French authorities have detained five more individuals in connection with the audacious theft of historic jewels from Louvre Museum on October 19, bringing the total arrests to seven. Laure Beccuau, the Paris public prosecutor, noted that one suspect was matched to the crime scene by DNA evidence. Despite the arrests, the priceless crown-jewels — valued at approximately €88 million ($102 million) — remain missing, prompting fears the gemstones may have been dismantled or smuggled abroad. The investigation, involving over 100 officers and intensive forensic work, continues as security lapses at the museum come under severe scrutiny. (PC: Reuters)    

President Donald Trump announced the US will share nuclear-powered submarine technology with South Korea following Wednesday's meeting with President Lee Jae Myung. Lee clarified earlier misunderstandings, stating South Korea seeks nuclear fuel, not weapons, and increased military spending to reduce America's financial burden. He emphasized nuclear-powered submarines could assist US regional activities. US nuclear submarine technology is highly sensitive; even recent UK-Australia deals avoid direct knowledge transfer. The announcement precedes Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose country possesses nuclear submarines. North Korea unveiled a nuclear-powered submarine under construction in March and conducted cruise missile tests Wednesday. Pentagon officials haven't commented. Trump also hinted at reducing China-related tariffs, citing improved relations and fentanyl cooperation expectations. (PC: X) 

Thousands displaced by Manipur's 2023 ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities face uncertain futures as the government plans closing all relief camps by December. The clashes, sparked by Meitei demands for tribal status, killed 260 people and displaced 60,000. Prime Minister Modi announced 7,000 new homes during his first visit since violence began, but didn't specify locations. Manipur remains divided: Meiteis inhabit Imphal Valley, Kukis occupy surrounding hills, with security forces patrolling buffer zones. Many Kukis fear returning home, preferring separate federally-administered territory, while most Meiteis want returning. Residents complain about inadequate healthcare, mental health support, and livelihood opportunities. Experts warn resettlement failures could permanently redraw Manipur's social map. (PC: BBC)

Rohit Arya, shot dead by Mumbai police after holding 17 children hostage for 3.5 hours at a Powai audition theatre, claimed the Maharashtra education department owed him ₹2 crore in "dues." Arya served as Project Director for Swachhata Monitor under the Majhi Shala, Sundar Shala initiative, approved in 2022. The education department denied his claims, stating Arya failed to provide proper documentation for his ₹2 crore budget request and charged schools registration fees without approval. Despite receiving ₹9,90,000 previously, technical gaps left the 2023-24 scheme unimplemented. Former Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar personally gave Arya money after protests. The department demanded Arya deposit collected fees and submit proper documentation, which he never provided.

India created history by successfully chasing 339 against Australia in the Women's World Cup semi-final, the highest successful chase in women's ODI history. Jemimah Rodrigues scored an unbeaten 127, partnering with captain Harmanpreet Kaur (89) for a crucial 167-run third-wicket stand. India won with nine balls and five wickets remaining at DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai. Multiple records fell: first-ever 300+ chase in any ODI World Cup knockout (men's or women's), highest tournament match aggregate (679 runs), and Phoebe Litchfield became the youngest century-scorer in Women's World Cup knockouts. Australia's 15-match World Cup winning streak since 2017 ended. India faces South Africa in Sunday's final, guaranteeing a new champion.

Arvi Singh Sagoo, a 55-year-old Indian-origin businessman, was killed in Edmonton, Canada, after confronting a stranger urinating on his car. On October 19, Sagoo and his girlfriend returned from dinner to find a man relieving himself on their vehicle. When Sagoo asked, "Hey, what are you doing?", the stranger replied, "Whatever I want," before punching him in the head. Sagoo collapsed immediately and was rushed to hospital on life support but died five days later on October 24. Kyle Papin, 40, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. Police confirmed no prior connection existed, calling it "completely unprovoked." The incident sparked anger within Canada's Indian community amid rising racially motivated violence concerns.

Taliban Interior Minister Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani warned Pakistan that imposing its problems on Afghanistan "will cost you dearly," referencing the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) issue. His warning followed failed Pakistan-Afghanistan peace talks in Istanbul, where Pakistan reportedly admitted signing a pact with the US allowing drone strikes from Pakistani soil. Afghanistan demanded Pakistan stop foreign powers from launching drones, offering to urge TTP against attacks in return. Pakistan initially agreed but backtracked after a call from Islamabad, citing its US deal regarding ISIS operations. The four-day Turkey-facilitated talks ended without breakthrough, with Pakistan blaming Kabul for not controlling militancy while Afghanistan accused Islamabad of mishandling internal conflicts.

Jemimah Rodrigues silenced critics with an unbeaten 127 against Australia in the Women's World Cup semi-final at Navi Mumbai, leading India to their third World Cup final. Once mocked as a "reels and guitar queen" for her social media presence, she responded with cricket's highest successful ODI chase (339). The 16-year-old who felicitated India's 2017 World Cup team now stands as their hero. Jemimah revealed battling anxiety and depression throughout the tournament, crying daily while struggling mentally. All three of her ODI centuries came in 2025, marking her transformation. Her innings wasn't just about runs, it was defiance against those who questioned whether a woman could be both authentic and successful.

US Vice President JD Vance sparked controversy after stating at a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi that he hopes his wife, Usha Vance, will convert to Christianity. Vance revealed that Usha, who grew up in a Hindu family but identifies as agnostic, regularly accompanies him to church. He expressed his wish for her eventual conversion while acknowledging her free will. The couple, both formerly agnostic/atheist, decided to raise their three children Christian. The comments triggered significant backlash on social media, with critics calling him hypocritical, noting the couple had a Vedic Hindu wedding and named one child Vivek. Many condemned his remarks as disrespectful, arguing acceptance shouldn't require changing someone's religious beliefs.

The global cricket fraternity erupted in celebration after India’s women’s team achieved a stunning victory over Australia, chasing down a record 338 runs to enter the 2025 Women’s World Cup final. Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 became the centerpiece of India’s triumph, earning admiration from players, commentators, and fans worldwide. Legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Alyssa Healy praised India’s fearless approach and mental toughness. Social media was flooded with congratulatory posts, calling the win a turning point in women’s cricket and a proud moment for Indian sport. (PC: X)