Mon Nov 18 01:31:33 UTC 2024: ## US Authorizes Ukraine to Strike Inside Russia with Long-Range Missiles; Delhi Chokes Under Smog

**New Delhi, November 18, 2024** – The United States has authorized Ukraine to use American long-range missiles against military targets within Russia, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. This major policy shift, confirmed by a US official to AFP, follows reports in the New York Times and Washington Post attributing the decision to North Korea’s deployment of troops to support Russia. The State Department, White House, and Pentagon have declined to comment.

Meanwhile, Delhi is battling severe air pollution, prompting the Centre’s air quality panel to implement Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Effective immediately, this includes a ban on most truck entry, a halt to construction on public projects, and the shift of Delhi schools to online learning for all but classes 10 and 12.

In other news:

* **Manipur Political Shakeup:** The National People’s Party (NPP) has withdrawn its support for the BJP-led government in Manipur, citing the government’s failure to address the ongoing crisis.
* **Tragedy in Jhansi:** A newborn was briefly missing following a fire at a neonatal ICU in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, highlighting concerns about infant identification protocols in such facilities. The child has since been reunited with its family.
* **Political Rhetoric:** Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the BJP, accusing them of prioritizing sloganeering over action.
* **Court Proceedings:** A Delhi court granted Vikash Yadav, accused in a kidnapping and extortion case, exemption from personal appearance until February 3rd.
* **Bangladesh’s Political Landscape:** Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, announced plans to seek the extradition of exiled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India.
* **West Asian Diplomacy:** New ambassadors from Jordan and Egypt have arrived in New Delhi, signaling intensified diplomatic engagement between India and West Asian nations amid ongoing regional conflicts.
* **Gaza Airstrike:** A deadly Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed at least 30 people, including children, according to the civil defence agency. Israel claims the strike targeted terrorist activities.
* **Ukraine Under Attack:** A Russian missile strike on a building in Sumy, Ukraine, killed eight and wounded dozens, part of a wider Russian assault described as the largest in recent months.

The evolving situation in Ukraine, the air pollution crisis in Delhi, and the political developments in Manipur and Bangladesh are among the top stories dominating the news cycle.

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