Israeli airstrikes have devastated Lebanon's eastern city of Baalbek, killing 19 people, including eight women, according to the country's health ministry. This tragic event unfolded just hours after Israeli military evacuation orders prompted tens of thousands of residents to flee the city and two neighboring towns. Baalbek Mayor Mustafa al-Shell reported over 20 strikes in the area, with five hitting the city itself, which is home to a UNESCO-listed ancient Roman temple complex. The Israeli military claims to have targeted Hezbollah command centers and infrastructure in Baalbek and Nabatiyeh, southern Lebanon.

Flooding in Spain has resulted in at least 95 fatalities. The Valencia region accounted for 92 deaths, while Castilla La Mancha reported two. A 71-year-old British national died in hospital after being rescued from his home in Alhaurin de la Torre, near Malaga. Heavy rainfall, equivalent to half a year's average, caused widespread destruction, sweeping cars through streets and damaging numerous buildings. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with authorities working to provide aid to affected areas. The disaster has inflicted significant damage and loss of life across eastern and central Spain.

Sirish Subash, a ninth-grader from Snellville, Georgia, has been named "America's Top Young Scientist" after winning the 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Subash earned the title and a $25,000 prize for inventing PestiSCAND, a device using AI and spectrophotometry to detect pesticide residues on produce. Addressing a critical food safety issue, PestiSCAND scans for harmful chemicals, ensuring consumer safety. Subash's innovative solution impressed judges, securing his spot among the nation's most promising young scientists.

England cricket captain Ben Stokes has appealed for help after his home in Castle Eden, North East England, was robbed. Masked intruders stole valuable items, including jewelry and sentimental family heirlooms, while Stokes' wife and two young children were inside. Fortunately, no one was physically harmed. Stokes shared photos of the stolen items on X, seeking public assistance in identifying them. He emphasized that catching the perpetrators is his priority, not recovering the items. Stokes expressed concern about the incident's psychological impact on his family, saying, "All we can think about is how much worse this situation could have been."

Mumbai Police arrested Azam Mohammed Mustafa from Bandra for threatening to kill Bollywood actor Salman Khan and demanding a ₹2 crore ransom. The accused sent an anonymous message to Mumbai Traffic Police, prompting the arrest. This incident follows another threat to Khan and NCP MLA Zeeshan Siddique by Mohammad Tayyab, arrested in Noida. Khan has faced threats previously, including a 2022 letter found near his residence. The recent arrests underscore concerns about the actor's safety.

The United States has repatriated approximately 1,100 Indian nationals who attempted to enter the country illegally over the past year, according to a senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official. This marks a "steady increase" in repatriations of Indians in recent years. Royce Murray, assistant secretary for Border and Immigration Policy at DHS, recently traveled to India to witness the return flight of illegal immigrants. The DHS views the Indian government as a crucial partner in combating human smuggling organizations that target Indians. The repatriations were carried out via charter and commercial flights, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the US and Indian governments to curb irregular migration.

Delhi and its surrounding areas woke up to a thick layer of smog on Diwali morning, with the air quality index (AQI) remaining in the "very poor" category at 328. Despite anti-pollution measures, the city's air quality continued to deteriorate. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 419, falling under the "severe" category. The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) provided the real-time data. The poor air quality poses health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. Authorities' efforts to curb pollution seem ineffective, raising concerns about the city's worsening air quality.

The first UK case of the potentially deadly Clade 1b mpox strain has been found in London. The patient had recently returned from Africa and developed symptoms after arriving on October 21. They were treated at an emergency department and later moved to the Royal Free Hospital for care. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is tracing fewer than 10 contacts linked to the patient. While Clade 1b mpox has circulated widely in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the UKHSA says the risk to the public remains low. Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely.

Heavy rains in Spain’s Valencia region have caused deadly floods, leaving at least 95 people dead and towns in ruin. In just eight hours, areas like Utiel and Chiva saw a year’s worth of rain, causing the Magro River to overflow and sweep away cars, debris, and trash through the streets. Many residents were trapped in their homes, with some elderly people unable to escape. “We were trapped like rats,” said Utiel’s mayor, Ricardo Gabaldón. Spain’s government has deployed military units to assist with rescue efforts and declared three days of national mourning. Officials say these intense storms are worsened by climate change.

The Taliban in Afghanistan have issued a new rule prohibiting women from allowing their voices to be heard by other women while praying or reciting the Quran. Khalid Hanafi, the Taliban's minister for virtue, stated that even women praying aloud must not let others hear them, adding that activities like singing are also forbidden. The ban reflects the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic laws, which they have intensified since 2021. Women’s voices, considered “awrah,” or private, should not be heard in public or even by other women, according to Taliban officials. This is the latest in a series of restrictions on Afghan women.