What girls need to build brighter futures for themselves

Girls need agency, collective support and gender-responsive policies to shape futures beyond child marriage and restrictive norms, argues Neha Parti. Odisha girls imagined childbirth outside the body, while Andhra Pradesh peers created Cycle Sathi for puberty questions, showing how creativity builds confidence. NFHS-5 found underage marriage among 4% of higher-educated girls, versus 48% with no education.

Trump claims his endorsement could result in Netanyahu winning Israel elections

Trump said his endorsement helped Benjamin Netanyahu gain ground in Israel’s election, claiming he could win after exit polls showed a tight race. With over 70% of ballots counted, Netanyahu’s party held a slight lead over Gadi Eisenkot’s bloc. Netanyahu had praised Trump as an ally against Iran amid the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Tehran.

Indian women are online, but not really empowered

India’s digital expansion has not erased gender inequality: only 60.3% of women aged 15–29 own a mobile phone, versus 83.3% of men, with gaps wider in rural areas. Household connectivity does not ensure women’s control, skills, privacy, or benefit. Education gaps, affordability, and patriarchal norms shape this layered divide, limiting women’s economic opportunities and agency.

Manipur: Member of banned outfit arrested with foreign weapons, contraband drugs

Manipur police arrested a suspected Kuki National Front-Military Council (KNF-MC) cadre and seized foreign-made rifles, ammunition and about 1.027 kilograms of brown sugar in Churachandpur district, officials said Tuesday. The 23-year-old was intercepted Monday night at Kingkin village by police, CRPF and Assam Rifles. He disclosed affiliation with the SoO group; authorities registered a case.

Two women workers killed in Kasna hit-and-run; driver arrested

Two women returning from work were killed when a truck struck them as they crossed a road in Greater Noida’s Kasna on Tuesday night; police arrested the driver Wednesday, impounded his vehicle and booked him under the BNS for rash driving and causing death by negligence. Manisha, 45, and Vimlesh, 43, were Badaun natives working at a local factory.

Hardeep Puri nominated for bypoll from MP Rajya Sabha seat vacated by L Murugan

Union minister Hardeep Puri is the BJP’s candidate for the November 12 by-election to the Rajya Sabha seat from Madhya Pradesh, vacated by L Murugan, who resigned. Puri’s Uttar Pradesh term ends in November; the BJP did not renominate him, instead selecting eight candidates. Murugan said he wanted to focus on Tamil Nadu politics.

Govinda reveals how his father's remark led to his mother shaving her head and becoming a Sadhvi

Govinda recalled that his mother, actor and vocalist Nirmala Devi, abandoned cinema and became an ascetic amid poverty and concerns about harassment, saying she wanted her children to grow up. She discouraged him from acting, preferring a bank career, while his father supported his ambitions. Nirmala appeared in films from 1942 to 1951 before pursuing music.

Amish Shah, Indian-American doctor facing Jay Feely in Arizona’s 1st district race

Democrat Amish Shah, an Indian American physician, is challenging Republican Jay Feely for Arizona’s 1st District in the 2026 midterms, prioritizing healthcare, education, immigration and water conservation. He warns AI data centers could strain scarce water, opposes the Iran war and tariffs, and supports abortion rights. Chicago-born, Shah served in Arizona’s House from 2019 to 2024.

Pramila Jayapal, Indian-American seeking sixth term to represent WA’s 7th Congressional District

Seeking a sixth term in 2026, Washington Democrat Pramila Jayapal faces Republican Nirav Sheth, another Indian-born candidate. Her campaign emphasizes immigration reform, Medicare for All and workers’ rights. A former immigrant-rights organizer and the first Indian American woman elected to the House, Jayapal has faced criticism over comments on Israel and India’s electoral rolls.

Karwa Chauth makeup: 8 red beauty products to complete your festive look

An elegant all-red Karwa Chauth look comes together by coordinating shades and balancing bold elements, rather than matching everything exactly. Pair classic red lipstick with gold eyeshadow, kajal, bangles and a bindi, or choose softer blush and shimmer for a gentler finish; deeper lips and glossy nails can make a statement. Match colour undertones where possible, prepare skin carefully and prioritise wellbeing while fasting. Red’s versatility makes it a timeless festive choice.

