Infinity: Rare 888.88-carat black diamond makes public debut in Dubai

An 888.88-carat natural black diamond named Infinity debuted at the 2026 Dubai Diamond Conference, with its features preserved during cutting. Owned by Antwerp-based Diamond Trading NV, the Fancy Black stone came from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and began as a 1,138-carat crystal acquired in 1975. It was carefully finished between 2022 and 2024.

In 2025, Florida sank a 227-foot abandoned freighter and turned it into an artificial reef

Florida sank the 227-foot freighter Borocho off Martin County on November 18, 2025, creating the Boo McCulley Reef for habitat and fishing. FWC and Martin County backed the project, which cost less than land disposal. Named for Boo McCulley, it extends a fishing corridor, though scientists debate whether reefs create new fish or attract them.

From pigmentation to skin firmness: FCL's approach to targeted skincare innovation

Fixderma and FCL founder Shaily Mehrotra says science-led skincare—not trends—must address pigmentation and ageing through evidence-backed formulations. FCL is expanding its biomimetic exosome range beyond dermatology clinics, while urging patience, sunscreen and restraint with actives. The brands bridge prescription dermatology and mass-market products, placing formulation quality, transparency and consumer trust central to growth.

BPSC TRE 4.0: Registration date extended for 33320 posts, apply at bpsc.bih.nic.in

BPSC has extended TRE 4.0 registration for 33,320 teacher vacancies, allowing candidates to pay fees through November 2, 2026, and submit applications by November 3. The increase from 32,388 posts includes 493 secondary- and 439 higher-secondary-school positions in Bihar. Applicants must apply online at bpsc.bih.nic.in, pay ₹100, and pay separate fees for each selected category.

India-EU FTA to benefit Netherlands as trade, investment ties expand: Indian envoy

India’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Kumar Tuhin, says the India-EU free trade agreement will boost Dutch trade and investment as India-EU commerce expands, with the Netherlands positioned to benefit through its logistics and technology hubs. He cited Rotterdam and Eindhoven, saying Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit advanced cooperation after ties were elevated to a strategic partnership.

Bihar MLC polls: Congress candidate alleges CCTV missing at Bankipore counting hall

Congress candidate Sanjay Yadav protested Tuesday at Bankipore Government Girls High School, alleging CCTV cameras were missing from the Patna Teachers’ counting hall despite wiring, demanding surveillance and warning of possible result manipulation; RJD’s Sanjeev Kumar Singh also questioned the omission. JD(U)’s Neeraj Kumar defended Election Commission oversight as counting continued for 28 MLC seats.

Karnataka SIR: Final roll today amid row over exclusion of 10.8mn from draft list

Karnataka’s final electoral roll, due Tuesday after the Special Intensive Revision, will show how many of 10.8 million omitted voters were restored and how the electorate changed. The draft fell from 55.4 million to 44.6 million, prompting concerns about eligible voters’ exclusion and disputed bulk deletion applications. Verification and hearings followed the June 30 launch.

Kerala passes bill aimed at protecting rights, dignity of senior citizens

Keralam’s Assembly unanimously passed India’s first senior-citizen rights law, creating care units and imposing up to three years’ imprisonment and ₹50,000 fines for abuse or abandonment. The 2026 legislation requires care-centre registration and caregiver training, and seeks better services and older people’s leadership in a “silver economy.” It addresses neglect, including elders whose children live abroad.

In the 1960s, a Tucson couple built a bottle carport that grew into a home now listed at $432,500

Ted and Mel Bryson’s Tucson home, built from rock, mortar and thousands of glass bottles, was listed for $432,500, showcasing creative reuse. Started as a bottle-built carport in 1965, the 2,700-square-foot house glows at sunset, preserves desert plants and incorporates Mayan and Native American influences. Donated and salvaged bottles shaped the home, guesthouse and workshop.

96-year-old US man sets Guinness World Record after becoming a grandfather for the first time at 92

At 92, Normand Tousignant became a first-time grandfather, earning a Guinness World Records title as the oldest man to do so. Madison was born in September 2022, when Tousignant was 92 years and 24 days old, surpassing previous record-holder Charles Smith. Family applied after learning of Smith’s record; Tousignant was honored at his 96th birthday.

