Akhilesh Yadav says ‘Gathbandhan’ experience will defeat BJP; confirms participation in Nov 1 Ramlila rally

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav reaffirmed the alliance, saying partners would unite to defeat the BJP, and confirmed his participation in the INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally. He downplayed seat-sharing disputes, stressing winnability. The tensions follow Congress demands for up to 200 of Uttar Pradesh’s 403 seats in the 2027 Assembly election.

ECI suspends six officers in UP, orders action against 21 others over MLC poll lapses

The Election Commission suspended six officers and ordered disciplinary proceedings against five presiding officers and 16 police personnel over alleged lapses in Agra Teachers’ Constituency election. It replaced observer Abhay after a BJP MLC alleged irregularities. The report called for repolling at three stations; voting took place Friday, with counting for 11 seats set Tuesday.

Mild electric shocks to brain may temporarily remove bias linked to objectification of women: Study

A 10-minute mild electrical stimulation temporarily improved recognition of upright images of sexualised women and erased the difference in how participants processed images of women and men, a University of Exeter study found, offering insight into visual bias—but no cure for sexism. In a blind experiment, 76 students viewed model images; real-world effects remain unknown.

Parking row turns deadly in Lucknow: 3 of a family shot dead, accused held

Three members of a Lucknow family were shot dead Monday in a parking dispute, allegedly by a neighbour, an ex-Merchant Navy officer arrested at the scene. Shivaji Tiwari, 62, his brother Shivendra, 55, and son Suyash, 30, died in hospital. Police recovered a pistol and cartridges; relatives cited a feud as Suyash’s December wedding neared.

Anthropic’s IPO filing warns of catastrophic AI risks to humanity

Anthropic warned in its IPO filing that misused, weaponised or autonomous AI could pose “catastrophic or existential risks,” while saying safeguards help manage them. Its planned Nasdaq listing comes amid surging revenue, mounting losses and enormous compute commitments, alongside regulatory, security and economic concerns. Founded in 2021, the company rapidly expanded Claude through private funding.

Kharge’s remarks against Modi: BJP holds protests across UP, seeks apology from Congress

BJP workers staged demonstrations across Uttar Pradesh on Monday, demanding Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge apologise for remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with protests in Lucknow, Agra, Varanasi and western districts featuring effigy burnings, slogans and marches. Party leaders called the comments indecent and unacceptable, warning of protests. The rallies followed Kharge’s remarks about Modi.

MSRTC E-bus catches fire on busy road, swift evacuation prevents tragedy

An MSRTC electric bus travelling from Solapur to Pune caught fire Monday morning near MSRTC headquarters on Shankar Sheth Road, but all 20 passengers and the driver escaped unharmed. Firefighters extinguished the flames within minutes and saved all 10 batteries, though the fire damaged the bus’s upper section and seats. Officials suspect a short circuit; an inquiry will establish the cause.

Pune records 8 suspected dengue deaths this year; PMC to send cases for state review

Pune reported eight suspected dengue deaths from July to October 2026, including a nine-year-old girl who died at Ruby Hall Clinic on October 18; a state audit will determine whether dengue caused or contributed to each death. Three patients were non-residents, and several had underlying illnesses, while hospital records cite dengue complications and organ failure.

Walter Koenig, who played original Pavel Chekov in Star Trek franchise, dies at 90

Actor and writer Walter Koenig, famed for playing Ensign Pavel Chekov in Star Trek, has died at 90, Galactic Productions announced. He died at his North Hollywood home, surrounded by family. Koenig reprised Chekov in the series’ final two seasons and all six original-cast films; William Shatner and George Takei are the only surviving original cast members.

Japan's former PM Yasuo Fukuda, proponent of ties with China, dies at 90

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, who sought closer ties with China, died Thursday at 90, his party said Monday, without disclosing a cause. He led Japan from 2007 to 2008, struggling with a divided parliament, then pursued dialogue with Beijing after retiring in 2012 amid territorial tensions; his father was also prime minister.

