Google Doodles began as an ‘out-of-office’ message: Here's the surprising story behind them

Google’s first Doodle began as an “out of office” message: in August 1998, Larry Page and Sergey Brin replaced the logo’s “O” with Burning Man’s symbol to signal festival attendance, days before Google’s incorporation. The notice grew into a tradition, with more than 5,000 designs celebrating people, events and cultures through illustrations, animations and games.

Pune may face weekly water cuts as PMC plans 10% cut

Pune may face weekly water cuts by late October as the civic body considers a 10% reduction, about 166–168 MLD, following Water Resources Department orders; approval rests with the municipal commissioner. Conservation is needed to preserve stocks through August 31 next year, while Pune receives 1,660–1,680 MLD daily and could adopt weekly or rotational shutdowns.

Pune Passport Office clears 1,360 grievances through 14 open houses

Pune’s RPO has resolved 1,360 passport-related grievances through 14 open houses since 2025, including 896 cases in 2026. Its latest session settled 84 cases and guided applicants on pending applications, documentation and procedures, after inviting more than 300 people. It urges early applications, complete paperwork and use of official grievance channels; the office serves 12 districts amid demand.

Drishyam 3 box office collection day 8: Ajay Devgn film crosses ₹257 crore

Drishyam 3 collected ₹11.73 crore on day eight, taking its India net total to ₹257.23 crore despite an expected Monday drop. Its ₹245.50-crore opening week has carried the Ajay Devgn film past Drishyam 2’s ₹239.67-crore lifetime haul, with Tanhaji’s ₹279.59 crore now in sight. The thriller reunites Devgn as Vijay Salgaonkar under director Abhishek Pathak.

45 Delhi metro stations to remain affected as DMRC revises order after SC rap

After the Supreme Court rebuked blanket transport curbs ahead of CJP’s Saturday protests, DMRC revised plans to close 57 Delhi Metro stations, as judges said authorities could regulate services but not halt them, protecting residents’ mobility. Railways cancelled trains October 10, citing congestion, including Rajdhani Express routes; DMRC had earlier announced closures from 9pm October 9.

Election Commission caps Form 7 applications to 10 per elector during claims-and-objections period

The Election Commission capped electors at 10 Form 7 objections during claims-and-objections periods and five monthly during continuous roll updates, covering online and offline filings, to curb bulk submissions on unsubstantiated grounds that burden voters and staff. Electoral officers must reject incomplete forms, verify applicants, hear both sides and penalize false complaints, amid reported misuse across several states.

Manikanta wins 100m, making a return from injury

Manikanta Hoblidhar won the men’s 100m in 10.25 seconds at the National Open Athletics Championships on Friday, making a strong return after a hamstring injury sidelined him last season. Lalu Prasad Bhoi took silver in 10.43 and Laukik Melge bronze in 10.45. Still rebuilding fitness, Hoblidhar had previously set national records before teammates lowered the mark.

Cash, ash and ‘pink hands’: How Uttar Pradesh lekhpal was nailed in bribery case

A Lalitpur lekhpal was arrested Thursday after allegedly taking ₹15,000 of a farmer’s ₹20,000 bribe, then burning it and flushing its ashes as anti-corruption officers arrived; they broke into his home and recovered fragments, while a test indicated contact with marked notes. Manoj said Tiwari demanded payment to retain his land, citing a pending application.

Sonam Wangchuk backs CJP stir in Delhi, but says he can't attend: 'Hope we won't let Bapu down'

Activist Sonam Wangchuk said Friday he will not join the CJP’s October 10 protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, citing winter preparations. His decision leaves him out of the planned demonstration in the capital. No further details were provided about his preparations or the protest, which is scheduled to take place at the central Delhi venue.

Sanju Samson breaks free in Ranchi to end lean patch with 41-ball 82

Sanju Samson ended his lean run, smashing 82 off 41 balls to power India to 249/5 against West Indies in Ranchi. After an early reprieve, he reached a 21-ball fifty and shared a 97-run stand with Ishan Kishan. Samson said T20 demands fearless intent; his previous four scores were 9, 7, 2 and 11.

