Beant Singh murder: SC seeks IB's input on Hawara's plea for transfer to Punjab jail

The Supreme Court directed Delhi to seek Intelligence Bureau input on Jagtar Singh Hawara’s bid to transfer from Tihar to a high-security Punjab prison, listing the case in four weeks. Delhi cited escape risks, while Hawara’s lawyer pointed to his good prison conduct. Hawara is serving life for Punjab chief minister Beant Singh’s 1995 assassination.

Insisting on conversion not insult to religious beliefs: Bombay HC

Bombay High Court quashed the FIR and chargesheet against four people accused of pressuring a Hindu couple to convert to Christianity, ruling that promoting a faith—even insistently—did not constitute insulting a class’s religious beliefs. The alleged conduct occurred in 2025, before Maharashtra’s anti-conversion law took effect in 2026. Prosecutors alleged offers of payments, education and housing.

LDF walks out of Keralam Assembly alleging medicine shortage, vacant posts

Kerala’s Assembly erupted Tuesday over alleged medicine shortages and vacant health posts, prompting an LDF walkout accusing Health Minister K Muraleedharan of dismissing the crisis. He blamed election-related purchasing delays and inherited unpaid dues, but said supplies were available and corrective steps underway. Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan alleged incompetence, contrasting the turmoil with Kerala’s once-renowned healthcare system.

‘India, Gulf now able to chart own course, not always agreeing with US-China’: Rishi Sunak

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said India and Gulf countries can increasingly chart independent foreign policies instead of aligning automatically with the US or China as global power shifts. Speaking in New Delhi, he cited China’s rise, weakening multilateral rules and 61 state-based conflicts worldwide as evidence of mounting geopolitical uncertainty and security risks.

India’s Neighbourhood First policy: Need for strategic recalibration

India’s Neighbourhood First policy must shift from regional primacy to sovereignty-respecting partnerships, as China’s influence and upheaval across South Asia expose the limits of assuming proximity guarantees goodwill. New Delhi should deliver infrastructure, expand trade and energy links, resolve disputes and consult neighbours. Launched in 2014, success depends on listening, accommodation and cooperation freely chosen.

Ramayana: Anupam Kher lends his voice to Jatayu, makers unveil new poster

Anupam Kher will voice Jatayu, the courageous bird who attempts to rescue Sita from Ravana, in Ranbir Kapoor-starrer *Ramayana*, as revealed in a character poster. Part 1 is set for worldwide release on November 5, 2026, while Part 2 is planned for Diwali 2027. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the epic will release in five Indian languages.

Vijay Deverakonda holds Rashmika Mandanna protectively as they're mobbed by fans in Tirumala

Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna visited Tirumala temple Tuesday, where fans mobbed them after darshan and Vijay shielded Rashmika as their team guided them to a golf cart. The actors had met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday while promoting *Ranabaali*; Rashmika missed its Hyderabad trailer launch because of a Mumbai shoot.

At COP31, climate finance must deliver

COP31’s success in Antalya will hinge on turning climate pledges into affordable finance, bankable projects and measurable results, particularly for developing countries. India should press for grants, concessional finance, technology transfer and adaptation support, while backing equitable electrification. With emissions high and adaptation lagging despite the Paris framework, the conference must make delivery—not declarations—the measure of progress.

‘Media diversity’, 'open debates': PM Modi lists what makes India 'mother of democracy'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented India as a reliable economic partner, saying its growth benefits the world rather than coming at others’ expense amid geopolitical and trade uncertainty. He cited 7.8% growth, reserves above $700 billion and reforms as signs of resilience, while describing India’s democratic openness through linguistic diversity, extensive media and public debate.

Judge unwell, Supreme Court defers hearing on Delhi protest crackdown till Thursday

The Supreme Court deferred until October 15 petitions over alleged detentions, assaults and transport curbs before a demonstration demanding Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, after a judge fell ill. Authorities must answer contempt claims by Wednesday evening. The court had ordered protection for peaceful protesters and normal transport; a separate opposition challenge to the Election Commission remains delayed by filing defects.

