On talking terms: Charles Assisi writes on friendships that are revived just once a year

During Diwali, people reconnect with friends and promise, “Let’s meet after the festival,” sincerely yet without making plans. Psychologists call such courtesies “ostensible invitations”: speakers understand them as gestures, not commitments. We assume next week offers more time, but the ritual’s purpose may be preserving friendship’s closeness and avoiding discovery of how much has changed.

Running on fumes?: Lessons on burnout from the Middle Ages

Medieval thinkers understood burnout as a common struggle, not a modern affliction, linking it to obsession and excessive self-improvement; they advised patience, self-awareness and returning to life’s simpler sources of meaning. Historian Peter Jones says setbacks are inevitable, and recovery requires accepting imperfection. Medieval writings describe exhaustion and despair, including a nun unable to sing.

Dry weather likely across Bengal on Kali Puja, rain expected in parts from Nov 9

West Bengal, including Kolkata, should stay dry for Sunday’s Kali Puja and Diwali, the IMD said, although rain may arrive from November 9. Southern districts face thunderstorms and lightning November 10, while northern areas may see rain November 10–11; isolated warnings apply in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong. Dry conditions return November 12–13, with temperatures rising gradually.

Crislan's strike sends Gokulam Kerala on top with win over Rajasthan United

Crislan da Silva’s 68th-minute strike earned Gokulam Kerala FC a 1-0 win over 10-man Rajasthan United FC, lifting the champions to the Indian Football League summit with six points from two matches. Rajasthan remain bottom after Novin’s late red card, while goalkeeper Shibin Raj denied two efforts. Gokulam next play in Dimapur on November 14.

PM Modi’s Diwali message, firecracker colours decoded, IAF's historic landing | Top News

Delhi’s Diwali fireworks can spike airborne metals: despite the barium ban, levels reached 190 times pre-festival readings, while strontium rose 145-fold in 2019. An IAF transport aircraft made a world-record landing at Ladakh’s 13,629-foot airbase, and India went 2-0 up in a rain-hit ODI. An executive was killed over parking; Modi sent greetings as experts debated movie violence.

Stranger Things gets a new prequel series Other Worlds, set in 1955 and arriving on Netflix in 2028

Netflix is expanding the Stranger Things universe with Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure, a prequel premiering in 2028, announced on Stranger Things Day. Set in 1955 Marion, Nevada, it explores events before Henry Creel encounters a power-granting substance. Kate Trefry is showrunner, Joe Wright directs three episodes, and filming is planned in New Mexico.

Diwali burn first aid: Surgeon shares the 20-minute rule, mistakes to avoid and why you should avoid

After burns, cool skin under running tap water for 20 minutes, remove nearby jewellery, and cover loosely with a clean dressing. Avoid ice, toothpaste, butter, oils and creams; leave blisters intact. Seek prompt care for severe, electrical or chemical burns, sensitive-area injuries, or breathing problems. Diwali fireworks, candles and diyas make burn first aid essential.

Mary Peltola campaign sues Alaska to get records on rejected absentee ballots

Peltola’s campaign sued election officials Friday for access to records identifying rejected absentee ballots, as she and Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan are separated by about 600 votes. The campaign says delayed access impedes oversight; officials call records confidential and warn disclosure could slow counting. Alaska will continue accepting ballots through November 18, prolonging the count.

Argentina launches public recruitment for spies, receives over 40,000 applications in one day

Argentina’s intelligence agency SIDE received over 40,000 applications within 24 hours of launching its first public recruitment drive, despite warning candidates of extreme demands, irregular hours and real risks. Open to citizens with secondary education, it seeks specialists in analysis, cyber, languages and operations; screening and training do not guarantee employment. Its visibility drew criticism.

15-year-old boy kills father, 58, after being scolded over fight with sister in Loni: Police

A 15-year-old was taken into custody after allegedly killing his 58-year-old father with a sickle at their Loni home early Saturday, police said. Police said the attack followed a dispute after the boy fought with his sister and was scolded and slapped. Relatives restrained him; his father died in hospital, and police recovered the weapon.

