The 2026 Atlantic first hurricane finally formed as Isaias strengthened on October 7, ending a record delay of more than four months. The Atlantic season had already produced nine named storms, but none had reached hurricane strength, while Fay came closest before falling short. Isaias becomes first hurricane of unusually quiet 2026 season Hurricane Isaias has become the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season, ending an extraordinar

AI influence ops linked to Russia and Iran used ChatGPT to support fake journalists, a false-front think tank and geopolitical propaganda. OpenAI says it banned the accounts after identifying deceptive personas, planted articles, social comments and anti-Ukraine messaging across online platforms. OpenAI disrupts Russia and Iran influence operations using ChatGPT OpenAI says it has disrupted two covert influence operations originating fro

US midterms 2026 numbers reveal the scale of the November battle for Congress. All 435 House seats are on the ballot, 35 Senate contests are scheduled, Republicans hold a 53-47 advantage, and Democrats need a four-seat net gain to take Senate control. US midterms 2026: The numbers behind the battle for Congress The November 3 US midterm elections will decide who controls Congress during the final two years of President Donald Trump’s c

The Smit Machchhar bravery award will recognise the Indian flydubai captain whose actions during a violent cockpit attack helped avert disaster with 174 people aboard. Israel says the honour will be presented after his recovery, as India continues to monitor his treatment in the UAE. Israel to honour Captain Smit Machchhar for flydubai heroics Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian flydubai pilot praised for his actions during a violent mid-

The Europe student unrest wave is widening as protests continue across France despite government promises. Demonstrations in Belgium, Italy, Greece and Ireland reflect growing frustration over education funding, overcrowded classrooms, poor facilities, tuition costs and rising living expenses. Student protests spread across Europe as France unrest continues Student-led demonstrations over education funding and school conditions are gai

Putin Iran peace talks moved into focus after Vladimir Putin told Masoud Pezeshkian that Russia was ready to help end the Middle East conflict. Their meeting also highlighted stronger Tehran ties, stalled US talks, drone claims and wider diplomacy at the CIS meet. Putin pledges Russian support to help end Middle East conflict Russian President Vladimir Putin has told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Moscow is ready to use its i

Pakistan denies PAF strikes against Yemen’s Houthis, rejecting reports that its fighter jets joined combat operations. The controversy comes as the Makkah pact deepens Saudi defence cooperation with Pakistan and Turkiye amid escalating missile and drone attacks. Pakistan denies PAF strikes against Yemen’s Houthis Pakistan has rejected reports that its air force is carrying out strikes against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, calli

The US PERM suspension affecting Microsoft, Infosys, TCS and five other technology firms has raised questions about changing employers. H-1B workers may qualify for job portability, but transferring jobs can require new green card sponsorship. Approved I-140 petitions may offer protections. Indian technology professionals affected by the US government's suspension of eight companies from the Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM) may still be able to change em

The US PERM suspension affecting eight technology companies has raised questions about existing H-1B visas and approved I-140 petitions. The October 8, 2026, decision targets labor certification processing, not automatic cancellation of existing immigration approvals, although individual cases may face complications. The US government's suspension of eight major technology companies from the Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM) has raised questions among for

The US PERM suspension announced on October 8, 2026, has halted processing of pending labor certification applications involving eight major technology companies. Indian H-1B workers pursuing employment-based green cards could face delays, while questions remain about existing applications. The US government's decision to suspend eight technology companies from the Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM) has created uncertainty for foreign professionals awaitin

The US PERM suspension announced October 8, 2026, affects Microsoft, Infosys, TCS, Adobe and four other technology companies. The restrictions halt new and pending labor certification processing, potentially delaying employment-based green cards for Indian H-1B workers. The Trump administration announced on Thursday, October 8, 2026, that eight major technology companies would be suspended from the US Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM), citing alleged immi

Preparing prasadam is an important part of Navratri celebrations in many households. Freshly cooked rice dishes, traditional sweets and nourishing sundal varieties bring variety to daily offerings while giving families an opportunity to share food with relatives and visitors. The recipe collection by Chitra provides separate menu ideas inspired by Tamil Nadu and Andhra cooking traditions. These suggestions can help families organise their festival kitchens, but

Preparing for Navratri becomes easier when worship materials are organised before the celebrations begin. A category-wise shopping list helps families arrange the prayer space, prepare offerings and avoid searching for essential items just before aarti. The checklist supplied by Acharya Pandit Vishnu Sharma covers home worship, Ghatasthapana, bhog, fasting, Kanya Puja and havan. It is a planning reference rather than a requirement to purchase every item. Materi

Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, October 11, in India and the USA, with celebrations culminating in Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, on Tuesday, October 20. The festival honours Goddess Durga and her nine manifestations, collectively known as the Navadurga. Ghatasthapana, also called Kalash Sthapana, marks the beginning of the devotional observances. Although the opening date is the same, important worship dates can differ between countries. D

Preparing Bathukamma at home is an opportunity to bring family members together through flowers, colour and traditional worship. The arrangement is built in circular layers that become smaller towards the top, creating a cone-shaped floral stack. Alongside the preparation, choosing comfortable festive clothing and using natural materials can make participation easier. This guide explains the flowers commonly used, the steps involved and practical tips for the f

Bathukamma is Telangana’s floral festival, celebrated through colourful flower arrangements, traditional songs and gatherings led predominantly by women. Dedicated to Goddess Gauri, a form of Parvati, it brings together devotion, nature and cultural traditions passed down through generations. In 2026, Bathukamma runs from Saturday, October 10, to Sunday, October 18. The celebrations begin with Engili Pula Bathukamma and conclude with Saddula

Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra are expecting their second child, according to the supplied report. The Bollywood couple shared the announcement on Wednesday, October 7, through a family photograph that placed their daughter, Saraayah, at the centre of the moment. The announcement marks another milestone for the actors, who welcomed their first child in 2025. Their growing family quickly became the focus of congratulatory messages, with well-wishers respondi

The Income Tax Department conducted searches at the Mumbai offices of Prime Focus Ltd on Wednesday, October 7, bringing the company associated with Ramayana producer Namit Malhotra under scrutiny. According to CNBC-TV18, sources said the action concerned foreign remittances and also covered premises linked to certain individuals associated with the company. Details of the transactions being examined were not immediately available. The development attracted atte

Trump Nobel Peace Prize hopes are again in focus after the US president said he believes he deserves the award but remains unsure about winning. The Nobel 2026 decision comes after Maria Corina Machado gave Trump her 2025 medal and amid renewed debate over US presidents who previously won. Trump says he deserves Nobel Peace Prize before Friday decision US President Donald Trump has again said he believes he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize

Veteran actor Nana Patekar, celebrated for his commanding screen presence and memorable performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema, died early on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the age of 75. He reportedly suffered a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa and was taken to hospital after being found unconscious. His son, Malhar Patekar, confirmed the death. Hospital Efforts to Revive Nana P