Sudan drone strikes kill 21, cause mass outages in east

Drone strikes in Sudan killed 21 people at a market in Nyala and wounded at least 40, while attacks disrupted electricity across Khartoum and eastern states, medics and witnesses said Tuesday. The drone war between the army and Rapid Support Forces is damaging infrastructure. Since fighting began in 2023, it has caused displacement and severe hunger.

Handheld devices to detect spurious drugs in Maharashtra government health systems

Maharashtra, first to adopt the technology, bought eight counterfeit-drug detectors, costing Rs 1.2 crore each, and deployed them in flying squads to screen medicines at government health facilities. The devices compare samples with stored ingredients, providing preliminary results within minutes, but NABL-recognised laboratories must confirm suspected drugs before enforcement. Monthly checks cover procurement channels, strengthening medicine-supply oversight.

Budget-friendly festive decor ideas that won't go out of use after Diwali

Refresh homes for Karwa Chauth and Diwali with versatile decor that brightens gatherings without a makeover or seasonal-only spending. Reusable choices include cushion covers, runners, candle holders, lighting, wall plates, glassware, artificial flowers and doormats suited to everyday interiors. Consider space, function, dimensions and colours before buying; festive traditions need not require costly seasonal purchases.

Cheetah cub found injured in MP's Morena, shifted to Kuno National Park; suspected to have been hit

A 19-month-old cheetah cub injured in Morena’s forest is receiving treatment at Kuno National Park, while a State Tiger Strike Force investigates whether someone struck it. Born to Nirva, the cub suffered back injuries; investigators are examining possible links to leopard-poaching networks exposed in the region. It is the first such reported attack since reintroduction.

In 1979, 30 mongooses were released on Amami Oshima to control habu; numbers soon topped 30,000

Japan declared the mongoose eradicated from Amami Oshima in September 2024, after six years without sightings; models put eradication probability at 98.9–99.7%. Over 30,000 traps, cameras and detection dogs supported the campaign, while wildlife showed signs of recovery. About 30 mongooses were introduced in 1979 to control habu vipers, but their spread threatened endemic wildlife.

SC defers to Nov 2 hearing on Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan's plea for release of passport

The Supreme Court postponed until November 2 its hearing on Siddique Kappan’s request to recover his passport, deposited under bail conditions in the Hathras conspiracy case. State counsel sought time to obtain instructions. Arrested in 2020 while traveling to report on a Dalit girl’s killing, Kappan received bail in 2022, with passport surrender among the conditions.

PIL on 'Vande Mataram' song: SC notice to Centre on plea seeking transfer from Delhi HC

The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought the Centre’s response to a plea to transfer a Delhi High Court PIL seeking equal status for “Vande Mataram” and the national anthem. The case was tagged with similar petitions. The petitioner seeks daily school recitals, arguing the song’s role in India’s freedom struggle warrants comparable respect and recognition.

Trans Democrat Avery Rowland makes LGBTQ rights central to Kansas midterms run

Transgender Democrat Avery Rowland says her identity and restrictions on transgender people’s driver’s licenses prompted her 2026 bid for House District 2, where she faces Republican Daniel Muter. She pledges to restore “humanity” and advance equal rights, healthcare, education, infrastructure and investment. Facing a Republican supermajority, she urges voters to choose with heart and conscience.

IND A vs NZ A match ends in a draw, Padikkal emerges as standout performer

New Zealand A drew the unofficial Test against India A after bad light ended the final day, despite falling to 170/9, with Curtis Heaphy’s unbeaten 90 resisting and Auqib Nabi taking three wickets. India A had recovered from 113 all out through Devdutt Padikkal’s 199 in a 516-run second innings; Padikkal also claimed two wickets.

Best Halloween 2026 couples costume inspo you need: Zohran and Rama to Grace and Rocky

Couples can take Halloween inspiration from pop culture, including Zohran Mamdani and Rama Duwaji, Nikki and Bear (*Obsession*), Catherine and Heathcliff (*Wuthering Heights*), Ryland Grace and Rocky (*Project Hail Mary*), and two *Off-Campus* pairs. Costumes span tailored looks, horror makeup, Victorian clothes and flight suits, reflecting October’s monthlong celebration shaped by films, celebrities and viral trends.

