Israeli forces intensified their offensive in Gaza, killing at least 23 Palestinians, including 13 in Beit Lahiya and Jabalia, northern towns heavily targeted to prevent Hamas regrouping, according to Israeli statements. Palestinian sources allege the campaign, accompanied by forced evacuations, aims to create buffer zones, describing it as “ethnic cleansing,” a claim Israel denies. Israel deployed an additional division to Jabalia, reporting hundreds of militant casualties since October 5. The World Health Organization condemned an attack on a vaccination site during an agreed-upon pause, with its Director-General calling for ceasefire to protect humanitarian operations.

Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is set to contest 25 out of 36 Assembly seats in Mumbai, challenging both BJP and Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) in key constituencies. This move raises concerns for the ruling coalition as MNS targets BJP and Shiv Sena seats, including Mahim, Worli, and Sewree, where intense competition is expected. With Maharashtra polls on November 20 and results on November 23, analysts suggest MNS’s entry could split votes, impacting the ruling Mahayuti coalition and the opposition MVA. Notably, MNS avoided challenging prominent BJP leaders like Rahul Narwekar and Ashish Shelar.

India is pursuing proactive diplomacy to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Speaking to the Indian community in Brisbane, Jaishankar emphasized the need for a return to diplomacy, citing the global impact on food security, inflation, and supply chains. He noted India’s unique position, being one of the few countries able to engage both sides. Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic efforts, including talks with President Putin and President Zelensky, underscore India’s commitment. Jaishankar highlighted India’s role in facilitating dialogue in West Asia, urging global unity for a peaceful resolution.

India faced a historic 3-0 whitewash in their home Test series against New Zealand, marking the first time they've lost all matches in a three-Test home series. The final match at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium saw India bowled out for 121 on Day 3, failing to chase a modest target of 146. Rishabh Pant’s valiant 64 couldn’t prevent the collapse against Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips’ effective spin. India's World Test Championship (WTC) standing dropped, now trailing Australia with a PCT of 58.33, jeopardizing their top-two position. New Zealand’s commentators hailed it as the "greatest-ever series win."

Severe air pollution in Lahore, Pakistan, has forced authorities to close all primary schools for a week and implement a "green lockdown." Starting Monday, 50% of office employees will work from home, with additional measures banning engine-powered rickshaws and unfiltered barbecue vendors. Lahore’s air quality index exceeded 1,000, far surpassing the World Health Organization's "dangerous" threshold of 300. Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized the health risks to children, urging mask use. Officials partially attribute the smog to crop stubble burning across the Indian border, pushing for talks with India to address the issue.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India's desire to grow alongside the world, highlighting strong global goodwill towards India. Speaking in Brisbane as he began a two-nation tour, Jaishankar shared optimism about international cooperation in fields like education, AI, and technology. He praised the global reputation of Indians for their education, work ethic, and family values, calling these qualities key in the modern workforce. During his visit, he will co-chair the 15th Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue with Australia’s Penny Wong, inaugurate India's fourth consulate in Brisbane, and deliver a keynote at the Raisina Down Under conference in Canberra.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren criticized BJP for alleged “double standards” on ties with Bangladesh, questioning why former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was allowed refuge in India. Addressing a rally in Garhwa, Soren countered Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s accusations that the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) government enabled Bangladeshi infiltration, which Shah claimed was altering the state’s demographics. Soren highlighted that Jharkhand’s electricity is supplied to Bangladesh, yet the state faces pollution issues. He added that it’s the Centre’s role to control borders and manage infiltration, not Jharkhand’s. Jharkhand Assembly elections are set for November 13 and 20.

Spanish King Felipe VI was confronted by furious crowds in Paiporta, Valencia, as he visited areas devastated by flash floods that have claimed at least 214 lives. Protesters shouted "murderer" and hurled mud at the king, expressing their frustration over the government's delayed response to the disaster. Juan Bordera, a member of the Valencian parliament, criticized the visit as a "very bad decision," pointing out that many communities remain cut off from essential services. Heavy rains, which began earlier in the week, caused widespread destruction, leaving many still missing as residents demand accountability from authorities.

Mumbai Police arrested Fatima Khan, a 24-year-old woman from Ulhasnagar, for threatening Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The threat, sent via WhatsApp, warned that if he did not resign within 10 days, he would face a fate similar to NCP leader Baba Siddique, who was murdered last month. Authorities registered a case at Worli police station after receiving the message. The Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad and Ulhasnagar police collaborated to apprehend Khan, who is reportedly mentally unstable. Investigations are ongoing as police heighten security measures ahead of Adityanath’s upcoming campaign visit to Maharashtra.

In the lead-up to the November 5 presidential election, the Gaza crisis has emerged as a pivotal issue for Muslim voters in New York. At the Islamic Cultural Center, many attendees voiced their discontent with candidates' stances on the conflict. Regular worshipper Ali noted that domestic issues seem overshadowed by international concerns, particularly the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. A survey indicated that 61% of Muslim voters in key swing states prioritize the Gaza situation, reflecting a shift in voting patterns. The Council on American-Islamic Relations highlighted the community's potential impact in this election, urging engagement to amplify their voices.