Content creator under fire over racial abuse of Tripura youth, Union minister vows action

A Delhi content creator apologized after a video appeared to show him racially abusing and inappropriately touching a young man from Tripura, prompting Union minister Kiren Rijiju and Chief Minister Manik Saha to seek police action. Amir Shokeen said the clip was scripted and the youth an acquaintance; it includes insults about his appearance and identity, while its timing and location remain unverified.

Mumbai’s sea-facing versus sea-view luxury homes premium explained

Mumbai’s ultra-luxury market rewards uninterrupted sea-facing homes, as Tanya Dubash and her company bought two Worli apartments for over ₹294 crore, following record-setting purchases. The premiums reflect scarce coastal land and views less vulnerable to obstruction; sea-facing residences directly front the water, unlike sea-view homes, while more affordable options exist in suburbs and Navi Mumbai.

In 2024, Florida researchers made a DNA test that detects four invasive snakes, including pythons

University of Florida researchers created a tetraplex digital PCR assay—four tests in one—to detect environmental DNA from Burmese and northern African pythons, boa constrictors, and rainbow boas. Controlled trials found Burmese python DNA in water within five minutes and soil two weeks after removal. Field performance remains untested; visual surveys detect under 5% of pythons.

4 devotees hit by speeding car on Chennai-Kolkata highway, die: Cops

Four devotees died and one was injured when a speeding SUV hit them beside NH-16 in Kathipudi, Kakinada district, Thursday, police said. They were walking to a nearby tea shop after their bus, travelling from Vizianagaram to Vijayawada, broke down for repairs. Three died at the scene; a fourth succumbed while being taken to hospital.

Gujarat Govt tightens school entry rules; outsiders can't enter without permission

Gujarat has ordered schools to tighten entry rules, requiring outsiders’ prior written permission and logging visits while exempting authorised officials on duty. The circular limits student photography and personal-information disclosure, requires escorts in sensitive areas, and lets principals refuse visitors or report violations to police. The rules cite children’s constitutional rights to safety, dignity and privacy.

10 Windows laptops that could challenge your idea of what an everyday laptop should offer

Ten Windows laptops from HP, Dell, ASUS, Lenovo and Samsung offer choices spanning OLED convertibles, business machines and productivity models, with configurations including 16GB RAM and 512GB or 1TB storage. Buyers should compare processor workload, display, memory, battery life, portability and ports, while checking variants and ARM software compatibility. Individual buyer feedback is also included.

7 luggage myths I stopped believing after years of travelling across multiple destinations

The lightest suitcase is not always the best: comfort, durability and protection can matter more than saving grams, especially on walks or when carrying electronics. Choose luggage for the trip, considering handles, wheels, contents and transport needs alongside empty weight. Duffles, trolleys, hard shells and soft cases suit journeys differently, so no bag is universally ideal.

Video: Elephant panics at Karnataka Dasara celebration, damages vehicles before being tranquilised

Somanna, a silver howdah-bearing elephant, panicked during Shivamogga’s Dasara procession, ran through streets for an hour and damaged vehicles before veterinarians tranquilised it; officials said no spectators were injured. The deputy commissioner called the incident accidental, said its cause is under investigation, and confirmed festivities continued, after Somanna became frightened by a procession formation change.

Manipur violence: Protesters’ bid to storm CM's event foiled as tensions escalate

Manipur faced shutdowns and protests Wednesday as killings escalated, with security forces firing tear gas at demonstrators demanding the chief minister and home minister address the crisis; at least five were injured. Police arrested three suspects, while victims’ families demanded attackers be booked. The unrest follows an October 19 ambush that killed three Meitei men collecting firewood.

DNA from a pangolin specimen from 1836 solved a mystery about the Himalayan pangolin after 190 years

DNA from an 1836 museum specimen confirms the Himalayan pangolin is a distinct species, Manis aurita, rather than a Chinese pangolin subspecies or Manis indoburmanica. It matched Himalayan pangolins, settling a dispute and helping conservationists identify poached pangolins and guide reintroductions. Pangolins are endangered and among the world’s most trafficked mammals, prized for their scales.

