Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a crucial phone conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, addressing the worsening situation in the Gaza Strip due to ongoing Israeli military operations. President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to coordinating international efforts for a ceasefire, highlighting the dire consequences of a ground offensive. Emphasizing the urgent need for unified global action, both leaders discussed measures to ensure immediate peace restoration and facilitate unhindered humanitarian assistance in the region, underscoring their shared concerns about terrorism and civilian well-being.

Israel has issued a warning after Elon Musk offered communication support to war-torn Gaza through his Starlink satellite internet service. Israel's communication minister Shlomo Karhi expressed concerns that the service could be utilized for "terrorist activities" by Hamas militants. Musk's announcement followed criticism from US representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez regarding Israel's communication blackout in Gaza. The blackout, affecting 2.3 million people, hampers emergency services and humanitarian efforts. While Musk assured support for Gaza aid groups, concerns persist about potential misuse. SpaceX has not clarified how Starlink connections would be safeguarded against unauthorized use by Hamas.

Former Vice President Mike Pence has ended his campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination after facing fundraising and polling struggles. Pence announced the suspension of his White House bid at a Republican event in Las Vegas. He becomes the first major candidate to exit the race dominated by his former running mate Donald Trump. Pence's decision comes over two months before the Iowa caucuses, saving him from failing to qualify for the next GOP debate. Once Trump's most loyal deputy, their relationship soured when Trump incorrectly insisted Pence could overturn the 2020 election. Pence's withdrawal deals a blow as he failed to gain traction despite years of preparation.

New York City has established a new office to provide asylum-seekers with free, one-way tickets to leave the city as its shelter system reaches full capacity. With over 130,000 migrants arriving since last year, Mayor Eric Adams says shelters are so overwhelmed that people may soon be forced to sleep on streets. The new reticketing center builds on existing efforts to transport migrants elsewhere voluntarily. Adams has limited adults to 30 days in shelters, seeking to suspend a legal mandate to house the homeless as winter nears. The city says 20,000 have received stay limit notices, with less than 20% exceeding time limits remaining in shelters.

Hamas has demanded the release of all Palestinian prisoners held in Israel in exchange for releasing Israeli hostages seized by the militant group. A Hamas spokesperson stated "the price to pay" for the Israeli hostages is emptying Israel's prisons of Palestinians. This comes as Israel said it is expanding its ground offensive in Gaza, with the military still active in the field. Amid the escalating conflict, Gaza has been largely cut off, with internet and phones down, isolating 2.3 million residents. Israel has ramped up operations as Hamas vowed to respond with "full force" to the ongoing attacks. The prisoner exchange demand underscores the high stakes as violence intensifies.

Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani has received another death threat email demanding ₹200 crore, up from ₹20 crore in a previous threat, Mumbai police said Saturday. The new email stated that if Ambani does not pay ₹200 crore, the "death warrant is signed." On Friday, Ambani had received an email threatening to shoot him if he did not pay ₹20 crore. Based on a complaint by Ambani's security head, Mumbai police registered a case against an unknown person under charges of criminal intimidation. This is the second death threat email demanding money that Ambani has received recently.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel has begun the second phase of its war in Gaza with ground operations against Hamas militants. He vowed to "destroy the enemy above ground and below ground." With Gaza residents cut off from communications, Israel pressed forward after weeks of airstrikes. Netanyahu said the war will be long and hard, but Israel will rescue over 200 hostages held by Hamas. He said the goals are to destroy Hamas' governing and military capabilities. Israel has blockaded and bombed Gaza since Hamas' October 7 attack killed 1,400 Israelis. Gaza health officials say 7,650 Palestinians have been killed so far in Israel's campaign. Netanyahu said "we are only at the start."

Union Minister Rajkumar Ranjan Singh has urged airlines from Vietnam to start direct flights to north-eastern Indian cities. This would boost investment and tourism opportunities for both countries. Guwahati airport has direct flights to Bangkok and Singapore. The minister said all eight north-eastern states are well-connected and suitable for air linkages with Vietnam. Bilateral trade has crossed $15 billion in 2022. Initiatives like Make in India and Digital India have fostered innovation in India, providing opportunities in infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare etc. The minister highlighted the economic progress made by Vietnam after reforms in 1986.

Mumbai bids farewell to its iconic 'Premier Padmini' taxis, fondly known as 'kaali-peeli', as the last registered one retires on October 29, 2023, marking the end of their 59-year legacy. These black-and-yellow taxis, symbolic of Mumbai's landscape, transitioned out due to age limitations. The city, once home to around 63,000 of these cabs, now boasts over 40,000 modern alternatives. Despite their retirement, these taxis leave a lasting impression on Mumbaikars, representing not just a mode of transport but also a cherished cultural icon. Some enthusiasts advocate preserving at least one of these iconic cabs for posterity.

Renowned matchmaker Sima Taparia, star of Netflix's "Indian Matchmaking," engaged in a candid conversation with Here and Now 365 Marketing Agency Founder Manish Tiwari at Taj 51's Rendezvous Series in London. Reflecting on her unanticipated global fame, Sima emphasized the reality of her unscripted show and the international reach it garnered. The event, supported by Vatika UK, provided insights into Sima's matchmaking philosophy, her reliance on Indian values, and the importance of collaborative effort in marriages. A night of inspiration and authenticity unfolded at the prestigious Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residencies.