Ilhan Omar's birth year questioned by journalist who flags Congresswoman's memoir

Journalist Jim Geraghty has renewed questions about Ilhan Omar’s birth year, citing her memoir: she was eight when Somalia’s civil war began in 1989, suggesting a 1981 birth, not 1982. Critics say the discrepancy could affect whether she gained U.S. citizenship through her father’s 2000 naturalization, but it proves no wrongdoing; her staff requested a biography correction in 2019.

Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon lend their voices to blockbuster Obsession's Hindi version

Obsession became a box-office success, earning a reported $522 million worldwide against a $750,000 budget and putting director Curry Barker on Hollywood’s radar. The horror hit premieres uncut in Hindi and English on The Peacock Hub via JioHotstar on October 30, with Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon voicing its lead characters. Its story follows a wish that turns love into terror.

SC refrains from directing ECI to preserve files amid row over SIR decisions

The Supreme Court declined to order the ECI to preserve records on alleged unilateral electoral-roll decisions, but said it would examine them. It gave petitioners time to answer the ECI’s denial of unilateral action and issued notice on a separate challenge to alleged changes to voter-enrolment Form 6. The dispute concerns the poll panel’s special intensive revision.

India ramped up LPG output, diversified imports to weather Hormuz crisis: Union Minister Puri

India avoided LPG shortages during the Strait of Hormuz disruption by expanding LPG imports to 41 countries and raising production, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said Tuesday. Output climbed from 34,000 to 55,000 metric tonnes, while US and Algerian supplies offset interruptions. Authorities curbed panic bookings and hoarding; the supplier network previously included 27 countries.

Ro Khanna, Indian American seeking re-election in California’s 17th Congressional District

Ro Khanna is seeking re-election to California’s 17th Congressional District after winning 62.3% in the Democratic primary, facing fellow Indian American Ritesh Tandon. A prominent advocate for releasing Epstein files, he campaigns on affordability, healthcare, jobs and AI regulation; elected in 2016, Khanna co-authored the CHIPS and Science Act and served in the Obama administration.

Search underway for Florida teen after truck found abandoned in Atlanta

Authorities seek 16-year-old Levi James Conner, whose empty Ford F-150 was found in Atlanta, and believe he may be in Ralston, Nebraska, after taking a Greyhound bus. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office says he may be a runaway and has alerted police. Conner was last seen in a blue hoodie and gray sweatpants.

Step inside Robert Downey Jr and Susan Downey's charming 19th-century windmill home in Hamptons

Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey transformed a 19th-century Hamptons windmill into a family home, pairing eccentric art and colourful, soothing interiors with a pool pavilion, bar and oversized television. They prize its privacy, gardens and proximity to East Hampton; originally built as a playhouse, the structure became a residence through later additions and featured in Architectural Digest’s 2017 tour.

Clinical researcher explains the effect of diabetes on foot health, lists 5 warning signs

People with diabetes should seek medical assessment for numbness or burning, non-healing cuts or blisters, sudden colour or temperature changes, swelling or altered shape, and cracked skin, thickened nails or infection, because nerve damage and poor circulation can turn minor problems into wounds. Daily inspection, suitable footwear and regular checks help reduce risk, even without symptoms.

UP cabinet approves 2026 inland vessel rules, mandates insurance for boats

Uttar Pradesh has approved the Inland Vessel Rules, 2026, requiring mechanised and traditional boats to register and providing insurance for passengers and operators, in a bid to improve safety and formalise the largely unorganised sector. The rules establish vessel categories and fees, a centralised database and a Waterways Authority, with registration handled by transport officials at district and tehsil levels. Previously, records were fragmented and many small boat operators lacked insurance.

Bombay HC quashes FIR against student linked to controversial Operation Sindoor post

The Bombay High Court quashed a FIR against a 20-year-old engineering student arrested for reposting Operation Sindoor content, finding her limited role and custody insufficient grounds for prosecution. She deleted the post within two hours and apologised, though it risked inflaming religious tensions. The repost came amid India’s 2025 military response to the Pahalgam attack.

