Exit polls predict the BJP-Sena-NCP alliance will retain power in Maharashtra, with projections ranging between 150-170 seats for the Mahayuti alliance. The MVA coalition, including Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena UBT, and NCP factions, is expected to secure 110-130 seats. In Jharkhand, exit polls favor the BJP-led NDA to win 42-47 seats, surpassing the 40-seat halfway mark. The JMM-Congress alliance is forecasted to win 25-30 seats. However, experts caution that exit polls may not always be accurate, urging caution in interpreting the predictions.

India successfully defended their Women's Asian Champions Trophy title, defeating China 1-0 in the final at Rajgir Sports Complex. The match remained closely contested in the first half, with both teams creating chances. However, Deepika, who was named Player of the Tournament, scored the lone goal in the third quarter, securing India's victory. Despite a few missed penalty corners, India's defense and control improved, with Lalremsiami being named Player of the Match for her crucial defensive efforts. India maintained dominance, with impressive performances from Sangita Kumari and captain Salima Tete.

Exit polls for the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections predict a strong victory for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. According to Chanakya Strategies, the alliance is expected to secure 152-160 seats, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is projected to win 130-138 seats. The BJP is estimated to win 89-101 seats, with Congress securing 39-47, Shiv Sena 37-45, and NCP(SP) 35-43. The Shiv Sena (UBT) could win 21-29 seats. Voting in the 288-member assembly ended with a voter turnout of 45.53% by 3 pm, with results expected soon.

Russia's territorial gains in eastern Ukraine have surged, with the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reporting almost six times more territory gained in 2024 compared to 2023. Russian forces have advanced towards key Ukrainian hubs, including Kupiansk and Kurakhove, while Ukraine's efforts in the Kursk region are faltering. Experts fear the collapse of Ukraine’s eastern front and attribute the failure of Kyiv’s offensive to manpower shortages. With the potential change in U.S. leadership, fears grow that military aid to Ukraine could be reduced, further weakening its position.

Maharashtra's Assembly elections saw a 58.22% voter turnout by 5 pm on November 20, 2024. The turnout was slow in the early hours, with the Maoist-affected Gadchiroli district topping at 69.63%. Mumbai city recorded the lowest turnout at 49.07%. A total of 4,136 candidates are contesting across 288 seats, with key issues including unemployment, inflation, and agricultural distress. Political leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi campaigned extensively. The election results will be announced on November 23, 2024.

Ukraine launched six US-made ATACMS missiles at Russia’s Bryansk region, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. Russia claims five missiles were intercepted, with fragments from one causing a fire at a military site but no casualties. This strike follows President Biden's approval for Ukraine to use long-range missiles. In response, President Vladimir Putin lowered Russia’s nuclear threshold, warning of potential retaliation for attacks threatening sovereignty. Kyiv confirmed targeting a military facility without specifying weapons used. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, addressing parliament, announced plans to ramp up domestic missile and drone production. Western nations continue supporting Ukraine despite Russian threats.

Hilarious moments unfolded during India's practice session ahead of the first Test against Australia in Perth. Sarfaraz Khan dropped an easy catch during slip-catching drills, triggering uncontrollable laughter from Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Dhruv Jurel. Pant fell down laughing, while Kohli and Jurel struggled to keep calm. The light-hearted moment highlighted team camaraderie before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy clash starting Friday. Jurel, likely to play his maiden Test in Australia, impressed in past matches. With Kohli and Pant pivotal to India's batting and no Rohit Sharma, the focus shifts to India's final practice and team selection.

A 47-foot female fin whale, the world's second-largest whale species, was found dead near a coastal trail in Anchorage, Alaska. Hundreds gathered to view the massive carcass, which NOAA experts say was likely 1-3 years old. Biologists collected tissue samples, including heart, urine, and blood, to investigate the cause of death. Challenges like decomposition and lack of visible injuries make determining the cause difficult. Fin whales, reaching up to 85 feet, face threats like ship strikes, fishing gear entanglement, and climate change. These endangered whales migrate between Arctic feeding grounds and tropical breeding areas.

Delhi's air quality worsened to the 'severe' level, with an AQI of 422 recorded on Wednesday. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has ordered 50% of its employees to work from home to combat pollution. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced the decision, with implementation discussions scheduled at the Secretariat. Additionally, staggered office timings have been mandated for government offices. Stage IV pollution curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) are in effect, banning non-essential vehicles and halting construction at public projects. Rai also urged the Centre to approve artificial rain measures to mitigate the hazardous conditions.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 13-year-old batting sensation from Bihar, has become the youngest player ever to feature in the IPL auction list. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced his inclusion among 574 players for the IPL 2025 mega auction, scheduled for November 24-25 in Jeddah. Despite modest First-Class stats (100 runs in 5 matches), Suryavanshi's stellar century in the India U19 vs. Australia U19 series showcased his immense potential. Occupying the 491st spot in the uncapped category, he is also part of India’s squad for the U19 Asia Cup, starting November 30, against Pakistan.