Iran Hangs Two Men Over Police Killings As Executions Continue Post-January Violence
Iran has executed two more men convicted over the killing of four police officers during January's anti-government protests in Isfahan, deepening concerns over Tehran's deadly crackdown on dissent. Amirhossein Maleki and Amirhossein Ebrahimi were sentenced to death in the Alikhani Square case, with Iran's Supreme Court upholding their convictions.The two are among 12 defendants sentenced to death in the case. According to Iran Human Rights, seven other defendants have already been executed since July. The latest executions have raised fresh concerns over Iran's treatment of protesters, controversial mass trials and the use of death sentences against political dissent.UN Special Rapporteur Mai Sato has also highlighted the case, while a lawyer representing defendants has challenged the official account and questioned the charges.Times Of India (TOI) Is The Largest Selling English Daily In The World. Times Of India Videos Bring You Global News, Views And Sharp Analysis. We Track India's Global Rise, Her Increasing Engagement With The World, The Changing Geopolitical Landscape Amid Conflicts And Wars And The Emerging World Order. INTERNATIONAL NEWS | GLOBAL CONFLICTS | MIDDLE EAST WAR | CHANGING WORLD ORDER #TOILive | #TOIVideos Subscribe to the Times Of India YT channel and press the bell icon to get notified when we go live.Join Millions Reading TOI; Download Our App At http://toi.in/app-ytVisit our website https://www.timesofindia.com/Follow us on X/ @timesofindia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimesofIndiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/timesofindia/Follow the TOI WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/3RYl0J9For daily news & updates and exclusive stories, follow the Times of India
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 3 (IANS) Singer Neha Bhasin remembered her late father on his death anniversary. She shared an emotional note, recalling cherished childhood memories and a special moment when her parents sang together on the banks of the Ganga. Taking to Instagram, the 'Jag Ghoomeya' singer said November 4, 2018, was one of the saddest days for her family, as her father passed away. Reflecting on the pain of losing a loved one, she wrote that nothing could prepare a person for the realisation that they would never see someone dear to them again. The singer said she often revisited her memories to keep her father alive in her heart. She also spoke about having a beautiful childhood with parents who loved and respected each other, adding that they gave their children a balanced upbringing. Sharing her video, Neha wrote, 4th Nov was probably the saddest day of our lives as Papu left us for his heavenly journey in 2018. I know we all lose our loved ones and that grief binds us all. But nothing prepares one to face a fact 'I will never see my person again.' The mind keeps delving into the past re playing the most beautiful memories with the person who is no more but now lives safely in your memory forever. I keep re sharpening my memory to keep him as alive as he can be and I cry as I write this but as I grow older I realize I have had a beautiful childhood with two sorted adults who always loved and respected each other and created a well balanced childhood for us. Please bear with me as i muster the courage to pour my soul online today, she added. The singer also acknowledged that her father had his imperfections but remembered him as a very good man, saying that he would forever be missed. I sing this song to replay my favourite memory of my parents, sitting on the banks of Ganga ji the sun was just about setting. They both sang this profound song seated in a perfect cinematic silhouette while my sister and I watched them create magic. My father had his imperfections but he was a v good man and he is and will forever be missed. Love u papu, concluded Neha. Neha Bhasins father, Ashok Bhasin, passed away in November 2018 after battling cancer.
Vikas Khanna shares how Priyanka Chopra inspired his journey across cultures and generations
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 3 (IANS) Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna has spoken about how actress Priyanka Chopra's words on breaking barriers and creating opportunities for others have stayed with him as he prepares for a significant collaboration in American culture. Taking to Instagram, Vikas shared that the upcoming project, which is set to be unveiled on November 8, marked one of the biggest collaborations of his life and career in the US. Reflecting on the journey, which began with a dream and brought together different cultures and generations, the chef said he had always believed in following his heart and staying connected to his roots. Sharing his image, the celebrity chef wrote, Happy Diwali. November 8th.One of the biggest collaborations of my life and career in American Culture. And certainly one of the most meaningful will launch on this auspicious day. A journey that began with a dream, crossed oceans, embraced cultures, and connected generations. Ive always believed in following my heart, staying true to my roots, and doing it in my own way. He also credited Priyanka's perspective on breaking barriers for inspiring him. As @priyankachopra has often reminded us, someone has to be the first to break barriers and pave the way for others. Her words have stayed with me, and this moment is deeply inspired by that spirit. Because every first is never just about one person. It is about opening doors for so many others who will follow. Calling the upcoming announcement a new chapter in his journey, Vikas shared a glimpse of the project and said it was close to his heart. He described it as a moment of celebration for artists and dreamers, with the launch scheduled for November 8. This Diwali, we celebrate a beautiful new chapter in that journey. A little sneak peek of something very close to my heart. November 8th. The beginning of something extraordinary for artists & dreamers, concluded Vikas. In July, Vikas Khanna had shared how he gave actress Priyanka Chopra a warm and heartfelt welcome during her visit to his New York restaurant. Vikas had offered a glimpse of Priyankas visit to the restaurant, which was beautifully decorated with fresh flowers. The video also showed him tying Sambalpuri handkerchiefs around Priyankas wrists as part of the traditional welcome. Everyone keeps asking why we adorn our glass ceiling every single day. They say, no one even notices I always smile and reply: Its not just for the ones walking in. Its for the ones watching over us from above. Today I adorned the ceiling for Malti Marie Chopra Jonas. Thank you @priyankachopra @anjula_acharia for making Bungalow so auspicious today. Today was a celebration of the upcoming Rath Yatra & the artisans of Sambalpur & Western Odisha, he wrote as the caption.
Highlights The John Lewis Christmas advert 2026, Gloria and Pickles , launched on Tuesday 3 November, starring Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, with Paul Whitehouse as the voice of Pickles the dog Sam Fender's cover of the Rolling Stones' You Can't Always Get What You Want is the soundtrack, and Mick Jagger has praised it The tagline is Don't give up on giving, a gentle push against slipping cash into a Christmas card Money from John Lewis record sales goes to Action for Children, and sales through Fender's own store go to Teenage Cancer Trust John Lewis has started Christmas. Its 2026 advert, Gloria and Pickles , features Dame Kristin Scott Thomas as a grandmother who puts cash in her grandchildren's cards, until a toy dog tells her to try harder. John Lewis Christmas advert 2026 at a glance Question Answer Title Gloria and Pickles Launch Tuesday 3 November 2026, 7.30am on John Lewis social channels and YouTube TV premiere Coronation Street on ITV (8.30pm to 9pm) and The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4 (8pm to 9.15pm) Length Three minutes Cast Dame Kristin Scott Thomas as Gloria, Paul Whitehouse as the voice of Pickles Song Sam Fender, You Can't Always Get What You Want (The Rolling Stones) Tagline Don't give up on giving Agency Saatchi & Saatchi Director Lucy Forbes Edition The 20th John Lewis Christmas advert What is the story of the John Lewis Christmas advert 2026? It is Christmas Eve, and Gloria is getting her house ready for the family. When her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren Freddie and Maggie arrive, the children are restless, so she brings an old toy dog down from the attic. They are more interested in lunch than in Pickles, and Gloria is left feeling she does not know what her grandchildren want. Alone, she writes their cards and tucks cash inside each one. The toy dog then springs to life, voiced by Paul Whitehouse, and scolds her: You can do better than cash. Pickles drags her out of the house on a last-minute gift hunt. When they are close to giving up, a tuk-tuk whisks the pair through the streets of London, and the ride gives Gloria an idea. She stops it outside John Lewis. On Christmas morning, the children open their cards and find the envelopes empty. Instead, Gloria holds up a key and unlocks her home office door, revealing the Gran Cave, a room of fairy lights, disco balls and music inspired by the tuk-tuk ride. Freddie and Maggie throw their arms around her. Who stars in the John Lewis Christmas advert 2026? Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, the Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning actor who most recently starred in Slow Horses , plays Gloria. I simply couldn't resist the opportunity to lead a John Lewis Christmas advert, she said. Paul Whitehouse voices Pickles, the dog. John Lewis's own announcement of the campaign lists Pickles as a vintage Fisher-Price Little Snoopy pull-along toy, so the star of the film is also a product on the retailer's website. What song is in the John Lewis Christmas advert 2026? Sam Fender's cover of the Rolling Stones' You Can't Always Get What You Want. It is Fender's first new music since Rein Me In, and was released on 3 November. It was a privilege to rework such an iconic song, he said. The recording has a local touch. The children's choir are pupils from John Spence Community High School, Fender's old school in North Shields, and the brass section is the Easington Colliery Band. Mick Jagger approved: I think he's done a great job with it. Physical copies on 7-inch vinyl and CD are due soon, backed with Fender's 2020 cover of Winter Song, available physically for the first time. All John Lewis profits from copies sold on its website go to Action for Children, John Lewis's charity partner, with at least 18,000 expected. Profits from copies sold through Fender's own store go to Teenage Cancer Trust. Where can you watch the John Lewis Christmas advert 2026? You can watch the advert on YouTube. Beyond its launch on ITV and Channel 4, the advert will run across ITV, Sky and Channel 4, on catch-up and streaming services including Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+, and across social platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Reddit and Snapchat. See on Instagram What does John Lewis say the message is? That the fear of getting a present wrong should not stop anyone giving. Our message this year is simple: 'Don't give up on giving', said Rosie Hanley, John Lewis's Marketing & Loyalty Director. She admitted she had esorted to putting cash in an envelope herself. Franki Goodwin of Saatchi & Saatchi called the collaboration one between a Dame, a record-breaking artist, and an enduring wooden toy. What were the previous John Lewis Christmas adverts? Year Advert Music 2024 Give Knowingly , narrated by Samantha Morton An acoustic version of Adele's Make You Feel My Love 2025 Where Love Lives Where Love Lives by Alison Limerick 2026 Gloria and Pickles Sam Fender, You Can't Always Get What You Want Will the cash message land differently for British Asian families? Possibly. In many South Asian families, an envelope of cash is a long-established gift at weddings and at festivals such as Diwali, so a toy telling a grandmother to do better than cash may sound pointed. The advert's own argument is about effort rather than money, though: Gloria's gift is a gesture that shows she knows her grandchildren.
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 3 (IANS) Actress Raashii Khanna reflected on the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. She highlighted how love, hurt, and admiration can exist within the same bond. Taking to Instagram, Raashii shared her thoughts on Arundhati Roys memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me and praised the author's honest portrayal of her relationship with her mother, Mary Roy. The actress spoke about how Mary Roy was a strong feminist who challenged societal norms and carved out her own identity, but whose fierce personality also caused emotional pain to those closest to her. There is something extraordinary about Mother Mary Comes to Me: the way Arundhati Roy holds the contradictions of a woman who could be both a force of nature and a source of deep hurt, she wrote. Raashii observed that Arundhati's account neither overlooked her mother's achievements nor concealed the emotional challenges their relationship involved. Reflecting further on the emotional depth of the memoir, the actress said it explored what it meant to love someone who had caused pain while acknowledging their humanity without dismissing one's own hurt. Mary Roy was a formidable feminist who challenged the world and carved out a place for herself, yet the same fierce, uncontained spirit could wound those closest to her. Arundhati writes of her with a startling honesty that neither diminishes her mothers achievements nor conceals the wreckage left behind. What emerges is an inheritance of extraordinary complexity: a daughter shaped by the very person she has struggled to understand, carrying both her mothers fire and the scars of its burning, she added. Her post further reads, The memoir asks what it means to love someone who has hurt you, to recognise their humanity without denying your own pain, and to live with the knowledge that tenderness and cruelty can inhabit the same person. It is a portrait of motherhood, memory, rage and resilience, and of how the private lives behind public triumphs are rarely as simple as the world imagines. Perhaps its greatest achievement is that it makes room for a woman to be a revolutionary and a deeply flawed mother, and for a daughter to tell the truth about both. Raashii also shared a series of photographs of herself reading the book. In terms of work, she will next be seen in the upcoming film Mauja Hi Mauja, which also stars Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan.
Audit flags 3,000 monthly drinking water burden on poor families in Bengaluru
The city extracts groundwater at nearly twice the rate at which it is replenished and loses about 400 million litres of piped water every day, according to Syed Ahmed Hussain, convenor of the Water Satyagraha campaign
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 3 (IANS) Singer Neeti Mohan remembered her late father with an emotional note. She recalled his love, support and the values he instilled in his daughters. Taking to Instagram, Neeti shared a heartfelt tribute, describing her father as an inspiration, particularly for fathers raising daughters. She also reflected on how he encouraged his children to excel not only in academics but also in extracurricular activities. Mother is the Earth, while Father is the Sky. You are smiling up in heaven, and we are smiling looking at the skies. Thank you for being the most supportive, loving and unique father. Today I can proudly say that you are an inspiration to all the fathers, especially fathers of daughters, she wrote. The singer further recalled how her father taught them important life lessons through his words and actions. She said his teachings, values and approach to life continue to guide the family. Your absence can never be filled, but your voice echoes in my ears all the time. Your teachings guide our decisions, your values shape our lives, and your love continues to give us strength. I know you are my guiding spirit, forever, she added. Neeti also promised to uphold the values her father had taught them and continue making him proud. She said that although he was no longer beside her, he would remain an integral part of her life and everything she does. You may not be here beside us, Papa, but you will always be a part of everything I am and everything I do. Until we meet again, keep smiling down on us. Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our guiding star. On October 15, Neeti Mohan took to social media to mourn the loss of her father, Brij Mohan Sharma. Sharing the news on Instagram, the Jiya Re singer paid an emotional tribute to her father, remembering him as a loving parent, a guiding light and the pillar of the family. With profound grief and a heavy heart, we regret to share the sad demise of our beloved father, Mr Brij Mohan Sharma who left for his heavenly abode on 15.10.2026. A loving husband and a father, a guiding light, and the pillar of our family. His wisdom, kindness, values, and unconditional love will forever remain in our hearts. Though he is no longer with us, his blessings, teachings, and beautiful memories will continue to guide us throughout our lives. His absence has left a void that can never be filled, but his love will live on in our hearts forever. May his noble soul rest in eternal peace. We will miss you Papa, Neeti added.
Hyderabad: Why did Ram Charan and Chiranjeevi meet Amit Shah?
Hyderabad: In a photo Ram Charan shared on Instagram, he and his father Chiranjeevi stand on either side of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, presenting him with an idol. It was in the caption that the Telugu star explained what brought the two actors to the meeting. Ram Charan said he and his father had 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 .
Strict searches make Parappana Agrahara free of banned items
Bengaluru: Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, which was once frequently in the news over the recovery of contraband, has been declared free of prohibited items by the Department of Prisons and Correctional Services. The Bengaluru prison had earlier witnessed the seizure of ganja, tobacco products, beedis and cigarettes during inspections. The repeated recovery of such materials 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 .
BIT Mesra, IIT Kanpur sign 5-yr MoU to strengthen research, higher education ecosystem
The agreement was signed by BIT Mesra Vice-Chancellor Prof Indranil Manna and IIT Kanpur Director Prof Manindra Agrawal
A Rs 452 Crore Blockbuster, Four Producers and A Dispute: What's Wrong With 'Hanuman Ansh'?
The 'Hanuman Ansh' producers shared a public notice on Instagram on Monday, stating that all four must approve decisions on the film's rights and promotions.
