A private hospital owner in Delhi's Nihal Vihar has reported receiving death threats and an extortion demand of Rs 20 crore from a caller claiming affiliation with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The complainant, Shakeel Saifi, received the demand via social media on November 3, with the caller giving a 24-hour ultimatum. Delhi Police have registered an FIR and are investigating the matter.
New South Wales (NSW) has strongly criticised Cricket Australia's (CA) decision to proceed with a "self-determination" model for Big Bash League (BBL) privatisation, warning of potential threats to investment in grassroots cricket and long-term implications for the sport. NSW, which operates two BBL clubs, expressed disappointment over the lack of alignment across Australian cricket and highlighted unfulfilled conditions for the sale process.
India is ranked as a "Rising Contender" in AI by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), indicating high readiness but lower disruption exposure. The report highlights India's strength in its large pool of AI specialists and IT-services workforce. While not yet an "AI Pioneer," India is leveraging its talent advantage, with government initiatives like Yuva AI for ALL and IndiaAI FuturesSkills aiming to upskill citizens and broaden access to AI education. The report emphasizes that execution and talent deployment are crucial for economies to gain ground in AI.
National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has cautioned against the misuse of artificial intelligence, particularly deepfakes and morphed images of women. She emphasised the need to understand AI's risks, including privacy compromise, while also highlighting its positive applications. The NCW is running the 'Yashoda AI' programme to train women in AI literacy, cybersecurity, and digital safety.
Doctors have advised Delhi residents to take precautions like wearing N95 masks, avoiding outdoor walks, shifting exercise indoors, and installing air purifiers at home due to high pollution levels. Vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, are particularly cautioned. Experts explain the seasonal rise in pollution and the impact of various factors on air quality.
District and sessions courts across several Maharashtra cities, including Pune, Thane, Hingoli, Beed, and Nanded, received email threats of bomb blasts on Monday. This led to evacuations and extensive searches by police and bomb disposal squads. All threats were later declared hoaxes, and investigations are underway to trace the source of these emails.
US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has thrown his full support behind a legislative push to impeach Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, accusing him of severe misconduct and responsibility for the ongoing war against Iran, as newly empowered opposition lawmakers prepare to intensify congressional oversight of the administration led by US President Donald Trump.
'There needs to be a monitoring of glaciers in high altitude areas and one needs to check regularly how geological changes are taking place.' 'We can mitigate that by regular monitoring but unfortunately, hardly any monitoring is happening.' 'And without monitoring those higher altitudes of Himalayas, people are suffering.'
TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's residence in Kolkata was allegedly attacked by BJP supporters, leading to clashes and accusations of law and order failure. Mamata Banerjee condemned the incident, challenging the BJP and criticising police inaction, while the BJP denied the allegations, claiming provocation by TMC supporters. An investigation is underway.
A Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student was severely injured, losing vision in one eye, after allegedly being attacked with a meat cleaver by a fellow student. The incident, which occurred in the Barak Hostel, was reportedly over the victim's friendship with a woman student. Police have registered an FIR for attempted murder, and the university has rusticated four students pending an inquiry.
West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein acknowledges India as a "very dangerous" side ahead of the upcoming five-match T20I series. He discusses the challenges of bowling in the powerplay against India's strong batting lineup and emphasizes the importance of planning, execution, and sticking to effective strategies, aided by data. Hosein asserts that the West Indies team is ready for the challenge and will not back down.
India's leading two-wheeler manufacturers, including TVS Motor, Bajaj Auto, and Hero MotoCorp, are preparing for a deceleration in growth during the second half of financial year 2026-27 (H2FY27). This anticipated slowdown is attributed to a high base effect from last year's GST rate cut, inconsistent rural demand, and a growing disparity between premium and entry-level segments.
Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has strongly criticised a media outlet for misrepresenting his invocation to Lord Krishna, stating that they twisted his words into a challenge to opponents. He warned that his 50 million strong follower base is ready to retaliate if he gives the signal, calling the misrepresentation a 'grave insult' to his religious sentiments.
US President Donald Trump has met with his national security team to discuss resuming military operations against Iran, with senior officials confirming preparations are being finalised for potential major operations, while Iraq has warned against using its territory for strikes.
The Allahabad High Court has ruled against compelling employees to wear Santa Claus red caps, stating such actions can hurt religious sentiments and are not permitted in India's democratic system. The court partly allowed a plea challenging criminal proceedings against an individual accused of forcing subordinates to wear the caps, clarifying how such cases should be treated under law.
High uric acid levels may cause recurring pain and swelling in your feet and ankles. However, it could also be a sign of heart, kidney or thyroid problems, vein-related issues, or other forms of arthritis, says rediffGURU Dr Shakeeb Ahmed Khan.
Vance was sceptical about the war against Iran and was the only figure in Trump's circle who refused to endorse Benjamin Netanyahu's bid for re-election as prime minister, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
The Supreme Court of India has directed WhatsApp and other intermediaries to propose measures against digital arrest scams and cybercrimes. Simultaneously, the court emphasized that financial institutions, including banks, must be held accountable and compensate victims for losses due to their failure in exercising due diligence. The RBI has been asked to submit a list of authorized financial institutions, and law enforcement agencies are to report on FIRs and suggest prevention strategies.
