US President Donald Trump warned Hamas of a “fast, furious and brutal” response if it violates the Gaza ceasefire. He said several US allies were ready to enter Gaza and strike Hamas but claimed he told them and Israel to wait. Trump urged Hamas to “do what is right” to avoid destruction. The warning comes as both sides accuse each other of breaking the truce over aid and hostage issues. US Vice President JD Vance is visiting Israel to discuss Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan, which includes Hamas disarmament and steps toward a lasting peace.

Sanae Takaichi has become Japan’s first female prime minister. Her rise is historic in a male-dominated political system. Many celebrate this as a step for women. But critics say Takaichi’s conservative views may not help gender equality. She opposes same-sex marriage, separate surnames for married women, and women in the imperial succession. Some young women say her leadership may reinforce traditional roles. Takaichi supports childcare incentives but sticks to conservative policies. Her backers include senior LDP figures like Taro Aso. While her election is symbolic, experts say real change for women in Japan may still be slow. (PC: X)

The Asia Cup 2025 trophy dispute continues as ACC President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi refused to send the trophy to India. He asked the BCCI to hold a ceremony in India and send a player to collect it personally. The issue began after India beat Pakistan in the final and skipped the award ceremony in protest against Naqvi’s remarks. The BCCI later demanded the trophy through a formal letter, calling Naqvi’s actions unacceptable. The standoff has now become a fresh flashpoint in India-Pakistan cricket ties, with no resolution yet in sight.

Afghanistan’s Defense Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid has dismissed Pakistan’s claims that India is behind tensions in the region. He called the allegations “unfounded, illogical, and unacceptable.” Mujahid said Afghanistan manages its foreign relations independently and will continue to strengthen ties with India based on national interests. He added that Kabul does not allow its land to be used against any country, including Pakistan. Mujahid also urged both nations to focus on trade and good relations. The statement comes amid growing border clashes and Pakistan’s accusations of Afghan support for militant groups. (PC: HT)

The Louvre Museum in Paris remains closed after a daring daylight robbery stunned France. Four thieves broke into the museum’s Galerie d’Apollon using power tools and escaped on scooters with eight priceless royal jewels. The stolen items include tiaras, necklaces, and brooches once owned by French queens and empresses. Two pieces were later found near the museum. Officials said the gang acted calmly and appeared highly trained. France’s culture minister called it a “painful” loss and “an attack on our heritage.” Around 60 investigators are hunting the suspects as France questions museum security. (PC: BBC)

Denise Bacon, a 65-year-old retired therapist from East Sussex, played clarinet during four-hour brain surgery at King's College Hospital, achieving instant relief from Parkinson's symptoms. During Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery led by Professor Keyoumars Ashkan, electrodes were implanted while Bacon remained awake under local anesthetic. Her live musical performance helped neurosurgeons fine-tune electrode placement, resulting in immediate improvement in finger dexterity and hand movements. The procedure involved drilling holes half the size of a five-pence coin into her skull using precise coordinates. Bacon, diagnosed in 2014, had abandoned her beloved East Grinstead Concert Band five years ago. She now has a rechargeable pulse generator lasting 20 years, automatically adjusting stimulation while delivering continuous electrical currents. (PC: NDTV)

A new video obtained by French broadcaster BFMTV allegedly shows Louvre Museum thieves in action during a brazen daytime heist on October 19, 2025. The footage, captured by a bystander, shows a person in a yellow jacket beside a glass case in the Apollo Gallery, home to royal jewels. Thieves used a basket lift and disc cutter to breach the museum’s facade around 9:30 a.m., stealing priceless items including jewels from Empress Eugénie’s collection. French authorities suspect a collector may have hired the crew. The Louvre was closed following the robbery. A detailed inventory of stolen items is underway, with officials emphasizing their irreplaceable heritage and historical value.

Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan’s first female Prime Minister, elected leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Her “Sanaenomics” agenda promises market-friendly reforms, low interest rates, and increased defense spending, echoing her mentor Shinzo Abe’s policies. The Nikkei 225 surged near 50,000 amid optimism. Inflation exceeds 2.5%, wages remain stagnant, and the yen stays weak. Takaichi opposes rate hikes but pledges wage growth. She supports tax incentives for child care to address demographic decline. Her hawkish stance boosts defense stocks. Despite initial hesitation, she’ll honor Japan’s $550B pledge to the U.S. Her leadership faces entrenched resistance and coalition challenges, with uncertain prospects for lasting reform.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected US peace talks, denying President Trump's claims that Iranian nuclear facilities were destroyed in June airstrikes. Khamenei accused Washington of "imposition and bullying," stating any deal with predetermined outcomes constitutes coercion, not negotiation. He dismissed Trump's nuclear destruction claims, saying "keep dreaming," and questioned America's authority over Iran's nuclear program. Khamenei branded the US a "terror state" and accomplice in Gaza war crimes, citing over 20,000 children killed. He accused Washington of creating and controlling Daesh (ISIS) elements in West Asia. This follows Trump's recent Israeli parliament address suggesting peace negotiations with Tehran after the Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. (PC: X & History.com) 

US President Donald Trump warned China of imposing 155 percent tariffs on Chinese goods by November 1 unless President Xi Jinping agrees to a "fair trade deal." Speaking during a critical minerals agreement signing with Australian PM Anthony Albanese, Trump stated China currently pays 55 percent tariffs and emphasized America won't tolerate unfair trade practices. Despite tensions, Trump confirmed maintaining a "very good relationship" with Xi and plans to meet him soon in South Korea. The warning follows China's September halt on US soybean imports, the first since November 2018. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced US-Chinese officials would hold discussions in Malaysia this week amid ongoing trade negotiations. (PC: X)