Dhanteras 2026.

Honouring wealth and wellbeing.

Dhanteras, observed on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of Kartik, falls on 06 Nov this year and marks the beginning of Diwali festivities. Also called Dhantrayodashi, it brings together the worship of wealth, wellbeing and auspicious beginnings.

The festival honours Lord Dhanvantari, regarded in Hindu tradition as the divine physician and associated with Ayurveda. According to the Bhagavata purana, Dhanvantari emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean bearing a pot of amrita, the nectar of immortality.

Her worship on Dhanteras reflects the traditional understanding of health as a precious gift. Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of prosperity and Kubera, the celestial treasurer, are also worshipped in many households.

Buying gold, silver or new utensils is a familiar custom, believed to to invite good fortune into the home. Yet the day's observances extend beyond acquisition. In many regions, families light a small earthen lamp for Yama, the god of death, praying for protection against untimely death. This ritual, known as Yama Deepam, is associated in popular tradition with a tale of a young prince whose life was saved through his bride's vigilance and the light of lamps.

Rafale-M makes landing on INS Vikrant.

The Indian Navy's effort to integrate the French-made Rafale Marine (Rafale-M) was successful when the aircraft landed on INS Vikrant on its maiden attempt. The landing comes a week after the IN began trials of the Rafale-M at its Shore Based Test Facility (SBTF) at INS Hansa in Goa, which replicates a carrier's ski jump and arrester wires, to assess the modifications needed for the jet to operate from INS Vikrant.

The Rafale-Ms were designed for the French Navy's nuclear-powered Charles de aulle, which uses catapults to launch aircraft under CATOBAR (catapult-assisted take off but arrested recovery) system.

The Rafale-Ms will finally replace the IN's MiG-29Ks. 

I'd like to be called a Septolescent!

"Septolescent" is a term used to describe a person who is over 70 years old but still lives with the enthusiasm and energy of a teenager.

"Septo" refers to seven, representing 70+ while "adolescent" refers to teenagers. 

A septolescent is someone who even after turning 70, continues to live life with the enthusiasm of a teenager.

Normally, after crossing 70, some people think, "I have become old; my life is over".

But a septolescent doen't think that way. They see age as just a number and embrace family as if starting a new chapter.

All about the recently concluded Jio IPO.

Rupees 7.5 lakh cr have been collected from 1% of the Indian population.......for an IPO from the Reliance group!

This is the simple, true strength Indians possess and sure this is just the "tip of the iceberg", that I will never want to melt.

The confidence in an Indian business family, is so huge that apart from our country folk, we have American President, Secretary and so many others visiting Jamnagar, for an interaction with the Ambanis to invite them to the US.

I feel proud to even read these figures and the way the baton is being passed on to the younger generations, with enormous trust in them!

I'm sure the world is stunned at these figures of this IPO and would love to know what the US, Pakistan and Bangladesh feel about this reach and strength of Indians.

Read again - 7.5 lakh crores of rupees legally taken from over 1.3 cr of Indians.

My take

Some idiot said India is dead economy.

Why do birds have different-shaped beaks?

A bird's beak is more than just a mouth. Its shape is closely linked to what the bird eats and how it finds food. Eagles have sharp, hooked beaks for tearing flesh., while sparrows have short, strong beaks suited to cracking seeds.

Hummingbirds have long, slender beaks that help them reach nectar-deep inside flowers. Ducks have broad, flattened bills that help them filter food from water and mud.

These differences developed over generations through evolution, as birds adapted to different environments and food sources. In short, a bird's beak is a specialised tool shaped by its way of life.

16 things a school doesn’t teach you.

  1. How to sell

  2. How to think

  3. How to negotiate

  4. How to face failure

  5. How to manage time

  6. How to invest money

  7. Principles of success

  8. How to find your passion

  9. How to handle money 

10. How to make an impact

11. How to start a business 

12. The importance of travel

13. How to communicate well

14. Emotional awareness/intelligence 

15. How to read a financial statement 

16. How income tax works

My take

One must work on one’s own and gain knowledge in what one wants.

