84% rise electricity connection for Durga Puja pandals in Patna in 5 years

Patna’s temporary electricity connections for Durga Puja pandals rose 84% over five years, from 365 in 2021 to 671 in 2026, while PESU revenue increased 82% to ₹27.80 lakh, reflecting festival demand. West led with 374 connections; Patna City’s count rose sixfold. A 2024 tariff cut lowered charges from 1.5 to 1.25 times normal rates.

Rahul Gandhi targets PM Modi, Shah in Goa, says govt's ‘expiry date is near’

Rahul Gandhi said in Goa the Modi government’s “expiry date” was near, accusing Modi, Amit Shah and election officials of manipulation. He predicted voters would reclaim the republic, urging Congress workers to defend the Constitution and expose alleged vote theft, while blaming BJP rule for land sales, unemployment and corruption ahead of Goa’s 2027 election.

Prayagraj plans ‘Sangam Swad’ brand for rural women’s products

Prayagraj will market rural women’s foods under “Sangam Swad,” using improved packaging, branding and promotion to reach wider markets and boost livelihoods. About 115 products selected in the first phase will receive financial assistance, packaging machines and food-safety registration. Sales space, event displays and influencer campaigns will promote the brand; about 1,200 self-help groups produce these goods.

Bihar education dept to fill 4,156 vacant posts on contract

Bihar’s education department will fill 4,156 vacant posts on contract, including engineers, to keep administration and infrastructure work running until regular recruitment is completed, minister Mithilesh Tiwari said. It has earmarked ₹275 crore for school repairs, including flood-hit campuses, while directing officials to ensure textbooks and teachers are available; BPSC is recruiting over 33,000 teachers.

Chinese Horoscope, October 19, 2026: Daily astro guidance as per your zodiac

Today’s Fire Tiger Stable Day favors practical decisions, steady progress and cooperation over risk; Horse, Dog and Pig receive the strongest outlook, while Monkey should slow down and avoid conflict. Other signs are mostly balanced or favorable, with patience and routine emphasized. Readings compare zodiac elements with the day pillar and 2026 Fire Horse year.

Beyond tradition: How AI and holograms are transforming Lucknow’s Dussehra

Aishbagh anchors Lucknow’s Dussehra Ravan Dahan, with 40,000 expected to watch its Ramlila’s high-tech finale featuring AI, 3D holograms and visual effects. Organisers cap the effigy at 65 feet, use low-smoke fireworks and add LED screens; Khadra, Alambagh and Sadar host community events. Arrive early to beat traffic; Aishbagh’s 400-year-old celebration centres on a 10-day Ramlila.

Trump says he's a great dealmaker, but his record says otherwise: Report

Trump’s record undercuts his master-dealmaker image: promised breakthroughs on Iran, Ukraine and trade have failed, while some initiatives brought setbacks. Experts say his zero-sum, ego-driven style sabotages negotiations, though the Abraham Accords and Israel-Hamas ceasefire stand as successes. His persona, built on 1980s boasts, was revived by “The Apprentice,” despite a business history of lawsuits.

Heavy rainfall batters Chennai as northeast monsoon brings rain fury, over 20 cm recorded in 24 hrs

Chennai and adjoining areas endured extremely heavy rain, with Parrys recording 36.3 cm in 24 hours, officials said. No major accidents or deaths were reported as authorities deployed 15,000 sanitation workers, pumps and disaster-response teams, and opened nine relief centres. More heavy rain is forecast amid an active northeast monsoon and an upper-air cyclonic circulation.

‘Not enough police, govt hospital lacked facilities’: Kolkata pandal tragedy raises questions

Local residents, not police or pandal organisers, led rescue efforts after a Durga Puja stampede in Kolkata, carrying victims to safety as others were rushed to hospital; 19 people died. Witnesses described panic and suffocation amid crushing crowds, while doctors said the state-run hospital lacked trauma-care capacity, a claim denied by the state health minister.

From pearl earrings to delicate kundan sets: Bridesmaid jewellery ideas for the wedding season

Bridesmaids can look distinctive without outshining the bride by choosing one statement piece rather than layering, says Mhari Jewellery founder Alay Somani. Sarees suit earrings or cocktail rings, lehengas a striking necklace, and shararas or indo-western outfits contrasting gemstones. Artificial jewellery costs less than six-figure gold and diamonds; popular stones include amethyst, citrine and rose quartz.

