#Minister sandeep singh

[marwahstudios]

Sandeep Marwah Invited by State of Uttarakhand to Invest in Entertainment Industry

Mumbai:I n a landmark meeting at Hotel Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, Sandeep Marwah, a pioneer in the entertainment industry, engaged in discussions with the Honorable Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami. The meeting took place during a road show and investment meet organized by the Government of Uttarakhand, where Mr. Marwah was invited to explore opportunities in the flourishing entertainment sector of the state.

During the discussions, Sandeep Marwah shared insights into his illustrious career and, notably, his instrumental role in the planning and development of the Noida Film City in 1986. What started as a vision has now become the fastest-growing film city in the world, spanning 100 acres with 75 outdoors and 25 indoors, housing 16 studios. The Noida Film City broadcasts content to 162 countries through 350 channels, operating 24×7. It currently employs around 17,000 media professionals working in three shifts, contributing to a cascading effect that positively impacts the livelihoods of approximately 150,000 people.

Impressed by the success story of the Noida Film City, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended a warm invitation to Sandeep Marwah to invest his expertise, time, and resources in developing the entertainment business in the state of Uttarakhand. Recognizing Mr. Marwah’s significant contributions to the industry, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that collaboration with such a visionary would not only boost the entertainment sector in Uttarakhand but also contribute to the overall economic development of the state.

Sandeep Marwah, known for his commitment to the growth of the entertainment industry, welcomed the invitation and expressed his eagerness to explore potential opportunities in Uttarakhand. He acknowledged the state’s potential for becoming a prominent hub for the entertainment business and assured his commitment to contributing to its growth.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties expressing optimism about the potential collaboration and the positive impact it could have on the entertainment landscape of Uttarakhand.

[kccinstitutes]

Convocation Batch 2018-21 on 21 January 2023

KCC Institute of Legal & Higher Education, Greater Noida conducted its First Convocation for the batch of 2018-21 on 21 January 2023. As the graduates were eagerly waiting to take their degrees, they enthusiastically participated in Academic Procession followed by the Degree Distribution.

The chief guest of the Ceremony was Prof Abhishek Mishra, Former Cabinet Minister-Govt of U.P. Prof Vijita Singh Aggarwal, Director, International Affairs  and Ms Uma Sudindra, Professor,SICMSS were the guests of honour from GGSIPU.

Following esteemed members of the academic council of KCCILHE also graced the occasion.

Shri Deepak Bhardwaj, CEO, Launchspace

Dr Sandeep Garg, Executive Director, SIAM,

Adv. Mr Rajeev Tyagi , Member & Advisor, TAC, Ministry of Telecommunication, GOI,

Dr Durgesh Tripathi, Professor, USMC, GGSIPU,

Mr Pawan Rastogi, Chartered Accountant,

Mr Atul Tripathi, Data Scientist,

Mr Pradeep Bagchi, Senior Editor, Times of India,

Mr Sunil Mirza, General Manager (North India) Hindu Group of Publications

Students from various courses i.e. BBA, BCA, BCOM(H) and BAJMC received their degrees. Degree distribution was followed by the Prize distribution for meritorious students of each course. Ceremony ended with pledging honour to our country by singing the national anthem.

This was followed with Lunch, photo sessions and exchange of messages. The graduation Ceremony concluded with a joy that is sure to inspire the students to achieve great heights.

#kcc #kccinstitutes #kcciilhe #kccitm #ggsipu #ipuniversity #aktu #bba #bca #bajmc #bcomh #btech #greaternoida #mba #bballb #ballb #mtech

#KCC #Institutes #Greater #Noida https://www.kccitm.edu.in

[todayworldnews2k21]

J&K BJP MLA Devender Singh Rana passes away at 59

Devender Singh Rana passes away at 59 | Photo Credit: Sandeep Saxena Senior BJP leader and sitting MLA from the Nagrota Assembly constituency in Jammu and Kashmir, Devender Singh Rana (59), passed away at a private hospital in Haryana’s Fraidabad on Thursday, a party spokesman said. Rana was the younger brother of Union minister Jitendra Singh. The exact reason behind his death is not known…

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Amid the ongoing diplomatic rift between a massive diplomatic row between Indian and Canada over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, New Delhi has reportedly named a Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA) official, identified as Sandeep Singh Sidhu and added him to its list of fugitive terrorists sought for deportation. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police went public this week with allegations that Indian diplomats were targeting Sikh separatists in Canada by sharing information about them with their government back home. India has rejected the Canadian accusations calling them as absurd, and foreign ministry said that it was expelling Canada’s acting high commissioner and five other diplomats in response. According to reports Sandeep Singh Sidhu, an employee of the CBSA and a member of the banned International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), is accused of promoting terrorist activities in Punjab. Sandeep Singh Sidhu allegedly had ties with Pakistan-based Khalistan terrorist Lakhbir Singh Rode and other ISI operatives, reportedly playing a role in the 2020 assassination of Balwinder Singh Sandhu. Balwinder Singh Sandhu, a Shaurya Chakra awardee, became a symbol of resistance for his efforts against Khalistani militants during Punjab’s insurgency and for opposing Khalistan referendums led by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in the US and Canada. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] Amid the ongoing diplomatic rift between a massive diplomatic row between Indian and Canada over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, New Delhi has reportedly named a Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA) official, identified as Sandeep Singh Sidhu and added him to its list of fugitive terrorists sought for deportation. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police went public this week with allegations that Indian diplomats were targeting Sikh separatists in Canada by sharing information about them with their government back home. India has rejected the Canadian accusations calling them as absurd, and foreign ministry said that it was expelling Canada’s acting high commissioner and five other diplomats in response. According to reports Sandeep Singh Sidhu, an employee of the CBSA and a member of the banned International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), is accused of promoting terrorist activities in Punjab. Sandeep Singh Sidhu allegedly had ties with Pakistan-based Khalistan terrorist Lakhbir Singh Rode and other ISI operatives, reportedly playing a role in the 2020 assassination of Balwinder Singh Sandhu. Balwinder Singh Sandhu, a Shaurya Chakra awardee, became a symbol of resistance for his efforts against Khalistani militants during Punjab’s insurgency and for opposing Khalistan referendums led by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in the US and Canada. [ad_2] Source link

[angel0news]

Haryana Parties Rally Behind Vinesh Phogat After Paris Olympics Disappointment

Introduction

As the Haryana state elections approach, political parties are rallying in support of wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who faced a significant setback after being disqualified from the final bout at the Paris Olympics. The state is set to go to polls within a few months, and leaders are keen to align themselves with the popular athlete.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s Support

On Thursday, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini of the BJP announced that Vinesh Phogat would be honored at par with a bronze medalist, despite her disqualification. “Haryana’s courageous daughter Vinesh Phogat gave a brilliant performance in the Olympics and reached the finals. She might not have been able to contest the final match, but she is a champion for all of us. Our government will honor and welcome her the same as we do for a medallist,” Saini declared on X (formerly Twitter).

Under the government’s sports policy, Olympic gold medalists receive Rs 6 crore, silver medalists get Rs 4 crore, and bronze medal winners are awarded Rs 2.5 crore. Saini’s decision ensures Phogat will receive the same recognition and benefits as a bronze medal winner.

