Ramayana: Anupam Kher lends his voice to Jatayu, makers unveil new poster

Anupam Kher will voice Jatayu, the courageous bird who attempts to rescue Sita from Ravana, in Ranbir Kapoor-starrer *Ramayana*, as revealed in a character poster. Part 1 is set for worldwide release on November 5, 2026, while Part 2 is planned for Diwali 2027. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the epic will release in five Indian languages.

Vijay Deverakonda holds Rashmika Mandanna protectively as they're mobbed by fans in Tirumala

Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna visited Tirumala temple Tuesday, where fans mobbed them after darshan and Vijay shielded Rashmika as their team guided them to a golf cart. The actors had met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday while promoting *Ranabaali*; Rashmika missed its Hyderabad trailer launch because of a Mumbai shoot.

At COP31, climate finance must deliver

COP31’s success in Antalya will hinge on turning climate pledges into affordable finance, bankable projects and measurable results, particularly for developing countries. India should press for grants, concessional finance, technology transfer and adaptation support, while backing equitable electrification. With emissions high and adaptation lagging despite the Paris framework, the conference must make delivery—not declarations—the measure of progress.

‘Media diversity’, 'open debates': PM Modi lists what makes India 'mother of democracy'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented India as a reliable economic partner, saying its growth benefits the world rather than coming at others’ expense amid geopolitical and trade uncertainty. He cited 7.8% growth, reserves above $700 billion and reforms as signs of resilience, while describing India’s democratic openness through linguistic diversity, extensive media and public debate.

Judge unwell, Supreme Court defers hearing on Delhi protest crackdown till Thursday

The Supreme Court deferred until October 15 petitions over alleged detentions, assaults and transport curbs before a demonstration demanding Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, after a judge fell ill. Authorities must answer contempt claims by Wednesday evening. The court had ordered protection for peaceful protesters and normal transport; a separate opposition challenge to the Election Commission remains delayed by filing defects.

Aadhaar proof mandatory for Delhi power subsidy beneficiaries

Delhi has made Aadhaar authentication or proof of possession mandatory for electricity-subsidy beneficiaries, requiring consumers served by BRPL, BYPL, TPDDL, NDMC and MES to verify identity under Aadhaar law. People without Aadhaar may apply using an enrolment ID. A portal is planned, and recipients must renew subsidy eligibility annually; Delhi funds the scheme through its Consolidated Fund.

Anti-SIR protests: Karnataka home minister Kharge orders review of police action

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge ordered a review of protesters’ detention in Bengaluru, saying peaceful dissent must be protected after police stopped a march against electoral-roll revision and demanding the chief election commissioner’s resignation. Organisers alleged police seized placards, dragged demonstrators, including women, and manhandled journalists. A coalition of 40-plus civil-society groups organised the march.

India's aerospace sector is aligning with sustainability goals

India’s aviation sector is translating its net-zero 2050 ambition into progress through lighter aircraft, cleaner manufacturing and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). HAL and suppliers are adopting composites, renewable energy and recycling, while Indian Oil’s Panipat refinery targets 35,000 tonnes of annual SAF capacity. High costs and biomass logistics remain barriers, despite India’s strong engineering base.

Fact Check: Was FaZe Rug killed in a car crash? Truth behind viral Brawadis video

Claims that FaZe Rug died in a car crash are false; no evidence or official confirmation supports them. The viral clip shows Brawadis crying after meeting a Goldendoodle that reminded him of his late dog Booker, not reacting to an accident. Users split over the rumor, while Booker had died after battling lymphoma for months.

911 recordings indicate 'false call' confusion delayed help after Christa Pike's failed execution

Emergency responders took 30 minutes to enter Riverbend prison after Christa Pike survived a failed execution on Sept. 30, 911 recordings show officials initially treated a distress call as false. Conflicting accounts delayed confirmation until Central Control verified emergency. Pike survived two pentobarbital doses, was hospitalized, and remains on death row for a 1995 killing.

