Delhi’s air quality worsened as the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a severe level of 432 on Thursday morning, with Anand Vihar recording an AQI of 473. Visibility at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport dropped to 500 meters, causing flight delays. Several areas, including Ashok Vihar, Jahangirpuri, and Patparganj, reported AQI levels above 450. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva criticized the AAP government’s “inefficiency” in addressing pollution, attributing the crisis to stubble burning and road dust. He called for school closures and urged residents to avoid outdoor activities. Airlines issued advisories to passengers about potential flight disruptions.

Donald Trump, elected for a second term as U.S. President, hinted at the possibility of a third term, despite the constitutional restrictions. Speaking to House Republicans in Washington, Trump said, “I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say otherwise.” His statement, made ahead of his meeting with President Joe Biden, was met with cheers from his supporters. The U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment limits presidents to two terms, and altering it to allow a third term would require significant support from Congress and state legislatures, a challenging prospect for Trump.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, will not be restored, even if Indira Gandhi were to return from heaven. In a series of rallies in Maharashtra, Shah targeted Congress over its stance on Muslim reservations and accused the opposition party of stalling the construction of the Ram temple at Ayodhya. He criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for misleading voters and pledged that the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance would ensure Maharashtra's continued development if it wins the upcoming state elections.

Thousands in Málaga, Spain, have been evacuated after a red alert was issued due to extreme rainfall from a "Dana" weather system. Heavy rain has forced the closure of schools and disrupted events, including a Billie Jean King Cup match between Spain and Poland. The alert also extends to Catalonia and Valencia, with parts of Andalusia and the Balearic Islands on orange alert for potential severe flooding. This comes just weeks after deadly floods hit the Valencia region, claiming over 220 lives. Authorities are taking preventive measures, with Málaga particularly affected as the storm continues to intensify.

The first phase of Jharkhand assembly elections is set to begin, with 43 seats up for grabs across 15 districts. This high-stakes contest pits the ruling JMM-led INDIA bloc, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, against the BJP. Former Jharkhand CM Champai Soren, now a BJP candidate, and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma have been key figures in BJP's campaign, emphasizing issues like Bangladeshi infiltration. Meanwhile, Hemant Soren and Congress leaders have countered by accusing the BJP of promoting communalism. Voters, especially the tribal population, hold significant influence in determining the outcome as both sides seek support.

US President-elect Donald Trump has selected John Ratcliffe to lead the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Ratcliffe, a close ally of Trump, previously served as Director of National Intelligence. Trump praised Ratcliffe for his honesty and dedication to protecting Americans' constitutional rights. While Kash Patel, a former House staffer and Trump ally, was speculated as the choice, he did not get the role. Ratcliffe’s appointment marks his return to a top intelligence position after a controversial tenure. He is known for challenging the FBI and supporting Trump’s political agenda during his first term.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray pledged to halt the shift of projects from Maharashtra to Gujarat if voted back into power. Speaking at a rally in Sindhudurg, he criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah, challenging his definition of “development.” Thackeray accused the BJP of moving industrial and economic projects from Maharashtra to Gujarat, claiming they even diverted a submarine project intended for Maharashtra. He said the upcoming Maharashtra election is a “battle between those who love the state and the traitors.” Maharashtra’s single-phase election is set for November 20, with results on November 23.

Laisharam Herojit, a government worker from Manipur, pleaded for the safe return of his family, who went missing after an encounter between security forces and suspected Kuki insurgents in Jiribam. His wife, two young children, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law are among the six unaccounted for. "They are all innocent. My two children cannot even speak yet," Herojit told NDTV. He appealed to any group that may be holding them, saying, “Please release them unhurt and hand them over to the family.” Herojit anxiously awaits news of their safety.

US President-elect Donald Trump arrived in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday for meetings with House Republicans and President Joe Biden. Trump will first meet with GOP leaders on Capitol Hill, followed by a scheduled discussion with Biden at the White House. In a significant move, Trump appointed Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to co-lead a new "Department of Government Efficiency," aimed at reducing bureaucracy. Fox News host Pete Hegseth has been selected as defense secretary, and John Ratcliffe will head the CIA, signaling the initial framework of Trump’s upcoming administration. Melania Trump declined to attend the White House visit.

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina expressed strong support for Jasprit Bumrah as a stand-in captain in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener against Australia, with Rohit Sharma expected to miss the game for family reasons. "For Bumrah, it’s going to be a new opportunity," Raina said. "I think he is a good leader and has a good cricketing brain." Raina also compared Bumrah to Australian captain Pat Cummins, adding, “If you see Pat Cummins, he won the World Cup for them. I think Bumrah is close to that.” The series kicks off on November 22 in Perth.