Read more books to become independent thinkers: Sikkim education minister

Sikkim Education Minister Raju Basnet urged youth to read and develop independent voices, stressing that mother tongues should never limit great ideas, as the Sikkim Art and Literature Festival opened in Gangtok. The event celebrates heritage through discussions, cultural performances and music, with writers and artists participating. Organised by the government, it runs October 28–30.

Bengal warns of strict action for firecracker norms violations, urges people to exercise restraint

West Bengal warned of strict action against firecracker violations during Kali Puja and Diwali, with police promising seizures and arrests from manufacture to use. Officials urged restraint, citing limits of 125 decibels for sound-emitting crackers and 90 for light-emitting ones, plus a 100-metre buffer around hospitals and silence zones. Inspections and patrols will support enforcement, alongside public-awareness efforts.

Allahabad HC flags shortage of forensic labs in Uttar Pradesh

The Allahabad High Court’s Lucknow bench says Uttar Pradesh’s forensic capacity is inadequate for its size and population, with one state laboratory and 12 regional facilities, and ordered the forensic director to respond within four weeks. The petition seeks deadlines, priority for detained defendants and timely investigations of specified sexual offences to limit harm to trials and victims.

Amazon cuts 250 jobs in devices unit weeks after new product launches

Amazon cut up to 250 jobs in its Devices and Services unit, mainly in software development, saying the reductions would streamline operations and align staffing with its product roadmap. Workers were notified Wednesday by text and email, weeks after new Kindle and Alexa-powered devices launched. The cuts follow about 1,000 retail job reductions earlier this month.

Went to Russia for $1,200 job, Indian man's family alleges he was tortured to join Ukraine war

A 21-year-old Chhattisgarh man is allegedly detained and tortured in Russia to force him into the Ukraine war, his 17-year-old sister says, prompting local officials to seek help from India’s embassy and foreign ministry. Vinit Kumar Dubey’s family lost contact with him October 7, six days after he travelled to Russia for a job offered through Telegram.

Congress’ tally in MLC polls triggers meme fest by BJP: ‘Zero check karlo bhai’

Congress won zero of 28 legislative council seats across four states, giving the BJP a chance to mock Rahul Gandhi and the party’s criticism of electronic voting machines. Modi and Amit Shah seized on the result, with Shah posting, “Ballot Box, resign.” Paper-ballot voting took place October 23; results came Wednesday, fulfilling an opposition demand.

IRCTC hotel 'scam': HC seeks ED stand on Lalu Yadav's plea against money laundering charges

Delhi High Court on Thursday sought the Enforcement Directorate’s response to Lalu Prasad Yadav’s challenge to money-laundering charges in the alleged IRCTC hotel scam, scheduling a December 3 hearing. Yadav says he had no connection to alleged crime proceeds; the trial court charged his wife, son and six others, citing alleged tender manipulation identified in the CBI case.

Kaden Matsuda and Jackson Donlon, missing Colorado Mountain College hikers, found dead

Two Colorado Mountain College students, Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, were found dead together Wednesday in a basin on West Apostle Mountain, five days after they were reported missing, the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office said. Foul play is not suspected; officials await autopsies. The students had planned to hike nearby technical Ice Mountain.

A look at past radiation scares after South Carolina lab fire

A localized fire at South Carolina’s Savannah River National Laboratory, which handles nuclear materials, prompted a site-wide emergency Wednesday, but officials said it was extinguished without contamination or radiation released beyond the facility. The incident renewed focus on nuclear-site risks, recalling events from Three Mile Island and Hanford to severe accidents at Fukushima and Tomsk.

Dubai real estate craze has paused, but appeal remains: Niranjan Hiranandani

Dubai’s appeal is expected to endure despite a temporary slowdown as Middle East tensions make buyers reconsider, Hiranandani said, with demand likely to return if peace is restored. Indians accounted for 22% of Dubai’s 2025 property market, while H1 2026 transactions fell 16.1% year-on-year to AED 225.7 billion. History suggests geopolitical shocks pass faster than economic crises.

