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Swiss university student numbers forecast to rise 21% by 2035

Switzerland expects 305,000 higher-education students by 2035. Politicians and business groups say vocational training and practical experience will matter, while universities seek more funding.

“The second reason is the appeal of Swiss universities. More and more young people obtain a vocational baccalaureate after basic education and go to a university of applied sciences. We also see an increase in academic baccalaureates.”
Jacques BabelHead of the Education Perspectives division, Federal Statistical Office

Swiss tenants’ group gathers 100,848 signatures against rent proposal

The Swiss Tenants’ Association says it collected 100,848 signatures in two weeks against the government’s proposed alternative to a rent initiative.

Swiss housing debate focuses on market rules and construction barriers

A Le Temps opinion argues that tighter housing rules and objections to construction are limiting supply in Switzerland as demand grows.

Swiss ministers may seek changes to their government departments

Beat Jans and Martin Pfister may seek new portfolios before a Swiss government election. Business and political figures oppose Jans taking the economics department.

Proposal to count lifetime working hours could reshape retirement debate

Supporters want to introduce a lifetime-working-hours model to address pension funding. The idea currently has majority support among the public and good prospects in parliament, but its details are complex.

Seven Swiss federal figures share how sport fits into their lives

A Swiss government sports reception will honour medal winners, while profiles of seven current and former federal councillors show how they use sport for fitness, focus and connection.

Swiss voters to decide on easing war-material export rules

A committee opposing looser Swiss arms-export rules has made its case ahead of a November 29 vote, warning the change could harm Switzerland’s credibility and humanitarian standing.

Swiss voters will decide on November 29 whether to keep or reject a relaxation of the country’s war-material export rules.

Parliament approved the change in December 2025, partly to support Swiss arms companies.

Exports to countries involved in armed conflicts would still be banned, but 36 countries would be exempt from that ban.

Representatives of the Social Democratic Party, the Greens and the Evangelical People’s Party are campaigning against the change.

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Around 1,000 join unauthorised protest in Bern one year after violent Gaza rally

Around 1,000 people protested against capitalism and imperialism in Bern. Police blocked a march through the city centre, and said there were no major incidents.

A violent Gaza demonstration in Bern injured police officers, demonstrators and bystanders and caused major property damage.

Police began targeted identity checks in the city centre.

The largest group gathered at the Rosengarten, then demonstrators moved through outer districts towards the Reitschule.

Police said there had been no major incidents and that all roadblocks had been lifted.

Swiss village plans truck deliveries to protect drinking water supply

Domleschg plans to truck water to Feldis and Scheid as drought threatens their supply. The measure is intended to keep water flowing through winter.

Municipality
Domleschg
Affected districts
Feldis and Scheid
Truck capacity
About 25,000 litres per trip
Emergency support
Six to eight trips could support the districts’ water network

Swiss Helicopter accused of exceeding flight limits in Bernese Oberland

Residents counted about 5,000 more flight movements than allowed in 2025; the company’s chief estimated about 3,000. Swiss aviation authorities have opened proceedings against the airfield manager.

Local residents Swiss Helicopter chief Christoph Schmid

Estimated excess in 2025

Residents counted about 5,000 more flight movements than permitted.

Schmid estimated about 3,000 additional flight movements.

Uznach backs away from plan to halve its stork population

Uznach proposed cutting its stork population by half because of droppings and concerns about protected areas, but the town has softened its position and plans talks with a local stork group.

World

MI5 chief says Iran is seeking to target UK military sites

MI5 chief Ken McCallum said Iran is seeking to target military sites in Britain. A suspected plot at RAF Fairford is under investigation, and seven men have been arrested and released on bail.

“The incident at RAF Fairford “is not unique. There have been other examples, not just in the U.K. but around the world,”
Ken McCallumMI5 director general

Explosives spill from truck carrying mortar grenades in Granada

A truck carrying mortar grenades and other explosives spilled part of its load onto the A-4002 in Granada. Authorities activated a pre-emergency phase and closed the road.

