Taylor Swift Book Donation: How her $68,000 gift of 6,000 books helped make reading 'cool' among children and teenagers

Economic Times - Oct 20, 2026

Taylor Swift donated 6,000 books worth around $68,000 to Pennsylvania’s Reading Public Library in 2011 when the institution was struggling. The books, intended for children and teenagers, were distributed across its branches. As reported by the Reading Eagle, the donation helped bring attention to young readers and highlighted Swift’s connection to her hometown community.

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Dussehra 2026: Delhi traffic police issues advisory for October 20 celebrations, check diversion timings, affected roads and commuter guidelines
Oct 20, 2026
Dussehra 2026: Delhi traffic police issues advisory for October 20 celebrations, check diversion timings, affected roads and commuter guidelines

As Dussehra festivities approach, Delhi Traffic Police has released an advisory for the anticipated congestion. Major thoroughfares in East Delhi will see diversions from 5 PM to 8 PM to accommodate the surge in foot and vehicle traffic. Enhanced security measures have been implemented at celebration sites in West Delhi to prioritize public safety. Commuters are encouraged to strategize their travel and choose alternate routes.

Parvinder Singh Jhota murder probe to be handed over to CBI: Bhagwant Mann
Oct 20, 2026
Parvinder Singh Jhota murder probe to be handed over to CBI: Bhagwant Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the transfer of the Parvinder Singh Jhota murder case to the Central Bureau of Investigation. Jhota was murdered in a medical store in Mansa while speaking on a Facebook Live session. His family and supporters have been protesting for justice and demanding accountability from local authorities since his death. The accused, the store owner, was arrested in Rajasthan following the shooting incident.

In their own words: Israeli politicians' extreme speech surges ahead of elections
Oct 20, 2026
In their own words: Israeli politicians' extreme speech surges ahead of elections

Extreme rhetoric has risen under Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right government as elections approach. A recent report highlights 227 extreme comments made by officials this year, indicating a troubling trend. The language used reflects rising hostility toward Palestinians and Arab citizens, raising concerns about societal implications. Officials have made particularly harsh statements regarding Gaza and its residents.

Global Market: China and Hong Kong shares weaken as stable growth eases stimulus bets
Oct 20, 2026
Global Market: China and Hong Kong shares weaken as stable growth eases stimulus bets

China and Hong Kong stocks weakened on Tuesday, joining a broader retreat in the region, after Beijing kept key lending rates unchanged and stronger GDP data dampened

Accounting for daily weather variability may give more realistic estimation of glacier melt: Study
Oct 20, 2026
Accounting for daily weather variability may give more realistic estimation of glacier melt: Study

A recent study emphasises the significance of daily weather in estimating glacier melt rates and ice loss. Researchers enhanced the Global Glacier Evolution Model to analyse over 12,500 glaciers worldwide at a daily resolution. This new model predicts a faster retreat of glaciers and greater contributions to sea-level rise compared to previous monthly averages. The findings highlight the crucial impact of extreme weather events on glacier dynamics moving forward.

Accounting for daily weather variability may give more realistic estimation of glacier melt: Study
Oct 20, 2026
Accounting for daily weather variability may give more realistic estimation of glacier melt: Study

A recent study emphasises the significance of daily weather in estimating glacier melt rates and ice loss. Researchers enhanced the Global Glacier Evolution Model to analyse over 12,500 glaciers worldwide at a daily resolution. This new model predicts a faster retreat of glaciers and greater contributions to sea-level rise compared to previous monthly averages. The findings highlight the crucial impact of extreme weather events on glacier dynamics moving forward.

Protests can become instruments of political interests, fuel divisions: Mohan Bhagwat
Oct 20, 2026
Protests can become instruments of political interests, fuel divisions: Mohan Bhagwat

At the annual Vijayadashami event, Mohan Bhagwat shared important insights on the risks associated with regime-change protests. He suggested that political manipulation could divert attention from core issues, emphasizing that a united India might be viewed as a challenge to global powers. Bhagwat called for constructive protests that foster unity instead of division, urging parties to respect constitutional boundaries and engage in respectful dialogue.

New Zealand firm Valocity secures biggest-ever deal on day one of India FTA: PM Luxon
Oct 20, 2026
New Zealand firm Valocity secures biggest-ever deal on day one of India FTA: PM Luxon

Auckland-based property technology company Valocity has secured the biggest deal in its history on the first day of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said. Highlighting the agreement's potential to boost business opportunities, Luxon said the trade pact would help New Zealand companies expand overseas while creating jobs and raising incomes at home.

SC to hear on Oct 21 Vijayan's plea in CMRL case, YSRCP petition on local body polls
Oct 20, 2026
SC to hear on Oct 21 Vijayan's plea in CMRL case, YSRCP petition on local body polls

On Wednesday, a special Supreme Court bench will hear two important pleas connected with ongoing issues. One plea is from the YSRCP claiming that violence in Andhra Pradesh hindered nominations for local elections. The other plea relates to former Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan facing allegations in a bribery case. The high court previously dismissed YSRCP's request to extend the nomination deadline due to safety concerns.

Paras Healthcare secures Rs 652 cr from anchor investors; IPO to open on Oct 21
Oct 20, 2026
Paras Healthcare secures Rs 652 cr from anchor investors; IPO to open on Oct 21

According to circulars uploaded on exchanges' websites, Paras Healthcare has allotted 94,15,584 equity shares to 39 funds at Rs 693 apiece, aggregating to Rs 652.5 crore.

Japan’s $21 billion US chip bet raises questions over its own semiconductor revival
Oct 20, 2026
Japan’s $21 billion US chip bet raises questions over its own semiconductor revival

Japan has committed to investing $21 billion to establish two semiconductor factories in New York. This deal comes as Japan seeks to support US semiconductor industry growth and strengthen bilateral relations. Experts indicate that these investments may yield limited advantages for Japan's domestic chip manufacturing capabilities. As Japan's debt concerns mount, it plans further investments across various strategic sectors, including AI and chips.

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