Exclusive| Nimrat Kaur on her Dussehra celebrations: Great food, big laughs and simply being at home

Actor Nimrat Kaur says Dussehra is celebrated best at home with family, even while she shoots abroad, and plans a traditional, brightly colored outfit and a feast of poori, kale chana, pumpkin, halwa and kheer. She recalls cantonment festivities with her Army-officer father and says she would burn doom-scrolling and social-media overuse in Ravana’s effigy.

Dussehra 2026 | It’s viral: Ravanas in Delhi-NCR bring the laughs

NCR’s Ramlila villains are going viral with comic Reels showing playful performances and backstage friendship, beyond fiery speeches and Dussehra battles. A West Delhi Ravana dances to bhangra in a clip with 93,300 views, while Panipat’s Ravana and Rama share thumkas in a Reel topping 123,000. Actor Hemant Seth says they remain friends offstage.

Duplicate voter IDs can get generated, says UP CEO; orders officials to remove them

Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Electoral Officer acknowledged that repeated applications can generate multiple voter ID cards, while ECINET deduplication aims to remove duplicate electoral-roll entries. Navdeep Rinwa directed officials to identify and resolve cases through Booth Level Officers and Form 7 before the November 12, 2026, draft-roll publication, while enrolling citizens. The remarks followed Zubair’s challenge.

Russians locked out of bank accounts as Ukraine hits Yandex data centres

Ukrainian strikes damaged three of Russian company Yandex’s five data centres, disrupting services and leaving users unable to access money, book rides or control smart-home devices, widening the war to Russia’s digital infrastructure. Most services resumed, but Yandex Pay customers remained affected. The attacks began October 8, after Russia started targeting Ukrainian data centres.

My Lakmé Fashion Week makeup look: Keeping it chic, subtle, and effortless

At Lakmé Fashion Week, I chose a polished, understated makeup look that photographed well and stayed comfortable all day. The routine combined hydrated skin, a light skin tint, subtle blush, neutral eyes, sleek eyeliner, mascara and smudge-proof mauve lipstick; blotting papers enabled touch-ups. As a journalist, I wanted makeup that complemented my outfit without feeling heavy.

Punjab hands over Jhota murder probe to CBI ahead of Amit Shah’s visit

Mann said Punjab will hand the probe into anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh “Jhota’s” murder to the CBI, accepting his family’s demand before Amit Shah’s visit. Jhota was shot in Mansa on October 13 after confronting a store owner over alleged drug sales. Protests grew as family withheld last rites pending inquiry, escalating political tensions over drugs.

The skill nobody trains: Doctor explains why mental fitness is the foundation of peak performance

Physical ability may get you to the starting line, but mental fitness determines how you respond when plans unravel, pressure rises, or conditions become difficult. Built through repeated practice, it helps distinguish real problems from stress reactions, learn from setbacks, and decide whether to persist or change course. Brief pauses and focused work strengthen it.

Rakesh Bedi speculates on extortion angle in Tiger Shroff attack: ‘This is very serious’

Rakesh Bedi urged authorities to act after Tiger Shroff was targeted in Mumbai, warning celebrity insecurity could undermine confidence in the film industry. Motorcycle-borne assailants allegedly fired at Shroff’s BMW as he left a Juhu football ground; he escaped with minor abrasions, while two others were injured. Police arrested three suspects; Bedi speculated extortion or ideology as possible motives.

Mika Singh comes to brother Daler Mehndi's defence after stage show video goes viral

Singer Mika Singh has defended brother Daler Mehndi after a viral Uttarakhand performance prompted accusations that the veteran singer was drunk and unable to sing, saying he had recently undergone major surgery and was unwell. Mika challenged critics to produce evidence of Daler drinking, while acknowledging that an MLA had publicly rebuked him onstage for his performance. The incident has divided social media users.

Singapore man, 71, loses S$21,688 in retirement savings after falling for Facebook lottery scam

A 71-year-old Singaporean lost his S$21,688 retirement savings to a Facebook lottery scam, leaving him unemployed and surviving on instant noodles and bread as police investigate. Scammers promised winning 4D numbers and a S$300,000 prize, then extracted repeated “fees” after the numbers failed. Yang began transferring money on September 5 and reported the fraud on September 16.

