Blaze at St Petersburg oil sites as Kyiv launches more than 1,000 drones at Russia Ukrainian attacks have set an oil export terminal ablaze in St Petersburg The Independent UK · Oct 18
Salman Rushdie hails cockroach protests as India’s ‘most hopeful moment’ in a long time India has been roiled by protests seeking removal of country’s top election officer The Independent UK · Oct 18
Automated Curtailment Disputed Impact: Studies split on eagle death cuts; more multi-site data needed Recent studies have shown that the automated curtailment system can drastically reduce eagle deaths at wind turbine locations. Initial findings indicated a remarkable 63% drop in fatalities following the technology's implementation. However, subsequent analysis revealed that the reduction might only be closer to 50%, highlighting inconsistencies. Experts stress that additional… The Times of India · Oct 18
French Men Allegedly Give Away Looted Period Pads to Women in Protest's Most Unexpected Gesture Men allegedly distributed sanitary pads during protests in Montpellier, according to posts on X, as looting and clashes were reported during nationwide demonstrations in France. International Business Times UK · Oct 18
When Jennifer Lopez helped launch a telemedicine network for children in Panama In 2012, Jennifer Lopez and her sister Lynda Lopez donated telemedicine equipment through their family foundation to improve healthcare access for children in Panama. The initiative connected hospitals and health centres across the country with specialists at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, allowing doctors to seek medical advice remotely. The programme… The Times of India · Oct 18
Norfolk woman turns inherited 1970s model village into a garden attraction Some hobbies start small and quietly take over. For Jane High, it began with a love of miniature figures and ended with a front garden that draws smiles from passers-by. She was given a homemade 1970s model village, rebuilt it after it arrived in pieces, and has kept adding to… The Times of India · Oct 18
She bought a glass vase for £1 at Scottish car-boot sale, used it as a plant pot; it sold for £32,450 In 2008, a woman bought a glass vase for just £1 at a car-boot sale in Dumfries, Scotland, and used it as a plant pot. She later discovered it was a rare 1929 creation by French designer René Lalique. After experts valued it at £25,000 on Antiques Roadshow, the vase… The Times of India · Oct 18
Teacher's killing sparks outrage in Balochistan, kin say Pak officials shielding 'death squads' The alleged torture and killing of a teacher in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province triggered protests by his family members and local residents, who warned that a key highway would be blockaded if authorities failed to take action. The Times of India · Oct 18
US lawmakers propose raising H-1B salary threshold to nearly $140,000 for some workers In a significant move, Republican lawmakers are advocating for a new bill that would raise the H-1B visa salary cap to almost $140,000, reflecting necessary updates to outdated regulations dating back to 1998. This change aims to strengthen hiring protections for American workers, as the current threshold of $60,000 permits… The Economic Times · Oct 18
Getaway cars, affairs, Dubai fugitives: Trump’s pick Ken Paxton brings baggage to Senate race in Texas The Republican state attorney general appears uniquely ill-chosen as a candidate – but he is a political survivor who could yet frustrate Democratic dreams The Guardian - US · Oct 18
Hilarious quips and ‘100,000-volt’ energy: the hypemen (and women) redefining Afrobeats music Style of emceeing based on high-octane, ad-libbed vocals has flourished thanks to its unique way of captivating crowds The Guardian - UK · Oct 18
Novak Djokovic takes strategic adviser role at $126 billion investment firm Novak Djokovic is expanding his business interests by joining General Atlantic, a global investment firm managing billions. The appointment adds a new dimension to the Serbian tennis champion’s activities beyond the court, building on his experience backing startups and exploring investment opportunities. Rather than taking charge of the firm’s funds,… The Times of India · Oct 18
JD Vance defends US immigration policy, says social cohesion must be a priority In a recent town hall meeting, US Vice President JD Vance stood by the Trump administration's immigration policy, which emphasizes community integration. He pointed out the necessity to protect American workers from exploitative hiring tactics while discussing H-1B visa holders. Vance stressed the risks faced by foreign workers dependent on… The Economic Times · Oct 18
US ambassador to Israel condemns settler attack on US journalist, and other Mideast news The U.S. ambassador to Israel condemns a settler attack that left an American journalist badly beaten in the West Bank The Independent UK · Oct 18
The Economic Times · Oct 18 United Kingdom considers a new investor visa for wealthy foreigners ahead of the October budget The UK government is considering a new investor visa to attract wealthy individuals and support economic growth. Proposals include various investment thresholds and conditions to encourage foreign capital. The previous investor visa was closed in 2022 due to concerns over financial security and misuse of funds. Immigration lawyers suggest that…
The Times of India · Oct 18 'You are ruining entire town': With pistol in hand, Bangladesh minister raids drug den; watch A Bangladeshi minister triggered a debate on social media after carrying out a raid on a suspected drug den in a Dhaka slum on Saturday, armed with a pistol and accompanied by associates, at least one of whom was also seen carrying a handgun.
