UK considers to launch new investor visa to attract wealthy foreigners and boost economic growth

Britain is considering a new investor visa to attract foreign capital and boost growth ahead of October’s budget, though no decision has been confirmed and key rules remain unsettled. Proposals include investments of £2.5 million to £5 million, with differing tax terms. The previous route was scrapped in 2022 amid money-laundering concerns and public scrutiny.

David Bedingham stresses the importance of Kagiso Rabada’s return for the second Test

Kagiso Rabada is set to return for South Africa’s second Test against Australia in Gqeberha on Sunday, a major boost as the hosts trail 1-0 after a 214-run Durban defeat. David Bedingham praised the paceman’s sharpness, recalling his nine-wicket haul in last year’s World Test Championship final. Aiden Markram’s availability remains uncertain, while Rabada averages 21.39 against Australia.

US lawmakers write to Marco Rubio over Delhi detentions as India rejects ‘interference’

Six US lawmakers, including Pramila Jayapal, urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to press India on alleged repression, wrongful detentions and excessive force during student protests, seeking investigations and release of people detained for peaceful assembly. Their letter cited surveillance on US soil and questioned electoral-roll revisions; New Delhi had dismissed Jayapal’s earlier criticism as interference.

Yo Yo Honey Singh appears before Maharashtra Cyber Cell after skipping earlier summons

Honey Singh appeared before Maharashtra Cyber Cell Friday, spending two hours recording a statement over allegedly objectionable concert remarks. The probe followed a complaint over lines he sang at a March 1, 2025, performance; he had missed summonses. A court called the song vulgar and derogatory; a plea sought its online removal to protect children.

For 35 years, Dolly Parton's Dollywood cared for bald eagles; now a storm has changed that for good

After an April storm damaged Dollywood’s Eagle Mountain Sanctuary and released three bald eagles, non-releasable birds will permanently move to the American Eagle Foundation’s 50-acre Kodak campus, consolidating care, conservation and education. The move ends a 35-year sanctuary partnership, although Dollywood will continue its Birds of Prey program. Opened in 1991, the sanctuary introduced millions to eagles.

Planning a Diwali party at home? Party speakers with powerful bass, lights, and long battery life

Seven party speakers from Sony, JBL, boAt and Zebronics give Diwali hosts options for portable, battery-powered sound or powerful, mains-connected entertainment. Karaoke microphones, guitar inputs, lighting, varied playback options and splash resistance distinguish models, while output and runtime differ. Buyers should weigh sound, battery life, portability and features against venue and group size when planning festive gatherings.

UP roll revision: 10-form daily cap for party agents, strict action on false claims

Uttar Pradesh’s assembly voter-roll revision begins November 2, as the Election Commission urges recognised parties to appoint booth-level agents, who may submit 10 forms daily; totals above 30 require rechecking. The draft roll appears November 12, objections close December 11, and the final list January 4, 2027. Polling stations will serve up to 1,200 voters.

Cutting across religious barriers: Meerut Muslim family keeps effigy-making for Dussehra alive for 70 years in Shimla

A Muslim family from Meerut continues a decades-old tradition of crafting Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad effigies for Dussehra at Shimla’s Jakhu temple, embodying interfaith cooperation before the October 20 festival. Sohil says his family has worked there for 20 years, welcomed locally, as craftsmen finish effigies and limit firecrackers. The family’s nearly 70-year tradition continues.

Five dead, 12 injured in Bhiwani, Kaithal mishaps

Two people, including 20-year-old NEET aspirant Mohit, were killed and 12 injured when a bus overturned near Prem Nagar, Haryana, Friday evening; passengers said it lost control after the driver accelerated as a student tried getting off. Separately, three men, including two brothers, died when a car struck a tree near Kaithal early Friday; police are investigating crashes.

Haryana: Four booked for burning plastic, PVC wires in Jhajjar field

Jhajjar police booked four people for allegedly burning plastic waste, PVC wires and other material in an open field near the Delhi-Rohtak highway in Mandothi, after flames and smoke were reported. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, and police seized material. The case, filed on a pollution-control board officer’s complaint, cites BNS and environmental laws; investigation continues.

