British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has revealed plans to create the world's inaugural artificial intelligence safety institute, aimed at evaluating and understanding the risks associated with AI technology. The announcement precedes a global summit on November 1-2 at Bletchley Park, where around 100 participants, including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, will discuss the unpredictable advances of AI and the potential loss of human control. Sunak emphasized the need to address fears related to AI while ensuring its responsible development for a better future. China and the European Union are also expected attendees.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the 22nd session of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Kyrgyzstan. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of adhering to international law, respecting each nation's sovereignty, and promoting economic cooperation within the region. The statement, seemingly directed at China's investments in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), highlighted the need for initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to respect territorial integrity while fostering regional prosperity.

US President Joe Biden has suggested a possible connection between Hamas's October 7 terrorist attack on Israel and the progress made on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC). While speaking with reporters, Biden mentioned his instinctual belief that Hamas targeted Israel due to advancements in regional integration facilitated by IMEEC. This marks the second instance in a week where Biden linked the attack to IMEEC, a corridor announced by leaders from the US, India, and other nations. The corridor, perceived as an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative, aims to enhance connectivity between India, the Gulf region, and Europe. 

The Indian stock market faced a significant downturn as all three major indices, including BSE Sensex and Nifty 50, experienced substantial losses. BSE Sensex opened with a gap up but plummeted to an intraday low of 63,912 points, losing nearly 1500 points in the last two sessions. Nifty 50 also dropped, breaching the crucial 19,200 support and hitting an intraday low of 19,074, marking a loss of over 450 points. Factors contributing to the decline included rising US Treasury yields, the Israel-Hamas conflict, a strengthening US dollar, foreign institutional investor (FII) selling, weak Q2 2023 results from major companies, and concerns about rising inflation due to surging crude oil prices. Experts cautioned investors amid the market uncertainty.          

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres clarified his statements about Hamas's attacks during a UN Security Council meeting, emphasizing he did not justify the terror group's actions. Israel accused Guterres of justifying Hamas's assault, leading to tensions. Guterres condemned both Hamas's attacks and the long-standing grievances of Palestinians, stressing that the latter could not justify appalling terrorist acts. Israel reacted strongly, with its ambassador urging Guterres to resign. Israel also announced visa denials to UN officials in protest.

In a vibrant celebration, London's Hindu temple in Slough marked the 30th year of Dussehra with grandeur. Over a thousand attendees witnessed a spectacular fireworks display featuring 30 minutes of dazzling lights. The event, adorned with depictions of Lord Ram, Lakshman and Hanuman was filled with enthusiastic participants, including children. Chief guest Chairman Vinod Kumar Sharma, alongside Rishu Walia, Hirdesh Gupta, and Pandit Naresh Saraswat, graced the occasion. This jubilant festivity symbolizing the victory of good over evil added sparkle to the London skyline, echoing the global spirit of Dussehra.

A tragic incident unfolded in Gaza as Al Jazeera journalist Wael Al Dahdouh's family, including his wife, son, and daughter, were killed in an Israeli air strike. The devastating news broke while Dahdouh was reporting live on Israeli strikes in the area. His family was in a UN-recognized refugee camp, considered a "safe area" by Israeli forces. Al Jazeera strongly condemned the indiscriminate targeting of civilians, urging international intervention. The death toll in Gaza has risen, reaching over 6,500, following intense Israeli strikes and a brutal terror attack by Hamas on October 7. Pressure mounts on Israel for a ceasefire amid escalating tensions.

The Israeli military conducted an overnight operation in northern Gaza, with tanks and ground forces targeting "numerous terrorist cells, infrastructure, and anti-tank missile launch posts," according to an IDF statement. It described the strike as "preparation for the next stages of combat," before troops returned to Israel. PM Netanyahu recently vowed to "do away with Hamas" by destroying its capabilities. However, he gave no details on the timing of a ground invasion, only saying it is "getting prepared" and operational details should remain private. The strike signals Israel is moving into the next phase in Gaza after weeks of airstrikes.

Canada has welcomed India's decision to resume certain visa services, terming it a positive step after recent diplomatic strains. Immigration Minister Marc Miller criticized the initial suspension, stating it "should never have happened." The move follows Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's accusation of Indian officials' involvement in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a claim India dismissed. Ottawa is seeking India's cooperation in the investigation. India resumed services like entry, business, medical, and conference visas, citing improved responsiveness from Canadian authorities regarding diplomatic security. The resumption occurred after discussions spanning ten days, easing bilateral tensions.

The IDF has questioned a United Nations Relief and Works Agency report that fuel will soon run out in Gaza, stating electricity remains and Hamas prioritizes fuel for the military over civilians. Earlier, the UN and WHO warned Gaza hospitals are overwhelmed and only taking emergency cases amid fears of an imminent fuel shortage. Israel is blocking new fuel deliveries, alleging diversion by Hamas which it says is stockpiling fuel reserves. Gaza hospitals claim they are near collapse and must conserve fuel for ventilators and other critical equipment. The competing claims over fuel access come as Israel considers a ground invasion of Gaza while calling for a ceasefire. [Photo Courtesy: AFP]