Cleveland Clinic says you don’t have to be religious to meditate. Here's why

Meditation can be practiced without any religious affiliation, as detailed by Cleveland Clinic. It encompasses various forms, including mindfulness and body-focused techniques, which can enhance well-being, stress reduction, and emotional regulation. While rooted in spiritual traditions, meditation remains accessible to all. Finding a comfortable method that suits individual needs is key to developing a regular practice.

Donald Trump signs Russia and Iran sanctions bill into law

President Trump signed the Lindsay O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law, granting broad powers to impose tariffs on these nations. The legislation expands existing sanctions against Russia and Iran, reinforcing the U.S. stance on geopolitical tensions. This bill, previously passed by the House, signifies a significant escalation in economic measures.

HT Picks; New Reads

The article underscores the evolution of women's rights in India over the past 50 years, highlighting key court cases that challenged societal norms and propelled the movement towards equality. Lawyer Mihira Sood's compelling narrative illustrates the role of judicial intervention within a fraught social and political context, demonstrating both the law’s transformative potential and its inherent limitations.

MG Vassanji: “Writing is a form of resistance”

The novel's protagonist, Amir Hassan, confronts colonialism's entrenched hierarchies through a speculative lens, examining the human response to alien presence and cultural anxiety. The Avians exploit caste divisions reminiscent of historical colonial tactics. Although pessimistic about resistance's efficacy, the narrative underscores the importance of writing as a form of resistance against cultural erasure. Historical cycles of domination raise questions about hope and identity.

Review: Tamil; The Best Stories Of Our Times edited by Perundevi

A new anthology edited by Perundevi showcases 22 diverse Tamil short stories from various authors, exploring identity and experience across continents. Highlighting themes of caste, gender, and migration, the collection includes vibrant narratives that confront life’s complexities. With strong translations, it expands the understanding of Tamil literature beyond stereotypes, capturing both emotional depth and cultural richness.

Trump announces deal with Denmark giving US 'control' over Greenland's security

President Donald Trump announced an agreement granting the U.S. permanent control over security in Greenland, emphasizing no financial cost to the U.S. The deal potentially expands military presence to support defense initiatives, including the Golden Dome missile shield. Discussions also aim to limit Chinese influence. This follows Trump’s long-standing interest in Greenland's strategic importance.

Review: Chapal Rani, the Last Queen of Bengal by Sandip Roy

"Chapal Rani, the Last Queen of Bengal" explores the complex life of Chapal Bhaduri, an iconic jatra performer who defied traditional gender roles and challenged societal norms. Sandip Roy weaves a historical narrative within this creative non-fiction, revealing Bhaduri’s journey from a marginalized youth to a celebrated figure, while highlighting the nuances of identity, performance, and queerness. The book serves as a cultural document of 20th-century Bengali theater, making Bhaduri's legacy resonate beyond labels.

Self-sufficient BCCI pays around ₹3000 crore income tax annually

The BCCI confirmed it remains outside the National Sports Governance Act, allowing state units to conduct elections per existing rules. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated that they await designation as a sport before complying with the Act. Meanwhile, Olympic sports seek inclusion for funding benefits, as the Supreme Court seeks clarity on BCCI office bearer regulations. Background reveals BCCI's financial independence from government oversight.

Why Abhishek Sharma is a unique outlier in T20s

Abhishek Sharma has transformed from a risky T20 prospect into a dominant force, exemplified by his record-breaking 30-ball century against Afghanistan. He boasts the highest strike rate and boundary percentage among batters with over 500 runs. With impressive statistics and a strong match-winning record, Sharma proves his explosive style is now a reliable foundation for success in T20 cricket.

It was my idea to play on Board 4: Gukesh

Reigning world champion D Gukesh opted to play on Board 4 during the FIDE Chess Olympiad, believing it maximizes the team's chances despite his recent form struggles. He emphasized team needs over individual status. India beat Italy 3-1, while the women's team triumphed over Greece. Former champion Ding Liren returned after a two-year hiatus.