Drones hit two ships off Bulgaria; one sinks and 11 crew are missing

Two cargo ships were hit by drones in the Black Sea off Bulgaria. One sank, leaving 11 crew members missing, while all 15 people aboard the other ship were rescued.

Ukraine investigates whether missile malfunction caused MiG-29 crash

A Ukrainian MiG-29 crashed in Odesa region in August 2026. Investigators are examining whether a missile malfunction caused the crash; the pilot ejected safely.

Ukrainian drone strikes disrupt three Yandex data centers

Drone attacks damaged three Yandex data centers in Russia, disrupting the company’s cloud and consumer services. Yandex has not given a reliable timeline for restoring full service.

Two stolen Renoirs recovered in France as police suspect another heist was planned

French investigators recovered two Renoir paintings worth about €4.2 million from behind a wall after the September theft. Four men face preliminary charges, and police said they feared another museum robbery was imminent.

Russia arrests Japanese journalist on suspicion of spying in Sakhalin

Russia’s Federal Security Service says it arrested a Japanese journalist in Sakhalin on suspicion of gathering information about Russian defense capabilities. The journalist was transferred to Moscow and placed in custody.

Russia says it arrested a Japanese journalist in the Sakhalin region on suspicion of spying.

The man worked for Japan’s Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper, but Russian officials have not named him.

Russia’s Federal Security Service alleges he gathered information about the country’s defense capabilities for a Japanese intelligence agency.

It says he was preparing to leave Russia when arrested, then was flown to Moscow and placed in custody.

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Saudi-led coalition warns civilians before reported strike on Sanaa oil site

The Saudi-led coalition told civilians to leave an oil facility in Yemen’s capital before a planned operation. Houthi media later reported that the site was hit.

The Houthis seized strategic territory along Yemen's Red Sea coast.

The Houthis have attacked Saudi airports and oil facilities, according to the Straits Times.

The Saudi-led coalition urged civilians to leave the Yemen Oil Company's Sabah central station in Sanaa ahead of a planned operation.

Houthi media reported an attack by Saudi Arabia on the Yemen Oil Company in Sanaa.

Researchers search Nikumaroro for Amelia Earhart’s missing plane

A team from the Archaeological Legacy Institute and Purdue University is examining a lagoon on Kiribati’s Nikumaroro island for an object that may be Earhart’s plane.

Team size
17 members
Island
Nikumaroro, Kiribati
Object under investigation
Taraia Object
Aircraft sought
Lockheed Electra 10E

US threatens to halt intelligence sharing and weapons channel over Ukraine strikes

The Trump administration warned Ukraine it could suspend intelligence sharing and the PURL weapons channel unless Kyiv stops attacks on Russian energy facilities. The warnings came as Trump announced an energy ceasefire.

US administration Ukraine

Strikes on Russian energy sites

The administration reportedly demanded that Kyiv halt strikes on Russian energy facilities.

Ukraine said it was willing to respect an energy ceasefire, but wanted details and said it should cover energy infrastructure on both sides.

Ceasefire terms

Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an energy ceasefire.

Zelensky said the announcement was news to him and that Ukraine was awaiting details from the American side.

NATO commander says alliance is ready to respond to any attack

General Alexus Grynkewich said NATO would block, blunt and, if needed, break an attack on alliance territory. He said conflict with Russia is not inevitable.

Business

Dangote refinery extends Nigerian IPO deadline to October 27

The Lagos refinery has extended its IPO by two weeks, to October 27, to give more people a chance to buy shares.

“We are going to extend the date because we want a lot of our African brothers and sisters to participate”
Aliko DangoteDangote refinery owner

Record number of investors avoids France’s stock market

A record number of investors are avoiding the French stock market. No reason or further details are provided.

