Russian court has fined Google an enormous $2.5 decillion for not restoring access to certain Russian state-backed media on YouTube. The fine, more than the world's entire economy, stems from Google’s refusal to unblock pro-Kremlin channels banned due to U.S. sanctions. The penalty will double daily if unpaid after nine months. Google’s revenue in 2023 was $307 billion, making it unlikely to cover this amount. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Google had restricted Russian media to limit misinformation. The tech giant has filed counter-suits, calling the ruling excessive and unjust.

South Korea’s military intelligence says North Korea is set to conduct a nuclear test and may soon launch a long-range missile capable of reaching the United States. This would be North Korea’s seventh nuclear test, likely at Punggye-ri’s test site. Preparations for an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch are also in progress, with a launch vehicle deployed. South Korea estimates around 11,000 North Korean troops are now in Russia, with some nearing combat zones. Tensions are rising, as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un continues to show off his military power, increasing concerns for neighboring countries and the U.S.

With the US election nearing, Kamala Harris relies on strong backing from Indian-American voters, a group gaining political influence in battleground states. Recent surveys show 61% of Indian-Americans support Harris, especially women, with only 32% favoring Trump. Dr. Vasudev Patel of the Federation of Indian-American Association of Georgia noted pride in Harris’s heritage as a motivator. Notably, Indian-Americans, numbering 5.2 million in the US, hold significant sway, particularly in Georgia and Michigan. The Harris-Trump race remains close, with both tied nationally. Securing 270 electoral votes remains critical for victory in swing states.

The Vatican has introduced "Luce," a new mascot designed to engage younger generations with Christian messages of hope. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, organizer for the Catholic Church’s upcoming jubilee year, explained that "Luce," meaning "light" in Latin, represents a blend of Christian and Japanese cultural elements. Created by Tokidoki co-founder Simone Legno, Luce is joined by "pilgrim friends" Fe, Xin, and Sky. The mascot will feature at the Lucca Comics and Games convention in Italy and at the 2025 Expo in Osaka, Japan. The jubilee year will run from Christmas Eve 2024 through January 6, 2026.

Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her final major speech to undecided voters, standing near the White House in a symbolic counterpoint to Donald Trump’s January 6 rally location. Addressing 70,000 supporters, Harris pledged a “different path” for America, contrasting her policies with Trump’s and highlighting plans to lower housing costs, expand child tax credits, and protect national abortion rights. Acknowledging Americans' concerns over immigration and the economy, she promised “common ground” solutions, focusing on unity and progress. With the election in a week, Harris aims to solidify her stance as a hopeful, stabilizing alternative.

Axel Rudakubana, the 18-year-old suspect in the Southport stabbings, has appeared in Westminster Magistrates' Court via video link from Belmarsh prison. He faces charges of producing a biological toxin and possessing information useful for committing or preparing acts of terrorism, following the discovery of ricin and an al Qaeda training manual at his home. Rudakubana, wearing a grey tracksuit, remained silent during the hearing and covered his face with his sweater. He already faces three murder charges, 10 attempted murder charges, and possession of a knife related to the July 29 incident in Southport.

US President Joe Biden sparked controversy after referring to former President Donald Trump's supporters as "garbage" during a call with Hispanic advocacy group Voto Latino on Tuesday. Biden's comments came in response to comedian Tony Hinchcliffe's remarks at Trump's New York rally, where he called Puerto Rico a "floating island of garbage". The president later clarified his statement on social media, stating that he was actually condemning Hinchcliffe's hateful rhetoric, not Trump's supporters. Biden emphasized his support for the Latino community, slamming Trump's demonization of Latinos as "unconscionable" and "un-American".

A significant fire has broken out at the BAE Systems nuclear submarine shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, around 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Videos and images on social media showed large flames and thick smoke rising from the site. Two people were taken to the hospital for treatment, but Cumbria Police confirmed there were no fatalities. The incident is ongoing, with emergency services on the scene. Residents near the shipyard have been advised to remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed as a precaution. Authorities assured the public that there is no nuclear risk associated with the fire.

Hezbollah has appointed Naim Qassem as its new leader following Hassan Nasrallah's death in an Israeli airstrike on September 27. Qassem, 71, has been a prominent figure in Hezbollah since its founding in 1982 and served as deputy secretary general under Nasrallah. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant responded to the appointment, saying Qassem's tenure may be the shortest in Hezbollah's history "if he follows in the footsteps of his predecessors". Gallant posted on X, "Temporary appointment. Not for long," alongside a photo of Qassem. Qassem's appointment comes amid escalating tensions between Hezbollah and Israel.

Archaeologists have unearthed a massive ancient Maya city, Valeriana, hidden beneath Mexico's Campeche jungle canopy. Using Lidar technology, researchers discovered pyramids, sports fields, causeways, and amphitheaters spanning an area comparable to Edinburgh. Valeriana is deemed the second-densest Maya site after Calakmul, Latin America's largest. The finding was accidental, stemming from online data browsing. Three sites were identified in the survey area. The discovery sheds new light on Maya civilization's urban planning and architecture. Experts hail it as a significant breakthrough in understanding ancient Mesoamerican cultures.