No number plate, no fuel in Ambala

Ambala Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta has barred district petrol pumps from selling petrol, diesel, CNG or other fuel to vehicles without valid number plates, citing public safety. Effective immediately, the order invokes Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Police say criminals use such vehicles for thefts, robberies and shootings, complicating identification.

Sanjauli residents protest over twin-tunnel project

Residents of Sanjauli, Bhatta Kuffar and nearby Shimla areas marched Friday against NHAI, demanding a halt to twin-tunnel construction and review of the revised alignment, which they say has caused building cracks and threatens hillside homes. Protesters say 500 buildings may be affected, 15–20 families report damage, and authorities must explain why the original route changed.

Haryana: Delay in procurement pushing farmers into crisis, says Sampat

INLD leader Sampat Singh said procurement delays, rain damage and below-MSP sales are pushing Haryana farmers into crisis. Of 21 lakh tonnes of paddy reaching mandis, only half has been sold and a third lifted; bajra procurement also trails. Former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda demanded promised ₹3,100-per-quintal paddy buying, alleging irregularities in moisture testing.

Haryana: Six thermal plants failed to comply with biomass co-firing targets, says CPCB

Six coal-fired plants in Delhi-NCR failed 2024-25 biomass co-firing targets and were recommended for environmental compensation, the CPCB told the NGT, supporting CAQM’s enforcement action. A committee found explanations inadequate; three Haryana plants were among six, facing part of a combined ₹61.9-crore penalty. Rules require a minimum 5% crop-residue fuel blend with coal to curb crop burning.

Dharamshala: True success of e-governance lies in uplifting ordinary citizens, says Sukhu

Good governance, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said Friday, depends on e-governance that simplifies life for ordinary citizens, particularly in remote areas, rather than technological complexity. Addressing a national conference in Dharamshala, he called for transparent, accountable, citizen-centred administration, saying digital services deliver schemes to grassroots communities. Officials met to discuss reforms.

Two minors among four drown in Sonepat, Hisar

Four people, including two young brothers and a married couple, drowned in separate incidents in Haryana’s Sonepat and Hisar districts, while a three-year-old boy was rescued and is being treated, police said. The boys drowned in pits dug for a shed and filled by rain; the couple drowned in a water tank. Police are investigating.

HC rejects plea seeking invitation for new deity to Kullu Dussehra

The Himachal Pradesh High Court dismissed Devta Bansheera Maharaj Sidhwan’s petition for an official Kullu Dussehra invitation and facilities, upholding the deputy commissioner’s rejection because the deity lacked required historical recognition. The court said invitations follow longstanding tradition documented in the Wajib-ul-Arz, noting the deity originated in 1990 and does not appear in the record.

Keylong freezes at - 1.7°C, dry weather likely from October 17

Fresh snowfall across Himachal Pradesh’s high altitudes pushed minimum temperatures sharply lower Friday, as Keylong recorded the state’s coldest reading at -1.7°C and Kukumseri -1.2°C. Keylong received 7cm of snow, while rainfall reached 3cm at Kothi. Maximum temperatures were normal, with Una hottest at 32.8°C. The IMD forecasts dry weather October 17–22, followed by gradual warming.

Prayagraj advocate murder: Father-son duo arrested, search on for two absconding history-sheeters

Police arrested land-dispute suspects Devendra Nath Mishra and son Nripendra on Friday, sending them to jail after advocate Satish Chandra Srivastava was allegedly shot dead in Salori. Officers recovered the licensed revolver, adding Arms Act charges, while searches continue for others. The killing followed a long-running property dispute, and relatives and lawyers protested before burial.

Haryana, Sweden ink ₹4,000-cr pacts to boost trade, investment

Haryana signed letters of intent worth ₹4,000 crore with Swedish companies during Nayab Saini’s Sweden visit, targeting investment and jobs. A ₹3,000-crore Gurugram–Stockholm partnership will advance technology, smart-city solutions and urban development, while ₹1,000 crore is planned for retail and warehousing, including logistics infrastructure. Swedish firms pledged opportunities for skilled youth, and a Sikh delegation met Saini at India House.

