Trump threatens Iran with ‘another little Epic Fury’ as US envoy says strikes possible this weekend

US Ambassador Tom Barrack said a strike on Iran could happen this weekend, while stressing Trump remained open to a diplomatic solution; Trump said he knew of no plan, then warned Iran could face another “Epic Fury” operation if it rejects a deal. The remarks follow February’s US-Israeli strikes and come ahead of November midterms.

Daniel Taylor: Former West Texas professor turned drug kingpin gets 40 years in jail

A former Texas Tech professor was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for manufacturing and distributing fentanyl, including a pink mixture branded “pink flamingo,” after several women overdosed on drugs he supplied, the Justice Department said. Daniel Taylor, 51, pleaded guilty to a fentanyl-trafficking conspiracy. Investigators uncovered his drug-making operation and packaging; Taylor had previously been convicted federally.

Career & Finance Horoscope, October 24, 2026

Horoscopes urge zodiac signs to make career and financial choices, favoring focus, preparation and long-term stability over impulsive moves. Aries and Virgo should slow down and manage worry, while Taurus, Leo and Scorpio can advance through opportunity, leadership and persistence; others benefit from tact, flexibility and firm boundaries. Tarot reader Kishori Sud includes crystals.

FBI arrests Ian Brinksman, government contractor accused of leaking classified defense information

FBI arrested contractor Ian Brinksman, 42, on charges alleging he transmitted classified national-defense information to a romantic partner, a Substack publisher, who later published it online. The investigation followed a CIA referral. Officials say the disclosures could endanger intelligence sources, operations and personnel; Brinksman had Top Secret/SCI access while supporting the agency as a contractor.

From Sonu Sood to Saif Ali Khan, Bollywood stars invest in commercial real estate for rental income

Sonu Sood leased a Mumbai unit to Bokka Coffee in a five-year deal expected to generate ₹3.52 crore, with rents rising 8% annually, reflecting Bollywood’s interest in commercial property. Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan and Sara Ali Khan have invested; Madhuri Dixit’s office sale highlights appreciation potential. Returns depend on location, tenants and lease terms.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu glows in elegant black anarkali with sequins, redefines festive maternity style

Samantha Ruth Prabhu brought elegant black maternitywear to Mumbai’s launch of fragrance label The Secret Alchemist. Her Vvani by Vani Vats georgette anarkali featured an empire waist, fluid tiers, subtle sequins and sheer polka-dot sleeves, complemented by black diamond jewellery and soft glam. Celebrating her pregnancy, the look challenged expectations that festive maternitywear must be bright or pastel.

Radhika Apte says actresses do films led by men as only Alia or Deepika can get theatrical openings

Radhika Apte says Hindi cinema’s uncertain theatrical market pushes female actors toward male-led films, as female-led projects struggle to secure releases or opening audiences unless fronted by stars such as Alia Bhatt or Deepika Padukone. She chooses projects regardless of medium and is promoting Netflix’s 1980s-set gangster drama *Akka*, starring Keerthy Suresh and premiering October 30.

CIA agents' deaths in northern Mexico spark rare treason prosecution against ex-official

Former Chihuahua attorney general César Jáuregui faces treason charges after two CIA agents and two Mexican officers died in an April crash following a drug-lab operation allegedly authorized without federal approval. The case tests whether his actions endangered national security, while exposing disputes over sovereignty, rules for US agents, and future security cooperation.

Fauzi teaser is out: Prabhas' superspy fights British with a Bhagavat Gita-inspired code

Prabhas celebrated his 47th birthday with Fauzi’s teaser and first look as a rebel spy in an action drama set during India’s independence struggle; Kalki 2898 AD’s makers shared footage of his return as Bhairava. Fauzi imagines Bose praising the superspy and is directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, with release set for March 19, 2027.

Fox's ‘Houdini: Back from the Dead’ AI show panned online as viewers condemn ‘slop’

Fox Nation’s three-part *Houdini: Back from the Dead* uses AI to recreate Houdini and figures from his life, prompting criticism, while its script and research were human-led. Red Rock Films drew on 400-plus photographs and archival footage, transforming human stand-ins and blending human and AI voices. The series premiered October 14, ahead of Houdini’s death centennial.

