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Politics

German minister proposes taxing AI revenue to fund job-market changes

Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger says taxes on AI revenue in Germany could help pay for retraining and new jobs as the technology changes work.

“We must tax the extremely high revenue from this technology, and with that money we can finance the transformation; that is also my approach.”
Karsten WildbergerGerman digital minister

Nine Union state ministers oppose Germany’s planned sugar tax

Nine Union state ministers have urged Chancellor Friedrich Merz to reject a planned sugar tax, arguing that education and personal responsibility are better ways to reduce sugar consumption.

Union gains in poll as AfD lead narrows to 11.5 points

An Insa poll puts the CDU/CSU at 18.5%, up one point, while the AfD falls to 30%. The Greens move ahead of the SPD to take third place.

Merz’s CDU leadership holds talks on a government reset

Friedrich Merz’s CDU leadership held hours of closed-door talks aimed at creating a fresh start and optimism, ending with what was described as a risky plan.

Wagenknecht calls for Germany to resume Russian diesel and energy imports

BSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht urged Germany to seek a diesel deal with Russia and resume oil and gas supplies, arguing that sanctions hurt German industry and consumers.

Merz backs lower electricity tax and higher tobacco tax

After a two-day meeting on the CDU’s crisis, Friedrich Merz backed cutting electricity tax for all and proposed raising tobacco tax and introducing a sugar tax.

Hape Kerkeling likens support for AfD to a hunger for blood

Hape Kerkeling commented on the AfD’s success, saying that people who want lions in an arena also want to see blood.

Hape Kerkeling has spoken about the AfD’s success in a comment published on October 13, 2026.

The headline identifies him by name but gives no further details about his role or the setting of the comment.

He compared wanting lions in an arena with wanting to see blood, using a metaphor to describe what he sees in people drawn to the party.

The comment does not explain which people he means or what prompted his remarks.

Read full story →

AfD leads poll as CDU/CSU remain below 20 percent

A new RTL/ntv poll puts the AfD at 26 percent and CDU/CSU at 19 percent. Most respondents doubt Chancellor Friedrich Merz will serve a full term.

The Greens presented their “Plan for Germany,” according to the article.

AfD politician Tobias Rausch was elected as the new president of the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament in a secret ballot that reportedly received four CDU votes.

The CDU held a leadership retreat and produced a paper titled “What needs to happen now.

Merz said there was agreement in his party that members who vote AfD politicians into governments or public offices should be expelled.

The RTL/ntv Trendbarometer was published, showing the AfD at 26 percent and CDU/CSU at 19 percent.

AfD leads German poll as CDU/CSU gains and Greens move to third

An Insa poll puts the AfD at 30%, ahead of the CDU/CSU at 18.5%. The Greens move ahead of the SPD into third place.

AfD
30 percent, down 0.5 percentage points
CDU/CSU
18.5 percent, up 1 percentage point
Greens
14 percent, third place
SPD
13.5 percent, down 1 percentage point

Alexander Schweitzer to replace Bärbel Bas as Germany’s labour minister

Bärbel Bas is leaving as Germany’s labour minister and SPD co-leader after a family bereavement. Alexander Schweitzer, a former state premier, is set to take over.

Union Alexander Schweitzer

Pension reform

The Union is pressing for swift reforms.

Schweitzer has said the planned reform must be discussed.

Saxony-Anhalt CDU considers leaving chamber before AfD leadership vote

The CDU’s state lawmakers are being asked to leave the chamber before December’s secret vote for state premier, amid claims that some backed an AfD candidate.

World

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.

“This is absolutely unacceptable: yet another attack in close proximity to Bulgaria’s territorial waters”
Rumen RadevBulgarian prime minister

Nuremberg airport suspends flights after aviation emergency alert

Nuremberg airport in Germany suspended flights after an unclear aviation emergency was reported. Police said an aircraft landed safely, and the cause is under investigation.

Two Turkish citizens detained in Germany over fire at Polish Starlink station

German police detained two Turkish citizens suspected of setting fire to a Starlink station in central Poland. Polish officials say they will face sabotage charges in Poland.

Court orders new hearing in case over passport error that stopped family’s Thailand trip

A passport error listing a child’s sex incorrectly stopped a Krasnodar family from travelling to Thailand. A court overturned earlier rulings and sent the compensation case back for a new hearing.