IIM Lucknow launches MBA in Family Business course, registration begins at iiml.ac.in

IIM Lucknow launched a two-year MBA in Family Business, with Phase 1 registration closing December 31, 2026. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree, 50% marks, qualifying family-business turnover and a test score; shortlisted candidates interview. Designed for owners and next-generation leaders, the course covers management, governance, succession and innovation, and Family Business Labs support growth plans.

Kerala murder convict found dead in jail cell, was recently diagnosed with cancer

Sreenivasan, 51, a life convict, was found hanging in his cell in a treatment block at Poojapura Central Prison in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday night and declared dead at hospital, police said. Officials said he had cancer and was depressed. Sentenced for a 2004 murder, he was transferred after absconding on parole in 2019; police are investigating.

I would shortlist these UHD smart TVs for my home, and here is what makes them stand out

Shoppers comparing 55-inch 4K TVs can choose among seven options: Samsung and LG focus on everyday viewing, Xiaomi and TCL add QLED options, Hisense offers QLED or Mini LED, and Acer provides Google TV. Key differences include HDR, processing, audio, gaming and software support. Check model-specific Amazon reviews and consider sound, connectivity and room fit.

Legal opinion just advisory, not binding; can’t prosecute lawyers for it: Patna high court

Patna High Court ruled lawyers cannot be prosecuted merely for bona fide legal opinions, quashing charges against an advocate in a bank-fraud case and warning that such prosecutions threaten advocacy. Protection ends where evidence links a lawyer to criminal conduct. The case arose from a 2008 UCO Bank complaint over forged deeds and irregular loans.

ISRO to launch NVS-03 satellite on Oct 30 to boost navigation for trains, vehicles and ships

ISRO will launch NVS-03 on October 30 at 11:51 p.m. aboard GSLV-F18, strengthening India’s navigation services for transport and strategic uses. It adds an L1 signal and an indigenous atomic clock, enabling precise positioning for trains, vehicles, vessels and aviation across India and 1,500 km beyond its borders. NVS-03 is the third next-generation navigation satellite.

Tamannaah Bhatia is unbothered by Annu Kapoor's ‘misogynist’ remark on her complexion

Tamannaah Bhatia says she was unbothered by Annu Kapoor’s remarks on her complexion and appearance, explaining that she filters out such comments and focuses on acting and creative work. Kapoor’s podcast comments last year, including calling her face and body “milky,” drew accusations of sexism and misogyny. She next stars in *Ragini MMS 3*, scheduled for 2027.

Over 40,000 DHS employees' details leaked by hackers; undercover agents exposed

More than 40,000 Department of Homeland Security employees’ details were reportedly leaked Wednesday, including names, contact information, job titles and assignments involving surveillance, undercover work and intelligence. DHS said it was investigating a potential breach, while Okta reported no evidence its systems or data were compromised. The disclosure follows recent hacks targeting U.S. federal agencies.

Rahul asks people to join ‘Chalo Dilli Ramlila March’ without worrying about police, batons

Rahul Gandhi urged people to join Congress’s November 1 “Chalo Dilli” march at Ramlila Maidan, calling it a movement to save democracy, stop alleged vote theft and defend the Constitution, while dismissing fears of police action. He invited citizens across political lines. Police expect 50,000 at the rally, which demands Gyanesh Kumar’s removal over alleged electoral-roll revision irregularities.

What niacinamide, salicylic acid, and alpha arbutin do for acne, oiliness, and pigmentation

Niacinamide, salicylic acid and alpha arbutin address different concerns and can share a routine, but using three is not essential; dermatologist Dr Shallu Kapiil recommends introducing products gradually and monitoring irritation. Niacinamide supports the skin barrier and helps with oiliness and redness, salicylic acid unclogs pores, and alpha arbutin targets dark spots. These ingredients are popular.

In 1793, Captain Vancouver gave Hawaii’s king cattle, and wild herds later wrecked crops and forests

Captain George Vancouver’s 1793 gift of cattle to Kamehameha transformed Hawaii: protected by a ten-year kapu and left to roam, herds multiplied, damaging farms, homes, forests, and ecosystems while shaping paniolo culture. By the 1830s, overgrazing and invasive plants worsened forest loss; decades later, Kahuku Ranch became part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in 2003.