Slipped discs in young adults: Spine surgeon reveals causes, warning signs and treatment options

Persistent or severe back pain, radiating with numbness or tingling, warrants assessment; bladder/bowel changes, saddle numbness or worsening weakness need urgent care. Most slipped discs improve with medication, physiotherapy and activity changes; surgery may be considered after six to twelve weeks despite care. Sitting, overtraining and poor technique can strain younger spines, so movement and recovery matter.

Royal Desert Champions bank on bowling for Abu Dhabi T10 debut

Royal Desert Champions director Robin Singh says bowlers—particularly fast bowlers who execute—will decide T10 matches, even in a batting-friendly 10-over format. The debutants have built bowling attack featuring Naseem Shah, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Chris Jordan and Luke Wood, with Nicholas Pooran captaining. Abu Dhabi’s league runs November 7–20, marking new era under ADCSH.

Nelson Dilipkumar thanks audience for the phenomenal love to Jailer 2, posts pic with Rajinikanth

Jailer 2 has crossed ₹150 crore in India, after earning ₹59.70 crore net on opening day and taking its worldwide gross beyond ₹320 crore before its first weekend. Rajinikanth’s sequel is now 2026’s highest-grossing Tamil film, prompting director Nelson Dilipkumar to thank audiences for enthusiastic reception. It follows retired jailer Tiger Muthuvel Pandian facing enemies.

'France is burning': US President Donald Trump blames 'immigration' for unrest in French cities

Violent protests over inflation and living costs swept Paris, Marseille, Nice and other French cities, as masked groups looted shops, clashed with police and set public buildings ablaze; authorities said at least 1,800 people were arrested. Macron planned an emergency meeting and televised address, condemning violence and promising prosecutions. Donald Trump blamed the unrest on immigration.

Gold IRAs offer physical gold, but fees and IRS rules can be costly

Gold IRAs let savers hold gold and other IRS-approved precious metals, potentially diversifying portfolios and hedging inflation or market volatility, but carry price risk, no regular income, higher fees and strict rules. Accounts require an approved custodian and third-party storage, and are commonly funded through rollovers. Suitability depends on investors’ goals, costs and risk tolerance.

Rishikesh’s Beatles Ashram may feature in Sam Mendes’ 4-film Beatles project, shoot likely in Feb 2027

Sam Mendes’s four-film Beatles project may film at Rishikesh’s Beatles Ashram in February 2027. Produced by Neal Street Productions for Sony Pictures and Apple Corps, the films will follow band members and are due for release in April 2028. The shoot could create jobs and boost tourism, building on Rishikesh’s spiritual identity and Beatles history.

Uday Saharan’s unbeaten century anchors Punjab after Shubman Gill falls for 1 against Chhattisgarh

Uday Saharan’s unbeaten 106 guided Punjab to 269/4 on day one of their Ranji Trophy Group B match against Chhattisgarh, putting the hosts in command after choosing to bat. He shared a 130-run stand with Prabhsimran Singh (62), then added an unbroken 71 with Salil Arora (38*). Gill made one before Mandal bowled him.

DLF to launch projects worth ₹58K cr in 2-3 yrs in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai amid luxury housing demand

DLF plans to launch about 24 million sq ft of housing, valued at over Rs 58,000 crore, over the next two to three years, capitalising on strong demand for luxury homes. The developer is preparing projects in Gurugram and Mumbai after selling all 172 Aureva homes for Rs 1,985 crore. It has developed more than 185 projects.

Tamil Nadu: ‘Thenisai Thendral’ Deva laid to rest amid tears, tributes

Veteran composer Deva, 75, was laid to rest with full state honours in his native Sakkaramallur on Sunday, after a heart attack killed him in Chennai on October 17. Thousands attended the funeral, as Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had announced state honours. Over nearly four decades, Deva composed for 400-plus films and brought gaana into mainstream Tamil cinema.

HT Evening Brief October 18: France protests turn violent, CJP to restrategise and more

France’s cost-of-living protests turned violent, with 1,800 arrested, 550,000 demonstrators and nearly 1,500 businesses damaged; Limoges’ town hall burned. In India, families alleged police inaction after a Gwalior truck crash killed 15; Cockroach Janta Party vowed to regroup after leaders’ release, while Imran Khan received another OCI notice. Shreyas Iyer faces New Zealand captaincy test.

