The state of Bihar in India is holding its first phase of legislative assembly elections, with 74 million eligible voters. This election will decide who governs Bihar, India's poorest state, for the next five years, and it is seen as an indicator of public sentiment towards the national government.
Key Facts
Bihar is India's third most populous state with 130 million people.
The election will decide the government of Bihar for the next five years.
121 out of 243 assembly constituencies are voting in the first phase.
Some constituencies are reserved for Scheduled Castes, which are communities that have faced historical disadvantages.
The Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (United) currently lead the government.
The main opposition includes the Rashtriya Janata Dal and Indian National Congress.
The voter turnout had reached 42.3% by early afternoon on election day.
Tejashwi Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal is running for the Raghopur seat.
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The Old Farmer’s Almanac has shared its weather forecast for Christmas week across North America. Snowy weather is likely in several northern regions, while the southern U.S. is expected to have sunny skies, aiding holiday travel.
Key Facts
The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a variety of winter weather across North America for Christmas week.
Snowy weather is expected in the Northeast, Upper Midwest, Lower Lakes, eastern Ohio Valley, and Alaska.
The northern Pacific Northwest and Alaska Panhandle might see stormy and rainy conditions.
The Intermountain West and High Plains are predicted to have rain and snow showers.
Sunny skies are expected in the Southeast, Florida, Texas-Oklahoma regions, the Atlantic Corridor, and Hawaii.
The Deep South might experience a mix of sunny weather and showers, with snow in Appalachians.
The Pacific Southwest could see showers later in the week.
The forecast aims to help families and travelers plan for holiday travel.
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Israeli officials have confirmed that remains returned from Gaza are of Tanzanian student Joshua Loitu Mollel, who was killed in a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. This identification is part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, involving the exchange of hostage and Palestinian bodies. Meanwhile, Israel has taken security measures along its border with Egypt due to concerns over weapons smuggling.
Key Facts
Joshua Loitu Mollel, a Tanzanian student, was identified as a hostage victim from Gaza, killed in the October 7 attack.
The return of his remains is part of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, facilitated by the U.S.
There are still six bodies of hostages remaining in Gaza, including that of a Thai agricultural worker.
Since the ceasefire, Hamas has released 22 bodies of hostages, and Israel has returned 285 Palestinian bodies.
Israel and Hamas have exchanged accusations of breaching the ceasefire terms.
Israeli Defense Minister ordered the military zone designation at the Egyptian border to prevent weapons smuggling.
U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a plan for an international stabilization force in Gaza, needing support from Arab countries and a U.N. mandate.
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The final episode of the TV show "The Celebrity Traitors" was accidentally uploaded ahead of schedule by broadcasters outside the UK. A few viewers in Canada were able to watch it on the streaming service Crave before it was removed. The BBC has asked viewers not to share spoilers.
Key Facts
"The Celebrity Traitors" final was mistakenly uploaded early outside the UK.
The early upload happened on a streaming service called Crave in Canada.
Only a few hundred people saw the episode before it was taken down.
The BBC clarified that the upload error was not their fault.
The BBC urged viewers not to share spoilers to keep the suspense for other fans.
"The Celebrity Traitors" is the most-watched TV show of the year, with 12.6 million viewers on average for its first four episodes.
The final episode is scheduled to air on Thursday evening in the UK.
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A Scottish Fold cat was found left outside a Las Vegas cat shelter in a crate with $60 and a note explaining his situation. The cat, named Bobo, was surrendered because his previous owners had to move and couldn't keep him. Bobo was quickly adopted by a new family and is adjusting well to his new home.
Key Facts
A Scottish Fold cat named Bobo was left outside Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions in Las Vegas with $60 and a note.
The note said Bobo was a good cat but had to be given up because his owners were moving.
Bobo had been neutered, received all his shots, and usually did not get along with other cats due to chronic urinary tract infections.
He was found on October 28 and adopted by a family on November 2.
Bobo's quick adoption was aided by his bright blue eyes and folded ears.
