5 children among 10 injured in fire during Ramlila performance at Bihar pandal

At least 10 people, including five children, were injured in a fire at a Durga Puja pandal during a Ramlila performance in Bihar’s Siwan district, police said; five badly burned children were referred to Patna. It broke out Tuesday evening in Rasulpur village. Police formed a probe team, called forensic experts and are recording organisers’ statements.

Elon Musk recalls firing Tesla employee who later killed 3 people in Austin shooting

Elon Musk said a former Tesla employee, identified as Ndiaga Diagne, was fired after violently assaulting a woman who accidentally stepped on his prayer rug, then killed three people in an Austin shooting. The March 1, 2026, attack injured 13; police killed Diagne at the scene. He was a naturalised US citizen originally from Senegal.

Punjab to host Asian Hockey Champions Trophy for first time, says Mohali mayor

Punjab will host the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy for the first time, with league matches in Jalandhar from October 27 to November 2 and knockouts in Mohali on November 4-5, mayor Sarabjit Singh said. Entry is free for all six teams’ matches. About ₹25 crore is funding venue upgrades, while the government says its Khed Kranti initiative is expanding grassroots sports.

2 senior HDFC officials leaked confidential data, bank's internal probe shows

An HDFC Bank probe found evidence that two senior executives disclosed confidential strategies and potentially market-sensitive information to outsiders; investigators are still examining misuse. The executives have been informed, but disciplinary action is unclear. The review adds pressure on the $115 billion lender, facing leadership turnover and boardroom tensions amid a 28% share-price decline this year.

A guide to choose between a tote, shoulder bag, and backpack for everyday use

Choose a bag to suit your routine, needs, and comfort, rather than appearance alone, advises Foret founder Supriya Shirsat Satam. Totes suit work and travel, folios organize laptop days, shoulder bags suit movement, backpacks distribute heavier loads, and crossbodies carry essentials. Check capacity, straps, and compartments; plant-based leather, cork, banana bark, and recycled materials offer alternatives.

Shahin Mannan on wearable runway fashion, trends and styling statement pieces

Designer Shahin Mannan says festive and wedding fashion should reflect personal style and offer repeat wear, rather than follow trends. At Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI, her I AM collection reimagined denim, shirts and jackets with embroidery and distinctive silhouettes, with Sanjana Sanghi as showstopper. Mannan recommends balancing statement pieces with simple basics and investing in versatile designs for lasting wear.

Hemato-oncologist warns untreated sleep apnea could be putting your liver at risk

Sleep apnea may threaten liver health alongside metabolic risks: repeated oxygen deprivation can disrupt insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism, promoting fatty liver, inflammation or fibrosis. Heavy snoring, choking, witnessed breathing pauses and daytime sleepiness warrant evaluation and a sleep test; treatment may include lifestyle changes or CPAP. OSA occurs when upper airways narrow during sleep.

Meira Kumar entitled to compensation for her land acquired in 1976: Patna HC

The Patna High Court ruled former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar entitled to compensation under the 2013 law for land Bihar acquired in 1976, restoring revenue records cancelled by a collector. It found the collector lacked jurisdiction because the state had not established vesting under the Bihar Land Reforms Act; Kumar’s mother bought the Patna plot in 1965.

Google rolls out new Gemini tools to help small businesses manage marketing, finances

Google is rolling out Gemini tools to help small businesses manage branding, marketing, finances and customer insights through a business landing page with app integrations. Owners can upload brand assets, generate consistent campaign visuals and turn records into financial summaries. The global rollout expands a tool already used by tens of millions of small-business owners.

Mysuru Dussehra reaches grand finale with ‘Jamboo Savari’

Mysuru’s 11-day Dussehra, Karnataka’s state festival, culminated Wednesday as the Vijayadashami procession began, with thousands gathering for the evening’s Jamboo Savari. Elephant Prashantha will carry Goddess Chamundeshwari in a gold-covered 750-kg howdah, while dignitaries, cultural troupes, tableaux and military displays feature along the five-kilometre route. The centuries-old royal tradition now carries the goddess, not a king.

