BJP plans special celebration for LK Advani’s 99th birthday, PM Modi likely to visit

The BJP will mark veteran LK Advani’s 99th birthday Sunday with a havan at its headquarters, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit; party president Nitin Nabin and associates will attend. A Bharat Ratna recipient and former deputy prime minister, Advani began his career with the Jana Sangh in 1951 and later led the BJP.

Virat Kohli’s influence in Delhi dressing room still looms large

Virat Kohli’s example guides Delhi cricketers: opener Priyansh Arya asked coach Vijay Dahiya how Kohli might chase 319 against Services, though the Ranji Trophy match ended in a draw. Dahiya wants Kohli in the dressing room to share his methods, backing Arya and Ayush Badoni as chasers; Delhi last won the Ranji title in 2007-08.

Ramayana actor whose portions were edited out of film says he is still grateful for the experience

Actor Satyen Chaturvedi says he remains grateful despite his scenes as Sumantra being cut from Nitesh Tiwari’s *Ramayana*. He shared behind-the-scenes photos, calling the experience memorable. Sumantra is King Dasharatha’s trusted adviser and Rama’s charioteer. The adaptation of Valmiki’s epic stars Ranbir Kapoor as Rama and Yash as Ravana, with a sequel planned for 2028.

Kerala to airlift critically ill elephant calf Maya to Vantara for specialised treatment

Kerala has ordered an airlift of 18-month-old Maya from Abhayaranyam to Vantara in Jamnagar for specialised care after multiple fractures and severe bone weakness, with her prognosis uncertain. Experts identified a potentially treatable parathyroid disorder, prompting transfer instead of euthanasia. Rescued as a newborn, she was hand-reared and later lost the ability to stand after a fall.

Jay Rockefeller, former West Virginia governor and US senator, dies at 89

Jay Rockefeller, the Democratic heir to a prominent Republican dynasty who served as West Virginia governor and U.S. senator for five decades, has died at 89 in Washington. He backed children’s health insurance, consumer protections and broadband, and helped bring Toyota to West Virginia. He arrived in 1964 as an anti-poverty volunteer, despite immense wealth.

Stop collecting blurry Diwali memories with these seven camera smartphones

Seven smartphones are recommended for Diwali photography: Motorola, Samsung, Nothing, iQOO, REDMI and Xiaomi models offer options for portraits, low light and zoom. Strengths vary, while drawbacks include soft ultra-wide images, dim-scene detail loss and motion blur. The guide urges buyers to prioritise sensor quality, stabilisation and processing over megapixels, while considering battery, storage and sale budgets.

Petitioner’s arrest unlawful: HC directs SP Farrukhabad to register FIR against IO

Allahabad High Court declared Mohd Yaseen’s arrest unlawful and ordered his immediate release, finding the arrest grounds were not properly communicated and details had been added to documents afterward; it directed Farrukhabad’s police chief to register an FIR against the investigating officer for suspected fabrication. Yaseen was arrested in a case alleging harassment linked to a woman’s suicide.

EC gives fresh chance to voters excluded from draft SIR rolls in 7 states

The Election Commission has given most voters excluded during the Special Intensive Revision another chance to return without Form 6, easing reinstatement for roughly 130 million people marked absent, shifted, dead or duplicate. They can resubmit enumeration forms with a declaration and retain their voter ID numbers; the change follows court objections to treating existing electors as newcomers.

Vaishnavi Sharma scripts history with four wickets in four balls

Vaishnavi Sharma claimed six wickets, including four consecutive deliveries, as Madhya Pradesh beat Andhra Pradesh in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy on Friday. Her 6/22 restricted Andhra to 129/8, before Anushka Sharma’s unbeaten 81 secured victory. Sharma became only the second Indian woman to take four wickets in four balls, after Humaira Kazi in 2022.

Jay Rockefeller, heir to famed dynasty and healthcare advocate in US Senate, dies at 89

Jay Rockefeller, the West Virginia Democrat who championed healthcare for the poor and condemned President George W. Bush’s Iraq-war rationale, died Friday at 89, the Washington Post reported; his family gave no cause. A great-grandson of John D. Rockefeller, he served as governor before a three-decade Senate career, helping expand coverage for children and veterans.

