MIDS professor alleges police harassment over fake Instagram account
In a complaint to the DGP, Prof. Kalaiyarasan said the police told him he was required for an inquiry at T4 Sankar Nagar police station in Pammal over an allegedly abusive comment targeting Pallavaram TVK MLA J. Kamatchi.
Prayagraj woman presumed dead resurfaces in Gujarat after 3 years
Prayagraj's cow dung-lac diyas to illuminate Diwali overseas
BJP Releases Modi Kahin Nahin Jayega Song Amid Kharge Remarks Row
From top BJP leaders to Union ministers to numerous office bearers of the party, everyone flooded the social media platforms like X and Instagram with their posts on this issue while tagging the song comprising of various images of Modi.
Former MP Questions BJPs Candidate Selection After Agra Teacher Seat Loss
Former MP Harnam Singh Yadav criticizes BJPs candidate choice for Agra teacher seat, attributing the loss to disconnect with educators. Former MP Questions BJPs Candidate Selection After Agra Teacher Seat Loss
UP: Former BJP MP blames unsuitable candidate for defeat in Agra Teachers constituency
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) Former Rajya Sabha member Harnam Singh Yadav has attributed the BJPs defeat in the Agra Division Teachers constituency of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council to the selection of an unsuitable candidate, saying the party had effectively lost the election the moment the nomination was announced. In a post on X, Yadav expressed strong dissatisfaction over the choice of the candidate, stating that the person had no connection with the teachers of the region, had never raised their concerns, and lacked understanding of the issues faced by the teaching community. It is beyond comprehension why such an individual was chosen as a candidate, he wrote. Yadav asserted that the decision to field a candidate disconnected from the electorate proved decisive. He said the moment the BJP announced the name, the outcome of the election was virtually sealed against the party. The former MP called upon the party leadership to conduct a serious review of the reasons behind the defeats across all seats where the BJP performed poorly. Emphasising the need for greater diligence in future, Yadav urged the leadership to exercise extreme caution while selecting candidates. He indicated that fielding individuals with a genuine connect to the concerned community and a track record of addressing their issues was essential for electoral success. The remarks by the former Rajya Sabha member come in the backdrop of the recent MLC election results, in which the BJP faced setbacks in certain teachers constituencies. Yadavs public criticism is significant as it reflects internal discontent over the ticket distribution process. Yadavs statement points out the view within sections of the party that organisational decisions, rather than broader political trends, contributed to the loss in Agra Division. The BJP leadership has not yet issued an official response to Yadavs remarks. Party sources said feedback from various stakeholders is usually examined after elections as part of internal assessments.
Pink Line elevated corridor likely to be inaugurated on November 15: CM
In a step closer to the inauguration of the line, the 7.5-km elevated corridor between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere, received clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety
Congress cites 'sting operation', says Prayagraj students sell blood to fund education, hostel costs
Highlights Thierry Henry, who co-hosted the 2026 Ballon d'Or with Kate Scott, has defended two jokes that drew criticism, in a video posted to Instagram on Tuesday He asked Lamine Yamal whether the Kopa Trophy was he one you really wanted to win, and interrupted Scott's pronunciation of the Scrates Award Henry says he was not checking Yamal's ego, and that Scott said Socrates on purpose as part of a planned joke Scott replied on Instagram: 100%... no disrespect to speak of A night that was meant to belong to Harry Kane ended with its two hosts in a social media row. Thierry Henry has answered the critics with a three-minute video, telling them to elax, and his co-host, Kate Scott, has backed his version of events. What did Thierry Henry say to Lamine Yamal at the Ballon d'Or? When Yamal, 19, collected the Men's Young Talent award, or Kopa Trophy, for the third year running, Henry joked that it was his third one. Then he asked: But is it the one you really wanted to win? The question was a reference to the Ballon d'Or, which Yamal would not win. Yamal, who had just said the prize should have been for his team-mate Pau Cubarsi, laughed and replied No, to laughter from the audience, including Barcelona president Joan Laporta. Some fans were not amused. One post, quoted by SportBible, said the question felt like rubbing it in for a player who had just missed out on the main prize, adding that Yamal handled it perfectly. Spain and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal speaks after winning the Trophy for the Men's Young Talent of the Year during the 2026 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Palladium Theatre in London on October 26, 2026. Getty Images Why was Henry criticised over the Kate Scott 'Socrates' joke? Early in the ceremony, Scott began to introduce the Scrates Award, named for the late Brazil international Scrates and given for humanitarian work. It went to Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka. We'll also give out the Socrates award, Scott said, pronouncing it like the Greek philosopher. Henry cut in: What do you mean 'Socrates'?, adding a quip that there were no philosophers in the room. Scott replied: Socrates, excuse my pronunciation, everybody. Trust Thierry to get it right. The Sporting News said she appeared caught off guard, and many viewers online read Henry's interruption as dismissive of a presenter who speaks four languages. How did Kate Scott respond? In support of Henry. Under his Instagram video, Scott wrote: 100%... no disrespect to speak of. That fits the claim at the heart of his defence: that the exchange was agreed in advance. There is some history behind the gag. On CBS's Champions League coverage, where the two work together, Scott has previously called Henry he pronunciation police after he corrected a colleague's pronunciation of Franck Ribery. Scott, who was known as Kate Abdo until she married the boxing trainer Malik Scott in 2024, co-hosted last year's ceremony with Ruud Gullit. What did Thierry Henry say about the Kate Scott joke? Kate was with me on that joke, he said. She did it on purpose, to say Socrates. He said critics could ask her people. Please stop saying that I disrespect Kate, he said. I will never do that. What did Henry say to Harry Kane? Henry also addressed his exchange with the winner. He said Kane had called him out for supporting Kylian Mbappe after Bayern's game against Arsenal, and that he had explained he was always going to back a fellow Frenchman. On stage, he said, he told Kane he was a worthy winner and an example of what he calls the idea that working hard is a talent. GB News reports Kane listened to the remarks and thanked Henry as the audience applauded. England and Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane poses with his trophy on stage after receiving the Ballon d'Or award for the best male footballer during the 2026 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Palladium Theatre in London on October 26, 2026. Getty Images How did Thierry Henry respond to the backlash? On Tuesday, the day after the ceremony, Henry posted a video to Instagram. On the Yamal question, he said he was a big fan and wasn't checking his ego at all. He said he asked because it was Yamal's third Kopa, and because he knew he real prize was coming after. That you didn't like the joke, I can understand, he said, ut please don't do that. He finished by asking people to relax: I love Harry Kane, I love Lamine Yamal. And I didn't disrespect Kate. The moments side by side Moment What was said Why it drew criticism Explanation Yamal's third Kopa Trophy Henry: But is it the one you really wanted to win? Yamal: No Seen as rubbing in the Ballon d'Or miss Henry: not checking his ego, a joke about the bigger prize The Scrates Award Henry: What do you mean 'Socrates'?, plus a quip about philosophers. Scott: Trust Thierry to get it right Seen as talking down to Scott Henry: planned joke. Scott: o disrespect to speak of Kane's win Henry told him he was a worthy winner Complaints online, per GB News Henry: a response to Kane calling him out over Mbappe Who hosted the 2026 Ballon d'Or? Henry and Scott co-hosted the 70th ceremony at the London Palladium on Monday 26 October, the first held outside Paris. Henry, 49, never won the Ballon d'Or himself, finishing second in 2003. Kane won it , the first Englishman to do so in 25 years, ahead of Mbappe and Yamal, as Eastern Eye had predicted .
Students forced to sell blood to fund education in UP, alleges Congress
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) The Congress on Wednesday accused the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh of failing students, alleging that financially vulnerable youngsters were being forced to sell their blood to meet expenses on education, coaching and hostel accommodation. Addressing a press conference at the Congress office in New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam and national media coordinator Abhay Dubey raised concerns over scholarship cuts, examination paper leaks, recruitment irregularities and student suicides'. They alleged that the states education system was in disarray. Gautam referred to a sting operation by a media organisation that allegedly exposed the exploitation of economically disadvantaged students in Prayagraj. He claimed that middlemen operating around the blood bank of the Allahabad Medical Association were identifying financially distressed hostel residents and inducing them to sell blood using forged documents. Students were paid Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 per unit, while recipients were charged up to Rs 8,000, the leaders alleged. Gautam warned that repeated blood donation could pose serious health risks and questioned why students had to resort to such measures to continue their education. The Congress leader also claimed that nearly five lakh Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in Uttar Pradesh had been deprived of scholarships. He said the Centres contribution towards post-matric scholarships for SC students in the state had fallen from Rs 674.83 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 366.02 crore in 2024-25. Gautam slammed the government for not revising scholarship income eligibility criteria and increasing financial assistance in line with inflation. He also highlighted alleged examination paper leaks and recruitment tests cancelled since 2018. He alleged that repeated irregularities had undermined students preparation and career prospects. Citing figures on student suicides, he claimed that an average of 132 students died by suicide every month in the state. Dubey accused the BJP government of failing to protect students interests, alleging that examination scams and the rising cost of education were pushing young people into distress. He also called for accountability over alleged links between people associated with those in power and paper-leak cases.
Instagram Tests Long Horizontal Videos Up To 90 Minutes; A New YouTube Rival?
Instagram is expanding its content strategy by launching tests for long horizontal videos lasting up to 90 minutes. Known as Features , this new format targets extended content such as podcasts and comedy shows, aiming to compete directly with YouTube and extend the platforms reach beyond mobile devices into living rooms . The core strategy from Meta uses short-form clips as a gateway. Much like YouTube Shorts , users can watch a snippet on their smartphone via Reels and receive incentives to consume the full episode on a television . According to head of application Adam Mosseri , the objective is to allow both formats to coexist as complements , preventing long-form media from disrupting standard vertical feed engagement. The new Features tool is coming to Instagram to challenge YouTube by offering support for long, horizontal videos of up to 90 minutes. To support this television migration, Instagram is expanding its application availability. Beyond existing support for Fire TV and Apple TV , the app will soon arrive on Samsung devices and Google TV . This expansion includes optimized support for Stories , live broadcasts , and connected video series. Currently restricted to a select group of creators with specific agreements, this initiative carries a strong financial incentive . Longer video formats unlock lucrative advertising opportunities and more robust sponsorships. This is not the companys first attempt to challenge Google s video dominance; IGTV launched in 2018 as a long-form promise before ultimately shutting down in 2022. Reports indicate that Features is currently testing in Brazil before expanding evaluations to the United States . Alongside this rollout, Instagram is introducing live video broadcasts within Reels and distributing live streams to non-follower accounts, with initial testing concentrated in select regions. This strategic shift highlights Meta s continuous effort to diversify viewer habits and capture connected TV audiences . By bridging the gap between quick mobile discovery and immersive home viewing, Instagram hopes to secure a larger share of the digital video and advertising market moving forward. Instagram Tests Long Horizontal Videos Up To 90 Minutes; A New YouTube Rival? , original content from Ubergizmo . Read our Copyrights and terms of use .
Masked Men Attack Ludhiana Gurdwara, Head Sewadar Unharmed
Two masked men stormed Gurdwara Manji Sahib in Rajoana Kalan village, Ludhiana, firing multiple shots at the head sewadar's room. The head sewadar, Baldev Singh, narrowly escaped as he was in the bathroom. This incident follows a similar attack at another gurdwara near Jagraon just 24 hours earlier. Police are investigating and scanning CCTV footage.
Siddharth says 'thank you for been born' as wife Aditi Rao Hydari celebrates her birthday
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 28 (IANS) Actor Siddharth thanked his better half, Aditi Rao Hydari, for being born in a sweet birthday wish on Wednesday. He treated the netizens to a couple of candid clicks of the 'Heeramandi' actress and called her 'sweetest, brilliant, and kindest'. Siddharth wrote on his official Instagram handle, its that time of year again the day i say thank you veryyyy much to the universe and everything in between my crucial half that counts was born today heres some pictures to tell you where we've been always the sweetest, always so brilliant always the kindest, there's really nobody else like you! (sic) Happy Birthday Adu Jaan ( glowing star emoji) lets go on another trip around the sun together (red heart emoji) thank you for taking the time and care to be born ma'am. your biggest fan, i love you. (Kiss emoji), his warm birthday wish for his wife went. Talking about Siddharth and Aditi's love saga, their romance bloomed on the sets of the Telugu film 'Maha Samudram'. If the reports are to be believed, when Siddharth first met Aditi, he greeted her with, Hello, beautiful girl. Their friendship soon transformed into romance. On March 28, 2024, these two announced their engagement on social media with a sweet post. Later, Siddharth and Aditi got married in an intimate traditional ceremony on September 15, 2024. The couple tied the knot at a historic family temple in Telangana, in the company of close family and friends. Work-wise, Siddharth and Aditi shared screen space in the recently released anthology 'Lust Stories 3'. Backed by Ronnie Screwvala of RSVP Movies and Ashi Dua Sara of Flying Unicorn Entertainment, the project has 4 stories by Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao, Shakun Batra, and Vishal Bhardwaj. 'Lust Stories 3' enjoys an ensemble cast including Radhika Apte, Konkona Sen Sharma, Vijay Varma, Abhishek Banerjee, Gurfateh Pirzada, Sana Thampi, Ali Fazal, and Radhika Madan. Aditya and Siddharth were a part of Bhardwaj's story titled 'Erotica', where the two play a married couple.