Good cause.

How the UN has helped advance education and children's rights around the world.

1. Universal declaration, 1948

    Adopted in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognised education as a right,

    calling for free, compulsory elementary schooling. Article 26 still informs education policy

    and efforts to make learning accessible to every child around the world.

2. Education quality treaty

    UNESCO adopted the Convention against Discrimination in Education in 1960, obliging states to

    oppose exclusion in school access and opportunity. It remains a legal tool for challenging unequal

    treatment based on race, sex, language, social origin or other grounds.

3. Education for all at Jomtien

    In 1990, delegates at Jomtien adopted the World Declaration on Education for All, focusing on 

    basic learning needs for children, youth and adults. It helped guide reforms and later global targets, 

    including support for early learning and literacy worldwide.

4. UN literacy decade launched

    UN declared 2003-'12 the Literacy Decade to extend learning to adults and children excluded

    from school. Its emphasis on locally sustained literacy still informs efforts to keep adult educ-

    ation and marginalised learners on policy agendas worldwide.

5. SDG 4 sets education goal

    Adopted in 2015, Sustainable Development Goal 4 committed countries to inclusive, equitable, 

    quality education and lifelong learning for all. Its targets guide efforts on school access, gender

    equality, skills, learning outcomes and support for disadvantaged learners. 

Why Trump backed off the 100% tariff?

What really happened behind the curtains?

The world saw a deal

But missed the dealer.

Enter Narendra Modi

And his legendary Gujju mind.

12 Sep 2026.

New Delhi, BRICS Summit.

Putin.

Xi Jinping.

Pezeskian.

Modi.

One table.

Four leaders.

One American headache.

Trump's 100% tariff threat.

"He will pass Lindsey O. Graham

Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 

2026".

Everyone looked worried.

Modi smiled.

"Relax, gentlemen. I have a plan".

A plan he had discussed with

Jaishankar a day before.

Modi turned to Pezeskian

"Brother, tighten the Strait of

Hormuz".

Two more turns. That's enough.

Pezeskian : "But India's oil?"

Modi : "I'll manage".

Xi : I can also manage".

Putin : "And what about me?"

Modi : "Announce an oil production 

cut.

Blame sanctions.

Blame Ukrainian attacks.

Blame damaged refineries".

Putin : "And then".

Modi : "Oil prices will shoot up".

Xi leaned forward.

Pezeskian stopped blinking.

Modi continued.

"America will feel the heat.

Fuel prices will rise.

Trump's midterms are

approaching".

Putin : "So?"

Modi : "His voters will roast him.

He'll come running to you".

Silence.

Then Putin smiled.

The trap was set.

Oil supply tightened.

Markets grew nervous.

Washington felt the heat.

And within 48 hours....

Ring! Ring!

Trump calling Putin.

Trump : "Vladimir, let's make a 

deal".

Putin : "But your 100% tariff?"

Trump : "Waived! Don't worry".

"Fantastic deal! I'm a dealmaker!"

Of course, Donald.

Even the fire brigade makes deal

after someone sets the kitchen 

ablaze.

Meanwhile, poor Zelensky.

Russian attacks intensified.

Then Starlink reportedly slowed.

Zelensky called Elon Musk.

"Elon! what's happening? Your

Starlink is just buffering".

Musk : "Not me. Starshield".

Zelensky : "What the hell is that?"

Musk : "Ask Trump".

Now count the winners.

Trump got his deal.

Putin got his leverage.

Iran got its moment.

China got breathing space.

India got tariff relief.

Japan and other oil buyers?

They celebrated too.

And Zelensky?

Still waiting for internet.

This is the Gujju mind.

Not taught at Harvard.

Not found in geopolitics textbooks.

Modi speaks of Gandhi and

Budha.

