Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House today to request long-range missiles for Ukraine. Trump has recently hinted he may consider supplying Tomahawk missiles, which can strike deep inside Russia. The move, if approved, would mark a major shift in US policy. The Kremlin warned that such action would be seen as a “major escalation.” The meeting follows Trump’s phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he described as showing “great progress.” Both leaders are expected to meet face-to-face soon in Hungary to discuss ending the war. (PC: BBC)

Iran has condemned Israel's ongoing attacks on southern Lebanon as a violation of the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, established in November 2024. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei described the near-daily strikes as a "clear violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity." The recent Israeli air raids on the village of Ansar resulted in one fatality and seven injuries. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun denounced the attacks, labeling them a breach of the ceasefire. Iran also criticized France and the United States, truce guarantors, for their "inaction and appeasement" towards Israel's repeated violations .    

Sumo wrestlers have been spotted exploring London's iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, as they prepare for an upcoming professional tournament. Their visit to the UK capital showcases the growing international interest in sumo wrestling beyond its traditional Japanese roots. The athletes, known for their disciplined training and cultural heritage, are engaging with fans and promoting the sport's global appeal. The tournament is expected to feature top-tier sumo talent and attract enthusiasts from around the world.

On October 15, 2025, Uruguay’s Senate legalized euthanasia, becoming the first Latin American country to do so through legislation. Approved by 20 of 31 senators after five years of debate, the law allows terminally ill or severely suffering patients to request medical assistance to end their lives, provided they are mentally competent and approved by two doctors. Unlike Colombia and Ecuador, Uruguay’s law stems from legislative action, not court rulings. Minors are excluded, and assisted suicide remains prohibited. The move, reflecting growing secularism, strengthens Uruguay’s progressive image alongside legalized marijuana, same-sex marriage, and abortion, despite opposition from the Catholic Church.    

US President Donald Trump said on Friday he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in two weeks, signalling a possible easing of trade tensions. Trump admitted that the 100% tariffs he announced on all Chinese imports last week were “not sustainable.” The meeting is expected to take place during the APEC summit in South Korea. Trump said he believes things “will be fine” with China, despite recent sharp exchanges over trade and rare earth export controls. China has warned that the US move harms bilateral ties but said it remains open to talks to resolve differences. (PC: India Today)

Fresh clashes broke out in Bangladesh on Friday as protesters opposed the interim government’s new political charter. Hundreds gathered outside the National Parliament complex in Dhaka, accusing the government of ignoring their concerns. Police fired tear gas, stun grenades, and used batons to disperse the crowd. Several people were injured. The protesters were part of the movement that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year. The new “July National Charter,” signed by major political parties, aims to guide reforms under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus’s government. However, several groups refused to sign, calling the charter incomplete and unfair.

Venezuelan fishermen are living in fear after recent US military strikes on boats in the Caribbean. The attacks, aimed at suspected drug traffickers, have killed at least 27 people. The US says the boats carried drugs linked to networks backed by President Nicolás Maduro, but no proof has been shown. Fishermen near Lake Maracaibo say they now fear being mistaken targets. Many have stopped going to sea, while others vow to defend their country. Venezuela’s defence minister has warned citizens to prepare “for the worst” as tensions rise between Washington and Caracas.

Russian President Putin told Trump during Thursday's phone call that Russia remains open to Ukraine settlement, with Kremlin confirming a summit could occur within two weeks in Budapest, Hungary. The announcement precedes Trump's Friday Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky, where Tomahawk cruise missile supply discussions are expected. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Foreign Minister Lavrov and Secretary of State Marco Rubio must arrange preliminary talks resolving several issues before the summit. Putin faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant but will travel to Hungary regardless. Trump posted on Truth Social suggesting Middle East success could aid Russia-Ukraine negotiations, calling the conflict "inglorious."

Ukrainian President Zelensky meets Trump Friday at the White House, seeking Tomahawk missiles capable of striking 2,500km into Russia. The meeting follows Trump's "very productive" call with Putin Thursday, where they agreed to face-to-face talks in Budapest within two weeks. Trump reversed his earlier openness, stating "we can't deplete" US Tomahawk stockpiles. High-level advisors will meet next week, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio leading American delegation. Russia launched massive overnight attacks that includes 28 ballistic missiles and 320 drones before the Trump-Putin call, exposing Moscow's "real attitude toward peace," Ukraine's ambassador stated. Trump-Putin relations improved since failed August Alaska summit, though comprehensive peace remains elusive. (PC: Reuters)

Critical Pakistan-Taliban negotiations commence Friday in Doha with third-party mediation, addressing escalating cross-border tensions fueled by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan's National Security Adviser Lt Gen Asim Malik and Afghan Taliban Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob are expected to meet, with key ministers joining delegations. Discussions center on ceasefire extension, highlighting Pakistan's security vulnerabilities and military fatigue from TTP attacks in Khyber and Waziristan. Islamabad seeks concessions and counter-terrorism assurances while desperately attempting to stabilize its western frontier. Kabul aims to assert diplomatic legitimacy, leverage the crisis, and pressure Pakistan toward formal Taliban sovereignty recognition. The third-party mediation underscores severe bilateral relationship breakdown as both sides pursue divergent objectives.