India and Mexico sign Terms of Reference for preferential trade agreement negotiations to begin
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal visited Mexico for the signing. The two sides also discussed a possible business delegation from Mexico visiting India in the first quarter of 2027
Gaad Tschaman-Inspired Nadru: Interpretation of Kashmiri Cuisine
Kashmiri cuisine is celebrated for its aromatic spices, carefully developed flavours, and distinctive methods of preparing vegetables, dairy products, and meat. Influenced by the regions geography, climate, agricultural traditions, and cultural exchanges, its culinary identity includes dishes that balance warmth, fragrance, texture, and richness. Among the ingredients that contribute to this identity, lotus stem and [] The post Gaad Tschaman-Inspired Nadru: Interpretation of Kashmiri Cuisine appeared first on FoodNosher.Com .
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 28: Chiara King, who has a massive following on platforms like TikTok and Instagram (1.4 mn+ followers) through relatable comedy videos, dating advice, and lifestyle content,
Billionaire investor Nelson Peltz makes move to buy struggling Wendy's
Wendy's ( WEN ) may be cooking up burgers for a billionaire soon. Longtime Wendy's investor and former chairman Nelson Peltz of Trian Partners has reportedly offered $1.4 billion to buy the struggling fast food giant, according to an SEC filing. Wendy's shares rose 15% in premarket trading. The company's market cap was $1.17 billion prior to the deal. A Wendy's spokesperson didn't return a request for comment. A spokesperson for Trian Partners didn't return a request for comment. Billionaire Peltz while familiarwith the operations would essentially be buying a dumpster fire. After nearly two years of struggles competing with the likes of behemoths McDonald's ( MCD ) and Yum! Brands' ( YUM ) Taco Bell, plus upstarts such as Shake Shack ( SHAK ), Wendy's is on the cusp of a large number of restaurant closures. With one of its largest franchisees filing bankruptcy in September (although contested by WEN given prior termination of franchise agreement), we think investors likely expect closures to tick higher than expected, but we admit visibility on our side remains somewhat limited and there could still be a range of outcomes, veteran restaurant analyst Andy Barish warned in a recent note. That said, he added, given our view that there are likely additional franchise operators in the system facing challenges with leveraged balance sheets, higher interest rates and profitability pressures from higher beef, labor & build costs (like many others in QSR), we think it is prudent to moderate our development estimates and bake in more potential closures over the next 6-12 months, as the company works to strengthen its system. Meritage Hospitality Group, one of Wendy's largest franchise operators, with more than 300 locations, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September following severe margin pressures and an escalating dispute with corporate headquarters. The company reportedly initiated plans to shutter at least 41 locations. Reports emerged this week that it could close up to 60. The high-profile bankruptcy only added grease to the smoldering fire that is the Wendy's restaurant base. Franchisees had already been closing their locations and heading for the hills. Buried inside Wendy's brutal second quarter earnings call was a mention that 289 locations closed in the US during the first half of the year. There are about 5,700 Wendy's in the US, and Barish estimated the Wendy's US store base will be around 5,600 by the end of 2027. The decision on how many more locations will be closed falls on new CEO Bob Wright, who hasn't hidden his view that Wendy's needs to focus on more profitable locations. Wright officially took over as CEO on May 21, adding to the yawning list of executive turnover at the fast food chain over the past two years. He is a seasoned fast food exec who spent the previous five years fixing Potbelly as CEO. Wright's appointment marked a return to Wendy's, where he previously served in several senior leadership roles, including COO. Wright has his work cut out for him in saving Wendy's beyond tightening up the store base count. Wendy's has posted six straight quarters of same-store sales declines, per Yahoo Finance AlphaSpace analysis. Follow Brian Sozzi on X @BrianSozzi , Instagram , and LinkedIn . Tips on stories? Email him at brian.sozzi@yahoofinance.com. This article originally appeared on Yahoo Finance at https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/article/billionaire-investor-nelson-peltz-makes-move-to-buy-struggling-wendys-121633943.html
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 28 (IANS) In a bid to turn the state into a trillion-dollar economy Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday proposed foreign investment from Singapore across manufacturing, logistics, semiconductors, data centres, green energy and urban infrastructure, assuring investors of government support from the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to the commencement of manufacturing. At a meeting with a 14-member delegation from the Singapore Business Federation, the Chief Minister proposed developing a dedicated 'Singapore City' and a high-tech industrial township near the Noida International Airport in Jewar. An eligibility certificate was handed over for one investment project, while MoUs were exchanged with two companies, marking steps towards translating investment proposals into projects on the ground. Adityanath said the state's priority was not merely to secure investment commitments but to ensure their timely implementation, generate employment and strengthen industrial production. He said Singapore's technological capabilities and management expertise, combined with Uttar Pradesh's large market, skilled workforce and expanding infrastructure, offered significant opportunities for collaboration. Recalling his visit to Singapore in February 2026, the Chief Minister said investment agreements worth approximately Rs 60,000 crore had been reached during the visit. He reiterated the government's commitment to providing investors with security, policy stability and support for timely project execution. The state, he said, has a land bank of more than 75,000 acres available for industrial development, while 27 integrated manufacturing and logistics clusters are being developed. The six nodes of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, located in Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Agra, Aligarh and Chitrakoot, have attracted investment proposals exceeding Rs 35,000 crore. Adityanath highlighted opportunities for Singaporean companies in multimodal logistics and warehousing, semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, data centres and cloud services, artificial intelligence, clean energy and waste management. He said Jewar's expressway network and connectivity to the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors could position the region as a major supply chain hub for North India. Uttar Pradesh accounts for approximately 55 per cent of India's mobile phone production and nearly 60 per cent of electronic component manufacturing, the Chief Minister said. The state also contributes around 21 per cent of the country's foodgrain production, creating opportunities for foreign investment in food processing, packaging and exports. He also invited Singaporean investors to explore tourism and hospitality projects in Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura-Vrindavan, Prayagraj and along the Buddhist Circuit. Collaboration in urban planning was another area of focus, particularly for Lucknow, the State Capital Region and new townships. Among the projects discussed, Greater Nashik Infracon Private Limited, associated with Singapore-based Universal Success Enterprises Group, received an eligibility certificate for the allocation of 50 acres in Sector 8D of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority area. The company plans to establish a Universal Packaging Hub with an investment of Rs 775 crore, including foreign direct equity from Singapore. The project is expected to generate 1,880 direct jobs. An MoU was also exchanged with Agricorp International for a manufacturing unit to produce soy protein isolate and chickpea protein concentrate, aimed at strengthening agricultural processing and value addition in the state. Blue Planet Environmental Solutions, a global waste management company, signed an MoU to treat approximately 7.5 lakh tonnes of legacy waste in Sector 145, Noida, and process fresh waste at a capacity of 350 tonnes per day in Saharanpur. The Chief Minister said Uttar Pradesh was seeking to convert its investment potential into manufacturing capacity, infrastructure development and employment, positioning the state as a destination for international investors.
Assam: Agarwood enters Dubai market; CM Sarma highlights export push
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Oct 28 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday highlighted the states growing global trade footprint following the export of 123 kg of agarwood chips to Dubai, describing the development as a boost for the sector supporting more than 50,000 farmers and workers. Taking Assams fragrant heritage to the world! Sarma said in a social media post, noting that the latest export marked a significant step towards expanding the international market for the states traditional agarwood industry. The chief minister said the export would strengthen Assams presence in global trade while creating opportunities for those engaged in agarwood cultivation, processing and related activities. Assam is home to a major share of Indias agarwood resources, with the state accounting for around 81 per cent of the countrys agarwood, according to information shared by the Chief Ministers Office. Agarwood, a fragrant and valuable wood formed in certain trees of the genus Aquilaria, is widely used in the production of perfumes, incense, essential oils and traditional fragrance products. Its high commercial value has made it an important livelihood opportunity in parts of Northeast India. The state government has been promoting the sector through policy measures aimed at facilitating trade and improving market access for agarwood growers and businesses. The Assam Agarwood Promotion Policy is intended to encourage the sectors growth and help producers tap into domestic and international markets. Expanding exports could also provide opportunities for value addition, processing and entrepreneurship, particularly in rural areas. The shipment to Dubai is expected to draw attention to Assams potential in the global fragrance and aromatic products market, where agarwood-derived products command considerable commercial interest. The development also underscores the broader effort to promote locally sourced products from the Northeast and connect regional producers with overseas buyers. With more than 50,000 farmers and workers associated with the sector, the governments export push could help strengthen livelihoods while encouraging organised cultivation, processing and trade. The latest consignment adds to efforts to establish Assams traditional products in international markets and expand the states economic engagement beyond conventional sectors.
'Guess how many seats Congress won?': PM Modi's swipe at party's performance in MLC polls
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took a swipe at the Congress over its dismal performance in the recently held Legislative Council polls across four states, despite the use of ballot papers in the polling process. The Congress has drawn a blank in three states and also remains out of the reckoning in Maharashtra, where the counting is reportedly underway for five seats. In a post on social media platform 'X', Prime Minister Modi said, MLC elections in 28 seats across 4 big states - Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka. Elections held using ballot papers. Guess how many seats Congress won? PM Modi remarked. This comes amid the Opposition's demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation amid allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The MLC polls results assumes significance as the INDIA Bloc prepares to hold a mega rally against the vote theft allegations at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on November 1, despite strong protests from the ruling NDA, traders and the Sikh community as the date is linked to the 1984 riots. Earlier in the day, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also remarked that the Congress failed to make an impact in the Legislative Council elections across four states despite ballot papers being used to conduct the polling, while accusing Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, of making false allegations against the country's electoral process. Addressing a press conference, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi said: Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party, who have created a storm of false claims about Indias electoral process, have seen their aspirations for anarchy shattered by the results of the MLC elections...the Congress party has so far remained at zero. It is now almost clear that the Congress party has failed to make its presence felt in these elections. He added: These elections were conducted using ballot boxes and ballot papers, yet the Congress failed to establish its presence. Echoing similar view, Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi also took a jibe at the Congress party on Wednesday. Whether it is ballot paper or the Electronic Voting Machines, the outcome for the Congress party remains the same, Joshi said, taking potshots at the Grand Old Partys zero show in the MLC elections. Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party (SP) emerged victorious in the Agra Teacher's seat in Uttar Pradesh, while the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) won the Patna Teachers constituency in the biennial elections to the Bihar Legislative Council.
Which Indian City Is Known As The Litchi Capital Of The World?
With its fragrant, juicy fruit and a growing reputation beyond India, this Bihar city has become closely associated with one of the country's favourite summer fruits.
Filmmaker Karan Johar has marked 10 years of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil by revisiting the films themes of unrequited love, heartbreak and emotional vulnerability. Sharing a video montage featuring moments from the romantic drama, Johar reflected on the personal experiences and beliefs that shaped the story, while acknowledging the polarised responses it received, particularly to its third act. Released in 2016, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Fawad Khan. The film explored the complexities of one-sided love and the emotional challenges of loving someone who may not feel the same way. Karan Johar reflects on the meaning of one-sided love In his anniversary post, Johar described Ae Dil Hai Mushkil as a deeply personal story that drew from his own experiences of love, longing and heartbreak. He wrote, Ae dil hai mushkil will always be a personal story to me a cumulation of many pieces of my pursuits of love and longing and perhaps also many of my own heartbreaks. The filmmaker added that, during a vulnerable phase of his life, he came to see one-sided love differently. You dont need to have someone love you back to empower yourself - the feeling itself is so awakening and so so powerful! Johar wrote, explaining that this realisation inspired him to tell the story. He also reflected on what he believes makes love selfless, writing, Loving someone has to be an act of selflessness and we as a community of lovers have to disassociate the I in I LOVE YOU. Selflessness is where true love truly resides I would have still told it the same way even today Johar acknowledged that the film was not without its shortcomings and received divided reactions from audiences. However, he maintained that he would not change his approach to the story if he were making it today. I do admit that it wasnt without its flaws and had several polarised responses especially to its third act. BUT truth be told I would have still told it the same way even today, with its flaws with its perceived imperfections he wrote. No art can be perfect and all interpretation is welcome but conviction has to trump all logic and sensibility when you want to be an unabashed story teller, Johar added. Karan Johar thanks Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and the cast Johar also expressed gratitude to the films cast for supporting his vision. He thanked Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Fawad Khan for their performances and contribution to the project. He further acknowledged the cast and crew for creating the right atmosphere during filming, referring to it as the perfect Vatavaran on set. Reflecting on the films legacy, Johar said that while the story centred on ek tarfa pyaar (one-sided love), his appreciation for the people who embraced it remained unconditional. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar) 10 years ago we told a story about unrequited love. The essence of our story was ek tarfa pyaar but the love we have towards all the lovers of our love story is unconditional he wrote. He ended the anniversary note with a line from the films soundtrack, writing, Accha chalta hoon duaon mein yaad rakhna With the anniversary post, Johar revisited not only the films emotional themes but also the creative conviction behind a story that continues to invite conversations about love, longing and the absence of reciprocation. Also Read:Karan Johar to host ELITE most influential 2026 at Oxford University on December 14
Ranbir Kapoor believes that friendship is the foundation of every relationship, with love, trust and respect playing equally important roles in keeping a bond strong. The actor shared his perspective on relationships during the Diwali special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati, where he also spoke about a personal ritual he has followed since the birth of his daughter, Raha. During his interaction with host Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir reflected on the values that help relationships endure. Emphasising the importance of friendship as the starting point of a meaningful bond, he said, Hamaari rishte ki jo neev hai, jo jad hai, woh dosti hai. Main hamesha se yeh manta hoon ki... prem ek rishte ko jodta hai, vishwas ek rishte ko mazboot banata hai, aur samman ek rishte ko kayam rakhta hai, and I think these are the important foundations in a relationship, sir.. View this post on Instagram A post shared by sonytvofficial (@sonytvofficial) The actors words highlighted how love brings people together, trust strengthens their connection, and respect helps sustain it over time. His remarks drew warm applause from the audience during the special episode. Ranbir also shared a personal detail about his family life, revealing that mornings at home begin with Amitabh Bachchans rendition of the Hanuman Chalisa. Speaking about the practice he and his family have followed since Rahas birth, the actor said, Jabse meri beti Raha paida hui hai, aisa koi din nahi guzra hai jahan hum subah aapke gaaye hue Hanuman Chalisa se shuru.. The revelation prompted a warm response from Bachchan, who replied, Wah, kya baat hai.. View this post on Instagram A post shared by sonytvofficial (@sonytvofficial) The Diwali special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati will also feature actors Sai Pallavi and Ravi Dubey. The programme is set to celebrate the festival of lights through conversations and performances centred on faith, tradition and the epic Ramayana which will feature Ranbir as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Ravi Dubey as Laxman. The Nitesh Tiwari cinematic adaptation of the Indian epic also feature an ensemble cast and it is slated to release on November 5. Meanwhile, the special episode in question, will air on October 29 and 30 at 9 PM on Sony Entertainment Television. Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor calls Amitabh Bachchan the ultimate aura farmer, recalls childhood visit to Ajooba sets on Kaun Banega Crorepati
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor posted a Cincinnati-style chili photo with two eyes on Instagram, and fans linked it to the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati's run game ranks near the bottom of the league, while Colts are rebuilding.