Animal shelters like Homeward Bound face space and resource challenges, with many cats left at shelters regularly.
In 2025, about 1.4 million cats were taken into shelters and rescues in the U.S., with 31% being surrendered by owners.
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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been asked to appear before the U.S. Congress for questions about his connection to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Democratic members of the House Committee want him to provide information about Epstein's collaborators. Andrew has been given a deadline to respond by November 20.
Key Facts
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor received a summons to speak to Congress.
The focus is on his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender.
The House Committee on Oversight is handling the inquiry.
Democratic members of this committee believe Andrew might have important information.
The deadline for Andrew to respond is November 20.
This development is part of ongoing efforts to seek justice for survivors of Epstein's crimes.
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A California judge dismissed a defamation lawsuit against Kim Kardashian. The lawsuit was filed after Kardashian posted a photo of the wrong person, mistaking him for a death row inmate. The man in the photo, who lives in New York, claimed this caused him distress.
Key Facts
Kim Kardashian was involved in a defamation lawsuit.
She posted a photo incorrectly identifying a man as a death row inmate named Ivan Cantu.
The wrong Ivan Cantu, who lives in New York, sued Kardashian.
He claimed Kardashian's actions caused him emotional and mental distress.
A California judge ruled in favor of Kardashian and dismissed the lawsuit.
The case was publicized by media outlet The Rolling Stone.
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Major polluting countries were absent at the start of a UN climate summit in Brazil. The summit is taking place in Belem, near the Amazon forest, which has lost significant tree cover due to human activities.
Key Facts
The UN climate summit is happening in Belem, Brazil.
The Amazon rainforest, near Belem, is crucial for absorbing carbon dioxide.
About 17% of the Amazon's forest cover has disappeared in 50 years due to agriculture, logging, and mining.
The Amazon is often called the "lungs of the world" because it helps reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Wildfires and cattle ranching have further damaged the Amazon forest.
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The United Nations reports that Afghanistan's opium production has significantly decreased following a ban by the Taliban in 2022. Land used for opium cultivation dropped by 20%, while opium production itself fell by 32%. Despite the ban, challenges like economic hardship and the rise of synthetic drugs persist.
Key Facts
Afghanistan was responsible for over 80% of the world's opium supply before the 2022 Taliban ban.
Since the ban, the area growing opium poppy has reduced by 20%, and opium production is down by 32%.
In 2023, the opium poppy was mostly grown in the north-east, with Badakhshan province being a major area.
By 2025, four provinces (Balkh, Farah, Laghman, Uruzgan) were declared opium poppy-free.
Some farmers continue small-scale opium cultivation despite the ban, risking punishment.
Many farmers are struggling to find profitable alternatives to opium cultivation.
Synthetic drug trafficking, like methamphetamine, has increased, with seizures 50% higher in late 2024 versus the previous year.
The ban has caused some violent clashes between farmers and the Taliban, particularly in the north-east.
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The 68th Annual Grammy Awards nominations will be announced on November 7, 2025. Music fans and critics are actively speculating about potential nominees in key categories like Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist. Artists like Addison Rae, Lola Young, and Sabrina Carpenter are among those widely discussed for major categories.
Key Facts
The Grammy nominations will be announced on November 7, 2025, and the ceremony is scheduled for February 1, 2026.
Addison Rae is a prominent name for Best New Artist after transitioning from a TikTok dancer to a music artist.
Lola Young and Olivia Dean are also notable contenders for Best New Artist.
Predictions for Song and Record of the Year include Sabrina Carpenter's "Manchild" and Billie Eilish's "Wildflower."
The Grammy conversation includes a mix of breakout artists and established musicians.
Social media plays a significant role in fan discussions and predictions for the Grammy Awards.
Key categories in focus include Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist.
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President Donald Trump criticized South Africa's inclusion in the G20 and said he would not attend the upcoming summit there, sending Vice President JD Vance instead. Trump has accused South Africa of unfair treatment towards its white minority and imposed measures like suspending aid and imposing tariffs. South Africa has denied these claims, stressing its anti-discrimination stance and commitment to G20 goals.
