President Joe Biden on Friday expressed his determination not to let organizations like ‘Hamas’ and authoritarian figures like ‘Putin’ achieve their goals. On the 14th day of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Israel’s defense chief ordered their troops to prepare for a potential entry into the Gaza Strip with the goal of dismantling the Palestinian militant group.
Biden highlighted the existential threat that Hamas poses to Israel’s democracy and also mentioned Ukraine’s resistance to Russia’s invasion in his speech.
He emphasized, “We can’t ignore the humanity of innocent Palestinians who only want to live in peace and have opportunity.”
US officials have reported multiple attacks on American troops in Iraq and Syria in recent days, with concerns about the actions of Iran-backed groups as regional tensions escalate due to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Over the past two weeks, President Joe Biden has deployed substantial naval forces to the Middle East, including two aircraft carriers, additional warships, and approximately 2,000 Marines.
Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7th, there has been a noticeable increase in attacks targeting US forces. For instance, a drone struck US forces in Syria, causing minor injuries, and another drone was intercepted and neutralized.
In response to the October 7th attack by Hamas, Israel initiated a continuous barrage of the Gaza Strip, leading to the call-up of an unprecedented 360,000 reservists. Regrettably, this assault has resulted in a significant loss of life, with an estimated 1,400 casualties, primarily civilians.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, the ongoing Israeli strikes have taken a devastating toll, with at least 3,785 Palestinians losing their lives, and another 12,493 sustaining injuries in the region.
In light of ongoing protests and unrest in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, the U.S. State Department has issued a worldwide caution alert. This advisory comes following the elevation of Travel Advisories for Lebanon and Israel to the highest level over the past week, leading to the authorization of the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their families.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has directed all diplomatic posts globally to conduct emergency security reviews. The State Department’s notice advises American citizens overseas to maintain vigilance in tourist-heavy areas and encourages enrollment in the State Department’s “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)” to receive important information and alerts, which can be invaluable in case of emergencies abroad.
“US Embassy Press Release: Travel Alert Downgraded for El Salvador”
The U.S. Department of State has announced the downgrading of the travel alert for El Salvador from Level 3, “reconsider travel,” to Level 2, “exercise increased caution.” This change acknowledges positive improvements in the country’s security situation.
Travel alerts are determined based on a comprehensive assessment of security factors within a country. The United States Government updates these alerts when warranted by evolving security conditions. It’s important to note that security is the sole criterion for making such adjustments.
One of the primary responsibilities of the State Department is to provide services and ensure the safety of U.S. citizens abroad. Monitoring security conditions is a crucial aspect of safeguarding Americans traveling or residing outside the United States. It’s important to emphasize that travel alerts are not indicative of bilateral relations with any country.
The dynamic nature of conditions in a given country means that changes can occur at any time. We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens, when making travel plans, regularly review alerts and recommendations for their intended destination country at this link: travel.state.gov/destination.
For the complete text of the travel alert in English, please visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/ElSalvador.html
Hyderabad: India has taken the top spot globally for the highest number of osteoporosis cases, as reported by medical experts on the eve of World Osteoporosis Day.
Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened and brittle bones, affects approximately 1.5 million men in India due to factors like calcium deficiency and genetic predisposition. World Osteoporosis Day, observed every year on October 20, serves as a reminder to enhance awareness about the importance of maintaining strong bones, effective treatments, and strategies for preserving bone health.
Maintaining optimal bone health is crucial for overall well-being, as bones play a pivotal role in shaping physical strength, mobility, and lifestyle. Osteoporosis, a complex ailment driven by intricate molecular pathways, leads to a decrease in bone and mineral density.
The theme for this year’s World Osteoporosis Day is “Build Better Bones,” emphasizing the fundamental significance of strong bones as the foundation for a healthy life.
Dr. Sai Laxman Anne, Chief Consultant Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon at KIMS Hospitals, Kondapur, described osteoporosis as a medical condition causing bone brittleness. He highlighted that, unlike normal circumstances where bones don’t fracture without significant trauma, individuals with osteoporosis experience fractures from minor falls, sudden movements, or minor impacts. Osteoporosis tends to become more prevalent with age, resulting in fractures among older individuals.
India has approximately 61 million elderly individuals with osteoporosis, and a striking 80% of them are women. Various risk factors, such as gender, advancing age, menopause, low body mass index, family history, poor diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption, contribute to the prevalence of osteoporosis. Remarkably, osteoporosis tends to occur in India 10-20 years earlier than in Western countries.
