The Taj Mahal in Agra was obscured by dense smog on Thursday, as air pollution surged in the region. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was barely visible due to rising pollution levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Agra reported at 193, categorized as ‘moderate.’ High levels of PM 2.5 and moisture in the air contributed to the heavy haze, reducing visibility. The situation was worsened by stubble burning in the region. The India Meteorological Department forecasted dense fog for the following days, further impairing visibility and air quality.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the mass production of attack drones, signaling increased military activity as ties with Russia deepen. State media reported successful tests of drones capable of targeting land and sea objectives, with plans for full-scale production. Concerns grow as experts link North Korea's drone designs to Russian and Israeli technology, potentially acquired through intermediaries like Iran. The deepening alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow, including reported troop deployments to Russia, alarms South Korea and the global community. Kim emphasized drones’ cost-effectiveness and strategic value, integrating them into North Korea's military plans.

The UK government has confirmed that council tax rates in England will increase by up to 5% next April, with an average household facing a rise exceeding £100. Communities Minister Matthew Pennycook stated this threshold aims to balance council budget pressures. Under current rules, councils providing social care can increase rates by up to 5%, while others are capped at 3%, with referendums required for higher hikes. Critics, including the Local Government Association, argue this increase won't fully cover essential services. Pennycook highlighted government support measures, including discounts and funding, to assist vulnerable households facing financial strain.

The U.S. Supreme Court has granted former President Donald Trump broad immunity from prosecution for actions taken during his time in office, sparing him from potential life imprisonment. The 6-3 conservative majority ruling permits Trump to avoid criminal charges related to official acts, though he remains accountable for any unofficial actions. Trump, returning to office in January, may gain opportunities to further shape the court’s conservative leanings if Justices Clarence Thomas, 76, and Samuel Alito, 74, retire. Legal experts have expressed concern that this ruling could enable presidential abuses of power, with liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor strongly dissenting.

Israel anticipates a stricter U.S. stance on Iran as Donald Trump appoints advisors favoring assertive action against Tehran. Energy Minister Eli Cohen highlighted Israel’s hope that Trump's policies will foster regional stability, particularly against Iranian-backed Hezbollah near Israel's border. Cohen noted that Israel is "closer than ever" to ending border conflicts, while maintaining the right to act militarily. Israel, which has faced multiple attacks from Iranian-supported factions, aims to secure peace deals like the Abraham Accords, with an eye on normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia.

Amidst worsening pollution, Delhi has moved primary classes online as air quality reached a severe AQI level of 432, impacting visibility and public health. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced the decision following the activation of Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This plan restricts construction activities and limits vehicle entries in Delhi-NCR to reduce pollution. The Directorate of Education ordered all primary schools to halt physical classes and shift online until further notice. The Delhi Metro added 60 extra weekday trips to reduce commuter congestion as authorities aim to combat the city’s severe air pollution.

Iran has announced the creation of a "hijab removal treatment clinic" aimed at women defying strict hijab laws. According to Mehri Talebi Darestani, head of the Tehran Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice’s Women and Family Department, the clinic offers "scientific and psychological" support. The move has provoked outrage from activists and rights groups, who view it as a method of coercion. Sima Sabet, a UK-based Iranian journalist, criticized the clinic as “chilling.” Iran has intensified its crackdown on women’s dress code violations, with reports of arrests and alleged forced disappearances.

New Zealand’s youngest MP, Hana-Rawhiti Kareariki Maipi-Clarke, made headlines after passionately protesting the Treaty Principles Bill in Parliament. During a parliamentary session, the Te Pati Maori MP performed the traditional Maori haka and tore up a copy of the bill, which seeks to redefine the Treaty of Waitangi’s terms. The Treaty, established in 1840, guaranteed Maori tribes rights over their lands and resources in exchange for British governance. Critics argue that the bill, introduced by ACT New Zealand party, could increase racial tension. Although the bill passed its first vote, it faces limited support and strong public opposition.

The US Capitol celebrated Diwali in its first major event since the recent election, with over two dozen lawmakers and Indian American leaders attending. Organized by BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and other groups, the event highlighted Indian Americans' contributions to the US. Senator Rand Paul praised America as a land of immigrants, while Congressman Shri Thanedar discussed his efforts to support Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities. India’s Ambassador, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, acknowledged the strong US-India ties. Attendees expressed hopes for unity under the new administration, with a focus on prosperity, peace, and respect for cultural diversity.

US President-elect Donald Trump now has full control of the US government, with Republicans holding both the House and Senate. This "trifecta" gives Trump the power to push key promises, like deporting migrants, raising tariffs, and removing environmental laws. However, the Senate's rules still require 60 votes for many bills, meaning Trump will need some Democratic support. Not all Republicans align fully with him, as shown when the Senate chose John Thune over Trump’s preferred leader, Rick Scott. With two years to act before the next election, Trump is expected to push his agenda hard to make lasting changes.