Tensions have reached a critical point in the Middle East as the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza continues. Following the assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah's military chief in Beirut, Saudi Arabia has called for their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. The situation remains volatile as Iran and its allies vow to retaliate, causing fears of a regional war as the US moves warships and fighter jets to the area.
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.
Security forces in Manipur's Jiribam district successfully countered an attack launched by suspected Kuki insurgents on a police station and nearby settlement. The encounter resulted in 10 deaths of the insurgents and one injured CRPF jawan. The security forces recovered weapons such as RPGs and AK assault rifles and have continued operations to flush out any remaining militants in the area. This attack has led to tensions in the region, with Kuki civil society groups announcing a shutdown in certain areas to mourn the deaths of the militants.
Indian journalist Rana Ayyub, known for her fearless investigative reporting on government corruption and communal violence, will be receiving the International Press Freedom Award alongside Palestinian journalist Samar Abu Elouf. Ayyub has faced physical threats and legal action from the Indian government for her work, but continues to prioritize speaking the truth and fighting against self-censorship. She believes that the journalists on the ground in Gaza are the real heroes, fighting against doubt and adversity to report on the truth.
In a deadly attack on Saturday, a suicide bomber detonated explosives at Quetta Railway Station in Pakistan, killing at least 25 people and injuring 50. The blast occurred when passengers were waiting on the platform to board a train, causing widespread panic and chaos. The Balochistan Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for the attack, and Pakistan is facing a surge in terror attacks in recent years.
Qatar has pulled out of its crucial role as a mediator in the ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel in Gaza, citing a lack of progress and a lack of willingness from both parties. The move comes after months of failed attempts to reach a peaceful resolution to the conflict, with Qatar, along with Egypt and the US, leading the efforts. However, Washington has reportedly urged Qatar to expel Hamas leaders from Doha, claiming that the group's political office no longer serves a purpose in the negotiations. This decision marks a significant shift in Qatar's diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.