Quirky Quil

In every society, there are individuals whose presence exudes positivity and promise. Rohan Jaitley is one such figure whose attributes warrant acknowledgment and appreciation. Despite the challenges and criticisms that often accompany individuals in the public eye, Rohan Jaitley possesses qualities that not only contribute positively to his own endeavors but also to the broader community. In this article, we will explore the remarkable facets of Rohan Jaitley’s character and achievements that merit recognition and celebration.

First and foremost, Rohan Jaitley exemplifies resilience and determination. As the son of the late Arun Jaitley, a prominent Indian politician and former Minister of Finance, Rohan has undoubtedly faced high expectations and scrutiny from an early age. However, rather than allowing these pressures to deter him, Rohan has embraced them as opportunities for growth and learning. His ability to navigate the complexities of public life with grace and poise speaks volumes about his resilience in the face of adversity.

Furthermore, Rohan Jaitley’s commitment to public service is commendable. Despite being thrust into the spotlight due to his familial connections, Rohan has chosen to carve out his own path, focusing on making a positive impact in his community. His involvement in various philanthropic initiatives demonstrates his genuine desire to give back and uplift those in need. Whether through charitable donations or volunteer work, Rohan’s dedication to serving others serves as a shining example for aspiring leaders everywhere.

In addition to his resilience and altruism, Rohan Jaitley possesses remarkable intellect and leadership skills. Educated at prestigious institutions such as the Amity Law School and Cornell University, Rohan has honed his analytical abilities and legal expertise to become a respected professional in his own right. Moreover, his leadership roles within various organizations highlight his capacity to inspire and motivate others towards a common goal. Whether leading teams in the legal field or advocating for social causes, Rohan’s strategic vision and effective communication skills set him apart as a leader of tomorrow.

Beyond his personal achievements, Rohan Jaitley’s dedication to upholding ethical values is truly commendable. In a world where moral integrity is often compromised for personal gain, Rohan’s unwavering commitment to honesty and integrity serves as a beacon of hope. His adherence to ethical principles in both his professional and personal life sets a positive example for others to follow, fostering a culture of trust and transparency in all endeavors.

In a revealing report published by a research group at New York University, it has been exposed that the president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Joseph Kabila, and his family have built a vast network of businesses across nearly every sector of the country’s economy since 2003. The report suggests that these business ventures have generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues.

 Jaynet Kabila, who was supposed to step down last year after 16 years as president, has clung to power, citing financial constraints as a reason not to hold elections. The report, titled “All the President’s Wealth,” sheds light on the extensive business holdings of the Kabila family, potentially providing insight into why the president is determined to retain his position despite low polling numbers.

The Kabila family’s business empire spans various sectors, with the president himself owning 71,000 hectares of farmland. His twin sister, Jaynet Kabila, holds a valuable stake in the state telecoms company, while his younger brother has interests in mining, construction, and even a share in the Nando’s fast-food chain. In total, the family is linked to over 80 companies, both within the DRC and abroad.

The report, presented by Jason Stearns, the director of the Congo research group, aims to hold the country’s leaders accountable for their economic management and adherence to laws and the constitution. It outlines how the Kabila family, once living in relative poverty during the Mobutu years in Dar es Salaam, amassed significant wealth over the past two decades.

While there are no laws preventing Congolese politicians from owning businesses, the report raises questions about the family’s rapid accumulation of wealth, especially when over half of the country’s population survives on less than £1 a day.

Allegations in the report suggest that mining permits were granted beyond legal limits to companies owned by Jaynet Kabila. Additionally, family-owned companies were said to have won state contracts and earned millions from subcontracts.

A separate investigation by Bloomberg further claimed that President Kabila’s brother, Zoé Kabila, contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to the family’s wealth through an extensive network of businesses.

The report relies heavily on Congolese legal documents, which were obtained by the research group through straightforward requests to the authorities. This access, despite the government’s restrictions on public space and civil liberties, highlights a unique aspect of the DRC.