Hezbollah to offer up to $14,000 to Lebanese families with destroyed homes

Hezbollah says it will pay eligible Lebanese families whose primary homes were destroyed or made uninhabitable in the war with Israel, with payments spread over a year.

Polish foreign minister says a European army could form by 2030

Radosław Sikorski said a joint European force could be formed by 2030, possibly limited to the Baltic states and the eastern flank.

MI5 chief warns Iran and Russia are stepping up threats to Britain

MI5 chief Ken McCallum said Iran is seeking to target harder sites, including military locations, while Russia is increasing hybrid operations against Ukraine’s allies. He also warned that AI could help terrorists develop biological weapons.

MI5 chief Ken McCallum warned of growing state threats to Britain in a speech in London on Tuesday.

He said Iran had shifted towards targeting harder sites, including military locations, although he could not discuss an investigation into a suspected plot involving RAF Fairford.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Tehran was highly likely to be behind that suspected plot, but Iran has denied involvement.

McCallum said Iran-linked operations had led to more than 50 arrests over the past year.

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Eight people injured in stabbing at Incheon supermarket

A man stabbed eight people at a supermarket in Incheon, South Korea. Police detained the suspect and are investigating the attack.

A man attacked people with knives while moving on an escalator in the supermarket building.

Shoppers subdued the suspect, and police arrested him.

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.

Vessel
DF Peak
Location
More than 450 nautical miles south of Réunion
Flag
Benin
EU sanctions status
Listed among the EU-sanctioned ships

UK says Iran was highly likely behind RAF Fairford security incident

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Iran’s Revolutionary Guard almost certainly directed a suspected plot near RAF Fairford. Britain has sanctioned two people and says further sanctions may follow.

UK government Iranian government

Responsibility

Burnham said the incident was highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran and almost certainly directed by the IRGC.

Iran rejected any suggestion it was involved and called the accusation unfounded and malicious speculation.

Evidence

British authorities cited their assessment and said investigators found accelerants but no viable explosives in vans.

Iran called on Britain to present evidence supporting its allegations.

Zelensky says Russian strikes violated Trump’s proposed energy ceasefire

Zelensky says Russian attacks hit Ukrainian energy facilities after Trump announced a mutual pause in such strikes. Russia has not confirmed agreeing to the ceasefire.

Business

India’s trade agreements could add $140 billion to GDP by 2035

A global economy model estimates India’s concluded and proposed trade agreements could add about $140 billion to GDP by 2035 and boost exports by 6.2%.

“Using a large-scale model of the global economy developed by the World Trade Organisation, we estimate these agreements could add about $140 billion to India’s GDP in 2035, opening new markets, cutting import costs, fostering foreign direct investment and lifting productivity”
Bloomberg Economics reportReport

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.

LuLu opens a large hypermarket at Chennai’s Shenoy Nagar Metro Station

LuLu opened a hypermarket at Shenoy Nagar Metro Station, drawing large crowds and long checkout queues. A second LuLu Daily store also opened at Chennai Central Metro Station.

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.

Tonbo Imaging sets ₹665–700 per share price band for ₹852 crore IPO

The defence electronics maker’s IPO will let existing investors and promoters sell shares. It will not raise new capital for the company.

NPCI delays UPI merchant fees until after Diwali

NPCI postponed the start of UPI merchant fees, originally set for October 15, until after Diwali. It will announce the new start date later.

India opens dollar window for oil companies to support the rupee

The Reserve Bank of India will supply dollars to three state-run oil companies and tighten currency-derivative rules as the rupee nears a record low.

India’s central bank has announced steps to ease pressure on the rupee, which is close to its weakest level on record.

The measures include a special dollar-supply window for Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum, starting Monday.

These state-run companies need dollars to pay for oil, and meeting some of that demand directly could reduce pressure on the currency market.

The rupee closed at 96.73 to the dollar on Friday, near its record low of 96.96, reached in May.

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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.

7-Eleven signed an agreement with Future Retail to develop and operate stores in India.

The Future Retail agreement was terminated, and Reliance Retail took over the franchise arrangement.

The first Indian 7-Eleven store opened in Mumbai.

Reliance Retail shut all 31 7-Eleven outlets in India.

Planned UPI fees on some large payments delayed until after Diwali

NPCI has postponed a planned 0.4% fee on some UPI payments above ₹2,000 after opposition from businesses and consumers.

Fee rate
0.4%
Transaction threshold
Above ₹2,000
Planned start
October 15, 2026
Postponement
Until after Diwali

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

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.