Opposition’s Take

Leader of the Opposition and former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda of the Congress party suggested that Phogat should be honored at par with a gold medalist. Hooda also mentioned that if he had sufficient numbers in the Assembly, he would have nominated Phogat for the Rajya Sabha. Currently, the BJP holds a majority in the Assembly, making it likely that their candidate will win the upcoming Rajya Sabha seat election.

AAP’s Early Outreach

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, representing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was the first political leader to visit Phogat’s village in Charkhi Dadri after her disqualification. Mann criticized the BJP, suggesting a conspiracy behind Phogat’s disqualification and called for intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Congress and Wrestler Protests

The Congress party has been vocal about supporting the wrestlers' protests against former wrestling federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of the BJP. Vinesh Phogat was a prominent figure in these protests, and Congress leaders have stood with the wrestlers. Recently, the Congress inducted a former woman coach who accused ex-sports minister Sandeep Singh of sexual harassment, further showcasing their stance on supporting athletes and women’s rights.

Conclusion

As the Haryana elections draw near, political parties are leveraging their support for Vinesh Phogat to resonate with the electorate. The widespread backing for Phogat reflects her influence and the broader political strategies at play in the state.

[smhoaxslayer]

False Claims and Voice-Overs: Indian Actors Become Targets of Election Fake News using their Deepfakes

Amidst the growing pool of social media content on the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections 2024, the major portion center around the political battles between the parties contesting in these elections. From on-ground videos to leaders' speeches - political content is being circulated at higher amounts than usual at present. This has also garnered a significant amount of misinformation being forwarded across platforms. One such set of misinforming content is pushing Indian actors at the center of the fake news. The cases of popular actors of the Indian cinema - Ranveer Singh, Aamir Khan, and Allu Arjun have gained attention in the recent few days, raising questions on the authenticity of election-based content spreading like wildfires across platforms. The deepfake dilemma of Ranveer Singh Recently, a video of Ranveer Singh was circulated across social media platforms where he was seen criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The video was connected to the actor's recent visit to Varanasi for Manish Malhotra's fashion show. Vote for न्याय 🇮🇳 Vote for Congress ✋ ये विडीयो किसने बनाई? pic.twitter.com/v5vwg9eKuc — Sandeep Chaudhary commentary (@newsSChaudhry) April 18, 2024 archive The video was a deepfake as it contained an AI voice-over on the original video clip, where statements criticizing the PM were synced with the original voice of the actor. This was a case of AI voice cloning. Several accounts on social media platforms had shared this video previously, but eventually many were taken down after the false claim was brought to attention. The actor also filed a complaint with Mumbai cyber crime cell. Singh took to his social media account and shared his feelings over the incident saying, "Deepfake se bacho doston" (Friends, beware of deepfakes). Deepfake se bacho dostonnnn 💀 — Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) April 19, 2024 archive Aamir Khan and the voice-over menace Indian actor Aamir Khan too became a victim of the fake news spreads around election based news stories. The actor is seen talking about 'two guarantees'- one hinting at the misleading promises and another which promised 'paanch nyay' (five justices) for development, as endorsed by Congress. The video was seen as a promotional video for Congress. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5wOC05SrSf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link archive However, it was found that this video was originally from a promotional video for the show Satyamev Jayate, uploaded on 30 August, 2016. https://youtu.be/10lhW8MRizU?si=BEMkJmpiKQiBxd7o Allu Arjun and the campaign claims Actor Allu Arjun became a part of viral fake news as his photo was circulated stating that he was campaigning for congress party. Posts of the actor with this claim were widely circulated across social media platforms. Allu Arjun the biggest super star of India is campaigning for congress party. pic.twitter.com/rSErtscMnM — KRK (@kamaalrkhan) April 20, 2024 archive Allu Arjun the biggest super star of India is campaigning for congress party.#Congress #Elections2024 pic.twitter.com/Z6auslVIuY — Salman⭐ (@salmanmkjw) April 21, 2024 archive However, it was found that this video clip is from the 40th India Day Parade in New York with the popular Telugu actor as Grand Marshal, therefore rejecting the viral claims being made about the actor campaigning for Congress in the recent elections. https://youtu.be/TWNF30tyIxE?si=XYpynHORvWANBi1t Read the full article

[souravmehta2004]

The Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in collaboration with the Maitry Peace Foundation, successfully hosted the prestigious International Buddha Peace Award & Gaurav Shri Samman.

A celebration of peace and goodwill unfolded at the Myanmar Embassy Auditorium Hall in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, on February 5th, 2024, as the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Maitry Peace Foundation jointly hosted the esteemed International Buddha Peace Award & Gaurav Shri Samman. This event served as a platform to recognize and honor individuals and organizations dedicated to promoting peace, harmony, and social welfare.

The event received acclaim with the esteemed presence of Mr. Ramdas Athawale, Central Minister (MOS) for Social Justice and Empowerment of the Government of India, as the chief guest. His Excellency, the Ambassador of Myanmar, alongside Mr. Athawale, bestowed awards upon deserving recipients, fostering an atmosphere of reverence and appreciation.

The sponsorship from Accord Superspeciality Hospital and the support from New Era Skills LLP played pivotal roles in ensuring the event's success. Dr. Rishi Gupta and Mr. Prabal Roy from Accord Superspeciality Hospital, Mr. Hemen Parikh from New Era Skills LLP, alongside distinguished guests like Mr. Group Captain Vishwajeet Kumar and Dr. Prashant Rokade, Joint Commissioner of Delhi Customs, graced the occasion. Awardees, including U Hla Oo, Mr. Ajay Harinath Singh, and Sahabaz Khan, received their honors from the Ambassador of Myanmar and the Chief Guest.

The event also witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, further adding to its splendor. Notable personalities such as Mr. Nilesh Soni, Mr. Rajkumar Arora, Ms. Priyanka Dhaundiyal, Mr. Chaman Sharma, Yuvraj Kumar, Jitendra Kumar, Rohit Gupta, Ram Chandra Soni, Dr. Umesh Kohli, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Dr. Sabita Kumari, Dr. Divya Kumar, Dr. Biju, Dr. Asif Umar, Dr. Vikram Dua, Dr. Parveen Mendiratta, Dr. Arunesh Kumar, Dr. Abhishek, Dr. Saurabh Joshi, Dr. Purnima Rao, Dr. Dheeraj Arya, Mr. Vinay Gupta, Mr. Sandeep Bhutan, and Mr. Dhananjay/Mrs. Hema graced the occasion with their presence.

In his address, Mr. Ramdas Athawale underscored the paramount importance of fostering peace and harmony in society, commending the efforts of the Maitry Peace Foundation and its collaborators in recognizing individuals and organizations dedicated to these noble causes.

The Maitry Peace Foundation expressed profound gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and supporters for their invaluable contributions, highlighting the event's role as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to strive for a more peaceful and harmonious world.

With the successful conclusion of the International Buddha Peace Award & Gaurav Shri Samman event, the Maitry Peace Foundation and its partners reiterated their steadfast commitment to promoting peace, compassion, and social justice, leaving an enduring legacy on the journey towards a brighter future.

