Hurricane Melissa has caused massive destruction across the Caribbean, killing dozens and flattening towns in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness described “total devastation,” saying up to 90% of roofs were destroyed. At least five people died in Jamaica and 20 in Haiti, where floods and landslides washed away homes. In Cuba, winds reached 115 mph, flooding streets and toppling trees. King Charles expressed sadness over the disaster, calling it a reminder of the need to protect nature. Rescue teams continue to search for survivors as countries assess the scale of damage. (PC: BBC)

A man named Rohit Arya was arrested after holding at least 17 children hostage at a studio in Mumbai’s Powai on Thursday. In a video released before his arrest, Arya said, “Don’t trigger me. I’m not a terrorist. I have simple, moral and ethical demands.” Police launched a swift rescue operation and freed all the children safely. No injuries were reported. Officers are now questioning Arya to understand his motives and verify his claims. The incident caused panic in the area before police brought the situation under control. (PC: NDTV)

Delhi Police have told the Supreme Court that the 2020 Delhi riots were part of a planned “regime-change operation.” In a new affidavit opposing bail for Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Meeran Haider, and Gulfisha Fatima, police said the violence was premeditated and aimed at destabilising India. They claimed the riots were timed with Donald Trump’s visit to draw global attention and harm India’s image. The police accused the petitioners of delaying trial through false pleas and non-cooperation. Citing the UAPA, officials argued “jail, not bail” applies due to the serious nature of the alleged conspiracy. (PC: India Today)

Two men arrested over the €88 million Louvre jewel heist have partially admitted their role, French prosecutors said. The suspects, both in their thirties, were identified through DNA evidence. One was caught while trying to fly to Algeria. The stolen crown jewels, including the Parure Marie-Amélie diadème, are still missing. Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said the gang could include more than the four people seen on CCTV. The thieves used power tools and escaped within minutes on scooters. Security across French museums has since been tightened, and the Louvre has moved its most valuable jewels to the Bank of France vaults. (PC: BBC)

India began its 12-day tri-service military exercise, Trishul, along the Pakistan border on Thursday. The war games involve the Army, Navy, and Air Force, including Rafale and Sukhoi jets, T-90 tanks, Prachand helicopters, and BrahMos missile units. The drills are being held across Gujarat and Rajasthan, mainly in the Kutch region, close to the disputed Sir Creek area. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had earlier warned Pakistan against territorial claims there. Islamabad responded by closing large parts of its airspace. Officials say Trishul sends a clear message that India is ready to defend its borders and maintain regional security. (PC: NDTV)

The Trump administration has ended automatic extensions of US work permits, a move likely to affect thousands of Indian professionals and their families. The new rule by the Department of Homeland Security means workers must stop working if their Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) renewals are not approved before expiry. Until now, renewals were automatically extended for up to 540 days. The change impacts H-1B visa holders, H-4 spouses, and students on OPT. Officials say the move strengthens “national security,” but immigration experts warn it could cause mass job losses among Indians already facing long green card backlogs. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav during a rally in Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Modi called them the “Yuvrajs of Corruption,” accusing both of representing “the most corrupt families” in India and Bihar. He said the two leaders were out on bail in multi-crore scams and had opened “shops of false promises.” Modi added that those born into privilege could not tolerate a leader from a humble background. The remarks came a day after Rahul Gandhi mocked the Prime Minister, saying he would “dance on stage” for votes. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump said after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea that both sides have agreed to end the "rare earths roadblock." He announced lower tariffs on Chinese goods and said a trade deal could be signed "pretty soon." Trump said China had lifted restrictions on rare earth exports and that both nations would work together on the war in Ukraine. He added that Taiwan was not discussed. Calling the meeting a “great success,” Trump confirmed plans to visit China in April, while Xi is expected to visit the US later next year. Beijing has not commented. (PC: BBC)

A Pakistani Army captain and five soldiers were killed during a clash with Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants near the Afghan border in Kurram district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Captain Noman Saleem, a 24-year-old medical officer, and five others died during an intelligence-based operation targeting militants in Dogar area. Seven TTP militants were also killed. Pakistan's ISPR confirmed the incident, stating sanitization operations continue under 'Azm-e-Istehkam' campaign. Kurram district, bordering Afghanistan, remains a flashpoint for cross-border militant infiltration. Security challenges have escalated since TTP ended its ceasefire in late 2022. This year alone, 298 people died in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa terrorist incidents, while security forces killed 368 terrorists in 2,366 operations. (PC: X)

India secured an extension of the US sanctions waiver for Iran's Chabahar Port operations until early 2026, ensuring continuity for New Delhi's crucial regional connectivity project. The waiver, expiring Tuesday, allows India Ports Global Limited to continue developing the Shahid Beheshti Terminal despite Trump's maximum pressure policy on Iran. The extension provides relief for India's humanitarian aid deliveries to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan, and maintaining access routes to Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. In 2024, India signed a 10-year operational contract for the terminal. The port integrates with the International North-South Transport Corridor linking India, Iran, Russia, and Central Asia. Since 2018, Chabahar has repeatedly received waivers recognizing its strategic and humanitarian value. (PC: X)