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.

The Supreme Court has questioned the limited seasonal firecracker ban in Delhi, suggesting a year-round ban to address the city's chronic air pollution. Criticizing the Delhi government for failing to enforce existing restrictions, the court emphasized that firecrackers worsen pollution and violate citizens' fundamental right to health. The bench highlighted that air pollution is a year-round issue and demanded that the Delhi government consider a permanent ban before November 25. It also directed Delhi Police to immediately ensure no sale or manufacture of firecrackers. Delhi's air quality has remained "very poor" despite the seasonal ban during Diwali.

Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has announced plans for attacks on Hindu temples in Canada on November 16-17, targeting Indian diplomats. In a message, Pannun blamed Indian diplomats for the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and declared the temples in Mississauga and Brampton as new targets. India condemned the threats as "terror acts," with officials accusing the Canadian government of allowing the Khalistani movement to flourish, citing recent support for radical elements within Canadian police. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attacks, urging Canada to uphold the rule of law.

India’s music scene welcomes its first vinyl pressing plant in four decades, launched by Samanvii Digimedia Art and Solutions Pvt Ltd. This state-of-the-art facility uses European technology to cut production times, enabling quicker domestic pressing for both international labels and local indie artists. Vinyl's comeback has reignited interest in analog music, with fans now embracing the tactile experience of record-playing. The plant represents a significant shift, making vinyl accessible for India's new generation of listeners. This resurgence in vinyl reflects a broader cultural trend toward nostalgia, reintroducing the art of music appreciation to a digital age.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019, Justice Khanna will serve until May 2025, focusing on reducing judicial delays. Known for his thoughtful judgments, Justice Khanna previously served as chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Service Committee and the National Legal Services Authority. He has been involved in significant rulings, including the abrogation of Article 370 and opposing the Central Vista project approval. Justice Khanna follows in the footsteps of his uncle, Justice H R Khanna, a revered judge.

Elon Musk's Starlink has agreed to India's data localization and security guidelines, advancing its satellite broadband license application. Starlink is required to store all data within India and ensure intelligence agency access when necessary. The company initially applied for a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite Services (GMPCS) license in 2022, a key step towards a trial spectrum. Amid this, India's private telecom operators, including Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, oppose Starlink's entry, asserting that satellite spectrum allocation should follow an auction model. The TRAI will soon finalize spectrum pricing and allocation rules, with services anticipated in 2024.

US President-elect Donald Trump has hinted that Indian-American businessman Vivek Ramaswamy may be appointed to a senior role in his administration, describing Ramaswamy as "very smart" and poised for "something big." Trump praised Ramaswamy during a rally in Pennsylvania, noting his strong performance during the Republican primaries. Meanwhile, Trump confirmed on Truth Social that former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will not join his administration, though he thanked them for past service. Reports suggest Ramaswamy might pursue Ohio's governorship in 2026 if he declines an administration position.

Following Donald Trump’s recent presidential win, some US women have sparked the controversial ‘MATGA’ movement—‘Make Aqua Tofana Great Again’—inspired by a 17th-century poisoner Giulia Tofana, who sold poisons to women wishing to escape abusive marriages. Viral videos on platforms like X and TikTok show women promoting poison rings and discussing fictional revenge scenarios, purportedly in response to fears of restricted reproductive rights under Trump’s presidency. Critics warn against the MATGA movement’s legal and ethical implications, urging caution and common sense. The movement has sparked heated debate, with some labeling it a symbolic protest against perceived gendered oppression.

The Kremlin dismissed reports of a phone call between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as "pure fiction." Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov clarified Monday that no recent conversation had taken place between the two leaders, countering claims by the Washington Post and Reuters, which cited anonymous sources alleging Trump urged Putin to de-escalate the Ukraine conflict. Peskov criticized the news as "false information" and questioned its credibility, despite publication in widely respected outlets. He also mentioned that there are "no concrete plans yet" for Putin to engage with Trump regarding Ukraine or other matters.

India's aviation sector is transforming as Vistara completes its merger with Air India, enhancing Tata Group's market presence with a fleet of 210 jets. The merger aims to strengthen Air India's premium appeal by integrating Vistara’s popular services. Meanwhile, budget airline IndiGo introduces business-class cabins, challenging Air India's dominance in the premium market with more affordable options starting at ₹18,000. IndiGo's new “IndiGoStretch” service will initially focus on the high-demand Delhi-Mumbai route. This strategic shift reflects the fierce competition as Indian carriers race to attract premium travelers in one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets.