Scotland's national animal doesn't actually exist. Here's why the country chose a unicorn

Scotland’s national animal is the mythical unicorn, chosen for its associations with bravery, strength, determination and purity, as well as its image as powerful, independent and untameable. The symbol appeared on royal arms under William I in the 12th century and later represented Scotland alongside England’s lion. Today, unicorns decorate landmarks and are celebrated on 9 April.

SC special sitting today on Delhi curbs; Naseeruddin Shah to portray Rushdie | Top news

Delhi deployed 41,000 personnel to block a CJP protest demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, detaining nearly 7,000 people, including opposition leaders and four former chief ministers, as sporadic protests continued. Detainees filled police stations, stadiums and community halls; the Supreme Court scheduled a special hearing challenging preventive detentions. CJP had called the demonstration “Chalo Delhi.”

Dipke, Das and Ranka kept under preventive arrest by Delhi Police

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have been placed under preventive arrest under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, legal head Ratna Singh said. The provisions concern security for keeping peace and arrest to prevent cognisable offences, respectively. Further details are awaited as the report develops.

Trump calls Riyadh airport attack 'unacceptable', says will speak to Saudi Crown Prince

US President Donald Trump condemned a missile strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, calling it “not acceptable” after Saudi officials reported 12 killed and 309 injured. Saudi Arabia blamed Yemen’s Houthis, who had not claimed responsibility. Trump said Washington was weighing military involvement; airport operations were suspended amid a Saudi-led offensive against Houthi positions.

Weekly Career & Finance Horoscope, October 11 to 17, 2026

Career forecasts emphasize opportunity, sound judgment, and purposeful action: Aries, Leo, and Capricorn are urged toward growth, while Taurus, Pisces, and Aquarius should scrutinize commitments and organize responsibilities. Others should rely on teamwork, communication, boundaries, and resilience. Each sign receives a career tip and crystal recommendation from tarot reader and crystal healer Kishori Sud.

Ex-Madhya Pradesh health officer booked over fake MBBS degree after 16 years

Former BMO Sunil Singh in Balaghat district has been booked for allegedly securing government employment with a fake MBBS degree, after a state inquiry led police to register cheating and forgery charges. He held the post for 16 years before removal in June. The case comes amid 32 Baiga child deaths since May, seven during his tenure.

Radhika Merchant goes for antique gold, Shloka Mehta embraces colour at Swadesh anniversary: Pics

The Ambani family brought a generous dose of ethnic glamour to Swadesh’s first anniversary celebrations in Mumbai on October 10. From Shloka Mehta’s vibrant, multicoloured anarkali to Radhika Merchant’s contemporary Indo-Western ensemble, the looks showcased a striking blend of traditional craftsmanship, intricate detailing and modern silhouettes. For anyone looking to refresh their festive wardrobe, their outfits offered plenty of inspiration. Here’s a closer look at what they wore and the style lessons worth taking away.

UP clears Model Building Regulations 2026: How new rules could reshape the real estate sector

Uttar Pradesh approved 2026 building regulations that could spur high-rise and mixed-use projects in Noida, Greater Noida and the Yamuna Expressway region, lifting housing supply without guaranteeing lower prices. FAR limits are removed along roads wider than 45 metres, while eligible small-plot plans may receive deemed approval after 60 days; high-rises require five-year structural audits.

Tamil film Selvi has its world premiere with packed theatre at Busan International Film Festival

Tamil film *Selvi* premiered to a full house at Busan’s 31st International Film Festival on October 9, 2026, becoming one of only two Indian selections in its Vision–Asia section; its next international screening is at São Paulo. Produced by and starring Anjali Patil, Sailesh Rathnakumar’s directorial debut follows a migrant home-care nurse confronting an incident from her past.

Why do we feel awkward when someone compliments us? Psychotherapist weighs in

Compliment discomfort is common and does not signal ingratitude, psychotherapist Dr Chandni Tugnait told HT Lifestyle; feeling exposed or doubting vague praise can prompt deflection. She recommends answering simply, “thank you,” and allowing the moment to pass. Such reactions may be rooted in childhood praise that was rare, conditional on achievement, or followed by criticism.

