Pak court asks Sindh censor board to reconsider screening of award-winning film on 'ghost schools'

Sindh High Court ordered the film censor board to reconsider award-winning documentary *Ghost School* within 10 days, overturning its demand for cuts after filmmaker Seemab Gul challenged the August rejection. The film follows a girl whose school closes and examines ghost schools—schools existing only on paper while teachers’ salaries continue. Pakistani censor boards approved it.

Rajkummar Rao to make a cameo in Luv Ranjan's Phela Pyaar Doosri Baar | HT Exclusive

Rajkummar Rao will make a cameo in *Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar*, Luv Ranjan-produced, Anuj Saini-directed coming-of-age drama set for cinema release October 23, 2026. The film explores friendship, first crushes and young relationships, introducing six debut performers: Sparsh Walia, Alisha Chopra, Kunal Vaid, Sakshi Vaidya, Tushar Chhibber and Sargun Kaur Luthra. It marks Saini’s directorial debut.

No consistent improvement of Delhi's winter air quality in past four years: CREA analysis

Delhi’s winter air quality has not improved consistently since the Graded Response Action Plan was revised in 2022, with AQI rising from 280 to 295 by 2025-26 despite curbs on roughly four in five days. CREA found AQI rose after restrictions escalated in 10 of 12 episodes, but cautioned that weather complicates causality and urged emissions cuts.

‘Unacceptable’: India slams Houthi strikes in Saudi Arabia, moves to help stranded pilgrims

India condemned continued Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian and energy infrastructure, expressed solidarity with Riyadh, and called for an immediate halt and early regional peace. A strike at Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport killed two, including an Indian, and injured eight; another Indian was hurt by drone debris near Shaybah. India’s embassy is assisting victims amid wider conflict.

At St Andrews University in Scotland, students hold a shaving-foam fight to thank senior mentors

Hundreds of students at St Andrews celebrated Raisin Monday in a shaving-foam fight on campus, wearing costumes from sunflowers and Smurfs to periodic table elements. The centuries-old event helps first-years build friendships and community, participants said. Traditionally, newcomers thanked older student mentors with raisins; the custom gradually evolved into today’s colourful spectacle.

NCPCR can't just forward complaints and await replies: CIC on child abuse claims

The Central Information Commission directed NCPCR to provide an updated account of its response to abuse allegations at a Karnataka school for children with hearing and speech disabilities, stressing the child-rights body must monitor complaints rather than simply forward them. Claims included physical mistreatment and inadequate sign-language instruction; an RTI applicant had sought related records.

Fresh voter drive in Uttarakhand from Nov 12: CEO holds all-party meet

Uttarakhand’s 2027 Special Summary Revision begins November 12, giving first-time voters and SIR-deleted people a chance to rejoin rolls, with the final list due January 4. Those turning 18 by January 1 may apply; claims and objections run through December 11. EVM/VVPAT checks begin Friday. October’s SIR roll had 7.16 million electors, 10.1% fewer than before.

Italy truckers’ protests over diesel prices disrupt food transport as vegetables rot

Truckers continued blocking southern Italian roads Thursday despite pending aid, while Ancona fishing fleets idled over soaring diesel prices. The disruption is halting food transport, leaving tomatoes and other produce to rot and threatening irreversible losses for farmers, Confagricoltura warned. Giorgia Meloni’s cabinet was due to consider support as blockades persisted, amid wider cost-of-living unrest.

Horoscope Tomorrow, October 23, 2026

Tomorrow’s Aries energy emphasizes stability, abundance, and practical self-care, with attention to finances, responsibilities, and secure foundations supporting lasting success. Across the zodiac, forecasts highlight curiosity, communication, decisive action, creativity, ambition, resilience, and fresh opportunities, advising thoughtful choices over impulsiveness. These readings encourage nurturing relationships, setting boundaries, planning ahead, and turning inspiration into grounded progress.

SC criticises Allahabad HC over 'misplaced sympathy' for releasing 2 convicts on probation

The Supreme Court overturned the Allahabad High Court’s decision to release two men on probation for a 2003 attack, ruling that misplaced sympathy let them avoid prison despite the victim’s injuries. They must surrender within two weeks or face apprehension; the court said judges failed to weigh crime severity. The attack arose from business rivalry in Uttar Pradesh.

