First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford revealed a new 'Year of Wales in India 2024' initiative at a Diwali celebration aimed at strengthening ties between Wales and India's fast-growing economy. Launching around St David's Day, it will deepen economic and cultural links with events planned in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The First Minister was joined by Health Minister Baroness Eluned Morgan, Economy Minister Vaughan Gething, Deputy High Commissioner Shri Sujit Ghosh at the event which was organised by Indian Honorary Consul Raj Aggarwal. Mr Aggarwal said it will focus on trade, education, culture and health. With over 2,200 Indian students in Wales bringing £200m revenue, he called it a great opportunity to boost cooperation. The event was also attended by representatives from major Indian companies based in Wales, as well as a number of start-up ventures.

A screening in Los Angeles of a graphic film documenting Hamas's October 7 attacks, facilitated by Israeli actress Gal Gadot, erupted into violence outside the venue. The 43-minute film contained violent footage of the Hamas atrocities. Though Gadot did not attend, her involvement sparked backlash for supporting alleged genocide against Palestinians. Fights broke out between two groups outside the Museum of Tolerance screening, which was heavily secured. LA Mayor Karen Bass condemned the unacceptable violence amid global tensions. Gadot, who served in the Israeli military, faced criticism for not addressing Palestinian deaths in Gaza.

The White House announced that Israel has agreed to implement four-hour daily humanitarian pauses in its fighting against Hamas in northern Gaza. The temporary ceasefires will allow civilians to evacuate the conflict zone. President Biden had requested the pauses during a call with Israeli PM Netanyahu earlier this week. The first four-hour pause will occur on Thursday, with Israel committing to announce each window at least three hours in advance. The temporary daily ceasefires mark the second pathway secured by the Biden administration for Gazan civilians to escape the violence.

India on Thursday reiterated its call for de-escalation and a return to direct peace talks between Israel and Hamas. While condemning Hamas' October 7 terror attacks, India has avoided directly demanding a ceasefire. External affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India has urged both sides to avoid violence and create conditions for resuming negotiations towards a two-state solution. He expressed deep concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Over 1,400 Israelis and 10,500 Gazans have died in the conflict. Bagchi said he was unaware of reports that Israel may bring in 100,000 Indian workers to replace Palestinians. India has provided 38 tonnes of humanitarian aid so far.

The Vatican's doctrinal office said Wednesday that transgender people can serve as godparents and witnesses at Catholic weddings and receive baptism themselves. The response came from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith in answer to questions from a bishop. While vague on same-sex couples baptizing adopted children, it said transgender people could participate in sacraments if there's no public scandal. Pope Francis approved the document, continuing his effort to welcome LGBT people without changing Church stances. A Jesuit priest called it an important step in seeing transgender Catholics not just as people, but as full members of the Church.

Data from GPS-tagged carrion birds is aiding Israel's military in finding corpses around the site of an October 7 attack by Hamas. Eagles, vultures, and other birds fitted with trackers have helped locate human remains, said wildlife expert Ohad Hatzofe. On October 23, a rare sea eagle that had returned from Russia led authorities to four bodies near Beeri. In the Hamas attack, over 1,400 were killed and 30 more from Beeri are missing. The bird data has enabled recovery of additional bodies in Israel, though identities remain undisclosed. Police have identified nearly 1,200 victims so far.

At least 10 Indian-Americans, mostly Democrats, won local and state elections across the US this week, reflecting the growing political power of the ethnic community. Key victories included Ghazala Hashmi's re-election to the Virginia State Senate, Neil Makhija becoming the first Indian-American commissioner in Pennsylvania, and Arunan Arulampalam being elected Hartford Mayor in Connecticut. The candidates pledged to work for their constituents after their historic victories. (Image Courtesy: Neil Makhija on X)

The UK government has added India to an expanded list of 'safe' countries, making it easier to deport illegal Indian immigrants. The move will speed up returning Indians travelling illegally to the UK and prevent them seeking asylum. Home Secretary Suella Braverman said this will strengthen immigration rules and stop dangerous journeys. It follows a surge in small boat crossings from India. Designating India as safe means illegal arrivals can't make protection claims. The list includes countries where there is no general risk of persecution. The UK says India meets the criteria after rigorous assessment.

Pakistan has shifted policy and will no longer support the Afghan Taliban at the international level or provide other assistance, after the Taliban failed to neutralize the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terror group as expected. Pakistan hoped the Taliban would stop using Afghan soil against Pakistan after taking power, but they refused despite straining ties. Pakistan gave many incentives to facilitate the Taliban government, but will no longer extend special favors as the Taliban harbor TTP militants targeting Pakistan. A high-level Pakistani delegation in February warned the Taliban to choose between Pakistan and TTP, but the Taliban insist Pakistan's security issues are domestic. Pakistan now sees Kabul's double-speak on militants as unacceptable.

Telangana minister KT Rama Rao and other Bharat Rashtra Samithi leaders fell from a vehicle while campaigning on Thursday ahead of state assembly elections. Video shows the leaders greeting crowds from atop a truck when the driver suddenly braked, causing them to lose balance. The protective railings broke and several leaders tumbled down, including Rajya Sabha MP Suresh Reddy, while KTR managed to keep his footing. KTR later said he was unhurt and told people not to worry, before continuing his schedule with a road show in Kodangal. The incident occurred during campaigning in Nizamabad as BRS leaders reach out to voters before the upcoming polls.