India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested its indigenously developed Pralay quasi-ballistic missile off the Odisha coast on November 5, 2026. Conducted from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, the trial was part of user evaluation tests, with all objectives reportedly achieved. The solid-propellant, surface-to-surface missile has a strike range of 150–500 kilometres and can carry different conventional warheads. Its advanced guidance systems and mid-flight manoeuvring capabilities make interception more challenging. Developed by DRDO laboratories and manufactured with Bharat Dynamics Limited, Pralay is now moving closer to induction into India's armed forces. 

London-based luxury retailer Harrods is strengthening its Diwali celebrations through an extensive campaign featuring Indian designers, exclusive fashion collections, beauty experiences and festive gifting. The initiative follows a 50% increase in Indian customer footfall on Diwali, highlighting the festival's growing commercial importance. This year's campaign includes an exclusive couture showcase by designer Gaurav Gupta, alongside collections from Verandah, 100Hands and Kartik Research. Harrods has also introduced special Diwali gift boxes, traditional-inspired food offerings and decorative lighting displays. Running until November 8, the campaign aims to attract Indian and international shoppers while building long-term customer relationships.

India clinched their sixth Asian Champions Trophy title after defeating Japan 4-1 in the final at Mohali, Punjab, on November 5, 2026. Japan took an early lead through Kazumasa Matsumoto in the third minute, maintaining their advantage until half-time. However, India staged a remarkable comeback in the second half. Shilanand Lakra equalised in the 42nd minute, followed by goals from Dilpreet Singh (47th), Jugraj Singh (52nd) and Vivek Sagar Prasad (53rd). The victory secured India's third consecutive championship title and completed an unbeaten campaign with seven wins from seven matches. 

India's 15-year-old badminton player Tanvi Patri scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a women's singles silver medal at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. She lost a thrilling final against China's Zhang Yi Xin, 15-21, 21-13, 26-24, despite saving five match points and mounting a remarkable comeback. Meanwhile, Indian tennis teenager Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi reached the Chennai Open quarter-finals, becoming the first Indian woman since Sania Mirza in 2012 to achieve a WTA Tour singles quarter-final appearance. Both performances highlight India's emerging talent in international sports. (PC: ESPN)

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth could face an impeachment vote in the House of Representatives next week as political pressure intensifies over the Iran war. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie plans to reintroduce impeachment articles, accusing Hegseth of conducting military operations against Iran without congressional authorisation. The move could receive significant Democratic backing and support from some Republicans. President Donald Trump has publicly defended Hegseth, while the secretary dismissed the impeachment effort as politically motivated. The controversy has intensified following Republican losses in the midterm elections, with Vice President JD Vance also blaming the Iran conflict for the party's electoral setback. (PC: X)

France has conferred the prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite (Knight of the National Order of Merit) 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. Established in 1963, the award is France’s second-highest national distinction after the Legion of Honour. Dr Shetty expressed gratitude for the recognition. (PC: X)

India-born politician Nithya Raman has defeated incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral election, marking a historic political victory. The 45-year-old progressive Democrat secured approximately 52% of the vote against Bass's 48%, becoming the first South Asian to lead America's second-largest city. Born in Kerala, Raman previously served as a Los Angeles City Council member and gained recognition for her work on homelessness and urban development. Her campaign focused on affordable housing, improving public services, tackling homelessness and police reforms. Her victory comes as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympic Games. (PC: AP)

Wall Street witnessed its sharpest market decline since 2020 on November 5, as growing concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) investments triggered a massive sell-off. The Nasdaq 100 plunged over 6%, while the S&P 500 dropped 4.4%. Nvidia shares fell more than 9%, wiping out their yearly gains. Investors fear that Democrats' victory in the US midterm elections could bring stricter scrutiny of AI data centres and slow infrastructure spending. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index crashed 12%. Asian markets also tumbled, with South Korea and Japan witnessing significant losses, reflecting growing global uncertainty over technology valuations and future earnings. (PC: AP)

Wall Street witnessed its sharpest market decline since 2020 on November 5, as growing concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) investments triggered a massive sell-off. The Nasdaq 100 plunged over 6%, while the S&P 500 dropped 4.4%. Nvidia shares fell more than 9%, wiping out their yearly gains. Investors fear that Democrats' victory in the US midterm elections could bring stricter scrutiny of AI data centres and slow infrastructure spending. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index crashed 12%. Asian markets also tumbled, with South Korea and Japan witnessing significant losses, reflecting growing global uncertainty over technology valuations and future earnings. (PC: Reuters)

India is in the final stages of negotiations to expand its BrahMos supersonic cruise missile deal with the Philippines, as deliveries under their 2022 agreement near completion. The proposed deal could involve approximately five additional missile systems and nearly 60 missiles, valued at $700 million to $800 million. This would significantly exceed the previous $375 million agreement. The Philippines is strengthening its military capabilities and coastal defences amid rising tensions with China in the disputed South China Sea. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has expressed interest in additional missiles, while Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro confirmed that Manila shared requirements with India to customise the systems for local conditions. (PC: Money Control)