West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that only followers of 'Sanatan Dharma' would be permitted to touch Durga idols during immersion in the Hooghly river, citing religious traditions. He also reviewed extensive security and safety arrangements for the immersion process, including NDRF involvement and precautions for spectators at Taki, following a recent stampede incident.
Digital authentication services company eMudhra has announced its decision to exit the global SSL/TLS certificate business after a vulnerability was discovered in the security keys issued by its certification authorities, leading to a 20 per cent drop in its shares.
Rajinikanth's latest film Jailer 2 has defied expectations by achieving a remarkable score at the box office over its extended four-day weekend, despite a limited release and competition from new Bollywood offerings.
India's teenage tennis sensation Maaya Rajeshwaran has made a significant mark on the professional circuit by winning the W35 Lagos tournament in Portugal, becoming the youngest Indian to achieve a pro singles title since Sania Mirza. The 17-year-old, who also secured the doubles crown, views this as just the beginning of her professional journey, aiming to compete in more senior events and improve her world ranking. She recently moved her training base to France and plans to focus on physical and technical improvements in the coming months.
India is closely monitoring the health of Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot who bravely saved a flydubai flight despite being stabbed by his co-pilot. Machchhar, initially treated in Saudi Arabia, has been moved to Abu Dhabi for further medical care, with Indian diplomatic missions providing full support.
Apple has removed the offline messaging app Bitchat from its India App Store following a demand from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Developed by Jack Dorsey, Bitchat faced scrutiny under Section 69(A) of the IT Act, 2000, due to concerns about its potential misuse by anti-national elements and for evading lawful surveillance, especially during public disorder. This marks the second time the app has faced government action in India.
Vozinha went from 56,000 to 28 million Instagram followers after Cape Verde's World Cup run. Now the goalkeeper says he wants his old life back.
A Haryana-based singer, Bhupendra Dhingra, has been arrested for allegedly posting a video on fake social media accounts claiming responsibility for the murder of Haryanvi YouTuber Ankit Balyan. Dhingra admitted his intention was to increase social media followers, while police had already identified the actual shooters, two of whom were killed in an encounter. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the encounter deaths.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasized that both nations must show sensitivity to each other's core issues and be guided by mutual respect, sensitivity, and interest. Modi highlighted the critical importance of peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control for the development of India-China relations, while also addressing concerns regarding Taiwan and Tibet.
Daniel Maldini had his driving licence suspended after a Milan crash, with breath tests showing alcohol above Italy's legal limit, though Cagliari confirmed his toxicology tests were negative.
'He's monitored from every angle and every step he is taking forward in his international career.'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the BRICS summit, called for a fundamental shift in global governance, advocating for the replacement of the current 'pyramid of privilege' with a 'platform of partnership' where the Global South becomes a 'rule shaper' rather than a 'rule follower'.
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan stated that the state government adheres to Central protocol for Vande Mataram recitation when the President, Vice-President, or Prime Minister attend official functions, despite his party's internal policy. This clarification follows a controversy and protests from the CPI(M) and SFI regarding the full rendition of the national song at a recent state event.
A 46-year-old lawyer in Bengaluru died after being allegedly assaulted by an autorickshaw driver following a dispute over fare. The deceased, Sriram, collapsed on October 9 and later died in hospital. Police initially registered an unnatural death report but later arrested the driver, Prithviraj, on murder charges after Sriram's family reported injuries and a post-mortem revealed blood clotting due to assault.
A 25-year-old man, Arjun Nayak, has been arrested in Jharkhand's Seraikela-Kharswan district for allegedly killing his 58-year-old father, Ashok Nayak, following a domestic altercation on October 20. Police recovered a blood-stained knife, stone, and cloth used in the crime.
Pakistan is set to host the 2028 Women's T20 World Cup, with plans to use a hybrid model where matches involving India will be played in the United Arab Emirates. The ICC announced the tournament dates, and the Pakistan Cricket Board aims to host all other games, including knockout stages not featuring India, potentially boosting women's cricket in the country.
YouTuber Jason Samuel Vijayakumar has been arrested in Chennai for allegedly abetting the suicide of financial content creator V Harish. Harish, who ran "Finance with Harish" with 1.3 million followers, reportedly faced cyberbullying and defamatory videos from Vijayakumar, leading to mental distress and his death by suicide on October 20, 2026. Vijayakumar denies the allegations, claiming he acted in consumer interest by questioning Harish's lack of a SEBI-registered license.
European security agencies are on high alert following jihadist calls for suicide bombings and vehicle attacks against police and demonstrators during widespread economic protests across Europe. Messages linked to the Islamic State urged extremists to exploit crowded demonstrations in countries like France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. India has also issued advisories for its nationals in affected European nations, urging vigilance.
In addition to stopping his regular football games, various open celebrity sightings and public schedules for Tiger and other high-risk stars have been heavily rolled back.
