Sharad Navratri Day 8, 2026: What Maa Mahagauri teaches about self-forgiveness and letting go

Sharad Navratri’s eighth day, October 18, 2026, honours Maa Mahagauri and urges spiritual seekers to release lingering guilt, learn from past mistakes and move forward without denying responsibility. Astrologer Poonam Dutta recommends making amends where needed, then ending unproductive self-blame through reflection, prayer or journaling. In Hindu tradition, Mahagauri, Durga’s eighth form, symbolizes purity, peace and renewal.

QB Julian Sayin could miss several weeks after injury vs Indiana, says Ohio State coach Ryan Day

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin is expected to miss several weeks after injuring his shoulder in Saturday’s 19-15 win over Indiana, coach Ryan Day said, following a fourth-quarter sack that forced him out. Indiana’s Mario Landino brought down the 21-year-old, who landed on his shoulder and later appeared on the sideline with his right arm in a sling.

Lebanon president asks French FM for help preventing security vacuum in south

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot that Lebanon would welcome an international presence to prevent a southern security vacuum if UNIFIL exits in 2026, while reiterating preference to extend its mandate. France and Italy are considering a multinational force; Israeli occupation and strikes persist, and Hezbollah refuses to disarm under a framework agreement.

Stampede at Kolkata Durga Puja: Eyewitnesses flag crowd management lapses, police initiates probe

A stampede at Kolkata’s Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal killed 19 people Saturday evening, as police investigate crowd-management failures, unclear entry and exit routes, heavy rain and emergency response. Eyewitnesses alleged inadequate announcements and police deployment, while relatives said guards’ whistles triggered a rush. The incident occurred amid theme-based celebrations; authorities opened a helpline for affected people.

MPSC paper leak inquiry: Panel to probe alleged irregularities

Maharashtra appointed retired Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Dilip Bhosale to lead an inquiry into alleged leaks across nine MPSC exams, identify those responsible and assess possible misconduct by commission members. The panel can summon witnesses and demand records, and must report within two months. NCP MLA Rohit Pawar pledged evidence and demanded accountability.

Ukrainian foreign minister says Russian-held town is a 'death trap' with starving residents

Ukraine’s foreign minister says Russian forces are turning occupied Oleshky into a “death trap,” amid starvation, medicine shortages and bodies left unburied, urging international groups to secure evacuation corridors and immediate aid. Russia has pledged to help deliver supplies, while the town’s population has fallen from 24,000 before the 2022 invasion to about 1,700 residents.

Desperate civilians risk their lives along mined roads to escape from a Russian-held city

Oleshky residents face starvation, illness and a brutal winter amid months without reliable food, medicine, electricity, heat or water, while fewer than 2,000 people remain trapped in the occupied city. Evacuation talks have stalled, and mined roads make escape deadly. The Dnipro River city was captured in 2022, then devastated by shelling and 2023’s catastrophic flooding.

Yamal takes center stage for ruthless Barcelona and PSG wins ahead of Champions League showdown

Barcelona preserved its perfect La Liga record with a fiery 5-2 win at Betis, led by Lamine Yamal’s opener and assist for Gabriel Jesus, though a clash brought a red card for Betis. Victory precedes Tuesday’s Champions League showdown with PSG, who rallied to win, while Manchester City stayed unbeaten and Bayern routed Leipzig 6-1.

California ‘No Kings’ protests draw crowds in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego

‘No Kings’ rallies across Southern California and nationwide on October 17 urged voters to cast ballots early and protect the November 3 midterms, while criticizing President Donald Trump’s administration and federal immigration enforcement. Nearly 3,000 events were planned nationwide, including over 300 in California, as organizers shifted the campaign’s focus from earlier protests toward voter participation.

Allisha Gray expected to play in Dream vs Valkyries Game 1 of WNBA Finals

Atlanta Dream coach Karl Smesko said Allisha Gray’s shooting hand is improving and expressed optimism she could play Saturday’s WNBA Finals opener against Golden State, though the guard remains a game-time decision. Gray had limited practice Friday after missing Atlanta’s last two semifinal games with a left ring-finger injury. Both franchises seek a first title.

