Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed Israel's involvement in the recent pager attacks in Lebanon, which resulted in 42 deaths and over 3,000 injuries. The attacks, carried out on September 17 and 18, 2024, targeted Hezbollah members using pagers and walkie-talkies that had been secretly manufactured with explosives by Israeli intelligence. The devices were distributed to Hezbollah through a shell company, and their explosions were described as Hezbollah's biggest security breach since the start of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in October 2023.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has approved the Global Combat Aircraft Programme (GCAP), a collaboration between the UK, Italy, and Japan to develop a 6th-generation stealth fighter jet. This advanced military project merges the UK-Italy Tempest Project and Japan’s F-X program, with the UK initially investing £2 billion. Designed to strengthen defenses against potential threats from Russia and China, GCAP represents a significant strategic step for G7 partners. Starmer and his cabinet finalized the approval last week, with a full announcement on the project anticipated soon.

Haiti's international airport shut down after gangs fired on a Spirit Airlines flight landing in Port-au-Prince, injuring a flight attendant. The plane, traveling from Fort Lauderdale, was diverted to the Dominican Republic. Bullet holes were found inside the aircraft. The incident prompted some airlines to suspend operations. The shutdown occurred as Haiti sworn in a new interim prime minister, who vowed to restore peace. The country faces escalating violence and gang activity. The US Embassy confirmed the incident. The airport closure highlights Haiti's deteriorating security situation, posing concerns for travel and humanitarian aid. An investigation is underway.

President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Mike Waltz, a Florida Congressman and co-chair of the India Caucus, as his National Security Adviser. Waltz, a 50-year-old retired Army colonel and Green Beret veteran, serves on key committees, including Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence. As a combat-decorated veteran with over 26 years of service, Waltz brings extensive experience to the role. He has been critical of President Joe Biden's foreign policy and advocates for increased European support for Ukraine and a more stringent US approach. 

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris made their first public appearance together since Harris lost the election to Donald Trump. The pair attended a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, where they honored fallen soldiers with a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Biden praised Harris in a recent speech, while Democrats face internal discussions on the reasons for their loss. Trump, who will soon take office, plans to bring in officials with strong views on immigration and national security, including Tom Homan as "border czar" and Elise Stefanik as ambassador to the UN.

Two branches of Qatar's royal family are fighting in a UK court over the Idol's Eye diamond. Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, cousin of Qatar's Emir, claims he has the right to buy the 70-carat gem, valued at $27 million. The diamond was lent to QIPCO, a company he runs, by former culture minister Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed Al Thani before his death in 2014. The dispute centers around an agreement to sell the diamond for $10 million. Elanus Holdings, representing Sheikh Saud's relatives, disagrees and insists the sale price should be higher.

Some Democrats are urging President Joe Biden to step down, allowing Kamala Harris to become the first female U.S. president before Donald Trump’s inauguration. Harris, who lost to Trump in both the popular and electoral votes, is considered by supporters to be acting as president in many roles. However, critics argue that making her president without an election win would be unfair. Harris’s supporters believe this move would fulfill a historic milestone, while others feel the position should be earned through a direct win. Biden has not indicated any intention to resign before Trump’s inauguration.

John Podesta, US President Biden’s climate envoy, reassured the COP29 summit that the U.S. will continue climate efforts, despite Donald Trump’s recent election win. Trump has pledged to weaken environmental policies and withdraw from the Paris Agreement. However, Podesta emphasized that climate action extends beyond one election or country, referencing strong state and city initiatives. Meanwhile, COP29 saw delegates agree to a controversial global carbon market, allowing richer nations to fund emissions cuts in developing countries. With urgent issues, like record-high global temperatures, the summit faces challenges, especially as rising costs strain delegates from poorer nations.

In Manipur’s Jiribam district, at least 10 Kuki militants were killed on Monday following an attack on a CRPF camp. The assault, which took place around 3:30 p.m., led to an intense exchange of gunfire. During the confrontation, CRPF personnel retaliated, neutralizing the militants and seizing several weapons. One CRPF jawan sustained critical injuries and is undergoing treatment. Earlier in the day, the militants also attacked Borobekra Police Station and set fire to multiple Meitei community houses in Jakuradhor. This escalation marks the latest in ongoing violence across Manipur, which has led to over 200 fatalities.

Following Donald Trump’s win, Elon Musk supported biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy’s push for a strict immigration reform to “save America.” Ramaswamy, a key Indian-American advisor to Trump, criticized the U.S. immigration system as “broken” and called for the deportation of illegal immigrants, emphasizing restoring rule of law. Musk, responding on social platform X, agreed with Ramaswamy's vision and expressed interest in Trump’s potential administrative picks. Trump praised Musk as a “genius” in his victory speech, hinting at a significant role for him in the new administration, though details remain unclear.