Review: Between Worlds, edited by Gautam Bhatia

*Between Worlds, The IF Anthology of New Indian SFF* presents diverse speculative fiction connecting India’s histories, social realities and imagined futures, with memory recurring as a unifying thread. Its peer-reviewed stories range from colonial-era projection and caste to robots, time travel and interplanetary life. The collection also signals a growing Indian SFF scene long overshadowed by Western canon.

Pakistan court sentences human rights lawyer couple to 10 years in security breach case

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court sentenced human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and husband Hadi Ali Chattha to 10 years Thursday in a security-breach case, plus terms for obstructing and assaulting officials. They deny endangering cricket-team security, saying they are targeted for advocacy. Mazari’s mother alleges they lacked legal representation and will appeal; social-media convictions were suspended.

Rats, filth and suspected chemicals: Two sweet units shut in Lucknow

Food safety officials shut two Lucknow sweet-making units ahead of Diwali after finding unhygienic conditions, missing licences and suspected industrial additives, seizing more than two tonnes of sweets and materials. Authorities suspect saponified oil, rosin and talcum powder were used in food, and collected samples. One unit had rats, filth and cobwebs; both lacked required documents.

Microsoft stock up 4%, Alphabet down 10% on weak search sales, AI spending concerns

Microsoft shares climbed 4% pre-market Thursday after beating forecasts on Azure, while Alphabet fell 10% as search sales and AI costs worried investors. Azure grew 48%, above estimates, and Microsoft forecast growth with lower-than-expected capital spending. Alphabet's search revenue missed forecasts, and free cash flow plunged to negative $9.1 billion, amplifying concerns over AI returns.

One big artwork or a gallery wall? Here's how to style an empty wall

Choose wall decor that suits your space: one statement artwork, a balanced pair or a gallery wall can enliven a room without overcrowding it. Mix prints with photos, mirrors or picture ledges, tying the arrangement together through a theme, colour palette or frame style. Measure walls and furniture, check hanging requirements, and plan layouts before mounting; renters can use removable hooks.

Make your home Diwali-ready: 5 fire safety checks to add to your festive checklist

Diwali celebrants should check electrical wiring, smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, while keeping diyas and candles away from flammable materials to reduce fire and electric-shock risks. Clear exits, ensure decorations do not block detectors, and discuss an emergency plan with household members. Festive lights and prolonged appliance use can strain household electrical systems, experts warn.

Chiranjeevi makes Netflix debut with Megaverse, chat show celebrating Telugu cinema; filming begins

Chiranjeevi is making his Netflix debut with *Megaverse*, a talk show celebrating Telugu cinema through conversations, anecdotes and stories about its influential stars. Now filming, the series is produced by Gold Box Entertainments, Atom Media Ventures and Sol Production LLP; reports say Brahmanandam, Sunil and Satya will be its first guests. Chiranjeevi previously hosted *Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu*.

Former The Boyz member Ju Haknyeon wins $140K defamation case after court rejects prostitution claim

Former THE BOYZ member Ju Haknyeon won a defamation case after Seoul Central District Court ordered reporter Choi to pay 200 million won ($140,000) for linking him to prostitution, ruling October 23 that the allegations lacked evidence and verification. Witnesses denied payment, and the woman rejected the claims. They preceded Haknyeon’s 2025 group exit and contract termination.

Doctor debunks 5 popular joint health myths: From cracking knuckles to ignoring pain

Joint problems are not confined to older adults, and persistent pain, swelling or stiffness—especially after exercise—should not be dismissed; rest, high-impact activity and knuckle-cracking are not automatically harmful or helpful. Rheumatologist Ashish Baweja says injury, technique, overtraining and underlying conditions matter, while tailored movement and sound exercise habits support joint health, challenging five common myths.

Archana Puran Singh's son Ayushmaan Sethi gets engaged to girlfriend Samiksha Shetty in Italy

Ayushmaan Sethi, son of Archana Puran Singh and Parmeet Sethi, is engaged to girlfriend Samiksha Shetty after proposing on their Italian vacation, a moment captured in his vlog and shared online. He knelt with a ring and flowers, describing how love grew as they got to know each other; Samiksha tearfully accepted. He is pursuing acting.

