Beyond religiosity: on the Kolkata pandal tragedy| The Hindu Editorial
At least 19 people lost their lives in a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkatas Girish Park area. Sudden rain, narrow entry and exit points, and a surge of visitors reportedly contributed to the tragedy. The incident has raised questions about crowd management, police deployment and safety arrangements at large public gatherings. Could better planning and crowd regulation have prevented the deaths?
MeitYs advisory, issued amid protests demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumars resignation, asks Meta to review its content-ranking systems and provide context for posts on ongoing public events
Nagpur Symbiosis professor placed on leave for sending 'inappropriate' messages to ex-student
The issue triggered protests by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, whose members demanded the professor's removal and strict action against him.
Marco Rubio says Ukraine and Russia should be focused on ending the war
Tension in Kuppam as police resort to lathi-charge during nominations scrutiny
Security measures were stepped up to prevent further confrontations between the rival groups TDP and the YSCRP
CJP leaders bail hearing delayed; U.S. lawmakers raise concerns over protest crackdown
The bail hearing of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka was delayed on Sunday, October 18, according to the partys legal head, Ratna Singh. The two leaders were sent to five days of judicial custody after entering Jantar Mantar by scaling its locked gates, following the denotification of the site as a designated protest venue.
No gang threatening people will be spared: Fadnavis
Premier League: Arsenal edge Forest with late goal, Man United held by Leeds
Brighton crushes Palace to move five points behind Manchester City
90% of flood prevention works completed under DMK rule: T.K.S. Elangovan
Eyewitness recounts firing incident involving Tiger Shroff
Tamil Nadu Transport Department Cracks Down on Overcharging Amid Festival Travel Surge
The Tamil Nadu Transport Department inspected 4,233 buses, issuing fines for violations during the busy festival travel season. Tamil Nadu Transport Department Cracks Down on Overcharging Amid Festival Travel Surge
Tiger Shroff escapes death in Juhu firing incident, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde meets actor
Actor Tiger Shroff escaped unhurt after shots were fired at his car in Mumbais Juhu area on Sunday evening, leaving two injured. Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde visited the actors residence, while CM Devendra Fadnavis assured swift action as police investigate the shooting and search for suspects.
Four friends clicking selfies on overbridge killed after truck hits SUV in Varanasi
Three of the four victims have been identified as Aman Yadav, Golu Yadav and Alok Mishra; two of the injured are in critical condition
Mamatas party asks if BJP government put spectacle over safety in awarding Chorbagan puja
The Mamata Trinamool Congress party questioned the recognition given to the puja, which had also won awards for best lighting, best pandal and best environment-friendly puja
Farmers to decide next course of action after consultations on October 19
TASMAC plans to introduce four beer varieties in Tamil Nadu by year-end, with prices starting at 250, pending approval. They will be available at regular and elite outlets. Its online portal lets customers check prices, pay and collect orders using a QR code, but does not provide home delivery.
Tiger Shroff firing incident: Police have identified suspects, will arrest soon, says CM Fadnavis
Devendra Fadnavis said that either suspects or handlers are operating from Maharashtra
Measures are part of the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commissions KSERC (Multi-Year Tariff) Regulations, 2026, which will take effect from April 1, 2027
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay Wishes Residents a Joyous Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay extends warm wishes for Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami, urging hard work and commitment to progress in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay Wishes Residents a Joyous Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami
Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Demands Action Against Schools for Religious Discrimination
Tamil Nadu BJP leader Nainar Nagendran calls for criminal action against schools accused of religious discrimination against Hindu students. Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Demands Action Against Schools for Religious Discrimination
French President Macron refuses Interior Minister Laurent Nunez's resignation after protests
The Interior Minister submitted his resignation to the president on Sunday (October 18, 2026), the Elysee palace said in a statement
Orange Alert Issued for Chennai and Three Districts Amid Heavy Rain Forecast
Chennai and nearby districts face heavy rain as an orange alert is issued, with expectations of severe weather conditions across Tamil Nadu. Orange Alert Issued for Chennai and Three Districts Amid Heavy Rain Forecast
The burden of choice: when a plethora of options hinder both patients and doctors
More information doesnt automatically empower. True empowerment happens through shared decision-making, a genuine psychological partnership where clinical evidence meets a patients personal values and priorities
Real Madrid vs Sevilla: Mbappe double, Diomande heroics in Madrids win ahead of El Clasico
Tracking down the three unidentified shooters remains the primary challenge for law enforcement agencies, and further investigation is underway, the police added.