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 3 (IANS) Actress Harleen Sethi recently visited the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirling temple and shared glimpses of her spiritual outing on social media. The actress posted a series of pictures from her temple visit, accompanied by a heartfelt note reflecting on faith, gratitude, and surrender. Sharing her thoughts on Instagram, the 'Broken But Beautiful' actress spoke about finding comfort in placing her faith in something greater and trusting the way life unfolds. There is a certain comfort in surrendering to something greater than yourself. To have faith, to let go, and to trust that everything unfolds as it is meant to be, she wrote. The actress further said that she was leaving the place with a grateful heart and extended her love and blessings to everyone. Leaving with a full heart & countless things to be grateful for. Love & Blessings for all. Har Har Mahadev, she added. The actress is seen striking poses inside the temple, dressed in a black-and-white suit. She also shared a heartfelt note reflecting on faith, gratitude and finding comfort in surrendering to a higher power. On the professional front, Harleen Sethi is widely known for her performances in projects such as Broken But Beautiful, Kohrra and Doctors. In 2025, she made her foray into Hindi films with Be Happy. Recently, she was seen playing Shreya in the Netflix mystery-thriller series Shaque: Trust No One. In the series, she portrayed Anvitas (Parineeti Chopra) best friend. Her character has several shades and is caught in a complicated personal relationship amid the secrets and twists unfolding in the story set in Shimla. Shaque: Trust No One directed by Rensil D'Silva, also featured Parineeti Chopra, Jennifer Winget, Soni Razdan, Anup Soni, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Sumeet Vyas, Harleen Sethi and Dhruv Choudhry. The series was released on Netflix on September 24 2026.
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 3 (IANS) Punjabi singer Jazzy B took to social media to announce that he would be unable to participate in the ceremonial puck drop with the Vancouver Canucks following the loss of his nephew, Divit Aulakh. The Dil Luteya singer shared an emotional note on Instagram, expressing grief over the loss and saying that he wanted to prioritise his family during this difficult time. My heart is broken as our family mourns the devastating loss of my beloved nephew, Divit Aulakh, he wrote. Explaining his decision to withdraw from the event, Jazzy B said that he would not be able to take part in the scheduled ceremonial puck drop with the Vancouver Canucks. I wont be able to take part in tomorrows ceremonial puck drop with the Vancouver Canucks. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love, prayers, and understanding, he added. Jazzy B had earlier also expressed his grief over the loss of his nephew in an emotional social media post. Sharing his feelings, the singer wrote, No words can describe how Im feeling right now, while remembering Divit as Sada putar Divit. Yo Yo Honey Singh's nephew, Vidit Aulakh, also known as Divit, lost his life in a road accident in Jalandhar, Punjab. The incident took place around 3 a.m. on Sunday, November 1 when Divit was travelling in a car with his friend after attending a birthday celebration. Their vehicle reportedly crashed into a stationary tractor-trailer belonging to the Municipal Corporation near the Police Lines flyover. The vehicle had been stationed there as part of routine cleaning and sanitation operations. The impact left the car badly damaged, and both young men died at the spot. Punjabi singer and rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh cut short his stay in Dubai and travelled to Jalandhar, Punjab, following the death of his nephew. He rushed to be with his grieving family and offer his support during the difficult time.
Matcha moment: A Japanese tea brews up a $96 million flavour in India
Matcha tea market India: The country's matcha market is set to expand, with projected revenue growth from $45.7 million in 2025 to $96.4 million by 2033. Caf chains like Tata Starbucks are already seeing increased sales from matcha products, catering to evolving consumer preferences. Instagram and social media have played a significant role in the rising popularity of matcha drinks and recipes.
The birthday of Shah Rukh Khan on November 2 saw wishes pour in from colleagues and friends across the film industry. Among the messages that caught fans attention was Kareena Kapoor Khans birthday post for the superstar, which has fuelled speculation about her possible appearance in his upcoming action thriller, KING. Taking to Instagram, Kareena shared a silhouette photograph featuring herself alongside Shah Rukh Khan. Accompanying the picture was a birthday message that read, Happy Birthday King The forever Ruler of the kingdom. She followed it with another line that particularly caught the attention of fans: Let's dance together... Can't wait. 24-12-26. The reference to December 24, 2026, is significant as it is the scheduled worldwide theatrical release date of KING. Kareenas message has prompted speculation that she could be part of a special dance number in the film. However, the makers have not officially announced her involvement or shared details about the reported track. The post also drew reactions from members of the film fraternity. Kareenas sister, Karisma Kapoor, responded with, Cant waitttt. Gauri Khan, who is producing KING, added to the excitement with her comment, Its going to be insane. Her response further fuelled curiosity around the possibility of Kareena and Shah Rukh sharing screen space again. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan) The two actors have previously worked together in films such as Asoka (2001), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001) and Ra.One (2011). Their on-screen pairing has remained familiar to audiences, making the prospect of another collaboration an interesting talking point among fans. Directed by Siddharth Anand, KING is jointly produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures. Shah Rukh Khan plays the titular role, with the cast also featuring Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan as the primary antagonist and Deepika Padukone in an extended appearance. Jaideep Ahlawat and Raghav Juyal are also part of the ensemble. The action thriller is scheduled to release worldwide in cinemas on December 24, 2026. While Kareenas Instagram post has added to the anticipation surrounding the film, an official confirmation of her reported dance collaboration is awaited. Also Read: Abhay Verma recalls best day of his life after sharing screen with Shah Rukh Khan in King
Pratap: Amit Sadh starrer gets a custom-built jail set in Bhopal to recreate the films prison world
The makers of Pratap, starring Amit Sadh in the lead, have recreated a jail in Bhopal as part of the films production design. Rather than relying entirely on existing locations, the team constructed a dedicated set to bring greater authenticity to the prison environment, which plays an important role in the films narrative. Written and directed by Sachin Saraf, Pratap follows a decorated encounter specialist whose life takes an unexpected turn, eventually placing him on the other side of the law. With the story moving into a prison setting, the makers felt that creating a space specifically for the film would help establish the atmosphere required for the narrative. The production team undertook the construction of the jail set in Bhopal, paying attention to its structure, surroundings and finer details. The approach also gave the filmmakers greater creative control over the environment, allowing them to design the space according to the requirements of the story. Speaking about the decision, director Sachin Saraf said, We wanted the world of Pratap to feel as authentic as possible. The jail plays an important role in the films narrative, and recreating the environment in Bhopal gave us the freedom to design the space according to the requirements of the story. A lot of thought and effort went into getting the detailing right because we wanted the setting to feel believable on screen. The specially constructed set was also intended to provide the cast with an environment that complemented the circumstances their characters experience in the film. The makers believe that the attention given to the setting would contribute to the overall visual treatment and help establish the world in which the story unfolds. Pratap features Amit Sadh alongside Esha Deol, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Seema Biswas and Milind Gunaji. The film is produced by Pradeep Rangwani under the banner of UV Films and is scheduled for a theatrical release on November 20, 2026. With the release date approaching, the newly revealed production detail offers a glimpse into the work undertaken by the team to recreate the films central setting. Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Amit Sadh calls his Pratap character Mike Tyson of police force; admits BO success matters to him more than ever: I am told even Instagram followers matter. Toh yeh toh box office hai yaar!
UP woman electronics engineer Shrini Srivastava joined Indian Railways as an assistant loco pilot in April 2017. She got very famours in 2024 after operating the Vande Bharat between Varanasi and Prayagraj and receiving an invitation to PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony. She is now part of the Varanasi-Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper operating crew.
Macklemore calls Free Palestine Tour his favourite thing he has ever been part of
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 3 (IANS) Rapper Macklemore has expressed gratitude to the musicians, speakers and audiences who came together for the Free Palestine Tour in London, describing it as his favourite thing he has ever been part of. Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, took to Instagram and said that the event reaffirmed the power of collective voices and platforms in advocating for Palestinian freedom, dignity and rights. The Free Palestine Tour is my favorite thing Ive ever been a part of I am still overwhelmed with gratitude and awe for every musician who stepped on stage in London. Every speaker. Every person who chose to be there, Macklemore wrote in the caption section. He added: We live in an era where advocating for Palestinian life and freedom is controversial. Where saying that Palestine should be free, that Palestinians deserve the same dignity, safety and rights as everyone else, can come at a cost. The rapper said that the tour served as a reaffirmation that when we collectively use our voices, our stages and our platforms to stand for the freedom of others, something profound happens. And the crowd is just as much a part of that as the artists. We all are. When we move beyond the fear of how will this affect my career? and center collective liberation, something shifts. Love is found. And that feeling of love was abundant in London. I can still feel it in my body. He further wrote: After five of the most intense weeks, reaching out to artists, organizing, dealing with logistics and constant meetings, it felt like we could all finally exhale. There is so much work to do. The march is long. But this felt like a beautiful step toward rekindling something in all of our hearts. Thank you to all the artists and speakers that said yes. And thank you to everyone that bought a ticket and supported. I feel honored to have shared that experience with you all. What a beautiful outcome.
Accused in retired IAF officer's murder in Bhopal arrested after encounter from Agra
Digital Desk | Bhopal, Nov 3 (IANS) Nearly a month after the crime, police have arrested the main accused in the murder of retired IAS officer Rakesh Agarwal from Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The accused, Varun Kumar, who worked as a caretaker at the officer's home, was apprehended by Bhopal police following an encounter in Agra. While being brought to Bhopal on Tuesday morning, a scuffle broke out between Kumar and the police near Mugalia Chhap, and the accused attempted to escape. In the ensuing action, he sustained a bullet injury to his leg and was taken to Hamidia Hospital for treatment. Senior police officers confirmed the arrest. They said the accused had been taken into custody from Agra and would now be interrogated to establish the motive behind the murder and other related aspects of the case. Rakesh Agarwal, a 1982-batch IAS officer in his early seventies, was found murdered at his residence in Suraj Nagar locality under the Ratibad police station area on the morning of October 1. His wife, Nishi Agarwal, discovered his body in the bedroom. She was in a different room when the crime took place. Police said Agarwal's throat had been slit with a sharp weapon during the night of September 30. The house was found in disarray, with almirahs ransacked. In an unsuccessful bid to set the house ablaze, the accused allegedly disconnected the cooking gas cylinder pipe. The accused wanted to destroy evidence, police officials said. Varun Kumar had been hired only a few days earlier through a local agency to provide round-the-clock care for the retired officer, who was suffering from back pain. He absconded immediately after the crime. Police teams conducted searches across Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh (including Mathura, Vrindavan and Gwalior), Punjab and other areas. CCTV footage and technical leads were used to track his movements. A Special Investigation Team headed by AIG Umesh Tiwari was constituted, and a reward of Rs 50,000 was announced for information leading to his arrest. The delay in the arrest had drawn concern from the IAS Association, whose representatives had earlier met the Chief Secretary and later Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, seeking swift action. Police will now interrogate Varun Kumar about the motive, the planning of the crime, the possibility of robbery, and his activities while on the run. An investigation is underway, and further details are awaited.
Special Teacher Eligibility Test Conducted Under Tight Security in Prayagraj
The Special Teacher Eligibility Test in Prayagraj saw robust security measures to ensure a smooth and fair examination process. Special Teacher Eligibility Test Conducted Under Tight Security in Prayagraj
Michael Buble pens anniversary wish for parents: A love Ive watched my whole life
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 3 (IANS) Singer Michael Buble wrote an anniversary note for his parents, reflecting on their enduring love and saying he's spent his entire life watching them love each other. Buble took to Instagram, where he shared a photo collage of his parents and added that, even today, his father looks at his mother as though he cannot believe his luck. He wrote as the caption: Ive spent my whole life watching these two love each other and to this day, my Dad still looks at my Mom like he cant believe his luck. #HappyAnniversary. Regarded as a pop icon, Buble is often credited for helping to renew public interest and appreciation for traditional pop standards and the Great American Songbook. He has sold over 75 million records worldwide, and won numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards and fifteen Juno Awards. In 2003, Buble's self-titled third album reached the top ten in Canada and the United Kingdom. His 2009 album Crazy Love debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 after three days of sales, and remained there for two weeks. It was also his fourth number-one album on Billboard's Top Jazz Albums chart. His 2011 holiday album, Christmas, was in first place on the Billboard 200 for the final four weeks of 2011 and the first week of 2012, totalling five weeks atop the chart, it also made the top 5 in the United Kingdom. With this, Christmas became his third-consecutive number-one album on the chart. To Be Loved was released in April 2013, followed by Nobody but Me in October 2016 and Love in November 2018. He made his acting debut in 2000 with the road musical comedy drama titled Duets The movie evolves around the little-known world of karaoke competitions and the wayward characters who inhabit it.
Jiya Shankar puts end to separation rumours with fianc, says 'this ain't no Bollywood movie'
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 3 (IANS) Actress Jiya Shankar has seemingly put an end to the speculation surrounding her relationship with fianc Kaaran Dhanak. After days of rumours suggesting trouble in paradise, the actress has now shared a series of happy moments with him on social media, along with a heartfelt note about growing as a couple. Addressing the speculation surrounding their relationship, Jiya made it clear that rumours about her fianc and their relationship were baseless. Taking to her social media account, Jiya shared some affectionate moments with Kaaran and penned a long note. She wrote, If no one told you how difficult life would get when you're learning to live together then let me tell you this ain't no Bollywood movie. Acknowledging that disagreements are a part of every relationship, she continued, We as most couples love a lot but also fight a lot sometimes, we have our differences and we're only learning to be better for each other. We're not perfect. We're only humans who fell in love and chose each other. We're best friends and in the end only hope that we figure it out and grow together in this life. Jiya further addressed the speculation surrounding her personal life, and wrote, I will be more careful of what i share on my social media from here on so it leaves no room for assumptions or baseless rumours but everything thats been said about my fianc or our relationship holds no truth to it what so ever. Concluding her note on a positive note, the actress added, Let's move forward with love and kindness now can we ? I wish you all love and peace and hope you find love that's perfect for you. Speculation about trouble in Jiya and Kaaran's relationship gained momentum after social media users noticed that the actress had unfollowed him on Instagram. The actress was also sharing cryptic messaged about relationships, cheating. One of the messages she shared read, Two things I know for sure: Prayers work and tables eventually turn. Another post read, Some nights I don't want healing. I want the universe to admit that what happened was cruel. These developments, coupled with reports of her unfollowing Kaaran, prompted fans to speculate that the couple might have called off their engagement. However, neither the actress nor Kaaran had initially confirmed any trouble in their relationship. For the uninitiated, Jiya had spoken about being in a relationship earlier this year, but had chosen not to reveal her partner's identity. The actress surprised fans in August, when she announced her engagement to Kaaran Dhanak, sharing dreamy photographs from an intimate sunset proposal.
Salma Hayek says Halloween lets her play dress-up, but Dia de Muertos takes her back to her roots
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 3 (IANS) Hollywood actress Salma Hayek said that while Halloween lets her dress up and play a different character for the night, Dia de Muertos holds deeper emotional significance, bringing her back to her Mexican roots. Salma took to Instagram, where she shared a string of images from her Halloween celebrations, along with glimpses of how she marked Da de Muertos. She said the occasion is about remembering loved ones who are no longer around by placing their photographs on altars and lighting candles in their memory. She wrote in the caption section: After so many years of living between cultures, Ive learned that I can embrace new traditions without letting go of the ones that shaped me. Halloween lets me play, dress up, and become someone else for a night this year, my beloved @penelopecruzoficial but Da de Muertos always brings me back home. Today is not about costumes. Its about remembering. About placing a photo on the altar, lighting a candle, and making space for the people we still carry with us, even when they are no longer here. Two very different traditions, each with its own meaning, and both part of the life Ive built between cultures. Happy Da de los Muertos. Da de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a multi-day holiday that involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and remember friends and family members who have died. The festival is widely observed in Mexico and among people of Mexican heritage in other parts of the world. Talking about the actress, Hayek started her career in Mexico with starring roles in the telenovela Teresa as well as the romantic drama Midaq Alley. She was then seen in Hollywood with appearances in films such as Desperado, From Dusk till Dawn, Wild Wild West, and Dogma. The actress' portrayal of painter Frida Kahlo in the biopic Frida made her the first Mexican actress to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. She then shifted her focus on producing while starring in the action-centered pictures Once Upon a Time in Mexico in 2003, After the Sunset and Bandidas.
