CBI takes over Mansa anti-drug activist’s murder case; autopsy at PGI, Chandigarh

The CBI has taken over the probe into anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota’s murder in Mansa, registering an FIR seven days after he was shot. The decision followed his family’s demand for a central investigation. Jhota was killed during a livestreamed confrontation over alleged illegal drug sales; the accused shopkeeper fled Punjab and was arrested in Rajasthan.

HistoriCity: A short history of the ancient origins of Garba-Raas

Garba-Raas, a Gujarati cultural symbol celebrated from Ahmedabad to New Jersey, evolved from agricultural village rituals into a Navratri performance; UNESCO recognized Garba as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023. Garba’s movements symbolize creation, while Dandiya Raas uses sticks, and both have outgrown gender restrictions. Their uncertain roots and diverse community forms reflect Gujarat’s long history.

How Tiger Shroff attack weapon was delivered: Pistol from Amritsar, couriers to Mumbai

Police say seven were arrested after gunmen shot at Tiger Shroff’s car in Mumbai’s Juhu, injuring his driver and a vlogger; Shroff escaped unharmed. Investigators allege a bailed man arranged a pistol and ammunition from Amritsar, then enlisted two women to courier the weapon before the October 18 attack, claimed by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

Parole for 5 Coimbatore blasts convicts: Look back at the case of 19 bombs in 4 days

Tamil Nadu’s Vijay-led government has granted 60 days’ parole to five life convicts in the 1998 Coimbatore blasts, prompting the BJP to accuse it of insulting victims and betraying survivors. The men, long-serving prisoners, cited personal and health grounds. The attacks killed 58 and injured 250; they were planned by Al-Umma amid deadly communal tensions.

Elon Musk says ‘people will find ways to be happy’ if AI makes money and work obsolete in future

Elon Musk predicts AI, robotics and space travel could create a multiplanetary economy where money and work become irrelevant, saying people will find ways to be happy. He compared life without work to retirement and discussed AI risks and robots solving national debt in a podcast conversation with Walter Isaacson, journalist and biographer of Musk.

New Ramayana song Ravana Tandav gets mixed reactions online, so fans want AR Rahman replaced

Ramayana’s second song, “Ravana Tandav,” has disappointed many listeners, who criticised AR Rahman’s music despite praising Yash’s performance. Released for Dussehra, its 1:55 video depicts Ravana’s devotion to Shiva through Shiv Tandav Stotram. Written by Dr Kumar Vishwas and sung by Vishal Dadlani, the track is part of Nitesh Tiwari’s epic, due in theatres in 2026.

Sherrod Brown, the veteran Ohio Democrat fighting to reclaim his US Senate seat

Brown seeks Ohio’s Senate seat in 2026 against Republican Jon Husted, promising lower costs, worker and consumer protections, cheaper prescriptions, insurer accountability and full utility payments from data centers. He opposes Trump’s tariffs and Iran war, saying they burden families and businesses. A former senator for 18 years, Brown served in state and congressional offices.

US' relationship with Pakistan ‘will never come at expense’ of India ties, says Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured India that ties with Pakistan or other countries would never come at India’s expense, rejecting comparisons with the Nixon-Kissinger era. During his three-day visit, he said today’s geopolitical landscape differs from the Cold War and discussed a near-final trade deal, energy and defence cooperation with S. Jaishankar.

Ukraine 'would not exist' without US assistance, says Rubio as ties hit new low

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Ukraine “would not exist” without American assistance, as Washington-Kyiv ties deteriorate amid the war. Responding to reports of Starlink slowdowns, Rubio said the administration had no prior knowledge and could not direct Elon Musk’s private company. Tensions have also risen over Trump’s Russia policy and criticism of President Zelensky.

Keralam to seek Centre's assistance for key development projects in state capital

Kerala will seek Union support to fast-track capital projects, including airport expansion, Vizhinjam port development and urban upgrades, following talks between Transport Minister C.P. John and MP Shashi Tharoor. Priorities include acquiring 22 acres for the airport, port funding and rehabilitation, city grants, coastal protection, improved drainage and KSRTC tax relief; Tharoor will take central-government demands forward.