Keralam Forest department in a quandary over permission to fell trees
The department, which had booked cases against two persons accused of felling trees on a holding located in the Cardamom Hill Reserve in Idukki, backtracks on the decision by accepting the contentions of the accused and approaches court to withdraw proceedings
At 17.1 degree Celsius, Delhi records this months coldest night so far
The IMD has forecast mainly clear skies during the day, with the maximum temperature likely to touch 32 degrees Celsius
Anbumani Ramadoss undergoes elective knee procedure
As per a medical bulletin, Dr. Ramadoss underwent the procedure at Chennais Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road
Congress says ex-MLA pressured to join BJP, refused after Rahul Gandhis intervention
The Congress said former MLA Rahul Bondre was being targeted with police notices over his educational institution in Chikhli after he declined to switch sides
Watch: Repentance of a Death Row Convict
Police raid ganja farm in Belagavi, arrest farmer
The cannabis had a total weight of 202.75 kg and had a total value of 1,01,37,500
Tamil Nadu Reviews Monsoon Preparedness as IMD Warns of Heavy Rain
The IMD has issued a very heavy rainfall warning for isolated places across the region from October 19 to October 21
Tamil Nadu health minister reviews monsoon preparedness amid heavy rainfall warnings
The News Mill
TN BJP chief alleges religious discrimination in two schools, demands action
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 19 (IANS) Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran has demanded criminal action against the heads of two schools in Thoothukudi and Kanyakumari districts, alleging that students were subjected to religious discrimination for observing Hindu customs. In a post on X, Nagenthran referred to incidents in Athur in Thoothukudi district and Thakkalai in Kanyakumari district, accusing the government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay of failing to protect students religious identities and freedom of worship. According to his post, the headmaster of a school in Athur allegedly ordered the removal of religious garlands worn by more than 30 students observing a fast for Dasara. He also alleged that the incident involved an assault. The post did not provide details about the alleged assault. In the second incident, Nagenthran claimed that a headmistress in Thakkalai had instructed a Class 10 girl to conceal the bangles she was wearing. He described both episodes as disturbing examples of interference with students religious and cultural practices. The BJP leader argued that actions of this nature could hurt children during their formative years and undermine their sense of identity. He characterised the alleged incidents as violations of human rights and called for immediate accountability from the school authorities. Nagenthran further alleged that instances of religious suppression had increased since the Vijay government assumed office. He accused ministers of displaying religious partiality and claimed that such conduct had encouraged school administrations to act similarly. His post did not offer evidence to substantiate the allegation of an increase in such incidents. Educational institutions should promote equality and religious harmony, he said, adding that schools must respect students identities and their right to worship. He urged the government to ensure that institutions did not become places where children belonging to a particular religion felt their beliefs were being targeted. Calling for criminal proceedings against the school heads involved in the Athur and Thakkalai incidents, Nagenthran demanded that the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government and its ministers end what he described as a one-sided religious approach.
How Keralam can overcome its legacy infrastructure deficit
The accumulated gap cannot be overcome within a reasonable time frame by budgetary resources alone, says T.M. Thomas Isaac, former Finance Minister of Keralam, underscoring the importance of a mechanism like KIIFB for the State
Putin proposes summit with Trump and Xi to discuss Ukraine deal: report
The proposed summit comes amid warming ties between Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin especially after the U.S. President announced a deal to buy Russian diesel
The 'Spiral Campaign': Denmarks forced contraception case of Inuit women | Explained
Thousands of Greenlandic Inuit women and girls were fitted with IUDs without their consent between the 1960s and 1990s, in a birth-control programme reportedly aimed at controlling the islands population; decades later, Denmark has apologised and approved compensation for the historic wrong, while questions of accountability, colonialism and human rights violations remain unresolved
Delhi to see cool morning, clear skies; IMD forecasts rain in South India
Delhi is forecast to remain dry with a maximum temperature of around 32C on Monday, while Tamil Nadu, Kerala and parts of Karnataka are likely to receive heavy rain
Beijings population expected to become super-aged by 2035
Chinese policymakers have made population planning a key part of the countrys economic strategy
Arrived for the Golconda St. Leger
Letters to The Editor October 19, 2026
Grass fire at Canadian military base kills 4 soldiers, critically injures 19 other people
The fire crossed established firebreaks before being contained with help from municipal firefighters.
Teja Singh Samundris legacy takes centre stage in BJPs pro-Sikh push in Punjab
As the centenary of his martyrdom is being observed this year, the BJPs top leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, have frequently invoked Samundris legacy at public rallies
Chennai rain: Chennai received 10.5 cm of rain in 24 hours, with Parrys recording 36.3 cm as flooding affected parts of north Chennai and Velachery. The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal until October 21, with rain likely to continue through October 24.