Houthis say 22 killed in Saudi strikes on Yemen's Sanaa province

Houthi media said Saudi airstrikes killed 22 people, mostly women and children, in Yemen’s Sanaa province on Saturday, with 30 wounded, as rescue work continued and a second strike reportedly hit paramedics. The UN says renewed fighting has killed over 1,600 and displaced more than 300,000. Saudi Arabia has not commented; conflict resumed in July.

Trump hints at more White House firings after US midterms defeat: ‘You have to make moves’

Donald Trump signaled more administration changes after Republicans’ midterm losses, while voicing confidence in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as Democrats prepare to control congressional chambers. Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has departed and been replaced by Stephen Miller, whose appointment suggests a harder-line direction. Several officials have left; further departures remain uncertain amid mounting scrutiny.

Parking, dog poop dispute between neighbours led to murder of ex-Tech Mahindra exec in Faridabad

A parking dispute in Faridabad’s Sector 21C turned deadly Friday night when neighbour Mohan Sharma allegedly shot Paramjith Dhankhar nine times, firing at least 15 rounds. Sharma has been arrested. The families’ arguments involved vehicle parking and a dog defecating in the parking area. Singapore-based executive Dhankhar was visiting for Diwali and a family wedding.

ISIS module case: Mumbai court sentences doctor to 6 years in jail after he pleads guilty

A Mumbai special NIA court sentenced anaesthesiologist Adnanali Sarkar to six years’ rigorous imprisonment after accepting his guilty plea in a 2023 ISIS conspiracy case, citing national-security concerns and the need for deterrence. Prosecutors alleged he helped radicalise recruits through online groups and shared bomb-making material. Sarkar said he regretted his actions; proceedings continue against co-accused.

Diwali dessert recipes: Try these 3 healthy homemade sweet recipes

Healthier homemade desserts help people limiting sugar or calories enjoy Diwali, chef Harsh Kedia says, sharing three recipes built around mindful ingredient swaps. His treats include monk-fruit-sweetened kesar coconut ladoos and ragi chocolate modaks, alongside baked apple-cinnamon crumble topped with oats, nuts and almond flour. Kedia says such choices retain festive flavours and nostalgia.

He changed his mindset: The making of Ishan Kishan 2.0

Ishan Kishan’s 2026 comeback has made him India’s T20I record-holder for runs in a year, with 1,220 runs, nine scores above 50 and a maiden century. Coach Uttam Mazumdar credits a sharper mindset, rather than technical reinvention, for turning cameos into innings of substance. After his career stalled in 2023, Kishan rebuilt, leading teams to domestic titles.

Names you should know: The Matilda Project is turning the lens on women in science

The Matilda Project, founded by Canadian brothers Shehroze and Shehryar Saharan, restores recognition to over 190 women scientists whose work was overlooked, miscredited or obstructed. Its stories include physicist Chien-Shiung Wu and NASA engineer Christine Darden, among others, and expose bias. Historian Margaret Rossiter coined “the Matilda Effect” in 1993 for science’s sidelining of women.

High fares, longer journeys, delays make special trains less attractive to passengers: Officials

Despite operating 18,000 special festive trips, Indian Railways has not eased pressure on regular trains, where waiting lists exceed limits and bookings show “Regret,” as passengers favor cheaper, faster, more reliable services. Officials say special trains cost up to 30% more, take longer and face delays; the ministry says a Rail Bhawan War Room monitors train operations.

Prestige Group buys 100% stake in Allure Developers for ₹ 524 cr to develop housing project in Noida

Prestige Estates acquired a 100 per cent stake in Allure Developers for Rs 523.76 crore, expanding its Delhi-NCR operations. The November 6, 2026, deal makes Allure a wholly owned subsidiary developing a residential project in Noida’s Sector 150. Prestige’s second-quarter net profit fell 44 per cent to Rs 256.2 crore, from Rs 457.4 crore a year earlier.

Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi’s Ramayana sees growth on Saturday, crosses ₹160 crore

Ramayana, Nitesh Tiwari’s epic adaptation, collected ₹155.47 crore net in India across its first three days, with Saturday’s ₹42.57 crore by 5 p.m. reviving business after a Friday dip; it is targeting ₹200 crore by Sunday. The film opened at ₹64.85 crore, Bollywood’s fourth-biggest debut, then earned ₹48.05 crore Friday. Ranbir Kapoor and Yash lead the cast.

