Newly unsealed court documents show that in April 2010, Prince Andrew responded to a message from Jeffrey Epstein, writing “It would be good to catch up in person” and noting he would try to “make a couple of days before the summer.” The correspondence came months after Epstein’s release from a 2008 conviction for prostituting minors. The email chain was revealed in documents tied to a lawsuit involving Epstein’s private-island dealings and JPMorgan Chase. Family members of victim Virginia Giuffre have called for an investigation into Andrew’s ties, noting he has always denied her trafficking claims. (PC: AP)

Kerala has officially become the first Indian state to eliminate extreme poverty, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced in the state assembly on Kerala Piravi Day. The achievement follows the Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme (EPEP) launched in 2021, which targeted over 64,000 economically vulnerable families through measures such as housing, food security, livelihood support, and document regularisation. Vijayan hailed it as a milestone in Kerala’s welfare model. However, the opposition parties boycotted the session, calling the declaration politically motivated and demanding transparency in data verification. (PC: India Today)

Bankim Brahmbhatt, an Indian-origin CEO of U.S.-based telecom companies, has been accused of masterminding a massive $500 million loan fraud that deceived BlackRock’s private credit unit and several global banks. The lawsuit alleges that Brahmbhatt’s firms used fake invoices, forged contracts, and fabricated customer data to secure multimillion-dollar loans. The scam came to light in July 2025, when auditors uncovered fake email domains and non-existent clients. Following the exposure, Brahmbhatt reportedly stopped communicating with lenders and abandoned company offices, leaving financial institutions scrambling to recover the huge losses. (PC: NDTV)

The Supreme Court of India has overturned a 10-year sentence for a man convicted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act in a case involving his now-wife, noting their 2021 marriage, their child and co-habitation. The bench emphasised the relationship was “love, not lust” and said the law must serve justice, not blind punishment. It placed the quashing on condition he continue to support his wife and child with dignity and warned the decision is not precedent for other POCSO cases. 

U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance addressed controversy following his comments about his wife Usha Vance’s religion, clarifying that she “is not a Christian and has no plans to convert.” Vance’s earlier statement expressing hope that she might embrace Christianity sparked criticism, especially from Hindu American groups. Married since 2014, the couple has agreed to raise their children in the Christian faith while Usha continues to practice Hindu traditions. The Hindu American Foundation condemned Vance’s remarks, urging greater understanding and respect for Hinduism’s pluralistic beliefs amid growing debate on interfaith harmony in U.S. politics. (PC: The Hindu)

The Donald Trump administration’s decision to resume nuclear testing signals a broader concern: the U.S. nuclear arsenal is outdated and under-maintained, even as adversaries like China and Russia advance. Reports highlight that many warheads and delivery systems date back to the Cold War era and have been extended beyond intended lifespans. A $1.7 trillion modernization program is underway, yet delays raise concerns that by the 2040s the arsenal may still be misaligned with 21st-century threats. Critics warn that restarting tests could erode global arms control norms, while supporters argue credibility of deterrence demands action now. (PC: The Economic Times)

Indian-origin US telecom entrepreneur Bankim Brahmbhatt faces accusations of orchestrating a $500 million loan fraud involving BlackRock-backed HPS Investment Partners. Brahmbhatt, owner of Broadband Telecom and Bridgevoice, allegedly created fake customer accounts and receivables to secure massive loans from American lenders, including BNP Paribas-partnered financing. Lenders filed an August lawsuit claiming he pledged non-existent revenue streams as collateral. HPS's exposure grew from $385 million (early 2021) to $430 million (August 2024), with BNP Paribas funding nearly half. Brahmbhatt filed personal bankruptcy on August 12, simultaneously with his companies' Chapter 11 protection. His Garden City office appears vacated, and investigators fear he fled to India, though his lawyer denies all allegations.

FBI Director Kash Patel announced Friday that multiple suspects allegedly plotting a violent Halloween weekend attack in Michigan were arrested, preventing a "potential terrorist attack." Investigators believe the plot was inspired by Islamic State extremism and are examining possible online radicalization, according to anonymous sources. FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force members searched a Dearborn home near Fordson High School, collecting evidence. Patel praised swift coordination with local partners, assuring Michigan residents of a safe Halloween. Dearborn police confirmed FBI operations but stated no community threat exists. This follows a May arrest of Ammar Said, who allegedly planned attacking a suburban Detroit Army site for Islamic State using undercover FBI employees as supposed allies.

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone praised cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues for courageously revealing her anxiety struggles following India's historic ICC Women's World Cup semifinal victory over Australia. The 25-year-old cricketer broke down at the post-match press conference, admitting she cried almost daily while battling anxiety and self-doubt, especially after being dropped from initial matches. Deepika reposted the emotional video, thanking Jemimah for her vulnerability. Rodrigues credited her parents and teammate Arundhati for daily support during the difficult phase, stating she felt "numb" during anxious moments. Her unbeaten 127 powered India's record chase of 339 runs, securing a five-wicket victory and Sunday's final spot against South Africa at Navi Mumbai.

The FIDE World Cup trophy was renamed the "Viswanathan Anand Trophy" during Friday's opening ceremony in Goa, honoring India's five-time World Champion. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and FIDE chief Arkady Dvorkovich attended the unveiling. World Women Chess Cup holder Divya Deshmukh conducted the draw of lots, with odd numbers playing black pieces in round one. The $2 million prize money tournament features 206 players from 80 countries competing across eight knockout rounds of classical games. The FIDE World Cup 2025 will award three qualifying spots to the Candidates 2026, which serves as the gateway to the next World Championship match.