Actress Sunaina Warns of Legal Action Over Obscene AI-Generated Video
In a statement shared on Instagram, Sunaina made it clear that she had no connection with the video and condemned the violation of her privacy and dignity
Delhi HC Seeks Stand Of Centre, Meta on Plea Against Blocking 'Bring Back Ballot' Instagram Account
The petition alleged that withholding the entire account with over 50,000 followers was disproportionate, unreasoned and without any notice
Police intensify anti-narcotics crackdown, 10 held in Anantnag and Kulgam
Srinagar, Oct 28: Continuing its sustained crackdown against drug trafficking and substance abuse, Jammu and Kashmir Police have apprehended ten accused persons in a series of operations conducted in South Kashmirs Anantnag & Kulgam districts. These operations resulted in the recovery of huge quantity of contraband substances. In the first operation, a police party of Police Post Sangam apprehended Abdul Rashid Bhat son of Abdul Razaq Bhat, resident of Batpora, Marhama, at Marhama and recovered approximately 3 kg of cannabis from his possession. In another operation, a police party of Police Station Mattan apprehended Amir Ahmad Bhat son of Mohd. Abdullah Bhat, resident of Chickenpora, Krungsoo, and recovered approximately 2.560 kg of cannabis from his possession, police spokesperson said. He said Police Station Anantnag apprehended Mohd. Idrees Ganie son of Gul Mohd. Ganie resident of Fooda, Mirbazar, at Arfat Colony, Mirdanter, and recovered 13.83 grams of charas from his possession. In a separate operation, a police party of Police Post DK Pora intercepted a Mahindra Magic vehicle bearing registration number JK18-1258 during naka checking. During the checking, 24 grams of charas were recovered from the vehicle. The vehicle was being driven by Sajad Ahmad Magray, son of Gh. Qadir, resident of Jee Gund, Achabal. Two other occupants, namely Junaid Ahmad Mir, son of Mohd. Abbas Mir, resident of Magray Mohallah, Achabal, and Rayees Ahmad Ganie, son of Gh. Rasool Ganie, resident of Shelipora, were also apprehended. Further legal proceedings in the matter are underway. In another case, acting on reliable information regarding the concealment of cannabis at a residential house in Kamanwan, Salia, Panchalpora, Police Station Salia registered FIR No. 97/2026. After obtaining the requisite search authority, a police party conducted a search during the investigation and recovered approximately 930 grams of cannabis. The accused, Farooq Ahmad Shah son of Gh. Mohd. Shah, was arrested, and further investigation is in progress. Similarly, a police party of Police Station Aishmuqam, during routine naka checking at Rangkadal, Aishmuqam, apprehended Mohd. Ayoub Bhat son of Mohd. Yousuf Bhat, resident of Tulhard and recovered approximately 425 grams of Bhung Boosa from his possession. In another operation, a naka was established by Police Station Kokernag on the link road at Kandiwara. During checking, a suspected person, Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat son of Mohammad Yousuf Bhat, resident of Muharipora, Achabal, was apprehended. Upon checking, 17 grams of charas was recovered from his possession. Meanwhile in Kulgam, Police established a dynamic naka near Chaki Wangund Crossing on NH-44. During checking, a pedestrian travelling from Cheki Wangund towards Qazigund was apprehended, and 4.0 grams of heroin-like contraband were recovered from a black polythene bag in his possession. The accused has been identified as Majid Shafi Malla son of Mohd Shafi Malla resident of Shumnag Trehgam, Kupwara, spokesperson said. J&K Police reiterated its firm commitment to eradicating the drug menace and taking strict legal action against those involved in drug trafficking. They urged the general public to cooperate with the police and share credible information regarding drug-related activities to help build a drug-free society.
FSDA inspects 86 establishments in Varanasi, Agra, Lucknow; licences of four units suspended
In an effort to ensure that consumers have access to safe, pure, and high-quality sweets and savory snacks during Diwali, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA), Uttar Pradesh, has intensified food safety inspections across the state under its Shuddh Hi Shubh Hai campaign. As part of this initiative, inspections were conducted at sweet and savory snack manufacturing units and related food business establishments in Varanasi, Agra, and Lucknow.
Beyond Reels and Shorts: Why social media platforms want longer videos
Instagram's test of 90-minute videos reflects a wider contest to keep audiences watching, attract creators and compete for entertainment time across phones and television screens
Sharvari recently shared a special moment with one of her biggest inspirations, Madhuri Dixit, as the two actresses came together for a dance to the title track of Yeh Prem Mol Liya. The collaboration brings together the veteran star, who remains closely associated with Sooraj Barjatyas iconic family entertainer Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, and Sharvari, who is set to headline the filmmakers upcoming romantic family drama opposite Ayushmann Khurrana. Sharing the video on Instagram, Sharvari expressed her admiration for Madhuri and described dancing alongside her idol as an unforgettable experience. She wrote, So honoured to receive this much prem from one of the OG Rajshri heroines of Sooraj Barjatya sir.. the one and only Madhuri Dixit maam Getting to dance alongside my idol feels surreal and soooo special Thankyou maam, you are the best! Hum Aapke Hain Kaun #YehPremMolLiya In theatres 27th Nov 2026. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sharvari (@sharvari) The moment also draws a connection between two generations of Rajshri heroines. Madhuri became synonymous with the banners celebrated cinematic legacy through Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, whose music, dance sequences and emphasis on family continue to resonate with audiences. Sharvari, meanwhile, is preparing to take on a leading role in Sooraj Barjatyas next directorial, carrying forward the filmmakers signature blend of romance, family relationships and celebrations. Titled Yeh Prem Mol Liya, the upcoming film marks Ayushmann Khurranas first collaboration with Barjatya. The actor will portray the titular character Prem, with Sharvari playing the female lead. The film is positioned as a musical family entertainer rooted in traditional Indian festivities, wedding rituals and the dynamics of a joint family. The ensemble cast includes Anupam Kher, Supriya Pathak, Seema Pahwa, Saumya Tandon, Shaad Randhawa and Swanand Kirkire. The films music has been composed by Himesh Reshammiya. Produced by Rajshri Productions in association with Mahaveer Jain Films, Yeh Prem Mol Liya is scheduled to release in cinemas worldwide on November 27, 2026. Sharvaris dance with Madhuri has offered audiences a nostalgic connection to Rajshris past while building anticipation for the upcoming film. Also Read: Seema Pahwa recreates Jhumka Patola from Yeh Prem Mol Liya; Sharvari, Richa Chadha and others react
Reggie Travers takes fresh shots at DDG and Deshae Frost in Instagram Stories, calling DDG a bottom-tier rapper and making a personal claim about Deshae. The posts follow jokes about Reggie during a livestream and revive their online tensions.
Kriti Sanon Says Instagram Has No Option To Report AI-Generated Images Of Her
During a session titled 'The Making of a Modern Star', Kriti spoke about how difficult it was becoming to tell real photographs apart from AI-generated images
Kiren Rijiju Pays Tribute to Soldiers on Infantry Day
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju pays tribute to soldiers on Infantry Day, sharing a video on Instagram and recalling his visits to jawans stationed in extreme border areas. He lauded their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation.
Prayagraj train passengers, take note: Railways may rename 3 stations to end confusion; here's why
Indian Railways has proposed dropping the Prayagraj prefix from Chheoki, Rambagh and Sangam stations to prevent passenger confusion, particularly during the Magh Mela. The proposal has been sent to the Railway Board for approval, while Prayagraj Junction will retain its existing name. The move follows complaints of passengers confusing the stations and missing trains.
'Won't make questions disappear': Dipke accuses Centre of Instagram crackdown
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 28 (IANS) Actress and entrepreneur Anshula Kapoor has opened up about her first Karwa Chauth with husband Rohan Thakkar. She shared unseen wedding moments and a heartfelt note expressing her love for him. Taking to Instagram, Anshula reflected on the special moments from their wedding. She recalled how Rohan stood by her through the excitement, emotions and happy tears. Tomorrow is our first Karwa Chauth, and today I found myself going back to these little moments from the wedding. So many of them are just Rohan holding my hand through everything the chaos, the emotions, the happy tears, all of it! she wrote. Expressing her love for her husband, she added, Love that I get to do life with you my Ro! I think mom knew exactly what she was doing when she sent you my way. The video features glimpses from Anshula and Rohans wedding and pre-wedding ceremonies, capturing moments of the couple holding hands. She also used the song Guzaara from Baaghi 4, featuring vocals by Josh Brar and Parampara Tandon, as the background track. Anshula's post offered a glimpse into the couple's relationship as they prepare to celebrate their first Karwa Chauth together after marriage. Anshula Kapoor tied the knot with screenwriter Rohan Thakkar on July 6, 2026. The couple also hosted a star-studded reception on July 7 to celebrate their wedding with family and friends. Daughter of the late film producer Boney Kapoor and his first wife Mona Shourie Kapoor, Anshula is the sister of actor Arjun Kapoor. She has largely stayed away from the limelight while building her career as an entrepreneur and content creator. In August, Anshula Kapoor had celebrated one month of marriage with her longtime partner Rohan Thakkar. She posted a heartfelt note on social media about her journey as a newlywed. Anshula penned an adorable note describing how life has been since saying I do. She wrote, Still finding excuses to say my husband Still stealing bites from his plate. Still making each other laugh. 10/10 Would marry him again.
BJP bags four of 11 UP MLC seats, SP gets two
The BJP has secured four of the 11 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council seats, while the Samajwadi Party has won two, with vote counting still in progress for other constituencies. Key wins for BJP include Teachers' and Graduates' seats in Bareilly-Moradabad, Lucknow, and Meerut. The Samajwadi Party claimed victories in Varanasi Teachers' and Agra-Aligarh Teachers' constituencies, with its candidates also leading in other graduate seats. The elections are seen as a crucial battle ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.
SP candidate Akash Agrawal wins Agra teachers
Samajwadi Party candidate Akash Agrawal won the Agra Teachers
Roopkumar Rathod finds spiritual solace in Banaras, says every morning marks a rebirth of the soul
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 28 (IANS) Singer and music composer Roopkumar Rathod has shared a spiritual reflection from his visit to Banaras. In his heartfelt note on Instagram, he said the holy city offered him something far more meaningful than the beautiful frames he initially set out to capture with his camera. Roopkumar spoke about finding a moment of stillness in the ancient city, which is known for its deep-rooted spiritual significance. With my camera in hand, I came searching for beautiful frames, but Banaras gifted me something far more precious... a moment of stillness in a world that never stops moving, he wrote. Sharing his thoughts on the spiritual essence of Kashi, he added, In Kashi, morning does not merely dawn; every morning here marks the rebirth of the soul. Har Har Mahadev! He also shared pictures from his visit, offering glimpses of his exploration of the city. In one of the photographs, Roopkumar is seen holding a camera as he captures moments from the spiritual city of Banaras. Meanwhile, Roopkumar Rathod recently paid tribute to his late friend and actor Satish Shah on his death anniversary. In an emotional Instagram post, the singer recalled Satish's warmth, sense of humour and kind-hearted nature. Sharing a photograph with the actor, Roopkumar wrote, Remembering my dearest friend Satish Shah on his death anniversary. Dear Satish, your laughter, your warmth, your wonderful sense of humour, and above all, your beautiful heart will always remain with me. Looking at this photograph brings back so many precious moments. How I wish we could share one more conversation, one more laugh, one more moment together. Some people leave this world, but they never leave our hearts. Miss you dearly, my friend. Until we meet again Roopkumar Rathod recently lent his voice to recreated versions of the classic songs Jaate Hue Lamhon and Ghar Kab Aaoge for the film Border 2,' which was released on January 23.
Bengaluru Metro Shocker: Woman 'Catches' Man For Recording Her, 'I Was Literally Shaking'
A woman in Bengaluru has alleged that a fellow passenger secretly filmed her on a Namma Metro train, and her video of the confrontation has gone viral. Police have registered an FIR and are trying to trace the man, who has not been identified or arrested. The woman, who goes by Sowpika on Instagram and describes herself as a travel and lifestyle creator, said the incident happened around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. She placed it on the metro near Kadugodi Road in Whitefield.
