Israeli police and the Shin Bet security agency have arrested Rafael and Lala Goliev, a couple from Lod, accused of spying for an Iranian cell. Officials allege the couple gathered intelligence on sensitive sites, including Mossad’s headquarters, and tracked an academic at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. The couple reportedly acted on instructions from Elshan Agayev, an Azerbaijani national suspected of working with Iranian officials. This arrest follows Israel’s recent actions against multiple alleged Iran-linked spy networks, as security tensions rise due to ongoing regional conflicts with Iran-backed groups.

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have finalized their player retention list for IPL 2025, with fans delighted to see legendary former captain MS Dhoni retained as an uncapped player. CSK also retained current captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who will lead with support from all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and pacer Matheesha Pathirana. CSK's costliest player, Gaikwad, is retained for INR 18 crore. The team released 18 players, including Moeen Ali, Ajinkya Rahane, and Deepak Chahar. With INR 55 crore remaining, CSK enters the mega auction aiming to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.

Spain is mourning as rescue teams continue their search for survivors following flash floods that killed at least 95 people in the Valencia and Castilla-La Mancha regions. Heavy rain, equaling over a year’s average in just eight hours, left communities devastated, blocking roads with mud, cars, and debris. Emergency crews, including soldiers, are reaching isolated areas by helicopter as Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged residents in affected areas to remain cautious with weather alerts still in place. Territorial Policy Minister Ángel Víctor Torres announced a three-day mourning period starting tomorrow. King Felipe VI expressed sorrow over the "enormous destruction."

Karthik Naralasetty, a 35-year-old Indian-American entrepreneur from Andhra Pradesh, is running for mayor in The Hills, Texas, aiming to be the youngest and first mayor of Indian descent if elected. Naralasetty, who founded Socialblood—a global blood donation network with 120 million users—and the pet care service Pawsh, brings a vision of inclusivity and prosperity to his campaign. He studied computer science at Rutgers University before founding his companies, and currently works as a consultant with Apple, Walmart, and Levi’s. His family includes his wife Aditi, two children, and two dogs. The election will take place on November 5.

Ukraine has reportedly requested Tomahawk missiles from the US, with a range of 2,500 km, to counter Russia's swift advances on the front line. President Volodymyr Zelensky’s appeal, part of a "victory plan" presented to the US, aims to secure military support amidst what Kyiv views as a critical stage in the conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed that Ukraine’s call for long-range arms reflects its "nervousness" over Russia’s recent progress, the fastest in two years. Peskov also claimed Ukraine's moves attempt to "drag Western countries into the war" further. Zelensky hinted at the request in a video statement.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has dropped hints on player retentions ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) deadline. Report suggests Virat Kohli will be retained as captain. RCB's social media post featured a puzzle listing eight players: Virat Kohli, Mohammed Siraj, Rajat Patidar, Faf du Plessis, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Yash Dayal, and Will Jacks. These players are likely to form RCB's core retention list. The franchise's move has generated excitement among fans. An official announcement is expected soon, as the IPL retention deadline approaches.

North Korea launched banned intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Thursday, marking its longest-range test to date. The missile flew for 86 minutes, reaching an altitude of 7,000km (4,350 miles), and landed in waters off its east coast. Launched at a sharply-raised angle, its potential range would be significantly greater if fired horizontally. This test violates UN Security Council resolutions and comes amid escalating tensions between North and South Korea. South Korea had anticipated the launch, citing heightened activity and aggressive rhetoric from Pyongyang ahead of the US presidential election on November 5.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with Indian soldiers at the India-Pakistan border in Gujarat's Kachchh district. He visited Lucky Nala near Sir Creek, a challenging marshy area, to show solidarity with personnel from the Border Security Force, Army, Navy, and Air Force. PM Modi traditionally spends Diwali with troops, having done so since 2014. This year's visit aimed to boost morale and acknowledge the soldiers' dedication to national security. The Prime Minister offered sweets to the jawans, reinforcing his commitment to the armed forces.

Agni Dev Chopra, Mizoram's star batsman and son of Vidhu Vinod Chopra, has achieved a remarkable feat in the Ranji Trophy's Plate League. He scored his second consecutive double century, surpassing legend Don Bradman's record. Chopra's impressive 218 runs off 269 balls against Manipur follows his unbeaten 238 in the previous match against Arunachal Pradesh. This is his third century in three matches this season. Previously representing Mumbai in under-19 and under-23 levels, Chopra now shines for Mizoram.

To maintain law and order on Diwali, Delhi Police have heightened security measures across the city, particularly in crowded areas such as markets, malls, train stations, and metro stations. At least 377 teams of police personnel have been deployed to ensure compliance with the AAP government's blanket ban on firecracker production, storage, sale, and use, effective until January 1, 2025. Those violating the ban will face legal action. Additional officers in civil dress will also be on patrol. Key areas of focus include Chandni Chowk, Sarojini Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Greater Kailash, Azadpur, and Ghazipur, where large crowds typically gather during Diwali celebrations.