Australia expands biometric collection programme to visa applicants in India

Australia expands biometrics for Indian visa applicants, requiring some to provide fingerprints and facial images for applications lodged from October 26. Home Affairs will notify applicants, who may attend a centre or use the Immi App if eligible. Earlier applications and granted visas are unaffected; authorities say the measure deters fraud and should not delay processing.

Global peace means assurance of security, dignity and justice for all: Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged BRICS nations to pursue peace through dialogue, cooperation and respect for sovereignty, saying security, dignity and justice are what citizens—especially young people—expect. Closing the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi, he called on generations to build a safer, prosperous future, strengthen parliaments and use artificial intelligence ethically.

UP: Three businessmen found dead inside car, pulled out of Sitapur pond

Three businessmen were found dead inside a hatchback pulled from a pond in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur district late Monday, with police investigating the circumstances and awaiting postmortem results. Villagers spotted the car around 1:30am. The men had traveled to visit Rakesh’s son, injured in an accident, and lost contact with their families while returning home.

Instagram rolls out 90-minute videos, microdramas amid tense rivalry with YouTube, TikTok

Instagram is expanding video with 90-minute Features, microdrama Series and more discoverable Live streams, aiming to challenge TikTok and YouTube while building a television audience. These formats address Reels’ three-minute recommendation limit and will be tested with creators; Instagram’s TV app launches Monday on Apple TV in the US. Once photo-focused, the platform says video drives record engagement.

Anthropic grows more reliant on Google, Amazon, Microsoft as cloud partnerships drive revenue, costs

Anthropic increasingly relies on rivals Amazon, Google and Microsoft to sell Claude, with cloud distribution generating 48% of first-half 2026 revenue, up from 11% in 2023, while partner fees soared. The arrangement supports growth but exposes the startup to pricing visibility, competing models and antitrust scrutiny. It depends on firms for computing commitments and investment.

SC issues notice on fresh pleas challenging law mandating singing of Vande Mataram

The Supreme Court agreed to examine challenges to the Centre’s requirement that six Vande Mataram stanzas be sung, issuing notices and setting a November 30 hearing. Petitioners say the expanded version contains anti-Muslim, theistic material threatening secularism and argue conscientious objectors deserve protection. The cases join T.M. Krishna’s challenge, citing a 1986 ruling protecting students who refused national-anthem singing.

Indonesia deploys oxygen buses as Borneo residents gasp for air amid devastating wildfire haze

Indonesia’s months-long wildfires have blanketed communities in toxic haze, causing respiratory illness among more than 300,000 people across seven provinces from August to October. In Palangkaraya, residents need oxygen and treatment, while workers commute and fight fires despite breathing dangerous smoke. The pollution includes PM2.5, formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide and ammonia; fires burned 1.9 million hectares.

Student of the Year After Dark trailer: Shanaya enters deadly campus contest to solve twin's murder

Student of the Year: After Dark recasts the franchise as a murder mystery, with Shanaya Kapoor playing twins Aayesha and Aditi. After Aayesha is found dead, Aditi enters St Teresa Heritage School’s cut-throat competition to uncover the truth, where ambition, rivalries and secrets make winning deadly. Reema Maya directs; it streams November 13 on JioHotstar.

Sunainaa appalled by obscene AI video using her likeness, warns of legal action

Actor Sunainaa has condemned an obscene AI-generated video using her likeness, demanded its immediate removal from all platforms and threatened criminal and civil proceedings against its creators and anyone who shares it. She said the non-consensual manipulation violates her dignity, privacy and identity, and may constitute offences under Indian law. She recently announced her engagement.

Arizona woman who went missing in 2024 found alive in Mexico after boyfriend charged with her murder

Shayna Feinman, an Arizona woman missing since March 2024, was found alive in Tijuana, Mexican officials say, and placed in protective custody as arrangements begin to reconnect her with family and U.S. consular officials. Arizona investigators and her sister have not confirmed her identity, urging caution. Two men charged in her presumed killing had their charges dismissed in 2025.

