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‘Affordability, safety, transparency’: Anna Eskamani, running for Mayor of Orlando, on her vision
Florida lawmaker Anna Eskamani is campaigning for Orlando mayor in 2027, centering her agenda on affordability, safety and transparent government. Proposals include expanding affordable housing and childcare, protecting renters, improving transit and pedestrian safety, preparing for climate threats, and investing in violence prevention and workforce development. The Orlando-born Democrat says representing families informs her priorities.

In 2020, Phoenix tested reflective roads to cool heat-baked neighborhoods
Phoenix’s reflective-pavement pilot cooled roads by 10.5–12°F at midday, yet increased pedestrians’ radiant heat exposure as lighter surfaces reflected sunlight upward, showing cooler pavement does not necessarily make people cooler. Researchers also found cooler subsurface temperatures, little air-temperature change, and no significant sidewalk effect. The 2020 pilot covered eight neighborhoods and informed road maintenance.

Ramayana first reactions: Viewers compares Ranbir Kapoor-Yash's film to Lord of the Rings
Early reactions to Nitesh Tiwari’s *Ramayana* praise its scale, visuals and performances, but criticize the score and muted emotional impact; some also find the second half overlong. Ranbir Kapoor and Yash earn praise, while one viewer says it surpasses *The Lord of the Rings*. The two-part epic’s first instalment releases worldwide in theatres November 5, 2026.

Georgia family paid to put sick Pug down; months later, they found her alive and well on Facebook
Georgia Pug owner Rebecca Belote says a veterinary clinic euthanized four-year-old Cha Cha after an employee secretly took her home. Months later, Belote found her alive on Facebook and alerted the clinic; she alleges the clinic reclaimed and euthanized the dog, while the hospital denies the allegations. Belote filed a veterinary-board complaint. Her family had sought euthanasia because Cha Cha suffered organ failure.

Avengers: Doomsdays' Robert Downey Jr and Chris Evans have a Diwali surprise for Indian Marvel fans
Marvel announced Avengers: Doomsday will open in India on December 17, a day before its US release, as Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans sent Indian fans Diwali wishes. The film will screen in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, and unite returning MCU heroes with newcomers against a threat, under directors Anthony and Joe Russo.

Why coriander wilts so quickly in the refrigerator and how to keep it fresh for longer?
Coriander wilts quickly in refrigerators because its delicate leaves and stems lose moisture rapidly after harvest; circulating air can accelerate dehydration, while excess dampness encourages microbes, yellowing and decay. Remove damaged leaves, keep the bunch dry, wrap in a slightly dry paper towel, and refrigerate in a perforated bag. Without roots, leaves continue transpiring through stomata.

A 2020 study of 157 treated curves in West Virginia, PA, KY found that wet-road crashes fell 83%
High-friction surface treatment (HFST) is emerging as a targeted road-safety strategy: a 2020 FHWA study of 157 curves across three states found wet-road crashes fell 83%, roadway-departure crashes 72%, and total crashes 57%, with significant reductions. It maintained friction under heavy traffic; Pennsylvania research confirmed benefits. HFST targets curves, ramps and intersections where grip matters.

Once an ally of Netanyahu, now seeking to oust him: Naftali Bennett’s return to Israeli politics
Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid’s Together alliance seeks to oust Benjamin Netanyahu in October 2026 and limit prime-ministerial tenure, but trails Netanyahu’s Likud and Gadi Eisenkot’s party in polls. Bennett, a right-wing tech entrepreneur and former Netanyahu aide, previously led a coalition that ended Netanyahu’s 12-year rule in 2021; he served as prime minister until 2022.

Kochi police commissioner transferred over alleged lapses in Mercedes crash probe
Kochi Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar was transferred Wednesday after a report found investigative lapses in a Mercedes-Benz crash involving a 17-year-old; R Nishanthini replaces him. Four officers were suspended, and police criticized for failing to pursue culpable-homicide charges, enabling the teenager’s release. The October 25 crash killed rider Jayabalakrishnan, 55; the accused’s father, a judge, faces charges.

