King Charles III has formally removed his brother Prince Andrew, Duke of York’s royal titles, honours and the lease of Royal Lodge in Windsor following renewed criticism over his association with Jeffrey Epstein. The palace statement noted that Andrew will no longer be styled as Duke of York and will be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, while vacating his 30-room residence near Windsor Castle. The decision underscores King Charles’s public support for abuse survivors, emphasising that the move was necessary despite Andrew’s denial of the allegations against him. (PC: India Today)  

Tears flowed as India beat Australia to enter the Women’s World Cup final after a record 339-run chase. Jemimah Rodrigues remained unbeaten on 127, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur scored 89 in the thrilling five-wicket win at the DY Patil Stadium. The victory ended Australia’s 15-match unbeaten run and marked the highest successful chase in any World Cup. As soon as India won, Jemimah and Harmanpreet broke down in joy, hugging teammates and thanking the crowd. The emotional win sends India into the final against South Africa, with hopes high for their first-ever World Cup title.

A tense three-hour hostage crisis in Mumbai’s Powai ended on Thursday evening after police rescued 19 people, including 17 children, from RA Studio. The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Rohit Arya, was shot dead during the rescue. Arya had locked the children and a few adults inside the studio during what was supposed to be a film audition. He threatened to set the room on fire and refused to surrender despite repeated police appeals. The operation ended around 4.30 pm after officers entered through a bathroom window. All hostages were safely rescued. Police are investigating Arya’s motive. (PC: India Today)

An Indian-origin businessman, Arvi Singh Sagoo, 55, was killed in Edmonton, Canada, after confronting a stranger urinating on his car. Sagoo and his girlfriend had just returned from dinner on October 19 when they saw the man. When Sagoo asked him to stop, the attacker punched him in the head, causing him to fall and lose consciousness. He was taken to hospital and placed on life support but died five days later. Police have arrested the accused, identified as Kyle Papin, and charged him with aggravated assault. A fundraiser has been launched to support Sagoo’s children and family. (PC: NDTV)

India reached the Women’s World Cup final after a record-breaking win over Australia in Navi Mumbai. Jemimah Rodrigues played a stunning unbeaten knock of 127 as India chased 339 — the highest run chase ever in any World Cup knockout. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur added a vital 89 to guide India to victory by five wickets with nine balls left. Earlier, Australia scored 338, led by Phoebe Litchfield’s 119 and Ellyse Perry’s 77. India’s bowlers fought back late to limit the damage. The hosts will now face South Africa in Sunday’s final, ensuring a new world champion. (PC: BCCI)

The Trump administration has set the US refugee limit at 7,500 for the next year, giving priority to white South Africans. The cap marks a sharp drop from the 125,000 limit set under former President Joe Biden. The notice, published on Thursday, said the decision was in the “national interest” but gave no detailed reason. Refugee groups have criticised the move, calling it unfair and discriminatory. Earlier this year, President Trump suspended the US Refugee Admissions Programme, saying it would protect national security. Critics warn the policy could block refugees from conflict zones like Afghanistan and the Middle East. (PC: X)

India entered the Women’s World Cup final after a stunning five-wicket win over Australia in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. Jemimah Rodrigues led the charge with a brilliant 127 not out, guiding India to chase down 339 with nine balls to spare. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur supported with a strong 89 as India ended Australia’s 16-match winning streak. Earlier, Phoebe Litchfield scored 119 to take Australia to 338, but India’s chase never lost momentum. This is India’s third World Cup final, where they will face South Africa on November 2. Fans celebrated a historic night for Indian cricket. (PC: BCCI)

Hurricane Melissa's devastating Caribbean rampage killed at least 32 people across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba before weakening from Category 5 to Category 1. The strongest storm in Caribbean modern history sustained peak winds of 298 km/h exceeding Hurricane Katrina's force. Jamaica's St Elizabeth parish suffered worst, submerged in knee-deep mud with severed communications and washed-out bridges isolating Black River. Cuba's Santiago de Cuba faced considerable damage as residents machete-cleared debris-buried streets. Haiti reported 23 deaths, including 10 children, from flooding despite avoiding direct impact. Nearly 1,500 Bahamians evacuated as Melissa accelerated toward Bermuda Thursday. Power lines and mobile networks collapsed across southwestern Jamaica, leaving families days without contact. Amid devastation, a baby was safely delivered under emergency conditions.

India secured a six-month US sanctions waiver for Iran's Chabahar Port, allowing operations until April 2026, MEA confirmed Thursday. The exemption permits India Ports Global Limited to operate the Shahid Beheshti terminal without penalties under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act. Originally granted in 2018, the waiver acknowledges Chabahar's humanitarian importance for Afghanistan and Central Asian trade access, bypassing Pakistan. India pledged $370 million in investments under May 2024's 10-year agreement, with $120 million already spent on infrastructure and International North-South Transport Corridor connectivity. The strategically vital port counters China's Gwadar development in Pakistan. MEA reaffirmed commitment to full port development, noting successful wheat and urea shipments to Afghanistan demonstrating humanitarian significance.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London Wednesday, celebrating the temple's 30th anniversary. The visit coincided with Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrations. Europe's first traditional Hindu stone temple welcomed the Royal couple, who met worshippers and representatives from community initiatives supported by the temple, including The Felix Project and Women of the World (WoW). The Royal Family announced the engagement on X, highlighting the historic milestone. The Neasden Temple, opened in 1995, represents a significant cultural landmark for Britain's Hindu community. Their Majesties' visit underscores the monarchy's recognition of Britain's diverse religious communities and commitment to interfaith dialogue during one of Hinduism's most auspicious festivals.