Aadhaar proof mandatory for Delhi power subsidy beneficiaries

Delhi has made Aadhaar authentication or proof of possession mandatory for electricity-subsidy beneficiaries, requiring consumers served by BRPL, BYPL, TPDDL, NDMC and MES to verify identity under Aadhaar law. People without Aadhaar may apply using an enrolment ID. A portal is planned, and recipients must renew subsidy eligibility annually; Delhi funds the scheme through its Consolidated Fund.

Anti-SIR protests: Karnataka home minister Kharge orders review of police action

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge ordered a review of protesters’ detention in Bengaluru, saying peaceful dissent must be protected after police stopped a march against electoral-roll revision and demanding the chief election commissioner’s resignation. Organisers alleged police seized placards, dragged demonstrators, including women, and manhandled journalists. A coalition of 40-plus civil-society groups organised the march.

India's aerospace sector is aligning with sustainability goals

India’s aviation sector is translating its net-zero 2050 ambition into progress through lighter aircraft, cleaner manufacturing and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). HAL and suppliers are adopting composites, renewable energy and recycling, while Indian Oil’s Panipat refinery targets 35,000 tonnes of annual SAF capacity. High costs and biomass logistics remain barriers, despite India’s strong engineering base.

Fact Check: Was FaZe Rug killed in a car crash? Truth behind viral Brawadis video

Claims that FaZe Rug died in a car crash are false; no evidence or official confirmation supports them. The viral clip shows Brawadis crying after meeting a Goldendoodle that reminded him of his late dog Booker, not reacting to an accident. Users split over the rumor, while Booker had died after battling lymphoma for months.

911 recordings indicate 'false call' confusion delayed help after Christa Pike's failed execution

Emergency responders took 30 minutes to enter Riverbend prison after Christa Pike survived a failed execution on Sept. 30, 911 recordings show officials initially treated a distress call as false. Conflicting accounts delayed confirmation until Central Control verified emergency. Pike survived two pentobarbital doses, was hospitalized, and remains on death row for a 1995 killing.

Why AI needs universal accountability

Washington’s Trump–Xi summit established an AI incident-hotline dialogue but no shared rules, leaving responsibility for autonomous systems unresolved as risks grow. An OpenAI breach involving hundreds of agents and disputed espionage claims expose the accountability gap and limits of disclosure. The article calls for universal reporting, investigation and liability standards, with India bridging governance blocs.

Who is Kelly Day? Chicago trans woman stabs man 13 times, kills him for his remarks about her gender

Kelly Day, 32, is charged with first-degree murder after allegedly stabbing Larry Young, 50, up to 13 times in Chicago; prosecutors say he had mocked her gender, sparking an argument. Young died of multiple sharp-force injuries, and a knife tip was recovered from his skull. Day, who identifies as a woman, remains jailed pending trial.

Mohandas Pai shares his unfiltered take on mental health, self-motivation and advice for youth

Former Infosys CFO TV Mohandas Pai says staying well is simple: remain optimistic, keep busy, eat sensibly and exercise, rather than rely on wellness routines. He described mental strength as facing life with resilience, calling occasional sadness normal, and said self-motivation comes from pursuing ideas and work. During lockdown, twice-daily workouts helped him feel rejuvenated.

Navratri 2026 | From matchmaking to queer joy and girl gangs: Delhi dances to match hearts, beats

Community-led Navratri initiatives in Delhi-NCR are helping solo attendees find dance partners, friends and safer spaces, turning garba into a chance to connect. HERz screened registrations and used volunteers at women-only events; Dandiyamatch.in links dates or friends, while Solo Saathi Circle groups dancers by venue and skill. Gaysi Family’s queer garba party comes to Delhi.

Glam drop with HT City | Where to get the perfect dandiyas to stick to the festive beat

Hands-free, personalised and ghungroo-detailed dandiya sticks are this Navratri’s must-have, making dancing easier while coordinating with outfits and becoming keepsakes. Prices range from ₹120 to ₹450, with pairs handmade in an hour, taking up to 20–30 days, or dispatched within one to three days depending on maker and order size. They close HT City’s 10-part Navratri shopping series.