Book of spells: Words from the Harry Potter world that have entered the Muggle lexicon

Harry Potter’s vocabulary has moved beyond the books, offering language for identity, emotion and hope while inspiring customs, music and food. Fans sort themselves into Hogwarts’ nuanced houses; “dementor” names despair, “Patronus” evokes resilience, butterbeer appears on menus, and wizard rock thrives at fan events. Rooted in the seven novels, “Muggle” and “Quidditch” have entered the Oxford English Dictionary.

Hari Boxer, Lawrence Bishnoi gang member wanted in 22 cases, detained in US

Lawrence Bishnoi gang member Harichand Jat, known as Hari Boxer, has been detained in the United States in an operation; efforts are underway to return him to India. Police say he coordinated extortion and weapons supply from abroad and is wanted in 22 Rajasthan cases. He fled India in 2023, and investigators tracked him through countries.

Delhi's markets see festive excitement as shoppers make last-minute Diwali purchases

Delhi’s markets were packed Saturday as shoppers made last-minute Diwali purchases, creating festive scenes and traffic congestion citywide. Mehrauli’s flower market drew crowds for marigolds and roses, while Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar sold clothing, accessories and household goods. Sadar Bazaar and Karol Bagh saw demand for lights, diyas and decorations, as retailers stocked up.

Camera Rowling: What did it take to translate the Harry Potter magic into movies?

Bringing Harry Potter’s wizarding world to the screen took a decade of craftsmanship, with 588 sets, practical locations and a detailed Hogwarts model helping create an immersive world across eight films. Rowling’s map guided designers, who added hundreds of props and details. The films also launched their stars, while the books became a publishing phenomenon.

Why does fruit change colour after being cut? Expert weighs in

Browned fruit is usually safe and retains most nutrients, so appearance alone is no reason to avoid it. Cutting exposes fruit enzymes to oxygen, creating brown pigments; prolonged exposure may reduce vitamin C. Lemon juice, airtight containers and refrigeration slow the change, while mould, sliminess or an unusual smell signal spoilage and warrant discarding.

Hex appeal: Celebrating 25 years since the first Harry Potter film

Twenty-five years after its first film, Harry Potter remains a global force, with 600 million books sold, eight movies, theme parks and a new HBO series due in December. Beyond magic, its appeal lies in relatable young heroes confronting prejudice and authoritarianism, and themes of justice, identity and moral choice. Rowling first imagined Hogwarts on a delayed train.

PM Modi extends Diwali greeting to nation: ‘festival of light reflects our resolve against darkness’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Diwali greetings to people across India on Saturday, wishing them happiness, peace and prosperity. In a video message shared on social media, he said he hoped the festival and the time ahead would bring these blessings into their lives, offering a festive wish focused on well-being beyond the celebrations themselves.

Army debunks ‘unsubstantiated, false’ claims of Chinese troops advancing in Arunachal

India’s Army rejected viral claims that Chinese forces defeated troops, advanced 50 km into Arunachal Pradesh and seized territory, calling them false and part of coordinated activity by suspected Pakistan-sponsored accounts. Authorities identified six handles spreading claims on November 6–7 and urged verification through official sources. Earlier face-offs fueled scrutiny as India and China pursue talks.

Wangchuk appeals to President Murmu, alleges smear campaign by Ladakh administration

Sonam Wangchuk appealed to President Droupadi Murmu to intervene in Ladakh, alleging the Lieutenant Governor-led administration was orchestrating a smear campaign against critics. He cited a purported sting alleging online targeting and restrictions on free expression, and said HIAL faced pressure after its land lease was cancelled in August 2025. The LG’s office did not respond.

Actor Dhanush calls 'OM: Chapter 1 - Udhiram - The Blood Wood' a 'multi-hero' film

Dhanush called “OM: Chapter 1” a “multi-hero” film, naming Mammootty, Sai Pallavi, Sreeleela and composer Sai Abhyankkar among its five leads, and praised director Rajkumar Periasamy’s craft. Mammootty returns to Tamil cinema after seven years, while Pallavi praised her layered police role. Set amid illegal red sandalwood trade and rural workers’ crisis, the film releases November 20.