[playermagic23]

Pankaj Tripathi shares his views on nepotism; says, “Duniya ke har field mein hoti hai”

Pankaj Tripathi talks about the existence of nepotism.

Pankaj Tripathi shares his views on nepotism; says, “Duniya ke har field mein hoti hai”

Tripathi, known for his performances and portrayals on-screen, addressed the issue by stating, “Duniya ke har field mein hoti hai baaki har field ke logon ka interview nahin hota hai isliye mudda nahin banta hai aur again talent talent hota hai, ye bhi zaroori hai koi parivar ka bachcha ho talented bhi ho sakta hai, toh talent se cheez ko maapein (It is prevalent in every field. The issue is not created as people from other fields are not interviewed. A talented kid can also belong to a privileged background, so one should always be judged based on their talent).”

On the film front, Pankaj Tripathi was recently seen in Main Atal Hoon. The film is scripted by Rishi Virmani and Ravi Jadhav and boasts production support from Bhanushali Studios Limited and Legend Studios, led by Vinod Bhanushali, Sandeep Singh, Sam Khan, and Kamlesh Bhanushali. The film is the biopic of India’s celebrated Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It released on January 19, 2024.

[starfriday]

*Step into History: Pankaj Tripathi's 'Main ATAL Hoon' Teaser Offers a Glimpse into Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Inspirational Journey*

Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee has touched many hearts with his commendable work as India’s three-time Prime Minister. Now, audiences will get to experience his journey on the big screen with 'Main ATAL Hoon.'

After an impressive motion poster, the makers today revealed the teaser of the film, giving a glimpse into the life of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Witness the rise of India’s greatest Visionary tomorrow with the trailer launch of Pankaj Tripathi starrer, Main ATAL Hoon.

Directed by award-winning director Ravi Jadhav and written by Rishi Virmani and Ravi Jadhav, 'Main ATAL Hoon,' presented by Bhanushali Studios Limited and Legend Studios, is produced by Vinod Bhanushali, Sandeep Singh, and Kamlesh Bhanushali. The film is set to hit the big screens on the 19th of January 2024."

[rheamaefrancia]

Israel-Palestine Conflict News Highlights: Four days since the Hamas attack, the Israeli army said today that they have regained control of the Gaza border and warned the population in the besieged territory to flee to neighbouring Egypt, only to later clarify that the main border crossing into Egypt was shut. As for Hamas operatives, they had “nowhere to hide in Gaza”, military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said, reported Reuters. “We will reach them everywhere,” the official reportedly added, in a grim reminder of the retaliation that is to follow.

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What is the death toll so far? The Israeli military said that the bodies of 1,500 Hamas militants were found in Israeli territory. Over 1,800 people have been killed so far since the escalation of conflict on Saturday, including 1,000 Israelis, and nearly 830 Palestinians in Gaza. After the surprise Hamas attack on Israeli civilians and military, Tel Aviv said that it is imposing a “complete siege” on Gaza, cutting off the supply of electricity, food, water, and fuel.

Meanwhile, an Indian woman from Kerala was among the thousands injured in the attacks — her family said that she was on a video call with her husband when it happened. World leaders condemned the attack and the US said that it is sending military support to Israel as it pledged “unwavering” support to its ally.

LIVE BLOG

Israel-Palestine Conflict Highlights: Over 1,600 Israelis and Palestinians dead; Netanyahu says offensive against Hamas will 'reverberate' for generations. Follow this space for all the latest updates.

08:56 (IST)

11 OCT 2023

This live blog is now closed.

Thank you for reading. Please follow our latest live blog for fresh updates!

22:29 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Israeli envoy to Indian Express: 'We have to teach Hamas a lesson'

Amid the ongoing attacks in the latest chapter of the decades-long Israel-Palestine conflict, Kobbi Shoshani, Consul General of Israel to Mumbai and official representative of the state of Israel in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa, spoke to Nayonika Bose and Sandeep Singh about the current on field situation in Israel, his state’s plans for the war and his thoughts about Hamas among other subjects.

Excerpts:

When you say that Hamas will pay a heavy price, how far will Israel go in terms of retaliation? What do you aim to achieve this time, that has never been done before?

I agree with our Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, that we should change the way of thinking in the Middle East, after this event. This is the only solution and the only retaliation. It was a brutal crime against humanity and we cannot accept that. For us, all means are open, by which, we mean, everything. They (Hamas) and all other terrorists in the area, around us, have to understand that such things cannot happen again in Israel. And for that, we have to teach them a lesson and the price is going to be very heavy.

Read the full interview here.

22:01 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Ending Palestinian aid would be "completely wrong", says Germany's Baerbock

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Tuesday that ending humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territories in light of a recent violent escalation would be "completely wrong".

Speaking ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers to resolve divisions over whether to continue aid payments to Palestinians, Baerbock said "it would be completely wrong now to stop vital humanitarian aid to the civilian population".

"Millions of people, including many children, in the Palestinian territories, depend on us for food, water and medicine," she added. (Reuters)

20:39 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

🚨Israeli military responds to rocket fire from Lebanon

Reuters is reporting that Israeli military is responding by artillery fire to rocket launches from Lebanon.

20:37 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Hours after warning, Hamas attacks Israeli city of Ashkelon

Hours after issuing a warning, Hamas has launched rocket fire against Israeli city of Ashkelon, reports The Gaurdian.

20:26 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Hamas armed wing tells residents of Israel's Ashkelon to leave in hours

Hamas armed wing spokesman Abu Ubaida had told residents of Israel's port of Ashkelon to leave the area by 5 p.m. (1400 GMT) on Tuesday, without giving any further details. (Reuters)

20:25 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

🚨Just in

Reuters is reporting that the Gaza health ministry has revised the Palestinian death toll again. At least 830 Palestinians have been killed in the aftermath of the Hamas attack on Saturday.

20:22 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Sirens heard in Northern Israel

Sirens are being heard in northern Israel, close to the Lebanon border,

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19:55 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

In Photos | Israel-Hamas exchange artillery and rocket fire

Smoke billows following Israeli strikes in Gaza City, October 10, 2023. (REUTERS/Mohammed Salem)

Rockets are fired from Gaza towards Israel, in Gaza, October 10, 2023. (REUTERS/Mohammed Salem)

Rockets are fired from Gaza towards Israel, in Gaza, October 10, 2023. (REUTERS/Mohammed Salem)

18:58 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Sirens sounding in Tel Aviv

The Israel Defence Forces have just said that there are sirens sounding in Tel Aviv, and across Israel.

18:50 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Israeli death toll soars past 1,000: Israel embassy in US

Reuters is reporting that the Israeli embassy in US says that Israeli death toll from the Hamas attack has risen to 1,000.

18:41 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Putin says violence in Israel and Palestine shows US failure in Middle East

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said the surge of violence between Israel and the Palestinians showed the failure of US policy, which he said had sought to monopolise negotiations while ignoring Palestinian interests.

"I think that many people will agree with me that this is a vivid example of the failure of United States policy in the Middle East," Putin told visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.

Putin said the United States had sought to "monopolise" international efforts at forging peace in the region, and accused Washington of neglecting to seek compromises that would be acceptable to each side.

