Russian President Vladimir Putin criticised new US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, calling them a “hostile act.” The sanctions aim to cut Moscow’s war funding and end the conflict in Ukraine. Putin said Russia would not bow to pressure and warned that any attack using long-range US missiles on Russian soil would bring a “very serious” response. He added the sanctions would not hurt Russia’s economy but could raise global oil prices. The US announced the move as Russia held major nuclear drills and after delaying a planned summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Putin. (PC: India Today)

NBA coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were among over 30 people arrested in an FBI investigation into illegal gambling. Authorities said Rozier shared insider game details with bettors, while Billups was linked to rigged poker games involving organized crime. The schemes reportedly made millions through wire fraud, money laundering, and extortion. Rozier’s lawyer denied all charges, saying prosecutors relied on weak evidence. Both men are expected to appear in court. The case adds to growing worries about gambling in American sports after several players faced bans and criminal charges in recent years. (PC: AFP)

Myanmar’s army has regained key towns like Kyaukme and Hsipaw after weeks of fighting with ethnic insurgents. Daily air strikes, drones, artillery, and new soldiers helped the military take control fast. China supports the junta, providing drones, technology, and diplomatic backing for elections in December. The opposition, made up of local forces and ethnic militias, is divided and struggling. Thousands of civilians fled, and many were killed in the fighting. While the army now controls main trade routes, insurgents still hold parts of Rakhine and Chin States. (PC: BBC)

New footage shows thieves stealing $100 million in jewels from the Louvre in Paris. Two men, wearing neon vests and helmets, used a truck-mounted lift to reach a second-floor window and cut through glass to enter the Apollo Gallery. The alarm sounded but guards focused on visitors did not respond immediately. The robbers calmly cut open a jewelry case while stunned guests watched. They tried to burn the lift but failed and dropped an emerald crown with over 1,300 diamonds. Police say the four suspects abandoned the truck and fled on motorized scooters. The search continues.

The final New York City mayoral debate saw Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa clash fiercely. The 90-minute debate covered housing, Israel-Gaza, and relations with the White House. Mamdani called Cuomo “desperate,” while Cuomo criticised Mamdani’s record. Sliwa attacked both on safety and public services. Past scandals were also discussed, including Cuomo’s sexual harassment cases and Mamdani’s controversial Uganda photo. On federal immigration actions, all agreed NYPD should manage local issues. Mamdani defended his pro-Palestine stance, while Cuomo emphasised Israel support. The debate offered voters a final chance to assess candidates before the November 4 election. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump has announced new sanctions on Russia’s two biggest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil. The move came a day after he cancelled his planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump said talks with Putin “don’t go anywhere” and that it was time to act. The sanctions aim to pressure Moscow to end the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the move, calling it a “good signal.” Russia said it is “immune” to the sanctions. The EU also backed new energy measures, saying continued pressure is key to achieving peace. (PC: BBC)

India may sharply reduce or stop its imports of Russian oil following new sanctions by the US and Europe. Reliance Industries, the country’s top private buyer of Russian crude, plans to cut purchases. State-owned refiners are also reviewing their supply chains to comply with the restrictions.   The move comes as sanctions target major Russian energy firms, including Rosneft and Lukoil. Oil prices rose nearly 3% after news of India’s plans. Analysts say Asian demand may shift toward US crude if India reduces Russian oil imports. Indian refiners may now turn to suppliers in the Middle East and Africa. (PC: India Today)

Russia has called the latest US sanctions on its oil firms an “act of war.” Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's security council, said the US has aligned with “loony” Europe and is now on a warpath with Russia. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia's foreign ministry, said the sanctions are counterproductive and will not change Russia’s goals in Ukraine. The US targeted Rosneft and Lukoil to pressure Russia to stop the war. European nations also approved new sanctions. US President Trump cancelled his upcoming meeting with Putin, saying it “did not feel right.” (PC: HT)

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav was officially announced as the Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming Bihar elections. The announcement came after weeks of talks and deliberations, with Congress leader Ashok Gehlot confirming Tejashwi as the CM face. VIP chief Mukesh Sahani was named deputy CM candidate. Tejashwi thanked Sonia and Rahul Gandhi for the nomination and said the alliance aims to work for Bihar and end the NDA government. The two-phase elections will be held on November 6 and 11, with results on November 14. Seat-sharing remains partly unresolved, with 12 constituencies seeing overlapping nominations. (PC: India Today)

The United States carried out a second strike on a boat suspected of carrying drugs in the Pacific Ocean, killing three people. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said no US forces were harmed. The strike followed another attack a day earlier that killed two people. Both vessels were believed to be transporting drugs along known routes in international waters. Hegseth said the strikes were ordered by President Trump as part of a wider campaign against “narco-terrorists.” Since September, the US has launched nine such strikes, mostly in the Caribbean. Trump said anti-drug operations could expand to land targets. (PC: BBC)