Israel’s Arab-led Ra’am party has backed opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government following the October 27 parliamentary elections. The party announced its decision ahead of consultations with President Isaac Herzog on November 5. Ra’am’s 8 lawmakers bring Eisenkot’s expected support to 56, ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s 53. However, neither side has secured the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-member Knesset. The backing strengthens Eisenkot’s chances of receiving the first opportunity to form a government. The Joint List’s position could prove crucial in the ongoing coalition negotiations.

Democrats’ sweeping victory in the 2026 US midterm elections has triggered a wave of reactions on social media. Users shared memes, political commentary and criticism of President Donald Trump following the Republican setback. Many posts focused on Trump blaming the Iran war for his party’s losses, while others highlighted the Democrats’ historic victories. Abdul El-Sayed’s election to the US Senate from Michigan also drew attention, with users celebrating his achievement as the state’s first Muslim senator. The results sparked fresh discussions about Trump’s leadership, the Iran conflict and the changing political mood across the United States. 

Meta has reportedly offered voluntary exit packages to select employees in France, joining Google and Microsoft. According to a report by French publication La Lettre, the plan could affect around 100 of Meta's 300 employees in the country. Interested workers must apply by November 5. The proposed package includes 2.15 months of salary for every year of service. Employees will also receive 10 months of paid mobility leave at 80% of their gross salary. Meta is also considering support for retraining and starting businesses. The move comes as tech firms restructure teams and increase investment in artificial intelligence.  

Indian stock markets witnessed a strong rally on Thursday, with the Sensex rising nearly 2,000 points. At 2:20 pm, the Sensex was up 1,981 points, or 2.56%, at 79,282.61. The Nifty gained 551.60 points, or 2.30%, to reach 24,512.20. The rally followed a sharp fall in global crude oil prices after the Republican Party's defeat in the US midterm elections. Lower oil prices raised hopes of reduced inflation and import costs for India. Market experts also pointed to hopes of a possible end to the US-Iran conflict.  

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said she does not need support from foreign countries to return home. Speaking to news agency AP on Thursday, she said her plan to return by December remains unchanged. "I do not need the blessing of a foreign power to return to my own country," she said. Hasina has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024. She was sentenced to death in absentia in November 2025 over the crackdown on student protesters. She has rejected the verdict but said she is ready to face the risks of returning.  

At least two people were killed after a three-storey under-construction building collapsed in Delhi's Chawri Bazaar on Thursday morning. Several others are feared trapped under the debris. The incident took place around 9:50 am in Gali Sitara, near Chawri Bazaar Metro station. Six fire units, along with rescue vehicles, were sent to the spot. Rescue teams are searching for survivors. An eyewitness said three or four workers were present at the site. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned the government's safety measures and alleged that poor enforcement led to repeated building collapses. The cause remains unknown.  

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has removed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) declaration from online Form 6 across all states. The change was implemented on the ECINet portal on November 4 and 5. Applicants must now submit the SIR declaration separately when applying to join the voter list. The move follows objections from Election Commissioners Vivek Joshi and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, who had questioned the earlier decision. The ECI has also introduced changes to its internal meetings, foreign travel approvals and IT projects. The steps aim to improve transparency and bring greater clarity to its functioning.  

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has accused Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) activists of receiving money from foreign sources, including Pakistani politicians. Speaking in Bengaluru, he named Abhijeet Dipke and Ashutosh Ranka. Singh alleged that Dipke received funds from US-based donors, while Ranka was paid by Pakistani politicians. "There is enough evidence to show that they are being funded by unauthorised sources," he said. The CJP rejected the allegations and criticised the minister. In a post on X, it said, "A Union Minister can say anything and get away with it." Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge also demanded evidence for similar BJP claims against Congress.  

US President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance have offered different views on the Republican Party's defeat in the 2026 midterm elections. Vance blamed the Iran war, rising living costs and the failure of the 'America First' policy for the poor results. He also suggested the party needed to rethink its approach. Trump admitted the war affected the election but defended the military action, saying he would make the same decision again. He also questioned whether Vance would run for president in 2028. The defeat has triggered a wider debate over the Republican Party's future leadership and policies.  

East Asia has faced a series of powerful typhoons in recent months as El Niño warms the Pacific Ocean. The storms have killed dozens, damaged infrastructure, flooded villages and disrupted flights. Typhoon Champi brought strong winds and heavy rain near Taiwan in October. Earlier, Super Typhoon Dolphin caused severe flooding in China. Experts warn that warmer ocean waters could make storms stronger and increase rainfall. A study found that higher temperatures could raise rainfall from major storms in the Philippines by 26%. Countries are strengthening warning systems and preparing for further damage.