Review: Hot Butter Cuttlefish by Ashok Ferrey

Ashok Ferrey’s *Hot Butter Cuttlefish* turns Sri Lanka’s pandemic-era misinformation into comedy, showing how a supposed coronavirus cure shapes ordinary lives. Its characters—Malik, Kamala, Arthur, Chanchala and politician Biju—expose village absurdities, social hypocrisy and discrimination, while raising global concerns including racism and human rights. Ferrey’s sly satire reflects a reality stranger than fiction.

Revanth Reddy backs Elon Musk amid Starlink row: ‘Can’t appease crony distractions’

Revanth Reddy backed Elon Musk in Starlink’s India licensing dispute, urging India to welcome innovation, not appease “crony distractions,” and protect Brand India. Musk alleges oligarchs are blocking Starlink to preserve monopolies; India calls discrimination claims baseless, saying all three satellite providers face security reviews at broadly the same stage. Reddy invoked UPI as Indian innovation.

Christa Pike's lungs clear after 2 botched execution attempts; latest on death row inmate's health

Christa Pike is recovering after surviving a botched lethal-injection attempt in Tennessee, but lawyers warn psychological and cognitive effects remain uncertain and urge Gov. Lee to commute her sentence. She has regained consciousness, walks with assistance, eats, and her lung and arm injuries are improving. Convicted of murdering Colleen Slemmer in 1995, Pike remains on death row.

Andhra loses Supreme Court battle over 34% Backward Classes quota in local polls

The Supreme Court dismissed Andhra Pradesh’s appeal, upholding a high court decision blocking its restored 34% Backward Classes quota in local bodies for lack of rigorous evidence to exceed the 50% reservation ceiling. It said a unified family survey alone was insufficient. The state may reconsider a higher quota after completing the data-driven inquiry required by earlier rulings.

Tanushree Dutta doubles down on ‘evil dead’ remark on Nana Patekar; posts about surviving abuse

Tanushree Dutta doubled down on her “evil is dead” remark after Nana Patekar died aged 75, saying her Instagram engagement surged and hoping her life was “back on track.” She reshared posts arguing an alleged abuser’s death does not erase survivors’ harm. AICWA condemned her comment; Patekar denied the harassment allegations, and proceedings were dismissed in 2025.

What defines ‘authentic Indian cuisine’ in modern kitchens? Chef Siddharth Parab explains

Authenticity in Indian cuisine rests not on rigid recipes but on preserving a dish’s defining flavours, techniques and cultural context, while allowing innovation, says Chef Siddharth Parab. India’s regional traditions make a single standard inadequate; chefs should understand a preparation’s history before adapting it. Traditional methods, from fermentation to slow cooking, remain essential in kitchens.

ED raids 9 locations in Odisha in probe over sub-inspector recruitment case

ED officials searched nine Odisha locations Friday in a money-laundering probe into the police sub-inspector recruitment paper leak, targeting premises linked to charge-sheeted accused, including alleged middleman Muna Mohanty and technology executives. CBI alleges papers were manipulated and sold for ₹20–25 lakh, with candidates transported and coached. The October examination was cancelled after the leak.

Aneet Padda joins Ahaan, Ananya Panday for fun game at Alanna's baby shower, internet gushes. Watch

Aneet Padda’s appearance at Ahaan Panday’s sister Alanna’s Mumbai baby shower fueled fans’ speculation about their rumoured romance. At the gathering, Aneet teamed with Ahaan’s cousin Ananya in a game, and the pair accidentally dropped a baby doll as Ahaan watched nearby. Aneet and Ahaan debuted together in *Saiyaara*, say they are friends, and will reunite in Mohit Suri’s romance.

NIA, others raid 11 premises over narcotics and fake currency syndicate in Bihar's Madhubani

Central agencies, including the NIA, raided 11 properties in Bihar’s Madhubani district Thursday, targeting an alleged counterfeit-currency and narcotics syndicate linked to Hira Mahaseth, known as Chachi, and her husband. Police and SSB supported dawn searches, and the premises were sealed. Arrests in August and September preceded the operation; investigators are probing the syndicate’s Nepal links.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke meets Gauri Lankesh’s kin in Bengaluru, calls them his ‘new family’

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke met Gauri Lankesh’s sister Kavitha and niece Esha in Bengaluru, calling them his “new family” after a party protest; Kavitha said Gauri would have welcomed him as an adopted son. Lankesh, a Kannada journalist and editor, was shot dead outside her home in 2017; 17 of the 18 accused have been released on bail.