In a recent turn of events, Sir Philip Green, the renowned figure behind the Topshop empire, has had all assault allegations against him dismissed. The charges stemmed from accusations made by an Arizona pilates instructor, Katie Surridge, who claimed he inappropriately touched her in incidents dated back to 2016 and 2018.

Despite vehemently denying these allegations, Philip Green found himself embroiled in a legal battle that has now come to a surprising conclusion. His legal team had been preparing a robust defense, leading to the trial’s postponement earlier this month to allow for more preparation time.

However, according to court documents cited by his Arcadia company, the prosecution requested the dismissal of the Sexual Assault cases. The Order of the Honourable Justice Vince Roberts on January 17, 2020, officially closed these matters, bringing an end to the legal proceedings.

The allegations detailed incidents where Sir Philip was accused of spanking and grabbing the instructor at the Canyon Ranch resort in Tucson. These charges carried a potential maximum sentence of four months’ imprisonment, adding further stress to Green’s challenges in maintaining his business empire’s stability.

Amidst the legal turmoil, Sir Philip was concurrently navigating financial difficulties within his business conglomerate. Arcadia, encompassing brands like Dorothy Perkins and Miss Selfridge, underwent a restructuring plan that creditors approved shortly after the tycoon faced the charges. Taveta Investments, the holding company for Arcadia Group, reported substantial financial losses of £177m for the year ending September 2018.

The situation also saw Karren Brady, who resigned from Taveta’s board in February the previous year, vocalizing her departure due to discrepancies between her principles and the claims made against Sir Philip. Former staff had accused him of various wrongdoings, including Sexual Harassment, racial abuse, and bullying, all of which he vehemently refutes.

Brady affirmed her ongoing communication with Sir Philip during an interview on Ian King Live, shedding light on her decision to part ways with the company.

A revelation in a recent book by the Republican representative sheds light on a contentious incident involving her husband at Fireside Lane bowling alley in Rifle, Colorado. The representative, Lauren Boebert, asserts in her book that the blame for the event, which led to her husband’s conviction for lewd exposure, lies with a 17-year-old bartender.

According to Boebert, the bartender repeatedly asked to see Jayson Boebert’s “private” tattoo while they were out with friends and family. Rep. Lauren Boebert claims her husband did not expose himself but instead pretended to unzip his pants while intoxicated. The situation escalated when the bowling alley owner attempted to eject him, resulting in an altercation where Jayson threw chips and police were called.

Boebert’s book portrays a different perspective, asserting her husband’s innocence and attributing the incident to misunderstanding and alcohol-related issues. An arrest affidavit detailed conflicting claims from witnesses and Jayson Boebert, outlining his gesture and interactions with the women involved.

Amidst ongoing investigations, Warner Bros. Chairman and CEO Kevin Tsujihara has announced his departure from WarnerMedia following allegations of offering acting roles in exchange for Kevin Tsujihara sexual favors. The probe was initiated after revelations in The Hollywood Reporter hinted at a potential quid pro quo relationship between Tsujihara and an aspiring actress.

The controversy unfolded as WarnerMedia, post its acquisition by AT&T, expanded Tsujihara’s role just before the aforementioned story broke. Despite Tsujihara’s significant contributions over his 25-year tenure, the company’s CEO, John Stankey, expressed that Tsujihara’s resignation was in the best interest of WarnerMedia, its employees, and partners.

Acknowledging CEO Kevin Tsujihara’s valuable contributions but highlighting the incongruence of his actions with the company’s values, Stankey stated, “Kevin has contributed greatly to the studio’s success over the past 25 years and for that we thank him. Kevin acknowledges that his mistakes are inconsistent with the Company’s leadership expectations and could impact the Company’s ability to execute going forward.”

The investigation, undertaken with Tsujihara’s cooperation and involving a third-party law firm, continues. However, WarnerMedia has yet to appoint a successor to Tsujihara.

