News brief: Big stories of the day

Saudi Arabia said Thursday the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul was "premeditated" based on information supplied by Turkey, state media reported.

Two more suspected bombs were found in New York City and Delaware on Thursday morning as a manhunt intensified for a serial bomber who targeted high-profile Democrats and CNN, less than two weeks ahead of elections that could alter the US political landscape.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday said forcing CBI director Alok Verma to go on indefinite leave was "illegal" and alleged that it was done as the government panicked over the possibility of him investigating the Rafale jet deal.

CBI spokesperson on Thursday said that Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana would remain CBI director and special director, respectively.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit China next week, authorities said Thursday, as the former cricketer mounts a desperate search for funds to prop up the nation's dire finances.