Thu Oct 23 10:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

Banks in several Indian cities, including Ahmedabad, Gangtok, Imphal, Kanpur, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Shimla, are closed today, October 23, 2025, due to various festivals like Bhai Bij, Bhai Dooj, Chitragupta Jayanti, Lakshmi Puja (Diwali), Bhratri Dwitiya, and Ningol Chakkouba. While physical banking services are unavailable in these locations, digital banking services like NEFT, RTGS, mobile banking apps, and internet banking remain operational nationwide. The text also mentions updates to EPFO pension rules and allegations of police surveillance against the wife of Sonam Wangchuk.

News Article:

Bank Holiday Today in Several Cities Across India

New Delhi, October 23, 2025 – Banking operations are affected today in several cities across India as banks observe a holiday for various festivals, including Bhai Bij, Bhai Dooj, Chitragupta Jayanti, Lakshmi Puja (Diwali), Bhratri Dwitiya, and Ningol Chakkouba.

According to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) holiday calendar, banks will be closed in Ahmedabad, Gangtok, Imphal, Kanpur, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Shimla. These closures reflect the RBI’s policy of recognizing local festivals with regional bank holidays.

While physical branches will remain closed in these cities, digital banking services will remain available. Customers nationwide can continue to access financial services through online platforms such as NEFT, RTGS, mobile banking applications, and internet banking.

“We understand the inconvenience this may cause and encourage our customers to utilize our digital banking services for their transactions today,” said a spokesperson for a major nationalized bank.

Beyond the bank holiday, there are also updates being released concerning EPFO pension rule changes and news surrounding allegations made by the wife of Sonam Wangchuk, stating that police surveilled her during recent visits to her husband in Jodhpur Central Jail.

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