US national Matthew VanDyke allowed to stay out of India until February 24

Delhi court extended Matthew VanDyke’s permission to remain in the United States until February 24 as the NIA investigates allegations that he and six Ukrainians trained Myanmar-based groups in drone warfare. VanDyke returned for proceedings, saying he would stay in India until the case concludes, amid past cases of foreign suspects leaving India before trial.

For new drugs, scientists turn to the microbes inside the body

Researchers probe gut bacteria as drugs: Bacteroides uniformis makes pentadecanoic acid, blocking cholesterol enzyme targeted by statins and shrinking artery plaque in mice. Human samples linked lower acid and bacterial genes with high blood fats and heart disease, but evidence remains preliminary. Other studies link microbes to memory decline and cancer immunotherapy; Indian strains remain untested.

Cisco president discovers he spends $9,000/year on subscriptions after asking AI to check his emails

Cisco President Jeetu Patel says a personal AI agent uncovered $9,000 in annual subscriptions and helped him cancel unwanted services and duplicate plans, saving $1,000–$1,200 yearly. The $20-a-month agent audited his email after he granted access, a convenience Patel called “kind of creepy.” Patel joined Cisco in 2020 and became president in 2025.

Recommended, reiterated, rearranged: How the collegium lost its own prescription

India’s judicial appointments system is weakened by delays and selective approval of Collegium recommendations, disrupting seniority and driving lawyers away. Supreme and High Court cases expose stalled files, altered proposals, unexplained omissions and Collegium acquiescence. The article urges batch appointments, published objections and enforceable deadlines, arguing judicial primacy, established to protect independence, must bring accountability.

Iranian plots to target US diplomats reach ‘advanced stages’, extend beyond Middle East: Report

U.S. intelligence warns Iran has substantially increased efforts to target American diplomats and officials, with suspected plots nearing execution, prompting Washington to reduce staffing at several Middle Eastern missions. An October 23 memo urges wider circulation of threat warnings, while officials fear Houthi attacks could spread and U.S.-Israeli strikes or Trump’s threats could intensify tensions.

Months after NDA switch, Yusuf Pathan clears final hurdle to get land in Vadodara he eyed since 2012

Vadodara’s BJP-led standing committee unanimously approved allotting cricketer and MP Yusuf Pathan a 978-square-metre plot under a Gujarat resolution. Half will be gifted for residential use; the rest will be sold at 55% of assessed value, with the site valued at ₹20.5 crore. The approval follows a 14-year dispute and prompted Congress protests over the land.

Three Russian tankers carrying 40,000 tonnes of diesel head to US, first shipment since 2023

Three Russian diesel tankers have sailed from Primorsk toward North America, carrying the first US-bound shipment since 2023 under a Trump-Putin deal intended to curb fuel prices. The initial cargo totals about 40,000 tonnes, with further supplies promised; the agreement marks a sanctions-policy reversal and has provoked Ukrainian and bipartisan US criticism.

A 75 inch smart TV can make movies and sports more immersive, but check these things before buying

Buyers seeking a 75-inch smart TV can compare 4K models from Sony, Samsung, Philips, Xiaomi, TCL, Hisense and iFFALCON, spanning QLED and Mini LED displays, Google TV, Fire TV, HDR formats and gaming features advertised up to 144Hz. Amazon reviews could not be reliably verified, so check buyer feedback. Before choosing, assess viewing distance, room dimensions, connectivity, sound and software support.

Mohali plans ₹1-crore rainwater recharge project

To combat Mohali’s water crisis, the municipal corporation plans a rainwater-harvesting and groundwater-recharge system at Mango Garden, Sector 59, channeling stormwater through filters into a 300-foot-deep borewell under AMRUT 2.0. The project aims to reduce runoff and waterlogging while replenishing groundwater, which extraction exceeds annual replenishable resources by 17%. Falling groundwater levels underscore the need for regular monitoring and maintenance.

Chandigarh: ₹63-lakh fire safety upgrade plan for MC’s Manimajra office

The Municipal Corporation will seek approval for a ₹62.80-lakh fire-safety system at its Manimajra, Sector 13, sub-office to secure a fire NOC and release the delayed high-tension electricity connection. Pumps, hydrants, sprinklers, detectors and alarms are planned, with work expected to take three months. The building houses key civic services and lacks an approved system.

