Apple's iPhone Duo goes on pre-order in India today: Check price, offers

Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, opens for pre-orders in India today at 5:30 p.m. through Apple’s website and Store app, with sales beginning October 23. Prices start at ₹2,99,900; offers include trade-in benefits up to ₹81,500 and no-cost EMI. The phone has dual OLED displays and an A20 Pro chip, following last month’s launch.

Instagram Does Not Let You Download Videos. Here Is What Indians Are Doing Instead

Many Indian users are downloading Instagram videos because its Save button only bookmarks posts, which can disappear when creators delete them, accounts are restricted, or content is removed. Browser-based tools create files for offline viewing, backups, study, and reuse, reducing data costs and buffering. Instagram offers no native download option, keeping video views—and advertising—inside the app.

Punjab seizes ₹20.64 crore worth of medicines, suspends 520 chemists’ licences

Punjab seized medicines worth Rs 20.64 crore and suspended 520 chemists’ licences after 16,788 inspections between April 2025 and September 2026, the government said; 22 licences were cancelled and 54 cases filed. Seizures came from 214 firms, 35 cases ended in convictions and fines, and 650 remain pending. It also cited upcoming controls on pregabalin.

Uttarakhand approves 2,000 women constable posts, Ankita case convicts serving life terms

Uttarakhand approved increasing women constable posts in district police units from 526 to 2,000, while police detailed how three men were convicted and sentenced to life for Ankita Bhandari’s 2022 murder. The 1,474-post increase will come through reallocating sanctioned positions without extra cost; investigators filed a 500-page chargesheet after an 88-day probe, and a CBI investigation continues.

Portugal has limited immigration, and Spain may follow

Portugal and Spain are tightening or reconsidering immigration as rapid arrivals strain housing, schools and health services, fuel populist politics and erode public support, drawing Iberia toward Europe’s restrictive consensus. Portugal’s reforms sharply reduced net migration, while Spain’s mass legalization and pro-growth stance face backlash ahead of elections. The debate follows a surge that transformed Lisbon’s migrant population.

Schneider electric boosts outlook again after data-center demand lifts sales

Schneider raised annual targets for a second time as data-center demand more than doubled in the third quarter, lifting revenue 18% to a record €11.46 billion and beating forecasts. It expects adjusted Ebita growth of 18%-21% and revenue growth of 12%-14%, with demand and pricing momentum continuing. AI-driven demand growth is also funding major acquisitions.

UAE visa fraud warning: Indians cautioned against fake agents offering jobs, residency visas

Indian missions in the UAE warned nationals about agencies advertising third-country jobs and residency visas on social media, collecting fees but failing to deliver services or refunds. Applicants should verify claims through embassies, consulates or official websites, reject guaranteed-approval promises, and protect passport, Emirates ID and biometric data. Earlier Abu Dhabi advisories cited identity and financial fraud risks.

Pack mentality: How Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood and Lyon shaped a great Test legacy

Australia’s quartet—Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc and Lyon—became the first four-man Test attack to reach 600 wickets together, taking 615 in 38 matches. Their 17 wickets in Durban showcased complementary strengths: Hazlewood’s accuracy, Starc’s pace, Cummins’s partnership-breaking skill and Lyon’s control. With all four in their 30s, their exceptional synergy may be nearing its end.

‘Is this your culture?’: Racist stickers targeting Indians found on food products in Australia

Racist stickers demanding “Remigration now” and depicting an Indian-looking man have appeared on Indian food products and supermarket signage in Australia, raising concern about hostility toward businesses. Videos show placements in Brisbane; similar stickers were found in Cessnock, where MP David Repacholi condemned them. The campaign precedes nationwide anti-immigration rallies; “remigration” means forced migrant removal.

Press Council of India issues guidelines for journalists covering protests

Press Council of India issued protest guidelines urging journalists to prioritize safety, neutrality and responsible reporting. They should display credentials, keep clear of tensions, obey police orders, avoid obstructing equipment, and never handle tear-gas devices. Reporters should carry emergency supplies, verify claims, and withhold real-time tactical details that could compromise safety. The rules encourage coordination with authorities.