Joe Brady's aggressive approach to Bills offense validated in Josh Allen's production through 2 wins

Joe Brady's aggressive approach as the Bills' rookie head coach paid off with a 41-31 victory over Detroit, as quarterback Josh Allen led a dominant offensive display, scoring on six of eight possessions. While the team started 2-0, concerns remain about injuries and defensive consistency. Buffalo prepares to host the Chargers next.

Venus Retrograde in Scorpio 2026: What it means for different aspects of life

Astrologer Galit Rahman encourages reflection during October 2026's Venus retrograde, asking, "Why am I in this relationship?" This introspective period, lasting from October 3 to November 14, prompts reevaluation of love, values, and finances. Traditionally, this transit, beginning in Scorpio, helps to uncover emotional patterns and clarify personal relationships. It offers insight into what truly matters.

Balogun returns as Monaco beat Lens to continue strong Ligue 1 start

Folarin Balogun made his season debut as Monaco triumphed 2-1 over Lens, maintaining their top position in Ligue 1 with 13 points. Paris Brunner scored first, but Matthieu Udol equalized for Lens before Jonathan Gradit’s own goal secured the win. Balogun, who gained fame during the World Cup, was linked to a transfer to Everton earlier this month.

Lindsay Clancy update: Holdout juror Michael Desronvil says he may be ‘targeted’

Michael P. Desronvil, the sole juror opposing a not-guilty verdict in Lindsay Clancy’s trial, asserts he faces backlash for his conservative views as a Black Republican. He voiced confidence in the prosecution's evidence, rejecting claims of doubt during deliberations. Clancy, accused of murdering her three children, may face retrial as jury deliberations ended in a mistrial.

Brentford batter Chelsea to undo Alonso's promising start

Brentford handed Chelsea a damaging 3-0 defeat, exposing the Blues' defensive issues and leaving coach Xabi Alonso reflecting during the international break. Goals from Anthony, Thiago, and Carvalho elevated Brentford to third in the table, while Chelsea has just one point from their last three league games. The loss highlights the challenges Alonso faces to restore Chelsea's competitiveness.

Athletics-Superhero-suited Hodgkinson powers to Athlos 800m title

Keely Hodgkinson triumphed in the 800 meters at the inaugural Athlos London 2026, winning in 1:56.40 after overcoming injury issues this season. The all-women's event, founded by Alexis Ohanian, featured innovative elements like customized crowns and significant prize money. Athlos aims to elevate women's athletics, as demonstrated by the success of athletes like Sha'Carri Richardson and Gabby Thomas.

Cardinals making no change at closer for series with Nationals

The St. Louis Cardinals, out of postseason contention, face the Washington Nationals in a three-game series, with Riley O'Brien as the top late relief option despite recent struggles, including six losses in eleven outings since August. As they risk a losing season, the Nationals solidify Cade Cavalli's future with a four-year extension worth $47 million.

Sun, sea and soldiers: Greek island tourists get front-row seats for military drills

Greek and Egyptian forces conducted the annual Medusa military exercise on Crete, surprising vacationers with drone attacks and special forces operations. Joined by France, Italy, and Cyprus, the drills aim to strengthen military cooperation amid regional tensions. Observers from several nations attended, highlighting an increasing focus on defense partnerships in the Mediterranean.

Why does Sadhguru say the inner experience matters more than belief?

Sadhguru redefines spirituality, emphasizing personal experience over belief. He distinguishes between believers, who accept doctrines without inquiry, and seekers, who explore deeper questions. His teachings advocate for seeking genuine understanding rather than merely collecting spiritual information, recognizing diverse interpretations of spirituality that range from organized religion to personal exploration. Sadhguru’s approach reflects contemporary spiritual trends.

Hundreds of thousands attend Iran's biggest government-organized rally since the war began

Hundreds of thousands of Iranians rallied in Tehran on Friday, pledging to defend their country amid ongoing war and U.S. sanctions. The government claimed over 600,000 people registered for military training, displaying military hardware at the event. This show of unity indicates a rise in hard-line sentiments as officials prepare to suppress dissent following large protests earlier this year.