The United States, Putin said, had ignored the interests of Palestinians, including the need for an independent Palestinian state. The Palestinians want a state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip with East Jerusalem as its capital - all territory captured by Israel in the 1967 war. (Reuters)

18:40 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

US sends first tranche of US military aid to Israel

The United States does not want to see innocent civilians killed anywhere, including in Gaza and Israel, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said on Tuesday as the first tranche of U.S. security assistance headed to Israel.

"What we're focused on is making sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and to take action against Hamas as the first tranche of military assistance is on its way to Israel as we speak," Kirby said in an interview with CNN. (Reuters)

17:56 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Israel strikes Gaza's southern exit point to Egypt

Israeli bombardments hit the area of the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt on Tuesday, Palestinian officials and Egyptian security sources said, imperilling operations at the only formal exit point on Gaza's southern border.

Gaza's Hamas-run Interior Ministry said the bombardments had caused work to stop at the crossing, and that Egyptian staff had warned Palestinian counterparts to evacuate.

The strike follows a similar incident on Monday that partially disrupted operations at the border, though Egyptian security sources said access for registered travellers and humanitarian activity had been restored by Tuesday morning. (Reuters)

17:38 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Israeli strikes hit Gaza homes, schools, sieges 'illegal'- UN rights chief

Israeli air strikes, in retaliation for Hamas militants' surprise attacks on Israel over the weekend, struck residential buildings and schools across Gaza, the United Nations Human Rights chief said on Tuesday, warning that "sieges" were illegal under international law.

Volker Turk also condemned "horrifying mass killings by members of Palestinian armed groups" and said the militants' abduction of hostages was forbidden under international law.

Israel's air attacks - the worst in the 75-year history of its conflict with the Palestinians - also hit "premises of the UN relief and works agency, UNRWA (UN Palestinian refugee agency)," a UN rights office statement said, adding that civilians were among the dead and injured. Israel vowed to take "mighty revenge" after the Hamas attack left its streets strewn with bodies.

Israeli media said 900 people were killed in the attacks and most were civilians, while nearly 700 Gazans were killed in Israeli strikes, according to Gaza officials, with entire districts in Gaza flattened. (Reuters)

16:35 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Netanyahu coalition partners green-light possible emergency government

All partners in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition approved on Tuesday a proposed expansion of the government to include politicians now in the opposition, a statement from his Likud party said.

Since the shock weekend Hamas attack from Gaza and Israel's build-up for war, some centre-left parties have offered to join Netanyahu in government - a bid to shore up the country in crisis. (Reuters)

16:13 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

'We kiss the hands of those who attacked the Zionist regime' says Iran

Iran's top authority Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, delivered his first televised speech since the Hamas attack on Tuesday and hailed what he called Israel's "irreparable" military and intelligence defeat. "We kiss the hands of those who planned the attack on the Zionist regime," said Khamenei, who was wearing a Palestinian scarf during the telecast.

15:28 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

At least 770 Palestinians killed in Israeli bombardments on Gaza

At least 770 Palestinians have been killed and 4,000 wounded in Israeli air strikes on the blockaded enclave since Saturday, Gaza's Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

A view shows houses and buildings destroyed by Israeli strikes in Gaza City, October 10, 2023. (REUTERS/Mohammed Salem)

At least another 18 people were killed and 100 injured in the West Bank since Saturday, the ministry added. (Reuters)

15:14 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

PM Modi speaks to Netanyahu, says 'India stands firmly behind Israel'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X on Tuesday, and said that he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, assuring him that "India stands firmly with Israel at this difficult hour".

14:54 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Why is Israel an attractive destination for Indian caregivers?

As Israeli forces continued to battle Palestinian militants in areas bordering the Gaza Strip two days after the Hamas invasion that has left at least 700 Israelis dead with about 150 taken hostage, there is concern in India about its expatriate population in Israel.

An Israeli soldier stands atop a tank in a field at the Israeli side of the Gaza border on the outskirts of Ashkelon, southern Israel October 9. (Photo: Reuters)

An estimated 18,000-odd Indians are employed in Israel, and the vast majority of them, perhaps up to 14,000 individuals, are caregivers to the elderly.

Here is a look at these caregivers, who they are, their journey to Israel from India, and their life in the West Asian Jewish nation. (Read more)

14:29 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Explained: Amid the Israel-Palestine conflict, Gaza’s 100-year history of war

In January 2018, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Teen Murti Chowk in the heart of New Delhi to pay homage to Indian soldiers who fell in the Battle of Haifa in Israel a century ago.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu at the Teen Murti – Haifa Chowk in New Delhi in 2018. (Photo via X.com)

The chowk was renamed Teen Murti Haifa Chowk, its three statues commemorating the heroism of the lancers from Jodhpur, Mysore, and Hyderabad who were part of the Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade, and had distinguished themselves in the Sinai and Palestine campaign during World War I.

Before Haifa, Gaza

Ten months before Haifa, the lancers and Gurkha riflemen had played a key role in another battle, fought south of Haifa in a land hugging the same Mediterranean coastline. The Third Battle of Gaza in November 1917 became the turning point in the Palestine campaign. (Read more)

14:03 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Who is Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas’s military wing?

Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas’ military wing, said “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm” was in response to the “16-year blockade of Gaza, the Israeli occupation and a series of recent incidents that have brought Israeli-Palestinian tensions to a fever pitch”, according to the Associated Press. But little is known about Deif himself, who is often described as a “shadowy” figure.

People celebrate the attacks that the militant Hamas group carried out against Israel, at Bourj al-Barajneh Palestinian refugee camp, in Beirut, Lebanon, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (AP, File)

Deif has been the head of Hamas’s military wing since 2002. According to a recent profile in the Financial Times, he was born Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al-Masri in the Khan Younis refugee camp in Gaza during the 1960s. Gaza, at that point, had been under Egyptian control (from 1948 to 1967). Between 1967 to 2005, it was under Israeli rule and then it came under the Palestinian Authority from 2005 to 2007. In 2007, a Hamas coup led it to establish its control. (Read more)

13:47 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Air India waives cancellation charges on Tel Aviv tickets

Air India today said in a statement that it is offering a one-time waiver for rescheduling/cancelling confirmed tickets on flights to and from Tel Aviv. " The offer is valid on tickets issued before 9th October for travel until 31st October 2023," it said.

13:41 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Hamas may have hit — or killed — a brewing Israel-Saudi agreement: here’s how

Why did the Palestinian militant group Hamas attack Israel? And why now?

Experts say one reason could be to disrupt or destroy ongoing negotiations, mediated by the United States, for the normalisation of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The two countries are on the cusp of signing an agreement that could potentially mark a tectonic shift in the political landscape of the Middle East. But this deal, if it comes through, will also show that the support for an independent Palestinian state is no longer a priority for the Arab world, of which Saudi Arabia is the leader.

Crown prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman (left), Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with US Preside Joe Biden (right). (Photo: Prem Nath Pandey (left)/Reuters (right))

That is something that Hamas does not want. And notably, the militants attacked southern Israel just days after the US announced that the “basic framework” of the agreement was in place. Nine hundred Israelis are now dead in the attack, and 150 have been taken hostage in Gaza. A fierce Israeli retaliation has killed almost 700 Palestinians so far.