Villager confronts drug peddlers, hacked to death in Punjab’s Batala

A 40-year-old man was killed and two companions critically injured in an armed assault at Madi Pannwan village near Batala on Thursday after opposing drug peddling. Ten to 15 men attacked them with weapons; police are investigating. The killing follows October’s murder of anti-drug activist Parwinder Singh Jhota, fueling concern over violence against people challenging narcotics networks.

Steven Soderbergh to help finish The Batman Part 2 shoot, Matt Reeves clarifies he is 'not leaving'

Steven Soderbergh will temporarily oversee the final weeks of principal photography on The Batman Part II while Matt Reeves attends to a family matter; Reeves stressed he is not leaving and will return for post-production. With DC Studios’ support, Soderbergh aims to preserve Reeves’ vision, as Robert Pattinson reprises Batman in the sequel, scheduled for February 2028.

As ex-IAS officer Divya Mittal launches party, how 5 others fared in politics

Former IAS officer Divya Mittal’s party, Jan Neeti Bharat, highlights the leap from civil service to politics. Of five predecessors, only Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil holds elected office; Arvind Kejriwal leads AAP, Kannan Gopinathan cannot contest, K Annamalai is building a movement, and Shah Faesal returned to service. Their paths show resignation cannot ensure success.

GHRC finds no rights violation in smart meter installation, recommends notices before replacement

Goa’s Human Rights Commission found no violation in installing smart electricity meters, but urged the Electricity Department to notify consumers before replacing working meters. It said the programme is legally mandated and found no evidence that consumption data breached privacy or that meters posed health risks. The inquiry followed a May report and flagged possible procedural lapses.

Chicago sex assault suspect described as ‘South Asian male with dark complexion’

University of Chicago identified a South Asian man as a person of interest in the alleged sexual assault of a 21-year-old woman near campus, barred him from campus and said he is not a student; police have made no arrest. Friends reportedly found her not fully conscious in a fraternity-house bathroom at an October 11 party.

Isha Ambani, Shloka Mehta skip heavy looks for simple pink and ivory ethnic outfits at Jio event

At October 15’s Jio IPO announcement, Isha Ambani and Shloka Mehta showed understated ethnic wear can rival high fashion, choosing pastel kurtas and minimal styling. Isha wore a pink floral kurta; Shloka chose an embroidered ivory look. Loose hair, subtle makeup and few accessories completed their polished outfits, a departure from the Ambani women’s often extravagant style.

IAS officer summits Mount Kilimanjaro to spread awareness on cancer, drug abuse

IAS officer Sonal Goel reached Kilimanjaro’s Stella Point on October 2, carrying messages promoting cancer awareness and a drug-free India after her father’s cancer death three years ago. The 43-year-old completed an eight-day Lemosho route as the only woman in her group, unfurling India’s flag at 5,756 metres and urging prevention, early detection and healthy living.

Police examine electronic devices of accused in arson near Kochi synagogue

Kochi police are probing whether arson near a synagogue was directed by an unidentified handler, examining devices seized from Bin Paul and seeking Telegram chats. Messages reportedly referenced Jewish worship sites and attacks elsewhere in India, raising questions about an organised operation. Paul was remanded for five days; police also recovered drugs from his home.

Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay to inaugurate ₹300-crore Periyar knowledge centre in Coimbatore

Chief Minister Vijay will inaugurate Coimbatore’s Rs 300-crore Periyar Arivulagam on Friday, with heavy security and a roadshow planned from the airport to the library and science centre. He will tour the digital library and planetarium, launch government projects, then fly to Thrissur for a Navaratri event before returning to Coimbatore and departing for Chennai.

Malegaon court awards death sentence to man convicted of raping, murdering 4-year-old girl

Malegaon court sentenced Vijay Khairnar to death Friday for sexually assaulting and murdering a four-year-old girl in Dongrale, calling it a “rarest of rare” crime. The verdict relied on circumstantial and DNA evidence, with prosecutors examining 24 witnesses. The girl disappeared near home in November 2025; her body was found in a nullah. Bombay High Court confirmation is required.

