Thane man gets 20 years’ jail for sexually assaulting 5-year-old girl

A Thane POCSO court sentenced Aakash Baburao Thorat to 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a five-year-old girl, accepting her testimony and finding the defence failed to show she was tutored. It imposed ₹6,000 in fines for the victim and ordered compensation; the 2019 assault occurred after he lured her to his home in Mumbra.

SC terms cyber crime as digital dacoity, refuses consolidation of cases

The Supreme Court refused to consolidate 35 cybercrime cases against two defendants, calling digital arrests “digital dacoity” and warning that proceedings cannot disrupt investigations or burden victims. The cases span 12 states and allege their company account served as a mule, including in a Rs 1.90-crore fraud targeting an 81-year-old Kerala resident; the defendants withdrew their plea.

Exclusive| Dia Mirza: I have never charged money for any public service campaigns. No idea who has

Bombay High Court urged celebrities to support Maharashtra’s anti-firecracker campaign, warning the state against wasting public funds to hire them after learning no Bollywood actor had volunteered. Dia Mirza said she has never charged for public-service work, noted celebrities face attacks for opposing crackers, and cited her decade-long air-quality advocacy, blaming poor coordination among government agencies.

In 2007, Pennsylvania coated an 800-foot crash-prone curve with high-friction surfacing

PennDOT’s 2007 high-friction treatment on 800 feet of Route 611’s dangerous curve was followed by eight years without wet-road crashes, overcoming a problem conventional signs and markings had not addressed. Calcined-bauxite aggregate and epoxy raised skid numbers from 24 to about 75; unable to rebuild because of right-of-way limits, PennDOT later expanded the treatment statewide.

Trump hints at upcoming meeting with Putin, Zelensky amid Ukraine peace push

Trump said a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would be arranged soon, but gave no date or details, adding progress might not require a summit. In its fifth year, the conflict remains deadlocked and negotiations have failed; Trump had pledged in 2024 to end it within 24 hours.

Ancient Nalanda, AI, interactive displays: Inside CBSE’s new Experience Centre

CBSE has opened a 6,000-square-foot Experience Centre at its New Delhi headquarters, featuring 12 zones and 21 exhibits that take students beyond textbooks to build curiosity, confidence and career awareness. Inaugurated by Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, it combines hands-on science, AI, virtual reality and holograms with career exploration and exam-wellness guidance, reflecting NEP 2020’s emphasis on experiential learning.

Former BIGBANG singer Seungri confirms marriage, wife's pregnancy, years after Burning Sun scandal

Former BIGBANG member Seungri confirmed he is legally married and expects a son in January 2027, denying pregnancy prompted their marriage. He says no wedding ceremony is planned. The news comes amid an assault complaint, in which he denies assault; police have not questioned him or filed charges, years after his Burning Sun-related convictions and 2023 release from prison.

Jharkhand assembly to hold special session in Nov, SIR among issues to be deliberated

Jharkhand’s assembly will hold a two-day special session on November 25–26 to debate the electoral roll Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and amended Mines and Minerals Act, the Cabinet decided. Soren called SIR a concern; the state opposes the law for ending its power to levy cess on mined land and may challenge it in court.

CM Sangma praises ‘pure Meghalaya energy’ of youth as they show off their handmade cosplay costumes

Meghalaya’s cosplay movement is gaining global attention, with Shillong creator Donald Khumlo, known as Zacky D, set to represent India at a competition in Singapore this December. CM Conrad Sangma praised cosplayers’ creativity and craftsmanship after meeting the community. Cosplay portrays characters, and Comic Con helped popularize the practice in India after its 2011 debut.

In 2012, Iowa treated a crash-prone urban bridge with a high-friction surface

High-friction surface treatment on I-380’s Cedar River bridge cut reported crashes from more than 54 in four years before installation to four the following year, including one injury crash, as skid resistance rose from the 30s and 40s to above 90. The $494,000 project targeted wet-weather danger, though research cautions overlays cannot explain every reduction.

