NASA astronaut applications open: Eligibility, salary and December 3 deadline

NASA has opened astronaut applications for the first time since 2024, inviting eligible Americans to apply by December 3, 2026, as the agency prepares for Moon missions, lunar-base work and journeys to Mars. Applicants need STEM education or test-pilot training, work experience and medical fitness; selected astronauts earn $164,395 annually, with 32 astronauts currently active.

Jeremy Latcham: From building the Marvel Cinematic Universe to leading DC Studios

Jeremy Latcham will become DC Studios’ president and chief creative officer on December 1, replacing co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran. A former Marvel executive who helped establish its cinematic universe, he worked on Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers, later producing Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and joining the upcoming Naruto film as producer.

UK civil servant who held 5 government jobs simultaneously found guilty of fraud

UK civil servant Kashim Chowdhury was found guilty of nine fraud counts for secretly holding five full-time government jobs simultaneously in 2023. Prosecutors said he used remote work and false disclosures to conceal overlapping posts, earning £350,000 across eight public-sector roles from 2020 to 2023. A government audit exposed him in 2024; he blamed trauma.

James Gunn and Peter Safran step down from DC Studios; Jeremy Latcham named new head

Skydance named Marvel veteran Jeremy Latcham president and chief creative officer of DC Studios, succeeding James Gunn and Peter Safran effective Dec. 1. He will oversee DC’s film, television and animation slate.

Jensen Huang could owe wife Lori over $80B in divorce settlement if couple never signed prenup

Jensen Huang’s admission of infidelity involving Alice Huang, suspected of spying for China, has raised questions about a divorce settlement with wife Lori after 41 years of marriage. California generally divides marital assets equally absent a prenup, potentially putting nearly $80 billion at stake given his estimated $155 billion fortune; no prenup is publicly confirmed.

Jordon Hudson sues Massachusetts rental property owners over shirtless Bill Belichick video

Jordon Hudson sued two Massachusetts rental-property owners, alleging they shared Ring footage of Bill Belichick without her consent, violating her privacy and rental agreement. She seeks damages and an order barring further disclosures. Recorded during a June 2023 stay, the video went viral months later, exposing their relationship; the suit comes amid reports they have split.

Pete Hegseth brushes off concerns over possible impeachment

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the threat of impeachment on Monday, saying he was confident and ready to defend his Pentagon record. Asked whether he had enough Republican support to defeat impeachment articles, he replied, “We’re not worried about that.” Republican Representative Thomas Massie is seeking to force a House vote on the articles.

US gas prices fall for 6 weeks, but Thanksgiving fuel costs may hit record

US gasoline prices have fallen for six straight weeks, easing pressure on drivers, but Thanksgiving travelers may still face a record average in nominal terms: the latest figure, $4.15 a gallon, exceeds 2022’s $3.65 peak. Prices could decline further as oil and wholesale fuel costs retreat, while diesel costs and depleted stockpiles continue fueling inflation concerns.

India-EU review FTA progress ahead of PM Modi's Brussels visit, push investment and trade ties

India and the European Union reviewed steps to sign and implement their free trade agreement, alongside work on investment-protection and geographical-indications accords, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expected December visit to Brussels. They also advanced cooperation on supply chains, technology, research, connectivity and clean energy, reaffirming strategic-partnership momentum. The review follows January’s conclusion of FTA negotiations.

Stubble burning: BJP defaming Punjab farmers, says AAP

AAP Punjab media in-charge Baltej Pannu accused the BJP of blaming Punjab’s farmers to deflect criticism over Delhi’s pollution, calling minister Kapil Mishra’s claim of 1,200 overnight stubble fires baseless. Pannu said stubble burning fell nearly 90% this year, following an 80% reduction last year, citing Parliament records, and challenged BJP leaders to explain Delhi’s pollution crisis.

Man spends Diwali night atop electricity pole, rescued in Ludhiana

Police and electricity officials rescued a man around 6:30am after nearly nine hours atop a live-wire pole near a girls’ school on Diwali night. He said fear of pursuers drove him up, and he escaped unharmed after touching wires. A councillor alerted police, while eyewitnesses suspected intoxication and officials planned a dope test.