Suspended Boxing Federation of India (BFI) secretary general Pramod Kumar has requested World Boxing, IOA, and the Sports Ministry to send observers for a Special General Meeting (SGM) on October 28. BFI president Ajay Singh has declared the SGM "illegal and unconstitutional," warning of disciplinary action against attendees. The meeting aims to pass a no-confidence motion against Singh, amidst a deepening power struggle where both officials have suspended each other.
Two individuals, Shyam Bihari and Gaurav alias Kala, have been arrested in Bihar's Gaya Ji district in connection with the murder of Ranu Singh, son of a sub-inspector. The arrests followed an exchange of fire with police, resulting in bullet injuries to the accused. Police are investigating the motive behind the murder.
Following an intervention from Rajinikanth, Hrithik decided to take zero remuneration for the role.
Para-swimmer Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh was detained by Japanese police and deported to India following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female hotel employee during the Asian Para Games 2026 in Nagoya.
Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla, convicted in the sensational blue drum murder case, have appealed their death sentence in the Allahabad High Court. They argue the trial court's verdict, based on circumstantial evidence, was illegal and arbitrary, citing lack of concrete proof and procedural lapses. The High Court is expected to hear the matter next week.
Peruvian tennis player Ignacio Buse secured his maiden US Open victory, defeating Marcos Giron in a five-setter.
An Air India Airbus A320 experienced a near-simultaneous loss of all three hydraulic systems mid-flight, causing an altitude upset and injuring 24 people. A preliminary investigation revealed the pilot-in-command tested positive for a psychoactive substance post-flight, leading to their termination, while the technical aspects of the incident are still under scrutiny.
British Indian landlord Nirpal Singh Riat has had his Order of the British Empire (OBE) annulled by King Charles III after being fined for renting out damp and squalid rooms. Riat, who received the honour in 2010, was found to have brought the honours system into disrepute. This rare cancellation follows a significant fine of 300,000 pounds for illegal conversions and poor living conditions, and comes amidst another similar case involving Lord Rami Ranger.
'How much can we protect ourselves?' asks Amitabh Bachchan.
Former US President Donald Trump has once again claimed he prevented a war between India and Pakistan by threatening them with steep tariffs, expressing disappointment that his efforts have not earned him a Nobel Peace Prize. India, however, maintains that any de-escalation was a direct agreement between the two nations.
The first phase of Panchayati Raj elections in Rajasthan concluded on Thursday with a 63 per cent voter turnout across 16 districts. Despite long queues, some villages boycotted the polls over local administrative issues. These elections are seen as a crucial test for the ruling BJP and opposition Congress ahead of the 2028 assembly elections.
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck China's Tibet Autonomous Region on Thursday, according to the China Earthquake Networks Centre. The quake, which hit Baqen County, occurred at a depth of 10 km. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. The Tibetan Plateau is known for its seismic activity due to the collision of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates.
A 19-year-old student in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, was allegedly raped by a relative of her landlord on Thursday night. Police have registered a case based on the mother's complaint and are actively searching for the 22-year-old accused.
Five members of a family, including two women, were arrested in Jharkhand's Seraikela-Kharswan district for the murder of a youth and injuring three others. The incident occurred after an altercation at a fast food stall on Mahanavami day, where the victim cancelled a food order due to delay, leading to an attack by the stall owner and family members.
A couple in Kozhikode, Kerala, has been arrested in connection with the murder of their four-month-old daughter in 2025. The father allegedly assaulted the infant for crying, leading to her death, while the mother is accused of concealing the crime. The arrests followed a prolonged investigation after a post-mortem revealed internal injuries.
There is a heartbreaking sincerity in the way Sumo Didi presents its protagonist and her story of courage. But there's a fine line between a sincere underdog story and a banal one, and the film never quite finds it, notes Mayur Sanap.
Police sources reveal that the three shooters involved in the attack on actor Tiger Shroff on October 18 received real-time updates on the police investigation via news channel coverage from their handlers, allowing them to alter their escape routes. They were apprehended from a train in Kota on October 19. The investigation also points to gangster Anil Pandit, an alleged associate of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, claiming responsibility.
Chaar Yaar offers an entertaining mix of friendship, crime and the charm of old Mumbai with a happy ending, observes Divya Nair.
Former India fast bowler Parvinder Awana has been appointed as the chairman of the newly constituted BCCI junior selection committee. The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) also named Krishna Das, Rakesh Patel, and N. Arjun Yadav as members, with a fifth member to be announced soon. The committee members bring extensive experience from their playing careers and coaching roles at various levels.
Australian batter Steve Smith has become the third Australian and 12th overall player to reach 11,000 runs in Test cricket during the ongoing second Test against South Africa. He achieved this milestone in 226 innings, placing him among an elite group of batters. The article also details the match situation where South Africa has enforced a follow-on against Australia.
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has made her debut on social media platform X, sharing a video about her upcoming memoir, "Belonging - a journey of love." In the video, she reminisces about meeting Rajiv Gandhi in Cambridge, describing him as gentle and good-looking, and shares details about their early romance. The book, set to launch on November 10, covers her life from childhood in Italy to her marriage, adaptation to India, family tragedies, and political journey.