Prez Murmu presents National Exhibition of Art awards; urges support for rural artists

President Droupadi Murmu honoured artists at New Delhi’s 65th National Exhibition of Art and 3rd Print Biennale India 2026, highlighting art’s reflection of Indian heritage and traditional forms. Organised by Lalit Kala Akademi, the events showcase contemporary art and printmaking; 270 works were selected from 6,175 submissions, and 20 artists received awards. The Akademi was established in 1954.

Action ordered against officials after errors found in electoral rolls in UP's Pilibhit Sadar

Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Electoral Officer has ordered legal action and the removal of Pilibhit Sadar’s electoral registration officer and voter-roll operator from election duties after checks confirmed EPIC numbers displayed other voters’ details. The office directed immediate corrections and a district-wide review within two days. Congress alleges 13,150 names were changed, amid scrutiny of the state’s revised rolls.

Fernandes questions Carrick’s tactics, Manchester United manager hits back after Como loss

Fernandes blamed Carrick’s staff and cautious pressing after United’s 1-4 defeat to Como, saying the tactics gave opponents confidence and exhausted his teammates. Carrick defended the setup but called the players’ off-ball effort unacceptable, saying he was “really angry.” United are winless in seven games, their worst run since 2015; Como qualified for the Champions League.

Gurugram’s stilt-plus-four row: What changed, and what it means for homebuyers

Haryana says it granted 32,024 Gurugram stilt-plus-four permissions by April 2, 2026, opposing a blanket construction halt as the policy faces court scrutiny over infrastructure and building violations. The high court’s stay has unsettled buyers, whose risks depend on each property’s approvals and documentation; the model allows four residential floors above a parking stilt in plotted colonies.

Chhattisgarh woman IPS officer's AK-47 firing at Dussehra ritual sparks safety debate

Rajn ^anjun SP Ankita Sharma’s video of firing an AK-47 during Dussehra weapon worship has gone viral, sparking debate over safety and discipline, with government scrutiny promised. Retired police and army officers criticised her handling, while supporters defended her record. An officer said ceremonial firing traditionally uses blanks, though critics argued worship does not require shooting.

Delhi govt working to formulate policy to strengthen data management

Delhi is drafting a data-governance policy to strengthen data management and comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, establishing rules for handling personal information. A chief-secretary-led committee oversees implementation; departments map data, appoint grievance officers and face audits. Platform integrations are planned for July 2027; the Act was passed in 2023 and rules followed in 2025.

‘I’ve spent my life educating people about trans lives… this film does it too’

Actor Kabir Maan, debuting as a transgender man in *Aman*, says the BFI-winning short confronts taboos around trans intimacy, pregnancy and identity, drawing on experience. He nearly missed its Toronto premiere after officials delayed passport renewal, while documentation barriers and discrimination obstruct his teaching career; livelihoods remain precarious. He has worked in education since 2018.

Career & Finance Horoscope, October 22, 2026

Today’s career and financial guidance for zodiac signs favors thoughtful choices: pause before decisions, manage resources carefully, and focus on clear goals. Collaboration, mentorship, confidence, adaptability, and recognition may open doors, while self-doubt, frustration, anxiety, or unsustainable habits could hinder progress. Each sign receives a career tip and crystal remedy from tarot reader Kishori Sud.

Isle Royale was down to 2 wolves; five years after 19 wolves were brought in, at least 27 were count

Isle Royale’s 2018–19 wolf restoration established a self-sustaining population, assessment found, and modeling gives wolves an 80%-plus chance of persisting 20 years. The 19 wolves bred annually, producing 10 litters and 29 pups, while counts reached 27 by April 2023. The project reversed a decline to two nonbreeding animals, though genetic diversity remains a concern.

HT Morning News Brief: 10 arrests in Tiger Shroff case, CJP leaders' release and more

Police arrested three more suspects over October’s Tiger Shroff shooting, bringing arrests to 10; investigators say attackers surveyed actors’ homes. CJP leaders were freed after pledging to avoid Jantar Mantar protests, while India warned nationals in France amid unrest. Mika Singh sought an apology over Daler Mehndi’s reprimand, and India faces New Zealand on tour.

Delhi’s air quality remains in ‘poor’ category; no relief in coming days

Delhi’s air quality remained “poor” for a second consecutive day Thursday, with the AQI at 253 by 9am and three stations recording “very poor” readings above 300. Forecasts indicate stubble-burning pollution will rise to 15.9% by Friday, while poor air is expected to persist. The season’s first poor reading followed Dussehra smoke trapped by still, damp air.

