Man narrowly escapes ‘digital arrest’, creates APK files to help cybercriminals steal ₹150 crore

An Indore designer was arrested for allegedly supplying 2,805 malicious apps that helped cybercrime networks defraud 9,673 people of nearly Rs 150 crore, Mumbai police said. Disguised as government services, the apps enabled data theft and remote access; Gupta reportedly sold each for Rs 20,000–25,000. He turned to fraud after escaping a digital-arrest scam five years earlier, police said.

US rejects over 35k Green Card applicants’ work permits, denial rate reaches 44%

USCIS denied 35,767 employment authorization applications from green-card applicants in April–June 2026, a roughly 44% rejection rate—up from 25% in the prior two quarters—making work permits harder to secure while permanent-residency cases are pending. It received 153,039 applications, approved 46,405, and had 671,362 pending, with processing taking 6.4 months. Citizenship refusals also increased this quarter.

'Racist hostility': India on 'attempted mass shooting' targeting Hindu temple in US

India’s foreign ministry expressed deep concern Thursday over an alleged mass-shooting plot targeting a Hindu temple in Illinois, calling reported anti-Hindu and racist motives, including threats against people of Indian origin, particularly disturbing. It noted US authorities had arrested and detained the suspect and filed charges, acknowledging law enforcement’s action in thwarting the reported attack.

Smriti Mandhana’s captaincy chapter begins as India face Zimbabwe

Smriti Mandhana begins as India’s captain when Zimbabwe make their first tour of India for a six-match series, with three T20Is in Raipur from October 16 and three ODIs in Vadodara. The matches will help India test combinations and set standards ahead of tournaments, while Zimbabwe aim to build on an ICC Women’s Championship win.

Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif's AI post on Marilyn Monroe sparks propriety debate

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif faced backlash after sharing an AI-generated Marilyn Monroe puzzle on X, deemed frivolous amid Pakistan’s security and political crises. Set in 1956, the image showed Monroe wearing a modern smartwatch for viewers to identify. Asif captioned it “Watch”; critics called the post unprofessional and derided it as “AI slop.”

Southwest monsoon withdraws from entire country: IMD

India’s southwest monsoon has withdrawn nationwide, as the northeast monsoon began over the south on Thursday, bringing rain to Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka. Heavy showers hit Tamil Nadu and adjoining Andhra, while a western disturbance brought rain to northwest India. Rainfall totaled 759.4 mm, 13% below average, amid strengthening El Niño.

‘Shocked’: BJD hits out at Odisha governor-designate over remarks on strengthening BJP

Odisha’s governor-designate Braj Mohan Ram has sparked controversy after saying he would strengthen the BJP’s Scheduled Caste wing and help it win votes, prompting the BJD to question his impartiality. Naveen Patnaik urged him to uphold constitutional dignity. A former BJP lawmaker, Ram said he would also work for SC welfare, the poor and Odisha’s development.

Blockades leave Mohali commuters stranded amid Punjab bandh

Supporters of slain anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota paralysed Mohali, Kharar and nearby routes with roadblocks from 10am Thursday, stranding commuters and halting transit during a shutdown demanding a CBI probe into his October 13 murder in Mansa. Markets closed, while motorists faced detours and criticised police warnings. CTU buses and autos ran earlier; the shutdown lasted until 5pm.

Jailer 2 box office (updated live): Rajinikanth film mints ₹20 crore, outpaces part 1, Jana Nayagan

Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 opened globally Thursday with a record-breaking start, earning ₹24 crore net in India by 2pm and poised to exceed ₹50 crore on day one. Advance bookings crossed ₹80 crore worldwide, including 18 lakh Indian tickets worth ₹37 crore. The sequel is set to surpass recent Tamil hits and reunites Rajinikanth with director Nelson Dilipkumar as Tiger Muthuvel Pandian.

How to become hard to offend: 3 mindset shifts that help you protect your peace

Becoming hard to offend means recognizing that people’s opinions need not define your confidence, while honoring your feelings and setting boundaries. When a remark stings, pause to consider why it affected you and separate constructive feedback from someone else’s assumptions. Since you cannot control how others see you, the article recommends self-knowledge, thoughtful responses, and letting misunderstandings pass.