The Times of India · Oct 18 Utah couple built a $2 million backyard pool with a 90-foot mountain and a scuba-diving tunnel In Utah, a dedicated couple has poured $2 million into an extraordinary backyard pool designed specifically for scuba diving. This stunning installation boasts a remarkable 90-foot artificial mountain, five magnificent waterfalls, and an exhilarating underwater tunnel. By creating such a bespoke sanctuary, they provide a fantastic recreational escapade for scuba…
The Times of India · Oct 18 Florida commits $8.7 million to preserve two working ranches Florida has enacted a permanent conservation measure for two significant ranches located in Manatee and Highlands counties, encompassing nearly 1,500 acres. This initiative is designed to safeguard local agricultural practices and boost the economy. Through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, the state aims to uphold agricultural land under…
The Economic Times · Oct 18 Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to suspend flights for Arattu procession on October 20 Flight operations at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport will be paused for five hours on October 20 to accommodate the Alpassi Arattu procession from Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Airlines have been informed to revise their flight schedules during this period. Passengers should check with their airlines for any changes in flight timings, as…
The Times of India · Oct 18 'Urgent shopping' amid riots: Cost-of-living protests erupt into mass looting; 1,200 arrested What began as a collective expression of frustration in France has now left even those caught in the same struggle standing on opposite sides. Looters smashed shop windows, ransacked stores and attacked shopkeepers in Paris on Saturday as protests over the cost of living descended into violence across France. Videos…
The Times of India · Oct 18 'Darling, let's go to France': Trump takes swipe as protests take over the country At a rally in Dalton, Georgia, Donald Trump took a lighthearted jab at France's revolutionary history while proposing a conditional payment of $5,000 to adult Americans if Republicans secure a midterm victory. He whimsically suggested that this money could be enjoyed in France instead of domestically, referencing current protests in…
The Times of India · Oct 18 Archaeologists discover at least 9,000-year-old underwater sites in Australia with stone tools Archaeologists discovered submerged sites in Murujuga, providing evidence of ancient human activity and stone tool use. These sites contain artefacts made from local and distant materials, indicating movement and exchange. The research highlights two significant locations underwater where Indigenous people once gathered and sourced raw materials. The findings suggest the…
The Guardian - UK · Oct 18 Arrests over France protests rise to 1,800, with whole streets in Paris ‘devastated’ – as it happened Interior minister says ‘the Republic will not yield’ to France’s worst protests in years
The Times of India · Oct 18 France's 140 year old Town Hall survived two World Wars but succumbed to protesters' fury A 143-year-old town hall in the French city of Limoges, which served as a hub for resistance activities during Nazi occupation and hosted Belgium’s government-in-exile in 1940, has been largely destroyed after protesters set it ablaze during violent demonstrations over the cost of living, school conditions and public services.
The Economic Times · Oct 18 Canada revives Express Entry job offer points; Indian workers in high-wage jobs could gain an edge In a significant move, Canada is modifying its approach to ranking skilled immigrants applying for permanent residency, set to be implemented by November 2026. The revised system will favour candidates with Canadian work experience in high-paying sectors and valid job offers. This policy aims to draw in skilled workers capable…