GST reduction on 375 items boosted consumer spending. Navratri sales reached a decade high. Government officials cited industry data. Families upgraded vehicles and bought white goods. This turned festive cheer into record consumption. Brands and retailers reported sales growth. This provided a boost for India’s consumption-driven economy. Car bookings also saw an increase.

US forces carried out a strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat off the coast of Venezuela on Friday, killing four people, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said.

US President Donald Trump said Friday he believed Hamas was ready for “lasting peace” and told Israel to stop bombing Gaza, after the Palestinian militant group declared it was ready to free hostages under his ceasefire plan.