Why do spiritual seekers meditate on a full Moon day? A spiritual guru explains

The October 2026 Hunter’s Moon peaks October 26 at 12:12 a.m. EDT, offering a reminder to meditate, says Guruji Sundar. He believes the full Moon may deepen inner awareness, though this is spiritual belief, not proven science. Sit, observe thoughts, practise silence, and close with gratitude or prayer; regular practice matters more than lunar timing.

Listicle: 10 places where the internet can’t reach you

From Ladakh’s Pangong Tso to Chile’s Atacama, remote destinations often offer scant mobile connectivity, making them ideal places to unplug. Vast wilderness, mountains, oceans, harsh weather, conservation concerns and sparse infrastructure keep networks away; visitors rely on offline maps, local help and lodges. The article contrasts these natural dead zones with Eritrea’s state-restricted internet access.

Get to know... Esha Singh

The shooter celebrates silver in the 2026 Asian Games women’s 25m pistol in Nagoya after taking Munich World Cup gold and setting a world record earlier that year, crediting trust in her process after fixing a grip problem. Missing an Olympic medal in 2024 reshaped her approach; outings with her father first introduced her to shooting.

It’s GO time! Indian travellers share their most unforgettable moments

Madagascar’s Famadihana, where families exhume, rewrap and celebrate ancestors before returning them to their tombs, shows how travel reveals different ways of living with death. The article follows Indian travellers into Iranian parties, Benin’s Vodun festivals, Afghan hospitality and a perilous Somaliland road trip, capturing encounters with unfamiliar cultures. These are recent vlogger journeys.

For these women tinkering with cyberdecks, all that glitters is code

Women are reviving playful technology by building tiny Raspberry Pi-powered cyberdecks and gadgets, turning functional computers into tools for creativity and self-expression. Guided by tutorials and communities, makers create devices in compacts, toys and keychains for games, music, ideas and voice notes. The movement recalls cyberdeck experimentation, while offering women a hands-on way into tech.

Simone Biles becomes tearful while bidding farewell to Houston home

Biles grew emotional leaving her Houston-area home of six years, which attracted a buyer four days after listing. In a TikTok video, she said the house held memories and marked her growth into adulthood, hoping its new owners would cherish it too. She and husband Jonathan Owens listed the property for $1.275 million in September.

Kristi Noem's former aide Corey Lewandowski facing DOJ probe over alleged misconduct at DHS: Reports

The Justice Department is reportedly investigating Corey Lewandowski over alleged misconduct and profiteering from DHS contracts while he served under Kristi Noem; neither the department nor his representatives has confirmed the probe, and no crime has been alleged. Reports say it followed an inspector general referral; separate scrutiny has focused on Lewandowski’s relationship with Noem.

Putin says talks must focus on security for Russia, Ukraine and Europe overall

Putin said future Ukraine peace talks should secure both Russia and Ukraine and address Europe’s broader security framework, while rejecting a temporary ceasefire as a lasting solution. He confirmed Moscow’s readiness to resume US-mediated discussions next month, as Zelenskiy also signaled willingness to negotiate. Talks remain stalled over territory, especially Russia’s demand for Ukraine’s Donbas.

Reclaiming the walls in a former Salvadoran gang hotspot

Artists are replacing gang graffiti with murals of birds, flowers and landscapes in Colonia 10 de Octubre, a neighborhood once controlled by MS-13, as a crackdown enables residents to reclaim spaces. The project aims to empower women, though residents remain fearful of gang remnants. Police patrol after a 2024 raid; NGOs condemn crackdown’s rights abuses.

The full Moon is an auspicious day for spiritual seekers. A spiritual explains why

October 2026’s Hunter’s Moon peaks October 26 at 12:11 a.m. EDT, offering seekers a chance to pause, reflect and deepen meditation, says Guruji Sundar. Some find inward stillness, while others feel restless; gratitude, observing thoughts and quiet practice can help, though consistency matters more than lunar timing. Named for autumn hunting traditions, its spiritual meaning is personal.

