Former U.S. President Barack Obama issued a rare statement warning Israel against causing civilian casualties in its military operations in Gaza. Obama said killing thousands of Palestinians, including children, forcing hundreds of thousands from homes, and cutting off basic needs could worsen humanitarian crisis, harden Palestinian attitudes for generations, erode global support for Israel, and undermine long-term peace efforts. Though condemning Hamas attacks and supporting Israel's right to defend itself, Obama said any strategy ignoring human costs in Gaza could backfire on Israel.

Sri Lanka's cabinet approved a proposal to offer free visas for five months to travelers from seven key countries - India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand - in an effort to boost tourism amid economic crisis. The free visa pilot program began Tuesday and will continue through March 2023. Tourism officials hope the move attracts 5 million tourists in coming years and saves time and money spent obtaining visas.

In a tragic turn during Navratri celebrations in Gujarat, six individuals, including a Class 12 student, have died of heart attacks while participating in 'garba' dance events. The deaths have raised concerns, with 22 additional heart attack-related fatalities reported in the state. Gujarat's Health Minister has called for research to determine the cause of these incidents, responding to concerns raised by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel. Despite a popular belief attributing the deaths to COVID-19, research indicates otherwise. The '108' ambulance service received 750 cardiac emergency calls during Navratri, prompting increased scrutiny.

Hamas announced the release of two elderly Israeli hostages, citing humanitarian reasons. The International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated their transport out of Gaza. The hostages, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, were taken from the kibbutz of Nir Oz. Their husbands remain captive. The ICRC expressed readiness for future releases. Egypt played a role, and reports state Tel Aviv wasn't involved. US President Biden links talks of a ceasefire to the release of hostages. Israeli air raids on Gaza intensify, with 436 reported casualties in the last 24 hours.

Israel conducted limited ground operations in Gaza overnight even as it intensified airstrikes amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated Israel is preparing for a lethal ground offensive in Gaza. This comes as leaders of major Western nations like the US, UK, France and Germany voiced support for Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas rocket attacks. The war has proven deadliest for both sides, with Gaza health officials reporting 4,741 Palestinians killed and 16,000 injured so far. Another 93 Palestinians died in Israeli raids in the West Bank. Israel appears set to escalate fighting despite growing international pressure for ceasefire as PM Netanyahu gets backing from Western leaders for Gaza invasion.

Indian carriers will operate 8% more flights this winter compared to last year, according to DGCA data. There will be 23,732 weekly departures from 118 airports in the schedule starting October 30, up from 22,907 departures from 110 airports last winter. New airports added are Bhatinda, Jaisalmer, Ludhiana etc. While IndiGo and Air India will see the highest growth at 30% and 18% respectively, SpiceJet will see a 33% decline in flights. Vistara flights will also drop 2%. The increase is despite Go First, 7% of the market, shutting down in May. Experts say the growth is insufficient to curb high airfares. Akasa Air will operate 790 flights in its first winter schedule. The DGCA data confirms Go First will remain grounded until at least March 2024.

Amid diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, 41 Canadian diplomats were removed from India following careful scrutiny of evidence provided by Indian intelligence agencies and their activities on the ground. These diplomats were accused of misusing their visa powers by granting visas to individuals with questionable backgrounds, some involved in criminal activities. Canada's alleged support for the farmers' agitation in India and interference in internal affairs further strained relations. The Indian government is planning to address these concerns at higher forums, including FATF, as a case of potential terror funding.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's personal mobile number was allegedly leaked online recently, according to media reports. An audio clip surfaced on social media of Sunak's voicemail message from the number. Downing Street refused to comment on the security issue. Sunak has reportedly had this mobile number for years, including during his tenure as Chancellor and the Conservative party leadership race. Though assigned a separate official number as PM, it appears his old personal number remained active. This follows an earlier revelation where Sunak informed the UK COVID Inquiry he couldn't provide WhatsApp messages from the number as he had failed to back them up after changing phones multiple times. The leak of the British PM's personal number raises security concerns.

Doctors in Gaza neonatal intensive care units are desperate for fuel and medicines to keep 130 newborn babies alive as Israel's blockade leaves hospitals without power. Generators at hospitals like Al-Shifa are running out of fuel, threatening incubators keeping fragile babies alive. Without electricity, babies could die within minutes. Gaza health officials urgently appealed for fuel donations from petrol stations to maintain life-saving services. The crisis comes as Israel imposed a total blockade after Hamas militants killed 1,400 Israelis in cross-border attacks. With supplies running out, Gaza's hospitals are struggling to care for 2.3 million people. Aid convoys are entering but fall far short of meeting needs in the embattled enclave.

During the ongoing Navratri festival in India, the 146-year-old Kanyaka Parameshwari Ammavari Temple in Visakhapatnam's Kurupam Market has captured attention with its elaborate decoration. The temple is adorned with currency notes and gold ornaments worth crores. The total worth of the currency used in the temple's decoration, including that of the goddess Kanyaka Parameshwari idol, is estimated at Rs 2 crore. The 10-day Navaratri festival featured worship of various goddess incarnations and special abhishekam ceremonies with 18 different liquids. The goddess was bedecked with gold ornaments, golden flowers, gold saris, and a significant quantity of precious metals and currency.