Salman Khan has dismissed speculation that the government pressured filmmakers to change the script of his upcoming film Maatrubhumi. Clarifying the controversy, the actor stated that the changes were not made under government pressure. Earlier titled Battle of Galwan, the film draws inspiration from the 2020 India-China border clash. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, it explores soldiers’ experiences, patriotism and the human consequences of conflict. The film also stars Chitrangda Singh. Khan’s clarification addresses rumours of official interference while generating further interest in the project, which is scheduled for theatrical release on December 4, 2026. (PC: India Today)

Indian-born politician Nithya Raman has scripted history by winning the Los Angeles mayoral election, becoming the first South Asian mayor of the United States’ second-largest city. The 45-year-old Democratic Socialist defeated incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the November 3 election, securing approximately 52% of the votes. Bass conceded defeat on November 5 and congratulated Raman. Born in Kerala, India, Raman previously served on the Los Angeles City Council. Her campaign focused on affordable housing, homelessness, public transport, police reform and improving city services. Her victory marks a significant milestone for Indian-origin representation in American politics. (PC: AP)

Global stock markets suffered a sharp downturn on November 5, as growing concerns over artificial intelligence investments triggered a major sell-off across technology shares. Wall Street lost approximately $3.2 trillion in market value, with the Nasdaq falling 5.5%, the S&P 500 declining 4.36% and the Dow Jones dropping 3.44%. Investors fear Democratic victories in the US midterm elections could bring stricter regulations, delaying data-centre projects and slowing AI expansion. Major technology companies, including Nvidia, AMD and Micron, recorded significant losses. Asian markets also weakened, while investors awaited US employment data for further economic signals. (PC: EPA)

New Zealand have suffered a major injury setback as opener Devon Conway has been ruled out of the remaining ODI matches against India after sustaining a concussion during a training session. Conway collided with fast bowler Matt Henry while attempting a catch at Eden Park on November 3. Henry has since been medically cleared and is available for selection in Saturday’s second ODI in Wellington. Left-handed batter Nick Kelly has been called up as Conway’s replacement. India currently lead the five-match series 1-0 after winning the rain-affected opening match by five wickets. (PC: ANI)

Two Arab political parties, Ra’am and the Joint List, have backed opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot as their preferred candidate to become Israel’s next prime minister, potentially challenging Benjamin Netanyahu’s continued leadership. Their recommendations reportedly give Eisenkot 67 seats of support, compared with Netanyahu’s 46. However, disagreements over whether Hamas should be explicitly designated a terrorist organisation have created uncertainty within the opposition alliance. Eisenkot has reportedly made the issue a condition for cooperation, while Ra’am leader Mansour Abbas has resisted the demand. The disagreement could complicate efforts to form a unified government. (PC: Reuters)

The Union Home Ministry has amended immigration rules, making it mandatory for members of six non-Muslim communities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to obtain an appropriate visa to continue staying in India. The provision covers Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians who entered India by December 31, 2024, citing religious persecution, without valid travel documents or whose documents have expired. The amendment, notified on November 4, 2026, retains their exemption from passport and visa requirements for entry but introduces a separate visa requirement for continued residence. The change also aligns immigration provisions with existing citizenship rules. 

Delhi’s air pollution crisis has intensified, with air quality reaching the ‘severe’ category across all 39 monitoring stations that existed during last year’s Diwali, according to a Hindustan Times analysis of CPCB data. On Friday morning, the hourly pollution index reached 453, while the official 24-hour average stood at 391. PM2.5 concentrations exceeded five times India’s daily safety limit. Rising farm fires in Punjab and Haryana, stagnant winds, temperature inversions and heavy pre-Diwali traffic have worsened conditions. Experts warn that continued pollution poses serious health risks, particularly for children, elderly people and those with respiratory illnesses. (PC: ANI)

A shocking mass murder case has emerged in Bengaluru, where a cab driver identified as Indushekhar allegedly killed seven members of his wife’s family, including his wife Sunitha and a seven-year-old boy. Police suspect the murders were motivated by longstanding marital disputes over his wife’s visits to her parental home. The accused allegedly lured family members to his residence in Rajajinagar and killed them using a grinding stone over two days. He reportedly transported and dumped their bodies at different locations. The case surfaced after a missing-person complaint. Police have recovered one body, arrested the accused and are searching for the remaining six. (PC: ITG)

France has conferred the prestigious Knight of the National Order of Merit (Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite) on renowned Indian cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Shetty, founder and chairman of Narayana Health. The honour was presented by the French Consulate General in Bengaluru on November 5, 2026, recognising his support to the French community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Shetty and Narayana Health provided vaccination initiatives and logistical assistance to the French Consulate and French residents. French Consul General Marc Lamy praised his generosity, describing his contribution as a symbol of solidarity and India-France friendship. (PC: X)

London's famous Churchill Arms pub in Kensington is preparing to welcome the Christmas season with its spectacular annual decorations. The historic pub will switch on its festive lights on November 12, 2026, at 6 pm. Known for its extravagant displays, the venue has previously featured nearly 100 Christmas trees and approximately 135,000 fairy lights. Its exterior will once again be transformed with illuminated decorations and Christmas trees, attracting visitors and photography enthusiasts. Located at 119 Kensington Church Street, the pub is expected to become a major festive attraction in West London.