Barclays to cut 5,000 jobs as bank expands AI-led cost-cutting drive

Barclays plans to eliminate 5,000 jobs, about 5% of its workforce, by year-end to cut costs, with 60% of reductions affecting support roles, including developers. CEO CS Venkatakrishnan said AI would help, but was part of the efficiency drive. The announcement followed results that missed revenue estimates, although pre-tax profit rose 12% to £2.3 billion.

Medical body seeks review of Sunny Deol's ‘Suryaa’ over portrayal of doctors

The IMA urged minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to review Sunny Deol’s Suryaa, warning its teaser’s corrupt-doctor portrayals and justified violence against healthcare workers could damage public trust and endanger staff. It seeks correction or a ban, while affirming misconduct must be punished. Directed by M Padmakumar, the November 20 thriller follows a father probing his daughter’s illness.

AAP govt committed to wiping out drug menace in Punjab: Minister Goyal

Punjab minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said the state’s “Yudh Nashean Virudh” campaign is expanding grassroots participation while intensifying arrests, property demolitions and addiction treatment. More than 126,000 Ward and Village Defence Committee members have been mobilised, and thousands of smugglers arrested, he said. The campaign has run for 18 months to two years, he added.

Tiger Shroff firing: Two women among four accused sent to police custody till Oct 26

Four suspects, including two women, were remanded to Mumbai Police custody until October 26 over the shooting at Tiger Shroff’s car, bringing arrests to 10. Police allege they supplied weapons to the attackers, while the defence disputes evidence against them. Shroff escaped unharmed when gunmen fired at his car in Juhu, injuring two others.

Trump-pardoned US Capitol rioters sue govt, seek millions in compensation

At least 199 people pardoned by President Donald Trump over January 6 offenses have sued the federal government for millions, alleging misconduct by prosecutors, agents and prison officials; 53 were convicted of or pleaded guilty to assaulting or impeding officers. Taxpayer-funded payouts could spark political backlash. Rioters breached the Capitol as Congress certified Joe Biden’s 2020 win.

Bolivia’s own Hachiko: Loyal rooster Martin waits outside hospital years after owner’s death

Martín, a rooster outside Bolivia’s Oncology Institute in Santa Cruz, is fed by hospital workers and nearby business owners. He arrived eight years ago as a chick with a cancer patient and remained after the patient died, becoming a beloved symbol of resilience known as “Bolivian Hachiko” for his loyalty, while still roaming freely around the hospital grounds.

Rethinking the MBA: Why domain expertise and practical learning matter more than ever

Management schools must prepare graduates for changing careers by combining specialised knowledge, cross-disciplinary thinking, entrepreneurial skills and practical experience, as 39% of workers’ skills are expected to change by 2030. Live projects, internships and venture-building teach students to apply theory and adapt. India’s expanding start-up ecosystem and digital tools reinforce a shift from conventional training toward lifelong learning.

'I don't know what will happen 5 years from now': Nikhil Kamath on whether he would marry someday

Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath says he is unsure whether he will marry or have children, prioritising freedom and peace of mind over commitments. At NDTV World Summit 2026, he argued certainty can make people attached to beliefs and unwilling to change. He has questioned parenthood’s demands and the expectation children may care for parents later.

Indian-origin pharmacist, employee jailed for 6 years for NHS fraud in UK

An Indian-origin pharmacist and his employee each received six years in prison for defrauding the NHS of £1.3 million through false prescriptions. Jignesh and Rahil Patel obtained high-cost medicines and sold them to European wholesalers. Investigators found 1,639 false prescriptions for 440 patients after GPs denied issuing them; both were convicted of fraud and converting criminal property.

A beautiful home can still feel uncomfortable: Designer shares 4 interior mistakes to avoid

Comfortable homes depend on function, movement and balance—not appearance alone, says interior designer Priyanka Sinha, warning that attractive rooms can still feel awkward when daily routines are overlooked. She recommends comfortable, practical furniture suited to room size, restrained colours and patterns, and open space. Good design, she says, should harmonise proportion, light and individual needs.

