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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.

“Die Schweiz könne nicht am Vormittag als Vermittlerin in Konflikten auftreten und am Nachmittag die Munition für dieselben Konflikte liefern”
Marc JostEVP member of the National Council

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.

Swiss audit finds major delays in pesticide approval system

Half of pesticide approval applications filed in Switzerland from 2018 to 2025 remain pending. The federal authority accepts the audit’s recommendations and plans changes.

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.

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.

About 1,000 people joined an unauthorised protest in Bern on Sunday against capitalism and imperialism.

It was held on the first anniversary of a Gaza-related demonstration in Bern that turned violent, injuring police officers, protesters and bystanders and causing major damage.

Police blocked a march through the city centre, directing protesters from several meeting points along a route through outer neighbourhoods towards the Reitschule.

The police said there were no major incidents; they detained one person carrying several knives, carried out identity checks and seized material.

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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.

Domleschg, like many other regions in Switzerland, faced water shortages because of drought.

The municipality warned that supplies in Feldis and Scheid were becoming scarce.

The municipality informed residents that it planned to truck water to the two districts.

If spring flows continue to fall at the same rate, Feldis may not have enough water to meet demand.

If spring flows continue to fall at the same rate, Scheid may not have enough water to meet demand.

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.

Company
Swiss Helicopter
Location
Bernese Oberland
Residents’ estimate for 2025
About 5,000 excess flight movements
Company chief’s estimate
About 3,000 additional flight movements

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 tenants’ association Swiss Federal Council

Proposal’s effect

The association says the proposal would fuel rent increases and remove existing limits on returns.

The Federal Council presented the counterproposal; its view of the association’s criticism is Not stated.

Rent-setting approach

The association wants regular checks and reductions for rents deemed excessive, and says any counterproposal should include cost-based rents and a review mechanism.

The counterproposal would link rents to statistical comparisons of similar homes rather than binding control values.

Appenzell Ausserrhoden asked whether it will require criminal-record checks

Three lawmakers have asked Appenzell Ausserrhoden’s government whether it will create a legal basis to routinely request criminal-record extracts from EU citizens applying for residence permits.

World

Six Flags closes nine coasters after fatal incident in Georgia

One person died and several were injured in an incident involving a coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. Six Flags closed nine similar rides at six parks while authorities investigate.

“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today”
Six Flags spokespersonCompany spokesperson

France boards Russia-linked tanker in Indian Ocean

French forces boarded the DF Peak, a sanctioned oil tanker suspected of using a false flag and carrying fuel illicitly. The vessel is being escorted to Réunion for further checks.

Trump-Putin diesel deal draws Ukraine’s criticism as experts doubt price impact

The US temporarily eased sanctions on Russian diesel sales after Trump and Putin agreed to supply fuel. Analysts say the shipments are unlikely to bring down prices soon.

Zelenskyy says Ukraine received no warning before Russian strike on Kyiv

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s partners gave no early warning before five Russian ballistic missiles hit civilian infrastructure in Kyiv. He said warnings can help save lives.

Hezbollah announces housing aid of up to $14,000 for displaced families

Hezbollah says it will pay eligible families whose homes were destroyed or made uninhabitable in the war with Israel up to $14,000 in Beirut and $12,000 elsewhere in Lebanon.

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.

Saudi-led coalition tells civilians to leave Yemen oil site in Sanaa

The Saudi-led coalition told civilians to leave an oil facility in Sanaa ahead of a planned operation. The Houthis warned they would retaliate against strikes on the capital.

The Saudi-led coalition told civilians to leave an oil facility in Sanaa, Yemen's capital, ahead of a planned military operation.

The coalition said the evacuation was for civilians' safety and marked the site on a map.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned that strikes on Sanaa would bring a harsh response in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital.

The Houthis also told people near Saudi Aramco facilities to leave, saying those sites were legitimate targets.

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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.

The journalist was detained in the Sakhalin region as he was preparing to leave, according to the FSB.

He was transferred to Moscow and placed in custody; reports differ on whether the arrest occurred in Sakhalin or in Moscow.

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.

Chelsea 3
Ukrainian-owned; sailed under the Maltese flag
Chelsea 3 crew
15 rescued: seven Ukrainians and eight Azerbaijanis
Chelsea 3 attack
Three drones; about 18 nautical miles from Byala
Sunken ship
About 17 nautical miles east of Krapets; one crew member rescued

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.

Ukraine Russia

Reason for strikes

Ukraine said the attacks were a response to Russian strikes on Ukrainian data centers.

Russia said its attacks on Ukrainian data centers targeted facilities used by Ukrainian military intelligence.

Police officer dismissed for taking Sainsbury’s carrier bags without paying

A police officer was dismissed after a hearing found he had deliberately avoided paying for carrier bags at Sainsbury’s. Published accounts differ on their total value.

