The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at 25 locations in Rajasthan, including Jaipur and Dausa, as part of a money laundering investigation into the Centre's 'Jal Jeevan Mission'. The searches targeted engineers, contractors, and former state government officials. The ED's action was based on an FIR filed by Rajasthan Police following allegations of a ₹20,000 crore scam in the mission's implementation. The raids come ahead of the state's assembly elections, raising concerns about the timing and intent of the Central government's actions. Polling for all 200 seats in the Rajasthan Assembly is scheduled for November 25.

The US House of Representatives passed a $14.3 billion aid package for Israel, coupling it with domestic spending cuts and omitting aid for Ukraine, defying President Biden's request. This move sparked division, with pro-Israel Democrats torn between supporting Israel during the crisis and rejecting a bill lacking assistance for Ukraine and Gaza. The bill, led by Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, encountered Democratic opposition, setting the stage for a Senate battle where a bipartisan approach, encompassing aid for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, is favored.

Hamas's armed wing claimed responsibility for a barrage of rockets fired from southern Lebanon that hit Israel's Kiryat Shmona town, injuring two. Hezbollah said it simultaneously attacked 19 Israeli positions, further escalating tensions along the northern border. Hezbollah also said it used explosives-laden drones to strike an Israeli command post in the disputed Shebaa Farms border area. Israel has held the Shebaa Farms area since 1967 despite Lebanon and Syria's claims. This is the first time Hezbollah has acknowledged carrying out a drone attack against Israeli forces, and it comes a few days after the Iran-backed terror group first acknowledged the use of surface-to-air missiles against an Israeli drone.

President Joe Biden announced the development of the United States' inaugural national strategy to counter Islamophobia and related forms of hate. The initiative aims to unite lawmakers, advocacy groups, and community leaders to combat hate against Muslims, Arabs, Sikhs, and others wrongfully perceived as Muslim. The move follows a surge in anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish incidents, exacerbated by recent conflicts. The White House emphasizes the need to ensure every American can live without fear based on their beliefs, emphasizing the nation's founding principles of freedom and safety for all.

US intelligence reveals Russia's Wagner Group's intentions to supply Hezbollah with the SA-22 (Pantsir-S1) air defense missile system. The move follows heightened clashes between Hezbollah and Israel, with discussions ongoing between Wagner mercenaries and Lebanon's Hamas-supporting militia. The system, previously used in the Russian-Ukraine war, could aid Hezbollah's defense against Israeli airstrikes. While not yet delivered, concerns rise over potential deployment in the Middle East. US presence in the region intensifies, aiming to deter Hezbollah from joining Hamas in attacks on Israel's borders.

During the UK AI Safety Summit, Elon Musk emphasized the need for regulations on artificial intelligence in a conversation with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Musk described AI as the "most disruptive force in history" and highlighted the importance of having a regulatory framework, despite the potential challenges. He also envisioned a future where jobs might become obsolete due to AI advancements, raising questions about finding meaning in life. Musk praised the UK's Bletchley Declaration, signed by 28 countries including China, addressing the "catastrophic" harm potential of AI.          

Delhi continues to battle hazardous air quality as a thick haze blankets the city, with the air quality index (AQI) soaring to severe levels. The average AQI reached 464 (severe) on Friday morning, triggering stringent anti-pollution measures, including a ban on older vehicles and private construction activities. Due to deteriorating air quality, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a two-day closure of all government and private primary schools in Delhi yesterday. fires in neighboring states, driving up PM2.5 levels significantly. Authorities have implemented Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) amid concerns that the air quality may deteriorate further in the coming days.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed determination to secure "concrete measures" from Israel to reduce harm to Gaza civilians during his second crisis trip to the Middle East since the Hamas assault triggered the conflict. Despite President Biden's support for Israel, Blinken emphasized the need to address Palestinian suffering, advocating for humanitarian pauses for aid delivery. He affirmed the US commitment to respond to the humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the importance of focusing on both the current situation and planning for the aftermath, including the potential transition of Gaza to Palestinian Authority control.

The United States expresses deep concern over the vicious stabbing of 24-year-old Indian student Varun Raj Pucha at an Indiana gym. Varun, a Computer Science student, was attacked by assailant Jordan Andrade, sustaining critical injuries. The motive is under investigation, and Andrade has been arrested, facing charges of attempted murder. The US State Department conveys distress, wishing Varun a full recovery, while deferring inquiries to local law enforcement. Varun remains on life support with severe neurological impairment, raising concerns of potential permanent disability and vision loss. [ Representative Image ]

The head of Israel's military said fuel could soon enter Gaza to power hospitals, appearing to reverse the longstanding refusal. But PM Netanyahu's office immediately rejected the suggestion, insisting no such move was approved. Responding to a reporter, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi said if Gaza hospitals imminently run out of fuel, it would be allowed via Egypt, overseen to ensure it doesn't reach Hamas. Israel has banned fuel shipments since the October 7 war began. Hospitals warn they'll cease operations as supplies dwindle, impacting dialysis, incubator, cancer, and ventilator patients per WHO. Shortly after Halevi's remarks, Netanyahu's office tersely stated the PM did not approve Gaza fuel entry. Israel accuses Hamas of stealing humanitarian fuel for terror purposes. On Wednesday, the IDF released a phone recording of what it said was a Hamas commander forcing a hospital to hand over some fuel.