Bihar tender scam: HC suspects attempt to shield some officials, questions ED, vigilance probes

Patna High Court challenged the Enforcement Directorate and Bihar’s Special Vigilance Unit over inaction toward senior officials allegedly linked to a multi-crore tender scam, saying authorities seemed to “save some and implicate few.” It called contractor Rishu Shree a pawn and ordered the SVU to explain why ED-named officials were not charged. Shree was arrested.

CJI announces virtual access to Supreme Court for Leh, Kargil lawyers

CJI Surya Kant said Leh and Kargil lawyers will soon argue Supreme Court cases virtually from Ladakh’s new High Court bench, with local cases heard on one day, sparing Delhi travel. He called its inauguration a historic step toward justice in a region isolated by Himalayan distances, where technology and legal aid can reach remote communities.

Kajol, Jaya Bachchan to Tanishaa Mukerji: Celebs bring festive glamour to Durga Puja celebrations

Kajol attended Mumbai’s North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja on October 18 with sister Tanishaa Mukerji and children Nysa and Yug, showcasing festive fashion. She wore a red Anavila saree, Nysa an embroidered pale-yellow Anarkali, and Yug a red kurta; Jaya Bachchan, Mouni Roy and Ayan Mukerji joined celebrations. Kajol is a regular at the celebrations.

Kolkata Durga Puja stampede hits BJP amid row over leaders’ role in Bengal’s puja committees

At least 19 people died and 25 were injured in Saturday’s Kolkata Durga Puja pandal stampede, intensifying scrutiny of BJP leaders’ committee roles and raising accountability questions for the government. Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari ordered a probe and arrests, while TMC cited alleged irregularities. The BJP’s festival role began in 2020; UNESCO recognized Durga Puja in 2021.

Your old fridge has served you well. Here are 5 upgrades under ₹20,000

Under ₹20,000, refrigerators from Haier, LG, Bosch, Samsung and IFB offer small households efficient cooling, practical storage and features including inverter compressors, fast ice-making and power-cut cooling retention; the Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale 2026 may improve value. Capacities span 185–207 litres, with model-specific benefits. BEE stars signal efficiency, but annual energy-use figures provide comparisons.

Convection microwave vs air fryer: Do you actually need both in a small Indian kitchen?

A convection microwave suits households that bake, roast, reheat, or cook family-sized meals, while an air fryer is cheaper, faster, and better at crisping snacks and small portions; most people do not need both. Microwaves combine standard heating with oven functions, whereas air fryers circulate hot air in compact baskets, saving time but limiting capacity.

From France to Italy: Europe rocked by protests over rising cost of living

Donald Trump mocked violent protests across France, saying it seemed “so damn good for revolutions,” as demonstrations over living costs, housing and public services brought looting and damage, with more than 1,800 arrested. Vice President JD Vance blamed Western liberals’ immigration policies and urged Americans to heed France’s unrest. Protests reached Italy, Portugal and Belgium.

Former MMA fighter completes 499 chin-ups in an hour to set Guinness World Record

Former mixed martial arts fighter Damien Rooney set a Guinness World Record with 499 chin-ups in one hour while wearing a 20-pound vest, beating the previous mark of 495. The gym owner from Burren, Northern Ireland, plans to attempt the 24-hour record in April 2027; years of training, injury setbacks and a measured two-minute-block pace shaped his effort.

UK man ordered to pay ₹1 crore for 'grossly offensive' emails targeting former boss and his wife

UK accountant Edward Franklin was ordered to pay nearly £80,000, including costs and a penalty, for offensive emails insulting his former boss and wife, the ICAEW ruled. The tribunal said his attack risked discrediting the profession, and Franklin admitted it was unacceptable. The dispute began after a client sent payment to the wrong firm.

Rajasthan CM flags off 100 patrolling units, announces travel allowance for female cops

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma launched 100 Kalika women’s-safety patrol units Sunday and announced a fixed monthly travel allowance for female officers deployed. He said crimes against women fell more than 48% in 2026 compared with 2023, investigations averaged 48 days, and the units acted against 55,000 anti-social elements, while expanding cyber-safety and self-defence awareness.