What is the potential deal? Why is it being negotiated now? Will the Hamas attack impact the deal? We take a look. (Read more)

13:04 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

‘I just hope that they are alive’: How Hamas abducted 150 Israelis

Gaya Kalderon last heard from half her family at 8.26 am Saturday.

“They are here,” her sister, Sahar, 16, wrote in a text message.

“Who is?” said Gaya, 21.

“We’re hiding from them,” Sahar said. “We left the house.”

“Where are you?” Gaya said. “Where are you going?”

There was no reply.

It wasn’t until Sunday that a terrified Kalderon saw any sign of her missing relatives, on social media. A video appeared of an Israeli child being shoved down a path by Palestinian militants. Erez, 12, and four other members of the Kalderon family are feared to be among an estimated 150 Israelis, many of them civilians, taken hostage by Palestinian militants during the broadest invasion of Israeli territory in 50 years. About 900 other Israelis were killed, according to a government statement. (Read more)

12:39 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Why Gandhi opposed a Jewish nation-state in Palestine

“Palestine belongs to the Arabs in the same sense that England belongs to the English, or France to the French,” Mahatma Gandhi wrote in Harijan on November 26, 1938.

Gandhi (left) with his two Jewish aides and confidants in South Africa, probably in 1913: his secretary Sonja Schlesin (standing) and Dr Hermann Kallenbach. (Via Wikimedia Commons)

Gandhi’s article — ‘The Jews’ — has been the subject of intense debate over the years. It has been cited as evidence of his naivete by some, while others have seen it as further proof of his deep commitment to non-violence, regardless of consequences.

Amidst the latest bloody chapter in the history of Israel and Palestine, we look back at what Gandhi had to say on this, in Gandhi’s own words, “very difficult question”. (Read more)

12:38 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Meanwhile, in India...

Four students of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) were booked Monday by the police for taking out a march on the campus in support of Palestine amid the ongoing conflict with Israel.

Mohammed Wasim Ali, Proctor, AMU, said the march was held without prior permission and hence it was illegal. (Express file photo of the Aligarh Muslim University by Gajendra Yadav)

The Aligarh police swung into action after the political leaders raised objections following videos of the march taking rounds on social media platforms since Monday morning. Sub Inspector (SI) Azahar Hasan at the AMU police outpost lodged the First Information Report (FIR) at the Civil Lines police station Monday afternoon. (Read more)

12:07 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Current situation in Gaza and Israel

It's around 9.30 am on October 10 in Israel and Gaza now.

The city has been pounded by Israeli missiles through the night, with hundreds of strikes targetting the middle-class high-rise neighbourhood in Rimal, says The Guardian. Meanwhile, it has been a quieter night on the Israeli night, says the report, adding that there were two firefights on Gaza periphery.

The report quoted the IDF spokesperson as saying that the military was "laying down infrastructure for further options," adding "The scope of this bigger than before and more severe. It is not going to be clean."

11:51 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Hamas attack strips away notion it could be a force for stability in Gaza

Since its founding, Hamas has declared that Israel has no right to exist, that there are no Israeli civilians and that every Israeli citizen is a soldier of the state and thus a legitimate target.

The attack by Hamas into Israel proper is notable for its terror, targeting not only uniformed soldiers, but also civilians, including women and children. (Photo: The New York Times)

Still, if Western nations considered Hamas a terrorist organisation, they also thought that it was preoccupied with governing Palestinians crammed into Gaza. Hamas provided social services. It was even thought of as a restraint on what were considered even more radical groups.

But the assault launched by Hamas this weekend, with more than 900 Israelis listed as killed so far and more than 150 believed taken as hostages and human shields into Gaza, has now stripped away any remaining illusions about the group or its intentions. (Read more)

11:46 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Israeli military says about 1,500 bodies of Hamas militants found

Israel's military said about 1,500 bodies of Hamas militants were found in Israeli territory as, as it said it had largely gained control in the country's south and “restored full control” over the border on the fourth day of fighting following an unprecedented surprise attack.

Spokesperson Richard Hecht said no Hamas fighters have crossed into Israel since last night, although infiltrations could still be possible. Israel has previously reported 900 soldiers and civilians killed, and Palestinian authorities have reported about 700 deaths in Gaza and the West Bank. (AP)

11:36 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Flee to Egypt while you can, Israeli military tells Gazans

The Israeli military today warned the over 2 million residents of Gaza that they should leave for neighbouring Egypt via the Rafah border crossing while they can, indicating an upcoming severity in retaliatory moves. It added that the Gaza border has been secured and there have been no new infiltrations since Monday.

'Rafah crossing is still open. Anyone who can get out, I would advise them to get out,' Israel Defence Force spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht said during a call with foreign reporters, reported The Times of Israel. However, Hecht's office later said, "Clarification: The Rafah crossing was open yesterday, but now it is closed."

Israeli soldiers take position near the Israeli-Gaza border, southern Israel, Oct. 9, 2023. (AP)

11:24 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Playboy cuts ties with Mia Khalifa over her stance on conflict

American adult magazine Playboy said in a statement today that it is cutting ties with Lebanese-American media personality and former pornstar Mia Khalifa over her comments in support of the Hamas attack on Saturday.

“Over the past few days, Mia has made disgusting and reprehensible comments celebrating Hamas’ attacks on Israel and the murder of innocent men, women, and children,” Playboy said in a statement.

Khalifa had taken to X (formerly known as Twitter) to comment on the attacks, saying "Can someone please tell the freedom fighters in Palestine to flip their phones and film horizontal." When criticised, she responded, "I just wanna make sure there’s 4k footage of my people breaking down the walls of the open air prison they’ve been forced out of their homes and into so we have good options for the history books that write about how how they freed themselves from apartheid."

11:06 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

'Operation Al-Aqsa Storm' was planned in secret, says Hamas leader

Only a few of Hamas' top commanders knew about the plan to attack Israel on Saturday, claimed senior militant group leader Ali Barakeh in an interview with the Associated Press on Monday.

"Only a handful of Hamas commanders knew about the zero hour," said Barakeh, a member of Hamas’ exiled leadership. He said it was planned by around a half dozen top Hamas commanders in Gaza and that even the group’s closest allies were not informed in advance about the timing. He also rejected allegations that Iran was involved in the attack, but warned that Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah "will join the battle if Gaza is subjected to a war of annihilation."

Ali Barakeh, a member of Hamas’ exiled leadership, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Beirut, Lebanon, Oct. 9, 2023. (AP)

The Hamas leader added that the operation, dubbed "Operation Al-Aqsa Storm" (Al-Aqsa is a holy mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem), had succeeded beyond their expectation. "We were surprised by this great collapse," Barakeh told AP. "We were planning to make some gains and take prisoners to exchange them. This army was a paper tiger."

10:56 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Israel estimates 100-150 held hostage by Hamas

Around 150 Israelis are believed to be held hostage by Hamas following Saturday's attack, and the Israel Defence Force (IDF) is in the process of notifying their families, reported local media.

The Times of Israel said that the IDF is sending out officials to inform over 100 Israeli families that their relatives are being held in Gaza by Hamas. It added that the number of hostages is estimated to be between 100 and 150.