PRSU set to introduce four new courses including BPEd, MPEd

Prof Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) State University plans to launch four physical education and teacher-training courses next academic session, pending National Council for Teacher Education recognition, with 50 proposed seats each initially. The Board of Studies has approved BPEd, MPEd, integrated BSc-BEd and BA-BEd programmes. Established in 2016, PRSU serves 762 affiliated colleges across four districts.

Haryana: Two murder accused held after police encounter

Two suspects in elderly Hisar resident Santosh Kumari’s suspicious death were arrested after allegedly firing at police near Raipur railway crossing; one was shot in retaliatory fire, while the other fractured his leg falling from their motorcycle. Kumari, who lived alone, was found dead October 8, and police are investigating the men’s alleged involvement.

Dhaks, bells and blessings: Lucknow begins its Durga Puja celebrations

Durga Puja celebrations opened on Shashthi Friday, with devotees performing rituals and seeking Goddess Durga’s blessings for children’s welfare. The Bengali Club began before dawn with Mahishasuramardini recitation, while Ramakrishna Math held worship and devotional programmes. Evening Bodhan marked the Goddess’s awakening, while organizers showcased East Bengal-style décor, zero-waste plans and themed pandals complementing centuries-old rituals.

2 Shimla high-rises: Halt construction work, says high court

Himachal Pradesh High Court ordered an immediate halt to two multi-storey buildings between Boileauganj and Chakkar over alleged unauthorised construction, tree felling and possible official collusion. A court-ordered report documented six- and four-storey structures, an obstructed valley view and four uprooted trees; police must identify suspects and report progress. The case returns November 4, 2026.

Four of family among five killed as car crashes into tree in UP’s Bulandshahr

Five people, including four family members, died and three were seriously injured when a Maruti Eeco crashed into a tree near Ratanpur village in Bulandshahr on Friday. The eight occupants were travelling from Kasganj to pray at Belon Mata temple; officials suspect the driver dozed off. The three injured were referred to Aligarh Medical College.

Punjab CM office graft charges: Ghuman appears before CBI, grilled for 6 hours

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s OSD Rajbir Singh Ghuman appeared before the CBI in Chandigarh Friday for six hours of questioning in a corruption probe, with another appearance set Monday. An interim Supreme Court order protects him from arrest. The CBI alleges cash and property bought influence over decisions and has sought records from Punjab departments.

Himachal seeks ₹3,525 crore for disaster losses from Centre

Himachal Pradesh has sought ₹3,525 crore from the Centre for this monsoon’s disaster losses, after a state assessment and visits by an inter-ministerial team to affected areas. Damage includes homes, infrastructure, power facilities, bridges and public assets. A Supreme Court-empowered committee is examining recurring disasters, tourism pressure and ways to balance Himalayan development with ecological conservation.

Punjab revokes ₹40-crore waiver for Mohali realty project under ED lens

Punjab’s housing department revoked nearly ₹40 crore in concessions to Remigate Buildestates for a Mohali site, reversing a dues waiver amid an ED money-laundering probe. The revisional authority cited defaults and stalled construction, warning further relief risked public revenue. GMDA must calculate dues, and the company has one month to pay. The 1.13-acre food-court plot was auctioned in 2015.

Healing lesson from elite sport: Injuries need work, not full rest

Progressive, carefully increased loading can help tendons, muscles and bones rebuild, challenging the long-held practice of resting injuries, while excessive or sudden strain can cause fresh damage. Evidence includes athlete Murali Sreeshankar’s return after tendon surgery, tennis-elbow outcomes and a bone-strength trial. Cells adapt to strain during recovery, though tendons heal slowly and age-related limits remain.

HC order on panchayat elections brings rural politics back into focus

Allahabad High Court’s October 14 order requires Uttar Pradesh to hold three-tier panchayat elections within three months, potentially forcing January 2027 voting as assembly preparations intensify. Parties reportedly prefer postponement, fearing rural factionalism could hurt assembly prospects, while the government weighs legal options. OBC reservations, census and exams complicate logistics; constitutionally mandated five-yearly polls were last held in 2021.