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 3 (IANS) Actor-singer-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar shared a video from his live concert, capturing an electrifying moment as the audience sang along to Zinda from his 2013 film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and said that watching a song move beyond the stage and turn into a collective pulse across the arena was pure magic. Farhan took to Instagram, where he shared a monochrome video of himself from the stage. The clip featured the audience singing the hook line of the song and him joining them in between. He shared that the energy of the crowd gave him chills down his spine every single time. The moment a song leaves the stage and becomes a collective pulse across the entire arena, its pure magic. Chills down the spine, every single time. An unforgettable crowd. #FarhanLive, he wrote as the caption. The song is originally sung by Siddharth Mahadevan. Its music is given by Shankar Ehsaan Loy. Talking about Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, the biographical sports drama film directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. Based on the life of Milkha Singh, an Indian athlete and Olympian who was a champion of the Commonwealth Games and two-time 400m champion of the Asian Games, it stars Farhan Akhtar alongside Art Malik, Divya Dutta, Pavan Malhotra, Yograj Singh, Prakash Raj and Meesha Shafi in supporting roles with Sonam Kapoor in a special appearance. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag was inspired by The Race of My Life. Milkha Singh sold the film rights for one rupee and inserted a clause stating that a share of the profits would be given to the Milkha Singh Charitable Trust. Talking about Akhtar, made his directorial debut with Dil Chahta Hai in 2001, a coming-of-age film that has since become a cult classic. He then directed the war film Lakshya, the action thriller Don and its sequel Don 2. In the acting front, Farhan was last seen in 120 Bahadur directed by Razneesh Razy Ghai. Farhan stars as Major Shaitan Singh and Raashii Khanna. The film recounts the Battle of Rezang La, considered one of the major events of the Sino-Indian War and fought on 18 November 1962, when 120 soldiers of the Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, made up of Ahirs, defended their post against a 3000-strong Chinese Army contingent, inflicting on them over 1300 casualties.
Meta delays new business terms after outcry over web scraping of news sites
Meta said it was postponing the rollout of new terms for its business accounts after an outcry from media companies and open-web advocates who said the updated rules would allow the tech giant to scrape vast amounts of data and potentially build competing services. The new rules, originally scheduled to go into effect October 30, authorise Meta to use automated software such as web scrapers and bots to index, cache, analyse, collect, retrieve, or crawl the domains, web pages, or URLs associated with a business account. The terms would have applied to all business clients, regardless of opposition, and without payment for the extracted content. Critics say Meta would have been able to use the content to potentially build products such as AI services that could compete with news publishers. The new terms only apply to business accounts. Regular users of Meta's platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, can already have their posts scraped to train AI models as long as they are ...
White House lists India among trade deals 'secured' by Trump
Digital Desk | Washington, Nov 3 (IANS) The White House has listed India among the countries with which President Donald Trump secured new and improved trade agreements, even though the interim trade agreement the two sides announced in February has not yet been signed. The claim appears in a document titled President Trump's Second Term: Promises Made, Promises Kept, Results Delivered, posted on the White House website on Monday, the last day of campaigning before Tuesday's midterm elections. The document lists what it calls 127 promises Trump has kept. By using tariffs as leverage, President Trump secured new and improved trade agreements with major U.S. trading partners covering more than half of global GDP - including the United Kingdom, European Union, Japan, China, India, Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Cambodia, the document said. The word India in the White House list links to a February fact sheet headlined The United States and India Announce Historic Trade Deal. However, the joint statement the two governments issued on February 6 announced only a framework. The United States of America (United States) and India are pleased to announce that they have reached a framework for an Interim Agreement regarding reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade (Interim Agreement), it said. The statement added: The United States and India will promptly implement this framework and work towards finalizing the Interim Agreement with a view to concluding a mutually beneficial BTA consistent with the roadmap agreed in the Terms of Reference. Under the framework, India was to eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and a range of US farm products, while Washington set an 18 per cent reciprocal tariff on Indian goods. The US also agreed to remove the reciprocal tariff on goods such as generic pharmaceuticals, gems and diamonds and aircraft parts, subject to the successful conclusion of the Interim Agreement. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on October 15 that the first tranche had been finalised and was going through legal drafting. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the same day that the deal would be signed and implemented after legal vetting, without giving a date. The 127-item list was released as Republicans fight to keep control of both chambers of Congress. It covers immigration, the economy, energy and foreign policy.
Saif Ali Khan gives fans a glimpse of his Halloween look, tears off bald prosthetic
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 3 (IANS) Actor Saif Ali Khan seems to have had his own take on Halloween. His latest Instagram post has left fans amused with the actor appearing to be sporting a bald look in a video shared on his social media account, and is seen suddenly pulling off his bald prosthetic, revealing his original hair underneath. Sharing the video, Saif wrote in his caption, Everyone out here posting about their Halloween looks...I'm just dealing with a Monday... I'd tear my hair out! Saif has also been giving fans glimpses of his personal life through social media. The actor is also set to reunite with wife Kareena Kapoor Khan for another appearance together on Koffee with Karan, which would mark their second time appearing together as a couple on the show. Earlier, he shared a video of himself playing the electric guitar as he was seen jamming with a mini band set up in his balcony. The actor, who is known for his love of music, was seen strumming a yellow electric guitar in the video. The other musicians were seen accompanying him on drums and other instruments. He had turned the balcony into a small music setup, complete with amplifiers and many other musical equipment. Adding a touch of humour to the musical moment, Saif had captioned the post as, Found the groove, lost the tempo, had a great time anyway. He had also shared a series of pictures from what appeared to be a throwback trip with his wife, actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, and their son Taimur Ali Khan.
Long before selfies, Kashmiri folk songs immortalised Valleys flowers
Srinagar, Nov 2:Long before chrysanthemums rioted social media, and became part of every autumn selfie that mattered, before tulips became synonymous with spring, Kashmir's flowers had been woven into songs. Forgotten from memory, lyrics of some popular compositions echo of the fragrant colors, intense emotions, love, and longing. A flower is never merely a flower, in the old Kashmiri songs. It is a beloved, a promise, a season, and sometimes even a wound. The poets did not elaborate, did not need to. But a a single blossom was enough to tell the story of a heart. Ba Shraavnitch hee fojis vanan manz, Vuchhaan roozis ba neab chaani Ghulam Ahmad Mahjoor's Hee (jasmine) blooms in the forests during Shraavan (Monsoon) a lover waits, watches, blossoms, withers unseen. The flower's life becomes the lover's own - beautiful, fragrant and painfully dependent on the arrival of someone, someone who may never come. Mehjoor doesnt write about the colour or fragrance of the flower, but what it is made to feel. The season is a state of mind and reflection of the fleeting life. Long before Mehjoor, Habba Khatoon saw flowers as her language of longing. In her song, Harmukh bartal the lines Shaer wanham, golab lagaey madno, the flower is an intimate conversation with the beloved. Shaer is often translated as lavender and golab is usually any flower, essentially rose, with immense beauty. Habba Khatoon offers to transcend the boundaries, exceed the limits and submit the beauty of love to the beloved. You ask me for lavender, I will offer rose my love, she write in these verses, while capping off with yee dapham tee lagyo total submission to the consuming love. Kashmiri poetry does not merely mention flowers, it gives them emotional lives. Mehjoor turns flowers into naughty, lively entities when he writes Virkin te tekibatni, suli aay jaay ratne. He write of Crocus and Anemone, how they arrive before the grand spectacle of spring, as if to reserve a spot for themselves. In his song Bul Bul wanaan chu poshan, Mehjoor turns birds and flowers into a little chorus that sings of spring. Then is the famous couplet: Tamanna chaani deedaruk, Chumo yemberzale bumbroo Phachis yan peth,Lejis vichhnai, Gajis chaani kaley bumbroo These are not flowers, but immortalized emotions, impersonated by flowers. These words take us towards the earth itself: the small wild blooms that emerge when winter has not entirely loosened its grip. Kashmir had a floral calendar of its own, charted by nature. Before festivals, people sang of flowers, imagined them as part of their emotional roller-coasters. And then comes the song: Poshan bazaar aey, yoori walo tang phulyan kyah chu jaan Mostly sung at weddings, the apple and pear blossoms are part of a song of hope and a dirge. They blossom and wither, and lead to a harvest, like lives that spread happiness. It doesnt remain a flower, it turns into a fruit. The trees that flower each spring, go through the ritual that celebrates the beginning of a new life. The flowers in these songs do not all grow in the same place, or bloom in the same season. Jasmine belongs to the monsoon, the little wildflowers belong to the uncertain beginnings of spring, while lavender sacrifices itself to rose. Together, they form a map of Kashmirs emotion-scape. No one knows Virkin, Shaer or Hee now, but the songs have preserved these memories. The local names have faded, but when sung, the vivid memories and emotions color every listener into a Kashmiri colour.
Countrywide butter shortage hits Kashmir as supplies run dry
Srinagar, Nov 2:The familiar Amul butter pack is becoming increasingly elusive in Srinagar, and other districts as well. Consumers are struggling to find it at neighbourhood grocery stores and departmental outlets amidst a shortage that extends well beyond Kashmir. Finding a pack of Amul butter, any size, has now become like hitting a lottery. The supply disruption has left households searching multiple shops for the popular dairy product. For the past one week, we have been looking for 500 gm pack for our home, the one we usually have. We couldn't find it, neither at small shops in neighbourhood, nor at bigger departmental, Farhan Zargar, a resident of Lal Chowk Srinagar said. He said earlier in the week, the shops sold blister packs, but even that supply appears to have exhausted now. Now, there are some tin-can packs available in some shops, and it costs double the regular packs, he said. Retailers that Greater Kashmir spoke to said they are receiving inadequate stocks to meet customer demand. Saleem Hussain, a grocery store owner in Jawahar Nagar said his suppliers are not delivering Amul butter for some time. It is a problem. Some people have old stock, but new stock is disrupted, he said. The problem is not confined to Srinagar or other districts of Kashmir. Similar shortages have been reported from several parts of the country, including Gujarat, Pune, Kolkata and Agra. These shortages point to a wider supply-side disruption. Consumers looking for their preferred butter brands have now found themselves having to settle for alternatives. A report published by The Himalayan Post on October 29 quoted a regional distributor as saying only 50 parcels were being supplied against orders for 500 parcels. The distributor attributed the shortage to inadequate supplies from the company. He claimed that the disruption was being experienced nationally. The report also documented shortages at departmental stores and online grocery retailer. Some online sellers reported that distributors were imposing conditions involving bulk purchases of other products. The precise reasons behind the disruption is unclear through. In September, reports from Gujarat had also highlighted consumers' inability to find Amul butter across retail outlets. The shortage had also hit quick-commerce platforms. A distributor had attributed the problem to seasonal milk availability in Gujarat. In Pune, a shortage was reported as early as July. The distributors had pointed to inadequate availability of milk with the required fat content. Kolkata retailers too reported erratic replenishment in September. They were quoted across media outlets saying they received only a fraction of their usual requirements. Recently reports from Agra have pointed to shortages ahead of the festive season. There is also change in retail prices, wherever available.
US struck Iran's Qeshm Island, Wall Street Journal reports
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Salman Khan wishes SRK on his birthday, latter says he followed Salmans advice on shirtless body
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 3 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan served up some bromance sending the millennials on a trip down the memory lane to the 90s. On Monday, SKR celebrated his 61st birthday, and Salman took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and shared a special message for the actor. Sharing the 1st song from the upcoming SRK-starrer King, Salman wrote, Happy Birthday Shahrukh hamesha jawaan raho The King, yeh meri dua hai (I wish you stay young forever, The King) @iamsrk. SRK responded to the same as he shared Salmans message for him on his Stories, and wrote, Aapne kaha Bina shirt ke acchhi body hai sirf isse liye mehnat ki (I did the hard work because you said that the shirtless body looks good). Love u bhai always. Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan greeted his fans outside his bungalow, Mannat in the Bandra area of Mumbai on his 61st Birthday. The actor, who donned a white t-shirt and paired it with denims, greets his fans outside his house every year on his birthday, and breaks into his iconic pose with his arm stretched soaking in the love from his fans. However, what makes this year different is the actors proximity to the crowd. While earlier the actor showed up next to the gate of his bungalow, this year, he chose to stay comparatively far from the crowd given the law and order situation in the city with gun attacks on high-profile people becoming common. The actor marked his birthday by releasing the song Tu Mil Jaaye from King. The song is crooned by Arijit Singh, and features Ed Sheeran's distinct rap style. The song also features Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukones palpable chemistry, and a fully ripped, shirtless SRK as the bonus.
