Starc satisfied but admits Australia should have done better in the first session

Starc’s six-wicket burst revived Australia in the tied Cape Town decider, with South Africa dismissed for 329 after a 158-run opening stand threatened control. He took 6-72, including four wickets in two overs with the second new ball, as South Africa’s last six fell for 113. Australia must bat without injured Steve Smith, while Starc’s performance marks a turnaround after a difficult series.

Scientists sent a Chernobyl-linked black fungus to the ISS; it grew 21% faster in orbit

An ISS experiment found black fungus grew about 21% faster in orbit, with lower radiation readings beneath it, suggesting—but not proving—potential as a spacecraft shield. The 2022 study measured a 0.84% reduction, while its single flight could not distinguish radiation effects from microgravity. The commercial strain was related to Chernobyl molds, whose melanin may aid radiation response.

Maharashtra MLC polls: Mahayuti leads on 3 seats, MVA ahead in 2 as vote count enters day 2

Mahayuti leads three of five Maharashtra legislative council seats, while opposition MVA is ahead in two as paper-ballot counting continues. BJP leads in Pune teachers’ and Nagpur graduates’ seats, Shiv Sena’s Kiran Sarnaik in Amravati, and NCP (SP) candidates in both graduates’ contests. Turnout ranged from 58.67% to 91.08% among 1.06 million eligible voters statewide.

Sea waves hit roads, trees uprooted as Cyclone Arnab landfall process brings heavy rain

Cyclone Arnab began making landfall along Andhra Pradesh and Yanam early Wednesday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas, while flooding stranded four people in Kakinada before police rescued them. Authorities evacuated vulnerable residents and deployed shelters, medical teams and transport, as railways and airlines cancelled services and schools closed in Odisha and Jharkhand.

Tribals withdraw march to Maharashtra secretariat after CM assures action on demands

Nearly 49,000 tribal protesters called off their march toward Mumbai’s secretariat after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered time-bound action on demands including education, forest rights, rehabilitation, water and Aadhaar registration. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presented government resolutions in Thane, prompting the withdrawal. Led by Shramjeevi Sanghatana, the march began in Bhiwandi, with participants from four districts.

Donald Trump may love the Middle East to death

Trump’s war on Iran threatens the Gulf’s trade-driven future, as attacks on shipping, airports and data centres risk driving investors away and undermining its connectivity-based prosperity. Gulf leaders want Iran integrated into global trade, not destabilised in ways that strengthen hardliners. Before the conflict, Trump praised their modernisation, though his nationalism clashes with peaceful commerce.

Polling underway for phase 2 of Rajasthan panchayat polls, faulty EVMs delay start at few booths

Voting began Wednesday across 22 Rajasthan districts in the second phase of panchayati raj elections, covering 352 zila parishad and 2,197 panchayat samiti wards, with polling open until 6 pm. EVM malfunctions delayed voting at some booths, but polling resumed after replacements. Each voter casts two ballots; the four-phase election continues November 3 and 14.

Start your day with less stress: Yoga poses, breathing exercises and morning habits that can help

An intentional morning routine can promote calm and readiness, Akshar advises, starting with gratitude before getting out of bed and resisting phone scrolling. Gentle stretches and Cat-Cow movements wake the body, while Bhrामari breathing and meditation may aid concentration. He recommends sipping water, eating without screens, and focusing on a task at a time.

Internet claims rubbing ice on face gives glowing skin: Dermatologist says it does not shrink pores

Rubbing ice does not shrink pores permanently, dermatologist Swetha Sridhar says; cold may briefly reduce puffiness, but the effect fades. Use cloth-wrapped ice briefly; prolonged exposure can irritate or injure skin, especially with rosacea or sensitivity. Genetics, oil, age and sun damage shape pore visibility; cleansing, salicylic acid, retinoids and sunscreen are better long-term care.

Jio Platforms opens on BSE, NSE over 21% higher with IPO debut at ₹1,357

Jio Platforms made a strong Dalal Street debut Wednesday, opening at ₹1,357, more than 21% above its ₹1,119 issue price. At the Mumbai listing ceremony, Anant Ambani thanked investors, while Akash Ambani said Jio had expanded connectivity and educational access nationwide. The debut came as the Nifty 50 and Sensex fell 0.32% and 0.47%, respectively.

