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Designer Shahin Mannan with actor Sanjana Sanghi

Shahin Mannan’s ‘I AM’ puts individuality ahead of fashion rules

Shahin Mannan’s I AM collection celebrated individuality and self-definition at Lakmē Fashion Week, challenging inherited expectations and prescribed notions of identity. Denim anchored combinations of jersey, suede, Swiss poplin and cotton silks, while relaxed proportions and intricate embroidery set familiar fabrics against unexpected details. Actor Sanjana Sanghi closed the show, reflecting Mannan’s message of freedom to be oneself.

Silver, platinum and palladium also advanced on Monday, with silver gaining 1.3% to $57.73 an ounce.

Gold rises as softer oil prices ease inflation concerns, Fed hike bets in focus

Gold rose 0.4% to $4,182.30 an ounce Monday as softer oil eased inflation concerns and investors assessed Fed rate prospects; December futures gained 0.5% to $4,203.50. Markets await next week’s Fed decision and PCE data; traders see an 89% chance of a December hike, potentially curbing gold’s appeal despite its inflation-hedge role. Silver also advanced.

Anti-drug activist murder: Diljit Dosanjh says Jhota's family should get justice

Anti-drug activist murder: Diljit Dosanjh says Jhota's family should get justice

Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh called anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, shot dead in Mansa, a martyr and demanded justice for his family. Protests continue, with relatives withholding his post-mortem and cremation and committee members seeking a CBI probe and officials’ resignations. Jhota was killed after challenging a store owner over drug sales; actress Neeru Bajwa paused her film.

Ayushmann Khurrana, Sara Ali Khan turn showstoppers for Manish Malhotra

Metallics, fluid drapes and modern glamour take over Manish Malhotra’s runway

Manish Malhotra unveiled Luxury Prêt 2026 at Lakmē Fashion Week in New Delhi on October 17, returning after three and a half years and introducing Menswear Luxe Prêt. Metallic silver, fluid drapes and relaxed tailoring refreshed occasionwear; showstoppers Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan amplified the spectacle. The collection joined Indian craftsmanship with contemporary, individualistic glamour.

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

Karnataka introduces night-time attendance system for govt staff via mobile app

Karnataka will pilot geofenced nighttime attendance for taluk hospital and PHC doctors through the Kartavya app from November 1, 2026, requiring check-ins after 9pm within designated headquarters. Contractual and outsourced staff must use the app from December 1, with pay tied to records from January 1. The measure follows absenteeism complaints; approved absences are exempt.

Delayed Bollywood releases in 2027

Spirit, Naagzilla to Love & War: Delayed Bollywood releases hitting the screens in 2027

Several Indian films have shifted to 2027, as unfinished production, scheduling changes and competition reshape release plans, with Prabhas-starrer Spirit moving from Eid to Diwali and Love & War set for January. Kartik Aaryan’s Naagzilla and musical, Captain India, Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 and Side Heroes face delays; Spirit will clash with Ramayana Part 2.

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed the attack, with gangster Anil Pandit saying Harman Sandhu and him were behind the shooting incident.

'No one will be spared,’ say Fadnavis, Shinde after attack on Tiger Shroff

Maharashtra leaders condemned Sunday’s Juhu shooting of actor Tiger Shroff, promising protection and strict action. Three motorcyclists opened fire; Shroff escaped unhurt, but three people, including his driver and an autorickshaw driver, were injured. Fadnavis said police had clues and identified suspects, while Shinde vowed gangs would not terrorize Mumbai again, invoking its 1990s gang wars.

Pawan Sachdeva and Veer Pahariya; a model walking the show

Pawan Sachdevaa reimagines Indian craft at Lakmé Fashion Week

Pawan Sachdevaa’s RECAST at Lakmé Fashion Week fused Indian craft with urban utility, using relaxed tailoring and gender-fluid silhouettes to bring heritage techniques into wardrobes. Bandhani, shibori, kasuti and kantha appeared on denim, khadi, silk and bouclé alongside jackets and trousers. Indigo hues, washes and natural dyes added depth as Veer Pahariya closed the show.