Rising Kashmir: The air was bad before anyone noticed
In recent years, somewhere around the end of October, people across Jammu and Kashmir start talking about the air. Someone posts the AQI in a group chat, it shows up on Twitter, Instagram reels start popping up, and for a few weeks it's all anyone complains about. Then the weather turns, and by March nobody mentions it. The air doesn't wait for October. At BreatheOSS we run our own ground sensors in Srinagar and Jammu. Between 10 September and 24 October, neither city had a single day the US EPA would call Good. What we measure is PM2.5: particles under 2.5 micrometres, about thirty times thinner than a hair, mostly from burning things. They get past the nose and throat and settle deep in the lungs. India's daily limit for PM2.5 is 60 g/m; the EPA's is 35, and the WHO recommends 15. We use the stricter EPA scale. Our longest-running sensor in Srinagar, at Kanipora, has been up since October 2025. Last November it averaged 294 g/m. December averaged 364, and 20 December alone averaged 571. It is one sensor on the edge of the city, so it describes one neighbourhood, not all of Srinagar. But it shows where October leads. Monthly average PM2.5 at the BreatheOSS sensor in Kanipora, Srinagar, from October 2025 to October 2026. December 2025 averaged 364 g/m. Shaded bands are US EPA categories. Source: BreatheOSS. Why winter makes it worse During the day, the warm air rises from the heated ground, carrying smoke and exhaust up and away. On cold, clear nights that stops. The ground cools quickly, the air touching it ends up colder than the air above, and cold air has no reason to rise. A layer of warmer air then sits on top like a lid on a pot. This is called a temperature inversion, and a valley makes it worse - cold air slides down the slopes and collects on the valley floor, which is exactly where Srinagar is. You can see the lid in our data. This October, Srinagar's air was at its worst between 8:30 and 10:30 in the morning, averaging 70 g/m, and again late at night. By mid-afternoon, once the sun had warmed the valley, it fell to about 34. The average day in Jammu and Srinagar. Air is worst in the morning and at night, when the inversion holds, and best in the afternoon. Dashed: 10 to 30 September 2026. Solid: 1 to 24 October. Source: BreatheOSS. What goes under the lid The shape of the valley will not change. How much smoke goes into it can. Kashmir heats itself in winter by burning things. Hamams burn firewood under stone floors, kangris carry hot charcoal under the pheran, and bukharis burn wood or coal. A 2018 study in Scientific Reports , based on a year of measurements in Srinagar, found that domestic coal made up 84% of the PM2.5 emissions it counted from coal, firewood and vehicles. Then there are the leaves. Every autumn, fallen leaves are raked into piles and burnt, partly to make charcoal for kangris. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation banned leaf burning in November 2017. As this newspaper reported in December 2023 , it was still fining people 10,000 for it six years later. None of this appears in Srinagar's official clean-air action plan . It puts vehicles at 65 to 75% of the city's pollution, and on the same page says no source apportionment study, a measurement of where the pollution actually comes from, has been done. Wood and coal come up only for dhabas and restaurants. How homes are heated through the winter is not in it. Jammu has it worse Jammu has no valley to trap its air, and it is still worse off. In 272 complete days of data since January, our Jammu sensors did not record a single Good day. Every complete day from 18 January to the end of February was Unhealthy or worse, and this September and October the city was over the EPA's daily limit on 43 of 45 days. Jammu's own action plan blames vehicles first and then road dust from unpaved roads. The dust is real, but our sensors point at smoke and exhaust as well: PM2.5 made up 89% of the PM10 they measured, and dust is mostly coarser than that. What would help Some of it is up to us. The live readings are free at breatheoss.app. In Srinagar the cleanest hours are in the afternoon. On bad days a properly fitted N95 mask does far more than a cloth one. And compost leaves; don't burn them. Much of the rest is already written down. The leaf-burning ban is from 2017. Both Srinagar's and Jammu's plans promised a source apportionment study. Until someone measures what is actually in the air, the percentages in those plans are guesses, and so is any money spent on them. The hardest fix is heating. People burn wood and coal because they need to stay warm, and they will keep doing it until there is something cheaper and more reliable - which means electricity that doesn't cut out in the middle of winter. By March, people will probably stop talking about the air again. Our sensors will still be running. (The author is the lead developer of BreatheOSS, a free and open-source air quality network for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Its readings are public at breatheoss.app)
Britney Spears alleges mistreatment against her family, says she will find a new family
Digital Desk | Los Angeles, Nov 3 (IANS) Pop icon Britney Spears, who is known for her bold statements and takes, has levelled some serious allegations against her family. She recently took to her Instagram, and shared a still from Uptown Girls. In which a kid can be showing a finger to someone off the camera. She also penned a long note in the caption, as she alleged her family of harassment and enslavement. She wrote, I will find a new family !!! Jamie Lynn never let me hold Ivy one time when I would visit in Louisiana during covid in two week trips and Kevin wouldnt let me use the bathroom when I would pick my children up in their house. She further mentioned, They made me feel like a slave and have all their secret things they did behind my back and all I ever did was work for my dad !!! I will find a new family. Earlier, Britney had spoken about an incident during a recent outing, saying that she was deliberately kept waiting before being led outside at a moment when photographers were ready to capture her. She took to Instagram, where she shared a meme with the text overlay that read, OMG !!!! YOU SCARED THE S**T OUT OF ME. She also penned a long note in the caption, as she expressed frustration over what she described as a huge set up and sarcastically thanked the people around her for making her feel beautiful before ending her post with a blunt message to America. She wrote, Dont just understand, take the time each day and second to REALLY UNDERSTAND how loved each and every one of us are. So loved in a country where we as humanity are never plotted against. Know you might have to stay in the ladies room a bit longer because for some reason your instincts tell you the security youre with has oddly made it an extra 15 minutes for your food to be paid for. Dear Jesus knows the real innocence on my face to proceed with only food thats supposed to be served hot but is dreadfully cold Just happy to be there. When I decide to leave, a birdie tells me, Yo inspector gadget! Remember that pink panther in grade school? Huge set up, she added. She revealed that after she left the bathroom she was held outside for pictures.
Srinagar, Nov 2: Russias increased targeted attacks on Ukraines energy and heating infrastructure risks creating a new humanitarian catastrophe for civilians ahead of winter, Amnesty International warned today. It said the civilian death toll during Russias full-scale illegal invasion has increased significantly in recent months, with October 2026 expected to be one of the deadliest periods for civilians in years. Based on prior Russian military attacks in the approach to previous winters, there is overwhelming evidence that the deliberate targeting of energy and heating infrastructure intended to cause civilian suffering will result in immense harm. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has indicted Russias Lieutenant General Sergei Ivanovich Kobylash and Admiral Viktor Nikolayevich Sokolov on charges of war crimes for allegedly directing attacks on Ukrainian electrical infrastructure. The Russian Federation is once again implementing a large-scale campaign against Ukrainian energy and heating infrastructure ahead of a freezing winter, including attacks far from the front lines of conflict, said Scott Edwards, Director of Amnesty Internationals Crisis Response Programme. These attacks on essential infrastructure are creating a deadly situation for civilians, who directly suffer the consequences. This is an illegal campaign, carried out with flagrant disregard for the rules of war, and appears to be designed to create unliveable conditions for Ukrainian civilians. Whatever the motives behind the Kremlins plan to make life unbearable for civilians, it is criminal and cannot be tolerated. World leaders seeking to end this conflict must immediately use their leverage to minimize any potential harm to civilians, before another intentional humanitarian catastrophe begins with the arrival of winter. On 26 October, the International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine reported that Russia had committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine by intentionally attacking energy infrastructure, leaving millions of people without electricity and heat in freezing temperatures. Amnesty International has previously documented how Russias widespread attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure may constitute war crimes and highlighted their life-threatening consequences for the civilian population. Civilian casualties and widespread power cuts The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine found that at least 328 civilians were killed and 2,105 injured in September 2026 as a result of Russian attacks, an 85% increase over September 2025. Casualties were recorded in 22 of 24 regions in Ukraine. The Mission also described the first half of October 2026 as one of the deadliest periods for civilians in years. On 13 and 14 October, strikes reportedly hit multiple energy installations, including Kyivs three principal power stations, temporarily leaving approximately 600,000 people without electricity. On 17 October, further Russian attacks reportedly killed at least eight people, injured 60 and interrupted electricity supplies to more than one million people across nine regions. Both the Russian Ministry of Defence and President Vladimir Putin have made public statements announcing intentional attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure. Prior attacks on energy and heating infrastructure in Ukraine caused widespread and widely reported civilian suffering that is known to Russian military and strategic planners. During the winter of 20252026, the Russian Armed Forces carried out at least 423 attacks on electricity infrastructure and 74 strikes on heating facilities, according to UN monitoring. These attacks caused rolling outages affecting millions of people and interrupted heating for hundreds of thousands as temperatures fell below -20C. The resulting loss of electricity, water and heating disrupted healthcare and education, and also disproportionately harmed older people, persons with disabilities, women and families with children. Under international humanitarian law, electricity and heating installations are civilian objects unless and for such time as they meet the strict definition of a military objective. Even where an installation constitutes a military objective, attacking forces must comply with the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution. Intentionally directing attacks against civilian objects, launching indiscriminate attacks, or carrying out attacks expected to cause excessive civilian harm in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated can constitute war crimes. Ensuring accountability for such crimes requires strong and independent international justice mechanisms capable of investigating and prosecuting those responsible, including the most senior officials. Meanwhile, the US administration is currently engaged in a campaign to dismantle the work of the ICC. Amnesty International has called for all relevant states to take appropriate measures to resist this attack and actively protect the Court and the broader international justice system. President Vladimir Putin is wanted on charges of war crimes by the ICC, and Amnesty International has called for President Putin to be arrested and surrendered to the ICC by any parties in a position to do so. Calls to Russian authorities Amnesty International called on Russian forces to end their systematic attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The Russian authorities must also immediately end other violations of international humanitarian law, including attacks on other civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, such as residential buildings, hospitals, and schools, and end its campaign of targeting non-combatants. All parties to the conflict must respect the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution and protect civilians and civilian objects. States supporting accountability mechanisms must provide the expertise and resources needed to effectively investigate allegations of violations, secure evidence, and identify suspected perpetrators, including commanders and senior officials who may bear responsibility. All states must urgently act to protect the functioning of the ICC and should execute arrest warrants when and where they can.
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Police have detained two teenage boys, aged 17 and 19, in connection with the murder and are questioning them to establish their roles in the crime.
Shah Rukh Khan greets fans at Mannat on 61st birthday after skipping midnight balcony appearance
Shah Rukh Khan marked his 61st birthday on November 2 by greeting fans gathered outside his Mumbai residence, Mannat. While the actor skipped his customary midnight balcony appearance this year, he later stepped out to acknowledge the crowd, continuing a birthday tradition that his fans look forward to every year. The celebrations began at midnight with a special message from the superstar. Since Mannat is currently undergoing renovation and the family has temporarily moved out, Shah Rukh did not appear on the balcony as he usually does. Instead, a large projection outside the residence displayed a handwritten note from the actor, along with visuals from his upcoming film King. The note read, Thank you all for your wishes and love. Sending mine right back to you all. Lots of love and a big hug. The display also featured visuals and dialogues from King, including King Akela Kaafi Hai and Darr Nahi, Dehshat Hoon. The first song from the film, Tu Mil Jaaye, was also released at midnight, adding to the birthday celebrations. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bollywood Hungama (@realbollywoodhungama) Shah Rukh Khan makes a balcony appearance at Mannat Although fans did not get to see the actor at midnight, Shah Rukh eventually made an appearance at Mannat later in the day. As darkness fell, he stepped onto the platform outside the residence, which was surrounded by renovation scaffolding, and greeted the crowd. Dressed in a white T-shirt and blue jeans, the actor waved at fans, struck his signature arms-outstretched pose, saluted and blew kisses. His appearance was brief amid the ongoing renovation work and security arrangements, but it gave fans the glimpse they had been waiting for. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bollywood Hungama (@realbollywoodhungama) Shah Rukh Khans next film is King On the professional front, Shah Rukh Khan will next be seen in Siddharth Anands King. The action entertainer also stars Deepika Padukone, Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji and several others. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on December 24, 2026. The release of Tu Mil Jaaye on the actors birthday offered fans an early glimpse of the film ahead of its theatrical arrival. Also Read:Atlee calls Shah Rukh Khan his mentor, guide and biggest inspiration in heartfelt birthday tribute; says he cant wait to watch KING
Jessica Alba stirred up a debate by donning a Nancy Kerrigan costume for Halloween, accentuated by a fake bloodied bandage on her knee, referencing a significant moment in sports history. Her friend Kelly Sawyer complemented the theme as Tonya Harding with a baseball bat. Initially uploaded on Instagram, the photos were soon deleted in response to backlash, raising questions about the sensitive portrayal of historical events in popular culture.
Pressured for same-sex marriage, 15-year-old school girl dies by suicide
A 15-year-old Class 10 student died by suicide at her home on Rahon Road on October 31. Her family has alleged that a 25-year-old woman pressured her for a same-sex marriage through Instagram. The girl's father reported that this pressure caused severe mental stress for his daughter. Police have registered a case against the accused, who has been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation.
Deepti, Sneh reflect as India celebrates womens maiden ODI WC triumph anniversary
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) Past and present players marked the first anniversary of the Womens ODI World Cup triumph on Monday. Exactly on this day in 2025, Harmanpreet Kaurs side beat South Africa by 52 runs in the final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and lifted their maiden ICC Womens ODI World Cup title on home soil. Deepti Sharma, the Player of the Tournament, marked the anniversary with a video on her Instagram account. Some moments stay with you for a lifetime and this one will always be special. Reliving it every day makes me feel more grateful and motivates me further to give my extra to put smiles on the faces of millions of fans who support us everyday, she wrote. All-rounder Sneh Rana also remembered the epic night in Navi Mumbai by writing on her Instagram account, 2.NOV.2025. The emotional rush on this day last year will remain the highest dopamine rush for a long long time. One year went by in a whisker, and the memory of lifting the world cup for the first time for our country as a women cricketer, remains as fresh as a daisy. On this day the nostalgia hit me hard, still giving me horripilation. Congratulations to all of us in remembering the best day till date in the Womens Cricket History. Congratulations on completing 1 year of the legendary World Cup Win. Former captain Mithali Raj, in a post on X, also remembered the triumphant scenes in Navi Mumbai. A year ago, a dream nurtured by generations of Indian women cricketers became reality. Watching Harmanpreet and her team lift the Womens ODI World Cup was an incredibly special moment. It was a victory built on years of perseverance, sacrifice and belief. Proud of this journey, grateful to have been a part of it, and delighted to see the next generation take Indian womens cricket to new heights. Some moments belong to generations. This was one of them, she wrote. The BCCI also shared a series of pictures and posts in which then-captain Harmanpreet, current skipper Smriti Mandhana and head coach Amol Muzumdar reflected on the win. Indias run to the title was shaped by many players. Deepti finished as the leading wicket-taker with 22 scalps and also scored 215 runs. Her 5-39 and half-century in the final sealed her Player of the Tournament award. Smriti Mandhana made 434 runs, including a century, the most by an Indian woman in a single edition of the ODI World Cup. Jemimah Rodrigues scored 292 runs, with her unbeaten 127 in the semifinal against Australia, being one of the defining moments of the triumphant campaign. Harmanpreet made 260 runs as captain, including hitting a crucial 89 in that semifinal against Australia. Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh amassed 235 runs, including hitting 13 sixes, the most by an Indian batter in the tournament. Shafali Verma, coming as a late injury replacement for Pratika Rawal, was named Player of the Match for her knock of 87 off 78 balls, and also took 2-36 with the ball.
Kareena Kapoor Shares First Glimpse With SRK From King On His Birthday
Mumbai: Actress Kareena Kapoor has shared a first glimpse of herself with Shah Rukh Khan from his upcoming action thriller King, hinting at their on-screen reunion. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan) On Shah Rukh Khans 61st birthday, Kareena posted a picture with the superstar on []
Jessica Alba deletes Nancy Kerrigan Halloween post as Tonya Harding prepares skating comeback
Highlights Jessica Alba, 45, has deleted an Instagram post showing her dressed as Nancy Kerrigan with a faux-bloodied bandage on her knee, beside a friend dressed as Tonya Harding The costumes were worn to a Hockey Horror Halloween party in Los Angeles on Saturday 31 October, and the post went up the next day Commenters split between those who called it harmless creativity and those who asked why anyone would revisit a raumatic moment It came days after Harding, 55, announced a public skating show on 12 December Jessica Alba has taken down her Halloween photos after dressing as a wounded Nancy Kerrigan, in a costume that referred to one of the best-known attacks in sporting history. Why did Jessica Alba delete her Halloween post? Because of the reaction. The actor shared an Instagram carousel on Sunday 1 November captioned Happy Halloween from Tonya... and Nancy. It showed her as Kerrigan, in a white skating-style outfit with a faux-bloodied bandage around her knee. A friend stood beside her as Harding, holding a baseball bat. By Monday, the post had been removed. We expect better, Jessica, one commenter wrote. Why would you want to revisit this traumatic moment that ended people's careers? asked another. Others said they could see no harm and praised the group's creativity. Alba has not publicly commented on the deletion in any of the reports reviewed. Jessica alba deleted Instagram post Instagram/@jessicaalba What was the costume, and where was it worn? Alba and her friend wore the costumes to a Hockey Horror Halloween party in Los Angeles on Saturday 31 October, hosted by Vas J Morgan and Michael Braun. The costume referred to a real woman's injury. The bat is a detail worth noting: in 1994 the weapon was a telescopic baton, not a baseball bat. Have Nancy Kerrigan or Tonya Harding responded? Not in anything published so far. Neither skater has commented on the costumes, according to the reports reviewed. Kerrigan, now 57, has dealt with jokes about the attack before. In 2017, when fellow Olympic skater Kristi Yamaguchi wished her reak a leg ahead of her stint on a ballroom dancing show, some online called the phrase tactless, but Kerrigan replied: Thank you so much Kristi! What happened to Nancy Kerrigan in 1994? On 6 January 1994, Kerrigan was struck on the right leg with a telescopic baton as she walked down a corridor at Cobo Arena in Detroit, after practising for the US Championships. Her cry on camera, Why? Why? Why?, was broadcast around the world. She was forced to miss the national championships, but recovered in time to compete at that February's Winter Olympics. The attack was planned by Harding's ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, and his friend Shawn Eckardt, who hired Shane Stant to carry it out. Harding denied knowing about it beforehand, but on 16 March 1994 she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to hinder prosecution, and received three years' probation, a $100,000 fine and 500 hours of community service. In June, US Figure Skating stripped her of her 1994 national title and banned her for life. She has always denied any involvement in planning the attack. Why is Tonya Harding back in the news? She is preparing for a comeback of sorts. Harding, the first American woman to land a triple axel in competition, is headlining a public show called Tonya and Friends on 12 December at the Mountain View Ice Arena in Vancouver, Washington. She turns 56 on 12 November, and has said she has been skating twice a week since spring. The love of skating is the reason why I've always come back, she said. Tickets have reportedly sold out. She remains banned from competitive skating. Is this the first Halloween costume row of the weekend? No. Martha Stewart, 85, deleted an Instagram photo from 31 October showing her in ripped jeans, with dirt on her face, holding a sign reading I AM HUNGRY HELP ME!!. She first said she had meant to raise awareness of homelessness, then wrote: It's hard to admit when you've really screwed up. The costume, she said, was insensitive and not funny. One commenter on Alba's post wrote: Wow, first Martha and now Jessica. What happens next? Alba has not said whether she will comment on the deletion. Harding, meanwhile, turns 56 on 12 November and takes to the ice in Vancouver, Washington a month later, on 12 December.
