Several cracks have been discovered on the walls of Odisha's historic Puri Jagannath Temple, causing concern among devotees. The cracks stretch from the Anand Bazaar inside the temple to the Meghnad Pacheri. Moss growth on the walls indicates water seepage, raising fears of further structural damage. The Odisha government has contacted the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to begin immediate repairs. Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan stated that they are investigating how the cracks formed, with concerns over unauthorized activities possibly contributing. Devotees are worried about the temple's future, but priests dismiss claims linking the damage to any 'divine punishment.'

An Iranian woman was detained after stripping down to her underwear at Tehran’s Islamic Azad University in an apparent protest against hijab enforcement. Security forces reportedly stopped her for not wearing a headscarf. Footage of the incident shows the woman sitting undressed near a staircase before being escorted by security to a car. Authorities transferred her to a psychiatric center, sparking outrage online. Amnesty International and activists condemned her detention, calling for her release. This protest follows a wave of opposition to Iran's mandatory hijab laws since the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, which sparked nationwide protests.

The first session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in six years descended into chaos as PDP MLA Waheed Para submitted a resolution calling for the restoration of Article 370, challenging the union territory’s 2019 status change. All 28 BJP MLAs opposed the resolution, sparking noisy protests and demands for Para's suspension. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah dismissed the resolution as unimportant, while PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti praised Para for his stand. The Speaker, Abdul Rahim Rather, said the resolution would be examined when formally received. The session underscored the ongoing political tensions surrounding Kashmir's special status.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, R Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah withdrew from the Duleep Trophy, citing "lack of motivation," according to a report from The Indian Express. The Indian cricket stars were initially set to participate in the domestic competition ahead of their Test series against New Zealand. However, their withdrawal sparked criticism following India’s 0-3 loss to New Zealand, with experts like Sunil Gavaskar suggesting that a lack of match practice hurt India's performance. Ravindra Jadeja, who was pulled out after their withdrawal, impressed with a 10-wicket haul during the series.

The Indian stock market faced a sharp decline on November 4, with the Sensex and Nifty 50 dropping almost 2% each. Mid and small-cap indices also plunged by 2%, leading to a market capitalization loss of ₹9 lakh crore. Factors contributing to the selloff include caution ahead of the US election, high valuations, weak Q2 earnings, and heavy selloff by foreign portfolio investors (FPIs). Additionally, concerns about US Federal Reserve policy and global uncertainty have pressured investor sentiment. Analysts expect the market to remain volatile, with key support levels being tested this week.

Israel’s military conducted a ground raid in southern Syria, detaining a Syrian man, Al-Assi, suspected of working with Iranian networks. This marks Israel's first ground operation in Syria since the Middle East hostilities reignited in 2023. Al-Assi had reportedly been under Israeli surveillance for months, accused of gathering intelligence for terror operations against the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) in the border region. Israel has previously launched airstrikes targeting Hezbollah and Iran-backed militants in Syria but has now expanded its efforts to ground raids. Al-Assi was brought to Israel for further interrogation.

The Indian Mission in Ottawa condemned the disruption of a consular camp held outside the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Canada, by pro-Khalistan supporters. The attack, which targeted Indian nationals seeking consular services, occurred during a demonstration marking the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Despite the disruptions, the mission successfully issued over 1,000 life certificates. The incident has further strained India-Canada relations, with Ottawa previously refusing to act against Khalistani extremists. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau denounced the violence, affirming the right of Canadians to practice their faith safely.

Following India's first-ever home series whitewash against New Zealand, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to take strict action. Senior players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja may have played their last home Test together, according to sources. India's inability to chase 147 in the final Test has raised concerns, particularly about the performance of senior players. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar are reportedly discussing upcoming changes, with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy being critical for India's World Test Championship (WTC) qualification chances.

As the 2024 US Presidential Election approaches its November 5 voting, former President Donald Trump holds a lead over Democrat Kamala Harris in all seven key swing states, according to a new poll by AtlasIntel. Trump leads with 49% of the vote compared to Harris' 47.2%, with his strongest margin in Arizona, where he leads by 6.8%. The poll, conducted on November 1-2, surveyed 2,500 likely voters, revealing that Republicans have a 1.8% edge. Swing states like Arizona, Nevada, and North Carolina are considered crucial to deciding the election's outcome.

India condemned a violent attack by pro-Khalistani extremists at Brampton’s Hindu Sabha Mandir in Canada. Videos show an armed mob, carrying pro-Khalistani flags, assaulting devotees, including women and children, outside the temple. The Indian consulate reported prior requests for increased security, citing rising extremism. Canada MP Chandra Arya, of Trudeau's Liberal Party, decried the attack as a “crossing of red lines” by extremists, pointing to a trend of religious intolerance. The Hindu Canadian Foundation shared concerns over such incidents becoming routine, with past vandalism of Hindu temples, such as Edmonton's BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, raising further alarm.