Lifelong learning will shape India's workforce

Degrees remain valuable, but India’s education system must prioritize learning, application and continuous adaptation as AI and automation shorten knowledge’s shelf life. Employers increasingly favor skills over credentials: 30% of Indian firms expect skills-based hiring to widen talent pools, versus 19% globally. Yet lecture-led curricula leave graduates underprepared; classrooms must teach inquiry and self-directed problem-solving.

SoftBank in early talks to buy Allied Universal

SoftBank is in early talks to buy Allied Universal from Warburg Pincus and La Caisse, potentially valuing Allied at up to $18 billion excluding debt, though a deal remains uncertain. The acquisition would advance SoftBank’s AI-and-robotics strategy, as Allied deploys AI tools across more than 100 countries. Warburg invested in 2015; La Caisse joined in 2019.

MrBeast asks Elon Musk for Tesla’s flying Roadster to feature in a video

MrBeast asked Elon Musk on X to lend him a Tesla flying Roadster for a video, prompting fans to predict millions of views and urge Musk to agree. Users proposed ideas, including a SpaceX rocket or an X-exclusive upload. The electric sports car, which Musk says could feature rocket technology, has yet to enter production.

Clear ₹9.73 cr of pending victim compensation dues in 5 weeks: Kerala HC to govt

Kerala High Court ordered the state to release within five weeks over Rs 9.73 crore in victim compensation pending across 225 cases since September 16, and directed monitoring to prevent delays. It ordered payment of mediators’ honoraria at revised rates, while requiring reconsideration against 2022 recommendations. KeLSA must report disbursements and address mediation-centre infrastructure shortcomings.

US home sellers turn to mortgage rate buydowns as high rates slow home sales

US home sellers are cutting prices and offering buyers financial concessions, including closing-cost help and mortgage-rate buydowns, as high borrowing costs and weaker demand shift negotiating power toward purchasers. In September, concessions appeared in over 45% of sales, while 22% of sellers cut asking prices. Rate buydowns lower monthly payments, but mortgage rules cap assistance.

Indian-origin man in California, who claimed ICE agents detained his wife, arrested for her murder

Gill, 28, faces murder charges after burned remains found in El Dorado County were identified as his wife Jasmine, 30; he is held without bail. He claimed ICE agents took her, but investigators found no ICE activity and noted inconsistencies. Jasmine, a nurse and mother of an eight-month-old, was divorcing him in a custody dispute.

Need to think systemically to build AI skills for our students

Indian Gen Z and millennial workers are confident using AI, with 93–95% using it regularly, yet only about a third have formal training, exposing a gap individual initiative cannot close as demand outpaces talent supply. Universities should integrate AI across disciplines and assessments while investing in faculty development and industry partnerships. NEP 2020 offers flexibility for this institution-wide shift.

'Foreign nationals protesting in India a matter of concern': Chirag Paswan on Imran Khan

Union minister Chirag Paswan criticised Imran Khan for joining protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, saying citizens may protest but foreign nationals’ participation is concerning. The US citizen and Overseas Citizen of India cardholder received a notice over alleged Foreigners Act violations after the demonstration. Khan was born in America and raised in India.

Delhi Police identify 37 accounts for misleading content on EC protests, file FIRs

Delhi Police have filed multiple FIRs against social media users accused of spreading misinformation and fabricated videos during protests against the Election Commission, identifying more than 37 accounts and issuing takedown notices to over 17 handles. A man was arrested over AI-generated images involving a police officer and journalist; investigators are probing other misleading posts. The cases follow disputes surrounding the demonstrations.

Recontextualising industrial policy: Lessons from the East Asian developmental state

Industrial policy is resurging as geopolitical crises disrupt supply chains and China’s exports accelerate deindustrialisation, but debate often overlooks the political bargains and capable bureaucracies behind East Asia’s successes. A World Bank guide and EU plans to ease merger rules signal shifting assumptions, underscoring that industrial strategies must fit current state capacity and global conditions.

Air purifier vs dehumidifier: Which is best for mould, dust mites and odours?

