Pakistan’s Punjab province has restricted most outdoor activities and closed educational institutions, parks, and zoos in Lahore and other major cities like Multan, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala until Nov. 17. With Lahore ranking as the world’s most polluted city, air quality in some areas has reached a hazardous level of 600 on the AQI, spurring increased cases of respiratory and eye diseases. Essential businesses, such as pharmacies, are exempt from closures. UNICEF warns of severe health risks for over 11 million young children. Punjab attributes much of the pollution to cross-border emissions from India, where similar pollution measures are underway.

During Armistice Day commemorations in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed "unwavering" support for Ukraine. The leaders affirmed their commitment to counter Russia's aggression, promising sustained backing "as long as necessary." They discussed aiding Ukraine through the winter and addressing migration issues across the Channel. Macron thanked Starmer, the first UK leader to attend since Churchill in 1944, as they honored Armistice Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Their meeting coincided with rising concerns over US President-elect Donald Trump's stance on Ukraine amid intensifying conflict and recent large-scale drone attacks.

Over 90 rockets were launched by Hezbollah toward northern Israel, with most intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome system. However, several rockets reached populated areas in Haifa Bay, injuring four individuals, including a child, and damaging vehicles and buildings. Strikes also impacted the Galilee and Karmiel regions. Following the attack, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) destroyed a Hezbollah rocket launcher in a retaliatory drone strike. This attack comes a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted to targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon in September. Recent Hezbollah-Israel clashes have intensified, displacing thousands and causing casualties in both regions.

The BJP has requested the Election Commission to “reprimand, censure, and restrain” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for making “false claims” during his Maharashtra election campaign. In a formal complaint, the BJP cited Gandhi’s statements alleging that Maharashtra’s opportunities were “taken” by other states. The BJP, led by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, argued that these statements violate the Model Code of Conduct and could incite youth unrest in Maharashtra. The BJP claimed Gandhi’s accusations lacked proof and aimed to create division among states for electoral gain, asking the EC to file a police case against him and Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.

Explosion at the Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) refinery in Gujarat's Vadodara’s Koyali area sparked a massive fire on Monday afternoon. Thick smoke was visible from kilometers away. Local authorities reported that a rescue operation is underway, with no fatalities or serious injuries reported so far. Workers inside the refinery were safely evacuated. Traffic DCP Jyoti Patel confirmed the ongoing efforts to control the fire. MLA Dharmendrasinh Vaghela mentioned minor injuries but assured that no deaths occurred. Firefighters and emergency teams are working on-site to douse the flames and secure the area.

Russian teachers in Voronezh were tricked by activist Vladislav Bokhan into making and wearing tinfoil hats, believing they would protect them from NATO satellites. Bokhan, a former teacher, staged the prank to show how deeply some Russians follow Kremlin directives without question. The teachers believed they were part of a patriotic event and created “Hero of the Fatherland” hats, reportedly feeling a surge of patriotism while wearing them. Russia’s Education Ministry praised the teachers' creativity but expressed disappointment at their gullibility. Bokhan said the prank highlighted the impact of state propaganda on everyday people.

US President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Rep. Elise Stefanik as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Stefanik, a close ally of Trump and the fourth-ranking House Republican, accepted the position. Trump praised her as “strong, tough, and smart,” saying she would carry forward his “America First” and pro-Israel agenda at the UN. Stefanik expressed her honor in accepting the role and looks forward to Senate support. This is one of Trump’s first staffing choices, along with naming Susie Wiles as his White House chief of staff. Trump’s recent election win has brought new hope, Stefanik added.

10 militants were killed in an encounter with CRPF forces in Jiribam, Manipur, after the militants attacked a CRPF camp on Monday. One CRPF jawan was injured and airlifted to a hospital. The violence comes amid ongoing ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which have left over 200 dead and displaced thousands since last year. On the same day, militants fired on a farmer in Imphal East, injuring him. In separate operations, security forces seized weapons, ammunition, and explosives from different areas, including Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts, as they continued efforts to curb the unrest.

At least 6 people died and 21 others were injured after new Russian air strikes in Ukraine. Most of the deaths occurred in Mykolaiv, while one person died in Zaporizhzhia. A missile also hit an apartment building in Kryvyi Rih, injuring seven people, including two children, according to officials. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, calling for more international support and weapons to stop Russia. In other updates, Russia claims it intercepted dozens of Ukrainian drones approaching Moscow, while its forces reportedly captured a village in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, marking their largest territorial gain since early 2022.

A NASA satellite image has revealed a dense blanket of toxic smog covering Lahore and New Delhi, highlighting the severe pollution affecting northern India and eastern Pakistan. Lahore, ranked among the world’s most polluted cities, has hit record pollution levels, with an AQI score of 1165. In New Delhi, the AQI is around 350. The hazardous levels have forced Pakistani authorities to close schools until November 17 to protect children from exposure. Multan also recorded an AQI above 2,000 last week. The pollution is mainly due to vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and agricultural stubble burning.