But behind the scenes, he plays 

Chanakya.

A little mischief.

A little psychology.

And the chessboard changes.

Look at the world today.

Hormuz.

Bab el-Mandeb.

Houthis.

Hezbollah.

Iran.

Israel.

America.

Wars.

Sanctions.

Chaos.

Yet India keeps moving.

Petrol pumps functioning.

Households carrying on.

Growth around 7.8% to 8%.

That's the new Bharat many fail to

understand.

You may have 100 problems with 

Modi.

I even have many in my list too.

But give credit where it is due.

The man knows how to play chess

while others are fighting over dice.

And psychological warfare?

Sometimes the biggest victory

comes without firing a bullet.

The Para Asian Games @ Aichi Nagoya.

As the continental event came to a close today, the country has registered a historic haul and secured the 4th place in the overall medal tally.

More reward with lower strength

Despite 168 para-athletes for this edition, which was nearly half the contingent size that went to the Hangzhou Games in 2023, India returned with 114 medals, the breakdown of which is given below :-

          * Gold                   30

          * Silver                  35

          * Bronze                49

In the previous edition, India had sent 309 para-athletes and they finished fifth on the medal tally with 101 medals, including 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze behind China, Japan and Uzbekistan.

Highest single-day haul yesterday

* Yesterday, India collected nine gold medals, their highest single-day haul in the ongoing edition, with 

   top finishes registered in archery, shooting, badminton and athletics.

* Athletics, as always, ended up being the driving force snaring 65 medals in all, 12 more than 2023.

Don't leave anything for later...

Later, the coffee gets cold.

Later, you lose interest.

Later, the day turns into

night.

Later, people grow up.

Later, people grow old.

Later, life goes by.

Later, you regret not

doing something

when you had the

chance. 

Growth of core sectors.

Production in key infrastructure industries rose to 7.9% in September, the fastest pace under the new series, official data showed yesterday.

Among segments, iron ore output rose by 18.4%, electricity by 11.4%, coal by 10.7% and refinery products by 10.3%, the data showed. Cement production rose 9.8% and steel by 4.9% in September compared with the same period last year.

However, fertilisers (-11.7%), natural gas (-4.6%) and crude oil (-1.4%) output fell during the month under review.

The core sector expanded by 3.19% in September last year and 5.9% in Aug '26, according to the government data.

My take

A good show when compared with the prevalent uncertainties, within the country and without!

Back @ The Quarterdeck.

Our day began at 4, this morning, we went through the chores and were ready by a quarter past 6. Monish, our sa'arathi came in by a half past 6 and we set off soon after. Were helped in loading the car by our caretaker.

Stopped at the Nagaraja kshetram at Randalummoodu as is our normal custom.

His younger son, Aniyan had fetched up from Saudi Arabia earlier in the morning and he, too, had dropped by to meet us and take our blessings. He should be with his folks over the next 45 days! He has got much of the family's debt cleared with his earnings and looks after his parents.

We'd shaped our course toward the Sri Parthasarathy temple at Aranmula, where Lekha wanted to do the "matha thekoing" and we'd a wonderful darshan by about 8. Had breakfast soon after.

The drive was fine and we passed Ponkunnam, Perumbavoor, Muvattupuzha vis Thrissur.

Lunch was had at the Gokula Nandana, 9 km north of Angamali.

Reached The Quarterdeck by 4 and the opening up of the house, unpacking and seeing off our sa'arathi were quickly done without delay.

It was a quiet evening when we watched our favourite serials on television.

Tailpiece.

It rained at Guruvayur around 7.

Dussehra.

Dasha Hara is a Sanskrit word which means removal of ten bad qualities within you :-

* Ahankara                                       Ego

* Amanavta                                      Cruelty

* Anyaaya                                        Injustice

* Kaama vaasana                             Lust

* Krodha                                          Anger

* Lobha                                           Greed

* Mada                                            Over Pride

* Matsara                                         Jealousy

* Moha                                            Attachment

* Swartha                                        Selfishness

Hence, also known as "Vijayadashami" signifying "Vijaya" over these ten bed qualities.