Soccer-Haaland double helps Man City win, Neto brace cheers Chelsea

Manchester City beat Ipswich 3-2, extending their perfect Premier League start to seven wins and opening a six-point lead over Arsenal as Erling Haaland scored twice. Chelsea beat Everton 2-0 despite goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s injury, while Liverpool rallied past Brentford 2-1 after two hosts were sent off. Fulham and Aston Villa won; Arsenal play Sunday.

Two I-275 ramps in Ohio to close this weekend for bridge repairs

Two ramps at Hamilton County’s I-275/SR 4 interchange close 8 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Monday, October 19, for ODOT bridge repairs. They connect southbound SR 4 to eastbound I-275 and northbound SR 4 to westbound I-275. Detours use Winton Road or SR 747 while crews heat-straighten beams and replace cross frames beneath the bridge.

Maresca faces anxious wait over Haaland injury scare

Manchester City await checks on Erling Haaland after the striker limped off with a foot injury following two goals in their 3-2 win over Ipswich, with manager Enzo Maresca hopeful the problem is minor. Haaland has scored 12 times, and City preserved their perfect league start despite mounting scrutiny over a financial-rules verdict they are appealing.

Over 46,000 government jobs provided in last two years: Saini

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini said the BJP government provided 46,500 jobs in two years through transparent, merit-based recruitment, fulfilling 76 of 217 election promises. It extended job security to contractual workers and raised promotion quotas. The government also cited sports awards, women’s livelihood programs and free dialysis, as Saini marked the administration’s second anniversary.

Golf: An afternoon of Rory McIlroy, Ronaldo and shared roars

Rory McIlroy struggled in the third round of the DP World India Championship, reaching two over par after bogeys and a double bogey. An eagle at the 14th ignited Delhi Golf Club’s crowd, who had gathered to watch the six-time major winner, a career Grand Slam champion, pursue an eighth Road to Dubai title.

Skipped SIR duty after wife’s death: High court relief for Hisar teacher, DEO, others fined ₹50,000

The Punjab and Haryana high court fined Hisar’s district education officer and Barwala’s electoral registration officer-cum-SDO ₹50,000 for mishandling a teacher’s request to leave Special Intensive Revision duty after his wife’s death, quashed disciplinary proceedings and his suspension, and ordered full pay for the suspension period. It blamed poor coordination over replacement booth-level officers; he had served 11 years.

Indore BJP official booked under POCSO for misbehaving with girl at Garba venue

Indore police booked BJP mandal president Kamal Chauhan under POCSO and molestation charges after he allegedly pushed a 15-year-old girl at a Garba venue, in an incident captured on video. Her family said he removed her during an argument over an entry pass. The BJP issued Chauhan a three-day show-cause notice; he denied intending misconduct.

Seán Hewitt: “Love is a great spur to fiction”

Author of *Open, Heaven* describes a novel shaped by memory, invention and first love, as James navigates secrecy, desire and responsibility. Set in rural England, the queer coming-of-age story explores isolation, unrequited love and difficulty understanding others. Seasonal structure and poetic observation create its pastoral atmosphere, while William Blake’s influence celebrates expression’s liberating power.

Princewill Umanmielen suffers injury scare vs Mississippi State as LSU LB exits in first quarter

LSU’s Princewill Umanmielen was injured during the first quarter against Mississippi State and did not return before halftime. He left the field unaided while favoring his leg, emerged from the medical tent and rejoined teammates on the sideline, as the Tigers dealt with injury concerns; no details were available, and the story was being updated.