10:47 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Israel says 200 Gaza targets struck overnight; UN says 790 Gaza houses razed in airstrikes

As many as 790 housing units have been razed and 5,330 others have been severely damaged in Israel's retaliatory airstrikes in Gaza the past few days, says the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in an update early today. It added that three water and sanitation sites have cut off services to 4 lakh residents.

In a separate update, the Israel Defence Forces said that it struck more than 200 targets in Gaza overnight. "In recent hours, IDF warplanes and vessels have attacked many targets of the terrorist organisations throughout the Gaza Strip. Dozens of fighter jets attacked over 200 targets throughout the Rimal neighbourhood and Khan Yunis during the night," it said on X (formerly known as Twitter).

10:22 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Watch: How India-Israel ties pogressed, from Palestine-leaning to strategic embrace of the Jewish nation

While India was one of the last non-Muslim states to recognise Israel, it became the first non-Arab state to recognise the Palestine Liberation Organisation. However, the balance of ties shifted in the 1990s.

Shubhajit Roy, Diplomatic Editor, The Indian Express speaks to Charulata Biswas, Senior Producer, The Indian Express in this explained video.

10:00 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Efforts on to secure immediate release of all hostage, says US

The US State Department Tuesday said that Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has reaffirmed American efforts to secure the immediate release of all hostages in a call with Israel Foreign Minister Eli Cohen.

09:45 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Thailand says 18 of its nationals killed in Israel

Eighteen Thai nationals have been killed in unrest in Israel according to the latest available figures, a Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday. (Reuters)

09:05 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Hamas, Israel spars over fate of hostages

In response to Israel's aerial attacks, the spokesman of Hamas' armed wing, Abu Obeida, said Monday night that the group will kill one Israeli civilian captive any time Israel targets civilians in their homes in Gaza “without prior warning.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen warned Hamas against harming any of the hostages, saying, “This war crime will not be forgiven.” Netanyahu appointed a former military commander to manage the hostage and missing persons crisis. (AP)

08:55 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Watch: Israeli Defence Force goes live from outside Gaza

The Israel-Palestine conflict escalates as hostilities persist near Gaza, extending beyond 24 hours following Hamas' initial surprise attack. The Israeli Defense Force has commenced live reporting from outside Gaza, reflecting the heightening tensions and the ongoing developments in the region.

08:50 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

A quick recap

📌 Israel continues retaliatory strikes against the land-locked Gaza Strip, primarily controlled by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

📌 Meanwhile, Hamas has warned that it would execute an Israeli captive for every civilian house bombed without warning. The spokesperson for Hamas' armed wing said it will not negotiate over Israeli captives "under fire" and that Israel should be ready to "pay the price" in return for the captives' freedom.

📌 US said it does not intend to put its military on the ground but will support US interests in the region and support Israel with fresh supplies of air defenses, munitions and other security assistance.

📌 Media reports said that Qatari mediators have held urgent calls to try to negotiate freedom for Israeli women and children seized by Hamas in Gaza in exchange for the release of 36 Palestinian women and children from Israel's prisons, but an Israeli official said no negotiations were underway.

📌 The European Union initially said that it is suspending aid to Palestinians in the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel on Saturday, but backtracked in disarray after EU countries complained the bloc's executive had overstepped the mark.

08:21 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

We support Israel’s right to defend itself against terror, says Obama

Former US President Barack Obama took to X (formerly Twitter) to issue a message of solidarity with Israel.

07:56 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

White House lit up in Israeli colours

US President Joe Biden took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a photo of the White House lit up in Israel's blue and white colour.

07:51 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Israel strikes two tunnels used by Hamas, says military

The Israeli military said early Tuesday that it struck two tunnels used by Hamas militants to enter Israeli territory.

The news came a day after 70 militants infiltrated the Be'eri kibbutz Monday night. The small farming community has been a flashpoint of the conflict — the scene of a hostage standoff during the attack.

Authorities did not immediately provide more information on the location of the tunnels. The militant group has used tunnels in the past. It has an established a network running from Gaza to Egypt to smuggle in weapons, as well as attack tunnels burrowing into Israel. (AP)

07:47 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Airstrikes at Gaza City kills several journalists

An Israeli airstrike in Gaza City killed two Palestinian journalists early Tuesday, according to journalists on the scene who survived. The victims' names and the news outlets they worked for weren't immediately known. The airstrike targeted an area housing several media offices, survivors said.

Three Palestinian journalists reportedly were shot and killed while reporting in Gaza on Saturday. The Committee to Protect Journalists, citing Palestinian press freedom groups, identified two of them as photographer Ibrahim Mohammad Lafi and reporter Mohammad Jarghoun. CPJ said it confirmed that freelance reporter Mohammad El-Salhi also was killed.

Lafi was shot at the Erez Crossing, the main border crossing into Israel, CPJ said. Jarghoun was killed near Rafah city, and El-Salhi was shot dead in the central Gaza Strip. Lafi worked for Ain Media, and Jarghoun reported for Smart Media, CPJ said. (AP)

07:30 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Drone footage above Gaza shows razed buildings

Drone footage taken over the Gaza Strip has shown the damage caused to numerous buildings in the area, several of which appear to have been completely razed in the retaliatory airstrikes by Israel.

07:02 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Who are Hezbollah, and why has their presence raised concerns of escalation?

On Saturday morning (October 7), the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a devastating attack on Israel that has led to the deaths of at least 300 people, according to Israeli media reports as of Sunday. In the Gaza Strip, the coastal Palestinian region from where Hamas fighters crossed over to the bordering Israel, around 250 people have died.

A Hezbollah supporter holds up a poster of the late Hezbollah military commander Imad Mughniyeh, as others wave the group's and Palestinian flags during a rally in celebration of the attacks that the militant Hamas group carried out against Israel, in Dahiyeh, Lebanon, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (AP)

The attack is being seen as the biggest exchange of fire between the two parties in decades. Israel has now declared war, raising global concerns for an already volatile region of the world that has been beset by decades of regional, sectarian and communal rivalries, and intervention from foreign powers. (Read more)

07:01 (IST)

10 OCT 2023

Argentine minister says 7 nationals killed in Israel, 15 still missing

Seven Argentines were killed during the attacks by Hamas militants in Israel over the weekend, and 15 more are still missing, Argentina's foreign minister Santiago Cafiero said.

Around 625 nationals still in Israel have also requested repatriation, he added. (Reuters)

22:28 (IST)

09 OCT 2023

'Hamas has executed a historical massacre': Israel foreign min Eli Cohen

On the Israel-Palestine conflict, Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said, "In the last decades, I don't think that we saw such sins - maybe only in ISIS...Hamas is the proxy of Iran. Hamas executed a historical massacre that the world will not forget."

20:37 (IST)

09 OCT 2023

Israel orders citizens living near Lebanese border to remain indoors

The IDF Homefront Command has ordered Israeli civilians in towns near the Lebanese border to remain in their homes.

20:24 (IST)

09 OCT 2023

India condoles death of 10 Nepalese students in Israel: Nepal FO

India has condoled the death of 10 Nepalese students in Israel and voiced its support to the neighbouring country in its hour of grief, Nepal's foreign ministry said on Monday.

Ten Nepalese students in Israel were killed by Hamas militants in the country's southern region. In a letter to Nepal's Foreign Minister NP Saud, the Indian ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava expressed sadness over the killing of the Nepalese students.

