A 44-year-old Indian expatriate, Venkatachalam, won Big Ticket's 2 million dirham (approximately ₹4.5 crore) prize using cash rebate points rather than his own money. He purchased the winning ticket on October 30 during a 'Buy 1, Get 1 Free' promotion and won't share the prize as he bought it alone. When asked about his winning strategy, Venkatachalam said there was no pattern as he simply liked the number at month's end. This marks his first-ever lottery win. Friends and colleagues are now visiting to congratulate him, and he encourages others to try their luck. Big Ticket, established in 1992 at Abu Dhabi International Airport, is the Gulf's longest-running popular raffle draw.(PC: HT)

Former Australian winger Ryan Williams officially became an Indian citizen, receiving his passport from Bengaluru FC teammate Sunil Chhetri in a ceremonial moment. Williams, who has Australian-Indian heritage through his Mumbai-born mother, represents AIFF's historic first step in including Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) in the national football setup. Before the handover, Chhetri quizzed Williams on Indian street food and pop culture. Williams has scored 13 goals with five assists in 46 games for Bengaluru FC since 2023. Nepal-born defender Abneet Bharti is also attending the Indian national team camp on trial. Williams' reported inclusion ahead of AFC Asian Cup qualifiers brings speed, direct running, and finishing qualities India has lacked.

Zohran Mamdani's New York City mayoral victory at 34 marks significant symbolism but faces substantial challenges. The Muslim Indian-origin mayor-elect quoted Nehru and celebrated with Bollywood's "Dhoom Mach Le." His win in Democratic stronghold NYC doesn't directly challenge Trump, who noted he "wasn't on the ballot." Despite his social media charm and "great political smile," Democratic stalwarts like Chuck Schumer and Barack Obama didn't endorse him. Mamdani promised affordable living, free buses, and childcare, easier promised than delivered. His biggest test involves protecting immigrants from ICE crackdowns under Trump appointees Stephen Miller and Tom Homan. His performance impacts Indians studying and working in NYC, and will influence Democratic strategies for 2028 presidential elections.

Typhoon Kalmaegi made landfall in central Vietnam with maximum sustained winds of 92 mph (149 km/h), bringing severe flooding and landslide risks. Trees blocked main roads, hotel windows shattered in Quy Non, and the storm hit Dak Lak and Gia Lai provinces. Vietnam's military deployed over 260,000 soldiers with 6,700 vehicles and six aircraft for rescue operations. Forecasters predict 200-400mm rainfall, potentially reaching 600mm in spots, with saturated ground from recent floods increasing risks. Vietnam was already battling deadly floods that killed at least 35 people, flooded 100,000 homes, and caused 150 landslides. The storm's remnants may impact Cambodia and eastern Thailand with up to 150mm rainfall.

Tata Motors announced it will gift each Indian women's cricket team member an exclusive Tata Sierra SUV from the first production batch to celebrate their historic ICC Women's World Cup victory. India won their maiden title last week, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at Navi Mumbai. Each player will receive the top-end model of the soon-to-be-launched SUV. Tata Motors stated, "Legend Meets Legends," celebrating the team's legendary performance with a bold, versatile, timeless vehicle. The team recently met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where captain Harmanpreet Kaur presented a signed jersey and the World Cup trophy. They had previously met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (PC: NDTV Sports & Mint)

Pakistani forces allegedly fired projectiles into Afghanistan on Thursday evening, violating a ceasefire agreement while delegations from both nations met in Turkey for peace negotiations. An Afghan military official confirmed Pakistan used light and heavy weapons targeting civilian areas, but Afghanistan refrained from retaliating to respect ongoing talks. The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar in Doha, followed weeks of border skirmishes along the Durand Line last month. Relations between the neighbors have deteriorated significantly, with Pakistan accusing Kabul of sheltering militant groups conducting attacks on Pakistani soil, claims the Taliban government denies. Conversely, Afghanistan alleges Pakistan harbors Islamic State affiliates responsible for attacks within Afghan territory. The Thursday talks aim to stabilize the fragile ceasefire and prevent hostilities from resuming. (PC: JK News Today & NDTV)

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha of Bihar claimed that his convoy was attacked by supporters of the Rashtriya Janata Dal in his constituency of Lakhisarai during the first phase of the assembly election, alleging stones, slippers and cow-dung were hurled. He accused the opposition of orchestrating booth-capturing attempts and vowed retaliation. Local police maintained that voting proceeded peacefully and warranted a thorough investigation. (PC: PTI)

The first phase of the Bihar assembly election 2025 ended on Thursday with a 60.13% voter turnout, according to the Election Commission. Polling took place across 121 constituencies in 18 districts from 7 AM to 6 PM. Begusarai recorded the highest turnout at 67.32%, while Sheikhpura saw the lowest at 52.36%. Patna reported 55.02%. The Election Commission said Bihar may achieve its highest-ever voter turnout. VIP chief Mukesh Sahani called it “bumper voting” and predicted change in the state. The main contest is between NDA, Mahagathbandhan, and Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party. (PC: HT)

A shocking revelation has emerged from Haryana’s voter records — a deceased woman named Guniya, who died in March 2022, was still listed as an active voter, and her ID carried the image of Brazilian influencer Larissa Maria, used without consent. The issue surfaced after Rahul Gandhi claimed Larissa’s photo appeared 22 times in the state’s voter list and alleged nearly 25 lakh fake entries. Larissa confirmed she never visited India and that her image was likely misused from a stock photo website, raising serious questions about electoral data integrity. (PC: India Today)

A Division Bench of Calcutta High Court has directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to file an affidavit by November 18 detailing how the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in West Bengal is being implemented. The court’s order follows a Public Interest Litigation seeking supervised SIR, citing concerns that the exercise is based on outdated 2002 data and that booth-level officers are working without sufficient security. The matter will next be heard after the ECI submits the required affidavit.