'No choice left but to look to increase fares': IndiGo CEO on 'very significant' rise in fuel bill

IndiGo’s CEO says the airline has “no choice left” but to look at raising fares after a “very significant” rise in its fuel bill, PTI reports. Fuel costs are the stated reason for change. The report gives no figures, timetable, or indication of how much fares could increase, and says further details are expected.

Filmmaker Amole Gupte says he doesn't fit into Bollywood, feels it's better he is away from it

Amole Gupte says mainstream producers are unwilling to fund sensible stories, leaving him unable to make films or reshape his vision for commercial appeal. He blames post-COVID declines in cinema attendance. Karan Johar helped secure backing for *Stanley Ka Dabba*, but producers have since disappointed him; Gupte is now developing films to teach young Indians financial awareness.

‘Silence is not an option’: Mamata extends support to INDIA bloc's ‘Chalo Dilli Ramlila March’

The INDIA bloc plans a November 1 Ramlila Maidan rally in Delhi, alleging “vote theft” and questioning EVMs, voter data, rolls and counting. Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi urged citizens, including students, to join, framing the protest as a defense of democracy and the Constitution. A mock parliament precedes the rally, symbolically targeting election chief Gyanesh Kumar.

From festive hampers to heirlooms: Why original art is changing the way we gift this Diwali

Original art is emerging as a Diwali and corporate gift, offering a lasting, personal alternative to sweets, hampers and decorations that may be forgotten after celebrations. Paintings or prints can reflect recipients’ tastes, enrich homes or workspaces, and become modern heirlooms. The shift encourages less disposable gifting, though sustainability depends on materials, production and packaging.

Horoscope Tomorrow for October 30, 2026

Tomorrow’s horoscope urges signs to balance confidence and initiative with choices, honest communication, and patience. Aries and Leo can advance goals, while Taurus and Virgo should handle decisions or disagreements; Gemini and Pisces may find inspiration and romance. Shifts, reflection, changing priorities, and self-worth feature across signs. Guidance comes from Kishori Sud, a tarot reader.

Indian rupee was once used across the Gulf: Former ambassador revisits forgotten history in new book

Former Indian Ambassador Navdeep Singh Suri’s new book reveals that the Indian rupee once circulated across Gulf territories, before the Gulf rupee and today’s national currencies emerged, highlighting India’s deep historical ties with the region. Launched October 25, the book examines gold trade and diplomacy, tracing ties to Bombay’s role as a colonial trading hub.

Tried and tested: I wore an all-white outfit inspired by Sridevi's Chandni look

An all-white farshi salwar suit proved comfortable and practical for a Durga Puja outing, with its lightweight, breezy fabric staying in place without adjustment. Inspired by Sridevi’s *Chandni*, the writer paired it with a white chikankari kurta, silver jewellery, smoky eyes and Kolhapuri sandals. The white fabric required stain caution, but the experience made the look worth wearing again.

Kerala teacher arrested over alleged false claim of worms in food at state sports meet

A physical education teacher was arrested Thursday after organisers disproved his claim that worms were found in food at Kerala’s State Sports Meet in Kozhikode. Police charged him with provoking a riot. Education Minister N. Samsudheen suspended him and ordered an inquiry, alleging a wider plot to disrupt the event; the claim also prompted protests and political disputes.

MCD seeks land in four Narela, Najafgarh villages for new garbage processing sites

MCD has asked DDA for land in four villages to build waste-processing plants as Delhi’s landfills overflow with untreated garbage. It handles only 57% of the city’s 13,500 tonnes of daily waste, while expansion faces land shortages and residents’ resistance. Waste could exceed 25,000 tonnes daily by 2047; experts favor segregation and composting over incineration.

Madhya Pradesh man kills wife in Gwalior on Karwa Chauth

A woman was allegedly murdered by her husband in Gwalior on Thursday morning, during Karwa Chauth; police registered a murder case and detained him for questioning. Investigators said a possible domestic dispute may have led to the killing, but the circumstances remain unclear. Madhu and Anand Srivastava were married in 2010 and had two children.

