External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that India has endured "unfair competition" for too long under the guise of globalization, asserting the need to confront inequities. In remarks at the FICCI AGM, he said India must now "call out" uneven playing fields and unfair trade practices after years of disadvantage. Jaishankar emphasized India's transformation, highlighted by its new monikers like "pharmacy of the world" and "digital pioneer." With history and measurable indices on India's side, he urged readiness to capitalize on opportunities over the next 25 years, balancing nationalism and internationalism to lay the groundwork for future greatness.

A 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Sunday morning, the National Center for Seismology confirmed. The quake occurred at 09:08:17 IST at a depth of 90 kilometers. This marks the latest seismic activity in Afghanistan over the past few months, following a 4.6-magnitude tremor on October 13th at 50 kilometers depth. Earlier on August 5, an earthquake of magnitude 5.8 jolted Afghanistan on Saturday, the National Center for Seismology reported. It took place at 9.31pm, at a depth of 181 Km.

Former President Donald Trump has overtaken a narrow lead over President Joe Biden in recent 2024 election polls, according to a new Wall Street Journal survey. The poll shows Trump ahead by 4 percentage points, 47% to 43%, the first time he has held an advantage over Biden. Biden's approval rating has simultaneously hit its lowest point yet during his presidency. When including potential third-party candidates, Trump's lead widens to 6 points. The poll results may raise concerns among Democrats about Biden's chances for reelection, especially given his age and his son's recent tax indictment. However, some advise not to overinterpret the data this early in the election cycle. Ultimately, much could change before November 2024.

In an effort to boost tourism and the economy, Indonesia's tourism ministry proposed issuing free entry visas to travelers from 20 top visitor countries including India on Thursday. Minister Sandiaga Uno said attracting more foreign tourists is expected to have a multiplier effect, increasing domestic spending, drawing investment, and supporting digital economic growth. He said the goal is to target high-quality tourists who stay longer and spend more money locally. The 20 countries also include Australia, China, South Korea, the U.S., U.K., France and Germany. Uno noted the free visas would apply to nations without existing visa exemptions. The move comes as part of Indonesia's push to increase international visitor numbers.

University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill resigned on Saturday following widespread criticism of her response to questions about antisemitism during recent congressional testimony. Magill, along with Harvard and MIT presidents, declined to definitively state if calling for genocide of Jews would breach university policies on bullying and harassment. In a video message Wednesday, Magill expressed regret and promised a code of conduct review. Scott Bok, chair of Penn's board of trustees, said Magill will remain a tenured faculty member at the law school. Magill faced heavy backlash for saying it would depend on context whether antisemitic speech targeting individuals violated policies, rather than outright condemning such rhetoric.

As Israel vowed to continue its offensive, thousands of Gazans took refuge in the bombed-out Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City on Saturday. At least 17,700 people, mostly women and children, have died in two months of fighting in the narrow strip of territory. The U.S. blocked a UN ceasefire resolution on Friday, drawing condemnation but support from Israel's Prime Minister. "I very much appreciate the correct stance the US took at the United Nations Security Council," Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement. With the Gaza hospital no longer functioning after an Israeli raid, hundreds sheltered in makeshift tents amid the ruins. Aid groups warn of an "apocalyptic" humanitarian disaster unfolding.

BJP President JP Nadda held a virtual meeting on Saturday with the party's newly-elected lawmakers in Rajasthan. The meeting comes as suspense continues over who will be the next Chief Minister following the BJP's election victory. Nadda spoke to legislators in batches of 30 as the party looks to form a new government. Top contenders for Rajasthan CM include ex-Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Arjun Meghwal. However, Nadda's meeting gave no indications of CM preference. The discussions follow the appointment of central observers to oversee the formation of BJP state governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh after recent elections. An announcement is still awaited on CM picks for all three states.

The UK is facing a wet and blustery weekend as the Met Office issues multiple weather warnings across the country. Areas near the Irish Sea could see gusts up to 70mph, with 45-55mph winds likely for much of England and Wales. Heavy rains up to 80mm are also expected in parts of the UK, raising flood concerns. The stormy weather arises from a band of wind and rain moving northeast throughout Saturday. While the rain and wind should subside by Saturday night, more unsettled weather is forecast through Sunday and into next week. Northern Ireland, Scotland and northwestern England are poised to bear the brunt of the storm's impacts, though flooding and travel delays could occur more widely. Residents are advised to brace for power cuts and avoid non-essential travel.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged in a conversation with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh, stating, "Spoke to Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh this evening. He expressed deep concern on the situation in both Gaza and the West Bank." Jaishankar reiterated India's 'long-standing position' on the Israel-Palestine issue, emphasizing the commitment to a peaceful resolution. He added, "(We) Agreed to remain in touch," highlighting diplomatic continuity. This diplomatic exchange echoes Prime Minister Modi's reaffirmation on October 19 during talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. As tensions persist in the region, India underscores the importance of dialogue in addressing the complex Israel-Hamas conflict.      

A political impasse in Washington D.C. has stalled a crucial $110 billion aid package for Ukraine. Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska pleaded to the international community not to let the funding lapse, stating "it is a matter of life for us." The package also included support for Israel and other national security priorities. However, Republican senators blocked the passage of the bill in Congress. President Biden warned that failing to provide further military and financial aid to Ukraine risks allowing Russia to gain the upper hand. With the war over 650 days in, Ukraine continues to face attacks even as the frontlines remain largely static. Zelenska urged the world not to lose the "passionate willingness to help," saying if support fades, "they will simply let us die." [Photo courtesy: htTweets/X]