The Economic Times

A 13-year-old teen girl from Massachusetts, Kaia Minn, has developed biodegradable seed pods using discarded citrus peels and other plant-based materials after being inspired by wildfire reports from California and Canada. The pods are designed to protect seeds during early growth before decomposing naturally, with potential applications in forest restoration, agriculture and gardening. Further outdoor testing is needed to establish their effectiveness.

In light of critical vulnerabilities discovered in PHP, numerous websites have been taken offline. The FBI has strongly recommended that organizations either update their PHP installations or disconnect vulnerable systems. Cybersecurity experts warn that these flaws pose a significant risk of data theft and cyberattacks. In response, website administrators are implementing urgent maintenance. Users are encouraged to exercise caution and adhere to online safety protocols.

Jurors in September found Meta liable for over 43 million violations of New Mexico consumer protection laws when a political consulting firm, Cambridge Analytica, harvested Facebook user data to generate targeted political ads for the 2016 election.

The Rafale-Marine (Rafale-M) is a fighter jet designed to operate from aircraft carriers at sea. It is built by Dassault Aviation of France and is already being used by the French Navy.

Gen (retd.) Zubair Mahmood Hayat said South Asia remained short of lasting peace because it lacked an inclusive regional security framework, effective crisis management mechanisms and sustained political dialogue.

The Pentagon has authorized a temporary transfer of the Active Denial System to the Department of Homeland Security. This technology, known as a heat ray, is designed to disperse crowds without physical contact. Officials have yet to determine the specific testing locations or methods for its use. Previous military assessments have shown limited application in combat or crowd control situations.

Turkey's government has requested parliamentary approval for a defense agreement signed with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The agreement commits member states to mutual defense against external threats, similar to NATO's Article 5. Discussions between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia regarding military support and cooperation are currently ongoing. Assistance may include air defense and technical support, but not troop deployments into Yemen.

As Democrats eye a potential return to power in Congress, billionaire Elon Musk could find himself under the microscope once again. Technology journalist Kara Swisher raised alarms about Musk's ties to Donald Trump, particularly highlighting his reliance on government support during Trump's tenure. Without Trump's backing, Swisher believes Musk could face intense scrutiny. While Musk dismissed her comments, the looming threat of investigations remains palpable.

NaBFID has obtained approvals from the finance ministry and the Reserve Bank of India to establish a national repository. This repository will offer consolidated information on infrastructure projects for lenders and investors. The platform aims to facilitate access to data sourced from various government agencies like NHAI and others. NaBFID is considering partnerships with financial institutions to enhance the repository's effectiveness.

Weather tomorrow, October 22: The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, and Kerala and Mahe on October 22. Heavy rain is also likely in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Lakshadweep, while Karnataka and other regions may experience rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds. Check the state-wise weather forecast, rainfall alerts and warnings for tomorrow.

Elon Musk is considering merging Tesla and SpaceX, with both companies forming committees to evaluate the proposal. This merger could enhance their collaboration in artificial intelligence and robotics, as both companies have overlapping interests. While Tesla may gain from SpaceXs rocket-launch capabilities, there are concerns about financial risks and governance issues. Investors are skeptical, particularly regarding the potential burden on Tesla's existing operations.

The prestigious annual prize, which also includes a Fiction category worth the same prize money, celebrates exceptional narrative non-fiction written by female thought-leaders, changemakers and experts.

The US Supreme Court is set to examine the contested admission policy in Montgomery County affecting Asian-American students. The court's ruling will address whether sufficient evidence of discrimination exists for the lawsuit to progress. Previously, lower courts dismissed the case due to a lack of proven discriminatory intent. This decision could influence how selective public schools assess students under race-neutral policies.

Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, could cost between $1,200 (approximately Rs 1.13 lakh) and $1,800 (approximately Rs 1.69 lakh), according to Fortune. The report says the range reflects internal projections, with the final price potentially lower if Microsoft subsidises the console. Project Helix will support Xbox and PC games, while alpha hardware is expected to reach developers in 2027.

Childcare costs have escalated significantly, impacting many households and their financial stability. This financial burden is influencing voter decisions, particularly among parents with young children. Candidates are increasingly addressing childcare issues in their campaigns to appeal to affected voters. While some propose substantial reforms, others prefer tax incentives as solutions. Parents are seeking representatives who genuinely support affordable childcare and early education initiati

Los Angeles and Southern California are bracing for a major storm from Wednesday to Thursday, with the National Weather Service warning of potential flooding from heavy rains expected to reach three inches. Coastal regions are also under tornado threat, increasing the need for caution. Communities recovering from wildfires should prepare for possible mud and debris flows.

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Indian Railways links Chhattisgarhs Rowghat to national network for first time since independence

The World Meteorological Organization reported that El Nino conditions may be unprecedentedly strong. Sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific could rise significantly above average during a specified future period. El Nino impacts include severe drought, heavy rainfall, and increased global temperatures. The phenomenon will peak towards late 2026, with effects persisting thereafter. This climate event is part of the El Nino Southern Oscillation cycle, which includes other phases.

Sundeep Kishan and Faria Abdullahs Tamil action entertainer Sigma is awaiting its digital debut after releasing in theatres on October 2, 2026. Directed by Jason Sanjay, son of actor-turned-politician Vijay, the film follows a treasure hunter who assembles a team for a big heist after being betrayed. Featuring a mix of action, adventure and comedy, the film also stars Raju Sundaram, Sampath Raj and Shiv Panditt in supporting roles.

In Landenberg, Pennsylvania, a couple has transformed a historic Catholic church into a modern family home. This church, which dates back to 1893, has retained its original architectural details after renovation. The former altar area now features a kitchen, while the choir loft has become a main bedroom. The renovation has improved energy efficiency through a geothermal heating system and updated insulation.