“In a letter addressed to Foreign Minister Saud, Ambassador Srivastava has expressed sorrow over the death of the Nepalese students and extended condolences to the bereaved family members,” the statement from Nepal's foreign office said.

There are currently 4,500 Nepali nationals working as caregivers in Israel. A total of 265 Nepali students are studying in Israel under the ‘Learn and Earn' programme of the Israeli government. Of them, 119 are from Agriculture and Forestry University, 97 are from Tribhuvan University and 49 are from Sudur Paschim University. All of them are bachelor-level students of agriculture.

20:20 (IST)

09 OCT 2023

Qatar in talks with Hamas, Israel to swap Israeli hostages for Palestinians in Israeli jails

atari mediators have held urgent calls to try to negotiate freedom for Israeli women and children seized by the militant group and held in Gaza in exchange for the release of 36 Palestinian women and children from Israel's prisons, a source briefed on the talks told Reuters.

Qatar's foreign ministry confirmed to Reuters its involvement in mediation talks with Hamas and Israeli officials, including over a possible prisoner swap.

The ongoing negotiations, which Qatar has been conducting in coordination with the United States since Saturday night, are "moving positively" said the source, who has been briefed on them.

"We are in constant contact with all sides at the moment. Our priorities are to end the bloodshed, release the prisoners and make sure the conflict is contained with no regional spillover," foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari told Reuters, without elaborating.

But there are no signs of breakthroughs as both sides dig in. (Reuters)

20:07 (IST)

09 OCT 2023

Bank of Israel to sell up to $30 bln of forex to stabilise shekel

The Bank of Israel said on Monday it will sell up to $30 billion of foreign currency in the open market, the central bank's first ever sale of foreign exchange, to maintain stability during the war with Palestinian militants in Gaza. The shekel fell 2.7% versus the dollar to 3.945 - its lowest since early 2016 - after the announcement.

"We are in an unprecedented security situation, and our estimate was that the market could get to a situation of divergence without the announcement of our intervention," Golan Benita, head of the Bank of Israel's markets department, told a news conference.

The shekel had already weakened by 10% so far in 2023 to a rate of 3.86 per dollar on political turmoil, and on the heels of what is expected to be a long war with Hamas in Gaza the shekel was set to depreciate sharply. Benita said that prior to the opening of trade, the exchange rate jumped to reach as much as 4.3 shekels per dollar overnight in Asia.

"Therefore it was important for us before the opening of trade in the local market to increase the certainty in the market or decrease the uncertainty in the market, in order to moderate as much as possible incidents of overreactions ... and ensure the markets' regular activity," he said. Benita said there were no plans at this time to sell more than $30 billion of forex and that the high level of reserves allowed the central bank room to support the economy in times of emergency.

"At the current juncture, the central bank's priority is only to ensure a normal functioning of markets," HSBC's Neil Churchill said. The central bank also said it would provide liquidity through swap mechanisms in the market of up to $15 billion.

"The Bank of Israel will continue monitoring developments, tracking all the markets, and acting with the tools available to it as necessary," it said. Citi economists said in a report: "Despite our expectation of a weaker shekel in the medium term - softer tech equity flows, a more complex political background and more two-sided risks to monetary policy - we do not expect further sustained bouts of shekel weakness." (Reuters)

20:04 (IST)

09 OCT 2023

Rocket sirens heard in Jerusalem

Rocket sirens were heard in Jerusalem on Monday amid the ongoing fighting between Palestinian factions in Gaza and the Israeli army, a Reuters witness said

19:20 (IST)

09 OCT 2023

EU suspends developmental aid to Palestine, says 'brutality against Israel at turning point'

The European Union's commissioner for neighbourhood and enlargement Oliver Várhelyi has said that it is putting Palestinian development aid worth 691 million euros under review, saying that the scale of terror against Israel has "reached a turning point."

“All payments immediately suspended. All projects put under review. All new budget proposals, incl. for 2023 postponed until further notice. Comprehensive assessment of the whole portfolio," he wrote in a post on X.

19:14 (IST)

09 OCT 2023

🚨 Just in

Israeli TV is saying that the death toll from Hamas attack has risen to 800. (Reuters)

18:45 (IST)

09 OCT 2023

🚨 Just in

Israel Defence Forces personnel, backed by helicopters, have killed a number of gunmen who infiltrated from Lebanon.

18:34 (IST)

09 OCT 2023

US confirms death of nine Americans in Israel

The United States on Monday confirmed the death of nine Americans in Israel during the violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and to the families of all those affected, and wish those injured a speedy recovery. We continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in touch with our Israeli partners, particularly the local authorities," a National Security Council spokesperson said in a statement.

18:09 (IST)

09 OCT 2023

Netanyahu says Israel's response to Gaza attack will "change the Middle East"

Israel's response to the unprecedented multi-pronged attack by Palestinian gunmen from the Gaza Strip will "change the Middle East," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday.

He was speaking to mayors of southern border towns hit by the surprise assault that began on Saturday, a statement from his office said. It did not elaborate on his prediction. (Reuters)

17:49 (IST)

09 OCT 2023

Opinion | Why Hamas attacked now – and how it weakens both Israel and hopes for peace

The October 7 attack in Israel by Hamas spells a major defeat for Israel as well as for the efforts at normalisation and peace in the region. For Israel, the failure involves poor intelligence and inadequate military preparedness. More importantly, the country’s reputation of military invincibility has been shattered. Israel is now resorting to a massive attack on Gaza to try to restore the deterrence it once enjoyed, yet it is far from certain that it can accomplish this even if Gaza is destroyed and re-occupied.

Furthermore, it is hard to see how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will survive politically given the loss of civilian Israeli lives and the large number of Israeli hostages now in Hamas’s hands. Of course, the Palestinians are also losers in that this attack is unlikely to get them any closer to establishing their state or to lead to the destruction of Israel, which is Hamas’s aim. What will happen instead is that more misery and violence will be heaped on the Palestinians in retaliation by Israel. Thus, the circle of violence continues unabated, and with greater ferocity in the Middle East with no winners on any side.

But why did this attack happen now and what were its intended goals? Read Princeton University Professor Bernard Haykel's column to know.

What the attacks by Hamas mean for Israel — and Prime Minister Netanyahu

The numbers are astounding. Over 600 deaths and 1,600 injuries, coordinated infiltration in 22 places by about a thousand militants and over 5,000 rockets. In addition, dozens of persons, mostly women and children, kidnapped and taken to the Gaza Strip. Israel has confronted the largest single-day casualties in its history. Even by Middle Eastern standards, the scale, surprise and size of the attacks by Hamas on Israel are unprecedented. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to “avenge this black day.” The full mobilisation of the reservists is underway and indicates an Israeli preparation for a ground offensive into the densely populated Gaza Strip, surrounded by Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea.

