The Bank of England has reduced interest rates by 0.25%, bringing them down to 4.75% from 5%, marking the lowest rate in over a year. This second cut of 2024 follows the August reduction when inflation hit its 2% target. Intended to lower borrowing costs for UK mortgage holders and first-time homebuyers, the cut also reduces returns on savings. In the Bank’s quarterly report, forecasts indicate a boost to GDP next year from tax measures, while inflation pressures are expected to persist. Governor Andrew Bailey and Bank officials will discuss further rate projections at a press conference at 12:30 pm.

In Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, terrorists killed two village defence guards (VDGs) on Thursday, identified as Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar. According to sources, the two guards were abducted, blindfolded, and later killed in the Kuntwara area. The Kashmir Tigers, an offshoot of Jaish-e-Mohammad, claimed responsibility and issued a warning discouraging locals from joining VDGs. Village defence groups, part of the region's anti-terror grid, were established in the 1990s to protect against terror attacks. Jammu and Kashmir Police have yet to confirm the incident officially, but intelligence sources verified the development.

An Israeli airstrike on Thursday killed three people and wounded several others, including Lebanese soldiers and UN peacekeepers, near a checkpoint in Sidon, southern Lebanon. The attack targeted a vehicle passing through the Awali checkpoint, resulting in the deaths of three passengers. Three Lebanese soldiers and several members of the Malaysian contingent of UNIFIL were also injured. The strike is part of intensified Israeli raids in the region amid ongoing hostilities with Hezbollah. UN peacekeepers, who were near the strike, sustained minor injuries, and the attack raised concerns over the safety of civilians and peacekeepers.

US President Joe Biden will address the nation on Thursday in the Rose Garden to discuss the election results and the peaceful transfer of power to Donald Trump. This follows Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, prompting Biden’s decision to drop out of the presidential race in July and hand over the Democratic nomination to Harris. In his speech, Biden will vow to ensure a smooth transition to Trump’s second term, marking a painful moment in his presidency as he accepts the results of the election.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot expressed hope on Thursday for a resolution to the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon after Donald Trump's victory. Speaking in Jerusalem, Barrot mentioned that Trump's stance on ending Middle Eastern conflicts, along with Israel's tactical achievements, could lead to peace. He emphasized that military success alone is insufficient for lasting security, urging a diplomatic approach. Barrot called for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, while warning that factors like "colonization" and airstrikes pose risks to Israel’s stability.

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan received a death threat and a demand for Rs 50 lakh on November 5, traced to a phone number registered to advocate Faizan Khan from Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Khan claimed his phone was stolen days earlier and that he was being framed, stating he had no connection to the call. Notably, Khan had previously filed a complaint against the actor over a dialogue in the 1994 film Anjaam, alleging it promoted religious disharmony. Mumbai police are investigating, and Khan suggested tracking the stolen phone to verify his claims. The caller reportedly identified as “Hindustani.”

The sudden deaths of 10 elephants in Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh, have raised concerns among conservationists. The elephants, part of a 13-member herd, died between 29-31 October, with initial toxicology reports indicating that they consumed kodo millet contaminated with cyclopiazonic acid, a fungal neurotoxin. Though early speculation suggested deliberate poisoning, officials deny any intentional harm. Heavy rains are believed to have promoted the fungal growth. Authorities have since destroyed contaminated millet crops near the park. "The elephants were unfortunate this time," said ecologist Raman Sukumar, highlighting the rare occurrence of such lethal fungal contamination.

Israel’s recent airstrikes in eastern Lebanon have killed 40 people and injured 53, reported Lebanon’s health ministry. The attacks targeted areas around Baalbek, intensifying conflict with Hezbollah in the Beqaa Valley. Israeli forces also struck Beirut’s suburbs and an area near Lebanon’s international airport. Meanwhile, Gaza’s northern regions faced escalating bombardments as Israeli ground troops advanced into Beit Lahiya, aiming to disrupt Hamas operations. Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, urging a ceasefire and warning of the humanitarian crisis. He described scenes of "absolute despair" in Gaza's north, calling for urgent peace efforts.

The diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have escalated, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India reporting heightened threats to Indian diplomats in Canada. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal revealed that Indian diplomats in Ottawa are under surveillance, which India considers a violation of diplomatic norms. Jaiswal highlighted Canada’s alleged failure to provide security for Indian consular staff, noting recent threats, harassment, and a temple attack in Brampton. India has condemned the actions, urging Canada to uphold the rule of law. Relations soured after Canada’s accusation of India’s involvement in Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death.

North Korean soldiers deployed by Russia to aid in the Ukraine conflict reportedly accessed unrestricted internet and were found consuming adult content, according to a Financial Times report. More than 7,000 North Korean soldiers, trained in Russia’s Far East, are stationed near the Ukraine border, armed with AK-12 rifles and mortars. The Ukrainian Defense Intelligence confirmed their first skirmish with Ukrainian forces. Despite the report, U.S. Defense Department spokesperson Lt. Col. Charlie Dietz said there is no official confirmation of North Korean soldiers' internet activities, leaving further details on their web usage unclear.