HT Interview: Isha Koppikar says she regrets turning down Sonali Kulkarni's role in Dil Chahta Hai

Actor Isha Koppikar urged people to embrace individuality and become their “best version,” warning that comparison distracts from self-acceptance, while advocating meaningful roles and independence. She discussed evolving across genres, regretting a Dil Chahta Hai role she turned down, and said streaming has made content more important than star casting. Her career spans Bollywood and regional cinema.

Rajinikanth's Jailer 2 screenings halted in Canada due to exhibitor-distributor issues

Canadian exhibitor York Cinemas halted Rajinikanth’s *Jailer 2* screenings, saying distributors failed to provide valid KDM authorization despite having met its obligations. The pause comes as *Jailer 2* earned Rs 542.45 crore worldwide in six days, including Rs 204 crore overseas. Nelson Dilipkumar’s sequel opened October 15, benefiting from festive demand and no Tamil competition.

Toledo, Ohio chemical leak leads to reduced visibility on roadways, shocking videos emerge | Watch

Videos showing severely reduced visibility on Toledo streets surfaced after a chemical leak prompted evacuation warnings for residents in the city’s northern area. The release occurred at a facility on Tuesday night, October 20, and footage shared by AZ Intel showed a roadway obscured by the incident. Officials urged nearby residents to leave the area.

10 best thin-and-light laptops under ₹60,000 for everyday productivity

Thin-and-light laptops under ₹60,000 from Lenovo, Dell, ASUS, HP and Acer offer practical options for browsing, meetings, documents and multitasking, with Ryzen or Intel processors, 8GB or 16GB RAM and 512GB SSDs. Buyers should prioritize memory, storage and Full HD screens; models vary in weight, display and bundled software, and suit students, professionals and home users.

Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan used company money for private jet trips, rent: report

Bloomberg alleged Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan used company funds for rent and private-jet flights; Founders Fund demanded repayment, which Coplan made before an investment valued Polymarket at $1.2 billion. Dragonfly’s Qureshi called the report a “garbage hit piece,” saying Coplan disclosed expenses, initially took no salary and flew for business. Founded in 2020, it has attracted major investors.

HT Health Talk: Science-backed food swaps for midnight cravings, afternoon energy slumps

Late-night cravings, afternoon slumps and shift-work fatigue can be managed with balanced meals, hydration, portioned snacks and steady sleep routines, rather than excess sugar or caffeine. Choose protein, fibre and healthy fats, avoid heavy meals near bedtime, stop caffeine 6–8 hours before sleep, and keep bedrooms dark and quiet. Circadian rhythms influence digestion and alertness.

CBI team in Punjab’s Mansa to take over probe into anti-drug activist Jhota’s murder

A CBI team reached Mansa to take possession of files and record statements in anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota’s murder, with family interviews and forensic specialists expected to support the inquiry. Punjab transferred the case after Shah criticised its response to the drug crisis; he urged CBI probes into two other deaths, sharpening election-year political clashes.

Is it baby fat or childhood obesity? Endocrinologist explains the difference and 6 warning signs

Appearance alone cannot distinguish healthy growth from childhood obesity; paediatricians assess BMI on age- and sex-specific charts, defining obesity at or above the 95th percentile. Tight clothes, breathlessness, snoring or dark skin patches merit medical advice. Healthier family habits help, and early recognition matters because obesity raises future disease risks; WHO estimates one in five children worldwide is overweight.

Rising living costs, forest fires: Indonesia sees mass protest as students take to the streets

Hundreds of students protested in Indonesia Tuesday, demanding action on living costs, fires and corruption as President Prabowo Subianto marked two years in office. In Jakarta, protesters gathered at Tugu Tani, Greenpeace activists climbed the Welcome Monument, and six activists were detained. El Niño-driven wildfires spread haze across borders; demonstrations over police killings proved deadly.

Man killed in knife attack after argument over roll delivery in Jharkhand

One man died and three others were injured in a knife attack at a food stall in Adityapur, Jharkhand, early Wednesday, after a dispute over a delayed roll order, police said. The stall owner and staff allegedly attacked customer Shekhar Tirkey and his friend; two residents were hurt intervening. Tirkey died in hospital, and police detained suspects for questioning.