Adani–IHCL pact: Lucknow airport area to get two new hotels

Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport area will gain two hotels—a premium Vivanta and mid-scale Ginger—under a partnership between Adani Airport Holdings and IHCL, targeting business, leisure and transit travellers. The properties are part of an eight-hotel, 2,000-plus-room agreement spanning four cities, with Adani developing and IHCL operating them. The broader plan supports Adani’s airport-city development strategy.

Osteoporosis can weaken your bones without symptoms; doctor explains the signs and risk factors

Osteoporosis often develops silently, so a fracture after a minor fall, unexplained height loss, new stooping or back pain warrant assessment. Bone-density testing is recommended from 65 for women and 70 for men, earlier with risk factors. Age, menopause, family history and steroids increase risk. Calcium, protein, exercise, fall prevention and prescribed treatment protect bones.

Israel vote theft row explained: Netanyahu's claims, probe and election results

Israel’s election erupted into a “vote theft” row after Benjamin Netanyahu accused Arab-led parties of foreign funding and voter bribery, claims not substantiated by evidence. Shin Bet investigates interference, while police probe complaints. With no bloc near a majority, Arab parties’ 19 seats could aid Gadi Eisenkot. The 120-member Knesset requires 61 seats to govern.

Karnataka hikes Nandini milk prices by ₹8 per litre from November 1: State minister

Karnataka’s Cabinet has approved an ₹8-per-litre increase in milk prices, effective November 1, with ₹7 going to farmers and Re 1 to cooperatives, minister Krishna Byre Gowda said. The decision follows financial pressure on farmers, protests by milk producers and calls from Legislative Council members across parties for support. Further details were awaited.

Dry scalp or dandruff? How to identify the right winter scalp condition before treating it

Winter scalp flakes may signal dryness, dandruff or another skin condition, so identifying the cause before treatment helps avoid irritation. Dryness often follows moisture loss from cold air, hot showers or harsh washing, while dandruff involves a reaction to Malassezia; medicated shampoos or excess oil may worsen dryness. Seek dermatological advice for persistent itching, pain, crusting or hair loss.

Ukraine says at least 13 killed in Russian drone attack on Dnipro train station

At least 13 people were killed and five wounded Thursday when a Russian drone struck a platform at Dnipro railway station, hitting a parked train bound for Zaporizhzhia, Ukrainian officials said. Despite a threat warning, many people remained on the platform. Russian strikes have repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s railways since the 2022 invasion, disrupting services nationwide.

Married women cops of Fatehpur given Karwa Chauth leave

About 100 married women police personnel in Fatehpur will receive leave Thursday to observe Karwa Chauth, after Superintendent Abhimanyu Manglik excused them from duty. Chiefs must arrange cover, allowing officers to fast, perform puja and break their fast after moonrise. The Mission Shakti phase VI initiative echoes Manglik’s Bhadohi policy; Fatehpur has 510 women personnel.

Oil prices fall as US-Iran peace talks ease supply concerns

Oil prices slid Thursday as reports of renewed US-Iran peace efforts eased fears of supply disruptions, with Brent down 1.73% to $113.32 a barrel and WTI falling 2.06% to $100.66. Yet rejected proposals and continuing Middle East risks kept markets wary. Expensive crude fuels inflation, complicating Federal Reserve rate decisions, though diplomacy could ease pressure.

Banks must compensate digital arrest victims if due diligence fails: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court said banks must compensate digital-fraud victims when due-diligence failures enable scams, and urged safeguards to stop suspicious transfers before funds leave accounts. It asked the RBI to detail 2026 KYC rules, including transaction holds, automated alerts and physical checks, noting losses neared ₹800 crore despite fewer cases. The court will review the framework.

BJP's Sunil Jakhar seeks ban on Kejriwal, Sisodia's entry in Punjab

BJP leaders Sunil Jakhar and Tarun Chugh accused Punjab’s AAP government of failing to curb drugs and worsening law and order, citing alleged deaths, police attacks and crime. Jakhar said he would approach the Governor and courts, seeking a ban on Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia entering Punjab. The dispute comes ahead of 2027 elections.