Choose an air purifier for airborne dust, pollen, pet dander and allergens; choose a dehumidifier when dampness, condensation and musty smells point to excess moisture. HEPA-equipped purifiers filter particles but do not control humidity, while dehumidifiers lower moisture and discourage mould and dust mites without removing existing mould. Consider your home’s main problem before buying.

ED to probe OPRB officials' role in 2024 Odisha Police SI exam paper 'leak' case

The ED probe into alleged Odisha police sub-inspector exam-paper leakage is widening to include recruitment-board officials and firms, while tracing proceeds and assets for seizure under money-laundering law. Searches in Odisha and West Bengal pointed to an organized leak involving contractors. The case surfaced after police intercepted 114 candidates allegedly promised papers for ₹15–30 lakh.

Delhi: Ex-pizza delivery executive gets man killed in hope of marrying widow; 2 minors among 7 held

Delhi Police say a man allegedly orchestrated Manish Yadav’s October 13 murder in northeast Delhi, hiring two minors for Rs 2 lakh because he wanted to marry Yadav’s wife. Five men have been arrested and two minors apprehended, with investigators citing CCTV, financial transactions and other evidence; a pistol, ammunition and motorcycle were recovered, police said.

Jharkhand CM performs 'Shraddh' of mother Rupi Soren in ancestral village

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren performed his mother Rupi Soren’s Shraddh Sunday in Nemra, where thousands gathered for Sanskar Bhoj. Soren monitored arrangements and welcomed mourners, while authorities organized security, parking and transport. He was tonsured as part of the traditional rites. Rupi Soren died during treatment in Ranchi on October 7 and was cremated the following day.

Hilary Swank pregnant at 52: Gynaecologist shares what women must know about pregnancy after 40

Pregnancy after 40 is possible, but fertility declines and risks—including miscarriage, gestational diabetes, hypertension and chromosomal conditions—increase; celebrity births do not change biology. Dr Geetanjli Behl recommends early preconception counselling and individualized assessment, since IVF cannot erase age-related risks. Medical checks, folic acid, healthy habits and practical and emotional planning support informed decisions.

Good show in New Zealand T20I series will boost Shreyas Iyer's captaincy credentials

Shreyas Iyer’s T20I captaincy faces scrutiny after India drew their West Indies series 2-2, with his side winning 11, losing eight and recording two no-results in 21 matches. Though he scored a maiden century and has 590 runs at a 152.45 strike rate, India remain inconsistent. After IPL success, Iyer must prove himself against New Zealand.

Why do you wake up with a headache even when you have slept enough: Neurologist explains the causes

Recurring or worsening morning headaches merit evaluation, especially with snoring, jaw pain, nausea, or visual symptoms; sudden severe pain, weakness, confusion, seizures, fever with neck stiffness, or speech/vision changes need urgent care. Causes include poor sleep, sleep apnoea, dehydration, missed meals, caffeine changes, teeth grinding, migraine, and painkiller overuse. Occasional headaches may ease with rest.

Gwalior temple tragedy: Eyewitnesses recount horror as truck kills 15 devotees

Vidyaram Tyagi lost two sons and his brother when a truck struck devotees at Gwalior’s Shitala Mata Temple early Sunday, killing 15 and injuring 27. Families demanded justice, alleging inadequate security and delayed rescue. Police said the truck suffered brake failure, breached barricades and hit stalls and the temple gate; many victims had gathered for Saptami festivities.

CJP to 'restrategise after Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka's release': Dipke on anti-CEC stir

Abhijeet Dipke said the Cockroach Janta Party will regroup after members are released, vowing not to be intimidated by alleged illegal arrests amid protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Granted conditional bail Saturday, he said spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka remain in custody; protests concern alleged irregularities in the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Socializing at college is so fraught it requires paperwork before partying

College parties face consent pledges, sober monitors and strict rules as students and universities seek to curb sexual assault and dangerous drinking. Scrutiny intensified after a former student alleged gang rape at a Cornell fraternity party, prompting doubts that young peers can police one another. These efforts extend years of campus oversight and student-led prevention.

