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L. Murugan resigns as minister and plans to focus on BJP in Tamil Nadu

L. Murugan has resigned as a Union minister and said he will give his full time to strengthening the BJP in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2029 general election.

“With humility and grateful heart, I therefore request you to relieve me of my responsibility as MoS and permit me to relinquish my membership of the Rajya Sabha, so that I may dedicate full time to strengthening the party in Tamil Nadu”
L. MuruganUnion Minister of State

Supreme Court to hear DOGE’s bid to withhold internal documents

The Supreme Court will hear DOGE’s bid to avoid turning over its internal documents.

Azerbaijan accuses Turkish officials of inflaming tensions over school headscarf ban

Azerbaijan’s ruling party accused Turkish officials of worsening tensions after they criticised a ban on headscarves in Azerbaijani schools. Baku also warned the dispute could harm ties between the countries.

Federal agents search Ilhan Omar’s Washington home

Agents searched the home of Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. Omar called the search political intimidation; no charges against her were announced.

Carney urges Alberta to stay in Canada ahead of referendum

Mark Carney used his Thanksgiving message to urge Albertans to stay in Canada. On Oct. 19, voters will decide whether to hold a second, binding referendum on separation.

Former Turkish deputy minister jailed pending trial in fund investigation

Mustafa Aksu, a former deputy agriculture minister, was jailed pending trial in an investment fund investigation. Turkey’s regulator ordered 131 funds liquidated after a market crisis.

Greta Thunberg joins French students protesting school conditions

Greta Thunberg joined students in Saint-Denis as protests over teacher shortages, crowded classes and poor school buildings spread across France. Officials said about 200 schools were closed.

Greta Thunberg joined French students protesting in Saint-Denis, a suburb north of Paris, on Tuesday.

The students are demanding action on teacher shortages, overcrowded classes and deteriorating school buildings.

The movement began in late September and has led to marches and blockades at schools across the country.

Unions and some left-wing groups support the protests, while officials said about 200 schools were closed on Tuesday.

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Trump’s plan to import Russian diesel draws bipartisan criticism

Trump says the U.S. will import Russian diesel to ease fuel prices. Lawmakers from both parties say the plan could help finance Russia’s war in Ukraine and may violate U.S. law.

Congress approved a law banning imports of Russian energy products after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Trump announced a deal with Putin to import Russian diesel into the United States.

A bipartisan group of six senators urged Trump to reverse course.

Trump defended the deal outside the White House and criticized Republican opponents.

The bulk of provisions in a Russian sanctions law signed by Trump are due to take effect.

Italian Chamber approves majority budget resolutions

Italy’s Chamber of Deputies approved majority resolutions on a budget deviation and the public finance plan, including calls to support household purchasing power and investment.

Budget deviation
0.6% of GDP for each of 2027 and 2028
Chamber deviation vote
219 in favour, 110 against, according to two reports
Chamber planning-document vote
216 in favour, 116 against
Senate planning-document vote
108 in favour, 61 against, 2 abstentions

GOP groups pull planned spending from two vulnerable House districts

Trump-aligned MAGA Inc. and a House GOP super PAC are redirecting planned spending from districts held by Tom Kean and Marianette Miller-Meeks to other races. Recent polling has raised concerns about the incumbents’ chances.

GOP groups Kean campaign source

Spending plans

MAGA Inc. and the Congressional Leadership Fund are pulling planned spending from the districts and redirecting it to other races.

A source close to Kean’s campaign said the race was fully funded for the final stretch.

Race outlook

The groups’ moves followed polling that suggested the incumbents’ re-election chances had weakened.

The campaign source said Kean’s race was fully funded and cited reservations about the Democratic opponent’s broadcast spending.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia begin first official visit to Ceuta

Felipe VI and Letizia began their first official visit to Ceuta, months after a mass arrival of migrants from Morocco. They are staying overnight in the city.

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

Break-in reported at business building in Drensteinfurt-Walstedde

Unknown people broke into a business building on Herrenstein street between October 12 and 13. Police are asking witnesses to come forward.

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.

Nuremberg airport reopens after plane makes emergency landing

Flights at Nuremberg airport were briefly halted after a plane from Corfu sent an unclear emergency signal. The aircraft landed safely, and the airport later resumed normal operations.