Naman Dhir sparkles before rain forces 5th T20I between India and West Indies to be abandoned

Rain ended the Bengaluru T20I decider after 7.4 overs, leaving India and West Indies sharing the series 2-2. Naman Dhir’s unbeaten six-ball 24 lifted India to 118/5, after Ishan Kishan’s explosive 30 led the charge. Dhir’s clean hitting offered a glimpse of his promise, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar made his first India appearance in four years.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi needs to wait, we have two fantastic consistent openers: Shreyas Iyer

India captain Shreyas Iyer says Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must wait for opportunities, with management backing established openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson after their consistent performances. Despite scoring 776 runs and sweeping IPL 2026 batting honors, Sooryavanshi has featured in only eight T20Is, including three under Gautam Gambhir, while his selection fluctuated as Samson’s place changed.

Shooting at NYC subway station leaves man critically injured

A man was critically injured after being shot aboard a northbound E train at Manhattan’s Seventh Avenue and 53rd Street station Saturday, the NYPD said; EMS transported him to a hospital. Police received a 911 call around 12:21 p.m. The victim’s identity, what prompted the shooting, and any suspect remain unknown as the investigation continues.

Nayyi Navelli box office collection day 2: Yami Gautam film sees growth, crosses ₹7 crore

Nayyi Navelli collected ₹4 crore on Saturday, up from its ₹3.25 crore opening, bringing its two-day total to ₹7.25 crore, Sacnilk reported by 10 PM. Playing across 5,945 shows, it outperformed Prahaar and now faces a crucial Sunday test. The mythological fantasy thriller stars Yami Gautam as a bride suspected of being a witch; reviews were mixed.

'Extremely distressing': PM Modi mourns Kolkata stampede deaths, assures all possible aid to victims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned those killed in the Kolkata stampede, wished the injured a speedy recovery, and assured victims of all possible assistance. His message followed the deadly incident, which caused deaths and injuries; the brief report provides no further information about the circumstances of the stampede or the aid being planned.

'Reward for Putin': Zelensky fears US sanctions relief to Russia is not the end of it

President Donald Trump’s waiver of newly mandated Russia sanctions has drawn bipartisan congressional backlash, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned it would embolden Moscow to continue attacks rather than end the war. Senators called the move capitulation and defiance of Congress. Trump said the exemption served US interests, amid a diesel-for-relief deal and worsening US-Ukraine tensions.

Billy Puckett's poor start vs LSU leaves Mississippi State fans missing Kamario Taylor

Mississippi State freshman Billy Puckett struggled in his first start against LSU on Saturday, throwing an interception and nearly another after an opening three-and-out while filling in for injured quarterback Kamario Taylor. Taylor was ruled out with a foot injury suffered against Alabama last week; he has thrown 17 touchdowns and four interceptions this season.

'Swelling crowd, situation worsened by rain': What we know so far about Kolkata pandal stampede

At least 18 died and several others were injured in a stampede-like crush at Kolkata’s Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samity pandal on Saturday evening, police said. The crush occurred around 7:30 p.m.; its cause remains unclear. Eyewitnesses blamed swelling crowds and rain, while one alleged inadequate organizer, volunteer and police presence. An official declaration was pending.

Delhi half marathon tomorrow, traffic police issues advisory: See full list of affected routes

Delhi traffic will face restrictions and diversions from 4:45 to 11 a.m. Sunday, October 17, as nearly 40,000 runners participate in the Half Marathon, starting at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The 21-kilometre route crosses central Delhi, affecting major junctions; police will regulate traffic dynamically and advise alternative routes for north-south and east-west movement.

Kolkata pandal stampede: Mamata expresses 'shock and grief', TMC alleges poor crowd management

Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed “shock and grief” over the loss of lives in a Kolkata stampede. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleged inadequate police presence and poor crowd management at the gathering, while further details about the incident are expected to follow soon. No further information on the stampede was provided in the account.

Coach remembers Tyler Ulrich as 'loyal' and 'joyous' after football player's death at 21

Southern Nazarene University safety Tyler Ulrich, 21, died October 15, five days after a traumatic injury in a game against Ouachita Baptist in Arkansas, prompting cancellation of Saturday’s game against Southwestern Oklahoma State. The injury’s nature was not disclosed. Coaches mourned him, and a fundraiser was launched for his family; Ulrich recorded 36 tackles.