Ukrainian negotiators met US officials in Florida on Sunday to discuss Washington’s proposals to end Russia’s war. The talks involved Secretary of State Marco Rubio, envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. Ukraine faces pressure as Russian attacks continue, killing at least six over the weekend. The US plan, revised after criticism, aims for a framework ensuring “just peace,” but details remain unclear. Ukraine insists territorial discussions must start from current frontlines, with no recognition of Russian-held areas. President Zelenskyy said the delegation will continue negotiations despite political and military pressures, while Europe urges strong security guarantees and support for Ukraine. (PC: AFP/Getty)

Assam has passed a law making polygamy a criminal offence. Men entering a second marriage while the first is valid face up to 10 years in jail and fines. The law provides compensation for women affected and bars offenders from state jobs or elections. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says the law protects women and is a step toward a Uniform Civil Code. Critics argue it targets Muslims, as tribal areas and some communities are exempt. Opposition leaders say it conflicts with Muslim Personal Law. Sarma insists the law applies equally to Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. (PC: AFP via Getty)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said politics now often “trumps” economics in today’s uncertain world. Speaking at IIM-Calcutta after receiving an honorary doctorate, he urged India to diversify supply sources to secure national needs. He noted the US is setting new terms in global trade, while China continues to follow its own rules. Jaishankar highlighted risks from conflicts, climate events, and supply disruptions, stressing the need for resilient supply chains. He said India is improving infrastructure and forging new trade and connectivity initiatives. His remarks come amid US-India trade tensions and tariffs on Indian goods.

The death toll from the deadly fire in Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court housing complex has risen to 146. More than 150 people are still missing, and 79 are injured. Seven of the eight tower blocks in Tai Po caught fire on Wednesday, spreading quickly due to flammable construction materials. Thousands of people have visited the site to lay flowers and offer prayers during a three-day mourning period. Police have arrested 11 people, including engineers and subcontractors, on corruption and manslaughter charges linked to the building’s renovation. Fire alarms in all eight blocks were not working. The investigation is ongoing. (PC: Reuters)

More than 600 people have died after severe floods and landslides hit Indonesia and Thailand. Indonesia has reported 442 deaths, while 170 people have died in southern Thailand. Malaysia has also confirmed three deaths. The disaster began after a tropical storm formed in the Malacca Strait, affecting over four million people across the region. Many areas in Indonesia and Thailand are cut off, and rescue teams are using helicopters to reach stranded families. Sri Lanka has also been badly hit by Cyclone Ditwah, with 212 deaths and over 200 people missing. Thousands remain in shelters as relief work continues. (PC: AP)

A deadly shooting erupted Saturday evening at a family gathering held in a banquet hall on Lucile Avenue in Stockton, California, leaving four people dead and 10 wounded. Victims included both adults and children, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office. Authorities say around 14 people were struck by gunfire and believe the attack may have been targeted — though no suspect has yet been arrested, and the motive remains unclear. The community is reeling as investigators appeal for public help to identify the perpetrator and piece together the events leading up to the tragedy. (PC: Reuters)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally asked President Isaac Herzog for a pardon. Netanyahu faces a five-year-long trial over bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate cases, all of which he denies. He said in a video message that ending the trial would promote national reconciliation and help Israel face current challenges. The president’s office will seek opinions from justice officials before deciding on the “extraordinary request.” Netanyahu’s supporters back the pardon, while critics fear it could undermine Israel’s legal system and democracy. No timeline has been given for Herzog’s decision. (PC: BBC)

Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry says over 70,000 Palestinians have died since Israel’s military campaign began. The death toll continues to rise, even after a ceasefire on October 10. Israel says it carried out air strikes for violations of the truce, while bodies are still being recovered from rubble. Among the latest victims were two young brothers, aged eight and 10 or 11, killed while gathering firewood near Khan Younis. Their funeral was held at Nasser Hospital. The Gaza Health Ministry figures are widely cited by the UN, though Israel disputes the data. (PC: BBC)

Ukraine attacked two Russian oil tankers, the Kairos and Virat, in the Black Sea using Sea Baby naval drones. Both ships, part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” that bypasses Western sanctions, caught fire off the Turkish coast. No casualties were reported. The strikes appear aimed at hitting Russia’s oil revenues, crucial for funding its war in Ukraine. Turkish authorities assisted the vessels to control fires. Separately, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium suspended oil loading at Novorossiysk after another drone attack. Ukraine’s President Zelensky said a delegation is heading to the US to continue war-end talks amid ongoing tensions. (PC: BBC)

The death toll in Gaza has crossed 70,000, the Gaza health ministry said on Saturday, even though a ceasefire has been in place since October 10. At least 352 people have been killed since the truce began. Two boys, aged 8 and 11, were the latest victims after an Israeli drone strike near a school in Beni Suheila. Israel said it targeted people who crossed into Israeli-controlled areas but did not mention children. Hamas has accused Israel of breaking the truce, while Israel says it is acting only against militants. The war began in 2023 after the Hamas attack on Israel. (PC: HT)