NATO allies condemned Russia's withdrawal from the key post-Cold War Conventional Armed Forces in Europe treaty limiting military hardware deployments. NATO said the withdrawal amid Russia's war on Ukraine undermines security, so members intend to suspend treaty operations as long as needed. Earlier, Russia exited the 1990 pact it blamed the U.S. for undermining by expanding NATO. The treaty capped key conventional arms between the Atlantic and Urals to build trust. Russia's move enables larger force deployments near NATO borders, ending an arms control treaty amid severe tensions over Ukraine. NATO affirmed full support from all allies to suspend the unraveling pact after Russia's withdrawal.

Renowned Indian-Canadian poet Rupi Kaur has declined an invitation to celebrate Diwali at the White House in solidarity with Palestine. In a strongly-worded statement, Kaur criticized the Biden administration for funding Israel's bombing of Gaza which she called a "genocide against Palestinians". She said attending would whitewash the administration's actions which don't align with the spirit of Diwali. Kaur urged the South Asian diaspora to hold the US accountable and call for justice rather than be tokenized by photo-ops. She said the privilege lost by speaking up is nothing compared to what Palestinians lose daily as the US rejects ceasefire. (Image Courtesy: Rupi Kaur on Facebook)

A rift has emerged between two pro-Khalistan groups at the recent Sikh Nagar Kirtan parade in Yuba City, California, which drew over 200,000 people. One group flew a banner reading "Delhi Will Be Khalistan" via helicopter at the event. The reason for the rift is unknown, but both groups are said to be linked to the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) organization. Just a day earlier, the SFJ announced the start of their "Khalistan referendum" in America beginning January 2024. They also honored the killers of Indian Army General Vaidya at the parade. The announcement follows the SFJ's call for Sikhs worldwide to boycott Air India starting November 19.

Israel accused a hospital in Gaza built with Indonesian charity funds of being located over Hamas tunnels near rocket launch sites. Indonesia denied the allegations, saying the hospital solely serves humanitarian medical needs. The Indonesian foreign ministry and the charity operating the overcapacity hospital, MER-C, refuted claims that Hamas uses the facility. MER-C said Israel's accusations could be a pretext to justify attacks. Hamas has repeatedly denied Israeli claims that it uses civilian sites like hospitals for military purposes. The exchange comes amid Israel's ongoing campaign in Gaza after Hamas' cross-border attack in October killed 1,400 people. Israel says its strikes have killed over 10,000 people, including 4,000 children, as per Hamas health officials.

King Charles III will deliver the first King's Speech in over 70 years on Tuesday, outlining PM Rishi Sunak's legislative agenda ahead of elections expected next year. The speech marks one of Sunak's last chances to differentiate his Conservative government from the opposition Labour Party, as recent polls show Labour with a double-digit lead. Charles will outline policies like granting new North Sea gas and oil licenses annually, part of Sunak's strategy to position the Tories as champions of motorists and reduce reliance on foreign energy. This contrasts with Labour's pledge not to award new exploration licenses and boost green energy investment instead. The King's Speech continues parliamentary traditions but will be Charles' first since becoming monarch in September after Queen Elizabeth II's death.

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.

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.