Sign in

QUICKREADS

Latest
Filmmaker Farah Khan gave a tour of designers Harpreet and Rimple Narula's Delhi home, which is full of vintage textiles, Indian art, European antiques, and custom furniture. (YouTube/ Farah Khan)

Inside Heeramandi designers Harpreet and Rimple's Delhi home that looks more like a vintage hotel

Farah Khan toured designers Harpreet and Rimple Narula’s New Delhi bungalow, a maximalist, lived-in art museum where every object has a backstory. Warm interiors layer vintage textiles, Indian art, European antiques and Asian collectibles; a bespoke Jamawar-inspired dining table anchors the home. The October 9 YouTube feature introduces the Heeramandi and Padmaavat creators’ personal style.

People who drink the Sourtoe Cocktail receive a certificate after finishing it.

The Canadian drink that people pay to sip comes with an unusual garnish - a mummified human toe

Dawson City’s Sourdough Saloon serves the Sourtoe Cocktail, a liquor shot garnished with a dehydrated human toe; drinkers must touch it with their lips. Yukon’s tradition began with a frostbitten toe preserved by rum-runners in the 1920s, before Captain Dick Stevenson found it and founded the club. More than 25 toes have since been donated.

Sanju Samson shut the outside noise to play a 82-run knock in Ranchi.

‘Taking the blame on me’: Samson responds to ‘runs not flowing’ question after Ranchi masterclass

Sanju Samson answered pressure with an explosive 82 off 41 balls in Ranchi, but India lost the second T20I to the West Indies by six wickets. He said he trusted his instincts, stayed positive and put the team first, accepting responsibility for recent failures. His innings followed four consecutive low scores and debate over his place.

John Wayne passed on Mel Brooks’ satirical Western Blazing Saddles after calling the script “too dirty.”

In 1974, John Wayne turned down a movie; it went on to become one of the greatest Westerns ever

John Wayne turned down Mel Brooks’ 1974 Blazing Saddles despite laughing at its screenplay, saying its raunchy humor was too dirty, so Gene Wilder played the Waco Kid. Brooks had sought Wayne to lend Western authenticity to the satire, which paired Wilder with Cleavon Little and lampooned racism and Hollywood conventions; the film became a hit and enduring classic.

A 2026 study found domestic pig ancestry in some Fukushima wild boar generations after the 2011 nuclear disaster. Researchers identified 31 admixed animals and found differing levels of domestic nuclear DNA linked to maternal lineages. The findings complement earlier research documenting where hybridization occurred.

In 2011, Fukushima’s abandoned pigs bred with wild boar, leaving a genetic legacy

A 2026 study found domestic pig ancestry persisted for generations in Fukushima wild boar after the 2011 nuclear disaster: 21 of 31 hybrids were more than five generations removed from crossbreeding. Maternal lineages differed in domestic nuclear DNA, possibly reflecting reproductive turnover. Earlier research mapped hybrids near the plant, where pigs interbred with wild boar.

Introduced for windbreaks, erosion control, and wildlife shelter, Russian olive has spread across much of the West. It can crowd out native riverside plants, alter stream banks, and prove difficult to remove. Experts recommend early detection and choosing native alternatives, such as valley oak, when planting.

Russian olive was planted to help the land; now it is crowding out native streamside plants

Russian olive is invasive across California and 16 Western states, displacing native plants, altering stream-bank hydrology and resprouting after removal. Officials urge identification and removal before flowering. California recommends native valley oak for shade and wildlife, though it requires space. Introduced for windbreaks and erosion control, Russian olive shows how plantings can become threats.

Dhruv Rathee

CJP says 'dictator is terrified' as Delhi cops detain Dhruv Rathee ahead of Jantar Mantar protest

The Cockroach Janta Party condemned YouTuber Dhruv Rathee’s detention in Gurugram on Saturday, demanding his immediate, unconditional release and that of other student activists, ahead of a Jantar Mantar protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the special intensive revision exercise. The party alleged the arrests were a citywide crackdown to silence dissent over electoral-roll irregularities.