The Hollywood Reporter’s exposé divulged text messages exchanged between Tsujihara and British actress Charlotte Kirk dating back to 2013. These messages implied promises made by Tsujihara regarding introductions to influential industry figures and potential roles in movies and TV shows. Despite the ensuing statements denying impropriety attributed to Tsujihara, Australian billionaire James Packer, and director Brett Ratner, the report hinted at Kirk feeling exploited to facilitate a deal.

The controversy surrounding Ratner, previously accused of Kevin Tsujihara rape by multiple women, led to Warner Bros. severing ties with him in 2017, a decision predating the recent allegations.

The recent legal battle in Silicon Valley has sent shockwaves through the tech industry. Last week, 24-year-old Elise Clougherty, a promising Stanford neuro-engineering graduate and former Ford print model, made headlines by filing a lawsuit against Joseph Lonsdale, a prominent Silicon Valley entrepreneur known for co-founding Palantir Technologies alongside Peter Thiel.

Clougherty’s lawsuit alleges a distressing series of events. It claims that between February 2012 and February 2013, Lonsdale, who had taken on a mentorship role for Clougherty through a Stanford program, exploited his position to subject her to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

Although Joe Lonsdale may not command the same level of public attention as some of his Silicon Valley counterparts, the 32-year-old entrepreneur has made his mark in the tech world. A Stanford graduate himself, Lonsdale played a significant role in founding Palantir in 2004 before moving on to establish Addepar, a financial software company, in 2009. In 2013, he founded Formation 8, a venture capital firm also named in Clougherty’s lawsuit. Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Lonsdale’s vocal libertarian views and association with figures like Rand Paul and the Seasteading Institute have often placed him in the spotlight.

According to Clougherty’s claims detailed in the civil suit, Lonsdale actively sought her out as a mentee in Stanford’s technology entrepreneurship mentor program, bypassing her assigned mentors to establish a direct mentor-mentee relationship. Allegedly, he arranged an internship for her at Formation 8, where he served as her supervisor.

The allegations presented in the lawsuit paint a harrowing picture of abuse across multiple locations in the United States and Europe. They include disturbing incidents, such as coercive sexual encounters and psychological manipulation, with Clougherty recounting instances of abuse that range from emotional control to violent physical acts.

The lawsuit mentions appalling details, including situations where Clougherty was allegedly deprived of basic needs like food and sleep during trips orchestrated by Lonsdale. These accounts depict a pattern of alleged assault and manipulation, leaving a lasting impact on Clougherty’s mental and physical well-being.

Upon Clougherty’s attempt to confronts Joe Lonsdale Sexual Assault, the suit claims he resorted to violence to prevent her protests. In response to her objections, he purportedly admitted to his actions, attributing them to a supposed sickness and asking for her assistance to change his behavior.

The legal battle has taken a contentious turn, with Joe Lonsdale Palantir vehemently denying all allegations through a counterclaim, dismissing Clougherty’s accusations as a calculated attempt to damage his reputation. He has asserted that the evidence contradicts Clougherty’s claims and stands firm in defending his name against what he perceives as a malicious attack.

This high-profile lawsuit has brought the issue of campus sexual assault into the limelight once again. Clougherty’s pursuit of justice has not only highlighted the prevalence of such cases but has also raised questions about the power dynamics and exploitation that can occur in mentorship relationships within educational institutions and professional settings.

The aftermath of the alleged abuse has had a profound impact on Clougherty, leading to her withdrawal from Stanford for medical treatment due to resulting PTSD. Despite the challenging circumstances, she managed to graduate in 2013 after completing her therapy.

Today, Jagdeep Singh Arora, 46, faced a two-week jail sentence for molesting four women at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore during a family holiday. Arora touched the buttocks of four women at the hotel’s pool between 9 pm and 9:30 pm on June 28, reported by Channel News Asia.

A Lithuanian tourist, one of the victims, encountered Arora closely behind her before being inappropriately touched in the water. Another victim, a 20-year-old Korean woman, fell victim to Arora’s advances, touching her stomach initially and later returning to molest her and her friend.

