Does India need stand-off missiles or more fighter jets?

India’s shrinking fighter fleet demands modernization, but adding aircraft may not protect the IAF from China’s long-range missiles and air defences, the article argues. It urges prioritising ballistic-missile defence, long-range weapons, drones, rockets and stand-off systems over fighters. The debate follows Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh’s call for 36 fighters annually to restore 42 squadrons.

US visa waits soar worldwide as consulates lose staff; Indians also face lengthy appointment delays

US visitor-visa interview waits averaged 201 days worldwide in fiscal 2025, up from 26 days in 2019, as consular staffing fell 32% amid rising applications, the GAO reports. India processed 1.46 million nonimmigrant applications with 68 officers, about 21,401 each. The watchdog cited hiring losses and weak workforce planning, warning delays may hinder travel and tourism recovery.

Why can the hair continue to thin after a successful transplant? Cosmetic surgeon explains

A hair transplant can succeed while surrounding hair keeps thinning, because surgery relocates follicles but does not stop progressive baldness, says surgeon Dr Viral Desai. Before surgery, ask how the result may look in ten years, how much donor hair will remain, and how existing hair will be managed. Treatment and follow-ups help preserve density.

Who is Graham Rahal? IndyCar star's 2 pooches allegedly dognapped from California home

IndyCar driver Graham Rahal and wife Courtney Force are searching for their eight-year-old malamutes, Arrow and Beau, who vanished after escaping through a malfunctioning gate. A tracker suggests a vehicle picked them up near their California home, traveled from Yorba Linda through Tustin to Brea, then discarded the device in bushes. Both dogs are microchipped.

Jaishankar meets UAE foreign minister, discusses bilateral and global issues

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, calling their talks “warm and productive.” They discussed bilateral and global issues under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Jaishankar’s three-day visit reviews cooperation in trade, investment, energy, defence and security, while a 2022 economic agreement supports closer ties.

Scotland's Golden Spurtle: Why does porridge have its own world championship?

Scotland’s World Porridge Making Championship drew nearly 40 competitors to Carrbridge, where Dutch cook Gina Saarberg won the traditional contest and Australian Robert Reid claimed the speciality prize with a porridge cannoli. Judges assess taste, texture and colour, as the event celebrates Scottish food traditions; its Golden Spurtle trophy is named for the stirring tool.

Class 12 student killed, friend assaulted by group of 5 in west Delhi: Police

A 17-year-old Class 12 student was stabbed to death and his classmate assaulted outside a government school in west Delhi’s Mohan Garden on Wednesday; police apprehended three minors and arrested two men within hours. The attack followed a dispute over the classmate not wearing school shoes, though the victim was uninvolved. Three accused attend the school.

Mary Millben, CJP's Abhijeet Dipke trade barbs over 'foreign funding' amid protests

American singer Mary Millben accused Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke of receiving funding from US donors opposed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging Indians to protest peacefully; Dipke had questioned her right, as a foreign national, to comment on India’s internal affairs. Millben said Modi enjoys support as the dispute unfolds amid anti-CEC protests.

Can last-minute question papers stop exam leaks? Experts flag some challenges

Nandan Nilekani’s proposal to generate exam papers at the last minute from question banks, alongside expanding computer-based testing, has drawn warnings from educators and experts that it could undermine fairness, difficulty balance and syllabus coverage. They say exam security requires investment and robust oversight. The panel was formed after NEET-UG 2026’s paper leak and cancellation, amid examination reform efforts.

Attending a day wedding? Shradha Luthra shares makeup tips to prevent melting and smudging

Celebrity makeup artist Shradha Luthra says day-wedding makeup lasts with skin prep, lightweight products and thin layers, not heavy coverage. Cleanse, moisturise and apply sunscreen; use suitable primer, long-wear foundation and selective concealer, strategically set oily areas, and choose waterproof eye makeup. Blotting papers and touch-ups help counter heat, humidity, sweat and long celebrations.

Why ignoring lived experience in mental healthcare could be harming you?

Neglecting lived experience can weaken mental healthcare, as diagnoses alone cannot explain people’s needs or make treatment workable. Clinicians should consider behaviour, relationships, culture, finances and practical barriers, then set recovery goals with each person. People who use services reveal obstacles professionals may miss; their knowledge complements clinical expertise, making care relevant, accessible and responsive.