US Green Card lottery: Judge orders Trump administration to reopen Diversity Visa 2027 registration

After the State Department failed to open the 2027 Diversity Visa lottery, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to announce registration dates and provide a 30-day entry window, with selected applicants’ cases processed. However, a separate pause on visa issuance leaves Green Cards uncertain. Established in 1990, the program offers up to 55,000 visas.

Gloomy skies prevail as rain lashes Delhi, IMD predicts another wet spell around midnight

Delhi was hit by showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds Thursday as the IMD issued a red alert for moderate-to-intense rain, lightning and winds reaching 50 kmph through 3 pm. Waterlogging and traffic congestion were reported, while experts warned of another spell around midnight into Friday morning. A western disturbance drove rain; temperatures remained above normal.

Court grants 5-day police custody of accused in arson near synagogue in Kochi

A Kochi court granted five days’ police custody to Ebin Paul, accused of setting fire to a nursery beside Ernakulam Market’s Kadavubhagam synagogue, as investigators probe suspected terror links. Police allege he filmed the October 12 arson and are examining messages about Jewish sites and possible paid attacks. His lawyer cited mental illness; agencies are assessing international links.

Are expensive shampoos really better for your hair? Expert explains what you should know

Price alone does not make shampoo better: the right choice depends on formulation and scalp needs, says dermatologist Dr Swetha Sridhar. Shampoo should cleanse oil, sweat, buildup and pollutants without stripping the scalp; conditioners address hair dryness or damage. Premium ingredients may improve feel, but affordable products suffice, while scalp conditions may require medicated formulas.

Yami Gautam seeks blessings at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir ahead of ‘Nayyi Navelli’ release

Yami Gautam Dhar visited Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir to seek blessings before ‘Nayyi Navelli’ opens on October 16. Her visit ahead of Dussehra echoes the festive film’s theme of good triumphing over evil. Directed by Balaji Mohan, the entertainer blends family drama, fantasy, humour and action, with Yami as newlywed Mohini, whose arrival in the Awasthi home stirs questions and secrets.

Police take prime accused in Keralam luxury car crash case to accident spot

Police took Suhail to the Mini Cooper crash site near Kochi Thursday, recording his account inside a bus as crowds prevented him getting out; investigators visited bars where the accused allegedly drank. Suhail’s high blood-alcohol level prompted charges, and the crash killed three people. All four were due in court after custody amid remand controversy.

‘Aim at the stumps, not him’: Gavaskar irked by Joseph’s tactics after Arshdeep blow

Sunil Gavaskar criticized Shamar Joseph for targeting Arshdeep Singh’s body in the final over, saying he should have aimed at the stumps; Arshdeep was struck on the arm and retired hurt before returning. Goswami also criticized Joseph. West Indies won by 24 runs after posting 247/3 in Hyderabad, leveling the series 2-2 ahead of Saturday’s decider.

Jailer 2 details: All about that superstar's massy cameo, meta references and more

Hrithik Roshan makes a cameo in *Jailer 2*, arriving as Roddy to protect Rajinikanth’s Muthuvel Pandian when his family is threatened, and honoring their bond with gratitude and a sunglasses-flip homage. Their reunion recalls *Bhagwaan Dada*, where 12-year-old Hrithik first acted alongside Rajinikanth, who supported him. Hrithik has called the superstar a teacher and inspiration.

Gurugram pollution HSPCB tells RWAs to restrict use of non-compliant diesel generator sets

Haryana’s pollution board ordered Gurugram RWAs and facility managers to restrict non-compliant diesel generators, enforce GRAP measures and keep sewage plants running round the clock. Generators must receive approved emission controls or dual-fuel conversion and serve emergencies only; operators must control dust, prevent open burning and reuse treated wastewater. The directives follow NCR pollution scrutiny.

Celebrating a more circular future for fashion

At Lakmé Fashion Week with FDCI, Noida’s Paiwand Studio won the inaugural Kering Generation Award for transforming garment waste into handwoven fabrics and embroidery. Pune’s Without placed second for converting hard-to-recycle waste into eyewear and packaging, while Ghaziabad’s A Blunt Story came third for plant-based soles. The award debuted in India, recognizing sustainable fashion innovation.

