Animal-shaped bags are the quirky accessories making a style statement

Animal-shaped bags are gaining popularity as playful accessories that express personality and embrace joycore and dopamine dressing. Stylists recommend balancing whimsical designs with structured tailoring, monochrome outfits, restrained prints and complementary textures, matching bag proportions to clothing and even pairing them with Indian wear. Novelty bags now include sculptural animals and kitschy designs across fashion.

UP govt hikes employees’ DA by 3%

Uttar Pradesh raised dearness allowance by 3%, from 60% to 63%, effective July 1, 2026, for state employees and eligible staff. The increase will accompany November salaries, while July–October arrears will follow separate GPF and NPS arrangements, including pension-account deposits and savings instruments. The order also covers aided-institution, urban-local-body, work-charged and UGC-scale employees.

Move over Korean heart, the bicep heart is taking over

The bicep heart, a trend turning flexed arms into a symbol of affection, has drawn nearly nine million views on Instagram Reels after spreading from TikTok. Fans challenge partners and crushes to try the pose: flex one arm and use the other hand to form the heart’s second curve. It gives the Korean finger heart a muscular twist.

Adapting to AQI: Delhi’s hotels and restaurants step up to face the smog

Delhi hotels are intensifying filtration and dust control as winter pollution returns, while restaurants prepare to curb exposure with misters, purifiers, indoor seating and possible terrace changes. ITC Maurya uses boundary misters and filters; Taj properties deploy HEPA and electrostatic systems while monitoring air quality. Eateries are shifting from coal tandoors and adjusting service as Delhi’s seasonal AQI worsens.

US pilot spends 8 hours drawing giant GTA 6 artwork with plane’s flight path

US pilot Benjamin McDaniel spent eight hours flying over Arkansas to trace a GTA 6-inspired design featuring the game’s logo, a helicopter, alligator, palm trees and sports car. His route appeared on Flightradar24, drawing reactions from Rockstar Games and YouTube. McDaniel has recreated famous art and pop culture before; this latest design precedes GTA 6’s November 19 launch.

'Trump saved America’: Stephen Miller says GOP is ‘more popular than ever’ despite midterms defeat

Incoming White House chief of staff Stephen Miller said Donald Trump “saved America” and the Republican Party, pledging loyalty despite GOP midterm losses that handed Democrats control of Congress. At Mar-a-Lago, Miller praised Trump’s record on security, the economy and borders, invoking his personal ordeals; Trump blamed economic concerns, Iran and his absence from the ballot.

Hardik Pandya misses Baroda's SMAT squad as wait for return continues

Hardik Pandya’s competitive return will be delayed after he was omitted from Baroda’s 15-man squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, beginning November 14, casting doubt on his availability for India’s December T20I series against Sri Lanka. Krunal captains, with Hooda and Jitesh included; Hardik continues rehabilitation at Bengaluru’s NCA after back and shin injuries.

Pyre director Vinod Kapri says 75% shows of film has been cut down from theatres

Vinod Kapri says 75% of Pyre’s screenings were cut in two days, alleging cinemas were told to show only one film and urging exhibitors to give his drama a fair chance. The likely draw is Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash; Pyre follows an elderly couple awaiting their children in a fading Himalayan village.

Being bored is not wasted time: What happens when you give your brain break

Constantly checking phones and switching between apps can leave little room for reflection, while the brain benefits from quiet periods to process experiences and form memories. Neurologist Dr Neha Pandita says boredom differs from mental fatigue, and recommends resisting automatic scrolling with pauses, quiet walks and screen-free meals. Technology need not be abandoned; the brain needs downtime.

Uttar Pradesh man wanted in 2016 bank fraud case arrested in Haryana

Uttar Pradesh STF arrested Shekhar Singh in Gurugram after nearly a decade on the run over a 2016 bank-fraud case; a ₹50,000 reward had been offered for his arrest. He allegedly used forged identity documents to withdraw money from his cousin’s account while evading arrest. Singh was arrested at a hostel and handed to police.