Dr. P. S. Jaya Prasad, Consultant Orthopaedics at Kamineni Hospitals, noted that globally, one in three women and one in five men aged 50 suffer from osteoporotic fractures, making it a major cause of long-term pain and disability in the elderly. However, due to limited infrastructure, facilities, and awareness, only 20% of those with osteoporosis receive a diagnosis. Osteoporosis can result in a 20% loss of bone density in affected individuals.
To mitigate these risks and combat osteoporosis, organizations worldwide join forces to raise awareness, promote early diagnosis through testing, and assess bone density. These practices are essential to ensure long-term bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
Dr. SVL Narasimha Reddy, Orthopaedic Surgeon at SLG Hospitals, emphasized that lifestyle modifications, vitamin intake, and the use of pharmacologic agents can play a crucial role in preventing osteoporosis. While there is no cure for osteoporosis, early diagnosis is vital, as bone density cannot be fully restored once it declines. The condition tends to develop when individuals experience a faster loss of bone density, leading to weak bones. Rebuilding lost bone density becomes challenging with age.
On the contrary, young individuals with osteoporosis have the potential to recover and regain bone density. Dr. V. S. Abhilash Kumar, Consultant Arthroplasty and Arthroscopy Surgeon at Amor Hospital, revealed that India leads globally in osteoporosis cases, with 1.5 million cases identified in men due to factors such as calcium deficiency and genetics. There is a growing prevalence of the disease, and several misconceptions surround it, including the belief that osteoporosis is solely an age-related issue.
Research shows that osteoporosis can affect individuals of various ages and is linked to overall health. Healthy metabolic fitness contributes to stronger bones. Another common myth is that bone density testing is painful, but it is a simple, non-invasive procedure that takes approximately 10 minutes. Strengthening muscles through sunlight exposure, calcium intake, and regular 30-minute workouts can help maintain healthy bones.
Hyderabad: During a thanksgiving gathering for differently-abled individuals at Telangana Bhavan, BRS working president and Minister KT Rama Rao strongly criticized the Congress Party, dubbing it a ‘Chor’ (thieves) team engaged in a wide array of scams. He refuted the Congress’s claims about BRS being the B-team of the BJP and instead labeled the Congress as a ‘C’ team, implying a ‘Chor’ (thieves) team.
Minister Rama Rao also took a dig at the Gandhi-Nehru family, accusing them of epitomizing dynastic politics and governing the country for generations. He referred to Rahul Gandhi as a “reader” rather than a leader, alleging that he merely reads scripts without fact-checking. Rama Rao dismissed the allegations of corruption in the construction of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigating Scheme (KLIS), stating that the project was completed within the budget of Rs 80,000 crore and challenged Congress leaders to substantiate their claims.
Furthermore, Rama Rao questioned the character of TPCC president A Revanth Reddy, whom he referred to as a “420” (cheater) due to his alleged involvement in the vote-for-note case. He accused Revanth Reddy of being a covert supporter of the BJP within the Congress and warned that he might eventually join the BJP, potentially taking some Congress MLAs with him.
Rama Rao also addressed social security pension for differently-abled individuals, highlighting the measures taken by the BRS Government, including financial assistance and various benefits. He urged the differently-abled to motivate others to vote for BRS in the upcoming elections.
The Minister emphasized the differences between Telangana’s support for differently-abled individuals and the assistance provided by other states, such as Gujarat, Chattisgarh, and Karnataka, governed by various political parties. He advised people to scrutinize the Congress party’s promises and outlined the BRS Government’s initiatives, ranging from financial support to technology and employment opportunities.
Rama Rao concluded by questioning the impact of election rhetoric on voters and reaffirmed his party’s commitment to the welfare of differently-abled individuals, seeking continued support from the electorate. He cited the BRS Government’s accomplishments and criticized the Congress for past failures.
In a lighter tone, he noted that the BRS-led Telangana government has implemented comprehensive schemes throughout a person’s life, except for cooking and cleaning their faces.
In a recent development in Jaipur, the ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ and foundation laying ceremony of a ropeway project led by a state Cabinet Minister on Thursday sparked controversy as the Election Commission intervened, preventing State Cabinet Minister Mahesh Joshi from attending the event due to a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Additionally, Election Commission officials removed the foundation stone plaque featuring the minister’s name.
During this contentious situation, five priests from prominent temples collectively initiated the foundation laying of the ropeway project, while Mahesh Joshi remained outside the gate. Later, Mahesh Joshi criticized the opposition, remarking that “there are individuals within one party who are inactive themselves. When someone else takes action, they attempt to obstruct it.”
A significant gathering from the Hawa Mahal assembly constituency assembled near the Garh Ganesh temple during the event. As soon as the Election Commission received information about the event, their officials arrived to halt the program.
