North Korea launched a long-range ballistic missile on Thursday, with leader Kim Jong Un observing the test. State media claimed the missile’s flight record surpassed previous tests. Kim declared the launch a “counteraction” aimed at informing adversaries. The UN, EU, and Germany condemned the launch as a violation of international law, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noting its defiance of Security Council resolutions. Japan’s Defense Minister reported the missile reached a high altitude and traveled around 1,000 kilometers. This launch follows U.S. and South Korean claims of North Korean troop deployment in Russia near Ukraine.

On Halloween, U.S. President Joe Biden hosted a playful trick-or-treat event at the White House, his final Halloween celebration of his term. With First Lady Jill Biden dressed as a panda, the couple interacted with children, distributing treats and entertaining up to 8,000 visitors. In contrast, former President Donald Trump addressed Latino voters in Albuquerque, New Mexico, promoting his immigration policies. Despite the state’s Democratic-leaning demographics, Trump aims to gain support among conservative Latino voters. The campaign focuses on immigration and energy issues, though critics argue his claims on energy under Biden's administration are misleading.

In Nepal, dogs received special recognition during the annual Kukur Puja festival, celebrated on the second day of Tihar, or Diwali. Nepali pet owners and Armed Police Force members adorned dogs with flower garlands, vermillion marks, and treats to honor their service. At Kathmandu’s canine center, eight dogs participated in the ritual, later showcasing skills such as jumping through fire rings and retrieving objects. "We honor these dogs for their invaluable contributions, from detecting explosives to aiding in rescues," said Ram Narayan KC, deputy canine division chief. Dogs are revered in Nepal as messengers of Yamraj, the Hindu god of death.

A Russian court has fined Google an unprecedented two undecillion roubles ($20 undecillion) for restricting 17 Russian state media channels on YouTube. The fine, doubling daily if unpaid, is vastly larger than Google’s entire value of $2 trillion, exceeding even the world’s total GDP. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov admitted he "cannot even pronounce this number," urging Google to consider the penalty. This fine follows escalating tensions between Russia and Google since 2021 when Moscow accused the tech giant of limiting Russian media and supporting protests. Google has yet to comment on the massive fine.

Israeli police and the Shin Bet security agency have arrested Rafael and Lala Goliev, a couple from Lod, accused of spying for an Iranian cell. Officials allege the couple gathered intelligence on sensitive sites, including Mossad’s headquarters, and tracked an academic at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. The couple reportedly acted on instructions from Elshan Agayev, an Azerbaijani national suspected of working with Iranian officials. This arrest follows Israel’s recent actions against multiple alleged Iran-linked spy networks, as security tensions rise due to ongoing regional conflicts with Iran-backed groups.

Ukraine has reportedly requested Tomahawk missiles from the US, with a range of 2,500 km, to counter Russia's swift advances on the front line. President Volodymyr Zelensky’s appeal, part of a "victory plan" presented to the US, aims to secure military support amidst what Kyiv views as a critical stage in the conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed that Ukraine’s call for long-range arms reflects its "nervousness" over Russia’s recent progress, the fastest in two years. Peskov also claimed Ukraine's moves attempt to "drag Western countries into the war" further. Zelensky hinted at the request in a video statement.

North Korea launched banned intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Thursday, marking its longest-range test to date. The missile flew for 86 minutes, reaching an altitude of 7,000km (4,350 miles), and landed in waters off its east coast. Launched at a sharply-raised angle, its potential range would be significantly greater if fired horizontally. This test violates UN Security Council resolutions and comes amid escalating tensions between North and South Korea. South Korea had anticipated the launch, citing heightened activity and aggressive rhetoric from Pyongyang ahead of the US presidential election on November 5.

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has expressed optimism that a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel will be announced soon, possibly within hours or days. This follows his conversation with US envoy Amos Hochstein, who hinted at a potential deal before November 5. According to Israeli broadcaster Kan, the draft deal, penned by the US on October 26, outlines a 60-day truce, during which Israel would withdraw its forces within a week. The agreement also includes Israel's right to self-defense against imminent threats. Mikati's statement comes after a significant escalation in conflict, resulting in 2,800 deaths in Lebanon over the past year.

A drunk 44-year-old man, Matthew Wootten, has been jailed for intentionally crashing into the gates of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's country estate, Chequers, on June 25. Wootten's vehicle smashed through the historic Victory Gate, causing £38,000 in damages. He was found to be nearly three times over the legal drink-drive limit, with a blood alcohol reading of 221mg per 100mg of blood. Several cans of alcohol were also discovered in his car. Wootten seriously injured himself in the crash. The incident highlights concerns over security breaches at the prestigious estate.

Israeli airstrikes have devastated Lebanon's eastern city of Baalbek, killing 19 people, including eight women, according to the country's health ministry. This tragic event unfolded just hours after Israeli military evacuation orders prompted tens of thousands of residents to flee the city and two neighboring towns. Baalbek Mayor Mustafa al-Shell reported over 20 strikes in the area, with five hitting the city itself, which is home to a UNESCO-listed ancient Roman temple complex. The Israeli military claims to have targeted Hezbollah command centers and infrastructure in Baalbek and Nabatiyeh, southern Lebanon.