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.

Fresh violence in Manipur has triggered a political battle between BJP and Congress. BJP chief JP Nadda accused Congress of pushing a "false narrative," blaming them for past failures, including legitimizing illegal migration. Nadda highlighted the Modi government’s achievements, including peace accords and reduced poverty in Manipur. Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged President Droupadi Murmu’s intervention, criticizing the government’s inability to restore peace, citing over 300 deaths and 100,000 displaced. The escalating blame game underscores deep political divides as Manipur struggles with ongoing unrest.

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."

Virat Kohli's poor form persisted as the former captain was dismissed for 5 in the first session of the Perth Test. Battling outside the crease to counter Australian pacers, Kohli succumbed to Josh Hazlewood's short-pitched delivery, caught by Usman Khawaja. India's top-order collapsed to 51/4 by lunch, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal falling for ducks. KL Rahul displayed some resistance, steadying the innings. Despite Kohli’s stellar Australian record, his recent struggles continue to haunt him, raising questions about his approach. India faces an uphill task in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener at the Optus Stadium.

India captain Rohit Sharma has confirmed to the BCCI that he will join the team in Perth on November 24, marking Day 3 of the first Test against Australia. Although he won’t feature in the series opener, Sharma is expected to be ready for the second Test in Adelaide starting December 6. He stayed back in India for the birth of his second child, but now plans to join the squad for preparations. Rohit’s arrival boosts India’s leadership options as vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah leads in his absence for the opening Test.

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.