressed herein. Crypto products and NFTs are unregulated and can be highly risky. There may be no regulatory recourse for any loss from such transactions. Cryptocurrency is not a legal tender and is subject to market risks. Readers are advised to seek expert advice and read offer document(s) along with related important literature on the subject carefully before making any kind of investment whatsoever. Cryptocurrency market predictions are speculative and any investment made shall be at the sole cost and risk of the readers.

Shiba Inu Price Prediction: Sentiment Signals 800% Surge Soon, While Lyno ($LYNO) Positions for a 16,700% Run

The price prediction of Shiba Inu demonstrates that the market sentiment is very strong, with inflows by whales increasing by 2,000% in Q3 2025, indicating major moves. In the meantime, Lyno ($LYNO) will increase by 16,700 percent through its AI-based arbitrage system. Investors targeting top presale cryptos should act quickly to capture these opportunities. Can Shiba Inu Ignite an 800% Rally, or Is the Market Overheating Again? Whales have been on a spurt on Shiba Inu (SHIB), increasing 2,000 percent in the most recent quarter. This influx of holder trust drives expectations to an 800% increase in price to 0.000091 off its current price of 0.00001019, even as a slight increase of 3.81% in the past 24 hours and a market capital of $6 billion. Chart signals are giving warnings of the possibility of a 20% decline below $0.0000096, unless the token burns pick up. The 1 billion transactions feature of the Shibarium blockchain highlights resiliency, albeit with new memecoins putting a strain on competitive pressure. Buyers eyeing top presale cryptos should consider the risks but not miss the breakout potential. $LYNO Targets a Massive 16,700% Rise – The AI Arbitrage Revolution Begins Lyno ($LYNO) is a platform that changes the crypto investing scenario by providing fully autonomous AI arbitrage trading. Lyno, in contrast to SHIB, provides retail users with access to sophisticated algorithms that scan across 15+ blockchains in real time, streamlining trade routes to the most efficient ones possible. At the Early Bird presale price of $0.050 and 950,888 tokens sold at the price of $47,544, Lyno will have a price of $8.35 in the year — an unbelievable 16,700 percent profit on initial investments. Its 30% fee-sharing system, priority access to bots, and community governance ensure a sustainable growth environment supported by a Cyberscope audit. Presale customers also participate in a Lyno AI Giveaway where those who buy more than $100 receive an opportunity to win a $10K share in a $100K prize fund. Secure Your Position in the Top Presale Crypto Now Before the Price Escapes The cross-chain arbitrage technology created by Lyno eliminates conventional boundaries and allows instant transactions between Ethereum, Arbitrum, Polygon, and others with multi-layer security and audited smart contracts. It has an AI-based market intelligence that automatically identifies and trades profitable opportunities, eliminating guesswork in trading. As DeFi TVL grows to $200 billion in Q4 2025, transparent analytics and stake-for-rewards systems such as Lyno quickly surpass memecoins in popularity, such as SHIB. Investors who have not participated in previous booms in top-20 coins now have an opportunity to be part of a disruptive AI-based platform with explosive returns. The last presale target price will be $0.100, and the following price level will be $0.055. Lyno AI is strongly placed as the future of cross-chain trading. It has a proven and transparent framework that is audited by Cyberscope and is unmatched by traditional types of bots, and this presale is an uncommon opportunity to invest before the price explodes. Recap – The Window Is Narrowing for the $LYNO Surge Opportunity People who overlooked the meteoric gains of top tokens have an unbelievable chance with the estimated 16,700 percent increase driven by the artificial intelligence of Lyno. With Shiba Inu catalyzing an 800 percent jump, the next-generation AI arbitrage will make it one of the powerhouses in the shifting crypto-global landscape. Investors should act swiftly to secure the $LYNO presale at $0.050 before it surges beyond $8.35, seizing a window to stake in the top presale crypto destined to reshape decentralized trading.  For more information about LYNO visit the links below: Website:https://lyno.ai/  Buy Presale- https://lyno.ai/#presale Whitepaper: https://lyno.ai/whitepaper.pdf Twitter/X: https://x.com/Lyno_AI Telegram:https://t.me/lyno_ai Win 100k: https://gleam.io/KCCV3/lyno-ai-giveaway Contact Details:LYNO AIcontact@lyno.ai Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article. ABP Network Pvt. Ltd. and/or ABP Live do not endorse/subscribe to its contents and/or views expressed herein. Crypto products and NFTs are unregulated and can be highly risky. There may be no regulatory recourse for any loss from such transactions. Cryptocurrency is not a legal tender and is subject to market risks. Readers are advised to seek expert advice and read offer document(s) along with related important literature on the subject carefully before making any kind of investment whatsoever. Cryptocurrency market predictions are speculative and any investment made shall be at the sole cost and risk of the readers.