The soundtrack of Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar The Revenge has been submitted for the 2027 Grammy Awards.

Dhurandhar 2 makers plan Grammys campaign, submit soundtrack of Ranveer Singh film in 9 categories

Dhurandhar: The Revenge has submitted its soundtrack across nine categories at the 2027 Grammy Awards, spanning soundtrack, global music, pop, dance/electronic, remix and rap. Composer Shashwat Sachdev is entered for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media; “Kanhaiyya,” “Aari Aari” and six other songs target performance and songwriting fields. Ranveer Singh’s spy thriller is India’s second-highest-grossing film.

Allahabad HC orders Lucknow DM to rid city college of encroachment within 3 months

Allahabad HC orders Lucknow DM to rid city college of encroachment within 3 months

The Allahabad High Court ordered Lucknow’s district magistrate to remove unauthorised encroachments from Ram Bharose Maiku Lal Inter College’s land within three months, warning that a finance minister’s personal relations officer must not influence eviction proceedings. It sought a compliance report. The college alleges former principal Sukhpal Singh continued occupying official housing after retiring in 2017, claiming inheritance without proof.

Once promoted for erosion control, livestock forage, and ornamental use, kudzu spread widely across the South. Its rapid growth now threatens crops and ecosystems. Satellite research in Tennessee found infestations expanding and concentrated near roads and urban edges, offering clues to when and where land managers can target control efforts.

How kudzu went from government soil fix to southern headache

Satellite imagery shows kudzu expanded 37% in Knox County, Tennessee, from July 2020 to 2021, then 15% the next year, with growth peaking in August and infestations clustering near roads, rivers, and vegetation. Findings may help managers time control, though evidence comes from one county. Once promoted for erosion control and ornament, kudzu is invasive.

A garden favorite turned global invader: Water hyacinth has spread to 53 countries.

How a pretty South American garden plant spread to 53 countries and choked Africa’s biggest lake

Water hyacinth’s invasion of Lake Victoria damaged fisheries, blocked boats and water systems, harmed ecosystems, and threatened livelihoods, with annual economic losses estimated at $150 million. By 1998, it covered about 20,000 hectares; control efforts reduced it, but floods fueled a resurgence. Native to South America, the ornamental plant spread after introduction and careless disposal.

Straighteners for perfect sleek hair look

Want salon-like hair at home? Here are 7 hair straighteners to make styling easier

Amazon India shoppers can choose seven straighteners for everyday use, thick hair, shine, touch-ups, versatility, occasional styling and professional-style control, with options from Philips, Remington, Syska, VEGA, Nova and Ikonic. The model depends on hair texture and styling frequency; prioritize adjustable heat, plate width and safety features, use heat protectant, and never straighten wet hair.

NTA has 16 of 39 permanent posts vacant, while its DG post remained additional charge for nearly two years, a parliamentary panel report said.

Panel flags NTA staff shortage, moots new question bank system

A parliamentary committee urged the National Testing Agency to fill 16 of its 39 vacant permanent posts and hire examination-security, technology, analytics and logistics specialists, warning that reliance on deputation and contractors weakens capacity. It proposed secure testing centres and stronger question-paper safeguards. The recommendations follow NEET-UG 2026’s cancellation after question overlap and amid scrutiny.

The silver foil around your tablets is more than just packaging, with an important role in medicine storage.

Government proposes tighter curbs on prescription-only drugs ads by pharmacies, wholesalers

The Union health ministry has proposed extending restrictions on advertising prescription-only medicines to retail and wholesale drug sellers, closing a gap that applies only to manufacturers. A draft amendment to Drugs Rules, 1945, seeks stakeholder feedback within 30 days, aiming to curb unauthorised promotion, inappropriate self-medication and antibiotic misuse. The proposal follows advisory-board recommendations; pharmacies welcome it.