Imran Khan gets notice from Foreigners Regional Registration Office over his OCI tag

Actor Imran Khan received a second FRRO notice asking him to explain within 15 days why his OCI status should not be cancelled over a protest seeking the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation. The agency says participation or an FIR alone does not justify cancellation; Khan has challenged an earlier leave-India order in Bombay High Court.

Chinmayi recalls how Deva would sing complicated ghazals despite not knowing Hindi after his death

Singer Chinmayi says her regret is never arranging for composer Deva to sing a ghazal onstage, though she knew how beautifully he performed. She recalled his kindness to young singers, humility about ghazal legends, and encouragement after recordings. Deva, who died aged 75, composed over 400 South Indian films and created Rajinikanth’s signature entrance theme.

Nearly 20 detained over IIT-Bombay ‘suicide’ stir; kin seek probe by DCP-rank officer

Nearly 20 IIT-Bombay students were detained Sunday amid protests over a student’s alleged suicide; his parents demanded an impartial DCP-led probe. They questioned delays, sought action against a professor named in the FIR, and demanded evidence preservation and answers about media disclosures. The student was found dead in his hostel last month after an exam.

Delhi-Srinagar bus ‘attacked’ in Haryana, elderly passenger injured; J&K CM urges action

A Delhi–Srinagar bus was allegedly attacked near Kurukshetra on Saturday night after men objected to its Jammu and Kashmir registration, injuring an elderly passenger. Driver Waqar said attackers assaulted him, smashed number plates and threatened passengers at a Nilokheri stop. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said Haryana promised swift, stringent action; BJP leaders condemned the incident.

Republicans zero in on cultural issues in campaign’s final stretch

Republicans are closing congressional races by portraying Democrats as too extreme to control Congress, using ads and Trump rallies to redirect voter anger over prices toward transgender rights, border security and socialism. Democrats counter on costs and public safety, distancing themselves from progressive positions. The strategy echoes past midterm warnings, but economic frustration may blunt it.

Gwalior temple tragedy: Police official removed, 8 others suspended after truck mows down 15

At least 15 people were killed and 27 injured when a truck struck devotees near Gwalior’s Sheetala Mata Temple late Saturday, crashing into its gate and collapsing part of the wall. Police arrested the driver and owner after preliminary findings suggested mechanical failure; Chief Minister Mohan Yadav removed the CSP, suspended eight personnel and ordered an inquiry.

‘Jantar Mantar is Everywhere’: Indian diaspora across the world stage anti-CEC protests

Indian diaspora groups protested as demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar continued in India, demanding accountability for electoral-roll irregularities and defending democracy, voting rights and dissent. October 16–17 rallies spanned London, Dublin, The Hague, Toronto, Vancouver and US cities, with events planned in Australia and New York. Organisers opposed voter-roll revisions under “Jantar Mantar is Everywhere.”

Chakra Horoscope Today, October 18, 2026

October 18’s chakra horoscopes urge signs to slow down, heal, and make room for change, with guidance centered on emotional recovery, releasing the past, self-worth, patience, gratitude, and honest reflection. Each sign receives a chakra focus and practice, alongside foods and crystals. The readings frame growth as balancing passion, responsibility, and faith while moving forward.

Understanding men’s body image concerns: Emotional impact and treatment options to know about

Men’s health and body confidence are topics that deserve more open conversations. While many men may have questions or concerns about changes in their bodies, they don’t always feel comfortable talking about them or seeking the right guidance. Understanding the reasons behind these concerns and knowing what options are available can make it easier to take informed decisions.

How erectile dysfunction led a KGB spy into the arms of MI6

Ben Macintyre’s “Redwood” recounts KGB agent Vladimir Kuzichkin’s defection to MI6 after escaping Iran in 1981–82, and intelligence that helped shape the country’s future. Disillusionment prompted his recruitment, involving improvised, farcical tradecraft. Britain and America shared his secrets, contributing to purges that killed thousands and strengthened Islamists. The spy thriller blends human psychology with operational detail.