The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) unveiled images of the Gaganyaan spacecraft, scheduled for a December 2024 manned space mission. ISRO announced imminent unmanned flight tests, focusing on the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1) to showcase the Crew Escape System's performance. The Gaganyaan project aims to demonstrate India's capability in launching a crew of two to three members into a 400 km circular orbit around Earth for a one-to-three-day mission, followed by a safe return landing in the Indian sea waters. Successful tests will pave the way for further qualifications, leading to the inaugural Gaganyaan mission with Indian astronauts. (Image Courtesy: ISRO)

The UK unit of BJP has urged United Kingdom PM Rishi Sunak to safeguard Indian envoys from Khalistan supporters amidst increasing attacks on Indian missions abroad, particularly in the UK and Canada. Kuldeep Shekhawat, President of Overseas Friends of BJP UK, penned a letter to the Foreign Affairs Minister, urging immediate action. The letter emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation into the root causes behind these incidents and holding accountable those endangering the safety of Indian diplomats.

Israel has declared a 'state of war' after Gaza-based Hamas militants launched over 5000 rockets into the country in what they called a first strike. Loud sirens blared across Israel as visuals showed Hamas fighters infiltrating using paragliders. This marks a major escalation in the long-running Israel-Palestine conflict. Hamas' armed wing said its 'Operation Al-Aqsa Flood' is meant to end Israel's crimes and rampaging with impunity. Multiple impact points were reported across Israel including Jerusalem on the holiday morning. Israel's defense forces called it a terrorist attack and asked residents near Gaza to stay indoors amid the fierce rocket barrage.

Air India, under Tata Group ownership, unveiled its rebranded A350 plane in a new logo and livery. Shared on social media, the modern design features a stylized version of the iconic Maharaja mascot, using red, white, and purple colors. The underbelly of the planes sports a patch of red with white lettering. The palette includes deep red, aubergine, and gold accents, inspired by the chakra. Tata Sons Chairman stated the logo signifies "limitless possibilities." Tata Sons acquired Air India in January 2022 and plans to merge it with Vistara by March 2024.

On Day 14 of the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, India's medal tally reached 100. The archery contingent secured two gold medals with Jyothi Surekha and Ojas Pravin Deotale winning in women's and men's compound events, respectively. Abhishek Verma won silver, and Aditi Gopichand claimed bronze in archery. The women's kabaddi team won gold by defeating Chinese Taipei in the final. Wrestling competitions were intense, featuring athletes Yash, Deepak Punia, Vicky, and Sumit. Indian cricket fans awaited the men's final against Afghanistan. Badminton duo Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy aimed for a historic gold. India's total medals: 25 gold, 35 silver, and 40 bronze.

The Biden administration has ordered two Russian diplomats expelled from the US in retaliation for Moscow ousting two American diplomats last month. The State Department said the move responds to Russia declaring the US diplomats persona non grata over alleged contacts with a jailed Russian national. Washington condemned Moscow's "harassment" of its embassy staff. Russia had accused the US diplomats of "illegal activity" for communicating with an ex-consulate employee arrested for allegedly collecting military intel. The expulsions underscore deteriorating US-Russia ties amid tensions over Ukraine.

India is sure to cross the 100-medal mark for the first time ever at the Asian Games, hitting an unprecedented tally at Hangzhou, China. India has won 95 medals currently and is set to get more medals in compound archery (3), kabaddi (2), badminton (1), and men's Cricket (1). India also broke records with over 20 golds so far, surpassing the previous best. Cricket made its debut with women taking gold and men in the finals. Athletics and Shooting drove the haul with 29 and 22 medals respectively. Other firsts were equestrian gold after 42 years and medals in sailing and rowing. In badminton, the men's team claimed a historic silver. On October 7, India can add to the record medal count before the closing ceremony on October 8. India so far has 22 gold, 34 silver, and 39 bronze medals in the bag.

Indian Railways plans special Vande Bharat trains from neighboring states to facilitate travel for fans attending the highly anticipated India-Pakistan cricket match at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium during the ICC World Cup 2023. The trains, departing from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, will arrive in Ahmedabad before the match and return passengers home post-game. This initiative addresses issues such as high airfares and limited accommodation, ensuring fans can witness the high-stakes clash conveniently. The match, viewed as significant as winning the ODI World Cup, holds immense public interest, and tickets sold out rapidly, emphasizing the rivalry's intensity. [Image: File]

Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi is the 5th Nobel Peace Prize laureate to be honored while imprisoned for campaigning against the oppression of women and the death penalty in Iran. Earlier laureates who couldn't physically receive the award due to incarceration include: 1935 winner Carl von Ossietzky jailed by Nazis, 1991 laureate Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest in Myanmar, 2010 winner Liu Xiaobo imprisoned by China, and in 2022, Ales Bialiatski, who was jailed in Belarus since 2021, shared the award with Russia’s Memorial group and Ukraine’s Center for Civil Liberties. Mohammadi follows a line of activists recognized by the Nobel Committee despite authoritarian regimes imprisoning them for their dissent and activism. [Image: Representative]

Iranian Women's Rights Advocate Narges Mohammadi Awarded Nobel Peace Prize, Drawing Attention to Anti-Government Protests. The Nobel committee recognized Mohammadi's work and highlighted the broader movement in Iran advocating for women's rights and opposing discrimination. Mohammadi, currently serving a 12-year prison sentence in Tehran, becomes the 19th woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. The award, worth $1 million, will be presented in Oslo on December 10. International rights groups praised the decision, emphasizing the courage of Iranian women facing repression. While the award may provide support to Iranian dissidents, her release remains uncertain. (Image Courtesy: Nobel Prize on X)