Is China building a fleet of drone motherships to extend its naval reach?

South China Morning Post - Oct 19, 2026

A second unusual Chinese vessel suspected of being designed to launch and recover large underwater drones has appeared in Guangzhou, raising questions over whether Beijing is developing a fleet of specialised motherships to extend its undersea operations beyond coastal waters. The smaller vessel, seen under tow on the Pearl River in images circulating online, resembles a ship about 200 metres long seen at a Shanghai shipyard last month that has since been launched. Both feature conspicuous...

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PC Jeweller among 8 stocks that hit 52-week high and rallied up to 42% in a month
Oct 19, 2026
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The Sensex plunged 876 points to close at 73,852, even as eight BSE 1000 stocks touched fresh 52-week highs. PC Jeweller led monthly gains at 42%, followed by Sky Gold and Diamonds at 31%, highlighting divergent stock performance.

Gaël Monfils and Elina Svitolina announce separation as Ukrainian tennis star opens up about the toll of Russia’s war on her life, marriage and family
Oct 19, 2026
Gaël Monfils and Elina Svitolina announce separation as Ukrainian tennis star opens up about the toll of Russia’s war on her life, marriage and family

Elina Svitolina has publicly addressed the emotional impact of the war in Ukraine on her personal life. After difficult contemplation, she announced her separation from French tennis player Gaël Monfils. Svitolina expressed a need to rediscover herself outside their marriage for her well-being. Despite this change, she emphasized that their commitment to co-parenting their daughter, Skai, remains unchanged.

US stocks today: S&P 500, Nasdaq open higher as AI stocks rebound ahead of major earnings
Oct 19, 2026
US stocks today: S&P 500, Nasdaq open higher as AI stocks rebound ahead of major earnings

US stocks open higher as AI-related shares rebound from last week’s sharp selloff. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq gain at the open, supported by lower oil prices ahead of a busy earnings week. The Dow slips marginally, while investors track technology stocks and upcoming corporate results.

Tiger Shroff firing case: Police say all 3 accused are adults, motive still unclear
Oct 19, 2026
Tiger Shroff firing case: Police say all 3 accused are adults, motive still unclear

Mumbai Police arrested three individuals for allegedly shooting at actor Tiger Shroff's car in Andheri. Two of the arrested suspects are from Haryana, while the third is from Bihar, with no minors involved. Investigators are questioning the suspects to uncover the motive behind the attack. The motorcycle used in the incident has been located, but no weapons have been recovered.

Tiger Shroff firing case: Police say all 3 accused are adults, motive still unclear
Oct 19, 2026
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Mumbai Police arrested three individuals for allegedly shooting at actor Tiger Shroff's car in Andheri. Two of the arrested suspects are from Haryana, while the third is from Bihar, with no minors involved. Investigators are questioning the suspects to uncover the motive behind the attack. The motorcycle used in the incident has been located, but no weapons have been recovered.

School assembly news headlines for October 20: Top national, international, sports and business updates
Oct 19, 2026
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School assembly news headlines for October 20, 2026, cover major national, international, sports and business developments. Key updates include the Delhi voter-list revision audit, arrests in the Tiger Shroff firing case, political unrest in France, India’s Asian Para Games achievements, changes in anti-cancer medicine prices, and developments in the banking and stock markets.

From driverless cars to Mars-ready batteries, young Indians push tech frontiers
Oct 19, 2026
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Startups like Swaayatt Robots in Bhopal are creating universal autonomous driving technology for various vehicles. Researchers at IIT Hyderabad are developing metal-free batteries that could utilize carbon dioxide from Mars. Both projects aim to address significant challenges in mobility and energy for future applications. While Swaayatt focuses on adaptable autonomous navigation, IIT Hyderabad explores greener energy solutions for space missions.

From driverless cars to Mars-ready batteries, young Indians push tech frontiers
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China announces export curbs on key machinery used in India's infrastructure development
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Beijing has announced new export controls on essential machinery, which will impact India's infrastructure development. These restrictions will take effect on November 18 and apply to tunnel boring machines and related items. Additionally, the export controls include walking excavators and specific dredger-related items, complicating several Indian projects. Exporters must obtain licenses and provide detailed technical information under the new regulations.

CISF catches an NRI trying to flee at Jama Masjid Metro Station after X-ray reveals a suspicious object in his clothing. Watch video.
Oct 19, 2026
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CISF personnel apprehended a passenger at Delhi’s Jama Masjid Metro Station after he allegedly tried to flee when a suspicious object appeared on a baggage scanner. The passenger, who claimed to be an NRI living in Kuala Lumpur, was caught near the exit gate. An unidentified semi-solid substance was subsequently found concealed in a stitched portion of his undergarment. He was handed over to the police for further investigation.

CISF catches an NRI trying to flee at Jama Masjid Metro Station after X-ray reveals a suspicious object in his clothing. Watch video.
Oct 19, 2026
CISF catches an NRI trying to flee at Jama Masjid Metro Station after X-ray reveals a suspicious object in his clothing. Watch video.

CISF personnel apprehended a passenger at Delhi’s Jama Masjid Metro Station after he allegedly tried to flee when a suspicious object appeared on a baggage scanner. The passenger, who claimed to be an NRI living in Kuala Lumpur, was caught near the exit gate. An unidentified semi-solid substance was subsequently found concealed in a stitched portion of his undergarment. He was handed over to the police for further investigation.

'Lord of the Rings: The Shadow of the Past': Plot and everthing else we know about this upcoming LOTR movie
Oct 19, 2026
'Lord of the Rings: The Shadow of the Past': Plot and everthing else we know about this upcoming LOTR movie

Peter Jackson has revealed that 'The Shadow of the Past' is in the scriptwriting stage. This film brings to life six chapters from 'The Fellowship of the Ring' that were omitted in previous adaptations, chronicling the adventure of the Hobbits as they journey beyond the Shire. Set fourteen years post Frodo's departure, it woven together Sam's daughter's tale. Currently, no specifics about the release date or cast have been provided.

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