Congress, AAP MLAs clash over entry blockade at Punjab assembly

Punjab Congress MLAs boycotted the Assembly’s final session day Tuesday after being barred from entering, triggering a clash with AAP legislators and a dispute over access. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said the security notice lacked the Speaker’s signature, while Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan said only suspended members could be excluded. The protest followed Sukhpal Singh Khaira’s suspension for unparliamentary conduct.

Dubai announces world’s first 24-carat gold walkway, set to open in 2026

Dubai plans to open the world’s first and longest 24-carat-gold walkway in its Gold District by the end of 2026, adding a visitor attraction to a trading hub. Its length, cost and gold quantity remain undisclosed. The project supports efforts to expand the district’s jewellery profile, where offices rose 20% and shops 15% in 2026.

Tamil Nadu eases building norms, raises non-high rise height limit to 19.5 metres

Tamil Nadu raised the height limit for specified non-high-rise buildings from 18.3 to 19.5 metres, eased IT-office parking requirements, expanded commercial use along wider qualifying roads and allowed taller buildings in Chennai’s restricted aquifer recharge area. Developers gain flexibility, but road-width, FSI, setback and planning rules remain. The October amendments strengthen accessibility and introduce EV-charging provisions.

Preity Zinta looks divine at 51 in three elegant looks featuring jewellery from her own label

Preity Zinta’s L’Officiel Arabia editorial celebrates her star power and view that style comes when you stop trying too hard. Spotlighting Jacarti, her luxury jewellery label inspired by Indian craftsmanship, she wears black velvet glamour, sequined emerald-accented sparkle, and a sculptural cape-hat. Fans praised the 51-year-old actor, mother of twins, entrepreneur, and Punjab Kings co-owner.

Traders body raise concerns over Rahul Gandhi's Ramlila Maidan rally on Nov 1

Delhi’s Chamber of Trade and Industry urged Rahul Gandhi to postpone Congress’s November 1 Ramlila Maidan rally until after Bhai Dooj or move it away from commercial districts, warning it could disrupt 21 markets during peak festive shopping. CTI warns a million attendees could bring 20,000 vehicles, risking congestion, closures and losses of ₹10,000 crore.

A neuroscientist explains why constant stimulation drains your energy and why your mind needs rest

Feeling mentally exhausted despite little physical strain can stem from constant information, decisions and unfinished tasks, as stimulation leaves the mind and nervous system little time to recover. Better scheduling may not help; genuine breaks, quiet and less phone use can. Irritability and distraction signal a need to pause, while rest supports clearer thinking and healthier relationships.

What prompted Rashmika Mandanna-Vijay Deverakonda's team to file cyber complaint | HT Exclusive

Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna’s manager filed a Cyberabad police complaint over fabricated online claims about the couple after their *Koffee With Karan* appearance. It cites breakup rumors, false reports that Rashmika broke down during filming, offensive remarks and AI-generated mockery. Their team says it seeks accountability, not curbs on fair criticism; the actors married in Udaipur in February.

Schools shut in Odisha’s Khordha, Puri, Ganjam, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur districts

Odisha has closed schools and Anganwadi centres in several districts and rescheduled civil-services exams as Cyclone Arnab intensifies, with the IMD warning of extremely heavy rain and winds gusting up to 80 kmph. Closures begin October 27 in five districts; Khordha schools shut Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday. OPSC exam papers have been shifted to November dates.

Armed forces sign MoU with Sarvam to boost AI capabilities

India’s Integrated Defence Staff has signed an MoU with Bengaluru-based Sarvam to build secure, sovereign AI for the armed forces, supporting training, knowledge management and decision-making while prioritising data sovereignty and responsible use. The partnership reflects AI’s growing defence role and advances the India AI Mission’s push for homegrown models; formed in 2001, IDS promotes military jointness.

Six-day Himachal assembly winter session at Tapovan from Nov 16

Himachal Pradesh’s 13th session of the 14th assembly opens at Tapovan, Dharamshala, at 2pm on November 16, launching a six-day sitting through November 21; Saturday is a working day. Proceedings begin with obituary references, if any, followed by legislative and government business. The secretariat’s October 26 notification followed the governor’s October 25 order under Article 174(1).