The Kremlin dismissed speculations regarding Vladimir Putin's health, asserting his fitness. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied claims of the president using body doubles, labeling them as an "absurd hoax." The inquiries arose after an unsourced report from a Russian Telegram channel, later picked up by Western media, alleged a significant health incident for the president on a Sunday evening. Putin, known for his active image, celebrated his 71st birthday on October 7 and maintains a demanding schedule of meetings and public appearances, often televised, as evidenced by his recent visit to China and Russian cities.

Vladimir Putin is alleged to have experienced a "cardiac arrest" in his private Moscow apartment on Sunday evening. A Telegram Channel, believed to be managed by a former Kremlin insider, reported the incident. The Russian leader was supposedly found by guards in the bedroom, "lying on the floor, rolling his eyes." Immediately, doctors were called, and they later diagnosed the 71-year-old with a "cardiac arrest." Putin was subsequently transferred to a specially constructed medical facility within the apartment for intensive care. This unverified report adds to persistent speculations surrounding Putin's health and rumored undisclosed medical conditions

An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot flying in the cockpit jumpseat allegedly tried to shut down the engines on a commercial Horizon Air flight from Washington to San Francisco on Sunday. The E-175 plane with 80 passengers was diverted to Portland, where it landed safely. The Horizon pilots reported the security threat and kept engine power on, securing the aircraft. Joseph Emerson, 44, was charged with 83 counts including attempted murder for the incident. Recordings show the pilots subduing Emerson and requesting law enforcement upon landing. Many airlines allow off-duty pilots to ride in the cockpit jumpseat.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama issued a rare statement warning Israel against causing civilian casualties in its military operations in Gaza. Obama said killing thousands of Palestinians, including children, forcing hundreds of thousands from homes, and cutting off basic needs could worsen humanitarian crisis, harden Palestinian attitudes for generations, erode global support for Israel, and undermine long-term peace efforts. Though condemning Hamas attacks and supporting Israel's right to defend itself, Obama said any strategy ignoring human costs in Gaza could backfire on Israel.

Hamas announced the release of two elderly Israeli hostages, citing humanitarian reasons. The International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated their transport out of Gaza. The hostages, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, were taken from the kibbutz of Nir Oz. Their husbands remain captive. The ICRC expressed readiness for future releases. Egypt played a role, and reports state Tel Aviv wasn't involved. US President Biden links talks of a ceasefire to the release of hostages. Israeli air raids on Gaza intensify, with 436 reported casualties in the last 24 hours.

Israel conducted limited ground operations in Gaza overnight even as it intensified airstrikes amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated Israel is preparing for a lethal ground offensive in Gaza. This comes as leaders of major Western nations like the US, UK, France and Germany voiced support for Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas rocket attacks. The war has proven deadliest for both sides, with Gaza health officials reporting 4,741 Palestinians killed and 16,000 injured so far. Another 93 Palestinians died in Israeli raids in the West Bank. Israel appears set to escalate fighting despite growing international pressure for ceasefire as PM Netanyahu gets backing from Western leaders for Gaza invasion.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's personal mobile number was allegedly leaked online recently, according to media reports. An audio clip surfaced on social media of Sunak's voicemail message from the number. Downing Street refused to comment on the security issue. Sunak has reportedly had this mobile number for years, including during his tenure as Chancellor and the Conservative party leadership race. Though assigned a separate official number as PM, it appears his old personal number remained active. This follows an earlier revelation where Sunak informed the UK COVID Inquiry he couldn't provide WhatsApp messages from the number as he had failed to back them up after changing phones multiple times. The leak of the British PM's personal number raises security concerns.

Doctors in Gaza neonatal intensive care units are desperate for fuel and medicines to keep 130 newborn babies alive as Israel's blockade leaves hospitals without power. Generators at hospitals like Al-Shifa are running out of fuel, threatening incubators keeping fragile babies alive. Without electricity, babies could die within minutes. Gaza health officials urgently appealed for fuel donations from petrol stations to maintain life-saving services. The crisis comes as Israel imposed a total blockade after Hamas militants killed 1,400 Israelis in cross-border attacks. With supplies running out, Gaza's hospitals are struggling to care for 2.3 million people. Aid convoys are entering but fall far short of meeting needs in the embattled enclave.

The Taliban has appointed a representative for the Hindu and Sikh communities in Kabul, Afghanistan. This newly-appointed member will serve on the Council of Representatives for the 22 municipality districts of Kabul, advocating for the rights of Sikhs and Hindus. The Taliban stated that the representative will play a vital role in returning seized properties to these communities. Despite assurances of safety, many Sikhs and Hindus had feared restrictions under Taliban rule, prompting some to consider leaving the country. The Taliban's return to power has also led to significant erosion of women's rights in Afghanistan, with educational bans in effect.

Israeli intelligence has unveiled a disturbing revelation: Hamas terrorists involved in the October 7 attack on southern Israel possessed instructions for cyanide-based chemical bombs. These details were discovered on USB drives found on the bodies of Hamas operatives who attacked Kibbutz Be’eri. The instructions included diagrams of a "cyanide dispersion device," resembling a design from Al Qaeda in 2003. Israeli President Isaac Herzog highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating that these findings showcased Hamas's intent to employ chemical weapons against civilians, drawing comparisons to ISIS's tactics. Israeli authorities have heightened their vigilance in response to this alarming discovery.