Can you sense when something feels off? 11 signs you may be more in tune with energy

People who feel unusually attuned to their surroundings may notice a room’s mood, sense unspoken tension, and respond to others, places, animals, or changes in nature. The article describes 11 possible signs, including intuitive hunches and physical unease. Spiritual beliefs call this energy sensitivity, but these experiences are subjective, not scientifically established evidence of extrasensory abilities.

Ex-IAS officer Divya Mittal launches Jan-niti Bharat Party, to contest 2027 UP polls

Former IAS officer Divya Mittal launched the Jan-niti Bharat Party, which will contest Uttar Pradesh’s 2027 Assembly elections, pledging people-centred policymaking, decisions based on need rather than identity, and accountability. She says citizens will shape policy and hold officials accountable. Mittal resigned in September after 13 years in service, saying she wants direct engagement with people.

Erika Kirk shares heartwarming video, pens emotional note on late Charlie Kirk's birthday

Erika Kirk marked Charlie Kirk’s 33rd birthday with a tribute, thanking God for their once-in-a-lifetime love and recalling how he made ordinary moments feel heavenly. She joked he could enjoy ice cream in Heaven. Fatally shot at a Utah campus event in September 2025, Charlie’s legacy, Erika said, would live on through future campus tours.

Wrestler Vishvajit More wins India’s first Greco-Roman silver at U23 Worlds

India secured historic silver at the U23 World Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas as Vishvajit More became its first Greco-Roman finalist, narrowly losing the 55kg final 12–13 to Georgia’s Koba Karumidze. India remains in medal contention: Vaishnavi Patil and Amruta Pujari reached the women’s semifinals, while K. Komal advanced to the 59kg bronze match. Mansi Lather exited in the quarterfinals.

Uttarakhand CM meets EEPC chairman to discuss investment and industrial growth

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and EEPC chairman Pankaj Chadha discussed industrial development, investment, trade and jobs, as Dhami backed an industry-friendly environment and greater use of resources, talent and enterprise. Industrial growth, the state said, should create employment and self-employment for young people. No projects, funding, proposals or timelines were announced; EEPC promotes engineering exports.

Yogi cites school improvements to highlight girls’ education in UP

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said women’s health, education and empowerment underpin security and progress, citing girls’ schooling gains. Since 2017, Operation Kayakalp raised facilities from 36% to over 96%, while dropouts fell from 20% to below 3%; residential schools and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas support girls. He contrasted these gains with alleged pre-2017 neglect.

Student elections in Maharashtra universities likely to return, rules to be finalised by January

Maharashtra expects to finalise revised university student-election rules by January, potentially reviving campus polls suspended since 2019 over law-and-order concerns. Election timing depends on a committee’s recommendations, and legislative changes may follow. Minister Chandrakant Patil urged the 12-member panel, led by former Mumbai University vice-chancellor Suhas Pednekar, to submit its report soon; it was formed last month.

3 spiritual signs that someone might be trying to manifest you into their life

Recurring dreams about someone, unexplained emotional shifts, or sightings of feathers and white birds are interpreted as signs that the person is manifesting or thinking of you. Yet these experiences cannot establish another person’s intentions and have no scientific basis; dreams and moods may reflect memories or stress, while spiritual traditions frame such symbols as prompts for reflection.

Trump administration steps up visa fraud scrutiny, vows to protect US jobs

Labor Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito says probes expand into alleged foreign-worker visa fraud to protect American jobs and wages, with subpoenas issued and Cognizant and Cloudera applications suspended. Investigators examine J-1 programs at nine universities; Indian professionals, 71% of fiscal 2024 H-1B beneficiaries, face uncertainty, but no restrictions or visa cancellations have been announced.

Manoj Bajpayee's 'Ghooskhor Pandat' renamed 'Gajab Raat', to release on Oct 23

“Ghooskhor Pandat,” starring Manoj Bajpayee, has been retitled “Gajab Raat” and will premiere on Netflix October 23. Directed by Ritesh Shah and produced by Neeraj Pandey, the thriller follows a police officer torn between personal gain and conscience, setting off one night’s escalating events. Saqib Saleem and Nushrratt Bharuccha star. Its original title prompted backlash and legal scrutiny.