U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance addressed controversy following his comments about his wife Usha Vance’s religion, clarifying that she “is not a Christian and has no plans to convert.” Vance’s earlier statement expressing hope that she might embrace Christianity sparked criticism, especially from Hindu American groups. Married since 2014, the couple has agreed to raise their children in the Christian faith while Usha continues to practice Hindu traditions. The Hindu American Foundation condemned Vance’s remarks, urging greater understanding and respect for Hinduism’s pluralistic beliefs amid growing debate on interfaith harmony in U.S. politics. (PC: The Hindu)

The Donald Trump administration’s decision to resume nuclear testing signals a broader concern: the U.S. nuclear arsenal is outdated and under-maintained, even as adversaries like China and Russia advance. Reports highlight that many warheads and delivery systems date back to the Cold War era and have been extended beyond intended lifespans. A $1.7 trillion modernization program is underway, yet delays raise concerns that by the 2040s the arsenal may still be misaligned with 21st-century threats. Critics warn that restarting tests could erode global arms control norms, while supporters argue credibility of deterrence demands action now. (PC: The Economic Times)

FBI Director Kash Patel announced Friday that multiple suspects allegedly plotting a violent Halloween weekend attack in Michigan were arrested, preventing a "potential terrorist attack." Investigators believe the plot was inspired by Islamic State extremism and are examining possible online radicalization, according to anonymous sources. FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force members searched a Dearborn home near Fordson High School, collecting evidence. Patel praised swift coordination with local partners, assuring Michigan residents of a safe Halloween. Dearborn police confirmed FBI operations but stated no community threat exists. This follows a May arrest of Ammar Said, who allegedly planned attacking a suburban Detroit Army site for Islamic State using undercover FBI employees as supposed allies.

FBI Director Kash Patel faces allegations of misusing a $60 million government jet to attend girlfriend Alexis Wilkins' singing performance at a Pennsylvania wrestling event. Former FBI agent Kyle Seraphin claimed Patel flew from Virginia to State College, then Nashville where Wilkins resides. Flight records confirm a Justice Department jet made this route on October 25. Patel, 45, attended the Real American Freestyle Wrestling event where Wilkins, 26, performed. While FBI policy mandates directors use official aircraft for security, personal trips require commercial-rate reimbursement. It's unclear if Patel repaid costs. This isn't his first scrutiny as lawmakers previously accused him of overusing government aircraft, which Patel defended citing congressional mandate.

US Vice President JD Vance defended his controversial remarks about wife Usha's Hindu faith, clarifying she "has no plans to convert" to Christianity. Responding to backlash on X, Vance called criticism "disgusting" and accused detractors of "anti-Christian bigotry." The controversy erupted after his Turning Point USA event at University of Mississippi, where he expressed hope Usha might embrace Christianity, though she attends church with him and their children. Vance emphasized their interfaith marriage faces no conflict, stating everyone has "free will." He credited Usha, whom he met at Yale Law School, for encouraging his faith reconnection years ago. Vance defended addressing the question publicly, noting curiosity about his family comes with being a national figure.

India’s 45-day wedding season, beginning November 1, is expected to generate ₹6.5 lakh crore from around 46 lakh weddings, according to a CAIT report. Delhi will lead the celebrations, contributing ₹1.8 lakh crore from 4.8 lakh weddings. CAIT’s Praveen Khandelwal said higher incomes, rising gold prices, and festive confidence have boosted spending. The “Vocal for Local Weddings” drive has increased the use of Indian-made products, with 70% of goods sourced locally. The season is also expected to create over 1 crore temporary jobs and add ₹75,000 crore to tax revenues, giving a strong push to MSMEs. (PC: NDTV)

Thousands of people adopted from other countries by American families now face deportation because they were never granted US citizenship. Many, like 61-year-old Shirley Chung from South Korea, grew up believing they were Americans until they discovered missing paperwork left them stateless. A 1973 adoptee from Iran said she lives in fear of immigration raids. The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 helped only younger adoptees, leaving older ones unprotected. Advocates say a simple law change could fix the issue. With Donald Trump back in office and deportations rising, many adoptees are pleading for compassion and the citizenship they were promised. (PC: BBC)

The FBI said it has prevented a possible terrorist attack in Michigan that was planned for Halloween weekend. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on Friday that several suspects were arrested in a joint operation with local police. Patel praised the officers for their quick action, saying it helped stop a “major act of violence.” The FBI’s Detroit office said agents were active in Dearborn and Inkster during the morning raids. Local police confirmed there is no threat to the public. Details about the suspects and the plot are expected to be released soon, officials said. (PC: India Today)

Pakistan faces severe water risks after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) following the April Pahalgam attack, said the Ecological Threat Report 2025. The study by the Institute for Economics and Peace warned that small changes in India’s dam operations could sharply reduce Indus River flows. Pakistan’s limited water storage — only enough for 30 days — makes it highly vulnerable. In May, India flushed reservoirs on the Chenab without notice, causing floods in Pakistan. The report said India now has strategic control over river timing, while Pakistan’s agriculture, dependent on the Indus basin, faces growing danger. (PC: India Today)

At least 19 people have died in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa hit the island with winds up to 185 mph. The storm has left many towns cut off, with roads blocked and power and water supplies down. “Entire communities seem marooned,” said Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon. Aid is slowly arriving in Kingston, but damaged roads are delaying relief to western regions. In Haiti, at least 30 people have died, while Cuba reports no deaths but severe flooding. The US and UK have sent emergency aid and teams to help with food, shelter, and rescue efforts across the Caribbean. (PC: BBC)