Haier launches new refrigerators, washing machines and Mini LED TVs: Here's everything new

Haier expands its Indian lineup with a five-door In-Vista refrigerator (Rs 2,59,990), triple-drum M3 washer (Rs 1,30,000), Mini LED TVs, Halo chimney and Velox water heaters from Rs 13,990. Products offer flexible storage, simultaneous laundry, entertainment, ventilation and faster heating; some include app controls. Announced at Greater Noida’s Elevate event, the range targets festive-season upgrades.

Is Raja Karuppasamy's Modha Rathri the Mouna Ragam for this generation?

Raja Karuppasamy’s *Modha Rathri* uses comedy to tell a troubling story of Mutthu, forced into marriage and denied meaningful choice, who ultimately finds tenderness with her husband, Maruthu; echoing *Mouna Ragam*, the film pairs an angry woman with a patient husband, yet both stories leave female identity tied to marriage, exposing how patriarchal expectations persist across four decades.

Delhi Half Marathon announces minor route changes

Four days before October 18’s Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, organizers announced route changes: the Open 10K will start at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 7:35 a.m., replacing its Sansad Marg start, while the half-marathon course will receive minor refinements. Routes remain undisclosed, and participants will receive updates through official channels. This is the event’s 21st edition.

PM Modi to inaugurate Ladakh projects worth ₹3,350 crore tomorrow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate five Ladakh projects worth about ₹3,350 crore on October 15, strengthening connectivity, energy, heritage conservation and water security. They include Leh airport’s terminal, the 298-km Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road, hydropower and transmission upgrades, India’s first petroglyph conservation park, and 40 village water bodies. Together, they address Ladakh’s strategic and environmental challenges.

As a 15 year-old, I was told to bat like a captain: Smriti Mandhana

Smriti Mandhana says her appointment as India captain will not change her batting approach as she begins a new leadership era ahead of the Zimbabwe series. She will draw on advice from Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur. India must address T20 shortcomings after World Cup exits; the leading women’s international run-scorer starts with three T20Is and three ODIs.

Can your lifestyle trigger a stroke? Neurologist lists 6 everyday habits that can increase the risk

Six habits—inactivity, smoking, poor diet, excess alcohol, chronic stress or inadequate sleep, and ignoring warning signs—can raise stroke risk by worsening blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. Neurologist Ritu Jha recommends exercise, minimally processed foods, limiting alcohol, adequate sleep, smoking cessation and regular health checks; stroke occurs when brain blood flow is blocked or interrupted.

Oil prices today: Brent crude hits $106.60 after Saudi Aramco attack, ship strikes near Hormuz

Oil prices rose Wednesday as attacks on Saudi Aramco’s headquarters and ships near the Strait of Hormuz heightened fears of supply disruptions, with Brent up 0.9% to $106.60 a barrel and US WTI gaining 1.8% to $95.79, its highest in over two weeks. Regional fighting threatens exports, while Russian diesel shipments may temper gains.

Madras HC asks Tamil Nadu police why RSS annual route march permission is denied every year

The Madras High Court questioned Tamil Nadu police over refusing RSS permission for annual marches, asking why the state could not allow them when Jammu and Kashmir did. It ordered talks on routes and dates, with an update due October 15. Police cited festive-season disruption and deployment demands; the RSS says its annual marches date to 1925.

Congress seeks action after BJP flag allegedly hoisted at party's Ballia office

Congress workers on Wednesday asked police to investigate BJP women workers accused of waving a BJP flag inside and atop the Congress district office during Tuesday’s protest. Superintendent Iraj Raja referred the complaint to a deputy superintendent and said police would examine footage. The protest, led by Charu Chaudhary, concerned an alleged sexual harassment case at JNU.

‘What is your fear?': Madras HC pulls up Tamil Nadu govt over denying RSS march

Madras High Court questioned Tamil Nadu’s repeated denial of permission for RSS route marches, asking why the organisation could march in Jammu and Kashmir but not the state, and criticising authorities for treating citizens as adversaries. Hearing an RSS member’s petition for October events, it urged a peaceful solution; police cited venue restrictions and law-and-order concerns.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal Leads ‘Seva Sankalp’ at India Gate, Marking 25 Years of PM Modi’s Governance

A gathering marking PM Narendra Modi’s 25-year public life and governance journey united leaders, faith representatives, diplomats, athletes and youth around service, unity and nation-building. Convened by Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal, it drew participants from over 50 countries and honored Indian Asian Games athletes, while interfaith prayers and a youth pledge reinforced the message.