Mahatma Gandhi's great-grandson, Oppn leaders, actors among detainees across India

Police detained more than 800 people across several states Saturday to stop protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Mumbai saw largest crackdown, with about 600 detained, including Tushar Gandhi; arrests also occurred in Bengaluru, Chennai and Jaipur, while Goa demonstrators rallied.

Kangana Ranaut calls CJP-led anti-CEC protesters ‘anti-national forces trying to destabilise India’

Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut called Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protesters “anti-national,” alleging their campaign to oust Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar aimed to destabilise India. Delhi police detained over 6,000 people on Saturday, including CJP leaders, before a planned Jantar Mantar march, with most later released. The protests challenge alleged wrongful voter deletions during electoral-roll revision.

Chikankari vs embroidered kurtas: Which festive style should you pick?

Festive dressing comes down to choosing between versatile Chikankari kurtis and coordinated embroidered kurta sets: Chikankari offers delicate traditional threadwork, while embroidered styles range from straight cuts to dressy Anarkalis. Three kurtis and three sets suit different occasions and styling preferences; before buying, compare fabric, fit, embroidery, reviews and included pieces, since set contents vary.

New Zealand's squad for India ODIs announced: Rachin Ravindra returns, Finn Allen makes comeback

New Zealand have named a split squad for a five-match ODI series against India, with Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Rachin Ravindra and Tim Seifert available for part of the contest. Mitchell Santner captains, while six players can play all five matches. Seven additions join for the final two ODIs as others prepare for the Tests. The series will also help New Zealand assess their depth ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Farmers stopped at Noida-Delhi border amid CJP protest

Police stopped hundreds of BKU-affiliated farmers and workers travelling to Delhi for a protest, barricading them at Chapargarh village and the Yamuna Expressway toll plaza on Saturday, where heated exchanges and pushing followed. Demonstrators staged a sit-in against the restrictions, while BKU leaders said their next steps would be decided by spokesperson Rakesh Tikait.

Delhi Metro stations open today, trains running on schedule after day of closure

Delhi Metro reopened gates at stations across its network Saturday, ending a 25-hour closure affecting 45 stations after the Cockroach Janta Party’s protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar was thwarted. Imposed at Delhi Police’s request ahead of the demonstration, restrictions began Friday night and lasted four hours beyond schedule. The Supreme Court had criticized sweeping transit curbs.

Is Angel Reese suspended for the WNBA Finals against Valkyries?

Angel Reese avoided suspension before the WNBA Finals after her second postseason technical, assessed during a Game 3 confrontation with New York’s Jonquel Jones, but faces a $500 fine and a one-game ban if she earns two more. Atlanta meets Golden State for a first-ever championship; Reese has averaged 18 points and 8.4 rebounds across five playoff games.

GMADA floats over ₹3-cr tenders to rehabilitate sewer lines in Mohali

GMADA invited e-tenders worth over ₹3.1 crore for a pilot to inspect, clean and rehabilitate sewer lines in Sectors 88-89, Aerocity and IT City, targeting blockages and waterlogging. CCTV surveys will pinpoint faults before repairs, limiting excavation; mechanised cleaning and follow-up camera checks will verify results. Work will take three to six months and inform future maintenance.

Mohali builder told to hand over flat, pay 9% interest for delay

A consumer commission ordered Omaxe New Chandigarh Developers to deliver Vipin Verma’s flat with completion and occupation certificates, pay 9% annual interest on ₹50 lakh deposited from November 16, 2023, until possession, and provide ₹2 lakh compensation. It ruled the 2025 offer invalid, nearly three years late, because certificates were absent. Verma booked in 2018.

5 months, ₹2-cr tender, fire safety works still awaited at Mohali medical college

Mohali’s Dr BR Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences has unresolved fire-safety deficiencies four months after an audit, keeping its paediatric ward closed for nearly five months and a brigade vehicle stationed on campus. PHSC floated a ₹2 crore tender for water-tank upgrades, an evacuation ramp, alarms, firefighting and electrical systems; officials will discuss next steps.