Ethnix by Raymond brings Indian craftsmanship to modern menswear

Ethnix by Raymond brings Indian craftsmanship to modern menswear at Lakmé Fashion Week 2026

Ethnix by Raymond’s Wedding Stories, unveiled October 18 at Lakmé Fashion Week with FDCI, reimagines Indian weddingwear through heritage crafts and contemporary silhouettes, with Suryakumar Yadav as showstopper. Kurtas, sherwanis, Indo-Western looks and formalwear pair Jacquards, Jamawar, brocades and embroidery with fluid cuts and layering, reflecting grooms’ demand for versatile occasionwear rooted in cultural authenticity.

A person walks as flames rise during civil unrest, the day after a national day of demonstrations against the cost of living and rising fuel prices, in Paris, France, October 18, 2026.

France protests ‘felt like war,’ say citizens as Macron slams ‘unrestrained violence’

Violent protests over rising living costs and school conditions swept French cities, leaving about 2,400 arrested, businesses looted and public buildings damaged; Limoges’ historic town hall was largely destroyed by fire. President Emmanuel Macron blamed radical far-left groups and criminals, vowing accountability. Yellow Vests activists and students joined demonstrations amid economic grievances, six months before elections.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites require long-term protection and conservation.

What changes when a place becomes a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

UNESCO status recognizes sites of Outstanding Universal Value, raises their profile and obliges countries to protect defining features. It can boost tourism and conservation investment, but guarantees neither visitors nor funding; unmanaged development can damage fragile sites. Countries retain ownership and responsibility, and serious threats may place a site on the Danger List or cost it recognition.

SDRF jawans during rescue operation after thirteen children, including nine girls and four boys, have died after a boat capsized in the Ganga River at Raghopur in Vaishali district, Bihar,

Bihar’s deadly river crossings: When the journey home becomes a gamble

At least 13 people, including 12 children, died when a boat capsized near Raghopur on October 13, exposing weak oversight of Bihar’s essential river transport. More than 7,000 boat services operate across 1,550 ghats, but passenger limits, life jackets and inspections are inconsistently enforced. Experts call for routine checks and clear accountability; bridges cannot replace local crossings.

The picture shows actor Tiger Shroff sitting on a sofa next to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Tiger Shroff meets Shinde after attack, CJP leaders' release delayed | Top news

Headlines include firing that left Tiger Shroff with minor abrasions and his driver shot, prompting Eknath Shinde’s condemnation; Netanyahu urged India ties amid concern over future US support, while the INDIA bloc plans a November 1 rally. CJP leaders’ release remains unresolved, and New Zealand Cricket’s contracts help retain players despite the board’s limited finances.

Tenders have been floated for improving lighting at bus queue shelters. (HT PHOTO/Representative)

DTIDC to install lighting at 969 Delhi bus shelters to improve safety

Delhi plans lighting and electrical connections at 969 bus shelters for over Rs 5.04 crore, improving commuter safety and visibility before sunrise and after sunset. Three tenders divide the work across the Capital’s districts, covering LED battens, wiring, meters and safety equipment. Contractors have 45 days to install systems, then provide one-year maintenance and five-year light warranties.

Rohit Roy acted in both TV shows and films throughout his career.

Rohit Roy says wife yelled at him for calling TV dustbin medium, admits his choice of word was wrong

Rohit Roy admits that calling television a “dustbin medium” was wrong, saying he meant its repetitive, rushed content—not its actors or workers. Following criticism, he stressed television, especially *Swabhimaan*, built his career; his wife, actor Manasi Joshi Roy, also told him he should not have used the term. He remains committed to improving TV content.