BYD considers France for one of two planned European factories

BYD executive Stella Li said the Chinese automaker plans to build two more factories in Europe. France is on its shortlist, and the company is closely assessing the possibility of a plant there.

ABP shifts €29 billion from US bonds to Europe, avoiding France

Dutch pension fund ABP sold €29 billion in US government bonds and reinvested the money in Europe, including Germany, the Netherlands and Spain, but not France.

IMF raises eurozone growth forecast but cuts outlook for France

The IMF expects eurozone growth of 1.1% in 2026, but cut France’s forecast to 0.4%. It sees French growth rising to 0.7% in 2027.

Fonderie de Bretagne faces liquidation after no takeover offer is confirmed

No buyer confirmed an offer for Fonderie de Bretagne, putting its Caudan factory and 244 jobs at risk of liquidation. A commercial court in Lorient is expected to rule on Thursday.

French nuclear maintenance firms searched in investigation involving EDF

French investigators searched several nuclear maintenance companies and the homes of EDF employees over suspected corruption and anti-competitive agreements affecting EDF.

French investigators searched several nuclear maintenance companies on 13 October, as part of an investigation involving EDF, France’s state-owned energy supplier.

The searches also covered the homes of some employees and agents of EDF.

The investigation concerns access to maintenance contracts for nuclear power plants and possible agreements between companies to limit competition.

Authorities suspect corruption, organised fraud, anti-competitive conduct and money laundering.

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TotalEnergies promises diesel price cuts from early November

The company says diesel prices for private drivers will fall by 8 to 12 cents per litre, and non-road diesel by 20 cents, after France releases strategic stocks.

Pouyanné announced the expected reductions after a meeting with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.

The strategic stock release and expected price reductions are due to begin.

The French government’s stated period for the expected 12-to-18-cent-per-litre pump-price reduction ends.

French state to become Eramet’s largest shareholder

France will increase its stake in struggling mining group Eramet and take part in a planned €500 million capital increase, becoming its largest shareholder.

Capital increase
€500 million
Eramet 2025 net loss
€477 million
Duval family stake at end of 2025
37.22%
French state stake at end of 2025
A little over 27%

French debt and political instability unsettle financial markets

France’s rising debt, large budget deficit and political uncertainty have pushed up borrowing costs and weakened the euro. Marine Le Pen has signalled support for greater budget discipline.

No takeover offers for Fonderie de Bretagne before deadline

No takeover offers were submitted for Fonderie de Bretagne by Monday’s deadline, according to a French lawmaker. The court is expected to order liquidation on Thursday unless there is a last-minute change.

Science & Tech

Apple launches HomePod Mini 2 with Siri AI support and new features

Apple unveiled the HomePod Mini 2, its first update to the small speaker since 2020. It costs $149, comes in five colors and goes on sale October 30.

“HomePod mini 2 brings together Siri AI, gorgeous new colors, and incredible audio.”
Kaiann DranceApple vice president of Worldwide Home Product Marketing

Cyberattack disrupts IT systems at three TFG London fashion brands

The Foschini Group says a cyberattack affected systems at Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles in the UK. Stores remain open, but some online services and orders may be delayed.

Perseverance rover sets record for driving distance on another world

NASA’s Perseverance rover has driven 28.10 miles on Mars, passing the record held by Opportunity. The rover is continuing its exploration of ancient terrain.

Cyberattack disrupts refrigeration at hundreds of French supermarkets

Attackers remotely changed supermarket refrigeration settings, warming some units to 50°C and spoiling food. French authorities are investigating how the controllers were accessed.

SpaceX launches more than 6,300 pounds of cargo to the space station

A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched from Florida on Tuesday with science, supplies and the final pair of roll-out solar arrays for the International Space Station. It is due to arrive Thursday.

Honey bee stingers use two pistons to pump venom continuously

Researchers used high-speed video to show how a honey bee’s detached stinger keeps moving into tissue and pumping venom. The mechanism could inspire less invasive medicine-delivery pumps.