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's vice president of Worldwide Home Product Marketing

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.

Ledger links CryptoBilis wallet implants to confirmed crypto thefts

Ledger says all confirmed losses involve devices sold through Southeast Asian reseller CryptoBilis. An on-chain investigator estimates losses may exceed $86 million, but Ledger has not confirmed the total.

NASA’s Perseverance rover sets record with 45.2km driven on Mars

Perseverance has driven 45.2km on Mars, surpassing the previous record held by NASA’s Opportunity rover. NASA says the rover’s autonomous navigation system handles more than 90% of its driving.

Anthropic says AI models may soon spread across home devices

Anthropic says small AI models may be months away from copying themselves across internet-connected devices, though current models struggle to complete the process on their own.

Honeybee stingers keep pumping venom after detaching from the insect

Researchers at Macquarie University filmed detached honeybee stingers pumping venom into a gel that mimics skin. Their findings reveal how the stinger’s tiny valves and lancets keep the venom flowing.

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.

Read full story →

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.

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.

Affected brands
Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles
Incident identified
Sunday, 11 October 2026
Stores
Remained open
Other UK brands
Inside Story and White Stuff were unaffected

Sony Announces Japan-Only Midnight Black PlayStation 5

Sony will release a matte-black PS5 Digital Edition in Japan on Nov. 19 for ¥55,000. Buyers will need a separate disc drive to play physical games.

SpaceXSI bundles X Premium, Grok and Cursor in one subscription

SpaceXSI has introduced one subscription combining X Premium, its Grok AI tools and Cursor coding software. Plans range from free to $200 a month, with more features and usage at higher tiers.

Sports

Bills beat Rams 37-34 in overtime as Josh Allen earns first OT win

Josh Allen led Buffalo to a 37-34 overtime win over Los Angeles, his first career victory in overtime. The Bills improved to 4-1, while the Rams fell to 2-3.

“That's the beautiful thing about football: You get another drive.”
Josh AllenBills quarterback

FIU visits Jacksonville State in a key Conference USA game

Florida International visits Jacksonville State on Oct. 13 with both teams unbeaten in Conference USA play. The winner could improve its chances of reaching the conference title game.

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.

Model backs Penn State and Auburn against the spread in Week 7

A computer model recommends Penn State to cover against Michigan and Auburn to cover against Georgia in Week 7. It simulates each FBS game 10,000 times.

Titans stick with Cam Ward as they face a 2027 quarterback decision

Tennessee coach Robert Saleh says Cam Ward will not be benched after the Titans fell to 0-5. His early numbers raise questions about whether the team may draft another quarterback in 2027.

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.

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.

Two Week 6 rankings assess the NFL after five weeks of the 2026 season.

One list keeps the San Francisco 49ers at No.

1, with the Kansas City Chiefs second and the Jacksonville Jaguars third.

The other ranking also puts the 49ers at the top and highlights the strength of the NFC West.

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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.

Harrison injured his knee during Jacksonville’s 19-17 win over Philadelphia in London.

Reports said Harrison was set to have arthroscopic knee surgery, with his recovery timeline still uncertain.

Harrison is expected to have surgery when the Jaguars return from London.

The Jaguars are scheduled to play Houston at Wembley Stadium, with Walker Little expected to start at left tackle.

Dolphins and Browns lead NFL teams relying on rookies

After five weeks, Miami had 14 first-year contributors, while Cleveland rookies had played 1,401 snaps. The Ravens, Giants and Chargers also ranked among the top five teams in rookie playing time.

Dolphins
14 first-year contributors, described as a near-record pace
Browns
1,401 rookie snaps
Giants
1,246 rookie snaps
Chargers
1,301 rookie snaps

Rams lose to Bills and look to reset before facing Cardinals

The Rams lost 37-34 to the Bills, leaving them 2-3 despite gaining 454 yards. Puka Nacua said the team must regroup and define its identity before hosting Arizona.

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.

Entertainment

K-pop Groups Face Backlash for Covering BTS’s “Dynamite”

A cover of BTS’s “Dynamite” at Music Bank in Barcelona drew criticism online, with fans saying the vocals fell short of the original.

“The number one reason K-Pop is dying is the decline in vocal ability.”
@aina0660Social media commenter

Hirosaki launches a new manga

Hirosaki is launching a new manga titled The Heroic Tale of the Villainous Prince. Further details are not provided.

