In the face of escalating pollution woes in Delhi and neighboring regions, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has put forward a novel solution: artificial rain. With the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi hitting a 'very poor' level of 398, IIT Kanpur's project aims to alleviate the crisis. Cloud seeding, a process involving chemicals like silver iodide and dry ice released from aircraft, attracts water vapor and forms rain clouds, potentially offering temporary relief for up to a week. Having secured the necessary permissions from government authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), to carry out cloud seeding, IIT Kanpur's initiative holds promise in mitigating the hazardous air quality affecting millions in the National Capital Region.

In the heart of the Gaza Strip, Israel faces daunting challenges as it conducts a ground operation against Hamas militants. Encircling Gaza City, Israeli forces grapple with the intricacies of urban warfare. Narrow lanes and densely packed buildings provide cover for Hamas operatives, who employ anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) with deadly accuracy. The 'Gaza Metro,' a network of secret tunnels, adds to the complexity, enabling surprise attacks and ambushes. The street fighting in Gaza which is expected to stretch for weeks also poses the challenge for Israel to maintain supply lines when fighting deep in hostile territory. The conflict's evolving dynamics underscore the delicate balance between military strategy, humanitarian considerations, and global perceptions in this high-stakes confrontation.

Salman Khan's upcoming film, Tiger 3, is generating immense anticipation among fans and experts alike. Despite Salman's recent string of moderate performers and flops, trade experts are optimistic about Tiger 3's success, predicting a global opening of Rs 100 crore. The film's advance ticket sales have already surpassed 3 lakh tickets, with over 1 lakh tickets sold at major cinema chains. Scheduled for a Diwali release, industry insiders believe the film's strategic timing and Salman Khan's enduring stardom will contribute to its long-term success, marking an essential milestone for the actor in the Bollywood industry.

The Parliament Ethics Committee has recommended the disqualification of Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra from the Lok Sabha given its ongoing probe into alleged bribe-for-query accusations.  BJP MP Nishikant Dubey had accused Moitra of accepting payment from businessman Darshan Hiranandani to ask preset questions, citing a letter claiming irrefutable evidence. Moitra strongly denied the allegations in legal notices. However, sources said the committee advised probing financial ties between Moitra and Hiranandani before finalizing its report on November 9th. The BJP outweighed opposition parties in voting on the matter. If disqualified, Moitra would lose her seat in a severe blow amid the high-profile unsupported accusations per her stance.

Amid the recent Hamas attack on Israel, the historic contribution of Indian soldiers during World War I has come to light. Over a century ago, these soldiers played a crucial role in liberating Jerusalem for the British, defeating the Ottoman Empire. Engaging in pivotal battles across Palestine, their bravery paved the way for victory. As Hamas targeted the region, India's connection to Jerusalem's past resonates, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar unveiling a plaque in their honor two years ago. The valor and sacrifice of these troops stand as a testament to India's historical role in the global landscape. [ photo courtesy: facebook post of Harjinder singh kukreja ]          

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at over 55 locations in 10 Indian states, arresting 44 middlemen involved in a pan-India human trafficking network facilitating Rohingya Muslims' entry from Bangladesh. The agency, in collaboration with Border Security Force and state police, dismantled the illegal immigration support networks, seizing forged documents, Indian and foreign currency. NIA plans to seek assistance from Bangladeshi authorities. The operation followed Assam Police's discovery of the racket in February, underscoring the serious national security concern. India asserts the threat posed by illegal Rohingya immigrants, citing links to anti-national activities and terror organizations. [ Representative Image from Twitter ]

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his controversial remarks linking women's education to population control. Addressing a Madhya Pradesh rally, Modi said such statements insult women and the country. He questioned the silence of opposition leaders on the matter. A controversy erupted when Nitish spoke graphically on the topic in the Bihar assembly. His comments drew smiles from Tejashwi Yadav but upset BJP women MLAs who termed them vulgar. Nitish later apologized saying he was misinterpreted.

After enduring a 9-month detention in Indonesia, three crew members of the M.V. Aashi ship, detained following a grounding incident in February, have been successfully repatriated to India. The ship, carrying asphalt from Dubai to Indonesia, faced treacherous weather conditions, leading to evacuation and subsequent detention of the trio. Despite investigations clearing them of environmental damage, the crew members were confined to house arrest. Thanks to extensive negotiations, the Indian Embassy secured their release, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressing gratitude for their safe return home.

Israel's defense minister said Tuesday the military is operating "in the heart" of Gaza City, tightening the noose on Hamas as forces locate the group's vast tunnel network. PM Netanyahu affirmed the month-long war is applying great force unseen by Hamas before. He said ground troops have been deepening pressure hourly. An Israeli operation also killed a Hamas weapons/industry leader. Israel's minister said armored forces in Gaza have one target - Hamas infrastructure and commanders. Though Hamas claimed to inflict heavy losses on Israeli troops, Israel claimed to isolate Hamas's Gaza chief in his bunker with a weakening command chain and located kilometers of tunnels under hospitals and schools housing Hamas assets. Israel affirms it is methodically grinding down Hamas in protracted urban warfare. But risks remain high with military goals still unachieved like eliminating Hamas, its leadership and tunnels, and rescuing Israeli hostages. Meanwhile, US Secretary Blinken in Tokyo sought G7 consensus on dealing with the crisis, including pushing a humanitarian pause for Gaza civilians.

Indian cricket star Mohammed Shami slammed former Pakistan player Hasan Raza's allegations that Indian bowlers get different balls and manipulate DRS. Shami wrote on Instagram: "Please have some shame. Focus on the game rather than talking rubbish. Enjoy and chill; this is the ICC Cricket World Cup, not your local tournament. Wasim Akram explained, but still, hahahaha. You do not trust your own Wasim Akram. This person is busy praising himself." Shami told Raza to focus on the game and enjoy others' success rather than "talking rubbish." He said Wasim Akram already explained but Raza continues despite Akram's advice. Shami slammed Raza for not trusting Akram and instead praising himself amid the World Cup.