Chandigarh Golf League | Moksha Royals, Golf Masters clinch last knockout spots

At the GB Realty Chandigarh Golf League, Moksha Royals and Golf Masters claimed the final knockout berths, each advancing by half a point. Moksha beat TAC Eagles 4-3; Golf Masters finished ahead of Golf Ninjas. They join Hunting Hawks and Sultans of Swing in the quarter-finals, where defending champions The Mulligans seek another title.

Roadways strike causes traffic snarls in Mohali

Government employees and roadways contract workers protesting near Phase 6, Mohali, blocked the Kharar-Chandigarh highway Friday, forcing commuters onto alternate routes and causing congestion. Commuters said delays disrupted journeys and called for timely diversions and better traffic management. The protest was part of statewide employee agitation over pending demands, after talks failed and roadways workers extended their strike.

Finding no sponsors, Chandigarh MC proposes ₹1 cr outlay from own budget for Rose Festival

With no sponsor or organiser, the municipal corporation proposes ₹1 crore from its budget for the 55th Rose Festival in February or March 2027, pending House approval on October 28. It allocates ₹46 lakh to facilities and ₹40 lakh to publicity, with sums for lighting, horticulture and competitions; earlier invitations to organisers drew no applicants.

Chandigarh consumer panel orders dealer to pay ₹10k over faulty scooter speedometer

Chandigarh’s consumer commission ordered Charisma Goldwheels to refund ₹1,175 with 9% interest and pay ₹10,000 compensation plus litigation costs for supplying an incompatible Honda Activa speedometer. Mam Chand Saini said the dealer demanded another payment rather than replace the oversized part or refund him; it did not contest his complaint. He sought it in October 2025.

Chandigarh jewellery firm partner in ED net in ₹645-crore IDFC fraud case

The Enforcement Directorate arrested Sawan Jewellers partner Rajan Singh Katodiah in the alleged ₹645-crore IDFC First Bank scam, accusing him of helping conceal and launder Haryana and Chandigarh government funds. A court granted four days’ custody. The agency says the jeweller received about ₹332 crore from entities linked to alleged mastermind Ribhav Rishi; further investigation continues.

With 82 dog-bite cases a day, stray menace haunts Mohali streets

Mohali recorded 22,329 dog-bite cases from January to September, up 44.6% from the same period in 2025, averaging 82 daily, as the district’s stray-dog sterilisation programme remains suspended pending a new tender. Cases peaked at 2,858 in July. Recent attacks killed a farmer and seriously injured a child. The total has climbed steadily since 2023.

Mohali: ₹55-lakh paver block project kicks off in Mauli Baidwan

Mayor Sarabjit Singh Samana launched a ₹55-lakh project to pave Mauli Baidwan’s lanes, calling better amenities a priority. Awarded to Gopal Cooperative Society, the work will ease travel; a new tubewell and planned canal connection will address water shortages. Residents flagged garbage and road damage, and Samana promised action. The village recently joined municipal limits.

Reshuffle in Chandigarh as a DANICS & 2 Haryana officers join

Chandigarh’s administration has reshuffled key portfolios after three officers joined, assigning Gaurav Kumar municipal corporation and rural-development roles, Pradeep Ahlawat transport and protocol responsibilities, and Jagtap Kalyani Rajendra agriculture, animal-husbandry and fisheries departments. Other officers gained duties in social welfare, excise, estate and health. The approved order, signed by Chief Secretary Hiriadka Rajesh Prasad, reallocates responsibilities territory-wide.

Chandigarh teenager’s killing | Juvenile contacted Lucky Patial gang over school rivalry, say cops

Police say the Lucky Patial gang was hired to kill a 16-year-old outside Sanatan Dharam Temple after a juvenile with a longstanding school rivalry allegedly arranged the attack. Two shooters remain at large; an auto driver was wounded, and the pistol remains unrecovered. The gang had previously claimed responsibility for a property dealer’s murder in Sector 9.

Chandigarh builder threatened for ₹10-crore extortion; 2 of Tarn Taran nabbed

Police arrested two men accused of threatening a Sector 19 builder to extort ₹10 crore, recovering a country-made pistol and two cartridges as they allegedly planned to fire shots to intimidate him. Investigators suspect links to an overseas-based gangster and say the pair used illegally activated SIM cards; one suspect’s jail contacts are under investigation.