US Vice-President Kamala Harris joked, "If somebody breaks into my house, they're getting shot," during a livestreamed event in Michigan with Oprah Winfrey. Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, confirmed her support for gun ownership but reiterated her stance on stricter gun laws, including a ban on assault weapons. She emphasized that assault rifles, "designed as tools of war," have no place in a civil society. Harris's gun ownership and evolving policy positions have gained attention as the 2024 election approaches. She continues to advocate for universal background checks, red-flag laws, and an assault weapons ban.

Israel launched a significant air offensive on southern Lebanon, targeting more than 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers and weapons storage facilities. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the sites were prepped for attacks on Israel. Lebanon's National News Agency reported at least 52 Israeli strikes on Thursday night. Hezbollah retaliated by firing missiles into northern Israel. Tensions escalated after deadly explosions across Lebanon, which Hezbollah blamed on Israel. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant described the military action as a “new phase of the war,” focusing on Hezbollah’s northern front. Casualty reports remain unclear as strikes and counterstrikes continue.

Hezbollah launched at least 140 rockets into northern Israel on Friday in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese group targeted military sites, including Israel's 188th Armoured Brigade headquarters. This attack follows two days of intense exchanges after thousands of communication devices exploded in Lebanon, widely attributed to Israel, killing and injuring civilians. Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah condemned the strikes, declaring them a "declaration of war." The conflict, which has seen daily exchanges of fire since October, continues to escalate as Israel seeks to restore control in the region. Ceasefire prospects remain uncertain.

Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza killed two people in Gaza City and Beit Hanoon, adding to the dozens killed in the past 24 hours. In Syria, Israeli forces targeted a car near Damascus airport, killing a “senior figure,” as reported by Syrian state media. Lebanon’s Health Minister stated that recent coordinated explosions across the country have not weakened the resolve of the Lebanese people. In the West Bank, Palestinian officials condemned Israeli soldiers after video footage showed them kicking dead bodies off a rooftop. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the incident as evidence of the Israeli military’s "brutality."

Visitors at Shanwei Zoo in China were shocked to discover that the supposed pandas were actually painted dogs. The realization came when one of the animals began panting and barking, prompting zoo-goers to question their authenticity. A viral video showed one of the "pandas" lying exhausted on a rock, while another with a curly tail was spotted walking in the enclosure. Initially, the zoo claimed these were a breed of “panda dogs,” but later admitted they had simply dyed two chow chows. Following the revelation, upset visitors demanded refunds from the zoo, expressing their dissatisfaction with the misleading display.

Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee and current US Vice President, engaged in a candid interview with Oprah Winfrey ahead of the upcoming elections. During the discussion, titled “Unite for America,” Harris made headlines by stating, "If somebody breaks into my house, they're getting shot," reflecting on personal safety. The interview covered various topics, including reproductive rights and immigration issues, aiming to energize voters in key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Michigan. Organized in partnership with the activist group Win With Black Women, the event sought to galvanize support for Harris’s campaign and engage the electorate ahead of the elections.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah stated that recent bomb attacks using the group's communications systems "crossed all red lines," accusing Israel of a declaration of war. In a significant speech, he admitted Hezbollah faced an "unprecedented blow" but vowed to continue fighting and deliver "just punishment." The blasts, which occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday, reportedly killed 37 people and injured 3,000, though Israel has not claimed responsibility. As Nasrallah spoke, Israeli warplanes created sonic booms over Beirut, further alarming the population, while Israeli military operations aimed to weaken Hezbollah's capabilities and enhance security in northern Israel.

The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) launched airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, destroying 1,000 rocket launcher barrels. The operation targeted 100 launchers poised to fire on Israeli territory. This retaliatory strike follows Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah's threat of "tough retribution" for recent attacks on the group's communication infrastructure. The IDF's action comes amidst heightened tensions in the region. The strikes demonstrate Israel's resolve to protect its territory and citizens from militant threats.

Over 70,000 Russian soldiers have died in Ukraine, according to data analyzed. For the first time, the highest number of fatalities are among civilian volunteers who joined Russia’s military after the full-scale invasion in 2022. The names of those killed, along with their obituaries and funeral photographs, are regularly published across Russian media and social networks. BBC Russian and Mediazona, using information from official sources, relatives, and new graves marked by defense ministry flags, have confirmed these deaths. The tragic toll highlights the human cost of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Kolkata doctors, who have been on strike for 42 days, will resume emergency duties on Saturday but will continue their protests. The West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front announced they would rejoin essential services while maintaining their protest over the alleged rape-and-murder of a colleague in August. The doctors will withdraw their sit-in outside Swasthya Bhavan but plan to protest at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office, demanding updates on the investigation. They have set a one-week deadline for implementing promises made by the Bengal government, warning of intensified protests if demands remain unmet.