Business

Pertamina adjusts fuel supplies amid queues in Bondowoso

Pertamina says Pertalite use in Bondowoso rose 16–20%, while road congestion linked to dock repairs slowed deliveries. The company is redirecting supplies and tightening checks.

“Pertamina Patra Niaga continues to strengthen coordination and conduct regular evaluations to ensure the community’s energy needs are met.”
Kitty AndhoraVP Corporate Communication, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga

Rupiah weakens as US dollar rises to around 17,900

The rupiah fell at the start of trading on Tuesday as the US dollar strengthened. Reports put the dollar at 17,920 to 17,948 rupiah.

Indonesia probes middlemen as poultry farmers get low prices and consumers pay more

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman says suspected middlemen are widening the gap between low prices paid to poultry farmers and high prices for consumers. He says 100 people have been arrested.

Businesses push back against sweeping halal rules in major Muslim nation

Businesses are facing sweeping halal rules in the world’s biggest Muslim nation, prompting a backlash.

Indonesia’s main stock index falls 2.59% to a three-month low

The Jakarta Composite Index fell 2.59% on Monday, reaching its lowest level in three months as investors sold shares and weighed global risks.

Prices of red and bird’s-eye chillies rise across Indonesia

Indonesia’s statistics agency says red chilli prices rose in 314 districts and cities by mid-October, while bird’s-eye chilli prices rose in 268. National averages for both were up from September.

PGUN Says It Was Not Involved in Share Pledges by Three Major Shareholders

PGUN says three major shareholders pledged all their shares as security for credit arranged by its affiliate, Jhonlin Baratama, with Bank Mandiri. PGUN says it gave no guarantees and will receive none of the funds.

PT Pradiksi Gunatama, known as PGUN, says it was not directly involved when three of its major shareholders pledged all their PGUN shares to Bank Mandiri.

The pledges were made as security for credit obtained by Jhonlin Baratama, a company affiliated with PGUN.

PGUN says Jhonlin Baratama dealt directly with the bank and that PGUN did not join the credit negotiations.

It also says it did not guarantee the credit, offer assets as security or provide other support.

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ILO and Switzerland provide Rp584.3 billion in support to Indonesian small businesses

A program backed by the ILO and Switzerland has helped 25,378 Indonesian small businesses access Rp584.3 billion in financing and formal savings. A third phase is being prepared.

Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs began backing the second phase of Promise II Impact.

The ILO reported that the initiative had facilitated Rp584.3 billion in financing and formal savings for 25,378 MSMEs.

The ILO and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs are preparing a third phase, including work on coffee in Lampung.

Jakarta Plans Rp4.24 Trillion in Regional Bonds for 2027

Jakarta plans to issue Rp4.24 trillion in regional bonds in 2027 and Rp1.38 trillion in 2028 to help fund infrastructure and public services.

2027 planned issuance
Rp4,239,353,292,725
2028 planned issuance
Rp1,382,070,000,000
Two-year planned total
Rp5,621,423,292,725
Announcement date
October 13, 2026

Fuel queues persist in Bali as Pertamina boosts supplies

Long queues continued at some Bali gas stations despite resumed deliveries. Pertamina says rising Pertalite use drove the shortage and has brought in more fuel, with further shipments scheduled.

PLN Batam Denies Claim of Three-Day Power Outage

PLN Batam says a viral graphic claiming power would be cut for three days is false. The company also denies plans to limit electricity to six hours a day.

Science & Tech

Apple announces HomePod mini 2 with Siri AI and new sound features

Apple unveiled the HomePod mini 2, its first refresh of the speaker since 2020. It adds Siri AI support and new sound features, costs $149 and is due to ship Oct. 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 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.

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.

Norway fines Microsoft-owned Xandr $9.6 million over Grindr data sharing

Norway’s data protection authority fined Xandr a record 92 million kroner for sharing Grindr users’ sensitive data with advertisers without verifying consent. Xandr has three weeks to appeal.

DDoS attack disrupts Canonical websites for more than four hours

A second DDoS attack this year disrupted Canonical’s public websites for a little over four hours. Launchpad and the Snap Store stayed online, and no one claimed responsibility.

Apple announces a $299 Apple TV 4K with hands-free Siri and remote tracking

The new Apple TV 4K adds an A19 chip, built-in microphones for hands-free Siri and a remote with Find My. It goes on sale Nov. 13 for $299.

Apple announced a new Apple TV 4K at a smart home-focused event on Oct.

13.

The streaming box looks much like its predecessor, last updated in 2022, but has an A19 chip and Wi-Fi 7 support.

Built-in microphones let users talk to Siri hands-free, without speaking into the remote or a HomePod.

