9-year-old falls into 20-foot-deep drain in Ahmedabad, rescue ops underway

A nine-year-old girl remained missing after falling into a 20-foot-deep open drain on Ahmedabad’s Narol-Pirana Road Saturday, with police and fire brigade teams searching for seven hours. Rescuers checked the area and pumping station, while BSF personnel were expected to assess water conditions before inspecting the sewer route. The girl fell as her mother paid the rickshaw fare.

Infosys says US green card suspension will have no material impact; what Indian workers should know

Infosys said it expects no material impact from the US PERM suspension and welcomed discussions with authorities, though affected applications may face uncertainty. The October 8 action targeted eight technology and IT firms over alleged misuse of PERM to displace US workers. PERM is separate from H-1B visas and does not itself grant permanent residency.

Dil Se: Messages of HT City readers, for loved ones

Readers mark birthdays with affectionate messages, declaring enduring love, wishing happiness and success, and asking for greater care and openness. One sender says a year-old longing has turned to relief, while another invites a former love to reconnect on Instagram; others praise recipients’ kindness. The publication notes these are readers’ views, not endorsements, and invites submissions by email.

7,000 detained, New Delhi deserted: Jantar Mantar 2.0 against CEC sees mega crackdown

Delhi deployed 41,000 security personnel and detained about 7,000 people Saturday, thwarting protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged vote theft; opposition leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Mamata Banerjee were among those detained. The CJP vowed Sunday protests, while the Supreme Court scheduled a special hearing. The disputed electoral-roll revision has removed 130 million names.

Book Review | To All the Men I’ve Killed Before sees one woman's violent rampage

Katy Brent’s *To All the Men I’ve Killed Before* returns Kitty Collins to Los Angeles, hunting the man who left her friend comatose while confronting a serial killer targeting actresses. Blending female rage, violence and comedy, the third installment delivers revenge fantasy, though predictable twists and a weak climax leave it as fleeting poolside reading.

IAF chief ribs US general over F-35 at combat drills

India’s air chief said Washington has made no formal F-35 sales offer, while Indian pilots got little access to the stealth jet during Exercise Tarang Shakti. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh jokingly challenged US Pacific Air Forces commander Kevin Schneider, who cited security protocols. Six F-35s took part; India is pursuing its indigenous fifth-generation AMCA fighter.

Exclusive | Navratri has become more vibrant after moving to Mumbai: Ayushmann Khurrana

Ayushmann Khurrana will celebrate Navratri with family in Mumbai, where the festival has evolved from the simple fasting he shared with his mother in Chandigarh into vibrant, colour-themed festivities, though back-to-back film shoots mean he cannot fast this year. His journey through Ahmedabad’s Garba and Mumbai’s traditions reflects a cultural exchange embraced by his family.

Why Japan's most popular royal, Princess Aiko, cannot become empress despite growing public support

Princess Aiko remains barred from Japan’s throne despite rising support for a female emperor: a 2026 poll found 72% supported female succession. Law restricts inheritance to male-line descendants, leaving three heirs as the imperial family shrinks. Government reforms let women retain royal status after marrying commoners, but not reign; Japan has historically had eight empresses.

From Kiara Advani to Deepika Padukone, 5 actors who have embraced motherhood, again

Actors are expanding their families again, as Kiara Advani announced her second pregnancy with husband Sidharth Malhotra, while Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor have welcomed second babies. Anne Hathaway is expecting her third child, and Natalie Portman has delivered her third, her first with partner Tanguy Destable. Each already has children, reflecting families growing again.

‘H-1B is a business model’: Trump official defends tech firm suspensions

Labor Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito defended the Trump administration’s suspension of Microsoft, Adobe and six IT firms from PERM, accusing technology companies of using H-1B hiring to displace Americans and saying foreign recruitment should be temporary when qualified workers are available. The action affects green-card labor certification, not H-1B visas, as employers cite demand for specialized talent.