Chinese Horoscope, November 8, 2026: Daily astro guidance as per your zodiac

Fire Dog Day emphasizes responsibility, confidence and practical judgment, while the Close Day Officer favors privacy, completing tasks and organizing commitments over launching major ventures. Most signs benefit from measured choices, cooperation and steady effort; cautious signs should review details, finances and communications, avoid pressure, and protect energy amid the Fire Horse year’s faster pace.

Biswajit Basu becomes fourth former Calcutta HC judge to quit Bengal SIR tribunal

Former Calcutta High Court judge Biswajit Basu resigned from West Bengal’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) tribunal Saturday, citing personal reasons and becoming its fourth departing judge. The tribunal was formed to hear appeals against millions of voter deletions, with 19 former judges assigned to review about six million disputed cases. Basu also heads a state corruption inquiry commission.

Three killed, 11 injured as bus carrying 60 passengers rams truck in Kushinagar

Three passengers, including a three-year-old girl, were killed and 11 injured when a Delhi-to-Bihar bus struck the rear of a truck while overtaking near Labaniya village in Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar around 4:30am Saturday, police said. The bus’s front was badly mangled, and four passengers were critically hurt. Many were travelling home for Diwali and Chhath; police are investigating.

From added sugar to preservatives, what to check when choosing packaged flavoured oats

Plain rolled or steel-cut oats are generally healthier than flavoured varieties, which may contain added sugar, sodium, sweeteners and thickeners. Dr Eileen Canday advises checking ingredients and comparing sugar and sodium per serving and per 100 grams. Plain oats let consumers control toppings and sweetness at home, while beta-glucan fibre supports digestion and cholesterol management.

Sebastian Matta, 19-year-old Arizona State University student, wins Maricopa County court clerk race

At 19, college sophomore Sebastian “Seb” Matta defeated Republican Jeff Dial to become Maricopa County Superior Court clerk, an unexpected win placing him over 600 employees. He told Newsweek he feels ready, with a team preparing him. Matta campaigned for 11 months, driving 25,000 miles; his father’s courthouse visits sparked his interest, while he was still a child.

On talking terms: Charles Assisi writes on friendships that are revived just once or twice a year

During Diwali, people reconnect with friends and promise, “Let’s meet after the festival,” sincerely yet without making plans. Psychologists call such courtesies “ostensible invitations”: speakers understand them as gestures, not commitments. We assume next week offers more time, but the ritual’s purpose may be preserving friendship’s closeness and avoiding discovery of how much has changed.

Running on fumes?: Lessons on burnout from the Middle Ages

Medieval thinkers understood burnout as a common struggle, not a modern affliction, linking it to obsession and excessive self-improvement; they advised patience, self-awareness and returning to life’s simpler sources of meaning. Historian Peter Jones says setbacks are inevitable, and recovery requires accepting imperfection. Medieval writings describe exhaustion and despair, including a nun unable to sing.

Dry weather likely across Bengal on Kali Puja, rain expected in parts from Nov 9

West Bengal, including Kolkata, should stay dry for Sunday’s Kali Puja and Diwali, the IMD said, although rain may arrive from November 9. Southern districts face thunderstorms and lightning November 10, while northern areas may see rain November 10–11; isolated warnings apply in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong. Dry conditions return November 12–13, with temperatures rising gradually.

Crislan's strike sends Gokulam Kerala on top with win over Rajasthan United

Crislan da Silva’s 68th-minute strike earned Gokulam Kerala FC a 1-0 win over 10-man Rajasthan United FC, lifting the champions to the Indian Football League summit with six points from two matches. Rajasthan remain bottom after Novin’s late red card, while goalkeeper Shibin Raj denied two efforts. Gokulam next play in Dimapur on November 14.

PM Modi’s Diwali message, firecracker colours decoded, IAF's historic landing | Top News

Delhi’s Diwali fireworks can spike airborne metals: despite the barium ban, levels reached 190 times pre-festival readings, while strontium rose 145-fold in 2019. An IAF transport aircraft made a world-record landing at Ladakh’s 13,629-foot airbase, and India went 2-0 up in a rain-hit ODI. An executive was killed over parking; Modi sent greetings as experts debated movie violence.