Social media influencer Javed Khan cancelled his Garba performances in Jaipur on October 17 and 18 after allegedly receiving threats from Hindu outfits. The organisations reportedly warned event organisers of protests if a Muslim artist performed. Khan returned advance payments and plans to file a police complaint regarding the incident.
Dwayne Bravo says ODI cricket could soon see 500-run totals as batters dominate, while Chris Gayle welcomes the fearless approach of the new generation.
The Retailers Association of India (RAI) has voiced concerns that the government's new 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 could reverse the progress of digital payment adoption among small retailers. This fee, effective October 15, places the burden on merchants operating on thin margins, potentially pushing them back to cash transactions and undermining the government's formalisation agenda, especially ahead of the festive season.
Nepal is grappling with devastating flash floods and landslides that have claimed over 650 lives and left more than 2,400 missing. Rescue operations are underway, but fresh warnings of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms from the meteorology department threaten to disrupt these efforts, exacerbating the crisis. Chinese authorities have also issued alerts regarding a potential barrier lake breach in Tibet, posing further flood risks downstream.
Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja has issued a stark warning that the national team's consistent poor performances are causing a significant decline in its fan base. He emphasised that while fans don't expect wins every time, they demand a fighting spirit and competitive attitude, which the team is currently lacking, leading to growing disinterest among supporters.
A professor at Delhi University's Daulat Ram College has been sent on leave following a complaint by a female student alleging sexual harassment and assault. The college's Internal Complaints Committee is investigating the matter, while the Students' Union demands swift and fair action.
Cyclone Arnab made landfall on the Andhra coast early on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction, including uprooted trees, damaged infrastructure, and inundated low-lying areas. Five people were killed in related incidents, primarily due to electrocution and wall collapse. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has sought central assistance and outlined relief measures for affected residents and farmers.
Multiple borrowings and weak cash flows are causing repayment delays among gold loan borrowers.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming the country's next government, marking a significant political setback for incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Eisenkot secured recommendations from 67 lawmakers, while Netanyahu received 46, highlighting a shift in parliamentary support.
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has ended his 20-day hunger strike after discussions with a Maharashtra government delegation. He issued a three-month ultimatum, threatening to resume protests in Mumbai if demands for Maratha reservation, based on Kunbi lineage recognition, are not met. The government has assured action on historical gazettes to facilitate OBC benefits for Marathas.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday directed officials to continuously monitor Cyclone Arnab's movement, undertake precautionary measures and ensure there was no loss of life or property.
Eight bullion traders in Nagpur's Sarafa Bazar have received threatening letters demanding Rs 10 lakh each, purportedly from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The letters threaten violence against traders and their families if demands are not met or police are informed. Authorities suspect local criminals are impersonating the notorious gang for extortion.
Nvidia's board has initiated an independent investigation into reports that CEO Jensen Huang was targeted by a Chinese intelligence operation involving a businesswoman with whom he allegedly had a romantic relationship. This comes as former US President Donald Trump defended Huang as an "honourable guy" and China dismissed the allegations as a smear campaign.
The Supreme Court has granted the Centre a final opportunity to present measures taken to prevent the circulation of child sexual exploitation and abuse material on social media platforms, following a petition highlighting inconsistent compliance by intermediaries.
India has accumulated experience organically and in public, through blood, sweat and toil -- one commissioning and one agreement at a time -- and is called a regional power. China has accumulated hulls, by misdirecting its industrial capacity, and is mistakenly called a superpower. The Indo-Japan defence agreement pushes this theory to its limits without ever naming the dragon in the room, points out Dr Abhishek Puri.
Legendary Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has provided crucial insights into India's preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup, advocating for squad continuity and consistent game time for players. He stressed the importance of avoiding last-minute changes and building belief within the chosen squad, drawing lessons from past tournament performances. Yuvraj also highlighted the need for a balanced team with match-winners, adaptable to various conditions, echoing Australia's successful World Cup strategy.
A man from Raipur, Tikeshwar Sahu, who travelled to Russia for a job in September, has reportedly been detained there on "false" drug charges. His family alleges he is being pressured to join the Russian Army to fight in the war or face a long jail term. This incident follows a similar case last month involving another Chhattisgarh man. Sahu's family has sought intervention from the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister's Office and other authorities for his safe return.
Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray has threatened legal action if the "character assassination" campaign targeting his family over the 2020 Disha Salian death case does not cease. His son, Aaditya Thackeray, also denied any connection to Salian, whose death is now under CBI investigation following a Bombay High Court order.
Delhi Police has filed a 638-page chargesheet against six individuals, including the building owners and two paying guest (PG) operators, in connection with the September 6 Satya Niketan building collapse that resulted in seven deaths. The accused face charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligence.
Latur cyber police have arrested six individuals from Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Gurugram for allegedly defrauding a 66-year-old retired BSNL employee of Rs 28.51 lakh. The fraudsters used a 'digital arrest' tactic, posing as police, ATS, and ED officials, threatening the victim with false money laundering charges and public humiliation to coerce him into transferring funds.
'We heard a lot of concern, especially from women in India, that they were worried people would take screenshots of their profiles and share them on social media or with friends. So, we have blocked the ability to take screenshots.'
Delhi experienced its most polluted Diwali in five years with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 376, and the day after the festival saw only a marginal improvement, remaining in the 'very poor' category at 371, accompanied by a thick blanket of smog and fog.