Mia goth files for divorce from Shia LaBeouf after 10 years of marriage

Mia Goth filed for divorce from Shia LaBeouf on October 6, citing “irreconcilable differences” and naming July 28, 2025, as their separation date. She reportedly seeks primary legal and physical custody of their daughter, Isabel, born in 2022; neither actor has commented. The pair met in 2012, married in 2016, separated in 2018, and reconciled.

No permission for Jantar Mantar protest, Delhi Police say intimation came 'too late'

Delhi Police denied permission Friday for Cockroach Janta Party’s October 10 Jantar Mantar protest demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Prohibitory orders cover New Delhi district, and DMRC was asked to close gates at 57 metro stations from Friday night through Saturday. Police said organizers gave two days’ notice, despite guidelines requiring 10 days.

Coach Chettri backs Indian women's football team, targets long-term growth after Russia defeat

India women’s coach Crispin Chettri backed his young side to keep developing after a 0-4 defeat to Russia in Kolkata, praising their character, pressing and commitment despite the result. He said little competitive football since June and Russia’s league-season form made the challenge harder, while the October 11 rematch offers valuable preparation for the 2029 Asian Cup.

From bogong moths to Christmas beetles – how to slow down, spot more insects

Bogong moths have returned in remarkable numbers on Australia’s east coast after collapsing 99% between 2017 and 2019, giving scientists a chance to assess their recovery. Heavy rainfall likely improved breeding conditions, while strong winds may have diverted migrants toward Sydney. The resurgence highlights insect declines and shifting baselines, and shows how citizen scientists can help track moths and Christmas beetles.

Glam drop with HT City | A case for the Navratri-coded phone covers for this festive season

Customisable phone covers with cowrie shells, kundan, silver charms, ghungroos and beadwork are emerging as festive accessories for Navratri garba and dandiya outfits, as matching colours and personalisation drive demand. Phone-sling combinations and cowrie-and-black-thread styles are especially popular. Covers start at ₹400, combos at ₹900, with embellished designs reaching ₹2,000, in HT City’s eighth shopping-series instalment.

Top US official shares fake news on Indian stock market collapse over green card curbs

U.S. Labor Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito drew criticism after replying “Ruh roh” to a false X post claiming India’s stock market collapsed following Trump restrictions on green-card sponsorship at eight companies. The market closed hours before the announcement; October 8’s decline reflected oil prices, RBI policy and outflows, while Sensex and Nifty rebounded Friday.

BRS backs Gyanesh Kumar ouster demand, boost to Oppn ahead of Prez House march

Bharat Rashtriya Samithi (BRS) joined calls for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, widening pressure before a planned march to President Droupadi Murmu. BRS leader K. T. Rama Rao cited Special Intensive Revision irregularities and urged a Supreme Court-ordered independent investigation. Protests followed reports election commissioners challenged SIR decisions and lost access to election software.

Punjab appoints Gaurav Yadav regular DGP, ends 4-year ad hoc tenure after HC scrutiny

Punjab appointed 1992-batch IPS officer Gaurav Yadav as regular DGP on Friday, ending uncertainty over the top police post and guaranteeing at least two years in office. Acting chief since May 2022, he has led anti-drug and anti-gangster operations. The appointment followed High Court scrutiny and a UPSC panel, under Supreme Court police-reform guidelines.

What happens to your body when you go to sleep and wake up at different times every day?

Large wake-time swings disrupt circadian rhythm, causing fatigue and reduced alertness and affecting mood, appetite, and metabolic or cardiovascular health, even with adequate sleep. Adults need at least seven hours nightly and should keep weekday and weekend wake times within 30–60 minutes; consistent bedtimes matter. Evidence links irregularity to disease risks but does not prove causation.

GST Council: Simplified registration, dispute reforms may provide relief to real estate developers

India’s 57th GST Council reforms could ease real estate developers’ compliance burdens and disputes through simplified registrations, clearer adjudication standards, and protection for genuine input-tax-credit claims when suppliers default. Experts say the changes may help developers expanding across states and reduce avoidable litigation, while cutting penalties and withdrawing arrest powers; property GST rates remain unchanged.

