Haryana govt releases ₹104 crore for Manesar civic body office land

Haryana released ₹104 crore for Manesar’s municipal corporation to acquire a 2.99-acre Sector 2 plot, paving the way for its permanent headquarters near IMT Chowk. Funds will go to HSIIDC before the land transfer, after which construction planning begins. The office will join nearby agencies, improving access and ending six years of rented premises costing ₹25 lakh monthly.

Philippines summons China's envoy to ‘strongly object’ to remarks conveying 'threat'

The Philippines summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan, expressing “serious concern and objection” to remarks Manila said implied a threat of force. Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro called them “provocative and unacceptable” after he said China could win a confrontation but would not use force. Tensions center on competing claims and vessel standoffs in the South China Sea.

10 arrested by Israeli Police in West Bank after settler attacks

Israeli police arrested 10 people in the West Bank after settler attacks injured an American photographer and a French mayor, raiding sites and seizing vehicles and evidence. The arrests follow escalating violence as settlers disrupt Palestinians’ olive harvest. Rights groups report six attacks daily, while Israel rarely prosecutes settlers for violence against Palestinians.

Keralam: Minor girl’s aunt, husband taken into custody from Andhra in spa assault case

Police detained the aunt who raised a 16-year-old girl and her husband as a nine-member team investigates alleged sexual assaults at spas in Kerala and Chennai; two spa owners are in judicial custody. The case began with a missing-person report, and school records established the girl’s age after Aadhaar cards listed her as 20 and 16.

Winston Lee, the Cornell 7 defendant, linked to former South Korean PM: All we know about his family

Fraternity member Winston Lee, grandson of former South Korean prime minister Lee Hong-koo, is among seven accused in a Cornell student’s civil sexual-assault lawsuit over an alleged October 2024 attack; all deny wrongdoing, and none faces criminal charges. Cornell suspended Lee for two years. His grandfather later served as South Korea’s ambassador to the United States.

Bengaluru's secret cafe: 16 strangers in 1 apartment with themed menus and zero awkwardness

After Hours, a twice-monthly 16-seat Bengaluru café, turns strangers into friends, as hosts Ria Kumbhat and Siddharth Gandhi guide introductions and create a relaxed house-party atmosphere without awkwardness. Guests share themed food and drinks, conversation games and an intimate evening for ₹1,200– ₹1,500. The couple created this third space to ease urban loneliness and foster connections.

Indian-origin couple loses dream cafe in Australia firebombing, had spent life savings on it

A suspected firebombing damaged And Bodega, the Melbourne cafe newlyweds Ashish Sharma and Manali Purohit opened in July, destroying much of their $100,000 investment. They are fundraising for repairs, debts and a new site, while local businesses offer support; their insurer has agreed to $25,000. The attack follows hundreds of Melbourne tobacco-shop firebombings since 2023.

Gwalior temple crash: Police probe drunk driving, Google Maps angles

Gwalior police are investigating whether a driver was drunk or followed a Google Maps shortcut before his truck crashed into devotees at Sheetla Mata temple, killing 15 and injuring over 25. The vehicle travelled seven kilometres on a road barred to trucks; the driver fled and was arrested. Both trucks took rural routes during Ashtami celebrations.

Tiger Shroff attack: How Lawrence Bishnoi gang’s overseas network operates

An alleged Lawrence Bishnoi gang network claimed responsibility after gunmen fired at Tiger Shroff’s car in Mumbai, renewing scrutiny of its reach. US-based Anil Pandit and suspect Harman Sandhu are being investigated as authorities trace encrypted communications, weapons and links to attacks. Prosecutors describe an enterprise built on overseas handlers, local shooters, violence and extortion.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026: Insights on male breast cancer from a specialist

Men can develop breast cancer, but low awareness and stigma delay diagnosis, making treatment challenging; prompt care for a lump, nipple discharge, or skin changes can improve outcomes. Risks include age, family history, BRCA2 mutations, hormonal disorders, obesity, liver disease, and radiation. Diagnosis involves imaging and biopsy; treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone therapy.