Tarot Horoscope Today for October 28, 2026

Today’s tarot readings encourage all 12 zodiac signs to seek emotional balance, make thoughtful choices and pursue steady progress, while remaining open to connection, creativity and teamwork and knowing when to rest, avoid conflict or release disappointment. Each sign receives tailored advice, a lucky colour, a simple ritual and a crystal combination. The guidance is from certified tarot reader and crystal healer Kishori Sud.

Cyclone Arnab landfall process on, JIO IPO debuts today and more | Top News

Cyclone Arnab began making landfall on Andhra Pradesh’s coast Wednesday, bringing 125–135 kmph winds, heavy rain and storm-surge warnings near Kakinada and Yanam. Meanwhile, Jio Platforms prepared for its market debut amid falling Indian shares; India invited Pakistan to an SCO forum, Netanyahu narrowly led Israel’s exit polls, and Diljit Dosanjh’s Delhi concert received enhanced security.

The options before Israel: A Netanyahu-Eisenkot deal, a minority government or no new government

Israel’s election ended in a deadlock, with exit polls showing neither Benjamin Netanyahu nor Gadi Eisenkot has the 61 seats needed to govern, while Arab-led parties’ support is pivotal. Eisenkot could seek a minority government with their backing; Netanyahu rejects cooperation, and a unity deal would require him to drop far-right allies. If talks fail, Netanyahu stays caretaker until another election.

What’s the difference between green, yellow and red capsicums? It’s more than what you see

Capsicum colour signals ripeness, flavour and nutrition: red peppers are sweetest and richest in beta-carotene and vitamin C, while green ones are firmer, more bitter and cheapest; yellow and orange fall between. All colours provide fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants, and eating a mix raw and cooked offers varied benefits. Botanically berries, capsicums turn from green as they ripen.

Sara Ali Khan talks about nepotism, says she had no father ‘begging people to take me in films'

Sara Ali Khan says her family opened doors and brought recognition, but the nepotism debate often overshadows her effort and leaves her facing a high bar. In Filmfare, she called the advantage double-edged, saying she handled career challenges without her father negotiating roles. Daughter of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, she debuted in *Kedarnath* (2018).

Inside China's Shanghai Grand Opera House with unique staircase that looks like a giant folding fan

Snøhetta’s Shanghai Grand Opera House opened October 17, 2026, as an accessible riverside park and performing-arts venue, its fluid design inspired by the Huangpu River. The 1.6-million-square-foot complex contains three auditoriums seating 4,200 and a double-helix staircase leading to rooftop views. Interiors shift from plazas to intimate spaces after a decade of design and construction.

Dwayne Johnson under fire from Taylor Swift fans over Instagram like on video attacking her music

Johnson faces backlash from Swift fans after his verified Instagram account appeared to like a video attacking her singing, dancing and songwriting, though it is unclear whether the interaction was intentional. Fans were surprised because he has previously praised Swift, appeared in her “The Man” video and supported her music; neither Johnson nor his representatives have commented.

UP: Man pronounces triple talaq over phone after demanding dowry, six booked

Police in Ballia registered an FIR against a man and five relatives after a woman alleged her husband pronounced triple talaq over the phone while pressuring her for dowry, and that his family abused, assaulted and expelled her and her minor daughter. Police are investigating the case. The Supreme Court declared triple talaq unconstitutional in 2017.

Delhi’s air quality remains ‘poor’; minimum temperature recorded at 15.7°C

Delhi’s air quality remained “poor” Wednesday, with an AQI of 230 at 8am and a minimum temperature of 15.7°C, 0.4°C below normal. Jahangirpuri and Vivek Vihar reached “very poor” levels, while PM2.5 dominated readings at most stations. NASA detected 767 farm fires in Punjab and Haryana through October 27, though later burning may make the counts incomplete.

13 captured, hunt for four others underway after Tamil Nadu jailbreak

Police have recaptured 13 of 17 convicts who escaped Theni jail in Tamil Nadu, while a manhunt continues for four prisoners. Seventeen teams led operations after inmates allegedly overpowered guards, using one prisoner’s feigned epileptic seizure as a ruse. Nine prison staff, including two wardens, were suspended; the jail opened in 2019 and holds 200 prisoners.

