Ashoke Pandit slams Naseeruddin Shah for backing Jamia students

Producer Ashoke Pandit attacked actor Naseeruddin Shah over his support for Jamia students, calling him a “compulsive abuser” and advising psychiatric help. Pandit said Shah’s language and conduct reflected frustration. Shah had accused the government of undermining education and youth, and supported an indefinite student sit-in at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute.

Delhi woman chases iPhone snatchers on scooter despite injuries, helps police catch both accused

A 24-year-old woman chased two motorcycle-borne snatchers through Delhi traffic after they stole her iPhone on Wednesday night, helping police and locals catch both despite injuries from a fall. The accused, Sameer and Mohit, both 19, were found with four phones, including three linked to other thefts, and a stolen motorcycle; police later commended her.

Allahabad HC flags shortage of forensic labs in UP, seeks FSL director’s reply

The Allahabad high court’s Lucknow bench says Uttar Pradesh’s forensic facilities are inadequate for its population, ordering the state FSL director to respond within four weeks. Uttar Pradesh has one state laboratory and 12 regional facilities. A PIL seeks report deadlines, priority for custody cases and delay reviews, warning that backlogs can harm trials and delay justice.

Tamil Nadu transfers DGP-prisons after two jailbreaks in a week

Tamil Nadu transferred prisons DGP Sandeep Rai Rathore on Thursday after two jailbreaks in a week, appointing him TANGEDCO’s chief vigilance officer and naming K. Shankar as his successor. The escapes involved two inmates from Puzhal prison and 17 from Theni jail; all were recaptured within days. Nine Theni staff were suspended over security failures.

Woman carried 'stone baby' in her abdomen for around 3 years, doctors reveal rare case in Somaliland

A 42-year-old woman in Somaliland had a calcified fetus—a “stone baby”—removed after carrying it in her abdomen for about three years. CT scans revealed fetal bones in an 18-centimetre mass after persistent pain prompted her to seek care. The rare condition can follow an untreated abdominal pregnancy; about 340 cases have been documented in four centuries.

Gold steady at ₹1.46 lakh per 10 gm, silver rises ₹500 to ₹1.985 lakh per kg in Delhi

Gold held at Rs 1.46 lakh per 10 grams in Delhi Thursday as prices kept jewellers and retailers cautious, while silver gained Rs 500 to Rs 1,98,500 per kilogram. Gold fell 1.21% to USD 4,018.08 per ounce, and silver dropped 3%. Fed hawkishness and inflation concerns weighed, though geopolitical risks and central-bank buying may support.

Raghubir Yadav reveals he suffered a heart attack the night before filming intense Hunkkaar scene

Raghubir Yadav says he suffered a heart attack the night before filming Hunkkaar: The Roar’s pivotal courtroom scene, yet Baap ji’s confession emerged naturally. Director Karan Kapadia says Meenu Rawat’s testimony resonated, while close-ups and widening shots conveyed its emotional impact. The Hindi series follows a teenager accusing a powerful spiritual leader of assault.

Chinese Horoscope, October 30, 2026: Daily astro guidance as per your zodiac

Today’s Fire Ox horoscope favors steady effort, practical decisions and routine over dramatic change. Snake has the strongest outlook, with Rat and Rooster also favored; Goat should slow down and double-check details, while other signs benefit from patience and maintaining what works. The forecast reflects the Fire Ox day and Even Day Officer, against 2026’s energetic Fire Horse year.

‘Orders becoming a mockery’: SC pulls up Delhi govt over firecracker curbs

The Supreme Court rebuked Delhi and CAQM for failing to enforce firecracker restrictions, saying violations made its orders a “mockery,” and demanded evidence that enforcement curbed pollution. It questioned inspection records and AQI comparisons, while stressing it seeks to balance festivals with public health—not impose a blanket ban. Last year’s Diwali allowance is under review.

US Treasury yields fall as markets weigh chances of December Fed rate hike

Treasury yields fell Thursday after the Federal Reserve held rates steady, with investors assessing inflation and the prospect of a December increase. The 10-year and two-year yields each dropped five basis points, to 4.995% and 4.683%, while the 30-year fell three basis points to 5.329%. September inflation stood at 3.7%, above the Fed’s 2% target.