Explosion at Bengaluru under-construction building, initial probe points to battery-like object

Two construction workers, Allauddin and Suraj, were seriously injured in a suspicious explosion at an under-construction building on Jermiah Road in Bengaluru’s Pulikeshi Nagar on Tuesday evening, prompting a police investigation, PTI reported. Authorities have not released further details, and the cause of the blast remains unclear. More details are awaited.

Shilp Samagam Mela concludes in Mysuru, Guwahati edition to begin Wednesday

Mysuru’s nine-day Shilp Samagam Mela ended Monday after attracting thousands and giving artisans from 12 states and Union Territories a platform to market traditional crafts; the fair now moves to Guwahati, where 75 artisans will exhibit about 40 product varieties through October 28. Launched in 2022, the ministry initiative promotes sustainable livelihoods for disadvantaged communities.

Honda expects 60 lakh motorcycle and scooter sales in India in FY27

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India expects sales to reach six million units in FY27, up 4.3% from 5.75 million last year, as demand and festive-season buying support growth. First-half dispatches rose 13.5% to 3.04 million, giving Honda 25% share. Honda plans production expansion and pursues a multi-fuel strategy spanning petrol, biofuels and electric vehicles.

Pushkar Singh Dhami performs havan, worships nine girls on Maha Navami

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami marked Maha Navami at his official residence Tuesday with a havan, prayers and Kanya Pujan, worshipping nine girls as forms of Goddess Durga and seeking the state’s progress and residents’ peace and prosperity. He called Navratri a celebration of feminine power and India’s cultural traditions. Maha Navami is Navratri’s ninth day.

Suvendu reviews Durga Puja immersion arrangements in Kolkata amid heightened security after stampede

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari reviewed Durga Puja immersion preparations at Kolkata’s Babughat Wednesday, as authorities tightened security after a stampede killed 19 people at Chorbagan’s pandal. The NDRF will assist, while 18 IPS officers supervise immersions across Kolkata and neighbouring commissionerates through October 24. The stampede occurred on Mahasaptami; cleanup is planned afterward.

Ramayana advance booking collection crosses ₹3 crore 15 days before release

Ramayana has grossed ₹3.13 crore in 24 hours of advance bookings, excluding blocked seats, selling 86,187 tickets across 3,537 shows in 104 cities, 15 days before its November 5 release. Hindi accounts for about 95% of collections, while Kannada has generated ₹25 lakh. The Nitesh Tiwari-directed epic trails Dhurandhar: The Revenge’s ₹7.80 crore advance take.

Yogi Adityanath halts Vijayadashami procession to let ambulance pass

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath halted the Vijayadashami procession near Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur on Tuesday after hearing an ambulance siren, directing security personnel to clear a path for a critically ill patient. The ambulance passed through the crowd before the procession resumed, as devotees moved aside. The traditional event had drawn a large gathering.

Now everyone talks with respect: Asian Para Games gold winner Jeevanji turns taunts into gold

Deepthi Jeevanji, 23, won the Asian Para Games women’s 400m T20 gold in Nagoya with a Games-record 56.36 seconds, transforming stigma over her impairment into pride and respect for her family. The Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medallist hopes to secure their financial stability and coach aspiring girls; spotted in 2018, she began racing at 15.

Economic indicators before and after regime change: What IMF data reveals about South Asia

South Asian economies show gradual but uneven improvement after political transitions, with growth rebounding in Pakistan and Sri Lanka while inflation and trade pressures persist. Bangladesh’s growth slowed, Nepal’s exports surged sharply, and Maldives’ growth fluctuated as its current-account deficit narrowed. IMF and WTO figures track these trends but do not prove political changes caused them.

Jon Husted, the former lieutenant governor facing a key Senate battle against Sherrod Brown

Ohio Sen. Jon Husted is campaigning to retain his seat against Democrat Sherrod Brown, emphasizing jobs, immigration and trade. He supports workforce development, stronger border enforcement and tariffs he says protect workers, while promoting manufacturing and criticizing China’s trade practices. Appointed in 2025 to fill JD Vance’s vacancy, Husted brings over two decades in Ohio politics.