New Zealand captain Tom Latham defended Indian skipper Rohit Sharma following India's Test series loss to New Zealand, marking New Zealand's first Test series win in India. After India’s defeat in the second Test in Pune by 113 runs, Latham emphasized that a single loss doesn’t define India’s team strength, adding that India is filled with match-winners. He anticipated a strong comeback from India in the final Test in Mumbai. Reflecting on the historic series win, Latham expressed pride in leading New Zealand’s first Test series victory in India after 69 years of attempts.

At least 55 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Beit Lahiya, a town in northern Gaza. Reports from the Palestinian news agency Wafa and Hamas media confirmed the attack, which struck a residential building. Medical sources indicated that many of the victims were women and children. The Gaza civil service reported extensive damage to the area as a result of the strike. This incident contributes to the ongoing violence in the region, raising concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Authorities are continuing to gather information and assess the impact of the airstrike.

Israel's parliament has passed legislation banning the UN's Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, from operating within Israel and Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem, restricting its work in Gaza and the West Bank. Effective within three months, the ban blocks UNRWA’s cooperation with Israel's military, crucial for aid transfer into Gaza, where over 2 million Palestinians depend on UNRWA services. This decision has sparked international concern, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres warning of negative impacts on peace efforts. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini condemned the law as "unprecedented," stating it threatens essential education, health, and humanitarian support for Palestinians.

Three terrorists were killed in a two-day operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor region after they attacked an army convoy, targeting an ambulance near the Line of Control. Special forces, along with NSG commandos, launched a counter-operation, locating the attackers near the Assan temple in Jogwan village. Two explosions and intense firing were reported as security forces advanced. Tragically, Phantom, a four-year-old Army dog, was killed in action. The terrorists, who had infiltrated from across the border, fled into a nearby forest but were neutralized by Tuesday morning. Security forces continued heavy surveillance to secure the area.

Hundreds of ballots were destroyed after incendiary devices targeted ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. Authorities believe the incidents, just days before the U.S. Election, are linked. The fire suppression system in the Vancouver box failed, destroying hundreds of ballots, while only three were lost in Portland. Both Democratic candidate Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and her opponent, Republican Joe Kent, condemned the attacks, emphasizing protection of the voting process. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs assured voters of secure elections and offered replacement options for affected ballots. The FBI is assisting with the investigation.

Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr broke his silence after finishing second in the 2024 Ballon d'Or voting, hinting that his anti-racism advocacy may have influenced the outcome. The Brazilian winger, favored to win after Real Madrid's Champions League and LaLiga triumphs, expressed disappointment and defiance on social media, stating, "I'll do it 10x if I have to. They're not ready." His management team interpreted the post as a reference to his ongoing fight against racism in football, suggesting it may have cost him the award. Vinicius Jr trails Manchester City's Rodri, the surprise winner.

In Kerala’s Kasaragod district, over 150 people were injured, with 10 seriously hurt, after a fireworks mishap at Anjootambalam Veererkavu temple late last night. Witnesses reported that a firecracker ignited a nearby shed storing more fireworks, creating a massive fireball and panic among festival attendees. Local resident Priyesh described a “loud blast” followed by flames. Officials revealed that the shed, storing Chinese crackers worth Rs 28,000, was too close to the display area. The temple president and secretary are now in police custody, with authorities citing safety violations as contributing factors.

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, of Indian origin, celebrated Diwali from the International Space Station (ISS), where she's been since June. In a video message, Williams expressed gratitude to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for celebrating Diwali at the White House, highlighting their support for the Indian community. Reflecting on her father’s efforts to maintain cultural traditions, she said, "Diwali is a time of joy as goodness prevails." The White House Diwali event acknowledged the community's contributions. Williams will return to Earth in February, extending what was initially a one-week mission.

Apple's iPhone exports from India increased by 33% to $6 billion between April and September, driven by government subsidies, a skilled workforce, and technological advancements. This growth puts Apple on track to surpass $10 billion in annual exports from India. The expansion is part of Apple's strategy to reduce dependence on China amid escalating US-China tensions. Key manufacturing partners, including Foxconn and Wistron, have established operations in India. Apple's investment is expected to boost India's electronics manufacturing sector, creating jobs and driving economic growth. India's government aims to increase electronics exports to $120 billion by 2026.

One year after Matthew Perry's passing, Friends co-star Matt LeBlanc is reportedly struggling with grief, according to sources. LeBlanc, now 57, has largely retreated from public life, rarely seen since Perry's death on October 28, 2023. Close friends, including Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox, are reportedly visiting him, cooking meals, and keeping him company. LeBlanc shared an emotional tribute on Instagram last year, recalling their cherished friendship both on and off-screen. As Perry’s tragic death continues to impact his friends, legal proceedings also advance against individuals charged with supplying Perry with lethal drugs. Friends remain concerned about LeBlanc's well-being.