Farmers protest Punjab Police action over Mansa youth’s death

Farmers’ union activists demonstrated outside police stations in 13 Punjab districts, demanding Mansa police return 35-year-old Daljit Singh’s body after seizing its casket. His family says he died from a drug overdose; police allege murder and have arrested three suspects. The dispute intensified as relatives joined protests seeking justice for slain anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh.

Katrina Kaif says Vicky Kaushal is 100% present with son Vihaan even after 18-hour workdays

Katrina Kaif praised husband Vicky Kaushal as an “amazing” father, saying he stays fully present with her and their son Vihaan despite working up to 18-hour days. She called him an incredible husband for his patience, integrity and family values, while noting parenthood has sidelined romantic dinners and movie nights. The couple welcomed Vihaan in 2025.

7 mindfulness practices to help you stay grounded

Mindfulness may help preserve peace of mind during stress by creating space between emotions and reactions, though it cannot control events. The article recommends pausing before responding, breathing slowly, questioning worst-case thoughts, easing bodily tension, making quiet phone-free moments, and noticing small sources of gratitude. These practices support general well-being but do not replace professional advice.

Manoj Muntashir defends songs of Adipurush amid comparisons to Ramayana: ‘I didn’t write qawwalis'

Manoj Muntashir defended Adipurush’s songs against comparisons with Ramayana Part One’s mixed reception, saying the tracks remain devotional and sung widely. He conceded Adipurush was a bad film with worse dialogue and said he had apologized to Ram devotees for mistakes. The Prabhas-starrer faced controversy over dialogue and portrayals, then flopped despite its ₹550-crore budget.

Uttarakhand CM Dhami inaugurates, lays foundation for 12 projects worth ₹231.91 crore

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday launched or inaugurated 12 projects worth Rs 231.91 crore in Gairsain, Chamoli, covering water, roads, education, healthcare and public safety. Six projects worth Rs 197.87 crore received foundation stones, while six completed works worth Rs 34.04 crore opened. Largest is a Rs 122.69-crore Ramganga dam; the package expands basic infrastructure.

Woman arrested after El Paso traffic stop leads to discovery of 72 exotic animals

Authorities arrested 48-year-old Kelli Pinnock after finding 72 exotic animals in her vehicle during an October 22 traffic stop on Interstate 10; she faces five counts of animal cruelty. Deputies reported overcrowding, waste, inadequate ventilation, food, and water; animals were surrendered to care facilities. Pinnock had traveled through multiple states and faced licensing restrictions.

UP raises minimum wages for workers, steps up push to attract investment

Uttar Pradesh will raise minimum wages by Rs 174.25–238.39 for workers in 74 scheduled employments from October 2026 through March 2027, with rates varying by skill and district. The inflation-based order protects higher existing pay and requires employer compliance. Separately, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said reforms are attracting investment as the state pursues its $1 trillion-economy goal.

Zohran Mamdani deletes ‘Halalflation’ post about NYC food trucks amid backlash from Laura Loomer

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani deleted a post joking about “Halalflation” after activist Laura Loomer accused him of favoring Muslim vendors, though the announced 10,500 permits cover general street vendors, not halal trucks alone. The post reported 1,800 mobile-vending applications mailed that week; the city’s expansion is scheduled to begin next year.

Cyclone Arnab: Naidu writes to Shah, says no loss of life, reports crop damage

Arnab caused no casualties after crossing Andhra Pradesh Wednesday, but estimates show crop damage across 70,900 hectares, about 180 homes damaged and coastal infrastructure affected, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu told the Centre. More than 28,000 people were evacuated while 27 disaster-response teams were deployed across 14 districts, and Naidu requested a central team to assess the provisional losses.

Brazil probes foreign funding, Vance link in Flávio Bolsonaro's presidential campaign

Brazil’s Supreme Court is probing alleged foreign support for Flávio Bolsonaro’s defeated presidential campaign, including possible links to Rockbridge Network, co-founded by US Vice President JD Vance, and advertising involving Polymarket and Meta. The inquiry follows Bolsonaro’s loss to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and flight to the US amid his own money-laundering investigation.

