Navratri 2026: What tantra really teaches about Shakti, fear, and the power within

This Navratri, Tantra invites devotees to see Shakti not as a source of fear or remedies, but as strength to face uncertainty, act responsibly and live with courage and compassion. Rather than promise problems will disappear, spiritual practice can build awareness and inner resilience. Rooted in Shakta traditions, Tantra embraces difficult emotions and turns ritual into self-reflection.

Unlocking India’s scientific future

Indian researchers are highly optimistic about AI, but weak governance and limited verification threaten that confidence. While 75% expect AI to drive new knowledge and 68% foresee rising funding, only 40% use AI at work, and just 39% expect it to cite sources. The article urges governance, training and science-focused tools to turn India’s confidence into trusted leadership.

Bengal govt to provide ₹1.8 lakh aid for each fully damaged house in flood-hit Malda

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced Rs 242 crore in flood aid for 24,595 Malda families, including Rs 1.8 lakh for fully damaged homes and Rs 90,000 for partially damaged ones. Before Durga Puja, 5,000 hardest-hit households will receive clothing and essentials. IIT-Kanpur will draft a permanent flood-control plan; river-erosion projects have received approval.

What India’s gig economy needs as platform work evolves

India’s gig economy must move beyond creating jobs to sustaining livelihoods, as reliable vehicles, affordable finance, maintenance, insurance and reduced downtime determine whether workers can earn consistently. The workforce grew 55% to 12 million between FY21 and FY25, making vehicle uptime central. Social-security provisions help, but an integrated, data-led ecosystem is needed to protect earnings.

Report: India Music Retreat 2026

The second India Music Retreat transformed Jaipur’s Fairmont into a three-day music celebration, spanning classical traditions, ghazals, Bollywood and folk. Performances by Aruna Sairam, Javed Akhtar, Shahid Parvez Khan and Jasbir Jassi ranged from devotional ragas to film songs, while collaborations and talks enriched the programme. Organisers plan a third Jaipur edition and Chennai debut.

Malgudi Review: I dined at Shankar Mahadevan's new Delhi restaurant and here's how it went

Shankar Mahadevan’s Malgudi in Delhi’s Rajouri Garden gives South Indian comfort food a creative, contemporary lift, with standout Davangere benne dosa, paneer Chettinad and South Khow Suey. Its nostalgic interiors and inventive kaapi bar add appeal, especially the jaggery-and-ghee iced coffee and Malgudi Picante. The all-day vegetarian café is part of a chain spanning Mumbai and the UAE.

Why is there no Nobel Prize for mathematics? Here’s what we know

Nobel’s 1895 will named five fields—physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace—but excluded mathematics; no evidence supports the popular feud story involving mathematician Gösta Mittag-Leffler. Nobel chose a limited set, and mathematicians later gained major honors including the Abel Prize, established in 2002, and the Fields Medal, awarded every four years; economics joined Nobel awards separately in 1968.

How manufacturing ideas could change agriculture

India can make farming more predictable and affordable through manufacturing-style discipline, demand planning and sunlight-powered aeroponics, rather than costly indoor farms. Controlled-environment ventures collapsed under electricity costs despite productive crops, while India’s sun, land and labour offer advantages. Better sowing decisions could curb ₹1.53 lakh crore in annual produce losses and improve small farmers’ prospects.

Why is Trump returning to Texas? Paxton Senate race becomes key midterm test

Trump returned to Texas for a third time in under a month to back nominee Ken Paxton, whose close race against Democrat James Talarico could imperil the GOP’s Senate majority. The trip tests whether Trump can mobilize supporters without alienating independents, despite tensions with Paxton and low approval. Texas’s Republican dominance makes the contest pivotal.

Can contraceptive pills increase the risk of cervical and breast cancer? Know what experts say

Contraceptive pills modestly raise breast cancer risk and, after five years among women with HPV, cervical cancer risk, but reduce ovarian and endometrial cancer risks by 30–50%, with protection lasting decades. Breast risk is low and returns to baseline within 10 years of stopping; women should maintain screening and consult doctors about risks before changing contraception.

Before you settle for less, see which 55-inch TVs deserve a sale upgrade

The sale lists 10 55-inch 4K TVs from Xiaomi, Lumio, LG, Samsung, TCL and Sony, plus eligible SBI-card and Prime-member savings. Choose OLED for dark-room films, Mini LED for bright rooms, sports and HDR, or QLED for vivid, affordable colour; mixed-use buyers should prioritize 120Hz, VRR, ALLM and HDMI 2.1. This popular size balances immersion and fit.