Happy Vijayadashami!

Happy Dussehra!

Forget it.....

Forget the Bucket List. That's for people who want to swim with the dolphins, climb mountains and find themselves in Nepal.

I've been to Nepal, seen a bit of the world and spent half my life wondering what the bloody hell I'm supposed to be looking for.

Turns out, I ain't trying to find myself anymore. I'm trying to find my glasses, remember why I walked into the kitchen and work out why everything hurts when I get up.

So, here's my Forget it list.

1. Impressing people I don't like

    Years of wearing the right suit, saying the right things and nodding at people talking absolute 

     bollocks.     

    Forget it.

    If you're talking bollocks, I'll probably tell you.

2. Going places because I feel obliged.

    Weddings, parties, dinners with people I barely know.

    Forget it.

    I've got a sofa, a television and a cat who thinks I'm an employee.

3. Understanding modern technology

    Apparently my fridge connects to the internet. Why? Is it lonely? Does it want to meet other

    fridges?

   Forget it.

   Just keep the milk cold.

4. Worrying what people think.

    At 20, I wanted everyone to like me.

    At 40, I wanted everyone to respect me.

    At 60, I've realised half of them weren't thinking about me anyway.

    Forget it.

    That's 40 years of unnecessary administration.

5. Saving things for special occasions.

    The expensive whisky. The good shoes. The nice plates.

    Forget it.

    What's the special occasion? My funeral?

6. Winning every argument.

    Once I'd spend hours proving someone. Now, if someone tells me the Earth is flat, which side

    Australia is on.

    Forget it.

    Life is too short to argue with idiots.

7. Acting my age.

    Apparently, I'm supposed to enjoy gardening, sensible shoes and discussing cholesterol.

   Forget it.

   I still laugh at inappropriate jokes and behave like a teenager.

   Only difference is, now I need two days to recover.

8. Waiting until retirement.

    Work hard. Save money, enjoy life when you retire.

    But nobody guarantees you'll get there. Or that your knees will still work.

    Forget it.

    I'm enjoying mine now.

A tryst with the goddess.

Our day began at 4 AM thanks to our religious foray this morning. Went through our chores, lit up the puja room lamp, recited my prayers, bath and were ready by a quarter past 6. However, Monish, our sa'arthi fetched up by 7; he'd washed down the car with four buckets of water and we set off on our journey.

Picked up Lekha's sister, Letha from her home and resumed our journey.

Reached the Kattil Mekkanath temple at the coast off Karunagappally. Despite the fact that today was "pooja veyppu", the crowd was much less and manageable. Had a quick bite of breakfast of dosas, sambar washed down with a good cup of coffee.

Had a very good 'darshan' of the Goddess and we were on our return trip soon after.

Reached Kottarakkara, picked up our lunch and were at home by 1. 

Lunch, watched television for a while followed by siesta.

The evening chores and did Lekha's monthly 'aarathi' with the silver coin.

Tomorrow morning, we shall be off to toothy Mallan's clinic at Muhamma to fix my right dental bridge and for Lekha's review.

On completion, we shall return to Raj Nivas and proceed to Guruvayur on Wednesday morning.

Take time to think....

Take time to think...

it is the source of power..

Take time to read....

it is the foundation of wisdom...

Take time to play....

it is the secret of staying young...

Take time to be quiet...

it is the opportunity to see God...

Take time to be aware....

it is the opportunity to help others...

Take time to love and be loved...

it is God's greatest gift...

Take time to laugh...

it is the music of the soul...

Take time to be friendly...

it is the road to happiness....

Take time dream....

it is what the future is made of...

Take time to pray....

it is the greatest power on earth...

At Raj Nivas.