Kirti Singh Nirvan, an official from the Election Commission, explained, “The manner in which the advertisement appeared in the newspaper constitutes a violation of the code of conduct. No political foundation stone laying program can be held after the implementation of the code of conduct. Since this was a political event, efforts were made to prevent it. If an event is private, then there is no issue.”
Subsequently, when discussing the foundation laying ceremony, Minister Mahesh Joshi stated, “I want to congratulate all the Ganesh devotees of Jaipur. People who, for various reasons, couldn’t climb to such heights for years will now have the opportunity for darshan.”
“In a recent development, TPCC chief Revanth Reddy responded to Minister KTR’s tweet, where the latter had dismissed the significance of the Congress bus yatra. Revanth Reddy referred to KTR’s comments as mere drama and accused him of resorting to counterattacks and derogatory remarks. He emphasized that it was the Congress party that initially announced crucial projects like the Tribal University, Bayyaram steel factory, and the ITIR project for the state of Telangana.
Revanth Reddy alleged that Chief Minister KCR failed to execute these projects and never pushed for their realization at the central level. He further claimed that the BJP and BRS colluded to obstruct the progress of these three vital initiatives. The TPCC president asserted that the people have made up their minds to put an end to KCR’s rule, primarily due to his failure to advocate for the projects mandated by the Andhra Pradesh bifurcation act.
Prior to this, TPCC President Revanth Reddy met with Singareni workers in Bhupalapalli, addressing their concerns and expressing his criticism of the ruling BRS government. He accused the government of neglecting the sacrifices made by the workers and causing unnecessary delays in resolving their issues. Revanth Reddy pledged to address the problems faced by the workers if the Congress were to come into power.”
Hyderabad : In a groundbreaking development, Congress party’s senior leader and TPCC Minorities Declaration Draft Committee Chairman, Mohammed Ali Shabbir, announced a revolutionary initiative aimed at empowering minorities in Telangana State. Addressing the media after the Committee’s final open session in Hyderabad, Shabbir revealed that the party has received an overwhelming response from over 150 Muslim organizations and various minority groups, emphasizing their suggestions for the party’s Minorities Declaration.
The key highlights of the declaration include:
Rs 5,000 Crore Budget Allocation: The Congress party plans to allocate a substantial budget of Rs 5,000 crores exclusively for minority welfare, signaling a major financial boost to uplift minority communities.
Minorities Sub-Plan: In a move mirroring SC and ST Sub-Plans, Congress aims to implement a dedicated Minorities Sub-Plan, ensuring targeted development initiatives for minority groups.
Enhanced Marriage Scheme Budget: The party intends to increase the budget for the marriage scheme, addressing a critical need within minority communities.
Anti-Discrimination Legislation: Congress plans to introduce a separate law to counter discrimination on religious grounds, underscoring its commitment to promoting equality and social justice.
Shabbir Ali, while discussing the significant impact of previous Congress initiatives, highlighted the party’s historical 4% Muslim reservation policy, which transformed the lives of countless underprivileged Muslim families in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. He condemned the discontinuation of essential welfare programs by the present government, including the closure of 50 out of 56 minority engineering and professional colleges sanctioned by the previous Congress administration.
Moreover, Congress expressed its willingness to explore further suggestions, including granting permissions for new medical, engineering, and professional colleges. The proposal to establish a private minority university is also under consideration, emphasizing the party’s commitment to fostering education and knowledge dissemination within minority communities.
The Committee, led by TPCC President A. Revanth Reddy, is in the final stages of refining the suggestions received and is poised to present the comprehensive Minorities Declaration to the public. The declaration’s official release, expected in the coming days, is anticipated to chart a new course for minority empowerment and social progress in Telangana State.
Congress leaders, including TPCC Vice President Zafar Javeed and AICC Secretary Mansoor Ali Khan, expressed confidence in the party’s return to power and highlighted the overwhelming support from various minority organizations. Notably, Justice Ibrahim Siddiqui, representing the Ahle Hadees sect, declared his support for the Congress party in the upcoming Assembly elections, underlining the growing momentum behind Congress’s inclusive vision for a progressive Telangana.
Prominent figures such as Sabir Peer of Jamiat-ul-Ulema E Hind TS, Ghouse Mohiuddin of Pvt Minority Institutions Association, Brother Varghese, Mohammed Saleem of JAC, and social activist Sara Mathews, along with representatives from various organizations, actively participated in the open session, contributing valuable insights to the shaping of Congress’s visionary Minorities Declaration.
