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Saudi Arabia warns of penalties for helping border security violators

Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry says people who help border security violators can face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to one million riyals.

“anyone who facilitates the entry of violators of the border security system into the Kingdom, or transports them within it, or provides them with shelter, or offers them any assistance or service in any form, exposes themselves to penalties”
Ministry of InteriorSaudi government department

Faisal bin Salman says leadership support boosts national library projects

Faisal bin Salman said leadership support strengthens the King Fahd National Library’s cultural and knowledge projects.

Saudi Shura Council urges Najran University to approve all academic programs

The council called on Najran University to approve all its educational programs quickly and build partnerships that help prepare students for the job market.

Saudi Civil Defense promotes 1,036 personnel

Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense has promoted 1,036 personnel to the next ranks across various specializations, following a directive from the interior minister.

Saudi minister says daily life is normal as security readiness rises

Saudi Media Minister Salman Al-Dosari said the country is preparing for different scenarios while daily life continues normally. He urged people to rely on official information about security operations.

Saudi minister says kingdom is stronger against Houthi threat as Riyadh speeds projects

Saudi Arabia’s information minister said the kingdom was more united in confronting the Houthi threat and that Riyadh was accelerating major development projects.

Saudi court overturns salary deductions from visually impaired employee

An appeals court upheld a ruling overturning salary deductions from a visually impaired employee who could not use a fingerprint attendance scanner.

A Saudi appeals court upheld a ruling cancelling salary deductions from a visually impaired employee.

The case involved an employee in Medina whose employer cut his pay because he had not recorded attendance using a fingerprint scanner.

He said travelling repeatedly to the scanner was difficult because of his visual impairment.

The employer had previously exempted him from the fingerprint system, and his supervisor confirmed that he attended work regularly.

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Saudi commerce minister appoints nine members to Makkah chamber board

Commerce Minister Majid Al-Qasabi appointed nine members to the Makkah Chamber of Commerce board for a four-year term starting Oct. 24.

Saudi Commerce Minister Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi issued an order appointing nine members to the Makkah Chamber of Commerce board.

The four-year board term is reported to take effect.

Women’s share of Saudi Arabia’s workforce rises to 37%

Saudi Arabia’s minister of human resources said women’s share of the labor market has risen to 37%.

Reported share
37%
Attributed speaker
Minister of Human Resources
Outlet
Al Madina
Publication date
October 13, 2026

Teaching master’s applications close Tuesday for new graduates

The National Institute for Professional and Educational Development is closing applications for its teaching master’s program on Tuesday. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree and at least a very good grade.

Saudi media regulator opens fine-payment plans for private and nonprofit outlets

Saudi media establishments can apply to pay regulator-issued fines in installments until December 30, 2026. Plans require the creditor’s approval and a formal agreement.

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

Zoho freezes annual pay increases as AI and server costs rise

Zoho chief scientist Sridhar Vembu said employees will not receive annual pay increases this year as the company faces higher AI and server costs. He said Zoho will work to avoid mass layoffs.

“The business outlook for software is uncertain and AI has raised costs dramatically”
Sridhar VembuZoho cofounder and chief scientist

RBI moves to support rupee by supplying dollars to state-run oil firms

From 12 October, the RBI will meet the daily dollar needs of three state-run oil companies and tighten currency-trading rules to ease pressure on the rupee.

7-Eleven closes its remaining 31 stores in India

7-Eleven has shut its 31 remaining Indian stores after its franchise partnership with Reliance Retail ended. The Japanese chain says it remains interested in the market.

Rupee rises about 1% after India’s central bank takes support measures

India’s rupee gained about 1% against the dollar on Monday after the Reserve Bank of India took steps to support the currency. Bond markets are watching for inflation data.

Mesa School of Business raises Rs 110 crore in Series A funding

Bengaluru-based Mesa School of Business has raised Rs 110 crore in a mix of equity and venture debt. It plans to use the funds to expand its programmes, add courses and build startup partnerships.

Tata trust gets until 19 October to answer trustees’ complaints

Maharashtra’s Charity Commissioner gave Sir Dorabji Tata Trust another week to respond to complaints by two trustees alleging governance problems and involvement in Tata Sons’ commercial affairs.

Tonbo Imaging sets IPO price band at ₹665-700 per share

Tonbo Imaging set a ₹665-700 price band for its ₹852 crore IPO, which will let existing shareholders sell shares but will not raise new money for the company.

Bengaluru-based defence electronics maker Tonbo Imaging set its IPO price at ₹665-700 per share.

The ₹852 crore offer is made up entirely of shares sold by promoters and existing investors, rather than newly issued shares.

The sale gives existing shareholders a way to cash out, but Tonbo will receive no proceeds.

At the top of the price range, the company would be valued at about ₹4,010 crore.

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India draft policy targets 604 million tonnes of steel capacity by 2047

India’s draft steel policy aims to nearly triple capacity by 2047, while cutting emissions and securing more raw materials. It also targets 505 million tonnes of finished-steel demand and exports of 45 million tonnes.

India’s domestic crude steel production was about 89 million tonnes.

Domestic crude steel production had risen to about 170 million tonnes and finished steel consumption to 164 million tonnes.

The Ministry of Steel released the draft National Steel Policy — Vision 2047 for public consultation.

The draft projects crude steel capacity of 604 million tonnes and finished steel demand of 505 million tonnes.

LuLu opens a large hypermarket inside Chennai metro station

LuLu opened its first Chennai hypermarket at Shenoy Nagar Metro Station, alongside a smaller daily-needs store at Chennai Central. Opening-day crowds faced checkout waits of up to two hours.

Shenoy Nagar hypermarket
Approximately 100,000 square feet
Supermarket area
56,000 square feet
Department store area
50,000 square feet
Daily store
35,000 square feet at Chennai Central Metro Station

Mallika Srinivasan says no economic settlement reached in TVS family

Mallika Srinivasan and her daughter Lakshmi say no agreement has settled ownership of family assets in the TVS Group. They say Lakshmi and her brother have equal economic rights.

Mallika Srinivasan and Lakshmi Venu Venu Srinivasan

Economic settlement

They say no economic settlement has been reached and ownership remains unresolved.

He has asserted that all family matters have been settled.

March 2024 memorandum

They say it covered trademarks, brand use and non-compete obligations, not ownership or economic settlement.

Not stated

Distribution of family assets

They say the claim that all assets belong exclusively to one individual with the power to distribute them unilaterally is not an agreed or established position.

Not stated

Hyundai unveils India-spec Bayon ahead of October 26 launch

Hyundai has revealed the Bayon SUV’s India specifications, including its petrol engine and technology features. Bookings are open, with prices and variants still to come.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

EU regions urge stronger local role in cardiovascular health strategy

The EU Committee of the Regions unanimously adopted recommendations calling for more prevention and greater involvement of local authorities in European cardiovascular health efforts.

Flu season is starting early, raising questions about vaccination

Flu season is kicking off early. The story raises the question of whether people are getting vaccinated but gives no further details.

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 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.

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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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.

Researchers followed participants and assessed changes in cognitive performance and movement symptoms.

The study was published in Neurology.

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.

Age
39
County
Franklin County, Pennsylvania
Confirmed cases
1,136 as of Friday
Hospitalizations
219

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.

Traditional view of exercise adaptation Exercise-memory research

Effects of a break

Muscle gains and insulin sensitivity can drift back toward their starting levels, often within weeks.

Cells may retain memories of earlier training during a period without exercise.

Regaining fitness

The traditional “use it or lose it” view implies that benefits fade when training stops.

People with a training history may get fit again faster, and previously trained mice grew bigger muscles when they retrained.

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.