Sonia Gandhi recalls pleading with Rajiv not to become PM after Indira’s assassination

Sonia Gandhi says she pleaded with Rajiv Gandhi not to become prime minister after Indira Gandhi’s 1984 assassination, fearing he too would be killed, in a memoir extract published by The Guardian. At the hospital, she begged him to refuse for their children’s sake; Rajiv replied, “They will kill me anyway.” Indira was shot by bodyguards in Delhi.

Indian designers take Diwali celebrations to the global luxury stage

Diwali is becoming a festive window for Indian luxury designers to reach international audiences through showcases and cultural events that extend beyond the diaspora. This season, Gaurav Gupta, Sabyasachi, Anamika Khanna and Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla staged activations in London and New York. Timed for holiday shopping, these experiences pair craftsmanship with storytelling, expanding beyond traditional trunk shows.

2 licensed skydivers die midair in California after their parachutes become entangled

Two skydivers died Friday after colliding 150 feet above the ground while preparing to land at California’s Skydive Elsinore; their parachutes became entangled, and they suffered critical injuries. Their identities remain withheld pending family notification, while officials investigate the cause and report no indication of equipment failure. They were part of a women’s upright-record team.

IPL: Hardik Pandya-Arshdeep Singh trade close to reality

Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh are poised to swap Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings in a major IPL trade involving no third player; player consent and IPL approval remain pending. The move would reunite MI’s Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep, while Hardik would join Shreyas Iyer at PBKS, boosting its all-rounders. Hardik’s 2024 MI return faltered.

Ram temple donation row: UP Congress chief questions handling of case

Congress leader Aradhana Mishra accused Uttar Pradesh’s government of shielding those responsible for alleged theft of Ram temple donations in Ayodhya, demanding an independent investigation and questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s silence. She questioned how a preliminary SIT report reached trust officials under scrutiny; the trust discussed it July 6.

Give your jeans a festive update with brooches

Dress up jeans for festive occasions by folding hems to fit and pinning them with whimsical brooches, a no-sew fix that prevents denim from dragging or bunching. Iron the fold, choose sturdy clasps, and keep embellishments clear of shoes and ground. Wear a brooch or a pair; popular motifs include flowers, bows, stars, and vintage designs.

Kajal Aggarwal proud to be part of Ramayana even as she admits that her role as Mandodari was small

Kajal Aggarwal shared photos of her Mandodari look in Ramayana, saying joining the epic mattered more than her role’s size. Her brief appearance sparked online discussion, and she thanked the filmmakers, cast and crew for including her in the culturally significant production. The two-part adaptation retells Rama’s battle with Ravana, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash.

Pilot Scott Laux removed from Blue Angels: All we know about US Navy's decision

The U.S. Navy removed Marine Corps Maj. Scott Laux from the Blue Angels, citing a failure to meet standards; he will miss the team’s remaining 2026 performances, officials confirmed. No disciplinary allegation or safety incident has been reported. The team flew five jets during its November homecoming show. Laux joined in 2024 and narrated in 2025.

Ghaziabad outpost blast: Agencies conduct checks; social media account claims responsibility

Multiple agencies, including anti-terror, bomb disposal and forensic teams, examined the Vasundhara police outpost Saturday after a blast damaged its rear wall; investigators have yet to determine the cause. A food delivery worker suffered minor injuries from flying glass, and police said they are probing all angles. A social media account claimed responsibility, though police did not comment.

Spinner Vaishnavi on a high: Big India comeback and a domestic four-in-four

India spinner Vaishnavi Sharma took four wickets in four consecutive balls for Madhya Pradesh against Andhra, finishing with 6/22 and becoming only the second Indian woman to achieve the feat. The 20-year-old returned to India duty with a maiden T20I five-wicket haul against Zimbabwe after missing the World Cup squad, crediting preparation and team support as key factors.

Fireworks yet to peak, Lucknow’s air already ‘poor’; experts warn of further deterioration

Lucknow’s air quality slipped into “poor” Saturday, and experts warned it could cross 300, becoming “very poor” on Diwali night as firecrackers, shopping traffic and falling temperatures worsen pollution. Citywide AQI was 223; Lalbagh recorded the worst reading, 282. Three of six stations exceeded 250, while others remained moderate. CPCB rates 201–300 poor and 301–400 very poor.

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.