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.

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 stabbed eight people at a supermarket in Incheon, a city west of Seoul, on Tuesday.

Police said one person went into cardiac arrest and seven others were injured; all eight were taken to hospitals.

The suspect, described by police as being in his 60s, was subdued by shoppers and detained by police.

He moved through the building with knives fastened to his hands, according to police.

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Truck ends up on Merwedebrug cycle path despite heavy-vehicle ban

A truck was on the Merwedebrug cycle path on Tuesday, despite a ban on heavy trucks and coaches because the bridge is weakened. Rijkswaterstaat inspectors were on their way.

The Merwedebrug was closed to heavy trucks and coaches because of its weakened structure.

A truck ended up on the bridge’s cycle path.

The truck was still on the cycle path, and Rijkswaterstaat road inspectors were on their way to guide the driver.

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
Suspected plot site
RAF Fairford, western England
Arrests
Seven men were arrested and released on bail under investigation.
Iran-linked operations
More than 50 arrests over the past year, according to McCallum.

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.

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.

Business

Japanese firms offer personalized bath products and training

Japanese companies are promoting tailored bath products made with regional ingredients, while a new online certification course teaches people about bathing culture.

“share the joy of bathing”
Tsutomu TanakaYuyaku brand overseer

BOJ Officials Lean Against October Rate Hike, See Possible Move in December

Bank of Japan officials are leaning against raising interest rates again in October but are still considering a move as soon as December.

IMF raises Japan’s 2026 growth forecast to 0.7%

The IMF raised its forecast for Japan’s economic growth in 2026 to 0.7% and expects growth to stabilize next year.

Nissin to relaunch Black Pepper Crab Cup Noodles in Japan

Nissin Foods will launch its revamped Black Pepper Crab Cup Noodles nationwide in Japan on October 26, inspired by a Singapore crab dish.

Aeon's net profit nearly tripled as drugstore business performed well

Japanese retailer Aeon said its net profit for the six-month interim period was 13.3 billion yen, about three times the level a year earlier. Strong drugstore business helped drive the increase.

Aeon’s net profit triples to 13.3 billion yen in March-August period

Aeon reported net profit of 13.3 billion yen for March to August 2026, 3.3 times the year-earlier figure, as shopping malls and drugstores performed well.

Japan’s wholesale prices rise 6.8% in September, slower than in August

Japan’s wholesale prices rose 6.8% from a year earlier in September, down from 7.6% in August, Bank of Japan data showed.

Japan’s wholesale prices rose 6.8% in September compared with the same month a year earlier.

These prices are for goods traded between companies and are also described as producer or input prices.

The increase was slower than August’s 7.6% rise.

Bank of Japan data showed the change.

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Japan’s 2026 rice harvest forecast to fall 1%

Japan’s 2026 rice harvest is projected to fall 1%. The forecast is relatively high despite concerns about prolonged rain in September.

Prolonged rain raised concerns about its impact on the rice harvest.

The Japan Times reported the forecast of a 1% fall in Japan’s 2026 rice harvest.

Japan-controlled tankers return to the Middle East after months away

Japan-controlled tankers have returned to the Middle East after months away, during more than seven months of conflict in the Persian Gulf.

Tankers
Japan-controlled
Return
Middle East
Conflict duration
More than seven months

Aeon’s first-half profit rises 1.7%, but second-quarter profit falls 23.5%

Aeon reported first-half recurring profit of ¥108.2 billion, up 1.7% from a year earlier. Profit in the three months to August fell 23.5%.

Hyogo company offers plant-based alternative to Akashi octopus

A company in Hyogo Prefecture has begun offering a plant-based substitute for Akashi-brand octopus after its price rose sharply.

Science & Tech

A 1960 study predicted a population doomsday for November 13, 2026

Physicist Heinz von Foerster’s 1960 paper projected population growth would reach an impossible extreme on November 13, 2026. Growth has since slowed, and population is now expected to peak later this century.

“Our great—great—grandchildren will not starve to death”
Heinz von Foerster and co-authorsPhysicist and researchers

International timekeepers set to vote on ending leap seconds

The 69 member states of an international standards body are due to vote on a proposal to end leap seconds, which keep atomic time aligned with Earth’s uneven rotation.

