On October 17, skywatchers across India were captivated by the Supermoon, coinciding with the Sharad Poornima festival. This astronomical event showcased the largest and brightest full moon of the year, as the moon reached its closest point to Earth—about 363,300 km away. "When the full moon is closest to Earth, it appears up to 14% larger and 30% brighter," according to NASA. Enthusiasts across India used telescopes and cameras to capture the celestial beauty. Sharad Poornima, a Hindu festival celebrated in the month of Ashwin, added to the significance of this natural marvel.

The CDC reported a 25-year low in U.S. teen smoking and tobacco use, with just 8% of middle and high school students using tobacco products. The number dropped from 2.8 million users last year to 2.25 million in 2024. "Reaching a 25-year low for youth tobacco product use is an extraordinary milestone," said Deirdre Lawrence Kittner, CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health. E-cigarette use, the most common form, fell to 6%, while traditional smoking declined to just 1.7%. Health officials credit price hikes, public campaigns, and stricter regulations for the drop.

Authorities in Argentina have confirmed that Liam Payne "jumped from the balcony" of his Buenos Aires hotel room, leading to his tragic death. The 31-year-old singer was on holiday with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, to support ex-bandmate Niall Horan. Hotel staff made two emergency calls, with one stating, "We have a guest who's off his head on drugs and is destroying everything." White powder, suspected to be cocaine, was found in his room. A preliminary autopsy revealed Payne suffered "multiple traumas" from a 40-foot fall. The investigation continues as police seek the source of the drugs.

India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, emphasized the importance of India’s digital public infrastructure (DPI) in a recent article for The Telegraph. He highlighted the rapid digitalisation in India, with over 60% of the population now online, and how India’s DPI has revolutionized governance, FinTech, and public services. The system's interoperability, privacy-by-design approach, and scalability were noted as crucial for replication in other countries, including the UK. Doraiswami underscored the potential for UK-India collaboration in developing future digital services, particularly in AI-driven innovations, benefiting both countries and emerging markets globally.

US prosecutors have identified Vikash Yadav, referred to as CC-1 in previous filings, as the key conspirator in a plot to assassinate pro-Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Yadav, an Indian government official with India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), is charged with murder-for-hire and money laundering. His co-conspirator, Nikhil Gupta, was previously extradited. Yadav, who remains at large, allegedly provided Pannun’s personal information and facilitated a $100,000 payment for the assassination. The FBI has listed Yadav on its wanted list. US authorities emphasized accountability for attempts to target American citizens.

The first storm of the season, named Storm Ashley, is set to hit the UK and Ireland this weekend. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for parts of northern and western Scotland, expecting winds up to 80 mph. Rain and wind will begin on Sunday morning, with warnings also in place for parts of Ireland and Northern Ireland. While England and Wales will see wet weather, the worst conditions will be in Scotland. The storm is expected to develop rapidly, causing possible disruptions and coastal flooding.

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed in Gaza after Israeli trainee soldiers unexpectedly discovered him during a routine patrol in Rafah. The trainees, part of an infantry training unit, engaged Sinwar and his bodyguards in a gunfight before cornering him in a damaged building. Sinwar, severely injured, attempted to resist by throwing grenades and later faced tank fire. A drone captured his last moments as he sat wounded. Sinwar’s body was identified through DNA testing, ending a year-long manhunt. His final defiance has heightened his martyr status for some, while his death leaves Gaza's future uncertain.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed on Thursday that North Korea is preparing 10,000 troops to fight for Russia in Ukraine. Speaking at NATO headquarters, Zelenskyy warned that this could lead to a “world war.” NATO leaders could not confirm North Korean troop involvement but expressed concern over North Korea’s military support to Russia. Zelenskyy also urged the West to follow his “victory plan,” which includes allowing Ukraine to join NATO and providing longer-range missiles. NATO members, however, remain cautious about further escalation and Ukraine’s potential membership.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in Sydney, Australia, on Friday for a six-day tour. A light show at the Sydney Opera House honored their visit, displaying images of past royal tours. The couple was greeted by Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. This is the King’s first visit to Australia as its head of state. During their stay, they will meet leaders, support environmental projects, and attend a naval review. The visit has sparked renewed debate about Australia becoming a republic.

A senior Hamas official has confirmed the death of their leader, Yahya Sinwar, during combat in Rafah. Khalil al-Hayya, deputy leader of Hamas, stated that Sinwar’s death will not weaken the group but rather "only strengthen" their resolve to continue fighting for Palestinian ambitions. Al-Hayya also added that Israeli hostages will not be released until Israel ends its aggression on Gaza and fully withdraws its forces. The death of Sinwar, a key figure in the group, has sparked vows from Hamas and its military wing to continue their resistance until the liberation of Palestine.