IAS Shikhar Agrawal case: Rajasthan CM reaffirms zero-tolerance policy on corruption
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Nov 2 (IANS) Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has reiterated the state government's zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, emphasising transparency, accountability and strict financial discipline in government schemes and investment promotion. Following the Chief Minister's intervention, the State-Level Scrutiny Committee of the Industries and Commerce Department has put on hold the customised package approved for M/s Goyal Fashions Private Limited under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS). The company will not receive any benefits or concessions until the preliminary ACB investigation is concluded. The Commissioner of Industries and Commerce has issued the necessary orders. The decision assumes significance in light of the allegations involving senior IAS officer Shikhar Agrawal, former Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries Department, and Goyal Fashions Private Limited, which operates resorts under the Ananta brand. The Rajasthan government has approved a detailed ACB investigation into allegations that Agrawal misused his official position to extend undue benefits to the company in return for personal and family-related benefits. The allegations include preferential concessions, relaxations in resort construction norms and approvals without proper verification of mandatory certificates. The ACB is also examining property transactions involving Agrawal and his family members. Preliminary findings reportedly point to the purchase of multiple villas and cottages at Ananta resorts in Udaipur and Alwar at prices allegedly below market value. Investigators are examining the financial transactions, timing of registrations and possible links with government concessions. The government has granted approval for further investigation under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma's government has made it clear that industrial development and investment promotion cannot come at the cost of transparency and integrity. The decision to withhold Goyal Fashions' benefits pending investigation underscores its commitment to protecting public resources and ensuring that government incentives are granted strictly in accordance with the rules.
Shah Rukh Khan's 61st birthday on November 2, 2026, saw several members of the film industry extend their wishes to the superstar. Among them was filmmaker Karan Johar, who took to Instagram to share his reaction to the actor's latest look in his upcoming film King. Praising Shah Rukh's physique, the filmmaker also expressed excitement about the film's music and visuals, particularly its first song, Tu Mil Jaaye, featuring Deepika Padukone. Karan shared two Instagram Stories celebrating the actor and his upcoming film. In his first post, he made a playful reference to Shah Rukh's physical transformation and his earlier films, while expressing admiration for his fitness. Karan Johar praises Shah Rukh Khan's physique in King Reacting to Shah Rukh's appearance, Karan wrote, Aap sab gym jaate ho???? Bhai toh khud gym ban chuke hai! This body is INSANE!!! Pathan ab aur bhi Jawaan ho gaye hai! Humare KING ban gaye hai aur bhi ROC-KING! The filmmaker's message referenced Shah Rukh's characters in Pathaan and Jawan, while suggesting that the actor has taken his fitness and screen presence another step forward for King. Karan Johar reacts to King song Tu Mil Jaaye In his second Instagram Story, Karan shared a glimpse of the newly released song Tu Mil Jaaye, which features Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. Praising the audio, visuals and the two actors, he wrote, KING AUDIO! KING VISUALS QUEEN BEAUTY and KILLER ABS!!! @iamsrk @deepikapadukone @s1danand He also expressed confidence in the song's musical appeal, adding, Blockbuster music charts are all ready for this one!!! The song was released at midnight on Shah Rukh Khan's birthday, offering fans their first musical glimpse of the upcoming film. Directed by Siddharth Anand, King features Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on December 24, 2026, coinciding with the Christmas holiday period. Also Read:Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh wish Shah Rukh Khan on his birthday; express excitement for KING
Abhay Verma recalls est day of his life after sharing screen with Shah Rukh Khan in King
Abhay Verma recently opened up about his first experience sharing a scene with Shah Rukh Khan in King. On Shah Rukhs birthday, the actor shared a handwritten note on social media, recalling September 29, the day he got to work directly with the Bollywood superstar. Verma described the experience as one of the happiest moments of his life and admitted that he was nervous before the shoot. Recalling how he found out that he would be sharing a scene with Shah Rukh, he wrote, Aaj historic ho gaya..shayad hee itna khush kabhi feel kiya hoga jitna aaj kar raha hu...Aaj Shah sir ke sath scene kara aur koi nahi, sirf sir aur mai... He recalled that director Siddharth Anand had informed him that the scene was going to happen, but he did not fully believe it until he reached the set. Shoot pe gaya aur Siddhant ne bataya ki aisa kuch hone vala hai but yakeen nahi ho raha tha...phir set pe pohcha toh pata chala sach hai...bahot nervous ho gaya suddently, he wrote. Verma also remembered Shah Rukh greeting him warmly when he arrived on set. According to the actor, Shah Rukh kissed him on the cheek before they began rehearsing. The two also shared a light moment during rehearsals when Verma asked if he could put his weight on Shah Rukhs hand. Phir thodi rehearsals ki aur maine kaha sir mai haath pe weight daal sakta hu? toh sir bole bilkul daal naphir jab daala toh sir bole 'Abhi nahi beta take mein..' toh hum dono hase saath mein for good 15 secs in middle of rehearsals, Verma recalled. Abhay Verma praises Shah Rukh Khans professionalism Verma admitted that once the actual takes began, he was primarily focused on making sure he did not make a mistake that would require Shah Rukh to repeat the scene. Phir jab take ho rahe they toh mann mei bass itna aa raha tha ki mujhse koi galti na ho jaaye bas...taaki sir ko dobara na karna pade meri wajah se! Aaj jo bhi hua, I honestly can't believe it happened with me, he wrote. The actor went on to praise Shah Rukhs professionalism, particularly recalling moments when the superstar was unwell but continued working without making it apparent to those around him. But Shah sir jitna professional actor nahi dekha honestly. Tabiyat kabhi kharab thi sir ki toh bhi kisi ko pata chalne nahi diya that he's unwell. TRULY KING THINGS!! Verma wrote. He also recalled staying back on the set after his own shoot had wrapped to watch Shah Rukh work. Verma said he found it inspiring to watch the actor create his scenes and also praised his sense of humour. Unko dekhna magic create karte hue ek alag he inspiration tha....Sir ne hasaaya bhi baad mei...Unki haazir-jawaabi ke aage sab fail hai, he added. Aaj ek bahot bada sapna poora hua Verma said he returned home around midnight and decided to write down his experience before forgetting any of the details. Looking back at the day, he described it as the best day of his life and credited Shah Rukhs behaviour with explaining why the actor enjoys such a strong connection with audiences. It was by far the best day of my life and the way Shah sir comforts everybody on set and especially actors, everything about him tells you kyun log itna pyaar karte hai unko, kyun wo KING hain aur hamesha rahenge, he wrote. Verma added, Vaise to King ke set pe jaake har baar sapna lagta hai...But aaj ek bahot bada sapna poora hua View this post on Instagram A post shared by Abhay Verma (@verma.abhay_) Directed by Siddharth Anand, King stars Shah Rukh Khan and features Abhay Verma in a prominent role. The film is scheduled to release theatrically on December 24. Also Read:Atlee calls Shah Rukh Khan his mentor, guide and biggest inspiration in heartfelt birthday tribute; says he cant wait to watch KING
Sonam Bajwa switches from dramatic crochet gown to traditional Bandhani-inspired ensemble!
Sonam Bajwas recent fashion choices offer two very different takes on occasion dressing. While one look leans into the drama of a floor-length gown, the other draws from traditional Indian textiles and festive styling. The contrast makes both outfits stand out in their own way. The white crochet gown For her first look, Sonam opted for a white crochet gown featuring a halter neckline, intricate patterns and a long, flowing trail. The openwork detailing gives the outfit a sheer finish, while the floor-length silhouette adds movement to the look. She kept the styling relatively understated, allowing the gown to remain the focal point. Her hair was left open and the makeup stayed subtle, creating a balanced finish against the elaborate detailing of the outfit. The combination of the fitted silhouette, halter neckline and extended trail gives the gown a distinctly evening-ready feel without relying on excessive accessories. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sonam Bajwa (@sonambajwa) A maroon take on traditional style Sonam took a completely different approach in her second look, choosing a maroon Bandhani-inspired ensemble. The traditional-inspired patterns appear across the blouse, skirt and dupatta, giving the outfit a distinctly festive character. She paired the ensemble with a metallic clutch, bringing a contemporary element to the otherwise traditional styling. The combination allows the prints and colour to remain central while the accessory adds a little contrast. Unlike the structured drama of the white gown, this look relies on colour, print and layered detailing to make an impression. The result is a more traditional outfit that still feels suited to a modern wardrobe. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sonam Bajwa (@sonambajwa) Two sides of Sonams style The appeal of these looks lies largely in how different they are. The white crochet gown relies on its silhouette and texture, while the maroon ensemble draws attention through its traditional-inspired patterns and rich colour. Both looks also demonstrate Sonams willingness to move between different fashion categories rather than stick to one signature aesthetic. From a contemporary gown with dramatic detailing to an Indian-inspired festive outfit, the two appearances showcase distinctly different approaches to dressing up. Rather than competing with each other, the looks highlight the range in Sonams wardrobe and her ability to adapt her styling to different moods and occasions. Also Read:One Year Of Ek Deewani Ki Deewaniyat: Sonam Bajwa calls it one of her most challenging films
With the release of Ramayana approaching, the makers have unveiled a new character promo featuring Sai Pallavi as Sita. The video offers a closer look at the actors portrayal of the princess of Mithila, highlighting different aspects of her character and her place in the epic. The promo moves between visuals of Sita in the royal setting of Mithila and moments that establish her connection with the Earth and Lord Rama. It also draws attention to the values associated with her character, including devotion, love and Dharma. Two phrases, Daughter of the Earth and Bound by Love, feature prominently in the video, offering a glimpse into how the makers are introducing Sitas journey. Sharing the promo on social media, the makers wrote, Daughter of the Earth, princess of Mithila. Bound by love, guided by Dharma. Sai Pallavi as Sita. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The World Of Ramayana (@worldoframayana) The latest character reveal follows the films promotional campaign ahead of its theatrical release. Sai Pallavi, known for her performances across Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam cinema, takes on the role of Sita in the two-part adaptation of the epic. Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sunny Deol lead the cast of Ramayana Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The film is planned as a two-part cinematic adaptation of the epic. The first instalment is scheduled to release worldwide in cinemas on November 5, 2026, while the second part is slated for Diwali 2027. Produced by Prime Focus Studios in association with DNEG and Yashs Monster Mind Creations, the film will release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. It will also be available in premium theatrical formats, including IMAX. Sony Pictures will handle international distribution outside India, while Dharma Productions will oversee distribution in the Hindi-speaking market. With the new promo, the makers have offered audiences another glimpse of Sai Pallavis interpretation of Sita ahead of the films release. Also Read:Ramayana: Ravie Dubey unveils new Lakshman poster ahead of November 5 release; actor calls role an honour and a responsibility
BJP upbeat over AAP MLAs crossing over before Punjab poll, but Bhagwant Mann no pushover yet
Digital Desk | New Delhi/Chandigarh, Nov 2 (IANS) Mondays defection of Punjabs ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes against the backdrop of serious structural problems the state is facing, which are among the issues helping the latter expand its footprint, though the Congress too remains a contender in the upcoming Assembly election. The 2022 state poll saw the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) sever ties with the BJP, ending an alliance of over two decades. The parting was largely over the controversial Farm Bills that were eventually repealed. However, the election result proved a disaster for both parties. Though there is no official announcement of a BJP-SAD alliance yet, there are strong indications that the two are moving toward a reunion ahead of the 2027 Assembly election. Meanwhile, the AAP, contesting all 117 Assembly seats without any alliance, clinched a record 92 victories, while the ruling Congress was reduced to 18 seats. The BJP, traditionally a minor player in Punjab politics, has been aggressively recruiting local leaders and positioning itself as a force capable of addressing law-and-order issues, drug abuse, debt, and economic stagnation. Earlier, there was an exodus of seven Rajya Sabha MPs from AAP into BJP. Now the recent decision of MLAs in similar lines may yet provide a fillip to the saffron party in its quest to gain political significance in the state. MLAs, such as Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, Chetan Singh Jouramajra, and former IPS officer-turned-politician Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, are seen as having dealt a symbolic blow to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's government in times when narratives matter. Reports indicate that some of these leaders were dissatisfied with AAP's candidate-selection process, while others cited differences with the party leadership and concerns over governance. The defections are significant because they come at a time when AAP is trying to defend its record after the 2022 landslide victory. The defectors are said to have publicly referred to issues such as drugs, gangsterism, corruption, extortion, and governance challenges in Punjab. Ticket distribution and political survival also have reportedly been major considerations. On-ground inputs suggest that at least two of the MLAs who resigned were unhappy after being allegedly sidelined in their constituencies. Also, there is a broader perception among some leaders that AAP's organisational structure remains highly centralised, with major decisions influenced by the party's national leadership. Three MLAs do not threaten the government's majority, but their exit reinforces Opposition claims that dissatisfaction is growing within the ruling party. Critics within the party too have been complaining that local concerns do not receive adequate attention. The drug menace remains perhaps the state's most serious issue, with addiction, trafficking networks, and overdose deaths dominating reportage. The issue has become central to the electoral narrative, with opposition parties accusing the government of failing to eliminate narcotics despite repeated promises. On its part, the state government highlights its Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, under which, it claims, thousands of arrests were made, and assets linked to traffickers were seized. At the same time, Punjab is burdened by youth unemployment and migration, with largely the youth seeking opportunities abroad, leading to unscrupulous agents luring them into uncertainty. Thus, employment generation will be among the issues on which voters are likely to judge the Mann government. Moreover, the state faces a worsening debt burden, with economists and political observers repeatedly highlighting concerns over fiscal sustainability. High debt-servicing costs constrain development spending and remain a major political issue. Other long-standing concerns include agrarian distress, declining groundwater levels, slow industrial growth, law-and-order challenges, and gangster activity. These issues are particularly important in rural constituencies that helped power the AAP's sweeping victory in 2022. Mann has argued that his government has delivered significantly, through expansion of canal irrigation, claiming that irrigation coverage has risen dramatically and that major investments have been made in water infrastructure. He also cites free electricity for most households, large-scale recruitment to government jobs, health insurance schemes, Aam Aadmi Clinics, education reforms, road improvements, and anti-drug campaigns. Opposition parties argue that public concern about addiction, crime, unemployment, and debt remains high. Political debates suggest that many voters are measuring the government not by announcements, but by conditions on the ground. However, the AAP appears to have retained a strong organisational presence and a comfortable legislative majority. Mondays defections involve credible local faces that may help the BJP strengthen its future campaign, but how far it will put the party in pole position is for the voters to determine next year.
