Israel's military warns that Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah is intensifying cross-border attacks, risking wider conflict. Amid ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Hezbollah's actions are deemed a "very dangerous game." The group's deputy leader, Sheikh Naim Kassem, asserts Hezbollah's readiness for conflict and aims to weaken Israel. Hezbollah's provocations, including shelling and missile strikes, have raised concerns of a new front opening in northern Israel. As tensions escalate, Israeli forces remain on high alert, with fears of Lebanon being drawn into a devastating war, further destabilizing the region.

Cyclone 'Tej' intensifies into a 'cyclonic storm,' set to escalate into a 'severe cyclonic storm' by Sunday, alerts the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The deep depression over the Southwest Arabian Sea prompts warnings of very rough to phenomenal sea conditions until October 23. The cyclone, moving west-northwest, is expected to impact the south coasts of Oman and adjoining Yemen. Fishermen are cautioned against venturing into the sea, with rough conditions forecasted along Odisha, West Bengal, and Bangladesh coasts. While Gujarat remains unaffected, other regions including Kerala, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura brace for anticipated effects, anticipating rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds due to Cyclone Tej's impact.

India dispatched crucial humanitarian aid to Palestine during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the shipment, comprising 6.5 tonnes of medical supplies, including life-saving medicines, surgical items, fluids, and painkillers. Additionally, 32 tonnes of disaster relief material, such as tents, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, and sanitary utilities, were sent. The aid aims to assist in emergency medical conditions and provide immediate relief. An Indian Air Force C17 aircraft carrying the supplies departed from Hindon airbase, scheduled to land at Egypt's El-Arish airport, supporting the people of Palestine during this challenging time.

Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, head of the Conservative Party, pledges to restore a "professional relationship" with India if elected Prime Minister. Poilievre condemned recent aggression against Indian diplomats in Canada and Hinduphobia in the country. He criticized incumbent PM Trudeau's handling of international relations, emphasizing the need for respectful dialogue with India. Poilievre also condemned attacks on Hindu temples, affirming his party's commitment to freedom of worship. Poised for victory in polls, he advocates for strong ties with India, promising to address diplomatic challenges and promote religious tolerance in Canada.

Israel's military announced an escalation of airstrikes on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, intensifying attacks ahead of an impending ground invasion. The decision comes amidst warnings from UN agencies about a "catastrophic" humanitarian situation in the blockaded territory. Despite a small aid delivery from Egypt, described as insufficient for Gaza's 2.4 million residents, over 4,300 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have been killed, and more than 40% of housing destroyed. UN chief Antonio Guterres pleads for a ceasefire, but divisions persist in international responses, leaving civilians in Gaza and Israel in fear and uncertainty.

Israeli forces conducted an aerial strike on a compound beneath the al-Ansar Mosque in the Jenin refugee camp, West Bank, accusing Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad of planning a terror attack. The strike resulted in at least one Palestinian death and three injuries, as per the Palestinian Red Crescent. Israel Defense Forces released images of a bunker under the mosque, indicating weapon storage. Meanwhile, amid preparations for intensified attacks on Gaza, US President Biden welcomed aid trucks, emphasizing ongoing US assistance. The Gaza death toll stands at 4,469, with 1,400 killed in Hamas attacks on Israel.

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly addressed Israel's duty to respect international law and called for "professionalism and restraint" during operations in Gaza. He emphasized that the UK supports Israel's right to self-defense and efforts to secure the release of those kidnapped on Oct. 7. Cleverly also stressed the importance of working to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza and conducting actions in accordance with international law. He called for discipline, professionalism, and restraint from the Israeli military in difficult circumstances. The foreign secretary reaffirmed his belief in diplomacy and a two-state solution to prevent regional instability and promote peaceful coexistence, while ensuring that Hamas does not prevail.  

Originally from Pakistan, Labhshankar Duryodhan Maheshwari arrived in Tarapur, Gujarat, in 1999 with his wife for fertility treatment. He later established a successful business and acquired Indian citizenship by early 2006. However, on Thursday, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested him for allegedly aiding Pakistani agents in accessing sensitive information about the Indian Army. The ATS alleges that Maheshwari assisted Pakistani agents in obtaining an Indian SIM card, which they used to hack the phones of Indian defense personnel's children attending Army schools. Reportedly, he did this in exchange for assistance from Pakistani officials in obtaining visas for his family members.

The ISRO rocket, initially delayed due to an anomaly, successfully lifted off from Sriharikota in a revised launch schedule. Carrying payloads essential for crew safety in the Gaganyaan mission, the spacecraft launched at 10 am after the issue causing the initial delay was identified and corrected. This accomplishment represents a significant milestone in India's space exploration, bolstering the safety and potential success of future crewed missions. It showcases ISRO's commitment to overcoming technical challenges, solidifying its pursuit of ambitious goals in space exploration, and prioritizing the well-being of its astronauts."

A 26-year-old man has been arrested and charged with a hate crime in the US for attacking a Sikh teenager on a bus here for wearing a turban, according to media reports. Police on Thursday arrested Christopher Philippeaux, who was conditionally released by parole in July 2021 after serving more than two years in prison, and charged him with a hate crime after the incident on the bus near 118th Street and Liberty Avenue in Queens on October 15. According to police, Philippeaux approached the 19-year-old Sikh boy on the New York City MTA bus and said, "We don't wear that in this country