Parineeti dismisses fued rumours with Jennifer Winget, slams those ‘manufacturing controversy'
Parineeti Chopra and Jennifer Winget dismissed feud rumours after videos appeared to show Parineeti blocking Jennifer in a group photo, saying they are friends and “a team.” Winget explained she stepped back because space was limited, while Parineeti said they laughed at the speculation. Their Netflix thriller follows a mother searching for her daughter over nine years.

Zeeshan Siddique appointed NCP's Mumbai unit chief, youngest leader to hold post
The NCP appointed 33-year-old Zeeshan Siddique president of its Mumbai unit, making him the youngest leader to hold the post as the party seeks to attract younger voters. His appointment follows his election as an MLC in May 2026. Son of slain minister Baba Siddique, he joined the NCP in 2024 after losing Bandra East, having earlier become Mumbai’s youngest MLA.

TN: Prisons dept authorises use of firearms to thwart jailbreaks; two more Theni jail inmates nabbed
Tamil Nadu guards may use firearms after 17 inmates escaped Theni District Jail. Police arrested two more fugitives Wednesday, bringing the recaptured total to 15; two remain at large. Armed watchtower surveillance and stricter protocols are being introduced across 125 state prisons. The escapees had staged a medical emergency and overpowered a guard.

Thane man gets 20 years’ jail for sexually assaulting 5-year-old girl
A Thane POCSO court sentenced Aakash Baburao Thorat to 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a five-year-old girl, accepting her testimony and finding the defence failed to show she was tutored. It imposed ₹6,000 in fines for the victim and ordered compensation; the 2019 assault occurred after he lured her to his home in Mumbra.

SC terms cyber crime as digital dacoity, refuses consolidation of cases
The Supreme Court refused to consolidate 35 cybercrime cases against two defendants, calling digital arrests “digital dacoity” and warning that proceedings cannot disrupt investigations or burden victims. The cases span 12 states and allege their company account served as a mule, including in a Rs 1.90-crore fraud targeting an 81-year-old Kerala resident; the defendants withdrew their plea.

Exclusive| Dia Mirza: I have never charged money for any public service campaigns. No idea who has
Bombay High Court urged celebrities to support Maharashtra’s anti-firecracker campaign, warning the state against wasting public funds to hire them after learning no Bollywood actor had volunteered. Dia Mirza said she has never charged for public-service work, noted celebrities face attacks for opposing crackers, and cited her decade-long air-quality advocacy, blaming poor coordination among government agencies.

In 2007, Pennsylvania coated an 800-foot crash-prone curve with high-friction surfacing
PennDOT’s 2007 high-friction treatment on 800 feet of Route 611’s dangerous curve was followed by eight years without wet-road crashes, overcoming a problem conventional signs and markings had not addressed. Calcined-bauxite aggregate and epoxy raised skid numbers from 24 to about 75; unable to rebuild because of right-of-way limits, PennDOT later expanded the treatment statewide.

Trump hints at upcoming meeting with Putin, Zelensky amid Ukraine peace push
Trump said a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would be arranged soon, but gave no date or details, adding progress might not require a summit. In its fifth year, the conflict remains deadlocked and negotiations have failed; Trump had pledged in 2024 to end it within 24 hours.

Ancient Nalanda, AI, interactive displays: Inside CBSE’s new Experience Centre
CBSE has opened a 6,000-square-foot Experience Centre at its New Delhi headquarters, featuring 12 zones and 21 exhibits that take students beyond textbooks to build curiosity, confidence and career awareness. Inaugurated by Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, it combines hands-on science, AI, virtual reality and holograms with career exploration and exam-wellness guidance, reflecting NEP 2020’s emphasis on experiential learning.

Former BIGBANG singer Seungri confirms marriage, wife's pregnancy, years after Burning Sun scandal
Former BIGBANG member Seungri confirmed he is legally married and expects a son in January 2027, denying pregnancy prompted their marriage. He says no wedding ceremony is planned. The news comes amid an assault complaint, in which he denies assault; police have not questioned him or filed charges, years after his Burning Sun-related convictions and 2023 release from prison.

Jharkhand assembly to hold special session in Nov, SIR among issues to be deliberated
Jharkhand’s assembly will hold a two-day special session on November 25–26 to debate the electoral roll Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and amended Mines and Minerals Act, the Cabinet decided. Soren called SIR a concern; the state opposes the law for ending its power to levy cess on mined land and may challenge it in court.