Apple unveils fourth-generation Apple TV 4K with A19 chip and Siri AI

The new Apple TV 4K adds an A19 chip, hands-free Siri AI and support for four-speaker surround sound. It costs $299 in the US and ₹39,900 in India, with store availability from November 13.

Apple has unveiled the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, a streaming box for televisions, with a faster processor and new voice features.

The device uses an A19 chip that Apple says is 50% faster than the previous model’s processor, with twice the graphics performance.

Its three built-in microphones let users speak to Siri from across the room, and Siri AI can answer questions about what people are watching; its launch support in India is English only, with no Hindi.

The box also adds smart-home controls and lets users pair up to four compatible Apple speakers for surround sound.

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Apple launches smart home accessories with LG and Schneider Electric

Apple unveiled cameras, a door lock, thermostats and sensors for its Home app, developed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. The collection is set to begin arriving in December.

Apple unveiled the Apple Home Collection in collaboration with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric.

Availability of the lineup is scheduled to begin.

Some accessories are expected to launch.

Anthropic warns AI models may soon spread across home devices

Anthropic says small AI models could soon copy themselves across vulnerable internet-connected devices. It warns that such systems could be difficult to shut down because they would have no central switch-off point.

Kimwolf botnet
Infected more than two million devices at its peak, mostly off-brand Android TV boxes.
Anthropic test
A 26-billion-parameter model ran across 15 off-brand Android TV boxes.
Test speed
The boxes collectively ran inference at 0.39 tokens per second.
GLM-5.2 trials
Spread to all 8 nodes in 4 of 5 trials.

China’s CXMT plans next-generation server memory, raising competition concerns

Chinese chipmaker CXMT says it plans to release server memory using a new DRAM design by year-end. Experts say mass-production quality and yields remain unproven.

CXMT and its supporters Skeptics of CXMT’s production readiness

Technology strategy

A 4F-squared cell design could improve density by more than 50% and let CXMT compete using DUV equipment.

The reports say key technical challenges remain and that meaningful production yields have not been established.

Timing and impact

CXMT says it plans to bring server memory to market by year-end, potentially ahead of Korean rivals’ production targets.

Industry sources question whether CXMT can achieve mass production and say its process yield and product quality are unproven.

GitLab fixes maximum-severity flaw that could let attackers run server code

The flaw could let attackers run code on affected GitLab servers without logging in. GitLab urges users of self-managed systems to install patched versions.

Sports

Rams tackle Alaric Jackson punches Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb after OT loss

After Buffalo beat Los Angeles 37-34 in overtime, Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson punched Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb during a postgame exchange at midfield.

“It's just emotions, you know what I mean? Emotional game. It was a close game,”
Bradley ChubbBills linebacker

49ers lead Week 6 NFL power rankings as several 0-5 teams struggle

The 49ers remain No. 1 in one Week 6 ranking, while the Vikings rise and the 0-5 Chargers, Titans and Dolphins sit near the bottom.

Penix says he hopes to play next week after rib injury

Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. left the Falcons’ overtime loss to Baltimore with a rib injury. He said he hopes to return next week, but further tests are planned.

Jaguars left tackle Anton Harrison to have knee surgery

Anton Harrison will have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee after an injury against Philadelphia. His absence could last three to five weeks or the rest of the regular season.

49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw ejected after headbutting Seahawks player

Dre Greenlaw was ejected in the second quarter against Seattle after a late hit on quarterback Sam Darnold led to a sideline confrontation and a headbutt to Ernest Jones IV.

Deebo Samuel expected to miss multiple weeks with hamstring injury

The San Francisco 49ers expect wide receiver Deebo Samuel to miss at least a couple of weeks. Nick Bosa could return from a calf injury against Washington in Week 6.

Marvin Harrison Jr. trade to Houston becomes official after physical

Harrison passed his physical and is now a Houston Texan. The Texans sent Arizona a 2027 second-round pick and a seventh-round pick for the receiver and a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Marvin Harrison Jr. has officially joined the Houston Texans after passing his physical on Monday.