Bhupalpally : Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader, joined the ‘Vijayabheri Yatra’ in Telangana, a significant prelude to next month’s Assembly elections. The campaign kicked off with an energetic bike rally from GENCO Guest House to the Ambedkar statue in Bhupalpally, drawing a large crowd of Congress leaders and workers.
Inside the comfort of his car, Rahul Gandhi waved at the cheering crowds lining the streets. Accompanying him were key figures, including Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president A. Revanth Reddy, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, former TPCC president Uttam Kumar Reddy, Campaign Committee chairman Madhu Goud Yaskhi, and other leaders.
The ‘Vijayabheri Yatra’ will continue until it reaches Peddapally, where Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address a public gathering in the evening. Following this, he will transition to a bus journey from Peddapally to Karimnagar.
Upon reaching Karimnagar, Rahul Gandhi will embark on a padayatra, starting from Karimnagar Housing Board Circle and concluding at Rajiv Chowk, where he will address the gathering.
This robust campaign initiative follows the launch of a bus yatra by Rahul Gandhi and AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at the Ramappa temple in Mulugu district. Their journey commenced after offering prayers at the temple, followed by a public meeting in Mulugu, officially inaugurating the party’s election campaign.
Furthermore, the leaders reiterated the six guarantees that were initially announced by the party last month and introduced some fresh promises. Both leaders criticized the BRS for alleged corruption and its purported connection with the BJP.
Notably, while Priyanka Gandhi concluded her participation after Wednesday’s program, Rahul Gandhi is persisting with his visit. He is poised to engage in the bus yatra on Friday, covering an expansive distance of approximately 190 km, encompassing various Assembly constituencies across Mulugu, Warangal, Karimnagar, and Nizamabad districts.
The Congress party has already unveiled its candidates for 55 constituencies on October 15, with the second list of candidates expected to be disclosed post-October 20.
New Delhi : The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Delhi Police in response to a petition filed by NewsClick’s Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Prabir Purkayastha, and the HR head, Amit Chakraborty. The petition challenges their arrest under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), an anti-terror law.
A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and Prashant Kumar Mishra sought a response from the police and scheduled the matter for consideration on October 30, 2023.
Initially granting the police three weeks to file a response, the court expedited the hearing upon learning that the petitioners, represented by senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Devadatt Kamat, were in custody. The bench also noted that the matter could not be taken up on the following day, which was the last working day before the Dussehra break.
The petitioners challenged the validity of the Delhi High Court’s October 13, 2023, order that had rejected their petitions contesting their arrest and remand under the UAPA.
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela of the High Court had previously rejected the petitions challenging the remand order.
According to the prosecution, Purkayastha and Chakraborty were accused of receiving funds to promote pro-China propaganda. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the investigation agency, emphasized the gravity of the case, citing the receipt of a substantial sum, approximately Rs 75 crore, from an individual in China with the alleged intention of compromising the country’s integrity and stability.
The High Court, in its earlier decision, concluded that the petitioners failed to raise any objections regarding the legality of the remand order when they applied for a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) after the remand order was issued on October 4, 2023. The court also held that the Supreme Court’s precedent in the Pankaj Bansal case, which required the provision of grounds for arrest at the time of arrest, did not apply to the current case.
In the FIR filed on August 17, 2023, Purkayastha, activist Gautam Navalakha, and Chinese resident Neville Roy Singham were named as the accused parties.
Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has revealed plans to introduce Telegram-inspired “broadcast channels” to Facebook and Messenger, following their successful implementation on Instagram and WhatsApp earlier this year. This exciting feature is set to become available in the coming weeks.
In a recent Facebook post, Zuckerberg expressed, “Broadcast Channels are coming to Facebook and Messenger in the coming weeks. Pages will be able to share voice notes, text, photos/videos, and GIFs with anyone who joins their channels.”
This new addition will enable creators and public figures to directly engage with their followers, enhancing communication and interaction.
Broadcast channels grant exclusive message-sending privileges to the channel creator, while viewers can actively respond to messages and participate in polls.
According to Meta’s official blogpost, “We’re currently testing the ability for Pages to create broadcast channels and expect to roll this out in the coming weeks. Anyone on Facebook can join these broadcast channels to stay up to date on the latest from their favorite Pages.”
For users with Facebook Pages, the option to create channels will be conveniently accessible directly from their Page. Once a broadcast channel has been set up and the initial message has been shared, their followers will receive a one-time invitation to join.
Users can effortlessly join broadcast channels from a Page’s profile on Facebook and will receive timely notifications for any new messages posted.
As of now, renowned names like Netflix, WWE, League of Legends, and the International Cricket Committee have already established live broadcast channels on Facebook and Messenger, making it easier for fans to stay connected with their favorite brands and personalities.