Amazon fires and a strong El Niño threaten regional rainfall

Rising fires in Amazonas and a potentially record-strength El Niño could worsen drying in parts of the Amazon, weakening rainfall that supports farming, reservoirs and cities across Brazil.

Researchers try to restore California kelp forests by reintroducing sunflower sea stars

Researchers off Monterey are placing sunflower sea stars on the seafloor to help control purple sea urchins, which have consumed much of California’s kelp forests.

Mining pressures protected areas as wildlife populations decline in Africa

WWF’s Congo Basin director says mining has no place in protected areas as new analyses highlight industrial pressures and steep wildlife declines.

Maynooth Researchers Build a DNA Computer That Needs No Continuous Power

Researchers at Maynooth University built a DNA-based computer that can perform calculations without continuous electricity. It can be reused for up to 25 calculations, though it is slower than silicon computers.

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.

Researchers at Macquarie University filmed honeybee stingers pumping venom after they detach from the bee’s body.

They used high-speed cameras to record detached stingers working in a clear gel designed to mimic human skin.

The two-millimetre stinger keeps moving into its target and injecting venom even after the bee has flown away.

Its two sharp parts move back and forth to push the stinger deeper, while tiny valves work like pistons to keep venom flowing.

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Rain may ease heat in Telangana over the next four days

A Bay of Bengal trough is expected to bring light rain to Telangana over the next four days, helping temperatures return closer to normal after a dry, hot spell.

The Hindu reported that a Bay of Bengal trough and easterly winds may bring rainfall to Telangana over the next four days.

Telangana received 61.6 cm of rain, compared with a normal 78.9 cm.

Land carbon storage rebounded in 2025 after two years of decline

Preliminary research estimates that land ecosystems absorbed more carbon in 2025 as tropical forests recovered. Scientists warn that another drop may follow as a powerful El Niño brings heat and drought.

Land carbon uptake in 2025
2.36 gigatonnes of carbon
Difference from 2015–2022 average
0.71 gigatonnes more
Main driver of recovery
Renewed growth in tropical forests
Land sink reduction
25 per cent smaller than it would have been without climate change and natural variability

Political identity shapes trust in science in Brazil, columnist argues

The column links political views in Brazil to trust in scientists and examines the Bolsonaro camp’s approach to Covid-19, climate change and research funding.

Mainstream science Bolsonaro-aligned “patriotic science

Who can produce trusted science

The article says Bolsonaro-aligned groups describe their own doctors and studies as “patriotic science” and oppose what they regard as corrupted mainstream science.

The article describes mainstream science as the approach those groups challenge.

What science should do

The columnist says scientists’ loyalty is to method and evidence, not to those who trust or distrust them.

The article says Flávio Bolsonaro favors funding areas such as technology, innovation and artificial intelligence, and tying research funding to productive impact.

Cape Town plans to relocate two baboon troops from Simon’s Town

Cape Town authorities plan to capture two baboon troops near Simon’s Town and move them to enclosures for the rest of their lives, as part of a wider change to baboon management.

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

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.

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.

Oregon slips in power ratings after narrow loss with backup quarterbacks

Oregon fell to 3-2 after a two-point loss despite seven turnovers and a switch to its third-string quarterback. It dropped in the power ratings, but not as far as expected.

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.

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.

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.

49ers
No. 1 in ProFootballTalk’s Week 6 rankings; 5-0
Chiefs
No. 2 in ProFootballTalk’s rankings; 4-0
Jaguars
No. 3 in ProFootballTalk’s rankings; 4-1
Chargers
0-5

Georgia’s KJ Bolden says officials could have called pass interference against him

Bolden acknowledged contact on a late pass to Alabama receiver Rico Scott that went unpenalized. Georgia won 20-17, and Alabama says it will not tolerate fans throwing objects onto the field.

KJ Bolden Kalen DeBoer

Pass interference call

Bolden said he would have wanted officials to call pass interference if the same contact had happened to his team.

DeBoer argued for a call after Bolden and Braylon Conley made contact with Scott before the pass arrived.

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.

Entertainment

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.

