Global stock markets tumbled on Thursday as investors dumped technology shares amid concerns over artificial intelligence spending and its future prospects. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2.2%, while the S&P 500 dropped 3.4% and the Nasdaq Composite declined 5.2%. Weak earnings reported by semiconductor giant Qualcomm and concerns that a Democrat-controlled US Congress could slow investments in AI infrastructure further unsettled traders. Technology stocks led losses across S&P 500 sectors, while the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index plunged 11%. The Nasdaq was also on track to confirm a correction from its record closing high. The sell-off highlighted growing investor uncertainty surrounding AI-driven market growth. (PC: Reuters)

British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault involving four women by a jury at London's Southwark Crown Court. The 51-year-old was acquitted of two other rape charges and one count of attempted indecent assault. The offences occurred between 2005 and 2009 at locations including a radio station, a DVD recording set and Brand's home. Brand denied all charges, maintaining that his relationships were consensual. Following the verdict, the judge refused him bail over concerns he might not return for sentencing. He remains in custody and is due to be sentenced on Monday. (PC: AFP)

Indian-origin Naresh Bhatt, 39, has admitted in a Virginia court that he used a saw to dismember his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, but denied murdering her. Testifying in his own defence, Bhatt claimed his 28-year-old wife died by suicide after apparently consuming pills and a highly poisonous insecticide. He said he found her unconscious beside their bed and attempted to resuscitate her for approximately an hour before moving her to the bathroom. He also admitted trying to separate her legs and conceal and dispose of her remains. Mamta was last seen in July 2024, and her body has never been found. Bhatt is facing trial over her disappearance. (PC: X/@fox5dc)

Israel's Arab political factions have backed Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot as their choice for the country's next prime minister, potentially challenging incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu. The Joint List announced on Thursday that it would formally recommend Eisenkot to President Isaac Herzog during government formation consultations. The Arab-led Ra'am party, whose eight lawmakers had already pledged support, joined the move. Eisenkot is now set to receive recommendations from 67 members of the 120-seat Knesset, compared with 58 supporting Netanyahu's Likud alliance. The backing includes 11 Joint List members and eight Ra'am lawmakers. Arab-led parties secured a record 19 seats in Israel's parliament in last week's general election. (PC: HT)

India defeated Japan 4-1 in the Asian Champions Trophy final to secure a record-extending sixth title. The defending champions, led by Harmanpreet Singh, staged a remarkable comeback after Japan took an early lead. Shilanand Lakra scored the equaliser, turning the momentum in India's favour as the hosts stepped up their attacking game. Dilpreet Singh and Jugraj Singh also found the net before Vivek Sagar Prasad scored India's fourth goal in the fourth quarter, smashing a rebound past the Japanese goalkeeper. India dominated the latter stages of the contest to complete a convincing victory and retain their Asian Champions Trophy crown.

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, ending a remarkable 23-year career with Portugal. The 40-year-old forward made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals for his country. His announcement comes weeks after a fallout with national team coach Jorge Jesus, who left him out of a Nations League match, prompting Ronaldo to leave the team camp and receive a 30-day suspension. Confirming his decision in an Instagram video on Thursday, Ronaldo said his journey, which began in August 2003, had come to an end. His greatest achievement was helping Portugal win the 2016 European Championship. Portugal were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in this year's World Cup Round of 16.

India on Thursday successfully test-fired its indigenously developed quasi-ballistic missile Pralay from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast, the Defence Ministry said. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the short-range surface-to-surface missile can carry conventional warheads weighing 500–1,000 kg. The solid-propellant missile uses advanced guidance and navigation systems for high-precision strikes and can carry multiple warhead types against different targets. The test, conducted at 11:10 am as part of user evaluation trials, met all stipulated objectives, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said. He called the successful trial another significant milestone in strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities and praised DRDO, the armed forces and industry partners. (PC: Times Now)

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have reportedly demanded $51 billion in compensation and official recognition as Yemen’s ruling authority in exchange for ending hostilities with Saudi Arabia. According to a Wall Street Journal report, the demand follows renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers, airports and energy infrastructure. The group claims the compensation covers years of Saudi-led airstrikes and the blockade imposed during Yemen’s civil war. Meanwhile, Houthi forces have advanced towards Aden, intensifying pressure on Saudi Arabia. Riyadh faces a difficult choice between negotiations and military escalation, with no final agreement announced. (PC: AFP)

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has agreed to acquire 100% ownership of Netherlands-based EVOS B.V. in an all-cash deal valued at €2.56 billion (approximately ₹27,200 crore). The acquisition will give India's largest private port operator control of eight liquid storage terminals across the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Belgium and Malta. EVOS, Europe's second-largest independent liquid storage operator, has a storage capacity of 6.3 million cubic metres. The deal will strengthen Adani's international operations, expand its energy logistics portfolio and provide exposure to emerging fuels, including biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals. (PC: IANS)

The Allahabad High Court on November 5, 2026, dismissed a petition seeking an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his alleged remarks about the Sikh community during his 2024 US visit. Gandhi had questioned whether Sikhs in India felt safe wearing turbans and visiting gurdwaras. The petitioners claimed his comments could encourage separatist activities and threaten national unity. However, Justice Vikram D. Chauhan observed that elected representatives have the right to raise minority concerns under Article 19 of the Constitution. The court said disagreement with political views cannot automatically constitute a criminal offence. (PC: PTI)