Maharashtra farmers march to Mumbai seeking immediate relief for drought-hit cultivators

More than 12,000 farmers marched from Igatpuri to Mumbai Tuesday, demanding drought relief, crop-insurance payouts, loan waivers and forest-land rights; Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was expected to meet their delegation. The protest seeks fair wages and reliable government payments, as crop losses deepen water and fodder shortages; Maharashtra has sought ₹17,500 crore in central aid.

Rethinking, not rejoining yet: Andy Burnham open to ‘honest discussion’ on UK-EU ties

Prime Minister Andy Burnham says Britain needs an honest discussion about improving ties with the European Union, arguing Brexit weakened the economy but ruling out another referendum during his term. Ahead of a November summit, he favors practical changes; Downing Street says he has set no concrete position, and rejoining would require a fresh application.

Kerala HC allows couple to hand over baby with skeletal dysplasia to child welfare committee

Kerala High Court allowed a couple whose unborn baby has skeletal dysplasia to hand the child to the Child Welfare Committee after birth, deeming termination unnecessary because they did not intend to raise the baby. A medical board called the condition non-lethal and advised against ending the 33-week pregnancy. Skeletal dysplasia comprises rare disorders affecting bone and cartilage development.

In 1988, scientists released 88 flea beetles in North Dakota to target leafy spurge

An 1988 release of 88 flea beetles near Valley City, North Dakota, grew into an effort distributing hundreds of millions across North America, suppressing leafy spurge by attacking foliage and roots; stems there fell from 182 per square yard to five by 1994. Sheep grazing aided grass recovery, though site conditions limit effectiveness.

Mamdani supporters rush to defend mayor after report of him using NYPD gym for basketball games

Mayor Zohran Mamdani drew online support after reports said he and friends played late-night basketball at an NYPD academy gym in Queens, allegedly disrupting recruit training. The NYPD confirmed his visits but said training was unaffected; his spokesperson promised another venue if needed. Critics objected, while supporters defended him. The gym is named for fallen officer Steven McDonald.

AP investigation: Documents support claim ICE has detained a mentally ill US citizen since January

Immigration authorities have detained Phillip James for nearly 10 months and are pursuing deportation to Jamaica, despite records indicating he was born in Florida and is a U.S. citizen. His lawyers say schizophrenia underlies his Jamaican-birth claims; officials dispute his citizenship and call his birth certificate fraudulent without proof. A judge may soon consider his release.

Cyclone Arnab: Why Bay of Bengal storms tend to form after the monsoon

Cyclone Arnab is expected to cross Andhra Pradesh near Yanam by Wednesday noon as a very severe storm, with gusts reaching 150 kmph, while six states and territories prepare. The Bay produces four times as many cyclones as the Arabian Sea, aided by warmer waters, Pacific storm remnants and post-monsoon heat retention beneath passing storms.

In Arizona’s desert, a giant indoor ocean showed how CO2 slows coral growth

After decades of decline, Biosphere 2’s Arizona ocean habitat is getting a second life: in February 2026, researchers introduced 108 coral fragments to study coral responses to heat and reef-restoration strategies. Upgraded lighting, circulation and temperature controls support the work. The 2.6-million-liter system recreated past, present and future oceans to investigate how CO₂ acidifies seawater and slows coral calcification.

Upside of untidiness: why little mess can be good for your home

A study of 22 New Zealand households finds mess is not always a problem: clutter can support daily routines, prevent forgotten tasks and accommodate family members’ needs, meaning a tidy-looking home may not function best. Researchers say disorder can also cause stress and conflict, so households balance clearing, tolerating or hiding it as homes are used.

UK court jails 2 Indian-origin men over crash that killed woman, 4-year-old daughter

Two Indian-origin men received 28 years in prison over a 2023 Leeds crash that killed a mother and her four-year-old daughter. Hardeep Bhachu was jailed for 12 years after admitting dangerous driving, while Jasskamal Riyat received 16 years after conviction; CCTV showed them racing before Bhachu’s car struck the victims, who were walking to school.