How to properly do self-checks for breast cancer lumps? Experts share a guide

Breast cancer can cause no symptoms, pain, or lump, so awareness and screening are vital; new breast or armpit lumps, skin or nipple changes, and unusual discharge need medical review. Experts recommend self-awareness and age- and risk-based exams or mammograms. Men can also develop it, while breast cancer is India’s most common cancer among women.

9-day Navratri fasting food list: Dietitian shares 3 healthy, guilt-free recipes with a twist

Navratri fasting can stay energizing, rather than relying on fried snacks and sweets, when meals balance energy, protein, hydration, and portions, dietitian Sumaiya A advises. Choose buckwheat, amaranth, samak rice, dairy, fruit, peanuts, and roasted makhana; prepare cheela or khichdi with little ghee. Drink fluids, avoid overeating, and consult doctors before fasting with medical conditions.

Dandiya, garba and all that jazz: How Lucknow is celebrating Navratri this year

Lucknow’s Navratri celebrations feature dandiya and garba nights across the city, with live music, dance, food and prizes drawing residents into the festivities. Events include Hindustan’s October 17 Dandiya Nights at Babu Banarasi Das Academy, Malini Awasthi’s folk evening, and multi-day festivals with singers, DJs and cultural performances; clubs and hotels are joining the celebrations.

Rashami Desai reveals why she disappeared from TV for 4 years: ‘I was told my career is over’

Rashami Desai returns to television in Star Plus’ *Sayonee* after a three-to-four-year break, saying she felt typecast and lacked a platform. She left to unlearn and rebuild, criticising gender stereotypes, online trolling and the tendency to reduce women to glamour. Produced by Ravi Dubey and Sargun Mehta, the drama remakes Malayalam series *Mazha Thorum Munpe*.

Delhi riots 2020: SC adjourns hearing on Athar Khan’s bail plea in UAPA case for 4 weeks

The Supreme Court adjourned Athar Khan’s bail plea in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case for four weeks after police filed a reply, permitting Khan a rejoinder. Khan challenges a High Court decision denying bail, which called him a conspirator and distinguished his role from co-accused granted relief. The riots killed 53 people.

Akal Takht Jathedar meets anti-drug activist Jhota's family in Punjab's Mansa

Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldip Singh Gargajj accused Punjab’s Bhagwant Mann government of failing to curb drugs after meeting slain activist Parvinder Singh Jhota’s family in Mansa Friday. Jhota was shot dead Tuesday after confronting a shopkeeper over drug sales; the suspect was arrested in Rajasthan. The activist had campaigned against drug abuse and illegal sales.

Meta reveals how social media, creators and AI are changing festive shopping in India

Meta’s Festive Accelerator 2026 playbook says festive shopping in India now extends beyond Diwali into weddings, Christmas and year-end sales, with social media, creators and AI shaping discovery and faster purchases. It urges brands to build demand early and sustain engagement throughout the season. About 85% of shoppers use Meta weekly, while 60% of new online shoppers come from smaller cities.

Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan celebrate 14th wedding anniversary with unseen family moments

Kareena Kapoor Khan celebrated her 14th wedding anniversary with Saif Ali Khan, sharing unseen photographs of family holidays and moments with sons Taimur and Jeh, and writing, “Another year around the sun…Forever to go.” Married in Mumbai in 2012 after meeting on *Tashan*, the couple will appear together on *The Great Indian Kapil Show*.

How to survive a predatory world order

Carney’s call for middle powers to unite against superpower coercion has yielded wins, but they remain divided and too weak to shape a world marked by U.S.-China rivalry and collusion among giants. Europe’s stand and Japan’s defiance show limited potential; AI governance and security still depend on Washington and Beijing as the postwar order erodes.

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky says emails ‘feel like work’, explains why he prefers texting employees

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky writes under one email weekly, preferring face-to-face conversations, Zoom, texts and calls for direct, faster communication. He avoids messaging employees during family time unless a crisis arises, but says his work-life boundaries are blended. Other executives remain reachable after hours, highlighting questions about when employees are expected to respond to messages.