Surrendered Maoist commanders get married in Jharkhand jail, top officials attend

Former Maoist commanders Suresh Singh Munda and Somwari Hembrom married Monday in a ceremony at Hazaribagh Open Jail, Jharkhand, attended by police and district officials. District Marriage Officer Rajesh Ekka registered the union, granting immediate legal status. The couple had surrendered after abandoning Maoist activity, and the state says it supports former rebels’ reintegration into society.

Katrina Kaif shuts down post-pregnancy body shaming, says she'll reach her fittest self at her pace

Katrina Kaif has rejected pressure to “bounce back” after childbirth, saying she will prioritize her health, son Vihaan and recovery on her own timeline. In a Vogue India interview, she condemned postpartum body-shaming after photos of her appearance at a Ganesh Chaturthi event drew criticism, arguing that motherhood is a step forward, not a return to her former self.

Houston lawyer bought mansion listed at $15.5m to demolish it, plans to salvage $4m in materials

A 15,000-square-foot River Oaks mansion bought by Houston attorney Tony Buzbee and wife will be demolished as they expand their estate with an English garden and pool house. They plan to salvage $4 million in materials for Habitat for Humanity. Listed at $15.5 million, the home featured an indoor pool and ornate interiors.

Mukesh Ambani gets teary-eyed during Isha and Anant Ambani's speeches at Jio Platforms listing

Mukesh Ambani wiped away tears as Isha and Anant addressed Jio Platforms’ October 28 IPO debut at NSE. Isha praised her father’s vision, thanked customers and cited Jio’s $15.5 billion revenue and $8 billion in real earnings in 10 years, while honoring twin Akash. Anant called it Jio’s offering to India, echoing Reliance’s 1977 debut.

Nita Ambani in ivory saree with Isha Ambani and Shloka Mehta steals the show at Jio’s IPO listing

The Ambani family attended Jio’s NSE listing in Mumbai on October 28, with Nita, Isha and Shloka drawing attention in traditional looks. Nita wore an ivory saree with blue detailing, Isha chose a vibrant red suit, and Shloka appeared in an embroidered chikankari anarkali. Isha and Anant addressed guests, while Mukesh and Nita lit the diya.

Keralam govt not discontinuing all KIIFB work: CM Satheesan

Kerala CM V D Satheesan rejected LDF claims of stalled KIIFB projects, saying works worth over Rs 31,000 crore would continue. He said KIIFB borrowing worsened the state’s fiscal crisis, halving plan funds over three years, and alleged loan repayments drained the treasury. The Speaker denied debate, prompting a walkout; LDF defended KIIFB’s infrastructure role.

Ontario farmer Blake Vince used buried cotton briefs to compare soil life

Ontario farmer Blake Vince uses strip-tillage and cover crops to build living soil; buried cotton decomposed more in conservation fields than conventionally tilled ones. The “Soil Your Undies” test is a visual demonstration, not a substitute for lab analysis, while research links cover crops with greater microbial activity and resilience. Vince began strip-tilling corn in 2007.

Delhi HC upholds 7-year jail term for five men in 2020 riots case

Delhi High Court upheld five men’s convictions and seven-year terms for Mohsin’s death during the February 2020 riots, finding eyewitness evidence showed them leading an armed mob and urging assault. It said their liability remained established despite prosecutors’ inability to identify who delivered the fatal blow. The men were convicted of culpable homicide and rioting.

‘Never even met him’: Woman in Siddaramaiah ‘sting’ video tells Karnataka cops

A woman featured in a purported sting video targeting Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told police she never met him and made claims at a group’s direction in 2023. Investigators are probing his allegation that the footage was fabricated to blackmail and discredit him, but have not recovered devices needed to identify those responsible; Siddaramaiah filed the complaint.

‘Why were you recording me?’ Bengaluru woman confronts man at metro station, FIR filed

Bengaluru Police filed an FIR after a creator alleged a man secretly filmed her on the Metro; officers are reviewing station CCTV to identify him. She said she confronted him Tuesday near Whitefield-Kadugodi Road, but he denied recording her and left with his phone. She later archived the video and creates travel and lifestyle content.