Diwali home decor: 5 ways to make your space feel festive without overdoing it

For Diwali, homeowners can create festive, uncluttered interiors by making walls, ceilings and architectural details part of the design, rather than piling on decorations. Parth Parmar recommends textured walls, selective curves, ceiling details, balanced colours and versatile finishes. Warm neutrals and wood-inspired surfaces add depth, while restraint keeps spaces cohesive year-round, reflecting minimalism’s appeal.

Indian man had nearly 2 cm fish bone stuck in airway for over 2 months before doctors removed it

UAE doctors safely removed a nearly 2cm fish bone lodged in a 60-year-old expatriate’s airway for over two months after it caused worsening breathing problems. A bronchoscopy and ENT procedure extracted it on September 11; he was discharged within hours and later reported improved breathing. He inhaled the bone while eating milkfish on July 1.

Delhi's Jantar Mantar added as venue for Indian Biennale 2026

Jantar Mantar joins India Biennale 2026 as a venue for the 108-day art, architecture and design festival opening December 4 in Delhi. It joins 18 other sites, including Purana Qila, the hub, Lodhi Gardens and the Red Fort, alongside major cultural institutions. The addition follows October’s removal of Jantar Mantar Road’s designated protest-site status.

Another season, the same old Barcelona defensive problems

Barcelona’s Champions League hopes remain haunted by defensive frailties, exposed in defeats to PSG and Real Madrid after Inter eliminated them 7-6 in the semi-finals. Hansi Flick has revived their attack, but injuries, scant centre-back depth and costly errors undermine them on big occasions; they have not lifted Europe’s top prize for over a decade.

Park Hospitals strengthens north India footprint with Rs200 crore investment, targets 6,600 beds

Prayagraj will get a 550-bed multi-specialty hospital from Park Medi World, a ₹200-crore project due within two years under a public-private partnership with the municipal corporation. The city will reimburse ₹76.52 crore, bringing Park’s effective investment to ₹123.48 crore. It supports the company’s North India expansion and goal of reaching 6,600 beds by December 2028.

Devoleena Bhattacharjee defends Karwa Chauth, asks what is the need to bring feminism and patriarchy

Actor Devoleena Bhattacharjee defended Karwa Chauth as a personal expression of love, urging non-observers not to judge celebrants, and said she hopes to fast someday. She has never observed the waterless, sunrise-to-moonrise ritual because it is not customary in her Bengali-Assamese cultures, and is still delaying it while breastfeeding her baby, born in December 2024.

LG Convection Microwave Ovens: Bake, grill, reheat and cook with more flexibility

LG Convection Microwave Ovens combine microwave heating with baking, grilling and, on selected models, Air Fry, offering an appliance for cooking. Auto Cook menus, ThinQ connectivity, Scan to Cook, rotisserie and accessories vary by model; the 32-litre MJEN326UHWF includes many. Unlike solo microwaves, convection models bake and roast, so choose by capacity, functions and routine.

UP tightens govt job verification rules, says political ideology alone cannot disqualify candidates

Uttar Pradesh has unified government-job background-check rules, disqualifying candidates for serious offences—including rape, terrorism, trafficking and corruption—or links to groups seeking violent overthrow of the established system, while political ideology alone cannot bar employment. An FIR or investigation alone is insufficient without court-framed charges, subject to exceptions. The order replaces rules dating to 1958, following Allahabad High Court directions.

Ramayana song Judi Jodi sparks debate over Shreya Ghoshal vs Chinmayi Sripaada's versions

Ramayana: Part 1 is set for a November 5 worldwide release, with Judi Jodi revealing Rama and Sita’s wedding in five languages. A.R. Rahman’s song features Shreya Ghoshal in Hindi, prompting comparisons with Chinmayi Sripaada’s live rendition and requests for its official release. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the two-part epic stars Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi.

Big laundry loads or faster drying? 5 Flipkart appliance deals to consider for your home

Choose a washing machine by household size and laundry needs: an 8kg drum may suit medium-sized homes, while 9kg or 11kg models can handle larger families and bulky loads. Compare each model’s heater, steam programmes, energy rating, motor and space requirements, and avoid paying for unused capacity. Options include IFB, Samsung, Whirlpool and Voltas Beko washers; Bosch is a separate dryer.