Traditionally, Middle Eastern militant movements have been comfortable operating closer to civilians. This gives them both immunity from reprisals and ensures popular support in case of collateral damages. Hamas is not an exception. A massive Israeli reprisal would cause enormous human and material destruction in the Gaza Strip. But the dead Israelis will not return. Revenge is sweet for an individual, but is it a good option for nations? Revenge only increases violence; plenty of examples in the Middle East exist. Even if Israel manages to inflict severe human and material damages, it is inconceivable that Hamas could be “destroyed”. However, Israel can hope to reduce the militant group’s military arsenal, reinforce deterrence and delegitimise its tactics. (Read more)

The Indian Express website has been rated GREEN for its credibility and trustworthiness by Newsguard, a global service that rates news sources for their journalistic standards.

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First published on: 09-10-2023 at 07:30 IST

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7th Atal Bihari Vajpayee National Award for Promotion of Art & Culture

Noida, India – The prestigious 7th Atal Bihari Vajpayee National Award for Promotion of Art & Culture took place with grandeur and grace during 10th Global Literary Festival Noida 2024, honoring remarkable contributions to India’s rich cultural heritage. The ceremony, held under the leadership of Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chancellor of AAFT University of Media & Arts and President of ICMEI, marked another milestone in recognizing the nation’s finest artists, musicians, and cultural advocates

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, during his opening remarks, narrated the inception of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee National Awards, reflecting on his deep association with the late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He described how the awards were established eight years ago with the purpose of promoting art and culture in Vajpayee’s name, a man known for his artistic sensibilities, oratory skills, and deep respect for India’s cultural landscape.

Shri Tirath Singh Rawat, Member of Parliament and former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, graced the occasion and shared a few heartfelt words, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting India’s diverse cultural traditions. He was honored with a Lifetime Membership of the International Film and Television Research Centre, along with a Memento of the Festival in recognition of his support for the arts.

The event celebrated the outstanding achievements of several distinguished individuals who were decorated with the Atal Bihari Vajpayee National Award for Promotion of Art & Culture:

Padma Shri Ms. Rita Ganguly, an accomplished dancer, musician, and vocalist, who spoke passionately about her journey and the significance of this award in encouraging artists across disciplines.

Pt. Ram Kumar Mishra, a renowned tabla maestro, expressed his gratitude and appreciated the festival’s gesture in acknowledging the efforts of those devoted to the arts.

Prof. Dr. Arvind Alok, Chairman of BMDC, thanked the organizers for the recognition, noting the importance of such events in uplifting cultural practitioners.

Dr. Mustafa Raza, a maestro of the Vichitra Veena, was deeply emotional as he expressed how much this recognition meant to him.

Dr. Bhupesh Chandra Little, a renowned photographer, expressed his overwhelming joy and was thankful for the appreciation of his work.

Prof. Puranchand Tandon, a Hindi author, shared that such national recognition was vital in encouraging literary artists to continue their work.

Tapan Dash, a renowned painter, was amazed by the honor and pledged to continue his contribution to the world of visual arts.

Karunesh Sharma, senior anchor and YouTuber, also took the stage to express his delight, emphasizing how recognition fuels creativity.

The evening concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Sushil Bharti, the Festival Director, who commended the efforts of all artists and dignitaries present, and reaffirmed the festival’s commitment to continuing its legacy of honoring those who make invaluable contributions to India’s cultural landscape.

The 7th Atal Bihari Vajpayee National Award reaffirmed the essential role of art and culture in shaping the national ethos, encouraging artists and cultural advocates to continue enriching society with their talent and passion.

[rocknews]

Locals, families mourn Army officers killed in encounter with terrorists in J&K's Anantnag

Three Army personnel, including the colonel and the major, and a deputy superintendent of the Jammu and Kashmir Police were killed in the gunfight with terrorists in Anantnag.

CHANDIGARH: Scores of people turned up on Thursday at the residences of Colonel Manpreet Singh and Major Ashish Dhonchak, killed in a gunfight with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag, to mourn the loss, with some saying the Army should give a befitting reply to the ultras for the cowardly act.

A number of villagers turned up at the houses of Singh (in Mohali’s Mullanpur) and Dhonchak (in Panipat) in the morning.

The families of the two slain Army officers were inconsolable.

Officials said the bodies of the two deceased officers have been brought to the Army’s 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar.

The mortal remains of the two are expected to reach their respective places by the evening or early next morning, the family members said.

They said Singh’s wife, a school teacher in Panchkula district, was given the news of her husband’s death in the morning, after being told on Wednesday that he was seriously injured.

A third-generation soldier, Singh has also left behind a two-year-old daughter and a six-year-old son.

Dhonchak’s family includes his wife, a two-year-old daughter and three sisters.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his Haryana counterpart Manohar Lal Khattar took to X and paid tributes to the slain officers.

Those who turned up to express grief and be with the families in this tragic hour said the Army should give a befitting reply to the terrorists.

“Everyone knows that Pakistan has waged a proxy war. Our Army should give a befitting reply once and for all, so that no mother has to mourn the loss of her son, no sister loses her brother again in this manner, no wife loses her husband and no child loses its father,” an elderly man who lives in Dhonchak’s neighbourhood told reporters in Panipat.

In Mullanpur, Singh’s wailing mother Manjit Kaur said, “The government should eliminate terrorists. It should take a tough decision now.”

“My colonel, my son has been killed,” she said.

Kaur said she spoke to her son on Sunday afternoon and he had told her that he would soon come home on leave.

She said he was around 40 years of age and she has lost him after losing his father, also an ex-serviceman, in 2014.

Singh’s sister said she spoke to him on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan recently.

He had only a few months left for his present tenure in his current place of posting, she said with tears rolling down her eyes.

Manpreet Singh’s uncle Harmel Singh said his nephew was always keen to join the Army.

“We are proud of his supreme sacrifice for the nation. He was a brave officer. In another encounter earlier, he had neutralised two terrorists,” he said.

The slain colonel’s brother Sandeep said the former had visited home in January for a week.

He had said he would again come home in December, he said.

While Dhonchak’s family lives in Panipat’s Sector 7, his native village is Binjhol in Panipat district.

His family said he was supposed to come home on leave next month.

Manpreet Singh’s in-laws live in Panchkula’s Sector 26.

His wife’s brother told reporters in Panchkula that they received information of the tragedy on Wednesday evening.

However, Singh’s wife was informed about it only on Thursday morning, he said.

Holding on to his two-year-old granddaughter Bani, Singh’s father-in-law Jagdev told reporters that the slain officer had received the Sena Medal last year.

Harmel Singh told reporters that since childhood, the deceased officer had shown leadership qualities.

“He was always smiling and ready to help others,” he said.

Another relative of the slain colonel said they spoke to him on Wednesday morning and never knew that this would be their last conversation with him.

A relative of Dhonchak told reporters in Panipat that he sacrificed his life for the sake of the country.

His brother Ashish said he was lucky to have him as his elder brother.

Ashish was to shift to a new house in Panipat in October.

The family got the house built as it was living in a rented accommodation.

Three Army personnel, including the colonel and the major, and a deputy superintendent of the Jammu and Kashmir Police were killed in the gunfight with terrorists in the higher reaches of the Kokorenag area in the valley.

Singh, the commanding officer of 19 Rashtriya Rifles, Dhonchak and Deputy Superintendent of Police Humayun Bhat were critically injured in the gunfight that ensued in the Garol area of Anantnag district in the morning hours of Wednesday.

The officers succumbed to their injuries during treatment.

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