The trouble with wearing your health on your finger
Ouras new GLP-1 features promise to keep pace with a changing body. My increasingly loose ring suggests the company has more to consider
Tiger Shroff shoot-out: We will respond to them in their own language, says DCM Ekanth Shinde
Recalling the era of 1990s when gang wars had led to bloodbath on the streets of Mumbai, Mr. Shinde said that the Mumbai Police had even then reigned in on such forces
Watch: Caring for your eyes | Health Wrap | Episode 55
Scholarships: October 17, 2026
Information on financial aid for students
Kuldeep has been treated unfairly, feels Ashwin
Kanthapuram faction to protest against lack of representation in Keralam Waqf Board
Kerala Muslim Jamaath claims that justice has been denied to their Sunni faction, which manages a significant portion of Waqf properties across Keralam
Keralams Waqf board chairperson terms Centres mandate on non-Muslim members anti-Muslim
Newly appointed chairperson M.C. Mayin Haji says his immediate priority is to resolve the 600-odd cases pending before the board. He says he intends to revive the boards welfare activities that have declined due to reduced grants
New bridge ends seven years of isolation for tribal hamlets of Munderi in Malappuram
Residents of Vaniyampuzha, Iruttukuthi, Kumbalappara and Tharippapotti hamlets had relied on bamboo rafts to cross the Chaliyar after the old bridge collapsed
Shuttle services between the bus termini and town should also be operated for devotees, as no vehicle will be allowed to enter town, especially during Maha Deepam, to avoid traffic congestion, he said
Regime change in Delhi will happen by voting only, says Prakash Raj
Addressing a protest gathering seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Kozhikode beach, the actor says the regime will be changed through votes, not like Bangladesh, Nepal or Sri Lanka
Gothrajyothi meet brings together 300 Adivasi farmers in Wayanad
The initiative aims to integrate the traditional knowledge of Adivasi farmers with modern science to improve livelihood security
Foundation stone laid for animal shelter in Wayanad
The facility enables authorities to evacuate animals in advance when disaster warnings are issued and provide them with fodder, water, and basic veterinary care
INL criticises reconstitution of Keralam Waqf Board
INL leader criticises the boards composition and accuses the UDF government of selecting members entirely on political considerations
Kimberly Guilfoyle | The flashy diplomat
The former U.S. Ambassador to Greece, a Trump loyalist, was dismissed after allegations that she favoured businesses in exchange for personal favours and gifts
Highways Secretary inspects road widening, ROB works in Vellore
Highways officials said that the team assessed quality of raw materials used for the work
Building a niche in off-highway engineering
Bomb threat forces airliner from Tel Aviv to divert to Bulgaria
The Bulgarian air force scrambled a MiG-29 fighter jet to escort the airliner as part of established procedures, says the Transport Ministry
A beacon of hope for making the rights of persons with disabilities real
Alberta Premier says 39 people hospitalised, at least 19 critical after fire at Canada military base
Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier confirmed that four service members were killed in the fire
Agha's comeback century sinks Sri Lanka and gives Pakistan winning start in tri-series
Agha hit 107 off 90 balls, and Pakistan scored 305 all out in 49.5 overs after Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won his fourth successive toss and chose to field
Lady Scarlet should make amends in the feature event
Delhi Cabinet clears plan to create 50-cr. corpus for start-ups
Tamil Nadu adopts new GST checks
10 p.m. deadline, police deployment clouding pujo festivities at Delhis C.R. Park: organisers
Stir for students union enters Day 7 in Jamia
Fifty years ago | Cyclonic storm likely to cross A.P. coast to-day
CM participates in Yamuna cleaning drive, urges citizens to join in
A hundred years ago | Opium smoking under Govt. auspices
Watch: How Neha Bora and women activists are leading protests against Gyanesh Kumar | Insight India
Two weeks after people took to the streets to protest the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, women have emerged as an unwavering force on the front lines of the protests. In this episode, Sonikka Loganathan speaks to journalist and researcher Laxmi Murthy about how women shape protests and how women have historically played a key role in pushing these movements forward.
Developing minds in a digital world, a changing India
Digital innovation must be balanced with childrens cognitive, emotional and social development
Bengaluru: Two minors detained for murdering 13-year-old boy
Self-taught artist recreates the magnificence of Tamil Nadus temples in miniature
Self-taught micro artist Kaviyarasan draws inspiration from Tamil Nadus temple architecture to create intricate works on tiny surfaces and hopes to take his art to international competitions
Nagenthran criticises TVK-led government over lack of monsoon preparedness
He says rainwater stagnation in many parts of Chennai is due to the alleged lack of precautionary measures
Revamp functioning of Parliament
The jointly introduced Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and the Delimitation Bill, 2026, provide for increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha from 550 to 850 members
Release recommendations of Thiruppugazh Committee, Anbumani urges T.N. government
He says several parts of Chennai received rainfall of an intensity comparable to a cloudburst, and if such incidents are to become frequent, it will necessitate the urgent implementation of flood mitigation measures
On Abdullahs promise of Statehood
Omar Abdullahs victory in the 2024 elections was an inflection point not only for J&K but also for the NC, which has ruled the region for more than four decades
City scrapes through first monsoon spell amid widespread waterlogging
Floodwater drained in most parts of the city by dawn, barring Perambur and Velachery. No rain-related fatalities or major accidents were reported; all 22 subway underpasses were cleared and reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. on Sunday, say GCC officials. Trees were uprooted in more than 10 places
Archery Premier League: Marathas prove mighty, bag title
TN to study effects of mosquito repellent creams in Tenkasi
85 books by inmates released at Cuddalore Central Prison
The books were developed with the support from the Ezhuthaga Iyakkam (Write Movement) and the Tamil Nadu Prisons Department
NGT pulls up Karnataka officials, orders notices over pollution in Thenpennai river