UP MLC polls: SP wins Agra Teachers' seat, BJP retains Graduates' constituency
Digital Desk | Agra, Oct 28 (IANS) In the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council elections for the 'Teachers' and 'Graduates' constituencies, both the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have secured victories in Agra. In the Agra Division Teachers' constituency, in a setback for the BJP, SP candidate Akash Agarwal won for the second consecutive time. Meanwhile, in the Agra Division Graduates' constituency, BJP candidate Manvendra Pratap Singh, popularly known as 'Guruji', retained his seat by defeating the SP's Shashank Yadav. Following his declaration as the winner in the Teachers' constituency, Returning Officer Narendra Pratap handed the certificate of victory to Akash Agarwal on Wednesday. However, the administration did not immediately release the final official vote count. Speaking to IANS following his victory, Agarwal said, This result reflects the votes of teachers across all 12 districts. They trusted me over the other candidates, believing that I would work for their welfare. Separately, following his victory in the Graduates' constituency, BJP candidate Manvendra Pratap Singh attributed the party's success to the hard work of its grassroots workers and the performance of the government. He stated that the BJP received support from teachers, graduates, advocates, and journalists, which led to the party's victory. Singh added that the BJP has endeavoured to fulfil the promises it made. Highlighting initiatives such as employment generation, transparency in government recruitment, the establishment of a medical college in every district, and the 'One District, One Product' scheme, he noted that government jobs in the state are now being awarded without any favour or inducement. In the past, a syndicate from Saifai and Rampur used to manipulate the job recruitment process. In contrast, under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath, the recruitment process is now conducted transparently, with appointment letters being issued directly to the successful candidates, he alleged. Agra Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar told reporters, The counting process was carried out in accordance with the directives of the Election Commission of India. The winner for one constituency has been declared, while the final counting process for the other was still underway. The entire counting process concluded in a peaceful atmosphere. Security has been provided to both winning candidates. Due to the enforcement of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the city, no victory processions of any kind will be permitted. Clear instructions in this regard have been issued to the candidates, he added. Addressing a question about the commotion that occurred during the night while counting was underway, Deepak Kumar clarified that the incident took place inside the counting venue, and no untoward event occurred outside. He added that the police have not received any complaints from anyone in this matter so far.
Telugu star Nani has been married to his engineer wife Anjana Yelavarthy for 14 years. The pair met in Vizag, became friends and dated for five years before marrying in 2012. They have a son named Arjun. The Eega star recently celebrated their 14-year marriage anniversary on Instagram.
Demi Lovato shares health update after being briefly hospitalized what happened to the pop star?
Demi Lovato recently gave a health update after visiting the hospital for an allergic reaction. She shared a photo on Instagram showing an IV in her arm and a hospital bracelet. Lovato mentioned her possible allergic reactions to passionfruit or sushi and reassured fans that she was fine. The singer has a history of allergies, including pet dander.
The BJP retained three Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council seats during a recent polling event. Allegations surfaced regarding an assault on a Samajwadi Party candidate in Agra, stirring controversy. In the Allahabad-Jhansi seat, SP candidate Mansingh Yadav led by a significant margin after multiple counting rounds. Disputes regarding vote counting occurred in the Gorakhpur-Faizabad seat due to discrepancies found in a ballot box.
Kartik Aaryan shares Champion Hai Main moment with Harry Kane
Kartik Aaryan has congratulated England captain Harry Kane on winning the 2026 Ballon d'Or. Following Kane's victory in London, Kartik shared a throwback video from their meeting in Munich in March 2024 on Instagram.
India, Mexico formally launch preferential trade agreement negotiations
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) The government on Wednesday said India and Mexico have taken a decisive step towards a stronger economic partnership with the signing of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the two nations. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Luis Rosendo Gutierrez Romano, Mexicos Undersecretary of Foreign Trade, formally launched the trade negotiations. Our shared ambition: expand trade, unlock investment, strengthen supply chains and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries, the Department of Commerce said in a statement on X. India and Mexico are ready to turn untapped potential into tangible prosperity through balanced, ambitious and mutually beneficial negotiations, the statement added. The proposed India-Mexico trade agreement is expected to cover key Indian exports, including automobiles, textiles, footwear, plastics, steel, chemicals and toys, which face tariffs of up to 50 per cent under Mexicos new tariff regime. According to official trade data, Indias merchandise exports to Mexico stood at $5.73 billion in 2025-26, with automobiles accounting for the largest share at $1.92 billion. The Commerce Secretary arrived in Mexico City for a two-day official visit to advance trade and economic ties. He held a fruitful discussion with Fernando Gonzalez Saiffe, Director General for Asia-Pacific, Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE), on India-Mexico relations and opportunities to learn from each other through mutual cooperation, leveraging our respective strengths and advancements. He appreciated Mexicos keen interest in strengthening political exchanges and reaffirmed Indias shared commitment to mutual growth and prosperity. Agrawal highlighted the strong complementarities between the two economies, Indias robust growth of around 7 per cent, and the vast untapped potential for trade, investment and business partnerships. The PTA offers an opportunity to unlock new avenues of economic cooperation, strengthen business linkages, and build bridges across the Pacific towards shared prosperity, he observed. The Commerce Secretary also engaged with Indian and Mexican business leaders to explore opportunities, address challenges and deepen trade and investment ties.
NCP appoints Baba Siddique's son as president of its Mumbai unit
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 28 (IANS) In a major organisational reshuffle within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), party legislator Zeeshan Siddique was appointed as the Mumbai Regional President. The formal appointment letter was handed over to Siddique on Tuesday by NCP National President and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. The appointment letter emphasises continuing the progressive legacy of late leader Ajit Dada Pawar, upholding the tradition of public service, and strengthening the party's grassroots commitment to the common citizens. Zeeshan Siddique, who lost the 2024 Assembly elections from Bandra East constituency, is the son of the late veteran politician Baba Siddique. The NCP leadership expressed firm confidence that under Siddique's stewardship, energy, and dedication, the party organisation in Mumbai will become significantly stronger, more effective, and deeply people-centric. The appointment marks a crucial step for the NCP as it reorganises its leadership framework in India's financial capital to bolster its urban outreach and grassroots influence. Zeeshan's appointment comes when NCP had failed to increase its tally in the recently held BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation elections. The party is struggling to consolidate its presence in Mumbai. NCP has historically struggled to establish a dominant presence in Mumbais municipal and Assembly politics compared to its formidable strength in western Maharashtra (such as Pune, Satara, and Kolhapur) and the Sugar Belt. Historically and currently, the NCP functions primarily as a coalition player rather than a lead power within Mumbai. Out of Mumbais 36 Legislative Assembly seats and 227 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) wards, the NCP has historically held only a tiny fraction of seats (often 1-3 Assembly seats at peak). Areas with notable Muslim population demographics (such as parts of Kurla, Anushakti Nagar, or Shivaji Nagar/Mankhurd) have occasionally elected NCP candidates. Pockets housing migrants from Western Maharashtra and Marathwada living in Mumbai offer localised support due to loyalty to rural NCP leadership. Following the July 2023 split into NCP (Ajit Pawar) and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), the already thin Mumbai grassroots apparatus has divided further. NCP (Ajit Pawar) operates as part of the ruling Mahayuti coalition, relying on state cabinet resources and alliance seat-sharing. NCP insiders said that the party's core branding, network, and patronage systems are rooted in agrarian politics, sugar cooperatives, and rural local bodies (Zilla Parishads). Translating this structure into Mumbais cosmopolitan, middle-class, and urban slum dynamics has proven difficult, and Zeeshan Siddique faces a major challenge to spread the party's wings ahead of the next Lok Sabha and Assembly polls slated for 2029. Observers said that Mumbais urban electorate has traditionally favoured the Shiv Sena (both UBT and Shinde factions) for Marathi identity and local civic issues, or the BJP for urban governance and middle-class appeal. Because the NCP partnered with the Indian National Congress (INC) for decades in Maharashtra, seat-sharing agreements historically allocated the vast majority of Mumbai constituencies to Congress, severely limiting the NCP's opportunity to field candidates and build a city-wide organisation. Most prominent NCP's heavyweight leaders draw their base from rural constituencies. The party lacks high-profile, born-and-bred Mumbai leaders capable of driving a citywide narrative. Siddique will have to focus on building dedicated urban-centric agendas (housing redevelopment, slum rehabilitation, local transport), grooming local youth leadership directly from Mumbais colleges and trade unions rather than importing rural cadres and leveraging coalition partnerships effectively to claim non-traditional urban seats during BMC and Assembly elections. Meanwhile, NCP President Sunetra Pawar has appointed Umesh Patil as National Chief Spokesperson.
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 28 (IANS) Filmmaker Karan Johar took to social media to celebrate 10 years of his romantic drama Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. He described the film as a deeply personal story inspired by his own experiences of love, longing and heartbreak. Taking to Instagram, Karan posted a video from the movie and wrote, Ae dil hai mushkil will always be a personal story to me a cumulation of many pieces of my pursuits of love and longing and perhaps also many of my own heartbreaks at possibly one of the most vulnerable moments of my life I realised that one sided love did not need remorse or sympathy it didnt warrant pain or empathy all it needed was deep and intense understanding that the power of love is so much larger than the reciprocation of the same You dont need to have someone love you back to empower yourself - the feeling itself is so awakening and so so powerful! Loving someone has to be an act of selflessness and we as a community of lovers have to disassociate the I in I love You Selflessness is where true love truly residesThat feeling made me tell this story, he added. Karan went on to state, I do admit that it wasnt without its flaws and had several polarised responses especially to its third act. BUT truth be told I would have still told it the same way even today, with its flaws with its perceived imperfections No art can be perfect and all interpretation is welcome but conviction has to trump all logic and sensibility when you want to be an unabashed story teller. I am so eternally grateful to Ranbir, Anushka, Aishwarya and Fawad who allowed me my vision and gave me their glorious and supremely talented interpretation of the same! I thank the cast and crew of ADHM for creating the perfect Vatavaran on set 10 years ago we told a story about unrequited love. The essence of our story was ek tarfa pyaar but the love we have towards all the lovers of our love story is unconditional.Love you all from the bottom of our heartsAccha chalta hoon duaon mein yaad rakhna, he concluded. The video shared by Karan features scenes of Ranbir Kapoors character Ayan alongside Anushka Sharma and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan from the film. Released in 2016, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is a Hindi romantic musical drama written, directed, and produced by Karan Johar under his production house, Dharma Productions. The film featured Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the lead roles. It hit theatres worldwide on October 28, 2016, coinciding with the Diwali festival.
Amy Jackson celebrates son Andreas seventh birthday with a circus-themed bash
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 28 (IANS) Actress Amy Jackson celebrated her son Andreas seventh birthday with a circus-themed party, which she fondly called Drefest. Amy took to Instagram, where he shared a string of pictures and videos from her sons birthday featuring her with Andreas, husband Ed Westwick and her. In the captions section, she expressed her joy at watching her little boy grow up and described his birthday as the best event on her calendar. DREFEST. My baby boy turned SEVEN in the midst of fashion month and let me tell you, this was hands down the best event on my calendar!!! she wrote in the caption section. She added: SEVEN!!! How is that even possible?! Andreas, you are the kindest, smartest, funniest little man I know. Watching you grow into the wonderful little human you are is the greatest privilege of my life. She said that she had the BEST time celebrating Andreas. Celebrating you, seeing that gorgeous smile on your face and making you happy means absolutely everything to me. We had the BEST time celebrating you, my darling boy. Now for a MASSIVE thank you to the dream team who made all of this happen!!! She went on to thank the entire team for helping her with her son's birthday. It really does take a village, and what a wonderful village we had Heres to SEVEN, my darling Dre. Keep being exactly who you are. I love you more than youll ever know. Amy dated Panayiotou and got engaged in 2019. Their son was born in September 2019. The couple later broke up at an unknown date in 2021. She began dating Westwick in 2022. In 2024, they announced that they had gotten engaged in Gstaad, and got married in August of that year in Rocca Cilento, Campania. The same year, Jackson announced she was pregnant with her second child and first with Westwick. In 2025, they revealed that their son, Oscar Alexander, had been born. Amy works in Tamil films, along with a few Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and English films. Her most notable roles include Amy Wilkinson in Madrasapattinam, Sarah in Singh Is Bliing, Annie in Theri and Nila in 2.0. She made her Hindi debut in Ekk Deewana Tha in 2012, and Telugu debut in Yevadu in 2014. She made her American debut as Imra Ardeen / Saturn Girl in the television series Supergirl, and her British debut as Nimisha in Boogie Man. Amy was last seen in Crakk, an extreme sports action film directed by Aditya Datt. It stars Vidyut Jammwal, Arjun Rampal, Nora Fatehi, Amy Jackson, Jamie Lever, Pooja Sawant, Ankit Mohan, and Rukmini Maitra.