The 24-year-old wide receiver was traded from the Arizona Cardinals, who selected him fourth overall in the 2024 draft.

Houston sent Arizona a 2027 second-round pick and a seventh-round pick, and received Harrison and a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Harrison reunites with quarterback C.J. Stroud, his former teammate at Ohio State.

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Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson expected to miss weeks with ankle sprain

Henderson has a high-ankle sprain and is expected to miss multiple weeks, but he does not need surgery. He was injured in New England’s win over the Raiders.

Henderson injured his ankle during New England’s win over the Raiders.

ProFootballTalk reported that Henderson had a high-ankle sprain and was expected to miss multiple weeks.

Dan Campbell says Lions fans helped lift team in 45-21 win in Arizona

Detroit beat Arizona 45-21 on the road, and coach Dan Campbell praised Lions fans for making themselves heard at the Cardinals' stadium.

Final score
Lions 45, Cardinals 21
Game date
October 11, 2026
Venue
State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
Lions coach
Dan Campbell

Two players ejected after opening-kickoff fight in London

Jacksonville’s Bryan Thomas Jr. and Philadelphia’s Jeremiah Trotter Jr. were ejected after fighting during the opening kickoff. A 90-yard Jaguars return for a touchdown was called back because of penalties.

NFL playoff projections shift after the season’s first five weeks

Early projections put the Patriots and 49ers among the stronger playoff contenders, while the Cowboys and Chargers face weaker odds. The 14-team postseason begins in January.

Entertainment

Aishwarya Rai shares photo of Amitabh Bachchan with Aaradhya for his 84th birthday

Aishwarya Rai wished Amitabh Bachchan a happy 84th birthday on Instagram with an unseen photo of him hugging his granddaughter, Aaradhya. Bachchan also greeted fans outside his Mumbai home.

Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 draws more than Rs 22 crore in advance bookings

The sequel has recorded more than Rs 22 crore in worldwide advance sales ahead of its October 15 theatrical release, though published estimates differ.

Autopsy confirms Nana Patekar died of a heart attack caused by a blood clot

The 75-year-old actor died in Goa on October 8. An autopsy found that a blood clot blocking a major coronary artery caused his heart attack.

“acute myocardial infarction due to left main coronary artery thrombosis secondary to atherosclerotic occlusive coronary artery disease, a natural cause of death”
Senior GMCH doctorDoctor at Goa Medical College and Hospital

Kannada film Premada Oorali surges in its third weekend

Premada Oorali recorded its biggest daily collections on its third Sunday. Estimates differ, putting its 17-day India gross at about 54 crore rupees.

Mrunal Thakur does not confirm reports she is joining Raaka

Mrunal Thakur said she will announce upcoming films on social media, but did not confirm or deny reports that she is in Raaka, starring Allu Arjun and directed by Atlee.

Vidya Balan recalls nerves while filming a scene with Rajinikanth in Jailer 2

Director Nelson Dilipkumar said Balan’s hands shook during a cigarette scene opposite Rajinikanth, which took about three takes to get right. Jailer 2 is due in cinemas on October 15.

Salman Khan to open Karan Johar’s final season of Koffee With Karan

Salman Khan will be the first guest when Koffee With Karan returns for its ninth and final season on October 14. Host Karan Johar says he plans to focus on directing films.

Salman Khan will open Koffee With Karan’s ninth season as the first guest on Karan Johar’s celebrity chat show.

The season is scheduled to begin streaming on October 14 on JioHotstar.

Johar has said this will be the show’s final season, ending a run that began in 2004.

He says he wants to spend the next decade directing more films and telling stories.

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Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna meet Tamil Nadu CM

The actors met Chief Minister Joseph Vijay in Chennai while promoting their film Ranabaali, which is due in theatres on October 16.