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Apple unveils smart home devices made with LG and Schneider Electric

Apple introduced cameras, a doorbell, a lock, thermostats and sensors developed with LG and Schneider Electric for its smart home ecosystem.

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

Ezra Caudell shares first update after Philadelphia race crash

The 20-year-old cyclist says he has left rehabilitation after a severe crash at the Philadelphia Cycling Classic and will continue outpatient treatment in Georgia.

“I don’t remember anything about the actual crash personally, because I hit my head real good and don’t have much memory of that day entirely,”
Ezra CaudellModern Adventure Pro Cycling rider

Final Demand disqualified after positive test; Mullins fined

Final Demand was disqualified from second place in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at Cheltenham after testing positive for mepivacaine. Trainer Willie Mullins was fined £1,100.

Brisbane 2032 Olympics CEO Cindy Hook to leave when contract ends

Cindy Hook will leave her role as CEO of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games organising committee when her four-year contract ends early next year. A search for her replacement will begin immediately.

Filippo Ganna joins Lidl-Trek on a three-season deal

The Italian rider will leave Ineos after eight years to join Lidl-Trek through 2029. He says he hopes to race the Classics and support the team in Grand Tours.

Penguins trade Ryan Johnson to Sabres for Caleb Jones and Daniel Laatsch

Pittsburgh sent defenseman Ryan Johnson to Buffalo in exchange for defensemen Caleb Jones and Daniel Laatsch. The Sabres said Jones adds defensive depth while Rasmus Dahlin is day to day with an upper-body injury.

Wild forward Nico Sturm leaves game after puck hits his head

Nico Sturm left Minnesota’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights late in the first period after a puck hit him in the head.

Sindhu and Tanvi begin Denmark Open campaigns on Tuesday

P.V. Sindhu will play Germany’s Yvonne Li, while Tanvi Sharma faces Japan’s Natsuki Nidaira in their Denmark Open Round of 32 matches. Both matches will be streamed online.

P.V. Sindhu and Tanvi Sharma start their Denmark Open campaigns with Round of 32 matches on Tuesday in Denmark.

Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist from Hyderabad, was initially scheduled to face South Korea’s world No.

1 An Se-young but will play Germany’s Yvonne Li instead.

Seventeen-year-old Tanvi will face Japan’s Natsuki Nidaira.

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Matt Richardson withdrawn from Great Britain’s track cycling squad

British Cycling has withdrawn sprinter Matt Richardson from the world championships in Shanghai amid reports of an investigation into alleged misconduct.

Richardson was named in the British squad for the championships.

British Cycling confirmed that Richardson had been withdrawn from the squad.

The UCI Track Cycling World Championships are scheduled to take place in Shanghai.

DP World Tour bars LIV players from 2027 membership

Golfers who play in LIV Golf’s planned 2027 season will not be allowed to join the DP World Tour. Without tour membership, European players cannot qualify for the Ryder Cup.

DP World Tour CEO
Guy Kinnings
LIV investment
$300 million proposed from BC Partners, subject to conditions
LIV sign-up deadline
25 October 2026
DP World Tour application deadline
16 November 2026

Nick Blakey leaves Sydney Swans for North Melbourne after hotel scandal

North Melbourne secured defender Nick Blakey in a major trade with Sydney. Blakey apologised for his role in the Pullman Hotel incident, which led to club suspensions and a police investigation.

Women who made allegations Nick Blakey and the other suspended Sydney players

Allegations

Three women variously alleged sexual assault and inappropriate touching without consent.

The five players who served club-imposed bans denied criminal wrongdoing.

Grant Forrest wins Spanish Open to earn first Masters place

The Scottish golfer birdied the final hole in Madrid to win the Spanish Open by one shot. The victory earns him a place at next year’s Masters and The Open.

Entertainment

Brazilian axé singer Netinho dies at 60

Netinho, whose 1996 hit “Mila” helped make him a leading axé singer, died in Salvador after a return of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

“Artista extraordinário, talentoso, sensível e inovador, Netinho construiu uma trajetória marcada pela alegria, pela música e por um carisma inconfundível”
Netinho's teamArtist's representatives

Paul Panzer says his wife has died after 25 years together

German comedian Paul Panzer has publicly announced his wife's death. He says he will care for their son and is returning to the stage.

God of War Laufey Collector Box Costs $149.99 and Excludes the Game

Sony’s U.S. collector box for God of War Laufey costs $149.99 and includes merchandise, but no game disc or download code. It is due out with the game on Feb. 16, 2027.

Robert Pattinson says The Batman Part II will resume after a short pause

Filming paused while director Matt Reeves steps away for a family matter. Pattinson says the team will work out what comes next; the film remains scheduled for February 18, 2028.