Mumbai air pollution: BMC cracks down on construction sites, issues stop-work notice

Mumbai’s worsening air quality prompted the BMC to halt work at an Andheri West demolition site and impose a ₹35,000 penalty for dust violations, while suspending rules holding architects and surveyors accountable. Under its 28-point framework, construction may be restricted when AQI stays above 200 for three consecutive days; developers violating norms cannot claim RERA timeline extensions.

Army Commanders' Conference begins, Rajnath Singh to release Land Warfare Doctrine

India’s Army Commanders’ Conference opened in New Delhi on Wednesday, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh set to release the Land Warfare Doctrine, a framework for preparing the force for evolving warfare and future conflicts. Chaired by Army chief Gen Dhiraj Seth, the October 21–23 forum will review security, readiness and modernization, alongside briefings and awards.

Couples are choosing holidays based on how photoshoot-friendly they are

Thailand pose-cations can cost less than comparable Indian couple shoots, with a holiday and professional photography starting at ₹50,000–55,000 per person, or ₹1–1.1 lakh per couple, versus ₹1.25–1.5 lakh in India. Phuket’s Promthep Cape and Ao Sane Beach are popular backdrops. Searches for photo-shoot holidays rose 10% year-on-year as couples celebrate honeymoons, anniversaries and other milestones.

Bengal bids farewell to Goddess Durga with sindoor khela, immersion rituals

West Bengal marked Vijaya Dashami on Wednesday as women performed boron and sindoor khela before Durga idols were immersed across the state, concluding five-day festivities. Crowds gathered along the Hooghly and at Taki’s India-Bangladesh border, where security was tightened. The rituals blend farewell and blessings with the festival’s celebration of Durga’s return to Mount Kailash.

NDMC steps up consultations on property tax bye-laws; feedback deadline Oct 23

NDMC is consulting residents and traders on proposed 2026 property tax bye-laws, with feedback due October 23. The draft introduces the Unit Area Method, calculating tax through property value, age, size, use and occupancy, and seeks fair assessments, rebates and depreciation. Framed under the NDMC Act, the rules aim to simplify self-assessment and payments.

Toledo chemical leak forces evacuation for people within 1 mile, shelter-in-place order

Toledo officials ordered residents within one mile of MC Tank’s terminal to evacuate after Tuesday’s chemical leak; those within three miles must shelter indoors and turn off ventilation. The substance and cause remain unknown as crews and the EPA assess air quality; no injuries were reported. MC Tank’s Toledo terminal handles bulk liquid chemicals.

NIF Global presents GENNEXT: Noteworthy visions at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI

NIF Global’s GENNEXT showcased three emerging designers at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI in New Delhi, highlighting sustainable luxury, surrealism and Kolkata-inspired colour. Abhishek Chauhan, Day and Age’s Shreya Parasrampuria and Sharan Adka, and Subbah’s Nimisha Diwakar presented collections. The institute also announced full scholarships for 150 students, supporting its commitment to nurturing future fashion talent.

Daler Mehndi was paid ₹35 lakh for UK event, says minister; industry backs the singer

Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi has faced allegations of lip-syncing and appearing intoxicated during a Uttarakhand fair performance, but brother Mika Singh and other entertainers defended him, citing his professionalism and recent heart treatment. Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal said Mehndi was paid ₹35 lakh but did not sing. Videos from Sunday’s event circulated online, fueling speculation.

Palash Sen says Salman Khan also took part in paid negative PR in Bollywood

Palash Sen accused Salman Khan of contributing to the film industry’s paid negative-PR culture, questioning his recent Bigg Boss 20 criticism of trolling and smear campaigns. Sen said prominent figures may use such tactics, leaving audiences unable to distinguish genuine backlash from orchestrated attacks. Salman had defended Katrina Kaif; Sen founded Euphoria, known for “Maaeri.”

Sundays, not Fridays, are weekly off in Uttarakhand madrassas: Pushkar Singh Dhami

Recognised madrassas in Uttarakhand must observe Sunday, rather than Friday, as their weekly holiday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, adding that they must follow education-department rules like other schools or face closure. The minority education authority has recognised 76 madrassas and is processing 114 applications after replacing the former board; authorities sealed 250 unregistered institutions last year.

