Bangladesh started their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign with a convincing 6-wicket win over Afghanistan. Opting to bowl first, Bangladesh restricted Afghanistan to 156 runs in 37.2 overs, with Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking three wickets each. In reply, Bangladesh chased down the target in 34.4 overs, thanks to Mehidy Hasan Miraz's 57 and Najmul Hossain Shanto's 59. This win marked Bangladesh's third consecutive opening match victory in World Cup campaigns. With this triumph, Bangladesh secured a significant victory in their World Cup opener against Afghanistan. (Image Courtesy: ICC on X)

Punjabi singer Jasmine Sandlas was issued death threats allegedly by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's associates just hours before her concert in Delhi on Saturday. Sandlas, who lives in the US, started getting calls with threats of an attack at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium after landing in Delhi. Police said the threats came from international numbers. Security has been tightened at Sandlas' hotel while Delhi Police are also providing cover. Sandlas has chartbuster hits along with songs in Bollywood films like 'Kick' and 'Street Dancer 3D'. The threats have cast a shadow on her much-awaited Delhi performance.

Air India has cancelled flights between Delhi and Tel Aviv on October 7 in the wake of the deadly attack on Israel by Hamas militants. An Air India spokesperson said the flights were cancelled "in the interests and safety of our guests and crew". The flights affected are AI139 from Delhi to Tel Aviv and the return AI140 from Tel Aviv to Delhi. The spokesperson said Air India is providing "all support" to affected passengers as per their requirements. The move comes after Hamas launched unprecedented rocket attacks on Israel, prompting the country to declare a state of war. At least 40 Israelis were killed in the assault.

In the wake of Hamas' deadly assault on Israel that killed around 40, world leaders overwhelmingly condemned the Palestinian group while voicing solidarity with Israel. Prime Minister Modi said he was "deeply shocked" by the "terrorist attacks" and that India stood with Israel. British PM Sunak called them "appalling attacks" by Hamas, affirming Israel's right to defend itself. Turkey, Egypt and the EU urged restraint by both sides. French President Macron and German FM Baerbock strongly condemned Hamas. Global leaders stood united in denouncing the attacks and supporting Israel's right to retaliate against the unprecedented rocket barrage from Gaza.

The White House said the US "unequivocally condemned" the "unprovoked attacks" by Hamas against Israel that killed at least 40 people. In a strong show of support, the US said it "stands firmly" with Israel following the militant group's surprise assault which included gunmen infiltrating towns. National security advisor Jake Sullivan was in close contact with Israeli partners. Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed retaliation, saying Hamas would "pay a price." The US extended its condolences to Israel for lives lost and reiterated its firm backing of the country as it deals with the aftermath of the attacks.

Israel's Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, expressed gratitude for India's strong moral backing after Hamas' rocket and ground attacks from Gaza killed many Israelis. He stated Israel will retaliate and prevent repeat of such atrocities. Gilon's remarks follow PM Modi conveying solidarity with Israel. Meanwhile, the UK updated its travel advice for Israel and Palestine after PM Netanyahu declared a war footing following Hamas' surprise multi-pronged assault. As Israel vows to heavily strike back, envoy Gilon underscored India's significance as a staunch partner for Israel facing its worst conflict with Palestinians in years.

Palestinian militant organization Hamas has released a video allegedly showing its Gaza fighters capturing three Israeli civilians. Signboards suggested it was filmed at the Israel-Gaza Erez crossing. Other visuals circulated showed dead bodies in military uniforms and on a highway. The footage's authenticity is unverified. This comes as Hamas fired thousands of rockets into Israel, which responded with airstrikes after declaring a state of war. Israel reported 22 killed so far. Hamas claimed the rocket barrage was retaliation for Israeli actions against Palestinians. The video signals an escalation, but Israel hasn't confirmed Hamas has taken civilians hostage amid the severe flare-up in violence. (Screen Grab from Video Posted by @Ytirawi on X)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed a parliamentary panel that India's visa suspension for Canadians is temporary, considering diplomats' security. News18 Sources said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for External Affairs that the Indian government had made several request for extradition of such extremist forces, but Canada has been largely unresponsive. Under free speech guise, supporting terrorism is unacceptable per India's stance, he added. The remarks come as ties with Canada plummeted over PM Trudeau's allegations of India's role in a Khalistani's murder. Jaishankar conveyed India acted against visa services due to Canada's inaction on extradition requests amid the diplomatic row.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock at the Hamas militant attack on Israel that killed at least 22 people. In a message of solidarity, PM Modi extended condolences and prayers, stating India stands with Israel during this difficult time. His remarks came after Gaza-based Hamas launched over 5000 rockets into Israel, leading the country to declare a 'state of war'. Modi's message underscores India's strong ties with Israel amid the escalating conflict sparked by the surprise assault. As Israel vows decisive retaliation, the PM's comments signal India's support to its key strategic partner facing its worst violence in years.

A strong 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck western Afghanistan on Saturday, killing at least 14 people and injuring over 70 so far. The epicenter was near the city of Herat, where buildings collapsed and residents fled outside in panic. Aftershocks continued for over an hour. Officials fear casualties could rise sharply as assessments come in from remote mountainous areas. Hundreds may be killed according to USGS, which termed it a potentially widespread disaster. Last year, over 1000 died in a quake in Paktika province. Afghanistan's terrain makes it prone to frequent seismic activity and damage. This latest powerful tremor has brought further suffering to the crisis-hit nation.