Rajnath Singh, US War Secretary Hegseth review progress of 10-year defence pact

India and the United States reviewed their 10-year defence framework, focusing on technology, information sharing and co-production, as ministers Rajnath Singh and Pete Hegseth met in Cebu. They discussed Indo-Pacific security and ways to deepen cooperation. Signed last October, the pact builds on longstanding defence ties and earlier agreements enabling logistics, interoperability and technology sharing.

More Chhath ghats to be set up this year, says Delhi CM Gupta; announces public holiday on Nov 16

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ordered preparations for Chhath Puja, including safer, cleaner ghats and a public holiday November 16. More than 1,400 ghats are planned, up from 1,326 last year, with arrangements due by November 6. Officials must provide tents, toilets, lighting, security, traffic management and round-the-clock sanitation for the festival, running November 13–16.

Chest Physiotherapy: When Do Seniors Require Respiratory Support?

Clinician-guided chest physiotherapy can help some seniors clear mucus and breathe more comfortably after illness, surgery or inactivity, but it is not for everyone or a substitute for medical care. Assessment tailors techniques to individual needs; sudden severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion or blue lips require emergency attention. Age and disease can impair breathing.

Delhi NCR-Based Deemed-to-be University Strengthens Academic Excellence Through AI, Research and

JIIT is expanding education and research through specialised programmes, laboratories, industry partnerships and startup support, reporting 7,542 publications, 90 funded projects and recruitment visits from 494-plus companies for its 2026 graduating class. Facilities include a supercomputer and labs for AI, cybersecurity, robotics and quantum computing. Founded in 2001, JIIT’s profile is paid content; readers should verify claims.

ADA scientist jumps to death in Bengaluru, family alleges workplace pressure

A 47-year-old Aeronautical Development Agency scientist died after jumping from an apartment’s fourth floor in Bengaluru on October 21, as police investigate his family’s claim that work pressure harmed his mental health. Family said he received depression treatment and attended NIMHANS; ADA said it knew of no workplace difficulties. He was involved in the LCA Mk2 programme.

Assassination, suicide bombings and a less than 1% margin: Netanyahu's first PM win in 1996

Benjamin Netanyahu first became Israel’s prime minister in 1996, defeating Shimon Peres with 50.4% to 49.5% in Israel’s first direct election for the post. Suicide bombings shifted voters’ focus to security, undermining Peres’s peace-process campaign, while Netanyahu promised a tougher approach. The contest also followed Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination and unfolded amid regional conflict in Lebanon.

Elnaaz Norouzi on Hollywood vs Bollywood: There is more diversity in the West than Indian cinema

Elnaaz Norouzi says India’s film industry is harder to navigate than Hollywood, citing limited diversity and stereotyped roles for foreign-looking actors, while welcoming recognition for *The Fix*, co-starring Liam Neeson and Zachary Levi. She says stars worldwide are equally humble and learned from Neeson’s ease on set. Norouzi debuted in Hollywood with 2023’s *Kandahar*.

‘Calculated act’: SIT in Gurugram road rage case finds accused Baisla intentionally hit Sia

An SIT has concluded Kalyan Baisla intentionally rammed biker Shivani Chauhan’s motorcycle in Gurugram on September 13, calling the collision calculated, not accidental; prosecutors are expected to retain FIR charges, including attempted murder. Chauhan had sought distance as he pursued her; Baisla and cousin Lavnish were both arrested two days later and remain in custody.

Serbia launches 'terror attack' probe after guard outside Israeli embassy attacked

Serbian police are treating a knife attack on a guard outside Israel’s embassy as terrorism after an unidentified assailant, shouting “Allahu Akbar,” wounded a gendarme and was shot dead in self-defense after midnight Wednesday. Dacic said the officer was lightly injured, the threat level had been raised to its highest, and security increased at sites.

How a prized 1860s garden plant from Japan became a North American invasive headache

Japanese knotweed, once prized for its height, flowers and edible shoots, has become a difficult invasive plant, spreading through rhizomes and fragments that regenerate and crowd out native vegetation. It reached North America through multiple introductions in the 1860s, including plants sent by U.S. Marshal Thomas Hogg to his brother’s New York nursery.