Court convicts former SHO, retd CO of sexually assaulting woman

A Saharanpur court sentenced two former police officers to 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment each for raping a woman who came to their station in 2015 over her husband’s alleged false criminal case. Each was fined ₹1.2 lakh, most of which will go to the victim, whose complaints went unanswered and legal battle lasted nearly 11 years.

Trump vows to back states looking to build AI-driven wealth: ‘100% in favor of Super Intelligence’

Democrats are preparing a slate of AI regulations as President Donald Trump urges states to attract “super intelligence” investment, arguing it could generate wealth and opportunity. Their proposals may address data-centre electricity costs, require independent safety assessments, and clarify when companies are liable for harm. Separately, the Justice Department has formed a task force to tackle AI-linked crime.

Want to gift something for the home? These little decor additions are worth exploring

Thoughtful home décor gifts balance beauty, usefulness and recipient taste. IGP’s brass key holder, easy-to-install battery-lit jharokha and fragrance diffuser stood out: the holder doubles as wall décor, the jharokha adds light, and the diffuser offers three scents, including Meditation. Vases, bathroom accessories, puja essentials, servingware and lamps broaden choices; best gifts suit recipients’ homes.

Jharkhand tribal leader dies by suicide after Facebook Live, blames Soren govt, land brokers

Tribal activist Nisha Kumari Bhagat was found dead in Ranchi Friday after a Facebook Live in which she accused Hemant Soren’s government and land brokers of harassment; police said the cause remains unknown and are investigating. BJP demanded Soren’s resignation; JMM ally CPI(ML) Liberation sought an impartial probe. Bhagat had campaigned for tribal rights.

Sooryavanshi named Bihar's captain for first two Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will captain Bihar in their opening two Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches against Saurashtra on November 14 and Railways on November 16, after Sakitbul Gani’s injury. Coach Ashok Kumar called him ready and said the opportunity would help prepare him for the future. Sooryavanshi previously served as East Zone vice-captain in the Duleep Trophy, a move Sachin Tendulkar felt came too early.

Bhutan builds and consecrates 108 Buddhist stupas in just 9 hours, enters Guinness World Records

Bhutan set a Guinness World Record by building and consecrating 108 Buddhist stupas simultaneously in nine hours along Gelephu’s Mau Chhu River. Volunteers worked in teams, monks performed ceremonies, and Guinness verified the feat against an 85-stupa minimum. The initiative is linked to Gelephu Mindfulness City, while 108 represents earthly desires in local Buddhist tradition.

How GTF institute is building a learning ecosystem for traders

GTF Institute is building a stock market learning ecosystem combining courses, mentorship, analysis tools, and education. Learners can begin with free YouTube lessons, then explore recorded or live Trading in the Zone programmes, options training, mentorship, GTF LMS resources, the GTF EYE scanner, and Indicator. The institute cites 500,000 learners and 40,000 certified traders.

HT Evening Brief: Grap 3 imposed in Delhi, FIR on Chawri Bazar collapse reveals ignored warnings

Delhi-NCR imposed Stage 3 pollution curbs as AQI reached 382, nearing the severe threshold, restricting construction and demolition in the region. An FIR says contractors ignored workers’ warnings before a Chawri Bazar building collapse killed at least two. Other headlines: Saba Haider’s Illinois election win, Tanvi Patri’s Youth Olympics silver, and Russell Brand’s rape and sexual-assault convictions.

Vidyut Jammwal says Tiger Shroff is stressed after firing incident but trying his best to move on

Vidyut Jammwal says Tiger Shroff is “stressed” but trying to recover after gunmen fired at his car in Mumbai’s Juhu area. On a podcast, Jammwal said he urged Tiger not to stop playing football and called it an attempted murder. He shared a video criticizing onlookers who filmed instead of helping; 13 people were arrested.

US adds 165,000 jobs in October, unemployment rate dips to 4.1%

The U.S. job market likely rebounded in October, but hiring remains too weak to help job seekers, and inflation-adjusted wages keep falling. Layoffs remain low; employers added 68,000 jobs monthly this year, below norms. Summer GDP grew 3.4% despite trade and energy shocks, while retirements and immigration limits have reduced the jobs needed to keep unemployment steady.

