Times of India

In northwest India, the hot semi-arid zone grew from about a quarter of the region’s area in 1951-1980 to a third in 1991-2020, while the temperate zone shrank from about a quarter to less than a fifth, meaning that an area equal to roughly 7% of the region moved into the drier zone as temperatures rose and rainfall declined, said the study.

VanDyke attended the court hearing Friday and sought the release of his seized personal articles. The seven accused had earlier sought six weeks to meet their families and were allowed to stay abroad till Oct 23. They were arrested on March 13 for allegedly training the insurgent-linked groups in Myanmar.

Sources said a “mock” gathering depicting an assembly of MPs may take place in the national capital on Oct 28. The event will involve MPs and others, but is unlikely to be a large gathering, given that a massive show of strength to push for the CEC’s resignation is planned at Ramlila Maidan as a “Delhi chalo” rally.

Inaugurating the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan, he said Swami Chinmayananda set his goals as per issues facing the country at the time and new challenges had emerged in the past few decades. “We must unite society against divisive forces. We must inspire citizens toward self-reliance, and we must connect every individual to vision of a developed India by 2047. For these objectives, we must become more proactive,” he said.

In a letter dated Oct 16, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said it had come to its notice that some private and corporate hospitals were reusing single-use devices after sterilising them, including items used in cardiology, nephrology, oncology, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery (CTVS), neurosurgery and other clinical services. The DGHS said that reuse could expose patients to cross-infection, device malfunction, reduced performance and other complications.

Talking to reporters Friday, Birla said the forum in India would work towards consensus-based dialogue on the role of Parliament in strengthening institutions, promotion of human-centred innovation in AI and digital technologies through Parliament, more representative system of global governance and role of Parliament in ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future for Brics countries.

As the 2027 assembly elections approach, political parties in Goa are diligently attempting to forge pre-poll alliances, but conflicts abound. The BJP and MGP face tough talks over seat sharing, with MGP pushing for a larger stake. Meanwhile, the opposition, including Congress, GFP, RG, and AAP, grapples with internal divisions and has yet to agree on a unified strategy.

Jamia Millia Islamia is constructing a wall near Gate No. 10 amid student protests currently taking place. Students have alleged that this construction is meant to limit access to their protest site on campus. Protesters are demanding student union elections and the reversal of disciplinary actions against participating students. University officials have stated that the wall construction is part of a routine security upgrade.

Seven individuals, including three minors, were arrested in Siddipet district for allegedly assaulting a 15-year-old girl. The incident occurred on Dasara when the victim's parents were away for agricultural work. The accused reportedly took the girl to a neighboring village and returned her the following morning. The victim identified the perpetrators, leading her father to file a police complaint.

Tiger Shroff allegedly became a target of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang after praising Salman Khan publicly. During an event for 'Heropanti 2', Shroff referred to Khan as the industry's one true tiger. An arrested shooter claimed that the gang wanted revenge for Shroff's comments at the film promotion. Police are investigating the motives behind the threats aimed at Shroff and other Bollywood personalities.

In an inspiring environmental effort, volunteers in Rhode Island gathered over 600 old Christmas trees for the 'Trees for Trout' initiative, aimed at restoring riverbanks. By bringing their discarded trees to designated collection sites at Arcadia Management Area, residents have made a significant contribution toward creating sustainable trout habitats and mitigating soil erosion. This project not only enhances local waterways but also promotes community involvement in ecological preservation.

Four people were killed and several others injured in an explosion at a house storing firecrackers in Almapur village in Bihar’s Siwan district on Friday. The blast is suspected to have been triggered by the stored firecrackers, and the death toll may rise.

Zimbabwe were bowled out for 197 despite a half-century from Beloved Biza, with Charani and Kranti Gaud (3/42) leading India's bowling effort. Pratika then guided the chase with an unbeaten 100 as India reached 200/1 in 27.1 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

India's inquiry into Scotch whisky imports has raised concerns regarding the India–UK trade deal and its benefits. The International Spirits and Wines Association of India has urged government intervention to clarify tariff classifications. Revenue investigators argue that Scotch concentrates should incur a higher import duty despite tariff reductions. The ongoing investigation could significantly impact import costs for Diageo and Pernod Ricard.

Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld have their own individual homes. Allen has two - one for the NFL season, the other for the NFL offseason. Steinfeld has one. Each mansion boasts its unique features. One has a striking swimming pool, while the other has an extra outdoor space for sunbathing.

The Trelawny Tenants Union has achieved a significant milestone, settling for $3.6 million with landlord Geoffrey Rice over improper rent hikes. This reimbursement, affecting more than 1,000 residents for overpayments since 2020, stems from ongoing mediation and legal challenges against violations of rent control laws. Moving forward, the union plans to enforce compliance among landlords in Portland and is exploring a digitized rental registration system for better governance.

In a historic accomplishment, India's para-athletes triumphed at the Asian Para Games, collecting a total of 114 medals, highlighting their outstanding prowess with 30 golds. This achievement not only broke their last record of 108 medals but also marked a significant shift in India's sporting landscape. Athletics emerged as the strongest discipline, asserting India's dominance despite South Korea's attempts to compete.

Lauren Conrad’s family mansion, featured in MTV’s Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County, is listed for $26.5 million. Designed and built in 2004 by her father, architect James Conrad, the nearly 8,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style estate overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Located in Laguna Beach’s exclusive Three Arch Bay community, the property features six bedrooms, an infinity-edge pool and private beach access.