Key Facts
President Trump said South Africa should not be part of the G20 and will skip the summit there.
Vice President JD Vance will lead the U.S. delegation at the G20 summit in November.
Trump accused South Africa of discriminating against its Afrikaans white minority.
The U.S. has started a refugee program for white Afrikaners, prioritizing them for admission.
Trump has suspended U.S. aid to South Africa and reimposed tariffs on its goods.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa denies the allegations and highlights the nation's role in promoting equality.
The G20 is an international forum of 19 countries and the EU, focused on global economic policy.
South Africa plans to host the G20 summit in November with a focus on economic and social solidarity.
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Riot police in Japan will start helping with the culling of wild bears due to recent attacks on people. These operations will begin on November 13 in the Akita and Iwate regions. This marks the first time police officers in Japan will be directly involved in lethal wildlife control.
Key Facts
Japan will use riot police officers to help cull wild bears after multiple attacks.
The operations will start on November 13 in Akita and Iwate prefectures.
There have been over 100 bear attacks in Japan since April, with 12 deaths reported.
The National Police Agency is providing special training and shooting practice for officers.
Police will use rifles, which are considered more effective than handguns for culling.
This initiative addresses a shortage of local hunters in the affected areas.
Japan’s Self-Defense Forces are providing non-lethal support but are not using firearms against bears.
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Forces from the Tigray region have reportedly entered Ethiopia's Afar region, which Afar authorities claim breaks a 2022 peace agreement. The Tigrayan forces allegedly took control of several villages and attacked civilians, raising fears of renewed conflict.
Key Facts
Tigray forces reportedly crossed into Afar, taking control of several villages.
Afar authorities accuse Tigray forces of attacking civilians with mortars.
The 2022 peace agreement aimed to end the Tigray war that killed around 600,000 people.
Tensions have risen recently between Ethiopia's federal government and the TPLF.
There are fears this action could end the peace established in the 2022 agreement.
Afar authorities have warned they may defend themselves if Tigray forces do not withdraw.
The TPLF was removed from Ethiopia's list of political parties earlier this year.
Federal officials allege TPLF is re-establishing ties with Eritrea, affecting regional stability.
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A viral post on social media falsely claimed that MrBeast made negative comments about Zohran Mamdani after he won the New York City mayoral election. MrBeast, a well-known content creator, clarified that he never made these statements.
Key Facts
A viral social media post falsely attributed negative comments about Zohran Mamdani to MrBeast.
Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, was elected as the first Muslim and Indian American mayor of New York City.
The post claimed MrBeast said, “NYC is cooked” and other negative remarks.
MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, denied making these comments.
A community note on the post explained that an impersonator made the comments, not MrBeast.
MrBeast avoids discussing politics and has stated he doesn't hold strong political views.
MrBeast has a significant online presence, with 449 million YouTube subscribers, and was named the top content creator by Forbes.
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A woman went viral after putting up garden lights so her girlfriend's dog, which is scared of the dark, could go outside comfortably at night. Many people misunderstood the situation, thinking she was a man, but she later clarified that she is a woman.
Key Facts
A woman installed lights in her garden to help her girlfriend's dog feel safe enough to go outside at night.
The dog's fear of the dark was addressed by adding garden lights.
The woman shared photos, and the post got over 2,300 views and 730 likes.
Many commenters mistakenly thought the person performing the kind gesture was a man.
The woman clarified in a follow-up post that she is a lesbian.
The lights helped the dog feel confident enough to go outside at night.
Commenters joked and shared supportive messages once they learned the truth about her identity.
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A dog named Cindy Lou has been at the SPCA Westchester animal rescue center in New York for more than 1,000 days. Despite being smart and affectionate, she has not yet been adopted, possibly because of her large size.
Key Facts
Cindy Lou is a four-year-old hound mix living at SPCA Westchester in New York.