Our day had begun at 4, this morning. We went through our chores and were ready by a quarter past 6. Earlier, our chauffeur, Monish had arrived by a quarter past 4 from Kottarakkara. He came by a KSRTC bus.

We kicked off at a quarter past 6, had a darshan of 'Thiruvambadi Krishnan' - Lekha had always been wanting to visit the temple after I'd told her about my morning visits to the temple during her surgery. We pulled it off today, phew!

We'd breakfast at the Aryaas Hotel, after the turn to the airport, at around a quarter to 9 and reached Satish Bhat's clinic by a quarter past 10. He was very happy with my overall medical condition with HBA1C hovering at 5.4! After Lekha's and my interaction with him, we set off for Shenoy Care. 

The formalities of registration, tests, meeting with Dr Aswathy by a half past 12 but had to wait till a half past 3 to meet Dr Padmanabha Shenoy. He, too, was happy with Lekha's medical condition and has reduced the HQCS regime.

We left for Raj Nivas, soon after and reached home by 8 PM. Expressed my unhappiness with the tall, wild grass at the courtyard; Monish left soon after.

The television did not come on stream for the evening.

Hit the sack at our usual time of 11. Nice to be back at home!

India joins international fishing pact.

India will join the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA), gaining a greater role in managing high-seas resources and opening fishing opportunities for Indian vessels in the southern Indian Ocean while adhering to international regulations.

Deep water advantage

India will be upgraded from non-contracting party to contracting party under Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement.

 

India's share in global economy 8%

Indian vessels to fish for 

   * Squids

   * Toothfish

   * Alfonsino

   * Other non-migratory fish

India will have greater access to

   * Scientific data

   * Research programs

   * Stock assessments

Our fishing sector

2nd largest fish-producing country in the world

India's fish production in 2024-'25 195 lakh tons

30 million livelihoods supported by the fishing sector

Rs.60,523 cr is the amount India earned in fishery product exports in 2023-'24

120 countries consume fish exports from India

Exploration : 2036.

Thiruvananthapuram-based space-tech firm HEX20 is all set to hand over its satellite EMA Probe to the UAE Space Agency this month. The satellite, developed in the firm's facility at UAE's Masdar city, will explore asteroid 269 Justitia by 2036.

Developed to meet the requirements of the UAE Space Agency, the satellite took over two years to build. HEX20 was selected by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and the UAE Space Agency in Nov 2024, becoming the first private Indian company to be on board for a deep-space mission by the Gulf nation.

After the satellite is taken over by the UAE, it will be sent to the US for integration with a larger spacecraft. After testing, the integrated unit will be launched through Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) by 2028. It is scheduled to travel nearly five billion kilometres to reach the asteroid belt. 

Along the way, it will fly past six asteroids before reaching its final target, 269 Justitia. Once it enters orbit around around the asteroid, the probe developed by HEX20 will separate and descend autonomously and descend toward the surface, capturing images and transmitting them for scientific study. It will have a hard landing!

Justitia's unusual reddish target has always drawn scientific interest. Studying its surface could provide clues about organic material and the distribution of water and other volatile substances during the formation of the Solar System.  

Inflation.

Retail inflation rises to 5.54% in September on high onion price 

Retail inflation rose sharply on the back of high onion price and other food prices, government data showed.

Just within the RBI's tolerance band

The consumer price index (CPI) based headline inflation was 4.83% in August. The latest figure is just within the RBI's tolerance band of 6%. Food inflation rose to 7.74% from 5.97% the previous month. The top items with high inflation were onion (108.09%), silver jewellery (87.8%) and ginger (62.85%).

Rural inflation crosses 6%

* The top five states with high inflation were Tamilnadu, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Andhra

   Pradesh. The figures for rural and urban areas were 6.08% and 4.88%, respectively.

* Commenting on the data, CRISIL, said food inflation is likely to remain firm as weak rainfall weighs 

   on agri output.

5.2% is the projected retail inflation for 2026-'27.