Vance attacks Alaska Democrat Peltola for trying to recruit candidate sharing Dan Sullivan's name

JD Vance accused Mary Peltola of trying to manipulate Alaska’s Senate race after a New York Times investigation reported campaign-linked efforts to recruit a namesake challenger to Republican Dan Sullivan, potentially confusing voters. Peltola and the DSCC deny involvement, while Alaska’s Supreme Court allowed the challenger to stay on the ballot in a contest that could determine Senate control.

Pride and Prejudice trailer: Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden bring new life to Jane Austen’s romance

Netflix’s six-part *Pride and Prejudice*, starring Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet and Jack Lowden as Mr Darcy, premieres December 3; its first trailer previews romance, family tensions and the limits facing women. Olivia Colman, Rufus Sewell and Fiona Shaw join the cast. Written by Dolly Alderton, the adaptation promises fresh social commentary while preserving Austen’s beloved story.

A $23,000 full-scale “dollhouse” became Betsy Lyon’s playhouse in the 1930s

Rockville’s Civic Center Cottage, a $23,000 full-size playhouse built for the Lyon family’s daughter, survives as a landmark at Glenview Mansion and now hosts meetings, retreats, conferences, and gatherings. Created in the 1930s with home-like features, it later served as a classroom, camp venue, and gift shop. The city acquired the estate in 1957; a 1999 renovation brought the cottage closer to its original state.

'When you heal, I'll train you': UAE President's lighthearted exchange with Smit Machchhar

Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly attacked him with a crash axe aboard flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, triggering a 14,000-foot plunge; the co-pilot was detained. The UAE president honored Machchhar and the crew with the First Class Order of Zayed II; Machchhar was treated in Tabuk before transfer to Abu Dhabi.

F1's original Italian masters: Before Antonelli, there were Farina and Ascari

Kimi Antonelli’s rise has revived hopes of ending Italy’s 70-year wait for an F1 champion, following Alberto Ascari’s 1953 title. Only two Italians have won the crown: Giuseppe “Nino” Farina in 1950 and Ascari in 1952 and 1953. Farina secured F1’s inaugural championship; Ascari dominated with Ferrari, but both legacies were shadowed by fatal accidents.

In 1990, Nile monitors appeared in Florida, likely via the pet trade

Containing invasive Nile monitors in Florida is difficult: they swim between freshwater and coastal habitats, burrow in hard-to-reach places, and eat varied prey, threatening native wildlife. Cape Coral is trapping the lizards, and Florida has prohibited them since 2021. Pet-trade introductions established reproducing populations, first reported in Florida in 1990; their effects on native species remain uncertain.

Indian worker jailed in Dubai for 4 months, family says he was held for leaving job without notice

A 23-year-old Palamu man has spent four months in a Dubai jail, and his family is seeking help to bring him home. Police say he allegedly quit without notice, missed seven days of work and paid an agent to arrange his return. His father says he wanted to attend his sister’s June 26 wedding; authorities have received the family’s complaint.

Odisha plans air evacuations in Ganjam district as Cyclone Arnab maroons 300 villages

Odisha is coordinating with the Union Home Ministry and Coast Guard to airlift 120 people from Ganjam, where Cyclone Arnab’s heavy rain and flash floods have marooned about 300 villages. NDRF and ODRAF teams are rescuing residents, while low clouds and rain may delay flights; flooding has also disrupted rail services in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

Supreme Court's latest ruling on arrest grounds puts personal liberty safeguard to test

The Supreme Court cancelled espionage suspect Jhabra Ram’s bail, ruling that failure to provide written arrest grounds does not automatically justify release; it found no demonstrable prejudice. The decision relies on substantial compliance and his awareness of the allegations, but raises tension with recent rulings requiring written grounds in every arrest and deeming noncompliance illegal.

Arab parties Joint List and Ra'am could be kingmakers in Israel as Netanyahu, Eisenkot fall short

With 90% counted, Israel’s election was deadlocked: Netanyahu’s bloc was projected to win 53 of 120 Knesset seats, against the opposition’s 48, leaving Arab parties up to 19 seats that could decide who reaches a 61-seat majority. Jewish-led parties’ reluctance to partner risks another election; the Joint List is an alliance, while Ra’am has Islamist roots.