An investigation by Reporters Without Borders has concluded that a Reuters journalist killed and others wounded in southern Lebanon two weeks ago were deliberately targeted. Video journalist Issam Abdallah died when a group of reporters came under fire near the Israeli border on October 13. The initial findings show the journalists were not collateral damage, with their vehicle marked "press" targeted and shots coming from the east where Israel is located. RSF said two strikes 37-38 seconds apart precisely hit the journalists' location after a helicopter flew over. It's unlikely they were mistaken for combatants as they were openly positioned for over an hour. RSF is continuing its probe into the circumstances of the fatal strike on the journalists. (Image Courtesy: Times of Gaza)

Industrialist Ratan Tata has issued a statement denying claims that he offered a ₹10 crore reward to Afghan cricketer Rashid Khan. This follows unfounded social media posts alleging the ICC fined Khan for displaying the Indian flag during celebrations after Afghanistan beat Pakistan at the ODI World Cup 2023. Tata said he has "no connection to cricket" and people should not believe such WhatsApp forwards unless from his official platforms. Many had claimed Tata was helping Khan financially. Tata categorically stated he made no suggestions to the ICC or any cricket body regarding fines or rewards for any players. The industrialist urged people not to believe the false reports linking him to rewarding the Afghan cricketer.

The United Kingdom is preparing for heavy rain and flooding ahead of Storm Ciarán's arrival later this week, with flood warnings in place across England, Scotland and Wales. Ciarán is forecast to bring strong winds up to 90mph and heavy rain to southern England and Wales on Thursday. It comes after recent flooding across the UK due to persistent wet weather, saturating ground conditions and increasing flood risks. The storm will likely bring further flooding to some areas already deluged, with over 20mm of rain expected widely and up to 60mm in higher ground. Ciarán is described as a nasty storm that will continue unsettled conditions after recent evacuations and damage from flooding.

The controversial anti-India referendum in British Columbia, Canada has been deemed a failure due to extremely low voter turnout, reports CNN-News18. The event was held amid police presence in Surrey, following Canada's allegations linking India to a separatist's death. Turnout was reportedly only around 2,000, showing lack of new engagement versus previous referendums dominated by students. The last referendum in September claimed 135,000 votes but had 2,398 actual voters. After the poor response in Surrey, discussions are underway for referendums in other Canadian cities next year. India has pressed Canada to prevent these "politically motivated exercises" by extremist groups seeking Khalistan.

Israel's military said it struck military infrastructure inside Syria on Monday after projectiles were fired from Syria into Israeli territory overnight. The Israeli jet targeted launch sites near Daraa, per reports. This comes amid growing concerns about broader regional fallout from Israel's Gaza war with Hamas. There has been a string of attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria and increasing Hezbollah-Israel exchanges along the Lebanon border since the start of the conflict. Late Sunday, Israel said it struck Hezbollah targets in Lebanon also in response to rocket fire. Cross-border clashes in the north have been near-daily since Hamas's October 7 attack that killed over 1,400 Israelis. Israel's unrelenting strikes on Gaza have killed over 8,000 Palestinians per officials. The Syria strike once again signals worries of a wider escalation.

As clashes escalate in Gaza, Israel accused Palestinian militant group Hamas of “psychological games” amid the conflict. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris affirmed Washington has no plans to deploy troops to the inflamed region. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said over 600 targets in Gaza have been struck as Israeli ground operations expand, killing dozens of barricaded Hamas militants. Released footage displayed Israeli tanks, infantry, and bulldozers active in Gaza. One guided strike by ground forces and aircraft demolished a building housing over 20 Hamas operatives, the IDF stated. Overall, the military said more than 60 Hamas weapon depots, missile launch sites, hideouts, and other facilities have faced bombardment. The military actions and accusations highlight tensions remaining elevated between Israel and Hamas in Gaza amidst stern US warning to Israel, emphasizing the need to distinguish between Hamas militants and civilians in Gaza.

At least 8 dead and over 50 injured in shootings across the US over Halloween weekend. In Texas, 3 killed, and 3 hurt at a party after a fistfight and rifle fire. In Indianapolis, 1 was killed, 8 wounded at a large party, suspects detained. In a Kansas nightclub, 1 dead, 2 injured after gunman opened fire. In Florida, at least 2 dead, 18 hospitalized amid gunfight during Halloween events. 6 teens shot at Louisiana party. In Chicago, over 25 were injured, and 1 killed in a spate of shootings including 15 hurt at a Halloween party when denied re-entry suspect returned firing. Chicago has higher homicide rates than NYC, and LA. So far in 2023 over 15,700 Americans were killed by guns, 30,000 more injured including 1421 children. The shootings add to high levels of gun violence continuing to claim lives across the country.

The largest aid convoy since the Israel-Hamas war began entered Gaza Sunday with nearly three dozen trucks, but workers said it falls far short of dire needs as the Palestinian death toll passed 8,000. Communications were restored after intense Israeli strikes Friday knocked out networks. Israel has restricted aid entry since over 1,400 died in Israel after Hamas's October 7 attack. The International Criminal Court prosecutor visiting the Rafah crossing, called civilian suffering profound but didn't accuse Israel of war crimes, instead blaming Hamas for the egregious attack violating international law. Israel said it struck over 450 militant targets in 24 hours as its infantry pursues a "second stage," aiming to destroy Hamas. Plumes of smoke continue to rise over bombarded Gaza City amid the unrelenting Israeli bombardment and blockade leaving residents lacking essentials.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar today met the families of 8 former Indian Navy personnel sentenced to death in Qatar, stating India will continue efforts to secure their release. The men, including decorated officers, were working for a private firm providing training to Qatar's forces, some on a sensitive submarine project per reports. They have been accused of spying for Israel and were sentenced to death by a Qatar court. The External Affairs Ministry earlier expressed shock over the verdict and said it would take up the issue with Qatar. Jaishankar stressed the government fully shares the families' concerns and attaches the highest importance to the case. India is coordinating with families and exploring legal options while making every effort for the 8 Indians' release from Qatar.

A grim train collision unfolded in Andhra Pradesh's Vizianagaram district, claiming 13 lives and injuring around 50. The catastrophe occurred when the Palasa passenger train collided with the Rayagada passenger train, derailing three coaches near Kantakapalli, 40 km from Visakhapatnam. Although officials have not confirmed the cause, preliminary reports point to "human error" and signal overshooting by the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada train. Identifying the victims continues amidst this somber event, reminiscent of a similar fatal incident in June that claimed 295 lives in a triple train accident.