Why AI needs universal accountability

Washington’s Trump–Xi summit established an AI incident-hotline dialogue but no shared rules, leaving responsibility for autonomous systems unresolved as risks grow. An OpenAI breach involving hundreds of agents and disputed espionage claims expose the accountability gap and limits of disclosure. The article calls for universal reporting, investigation and liability standards, with India bridging governance blocs.

Who is Kelly Day? Chicago trans woman stabs man 13 times, kills him for his remarks about her gender

Kelly Day, 32, is charged with first-degree murder after allegedly stabbing Larry Young, 50, up to 13 times in Chicago; prosecutors say he had mocked her gender, sparking an argument. Young died of multiple sharp-force injuries, and a knife tip was recovered from his skull. Day, who identifies as a woman, remains jailed pending trial.

Mohandas Pai shares his unfiltered take on mental health, self-motivation and advice for youth

Former Infosys CFO TV Mohandas Pai says staying well is simple: remain optimistic, keep busy, eat sensibly and exercise, rather than rely on wellness routines. He described mental strength as facing life with resilience, calling occasional sadness normal, and said self-motivation comes from pursuing ideas and work. During lockdown, twice-daily workouts helped him feel rejuvenated.

Navratri 2026 | From matchmaking to queer joy and girl gangs: Delhi dances to match hearts, beats

Community-led Navratri initiatives in Delhi-NCR are helping solo attendees find dance partners, friends and safer spaces, turning garba into a chance to connect. HERz screened registrations and used volunteers at women-only events; Dandiyamatch.in links dates or friends, while Solo Saathi Circle groups dancers by venue and skill. Gaysi Family’s queer garba party comes to Delhi.

Glam drop with HT City | Where to get the perfect dandiyas to stick to the festive beat

Hands-free, personalised and ghungroo-detailed dandiya sticks are this Navratri’s must-have, making dancing easier while coordinating with outfits and becoming keepsakes. Prices range from ₹120 to ₹450, with pairs handmade in an hour, taking up to 20–30 days, or dispatched within one to three days depending on maker and order size. They close HT City’s 10-part Navratri shopping series.

4 FIRs filed after INDIA bloc's march to Supreme Court amid anti-EC protests

Delhi Police filed four FIRs over the INDIA bloc’s protest march against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging violations of prohibitory orders near Connaught Place and the Supreme Court. Rahul Gandhi led the march, seeking an inquiry into Kumar’s decisions and suspension of electoral-roll revisions. Thousands gathered after two days of police action; BNSS Section 163 restrictions were in force.

16-year-old girl held for murdering grandmother with friend's help in Karnataka's Mandya

Police in Karnataka’s Mandya district detained a 16-year-old girl accused of helping her friend, 23-year-old Akash, murder her grandmother, Mahadevamma; Akash remains at large. Investigators say the alleged motive was the grandmother’s objection to their relationship. The strangling allegedly occurred at home on October 10, and relatives’ discovery of neck marks prompted a police inquiry.

Hema Malini, 77, performs as Durga during Navratri celebration in Hyderabad. Watch

Hema Malini, 77, performed her celebrated dance drama *Durga* at Hyderabad’s Classic Convention Centre on October 11 during Navratri, sharing images and video on social media. Fans praised the recital, which also marked Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti. Asked about a possible 2025 film comeback, she said roles would need to suit her; her latest release was *Shimla Mirchi* (2020).

Kiran Bedi backs Jantar Mantar de-notification, says site ‘least suited’ for protests

Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi backed Jantar Mantar’s removal as a protest site, citing its narrow lanes and proximity to sensitive offices and Connaught Place. Delhi Police designated Ramlila Maidan, Burari Maidan and CBD Ground in Shahdara as alternatives. Bedi says cities need open spaces for democratic expression and has long urged demonstrations be concentrated at Ramlila Maidan, with proportionate crowd management.

300 glaciers disappeared from American West since mid-20th century - survivors have few things in common

Glaciers across the contiguous United States have lost 35% of their area since the mid-20th century, and more than 300 of 1,450 have disappeared as temperatures rise. The fastest thinning is in Montana’s Beartooth-Absaroka Mountains; Washington’s larger, snowier glaciers are shrinking more slowly. Their loss threatens ecosystems, late-summer water supplies downstream and increases debris-flow hazards.