ICE finalizes new rules after judge blocks Trump policy.

US immigration fines: ICE finalizes new rules after judge blocks Trump policy

ICE finalized a rule retaining the Trump administration’s civil immigration fines while allowing certain late appeals when mail delays prevent timely responses, days after a federal judge blocked the earlier system pending litigation. Fines can reach $998 per day and roughly $1.8 million for some immigrants; DHS reported issuing more than 103,000 penalties totaling $84 billion.

Bengaluru: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke in a conversation with YouTuber Dhruv Rathee

YouTuber Dhruv Rathee detained in Gurugram ahead of CJP's Jantar Mantar protest

Please provide the article and its headline, and I’ll summarize it in about 55 words using the inverted pyramid approach.

Prickly pear cactus, once planted for dye and hedges, later took over farmland.

In 1788, a cactus was brought to Australia for red dye; it later covered 24 million hectares

Australia’s prickly pear invasion rendered 60 million acres unusable until authorities released the Argentine cactus moth in 1926; by 1933, 80 percent of Queensland’s infested land had been cleared. Its larvae destroyed cactus pads, but the moth later endangered Opuntia species and crops elsewhere. Prickly pear arrived in 1788, then spread as hedges and fodder.

Lantana’s opportunity cost for Queensland’s grazing sector reached about A$121 million in 2007.

In 2007, an Australian garden plant cost Queensland grazing an estimated A$121 million

Lantana has become a costly Queensland weed, with lost grazing opportunity estimated at A$121 million in 2007, versus A$3 million in 1985. Control has mostly failed; the plant now covers five million hectares in Australia and threatens livestock and biodiversity. Introduced from the Americas as an ornamental before 1850, it escaped gardens and spread widely.

The California lake that 1994 rules are still trying to bring back.

In 1994, California ordered LA to curb its Mono Lake diversions and protect a lake near collapse

Mono Lake remains below its 6,392-foot restoration goal, decades after California restricted Los Angeles water diversions, as drought, climate change and ongoing withdrawals slow recovery, the state board says. A 2025 scientific review found the lake has never reached its target since 1994; officials are assessing water budgets and restoration options. Diversions once lowered it 45 feet.

Mrunal Thakur backs Katrina Kaif and Kriti Sanon against trolls.

Mrunal Thakur backs Katrina Kaif, Kriti Sanon amid their trolling by ‘crazy people’

Mrunal Thakur has defended Katrina Kaif and Kriti Sanon against online trolling, urging people to respect their choices and recognize their contributions to film and business. While promoting her ZEE5 crime thriller *Pooja Meri Jaan*, she said men, too, face public judgment. Katrina was body-shamed after childbirth, while Kriti drew criticism over a jewellery advertisement.

Chinese tallow tree shows off its bright autumn foliage, a trait that helped make it a popular landscape plant.

In 1776, Chinese tallow reached the US; now it infests more than 234,000 acres in southeast Texas

Chinese tallow, an Asian tree once promoted in the Gulf states for soap production, now infests more than 234,000 acres in southeast Texas. Fast-growing trees produce up to 100,000 seeds, spread by birds and water, and regrow after cutting, allowing dense stands to overtake habitats and disrupt agriculture. Controlling the invasive requires monitoring and treatment.

A senior official of the disaster management department (DMD), the nodal agency, said the process was delayed by a second wave that hit the north-western districts late.

Bihar likely to present over ₹10,000 cr demand to Centre to compensate flood damages

Bihar will seek over ₹10,000 crore from the Centre in flood compensation, as floods affected five million people across 15 districts, damaging crops, roads, embankments and schools. Final assessment is expected next week, delayed until waters recede; preliminary crop losses are ₹270 crore, while rural-road repairs may exceed ₹3,000 crore. Two waves triggered relief efforts.

