November 8, 2026: India is celebrating Diwali, with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extending greetings to citizens. Meanwhile, SBI has expanded its banking presence in the United States, the Defence Minister has called for heightened operational readiness, and food safety authorities have seized thousands of tonnes of unsafe products during the festive season.
Top India Headlines
- SBI Opens New Branch in Texas, Expands US Banking Presence: State Bank of India has opened a new branch in Texas, marking the first physical expansion of its California-based subsidiary beyond the state and strengthening its presence in the United States.
- President Murmu and PM Modi Extend Diwali Greetings: President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Diwali greetings to citizens. President Murmu said the festival symbolises the victory of virtue over negativity and promotes hope and positivity.
- Rajnath Singh Stresses Operational Readiness Amid Evolving Security Threats: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged the armed forces to maintain the highest level of operational readiness, emphasising domain awareness, cyber resilience and information integrity. He addressed Indian Air Force personnel at an Air Force station.
- Petroleum Ministry Reaffirms E20 Petrol Quality Standards: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said E20 petrol supplied by public sector oil marketing companies across India, including Karnataka, meets prescribed quality standards under IS 17021.
- IMD Forecasts Heavy Rainfall in Southern States: The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall over Kerala, Mahe, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are also expected over Andhra Pradesh and Lakshadweep.
- NCW Orders Time-Bound Probe into Tribal Activist Nisha Bhagat’s Death: The National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of the death of tribal social activist Nisha Bhagat in Ranchi on November 6. Reports indicated that she had expressed distress over online harassment during a Facebook Live session.
- FSSAI Seizes Unsafe Food Products Worth ₹82 Crore: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India seized nearly 3,280 tonnes of banned and non-compliant food products during its nationwide festive-season inspection drive. The seized products included paneer, ghee, milk and sweets valued at approximately ₹82 crore.
