Delhi’s air quality dropped sharply on Thursday, with the AQI reaching 400, close to the ‘severe’ mark. A thick toxic haze covered the city as low wind speeds and falling temperatures trapped pollutants. Wazirpur recorded the worst AQI at 477, while many other areas, including Anand Vihar, Punjabi Bagh and Jahangirpuri, also showed ‘severe’ levels. Several parts of the NCR, such as Ghaziabad and Noida, reported similar conditions. Experts warn the air may worsen in the coming days. The Supreme Court noted the crisis, saying outdoor sports now expose children to dangerous pollution levels. (PC: India Today)

Senior US military leaders have arrived in Kyiv to discuss ways to end the war with Russia. The team is led by US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who will meet President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday. Ukrainian officials say the talks will cover the battlefield situation and a possible ceasefire. Reports claim the US and Russia have drafted a peace plan with major concessions from Ukraine, though neither side has confirmed it. The visit comes after a Russian strike killed at least 26 people in Ternopil. Ukraine says it will not give up territory, even as pressure for peace grows. (PC: BBC)

The United States has cleared a possible sale of Javelin missiles, Excalibur projectiles, and related gear to India for $92.8 million. The approval came after the Defense Security Cooperation Agency sent the required notice to the US Congress. The first package includes Javelin FGM-148 missiles, 25 launch units, training tools, and support services. The second package allows India to buy up to 216 Excalibur artillery shells with fire control systems and technical help. The US said the sale will boost India’s defence strength and help meet future threats. It added that the deal will not affect regional balance. (PC: NDTV)

At least 25 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry said. Ten people, including a woman and a young girl, died when a ministry building in Gaza City’s Zeitoun area was hit. The Israeli military said it struck “Hamas terrorist targets” after gunmen fired at its soldiers in Khan Younis, which it said violated the five-week ceasefire. Hamas has not commented. Gaza’s Civil Defence reported attacks in Gaza City and Khan Younis, causing heavy damage and several injuries. The rise in violence comes days after the UN approved a US-backed plan to support the fragile truce.

Nitish Kumar will take oath as Bihar chief minister for a record tenth time today at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan. The ceremony will begin at 11 am and will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers and NDA chief ministers. Nitish resigned on Wednesday as the current assembly term ends on November 22. His party JD(U) won 85 seats, defying anti-incumbency for the fifth time. The NDA is now finalising cabinet posts, with both JD(U) and BJP interested in key portfolios like home and education. All eyes are on who will be deputy chief minister in the new government. (PC: HT)

The US Justice Department will release files from its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days, Attorney General Pam Bondi said on Wednesday. The move follows a near-unanimous vote in Congress requiring the Trump administration to make the documents public. The files may reveal more about Epstein’s activities and his links with powerful figures, including Donald Trump. Bondi said the department will follow the law but may withhold parts that could affect ongoing investigations ordered by Trump. Identities of sex-trafficking victims will also be protected. Epstein died in 2019 in jail, where his death was ruled a suicide. (PC: NDTV)

The UK has accused a Russian spy ship of using lasers to disrupt RAF pilots tracking it near British waters. Defence Secretary John Healey called the move “deeply dangerous” and said the incident happened within the last two weeks while the Yantar was being followed by a Royal Navy frigate and RAF P-8 planes. The ship has entered UK waters twice this year and is known for undersea surveillance. Healey warned that the UK is ready with military options if the vessel changes course. Russia denied any threat, but UK officials say the incident shows a serious security risk. (PC: BBC)

A dispute has started over the title of SS Rajamouli’s new film Varanasi. The film stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran. After the team announced the title, producer CH Subba Reddy said the name is already registered with his company, Rama Bramha Hanuma Creations. As per records with the Telugu Film Producer’s Council, the title Vaaranasi has been with him since 2023 and is renewed till July 2026. Rajamouli’s team used a different spelling, but confusion remains. It is not clear if a complaint has been filed. Both sides may meet or take legal steps to settle the issue. (PC: India Today)

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai praised immigrants for their “phenomenal” contribution to the US technology sector. Speaking to the BBC, he said the government understands the importance of bringing talented individuals despite H-1B visa system challenges. Pichai, who arrived in the US as an international student and later moved on an H-1B visa, highlighted immigrants’ role in making America a global tech leader. The H-1B debate has intensified after proposals to increase fees or limit visas. Critics say some want to end the program entirely, while Pichai urges reforms that continue allowing skilled professionals to contribute.

Afghanistan’s Industry and Commerce Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi has begun a five-day official visit to India aimed at strengthening trade and bilateral cooperation. Welcomed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Azizi is scheduled to meet officials handling commerce and investment. Talks are expected to focus on expanding agricultural exports to India, boosting Indian exports of pharmaceuticals, machinery, and textiles, and improving transport corridors via air cargo and Iran’s Chabahar port. Restoring disrupted payment channels and reviving the India–Afghanistan Air Freight Corridor are also on the agenda. The visit follows last month’s meeting between S Jaishankar and Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi, underscoring enduring India–Afghanistan friendship.