Some old bits, lots of new: India’s adaptability, depth face stern New Zealand test

India and New Zealand open a rare three-format tour with T20Is expected to test India’s batting more than recent home run-fests, as wind and seam-friendly pitches could keep scores near 160. Captain Shreyas Iyer must balance newcomers with returning spinner Varun Chakravarthy, while Finn Allen bolsters New Zealand. The series renews a contested rivalry in which India swept the 2020 T20Is 5-0.

Chennai mayor R Priya files cybercrime complaint over obscene AI image, derogatory posts

Chennai Mayor R Priya filed a cybercrime complaint over an allegedly AI-generated obscene image and sexually derogatory posts on X, accusing TVK functionaries of targeting her as a woman in public life and questioning the government’s response. She said the content distressed her family and insulted her office, and earlier police complaints had yielded no action.

Gaurav Khanna and Shraddha Arya perform Durga Puja on their TV show sets

Gaurav Khanna and Shraddha Arya’s new Star Plus show is expected to premiere in late November 2026, reports say, replacing Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi season 2. Its title and storyline remain undisclosed. The actors recently performed Durga Puja rituals on set, fuelling anticipation for their first screen pairing, long desired by producer Ektaa Kapoor.

Sanjana Sanghi on living the best of Indian traditions during festivals

Actor Sanjana Sanghi cherishes Diwali’s family rituals and childhood memories, returning to Delhi when possible to relive decorating her home with marigolds and diyas, and the annual cleaning. Now in Mumbai, she celebrates with friends, fairy lights and prayers for health and prosperity. Raised amid Punjabi, Marwari and Gujarati traditions, she recalls Navratri Garba and card games.

Retired Indore teacher invites minors for ‘kanya bhoj’, beats them up on theft suspicion

A retired teacher in Indore allegedly beat and confined seven girls after suspecting them of stealing ₹500 during Navratri, police said. Invited to her home for kanya bhoj, the girls were held after an envelope went missing; police registered assault and wrongful-confinement charges and are investigating. The ritual is traditionally held during Navratri.

Grap 1 imposed in Delhi-NCR as AQI enters 'poor' category day after Dussehra

CAQM on Wednesday notified Stage I of GRAP across Delhi-NCR, directing agencies to implement, monitor and review measures to prevent air quality from worsening. Authorities must maintain strict vigilance and intensify measures, while residents are urged to follow the Stage I citizen charter. The stage is triggered when AQI reaches “poor” levels, 201–300.

Jailer 2 action director shuts down rumours of body double used instead of Mohanlal in climax

Jailer 2’s action director and Mohanlal’s stand-in have dismissed claims that a double appeared in the climax, confirming Mohanlal was alongside Rajinikanth. Jobi Kodakara said he contributed only hand-and-leg shots in the airport sequence, with his face never shown. Rumours intensified after he posted set photos; the film has grossed over ₹540 crore worldwide.

Champions League: PSG, Barca may meet again but will it be this entertaining?

Paris Saint-Germain beat Barcelona 4-2 in a breathless Champions League clash, responding to two equalizers with late goals from Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz to win and strengthen their title defence. Barcelona dominated after halftime, but PSG’s attacking depth and composure proved decisive. Both contenders played in an early stage that has encouraged open, high-scoring football.

Kharge questions Modi, Shah over failure to restore peace in Manipur

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge challenged PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah over Manipur’s violence, demanding peace, protection for displaced people and accountability as fresh killings prompted shutdowns in Kangpokpi and Imphal. He questioned Peace Committee progress and relief measures, citing 300-plus deaths and 24,530 people in camps. Clashes between Meiteis and Kukis began in May 2023.

SC stays probe against against Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan in CMRL-Exalogic payoff case for 7 days

The Supreme Court stayed further investigation for seven days in Kerala’s CMRL–Exalogic payoff case, allowing former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and relatives to challenge a High Court order directing an FIR. The FIR remains active, while a separate Enforcement Directorate case is untouched. The allegations concern Rs 2.78 crore paid to Vijayan’s daughter’s company without services.