October 2023

Rishi Sunak said on Wednesday that “specific pauses” in Israel’s fight with Hamas are needed to let supplies into Gaza, but he stopped short of asking for a truce.Sunak emphasised that Israel “has the right to defend itself under international law” in response to requests from certain opposition MPs during weekly questions in parliament to call for a ceasefire. However, the UK leader stated that London has continuously asked for the conditions to enable aid into Gaza, as well as the release of British people and hostages taken by Hamas operatives. “We recognise for all of that to happen there...

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in a televised announcement on Wednesday that Israel is planning a ground invasion of Gaza, but he failed to disclose any details on the timeframe or other details regarding the operation.He said the government’s special war council, which includes the leader of one of the moderate opposition groups, would decide when soldiers would enter the Palestinian enclave held by the Islamist movement Hamas. “We have already killed thousands of terrorists and this is only the beginning,” declared Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The French museum announced that it is working quickly to repair a much-maligned waxwork of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson after the US star complained about its light skin tone. Johnson, who is of Samoan and Black descent, came to Instagram this weekend to mock the Grevin Museum’s bungled wax figure, which looked to portray him with white skin and bore just a passing resemblance to his looks.The Grevin Museum in Paris proudly displayed a life-sized statue of the wrestler-turned-actor earlier this month, prompting a wave of backlash. One of the most heated debates was over the model’s skin tone, with...

The Kremlin dismissed rumours about President Vladimir Putin’s health on Tuesday, claiming he was healthy and well.In a routine call with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also disputed the president’s use of body doubles, calling it a “absurd hoax.” Reporters questioned Peskov on Putin’s health after an unsourced story by a Russian Telegram channel, which was picked up by some Western media, that the president had a significant health crisis on Sunday evening. Putin, a judo fanatic with a long history of projecting a “action man” image, turned 71 on October 7. He has a busy schedule of meetings and...

Dussehra celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It also marks the end of the Navratri celebrations. Vijayadashami is also the tenth day of Shardiya Navratri, when people all around the country burn effigies of Ravana, his son Meghnath, and his brother Kumbhkaran. The day also marks the completion of the five-day Durga Puja celebrations. On this day, Goddess Durga’s statues are submerged in bodies of water. Dasara is celebrated in the south as the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari over the demon form Mahishasura. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the country a happy Dussehra today. “Happy Vijayadashami to all my...

This week, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be lavishly welcomed by US President Joe Biden at the White House, with discussions regarding China and Ukraine on the agenda.The state visit comes as Washington seeks to strengthen relations with longstanding ally Australia as part of a larger effort to confront Beijing in the Asia-Pacific region. While the Israel-Hamas and Ukraine wars simmer on the other side of the planet, Albanese, who will be honoured with a sumptuous state banquet, is attempting to keep Biden focused on Australia’s neighbourhood. “It will be an important visit,” Albanese said before departing on Sunday....

On Sunday, Virat Kohli scored 95 to lead India to a four-wicket victory against New Zealand, their fifth win in five World Cup matches, however the superstar batsman fell just short of Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 one-day international century. Fast bowler Mohammed Shami took 5-54 to help India bowl out New Zealand for 273, a score India beat with 12 balls to spare at Dharamsala. The Kiwis, who rode Daryl Mitchell’s 130 to record 273, suffered their first loss in five matches and are now second in the 10-team standings, trailing leaders India. An in-form Kohli, who made 103...

Devotees worship Maa Siddhidatri, the Goddess Maa Durga’s ninth form, on the ninth day of Navratri 2023 (Navami Tithi). Maa Siddhidatri is renowned as the perfection provider. She bestows wisdom and spiritual enlightenment on her devotees.Young girls are thought to be a manifestation of Nava Durga on Earth, and they are adored during Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami. Our sacred scriptures state that praying to a person yields faster results than praying to God, and children are the purest form of human beings. People do Kanjak Poojan to worship the pure soul and appreciate the power of the feminine. Devi...

US President Joe Biden will pay a solidarity visit to Israel on Wednesday following the Hamas attacks, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who also announced that Israel had agreed to work on civilian aid for Gaza. Blinken spoke after meeting for nearly eight hours at the defence ministry with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the top US diplomat’s second visit since the October 7 attacks by Hamas. Israel was caught off-guard by Hamas last weekend as the group attacked its civilians. Israel in response has also launched airstrikes on the Hamas-controlled Gaza stripped and stopped food and electricity...

8th day of Navratri is called Maha Ashtami or Durgashtami. It is considered one of the most auspicious days of Navratri and Durga Puja festivities. This year Ashtami falls on Sunday, October 22.  On the 8th day, devotees worship Goddess Mahagauri – the 8th incarnation of Maa Durga. Mahaguari means the one extremely bright. The day is celebrated as the victory of the Goddess Shakti over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.  On this day, people perform Kanya/Kumari puja or Kanjak. Devotees invite young unmarried girls at home to offer food and worship them as Devi. They are considered divine forms of Goddess Shakti and honoured...