UP MLC polls: SP secures Varanasi and Agra seat, BJP wins 4
Why Were You Recording Me? Woman Confronts Man On Bengaluru Metro
The woman, who identifies herself as Sowpika on social media platform Instagram, shared a video recounting the incident, which she said took place around 4:30 pm on Tuesday on a metro train in Whitefield in Bengaluru
UP MLC polls counting underway: BJP wins four, SP secures Varanasi Teachers' seat
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 28 (IANS) The elections for the Legislative Council's Teachers' and Graduates' constituencies, seen as a crucial indicator of the political climate ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, are witnessing a fierce contest between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party. In the ongoing vote count for 11 seats, the BJP has secured victory in four, while the Samajwadi Party's Lal Bihari Yadav has won the Varanasi Teachers' constituency. The BJP has retained both the Teachers' and Graduates' seats in Meerut. Umesh Dwivedi achieved a hat-trick by winning the Lucknow Teachers' seat for the third consecutive time. Meanwhile, the counting of votes for the remaining seats is underway. Polling for these 11 seats, comprising five Graduates' and six Teachers' constituencies, took place on October 23, with a total of 152 candidates in the fray. The outcome will be determined by the votes of approximately 14.81 lakh electors. The counting process began at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday across seven centres in the state. Tight security arrangements are in place, with the process being monitored via CCTV cameras and videography. The BJP emerged victorious in both the Teachers' and Graduates' constituencies of the Meerut-Saharanpur division. For the Teachers' seat, BJP candidate Shrichand Sharma won by securing 18,099 votes, while in the Graduates' constituency, the BJP's Dinesh Goyal secured victory with 24,928 votes. Hari Singh Dhillon of the BJP won from the Bareilly-Moradabad Teachers' constituency. As mentioned, Umesh Dwivedi of the BJP secured a hat-trick by winning the Lucknow Teachers' constituency for the third time in a row. Following his victory, Umesh Dwivedi expressed his gratitude to the teachers and voters. I express my gratitude and thanks to all my respected teachers and fellow voters. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the Bharatiya Janata Party, Yogi-ji, Modi-ji, and the party's lakhs of workers and office-bearers for placing their trust in me, he said. Meanwhile, in the Varanasi Teachers' constituency, Lal Bihari Yadav of the Samajwadi Party emerged victorious. Following his victory, he stated, The BJP's claims of winning both seats had proven hollow. Teachers had placed their trust in Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, and campaigning by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had no impact on the election. Lal Bihari Yadav also accused the administration of harassing his supporters during the election. He alleged that some individuals were placed under house arrest, while others were pressured not to leave their school premises. There has been no official response from the administration regarding these allegations. During the vote counting for the Agra Teachers' Constituency, a dispute arose between the Samajwadi Party and BJP candidates. SP candidate Akash Agarwal alleged that he was assaulted at the counting centre and that his 'kurta' was torn; he held BJP supporters responsible for the incident. Following the incident, tension escalated at the counting centre, with supporters from both parties confronting one another. Conversely, BJP workers dismissed the allegations, claiming that Akash Agarwal had torn his own 'kurta'. BJP workers also staged a sit-in protest. Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar stated that both sides have levelled accusations of assault against each other, leading to a contentious situation at the counting centre. The counting of votes for the Gorakhpur-Faizabad Teachers' Constituency is taking place at the Commerce Department of Gorakhpur University. Here, the Samajwadi Party has boycotted the counting process, alleging electoral malpractice. SP leaders alleged that the democratic process is being compromised, claiming that administrative officials and observers are working to ensure the victory of the BJP candidate. These allegations have not been independently verified. A tight contest between the BJP and the SP is also being observed in the Graduates' Constituencies. In the Allahabad-Jhansi Graduates' Constituency, SP candidate Mansingh Yadav took the lead following the fifth round of counting. In the Lucknow Graduates' Constituency, SP candidate Kanti Singh has been leading since the initial rounds. Meanwhile, for the Varanasi Graduates' constituency seat, the contest is between Ashutosh Sinha of the SP and Kedar Singh of the BJP. The counting of first-preference votes has commenced here. The result for this seat is expected to be declared later in the day. In the remaining constituencies, the counting of votes is currently underway.
Nani calls his 14-year journey with wife Anjana a blockbuster love story
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 28 (IANS) Telugu star Nani celebrated 14 years with his wife, Anjana Yelavarthy, and has tagged their journey as a blockbuster family love story. Nani took to Instagram, where he shared a string of images with his wife, Anjana, and shared a heartfelt message for her. 14 years for this Blockbuster Family Entertainer/ Love story. @anjuyelavarthy, Nani wrote in the caption section. Nani, after a five-year relationship, married software engineer Anjana Yelavarthy on 27 October 2012, in Visakhapatnam. Their son Arjun was born in 2017. Nanis latest is The Paradise.The film is backed by SLV Cinemas. The film has triggered huge expectations among fans and film buffs and the teaser has only added to the excitement. It is expected to release in eight languages namely Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, English, Spanish, Bengali, Kannada, and Malayalam. Nani is one of the highest-paid and most popular Indian actors. He made his debut in 2008 starring in the romantic comedy Ashta Chamma, a success at the box office, and attained his breakthrough with Ala Modalaindi in 2011. He went on to star in commercially successful films such as Pilla Zamindar, Eega and Yevade Subramanyam, further establishing his career. He won the Nandi Award for Best Actor for Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu in 2012. Nani established himself with success through films like Bhale Bhale Magadivoy, Krishna Gaadi Veera Prema Gaadha, Gentleman, Nenu Local, Ninnu Kori, Middle Class Abbayi, Jersey, Nani's Gang Leader, Shyam Singha Roy, Ante Sundaraniki, Dasara, Hi Nanna, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram and HIT: The Third Case. Nani also featured as the host of Bigg Boss Telugu 2. In September, he shared a picture of his precious moments with his young son Arjun. Nani shared a string of black-and-white pictures from the gym, featuring adorable moments with his son Arjun. The father-son duo could be seen in a playful arm-wrestling moment, while another picture captures a drawing made by his son. September. My little Paradise, Nani wrote as the caption.
Goa woman turns Instagram ethnic-wear venture into Rs 60 lakh-a-year boutique
In North Goa, Siddhi took the plunge into entrepreneurship by launching her ethnic wear business on Instagram four years ago. What began as a small venture has blossomed into a thriving boutique, employing seven to ten individuals and fulfilling international orders. With the help of the Mahamaya Self-Help Group, she has reinforced her commitment to uplifting women, aiming to expand job opportunities and foster financial independence throughout her community.
Artisans : Saving Kashmir Economy
The timing of the National Education Policy 2020 aligned with the countrys broader realization of the fact that it might be experiencing a demographic dividend! 65% of Indian population will remain in the working age category up to 2030. This number will slightly decline to 62%, by 2050. When a country experiences a situation like this, it is faced by several challenges. Broadly, two things can happen. One, the country is able to harness its big working age population as a productive resource, generate and harness its human capital and develop in a speedy manner. Or two, a country misses this bus and is unable to skill and train its population. In both cases, people populating the working-age category graduate to old-age/non-working category in the next two to three decades. Currently, 1001.7 million Indians fall in the working-age group. Of this, around 10 million are the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. The official unemployment rate of J&K has been calculated at 06.7%. 473000 (and increasing) working age people from J&K are actively looking for work but continue being unemployed. Around 16% workforce of J&K is employed in the government sector. Roughly 04% work in non-government formal sector. Rest 80% are employed in semi-formal or informal sectors respectively. Of these 80%, more than half are self-employed. Casual labors again form a considerable fraction of this very group. In the last two years, overall college enrollments in J&K have dropped by 26%! The National Education Policy 2020, came as the central governments response to the youth bulge of the country! Given the fact that India currently homes the largest population of the world, this populace in essence and spirit needs to be productive. It needs to be healthy, educated, skillful, smart, upskilling and efficient The former model of education, where years of education served as a market signal for the hiring entities lost its relevance a while ago. Modern digital economy runs on axioms that are just shaping up and evolving each passing moment. Collective responses to these changes need to be more reflexive, (calculated) spur of the moment and predictive rather than just retrospective! Accordingly, under the NEP-2020 module, when a student after passing class XII, enters a college or university to earn her degree, she is required to curate a course basket of six different subjects. A major subject in which one intends to build the core specialization. A minor subject, which is as heavy as core but curated in a way that it aids the learning and skilling of the core course. Then comes the interesting part. Courses including: a multi-disciplinary, an ability enhancement, a skill enhancement and a value-added course need all to be curated simultaneously. In spirit, an institution is required to curate these options in a manner that a students unique capacity is built. At the end of the eighth or tenth semester when the said student leaves the campus, she, in theory, is expected to be all set and ready to enter the contemporary labour market without any hustle or issues. The axiom behind the idea is that the present job market is complex and skill-driven! As such, a well-educated and a well-skilled individual is expected to best capture the contemporary labor market, predominantly through her own capabilities rather than expecting the government to create job for her. In practice, unfortunately, the institutions are suffering from multiple bottlenecks and issues. Funding is sparce and staff is limited. Contractual hirings are made quite often; for a few months to a maximum of a year. The curators of the course baskets at the institution level are given the job in dark. Capacity building programs, brain-storming, model institution visits, hands-on and learning-by-demonstration; are all missing! Focusing on the specific context of Jammu and Kashmir, some changes are easy to make and plausible to be carried out. On the one hand, our traditional professions like hand-carving, aari-work, tilla-work, paper-machie, Namda making, Kashmiri paper making; only to name a few, are almost entering an extinction phase. The artisans specializing in these crafts are either leaving the profession or simply dying without transferring the skills to any apprentices or successors. Low remunerations, non-recognition, lack of policy support and oblivion have slowly and steadily been eating them up! On the other hand, markets and the global economy are metamorphosizing. The demand for niche products is increasing. The sense of aesthetically pleasant things is developing and appreciation for unique items is growing, leading to an increase in the demand for such goods. There is a novel but very interesting idea/portfolio under the NEP-2020 mandates known as; Professor of Practice (PoP). A PoP is a person who has deep expertise, working knowledge, practical experience and specialization in a(ny specific) field or skill. The institutions have the option of inviting such people as the PoPs so that direct contributions are made towards a focal capacity building of the young. A local solution to our local problem of unemployment and skill constraint has as such, simply been lying around! If the colleges/universities hire senior artisans as Professors of Practice (PoPs) and curate three-to-four-year courses on different crafts, a student can leave with a degree in a mainstream subject like Economics, Business, Physics, Chemistry or Geomatics along with a fully-developed and mastered marketable skill. Given the fact that a considerably large portion of modern-day sales and purchases are made online, especially through simpler platforms like Instagram and Facebook, each student given the level of creatively and tech-savviness they have, can become a seller online. Steadily, offline and more formal ventures can be developed under the learning by doing framework. A big army of productive, creative and well-educated artisans can be curated in less than five years. As it seems, the most notable of the very few remaining artisans can finally get the long long-awaited recognition. For an example, senior artisans like Ghulam Rasool Ahangar, Mohammad Shafi Weedah, Bilal Ahmad and curator Mohammad Idris among many others can be thought of, while making deliberations of this sort. With an intervention like this, it can be expected that the Kashmiri handicrafts industry might after all be reincarnated. Multiple backward and forward linkages can eventually be developed. Over the longer run, a circular economy gets set in place. The pressure on tourism and horticulture with this intervention can be expected to decline. The unemployment rate in J&K will slowly but steadily be able to take care of itself. An artisan after all has all the potential to save the J&K economy, as he has been doing for centuries at a stretch!
Flavio Bolsonaro reportedly lands in U.S. after fleeing Brazil following election loss
Flavio Bolsonaro lost elections to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and refused to concede defeat (Evaristo Sa) Defeated right-wing presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro left Brazil for the United States despite a court order banning him from exiting the country, US media reported Tuesday. The son of jailed ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro lost the presidential election Sunday to incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and refused to concede defeat. The right-wing senator on Monday said a Supreme Court justice had ordered him to hand over his passports. Bolsonaro is under investigation for alleged corruption and money laundering, and with his election loss is also set to lose parliamentary immunity. The 45-year-old arrived in the United States, CNN and the Washington Post reported, each citing an anonymous source. Where he landed remains unknown. The US State Department said Tuesday it would issue visas to Bolsonaro and his family, without confirming his travel plans. A police source told AFP that the senator's Brazilian and diplomatic passports had been canceled, adding that there is no formal record of Flavio Bolsonaro leaving the country. But he has held Italian nationality since 2023, according to an Italian parliamentary document seen by AFP. Bolsonaro's campaign manager Rogerio Marinho expressed shock over reports that the defeated candidate had fled Brazil. We still don't have any news about his whereabouts, he told reporters Tuesday in Brasilia. I received a text message from him this morning, where he said he would let some time pass today and then would talk with us, and that was it, Marinho said. That was the only communication we had. - 'Shameful' - Lula called fleeing the country a shameful act. A person who sneaks out of their country must have something to hide. The act of leaving Brazil is shameful, he remarked in Brasilia during his 81st birthday celebration. Bolsonaro said Monday that the ban on his exit from Brazil amounted to a scare tactic. I never had any intention of leaving the country, he said in a video posted on Instagram. US President Donald Trump, a close ally of Jair Bolsonaro, on Monday said Brazil's elections were rigged following the defeat of Bolsonaro junior. Flavio's brother Eduardo, a US-based former lawmaker, maintains close ties with the White House. Last week, he told a US podcast that Flavio Bolsonaro should leave Brazil in the event of electoral defeat, given the active probes into his activities. In his Monday statement, Lula's challenger also said he would lead the opposition to the leftist government. Following Lula's victory with 51.8 percent of the vote, Bolsonaro said he would seek to annul the result, citing the decision to extend polling hours over transportation difficulties that prevented some citizens from voting. Lula had requested the extension, as had Bolsonaro over bad weather in parts of the country. - In his father's footsteps - All bets were on a Bolsonaro win after he came out on top in the first round of elections earlier this month. He campaigned on a pledge to liberate his father, who is under house arrest for coup-plotting after his own electoral loss to Lula in 2022. Jair Bolsonaro never conceded defeat and left the country on the eve of his rival's inauguration, only returning to Brazil three months later. Separately on Tuesday, the Supreme Court ordered police to investigate alleged foreign funding of Flavio Bolsonaro's campaign and other interference from abroad such as social media manipulation. Lula's campaign complained about election interference by Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram, claiming algorithmic manipulation. Meta denies taking any actions to favor one side in the election, but previously said that some of Lula's campaign ads had been mistakenly deactivated due to technical errors. bur-cc/pnb This article originally appeared on AFP at https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/brazils-flavio-bolsonaro-flees-us-220155232.html
Why were you shown that ad? Most platforms still won
Article 39 of the EU Digital Services Act (DSA) requires very large online platforms (VLOPs) and very large online search engines (VLOSEs), including social media platforms like Instagram, shopping platforms like Temu and app stores like Google Play, to provide a database of all advertising shown and transparency as to who paid for each ad, which user demographics were targeted and how many users were reached in each country.
