As the official polling day for the U.S. election approaches on November 5, more than 70 million voters have already cast their ballots, according to the University of Florida's Election Lab. While this figure is below the 2020 record of 101.5 million due to the pandemic, it surpasses early voting totals from 2016 (47.2 million) and 2012 (46.2 million). In the race, Kamala Harris leads Donald Trump nationally with 48% to 47%. The election's outcome will hinge on swing states, where both candidates must secure at least three states to reach the 270 electoral votes needed to win.

Indian troops have started patrolling Demchok and Depsang along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to verify the disengagement of forces following the October 21 agreement with China. This move marks a significant step towards resolving the military standoff that began in April 2022. According to officials, both India and China have dismantled temporary structures and agreed on a specified distance between their troops. The disengagement will allow Indian forces access to key patrolling points previously blocked by Chinese forces. Modi and Xi Jinping have committed to reviving dialogue mechanisms to restore bilateral relations and maintain peace along the border.

A Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist from Pakistan was killed and four security personnel were injured in a Saturday morning encounter in Srinagar's Khanyar area. Following intelligence about terrorist presence, security forces launched a search operation in the densely populated area. Two CRPF jawans and two police officers, all injured in the exchange, are in stable condition at the Army’s 92 Base Hospital. In a separate operation in Anantnag’s Halkan Gali, two militants, including one foreigner and one local, were killed after an intense gunfight with security forces. The operation remains ongoing, with additional details awaited.

Kim Jong Un’s growing ties with Vladimir Putin are straining China's control over North Korea. Beijing, historically North Korea's top ally and economic supporter, is concerned about Kim's increasing support for Russia, including sending artillery and soldiers to aid in Ukraine. The Russia-North Korea alliance, strengthened by a new security pact, risks unsettling China's influence in East Asia. Analysts say Kim's pursuit of an alternative ally could undermine China's regional power and prompt South Korea to consider nuclear defenses. This development raises Beijing's fears of heightened tensions and instability along its northeastern border with North Korea.

India gained the upper hand against New Zealand on Day 2 of the final Test at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. Fifties from Shubman Gill (90) and Rishabh Pant (60) helped India establish a slender 28-run lead after the hosts were dismissed for 263. India's bowlers then seized control, reducing New Zealand to 171/9 by stumps. Ravindra Jadeja led with four wickets, while Ravichandran Ashwin contributed three, including a brilliant catch to dismiss Daryll Mitchell. With New Zealand on the ropes, India looks poised to press its advantage and conclude the series in style.

Scottish comedian Janey Godley has died at the age of 63, her agent confirmed. Godley passed away on November 2 at the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow, surrounded by her loved ones. She had announced last month that she was receiving end-of-life care for terminal cancer. Godley gained widespread recognition for her humorous dubbed imitations of Nicola Sturgeon's COVID-19 news briefings during the pandemic. Her death was met with tributes from fans and fellow comedians, celebrating her unique talent and contribution to Scottish comedy.

North Korea's dictator Kim Jong-un has dispatched a trusted special forces general, Kim Yong Bok, to Russia to lead Pyongyang's troops in Ukraine, according to Kyiv's intelligence. General Kim, deputy head of the North Korean army and a veteran of the Storm Corps special forces, is often seen alongside Kim Jong-un. Ukraine's statement to the UN identified Gen Kim as the highest-ranking North Korean officer sent to Russia ahead of its expected entry into the war. This military alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang is deemed a "threat to Europe, the Korean peninsula, its neighbours and beyond".

Hezbollah launched rockets at an Israeli intelligence base near Tel Aviv and other areas in northern Israel early Saturday, the Iran-backed group announced. The 2:30 AM attack targeted the Glilot base of Israel's 8200 military intelligence unit, as well as the city of Safed, according to Hezbollah's statement. This escalation is the latest in a year-long exchange of cross-border fire between Hezbollah and Israel, sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Tensions intensified on September 23 when Israel ramped up the conflict. The region teeters on the brink of all-out war as displaced persons flee southern Lebanon.

An additional 500 soldiers are being deployed to Spain's Valencia region following heavy floods that began Monday, devastating communities and sparking public criticism over authorities’ response. Over 200 people have died, mostly in Valencia and nearby areas, and the death toll is expected to rise. The floods destroyed bridges, covered towns in mud, and cut off communities from essential resources like water, food, and electricity. Thousands of volunteers have joined clean-up efforts in rural areas, but authorities restricted traffic over the weekend to ensure emergency workers have clear access to affected regions amid ongoing rescue and recovery operations.

On October 31, the Village Halloween Parade in New York City featured a large-scale "Thriller" flash mob dance performance. Over 100 dancers participated in the event, which has been a 20-year tradition. To join, participants were required to register in advance and purchase a $50 entry ticket, which sold out in 90 seconds. The choreographed dance to Michael Jackson's iconic song took place on Sixth Avenue. The parade's organizers successfully executed the popular event, attracting thousands of spectators. The flash mob remains a highlight of the annual Halloween celebration in Manhattan.