Israeli police and the Shin Bet security agency have arrested Rafael and Lala Goliev, a couple from Lod, accused of spying for an Iranian cell. Officials allege the couple gathered intelligence on sensitive sites, including Mossad’s headquarters, and tracked an academic at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. The couple reportedly acted on instructions from Elshan Agayev, an Azerbaijani national suspected of working with Iranian officials. This arrest follows Israel’s recent actions against multiple alleged Iran-linked spy networks, as security tensions rise due to ongoing regional conflicts with Iran-backed groups.

Ukraine has reportedly requested Tomahawk missiles from the US, with a range of 2,500 km, to counter Russia's swift advances on the front line. President Volodymyr Zelensky’s appeal, part of a "victory plan" presented to the US, aims to secure military support amidst what Kyiv views as a critical stage in the conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed that Ukraine’s call for long-range arms reflects its "nervousness" over Russia’s recent progress, the fastest in two years. Peskov also claimed Ukraine's moves attempt to "drag Western countries into the war" further. Zelensky hinted at the request in a video statement.

North Korea launched banned intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Thursday, marking its longest-range test to date. The missile flew for 86 minutes, reaching an altitude of 7,000km (4,350 miles), and landed in waters off its east coast. Launched at a sharply-raised angle, its potential range would be significantly greater if fired horizontally. This test violates UN Security Council resolutions and comes amid escalating tensions between North and South Korea. South Korea had anticipated the launch, citing heightened activity and aggressive rhetoric from Pyongyang ahead of the US presidential election on November 5.

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has expressed optimism that a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel will be announced soon, possibly within hours or days. This follows his conversation with US envoy Amos Hochstein, who hinted at a potential deal before November 5. According to Israeli broadcaster Kan, the draft deal, penned by the US on October 26, outlines a 60-day truce, during which Israel would withdraw its forces within a week. The agreement also includes Israel's right to self-defense against imminent threats. Mikati's statement comes after a significant escalation in conflict, resulting in 2,800 deaths in Lebanon over the past year.

A drunk 44-year-old man, Matthew Wootten, has been jailed for intentionally crashing into the gates of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's country estate, Chequers, on June 25. Wootten's vehicle smashed through the historic Victory Gate, causing £38,000 in damages. He was found to be nearly three times over the legal drink-drive limit, with a blood alcohol reading of 221mg per 100mg of blood. Several cans of alcohol were also discovered in his car. Wootten seriously injured himself in the crash. The incident highlights concerns over security breaches at the prestigious estate.

Israeli airstrikes have devastated Lebanon's eastern city of Baalbek, killing 19 people, including eight women, according to the country's health ministry. This tragic event unfolded just hours after Israeli military evacuation orders prompted tens of thousands of residents to flee the city and two neighboring towns. Baalbek Mayor Mustafa al-Shell reported over 20 strikes in the area, with five hitting the city itself, which is home to a UNESCO-listed ancient Roman temple complex. The Israeli military claims to have targeted Hezbollah command centers and infrastructure in Baalbek and Nabatiyeh, southern Lebanon.

Sirish Subash, a ninth-grader from Snellville, Georgia, has been named "America's Top Young Scientist" after winning the 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Subash earned the title and a $25,000 prize for inventing PestiSCAND, a device using AI and spectrophotometry to detect pesticide residues on produce. Addressing a critical food safety issue, PestiSCAND scans for harmful chemicals, ensuring consumer safety. Subash's innovative solution impressed judges, securing his spot among the nation's most promising young scientists.

Heavy rains in Spain’s Valencia region have caused deadly floods, leaving at least 95 people dead and towns in ruin. In just eight hours, areas like Utiel and Chiva saw a year’s worth of rain, causing the Magro River to overflow and sweep away cars, debris, and trash through the streets. Many residents were trapped in their homes, with some elderly people unable to escape. “We were trapped like rats,” said Utiel’s mayor, Ricardo Gabaldón. Spain’s government has deployed military units to assist with rescue efforts and declared three days of national mourning. Officials say these intense storms are worsened by climate change.

The Taliban in Afghanistan have issued a new rule prohibiting women from allowing their voices to be heard by other women while praying or reciting the Quran. Khalid Hanafi, the Taliban's minister for virtue, stated that even women praying aloud must not let others hear them, adding that activities like singing are also forbidden. The ban reflects the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic laws, which they have intensified since 2021. Women’s voices, considered “awrah,” or private, should not be heard in public or even by other women, according to Taliban officials. This is the latest in a series of restrictions on Afghan women.

Rishi Sunak, the UK’s first British Asian Prime Minister, stepped down as Opposition Leader on Wednesday, marking his last session in Parliament. “I became leader of my party during Diwali, and I now stand down during that same festival,” Sunak reflected, connecting Diwali to key moments in his career. Appointed during Diwali in 2022, Sunak lit diyas with his family outside 10 Downing Street, honoring his heritage. Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised Sunak’s work and dedication, calling him an inspiration for Britain’s diversity. Sunak hinted he’ll be spending more time in Yorkshire as a Member of Parliament.