Meta lays off employees at WhatsApp and Instagram, the Verge reports

Meta has laid off staff across Instagram, WhatsApp, and Reality Labs to align with long-term goals.

Family of Menendez brothers seek their release from California prison

Relatives of Lyle and Erik Menendez are urging prosecutors to release the brothers, who have served over 30 years for their parents' murder, as new evidence of alleged abuse by their father is being reviewed.

Eastern Türkiye rattled by 5.9 magnitude earthquake

A 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit Turkish Malatya province, damaging buildings but causing no casualties. The tremor was also felt in Syria. Authorities are inspecting affected areas, with nearly 190 people treated for injuries in local hospitals.

Armenia plans to buy Pralay missiles from India

Armenia is planning to acquire Pralay tactical ballistic missiles from India, these missiles are capable of maneuvering during the final phase of their flight

Russia requests electricity imports from Azerbaijan, Georgia

Russia has approached Azerbaijan and Georgia with a request to import 600 MW of electricity in the event of an emergency

Georgia to Host Record Number of International Observers for Parliamentary Elections

North Korea blows up parts of inter-Korean road on its side of border, Seoul says

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula escalate as North Korea blows up inter-Korean roads and rail lines, prompting South Korea to fire warning shots. This comes after Pyongyang's pledge to fortify its border and accusations of drone incursions.

Oil falls 2% as OPEC cuts oil demand growth view, China concerns

Oil prices fell 2% as OPEC downgraded its global demand forecast and China's oil imports dropped for the fifth consecutive month. Concerns over Israeli-Iran tensions also weighed on markets, with Brent settling at $77.46 per barrel and WTI at $73.83 per barrel.

P Diddy Faces 6 New Sexual Assault Allegations

P Diddy faces six new sexual abuse lawsuits, including claims involving a minor, filed just a month after his criminal charges for serious offenses. Combs has denied all allegations, with a trial set for May 2025.

NASA spacecraft to gauge if Jupiter moon can host life

NASA's Europa Clipper mission has launched to explore Jupiter's moon Europa, aiming to determine if its vast subsurface ocean can support life. The spacecraft will fly 1.8 billion miles, conducting 49 flybys of the icy moon to gather critical data on its potential habitability.

Global Support Grows for Azerbaijan's Ceasefire Call During COP29

A total of 127 countries have joined the ceasefire call thus far

Rafael Nadal retires from tennis

Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from professional tennis, with the Davis Cup in Malaga next month being his final event.

South Korea’s Han Kang wins 2024 Nobel Prize in literature

Boris Johnson’s Memoir "Unleashed"

Boris Johnson’s memoir "Unleashed" offers a mix of humour, controversy, and self-reflection. Packed with political drama, colourful anecdotes, and bold claims, the 772-page book highlights his years in office while hinting at possible future ambitions.

EU Climate Commissioner Joins Global Climate Talks at Pre-COP29 in Baku

EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra is attending the Pre-COP29 meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, to discuss critical climate issues like finance, carbon markets, and fossil fuel transitions. He will also deliver a keynote speech and hold bilateral talks with key global leaders.

Thailand expands e-Visa system

Thailand embassies and consulates general in 39 countries now offer electronic visa (e-Visa) issuance

Kazakhstan in top 10 countries for gold reserve growth

Kazakhstan ranks seventh in expanding gold reserves, boosting holdings by 151 tons from 2013 to 2023.

Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to David Baker, Demis Hassabis and John M. Jumper

Cuba eases entry procedures for foreign visitors

Cuba has introduced two key measures to make travel easier for foreign visitors, focusing on the D’Viajeros platform

Hurricane Milton Rapidly Strengthens to Category 5

Milton Rapidly Strengthens to Category 5, Slight Weakening Expected Before Florida Landfall

Cissy Houston, mother of Whitney Houston, dies at 91

Cissy Houston, Grammy-winning soul and gospel icon and mother of the late Whitney Houston, passed away at 91 in her New Jersey home. Known for her powerful voice, Cissy's remarkable career included singing backup for legends and winning two Grammys for her gospel work.

Taylor Swift becomes richest female musician

Taylor Swift is officially the richest female musician with a net worth of $1.6 billion, surpassing Rihanna. Her success comes from music sales, touring, and catalogue royalties, making her the only artist to reach billionaire status primarily through her music career.

WHO: Over 35,000 Suspected Mpox Cases Reported in Africa in 2024

World Health Organization has reported over 35,000 suspected cases of mpox across Africa in 2024, with nearly 1,000 deaths potentially linked to the disease

Elon Musk joins Donald Trump at US election campaign rally

Elon Musk rallied in support of Donald Trump at a campaign event in Butler, declaring Trump the only candidate who can preserve democracy.