Cameras, data leaks: US bans BYD vehicles from key Japan air base over security fears

US forces will ban BYD vehicles at Japan’s strategic Kadena Air Base from Monday, citing risks that onboard cameras, sensors and GPS could expose personnel or mission information, though officials named no specific threat. Kadena hosts 20,000 Americans and surveillance, combat and missile assets. The move follows the Pentagon’s earlier designation of BYD over alleged China military links.

Naseeruddin Shah raised concerns about romancing young Sonam Khan in Tridev

Director Rajiv Rai says Naseeruddin Shah raised concerns about his age gap with teenage co-star Sonam Khan while filming 1989’s *Tridev*, noting his daughter was older than her; Sonam, however, enthusiastically supported the casting and said she was eager to work with the acclaimed actor. Rai checked both performers’ comfort; *Tridev* was an action thriller.

In 2017, Texas sank a retired 371-foot cargo ship in the Gulf to build a reef for fish and divers

A cleaned 371-foot ship, the Kraken, was sunk 67 miles off Galveston in 2017 to create an artificial reef, adding habitat and a dive site. It settled 140 feet deep after hazardous materials were removed. Scientists say reefs may boost fish production, though debate continues; donations and Deepwater Horizon settlement funds paid for the project.

Understanding home loan options for borrowers with varied income sources

Sambhav Home Loan from Bajaj Housing Finance Limited is designed to help eligible homebuyers with nontraditional earnings access finance through an assessment of earning capacity, not solely salary slips or tax returns. It may serve shopkeepers, traders, micro-entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals and some salaried workers, while supporting varied housing needs. The promotional article is not financial advice.

Maninder Buttar says he's shocked, hurt by Uttarakhand minister's claim of being beaten up

Maninder Buttar has asked Uttarakhand minister Subodh Uniyal to release the full recording of his 2019 performance, saying he was hurt by the claim that he had been beaten during an earlier visit and wants viewers to judge for themselves. Uniyal made this allegation while publicly reprimanding Daler Mehndi at a cultural fair last week.

Khushi Kapoor blends modern glamour and traditional craftsmanship in purple embellished Diwali look

Khushi Kapoor attended designer Arpita Mehta’s Jo Malone Diwali bash in Mumbai wearing a deep-purple gown that blended Indian craftsmanship with modern glamour. The floor-length design featured floral Mukaish work, gold embroidery, mirror tassels, waist cut-outs and jeweled straps on a backless silhouette. A gold choker, potli and pumps completed her look. Kapoor made her Bollywood debut in *The Archies*.

Maharashtra considers PPP model for public hospitals in tribal belt: Minister

Maharashtra may enlist private operators to run tribal-area hospitals, seeking to improve rural care after efforts to raise standards failed. Health Minister Prakash Abitkar cited doctor absenteeism despite specialist postings and court orders. The plan aligns with the state’s PPP policy, but activists say public services, not outsourcing, must be strengthened across its 16 tribal districts.

In 2016, scientists pumped CO2 into seawater over a Great Barrier Reef patch, and growth fell by 34%

A 30-day experiment on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef found added carbon dioxide cut reef calcification by 34%, indicating ocean acidification can slow reef growth. Researchers pumped acidified seawater across One Tree Island reef flats on 20 days, comparing them with 10 untreated days. The test shows fossil-fuel emissions can threaten reefs, fisheries and coastal economies.

25% of South Asian Americans who voted for Trump in 2024 to back Democrats in midterms: Survey

One in four South Asian Trump voters say they plan to back Democrats in November’s midterms, while 67 per cent remain Republican, an Indian American Impact survey of 800 voters found. Cost of living and healthcare lead concerns; 90 per cent experienced discrimination or knew someone who had. Votes could prove decisive in battleground states.

Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar says considering scheme to use temple gold for deities

Karnataka is weighing a statewide scheme to account for temple gold and jewellery and use it to adorn deities, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said, proposing 42 kg at Renuka Yellamma temple be put to use. The government earmarked ₹215 crore for the shrine, with accommodation, free meals and irrigation among wider development plans.

