Peace negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul collapsed after renewed border violence left four Afghan civilians dead and several injured. Pakistan accused the Taliban government of sheltering militants responsible for cross-border attacks, while Kabul rejected the claims and called Islamabad’s stance unreasonable. Despite Qatar’s mediation and a fragile cease-fire still in place, both sides failed to reach common ground. The breakdown deepens regional tensions and raises fears of further military escalation along the volatile frontier between the two neighbouring nations. (PC: AP)

The Trump administration’s updated immigration rule empowers U.S. consular officers to deny visas to applicants with chronic health issues like diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or mental illness, labeling them potential “public charges.” This policy broadens medical evaluations beyond infectious diseases, requiring applicants to prove they can financially support their healthcare needs for life. Critics argue the rule unfairly discriminates against individuals with manageable conditions, giving consular officers excessive discretion and raising ethical concerns about the U.S. government’s treatment of disabled and chronically ill immigrants. (PC: X)

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that no U.S. government official will attend the 2025 G20 Summit in Johannesburg, calling the event a “total disgrace.” He criticized South Africa for alleged human rights abuses against white farmers and what he described as illegal land seizures, claiming the country’s policies are unjust and incompatible with U.S. interests. Trump also stated that the United States will instead host the next G20 summit in 2026 in Miami. The move highlights his ongoing influence in U.S. foreign policy debates and underscores tensions with South Africa ahead of the global economic forum. (PC: AP)

The US Department of Labor has opened 175 investigations into possible misuse of the H-1B visa program. The move is part of Project Firewall, launched in September to ensure companies hire qualified American workers first. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said she is personally certifying these probes to stop visa abuse and protect US jobs. The department also released a social media ad accusing firms of replacing Americans with foreign workers, naming India as the largest beneficiary. The Trump administration recently introduced a $100,000 one-time fee for H-1B applications as part of its crackdown on immigration. (PC: HT)

More than 2,000 flights across the United States were delayed or cancelled on Friday after the government shutdown hit air traffic control operations. The Federal Aviation Administration said staff shortages forced airlines to reduce flight numbers at 40 major airports. Many air traffic controllers are working without pay or calling in sick during the shutdown. The FAA plans to cut flights by up to 10% next week if the crisis continues, which could affect as many as 4,000 flights per day. Airlines like United and Delta have promised full refunds to passengers whose flights were cancelled. (PC: BBC)

To fight rising winter pollution, the Delhi government will begin staggered office timings from November 15. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said government offices will work from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm, while municipal offices will run from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm till February 15, 2026. The move aims to reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions that worsen Delhi’s air during winter. Officials said the plan will help spread vehicle movement through the day and improve air quality. This comes as Delhi’s Air Quality Index crossed 400 in several areas, touching the “severe” category this week. (PC: NDTV)

The Trump administration issued new guidelines allowing US visa officers to deny visas and permanent residency to foreign nationals with health conditions including diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancer, and mental health issues. The State Department directive, sent to embassies worldwide, instructs officers to flag applicants whose conditions may require "hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of care," deeming them potential "public charges." Officers must assess whether applicants can independently cover medical expenses without government assistance and consider dependents' health conditions affecting employment. While medical exams already screen for communicable diseases, the new guidance extends scrutiny to chronic illnesses. Immigration attorney Charles Wheeler criticized officers making medical projections without proper training, calling it "troubling." (PC: Mint & India Today)

The Russian Embassy in Pakistan accused The Frontier Post newspaper of spreading "anti-Russian propaganda" and serving Western political interests. The Embassy claimed the publication, with its global news service headquartered in Washington, runs articles by "ardent Russophobes" and never portrays Russia positively. Moscow criticized the newspaper for ignoring the Moscow Format of Consultations on Afghanistan held October 7, 2025, despite dedicating an entire section to Afghan news. The Embassy defended Russia's economic resilience, citing 4.1% GDP growth in 2024, 2.5% unemployment, and manufacturing sector growth of 8.5%. It also highlighted successful testing of Burevestnik cruise missiles and Poseidon underwater vehicles, urging Pakistanis to seek diverse information sources.

An explosion triggered during Friday prayers at a mosque located within a school complex in the Kelapa Gading area of North Jakarta injured at least 54 people, mostly students, including several with serious burns and glass-fragment injuries. The blasts—heard as two loud bangs just as the sermon began—occurred near the mosque loudspeaker, officials say. An anti-bomb unit found toy rifles and a toy gun near the scene; investigations are ongoing to determine motive and cause. (PC: Reuters)

Russia's Embassy in Pakistan sharply criticized The Frontier Post newspaper, accusing it of publishing anti-Russian propaganda and serving Western political interests rather than practicing press freedom. The Embassy claimed the publication's Washington-based global news service promotes a "Russophobic" agenda, exclusively featuring critics of Russian foreign policy and President Vladimir Putin. It alleged the newspaper ignored the Moscow Format of Consultations on Afghanistan held October 7, 2025, despite extensive local media coverage. Defending Russia's economic strength, the Embassy highlighted 4.1% GDP growth in 2024, 2.5% unemployment, and manufacturing sector growth of 8.5%, dismissing Western narratives of economic vulnerability. The statement urged Pakistanis to seek diverse information sources.