HT City Delhi Junction: Catch It Live on October 20, 2026 in Delhi, Noida and Gurugram

Delhi-NCR’s event lineup spans festive dance, live music, art, hands-on fun and comedy, with activities in Delhi and Gurugram. Dandiya Nights takes over Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium October 18–20, while Fanna-Fi-Allah brings Sufi qawwali to LTG Auditorium October 20–21. Free Navratna runs October 17–December 27; workshop and comedy tickets cost ₹899 and ₹999, respectively.

Kanpur case predates Meerut blue drum murder; accused untraced after 8 yrs

Kanpur’s 2019 murder case, in which Wasim Ahmad’s body was hidden in a blue drum, echoes the recent Meerut killing but remains unresolved: Chandni, his alleged killer and partner, is still at large. Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla received death sentences in Meerut, while Wasim’s body was discovered in a locked room nearly 20 days after his killing.

75-ft moving Ravan effigy, green crackers set the stage for Lucknow's Dussehra

Lucknow prepares for Dussehra’s finale, with towering Ravan effigies, fireworks and performances planned across Ramlila grounds. Aishbagh’s 75-foot effigy will feature moving parts and eco-friendly crackers; Sadar will present a 75-foot Ravan and 35-foot Meghnad, while Mahanagar schedules its 60-foot effigy’s burning early to ease crowds. Waterlogging limits Daliganj’s plans after nine days of Ramlila.

Trend reversal: Gold and silver prices may peak on Dhanteras

Jewellers expect bullion prices to rise through the festive season, breaking the usual post-Navratri dip before Dhanteras and Diwali, as global uncertainty and central-bank buying keep demand ahead of supply. Weekend rates were Rs 1,50,700 per 10 grams of gold and Rs 2,18,000 per kg of silver; leaders urge buying now, forecasting gains after Diwali.

Chennithala seeks stringent NDPS Act, Centre-state initiative for drug-free India

Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala urged Amit Shah to convene state home ministers and overhaul the NDPS Act, citing cross-border drug networks exposed by Operation Toofan. He says loopholes let traffickers secure bail and resume operations, while synthetic drugs, forensic delays and hidden assets weaken enforcement; Keralam offered to host talks after Shah praised the campaign.

Don't try to find small faults, see it with an open mind: Yash on 'Ramayana'

Yash, co-producer and Ravan in “Ramayana,” urged audiences to watch with an open mind rather than fixate on VFX flaws, saying the film aims to take an Indian story to the world. He urged fans across India’s film industries to support Namit Malhotra’s ambitious vision. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, “Ramayana: Part One” releases globally on Diwali 2026.

Parvinder Singh Jhota murder probe to be handed over to CBI: Bhagwant Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said Tuesday the probe into anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota’s murder will go to the CBI, meeting his family’s demand and vowing an anti-drug crackdown. Jhota was shot October 13 in a Mansa store after confronting its owner over alleged drug sales; protests have delayed his post-mortem and cremation.

'There is no justice': CJP's Saurav Das as court extends his judicial custody

A special executive magistrate extended CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka’s judicial custody by two days, citing alleged breaches of peace bonds and the risk of renewed unrest. Das accused authorities of denying justice after the hearing. Police said the leaders repeatedly called protests at unauthorized sites. They were detained October 13 after entering de-notified Jantar Mantar.

US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi flags FBI resource gaps after alleged plot to attack Hindu temple

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi urged authorities to strengthen prevention efforts and track hate crimes after police foiled an alleged neo-Nazi plot to attack Aurora’s Hindu temple, where he and his family worshipped. A 19-year-old was arrested; coworkers’ warnings and a jammed gun helped avert tragedy. Krishnamoorthi said worshippers shouldn’t have to rely on luck or fear.

Dussehra 2026: Banks closed today; check available services, reopening dates

Branches across several states are closed October 20 for Dussehra, Maha Navami, Ayudha Pooja and Durga Puja, with Gangtok and Imphal exempt. UPI, mobile and internet banking, and ATMs remain available, but branch services must wait. Most reopen October 21; eight regions reopen October 22, while Gangtok reopens October 24. RBI bank holidays vary by state.