Are Air Fryer Coatings Safe? PFAS, PTFE and PFOA Explained

Cookware risk depends more on use than labels: intact PTFE coatings are considered low-risk, but overheating an empty pan can release fumes, and scratched or flaking surfaces should be replaced. PFAS is a broad chemical family; PTFE is its non-stick polymer, while PFOA, a manufacturing aid linked to health concerns, has been phased out. Avoid high heat.

'Were told can't land in Delhi due to security': Air India passengers recall hijacking scare

An Air India Frankfurt–Delhi flight carrying 293 passengers and 13 crew was diverted to Jaipur after transmitting hijack alert code 7500, before landing safely in Delhi around 3.15 pm. Passengers recounted hours of waiting, security checks and confusion, while praising the crew’s professionalism. The DGCA is probing whether a technical glitch triggered the alert.

Malhar Patekar opens up about the loss of his father, actor Nana Patekar:The world around me stopped

After Nana Patekar’s death, son Malhar credits his parents’ resilience and family’s closeness with helping him grieve, dismissing claims that his father was alone or unwell. He says relatives never left Nana’s side and recalls receiving the news at 5 a.m. Nana remained active, focused on social work and sought fresh stories; Malhar hopes to continue Nana’s work.

Patient Bengal eke out nine-wicket win against Delhi

Bengal beat Delhi by nine wickets, securing six Ranji points in their opener, dismissing the visitors for 277 before chasing 89 in 15.3 overs. Spinners Amir Gani, Pradipta Pramanik and Sumanta Gupta shared seven wickets; debutant Ankur Paul scored 38, and captain Abhimanyu Easwaran was unbeaten on 34. On a placid pitch, Bengal’s patience overcame Delhi’s resistance and errors.

UP makes BIS certification a must for packaged water

Uttar Pradesh has restored mandatory BIS certification for packaged drinking and mineral water makers after tests found 78% of samples unsafe or below standards, including 176 unsafe. New units need certification before licensing; 968 units have until March 31, 2027, or face licence suspension and halted production. The move follows FSSAI’s 2024 removal of the requirement.

Dupahiya S2, Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya show that formula or not, slice of life is here to rule OTT

Small-town, slice-of-life comedies have become Indian streaming’s new mainstream, drawing audiences without stars, big budgets or explosive plots. Dupahiya season two topped Prime Video, Gullak five drew seven million viewers in five days, and Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya outperformed reality shows. Their family appeal reflects changing viewing habits; the trend grew from TVF and Panchayat’s successes.

Arjun Bijlani clarifies after wife's T-shirt sparks row over words referring to Prophet Muhammad

Arjun Bijlani and Neha Swami apologized after Neha faced backlash for wearing a T-shirt bearing Urdu words referring to Prophet Muhammad, explaining that a Bangkok fan gifted it and she did not understand its meaning. They condemned online threats, while Pakistani actor Mishi Khan criticized the couple and called for apology; Neha wore it in Mumbai.

‘Wearing a tika is a problem’: Ektaa Kapoor calls out ‘Hinduphobia’ in entertainment industry

Ektaa Kapoor says Bollywood must embrace Indian folklore, calling resistance to Hindu mythology “Hinduphobia” and recalling ridicule for wearing a tika and dhaaga, which prompted labels including “freak” and “tantrik.” Her remarks followed the release of folklore-inspired The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest, which earned ₹69.36 crore in India. Slate spans film, TV and digital.

There was nothing like what was shown in Fashion: Sana Thampi

Sana Thampi is pleased her acting debut in Kiran Rao’s *Lust Stories 3* segment has received no bad reviews, and says Rao guided her clearly through the role of Lisa, a Kerala-born nail artist in Mumbai. Thampi also praised intimacy coordinators for helping her feel confident during choreographed scenes. An architecture graduate from Kochi, she moved from modelling into acting with her parents’ support.

