FBI Director Kash Patel faces allegations of misusing a $60 million government jet to attend girlfriend Alexis Wilkins' singing performance at a Pennsylvania wrestling event. Former FBI agent Kyle Seraphin claimed Patel flew from Virginia to State College, then Nashville where Wilkins resides. Flight records confirm a Justice Department jet made this route on October 25. Patel, 45, attended the Real American Freestyle Wrestling event where Wilkins, 26, performed. While FBI policy mandates directors use official aircraft for security, personal trips require commercial-rate reimbursement. It's unclear if Patel repaid costs. This isn't his first scrutiny as lawmakers previously accused him of overusing government aircraft, which Patel defended citing congressional mandate.

US Vice President JD Vance defended his controversial remarks about wife Usha's Hindu faith, clarifying she "has no plans to convert" to Christianity. Responding to backlash on X, Vance called criticism "disgusting" and accused detractors of "anti-Christian bigotry." The controversy erupted after his Turning Point USA event at University of Mississippi, where he expressed hope Usha might embrace Christianity, though she attends church with him and their children. Vance emphasized their interfaith marriage faces no conflict, stating everyone has "free will." He credited Usha, whom he met at Yale Law School, for encouraging his faith reconnection years ago. Vance defended addressing the question publicly, noting curiosity about his family comes with being a national figure.

India’s 45-day wedding season, beginning November 1, is expected to generate ₹6.5 lakh crore from around 46 lakh weddings, according to a CAIT report. Delhi will lead the celebrations, contributing ₹1.8 lakh crore from 4.8 lakh weddings. CAIT’s Praveen Khandelwal said higher incomes, rising gold prices, and festive confidence have boosted spending. The “Vocal for Local Weddings” drive has increased the use of Indian-made products, with 70% of goods sourced locally. The season is also expected to create over 1 crore temporary jobs and add ₹75,000 crore to tax revenues, giving a strong push to MSMEs. (PC: NDTV)

Thousands of people adopted from other countries by American families now face deportation because they were never granted US citizenship. Many, like 61-year-old Shirley Chung from South Korea, grew up believing they were Americans until they discovered missing paperwork left them stateless. A 1973 adoptee from Iran said she lives in fear of immigration raids. The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 helped only younger adoptees, leaving older ones unprotected. Advocates say a simple law change could fix the issue. With Donald Trump back in office and deportations rising, many adoptees are pleading for compassion and the citizenship they were promised. (PC: BBC)

The FBI said it has prevented a possible terrorist attack in Michigan that was planned for Halloween weekend. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on Friday that several suspects were arrested in a joint operation with local police. Patel praised the officers for their quick action, saying it helped stop a “major act of violence.” The FBI’s Detroit office said agents were active in Dearborn and Inkster during the morning raids. Local police confirmed there is no threat to the public. Details about the suspects and the plot are expected to be released soon, officials said. (PC: India Today)

Pakistan faces severe water risks after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) following the April Pahalgam attack, said the Ecological Threat Report 2025. The study by the Institute for Economics and Peace warned that small changes in India’s dam operations could sharply reduce Indus River flows. Pakistan’s limited water storage — only enough for 30 days — makes it highly vulnerable. In May, India flushed reservoirs on the Chenab without notice, causing floods in Pakistan. The report said India now has strategic control over river timing, while Pakistan’s agriculture, dependent on the Indus basin, faces growing danger. (PC: India Today)

At least 19 people have died in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa hit the island with winds up to 185 mph. The storm has left many towns cut off, with roads blocked and power and water supplies down. “Entire communities seem marooned,” said Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon. Aid is slowly arriving in Kingston, but damaged roads are delaying relief to western regions. In Haiti, at least 30 people have died, while Cuba reports no deaths but severe flooding. The US and UK have sent emergency aid and teams to help with food, shelter, and rescue efforts across the Caribbean. (PC: BBC)

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s name has been removed from the roll of the peerage, formally ending his royal titles. The move follows his loss of the “Prince” title and Windsor mansion, marking a major fall from grace. The decision comes amid growing scrutiny of his private life and renewed attention from Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, which repeats long-denied allegations against him. Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts, welcomed the King’s move but said it was “not enough,” urging a deeper investigation. The Palace declined further comment on the unprecedented action. (PC: BBC)

At a public event, Vice-President J.D. Vance expressed his hope that his wife Usha—who grew up Hindu—might eventually adopt Christianity, while emphasising her free will in the matter. He noted that their children are being raised in the Christian faith and attend a Christian school. Usha, however, maintains her Hindu identity and cultural roots, and observers say Vance’s remarks have sparked debate about religious tolerance, interfaith marriages and cultural sensitivity in public discourse.   

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)