Vladimir Putin has agreed to resume negotiations with Washington and Kyiv regarding the conflict in Ukraine. The trilateral talks will focus on establishing a post-war security system for both countries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists on a leaders' summit to address ongoing hostilities. Recent discussions have yielded minimal progress amid continued military confrontations in Ukraine. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff noted a slight momentum in peace efforts following multiple high-level

EBay will lay off about 1,000 employees, representing 9% of its workforce, to streamline operations. The company previously reduced its staff by 800 positions in February to improve efficiency. EBay is focusing on authenticated luxury goods, collectibles, and refurbished products, which have attracted higher-paying consumers. The recent acquisition of fashion resale platform Depop has also strengthened eBay's market position. EBay plans to report its latest earnings next week.

Water supply will be reduced in several areas of Lutyens' Delhi until November 8 due to maintenance. The Upper Ganga Canal will be closed for repairs, affecting the Sonia Vihar Water Treatment Plant. During this time, residents will receive water from the Yamuna, leading to potential changes in taste. Areas impacted include Bharti Nagar, Golf Links, and Lodhi Estate among others.

RBI's monetary policy committee has increased the benchmark repo rate by 25 basis points due to inflation concerns. Core inflation has shown an upward trajectory, indicating a normalization from earlier benign levels. Various members expressed views on external supply shocks impacting inflation expectations and the need for timely policy adjustments. The differing opinions highlight the complexities of achieving growth while managing inflation effectively.

Political parties and leaders in Tripura expressed strong condemnation after the racial harassment of a tribal youth by Amir Shokeen. Chief Minister Manik Saha instructed the Tripura DGP to engage with Delhi police regarding the incident. Youth organisations filed complaints against Shokeen, accusing him of cyberbullying and hate speech. Opposition leaders demanded a formal apology and strict action against the content creator.

Netflix shares fell after the streaming giant reported its slowest sales growth in three years and forecast another quarter of slowing revenue growth. Its fourth quarter sales outlook missed analysts expectations, while weaker than expected advertising revenue added to concerns. The stock had already declined 30% this year, underperforming the S&P 500.

The United States continues to finance its national debt more effectively compared to France. While both countries face rising borrowing costs, the US dollar's global status provides crucial advantages. Increased federal interest costs are currently impacting public funding for services in America. France's debt challenges are worsened by political divisions and economic stagnation, which restrict fiscal reforms.

New Delhi: Despite heavy demand, Indian Railways continues to take its passengers safely, comfortably and with consistent and increased punctuality. This is being done through improved monitoring, timetable rationalisation, better maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.The railways said that it has improved from 69.2% in 2018-19 to 77.43 in 2025-26 & 77.11% in 2026-27 (till now) if punctuality data are taken into consideration. It said that consistent performance on more than 77 per cent punctu

School holiday tomorrow, October 22, 2026: Schools across India may follow different reopening schedules as Dussehra and Durga Puja vacations continue in some states. Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand schools are expected to reopen on October 22, while Telangana schools may reopen on October 23. Schools in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal may remain closed for longer. Parents should check official school notices for confirmation.

Business assets under management grew 15% year on year to Rs 1.47 lakh crore. Non-vehicle finance disbursements, including SME loans, personal loans and housing finance, increased 52%.

Congress has launched a strong attack on the Indian government regarding an alleged photograph of Union minister Hardeep Puri with Jeffrey Epstein. Leaders from Congress claim that Puri's connections with Epstein demonstrate the government's negligence. They assert that Puri's past statements about his interactions with Epstein are misleading. The party demands accountability and an investigation into Puri's associations with the convicted sex offender.

The Delhi Metro will run 20 additional weekday train trips from October 22 after GRAP-I was implemented across Delhi-NCR to tackle worsening air pollution. The DMRC will also intensify dust-control drives at construction sites, inspect nearby roads and strengthen existing pollution-control measures. Delhi's AQI stood at 246 in the poor category, with forecasts indicating that air quality could remain poor in the days ahead.

Moodys has termed Jio Platforms IPO credit positive for Reliance Industries, citing debt repayment and funding flexibility. The Rs 30,200 crore issue will support investments while helping manage leverage amid elevated capital expenditure.

A socail media user has revealed how he uses ChatGPT to find 10 to 15 job openings daily and tailor resumes to individual positions. He said the approach has led to a significant increase in phone-screen calls and initial interviews compared with his previous job applications. By incorporating Harvard's resume-writing guide and Google's XYZ bullet format, he uses AI to create resumes with achievement-focused points he can defend during interviews.

Every Durga Puja, Bengal celebrates the homecoming of Maa Durga, embracing the spirit of love, belonging and the enduring bond between a daughter and her family. Inspired by this powerful cultural sentiment, Kolonkojoyini, an initiative by Kolkata-based NGO Sanlaap, invites society to extend the same spirit of compassion and acceptance to women and girls who have survived sex trafficking and continue to face social stigma and discrimination.

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PC Jewellers Ltd has achieved an impressive 58 percent growth in net profit for Q2 of the 2026-27 fiscal year, driven by sales that surged beyond Rs 1,054 crore. The company is now debt-free after early repayment to banks and is set to unveil a new jewellery brand aimed at attracting younger consumers.

Indian Hotels Company Ltd, under the Tata Group, has announced a remarkable 19.35% rise in consolidated profit for the September quarter, soaring to Rs 379.85 crore from Rs 318.26 crore last year. Revenue from operations also surged to Rs 2,484.32 crore, up from Rs 2,040.89 crore. The Managing Director highlighted promising growth prospects and anticipates domestic hotel business growth exceeding 20%, notwithstanding challenges faced in the aviation sector.