The science and politics behind the panic over ultraprocessed foods

Ultraprocessed foods are associated with chronic disease, but evidence does not prove processing itself causes harm, leaving researchers divided over whether policy should target processing or nutritional quality. Sugary drinks and processed meats show consistent risks, while other products have mixed or neutral links. The NOVA classification, introduced in 2009, distinguishes foods by processing level.

2 tribal rights activists held for 'involvement' in clash in Odisha, civil society group condemns

Odisha police arrested tribal-rights activists Dr Randall Sequeira and Laxman Naik in Kalahandi, accusing them of instigating an April attack on security personnel during an anti-mining protest in Rayagada; they face attempted-murder, rioting and Arms Act charges. A civil society group condemned the arrests, saying they aimed to suppress tribal resistance and undermine resource rights.

Rubio to arrive in India today, Tiger Shroff shooting case probe | Top news

Rubio visits India for trade, security and technology talks amid strains; police traced a motorcycle and phones to arrest three suspects in the Tiger Shroff shooting. Manipur violence across five communities killed several and injured security personnel. Deepthi Jeevanji set an Asian Para Games record for India’s fifth gold, while a court extended two CJP leaders’ custody.

Australia introduced a touch-sensitive plant as a curiosity; it now affects up to 140,000 hectares

Mimosa threatens northern Australian wetlands, with up to 140,000 hectares affected in the Northern Territory. A single plant produces 200,000 seeds, dispersed by water, vehicles, animals and people; seeds can remain dormant for 20 years. Thorny thickets damage ecosystems, pasture and cultural land use, requiring varied controls. The plant was introduced as an ornamental in the late 1800s.

Tarot Horoscope Today for October 20, 2026

Today’s horoscope emphasizes patience, practical choices, and emotional balance: Aries reconsiders delays; Taurus and Libra challenge anxious assumptions; Gemini and Virgo favor discipline; Cancer and Pisces nurture connection; Leo shares burdens; Scorpio avoids conflict; Sagittarius seeks partnership; Capricorn plans ahead; and Aquarius weighs fairness. The readings pair tarot guidance with colours, rituals, crystals, and daily advice.

North Korean state media releases photos of Kim Jong Un at clothing and shoe expo amid death rumors

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared at a clothing and footwear exhibition with his daughter, state media reported Monday, as unverified claims said he had suffered a haemorrhage, fallen into a coma or died. KCNA said he praised domestic industries. The event featured garments and shoes; succession speculation follows absences amid North Korea’s secrecy.

Step inside 117 year old red brick home in Kolkata where Bengali roots meet Parsi heritage: Watch

Amritendu Roy’s passion for restoring the past spans his 117-year-old Kolkata home, antiques, furniture and vintage cars, preserving history as living heritage. Built in colonial style and acquired by his grandfather in 1943, the house blends Bengali and Parsi traditions across 12 rooms, with a 150-year-old Burmese sideboard; his garage showcases classic cars and trophies.

RSS chief says forces trying to destabilise India: ‘Regime change doesn’t change circumstances’

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said Tuesday that efforts to “dismantle” India would not succeed, delivering the assertion during the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s Vijayadashami Utsav in Nagpur. The remarks formed the central point of his reported address, while no further details were provided about the efforts he referenced or the wider context of his comments.

UEFA gives FIFA deadline to release documents on Infantino’s scrapped investment plan

UEFA has set November 2 for FIFA to answer 42 questions and release documents about Gianni Infantino’s abandoned $4.2 billion World Cup investment plan, escalating a governance dispute before the presidential nomination deadline. UEFA says Infantino’s explanations failed to address concerns over decision-making and oversight. FIFA lawyers accuse UEFA of harassment; the plan was withdrawn in July.

Google Fitbit Air takes away a distracting screen, but is far from perfect

Google’s screen-free Fitbit Air launched in India at ₹13,999, with advanced health features, Gemini coaching and sleep insights requiring a ₹99-per-month Google Health Premium subscription after three included months. It offers activity tracking and impressive week-long battery life, but its elongated fit, overnight discomfort, inaccurate step and heart-rate readings, and subscription costs temper its appeal.