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.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Al-Masri, over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The ICC claims they are responsible for the crime of starvation as a method of warfare, accusing them of depriving Gaza civilians of essential resources like food, water, and medical supplies. The warrants hold symbolic importance, but they also obligate 124 ICC member states to arrest these figures if they enter their territories. Compliance is uncertain, but the warrants mark a significant step in international justice.

Israeli airstrikes on northern Gaza killed at least 66 people, including women and children, near Beit Lahia’s Kamal Adwan hospital. Another 22 died in a strike on Sheikh Radwan, Gaza City. Medical facilities face severe challenges amid dwindling supplies. The UN reports 75,000 under siege with minimal aid delivered in 40 days. Since October 2023, Gaza’s death toll has reached nearly 44,000. The US vetoed a UN Gaza ceasefire resolution, emphasizing the need to link ceasefire and hostage release. Mediator Amos Hochstein expressed hope for a Lebanon ceasefire as the region remains gripped by escalating violence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi co-chaired the India-CARICOM summit, announcing a 7-pillar action plan for stronger India-Caribbean ties. The acronym "CARICOM" represents key areas: capacity building with 1,000 IT scholarships, agriculture with food security solutions, renewable energy through global alliances, innovation using digital payment systems, cricket for cultural ties, ocean economy development, and affordable healthcare initiatives. Leaders praised India's leadership of the Global South and assistance in sustainable development. Modi emphasized resource-sharing to enhance regional cooperation, including scholarships for women’s cricket, maritime security support, and low-cost medicines. The initiative highlights India's commitment to fostering global partnerships.

Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) targeting infrastructure in Dnipro, Ukraine, Kyiv's air force reported, marking the first use of such a powerful weapon in the 33-month war. The missile caused fires at an industrial site, injuring 2, according to officials. Additional strikes included hypersonic Kinzhal and cruise missiles, with six intercepted. This escalation follows Ukraine's use of Western missiles on Russian territory. Analysts question if the U.S. was forewarned about the ICBM launch. Moscow views Western weapon use as a major escalation. The U.S. embassy in Kyiv briefly closed over attack threats before reopening.

In a remarkable discovery, a rare spotless golden cheetah was photographed for the first time in nearly 100 years at the Athi Kapiti Conservancy in Kenya. Captured by British wildlife photographer Guy Combes, this cheetah's golden hue, caused by a recessive gene, represents a significant genetic rarity. Similar to 'King' cheetahs found in South Africa, this sighting emphasizes the urgent need for conservation. With fewer than 1,300 cheetahs in Kenya, this rare sighting highlights the importance of preserving genetic diversity and protecting wildlife amid habitat loss and human development pressures.

Saudi Arabia has announced a ban on the personal and commercial use of religious and national symbols, a move expected to impact residents, including Indians. Commerce Minister Dr. Majid al-Qasabi stated that the decision aims to prevent the misuse of sacred and national emblems such as the national flag, Islamic Declaration of Faith, crosses, swords, and palm trees. The ban also extends to images and names of Saudi leaders. Businesses must comply within 90 days of the decision’s publication in the Official Gazette or face fines and prosecution. This reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to protecting the sanctity of symbols.