From manifesting gold to scripting historic reality, the Kumkum way

Seventeen-year-old Kumkum Mohod became India’s first Asian Games individual recurve champion, defeating two Koreans and a Chinese before beating Oh Yejin in a shoot-off. Inspired by Dhiraj Bommadevara, she credits visualization and composure; after helping India win women’s team gold, she is already focused on improving and pursuing her ultimate goal: the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

In 20-year industrial dispute, HC spares word for ‘iconic soaps’ with unique place in history

Bombay High Court fixed compensation at ₹5.67 lakh for each of 85 workers contesting the 2004 closure of Tata Oil Mills’ Sewree factory, where iconic Hamam and Moti soaps were once made. Justice Sandeep Marne said workers failed to prove production continued there; records showed the site was inactive and unsafe. Most colleagues had accepted voluntary retirement.

Supreme Court seeks Centre, states’ response on deaths of 32 tribal children in MP

The Supreme Court called about 32 deaths among Baiga tribal children in Madhya Pradesh’s Balaghat “most unfortunate” and sought government responses on compensation and urgent protections for survivors facing malnutrition and unsafe water. A petition alleges ignored warnings and inadequate healthcare, nutrition and immunisation, with measles-rubella killing vulnerable children; the isolated community lives far from effective medical care.

Ajmer businessman robbed of ₹3 crore jewellery by group posed as fake IT officials, six held: Police

Six people were arrested within three hours of a daylight robbery in Ajmer, where a gang posing as Income Tax officials allegedly stole jewellery worth ₹3 crore from a home. Suspects used fake IDs and threatened family members. Police say the robbery was planned over a month; one suspect had worked there, and investigations continue to recover the valuables.

Mike Ditka called himself Trump's 'biggest fan' but once turned down his RNC invite

Hall of Fame coach Mike Ditka has died at 86, his family announced Friday, October 9, 2026, without disclosing a cause; they remembered him as a husband, father, grandfather and friend. Best known for leading the Bears to a Super Bowl title, Ditka called himself Donald Trump’s “biggest fan,” yet declined Trump’s 2016 Republican convention invitation.

Karnataka SIR gets 1.1 lakh Form 7 objections amid SIR voter list controversy

Karnataka received 110,654 Form 7 objections seeking voter-list additions or deletions, as officials face an October 22 deadline to resolve claims and October 27 to publish the final roll. Amid bulk-filing allegations and police cases against BJP workers, state BJP chief BY Vijayendra calls the cases intimidation and says objections concern deceased or duplicate voters.

TMC worker held, CPI(M) leader cannot blame Hindus for vandalism, says CM Adhikari

West Bengal’s Suvendu Adhikari said a Trinamool Congress worker was arrested over vandalism at CPI(M) leader Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya’s home, warning Bhattacharya could face action unless he removed a post blaming Hindutva groups. Two complaints were filed against Bhattacharya; he said attackers hurled liquor bottles. Mamata Banerjee backed him, while the suspect’s political ties remain disputed.

Front-load or top-load washing machine? 7 differences to know before you buy

Front-load machines use less water and offer gentler fabric care, while top-load models allow loading from above and may suit households seeking access; neither is universally better, as performance and costs vary. Compare capacity, energy ratings, programmes and price with your needs, and check space, maintenance and water pressure: front-loaders open at the front, top-loaders from above.

Inside Oppn’s 4-point memo to President Murmu: What Rahul Gandhi, Kharge demanded

The INDIA bloc urged President Droupadi Murmu to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, halt roll revision, restore voters, reinstate paper ballots and review elections, alleging “vote chori.” Rahul Gandhi said it would submit evidence to the Supreme Court and accused Modi, Amit Shah and Kumar of undermining democracy; the Election Commission says actions follow law.

Kamal Haasan reacts to Elon Musk's tweets: ‘India is a democracy, not a colony’

Actor and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan rebuked Elon Musk’s claim that oligarchs are blocking Starlink, saying no billionaire should dictate policy and India will decide its own future. He backed competition but stressed affordability and non-negotiable security safeguards, accusing Western critics of double standards. Starlink has a licence but awaits security clearance and spectrum assignment.