Kenya releases first Ebola contacts from quarantine: Report

Kenya released its first 20 Ebola contacts Monday after they completed 21 days without symptoms, marking progress toward containing the outbreak. Health officials said they are well and pose no risk, while 98 others remain under monitoring. Kenya has reported nine cases and two deaths; seven patients are stable, following the outbreak’s spread from Congo.

Ray-Ban heir seeks to buy Italian newspaper critical of him, owners reject offer

Il Fatto Quotidiano’s majority shareholders rejected Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio’s proposal to take the newspaper’s parent company private, stalling his media expansion. The seven founders, including editor Marco Travaglio, refuse to sell. Del Vecchio says he sought to improve finances while protecting editorial independence, despite clashes with the paper; he holds interests in Italian newspapers.

IISER Pune withdraws Umar Khalid’s book after social media backlash

IISER Pune withdrew Umar Khalid’s thesis-based book after its library acquisition drew social-media criticism, saying it acted to prevent misunderstanding or unrest. Acquisitions, it said, are committee-supervised. Historian Ramachandra Guha condemned the withdrawal as yielding to online pressure. The book examines Adivasi histories and displacement; Khalid was arrested over the alleged 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy.

Cyclone Arnab: Andaman and Nicobar schools shut till Tuesday

Andaman and Nicobar authorities closed schools on October 26–27 and urged residents to follow advisories as Cyclone Arnab intensified over the Bay of Bengal, where seas were expected to become extremely rough. Fisherfolk were told to stay ashore, and tourism and coastal activities were discouraged. The storm was forecast to strengthen as it moved west-northwestwards.

Retail sugar prices rise by ₹5/kg in Pune ahead of Diwali

Pune sugar prices rose ₹5 per kg in 10 days before Diwali, reaching ₹59, amid higher wholesale rates, production costs and demand. Merchants expect about ₹60, with no further rise. Officials cite over nine lakh tonnes of state stocks and monitor hoarding. Higher mill prices and drought-hit cane, which lowered recovery, are driving costs and straining household budgets.

Gramdan villages face uncertain future

Repealing Maharashtra’s 1964 Gramdan Act could end collective land management in 21 villages, shifting them to panchayats and returning land to recorded owners while regularising some landless residents’ allocations. Sarvodaya activists fear land grabs and seek amendments; supporters say the system blocks loans, compensation and schemes. Inspired by Vinoba Bhave, Gramdan entrusted village land collectively.

Sinhagad event sparks criticism; forest nod did not cover fort steps

A cycling event at Sinhagad fort has drawn criticism after videos showed riders descending its stone steps, although forest officials say permission covered only the hill and trekking route, while archaeology officials confirm they granted no event permission. The incident has prompted calls for clearer coordination and stricter oversight at Sinhagad, a revered Maratha-era heritage site.

Father throws 9-month-old son off Ghatkopar skywalk after row with wife

A 23-year-old man was arrested on an attempted-murder charge after allegedly throwing his nine-month-old son from Ghatkopar railway station’s skywalk during a dispute with his wife; the infant suffered serious head injuries and is receiving treatment. Police said the father had threatened his wife before throwing the child. The couple had reportedly faced marital disputes for months.

Celebs should volunteer for noise pollution awareness, not seek payment: HC

The Bombay High Court urged celebrities to volunteer for noise-pollution campaigns, criticizing payment demands, and pressed authorities to reach Mumbai slums, where firecrackers reportedly continue until 2am. It directed state and civic bodies to expand outreach through schools, announcements, social media and transit messages, while strengthening enforcement. The suo motu case concerns noise from religious processions across Maharashtra.

Jailer 2 box office collection day 12: Rajinikanth film smashes through ₹400 crore mark in India

Rajinikanth’s *Jailer 2* has crossed ₹400 crore net in India, reaching ₹408.15 crore after earning ₹9.45 crore on its second Monday, and has become the highest-grossing Tamil film ever domestically and worldwide. The sequel collected ₹334.35 crore in its opening week, boosted by Dussehra, and held strongly over the second weekend. It reunites Rajinikanth with returning cast members.

