Two ex-FBI officials charged with lying to Congress over Hunter Biden laptop probe

Two former FBI officials, Nikki Floris and Bradley Benavides, were charged with allegedly misleading Congress about their roles in the Hunter Biden laptop investigation, surrendering Friday. Filed as a criminal complaint 10 days before the November 3 election, the case prompted timing questions. They led an election task force amid disputes over the controversial laptop.

Bodhana breaks Judit Polgar’s record, becomes IM at 11

Bodhana Sivanandan, an 11-year-old British chess prodigy, became history’s youngest female international master after securing her third and final norm with a last-round win at the European Club Cup. She breaks Judit Polgar’s record, set at age 12 in 1988, and ranks seventh-youngest IM overall. The Harrow schoolgirl discovered chess at five during the pandemic.

7 killed, 34 injured as gunmen open fire at church during funeral in Jordan

Seven people were killed and 34 wounded when gunmen opened fire during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan, on Friday, authorities said; 27 injured remained hospitalized as investigations continued. Television footage showed three armed men firing at church. King Abdullah condemned the attack, recalling Karak’s 2016 gun violence, which killed ten.

France, UAE revive Rafale warplane development amid French budget woes

France and the UAE revived plans for a joint Rafale upgrade, giving Paris a financing partner after talks stalled and its Franco-German fighter project collapsed. Macron and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed deepened defence ties, with industry talks to resolve costs and technical details. The F5 upgrade adds weapons and connectivity; the UAE may seek technology transfers or local production.

HT City Delhi Junction: Catch It Live on October 24, 2026 in Delhi, Noida and Gurugram

Delhi-NCR offers a packed cultural calendar on October 24, with free concerts, dance performances and a mela alongside ticketed walks, workshops and comedy. Highlights include Rakesh Chaurasia’s mehfil in Gurugram, a Purana Qila history walk, thumri at Museo Camera and Uma Sharma’s Maharaas Leela. Events span Delhi, Gurugram and Noida; venues list nearby metro stations.

Why suspended karate official with Indian team in Asiad, world body asks Usha

The World Karate Federation has rebuked IOA president PT Usha for naming a suspended former referee as India’s karate team leader at the Asian Games, saying he could not coach the athletes and that a foreign coach had to assist them. The athletes complained against him, as WKF backed KIO amid India’s federation dispute, which is being heard in court.

UP to draw up five-year action plan to tackle leprosy

Uttar Pradesh will develop a five-year action plan to detect leprosy early, prevent transmission and disability, and ensure dignity for affected people, pursuing a leprosy-free state. It will target priority districts, train frontline health workers, intensify case detection and link patients to services. In 2025-26, the state recorded 91,783 new cases; treatment completion exceeded 97%, but stigma persists.

Nirmala Sitharaman urges regulators to speed up refunds of unclaimed bank deposits, shares and funds

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged regulators to expedite refunds of unclaimed assets, simplify KYC and strengthen cybersecurity amid geopolitical uncertainty, AI risks and rising bond yields. At an FSDC meeting, officials reviewed a unified cyber strategy, digital onboarding, critical-infrastructure readiness and measures to boost investment and credit flows. The strategy seeks harmonised safeguards across finance.

IIT-B student’s parents approach cops over leaked video, alleged confession letter

Parents of an IIT-Bombay student who died by suicide have asked Powai police to register an FIR over alleged leaks of CCTV footage, private conversations and a purported confession letter. They seek identification of leakers and evidence preservation, alleging investigation material was shared with media. Detained protesters demand accountability and the return of their belongings, while faculty seek explanations.

TN school principal, teacher, 2 students booked after Class 11 Dalit boy found dead in Coimbatore

Police in Tamil Nadu booked and detained a principal, teacher and two students for alleged abetment to suicide after a Dalit student died in Coimbatore; the principal and teacher were suspended. Parents allege caste-based harassment after he disclosed eating beef, following a teacher’s question to Scheduled Caste pupils about their diets. Political leaders demanded justice.