LK Advani, admitted to Delhi hospital over chest infection, discharged

Veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, 98, was discharged from Delhi’s Apollo Hospital on Monday after treatment for a chest infection, with doctors reporting improvement. Neurologist Dr Vinit Suri supervised his care. Advani has also been hospitalized for age-related concerns and held senior roles, including BJP president, Union home minister and deputy prime minister.

From Salman Khan to Tiger Shroff: The Lawrence Bishnoi gang hit list that keeps growing

An attack on Tiger Shroff in Mumbai has revived scrutiny of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, after an account allegedly linked to it threatened people working with Salman Khan; police have not confirmed the gang’s involvement, and Shroff escaped unharmed. The gang has previously threatened Khan over the blackbuck case and been linked to violence targeting public figures.

US ‘very close’ to India trade deal; energy needs considered in Russia sanctions waiver: Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is “very close” to finalising a trade deal with India, which may factor into President Donald Trump’s national-security waiver decisions. Explaining Russian-energy sanctions relief, Rubio cited high global prices and countries’ difficulty switching suppliers. India says the agreement’s first tranche is undergoing legal drafting.

Two killed, three injured in West Baltimore gas station shooting; police suspect multiple gunmen

Two people were killed and three injured when police say two or three gunmen used high-powered rifles in a Sunday-night attack at a West Baltimore gas station; no arrests had been made, and investigators were seeking a motive. They will interview survivors and review video. The shooting follows Baltimore mass shootings; a liquor-store shooting injured three.

Man behind actor Tiger Shroff firing incident wanted in 12+ extortion cases

Delhi Police say Anil Pandit, a California-based Lawrence Bishnoi gang suspect, claimed responsibility for Sunday’s shooting at Tiger Shroff’s car, wounding the driver and a fan; Shroff escaped unharmed. Investigators accuse him of coordinating extortion demands and attacks and want him in 12 Haryana cases. He left India in 2023 with little prior criminal history.

Nita Ambani and Radhika Merchant embrace Gujarat’s rich textile heritage in vibrant Bandhani outfits

Radhika Merchant stood out at the Ambani family’s Navratri celebration in Jamnagar, wearing a bottle-green, gold-embroidered traditional suit with an orange-pink Bandhani-inspired dupatta. Statement earrings, a half-up hairstyle and soft makeup kept the look understated, while Anant Ambani wore a magenta kurta. The festivities celebrated Gujarat’s textile heritage, with Nita Ambani in a colourful Bandhani saree.

Bangladesh's ex-air force chief held in Qatar over charges of corruption in home country

Qatar detained former Bangladesh Air Force chief Sheikh Abdul Hannan on October 15 over corruption allegations, officials said Sunday. Investigators accuse him of Tk 3.28 crore in unexplained assets and Tk 27.63 crore in suspicious transactions. Authorities traced overseas wealth and froze his accounts and apartments. Appointed under Sheikh Hasina, Hannan served from 2021 to 2024.

FWICE condemns firing on Tiger Shroff, demands enhanced security for film personalities

Tiger Shroff escaped unhurt after gunmen fired at his car in Mumbai’s Juhu area Sunday, injuring two drivers; three suspects were detained in Kota Monday. FWICE condemned the attack, demanding an impartial probe and stronger security for film personalities.

Tharoor targets Centre for ‘not congratulating’ Indian-origin Nobel laureate: ‘Deplorable’

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor condemned the Centre for failing to congratulate Nobel laureate Navi Pillay, a South African jurist of Indian Tamil descent; Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had. Challenged over another Indian hero, Tharoor said he had praised him. Pillay defended anti-apartheid activists and led a commission that found genocide in Gaza.

Lawrence Bishnoi gang's Bollywood hit-list: Enmity with Salman Khan to firing on Tiger Shroff

Gunmen opened fire on Tiger Shroff’s car in Mumbai, injuring his driver and a bystander, while the actor escaped harm; Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang claimed responsibility and warned that film figures working with Salman Khan could be targeted. The shooting follows repeated threats against Bollywood figures, amid the gang’s vendetta against Salman over the 1998 blackbuck case.