Colorado man wants to fly his electric plane to work, flights for approval

Veteran pilot Jonathan Sawyer is fighting Jefferson County, Colorado, for permission to commute by electric plane from his driveway, after officials grounded it following a complaint despite FAA approval. He says the quiet aircraft addresses neighbors’ noise concerns and makes his 16-minute trip more energy-efficient than driving. He earlier lost a zoning fight over his helicopter.

HT Evening News Brief October 29: Israel ‘vote theft’ row, SC on digital fraud, Imran Khan’s OCI

Israel’s election dispute escalated after Netanyahu alleged unsubstantiated fraud by Arab-led parties, prompting a Shin Bet probe; no bloc holds a Knesset majority. India’s Supreme Court said banks must compensate digital-fraud victims for due-diligence lapses. Imran Khan challenged an OCI notice; Chiranjeevi announced a Netflix show, and India’s hockey team faced China after a 13-0 win.

Kamalini was quite a high priority for us: Gujarat Giants coach

Gujarat Giants invested ₹80 lakh in Irish all-rounder Orla Prendergast, wicketkeeper G Kamalini and 16-year-old Samaira Raghav, aiming for their first WPL title. Coach Michael Klinger said Kamalini’s availability shaped plans, while Prendergast’s versatility and Samaira’s power and finishing impressed scouts. Prendergast will be the league’s first Irish player; the Giants have reached playoffs but remain trophy-less.

Review: Between Worlds, edited by Gautam Bhatia

*Between Worlds, The IF Anthology of New Indian SFF* presents diverse speculative fiction connecting India’s histories, social realities and imagined futures, with memory recurring as a unifying thread. Its peer-reviewed stories range from colonial-era projection and caste to robots, time travel and interplanetary life. The collection also signals a growing Indian SFF scene long overshadowed by Western canon.

Pakistan court sentences human rights lawyer couple to 10 years in security breach case

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court sentenced human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and husband Hadi Ali Chattha to 10 years Thursday in a security-breach case, plus terms for obstructing and assaulting officials. They deny endangering cricket-team security, saying they are targeted for advocacy. Mazari’s mother alleges they lacked legal representation and will appeal; social-media convictions were suspended.

Rats, filth and suspected chemicals: Two sweet units shut in Lucknow

Food safety officials shut two Lucknow sweet-making units ahead of Diwali after finding unhygienic conditions, missing licences and suspected industrial additives, seizing more than two tonnes of sweets and materials. Authorities suspect saponified oil, rosin and talcum powder were used in food, and collected samples. One unit had rats, filth and cobwebs; both lacked required documents.

Microsoft stock up 4%, Alphabet down 10% on weak search sales, AI spending concerns

Microsoft shares climbed 4% pre-market Thursday after beating forecasts on Azure, while Alphabet fell 10% as search sales and AI costs worried investors. Azure grew 48%, above estimates, and Microsoft forecast growth with lower-than-expected capital spending. Alphabet's search revenue missed forecasts, and free cash flow plunged to negative $9.1 billion, amplifying concerns over AI returns.

One big artwork or a gallery wall? Here's how to style an empty wall

Choose wall decor that suits your space: one statement artwork, a balanced pair or a gallery wall can enliven a room without overcrowding it. Mix prints with photos, mirrors or picture ledges, tying the arrangement together through a theme, colour palette or frame style. Measure walls and furniture, check hanging requirements, and plan layouts before mounting; renters can use removable hooks.

Make your home Diwali-ready: 5 fire safety checks to add to your festive checklist

Diwali celebrants should check electrical wiring, smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, while keeping diyas and candles away from flammable materials to reduce fire and electric-shock risks. Clear exits, ensure decorations do not block detectors, and discuss an emergency plan with household members. Festive lights and prolonged appliance use can strain household electrical systems, experts warn.

Chiranjeevi makes Netflix debut with Megaverse, chat show celebrating Telugu cinema; filming begins

Chiranjeevi is making his Netflix debut with *Megaverse*, a talk show celebrating Telugu cinema through conversations, anecdotes and stories about its influential stars. Now filming, the series is produced by Gold Box Entertainments, Atom Media Ventures and Sol Production LLP; reports say Brahmanandam, Sunil and Satya will be its first guests. Chiranjeevi previously hosted *Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu*.