4 FIRs filed after INDIA bloc's march to Supreme Court amid anti-EC protests

Delhi Police filed four FIRs over the INDIA bloc’s protest march against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging violations of prohibitory orders near Connaught Place and the Supreme Court. Rahul Gandhi led the march, seeking an inquiry into Kumar’s decisions and suspension of electoral-roll revisions. Thousands gathered after two days of police action; BNSS Section 163 restrictions were in force.

16-year-old girl held for murdering grandmother with friend's help in Karnataka's Mandya

Police in Karnataka’s Mandya district detained a 16-year-old girl accused of helping her friend, 23-year-old Akash, murder her grandmother, Mahadevamma; Akash remains at large. Investigators say the alleged motive was the grandmother’s objection to their relationship. The strangling allegedly occurred at home on October 10, and relatives’ discovery of neck marks prompted a police inquiry.

Hema Malini, 77, performs as Durga during Navratri celebration in Hyderabad. Watch

Hema Malini, 77, performed her celebrated dance drama *Durga* at Hyderabad’s Classic Convention Centre on October 11 during Navratri, sharing images and video on social media. Fans praised the recital, which also marked Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti. Asked about a possible 2025 film comeback, she said roles would need to suit her; her latest release was *Shimla Mirchi* (2020).

Kiran Bedi backs Jantar Mantar de-notification, says site ‘least suited’ for protests

Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi backed Jantar Mantar’s removal as a protest site, citing its narrow lanes and proximity to sensitive offices and Connaught Place. Delhi Police designated Ramlila Maidan, Burari Maidan and CBD Ground in Shahdara as alternatives. Bedi says cities need open spaces for democratic expression and has long urged demonstrations be concentrated at Ramlila Maidan, with proportionate crowd management.

300 glaciers disappeared from American West since mid-20th century - survivors have few things in common

Glaciers across the contiguous United States have lost 35% of their area since the mid-20th century, and more than 300 of 1,450 have disappeared as temperatures rise. The fastest thinning is in Montana’s Beartooth-Absaroka Mountains; Washington’s larger, snowier glaciers are shrinking more slowly. Their loss threatens ecosystems, late-summer water supplies downstream and increases debris-flow hazards.

Keralam to act tough against bars serving liquor to people below 23

Keralam will take stricter action against bars serving alcohol to people under 23, Excise Minister M Liju told the Assembly after three bars were booked following a fatal Kochi-area crash. The government is considering stronger enforcement under the Abkari Act; three young people died when an allegedly intoxicated 19-year-old’s speeding Mini Cooper struck their scooter.

BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games conclude in Ahmedabad

The inaugural BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games concluded in Ahmedabad, with nearly 160 participants from 10 nations showcasing sports; India presented yogasana, mallakhamb and kalaripayattu. China demonstrated wushu, Kazakhstan togyzkumalak and Brazil Jiu-Jitsu, while delegates praised India’s hospitality. India fielded the largest 50-member contingent; Ahmedabad will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and bid for the 2036 Olympics.

Smartphone market hits 14-year low, India braces for a 20% shipment plunge

Global smartphone shipments fell 20% year-on-year in Q3 2026, their weakest third quarter in 14 years, as rising component costs and weaker affordability deepened the slump; India is forecast to decline similarly. Prices rose about 20% this year, while Samsung and Apple led the contracting market. Following declines in Q1 and Q2, recovery appears unlikely before component costs ease.

How expanded EPF coverage will change economics of formal employment

India has raised the mandatory Employees’ Provident Fund wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 a month after nearly 12 years, bringing millions more workers under provident fund, pension and insurance coverage. Employers face higher costs and payroll-compliance demands, while employees may see lower take-home pay in exchange for long-term security, as the change accelerates India’s employment formalisation.

Doctor explains how to protect yourself from dehydration during Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations

To prevent dehydration during Navratri and Durga Puja, drink before, during and after garba or pandal visits, and replace electrolytes after sweating, advises Dr Aditi Zota. Carry water and sip during breaks; coconut water, salted lemon water, buttermilk or ORS can help. Hours of dancing and walking increase fluid loss; heed symptoms and seek care.