An elderly man sat beside the window, holding the cup between his palms. Outside, mist covered the rooftops. The chinar trees stood bare, and the mountains had disappeared behind a curtain of grey. He gazed at the narrow lane below, as though waiting for someone. Perhaps a familiar face. Perhaps a forgotten voice. Or perhaps a winter that would never return. There was a time when winter in old Kashmir arrived slowly, almost ceremoniously. Mornings carried the fragrance of wood smoke rising from mud-plastered houses. Water froze in earthen vessels. Frost painted delicate patterns on windowpanes. Outside, the world waited for the sun. Inside, life gathered around the kangri . More than an earthen pot filled with glowing charcoal, the kangri was the heart of a Kashmiri winter. Tucked beneath the pheran , it travelled from room to room, warming hands and accompanying conversations. Grandmothers held it close while telling stories. Grandfathers carried its warmth into the bitter cold. It taught a simple lesson: comfort did not always require abundance. Sometimes, a handful of glowing embers was enough. Winter had its own language then. Wooden doors creaked. Shovels scraped against fresh snow. Vegetable sellers called out through sleepy neighbourhoods. Somewhere, a mother summoned her children home, her voice travelling through narrow lanes like a familiar prayer. And then came the snow. Even a light snowfall transformed ordinary courtyards into magical kingdoms. Children rushed outside, built little snowmen and scattered footprints across the white ground. From frosted windows, elders watched with feigned concern and secret delight. For a few precious hours, childhood owned the world. Yet winter also demanded patience. Snow buried roads. Electricity failed. Lanterns replaced lights, and radios became treasured companions. People adjusted their lives to the weather. Hardship was real, but so was togetherness. Darkness brought families closer. Long evenings made room for stories, laughter and conversations that had nowhere else to go. As dusk settled, the samovar released the fragrance of kahwa . Warm girda and crisp lavasa passed from hand to hand. Walnuts cracked open. Neighbours arrived without invitations. One came to borrow something and stayed for hours. Another came simply to sit. Doors opened easily, and time seemed less expensive. Elders spoke of old Srinagar, its wooden bridges, bustling bazaars and familiar lanes. Their stories were rarely grand. They remembered weddings, difficult journeys, stubborn snowfalls and ordinary people. Yet these small memories preserved the soul of a place. A land survives not only through its monuments, but through the stories its people carry. Today, Kashmir wears a different winter. Heaters replace traditional rituals. Screens compete with conversations. Messages arrive instantly, yet visits become rare. Life is easier in many ways, and there is no reason to romanticise the hardships of the past. Still, something quietly disappears when convenience replaces ritual. Neighbours remain close in distance but distant in habit. Families share the same roof, yet sometimes inhabit separate worlds. We have discovered new ways to keep ourselves warm, but have we preserved the art of staying together? Perhaps nostalgia is not a desire to return to a harder life. It is the ache of realising that certain kinds of closeness grew around those hardships. We do not miss the darkness. We miss the people gathered around the lantern. We do not miss the bitter cold. We miss the warmth shared against it. The elderly man finishes his noon chai. The cup is empty, but he continues to hold it. Outside, a young boy hurries past, his schoolbag bouncing against his back. The man smiles faintly. Perhaps he sees his own childhood in that hurried figure: snow-covered lanes, warm bread, whispered stories and a home where someone was always waiting. The afternoon fades. Charcoal begins to glow somewhere in the house. The familiar scent of wood smoke rises into the evening air. For a moment, the years fall away. The old Kashmir returnsnot to the streets, but to the heart. Some winters end with the snow. Others never leave us. (The author is a freelance Columnist and writes on various issues. He can be reached at fidahumairawrite@gmail.com )
Railways may drop Prayagraj prefix from 3 stations to end passenger confusion
Acharya Gunadharanandi Maharaj of Varur Navagraha Teertha Kshetra has given the State government 10 days to provide written assurances on five demands of the Jain community, including the establishment of a Jain Development Corporation.
Sixteen Soldiers from Allied Nations Complete Parachute Basic Course in Agra
Sixteen soldiers from allied nations successfully completed the Parachute Basic Course at Agras Paratroopers Training School, enhancing military cooperation. Sixteen Soldiers from Allied Nations Complete Parachute Basic Course in Agra
SUFA terror module case: Rajasthan HC upholds charges against accused
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Oct 27 (IANS) The Rajasthan High Court has dismissed appeals filed by the accused in the SUFA terror module case, upholding the trial courts order to frame charges against them. The court observed that a trial can proceed when prima facie evidence raises serious suspicion regarding alleged activities, including the procurement of explosives and involvement in a terrorist conspiracy. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal and Justice Sameer Jain dismissed the appeals, holding that the allegations and material on record warranted a trial. The court clarified that the credibility and reliability of the evidence would be examined during the proceedings. The case dates back to March 30, 2022, when police from Nimbahera Sadar police station in Chittorgarh district recovered approximately three kilograms of explosive material from a car during a checkpoint operation at Wander Square. Watches, batteries, wires, bulbs, and other items were also reportedly recovered from the vehicle. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) subsequently investigated the case and named 11 individuals as accused. Eight were arrested, while three remain absconding. Counsel representing the accused argued that several of them were not present in the vehicle when the explosives were recovered and that no incriminating materials had been seized directly from them. The defence also questioned the evidentiary value of call detail records, location data, alleged travel tickets, and electronic evidence, arguing that these materials did not establish a direct or legally sufficient connection between the accused and the alleged crime. The lawyers contended that the trial court had framed charges without adequate evidence and urged the High Court to discharge the accused. Opposing the appeals, the NIA alleged that approximately 70 youths in Ratlam had formed an organisation called SUFA. According to the agency, the group sought to influence and radicalise young people by showing them videos associated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The NIA further alleged that a secret meeting was held on March 25, 2022, during which a conspiracy was hatched to procure improvised explosive devices (IEDs), transport them to Jaipur, and carry out terrorist activities in the city. According to the agency, the alleged operation was also intended to be recorded on video, and recordings linked to the conspiracy were subsequently recovered during the investigation. The Rajasthan High Court observed that, at the stage of framing charges, a court must assess whether the available material establishes a prima facie case or creates grave suspicion against the accused. A detailed assessment of the evidences authenticity, credibility, and reliability is undertaken during the trial. The bench also noted the seriousness of the allegations concerning the proposed transportation of explosive devices to a major city such as Jaipur. By dismissing the appeals, the High Court upheld the trial courts decision to frame charges, allowing the proceedings to continue. The allegations against the accused will be tested through the judicial process, and the decision to frame charges does not, by itself, establish their guilt.
Delhi HC seeks response from Centre in plea against withholding Instagram handle 'Bring Back Ballot'
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued notice to Central Government in a plea challenging the withholding of the Instagram handle @bring_back__ballot in India. The
Shilpa Rao concert row: Kutle Khan issues clarification amid backlash
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 27 (IANS) Folk singer Kutle Khan has issued a clarification with regards to the recent controversy at the Bollywood Music Project (BMP) in Mumbai. On October 24, playback singer Shilpa Rao's performance was abruptly cut short, as the input from her mic was turned off. Kutle Khan faced criticism after his set began while Shilpa was trying to address the audience. He has now shared his side of the story. On Tuesday, he took to his Instagram, and that the incident was not his doing. He shared that all the artists had been given fixed time slots and that he had followed the instructions of the festival organisers. He said in the video, I would like to clarify about my performance and Shilpa ji's performance on social media for two days. What actually happened there? All the respected artistes who had come, their timing was fixed. And Shilpa ji's timing was also fixed. And in between, their mic was switched off, the lights were switched off. I don't know how this happened. And it shouldn't have happened at all. And it shouldn't have happened at all from our side. Either the festival people know or their engineers know. And the second thing is that my set was of 20 minutes, they cut that and said that yours is of 1 minute. So I said, No problem, as the festival people are saying, I have to do it. So I started the show 8 minutes late. In between, Shilpa ji said from another stage that Kutli ji, you are singing well, I want to say thank you to the audience. I stopped my set, and said Okay. So in between, they were saying thank you, I stopped the set. And the sound is towards the audience, the mixer is towards the audience, I could hear in the in-ear that Kutli ji, start, start. So I started. And Shilpa ji is a very good friend of mine, like my sister. And what is happening on social media right now, this troll that is going on, is very bad. It shouldn't happen at all. And that's it. This is the clarity. Thank you so much, he added.
Jennifer Lawrence says she wants to be a 'sexy mom' and still plans a facelift
Highlights Jennifer Lawrence, 36, told The Cut: I want to be a sexy mom, in an interview to mark the launch of her haircare brand Mes The magazine reported that she has had a breast augmentation and one day plans to get a face-lift It echoes what she told The New Yorker a year ago, when she said of a facelift: elieve me, I'm gonna Mes launched on Tuesday with three products priced from $34 to $52 (about 26 to 39) What did Jennifer Lawrence say about being a 'sexy mom'? In an interview in The Cut's October and November issue, Lawrence said her ideal is looking effortless at the school gates. I want to be a sexy mom, she said. At drop-off, she explained, she wants to look like a woman who has it together, even on a morning when she has just woken up and doesn't. The magazine described her personal ethos as looking good with minimal effort. Lawrence and her husband, the art gallery director Cooke Maroney, have two sons: Cy, who is four, and a 19-month-old. Eastern Eye reported the arrival of their second child last year. Is Jennifer Lawrence planning a facelift? Yes, eventually. The Cut reported that despite having had a breast augmentation, Lawrence one day plans to get a face-lift. No date was given. That is consistent with what she told The New Yorker on 27 October 2025. Asked then whether she had had a deep-plane facelift, like her friend Kris Jenner, Lawrence replied: No, but believe me, I'm gonna! Has Jennifer Lawrence had plastic surgery? By her own account, some. Lawrence has said she has Botox, but not fillers, because fillers show on camera, and she keeps the Botox light enough to move her forehead when she plays ordinary people. The Cut's report that she has had a breast augmentation follows what she said in 2025, when she told The New Yorker she planned one for that November, before filming a nude scene in the spring. She had not had a facelift at that point, and denied rumours that she had. What has Jennifer Lawrence said about plastic surgery before? When Where What she said November 2023 Interview magazine, with Kylie Jenner She denied having had eye surgery, crediting her make-up artist, and said she had lost baby weight in her face and my face changed because I'm aging 27 October 2025 The New Yorker She confirmed Botox but not fillers, said a facelift was coming (elieve me, I'm gonna), and said she planned a breast augmentation 27 October 2026 The Cut I want to be a sexy mom, with the magazine reporting her breast augmentation and future facelift The 2025 interview was also candid about motherhood. Everything bounced back, pretty much, after the first one, she said. Second one, nothing bounced back. She added that she would have surgery even if she were not famous: Maybe I wouldn't be hustling to the appointment the same way. But I think yes. The timing mattered. She was promoting Die My Love , in which she plays a woman unravelling after childbirth. What is Jennifer Lawrence's haircare brand Mes? Mes, styled as mes, launched on Tuesday 27 October at mesbeauty.com. Lawrence created it with Jasmina Aganovic, an MIT-trained engineer and the founder and chief executive of the biotech company Arcaea. The idea, Lawrence has said, grew from years spent in hair and make-up chairs wondering why better results always seemed to need more effort. She teased the brand on Instagram on 16 October. The line starts with three products: the Multitask Repair Mask at $52 (about 39), the Off-Duty Restyling Serum at $44 (about 33), which Lawrence calls a hot tool replacement, and the Good Roots Volume Mist at $34 (about 26). A set of all three, The Low Maintenance Edit, costs $120 (about 90), against $130 if bought separately. Ingredients include a biomimetic tri-lipid complex to boost strength and olive squalane. The brand is sold only online. How did Jennifer Lawrence respond to Reddit comments about her hair? With some alarm. The Cut told her that some Reddit users had questioned whether her hair was a standout feature. That didn't even occur to me. Is that something people think about? she said, according to the magazine. What is Jennifer Lawrence working on next? She is set to star alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Martin Scorsese's gothic horror What Happens at Night, in which Charli XCX is reportedly making a cameo . Lawrence, who was born in Kentucky in 1990 and won the best actress Oscar for Silver Linings Playbook, also produces through her company Excellent Cadaver.