Weekend Drive: Break the class ceiling

Kia’s Sorento starts at ₹27.99 lakh, challenging SUV rivals with 32 versions, two engines and six- or seven-seat layouts. Its well-equipped cabin and comfortable ride headline its appeal; the hybrid suits city driving, while diesel excels on highways. A cramped third row and costly all-wheel-drive top trim are drawbacks, though it undercuts rivals and targets family buyers.

Rude Food by Vir Sanghvi: Indian chefs are finally adding marrow to the menu

Buffalo bone marrow is bringing India into a global trend, with standout dishes appearing in Mumbai, Kochi and Delhi despite sensitivities around beef. Hussain Shahzad’s O Pedro helped pioneer the approach, while Suresh Pillai, Will Aghajanian and others have created distinctive preparations. The trend follows Western chefs’ revival of marrow, especially Fergus Henderson’s roasted classic.

Spectator by Seema Goswami: If you hate it, say it

Politeness backfires: pretending to love an unwanted gift invites more, dreaded gatherings waste time, and praising bad restaurant food conceals useful feedback. The writer will decline tedious invitations and answer honestly when asked, though she spares dinner hosts criticism. Adults, she concludes, must recognize good manners are not always the right response, despite childhood lessons.

El Niño rains batter Latin America from Mexico to Chile

El Niño-fueled storms flooded Paraguay, forcing two dozen families into a church shelter in Ciudad del Este, killing a woman and affecting 4,200 families, while two farm workers died in Argentina and damage struck communities in Mexico and Peru. UN officials warned El Niño could intensify extremes; Pacific temperatures may peak 3.8°C above average by January.

Cell division: How to really pull the plug on your screen addiction

People are reclaiming analogue living through practical limits on smartphone use, including grayscale screens, scheduled social-media hours, dumbphones and meditation retreats, reporting better focus, calmer minds and more time for offline interests. But disconnection can complicate payments, navigation, work and safety, so users recommend starting small, reflecting a desire to unplug even while phones remain essential.

The Brunch round-up for October 24: The week and how it made us feel

Virat Kohli’s surprise LinkedIn debut and criticism of Taika Waititi’s *Klara and the Sun* trailer lead this week’s pop-culture chatter, alongside Darshan Magdum finally joining Boy Throb after securing a visa. The roundup tracks Mindy Kaling’s *Shark Tank* investment, a *Girls* sequel, Kelly Clarkson’s bird-shop dispute, *Fourth Wing* casting and a future-set *Arkham Asylum* sequel.

Trump calls LeBron James a ‘TOTAL DISGRACE’ accusing 76ers star of disrespecting US national anthem

President Donald Trump called LeBron James a “TOTAL DISGRACE,” accusing the NBA star of disrespecting the national anthem in a Thursday Truth Social post with video of James stretching beside Philadelphia 76ers teammates. The attack followed Vice President JD Vance’s criticism of WNBA players who left courts during anthems; Trump had previously called James possibly racist.

French envoy to US takes post after stalled approval

France’s new ambassador to the United States, Aurélien Lechevallier, officially began his mission this week after a diplomatic spat delayed his appointment. He presented credentials Tuesday and pledged to strengthen bilateral ties. The dispute followed France’s criticism of the U.S. vote against renewing the U.N. human-rights chief’s term; a French apology in September cleared the way.

What we know about Todd Benzinger's family as 1990 World Series winner dies at 63

Todd Benzinger, Reds and Giants star, died at 63; no cause was announced, and family details remain sparse. Records identify wife Kristi Wagers, son Grant and daughter Justine, while Grant’s college profile notes three sisters. A post mentions a marriage to Nicole, but it is unconfirmed. Grant starred at Wright State and later played basketball in Germany.

Syria says man with disability killed by Israeli fire in south

Syria said Israeli fire killed a man with a disability during an incursion into Jamla, Daraa province, Thursday, drawing condemnation from Damascus and a UN envoy, who urged respect for Syrian sovereignty and international law. SANA said troops entered after bombing the village and positioned snipers on rooftops. Israeli incursions and strikes have escalated since Assad’s December 2024 ouster.