Indiana candidate Jaime West's ‘embarrassing’ rant against MAGA goes viral

Democrat Jaime West drew attention at a forum by saying she wanted to “fire all Republicans,” calling them racist and unintelligent, and warning, “We have guns too.” She said she had received threats from MAGA supporters. Forum footage went viral; West faces Republican Gary Keener Jr. for Fayette County Council’s District 4 seat on Nov. 3.

Who is Najmeh Amini? 23-year-old Iranian woman sentenced to death over social media post

Iranian student Najmeh Amini, 23, has reportedly been sentenced to death for blasphemy over an undisclosed social-media post, prompting human-rights groups to warn Tehran is using capital punishment to silence dissent. The ruling is appealable; she received a 12-year prison term. Arrested during January’s protests and again over online activity, Amini says she is innocent.

Mahesh Bhatt on Naam: To Live Is War cast: ‘Casting should always serve the story’

Mahesh Bhatt says casting should serve the story in *Naam: To Live Is War*, an ensemble led by Veer Pahariya and Varun Sharma, with Prashant Narayanan, Shefali Bagga and Vijyant Kohli. He praised their distinct strengths. Directed by Sidhaant Sachdev, the film is produced by Riddhi Chawda and Utsav Upadhyay, with Alphaneon Studioz as studio partner.

SpaceX stock prediction 2030: $1,000 investment may double to $2,000

SpaceX shares could double by 2030, turning $1,000 into $2,000, if one business—Starlink, AI or space—grows profitably. Starlink is its only profitable division; AI is growing fastest but remains unprofitable. Analysts forecast 155% revenue growth to $115 billion in 2027, though competition, slower subscriber growth and unproven space data centers threaten further gains.

‘Don’t need outsiders interfering': Dipke on singer Mary Millben's ‘US donors’ remark

Dipke rejected Millben’s allegation that US donors fund his Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), asking why Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought Americans’ support to discredit Indians and saying foreigners should not interfere in India’s affairs. Millben urged Indians to peacefully protest CJP, alleging its donors oppose Modi. She has praised Modi and criticized opposition to an RSS event.

Death penalty in 'blue drum' murder; Air India flight diverted after hijack alert | Top News

A Meerut court sentenced Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla to death for murdering husband Saurabh Rajput. An Air India Frankfurt–Delhi flight diverted to Jaipur after a hijacking alert. Yuvraj Singh joins Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2027 staff. Mary Millben alleged US donors opposing Modi fund CJP; Karan Johar hopes to direct Shah Rukh and Salman Khan again.

Post-flood health watch in Lucknow: 27 teams to check disease risks in 6,000 Faizullaganj households

Lucknow’s health department deployed 27 teams to monitor 6,000 flood-affected Faizullaganj households, distribute medicines and prevent waterborne and mosquito-borne disease as waters recede. Six doctors oversee teams, while auxiliary nurses and two mobile medical units continue assistance. Minister AK Sharma inspected Santha village, ordering stronger sanitation, chemical spraying, safe drinking water and relief for residents.

OutStation on India's Got Latent, BTS influence: What they did for Korea, we want to do for India

Indian boy band OutStation builds momentum with debut hit “Tum Se,” its first ticketed tour and selection for YouTube Music’s Foundry Class of 2026, aiming to take Indian music global. After Mumbai and Delhi shows, the band plans Bengaluru and Pune dates, drawing inspiration from BTS and recalling anxiety over its appearance on *India’s Got Latent*.

LUMA glass air fryer review: Features, price and whether it is worth buying

EDT’s LUMA replaces conventional coated baskets with a 6mm tempered-glass bowl and uncoated stainless-steel tray, eliminating PTFE/PFAS/PFOA from its cooking surface. At ₹8,999, it offers oven-style functions—baking, roasting and grilling—but costs more than basic fryers. It suits buyers seeking coating-free cooking and versatility; nutrient claims remain unverified. Most air fryers use coated metal baskets.

Protests kept 2.6 million commuters off Metro; 258 stations fully operational: DMRC tells SC

DMRC told the Supreme Court that protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 10 coincided with a nearly 45% fall in Metro ridership, although all scheduled trains ran. About 3.2 million passengers travelled, compared with 5.8 million normally. Police restrictions affected 45 of 303 stations; restrictions ahead of the protest prompted ongoing contempt proceedings.