Suryaa teaser: Sunny Deol is determined to expose the shocking truth of medical system

Sunny Deol’s *Suryaa: Ant Se Aarambh Tak* teaser shows him as a grieving police officer investigating his daughter’s death, uncovering alleged medical malpractice and challenging excessive tests and bills. Ravi Kishan and Soumya Tandon also appear. Directed by M. Padmakumar, the thriller releases November 20, 2026, and is a Hindi remake of the 2018 Malayalam film *Joseph*.

No threat found after bomb scare diverts Austrian Airlines flight

**Bomb Scare Diverts Tel Aviv–Vienna Flight to Sofia; All Clear Issued**

Japan deputy mayor crushed to death during festival after getting trapped under float

Saijo deputy mayor Akihiro Nabae died after being trapped beneath a giant float during Saturday’s parade in western Japan, as officials investigate whether it toppled or he lost his balance. Local media said three tonnes may have fallen on him. His death follows two reported festival deaths in Osaka; Saijo’s annual festival dates to the Edo period.

French President Macron rejects interior minister's offer to resign after violent protests

President Emmanuel Macron rejected Interior Minister Laurent Nunez’s offer to resign after weekend riots, asking him to stay to preserve police command and swiftly develop approaches to looters. Protests over rising living costs, faltering public services and schools erupted into nationwide violence Saturday, with arson and looting; clashes continued in Paris and Marseille on Sunday.

Bengal fire services department issues notices to 3 Kolkata Durga Puja committees over safety lapses

West Bengal fire officials issued notices to three Kolkata Durga Puja committees after inspections found deficiencies, as scrutiny intensified following a stampede that killed 19 people at a Kolkata pandal. Authorities flagged unauthorized stalls, LPG cylinders near flammable structures, inadequate lighting and ventilation, and blocked routes. Committees said they were addressing concerns and coordinating crowd control.

Bank holiday today: Is your branch closed? Check status, online services and reopening dates

Bank branches close Monday, October 19, 2026, across 14 states for Dussehra and Durga Puja observances, including Maha Navami, Ayutha Pooja and Vijaya Dashami; the holiday is not nationwide. UPI, internet and mobile banking, plus ATMs, remain available. Reopening varies by location, as some centres close October 20 or later; customers should check branch schedules.

JNU hunger strike: CPI(M) lawmaker John Brittas writes to President Murmu

CPI(M) MP John Brittas urged President Droupadi Murmu and Education Minister Pralhad Joshi to intervene in JNU’s indefinite hunger strike, now on day 16, citing worsening health and 13 demands. These include revoking elected union leaders’ rustication and restoring the gender-complaints committee and entrance exam. He warned disciplinary rules threaten democratic expression and JNU’s traditions.

Protests set France on fire: Iconic Town Hall destroyed, shops looted | Visuals

Violent protests over rising living costs and declining public services damaged cities across France Saturday, as more than half a million people marched and clashes, fires and looting erupted. In Limoges, a blaze gutted the 19th-century town hall, collapsing its roof and clock tower. President Emmanuel Macron urged calm and vowed to protect buildings and businesses.

5 foods that can help you stay full during Navratri fasting

To curb hunger and fatigue during Navratri fasting, prioritize balanced meals and hydration, combining foods with protein and fiber. Ayurvedic expert Dr Partap Chauhan recommends sabudana with peanuts, roasted makhana, fresh dahi, kuttu or rajgira dishes, and modest portions of nuts and seeds. Avoid excess oil, fried foods, and sweets; adapt choices to individual needs and fasting rules.

Hachette CEO writes his own emails, warns AI could weaken leadership

Hachette CEO David Shelley warns executives that relying on AI for emails and summaries risks weakening independent thought, empathy and authentic communication, undermining leadership trust. He urges leaders to keep writing and reading themselves as workplace AI use expands. Survey data show 68% of leaders already use AI for summaries and 58% for email drafts.