How Tanvi Patri's unique journey was forged in China

Indian teenager Tanvi Patri won Youth Olympics silver in Dakar after saving six championship points and fighting back from 19-10, before losing the deciding game to China’s Zhang Yi Xin. The 15-year-old became the third Indian badminton medalist at the Games. Her rise reflects training in China and Bengaluru, and resilience through injury and illness.

Punjab Police bring gangster Afridi from Ethiopia after 10-month hunt

Punjab Police deported wanted gangster Gurwinder Singh, alias Afridi, from Ethiopia after a ten-month hunt across four countries, bringing him to India Sunday to face more than 30 cases, including five murders. Operation SHAHID involved Interpol and central agencies. Officials say Punjab has repatriated 17 gangsters in six months under its anti-gangster campaign; Afridi’s alias originated in cricket.

Amid Diwali haze, farm fires, AQI plunges to poor category in Ludhiana

Ludhiana’s air quality worsened after Diwali, with AQI reaching 296 on Monday, up from 216 a week earlier, as farm fires rose to 193 by November 8. Authorities confirmed burning at 62 of 113 fields, imposed ₹2.75 lakh in penalties and registered 11 FIRs. Around 89% of paddy land is harvested; last year, 135 fires were recorded.

Congress will make Punjab an industrial leader again: Pargat

Punjab Congress chief Pargat Singh said the party would restore the state’s standing among India’s leading industrial states if elected, promising a comprehensive policy to boost small and medium industries, create jobs and modernize traditional sectors. Speaking in Phagwara with opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa on Vishwakarma Day, he said industry-friendly conditions could strengthen Punjab’s economy.

France blames Iran for ‘unprecedented’ cyberattack on fridges, vows sanctions

France accused Iran’s Revolutionary Guard of orchestrating October cyberattacks that disabled refrigeration at 700 supermarkets, spoiling food, and vowed to seek European sanctions as prosecutors investigate. The intrusions heated units to 50°C for six hours, with some catching fire. Subsequent attacks disrupted more than 100 European sites, including French blood banks; Tehran has not responded.

Punjab-origin man arrested for illegal street racing in Ontario

Peel Regional Police arrested Brampton resident Tarman Toor, 24, after a three-month investigation into alleged illegal street racing and dangerous driving in Mississauga and Toronto. Police allege he repeatedly raced a red BMW M3 without plates, wearing a ski mask, and ran a red light. He faces two charges; the Safer Roads Team led the probe.

No new private de-addiction licences in Punjab since 2022 spark monopoly concerns

Despite Punjab’s anti-drug campaign, the state has issued no licences for new private de-addiction centres since 2022, intensifying pressure on services and concerns over illegal facilities and concentrated ownership. Nearly 100 of 177 centres are controlled by 10–12 operators. 2025 standards remain suspended, while litigation blocks private psychiatrists’ opioid-substitution treatment despite central clearance in 2019.

Firecracker-triggered blaze chars paraplegic man, pet dog to death in Jalandhar

A 65-year-old paraplegic, Channa, and his pet dog were charred to death when a firecracker sparked a blaze at their Jalandhar home on Diwali night. Alone while relatives celebrated, Channa could not escape because paralysis left him unable to walk; police said a burning firecracker landed on the second floor and ignited the blaze.

Buried the hatchet with Sukhbir, returning to SAD: Jagir Kaur

Former SGPC president Jagir Kaur will rejoin Sukhbir Singh Badal’s Shiromani Akali Dal on November 13, her second return in two years after leaving breakaway SAD (Punar Surjit). She said constituency workers’ views prompted the move, ruled out joining the Aam Aadmi Party and vowed to continue raising Panthic issues. Kaur rejoined the SAD in 2024.

