In response to Iran’s missile attack on Israel, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a stern warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declaring that Iran was not a belligerent but stood firmly against any threat. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, also spoke defiantly, suggesting that the attacks would intensify, while Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed over 150 missiles launched by Iran and sent millions of Israelis into bomb shelters. As both sides prepare for further action, tensions remain high in the region.
This November 15, 2024, Friday, Sikhs all over the world will commemorate Guru Nanak Dev Ji's 555th birth anniversary, also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti. It is a day to honor the founder of Sikhism and his teachings of unity, equality, and humanity. It is celebrated with morning processions, recitation of the holy book, and reflecting on Guru Nanak Dev Ji's spiritual journey. This year, the special anniversary falls on a Friday, making it an even more auspicious occasion.
Indentured servitude, a practice akin to slavery, continues to exist in some countries despite its supposed abolition. This form of labor involves individuals contracting themselves to work without compensation for a fixed number of years. Whether voluntary, as a form of payment, or involuntary, as a punishment, this practice diminishes human rights and dignity. As the world grapples with modern-day slavery, the ongoing use of indentured servitude raises concern over the lack of progress in eradicating this exploitative system.
The India-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (ISACC) was recently inaugurated with the goal of enhancing economic relations between the two countries. This includes promoting trade and investment, encouraging business collaborations, and providing networking and knowledge exchange opportunities. The chamber will focus on empowering youth and women, generating sustainable jobs, and eradicating poverty through inclusive economic policies. Key stakeholders discussed tackling visa challenges and improving business ventures between the two nations, with the chamber set to organize trade missions, seminars, and mentorship programs to build confidence and foster partnerships.
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has resigned after a report revealed a history of child abuse by John Smyth, an associate of the Church of England. Despite being notified by police in 2013, Welby says he believed a resolution would follow, but Smyth was never brought to justice before his death in 2018. In response to Welby's resignation, one of Smyth's victims spoke to the BBC about the horrific abuse he suffered. For more on this story, read the BBC's coverage and Justin Welby's full statement.
The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has released the results for the Class 10 Private/Bi-Annual examinations conducted in August and September 2024. Out of the 50,935 students who appeared for the exam, only 34.69% were able to pass. There are concerns over the declining advertising revenues and the challenges faced by the media in Kashmir in covering the conflict situation in an unbiased manner.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has announced new sanctions aimed at Russia's "shadow" oil tanker fleet, which is used to transport goods banned under Western sanctions. Despite a history of strained relations, the move comes as the Ukrainian government actively targets Russian assets and individuals who support the country's actions in the ongoing conflict. The sanctions are part of a larger effort to increase pressure on Russia and hold them accountable for their role in the war.
A Royal Bengal Tiger was recently spotted in a forest range in the Odisha district of Ganjam, sparking concern among residents. However, the Divisional Forest Officer has assured that the tiger poses no danger to humans as it is confined to the deep forest. The forest officials are closely monitoring the movement of the tiger and have deployed 24 teams and installed camera traps. The tiger did attack and kill six animals in nearby villages, but fortunately, no human has been harmed.
US President-elect Donald Trump made a major announcement by choosing Congressman Mike Waltz as his National Security Advisor for his second term. This decision will ensure continued bipartisan support and further strengthen the India-US relationship. Both Waltz and Indian-American Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna have a shared commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Their past collaborations include a joint letter to the House Speaker inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a joint address to the US Congress and their efforts to rush medical supplies to India during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis.
A video of an Indian woman's interaction with Japan's Nara deer has captured the hearts of viewers online. The footage shows the woman greeting the deer with a traditional bow, and the animals responding by mimicking the gesture. The video quickly went viral, showcasing the friendly and polite nature of Japan's iconic deer.
In a fierce encounter between the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Kuki militants in Manipur, 11 suspected rebels were shot dead while two CRPF jawans were injured. The injured jawan has been airlifted to a hospital for treatment. The tense situation in the district has led to the imposition of an indefinite curfew by the district magistrate. There are concerns about missing civilians, with officials suspecting that they may have been abducted by the militants.