‘Outrage has been noted’: UP poll body apologises for controversial comment

Uttar Pradesh’s chief electoral office apologized Tuesday for objectionable remarks on its official X account concerning alleged caste bias in erroneous voter slips, calling their tone inappropriate and promising formal, decorous communication. The controversy followed AAP leader Sanjay Singh highlighting absurd voter-roll entries; officials replied that software was not casteist, while invoking caste and religion.

AAP leader’s brother shot dead, friend injured in Amritsar village attack

Tirath Singh, brother of an Aam Aadmi Party block samiti member, was shot dead and his friend wounded near a gurdwara in Amritsar district Monday evening, when an argument escalated into a fight and attackers fired seven to eight rounds. Police cite a longstanding personal grudge, have booked five suspects and launched raids. The attack follows a separate shooting in the district Saturday.

Vijayan thanks Minister Kunhalikutty for remarks on Kannur land acquisition

Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan thanked Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty for affirming that land acquisition near Kannur airport was undertaken with intent, calling his remarks a response to allegations. The exchange came amid expert-panel criticism of KIIFB approvals, including a 5,366-acre proposal that lacked a project report. KINFRA is advancing industrial projects near Kannur and Vizhinjam.

Diwali fervour grips New York City with celebrations of Indian culture, culinary heritage

Diwali fervour has gripped New York City as thousands of South Asian diaspora members gathered for Times Square’s extravaganza, featuring a bazaar, diya lighting, virtual countdown and concert. Events showcased India’s cultural and culinary diversity, including regional cuisine at The Pierre. Organizers said festivities promote peace, unity and India-US ties; Times Square’s annual celebration began in 2013.

Five challenges that could decide Netanyahu’s political future as Israel votes

Israel’s October 27 election is a referendum on Benjamin Netanyahu, with security failures after October 7 and the ability to form a coalition likely to determine his future. Voters also weigh military-service exemptions, Arab turnout, judicial reform and living costs. Polls show a Likud–Yashar race, but fragmented blocs and coalition arithmetic may decide who governs.

Pharma CEO gives SUVs to 4 employees as Diwali gift 'for their hardwork and loyalty'

MITS Group in Panchkula gifted four employees Kia Sonet SUVs ahead of Diwali, rewarding performance and loyalty, with celebrations shared online. The company paid the down payments, while instalments are deducted from salaries and vehicles registered to recipients; a lucky draw expands eligibility. Founder MK Bhatia’s tradition includes gifting 51 vehicles in 2025 and 15 in 2024.

King Charles heads to Caribbean as calls for slavery reparations grow

King Charles and Queen Camilla tour the Caribbean amid renewed demands for British reparations for slavery, expected to dominate the Commonwealth summit in Antigua. Charles has voiced sorrow but will not formally apologise or offer compensation. CARICOM calls reparations justice, while Commonwealth leaders support discussing financial remedies or returning artefacts. Britain transported 3.2 million enslaved Africans.

Art Beal turned California’s trash into a nine-level hillside home

Art Beal’s Nitt Witt Ridge, a Cambria hillside home built from salvaged materials over 50 years, became California Historical Landmark No. 939, recognized as a folk-art environment. Beginning in 1928, Beal shaped terraces with hand tools, retaining walls, shells and dump finds. Volunteers sought protection, and restoration followed, but the site is closed and its future uncertain.

In 1904, Newfoundland released 4 moose for hunting; by the 1950s, numbers reached 150,000–200,000

Newfoundland’s moose are reshaping forests: sustained browsing prevents young trees replacing stands, a study in *Forest Ecology and Management* finds. In Gros Morne, 65 square kilometres of forest have become treeless meadows or remnants, and plant diversity has declined. Four moose released in 1904 multiplied amid abundant food and few predators; managers now seek balance.

Poster and graffiti found at Delhi's Shivaji Stadium metro days after airport line defacement

Delhi Police filed a second FIR after graffiti and a poster were found at Shivaji Stadium Metro station, days after posters appeared aboard an Airport Express train. Station staff reported and removed the October 24 defacement; police are reviewing Metro CCTV footage to identify suspects. Earlier, posters targeting the government were found on a train seat.