Taliban Interior Minister Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani warned Pakistan that imposing its problems on Afghanistan "will cost you dearly," referencing the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) issue. His warning followed failed Pakistan-Afghanistan peace talks in Istanbul, where Pakistan reportedly admitted signing a pact with the US allowing drone strikes from Pakistani soil. Afghanistan demanded Pakistan stop foreign powers from launching drones, offering to urge TTP against attacks in return. Pakistan initially agreed but backtracked after a call from Islamabad, citing its US deal regarding ISIS operations. The four-day Turkey-facilitated talks ended without breakthrough, with Pakistan blaming Kabul for not controlling militancy while Afghanistan accused Islamabad of mishandling internal conflicts.

King Charles III has formally removed his brother Prince Andrew, Duke of York’s royal titles, honours and the lease of Royal Lodge in Windsor following renewed criticism over his association with Jeffrey Epstein. The palace statement noted that Andrew will no longer be styled as Duke of York and will be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, while vacating his 30-room residence near Windsor Castle. The decision underscores King Charles’s public support for abuse survivors, emphasising that the move was necessary despite Andrew’s denial of the allegations against him. (PC: India Today)  

An Indian-origin businessman, Arvi Singh Sagoo, 55, was killed in Edmonton, Canada, after confronting a stranger urinating on his car. Sagoo and his girlfriend had just returned from dinner on October 19 when they saw the man. When Sagoo asked him to stop, the attacker punched him in the head, causing him to fall and lose consciousness. He was taken to hospital and placed on life support but died five days later. Police have arrested the accused, identified as Kyle Papin, and charged him with aggravated assault. A fundraiser has been launched to support Sagoo’s children and family. (PC: NDTV)

The Trump administration has set the US refugee limit at 7,500 for the next year, giving priority to white South Africans. The cap marks a sharp drop from the 125,000 limit set under former President Joe Biden. The notice, published on Thursday, said the decision was in the “national interest” but gave no detailed reason. Refugee groups have criticised the move, calling it unfair and discriminatory. Earlier this year, President Trump suspended the US Refugee Admissions Programme, saying it would protect national security. Critics warn the policy could block refugees from conflict zones like Afghanistan and the Middle East. (PC: X)

King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London Wednesday, celebrating the temple's 30th anniversary. The visit coincided with Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrations. Europe's first traditional Hindu stone temple welcomed the Royal couple, who met worshippers and representatives from community initiatives supported by the temple, including The Felix Project and Women of the World (WoW). The Royal Family announced the engagement on X, highlighting the historic milestone. The Neasden Temple, opened in 1995, represents a significant cultural landmark for Britain's Hindu community. Their Majesties' visit underscores the monarchy's recognition of Britain's diverse religious communities and commitment to interfaith dialogue during one of Hinduism's most auspicious festivals.

Twenty children were rescued after being held hostage at an acting studio in Mumbai’s Powai on Thursday. The accused, identified as Rohit Arya, appeared mentally unstable and was carrying a gun-like weapon. Police said the children, aged around 15, had come for an audition at RA Studio. The situation caused panic in the area before police and fire brigade teams broke in and rescued the children. Arya, who demanded to speak with former Maharashtra minister Deepak Kesarkar, has been detained. All the children are safe and have been reunited with their families. Police are probing his motive. (PC: HT)

Hurricane Melissa has caused massive destruction across the Caribbean, killing dozens and flattening towns in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness described “total devastation,” saying up to 90% of roofs were destroyed. At least five people died in Jamaica and 20 in Haiti, where floods and landslides washed away homes. In Cuba, winds reached 115 mph, flooding streets and toppling trees. King Charles expressed sadness over the disaster, calling it a reminder of the need to protect nature. Rescue teams continue to search for survivors as countries assess the scale of damage. (PC: BBC)

Delhi Police have told the Supreme Court that the 2020 Delhi riots were part of a planned “regime-change operation.” In a new affidavit opposing bail for Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Meeran Haider, and Gulfisha Fatima, police said the violence was premeditated and aimed at destabilising India. They claimed the riots were timed with Donald Trump’s visit to draw global attention and harm India’s image. The police accused the petitioners of delaying trial through false pleas and non-cooperation. Citing the UAPA, officials argued “jail, not bail” applies due to the serious nature of the alleged conspiracy. (PC: India Today)

Two men arrested over the €88 million Louvre jewel heist have partially admitted their role, French prosecutors said. The suspects, both in their thirties, were identified through DNA evidence. One was caught while trying to fly to Algeria. The stolen crown jewels, including the Parure Marie-Amélie diadème, are still missing. Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said the gang could include more than the four people seen on CCTV. The thieves used power tools and escaped within minutes on scooters. Security across French museums has since been tightened, and the Louvre has moved its most valuable jewels to the Bank of France vaults. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump said after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea that both sides have agreed to end the "rare earths roadblock." He announced lower tariffs on Chinese goods and said a trade deal could be signed "pretty soon." Trump said China had lifted restrictions on rare earth exports and that both nations would work together on the war in Ukraine. He added that Taiwan was not discussed. Calling the meeting a “great success,” Trump confirmed plans to visit China in April, while Xi is expected to visit the US later next year. Beijing has not commented. (PC: BBC)