Canada dismissed a media report alleging Prime Minister Narendra Modi's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, stating no evidence supports such claims. The report, citing an unnamed security official, accused Indian leaders of plotting Nijjar's murder. However, Canada's government clarified it had "no direct evidence" against Modi, Jaishankar, or NSA Ajit Doval. India's Ministry of External Affairs condemned the claims as "ludicrous" and damaging to diplomatic ties. Relations between the nations remain tense since Trudeau accused India of involvement in Nijjar's 2023 killing, which India denies, citing Canada's support for pro-Khalistan extremists.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia's use of a new hypersonic ballistic missile on Dnipro, labeling it a "clear and severe escalation" in the war. Zelenskyy urged global condemnation, warning that a lack of strong reactions emboldens Russian aggression. Russian President Vladimir Putin justified the strike as retaliation for U.S. and British missiles used by Kyiv. The attack marks another escalation, coinciding with reports of North Korean troops aiding Russia. Zelenskyy accused Putin of undermining global peace efforts, emphasizing the urgent need for worldwide action against such provocations. The war, now over 1,000 days old, shows no signs of abating.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrants for war crimes against him, ex-Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif. Netanyahu called the decision "antisemitic," likening it to a "modern Dreyfus trial." The ICC accuses Netanyahu and Gallant of crimes against humanity, including starvation as a method of warfare. The court also charged Deif with crimes such as murder and torture. Netanyahu denied the allegations, emphasizing Israel's efforts to protect civilians. The U.S., a non-ICC member, condemned the warrants, with President Biden calling them "outrageous."

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The ICC alleges they intentionally targeted civilians in Gaza, restricted food, water, and medical supplies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The court found reasonable grounds to believe they are responsible for crimes including murder, persecution, and starvation as a method of warfare. The ruling follows Israel's retaliatory actions against Hamas after the October 7, 2023 attack, which caused widespread civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction.

Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Ukraine, marking its first-ever combat use of the weapon. The RS-26 Rubezh missile, equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, targeted Ukraine's Dnipro region, deploying several warheads. This missile, with a range of over 5,500 km, was launched from Astrakhan in Russia, over 1,000 km away. The launch follows recent changes in Russia's nuclear doctrine and the US's approval of long-range missiles for Ukraine. Russia has denied commenting on the missile launch, while Ukraine confirmed its use.

Storm Bert, the UK's second named storm this season, is causing severe weather disruptions with snow, rain, and strong winds. The Met Office predicts up to 25 cm of snow in some areas, with yellow warnings for snow and ice issued across Scotland, northern England, and Wales. Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, causing hazardous travel conditions and widespread school closures, including 114 in Highland Council and 89 in Devon. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley warned of heavy snowfall on Saturday, followed by a rapid thaw. Flood risks remain high in southwest England and Wales with up to 100 mm of rain forecast.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing three giraffe subspecies—West African, Kordofan, and Nubian—as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Giraffe populations have declined by 77% since 1985, mainly due to habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. The proposal aims to curb the illegal trade of giraffe parts in the U.S. and enhance conservation efforts in Africa. While environmental groups support the move, hunting advocates argue it could harm local conservation efforts. The public can submit feedback on the proposal until February 19, with a final decision expected in 2025.

Darjeeling’s Sandakphu witnessed its first snowfall of the season on 21 November, much earlier than expected. The unexpected snowfall turned the region into a winter wonderland, thrilling tourists. Locals and visitors were surprised as snow usually graces Darjeeling in December, with last year’s first snowfall recorded on 7 December. Tourism businesses are optimistic about increased visitors as snowfall may intensify with dropping temperatures. While Darjeeling enjoys its frosty charm, Kolkata and other parts of South Bengal continue to experience mild winter temperatures around 20°C, with no significant dip expected soon.

Rumeysa Gelgi, the world’s tallest woman from Turkey (215.16 cm), met Jyoti Amge, the shortest woman from India (62.8 cm), at London’s Savoy Hotel for afternoon tea, celebrating the 20th Guinness World Records Day. Gelgi, a Turkish web developer with Weaver syndrome, and Amge, an Indian actress with achondroplasia, bonded over shared interests like makeup and self-care. “It was amazing meeting Jyoti,” said Gelgi. Amge expressed joy at meeting someone taller. Both Guinness World Records icons are featured in the 70th-anniversary edition, symbolizing the celebration of human diversity and resilience.

Maurizio Cattelan’s controversial artwork “Comedian,” featuring a banana duct-taped to a wall, sold for $6.2 million at Sotheby’s New York, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate. Chinese entrepreneur Justin Sun won the auction, outbidding six other contenders. Sun, who runs the Tron blockchain network, plans to eat the banana as part of the artwork’s experience. The installation, first unveiled in 2019, has stirred debates on the nature of art. The banana, previously sold for $120,000 in 2019 and eaten in 2023, has been part of global exhibitions, with instructions to replace the fruit when it rots.