Udta Teer box office collection day 4: Ayushmann Khurrana's film sees 67% drop on 1st Monday

Udta Teer earned an estimated ₹2.71 crore net in India Monday, a 67% drop from Sunday, taking its total to ₹22.26 crore and casting doubt on its weekday staying power. It opened at ₹4.10 crore Friday, climbing to ₹7.25 crore Saturday and ₹8.20 crore Sunday. Khurrana’s amnesiac Pakistani spy mistakes himself for an Indian officer.

Four shot dead at hotel in Assam’s Guwahati, police fear more casualties

Four people were reportedly shot dead at Hotel Bilas Inn in Guwahati’s Bora Service area on Monday evening, October 26, making the hotel the scene of a deadly shooting. The brief account identifies the location and timing but provides no information about the victims, what led to the shooting, the suspected shooter, or any police response.

Punjab builder dies by suicide in Dehradun, police recover note blaming business partner

A 52-year-old builder from Punjab allegedly died by suicide after jumping from the fifth floor of an under-construction building in Dehradun on Monday, police said; a note allegedly blamed his business partner. An FIR was being initiated, while forensic teams examined the site and police investigated. He had lived in Dehradun for about 18 months.

Agra MLC polls: ECI orders suspension of six supervisory officials, disciplinary proceedings against 21 others

ECI ordered suspension of six supervisory officers and disciplinary action against five presiding officers and 16 police personnel over lapses in Agra’s Legislative Council election. Complaints prompted repolling at three stations Monday. Commission replaced the Gorakhpur-Faizabad teachers’ constituency observer after a BJP MLC alleged irregularities, ahead of Tuesday’s count for 11 seats; polling was October 23.

No goods vehicles on Missing Link from November 1

All goods vehicles, including those carrying hazardous materials, will be barred from the Mumbai-Pune Expressway’s Missing Link from November 1, 2026, and must use the existing route under new traffic rules. Citing tunnel safety and congestion risks, the rules allow light and passenger vehicles, with speed limits of 100 kmph for cars and 80 kmph for buses.

ISL: Manvir’s late goal helps Mohun Bagan escape to victory

Mohun Bagan Super Giant edged Chennaiyin FC 1-0 in Kolkata, as Manvir Singh’s 85th-minute finish secured victory after a chance-filled contest. Substitute Liston Colaço supplied the cross, while Vishal Kaith made crucial saves and Nikola Stojanović struck the crossbar for Chennaiyin. Both teams created opportunities in a goalless first half, with Mohammad Nawaz making stops.

The ultimate Goa weekend packing list and how to fit 3 days of beachwear into a single tote

Short Goa beach breaks can fit in one tote, even for 24 hours, with mix-and-match clothes and no “what-if” outfits. Cotton basics, an oversized sun-cover shirt, swimwear, sunscreen, transition glasses and compact essentials cover most needs; wear bulky shoes, skip the laptop, and leave room for damp clothes. Pack for the weekend ahead, not every possibility.

Microsoft offers voluntary buyouts to around 60,000 employees: Report

Microsoft is offering voluntary severance packages to about 60,000 employees across the United States, Canada, India and the United Kingdom as it balances artificial intelligence infrastructure growth with fiscal discipline. The program covers eligible workers at experience level 70 or below, representing roughly 27% of its 223,000-person workforce. The company announced the separation initiative Monday.

BJP announces UP executive; PM, Rajnath among permanent invitees

The BJP announced a 548-member Uttar Pradesh executive committee, including 30 permanent invitees, ahead of its October 30–31 state meeting in Lucknow, likely to draw Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath and other senior leaders. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening the organisation, workers’ roles and Mission-2027 election preparations, with members representing regions across the state.

Sai Pallavi's fierce new avatar as CBI officer Nithya Reddy unveiled in Dhanush's OM: Chapter 1

Dhanush’s *OM: Chapter 1 – Udhiram: The Blood Wood* has moved from October 16 to November 20, 2026, avoiding clashes with Rajinikanth’s *Jailer 2* and Suriya’s Diwali film, *Scene*; Dhanush said the decision reflected respect and industry welfare. Sai Pallavi plays CBI officer Nithya Reddy in the film, directed by Rajkumar Periasamy, which releases in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.