India, EU conclude negotiations for association with Horizon Europe research programme

India and the EU concluded negotiations for India’s association with Horizon Europe, the €93.5-billion research programme, paving the way for participation from January 2027, subject to procedures. Indian researchers could receive funding and lead projects tackling challenges in health, climate and digital technology. The agreement deepens scientific ties and strategic cooperation, alongside an India-EU trade deal.

From Alia Bhatt to Deepika Padukone: 6 celebrity-inspired ethnic looks for Diwali

Still wondering what to wear this Diwali? If you're looking to make a statement but aren't sure which way to go with your festive wardrobe, Bollywood celebrities are a good place to start. From Deepika Padukone’s timeless saree elegance to Alia Bhatt’s fresh, contemporary festive looks, there's plenty of inspiration to take cues from. Sharing his style tips with HT Lifestyle, Nelson Jaffery, Head of Design at LIVA, suggests ways to recreate these celebrity-inspired looks while adding your own personal touch this festive season.

CBSE Class 10, 12 board exams to be conducted from February 16, board issues datesheet

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced the datesheet for Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations on Friday, confirming that the exams will take place from February 16 through March 9; the schedule establishes the examination window for students in both classes, marking the release of the board’s examination dates.

High-rises to workplaces, UP casts wide net for unenrolled voters

Uttar Pradesh will enlist government departments, employers, community groups and professional associations to reach 100% voter registration in the 2027 assembly-roll revision, beginning November 12, Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa said. District officials will organize workplace and neighborhood camps to register eligible workers, newcomers, first-time voters and underserved residents, aided by local representatives and volunteers.

Blue Jays react as Anthony Santander's controversial posts targeting Abdul El-Sayed spark outrage

Toronto’s Blue Jays said Anthony Santander’s social-media activity does not reflect club values, reiterating baseball is for everyone, but announced no discipline after anti-Islamic video reposts sparked backlash. Santander deleted posts attacking Islam and politician Abdul El-Sayed. The controversy recalls the 2023 case of Anthony Bass, whom Toronto designated for assignment after an LGBTQ-related post.

Bigg Boss 20 becomes fastest season to cross 100 crore watch-time hours in under 60 days

Bigg Boss Hindi Season 20 crossed 100 crore watch-time hours on JioHotstar in under 60 days, making it the franchise’s fastest season to reach the milestone as it marks 20 years in India. JioStar reports 350 crore votes, 71% above last season, with voting fans up 48%. Hosted by Salman Khan, it premiered September 6.

The thrill of Gen-Z jazz: Sanjoy Narayan writes on signs of a new order

New Jazz Underground shows Gen Z is not merely rediscovering jazz but reshaping it, blending hard bop, hip-hop and Afro-Cuban rhythms while building audiences online. The Juilliard-trained trio’s viral MF Doom tribute led to concert film *22* and album *Hoodies*, pairing tradition with modern grooves, blues, brotherhood and survival. Their emergence reflects jazz’s enduring ability to adapt.

Greater Noida mall fire ahead of Diwali prompts district-wide fire safety alert

A mall fire in Greater Noida West on Friday, reportedly caused by a short circuit in decorative lights, was extinguished without injuries; a cinema fire the previous day has heightened fire-safety vigilance ahead of Diwali. The department has cancelled firefighters’ leave and will station engines at 17 temporary locations across Gautam Budh Nagar, which has nine fire stations.

UP doubles disaster death aid to ₹8 lakh, hikes crop loss relief

Uttar Pradesh doubled disaster-death assistance to ₹8 lakh and increased crop-damage compensation, benefiting more than 10 lakh farmers. Irrigated-area aid rises to ₹22,000 per hectare and rain-fed support to ₹11,000, with higher livestock and housing relief. Revised SDRF/NDRF norms cover losses from April 1 to November 4, 2026; aid will be transferred directly to beneficiaries.

Man hacked to death over nephew’s relationship with woman in Badaun

A 46-year-old man was allegedly beaten and hacked to death in Badaun on Thursday by a woman’s father and four brothers, a day after police traced her and her alleged lover, his nephew, in Noida. She refused to return, prompting her father to confront the victim, police said. The five accused fled, and police registered a murder case.