Ktaka: PM Modi to inaugurate Bengaluru Metro Pink Line on Nov 13
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Nov 2 (IANS) BJP MP Tejasvi Surya said on Monday that the much-awaited 7.5-km elevated stretch of Bengaluru Metro Pink Line will be inaugurated on November 13, The inauguration of the Pink Line has been anticipated for the past six months, but the launch was delayed due to delays in obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals for train operations. With the inauguration date now finalised, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Bengaluru on November 13 to formally launch the service. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) plans to initially operate six trains on the 7.5-km stretch. The route has already received safety clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS), making it technically ready for operations. The BMRCL and the state government are expected to announce the official timetable and details of the inauguration programme shortly. The Pink Line, connecting Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara, has a total length of 21.26 km, including a 13.76-km underground section. Construction of the 7.5-km elevated stretch between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere has been completed, and it recently received safety clearance from the CMRS. In the first phase, metro services will operate between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere, covering six stations: Kalena Agrahara, Hulimavu, IIMB, JP Nagar 4th Phase, Jayadeva Hospital and Tavarekere. Jayadeva Hospital station will serve as a key interchange between the Yellow and Pink lines. The launch of this stretch is expected to provide relief to commuters travelling along Bannerghatta Road and areas around IIMB, JP Nagar and Jayadeva Hospital, which frequently experience heavy traffic congestion, particularly during morning and evening peak hours. Traffic snarls stretching for several kilometres are common in these areas, especially during the rainy season. The commencement of metro services is expected to ease congestion and provide commuters with an alternative mode of transport. Earlier, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had himself stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit Bengaluru on November 15 to inaugurate the metro stretch between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere. However, the date has now been changed, and PM Modi will launch the Pink Line metro services on November 13 instead of November 15.
PM Modi likely to inaugurate Bengalurus elevated Pink Line on November 13
The elevated section has seven stations: Kalena Agrahara, Hulimavu, IIMB, JP Nagar 4th Phase, Jayadeva Hospital, Ragigudda and Tavarekere
Helen Flanagan's daughter thinks her mother will be 'arrested' after a heated row
Digital Desk | Los Angeles, Nov 2 (IANS) Reality star Helen Flanagan has shared that one of her daughters fear her mother is going to get arrested after she had a heated row with a parking warden. The 36-year-old actress, who has Matilda, 11, Delilah, 8, and son Charlie, 5, with her 37-year-old ex-fiance, former professional footballer Scott Sinclair, saw red after being slapped with a parking ticket in Manchester. She shared a video on TikTok in which she was walking with one of her children around the city. She shared, I have got a courtesy car, and I just parked in the car park in Manchester. I paid for my parking but because its a courtesy car, instead of putting an O, I put a zero. I could see one of the traffic wardens trying to put a ticket on my car, and I said, 'No, Ive paid for my ticket. I am due my period so hell hath no fury if you get my wrath, wow. One of Helen's daughters could be heard in the background saying, I dont want to go back. The actress said, She thinks I'm going to get arrested. I might actually. But honestly, I was just like, 'You are the most horrible man I've ever met. Karma for you. He knew that I just put a mistake of one letter wrong but he still gave me a ticket. He got my absolute wrath, and he deserved it. The confrontation between the reality star and the parking warden comes a few months after she admitted feeling overwhelmed. Taking to Instagram after a trip to Chester Zoo, Helen, who recently moved homes, wrote, Such a good day @chesterzoo Charlie loved it!!! I knew he would as he loves animals. Dill came too, I really feel in some pics she looks like me. They didnt argue too much in the car, my mum did face time in the morning when they were arguing in the house. Im really overwhelmed in the house there is still so much unpacking and boxes so its chaos and I cant return any of my emails or phone calls with these two. Matilda had her settling in at secondary school and mum held the fort there x My mum and dad are amazing and help me so much with juggling the kids activities and whenever I need to work (sic), she added.
Kareena Kapoor to star in King? Actor shares glimpse of special dance sequence on SRK's birthday
Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor are all set to reunite after years. This time, it's for a special sequence in King. Kareena took to Instagram and dropped a big hint about her being a part of the film through a monochrome photo, which doesn't reveal too much, but just the right amount to set the internet on fire.
Govt moves to resolve Scotch tariff dispute under UK trade pact, sources say
India has assured industry executives that it will honor the trade pact with Britain regarding Scotch whisky tariffs. Ongoing investigations into bulk Scotch imports are expected to result in a resolution. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal detailed steps to address concerns over duty concessions for bulk imports. The disagreement centers on customs classifications affecting the whisky industry significantly.
Preity Zinta gave her Halloween celebrations a fairytale touch this year as she dressed up as Belle from Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Celebrating the occasion with her family in Los Angeles, the actress shared pictures from their neighbourhood trick-or-treating outing, revealing that her husband Gene Goodenough and their children also joined in with costumes inspired by the fairytale. While Preity stepped out in Belle's signature yellow gown, her daughter dressed up as Baby Belle. Gene took on the role of the King, while their son completed the family ensemble as a knight. Sharing glimpses of their celebration on social media, the actress described it as a Goodenough Halloween. Preity Zinta brings Belle's fairytale world to Halloween Alongside the family pictures, Preity spoke about how her perspective on Halloween has changed since becoming a mother. She shared her excitement and wrote, Never thought I would look forward to trick or treating in the neighbourhood and love everything about Halloween & of course dressing up as Belle. The actress also spoke about how special it felt to have a little daughter who enjoys princess-themed costumes and celebrations. Its so special & a bit dramatic to have a little princess that loves princesses! she added. Describing the family's Halloween outing, Preity wrote, We had a Goodenough Halloween this year with Big Belle & baby Belle & The King & his Knight .. as we walked our neighbourhood and trick or treated with super excited little ones running around in all sorts of costumes Ting! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Preity G Zinta (@realpz) Priyanka Chopra Jonas channels King Kylie with family Preity was not the only Bollywood actress who embraced Halloween with her family in Los Angeles. Priyanka Chopra Jonas also shared glimpses of her celebrations with husband Nick Jonas and daughter Malti Marie. For the occasion, Priyanka channelled Kylie Jenner's popular King Kylie era, recreating the look with a pink wig, black outfit, beanie and oversized sunglasses. Nick dressed up as a cowboy, while Malti joined the celebrations as a ghost princess. Describing their combination of costumes as an unlikely alliance, Priyanka shared that the cowboy, ghost princess and King Kylie had headed out for trick-or-treating. She also used the hashtag #Diwaloween for the celebrations. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Priyanka (@priyankachopra) Janhvi Kapoor recreates Sridevi's iconic Nagina look Meanwhile, Janhvi Kapoor chose Halloween to pay tribute to her late mother, veteran actress Sridevi. She recreated Sridevi's iconic look from the 1986 film Nagina, bringing back the pink ensemble, jewellery and styling associated with the character. Her friend Orry also joined the theme, dressing up as Rishi Kapoor's character from the film. The recreation stood out among this year's celebrity Halloween appearances, bringing back memories of one of Sridevi's memorable on-screen looks. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Janhvi Kapoor (@janhvikapoor) From Preity Zinta's family fairytale outing to Priyanka Chopra Jonas' King Kylie-inspired costume and Janhvi Kapoor's tribute to Sridevi, this year's Halloween celebrations saw Bollywood stars draw inspiration from films, pop culture and personal memories. Also Read:Ramesh Taurani reveals UNTOLD behind-the-scenes story of Soldier: Nadeem-Shravan and Javed Akhtar were a WRONG combination; reveals a song featuring Bobby Deol and Preity Zinta was SCRAPPED and replaced with Tera Rang Balle Balle
The makers of Ramayana have unveiled a new solo character poster featuring Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The reveal offers a closer look at the actors portrayal of Lord Ramas younger brother, one of the central figures in the epic, just days ahead of the films scheduled worldwide theatrical release on November 5. In the newly released poster, Ravie is seen in a warrior stance, holding a bow and arrow. The visual presents Lakshman as a battle-ready figure and follows a composition similar to the previously unveiled poster of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, placing the two brothers within a shared visual framework. Introducing the character on social media, the makers shared the caption, A devoted brother. A fearless warrior. Ramas shield. Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The character is known in the epic for his devotion to Rama, loyalty and role as his younger brother and companion through several pivotal events. Speaking about taking on the role, Ravie Dubey said, Playing Lakshman is an emotion that is difficult to put into words. He represents a rare combination of strength, courage, devotion and selflessness. His unwavering commitment to Lord Rama and the values he stands for has always been deeply inspiring. To be entrusted with bringing such a revered character to life is both an honour and a responsibility that I hold very close to my heart. I hope audiences connect with the sincerity and spirit with which we have approached this character. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The World Of Ramayana (@worldoframayana) Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The film is being developed as a two-part cinematic adaptation of the epic, with the first instalment scheduled to release worldwide on November 5, 2026, and the second part planned for Diwali 2027. The project is produced by Namit Malhotras Prime Focus Studios, in association with DNEG and Yashs Monster Mind Creations. It will release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, with IMAX among its premium theatrical formats. Sony Pictures will handle global distribution outside India, while Dharma Productions will oversee distribution in the Hindi-speaking market. With the character poster adding to the films promotional campaign, the makers are continuing to introduce the principal characters ahead of the first instalments release. Also Read: Ramayana faces a BIG test in China: Why Bollywoods former GOLDMINE has changed and what Ranbir Kapoors epic needs to succeed
Abhay Vermas happiest day is all about him shooting with SRK: King of All Times
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 2 (IANS) Actor Abhay Verma, who is set to share the screen with the Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan, has shared a heartfelt message for King Khan on his birthday. On Monday, Abhay took to his Instagram, and shared a series of pictures of his diary, as he recollected the day when he shot a scene with SRK for King. The actor noted how he was extremely nervous when he got to know that he had to shoot a scene with the megastar. He shared that SRK comforted him, and charmed him off his feet with his humility and wit. He wrote, Today was historic. I may have never felt this happy before as I do today. I did a scene with Shah sir and no one else, just sir and me. I went to the shoot and Siddhant told me that something like this was going to happen, but I couldn't believe it. Then when I reached the set, I found out it was true. I suddenly got very nervous then the sir came and greeted me with a kiss on the cheek. We did some rehearsals and I asked, Sir, can I put weight on your hand? So, sir said, Absolutely, go ahead. Then when I did, sir said, Not right now, son. So we both laughed together for a good 15 seconds in the middle of rehearsals. He further mentioned, So Sid sir came and asked what happened. Shah sir explained it to him and Sid sir also laughed a bit and then back to work. When they were taking the take, all I could think was that I shouldn't make any mistakes so that the sir wouldn't have to do it again because of me. Whatever happened today, I honestly can't believe it happened to me. But honestly, I haven't seen a more professional actor than Shah sir. Even when he was unwell, he never let anyone know that he was sick. TRULY KING THINGS!! Then the scene ended, so I asked about my diary... there was a bit of joking around and then I packed up. But I changed and went back to the set, of course, and Sir's shoot was going on. But I changed and went back to the set, of course, and the shoot was going on with Sir. He continued, Sir made me sit with him, and I sat nervously. Then, between takes, Pooja ma'am and I were talking. Ma'am always gives a lot of love, and then Sir Sir made us sit together and I sat nervously, then in between takes, Pooja ma'am and I were talking, ma'am always gives a lot of love, and then sir would keep coming and going. Seeing them create magic was a different kind of inspiration.... The teacher even made us laugh later... Everyone fails in front of their quick wit. It appears there is no text provided for translation. Could you please provide the text you would like me to translate? Then, after a little while, I took permission and then I left the set. Just got home at 12 and thought I'd write about today before I forget some of it.... It was by far the best day of my life and the way Shah sir comforts everybody on set and especially actors, everything about him tells you why people love him so much, why he is the KING and will always be... Anyway, going to the King's set feels like a dream every time... But today, a very big dream came true, he added.
Tamil Nadu CM inaugurates development projects worth Rs 80 crore in Pudukottai
Digital Desk | Chennai, Nov 2 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday launched a robust, comprehensive push for regional infrastructure development and public welfare during his maiden official working visit to Pudukkottai district since assuming office in May. Marking a significant milestone in his administrative schedule, the Chief Minister inaugurated 44 completed development projects valued at approximately Rs 68.31 crore and ceremoniously laid foundation stones for 70 new public works initiatives worth Rs 11.72 crore. Furthermore, he distributed crucial welfare assistance totalling Rs 62.73 crore directly to 13,676 verified beneficiaries across the district, ensuring immediate financial and social support for vulnerable rural households across all local taluks and revenue villages. Arriving in Tiruchirappalli via a special morning flight from Chennai, Vijay travelled 55 kilometres by road to Pudukkottai town. He received an overwhelmingly enthusiastic public reception, with thousands of citizens lining both sides of the roadway to greet him warmly during an eventful, energetic political roadshow. Among the primary highlights of the packed itinerary was the inauguration of a state-of-the-art bus terminal constructed at a total cost of Rs 23.25 crore. Designed to alleviate public transit bottlenecks in the growing town, the expansive facility features 60 modern bus bays, commercial shopping complexes, spacious waiting areas, and dedicated amenities for nursing mothers and persons with disabilities. Additionally, the Chief Minister officially opened a multipurpose indoor sports stadium built for Rs 6.29 crore, specifically aimed at nurturing local athletic talent in competitive disciplines such as badminton, volleyball, kabaddi, and table tennis. During the visit, Vijay also inspected local agricultural produce and interacted closely with farmers to assess pressing irrigation challenges. Discussions centred primarily on securing reliable Cauvery River water allocations to counter severe water shortages affecting regional agrarian communities. Furthermore, local farmers briefed the Chief Minister on the vital economic role played by the cashew industry in Adanakottai, which serves as a crucial livelihood source for nearly five lakh families. The high-profile tour concluded after a thorough review of grassroots progress, infrastructure expansion, and direct dialogue with rural stakeholders, reinforcing the state government's steadfast commitment to fostering balanced regional growth.
