Israel continued its deadly airstrikes on Gaza as the death toll passed 1,500. Israel's military ordered 1.1 million Palestinians in northern Gaza to evacuate within 24 hours. Appealing for the order to be rescinded, a UN spokesperson said that such a movement could lead to “devastating humanitarian consequences” which could “transform what is already a tragedy into a calamitous situation”. Israel showed US and NATO images of dead civilians, blaming Hamas, as it tries to bolster international support. Meanwhile, Iran warned the conflict could spread if Israel's offensive continues.

The first charter flight to repatriate Indian citizens stranded in Israel amid the ongoing war arrived in New Delhi on Friday morning. The flight - carrying 212 Indian passengers including an infant - took off on Thursday night from the Ben Gurion airport in Israel under ‘Operation Ajay’. According to reports, the passengers were chosen on a ‘first come first serve’ basis. The government launched ‘Operation Ajay’ on Wednesday to bring back stranded citizens from Israel - which is witnessing fierce fighting with the terrorist group Hamas. This came after Air India and other airlines suspended all its commercial operations to and from Israel as the war began on October 7.

The INDIA alliance of 28 parties accused WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube of aiding BJP's "communal hatred" and suppressing opposition content in strongly-worded letters to Meta's Zuckerberg and Google's Pichai. It alleged platforms abet social disharmony and incite hatred, citing Washington Post exposes on WhatsApp and Facebook's role in BJP's campaigns. It accused Facebook and Google executives of blatant partisanship towards government per reports. The letter called it interference in democracy and said Meta and Google promote ruling party content while algorithmically suppressing opposition leaders. The bloc demanded neutrality from the tech giants' CEOs over allegations of propagating hate and unfairly favoring government.

The UK will deploy surveillance aircraft and two Royal Navy ships to the eastern Mediterranean to support Israel, No 10 said. The aircraft will track regional threats like arms transfers from tomorrow. The military package includes helicopters, planes, marines. PM Sunak said it will prevent escalation. British forces will deliver practical support to Israel, offer deterrence and assurance. A Navy task group will provide humanitarian aid next week. Sunak said the UK must ensure the Israel "horror" is not repeated after Hamas killed 1300+ Israelis and took 150+ hostages. Over 1300 have died in Gaza from Israeli airstrikes. 

Israel's PM office shared disturbing photos of dead babies, claiming they were shown by Netanyahu to visiting US Secretary Blinken as murdered and burnt by Hamas. The post comes amid controversy over Israel's assertion that Hamas beheaded babies, seemingly echoed by Biden who said he saw photos of this. Later a White House official walked back Biden's comment, clarifying neither he nor US officials saw such photos. Biden referred to Israel reports. Hamas denied the claims as lies about Palestinians and resistance. The photos' release appears aimed at bolstering the narrative about Hamas' atrocities amid doubts on the beheading claims.

Israel announced Gaza will get no water or fuel until Hamas releases Israeli hostages, as Energy Minister Katz said no aid will enter until the abductees return. Hamas reportedly holds 130+ hostages. Earlier, Israel imposed a total siege, severing supplies, after Hamas killed 1,300 Israelis. Gaza authorities say 1,200+ Palestinians have died in Israel's strikes. Gaza's sole power plant shut as fuel ran out after Israel cut supplies. Egypt is in intensive talks on delivering aid via its closed Rafah crossing. But Cairo resisted exodus proposals warning of consequences for Palestinians. The blockade highlights humanitarian crisis even as Israel vows no succor until hostage release.

The India-Europe Global Networking Meet 2023 organized by the Indo-European Business Forum (IEBF) on October 10 brought into focus the growing strategic economic alliance between India and Europe. The high-profile event held at the House of Lords in London centered around the theme of "Unicorns and Sustainable Development." IEBF Founder Vijay Goel stated the meet highlighted the "soaring partnership between Europe and India." Co-Founder Sunil Gupta emphasized "India and U.K. can collaborate for one earth-one family-one future." Speakers included business leaders, diplomats and policymakers. The event promoted bilateral trade and investment, sustainability, tech links, and supply chain networks. It underscored the vast potential for win-win partnerships between India and Europe across sectors to enable global progress. Click on on the link below to read the full report.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in Marrakech, Morocco on Thursday. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 4th G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting and IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings. The ministers discussed issues of mutual interest, including the Bilateral Investment Treaty. Sitharaman thanked Hunt for the UK's strong support for India's G20 Presidency, particularly as co-chair of the Framework Working Group.

Excitement is building up in Ahmedabad ahead of the high-voltage India vs Pakistan World Cup clash on Sunday. After deciding against hosting an opening ceremony, BCCI plans a 45-minute cultural program before the match featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth and Sachin Tendulkar. Singer Arijit Singh is also likely to perform live, along with light and dance shows, as per reports. Given security concerns, authorities are not taking any chances - entry/exit points are being closely monitored and players have not stepped out yet. They are expected to only travel to the stadium for optional training in the evening. The event is set to witness huge crowds and spectacle as two rivals face-off in one of cricket's greatest rivalries.

At least six Hindu temples have been broken into in Ontario, Canada since September. Three burglaries occurred this month at temples in Pickering, Ajax, and Oshawa, as reported by Durham Regional Police. Additionally, three more temples in Brampton, Caledon, and Mississauga were also targeted in September. Police described the suspect as 5'9", 200 lbs, wearing a blue mask, black hoodie, green pants, and limping. CCTV footage shows the intruder walking with a limp. The affected temples are cooperating with authorities in the investigation. Police are working to apprehend those responsible for the security breaches, though no suspects have been identified yet. (Image Source: Hindu Heritage Centre)