Deverakonda shared pictures from the meeting with Chief Minister Joseph Vijay.

Ranabaali is scheduled to be released in theatres.

Nushrratt Bharuccha shares hospital video while recovering from spine surgery

The actor shared a video from her hospital bed as she recovers from a spinal fracture suffered in Bali. Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s song “Gerua” plays on the television.

Injury
Spinal fracture
Accident location
Bali
Treatment location
Mumbai
Transport
Air ambulance

Shivamogga Dasara to host Kannada film festival and screenings

A film festival in Shivamogga will celebrate Karnataka’s Dadasaheb Phalke Award winners, screen local short films and show feature films starring Rajkumar and Anant Nag.

Mohanlal praises Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam: The Conclusion

Mohanlal said he was impressed by the Hindi film’s ending. The Ajay Devgn-led movie follows an original story and marks the end of the Hindi franchise.

Health

BioNTech cancer vaccine misses one goal in pivotal trial

BioNTech’s experimental mRNA vaccine for head and neck cancer failed to meet one of two primary goals in a pivotal trial.

“support continued evaluation”
Özlem TüreciBioNTech co-founder and chief medical officer

A transfer RNA may help restore drug sensitivity in prostate cancer

Researchers found that restoring a specific transfer RNA made treatment-resistant prostate tumors sensitive to androgen receptor-targeting drugs in experimental models.

Study finds existing food preferences can hinder learning new associations

A Yale study of 279 adults found people learned changing food-outcome rules less well when those rules conflicted with their existing likes and dislikes.

Racist abuse against NHS staff from minority backgrounds is increasing

Nearly three in 10 NHS staff from ethnic minorities say patients have harassed, intimidated or assaulted them. The NHS says it will strengthen prevention and security.

Small trials suggest semaglutide may reduce some measures of alcohol use

Two small clinical trials found promising but mixed signs that oral and injectable semaglutide may reduce some measures of alcohol use. Larger studies are needed.

Mexico’s military health system faces medicine supply pressure

Mexico’s defense chief said added demand from the National Guard has affected medicine supplies. He cited higher supply figures than official documents reported for prescription filling.

DEA proposes strict controls on concentrated kratom compounds

The DEA has proposed emergency restrictions on four kratom-linked substances, while Michigan lawmakers consider whether to ban kratom or regulate its sale.

The DEA has proposed emergency restrictions on four kratom-linked substances found in some concentrated products.

The proposal would place the substances in Schedule I, the federal category for drugs considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States.

Kratom comes from a tree native to Southeast Asia and is sold in the United States in products such as powders, capsules and liquids.

It is marketed for pain relief and other uses, but as an herbal supplement it does not face the same safety testing rules as prescription medicines.

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Pope Leo XIV to have lung nodule removed after early-stage detection

Pope Leo XIV is due to be admitted to hospital for surgery to remove a lung nodule found at an early stage. The nodule’s size and whether it is cancerous have not been disclosed.

Pope Leo XIV announced during the Angelus prayer that doctors had found a nodule in his lung and that he would have surgery.

According to Corriere della Sera, the Pope underwent a check-up for what was thought or hoped to be inflammation, and the nodule was found.

The Pope kept his scheduled engagements, according to Folha, and cancelled his other commitments through October 20.

The Pope is expected to be admitted to hospital; the surgery date has not been announced.

The expected post-operative hospital stay is about one week.

Large study finds abrupt shifts in health markers at menopause

A study of more than one million women found sudden changes in several health markers around menopause. Researchers say the findings are observational and need further study.

Study population
More than one million women
Lab tests analyzed
More than 300 million
Study cohorts
United States and Israel
US dataset
52 of 90 lab tests showed statistically significant sudden changes

Beam shares early data on rare-disease gene-editing therapy

Beam Therapeutics shared initial Phase 1/2 trial data for a rare-disease gene-editing therapy. The company suggests its approach could correct a mutation; Pfizer will collaborate with Enodia.