Tilak to lead India A in 2026 Rising Stars Asia Cup in Doha, Patidar named vice-captain
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma will captain India A at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Mens Rising Stars Asia Cup with two-time IPL winning skipper Rajat Patidar named as his deputy in the 15-member squad picked by the mens selection committee. The tournament will run from November 19 to 29 in Doha, Qatar. Prabhsimran Singh and Kumar Kushagra are the two wicketkeepers in a squad that also includes Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Rinku Singh, Prince Yadav, Suryansh Shedge, Shahbaz Ahmed and Harsh Dubey. Seam-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana, who has been recovering from a rectus femoris strain while bowling during a match simulation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) on September 7, after initially reporting there for hamstring injury rehab, has been named in the squad. Other members who complete the squad include Tanush Kotian, Vipraj Nigam, and Arshad Khan. It also means that the aforementioned players will miss a large part of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for their respective states. The squad for the upcoming tournament marks a sweeping change from the 2025 India A side who took part in the previous edition of the competition in Doha. Tilak and Patidar take over the leadership duties from Jitesh Sharma and Naman Dhir, who were captain and vice-captain last year. Sooryavanshi, Shedge, and Dubey are the only retained from the 2025 squad, while the omissions are Jitesh, Dhir, Priyansh Arya, Abishek Porel, Ashutosh Sharma, Nehal Wadhera, Ramandeep Singh, Suyash Sharma, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Yash Thakur and Vijaykumar Vyshak. India A have been drawn in Group B with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Nepal and Pakistan A. Group A features Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A, Afghanistan A and Hong Kong, China. India A will open their campaign against Nepal on November 20, at the West End Park International Stadium. They will take on Pakistan A at the same venue on November 22, before ending the group stage against the UAE at the University of Doha for Science and Technology on November 24. Top two sides from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, to be played on November 26 and 27 respectively. The final is scheduled to be played on November 29. India A squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup: Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Tilak Varma (captain), Rajat Patidar (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Kumar Kushagra (wk), Suryansh Shedge, Shahbaz Ahmed, Vipraj Nigam, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav, and Arshad Khan
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has unveiled a new initiative called PasqyrAlbania where every citizen's complaint or a public service can be tracked online in real-time much like one would a courier parcel. According to the Albanian Prime Minister, the new civic platform will allow citizens to monitor public investments and the progress of projects in their areas. They can also track status of their complaints and applications in real time. All official documents, legal references and detailed information addressing every public question and concern about the file, at its current stage, are now available. Speaking on Instagram to the Albanian people PM Edi Rama said, PasqyrAlbania is one of the results of the reflection on the Flamingo protest, on that demonstration at the start of June. The first pillar refers to
Rishabh Pant To Undergo Another Fitness Test Before New Zealand Series After Failing One
Captain Dhruv Jurel: India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant will have the chance to prove his fitness once more as the batter is set to undertake another test before he can leave for New Zealand ahead of the Test series. Pant suffered a side strain during the Irani Cup match while leading Rest of India and Jammu and Kashmir. He has been at the BCCI CoE for around 10 days and failed a fitness test on Sunday. As per a report in Cricinfo, he will take another fitness test in two days before he is cleared to play in New Zealand. If he manages to clear the test this time around, he will be joining the Indian A side for the third multi-day game against New Zealand A, which begins on November 7 in Lincoln. Pant was named in India A's squad for the three four-day games, which were preparatory matches for the visiting side. However, his availability was subject to fitness clearance. The wicketkeeper batter was ruled out of the first two matches due to his recovery, with Kumar Kushagra named his replacement. Captain Dhruv Jurel kept the wickets in the first two matches as Kushagra did not get to play. Pant was also named in India's squads for the two-match Test series against the Blackcaps, which begins on November 19; however, his participation in the series was also subject to fitness clearance. The same report also added that India speedster Jasprit Bumrah has left for New Zealand and is likely to play the third multi-day game against New Zealand A to prepare for the Test series. Bumrah was rested for India's white-ball series against the West Indies at home and the away T20I and ODI series against New Zealand. This was due to the BCCI wanting to keep their talisman pacer in a cotton wool ahead of the New Zealand Test series, which is considered to be an important one for India's chances for the World Test Championship final. The same report also added that India speedster Jasprit Bumrah has left for New Zealand and is likely to play the third multi-day game against New Zealand A to prepare for the Test series. Bumrah was rested for India's white-ball series against the West Indies at home and the away T20I and ODI series against New Zealand. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Macworld Well, in the long list of Apple product launches, last weeks announcements were certainly some of them. Marketing supremo Greg Joswiak didnt set the bar especially high when he predicted an exciting week, but even that comparatively tepid assessment turned out to be wildly optimistic. The 8th-gen iPad mini falls, I would say, into the category of dull but worthwhile iterative refreshes. It gets some nice upgrades, including a thinner and lighter body, a faster processor, and an OLED screen, but doesnt alter the fundamental truth that big-screen smartphones, and especially foldables, have rendered mid-price mini tablets largely obsolete and thanks to another $100 price hike, the mini is now verging on premium. It needed a change of direction, not a costly glow-up. Tuesdays twin launches, presumably paired because neither was remotely enough to carry even a website update by itself, saw the arrival of M6 updates to the iMac and MacBook Pro. Apple found itself painfully short of exciting things to say about the new iMac; of the six things trumpeted in the summary paragraph at the top of the press release, four also apply to the previous M4 model. The same is basically true of the M6 MacBook Pro . The best we can say about them is that at least the prices are the same. It wasnt until Wednesday that we got a launch that was genuinely groundbreaking (within the Apple ecosystem, at any rate), even if the touchscreen MacBook still strikes me as an offence against logic and reason . It was a similar story earlier in October. There was one innovative if strategically questionable product, the HomeView , along with a worthy but straightforward new HomePod mini and an Apple TV refresh that costs way too much and has few exclusive features . The Apple Home Collection didnt exactly set pulses racing either. Traditionally, when theres a big backlog of unreleased products, Apple follows its September event with another in October. We expected Apple to group together the Mac and iPad launches as it has so often in the past, build to the touchscreen MacBook as the flagship launch, and then very likely unveil HomeView as One More Thing. But for whatever reason it decided to go down a different route, splitting its remaining fall launches into a pair of low-key experiences, followed by a series of quiet press releases and site updates at the rate of one or two products per day. This seems to have become the companys favored approach for anything less than its most high-profile launches, and there are advantages to making announcements in this way. Most obviously, it saves on time and money because the marketing team doesnt have to script and edit a 90-minute show, and busy senior execs dont need to rehearse and perform a full-length presentation. But theres the handy side effect that more obscure products get to enjoy their day in the sun. The new iPad mini would have been a minor footnote in the touchscreen MacBook show, for example, but instead it gets to bask in the glow of media and customer attention and be appreciated for the substantial (if in my opinion misguided) refresh that it is. If everything is rolled into an event, its inevitable that the smaller items will be lost in the hustle and bustle. But that same hustle and bustle can sometimes do you a favor. The Apple TVs missteps were cruelly exposed in the media spotlight, for example, and it might have been kinder to bury those perfunctory M6 micro-updates on a day when something more interesting was happening. Then there was the 2nd-gen HomePod mini, which essentially amounted to better AI (in a future software update) and worse colors. This was a necessary refresh, because the HomePod desperately needed Siri AI, and would likely have appeared in a few important announcements you missed articles if it was bottom of the bill at a big Apple event. But the HomePod mini was second on the bill at a very small eventsorry, experiencewhich drew attention to the fact Apple didnt redesign the speaker or make any substantive non-AI-related upgrades six years after the first one came out. All that focus set a standard of noteworthiness it was never going to justify. Not every Apple product is exciting, it turns out. But of course we knew that already. The company has found over the past decade or so that small iterative updates generally make the most sense from a financial point of view. The funny thing is that this fall has been unusually interesting: weve seen not one, not two, but three genuinely innovative Apple product launches in the form of the iPhone Duo, the HomeView, and the (touchscreen) MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display. Yet the idiosyncratic manner in which the company has made its announcements has drawn attention to everything else. Foundry Welcome to our weekly Apple Breakfast column, which includes all the Apple news you missed last week in a handy bite-sized roundup. We call it Apple Breakfast because we think it goes great with a Monday morning cup of coffee or tea, but its cool if you want to give it a read during lunch or dinner hours too. Pro and Tell: Apple launch special Apples touchscreen MacBook Pro finally breaks the grid . but the best touchscreen MacBook is already on your desk . The touchscreen MacBook Pro completes the circle started 10 years ago. Apples new iPad mini is a Duo you cant close . The Mac Studio with 512GB of RAM is shipping, and it costs New Car Money . Catch up on everything Apple announced last week in our Pro and Tell live blog . Trending: Top stories A week with iPhone Duo : Folding refined , if not perfected. These iOS 27.2 features will make you want to download the latest updates right away. iPhone Duo hinge issue : Whats wrong with Apples folding phone and how to fix it. Claude saves an overheating Mac from a cryptominer it might have put there. Podcast of the week The iPhone Duo isnt just a major iPhone release; its a landmark product in Apples lineup. We talk about our experience with the new folding phone in the latest episode of the Macworld Podcast. You can catch every episode of the Macworld Podcast on YouTube , Spotify , Soundcloud , the Podcasts app , or our own site . And with that, were done for this weeks Apple Breakfast. If youd like to get regular roundups, sign up for our newsletters , including our new email from The Macalopean irreverent, humorous take on the latest news and rumors from a half-man, half-mythical Mac beast. You can also follow us on Facebook , Threads , Bluesky , or X for discussion of breaking Apple news stories. See you next Monday, and stay Appley.
Diana Penty birthday special: 6 times the actress served understated elegance and bold glamour
Diana Penty has never been restricted to one particular fashion aesthetic. From understated silhouettes and delicate details to dramatic gowns and statement separates, the actress has explored different moods while keeping her style polished. On her birthday, here is a look back at six fashion moments that highlight her ability to move effortlessly between subtle elegance and full-fledged glamour. Powder pink and princess-coded Diana Penty made a case for understated glamour in a powder pink ensemble featuring a ribboned neckline and delicate floral embroidery around its corset-inspired structure. The soft colour palette kept the look feminine without making it overly elaborate. She paired the outfit with glossy pink heels and kept her accessories minimal with dainty diamond jewellery. A sleek bun completed the look, keeping the outfit's details as the focus. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Diana Penty (@dianapenty) Burgundy with a Scandinavian twist Diana opted for a deeper palette in a burgundy ensemble featuring an unstructured silhouette, defined pleats around the waist and a thigh-high slit. The combination gave the outfit a relaxed yet polished character. The most distinctive element was the Scandinavian-inspired scarf wrapped around her neck, layered with a minimal pendant. Straight hair and matching heels kept the rest of the styling restrained, allowing the unusual neck detail to stand out. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Diana Penty (@dianapenty) Giving the saree a contemporary spin Diana brought a modern edge to traditional Indian dressing with a solid golden saree styled with a structured cropped jacket. The combination retained the elegance of the drape while giving the overall look a more contemporary silhouette. She complemented the outfit with selected jewellery, matching heels and soft waves, creating a balanced look where the jacket and saree worked together rather than competing for attention. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Diana Penty (@dianapenty) Red-hot maximalism For a more dramatic outing, Diana embraced maximalism in a textured red gown featuring an asymmetrical drop shoulder and a thigh-high slit. The silhouette was further accentuated by dangling details around the sleeves and an elevated waist design. She doubled down on the monochromatic mood with a red choker and strappy heels. Her slick hairstyle kept the styling sharp and ensured that the statement gown remained at the centre of the look. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Diana Penty (@dianapenty) A Greek-inspired moment Diana channelled a Grecian aesthetic in a sleek off-white gown featuring pulled-up pleats that added structure to its otherwise fluid silhouette. The outfit was paired with a dramatic cape, introducing another layer to the otherwise minimal colour palette. She kept the accessories and hair relatively clean, allowing the cape and sculptural detailing of the gown to carry the look. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Diana Penty (@dianapenty) Black, embellishments and fringe Diana switched gears once again with a black strappy top covered in embellishments, paired with a dramatic full-length skirt featuring fringe detailing. The combination brought together sparkle and movement for a distinctly evening-ready look. She styled her hair in voluminous curls and completed the outfit with matching heels. The result was a glamorous ensemble that leaned into the drama without becoming overly complicated. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Diana Penty (@dianapenty) Across these six looks, Diana Penty's fashion choices move from soft pastels and traditional drapes to structured silhouettes, bold colours and dramatic detailing. Whether she opts for a quieter approach or goes all out with her styling, the actress continues to experiment with different sides of glamour while maintaining a polished aesthetic. Also Read:Alia Bhatt to Diana Penty to Rashmika Mandanna: Summer short hair trend ft. Bollywood divas
BMC removes Dia Mirza's pollution-free Diwali video after BJP leader's objection
Mirza's video, which urged people to avoid noise and air pollution during the festival, was removed on Sunday. However, campaign videos featuring actors Madhuri Dixit and Nishigandha Wad, as well as cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, continued to remain on the BMC's X and Instagram pages
Birthday Special: Top 6 fashion moments of Shanaya Kapoor that are a must watch
Shanaya Kapoor has been grabbing attention with her upcoming series Student of the Year: After Dark. While the actor has been receiving appreciation for her performances in projects like Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan and Tu Yaa Main, her fashion choices have also been making a mark. From experimental silhouettes to contemporary Indian wear and statement-making gowns, Shanaya has consistently brought a distinct edge to her style. Whether it is a red-carpet appearance, a runway moment or a promotional outing, the young actor knows how to make an impression. As she celebrates her birthday today, here are 6 fashion moments that caught our attention. The Faux Leather Edit View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shanaya Kapoor (@shanayakapoor02) Shanaya made a bold statement in a striking leather ensemble from Mark Gongs Spring/Summer 2026 collection. The look featured a structured black strapless corset with a sculpted neckline, paired with an asymmetrical midi skirt. A glimpse of white lace, a studded belt and layered detailing added an edgy contrast, giving the outfit a distinctly punk-inspired aesthetic. Giving the Saree a Contemporary Twist View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shanaya Kapoor (@shanayakapoor02) For her showstopper appearance at Lakm Fashion Week, Shanaya brought a modern spin to the traditional saree. Designed by Ritika Mirchandani, the black and silver ensemble featured intricate geometric embellishments, a pre-draped silhouette and a daring thigh-high slit. Paired with a matching bralette-style blouse, the look struck a balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary glamour. Rocking the SOTY Method Dressing View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shanaya Kapoor (@shanayakapoor02) For the trailer launch of Student of the Year: After Dark, Shanaya embraced a look that played into the show's campus-inspired aesthetic. She opted for a coordinated ensemble featuring a pinstriped shirt, matching tie, structured blazer and tailored shorts. Finished with black shoes and socks, the outfit brought together relaxed tailoring and a polished, school-inspired edge. The Green Latex Moment View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shanaya Kapoor (@shanayakapoor02) Shanaya turned heads in a glossy forest-green latex mini dress that stood out for its bold silhouette and high-shine finish. The strapless, body-hugging outfit was paired with candy-pink pointed heels, creating an unexpected colour contrast. A voluminous shoulder-length bob and understated glam makeup completed the look, keeping the focus firmly on the statement dress. Understated Elegance in White View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shanaya Kapoor (@shanayakapoor02) For a more refined fashion moment, Shanaya opted for a sculptural one-shoulder gown by Australian label Meraki Official. The ivory creation featured an architectural shoulder detail, a subtle side cut-out and a dramatic thigh-high slit. Keeping the accessories minimal with delicate jewellery, she completed the look with a sleek low bun and soft glam makeup, allowing the gown's structure to take centre stage. Making a Statement in Emerald Green View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shanaya Kapoor (@shanayakapoor02) Shanaya made a case for monochrome dressing in a striking emerald-green ensemble. The look paired a structured satin corset with a heavily embellished sequin skirt in the same rich hue. Matching green heels and a statement emerald crucifix necklace by Tara Fine Jewellery brought the outfit together, while her sharp bob and understated makeup added to its contemporary appeal. From edgy leather and high-shine latex to contemporary sarees and sculptural gowns, Shanaya Kapoor's fashion choices reflect a willingness to experiment with different silhouettes and aesthetics. As she continues to explore new roles on screen, her style journey is also one to watch. Also Read: Shanaya Kapoor recreates Alia Bhatts iconic Shanaya Shanaya moment ahead of Student of the Year: After Dark
India, EU discuss FTA implementation, customs cooperation and market access in Brussels
India and the European Union engaged in discussions regarding the implementation of their Free Trade Agreement. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held meetings with various senior European Commission officials in Brussels, focusing on market access and customs procedures. The FTA is expected to eliminate tariffs on the majority of exports from both regions. Both parties are working towards the proposed signing and full ratification of the agreement.