Rajinikanth's team shuts down rumours of issues between star and Ashwath Marimuthu on Dharman sets

Rajinikanth’s team has dismissed reports of an on-set rift with Dharman director Ashwath Marimuthu, saying the actor is comfortable and happy and filming is progressing smoothly. Formerly Thalaivar 173, the film is slated for January 2027 and stars Simran, Raashii Khanna and Yogi Babu; Ram Pothineni and Sreeleela’s casting remains unconfirmed after two director changes.

Israel’s visa-free US travel privileges at risk after flydubai incident: Report

Israelis’ visa-free US travel could be at risk as a US delegation reviews whether Israel meets Visa Waiver Program security requirements, after reported lapses emerged following an alleged attempted hijacking of a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight. The copilot reportedly attacked the captain on September 30, with about 180 people aboard. Israel joined the program in 2023.

Only people can win India’s battery race

India’s battery ambitions—30-plus gigafactory projects targeting 290 GWh by 2030—depend on skilled people, not capacity alone. By 2030, EV demand could require 200,000 professionals, but specialist shortages threaten execution. Industry, academia and government must coordinate training and reskilling, draw on shop-floor expertise, and prepare workers for new chemistries and AI. People—not factories alone—will determine competitiveness.

Nana Patekar's final films after his death: Eetha, Shakti Shalini and The Confession of Mary

Nana Patekar, who died aged 75 in Goa after cardiac arrest, will appear in three posthumous releases, including *The Confession of Mary* and *Eetha*. The former, inspired by a Kerala murder case, was selected for TIFF 2025; *Eetha*, a biopic of a celebrated Lavani artist, is scheduled for December 2026. Patekar’s four-decade career spanned theatre, parallel cinema and Bollywood.

Forged PwD certificate racket busted; nine held, 27 certificates recovered: Delhi Police

Delhi Police busted an interstate racket allegedly forging disability certificates for admissions under the Persons with Disabilities quota, apprehending nine people and recovering 27 certificates. Consultants and public health employees allegedly manipulated Aadhaar details and medical records, submitting applications through the UDID portal for up to Rs 30,000 each. Police are also probing doctors’ and students’ roles.

Nadda launches JOSH teams with NCC cadets, MY Bharat volunteers for tuberculosis elimination drive

Health Minister JP Nadda launched JOSH teams under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, deploying NCC cadets and MY Bharat volunteers across 55 districts in 11 states to strengthen outreach. Teams will promote awareness, early diagnosis and treatment, counter stigma, and connect people with care. The youth initiative supports India’s aim to eliminate TB before 2030.

Seemapuri collapse: Why Delhi’s blanket amnesty law needs a rethink

After a five-storey building collapsed in northeast Delhi’s Seemapuri, MCD called it 20–25 years old, a claim residents dispute, renewing scrutiny of laws shielding unauthorised structures from demolition. Extended protections cover pre-June 2014 buildings through 2026, critics say enabling unsafe construction and weak enforcement. Introduced as temporary relief in 2006, the law has endured amid regularisation and housing shortages.

Centre's political decision to deny AIIMS to Keralam: Muraleedharan, Veena George

Keralam’s ministers accused the Centre of politically denying the state an AIIMS, calling it unjust to penalise its strong healthcare system. The Centre told the Kerala High Court that no AIIMS had been included in a budget announcement and that states with weaker healthcare were being prioritised. Ministers said required sites and documents had been submitted, urging the Centre to reverse its position.

Remembering Nana Patekar’s most powerful lines: ‘Ek machhar’ to 'Control Uday control'

Nana Patekar’s iconic dialogues—from Krantiveer’s plea against communalism to Welcome’s comic “Control Uday, Control!”—showcase his range and lasting impact. His lines gave voice to ordinary people confronting power, corruption and violence, while roles in Yeshwant, Kohram, Tirangaa and Ab Tak Chhappan revealed his command of menace, patriotism and restraint. These performances cemented his legacy.