Halloween 2025: 8 Fascinating Festivals Like Halloween Celebrated Around The World

Halloween may be one of the most iconic festivals of the year, but the fascination with spirits, the afterlife, and supernatural forces isn’t limited to the West. Across the world, diverse cultures mark similar occasions to honour ancestors, ward off evil spirits, and celebrate the mysterious link between the living and the dead. From the fiery streets of Spain to the candle-lit homes of Japan, each country adds its own mystical twist. Here are eight fascinating festivals like Halloween that are celebrated across continents, each revealing how humanity shares a deep, timeless connection with the unseen. ALSO READ: Halloween 2025: 8 Spookiest Travel Destinations Around The World 1. Bhoot Chaturdashi (Image Source: Facebook/DrAmlesh Pandey) In West Bengal, India, Bhoot Chaturdashi marks the eve of Diwali with a distinctly spooky twist. Celebrated one night before Kali Puja, it is believed that on this night, ancestral spirits return to visit their families. To guide them home and protect the living from malevolent forces, Bengalis light fourteen earthen lamps or choddo prodip around their homes. People also prepare fourteen different choddo shaak as part of the day’s ritual meal to ward off evil. Much like Halloween, the festival is rooted in the coexistence of light and darkness. It symbolises remembrance, protection, and reverence for those who came before. 2. Día De Los Muertos (Image Source: Facebook/Fed Square) Perhaps the most well-known festival akin to Halloween, Día de los Muertos is also known as the Day of the Dead. It is a vibrant Mexican celebration that honours deceased loved ones. Families build colourful altars decorated with marigolds, sugar skulls, photos, and favourite foods of the departed. Unlike Halloween’s spooky undertones, this festival is joyous and full of life. It celebrates death as a natural part of existence. Parades, music, and traditional dances fill the streets, while people paint their faces like skulls to represent the delicate balance between life and death. It’s a festival of love, remembrance, and cultural pride that turns mourning into a beautiful, communal celebration. 3. Obon Festival (Image Source: Facebook/Ray Chavez) The Japanese Obon Festival is one of the country’s most spiritual observances, held in summer to honour ancestors. It is believed that during Obon, the spirits of ancestors return to visit their families. To welcome them, homes and temples are decorated with lanterns and offerings of food. Families visit ancestral graves, perform Bon Odori dances, and float lanterns on rivers in a ceremony called Toro Nagashi to guide the spirits back to the afterlife. This festival is about connection, reflection, and gratitude, making it Japan's serene counterpart to the eerie thrill of Halloween. 4. Walpurgis Night (Image Source: Facebook/Brandie Wells, The Breakthrough Medium) Every 30th April, the night before May Day, Europe celebrates Walpurgis Night. This festival is steeped in folklore and mysticism. In Germany and Scandinavia, it’s said that witches gather atop mountains to meet the devil and celebrate the arrival of spring. Bonfires are lit to drive away evil spirits, and people dress in costumes, dance, and make loud noises to ward off darkness. This blend of superstition and celebration gives Walpurgis Night a distinctly “Halloween-like” vibe. It’s a thrilling night of masks, magic, and mayhem. 5. Krampusnacht (Image Source: Facebook/Exeratus - Pass) In the alpine regions of Austria, Germany, and parts of Eastern Europe, Krampusnacht offers a darkly humorous contrast to Christmas cheer. Celebrated during the winter months, in this festival, the horned demon Krampus, companion of Saint Nicholas, roams the streets punishing the naughty while St Nick rewards the good. People dress as the terrifying creature, wearing fur costumes, masks, and clanging chains, creating eerie parades that blend fear and fun. The celebration serves as both a moral reminder and an exhilarating spectacle. 6. Correfocs (Image Source: Facebook/Calpe Online 24) In Catalonia, Spain, Correfocs, or “fire-runs,” are breathtaking spectacles of flames, music, and masked devils. Participants dressed as demons and dragons run through the streets, spinning fireworks and sparklers while crowds dance to rhythmic drumming. Rooted in medieval folklore, Correfocs symbolise the eternal battle between good and evil. Though it doesn’t directly celebrate spirits, the festival’s explosive energy and theatrical darkness resonate with Halloween’s fiery, chaotic spirit. 7. Famadihana (Image Source: Facebook/Narovanjanahary Norosoa) In Madagascar, families celebrate Famadihana, or “The Turning of the Bones,” a moving ritual of remembrance. Every few years, families exhume their ancestors’ remains, rewrap them in fresh cloth, and dance with the bundles to live music. This tradition, deeply rooted in Malagasy beliefs, celebrates the unbreakable bond between the living and the dead. Rather than mourning, the event is filled with joy, laughter, and song. It aims at reaffirming that death does not end a relationship but transforms it. Much like Halloween’s connection to ancestry, Famadihana honours memory, legacy, and the circle of life. 8. Awuru Odo Festival (Image Source: Twitter/@Prequel_app) Among the Igbo people of Nigeria, the Awuru Odo Festival is a grand, months-long celebration marking the return of ancestral spirits to the world of the living. Held once every two years, it involves elaborate costumes, music, dancing, and storytelling. The spirits, known as “Odo," are believed to visit their families, bless them, and guide them before returning to the spirit world. The festival closes with emotional farewell ceremonies, symbolising the deep connection between the physical and spiritual realms.