Thursday’s decision was a major reversal for ECI, which used to provide political parties with image PDFs earlier. (HT FILE PHOTO/Arvind Yadav)

ECI reverses stand on searchable rolls; adds no safeguards against misuse it once cited

India’s Election Commission will give recognised parties machine-readable draft and final voter rolls, reversing its long-standing refusal, but offers no new protections against data misuse beyond omitting voters’ photographs. The move follows complaints during the current electoral-roll revision that scanned copies hindered name searches and mapping. Previously, the commission cited privacy, data-mining and tampering risks.

A grass brought in to stop erosion: One strain was planted on about 2 million acres in Oklahoma and northwestern Texas.

In 1935, a soil-saving African grass reached Oklahoma, and one strain later covered 2 million acres

Once planted to curb erosion, African weeping lovegrass has been linked to diminished native plant diversity and lasting ecological impacts; after Arizona’s 1990 Dude Fire, it accounted for 81% of herbaceous cover 15 years later. Introduced in 1935, it was widely seeded across the Plains for soil conservation and forage, illustrating the long-term risks of restoration choices.

Aruna Irani returns to work after husband Kuku Kohli's death.

Aruna Irani returns to work two months after her husband Kuku Kohli’s death, thanks fans for support

Two months after filmmaker Kuku Kohli’s death at 77, actor Aruna Irani has resumed work, saying fans’ love and support helped her through grief. In a video, she thanked them and hoped they would stay beside her throughout her life. Kohli launched Ajay Devgn with *Phool Aur Kaante* and died of a heart attack.

Barack Obama condemns probe into Ilhan Omar.

Obama condemns probe into Ilhan Omar, says Trump govt is using federal power to intimidate her

Obama condemned Trump’s investigation of Ilhan Omar as an “appalling” effort to intimidate a political opponent after agents searched her home and seized records and her phone. He called citizenship allegations unsupported; Omar, born in Somalia, says the probe is politically motivated. With evidence undisclosed, the inquiry raises concerns about federal power before midterm elections.

Aneet Padda walks the ramp for fashion designer Amit Agggrawal during the Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI grand finale.

Aneet Padda talks collaborating with Amit Aggarwal for Lakme Fashion Week grand finale | Interview

‘Saiyaara’ actor Aneet Padda headlined Amit Aggarwal’s Lakmé Fashion Week finale, explaining she owns the moment and enjoys walking rather than trying to be a model. The show recreated a nostalgic Indian street through designs and unconventional materials. Padda praised purple glitter eyeshadow and her corset, and shared wellness habits and eyebrow tips from her mother.

A grass from South Africa, now a major plant across parts of Arizona.

In 1932, Arizona brought in a South African grass that later dominated about 347,000 acres

Lehmann lovegrass, introduced from South Africa in 1932, spread beyond planting sites and became a major species across 347,000 Arizona acres by 1988. Research found it spread without grazing, displaced native grasses, and produced up to four times their biomass, potentially reducing wildlife diversity and increasing fire risk. It was planted to restore rangelands.

The draft notification to declare an ESZ around the Similipal Tiger Reserve and the Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary was issued on January 29, 2019.

7 years on, Similipal ESZ notification remains pending; Centre blames Odisha for delays

Seven years after Odisha’s Similipal ESZ draft was issued, final notification remains pending; the Centre told the National Green Tribunal that repeated state failures to provide information caused the delay. Missing details include proposed boundaries, files and updated legal records; scrutiny, consultations and legal vetting must follow. Revisions and public objections have stalled the process since 2019.

Mark Waugh is okay with the big Aussie call.

Australia legend Mark Waugh has no complaints against Nathan Lyon’s exclusion

Australia dropped Nathan Lyon for the second South Africa Test at Gqeberha, selecting Scott Boland for conditions; Boland took two wickets, leaving South Africa 20/2 on a rain-hit day. Lyon’s second omission in a year drew mixed reactions: Mark Waugh backed the call, while Steve O’Keefe condemned it. Lyon has more than 550 Test wickets.