FMGE December Admit Card 2026 releasing today at nbe.edu.in, here’s how to download

NBEMS will release the FMGE December 2026 admit card on October 27, and candidates can download it at nbe.edu.in using login details; the examination is scheduled for October 31 nationwide. Ineligible candidates, including those with incomplete applications, will receive no card and forfeit fees. The computer-based test comprises 300 multiple-choice questions in one paper.

In 1961, a volcano forced 264 people off Tristan da Cunha; months later, 200 cattle thrived

After 264 Tristan da Cunha residents fled volcanic danger in 1961, a Royal Society team led by Ian Gass reached the island in January 1962 and found damage less severe than feared. Lava spared most homes, though it destroyed the canning factory; livestock survived, raising wildlife concerns. Findings enabled resettlement, and residents returned by 1963.

NC state Senate candidate Jonathan Miller live-posts his armed standoff with cops; arrested

North Carolina Libertarian Senate candidate Jonathan D. Miller was taken into custody Monday after fleeing into woods during a standoff with Cary police, which he live-posted on X; no shots were fired. After posting suicidal thoughts Sunday night, Miller refused officers’ order to avoid his holstered pistol. He was running in the November 3 election.

Canadian sentiment on immigration rebounds, survey finds

Canadian opinion on immigration is turning more positive, with a survey finding respondents evenly divided: 48% say immigration is excessive and 48% disagree. Three-quarters say immigration benefits the economy, up five points in a year. Concern rose from 27% in 2022 to 58% in 2024, prompting intake cuts after arrivals; Ottawa’s November plan may signal change.

Maha agrees to reconsider Telangana's proposal to increase height of Tummidihatti barrage

Fadnavis responded positively to Revanth Reddy’s request to raise Telangana’s proposed Tummidihatti barrage height to 152 metres, but said approval hinges on technical, environmental and administrative scrutiny. A joint committee will assess feasibility, water availability, submergence and compensation. Telangana says the increase would improve Adilabad irrigation; CWC studies continue. The 2016 agreement specifies a height of 148 metres.

In 2019, Biosphere 2’s rainforest went 9.5 weeks without rain, and carbon storage fell by about 70%

An experimental drought cut carbon storage in Biosphere 2’s rainforest by about 70%, although the forest recovered quickly after rain returned, researchers found. Trees conserved deep water until extreme stress, while drought-tolerant species maintained shade and plant diversity supported water cycling. The 9.5-week 2019 experiment offers clues—not a direct replica—of potential Amazonian drought impacts worldwide.

Congress questions RAF deployment amid Arunachal dam protests; violence spreads to Upper Subansiri

Arunachal Pradesh Congress criticised deployment of 250 additional Rapid Action Force personnel in Siang areas, warning security measures could inflame opposition without dialogue. Police arrested 26 people, including five juveniles, over Pasighat violence, while Upper Subansiri protests injured security personnel. Unrest surrounds proposed hydropower projects, including the 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, amid escalating local opposition.

Air India issues travel advisory as Cyclone Arnab threatens flights to Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada

Air India warned Cyclone Arnab may disrupt flights to and from Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada on October 27, urging passengers to check status and allow airport travel time. Expected to make landfall near Yanam Wednesday, the storm threatens winds up to 140 km/h and extremely heavy rain, prompting evacuations and emergency preparations across Andhra Pradesh.

Is your urine frothy? A nephrologist reveals the reason behind this common concern

Frothy urine does not automatically signal kidney failure: toilet-cleaning residue can cause harmless foam, while persistent froth may indicate protein leakage and warrants medical assessment. People with diabetes or high blood pressure should stay vigilant; urine and kidney tests can clarify concerns. Because online searches fuel fear, consult a doctor rather than judging by appearance.

Vivek Ramaswamy faces venue cancellations over ad featuring opponent Amy Acton’s mother

Vivek Ramaswamy faces bipartisan backlash and venue cancellations after an ad featuring Democratic rival Amy Acton’s estranged mother accused Acton of lying about her childhood. Businesses canceled events, and Republican leaders called the spot distasteful. Ramaswamy defended it as criticism of Acton’s credibility; she has said her stepfather raped her when she was a child.