Keralam to act tough against bars serving liquor to people below 23

Keralam will take stricter action against bars serving alcohol to people under 23, Excise Minister M Liju told the Assembly after three bars were booked following a fatal Kochi-area crash. The government is considering stronger enforcement under the Abkari Act; three young people died when an allegedly intoxicated 19-year-old’s speeding Mini Cooper struck their scooter.

BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games conclude in Ahmedabad

The inaugural BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games concluded in Ahmedabad, with nearly 160 participants from 10 nations showcasing sports; India presented yogasana, mallakhamb and kalaripayattu. China demonstrated wushu, Kazakhstan togyzkumalak and Brazil Jiu-Jitsu, while delegates praised India’s hospitality. India fielded the largest 50-member contingent; Ahmedabad will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and bid for the 2036 Olympics.

Smartphone market hits 14-year low, India braces for a 20% shipment plunge

Global smartphone shipments fell 20% year-on-year in Q3 2026, their weakest third quarter in 14 years, as rising component costs and weaker affordability deepened the slump; India is forecast to decline similarly. Prices rose about 20% this year, while Samsung and Apple led the contracting market. Following declines in Q1 and Q2, recovery appears unlikely before component costs ease.

How expanded EPF coverage will change economics of formal employment

India has raised the mandatory Employees’ Provident Fund wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 a month after nearly 12 years, bringing millions more workers under provident fund, pension and insurance coverage. Employers face higher costs and payroll-compliance demands, while employees may see lower take-home pay in exchange for long-term security, as the change accelerates India’s employment formalisation.

Doctor explains how to protect yourself from dehydration during Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations

To prevent dehydration during Navratri and Durga Puja, drink before, during and after garba or pandal visits, and replace electrolytes after sweating, advises Dr Aditi Zota. Carry water and sip during breaks; coconut water, salted lemon water, buttermilk or ORS can help. Hours of dancing and walking increase fluid loss; heed symptoms and seek care.

Harvard's India alumni condemn Delhi protest crackdown, official club clarifies stance

The Harvard Club of India said Monday it had not endorsed a letter condemning police action and detentions during Delhi’s October 10 protest, saying its signatories spoke personally. Executive Committee member Rajat Sethi said the club’s charter bars political statements in its name or on Harvard’s behalf. The protest targeted election chief Gyanesh Kumar.

How Orans sustain women, livestock, and life in Rajasthan

Rajasthan’s sacred Orans are disappearing under infrastructure projects and land acquisitions, threatening wildlife, desert ecology, and livelihoods—especially women’s income from livestock. Power lines kill birds, including the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, while grove clearance accelerates erosion and desertification. Traditionally community-managed, these grazing, food, and medicinal landscapes sustain communities, but need legal recognition and protection.

'Real power in purpose': PM Modi on India's 'power to empower' vision

Modi told Bloomberg New Economy Forum that technology, data, knowledge and innovation must empower millions, saying power’s value depends on its purpose. He urged cooperation and opportunity over control and competition, so progress reaches beyond a few. India hosted the forum for the first time, bringing more than 500 leaders together to consider levers of power.

Janhvi Kapoor to Isha Ambani: 5 celebrity-inspired hairstyles to bookmark for Navratri 2026

Bollywood-inspired hairstyles—from Janhvi Kapoor’s pearl-beaded bun and Deepika Padukone’s gold-thread braid to sleek or textured plaits and Isha Ambani’s floral half-up style—add polish while keeping hair manageable through Navratri’s garba and dandiya. They complement lehengas, sarees and chaniya cholis, with lightweight, secure accessories helping sustain comfort. Navratri pairs energetic dancing and traditional dress with contemporary glamour.

Who is Neha Bora? AISA president at the centre of anti-CEC, SIR protests in Delhi

Neha Bora, AISA’s 29-year-old president and JNU PhD scholar, has become a prominent face of protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and electoral-roll revisions, facing repeated Delhi Police detentions this week. They have led demonstrations and opposed Jantar Mantar’s denotification. Originally from Uttarakhand, Bora studied at Delhi and Ambedkar universities and joined protests over examination irregularities.