Pennsylvania tragedy: 9 killed, including 2 children and pregnant woman, in suspected murder-suicide

Nine people, including two children and a pregnant woman, died in a suspected murder-suicide at an Erie, Pennsylvania, home Friday; police said the 45-year-old gunman killed himself. Officers found two women outside and seven people inside. Eight of the dead were related, including the shooter; investigators have not established a motive. The shooting occurred on Erie’s East Side.

9 killed as Naga-Kuki clashes flare across 3 Manipur districts within 24 hrs

Fresh Naga-Kuki violence killed at least nine people across Manipur’s Kamjong, Kangpokpi and Ukhrul districts within 24 hours, officials said, making it one of the state’s deadliest days in recent months. The deaths included six Nagas, two Kukis and a Nepalese-origin man; arson, ambushes and gunfire heightened tensions. Manipur has faced ethnic violence since 2023.

Migrant ethics, and life in the Maximum City

Mumbai thrives on migrants from every class and trade, whose adaptability, discipline and relentless work keep the city moving. Reliable public transport and safety support this rhythm, seen in punctual commuters, courteous auto drivers and teams coordinating long workdays. Its industrial past helped shape that discipline, while its street food reflects lives always in transit.

Georgia murder-suicide: 5 people shot dead in apparent murder-suicide at Douglas home; latest update

Five family members were killed in an apparent murder-suicide at a Douglas, Georgia, home, authorities said; four adults were found dead, while a fifth died in hospital. Police have not identified the shooter. Hours earlier, a woman called alleging her husband’s smoking was “killing her”; officials said it was Douglas’s second incident in three months.

Hurricane Isaias leaves four dead, knocks out power across southern US

Hurricane Isaias killed four people in Florida and Alabama, damaged homes and businesses, and left hundreds of thousands without power after landfall in Florida, while flooding, strong winds and tornado threats persisted Saturday. Florida deaths involved a falling tree and indoor-generator carbon monoxide; Alabama reported two more. Though storm weakened inland, officials warned hazards remained.

Split the women and child development ministry

Recent assaults on minors in Mainpuri and Jamui expose a State response that treats children’s vulnerability as a women’s-safety issue, despite children needing guardianship and women equal citizenship. The article urges separate ministries for children’s protection and development, and women’s equality, while warning that transport and policing failures require reform; existing programmes distinguish these needs.

Gandhi’s evolution, and making of the Mahatma

Gandhi was prejudiced against Africans in South Africa, using derogatory language and opposing social and political solidarity, but later changed, becoming non-racist and ultimately anti-racist, the essay argues. Influenced by colour prejudice and his surroundings, his views are documented by scholars including Ram Guha. This evolution humanises rather than diminishes his greatness and acknowledges his fallibility.

South Asia’s tragedy of Himalayan proportions

Glacier retreat, glacial-lake floods and pollution threaten the Hindu Kush Himalaya’s water supplies and vulnerable communities, while climate change and dams compound the risks. The crisis is straining China-India and India-Pakistan relations over river projects and hydrological data, prompting calls for resilient infrastructure, early warnings and transparent cooperation. The region’s rivers sustain hundreds of millions across Asia.

HT City Delhi Junction: Catch It Live on October 11, 2026 in Delhi, Noida and Gurugram

Delhi’s October 11 cultural calendar features Luv Kush Ramlila at the Red Fort, alongside theatre, classical music, talks, dance, comedy and workshops, with free and paid options. Dandiya Reborn runs at JLN Stadium on October 11–12, while Sacred Spaces is on view at Bikaner House through October 17. Listings include timings, prices and metro stations.

8 Best sarees for Diwali celebration to shop during Amazon Great Indian Festival

Eight sarees in cotton-silk, georgette, linen-silk, tussar and Kanjivaram-inspired styles offer Diwali wardrobe options, from understated solid drapes to zari, embroidery, sequins and lace for festive gatherings. Choose by occasion and comfort, then coordinate the blouse, jewellery and footwear. Before buying, verify fabric composition, border, blouse details, care instructions, customer reviews, price and return policy.