She has spent over 1,000 days at the shelter waiting for adoption.
Cindy Lou was rescued from an overcrowded shelter in the Carolinas in 2022.
She is known for being smart, affectionate, and enjoys activities like hikes and car rides.
Her large size, weighing 80 pounds, may deter some potential adopters.
Long-term shelter dogs are often large-sized, according to a 2021 study in the journal Animals.
The shelter believes Cindy Lou would thrive in an active adult home with space to play and run.
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A ship traveling off the coast of Somalia was attacked by pirates using machine guns and grenades. The crew of the Greek-managed tanker, Hellas Aphrodite, is safe and the company is working with authorities. This incident is part of a recent increase in piracy in the region.
Key Facts
Pirates boarded a ship off the Somali coast using machine guns and grenades.
The attack occurred about 560 nautical miles southeast of Eyl, Somalia.
A UK maritime agency and a private security firm confirmed the attack, possibly linked to Somali pirates.
The Greek shipping company Latsco Marine Management confirmed all 24 crew members are safe.
The attacked vessel, named Hellas Aphrodite, is a tanker carrying gasoline.
The ship was en route from Sikka, India, to Durban, South Africa.
Recent years have seen a rise in piracy incidents in the area, with at least seven reported last year.
The International Maritime Bureau noted several fishing vessel seizures by pirates this year.
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In the German city of Hanau, about 50 vehicles, along with walls and postboxes, were found smeared with a reddish liquid that tests suggest might be human blood. Some of these markings included swastikas, which are illegal symbols in Germany. Police are investigating the incident and asking the public for help.
Key Facts
Police discovered about 50 cars and other surfaces marked with a reddish liquid in Hanau, Germany.
Some markings were in the shape of swastikas, a banned symbol in Germany.
Preliminary tests suggest the reddish liquid is likely human blood.
The incident was first reported by a man who noticed a car smeared with the liquid.
Authorities are seeking information from the public to help solve the case.
The act reminded some of a far-right attack in Hanau where a gunman killed nine people in 2020.
Bundestag Vice President Omid Nouripour emphasized the incident's seriousness.
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The UK is preparing for a challenging flu season as flu rates are rising earlier than usual. Health officials are urging people eligible for free flu vaccines to get vaccinated soon, as there are many vulnerable individuals who haven't yet received their shots. This comes after Australia experienced its worst flu season on record, raising concerns for the UK's health services.
Key Facts
The UK's flu season is starting earlier and is expected to be prolonged and tough.
NHS England is encouraging eligible people to get the free flu vaccine quickly.
Over 13 million people in the UK have been vaccinated so far, but this is over 5 million fewer than last winter's total.
Australia recently had its worst flu season, with over 410,000 cases, serving as a warning for the UK.
NHS hospitals are expected to be very busy from December to March due to flu.
People aged 65 and over, pregnant women, and those with certain health conditions qualify for free vaccines.
Flu rates are three times higher than usual for this time of year, especially among children and young people.
Nearly 16,000 people died during the 2022-23 flu season in the UK.
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Esther Perel, a well-known psychotherapist, responded to Reese Witherspoon's comments about the decline of romantic comedies. Perel argues that fewer romantic stories in movies and TV shows are leaving people with fewer ways to learn about relationships and dating skills. She believes these stories historically provided important lessons about desire and social dynamics.
Key Facts
Esther Perel is a famous psychotherapist and author focused on relationships.
Reese Witherspoon spoke about the decrease in romantic comedies during an interview on a podcast.
Witherspoon suggested this decline might affect how people learn about dating and relationships.
Perel shared her views in an Instagram video, gaining over 317,000 views.
She said romantic stories teach important social and emotional skills.
Perel noted that today's digital content doesn't offer the same kind of emotional learning.
She emphasized that storytelling can guide real-life relationship skills, like understanding attraction and overcoming obstacles.
Perel's comments resonated with many viewers who also expressed concerns about changes in dating culture.
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