High drama in Bihar: RJD's Tejashwi, others detained amid Oppn march against CEC

Opposition leaders led by Tejashwi Yadav marched toward Patna’s Raj Bhavan Thursday, demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged voter-roll manipulation, but police barricades blocked the route and detained Yadav, Mukesh Sahni and Misha Bharti. The protest also exposed weak Congress turnout and bloc divisions over the INDIA campaign against alleged voter-roll manipulation.

Telangana Cong MLA faces flak for holding girl's hand on bus, BJP, BRS lash out

Congress MLA Malreddy Ranga Reddy denied misconduct after a video appeared to show him holding a girl student’s hand on a Telangana RTC bus, saying he spoke with “fatherly affection” and the footage was misrepresented. The BRS and BJP condemned him and sought accountability; students discussed the free-bus scheme, while Ranga Reddy has faced controversy before.

Weekend Planner (October 10 and 11): Delhi-NCR residents, here’s everything you must check out!

Delhi’s weekend guide leads with two film picks: *Other Mommy*, starring Jessica Chastain, and *The Social Reckoning*, featuring Jeremy Allen White. Saturday offers workshops, MommyFest, ASEAN Bazaar and *Mohabbat Ki Pathshala*, while music highlights include Amrita Kaur at Purana Qila and Vishal Bhardwaj at Safdarjung Tomb. A Sunday Nitro Run at JLN Stadium completes the lineup.

Exclusive| Muzaffar Ali recalls his memories of giving Nana Patekar a break as an actor in Gaman

Filmmaker Muzaffar Ali remembers Nana Patekar as a remarkable talent, first spotting the 25-year-old actor in a Marathi production of *The Threepenny Opera* in 1976 before casting him in *Gaman*. Patekar’s theatrical force, rooted in Maharashtra, distinguished his performances; he designed publicity for Ali’s work, and their close, lasting bond spanned cinema, theatre, design and friendship.

Child’s heart racing during sports? Cardiologist shares 4 things parents should check

Most children’s racing hearts during sports are harmless, but sudden pounding, dizziness, chest pain, unusual breathlessness, or fainting during exertion warrant stopping activity and cardiac evaluation. Doctors may use a medical history, ECG, echocardiogram, or supervised stress test; family history of early sudden death or inherited heart conditions matters. Gradual increases settling with rest are usually normal.

BSEB Simultala Class 6 Prelims Admit Card 2026 releasing tomorrow, here’s how to download

BSEB will release the Simultala Class 6 Prelims Admit Card 2026 on biharsimultala.com, where candidates log in to download it. The entrance test is scheduled for October 24, 2026, from 1 to 3:30 p.m.; candidates must reach the centre by 12:30 p.m. The 150-mark exam has no negative marking. Download and print the hall ticket; check BSEB’s website.

B-Pharma graduate held for AI-generated fake video of bomb blast at UP’s SSB camp: Police

A 22-year-old B-Pharma graduate was arrested for allegedly posting an AI-generated video falsely showing a bomb blast at an SSB camp on the India-Nepal border to gain attention. Police said Faiyaz Ahmad admitted creating it to increase followers; the video was deleted, and he was remanded to custody. Authorities warned against posts depicting security sites.

'EC at centre of assault': 42 ex-judges defend India's poll process in open letter

Forty-two former judges warned that a sustained campaign against the Election Commission, judiciary and other constitutional institutions could erode public trust in democracy, challenging unsupported allegations of “vote theft” and warning that repeatedly calling constitutional authorities “thieves” or “compromised” risks weakening confidence. In a strongly worded open letter, they questioned the claims and cautioned against rhetoric.

Rohit Shetty recalls Nana Patekar's generosity, says he refused fees for Golmaal Again cameo

Nana Patekar’s death at 75 has prompted Bollywood tributes, with filmmaker Rohit Shetty recalling their bond and the actor’s generosity. Shetty said Patekar refused payment for his cameo in 2017’s *Golmaal Again*, asking him to donate the fee to an orphanage, and remembered his honest criticism, support and late-night calls. Patekar died after cardiac arrest at his Goa home.

Mehul Kumar on his unfulfilled dream project with Nana Patekar: My mission is incomplete

Filmmaker Mehul Kumar says Nana Patekar’s passing leaves their 2027 project, Mission Tiranga, unfinished, insisting no actor can replace him or inherit his roles. Their family-like bond grew through Tiranga, Krantiveer and Kohram, with Kumar calling Krantiveer their defining collaboration. Though distributors doubted Nana as a solo lead, Kumar wrote the film specifically for him.