South Korea is facing surging bedbug outbreaks as travel restrictions ease post-pandemic, prompting the government to launch a major extermination campaign. Bedbugs, nearly eradicated in the 1960s, are infesting homes, trains, and buses again after a tourism rebound. Authorities are urging international travelers, especially from European hotspots like France and Britain, to thoroughly disinfect belongings to prevent spreading the pests. Concerns over bedbugs hitchhiking and spreading has led to increased vigilance. South Korea's four-week anti-bedbug drive aims to curb the crisis through preventative measures as reported cases are expected to rise further.

Canadian officials are investigating threats against Air India after videos surfaced of a Sikh separatist leader warning against flying with the airline. The threats came from Sikhs for Justice head Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Canada's transportation minister said they take all aviation threats seriously. India has raised the issue with Canada, condemning such terrorist threats. The warnings are reminiscent of the 1985 Air India bombing that killed 329 people. Indian intelligence views the threats seriously despite doubts over the group's capacity.

Former Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Akram Khan, also known as Akram Gazi, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan on Thursday. Gazi led LeT's recruitment from 2018-2020 and gave anti-India speeches. He was a key figure in the terror group for years. In October, Shahid Latif, the mastermind of 2016's Pathankot Airbase attack in India, was also killed in Pakistan. Latif handled the 4 attackers. Gazi headed LeT recruitment, identifying extremist sympathizers. Earlier in September, top LeT commander Riyaz Ahmad was gunned down in a PoK mosque. Ahmad was involved in attacks on India. (Image courtesy: India Today)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismisses a ceasefire with Hamas, emphasizing the military's exceptional performance in Gaza. He denies plans to reoccupy the territory but underscores the aim to demilitarize, deradicalize, and rebuild Gaza. The ongoing conflict, triggered by Hamas' incursion on October 7, has resulted in over 10,800 deaths in Gaza. Netanyahu asserts a future need for a civilian government in Gaza and readiness to reenter if necessary, aiming to prevent the resurgence of entities like Hamas. Diplomatic negotiations with Saudi Arabia remain on the horizon post-Hamas destruction.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces mounting calls to fire Interior Minister Suella Braverman over controversial remarks about policing of pro-Palestinian protests in London. Braverman claimed officers ignored "pro-Palestinian mobs" at recent rallies and accused the police of giving preferential treatment to left-wing groups. Her comments were published without Downing Street's consent. Critics say Braverman is overstepping boundaries and undermining police independence. The remarks come after she labeled Gaza ceasefire protests as "hate marches." Sunak insists he has full confidence in Braverman, but her polarizing rhetoric strains tensions within his party.

Far-right groups and football hooligans are set to gather in London on Armistice Day, coinciding with a pro-Palestine march. Despite calls for a ban from Home Secretary Suella Braverman, the coalition, including the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, plans to proceed with the demonstration, emphasizing an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson and the Democratic Football Lads Alliance have issued calls to mobilize, raising concerns of potential clashes. Remembrance events are ongoing, with fears of disruptions and police challenges in managing diverse fringe groups.

Canadian officials say they are taking "extremely seriously" an online threat against Air India flights made by the secessionist group SfJ's General counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. In a video posted online, Pannun told Sikhs not to fly Air India starting November 19th over safety fears. Canada has informed India that security measures have been enhanced for Air India flights operating in Canadian airports. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is actively investigating the threats. Indian authorities denounced the threats as criminal intent. Air India runs multiple direct flights per week between Canada and India. The warning evokes memories of the 1985 bombing of an Air India flight that killed 329 people. Canada remains committed to aviation security.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met in New Delhi ahead of the fifth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. The discussions, set to include Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, aim to comprehensively review the expanding strategic ties between the two nations. Blinken expressed the strength of the bilateral partnership and regional collaboration, highlighting the shared focus on the Indo-Pacific. The dialogue will delve into defense cooperation, Indo-Pacific strategies, people-to-people ties, and more, further cementing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

Parts of Delhi and surrounding NCR areas received light rainfall overnight, bringing some relief from hazardous pollution levels. The rains led to a drop in PM2.5 and PM10 levels, improving air quality from 'severe' to 'moderate' in some areas like Anand Vihar and RK Puram. More rainfall is predicted by weather agencies today. The showers come as Delhi government plans to induce artificial rain to combat pollution. However, experts say heavy widespread rainfall is needed to completely clear the toxic smog enveloping the capital region. [ photo courtesy: saransh_sidhu/X ]

The UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman is facing backlash after publishing an article accusing police of bias in handling protests, without authorization from Downing Street. In the article, Braverman claimed aggressive right-wing protesters were "rightly met with a stern response" while "pro-Palestinian mobs" were "largely ignored" even when breaking the law. No 10 said the article was not approved and suggested changes were not incorporated. As per ministerial code, media appearances must be cleared by No. 10. Some Conservatives have called for Braverman's resignation over the unauthorized article, which comes ahead of a pro-Palestine march in London.