Riffs and resistance: Sanjoy Narayan on how jazz speaks up

Jazz has long been an overlooked form of American protest, showing resistance needs no lyrics: instrumental phrasing, dissonance and vocal experimentation can bear witness as forcefully as words. John Coltrane’s “Alabama,” inspired by Birmingham’s church bombing, exemplifies this tradition, alongside works by Holiday, Ellington, Mingus, Simone, Roach, Davis and Washington. Jazz’s roots span a century of Black liberation struggles.

Delhi Police issue traffic advisory ahead of CJP protest tomorrow: Check affected routes

Delhi Traffic Police warned diversions may begin at 6 am on October 10 for the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar, with traffic possibly affected at intersections across Delhi. Restrictions depend on conditions. Commuters should plan and allow extra travel time. The advisory names 30 locations, including Connaught Place, Dhaula Kuan, Lodhi Road and Mandi House.

‘Nothing can stop youth’: Chirag Paswan on curbs ahead of protests in Delhi tomorrow

Union minister Chirag Paswan said nothing could stop India’s youth from reaching Delhi for October 10 protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged voter-roll irregularities. Authorities tightened security, closed 57 Metro stations, and cancelled or altered trains. Organisers allege voter exclusions during the Special Intensive Revision; police denied permission for Jantar Mantar protests.

Yogi, others pay tribute to Kanshi Ram on death anniversary

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and party leaders paid tribute to BSP founder Kanshi Ram Friday on his 20th death anniversary, praising his fight for justice and inclusion. Deputy Chief Ministers Maurya and Pathak, the Samajwadi Party and Congress remembered him. Born in 1934, he founded the BSP in 1984 and died in 2006.

Floating fury in Faizullaganj: Residents allege ‘relief gaps’

Flood-hit Millat Nagar residents protested on boats with “mayor missing” placards, alleging uneven relief distribution left families without essentials. Women at a relief centre claimed boats served only accessible areas. Officials maintained supplies were adequate, alleging some recipients stockpiled them; MLA Neeraj Bora said teams sought to ensure no one was excluded as flooding continued.

Can wearing a black bra or sleeping in one cause breast cancer? Surgeon debunks common myths

Black, tight or underwired bras, ill-fitting bras and sleeping in a bra have not been shown to cause breast cancer, says surgeon Dr Rohan Khandelwal; they may cause discomfort but are not established risk factors. Watch for new lumps, breast, skin or nipple changes, or persistent swelling, and consult a doctor. October’s awareness campaign prioritizes early detection.

Gurugram dengue tally rises to 70 with 2 fresh cases, Haryana tally crosses 500

Gurugram’s dengue tally rose to 70 Friday after two new cases, surpassing the 64 recorded throughout 2025 and topping Haryana districts earlier this week, with no deaths this year. The department collected 13,797 samples overall, while Haryana recorded 503 cases by October 4, up from 318 on September 14. Monsoon rains leave stagnant water, creating mosquito-breeding sites.

Mike Ditka, legendary Chicago Bears coach, dies at 86

Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka has died at 86, his family announced Friday, remembering him as the heart of their family and a husband, father, grandfather and friend. His cause of death was not disclosed. The Hall of Fame coach led Chicago to its Super Bowl XX title and weathered heart trouble, a stroke and hip surgeries.

Akhilesh Yadav reiterates focus on 2027 victory, alleges unfair compensation in Ayodhya

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said the party’s 2027 Uttar Pradesh strategy would prioritize victory over seat numbers, expressing confidence in another BJP defeat. He reaffirmed the PDA coalition and criticized the government over Ayodhya land compensation and Purvanchal Expressway conditions. Yadav spoke during a Ballia visit to honour former minister Ram Govind Chaudhary.

Eight BJP, two SP candidates from Uttar Pradesh elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha

All 10 Uttar Pradesh candidates—eight BJP and two Samajwadi Party nominees—were elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha Friday, ending speculation over a contest for the final seat. Winners include minister Dharampal Singh and SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav. The result comes as 10 members’ terms expire November 25, ahead of the 2027 assembly polls.