Women’s Indian Open: Pranavi T2, Ojaswini, 13, makes the cut

Pranavi Urs battled a stomach bug, shooting 70 to tie for second midway through the Hero Women’s Indian Open, two shots behind leader Chiara Tamburlini. Thirteen-year-old Ojaswini Saraswat carded 69 to make the cut, becoming the youngest Indian ever to make an LET cut. Vani Kapoor shot 69. The course left only 11 under par.

World's youngest self-made female billionaire works up to 14 hours daily despite $2.6bn fortune

Kalshi co-founder Luana Lopes Lara, 30, is now the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire, worth $2.6 billion, yet says wealth has barely changed her life: she works 12 to 14 hours daily, focused on growing the prediction platform. Valued at $22 billion, Kalshi faces state challenges over sports contracts. Lara trained as a ballerina in Brazil.

Anganwadi centres in Prayagraj division to get preschool makeover

Uttar Pradesh is upgrading 416 anganwadi centres in Prayagraj division into “Saksham Anganwadi Kendras,” investing ₹4.16 crore in quality early learning, nutrition and health services for preschoolers. The 77 centres in Prayagraj and 339 in Pratapgarh will receive LED screens, educational wall paintings, nutrition gardens, rainwater harvesting and water purifiers, while digital tools track beneficiaries.

MPSC paper leak: Another officer held, arrests rise to 13

Mumbai’s Crime Branch arrested MPSC assistant section officer Rohit Koltakke, 33, for allegedly buying the drug-inspector exam paper for ₹2.5 lakh and reselling it, bringing arrests in the leak case to 13. Police are tracing recipients and payments through the alleged confidential-section chain. The paper was allegedly leaked before the March 22 exam amid MPSC scrutiny.

Jailer 2 box office collection day 9: Rajinikanth film crosses ₹348 crore, surpasses Border 2 haul

Rajinikanth’s *Jailer 2* collected ₹14.50 crore on its ninth day, taking its total to ₹348.85 crore and bringing it close to ₹350 crore. The action thriller earned ₹334.35 crore in its first week after opening at ₹59.70 crore. Its second-week run continues despite fluctuations. Nelson Dilipkumar directs the *Jailer* sequel, featuring returning cast members.

Vincent Kompany rushed to hospital after collapsing at training

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany was taken to hospital by ambulance Friday after reportedly collapsing during training, amid a viral infection that had recently limited his involvement. The 40-year-old had missed sessions but returned to the dugout for Wednesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Arsenal, and Bayern now prepare for Sunday’s Bundesliga trip to Freiburg.

Govt to issue consultation paper on a new AI law in ‘coming weeks’: Ashwini Vaishnaw

India will issue a consultation paper within weeks on an AI law, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, warning that AI risks have crossed a threshold. The measure would regulate harms while preserving human control and balancing safety with innovation, reversing the government’s preference for adapting existing laws. Stakeholders will be consulted, but details on scope and enforcement remain unclear.

Shivakumar alleges ‘industrialist’ attempted sting op on him using Meta glasses

DK Shivakumar alleged an unnamed industrialist wore Meta smart glasses while discussing politics with him and Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan, in an attempted sting targeting the Congress leaders. He said the visitor wore them there, but provided no evidence of recording; authorities took precautions. The allegation comes amid Karnataka disputes over sting videos.

UNIQLO launches its Fall/Winter 2026 fleece collection with essential styles

UNIQLO’s Fall/Winter 2026 collection, fronted by Kriti Sanon, spotlights cosy fleece, relaxed cardigans and reversible hoodies for comfortable, versatile winter layering. Speaking to Hindustan Times, Sanon says she prioritises effortless pieces, naming the Fluffy Yarn Fleece Jacket as her go-to and endorsing relaxed layers, denims, sweaters and jackets. Her approach, she says, has become more comfort-conscious.

Diljit Dosanjh takes hilarious dig at debate around his Delhi concert after getting clearance

Delhi Police approved Diljit Dosanjh’s October 30 concert at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium after reversing its refusal, prompting AAP chief Saurabh Bharadwaj to accuse the BJP-led government of bias against Punjabi artists. Organisers said the event was never cancelled, while Dosanjh urged fans to check reports. Police had cited security threats, festive demands and hoax bomb email.