How to watch interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS passing through the solar system: When, where and tips to spot this rare cosmic visitor

A rare interstellar visitor, comet 3I/ATLAS, is currently traversing our solar system, offering scientists a unique chance to study an object from another star. This comet, unlike those orbiting our Sun, follows a one-time hyperbolic path. Best viewing opportunities are in the eastern predawn sky mid-to-late November 2025, requiring at least an eight-inch telescope.

Delhi Doctors Rebuild Man’s Thumb Using Toe From His Amputated Leg

New Delhi [India], October 31 (ANI): Doctors of a hospital successfully reconstructed the thumb of a 20-year-old male, who sustained severe injuries in a road traffic accident involving a bike and a tractor, using the second toe from his amputated leg on Friday. According to the hospital, this procedure not only restored hand function but also utilised tissues from the non-salvageable limb. "The patient suffered total amputation of his left leg below the knee and total amputation of left thumb. Upon arrival at the hospital, the trauma team acted swiftly. The amputated parts (left leg and thumb) were examined for reimplantation, but due to severe crush injuries, they were unsuitable for reimplantation (reattachment). In an extraordinary decision, the surgical team chose to use the second toe from the amputated leg to reconstruct the lost thumb, a procedure that not only restored hand function but also utilized tissue from the non-salvageable limb," the hospital said. The complex microsurgical procedure was performed under Dr. Mahesh Mangal (Senior Consultant and Head of the Department of Plastic, Cosmetic and Hand Microsurgery), by his skilled team comprising Dr. Nikhil Jhunjhunwala (Consultant Hand and Microsurgeon), Dr. Arjun Krishna (DNB resident), and Dr. Rishika Bachani ( DNB resident). Dr Mahesh Mangal further emphasised the importance of bringing the amputated parts, patients and relatives should always try and search for the amputated part at the trauma scene. "Timely, efficient transportation of the patient and the preserved amputated part to the reimplantation center is critical for survival and function." The hospital mentioned that it has performed over 700 reimplants of different body parts, "We have done more than 700 reimplants of different body parts like fingers, toes, penis, scalp, ear, upper limb, etc." (This report has been published as part of an auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)