Kartik Aaryan congratulates Harry Kane on Ballon dOr win: So well deserved
Actor Kartik Aaryan has congratulated footballer Harry Kane on his reported win at the 2026 Ballon dOr ceremony. The actor, who has often expressed his interest in football, shared a congratulatory message for the player on social media. Kartik reshared a throwback video while celebrating Kanes achievement. Alongside the post, he wrote, Congratulations Champion @harrykane So well deserved @ballondorofficial . View this post on Instagram A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan) The actors message reflected his excitement over the footballers achievement, with fans also engaging with the post on social media. Kartik has previously shared his interest in the sport, making the congratulatory message another instance of him expressing support for football. Kanes reported recognition has drawn attention from football fans, while Kartiks post brought together audiences from the worlds of cinema and sport. Also Read:EXCLUSIVE: Kartik Aaryan to headline Karan Johars MOST AMBITIOUS film Kaaliya; GRAND announcement with Ramayana
Uorfi Javed gets into ugly fight with security guard, video viral
Mumbai: Uorfi Javeds latest dispute revolves around shooting content inside her own home. The social media personality has called out her housing society over restrictions on filming and shared a video of her confrontation with a security guard. Taking to Instagram Stories, Uorfi alleged that the society committee had introduced a rule to trouble her, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
MP: Indore woman alleges gang rape in moving car in Ujjain, names six men
Digital Desk | Ujjain, Oct 27 (IANS) A 20-year-old woman from Indore has alleged that six men sexually assaulted and brutally beat her inside a moving car in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district. She has also described the alleged assault in a video message that has circulated on social media. Police have registered an FIR against two men based on her complaint and launched an investigation into the alleged involvement of the other accused. According to the woman's complaint, she came in contact with Ujjain resident Chakresh Jain through Instagram. She alleged that Jain called her to Ujjain to meet him and that he, along with another man, picked her up in a car near Meghdoot Hotel. She claimed that four more men later joined them and that the group sexually assaulted her while driving around the city. The woman also alleged that the accused beat her up and attacked her private parts with a plastic pipe. According to her account, the men later dropped her outside Aurobindo Hospital in Indore. She told police that she contacted her minor foster brother around 9 p.m. after the alleged assault. The two subsequently approached Nanakheda police station in Ujjain to lodge a complaint. Police registered the FIR against Jain and one other person. While the woman has alleged that six men were involved, only two have been named in the FIR so far. Police are verifying the allegations and examining the sequence of events. Investigators are also checking CCTV footage from the areas mentioned in the complaint to establish the route taken by the car and identify any other persons involved. The woman's statements are being recorded, and medical examination procedures have been initiated, police said. No arrests have been officially confirmed so far. Further action will be taken based on the evidence gathered during the investigation, police added.
Div Com Kashmir Administers Integrity Pledge on Vigilance Awareness Week 2026
Srinagar, October 27: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, administered the Integrity Pledge to officers and officials at the Divisional Commissioners Office in Srinagar as part of the observance of Vigilance Awareness Week 2026. The pledge-taking ceremony reaffirmed the administrations commitment to promoting integrity, transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in public service. Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Basharat Qayoom; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo; Additional Commissioners Akramullah Tak and Zahoor Ahmad Magray, along with other officers and officials of the Divisional Commissioners Office, participated in the ceremony. Addressing the officers and officials on the occasion, the Divisional Commissioner emphasised the importance of maintaining the highest standards of honesty, integrity and professional ethics while discharging official responsibilities. He stressed that transparency, accountability and ethical conduct are essential pillars of effective governance and play a crucial role in strengthening public trust in government institutions. He also underscored the collective responsibility of public servants in upholding the principles of probity in public life and ensuring that administrative functioning remains fair, transparent and accountable. The programme highlighted the need to foster a culture of integrity and responsibility across government offices, while reiterating the administrations resolve to maintain a corruption-free work environment. The observance also served as a reminder of the vital role played by every public servant in safeguarding ethical values, strengthening institutional credibility and ensuring that public services are delivered with honesty, fairness and commitment.
Iranian MPs visit Taj Mahal, hail shared civilisational heritage with India
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 27 (IANS) Members of Irans Parliament, who are in India for the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, visited the Taj Mahal in Agra on Tuesday. Sharing pictures of the visit on X on Tuesday, the Iranian Embassy said the monument reflected the rich artistic heritage of India and showed how civilisations enrich one another. Members of Irans Parliament visited the iconic Taj Mahal, a timeless masterpiece reflecting the rich artistic heritage of India and the centuries-old cultural dialogue between Iran and India. From Persian-inspired gardens and calligraphy to Indias remarkable craftsmanship and architectural traditions, the Taj Mahal stands as a symbol of how civilisations enrich one another, the Embassy posted. As Iranian poet Sohrab Sepehri beautifully evoked in The Traveller, the Taj Mahal reflected in the Yamuna becomes a moment where art, life, and eternity meet. A shared civilizational heritage, connecting our peoples across generations, it added. On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor met the visiting Iranian parliamentary representatives on the sidelines of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi. Sharing glimpses from the interaction on X, the Iranian Embassy in India stated, On the sidelines of the 12th Parliamentary Forum 2026, Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, and senior parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor received Iranian parliamentary representatives in courtesy calls, underscoring the importance of bilateral relations between Iran and India. The forum brought together parliamentary leaders from BRICS member and partner countries to discuss ways to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and advance people-centric development. Earlier in the day, the visiting Iranian parliamentary delegation met Om Birla at the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum. The parliamentary delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, visiting New Delhi to participate in the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, met with Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla this morning and held talks with him, the Iranian Embassy in India posted on X. Irans parliamentary delegation arrived in New Delhi on Sunday to attend the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum.
Instagram tests 90-minute long-form videos to take on YouTube: When will it launch in India?
Instagram is testing a new long-form video format called Features, allowing selected creators to upload horizontal videos of up to 90 minutes. The feature is designed to attract podcasters, comedians, interviewers, and other creators who currently publish longer videos on YouTube.
Diljit Dosanjh visits Taj Mahal as Delhi concert gets security clearance
Diljit Dosanjh made a noteworthy stop at the Taj Mahal during his Agra visit, admiring the stunning architecture while under heightened security. This excursion came just ahead of his eagerly awaited concert at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi. After initial security hesitations from the Delhi Police, a successful dialogue led to the much-anticipated clearance for the event, part of Dosanjh's Aura India Tour on October 30.
Raj Babbar visits Golden Temple with family, talks about growth of Punjabi cinema
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 27 (IANS) Actor and senior political leader Raj Babbar visited the Golden Temple with his family. During his visit, he spoke about the growth of Punjabi cinema and hinted at a possible upcoming project in the regional film industry. Speaking about his visit to the revered shrine, Raj told media that coming to the Golden Temple was a matter of divine calling. Today is a very important day because Babaji has called us here, and we have arrived. I have come here to pay obeisance at the holy shrine, he said. The Ghayal actor added that he tries to visit the shrine at least once a year and feels a deep sense of peace whenever he comes here. Talking about Punjabi cinema, Raj Babbar praised the industry's progress and its focus on strong storytelling. He expressed happiness over the quality of work being produced and hinted that he could soon be associated with a Punjabi film project. The Punjabi industry is doing very well. We are doing good work and making good stories. Very soon, we will also do some work, he said. Raj Babbar also spoke about his strong connection with Punjab, highlighting the role his roots have played in shaping his identity in the Hindi film industry. For the visit, the veteran actor wore a black shirt paired with jeans and covered his head with a white cloth as a mark of respect at the Golden Temple. Interestingly, Raj Babbar, who was born into a Punjabi family, completed his graduation from Agra College before training at the National School of Drama in New Delhi. Over the years, he has also been associated with Punjabi cinema. Babbar featured in Pollywod films such as Chann Pardesi, Long Da Lishkara, Shaheed Udham Singh, Ek Jind Ek Jaan, and Apni Boli Apna Des.
Special moment: Raghav Chadha on meeting great-great-grandson of Leo Tolstoy
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 27 (IANS) BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Tuesday shared his experience after meeting the great-great-grandson of the legendary Leo Tolstoy, underscoring the friendship and intellectual connection between Tolstoy's Russia and India. In a post on X, Chadha said, Had the pleasure of meeting Petr Tolstoy, the great-great-grandson of the legendary Leo Tolstoy on the sidelines of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum at Parliament House, New Delhi. One of the greatest writers and philosophers of all time, Leo Tolstoy, the celebrated author of War and Peace and Anna Karenina, was much more than a literary genius. Born into aristocracy, he questioned privilege and inequality. A soldier who witnessed the horrors of war, he became a passionate advocate of peace, non-violence, compassion and truth, said Chadha. The BJP MP said what makes Leo Tolstoys legacy particularly special to us Indians is his profound intellectual and spiritual connection with Mahatma Gandhi. In 1909, Tolstoy and Gandhiji began exchanging letters on truth, love and non-violence. His writings deeply influenced Gandhiji's philosophy and commitment to Ahimsa and Satyagraha, which became powerful instruments in India's freedom struggle. Gandhiji even named his settlement in South Africa Tolstoy Farm in his honour, he wrote on X. More than a century later, meeting his direct descendant, himself a distinguished parliamentarian, at India's Parliament was a special moment. A beautiful reminder that while nations may be separated by geography, great ideas know no borders. The intellectual connection between Tolstoy's Russia and our India remains a timeless chapter in the friendship between our two great nations, said Chadha. Earlier, Chadha represented the Parliament of India at the 12th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 4 to 6. There, he highlighted India's growth in real-time digital payments, noting the expansion of UPI to over 240 billion transactions in FY 202526, alongside upcoming QR-code integration with Uzbekistan's payment system.
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 27 (IANS) Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson on Tuesday predicted political tamasha after her memoir 'Belonging' is released worldwide on November 10. In a message on X, Sonia Gandhi wrote, Theres bound to be some tamasha when this book comes out. After all, others have spent decades telling my story, now its my turn. The social media post was accompanied by a short video showing Sonia Gandhi sharing the reasons why she decided to share her story, After a lifetime of being written about. The video clips captions also mentioned that when her husband Rajiv Gandhi was asked to become the Prime Minister, she was totally against it. Earlier on October 22, Sonia Gandhi made her social media debut by joining Instagram and sharing a post on her upcoming book 'Belonging: A Journey of Love'. Hello everyone, I'm truly grateful to share this moment with you all: The first look of 'Belonging: A Journey of Love'. It is a story of love, duty, loss, and finding a place to belong. I look forward to sharing it with you, Sonia Gandhi wrote on her first Instagram post, sharing the first look of her memoir. In the video shared on Instagram, Sonia Gandhi is seen receiving the first copies of her book and sharing sweets with her daughter and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The two were also seen hugging. The CPP Chairperson did not have a social media account until now. She now has over 10,700 followers and follows her children, Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, as well as the Indian National Congress. The book is set to launch on November 10, while pre-orders have been opened. The memoir is being published globally by Alfred A. Knopf, with HarperCollins India handling its release in the country. In a post on X, HarperCollins India said that it will publish 'Belonging: A Journey of Love' by Sonia Gandhi. The long-awaited memoir will be published in India on 10 November 2026, it said. The publishing house added, One of the most anticipated political memoirs of our time, 'Belonging' is a dramatic and deeply personal story of love, identity, duty and belonging, and offers a rare insider's view of India's journey. Earlier, reports surfaced that Penguin India refused to publish the memoir of the senior Congress leader over alleged disagreement over editorial changes, which were later refuted by the publishing house.
Bhuvan Bams fitness trainer shares transformation pictures ahead of Dhindora's premiere on Netflix
Bhuvan Bams fitness trainer, Pranit Shilimkar, has shared a series of photographs highlighting the actor and content creators fitness journey ahead of the release of Dhindora 2. The post also caught attention for its caption, which references Bhuvans upcoming show. Sharing the pictures on Instagram, Pranit wrote, Kam karte raho, Dhindora toh bajega hi , while tagging Bhuvan. He also acknowledged the support he received from Rohit Raj and Vedant during the process, writing, it was almost impossible without your help! Extremely grateful. The photographs offer a glimpse of Bhuvans physical transformation and the work he has put into his fitness. Pranits post comes as the actor prepares to return to the world of Dhindora, the comedy series built around the multiple characters created by Bhuvan. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pranit Shilimkar (@fitnesstalks_with_pranit) Bhuvan Bam gears up for Dhindora 2 The upcoming season marks Bhuvans return to the franchise and its familiar characters, including Titu Mama. The show follows his earlier work in projects that have allowed him to explore different kinds of roles. Bhuvan was recently seen playing Rash Behari Bose in The Revolutionaries, marking a shift from the comedy-driven characters that first made him popular online. With Dhindora 2, he is set to revisit the humour and character-driven storytelling associated with his digital work. Pranits caption connects the actors fitness efforts with the upcoming season, using a play on the shows title to acknowledge the work happening behind the scenes. Further details about the new season, including its release date, are awaited. Also Read:Wamiqa Gabbi and Bhuvan Bam spotted shooting for Kuku Ki Kundali in Manali, video surfaces online
For Kiara Advani, a beauty routine does not always have to be elaborate to make an impact. Sometimes, it comes down to a non-negotiable skincare step, well-prepped skin and a lipstick shade that brings the entire look together. In a beauty interview with Lifestyle Asia, India, the actress opened up about the habits she swears by, her go-to festive makeup look and a character whose appearance gave her room to experiment. Makeup Removal Is Her Non-Negotiable Skincare Step Busy schedules and long shooting days can make elaborate skincare routines difficult to maintain, but Kiara has one rule she refuses to compromise on: removing her makeup before bed. Speaking about the one skincare step she never skips, she said, Taking my makeup off. Like no matter how late it is, I have to take my makeup off and then sleep. Her approach is a reminder that even when time is limited, taking off makeup remains an essential part of winding down after a long day. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lifestyle Asia India (@lifestyleasiaindia) The Beauty Lesson She Learnt on Set When it comes to achieving a polished makeup look that lasts through demanding shooting schedules, Kiara credits good skin preparation. Asked about a beauty trick she learnt on set, she explained, I think good skin prep. You know, just to make sure your makeup stays on, looks flawless through the day. Definitely a long-wear lipstick. For the actress, preparing the skin and choosing a long-wearing lip colour are key elements of a look that needs to hold up throughout the day. Her Festive Makeup Formula: Mascara and a Bold Lip Kiaras festive beauty preferences revolve around two essentials: expressive lashes and a statement lip. She shared, My go-to festive makeup look is, lots of mascara, because I always like my lashes to do all the talking. And like a bold lip like I'm wearing today, so the Berry Bulfi. This shade is, I mean it's just, I think especially for Indian skin, it just brings out all your features and looks beautiful. So yeah, I think this would be my, I think my lashes and this beautiful lip and I'm good to go. The actress also revealed her current favourite makeup pick, saying, I mean right now for me, it's the Maybelline New York Vinyl Mithai Collection. It is like the yummiest, yummiest, yummiest colours. Kiara Advani on the beauty look she had fun exploring in Toxic Beyond her personal beauty preferences, Kiara is looking forward to experimenting with a more theatrical aesthetic on screen. Discussing her character Nadia in Toxic, she said, So I think my character Nadia in Toxic, we got to do a lot of fun performance makeup, because she's, you know, she's a circus performer. So we got to experiment with bold lips and bold eyes and just go for it, go for the kill. So I think that would be a look from a character of mine that was exciting. And when it comes to a beauty affirmation she would like to put out into the universe, Kiara kept it relatable and concise: May my concealer never crease. From everyday skincare discipline to bold festive makeup and experimental on-screen looks, Kiaras beauty philosophy combines practical essentials with a willingness to have fun. Also Read: Kiara Advani enjoys a beach getaway with Sidharth Malhotra and daughter Saraayah amid second pregnancy; see post
Filmmaker Karan Johar has shared his excitement for superstar Shah Rukh Khan, celebrating his return as The ONE and Only KING. Taking to social media, Karan amplified the anticipation surrounding the actor's highly anticipated project 'King'. Sharing the poster on his Instagram Stories, Karan wrote, And he is back!!!!!!! The One and Only King!!!! #King. Ananya Panday wrote, Christmas present for everyone, alongside red-hearted-eye emoticons. On Tuesday, just days ahead of his 61st birthday, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan delighted fans on Tuesday by unveiling a new poster of his much-anticipated film of the year, 'King'. The poster features Shah Rukh Khan in a vengeful avatar, wielding a gun as he strides out of a tunnel engulfed in towering flames, creating a dramatic visual that hints at an intense, action-packed spectacle. Sporting an unbuttoned dark shirt that exposes his bloodied chest, the actor appears in a gritty look, adding to the anticipation surrounding the film....