Palestinian gunmen kill two Israeli soldiers in West Bank, shot dead in retaliation

Two Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded three near Hebron Friday before troops shot them dead, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to threaten a major West Bank operation days before the October 27 election. Bulldozers began demolishing homes, though residents said they were unconnected to attackers. Violence has surged across the territory recently.

Ethan Klein affair row: All we know about his and Hila's kids and combined net worth

Hila Klein said her husband and H3 Podcast co-host Ethan Klein admitted an affair lasting over six months, prompting staff to say they would not work with him; the show had already announced an indefinite hiatus. She described months of lies and said she may not know its full extent. The couple married in 2012.

ED officer, head constable held in Lucknow for demanding ₹5 lakh bribe from complainant: CBI

CBI arrested two ED officers in Lucknow, alleging they sought a ₹5 lakh bribe to favour a complainant’s father in an ED case. A trap caught head constable Manoj Dwivedi accepting the money on behalf of enforcement officer Deepak Kumar; both face charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The father had received summonses.

India, Azerbaijan explore stronger trade and energy ties as Jaishankar meets Aliyev in Baku

India and Azerbaijan agreed to deepen ties as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Baku, advancing efforts to reset relations strained by Azerbaijan’s Pakistan ties. They discussed trade, energy, investment, flights, connectivity, regional peace and terrorism. The visit was India’s first foreign-minister trip in eight years, amid modest trade.

Give your usual cold coffee a frothy twist with this creamy brown sugar iced coffee recipe

Chef Saloni Kukreja’s fluffy brown sugar iced coffee upgrades a familiar cold drink with light, creamy foam, without adding cream. Blend instant coffee, brown sugar, ice, a pinch of salt, and a splash of water until frothy, then pour over cold milk and ice. The quick recipe featured in episode 54 of her “BrewItYourself” series.

ED files FIR after trespassers occupy flat attached in case against Dawood Ibrahim’s brother

The Enforcement Directorate has filed a police complaint after trespassers allegedly entered a Thane flat attached in its money-laundering probe against Iqbal Kaskar, tampered with its lock and removed the agency’s possession notice. The agency says it restored possession and informed the PMLA court; an FIR was registered October 15. The flat was allegedly extorted from a developer by Kaskar.

Ethan Klein’s past remarks on infidelity resurfaces amid wife Hila's affair allegations

Ethan Klein’s past condemnation of cheating has resurfaced after his wife and podcast partner, Hila Klein, alleged he had an affair lasting more than six months. Hila said shifting explanations and months of lies ended their marriage; she is now coping with separation, co-parenting and heartbreak. Ethan’s old remarks called infidelity especially damaging after couples have children.

Michael Carrick delivers passionate speech amid Manchester United debacle

Under pressure after Manchester United’s 1-4 defeat to Como, Michael Carrick called the performance unacceptable and acknowledged supporters’ hurt, urging the side to rediscover resilience and respect what it takes to win. United are winless in seven matches and enduring their worst Premier League-era start. Carrick invoked club legends, stressing United is bigger than any individual.

Anirudh Ravichander and Kavya Maran wedding: Sonia Gandhi, Nirmala Sitharaman invited to reception

Anirudh Ravichander and Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO Kavya Maran’s wedding reception will take place in Chennai on November 21, with invitations extended to Sonia Gandhi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Sun TV chairman Kalanithi Maran delivered the invitations, and Priyanka Gandhi attended his meeting with Sonia. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy confirmed the reception last week, ending speculation.

‘Will get it straightened out’: Trump says will talk to Musk on Ukraine's Starlink issue

Trump said he would resolve problems with Ukraine’s access to Starlink, claiming Elon Musk had restored service, but Ukrainian officials say restrictions remain and are disrupting military operations. They report speed-related signal losses affecting drones and coordination while Kyiv awaits clarification. The curbs have hampered efforts to intercept Russian attacks for more than a week.