The seat arithmetic and the steps that will decide who forms Israel’s next government

Israel’s election left neither bloc with the 61 seats needed to govern: polls gave Netanyahu’s camp 50–52 and Eisenkot’s 49–53, while Arab-led parties may hold the balance. Official results are due November 4; President Isaac Herzog will then ask a nominee to form a coalition within 42 days. Its proportional electoral system has produced coalition stalemates.

Monterey County Jail on lockdown as ICE agents launch targeted operation, protesters gather outside

An ICE operation at a Salinas jail prompted protests and a lockdown, as officials suspended bookings and inmate releases and barred public visitors. ICE did not identify its targets, and it remained unclear whether anyone was arrested. The sheriff’s office said precautions were temporary and for safety; county policy bars releases where ICE is present.

CJI Surya Kant widens case allocation across Supreme Court benches in new roster

The Supreme Court’s revised roster, effective October 26, broadens the mix of subjects assigned to benches and expands habeas corpus and preventive-detention cases from four benches to eight, while redistributing commercial, tax, education, environmental, family and civil matters. Justice Sandeep Mehta also joins the roster. Separate arrangements prioritize the oldest service, civil and criminal cases.

Mandate for 2028, says HD Kumaraswamy after BJP-JD(S) alliance wins 4 MLC seats

The BJP–JD(S) alliance swept Karnataka’s four Legislative Council seats for teachers and graduates, dealing the ruling Congress a major setback, though the results do not alter the council’s overall balance. JD(S) captured Bengaluru Teachers, while BJP retained North-East Teachers and won both graduate constituencies. The sweep validates their seat-sharing pact; Congress remains largest, with 38 of 75 seats.

Gal Gadot sends strong message after voting in Israel, calls on citizens to choose change

Gal Gadot urged Israelis to vote for change after casting her ballot Tuesday, as turnout surged in an election focused on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s tenure. Though she did not name a candidate, the *Wonder Woman* star said she was voting for change and called voting a democratic right. Her appeal followed her Bar-Ilan University doctorate.

Jio Platforms shares in focus as IPO debuts today; Sensex drops 618 points

Indian benchmarks opened lower Wednesday, with Sensex down 0.84% to 72,980.83 and Nifty off 0.72% to 22,585.75, as investors focused on Reliance-backed Jio Platforms’ debut and awaited the US Federal Reserve decision. Elevated crude and global cues added caution. Asian markets rose, while Wall Street gained Tuesday. The previous session ended nearly flat amid profit-taking.

Woman leans out of boat to pet shark in US, predator thrashes and lunges | Watch

A viral video from a shark-tagging trip off Tybee Island, Georgia, shows a shark lunging at veteran Jen after she reaches from a boat to touch it; she was unharmed. The shark was not tagged because the crew had no safe shot and would not risk safety. The trip supports veterans and research tracking shark movements.

Worker dies after heavy paper roll falls on him at Delhi factory

A 27-year-old worker, Neeraj, died in Delhi’s Narela on Monday after a heavy paper roll fell on him while he loaded rolls into a vehicle at a factory. He was declared dead on arrival at hospital. Police registered a negligence case against the company owner under BNS Section 106 and are checking loading precautions.

Ramlila Maidan Congress rally: Roads to be barricaded, contingency plan in place for evacuations

Delhi Police will heavily secure Ramlila Maidan for the Congress-led Opposition rally on November 1, preventing marches into restricted areas and preparing emergency evacuation for leaders including Rahul Gandhi. 3,000 police and 10,000 paramilitary personnel will manage 40,000–50,000 attendees protesting alleged voter deletions and election irregularities; Jantar Mantar is no longer a designated protest site.

Diljit Dosanjh’s October 30 Delhi concert to have 2,000 guards, vehicle curbs amid security concerns

Diljit Dosanjh’s October 30 Delhi concert will launch his Aura India Tour as planned, after police cleared it following security discussions. Organisers are expected to deploy 1,500–2,000 private guards, up from 400 proposed, alongside extra parking, cab coordination and a planned 500–700-metre vehicle-restricted zone around Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Police initially cited threat inputs and festive-season commitments.