“God of War Laufey game sold separately”
Polygon writerfreelance news writer

Monique Smit says she sometimes misses brother Jan amid estrangement

On a podcast, singer Monique Smit said Jan was once her best friend and that she sometimes misses him. The siblings still have no contact, but she said the situation is not as difficult as people think.

Thélyson Orélien denies using AI to write novel, admits plagiarism

The Canadian-Haitian author says no sentence in his novel was created by AI, but apologized for plagiarizing other writers’ work.

Hillary Clinton and Kara Swisher to launch political podcast

Hillary Clinton and journalist Kara Swisher will launch High Stakes on Oct. 14 with Vox Media. They plan to discuss political issues ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.

TNA ends Max Caster’s run after Riyadh attack reference at Bound for Glory

TNA said Max Caster will no longer wrestle for the company after his entrance rap at Bound for Glory referred to attacks in Riyadh. TNA apologized and removed the segment from replays and social media.

Raye manually reviews ticket sign-ups after 1.8 million apply for 5,000 seats

Raye says AI bots and scalpers overwhelmed sign-ups for her Royal Albert Hall show in London. Her team is manually selecting fans for presale access, with remaining tickets due to go on general sale.

GTA 6 PC release reportedly planned for early 2027

Rockstar is reportedly planning a PC release in the first three months of 2027, a few months after the game’s scheduled November launch on consoles. The company has not confirmed a PC version.

Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled to launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 19.

A report based on people familiar with Rockstar’s plans says the PC version could arrive between January and March 2027.

Rockstar has not announced a PC release, and the game is currently listed only for those consoles.

If the reported timing is accurate, PC players would wait only a few months after the console launch.

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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.

The film was initially slated for release.

News broke that Reeves had stepped away and production had been paused.

Pattinson commented that filming would pause briefly and the team would work out what happens next.

The film is currently scheduled for release.

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.

Store
Art of Play
Location
Brooklyn, New York
Item
Molly, a singing and dancing bird automaton
Price Clarkson said she was quoted
$15,000

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.

Selma Blair’s defense Prosecution and court

Intent

Her lawyer said the incident was not intentional and that missed medication, a head injury and altitude left her severely confused and disoriented.

Blair faces charges alleging she assaulted a police officer and a nurse; the allegations have not been established in court.

Celebrity treatment

Not stated.

Judge Kahn said Blair should not receive special treatment because she is a celebrity.

Collin Gosselin alleges abuse by mother Kate ahead of memoir release

Collin Gosselin says his mother, Kate, physically and emotionally mistreated him as a child. His memoir, “In the Shadow of Eight,” is due out Oct. 13.

Health

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.

“primary cause of death was a probable acute cardiac event due to possible complications of the measles.”
Franklin County coroner’s office spokespersonCoroner’s office spokesperson

Women describe side effects of hormones used for egg freezing

Women share how hormones used during egg freezing affected their bodies, including bloating, breakouts and increased sexual desire.

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.

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.

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.

Researchers say muscle and liver cells can retain signs of past exercise even after someone stops training.

In studies using mice, animals that exercised, took a break and trained again grew larger muscles than mice with no training history.

Their muscle cells also matched energy production to demand more effectively, and this ability remained during inactivity.

The researchers say liver cells also store exercise memories and release enzymes that help supply fuel to working muscles.

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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.

Fertility doctors explain what happens after eggs are frozen

Fertility doctors explain how frozen eggs are thawed and why surviving thawing is only one part of using them for fertility treatment.

Outlet
CNN
Published
October 13, 2026
Video length
1:22

Alignment Healthcare sues over 2027 Medicare Advantage star ratings

Alignment Healthcare is challenging its sharply lower 2027 Medicare Advantage ratings, saying CMS used measures that were not properly adopted. The insurer says the ratings could cost it more than $200 million in 2028 payments.

Alignment Healthcare Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Star-rating methodology

Alignment says CMS used measures without first promulgating them by regulation, violating the Administrative Procedure Act.

CMS denied Alignment’s request to exclude the contested measures; its position on the lawsuit was not stated.

Requested outcome

Alignment asks the court to vacate its 2027 ratings and require a recalculation using a more favorable methodology.

CMS’s response to the requested court remedy was not stated.

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.