Pakistan: Over 4,000 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa schools in dilapidated state
Digital Desk | Islamabad, Oct 27 (IANS) As many as 4,049 government schools in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have been declared in 'dilapidated' condition and require immediate reconstruction and rehabilitation to ensure the safety of students and teachers, local media reported on Tuesday. A total of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 16.2 billion will be needed to reconstruct and repair these schools, according to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa elementary and secondary education department's initial estimates. According to a report in leading Pakistani daily 'Dawn', the department said that the structures which need reconstruction and rehabilitation include 8,088 classrooms, 2,949 group latrines and 48 examination halls. The department conducted a survey in government schools after a private school building collapsed in Dir Colony of Peshawar earlier this month. The government has also directed the Elementary and Secondary Education Authority (ESEA) to conduct inspections in private school buildings in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. An education department official said that ESEA has so far conducted inspections in more than 6,000 out of the 12,493 private schools registered with the Private Schools Regulatory Authority, adding that they would need another week to complete the inspection in schools. According to the official data, 245 schools in Abbottabad need PKR 1.098 billion for rehabilitation, while 59 schools have been declared in a dilapidated state in Battagram. As many as 71 government schools in Buner require rehabilitation, while 174 schools in Charsadda need rehabilitation. According to the survey, 271 government schools in Lower Dir have been declared dilapidated, while 161 schools in Upper Dir need rehabilitation. As many as 116 government schools in Hangu have been declared dilapidated. As many as 332 government schools in Haripur need rehabilitation, while 132 schools have been declared dilapidated in Karak. According to the official data, 168 government schools in Kohat need rehabilitation in Kohat while 162 schools have been declared dilapidated in Malakand, Dawn reported. A total of 350 school buildings have been declared dilapidated in Mardan, while 488 government schools have been identified in poor condition in Swat. According to the survey, 454 schools in Peshawar, 202 in Nowshera, 174 in Mansehra, 160 in Swabi, 110 in Lower Kohistan, 47 in Kolai-Palas, 38 each in Upper Chitral and Upper Kohistan, 35 in Lower Chitral, 33 in Shangla and 30 in Torghar require rehabilitation. On October 15, at least 31 children and two female teachers were killed and over 50 others injured after the roof of a private school collapsed in Pakistan's Peshawar, local media reported, citing Lady Reading Hospital (LRH). According to LRH, 53 children were taken to the hospital, the majority of them boys. Among them, 33 died while 17 were discharged from the hospital after observation. All the children were aged 14 years or below, 'The Express Tribune' had reported earlier. Speaking to reporters, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Mian Saeed said that the roof of the school had been poorly constructed and the building was located in narrow streets, which created difficulties for rescue operations.
Saiju Kurup's 'Harivarasanam' to hit screens on January 15 for Makar Sankranthi
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 27 (IANS) The makers of director Rajesh Nair's devotional Malayalam film 'Harivarasanam', featuring Malayalam actor Saiju Kurup in the lead, on Tuesday announced that the film would hit screens on January 15 next year for the festival of Makar Sankranthi. Taking to its Instagram page to share the update, production house Panorama Studios wrote, An Emotional Journey of Faith! Witness HARIVARASANAM in theatres this MAKAR SANKRANTHI! It may be recalled that director Rajesh had, in the first week of October, confirmed that dubbing for the film had been completed. The director had taken to to his Instagram stories section to drop the update. In August this year, the director had shared a Behind The Scenes picture from the sets even as he dropped an update on the film's progress. Taking to his Instagram page, director Rajesh Nair had disclosed that the film had entered its 30th day of shooting even as he shared a picture that showed the cinematographer focussing his camera on actors dressed as devotees lined up to climb the famous 18 steps at Sabarimala. The cinematographer was also seen holding out a mike towards the actors. The film has triggered huge interest among fans and film buffs and what had recently added to their excitement was Tamil comedian Yogi Babu joining the unit. Actor Saiju Kurup, who plays the lead in this devotional film, had welcomed Tamil comedian Yogi Babu onboard the unit of the film. Taking to his Instagram page, Saiju Kurup posted a picture of himself with Yogi Babu and had said, #Harivarasanam, the divine tale continues. Happy to welcome onboard,Shri Yogi Babu @yogiibabuorginal. Get ready for an intense blend of emotion, devotion, and powerful storytelling. @yogiibabuorginal. @director_rajeshmohanan @ajithvinayakafilms @sarathkumar2222 @ampady_k @ranjin_raj @sajadkaakku @ajiesh_edamon @sasi.poduval @rakhil._ @stephy_zaviour @sithara_vijayan @eva_anil. The film, which is being directed by Rajesh Nair who is best known for having directed films like Salt Mango Tree and Thrissur Pooram, is being produced by Vinayaka Ajith. The film had gone on floors in the beginning of July, with a pooja ceremony that was held at the Chitranjali studio in Thiruvananthapuram where a grand set resembling the famous Sabarimala temple was erected. The story for the film has been penned by Ampadhy K while the project has been designed by R Jayachandran. The film boasts of a fine technical team. Cinematography for the film is by Sajad Kaaku while music for the film is by Ranjin Raj. Ajiesh Edamon has been roped in as the editor for this film, which has costumes designed by Stephy Zaviour. Production design is by Rakhil and production control is by Sasi Poduval.
LeBron James Sends One Word Message To Celebrate Big Tyrese Maxey Accolade
James reacted to Maxeys Eastern Conference Player of the Week award with a one-word Instagram message and a string of clapping emojis. Maxey earned the honor after averaging 28.8 points through the first four games.
Russell Wilson marked Ciara's 41st birthday with an Instagram Reel full of shared memories and a message calling her our rock. As the couple celebrates ten years of marriage and waits for baby number five, here is what he wrote and she answered.
The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi concluded on Tuesday with the presiding officers and parliamentary representatives from member nations issuing a comprehensive joint declaration under the theme Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development. The two-day summit brought together legislative leaders from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. Reaffirming the consensus of the New Delhi Declaration, member parliaments stressed the urgency of reforming the current international peace and security architecture, calling for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council, to make it more just, equitable, democratic, representative, effective, and efficient, specifically pointing to Paragraph 13 of the NDD, to ensure global governance better reflects the voice of the Global South. Building on this call for a transformed global order, the delegates reaffirmed their commitmen...
Neil Nitin Mukesh joins Dar-e-Nijaat craze, fans praise his post
Mumbai: A festive photoshoot, a Pakistani drama song and a comment section full of excited fans! Neil Nitin Mukeshs latest Instagram post has caught the attention of Dar-e-Nijaat viewers, with some even imagining him as an Indian version of its character Abu Bakar. The actor shared a series of pictures wearing a black outfit with Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 27 (IANS) Filmmaker Subhash Ghai has recalled a piece of advice he received from veteran music composers Kalyanji-Anandji in 1975 while working on his first film, Kalicharan. He shared his thoughts on the creative process behind film music. Taking to Instagram, Subhash reflected on how music composers develop their own distinctive styles, just as filmmakers revisit certain ideas and approaches throughout their careers. In 1975, while composing music for my first film Kalicharan, I was told by our veteran music composers Kalyanji-Anandji about film music, he wrote. Drawing a parallel between filmmaking and music composition, Subhash said directors often explore similar stories in different ways throughout their careers. He added that music composers also develop their own signature styles, which may recur across films even when the lyrics change. He added, Listeners enjoy good songs. Musician does a surgery. A few days ago, Subhash Ghai looked back at a memorable chapter of his career as Mukta Arts marked its 48th anniversary. He shared a throwback video from the production houses silver jubilee celebrations, which featured veteran actor Dilip Kumar, filmmaker Yash Chopra and his mentor N. N. Sippy. The video showed Dilip Kumar and other dignitaries blessing Subhash Ghai during the celebrations. Sharing the video, Subhash thanked Paresh Sippy, son of his first producer, N. N. Sippy. He recalled how N. N. Sippy taught him the skills of film production in 1975 while he was working on his first directorial venture, Kalicharan. Thank u dear Parvesh sippy. Sweet son of my first producer sh N N SIPPY of my first directorial film Kalicharan who taught me the production skills in 1975. We formed Mukta Films Productions in 1978 with Karz, followed by Hero, Karma, Meri Jung, Ram Lakhan, Saudagar, Khalnayak, Pardes, Taal, Yaadein, Yuvraaj, Black & White, Aitraaz, Iqbal and so many (sic), he had written. Subhash Ghai is known for directing popular Hindi films such as Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan, Saudagar and Pardes.
Instagram Tests 90-Minute Horizontal Videos To Compete With YouTube
The new products include Features, which are horizontal videos of as long as 90 minutes, and Series, designed for episodic, short-form microdramas
UP cabinet clears 22 proposals, including four link expressways, cyber security centre
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his official residence in Lucknow on Tuesday, approved 22 proposals, including the development of four link expressways, cashless medical treatment for non-teaching staff in educational institutions and the establishment of a cyber security operations centre. Among the key decisions was the approval of four link expressway projects aimed at strengthening road connectivity across the state. These include the Farrukhabad Link Expressway, a link expressway connecting the Agra-Lucknow Expressway with the Purvanchal Expressway, the Jhansi Link Expressway and the Jewar Link Expressway. The Cabinet also approved a proposal to establish a cyber security operations centre in Uttar Pradesh through IIT Kanpur's C3iHub. In another decision, the Cabinet approved the free transfer of 9.524 hectares of land for the Sainik School in Mainpuri. It also cleared proposals to extend cashless medical treatment facilities to non-teaching...
Bhumi Pednekar seeks blessings at Tirumalas Srivari Temple with family
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 27 (IANS) Actress Bhumi Pednekar visited the famous Srivari Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, with her family and offered prayers. The Badhaai Do actress sought the blessings of Lord Venkateswara and other deities. Following her prayers, Bhumi received the temples Tirtha Prasad. For the visit, Bhumi opted for a simple yet elegant saree paired with a shawl. She left her hair open, accessorized with bangles, and kept her makeup subtle. The actress was also seen with her hands folded in prayer. The Srivari Temple, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India and attracts devotees from across the country throughout the year. Meanwhile, Bhumi Pednekar had recently shared glimpses of her New York getaway on Instagram. She revealed that she had been enjoying her time in the city while missing home. Sharing a series of pictures from her trip, the Dum Laga Ke Haisha actress wrote, Living my best life, but always missing home :) The photo dump featured Bhumi posing against scenic city backdrops, clicking candid selfies and enjoying leisurely strolls. The pictures also offered a glimpse of her culinary experiences, including sandwiches, coffee and other food, along with fun moments spent with friends. On the work front, Bhumi is set to portray warrior queen Belawadi Mallamma in the upcoming historical film The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film features Rishab Shetty in the lead role. Directed and backed by Sandeep Singh, the film also stars Arjun Rampal and Vivek Oberoi in key roles. The first part of the film is scheduled to release in theatres on January 21, 2027. Bhumi Pednekar was last seen in the romantic comedy film Mere Husband Ki Biwi and the Netflix web series The Royals opposite Ishaan Khatter.
How an Instagram post revealed a giant waterlily unknown to science for millions of years