Price drop on Skechers shoes: Walking, everyday and casual picks to check out

Six Skechers styles feature in a price drop, spanning everyday sneakers, convenient slip-ons, rugged designs and walking-focused shoes; the best choice depends on routine, not discount. Options include Summits Brisbane, Terrenex, D’Lux Walker Scrambler and D’Lux Fitness Roam Free. Compare prices, sizing, fit, reviews and intended use, prioritising comfort and support over appearance or savings.

Amazon vs Flipkart laptop deals reveal where you could save thousands this festive season

Amazon and Flipkart have no single winner in their laptop sales: Amazon lists the HP OmniBook 3 and Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 Aura Edition for less, while Flipkart undercuts the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 and MacBook Air M5. Checkout totals can change with bank discounts and exchange offers; the comparisons span portable Windows laptops and Apple’s 13-inch machine.

‘Just not cricket’: India's flat-pitch problem isn't fair to budding bowlers

India’s flat ODI pitches are exposing young fast bowlers to punishing debuts, with Auqib Nabi conceding 84 runs and Anshul Kamboj 82 without taking a wicket. Wankhede curator Ramesh Mhamunkar says batting surfaces deny pacers and spinners assistance and urges BCCI to prepare sporting wickets. He says T20s suit flat pitches, but ODIs need balance.

Awarapan 2 OTT release: Where to watch Emraan Hashmi's ₹200-crore hit

Awarapan 2, starring Emraan Hashmi and Disha Patani, is now streaming on Prime Video after its August theatrical release, the platform announced. Directed by Nitin Kakkar, the sequel follows former gangster Shivam Pandit from Rajasthan into Bangkok’s cartel war. The 2007 original later gained a cult following, while the sequel grossed ₹213.01 crore worldwide.

Boy found dead inside classmate's house in Faridabad, cops injured as families clash

A 17-year-old Class 10 student was found dead at a classmate’s Faridabad home Thursday night, prompting a clash that injured two police officers. His family alleges murder; hers says he entered secretly and died by suicide. An autopsy will establish the cause, while police investigate her family’s earlier complaint to school accusing him of stalking.

Livestreamed firing squad, failed lethal injections, and questions they raise for US death penalties

The Pentagon plans to livestream Nidal Hasan’s December 3 firing-squad execution, a move supporters say could expose executions to public scrutiny, while critics warn it risks spectacle and violates the condemned man’s dignity. The announcement follows Christa Pike’s failed lethal injection, sharpening legal questions about broadcasts and repeat executions. Executions went behind closed doors after hangings drew crowds.

‘Don’t know where attack will come from’: SC judge recuses from Punjab CBI case

Justice Sheel Nagu recused himself Friday from hearing Punjab’s challenge to a High Court order directing the CBI to investigate alleged corruption linked to Bhagwant Mann’s office, amid questions over earlier cases involving petitioners. Justice Dipankar Datta warned of “difficult times.” The CBI’s FIR names Mann’s aide and five others; Punjab cites insufficient evidence and federalism concerns.

Uttarakhand sets up over 29,000 MSMEs, creates 1.27 lakh jobs: CM Dhami

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the state is partnering with industry to drive investment and jobs, citing more than 29,000 new MSMEs employing about 127,000 young people. He highlighted online clearances, a ₹200-crore startup fund and planned industrial parks, inviting investors to build on improved connectivity and enterprise. He spoke at CII’s summit in Haridwar.

Designing your home? Architect shares 5 practical planning tips to get the basics right

Design for everyday use, not inspiration-board aesthetics, architect Anil Badan advises: identify users’ needs, map routes, choose durable, maintainable materials, and settle layouts, services and specifications before construction. Test the plan as an occupant, checking storage, switches and movement. These early decisions prevent costly changes and support lasting comfort, reflecting lessons from Badan’s work across built environments.

Over 5,000 youths selected for jobs at employment fair in Chhattisgarh's Raipur

More than 5,000 candidates were selected at Chhattisgarh’s job fair in Raipur, where Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presented offer letters to 1,100 youths. It attracted 13,000 participants and more than 95 employers. Sai said the government aims to connect education and skills with local jobs; 925 fairs have placed 25,845 youths over two-and-a-half years.