DOJ probes ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News over White House press pool boycott

The Justice Department is investigating ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News over a halt in pooled White House coverage, The New York Times reported Saturday, probing whether they violated federal antitrust law. The networks paused coverage after President Donald Trump revoked press credentials from three news organizations; together, they operate the White House television pool.

Pope Leo XIV calls death penalty ‘inadmissible’ after Nidal Hasan's execution plans

Pope Leo XIV called capital punishment “inadmissible,” arguing justice can be achieved without denying offenders redemption, as the US plans Nidal Hasan’s firing-squad execution and Trump weighs livestreaming it. Leo did not name Hasan; his appeal followed Christa Pike’s botched lethal-injection attempt and Texas’s execution of Jamaal Howard, convicted in the 2009 Fort Hood massacre.

California El Nino forecast: When will it hit and how to prepare

California braces for a potentially historic 2026–27 El Niño, with officials citing a 75% chance of historic strength and warning of floods, landslides, erosion and dangerous surf. Forecasts show above-normal rain from December through April, with some projecting double totals. Gov. Gavin Newsom declared an emergency; residents should heed alerts. Damaging waves have already hit the coast.

What happened to Dylan Raiola? Did he get hurt? Know why Oregon QB was benched vs UCLA

Oregon’s 17-15 loss to UCLA was marked by Dan Lanning benching Dylan Raiola in the fourth quarter, apparently for performance, not injury. Raiola completed 6 of 19 passes for 43 yards, threw two interceptions and lost a fumble; Brock Thomas replaced him, completing 11 of 15 for 156 yards and a touchdown. Raiola impressed against USC.

At least 4 dead as cyclone Isaias drenches southern US

Four people died as post-tropical cyclone Isaias moved north Saturday, threatening flooding and tornadoes after striking Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 2 hurricane with 105-mph winds. More than 500,000 customers lost power, and officials warned of downed lines and floodwaters. Isaias weakened; unusually strong El Niño conditions had delayed its arrival during the Atlantic season.

Man enters tiger enclosure at England wildlife park, gets killed in attack

A man died Saturday after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in England, police said; the tiger attacked him but was uninjured and posed no public risk. Emergency crews pronounced him dead at the scene, and officers are supporting his family. The park closed through Sunday as authorities investigate; his identity and motive are unknown.

Harry Styles credits one of his former girlfriends to overcome public anxiety

Harry Styles said an outgoing former girlfriend helped him overcome public anxiety, transforming his life by showing him how staying connected to the world could mean going outside. During his One Direction years, he felt unsafe in public and stayed inside; walking around London with her changed that perspective, he explained in a recent interview.

Who is Kevin Elmer? High school football referee suspended after physical altercation

Missouri’s high school activities association indefinitely suspended referee Elmer after video showed him grabbing Glendale receiver Rover during a tense exchange following a touchdown against Kickapoo. Glendale coach Tristan protested that officials should speak to him, not touch players. Glendale won 35-6, extending its winning streak to three and improving to 4-3 after Rover’s 47-yard third-quarter score.

'Trump Ocean'? Trump floats renaming Atlantic or Pacific by 2028

Donald Trump said he wants to rename an ocean and a river before 2028, suggesting “Trump Ocean” or “Ocean of the Americas.” He ruled out renaming the Hudson and Mississippi rivers, while X users mocked his focus on place names. Previously, he renamed the Gulf of Mexico “Gulf of America” and Lake Ontario “Lake America.”

When is Navratri in 2026? And what are the nine forms of Durga worshipped during the nine days?

Sharad Navratri 2026 begins October 11 and ends with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on October 20, as devotees honour Goddess Durga’s nine forms and celebrate good’s victory over evil. Each day is dedicated to a Navadurga, with observances encouraging reflection on qualities including strength, discipline, courage and wisdom. The festival also celebrates Shakti, the divine feminine power.