Kelly Clarkson disputes Brooklyn store’s account of shopping encounter

Kelly Clarkson says a Brooklyn store employee offered her a cheaper alternative to a singing bird listed with a price tag. The store says the bird is a wall fixture and was not for sale.

Xbox CEO reportedly says new game ideas are vital to the company’s future

Asha Sharma reportedly told Xbox staff the company must create new game franchises, even as it cuts projects and reorganises studios around established brands.

Kacey Musgraves Fires Back at Kristi Noem Over Texas Senate Candidate

After James Talarico appeared at Musgraves’ Dallas concert, Kristi Noem criticized the singer’s support for him. Musgraves replied with a jab about Noem’s account of killing her dog.

Kacey Musgraves welcomed James Talarico at her Dallas concert over the weekend.

Talarico is a Democrat running for a U.S. Senate seat in Texas, where he is facing Republican Ken Paxton.

Kristi Noem criticized Musgraves for hosting Talarico and said she preferred country singer Ella Langley and Paxton.

Musgraves replied on X: “I don’t think you have a dog in this fight but if you did you would have shot it.”

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Selma Blair charged with assault after flight incident in New York

Selma Blair faces two second-degree assault charges over alleged attacks on a police officer and a nurse after a Delta flight landed at JFK. She was released on bail and has a court hearing scheduled for January.

Blair was detained after her Delta flight arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

A police officer accused Blair of kicking her while transporting her from the airport to an ambulance.

A nurse at the hospital accused Blair of kicking her in the chest.

Blair was arraigned on two counts of second-degree assault, and a judge set bail.

Bryan Cranston mourns Breaking Bad co-star RJ Mitte, who died at 34

Cranston paid tribute to Mitte, who played his son on Breaking Bad, remembering his acting and disability advocacy. Accounts differ on whether his death was officially confirmed as suicide.

Age
34
Breaking Bad role
Walter White Jr.
Seasons on the show
All five
Disability advocacy
Promoted awareness, inclusion and representation for people with disabilities

Epic delays Marvel and Star Wars game amid reported AI-first shift

Epic Games has delayed an unannounced shooter featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters, with developers reportedly told to use AI tools for its production. The game has no new release date.

Epic Games management Some Epic developers

AI in development

CEO Tim Sweeney says AI can empower creators and help teams make more and better products.

Some developers were reportedly shocked by the AI-first pivot, and some hoped the directive was not fully serious.

Four Beatles films planned for release across April 2028

Sam Mendes’ four Beatles films are planned for release a week apart in April 2028. Producer Pippa Harris says viewers can watch them across the month, rather than all in one day.

Health

Higher physical activity linked to slower decline in Parkinson’s study

A study following 294 people with Parkinson’s for up to seven years linked higher activity levels with slower declines in thinking and movement. It does not prove exercise caused the difference.

“Our study found physical activity may have dual benefits, with associations with slower declines in movement and cognition.”
Dong-Woo Ryustudy author, University of Cincinnati

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.

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.

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.

Heal Italia proposes national plan for precision medicine

A Heal Italia white paper proposes a national strategy to bring precision medicine into Italy’s public health service, with a plan to strengthen care in the south.

Suki raises $90 million to develop AI agents for healthcare tasks

Healthcare AI company Suki raised $90 million in Series E financing. It plans to build AI agents for tasks such as referrals and prior authorizations and expand features offered through technology partners.

Sixth measles-related death reported in Pennsylvania

A 39-year-old unvaccinated woman in Franklin County is the sixth person reported to have died in Pennsylvania amid the state’s largest measles outbreak in three decades.

A 39-year-old woman in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, has been reported as the state’s sixth measles-related death in less than two months.

The woman was unvaccinated and had underlying medical conditions, the county coroner’s office said.

The coroner’s spokesperson said the probable cause was an acute cardiac event that may have resulted from measles complications.

Pennsylvania has confirmed 1,136 measles cases and 219 hospitalizations, with two-thirds of cases in adults.

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Muscle and liver cells may retain benefits of past exercise

Research suggests muscle and liver cells retain a memory of exercise after training stops. This may help people regain fitness faster when they return to exercise.

In the mouse protocol, the researchers trained mice for four to eight weeks.

The mice then had a period with no exercise.

The researchers trained the mice again to examine how cells recalled earlier exercise.

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

US man nearly dies after eating large amounts of beetroot

An 82-year-old man in the US developed a dangerous blood disorder after eating nearly three kilograms of cooked beetroot each week while taking heart medication.

Four medical staff suspended after cannula found in woman’s abdomen

Two assistant professors and two postgraduate students at Kakinada Government General Hospital were suspended for one month after a cannula was found in a woman’s abdomen following surgery.