The Cinnamon Kitchen's almond flour and cacao cookies retail for  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>199 for a pack of two.

Aman Gupta-backed Cinnamon Kitchen admits to mislabelling fat and sugar content on cookie packs

Delhi bakery The Cinnamon Kitchen admitted incorrect nutritional information on its cookie packaging, apologizing and promising corrections after Pratima Dixit raised concerns. Its label listed zero saturated fat despite high-fat ingredients, omitted separate added-sugar disclosure, and made a PCOS-friendly claim without cited scientific evidence. The premium, plant-based, gluten-free bakery appeared on Shark Tank India.

The Ridge station recorded a minimum temperature of 17.7 degrees Celsius, 1.8 degrees below normal.

At 17.1°C, Delhi records coldest night of October; 1.3°C below normal

Delhi recorded its coldest night this month on Sunday, with a minimum of 17.1°C, 1.3 degrees below normal and 1.5 lower than Saturday, the IMD said. Palam, Lodhi Road and Ayanagar recorded lows of 16.9°C, 16.8°C and 16.8°C. Clear skies and a 32°C high are forecast; no rain fell, while AQI stood at 118, described as satisfactory.

Tree-of-heaven arrived in Pennsylvania in 1784 as an ornamental plant and has since spread across much of the country.

In 1784, Pennsylvania planted tree-of-heaven for its looks; it now grows from Maine to California

Tree-of-heaven, once planted as an ornamental, has become an invasive threat, infesting hundreds of acres in Shenandoah National Park and spreading widely. It grows rapidly, produces over 325,000 windblown seeds annually, and resprouts aggressively, particularly in disturbed forests. A host-adapted fungus is a promising biocontrol candidate. Native to China, it reached Pennsylvania in 1784.

Tarot Horoscope Today

Tarot Horoscope Today for October 19, 2026

Today’s tarot horoscopes stress harmony, progress, and thoughtful choices, urging signs to meet change with patience, honesty, and balance. Aries and Taurus benefit from cooperation and stability; Gemini and Cancer should plan carefully and judge fairly. Others are guided toward calm, perspectives, confidence, or solitude, with each forecast offering a lucky colour, ritual, and crystal.

Five students have been on a hunger strike demanding restoration of Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU) elections.

Ex-Jamia union president backs students’ demand for campus election restoration

Five JMI students have been on an indefinite hunger strike since October 12, demanding restored student-union elections, as suspensions and restrictions intensify protests. They cite penalties against students and Aligarh Muslim University’s renewed elections as triggers, prioritising free expression, hostel conditions and fees. Jamia’s union, first elected in 1981–82, was restored in 2005–06 before being dissolved again.

Mahashtami marked by early morning anjali at puja pandals across Bengal

Mahashtami marked by early morning anjali at puja pandals across Bengal

Devotees gathered at dawn across Kolkata and West Bengal on Monday for Mahashtami anjali, following prescribed ritual timings, while grief subdued worship at Kolkata’s Chorbagan mandap, where a stampede killed 19 people two days earlier. Belur Math, Kamarpukur and Cooch Behar’s 500-year-old Boro Devi shrine drew worshippers; Kumari and Sandhi Puja rites were observed statewide.

Trump and Zelensky have clashed over the US President's decision to block new sanctions against Russia and strike a diesel supply deal with Moscow.

Trump says Zelensky ‘doesn't want war to end’, defends Russia sanctions waiver

Donald Trump’s waiver of Russia sanctions and approval of Russian diesel sales have reignited a dispute with Volodymyr Zelensky, as Trump accused Ukraine’s leader of obstructing peace and blamed Ukrainian strikes for fuel-price pressures. Zelensky countered that Washington is pressuring Kyiv to concede and limiting satellite support; the clash deepens amid war talks and election politics.