US appeals court rejects Trump policy allowing swift deportations to third countries

A US federal appeals court has rejected a Trump administration policy permitting rapid deportation of migrants to third countries without allowing them to raise safety concerns, upholding a lower court's ruling that deemed the policy unlawful. Adopted in 2025, the policy lacked due process protections. The case is expected to reach the US Supreme Court.

Solstice vs equinox: What is the difference, and what do they mean in astrology?

Astrology emphasizes the changing seasons through four key events: the spring equinox, summer solstice, fall equinox, and winter solstice, each marking significant zodiac transitions. The equinoxes symbolize balance and new beginnings, while solstices denote extremes in daylight and seasonal shifts. Understanding these celestial events enriches one’s perspective on astrology and personal growth throughout the year.

Is X down? Thousands report outage with Elon Musk-owned platform

Thousands of users experienced issues with X, formerly known as Twitter, on Friday afternoon, as reported by Down Detector, indicating widespread disruption. The problems seem to affect various functionalities across the platform, including accessing tweets and sending messages. This outage follows a series of technical challenges for X, impacting user experience significantly.

Caleb Flynn trial: Was the former American Idol contestant having an affair?

The Caleb Flynn murder trial highlights his alleged affair and messages to a mistress, presenting evidence that prosecutors claim show motive for killing his wife, Ashley, in February. They argue Flynn staged the crime scene, with over 100,000 messages revealing violent thoughts. Flynn denies guilt, attributing her death to an intruder, while his defense admits to the affair but asserts it doesn’t equate to murder.

US military AI error nearly sparked a clash with Chinese ship: Report

A false intelligence report, generated by an AI chatbot, nearly led the US military to intercept a Chinese ship in the Middle East due to incorrect claims regarding its cargo related to a nuclear program. This incident underscores the risks of using AI in military operations, raising concerns about accuracy and guidelines in intelligence processing.

Nigerian police use tear gas during protests over the deaths in custody of 37 miners

Protests erupted in Minna, Nigeria, after police fired tear gas at crowds mourning 37 miners' deaths, allegedly due to poor conditions in custody. While the civil defense corps cites illness as the cause, survivors claim suffocation was responsible. The government suspended the corps’ commandant, pledging a thorough investigation into the incident amid ongoing issues with illegal mining and its ramifications.

Why Trump is banning CNN, Politico and MS Now from the White House

President Donald Trump has banned three major news outlets—CNN, MS Now, and Politico—from the White House, labeling them "fake news." Announced via Truth Social, Trump claims the ban, effective immediately, is due to their persistent dissemination of "FICTION and LIES." This marks a significant escalation in Trump's ongoing feud with the media.

Realtor murder: Wedding plans, unanswered calls and cremation that left family seeking answers

In Gurugram, Yuvraj Singh Manchanda, 31, was allegedly murdered over a financial dispute days before his wedding. His body was recovered on September 10 but cremated without family notification. Police arrested his former colleague Anya Vats and her husband, revealing that Yuvraj's death stemmed from previous real estate dealings. Investigations into the incident continue.

Bobb’e J Thompson update: Where is ‘That’s So Raven’ star being held?

Bobb’e J Thompson, renowned for his role as Stanley on Disney Channel's *That’s So Raven*, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing a stolen firearm, with no eligibility for parole. The conviction stemmed from a 2025 traffic stop where police discovered a loaded handgun in his possession. Thompson, who has a significant criminal record, will remain in custody until his transfer to prison.

Horse racing returns to rebuilt Belmont Park after a $550 million overhaul

Horse racing has resumed at the newly reconstructed Belmont Park after a three-year, $550 million overhaul, with a sellout crowd cheering the first race on Friday. Jockey Antonio Fresu celebrated the historic reopening, while New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a new era for racing. The modern facility, likened to England's Ascot, will host upcoming marquee events, including the Belmont Stakes.