US President Donald Trump authorised Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. He cited two reasons for this decision: first, he claimed that Venezuela is sending former prisoners to US, and second, he said was drug trafficking. Some US officials reportedly said that Trump administration's strategy aims to remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power.

After ceasefire was announced between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said, "I have my doubts that the ceasefire will hold, because the Taliban are being sponsored by Delhi. Right now, Afghanistan is fighting a proxy war for Delhi." Taliban spokesperson earlier said that the ceasefire was announced after Pakistan requested for it.

The public address system at four US and Canadian airports was hijacked by hackers, who announced, "F**k Trump and Netanyahu. Free free Palestine. Turkish hacker Cyber Islam was here." Authorities called the announcement a "political message" that did not contain any threats to airlines, passengers or employees, saying that the matter is being investigated.

While praising PM Narendra Modi at the White House, US President Donald Trump said, "PM Modi is a great man. He loves Trump. I don't want you to take the word 'love' any differently. I don't want to destroy his political career." "I have watched India for years. It's an incredible country," he further said.

US President Donald Trump has claimed that PM Narendra Modi assured him that India will stop buying Russian oil. "That's a big step. Now we're going to get China to do the same thing," he added. The Trump administration had imposed an additional 25% tariff on India as a penalty for its Russian oil purchases, bringing total levies to 50%.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said America is in favour of hitting China with tariffs over its purchase of Russian oil, but wants European allies to join the effort. "It is the purchase of Russian oil by China that fuels the Russian war machine. China buys 60%...of Russian energy," Bessent said. Earlier, US hiked tariffs on India over Russian oil.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the government shutdown could start costing the US economy around $15 billion per day in lost output. Urging the Democrats to "be heroes" and side with Republicans to end it, Bessent stated that the shutdown is starting to "cut into the muscle" of the economy. The government shutdown began on October 1.

Coinbase unveiled its US Bitcoin Yield Fund for accredited investors, offering BTC-based yield through lending and basis trading. Simultaneously, it invested in India’s CoinDCX at a $2.45 billion valuation to boost product growth and expansion into new markets, signaling a strategic bet on institutional yield and emerging crypto adoption across India and the Middle East.

Pop star Katy Perry seemingly confirmed her relationship with former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, after a picture showing them kissing surfaced. At a concert in London, after a fan went on his knees for a proposal, Katy replied, "I wish you'd asked me 48 hours ago." She also said she falls for Englishmen all the time, but "not anymore".

This Diwali 2025, many Indians are swapping sweets and fireworks for travel, with 46% opting for festive getaways up to 5,000 km away. Vietnam leads as the top choice, followed by Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. Driven by Gen Z and millennials, travelers seek beaches, culture, and adventure over traditional celebrations.