Actor Tom Skerritt, star of 'Alien' and 'Top Gun,' dies at 93

Tom Skerritt, star of “M*A*S*H,” “Alien” and “Top Gun,” died at 93 of natural causes, his family said. Across his career, he appeared in “Steel Magnolias” and “A River Runs Through It” and won an Emmy for “Picket Fences.” Born in Detroit, he served in the Air Force before making his film debut in 1962.

Red Bull advisor Marko slams Horner memoir as 'collection of untruths'

Former Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko condemned Christian Horner’s memoir as a “collection of untruths,” criticizing its publication on Dietrich Mateschitz’s death anniversary and saying Horner owed loyalty after a reported £100 million payoff. Sacked in 2025, Horner called his exit “brutal” but praised Red Bull’s achievements. The former colleagues worked together for two decades.

Jamal Wallace suspended indefinitely by Utah amid rape and intimate video sharing allegations

Utah indefinitely suspended Jamal Wallace after his arrest on a misdemeanor charge involving alleged distribution of an intimate image; he is under rape investigation. The university said he was suspended Oct. 11, citing the pending case and declining comment. Wallace denies the allegations, has not been charged with rape, and was released on $5,000 bail.

US mortgage rates fall, but homebuyer demand drops 7% amid high costs

U.S. mortgage rates fell for the first time in over two months, but the modest relief failed to revive demand: home-purchase applications fell 7% weekly and 18% annually, while total applications dropped 5.3%. The 30-year fixed rate averaged 7.32%, near multiyear highs, as affordability pressures kept buyers sidelined. Refinancing was down 59% year over year.

Soccer-Rooney labels Man United players 'selfish' after Fernandes criticism

Wayne Rooney called Manchester United’s players “selfish” and “like babies” after Bruno Fernandes criticized the coaching staff following their 4-1 Champions League defeat at Como, saying the team lacked pressure and adopted a “mood of defeat.” Rooney demanded accountability; the fallout adds to scrutiny of manager Michael Carrick, amid squad tensions and seven winless matches.

Assembly pays tributres to Jhota; adjourns in 9 minutes

Punjab’s Assembly paid tribute Thursday to anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, killed last week in Mansa, with Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan calling him a “strong voice” against drug peddlers, before adjourning after nine minutes. The House remembered eight road-crash victims and other deceased. Opposition parties condemned the brief session, accusing AAP of avoiding any debate.

Trump blasts 76ers' star LeBron James as 'disgrace' for not standing still during national anthem

President Donald Trump accused LeBron James of disrespecting the United States and demanded an apology after video showed the Philadelphia star continuing warmups during Tuesday’s national anthem. James had not responded by Thursday, when he was scheduled for his Sixers home debut. The clash revives a yearslong feud, as James has criticized Trump and spoken out on social issues.

Min wages increased for workers in Noida, Greater Noida from Oct 1

Gautam Budh Nagar’s unskilled workers will receive minimum monthly wages of ₹13,883 and skilled workers ₹17,106 from October 1, 2026, under revised variable dearness allowance rates; semi-skilled workers will earn ₹15,271. Based on a 431-point consumer price index for January–June 2026, the adjustment follows April protests over wages and conditions and updates VDA, rather than setting new wages.

Russian missiles pound Kyiv as Moscow says over 800 Ukrainian drones downed

Russian missiles killed four people and wounded dozens across Ukraine, including Kyiv, in a barrage launched despite Putin’s in-principle agreement to resume peace talks; Russia said it intercepted more than 800 Ukrainian drones. Strikes hit homes, transport and energy facilities, raising fears of winter attacks, while Moscow and Kyiv remain apart on ending the war.

Chiefs place left tackle Josh Simmons on injured reserve with a bulging disk in his lower back

Chiefs placed left tackle Josh Simmons on injured reserve Thursday with a bulging lower-back disk, sidelining him at least four weeks. Kahlil Benson will protect Patrick Mahomes, while Joshua Ezeudu should start at right tackle Sunday. Simmons’ rehabilitation plateaued, though surgery is not planned; drafted in 2025, he has also previously missed time for injuries.