Kush Maini puts F1 race seat goal on hold but will remain with Alpine in 2027

Kush Maini puts F1 race seat goal on hold but will remain with Alpine in 2027

Indian driver Kush Maini will remain with Alpine through 2027, though his role is undecided after the team retained Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto. He says simulator work and testing will keep him ready for a Formula 1 opportunity, after finishing ninth with 90 points in his Formula 2 season; he joined Alpine’s academy in 2023.

Several social media users pointed out that Katie Zacharia, Trump's new Press Secretary, looked like Natalie Harp.

Katie Zacharia looks like Natalie Harp? Images shared online as Trump names Press Secretary

President Donald Trump appointed Katie Zacharia White House press secretary, replacing Karoline Leavitt, as online users compared her with Natalie Harp and shared photos noting resemblance. Zacharia called the appointment an honor and pledged to communicate results; she previously worked at Trump Media and briefly served as a DHS spokesperson. Harp is nicknamed “human printer.”

Shreyas Iyer wasn't too critical of his bowlers post the defeat in Ranchi.

Shreyas laments ‘dew factor’ after West Indies hand India shocking defeat in Ranchi

West Indies completed their highest successful T20I chase, overhauling India’s 249/5 in Ranchi with nine balls remaining after losing two wickets in the opening over. Shai Hope’s unbeaten 102 and Sherfane Rutherford’s 84 powered a 120-run stand, as heavy dew frustrated India’s spinners. Iyer said there was little margin for error; Samson had earlier scored 82.

Police officers stand guard outside a closed metro station.

Contempt plea in SC over Delhi Metro, rail curbs; home secretary, Delhi Police chief named

Please share the full article. The text provided ends mid-sentence, so I can’t produce an accurate 55-word summary without inventing details.

Police suspect a one-sided love affair behind the Faridabad teen’s suicide. Nine of his family members were arrested after a clash at the girl’s house.

Faridabad teen dies by suicide at classmate’s home, 9 family members held for violence, 2 cops injured

A 17-year-old boy died by suicide at a classmate’s home in Faridabad as police suspected unrequited love; nine relatives were arrested after allegedly attacking her family and injuring two officers. He had promised his parents to stay away, but returned Thursday night and was found hanging in a family boutique; investigators found no evidence of foul play.

Security personnel are seen deployed in large numbers near Jantar Mantar, as roads leading to the protest site remain closed and barricaded amid heightened security arrangements.

Share intel with Delhi Police: Home secretary writes to top cops across country ahead of CJP protest

Union home secretary Govind Mohan urged police chiefs nationwide to share intelligence and coordinate with Delhi Police ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s October 10 protest march, warning it may attempt unauthorised entry into Delhi despite the prohibition. Authorities cite intelligence and past disorder; Delhi Police denied permission, saying the group violated rules at a previous protest and applied too late.

Delhi Police removed 'suspicious’ people near Jantar Mantar on Saturday ahead of the protest called by the Cockroach Janta Party as Abhijeet Dipke leaves for Delhi.

HT Morning News Brief: Delhi braces for CJP's Jantar Mantar protest, India's counter to Musk

Delhi deployed 40,000-plus police and paramilitary personnel, shut metro services and internet access, and turned central areas into a fortress as the Cockroach Janta Party prepared to protest Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar; police detained people near Jantar Mantar. The roundup also notes Scindia’s rebuttal of Musk and Gambhir’s concerns after India’s T20 loss, amid electoral-roll allegations.

A herd of rusa deer, the species that grew from 12 animals brought to New Caledonia in 1870.

In 1870, 12 deer reached New Caledonia from Java; today, an estimated 250,000 to 370,000 live there

New Caledonia’s rusa deer threaten ecosystems, while control is difficult: DNA suggests a freely moving islandwide population, allowing migrants to undo culls. Browsing prevents dry-forest regeneration, erodes soil, and damages trees, but venison and hunting remain important to communities. Introduced from Java in 1870 by 12 deer, the herd reached an estimated 250,000–370,000 by 2011.