US weighs using 'mother of all bombs' against Iran in future strikes: Report

US military planners have prepared options to deploy the MOAB, America’s largest non-nuclear bomb, against Iranian energy and nuclear sites if President Donald Trump resumes combat, CNN reported, citing officials. Plans reportedly include suspected underground facility Pickaxe Mountain and could precede a US withdrawal, as Washington seeks an exit amid an increasingly unpopular war; the weapon remains unused.

Keralam to decide on PM SHRI scheme after sub-committee report: Minister Samsudheen

Keralam will decide its next steps on the PM SHRI scheme only after a sub-committee reports, General Education Minister N. Samsudheen told the Assembly, citing a previous government’s MoU, which lacks a withdrawal clause, and the state’s insistence on its own curriculum. Punjab, which resumed implementation after withdrawing, now has 419 participating schools; the scheme targets 14,500 schools.

Orange alert issued in Delhi; rain, thunderstorms likely as western disturbance moves in

Delhi’s IMD issued an orange alert Thursday, warning of thunderstorms and heavy rain as western disturbance clouds move in. Meteorologist Navdeep Dahiya forecast showers across Delhi-NCR between 10:45am and 2pm. Morning temperatures remained above normal, with Safdarjung at 23.3°C. No rain fell by 8:30am, and air quality was moderate. Recent rain-related air-quality improvement proved brief.

2027 Yamaha XSR900 gets a new retro colour option

Yamaha has updated the 2027 XSR900 with Neon White, inspired by the 1993 YZF750R, replacing Heritage White while leaving the retro roadster’s design and mechanicals unchanged. Its 890cc triple still delivers about 119 hp and 93 Nm, with a TFT display, riding modes and quickshifter. UK pricing is unconfirmed; the model is absent from India, where Yamaha sells the smaller XSR155.

Woman found alive in sea nearly a day after going overboard from Royal Caribbean ship, video viral

A 44-year-old Salvadoran woman who went overboard from Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas was rescued alive after 20 hours in the Ionian Sea, clinging to a lifebuoy. A cargo ship found her, and coast guards took her to hospital; authorities said she jumped because she wanted to disembark. Royal Caribbean is supporting her family.

MahaRERA recovers ₹369 crore against ₹1,037 crore dues from developers to homebuyers; Mumbai leads

MahaRERA has recovered ₹369.45 crore in compensation for homebuyers across 273 projects, a 45% recovery rate it says is India’s highest, after issuing 516 warrants worth ₹1,037 crore over nine years. Mumbai led collections with ₹228 crore. Around ₹209 crore remains restricted by NCLT and MPID Act proceedings; Mumbai and Pune account for the largest outstanding dues.

Karnataka recount case: ECI's rules on how long it keeps CCTV footage, and who can see it

The Supreme Court rebuked the Election Commission for failing to locate video of the 2023 Sringeri count, warning it could draw an adverse inference without records. Congress MLA T.D. Rajegowda sought footage after a recount overturned his 201-vote victory. ECI rules allow recordings’ destruction 45 days after results, except during legal challenges; a 2024 amendment narrowed access.

Over 1.6 lakh personnel will undertake population enumeration in TN

More than 1.6 lakh personnel will enumerate Tamil Nadu’s population across 38 districts for Census 2027, covering 25 corporations, 651 towns and 15,437 villages. About 1,41,083 enumerators and 20,467 supervisors will use procedures, digital tools and checks to prevent omissions. Departments will coordinate, while households may self-enumerate online; dates will be announced in January 2027.

Actor Imran Khan asked to leave India by October 28 over anti-CEC protests

Mumbai Police has directed actor Imran Khan, nephew of Aamir Khan, to leave India by October 28, initiating action under the Immigration Act over his alleged participation in a protest at August Kranti Maidan. Khan was detained during the demonstration, which called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation; police say he is not an Indian citizen.

What Trump’s new work permit, visa extension rules mean for Indians

The Trump administration finalized stricter work-permit renewal rules and proposed ending deference to prior visa approvals, potentially disrupting many foreign professionals, particularly Indian H-1B spouses and workers. Those whose permits expire during renewal would lose work authorization, while visa-extension applicants could face fresh scrutiny, evidence requests and delays. Officials cite security and fraud concerns; critics warn of household and economic costs.

