Gennadiy Chastiakov, a close advisor to Ukraine's army commander-in-chief, met a tragic end after a grenade among his birthday gifts exploded. Chastiakov was demonstrating the grenades to his son when the incident occurred. The explosion resulted in his untimely death and serious injuries to his 13-year-old son. Police have identified the fellow soldier who gave the fatal gift, and an investigation is underway. Chastiakov leaves behind a grieving wife and four children. The nation mourns the loss of a dedicated serviceman.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog rebuffed actress Angelina Jolie's recent remarks on the Israel-Hamas conflict, stating she lacks first-hand experience in Gaza and doesn't provide Israelis a means of defense with her comments. Herzog, recounting the devastating impact of the attacks, emphasized Gaza's situation, asserting it's not due to Israel but the presence of terrorism. Earlier, Jolie's father, Jon Voight, also expressed disappointment in her stance. The international community observes the ongoing conflict, while differing opinions continue to emerge regarding the crisis.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, imprisoned in Iran, has initiated a hunger strike, protesting Iran's denial of medical care and mandatory hijab law. Mohammadi, suffering from heart and lung conditions, faces obstruction in her transfer to a hospital due to her refusal to wear a headscarf. The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which awarded her the prize, condemned the inhumane requirement. Mohammadi's protest highlights the regime's policy of neglecting medical needs and imposing strict dress codes on Iranian women, sparking international concern.

Delhi's air quality saw slight improvement, moving to the 'very poor' category with an overall AQI of 396, according to CPCB data. Despite the marginal progress, several areas, including Anand Vihar and Rohini, remained in the 'severe' category. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal initiated measures, including the odd-even car scheme from Nov 13-20, and closure of primary schools till Nov 10. GRAP IV restrictions, like banning non-essential trucks' entry and curbing certain vehicles, were imposed. Haze continued to shroud the city, prompting authorities to take urgent actions to combat pollution.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to leverage India's capacities to halt Israeli actions in Gaza during a recent phone call. Raisi condemned the killing of innocent civilians and supported global efforts for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and lifting the Gaza blockade. He emphasized Palestinian resistance groups' legitimate right to confront Israeli occupation. Both leaders stressed the importance of preventing escalation and discussed bilateral cooperation, including the development of the Chabahar port. PM Modi had similar discussions with other world leaders amid the Israel-Hamas conflict since October 7.

A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan sustained injuries in an IED blast orchestrated by Naxalites during election duty in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district. The incident occurred in the Naxal-affected region of Tondamarka while a joint team of CRPF and CoBRA 206th battalion was on an area domination operation. The injured CRPF member triggered the explosive accidentally, resulting in the blast. The attack took place in the Konta assembly segment, one of the 20 constituencies participating in the first phase of Chhattisgarh's two-phase elections, conducted amidst heightened security due to Naxal threats. [ Representative Image ]

Amid disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict with Hamas, Israel's construction industry has requested the government's approval to hire up to 100,000 Indian workers, replacing the 90,000 Palestinians whose work permits were revoked since the October 7 attack. The Israeli Builders Association is in negotiations with India, awaiting the Israeli government's decision. This move follows a May agreement allowing 42,000 Indians to work in Israel, addressing the labor shortage in construction and nursing sectors. The preference for foreign workers stems from their reliability amid frequent disruptions in Palestinian labor due to regional conflicts.

Voting has begun in Chhattisgarh and Mizoram, marking the start of month-long assembly elections. In Chhattisgarh, 20 seats are contested in the first phase, with the ruling Congress facing BJP opposition amid recent controversies. Meanwhile, Mizoram's diverse political scenario involves MNF, ZPM, Congress, BJP, and AAP contenders. These elections serve as a significant test for BJP, the INDIA bloc, and regional parties, influencing strategies for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Tight security measures are in place, with over 60,000 troops deployed in Chhattisgarh and stringent protocols in Mizoram ensuring a secure voting process.          

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would consider "tactical little pauses" in the Gaza conflict to allow aid or hostage exits, refusing a general ceasefire despite international pressure. Netanyahu emphasized that a ceasefire would hinder Israel's war efforts. The conflict, ongoing since October 7, has led to over 10,022 Palestinian casualties, with urgent calls for a humanitarian ceasefire. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of Gaza becoming a "graveyard for children." The U.S. supports pauses for aid but shares concerns about Hamas regrouping in a full ceasefire.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday to discuss the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and security issues in West Asia. PM Modi expressed deep concern over the recent terrorist attacks, violence and loss of civilian lives. He reiterated India's longstanding position on the Israel-Palestine issue, emphasizing the need for a two-state solution. The leaders also discussed bilateral cooperation including the Chabahar port project. Last month at the UN, India called for pursuing lasting peace in Palestine while announcing humanitarian aid for Gaza amid the conflict. India has maintained its stance of supporting both Israel and Palestine's causes while urging restraint and dialogue to resolve tensions.