US officials investigating the Gaza hospital explosion have determined that Israel is not responsible for the incident. The White House National Security Council's assessment, based on overhead imagery, intercepts, and open source information, supports this conclusion. President Joe Biden also expressed doubt that Israel was behind the explosion at the al Ahli hospital, which Hamas claimed killed hundreds. He suggested that another party might be responsible for the incident, challenging the initial accusations.  

Pradeep Bhandari, Founder of Jan Ki Baat, discussed the strengths of Indian democracy in an event titled "Depth of Indian Democracy" in London. He highlighted the pivotal role of Indian voters in shaping political leadership, India's inclusivity in electing diverse representatives, and the sagacity of Indian voters in electing and changing governments based on merit. He also emphasized the growing influence of women voters in Indian politics and pointed out the double standards in Western media's reporting on India. The event was organized by the Friends of Indian Society International (FISI), UK, promoting understanding of India's vibrant democracy and cultural issues.  

On a visit to Israel after the country's deadliest attack, US President Joe Biden cautioned against being blinded by rage, recalling American mistakes after 9/11. Biden said while seeking justice after such events, rage can lead to mistakes. He referenced the US response after 9/11, when the country also faced enormous grief and anger. Biden's visit came amid confusion over an explosion at a Gaza hospital that killed hundreds, with Israel and Hamas trading blame. Earlier, Biden said evidence suggested Israel was not responsible, contrasting the US desire for restraint after 9/11. His remarks conveyed empathy while advising Israel to avoid hasty reactions despite public demands for reprisals.

Israel praised two caregivers from Kerala, Sabitha and Meera Mohanan, for their bravery during a Hamas attack. The duo safeguarded an elderly couple during the assault near the Gaza strip. Despite the destruction, they clung to a safety room's door handle for over four hours, fending off attackers. The Israeli Embassy termed them "Indian superwomen" in a social media post, highlighting their courage. The war, deadliest for both sides, has claimed thousands of lives. Despite losses, these caregivers' bravery stood as a testament to human resilience amidst conflict.

Dozens of Israeli tanks have gathered less than a kilometer from north of the Gaza border. Their goal -- according to the Israeli government -- will be to "demolish" Hamas. Shorts91 team brings you all updates from Israel-Gaza border where the Israeli Army is gearing up for the much anticipated ground invasion. Retaliatory Israeli strikes on Gaza have killed more than Palestinians over the past week and raised fears of a humanitarian catastrophe in the area as Israeli forces prepare for an anticipated ground assault.

Despite the Supreme Court's recent refusal to grant legal rights to same-sex marriages in India, Ananya Kotia and Utkarsh Saxena, prominent petitioners in the case, defiantly exchanged engagement rings in front of the court. The historic judgment, denying recognition to LGBTQIA+ unions, has stirred criticism. Ananya shared their photo, stating, "This week wasn't about a legal loss, but our engagement. We'll return to fight another day." The court's decision, leaving the community disheartened, emphasized the role of legislative bodies in determining marriage rights for same-sex couples.

Despite political differences in Kerala concerning Israel's actions in Palestine, the state maintains a firm business tie-up with the Israeli police. For the past six years, an apparel factory in Kerala's Kannur district has been supplying uniforms for Israeli police personnel. Every year, around 100,000 uniforms for Israeli police officers are exported from the Maryan Apparel Factory in Koothuparamba, Kannur. Shijin Kumar, the factory manager, mentioned that they received their first order six years ago after a team from Israel visited their unit and were satisfied with their products. Since then, they have been receiving annual orders

Amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, Israeli actor Lior Raz, renowned for his role in "Fauda," voiced support for his nation on Instagram. In an Instagram Stories post, he shared a powerful note that read, "Israel, the only country on earth that needs to defend itself for defending itself." A week earlier, Raz had posted a video in which he, along with Yohanan Plesner, President of the Israel Democracy Institute, and journalist Avi Yissascharov, visited southern Israel. They assisted in evacuating two families in the bombarded town of Sderot, standing in solidarity with those affected by the conflict.  

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, overseeing Ayodhya's Ram temple construction, has been permitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs to receive foreign funds under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) 2010. The Trust, authorized to accept "voluntary contribution" from abroad, is limited to the State Bank of India's Sansad Marg branch for FCRA accounts. Despite collecting funds nationally, contributions from Indians abroad were previously inaccessible. The temple's grand opening, anticipated between January 21-24, 2024, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as chief guest, follows the Supreme Court's 2019 ruling granting the land to Ram Lalla.

Israel's attorney general, Gali Baharav-Miara, approved an impending ban on Al Jazeera's reporting in the country. Emergency regulations, agreed upon by Baharav-Miara and Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, will halt the Qatari outlet's operations in Israel. The government criticizes Al Jazeera's coverage of the Gaza Strip conflict. As one of the few global media outlets with a presence in Gaza and Israel, Al Jazeera is a crucial source for international coverage amidst Gaza's siege. This move follows a strained relationship between the Qatari channel and Israel, exemplified by the 2022 killing of correspondent Shireen Abu Akleh, a case of disputed responsibility.