France is preparing for nationwide strikes and protests as 5 major trade unions join forces over wages, living costs and public services. Authorities expect between 500,000 and 700,000 people to take part in demonstrations on November 5. Around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes have been deployed to maintain security. The protests, involving students and workers, have disrupted schools, hospitals and public transport. Unions are demanding higher wages, including a €100 monthly increase, and better public services. The government has warned of a firm response to violence, while more than 250 protest actions are planned across the country. (PC: BBC)

Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff has emerged as a potential contender for the 2028 US presidential election following his victory in Georgia's Senate race. The 39-year-old defeated Republican challenger Mike Collins, strengthening his position within the Democratic Party. Ossoff has also drawn comparisons with former President Barack Obama because of his public speaking skills, political style and appeal among younger voters. Obama campaigned alongside him during the election. Ossoff has built a national profile through strong criticism of President Donald Trump. However, the Georgia senator has previously said he has no interest in running for president. (PC: India Today)

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his 23-year career with Portugal. The 41-year-old footballer shared the news through a video message on social media on Thursday. Ronaldo said the time had come to hand back Portugal’s iconic No. 7 shirt, which he wore with pride throughout his international career. He made a record 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals, becoming the highest-scoring player in men's international football. Ronaldo captained Portugal to the Euro 2016 title and won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025. (PC: HT)

For the first time in US history, more than 100 Democratic women are expected to serve simultaneously in the House of Representatives following the 2026 midterm elections. The milestone comes as Democrats regain control of Congress after major election victories. Several women candidates helped the party flip key Republican-held seats across the country. Teresa Leger Fernández, chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, said women made history by turning out to vote and electing more than 100 Democratic women. The achievement marks a significant increase in women's representation, although women remain underrepresented in the US Congress.

Israel’s Arab-led Ra’am party has backed opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government following the October 27 parliamentary elections. The party announced its decision ahead of consultations with President Isaac Herzog on November 5. Ra’am’s 8 lawmakers bring Eisenkot’s expected support to 56, ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s 53. However, neither side has secured the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-member Knesset. The backing strengthens Eisenkot’s chances of receiving the first opportunity to form a government. The Joint List’s position could prove crucial in the ongoing coalition negotiations.

Democrats’ sweeping victory in the 2026 US midterm elections has triggered a wave of reactions on social media. Users shared memes, political commentary and criticism of President Donald Trump following the Republican setback. Many posts focused on Trump blaming the Iran war for his party’s losses, while others highlighted the Democrats’ historic victories. Abdul El-Sayed’s election to the US Senate from Michigan also drew attention, with users celebrating his achievement as the state’s first Muslim senator. The results sparked fresh discussions about Trump’s leadership, the Iran conflict and the changing political mood across the United States. 

Meta has reportedly offered voluntary exit packages to select employees in France, joining Google and Microsoft. According to a report by French publication La Lettre, the plan could affect around 100 of Meta's 300 employees in the country. Interested workers must apply by November 5. The proposed package includes 2.15 months of salary for every year of service. Employees will also receive 10 months of paid mobility leave at 80% of their gross salary. Meta is also considering support for retraining and starting businesses. The move comes as tech firms restructure teams and increase investment in artificial intelligence.  

Indian stock markets witnessed a strong rally on Thursday, with the Sensex rising nearly 2,000 points. At 2:20 pm, the Sensex was up 1,981 points, or 2.56%, at 79,282.61. The Nifty gained 551.60 points, or 2.30%, to reach 24,512.20. The rally followed a sharp fall in global crude oil prices after the Republican Party's defeat in the US midterm elections. Lower oil prices raised hopes of reduced inflation and import costs for India. Market experts also pointed to hopes of a possible end to the US-Iran conflict.  

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said she does not need support from foreign countries to return home. Speaking to news agency AP on Thursday, she said her plan to return by December remains unchanged. "I do not need the blessing of a foreign power to return to my own country," she said. Hasina has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024. She was sentenced to death in absentia in November 2025 over the crackdown on student protesters. She has rejected the verdict but said she is ready to face the risks of returning.  

At least two people were killed after a three-storey under-construction building collapsed in Delhi's Chawri Bazaar on Thursday morning. Several others are feared trapped under the debris. The incident took place around 9:50 am in Gali Sitara, near Chawri Bazaar Metro station. Six fire units, along with rescue vehicles, were sent to the spot. Rescue teams are searching for survivors. An eyewitness said three or four workers were present at the site. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned the government's safety measures and alleged that poor enforcement led to repeated building collapses. The cause remains unknown.