Delhiites face another day of hazardous air as the air quality index (AQI) remains in the 'severe' category. The CPCB reports AQI figures over 400 in Anand Vihar, RK Puram, IGI Airport, and Dwarka. Masks become a common sight as residents combat toxic smog. Surrounding areas like Noida and Gurugram also witness 'very poor' to 'severe' air quality. Despite government measures, Delhi ranks as the most polluted city globally. Vehicular emissions contribute significantly, with PM2.5 levels exceeding safe limits. Calm winds and low temperatures exacerbate the situation, with relief unlikely until November 21.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the difficulty of minimizing civilian casualties in the conflict with Hamas, stating in an interview with CBS News, "Any civilian death is a tragedy... Unfortunately, we're not successful" despite extensive measures such as leaflet warnings and evacuation calls. Netanyahu emphasized Israel's attempts to protect civilians, contrasting it with Hamas's actions. The ongoing military campaign, aimed at destroying Hamas, has resulted in widespread displacement and casualties, with Gaza health authorities reporting over 11,500 confirmed deaths, over 4,700 of them are children. Netanyahu expressed the intention to conclude the operation with minimal civilian casualties but conceded the challenges faced in achieving this goal.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday that weapons deliveries to Ukraine have decreased since fighting erupted between Israel and Hamas last month. Specifically, Zelensky said supplies of 155mm artillery shells, which are widely used by Ukraine on the frontlines, have declined. He attributed the drop to countries prioritizing their own stockpiles during conflicts. Despite the decreased arms support recently, Zelensky praised efforts in the U.S. to increase production. The news comes as fighting in Ukraine has ground to a stalemate after nearly a year of war with Russia. Both sides have struggled to maintain artillery stockpiles during the drawn-out conflict.

As cricket fever grips the nation ahead of the much-anticipated Cricket World Cup final between India and Australia at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on November 19, the Indian Air Force's renowned Surya Kiran aerobatic team is gearing up to dazzle spectators with a mesmerizing air show. The team, known for its precision and breathtaking maneuvers, will showcase their skills for ten minutes before the final match kicks off. Rehearsals for this aerial spectacle are scheduled for Friday and Saturday. The nation awaits this thrilling display as India vies for World Cup glory.

On Friday, over 72 million voters across Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh will cast ballots for 230 and 70 assembly seats respectively in the two heartland states. In Madhya Pradesh, key battles involve CM Shivraj Chouhan in Budhni, former CM Kamal Nath in Chhindwara, ex-Union Minister Tomar in Dimni, and BJP's Kailash Vijaywargiya in Indore. Congress has banked on anti-incumbency while BJP highlighted the center's achievements. PM Modi held 14 rallies while Congress chief Kharge campaigned extensively along with Rahul Gandhi in MP. BJP's manifesto promised free girls' education, subsidized LPG, and homes for all. Congress promised jobs, an OBC quota, and a state IPL team.  In Chhattisgarh, the second phase of polling will decide the fate of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Deputy CM T S Singhdeo. The electoral fight is largely between the Congress and the BJP in both Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh and will have significant national ramifications. [Image: Representative Photo]

After Mohammed Shami's sensational 7/57 decimated New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final, Bollywood star Sonu Sood joked on social media platform X: "Shami Kebab Banned In New Zealand." Mohammed Shami cracked up in reply. Shami recorded the best figures by an Indian in World Cup history, surpassing Nehra's 6/23 in 2003. His lethal spell made him the fastest to 50 World Cup wickets in just 17 innings. Shami now holds the record for most five-wicket hauls in World Cups with 4. He is also the 6th highest wicket-taker in tournament history with 54 wickets at a stunning average of 12.90. Shami's match-winning 7-wicket demolition was hailed by PM Narendra Modi as he achieved multiple World Cup bowling milestones against New Zealand. Sonu Sood quipped "Shami Kebab Banned" after the pacer's sensational performance crushed the Kiwis.

Militants in Manipur ambushed an Assam Rifles troop conducting a patrol on Thursday morning by detonating an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and then opening a "heavy burst of firing" at the soldiers. An official said, "Our soldiers fired back at the militants after which they fled from the spot." None of the troops were injured as they were in a mine-protected vehicle. Earlier, 200 personnel from Assam Rifles were deployed to Manipur to target infiltrators from Myanmar involved in recent attacks. Militants planted an IED and unleashed "heavy firing" on the routine patrol before fleeing as soldiers returned fire, escaping unhurt due to their protected vehicle. Search operation for the militants is on.

After Virat Kohli's match-winning ton in the World Cup semi-final, former Australia pacer Simon O'Donnell criticized New Zealand players who helped Kohli when he suffered cramps, saying "I had a problem a couple of times last night. Virat Kohli gets cramp, they're (NZ) going over to help him." He questioned, "Why would you go and help Virat Kohli when he's tearing your country apart?" O'Donnell indicated, "Under no circumstances should you have gone within 20 meters of Virat Kohli when he had a cramp." He added, "Stop hitting us for sixes and fours. Go and pick your own bat up while you've got a sore hamstring and a cramp." O'Donnell's comments came amid wide praise for Kohli's ton and NZ's sportsmanlike gesture in the crucial knockout match. 

A recent Reuters/Ipsos survey indicates a significant shift in American sentiment regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Conducted between November 13-14, 2023, the poll reveals a decline in support for Israel, with only 32% of Americans favoring continued backing, down from 41% in mid-October. The survey of 1,006 American adults highlights a growing desire for the U.S. to assume a "neutral mediator" role, rising from 27% in October to 39% in November. President Joe Biden's call for "humanitarian pauses" instead of a "ceasefire" sparked disagreement, with 77% of Democrats advocating for a ceasefire. The survey reflects a nation seeking a balanced approach amid evolving sentiments. On the other hand, Israeli President Isaac Herzog emphasized the necessity of a robust Israeli presence in Gaza after the conflict to prevent the resurgence of Hamas. Discussing potential mechanisms for governance, Herzog highlighted the 'avoidance of a vacuum' and envisions U.S. and regional involvement. Amid international and domestic pressure, U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized the two-state solution and warned against occupying Gaza.

Rescue efforts are underway for the fifth consecutive day to save 40 workers trapped in an under-construction tunnel in Silkyara, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. A state-of-the-art auger drilling machine, weighing 24 tonnes, has been deployed to expedite debris removal. The machine, flown in by the Indian Air Force from Delhi, is expected to cut through the rubble at a speed of 5 mm per hour. International experts from Norway and Thailand are assisting due to the fragile mountainous terrain. Union Minister VK Singh expressed hope for a successful rescue within two to three days, emphasizing the safety of the workers.