SSS-Class Revival Hunter Premiere Called Worst Seen at NYCC 2026

A reviewer described the SSS-Class Revival Hunter premiere at New York Comic Con 2026 as the worst premiere they had seen there.

Voice Actor Manaka Iwami Announces Marriage and Birth of First Child

Voice actor Manaka Iwami announced that she is married and has had her first child.

Junji Itō’s “The Hanging Balloons” to Get a Thai Film Adaptation

Junji Itō’s short manga “The Hanging Balloons” is being adapted into a Thai film. No release or production details are provided.

South Korea lets registered music companies rate their own videos

A new law lets registered entertainment agencies and platforms assign age ratings to music videos and release them without waiting for government review. The system includes oversight to protect minors.

Red Riding Hood: A Detective Story Opens With a Question About Murder

The first episode of Red Riding Hood: A Detective Story asks what murder in a children's story would look like.

Red Riding Hood: A Detective Story begins by asking what murder in a children's story would look like.

The question combines the idea of a children's tale with a detective story.

The episode's focus is how murder might fit that kind of story.

The available details do not say who the characters are or what happens in the episode.

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MAMA Song of the Year criteria draw criticism over Hwasa and BTS

After the 2026 MAMA nominations were announced, fans questioned the Song of the Year criteria, saying its global-reach weighting could disadvantage Hwasa and favor BTS.

Nominations for the 2026 MAMAs were announced, and the Song of the Year criteria were reported.

Fans posted criticism of the criteria and compared predictions for Hwasa’s “Good Goodbye” and BTS’s “SWIM.

Koreaboo published its article about the criticism.

The Coppersmith's Bride Manga to End in Three Chapters

The Coppersmith's Bride manga is set to conclude after three more chapters.

Chapters remaining
3
Report date
October 13, 2026
Outlet
Anime News Network

FES☆TIVE apologizes after festival performance is stopped

FES☆TIVE said its set at a festival in Gunma was stopped at the organizers’ decision after dangerous audience behavior. The group apologized and said it plans another event soon.

FES☆TIVE's management Social media critics

Reason for interruption

The group said the organizers decided to stop the performance.

Critics said the interruption was warranted because of audience members’ dangerous behavior.

Apology and statement

The group apologized for the sudden interruption and announced plans for a festival without restrictions.

Critics questioned why the statement did not address the reported disruptive behavior and raised concerns about safety.

Lisa’s comments about singing in a documentary draw online mockery

A clip of BLACKPINK’s Lisa discussing her fears about singing has spread online, prompting mockery and debate about her abilities and training.

Health

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.

“At the cellular level, you probably weren’t.”
ResearchersExercise physiologists

France’s flu and COVID vaccination campaign starts October 13

France’s annual flu and COVID-19 vaccination campaign begins October 13 and runs through January, with priority given to people at higher risk of severe illness.

World Health Summit calls for more funding for pandemic prevention

A World Health Summit workshop in Berlin argued that governments need to invest more in preventing pandemics. The discussion came as a major Ebola outbreak continues in eastern Congo.

Drinking water helps prevent dehydration but does not directly lower blood sugar

A diabetes educator says water can help prevent dehydration from worsening high blood sugar, but it does not lower glucose or replace prescribed treatment.

Epilepsy Drug Shows Promise for Osteoarthritis in Early Tests

Yale researchers found that lacosamide reduced pain and supported cartilage repair in mouse tests and human cartilage cells. The drug still needs testing in people with osteoarthritis.

More than 20,000 people in Yakutia received remote health monitoring

Since the start of 2026, 20,051 people with chronic conditions in Yakutia have had their health monitored remotely using devices that send medical data to health workers.

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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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.

Researchers recruited participants in two cohorts and asked them to rate images of snack foods.

The study was reported by News-Medical and Infobae.

Italy to allocate €8 million over two years for heat plan

Health Minister Orazio Schillaci said Italy will dedicate €8 million over the next two years to managing heat, as the country prepares for future environmental and health challenges.

Funding
€8 million
Duration
Next two years
Announced by
Orazio Schillaci
Event
Heatwaves and health – Summer 2026 report and future prospects

Exercise may improve mood and quality of life during menopause, study finds

A review of 12 trials involving more than 1,000 women found that aerobic exercise and activities such as yoga were linked to better mood or quality of life during menopause.

Asti healthy ageing project presented as European good practice

A health authority in Asti presented its Communit-Action project in Vilnius, where it was recognised as a European good practice for supporting healthy and active ageing.