Bengal: Three Christian families allege assault, threats to abandon faith; police deployed in area

Three Christian families in Chandrakona, West Bengal, told police they were assaulted and threatened on October 18 and 19 to renounce their faith and allegedly forced into religious rituals; police registered a case and deployed personnel nearby. Nine members, converts about 18 months ago, returned home safely, while investigators examine local disputes and other motives.

‘Raise capital now’: Nikhil Kamath says AI funding more than revenue, warns startups

Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath warned startups may face a difficult 2027 as AI investment outpaces revenue and capital becomes harder to secure, urging founders to raise funds while investor appetite remains strong. He estimated annual AI spending at $1 trillion against $100 billion–$200 billion in enterprise revenue, with rising US Treasury yields adding pressure. He spoke at NDTV’s summit.

Almonds may help you fall asleep sooner: Study links daily consumption to better rest

A study of 175 adults with poor sleep found that 60g of almonds daily helped them fall asleep sooner and sleep longer than a calorie-matched snack, suggesting almonds may support sleep quality. Magnesium, tryptophan and small amounts of melatonin may contribute, but almonds are no cure-all; consistent bedtimes, less evening caffeine and a comfortable bedroom remain important.

SRFTI students allege denial of basic facilities amid ongoing protest

SRFTI students continuing an indefinite sit-in in Kolkata alleged administrators restricted basic facilities to curb their protest, including the mess, gym, music room and film-viewing space. The 25-day agitation demands campus-safety assurances, accountability and an independent probe; the administration disputes protesters’ claims and cites disciplinary concerns. The standoff followed campus clashes on September 27 and an alleged attack on October 4.

Mere participation in protest not enough to show intention to disobey, obstruct police: HC

Delhi High Court quashed an FIR against an SSC aspirant, ruling protest attendance alone does not prove intent to disobey police orders or obstruct officers. The case stemmed from an August 2025 Ramlila Maidan demonstration over alleged exam irregularities; police accused protesters of refusing to disperse and scuffling, but did not attribute wrongdoing to him.

Document listing 200 trees for felling in Noida raises concerns

Plans to fell 200 trees and transplant 331 at Noida’s Sector 91 Biodiversity Park, reportedly tied to deer-park plans, have prompted scrutiny as officials investigate whether felling exceeded approvals. The forest department says it authorised the project and will act if violations are found. Amid worsening air quality, activists seek disclosure and stress transplant care.

Allu Arjun reviews Jailer 2, says Nelson film is a true showcase of the aura of Rajinikanth

Rajinikanth’s *Jailer 2* grossed ₹576.45 crore worldwide in its first week, as Allu Arjun praised the film’s star power and aura. The sequel’s ₹317.20 crore Indian net makes it 2026’s second-highest-grossing film, surpassing *Drishyam: The Conclusion*. Directed by Nelson, it follows Tiger Muthuvel Pandian in his fight against idol smugglers and threats to his family.

First NBA Store in India to Open in 2027 Through Expanded Merchandising Partnership With Suditi

Suditi will operate NBAStore.in from this month and open India’s first NBA Store in 2027, under a multiyear expansion of its partnership with the league. Its online store will offer the country’s widest-ever range of official NBA fanwear, including products from Nike, New Era and Mitchell & Ness. Suditi and the NBA have collaborated for eight years.

Battlefield of the future: How AI is transforming warfare

AI is compressing warfare’s observe-to-act cycle, but India’s advantage depends on trusted data, integrated forces and indigenous industry. Operation Sindoor and Akashteer showcased capabilities, while defence AI initiatives expand across services. Cyber risks, flawed data and fragmented procurement require safeguards and investment. With military AI still globally nascent, India can shape its doctrine from the outset.

Man conned of ₹2.5 lakh in marriage scam in Beed district; new bride turns out to be minor

Police in Beed, Maharashtra, are probing matrimonial fraud after a groom said he paid Rs 2.5 lakh for a marriage that collapsed within two days, when his bride revealed it was staged to extort money and valuables. Police found she was a minor with forged identity documents; she said she too was deceived and forced into marriage.