Venezuelan crude, Russian oil, trade deal: What Rubio’s India visit signalled

Marco Rubio’s India visit prioritized energy, especially Venezuelan crude, as Washington and New Delhi near a trade deal. In Mumbai, he met business leaders and toured Reliance’s Jamnagar refinery, where India’s Venezuelan oil is processed. He condemned anti-Indian hatred in the US, acknowledged India’s difficulty reducing Russian oil, while bypassing Delhi highlighted Washington’s energy priorities.

Delhi govt to spend ₹20 crore on three foot overbridges, a skywalk across the city

Delhi’s PWD will spend ₹20.64 crore on a skywalk and three foot overbridges, including an ₹8.07-crore crossing near Shahdara’s district commissioner’s office and bridges in Shahbad Dairy, Jeevan Park and Janakpuri. Jhandewalan’s bridge will also be redeveloped for ₹1 crore. Projects include lifts and escalators; the government earlier approved eight pedestrian bridges across the city.

US launches nationwide operation targeting undocumented immigrants accused of SNAP fraud

ICE has launched a nationwide operation targeting undocumented immigrants accused of fraudulently obtaining SNAP benefits, with arrests and potential deportations as the Trump administration expands its anti-fraud crackdown. DHS reports multiple arrests, including Haitian and Cuban nationals, but allegations do not establish guilt. SNAP supports eligible low-income households, while undocumented immigrants are ineligible under federal rules.

Texas GOP candidate Herrera sparks backlash over joke about sending kittens to Chinese restaurants

Republican candidate Brandon Herrera faces scrutiny after a resurfaced clip showed him suggesting unadopted kittens go to a Chinese restaurant, invoking a racist stereotype about Chinese people. He made the remark on The Josie Show during a host’s account of rescuing kittens. Herrera is running against Democrat Katy Padilla Stout in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District.

RNA from Antarctica’s Blood Falls points to a marine microbial community trapped under a glacier

Genetic evidence suggests Blood Falls, Antarctica, shelters a marine microbial community possibly surviving since seawater was trapped beneath Taylor Glacier. Marine diatoms dominated samples, and McMurdo Sound types were common; genes showed activity linked to photosynthesis and salt stress. Researchers nevertheless caution organisms were sampled at the glacier’s surface, and ancient wind transport remains possible.

Manoj Bajpayee calls Tiger Shroff's shooting incident sad and scary, stresses the need for safety

Manoj Bajpayee and Divya Dutta called the shooting at Tiger Shroff’s car frightening and stressed that he is safe. Bajpayee said its unpredictability was alarming and hoped investigators would ensure accountability; Dutta said safety is essential. Three gunmen fired at Shroff in Juhu after football, injuring his driver and a bystander; seven people were arrested.

Number of Aussie players are playing for their careers, says Katich as Labuschagne disappoints again

Katich says Australians are fighting for Test futures as they reach 156/4, 170 behind South Africa after following on. Labuschagne’s 39 intensified scrutiny; Maddinson and Webster struggled, while coach Andrew McDonald lamented his failure to convert starts. Australia lead 1-0, but South Africa’s 425/9 declared and bowling Australia out for 99 put them in control.

El Nino could be unprecedented, may rise to 3.8°C above average between Nov-Jan: WMO

The WMO warns El Niño could become unprecedentedly strong, peaking near 3.8°C above average in December 2026 and disrupting weather worldwide, with heat and weaker rainfall threatening South and Southeast Asia, including India. Forecasts indicate drought in some regions and flooding in others. Separately, UNEP warns policies could bring 2.8°C warming this century, underscoring cuts.

In 2025, McConaughey’s Austin fundraiser raised a record $17 million for kids’ health and education

MJ&M’s 2025 fundraiser raised over $17 million, a record, for five children’s charities: CureDuchenne, Dell Children’s Medical Center, HeartGift, just keep livin Foundation, and The Rise School of Austin. Grant amounts were not disclosed. April 24–25, the Austin weekend featured a gala, golf, fashion show, and concert, lifting MJ&M’s fundraising total since 2013 above $78 million.