Lisandro Martinez explains his stance after scathing criticism of United hierarchy

Lisandro Martinez said his criticism of Manchester United’s hierarchy after losing to Atletico Madrid came from “anger and frustration,” following complaints about recruitment and technical director Jason Wilcox. In an Instagram statement, he said players must improve, while backing manager Michael Carrick and staff. United have won once in six league games and sit 13th.

Jailer 2 Twitter reviews: Rajinikanth's mass 'dynamite' reminds fans of Baasha, Nelson hailed

Early reviews of Rajinikanth’s *Jailer 2* largely praise its star power, production values, comedy and action, with fans calling it superior to the original. However, viewers say the first half is stronger, while the second becomes overblown and poorly written, especially its villains and cameos. Nelson Dilipkumar directs the sequel, which brings back Tiger Muthuvel Pandian.

YouTuber Dhruv Rathee gets fresh summons from Delhi court over 2018 defamation case

A Delhi court has issued fresh summons to YouTuber Dhruv Rathee at his Gurugram address in a 2018 defamation case, after years of failed attempts. The case stems from a video alleging BJP IT Cell members tried to bribe complainant Vikas Pandey; Rathee is in India protesting, and proceedings are scheduled for October 17, 2026.

Intriguing Vivo X Fold6 is a photography triumph, and an expensive dilemma

The Vivo X Fold6 is the best-camera foldable yet, pairing Zeiss optics with performance, a fluid hinge, multitasking and exceptional battery life, but its ₹2,19,999 launch price makes value difficult to justify. Against discounted Samsung and Google rivals, it excels in photography and productivity; supply inflation and the foldable phone market explain its costly positioning.

Rashmika Mandanna at Swarovski Diwali bash shines in crystal-embellished saree gown by Amit Aggarwal

Rashmika Mandanna brought festive glamour to Swarovski’s Diwali bash in a midnight-blue Amit Aggarwal saree-gown, pairing a crystal-encrusted corset with a Banarasi drape. Its deconstructed skirt featured front pleats and a floor-length hem, while an embroidered pallu became a dupatta; Swarovski jewellery and minimal makeup completed the look. She attended while promoting historical drama *Ranabaali*, set during a famine under colonial rule in India.

Rahul's visit, brief detention: A long night of protest by Ankita Bhandari's parents

Delhi police detained Bhandari’s parents and removed Congress protesters from India Gate before dawn, ending a sit-in opposing Dushyant Kumar Gautam’s Sikkim governorship pending a CBI probe into an alleged VIP link. Congress condemned the crackdown; her parents issued an ultimatum and threatened hunger strike. Bhandari was murdered in 2022; Gautam has not been accused.

A teen receptionist's 2022 murder becomes political flashpoint: Revisiting the Ankita Bhandari case

Ankita Bhandari’s parents protested at India Gate against Dushyant Gautam’s appointment as Sikkim governor, renewing calls to investigate “VIP” links to the 2022 murder. Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi joined Wednesday’s sit-in; police detained the parents Thursday and later released them. Gautam is not an accused; a CBI probe examines claims. Three men received life sentences in 2025.

Tarot Horoscope Today for October 15, 2026

Today’s tarot guidance urges confidence, patience, and practical judgment as the zodiac signs pursue opportunities, protect priorities, and make thoughtful decisions. Emotional challenges call for reflection and balanced responses, while steady effort, clear communication, and healthy boundaries support progress. Each sign also receives a lucky colour, ritual, and crystal, with advice from tarot reader Kishori Sud.

Sky turns orange in Indonesia: Toxic haze and smog from wildfires choke region, obscure skyline

Indonesia’s wildfires have cloaked Central Kalimantan and nearby regions in orange-brown haze, with smoke reaching Singapore and Malaysia and exposing residents to dangerous air pollution. Official estimates put burned land at 202,000 hectares, while Auriga says damage exceeded 637,000 hectares. Fires stem from slash-and-burn farming and commercial agriculture; authorities are investigating companies and deploying resources.