Bihar govt bans firecrackers near ghats, private boat operations during Chhath Puja

Bihar ordered districts to enforce Chhath safety rules, November 13-16, banning firecrackers near ghats and private boats. Officials must barricade sites, deploy security and rescue teams, keep medical help ready, inspect electrical installations, provide lighting and announcements, and operate control rooms to prevent accidents, panic and stampedes. Chhath honors the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.

Anuj Shrivatri: A chess dream that travelled a generation

Anuj Shrivatri, 22, became India’s 100th grandmaster and Madhya Pradesh’s first after winning the ASEAN Plus Individual Open Championship in the Philippines, fulfilling a chess dream his father Ashok cherished. He rejected a software job to pursue chess, overcoming limited coaching and funding a journey through tournament play and teaching. Ashok introduced him to the game.

Scene box office collection day 4: Suriya's film remains steady after Diwali, crosses ₹84 crore

*Scene* earned ₹21.25 crore on Monday, taking its four-day domestic total to ₹84.40 crore after holding above its ₹19.15-crore opening. The makers reported a ₹145-crore worldwide gross after three days, while Mahesh Babu praised the film’s cross-border reception. The Diwali release, directed by Jithu Madhavan, stars Suriya as a cop, with Nazriya Nazim and Naslen.

President PT Usha loses SOM polls, eroding re-election chances

Usha’s fifth-place finish in the Sportsperson of Outstanding Merit election dims her bid for a second term as Olympic Association president unless nominated by a federation. Anju Bobby George, Rani Rampal, Dola Banerjee and Saina Nehwal won the four positions; Usha received 40 votes. Elected a SOM in 2022, she became the IOA’s first woman president.

India gets quota of 1.75 lakh pilgrims under Saudi Arabia's Haj 2027 agreement

India and Saudi Arabia signed the 2027 Haj agreement Monday, setting India’s quota at 175,025 pilgrims, the consulate in Jeddah said. Rijiju and Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq Al Rabiah reviewed preparations and logistical coordination, reaffirming commitment to a safe, smooth pilgrimage. The quota remains unchanged since 2025; Saudi quotas regulate access because Mecca’s holy-site capacity is limited.

Chhattisgarh man kills 4-year-old relative, removes organs to sell online

Police in Chhattisgarh’s Jashpur district arrested a 27-year-old man accused of murdering his four-year-old relative and removing organs for online sale, allegedly after social-media influence. Missing since November 5, the child was found in a sack in a water-filled pit. Police said he sought quick money; officers recovered body parts and weapons and continue investigating.

Post-Diwali air pollution adds to respiratory distress, Noida doctors report rise in hospital visits

Noida doctors report a post-Diwali surge in respiratory complaints, including persistent cough, throat irritation, wheezing and breathlessness, even among people with no prior lung conditions, as pollution pushed the AQI to 327, in the “very poor” category. Fortis sees 20–30 new patients daily; hospitals also report pneumonia and emergency visits. Firecracker emissions worsened already poor Delhi-NCR air.

Nvidia plunges amid alleged Chinese spy row but tech shares rebound, oil prices slump

Tech shares rebounded Monday after last week’s AI sell-off, lifting Wall Street, while oil fell five per cent on hopes for US-Iran talks. Nvidia plunged more than eight per cent as its board probes whether CEO Jensen Huang was targeted in an alleged Chinese spy plot following reports of his affair; Democrats’ election sweep had already heightened scrutiny of tech firms.

5 people who survived nearly 100 days adrift in Pacific Ocean ate turtles and birds to stay alive

Five people, including two teenage boys, survived nearly 100 days adrift in the Pacific after their skiff was blown off course during a storm, reaching Kiribati 3,000 miles away. They ate turtles and birds and drank rainwater, while four relatives died. Rescued November 1, the survivors are recovering as officials arrange a return to Micronesia.

Russell Brand, wife Laura share emotional moment during sentencing hearing: ‘Total devastation’

At sentencing, Russell Brand’s wife, Laura Gallacher, supported him, exchanging glances. His lawyer said the case devastated the family, who are struggling to explain its consequences to their 10-year-old. Gallacher heard victims describe lasting fear and trauma; Brand was convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others, though he denies the allegations.