India, EU discuss FTA implementation issues ahead of signing in December
India and the European Union have discussed implementation issues of the free trade agreement (FTA), which is scheduled for signing in December, an official statement said on Monday. The issues were discussed during the visit of Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal to Brussels last week. Agrawal met with Ditte Juul Jorgensen from the Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security; Koen Doens from the Directorate-General for International Partnerships; and Gerassimos Thomas from the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union, European Commission. The meetings, according to the commerce ministry, focused on customs cooperation, trade facilitation, and preparations for the implementation of the India-EU FTA. Both sides recognised the importance of efficient, transparent, and digitally enabled customs procedures in supporting businesses, reducing transaction costs, and ensuring the smooth movement of legitimate trade, it said. The two sides announced on January 27 the ...
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 2 (IANS) Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta's wife, Anuradha Lekhi Gupta, has issued an emotional appeal to the media, requesting them to respect the privacy of their children following the controversy surrounding a viral video from the late filmmaker's funeral. The appeal comes after a video that allegedly showed their daughter making an obscene middle-finger gesture at paparazzi outside the crematorium triggered a large amount of reactions on social media. Filmmaker Milap Zaveri shared Anuradha's statement on his social media account, addressing it to his friends in the media. The note read, With heartfelt gratitude A part of our lives has been lost forever, and nothing can ever fill the void or make up for this loss. On behalf of our family, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our family members, friends, Sanjay's fans and our friends in the media for the love, condolences and strength you have extended to us during this difficult time. She wrote, Sanjay suffered a fatal head injury in an accidental fall, which led to his untimely demise. Sanjay loved his family and children immensely. Our children are adolescents who have suddenly lost their beloved father. Further she wrote, A humble request Having grown up away from the glare of the limelight and the intrusive nature of paparazzi culture, they were deeply distressed by the sudden intrusion into their privacy at such a difficult time. In their grief and anguish, some of their reactions may have been directed towards certain members of the media. I sincerely regret any hurt this may have caused. The note further read, I humbly request everyone to understand these reactions for what they truly are the expressions of grieving children struggling to come to terms with an irreparable loss. Requesting everybody to be gentle, Anuradha urged, I request you to kindly excuse them, and appeal to everyone to delete any content that may leave lasting emotional scars on their young minds. Please allow them the privacy, compassion and space they need to grieve the loss of their father. With gratitude, Anuradha Sharing the statement, Milap wrote, Request to all friends in the media from @anuradhalekhigupta. Anuradha's Instagram account has since been made private ever since the incident occurred. The controversy erupted after Sanjay Gupta's children were seen leaving the crematorium in a car following his last rites. As the family drove out of the premises, the paparazzi photographers surrounded their vehicle, clicking pictures and recording videos. In a video that went viral on social media, his daughter, who was seated in the front passenger seat, was seen making an obscene gesture towards the paparazzi, while his son, who was seated in the back, also appeared to make a similar gesture. The children were criticised by netizens for their behaviour. Some social media users also questioned why the siblings appeared to be smiling and laughing as they left the crematorium, shortly after their father's last rites. For the uninitiated, Sanjay Gupta passed away on October 30 at the age of 57. According to preliminary police findings, the filmmaker suffered a fatal head injury after an accidental fall at his Versova residence in Mumbai. He reportedly lost his balance in the kitchen during the night and hit his head against a wall. His family members were asleep at the time and discovered him the following morning. He was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared dead. The Versova police registered an accidental death report and initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his demise. Sanjay was known for directing films such as 'Kaante', 'Musafir', 'Zinda', 'Shootout at Wadala', 'Jazbaa', 'Mumbai Saga' and 'Kaabil'. His sudden demise left the members of the film fraternity shocked, with actors and filmmakers, including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Farah Khan, Rakesh Roshan, Milap Zaveri, Ronit Roy and Rohit Roy, among others, paying their last respects.
TV Actor Anuj Thakur Dies At 33 After Seizure During Sleep
Anuj Thakur's friend and collaborator Rupesh Sonar had shared a tribute post on his Instagram on October 30.
TV actor Anuj Thakur tragically passed away on October 27 at the age of 33. His friend Rupesh Sonar shared that Anuj experienced a seizure from which he did not recover. An outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues shows the impact he had throughout his nearly two-decade-long career. Read on!
Manchu Manoj: The attack at Raptadu school has left me deeply shaken
Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Nov 2 (IANS) Reacting to the Raptadu School incident in which two girls studying in standard 10 were attacked by a man with a chainsaw, Telugu actor Manchu Manoj has now confessed that the incident had left him deeply shaken. Taking to his Instagram timeline to pen his thoughts about the incident which has now sparked nationwide outrage, Manchu Manoj wrote, As a father, the attack at Raptadu school has left me deeply shaken. Praying to God for both girls speedy and complete recovery, and strength for their families. He went on to say, The young girl who stepped in to protect her friend showed rare and extraordinary courage. She deserves our deepest respect and recognition. Grateful to the doctors for their lifesaving care, and to the Andhra Pradesh government, police and medical teams who coordinated the green corridor and transfer for advanced treatment. The actor, who said that he was glad to note that 20 mental health counsellors had been deployed for the affected students, said, Please ensure sustained support reaches every child, teacher and family affected by this trauma. Manchu Manoj went on to say, This is not just one person and one crime. When women are objectified and disrespected, even casually, even for fun, inside homes and in society, it shapes dangerous attitudes. Objectifying women is harmful. There must be consequences for harassment and violence, and everyday disrespect must be challenged firmly. He concluded the post, saying, Respect for women begins at home. Our children are watching. The society we want starts with how we treat women at home and in our communities. Let us build that safer society together. For the unaware, a Class 10 girl student was brutally attacked inside her classroom at Zilla Parishad High School in Raptadu of Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh. The student sustained severe injuries to her face, head, and throat in the attack, officials said and added that the girl sustained deep wounds to her neck and abdomen, while her right hand was reportedly almost severed in the assault. Another girl student, who attempted to intervene and save her, was also seriously injured during the attack. Both victims are currently receiving treatement at a private hospital.
India and EU discuss trade facilitation, market access under FTA
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) India and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the comprehensive economic and strategic partnership, discussing opportunities for strengthening trade and investment ties, improving market access, enhancing supply chain resilience and advancing cooperation under the free trade agreement (FTA), an official statement said on Monday. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held high-level meetings in Brussels with Ditte Juul Jorgensen, Director-General, Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE); Koen Doens, Director-General, Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA); and Gerassimos Thomas, Director-General, Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD), European Commission. The engagements reflect the growing breadth of IndiaEU cooperation across trade, investment, development partnership, taxation and customs, and reaffirm the shared commitment of both sides to further strengthening their strategic partnership, according to Commerce Ministry. During the meeting with Jorgensen, both sides discussed measures to facilitate two-way trade, improve market access, strengthen supply chain resilience and create new opportunities for businesses in India and the European Union. They reaffirmed their commitment to a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial agreement and agreed to maintain close engagement to address the remaining procedural and implementation-related issues. In the meeting with Doens, both sides exchanged views on strengthening IndiaEU development cooperation and strategic partnerships, with discussions covering sustainable development, clean energy, green technologies and related areas, according to Commerce Ministry. The meeting with Thomas focused on customs cooperation, trade facilitation and preparations for the implementation of the IndiaEU FTA. Both sides recognised the importance of efficient, transparent, and digitally enabled customs procedures in supporting businesses, reducing transaction costs, and ensuring the smooth movement of legitimate trade. Meanwhile, Agrawal also met stakeholders from the diamond industry, including representatives associated with the Antwerp diamond ecosystem. The discussions covered the global diamond value chain, certification and traceability requirements, responsible sourcing, and opportunities arising from India's growing diamond market and manufacturing ecosystem. India and Belgium have identified gems and jewellery as an important area for deeper cooperation, with Antwerp, Mumbai and Surat recognised as major diamond centres. The Commerce Secretary also participated in a BusinessEurope roundtable with European industry representatives, highlighting India's strong economic growth, reform momentum and investment opportunities across key sectors, and invited European businesses to deepen their engagement with India and participate in its expanding value chains.
Mumbai: Around 100 protesters demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation
100 protesters gathered near BMC headquarters to demand resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Cops set up barricades to contain Sundays Tiranga Samvidhan Satyagraha; agitators claim democracy is in danger
Being an athlete doesnt mean I have to limit myself to one path, she wrote on Instagram.
New Daily Superfast Express to Run Between Varanasi and Sabarmati: Check Timetable and Route
Prayagraj, November 2, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran): Rail passengers travelling between Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat will have a new daily train service. The railway administration has decided to introduce New Daily Superfast Express to Run Between Varanasi and Sabarmati: Check Timetable and Route
Have you heard? Hrithik Roshan pens romantic note for Saba Azad
Hrithik Roshan marked girlfriend Saba Azads birthday with a romantic Instagram post, sharing loved-up pictures, including one with his sons Hrehaan and Hridhaan. Recalling how he was recently asked about her, the actor called her precious and wished her a lifetime of adventures
ACB probes Agrawals past; tenuresince Udaipur DC stint under lens
Karan Wahi Celebrates 22 Years of Remix with Heartfelt Tribute
Actor Karan Wahi marks 22 years of Remix with nostalgic memories and gratitude for fans on Instagram. Karan Wahi Celebrates 22 Years of Remix with Heartfelt Tribute
Festival rush: UPSRTC to run 148 extra daily trips from Prayagraj
Karan Wahi celebrates 22 years of Remix with a heartfelt note
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 1 (IANS) Actor Karan Wahi, who predominantly works in television, is celebrating 22 years of his show Remix. On Sunday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared a series of throwback pictures. The pictures feature the actor with his fellow actors from the show. He also penned a long note in the caption, as he shared his journey. He wrote, Dear Millennials 22 years Ago Life Was Normal Then We Remixed IT A day when this boy from Delhi was introduced in the magical world of Television Thank you for so many msgs that you send every year without fail. Feels Really special (sic). The show is one of the most popular shows of Indian television. It blends teenage romance, friendship, rivalry, class differences and issues such as bullying, eating disorders and teenage pregnancy, the show developed a loyal following. Its soundtrack, performed by the band Aasma, became particularly popular. Although it ran for just two years, concluding in July 2006 after 348 episodes, it remains a defining nostalgia favourite of Indian television's early 2000s era. Earlier, the actor reflected on his journey in the stunt-based reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi 15. He described the season as an experience that went beyond being just a television show. He took to his Instagram, the actor shared a heartfelt note as the season came to an end. He thanked viewers for showering the contestants with love and said the journey had been filled with meaningful bonds, friendships and memorable moments. Karan also praised filmmaker and host Rohit Shetty, whom he described as the man behind the shows journey. He wrote, They Say All Good Things come to an End This Season of #kkk15 has been sooo much more than a show Thank you for the love u have showered on us #blessed Cheers To a season filled with Love ,friendship , Bonds, Respect and most importantly a Man u all call the plot @itsrohitshetty Sir You are incredible. The actor also shared a series of pictures from the finale night. In one of the photographs, Karan is seen posing with his friend Rithvik Dhanjani and host Rohit Shetty. Another picture features Khatron Ke Khiladi 15 winner Avinash Mishra posing alongside Rohit. Karan also shared a picture with actress Rubina Dilaik, along with group photographs featuring him and other contestants from the season.
Vishal Mishra bids adieu to his furry friend: You were the light when it was all dark around me
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 1 (IANS) Music composer Vishal Mishra, who is known for the chartbuster song Pehle Bhi Main from Animal, has bid farewell to his furry friend. On Sunday, the composer took to his Instagram, and shared a throwback picture with his dog. He also penned a long note in the caption, as he shared how the pet was an integral part of his life. He wrote, Hashu. My Baby. I will miss you so much, its not going to be same without you. Your presence & love made the whole family better. He further mentioned, You were the light when it was all dark around me. I dont know what else to say but I know you know. Thank you for being there. Sorry if I ever failed you, my baby. I hope we find each other again in our next birth. Love you always. Actress Rubina Dilaik took to the comments section, and wrote, Pain of loosing a pet is irreparable. Sending prayers to Hashu. Singer-songwriter Armaan Malik wrote, Losing a pet is the worst pain ever, sending you healing and may little Hashu rest in peace. Choreographer Dhanashree Verma wrote, Nooo. rest in peace. Meanwhile, on the work front,the composer had pledged to organise concerts in Assam and Nepal, with every penny raised going towards flood relief and supporting the affected people. He went on to share that an official announcement will follow soon. He took to Instagram, where he shared a note announcing the gig. He shared, My heart is heavy seeing what's happening So I have made a decision. I WILL PERFORM A CONCERT IN #NEPAL AND A CONCERT IN #ASSAM. EVERY SINGLE PENNY. WILL GO TOWARDS FLOOD RELIEF AND THE PEOPLE AFFECTED. I GIVE YOU MY WORD. Announcement soon (sic). He wrote in the caption, Stay strong , will do whatever I can individually, Har Har Mahadev (sic). Assam was hit with devastating floods beginning on July 19, 2026. The first spell of intense rainfall occurred around 28 June. The Second hit was severe due to monsoonal downpours and upstream cloudbursts on 19 July. The crisis reached its peak later in July, submerging villages.
Trump heads to Iowa, Kansas with Senate control in balance
(Adds quote from Republican senator, House Alaska investigation, see paragraphs 4-7, 15) By Andrew Goudsward, David Morgan and
Shinde warns lenders of murder charges over farmer suicides in Maharashtra
The Maharashtra Deputy CM issued the warning while addressing a gathering at the inauguration of a 100-bed sub-district hospital at Wadi Budruk in Nanded district. He said the state government would stand firmly behind farmers and provide all possible assistance amid the agrarian crisis
Drought not caused by nature, created by Congress, alleges KTR
Adilabad: The Revanth Reddy government must take responsibility for the agrarian crisis in the state and fulfil its promise to farmers and agricultural labourers, said BRS working president KTR on Sunday, November 1, as he addressed the Rythu Garjana here. He demanded that every farmer be paid Rs 60,000 per acre, comprising the three instalments 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 .
Adidas 3.3oz Men's Dynamic Pulse Aftershave Fragrance $4.71
Adidas 3.3oz Men's Dynamic Pulse Aftershave Fragrance $4.71
Trump heads to Iowa, Kansas for rallies before midterms
(Updates with Dan S. Sullivan comments, see paragraphs 6-10) By
Britney Spears Declares Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman Her Girl Crush
Britney Spears shares her admiration for Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, calling them her girl crush this week on Instagram. Britney Spears Declares Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman Her Girl Crush
Karan Johar reviews Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi's Ramayana: Part 1; says his 'mind is blown'
Filmmaker and North distributor, Karan Johar, has reacted to Ramayana: Part 1, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita and Yash as Ravan. Sharing his thoughts on Instagram Stories, Karan said his 'mind is blown' and hinted that the film would make Diwali very special for audiences.