PU’s first senate meeting in December, syndicate elections to follow

Panjab University expects its senate to meet in December, with governing bodies in place by year-end, though dates remain unset and the V-C appointment remains beyond university control. Its first meeting will enable syndicate elections, restoring the university’s executive body. V-C interviews concluded in July; Dean Meenakshi Goyal has served as interim V-C since July 29.

Chandigarh Golf League | Capital Golfers cap off Day 6 in style, drub Green Gators 6.5-0.5

Capital Golfers bounced back from their opening defeat with a dominant 6.5-0.5 win over Green Gators in the GB Realty Chandigarh Golf League at Chandigarh Golf Club on Saturday. Seven Iron beat Golf Ninjas 4-3, Sultans of Swing defeated Golf Masters 4.5-2.5, and GB Legends edged Empire 4-3. Capital’s newcomers had lost their opener to Sultans.

Kharar man ‘abducted’, forced to transfer money; 14 booked

Kharar police booked Parth Taleja, Anuj Yadav and 12 unidentified people after a resident reported being abducted, assaulted and forced to transfer money over a dispute. He said the group took him between locations, threatened him with a pistol and stole his gold chain; medical reports recorded six blunt-force injuries. Police registered an FIR and are investigating.

Chandigarh: Audit flags ₹32L cost escalation in project, lapses on part of public health division

An audit found Chandigarh’s public health division faced a ₹32 lakh overrun on a school water tank, failed to recover contractor penalties and let ₹10 lakh in bank guarantees expire. The final bill rose from ₹45 lakh to ₹77 lakh without required approvals or completion certificates. Seventy of 113 posts were vacant; auditors reviewed records from 2023 to 2025.

Panchkula: Retired PEC professor loses ₹2L while placing online order

Two Panchkula residents allegedly lost a combined ₹4 lakh in separate cyber frauds: an 82-year-old retired PEC professor was deceived while searching online for Blinkit customer care, while a 76-year-old retiree transferred money to callers posing as his childhood friend and a relative needing medical help. Police registered FIRs and are investigating; the suspects remain unidentified.

Mohali man caught with 532gm heroin in Panchkula

Police arrested a 28-year-old Mohali man near Panchkula’s Mansa Devi Complex with 532 gm of heroin allegedly meant for tricity distribution, securing four days’ custody to trace its source, recipients and network. Separately, a dawn raid in three colonies found two men with 35 gm of heroin and another with illicit liquor. The accused had previously been jailed in a murder case.

Day after carjacking in Chandigarh, two caught from Haryana in police encounter

Four men accused of carjacking a milk vendor at gunpoint in Chandigarh were arrested after an encounter in Palwal, Haryana, hours later Friday; the two alleged robbers and their accomplices were injured. Police recovered the stolen Swift, firearms and ammunition. The victim was loading goods in Sector 46 Thursday night, outside an unmanned beat box.

2 booked for forging land registry records in Zirakpur

Zirakpur police booked property dealers Varinder Singh Brar and Sunil Kumar, plus an unidentified woman, for allegedly impersonating a landowner to sell GMDA-acquired land for ₹37 lakh. Chandigarh buyer Ritu uncovered the fraud while seeking a plot under GMDA’s land-pooling scheme; investigators say forged IDs enabled the 2025 sale. Brar has prior cheating cases and is jailed.

Chandigarh: Man gets 9-month jail in cheque bounce case

A local court sentenced Pankaj Goel, authorised signatory of Svocan Handicrafts, to nine months in jail for dishonouring a ₹4.6 lakh cheque issued to HDFC Bank, ordering equivalent compensation with 6% annual interest. The cheque related to a nearly ₹15 lakh business loan; the court rejected his security-cheque defence, finding the debt unpaid and demand notice served.

Haryana cabinet meeting: No exam for ex-Agniveers for Group C recruitment

Haryana’s cabinet approved changes exempting ex-Agniveers from examinations for covered Group C recruitment and physical tests for several newly included posts, while upgrading the mining-guard post to Group C to enable reservation benefits. It also continued local-body funding rules, placed HARTRON under CRID, eased village-land leases for Har-Hith stores and doubled journalists’ emergency assistance.