Stranger Things gets a new prequel series Other Worlds, set in 1955 and arriving on Netflix in 2028

Netflix is expanding the Stranger Things universe with Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure, a prequel premiering in 2028, announced on Stranger Things Day. Set in 1955 Marion, Nevada, it explores events before Henry Creel encounters a power-granting substance. Kate Trefry is showrunner, Joe Wright directs three episodes, and filming is planned in New Mexico.

Diwali burn first aid: Surgeon shares the 20-minute rule, mistakes to avoid and why you should avoid

After burns, cool skin under running tap water for 20 minutes, remove nearby jewellery, and cover loosely with a clean dressing. Avoid ice, toothpaste, butter, oils and creams; leave blisters intact. Seek prompt care for severe, electrical or chemical burns, sensitive-area injuries, or breathing problems. Diwali fireworks, candles and diyas make burn first aid essential.

Mary Peltola campaign sues Alaska to get records on rejected absentee ballots

Peltola’s campaign sued election officials Friday for access to records identifying rejected absentee ballots, as she and Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan are separated by about 600 votes. The campaign says delayed access impedes oversight; officials call records confidential and warn disclosure could slow counting. Alaska will continue accepting ballots through November 18, prolonging the count.

Argentina launches public recruitment for spies, receives over 40,000 applications in one day

Argentina’s intelligence agency SIDE received over 40,000 applications within 24 hours of launching its first public recruitment drive, despite warning candidates of extreme demands, irregular hours and real risks. Open to citizens with secondary education, it seeks specialists in analysis, cyber, languages and operations; screening and training do not guarantee employment. Its visibility drew criticism.

22-year-old boy kills father, 58, after being scolded over fight with sister in Loni: Police

A 15-year-old was taken into custody after allegedly killing his 58-year-old father with a sickle at their Loni home early Saturday, police said. Police said the attack followed a dispute after the boy fought with his sister and was scolded and slapped. Relatives restrained him; his father died in hospital, and police recovered the weapon.

Houthis say 22 killed in Saudi strikes on Yemen's Sanaa province

Houthi media said Saudi airstrikes killed 22 people, mostly women and children, in Yemen’s Sanaa province on Saturday, with 30 wounded, as rescue work continued and a second strike reportedly hit paramedics. The UN says renewed fighting has killed over 1,600 and displaced more than 300,000. Saudi Arabia has not commented; conflict resumed in July.

Trump hints at more White House firings after US midterms defeat: ‘You have to make moves’

Donald Trump signaled more administration changes after Republicans’ midterm losses, while voicing confidence in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as Democrats prepare to control congressional chambers. Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has departed and been replaced by Stephen Miller, whose appointment suggests a harder-line direction. Several officials have left; further departures remain uncertain amid mounting scrutiny.

Dispute over parking, dog ended in ex-Tech Mahindra executive's murder in Faridabad; accused held

A parking dispute in Faridabad’s Sector 21C turned deadly Friday night when neighbour Mohan Sharma allegedly shot Paramjith Dhankhar nine times, firing at least 15 rounds. Sharma has been arrested. The families’ arguments involved vehicle parking and a dog defecating in the parking area. Singapore-based executive Dhankhar was visiting for Diwali and a family wedding.

ISIS module case: Mumbai court sentences doctor to 6 years in jail after he pleads guilty

A Mumbai special NIA court sentenced anaesthesiologist Adnanali Sarkar to six years’ rigorous imprisonment after accepting his guilty plea in a 2023 ISIS conspiracy case, citing national-security concerns and the need for deterrence. Prosecutors alleged he helped radicalise recruits through online groups and shared bomb-making material. Sarkar said he regretted his actions; proceedings continue against co-accused.

Diwali dessert recipes: Try these 3 healthy homemade sweet recipes

Healthier homemade desserts help people limiting sugar or calories enjoy Diwali, chef Harsh Kedia says, sharing three recipes built around mindful ingredient swaps. His treats include monk-fruit-sweetened kesar coconut ladoos and ragi chocolate modaks, alongside baked apple-cinnamon crumble topped with oats, nuts and almond flour. Kedia says such choices retain festive flavours and nostalgia.