Musical chairs for India’s openers? Depends how you perceive this opulence

India’s T20 opening revolution gives selectors a luxury: multiple explosive options. Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and teenage Vaibhav Sooryavanshi bring distinct styles and strike rates near 200, embodying commitment to attack from the outset.

I walked 10,000 steps in festive footwear: The flared heel pair that saved my feet

Wide-base flared heels emerged as the clear winner in a 10,000-step festive footwear test, delivering stiletto-like height and glamour with steadier balance and comfort for weddings. Broad bases prevent wobbling and sinking, while square toe boxes, cushioned footbeds, and secure embellished straps support long celebrations. Compared with juttis, Kolhapuris, and block heels, they scored 9.5/10.

Top para athlete Neeraj Yadav dies by suicide

Asian Para Games gold medallist Neeraj Yadav, 42, allegedly died by suicide after consuming poison at his Delhi home; a postmortem was underway Wednesday, and circumstances remain unclear. His coach said Yadav faced emotional stress after a doping suspension excluded him from this month’s Games. Yadav won three Asian Para Games gold medals in javelin and discus.

How Japan’s 1910 cherry tree gift went up in flames and led to a new US law

Inspectors found scale insects and root gall in Japan’s first cherry-tree shipment, prompting President Taft to order its destruction in 1910; the bonfire helped galvanize support for the Plant Quarantine Act, enacted in 1912 to establish federal plant-import controls. Japan sent 3,020 trees, planted in Washington in 1912. The effort began with advocate Eliza Scidmore.

Tata being ‘criminally destroyed’; no business leader dares to say a word: Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi accused the Tata Group of being “criminally destroyed,” urging business leaders to speak out and blaming Modi and Shah, while pledging justice; neither the BJP nor Tata Sons immediately responded. His remarks follow a dispute over reappointing N Chandrasekaran, opposed by Tata Trusts chair Noel Tata amid conflicting interpretations of company voting rules.

Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren on the joys of filming 'MobLand'

Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren relish playing crime bosses in *MobLand*, where season two pits the Harrigans against family divisions and outside threats. Brosnan’s Conrad faces a brain-condition diagnosis and guilt, while Maeve seeks greater power. Brosnan and Mirren credit writer Jez Butterworth’s character work; Paramount has confirmed a third season with Tom Hardy returning.

Dermatologist answers 10 questions on eye cream, retinol and building a beauty routine that works

A dermatologist says skincare should follow concerns, not age: gentle cleansing, moisturiser and sunscreen form the foundation; vitamin C, retinoids and acne treatments may help when introduced gradually, while separate eye creams and elaborate anti-ageing routines are unnecessary. With age, hydration and barrier support become priorities; persistent irritation calls for simpler care and medical advice.

Radhika Apte says she sought inspiration from Zeenat Aman for her look in ‘Akka’

Radhika Apte says Zeenat Aman’s hair and screen roles inspired the styling of Rudra, her ruthless rebel in Netflix’s period crime thriller *Akka*, premiering October 30. Set in a fictional, matriarchal South Indian world, the series pits Rudra against Keerthy Suresh’s Bhavani in a struggle over land and legacy. Apte praised its stylised gangster story.

Escaped Tennessee prison inmate Jacob Morley's stolen car found, but convict remains missing

Escaped Tennessee inmate Jacob Allen Morley’s stolen truck was found abandoned in Marion, Illinois, but the 28-year-old remains missing as authorities search. Officials warn not to approach him and call 911. Morley escaped Northwest Correctional Complex, breaching a fence; serving life for murder, he is listed among Tennessee’s Most Wanted, and a $2,500 reward offered.

Leimert Park: Shooting reported in Los Angeles neighborhood amid Black LA Votes Party meeting

A reported shooting in Leimert Park on October 27 occurred down the street from a Black LA Votes Party gathering, organizers said; attendees were unharmed. Former LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said two people nearby were reportedly injured. The event continued with a healing circle; LAPD has not yet commented, and the cause remains unknown.