CM Sangma praises ‘pure Meghalaya energy’ of youth as they show off their handmade cosplay costumes
Meghalaya’s cosplay movement is gaining global attention, with Shillong creator Donald Khumlo, known as Zacky D, set to represent India at a competition in Singapore this December. CM Conrad Sangma praised cosplayers’ creativity and craftsmanship after meeting the community. Cosplay portrays characters, and Comic Con helped popularize the practice in India after its 2011 debut.

In 2012, Iowa treated a crash-prone urban bridge with a high-friction surface
High-friction surface treatment on I-380’s Cedar River bridge cut reported crashes from more than 54 in four years before installation to four the following year, including one injury crash, as skid resistance rose from the 30s and 40s to above 90. The $494,000 project targeted wet-weather danger, though research cautions overlays cannot explain every reduction.

Rajnath Singh, US War Secretary Hegseth review progress of 10-year defence pact
India and the United States reviewed their 10-year defence framework, focusing on technology, information sharing and co-production, as ministers Rajnath Singh and Pete Hegseth met in Cebu. They discussed Indo-Pacific security and ways to deepen cooperation. Signed last October, the pact builds on longstanding defence ties and earlier agreements enabling logistics, interoperability and technology sharing.

More Chhath ghats to be set up this year, says Delhi CM Gupta; announces public holiday on Nov 16
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ordered preparations for Chhath Puja, including safer, cleaner ghats and a public holiday November 16. More than 1,400 ghats are planned, up from 1,326 last year, with arrangements due by November 6. Officials must provide tents, toilets, lighting, security, traffic management and round-the-clock sanitation for the festival, running November 13–16.

Chest Physiotherapy: When Do Seniors Require Respiratory Support?
Clinician-guided chest physiotherapy can help some seniors clear mucus and breathe more comfortably after illness, surgery or inactivity, but it is not for everyone or a substitute for medical care. Assessment tailors techniques to individual needs; sudden severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion or blue lips require emergency attention. Age and disease can impair breathing.

Delhi NCR-Based Deemed-to-be University Strengthens Academic Excellence Through AI, Research and
JIIT is expanding education and research through specialised programmes, laboratories, industry partnerships and startup support, reporting 7,542 publications, 90 funded projects and recruitment visits from 494-plus companies for its 2026 graduating class. Facilities include a supercomputer and labs for AI, cybersecurity, robotics and quantum computing. Founded in 2001, JIIT’s profile is paid content; readers should verify claims.

ADA scientist jumps to death in Bengaluru, family alleges workplace pressure
A 47-year-old Aeronautical Development Agency scientist died after jumping from an apartment’s fourth floor in Bengaluru on October 21, as police investigate his family’s claim that work pressure harmed his mental health. Family said he received depression treatment and attended NIMHANS; ADA said it knew of no workplace difficulties. He was involved in the LCA Mk2 programme.

Assassination, suicide bombings and a less than 1% margin: Netanyahu's first PM win in 1996
Benjamin Netanyahu first became Israel’s prime minister in 1996, defeating Shimon Peres with 50.4% to 49.5% in Israel’s first direct election for the post. Suicide bombings shifted voters’ focus to security, undermining Peres’s peace-process campaign, while Netanyahu promised a tougher approach. The contest also followed Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination and unfolded amid regional conflict in Lebanon.

Elnaaz Norouzi on Hollywood vs Bollywood: There is more diversity in the West than Indian cinema
Elnaaz Norouzi says India’s film industry is harder to navigate than Hollywood, citing limited diversity and stereotyped roles for foreign-looking actors, while welcoming recognition for *The Fix*, co-starring Liam Neeson and Zachary Levi. She says stars worldwide are equally humble and learned from Neeson’s ease on set. Norouzi debuted in Hollywood with 2023’s *Kandahar*.

‘Calculated act’: SIT in Gurugram road rage case finds accused Baisla intentionally hit Sia
An SIT has concluded Kalyan Baisla intentionally rammed biker Shivani Chauhan’s motorcycle in Gurugram on September 13, calling the collision calculated, not accidental; prosecutors are expected to retain FIR charges, including attempted murder. Chauhan had sought distance as he pursued her; Baisla and cousin Lavnish were both arrested two days later and remain in custody.