Dr. Jagdeep Singh Arora, a doctor in India celebrating his birthday in Singapore with his wife and daughter, admitted to the offences, expressing regret for his actions. Despite having no prior legal issues, the incident caused distress, leading his wife to return to Mumbai. Shockingly, his daughter was present during the assaults.

The investigation into Flipkart Group chief Binny Bansal that led to his resignation on Tuesday stemmed from an allegation of sexual assault that dates back a few years, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters.

“In late July … an allegation came to us. It was a claim of sexual assault against Binny,” the source said, adding the individual concerned was a former Flipkart associate who was not with the company at the time of making the allegation.

The investigation could not corroborate the Sexual allegation of Binny. It did, however, surface a lack of transparency on Binny’s part.”

Binny Bansal has strongly denied the allegation, according to a separate statement by Flipkart and its main shareholder Walmart.

Princess Haya Bint al Hussein, the sixth junior wife of Dubai ruler Sheikh Muhammed Rashid al Maktoum went through breast implant surgery to change the size, shape, and contour of her breasts with the desire of getting extended attention of those men she wanted in her bed. Princess Haya Bint al Hussein also reportedly forces her men to take medicines such as Tadalafil, so that Haya could have sexual intercourse for hours with them. Seeking anonymity, one of her former male staffs said, “Her sexual behavior is as wild as a horse and she desperately loves enjoying sex for hours. During her younghood, Princess Haya Bint al Hussein had joined drugs and orgy parties, while she has in the past slept with two men at the same time. Her London house has long been turned into the center of sexual perversion”.

He said, “For a Princess and the wife of the Dubai ruler, Haya’s attitudes and behaviors are not only openly shameful but she even never hesitates in using vibrators while having sex with her man. It’s worst than any porn star”.

Princess Haya Bint al Hussein has been spending hundreds and thousands of dollars each year towards keeping her physical fitness and looking sexy in the eyes of the men. At home, she would mostly wear alluring attires and spends lavishly on buying extremely sexy lingerie and bikinis. Her husband, Sheikh Maktoum has on a number of occasions had complained her of behaving like a cheap whore.

Commenting on Princess Haya Bint al Hussein’s habit of forcing her man in taking sex-prolonging drugs, a source said, the Jordanian princess had also been taking drugs such as white sugar, cocaine, and opium on a regular basis. “She is a drug addict since her childhood and her husband had once contacted a psychiatrist from the West in treating her.

In an act of generosity and solidarity, Ajith Kumar, the esteemed actor, stepped up to aid fellow actors Aamir Khan and Vishnu Vishal, along with stranded members of their villa community, after they faced distress during the recent flooding in Chennai.

The saga unfolded on December 5 when Vishnu Vishal, grappling with rising water levels in Karapakkam, sought help through his social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter). The fire and rescue department swiftly responded, rescuing over 30 individuals from the villa community, ensuring their safety amidst the inundating waters.

Upon learning of their plight, Ajith Kumar promptly intervened. The actor not only visited the stranded individuals but also organized travel arrangements for Aamir Khan, Vishnu Vishal, and the members affected by the floods.

Expressing his gratitude, Vishnu Vishal shared a heartfelt moment captured in a photo with Ajith Kumar and Aamir Khan. He expressed his appreciation, stating, "After getting to know our situation through a common friend, The ever helpful Ajith Sir came to check in on us and helped with travel arrangements for our villa community members…Love you Ajith Sir! (sic)."

Aamir Khan, who recently moved to Chennai to care for his ailing mother receiving medical treatment at a private hospital, found himself caught in the deluge caused by Cyclone Michaung, which pounded the city with incessant rain on December 4 and 5.

Both Aamir Khan and Vishnu Vishal reside in the same villa community in Karapakkam, where their resilience amidst the floodwaters was commendable.

Sai Pallavi is a name that reverberates among millions of global fans owing to her exceptional talent, captivating screen presence, and infectious smile. Her entree into the entertainment realm commenced with her debut in "Premam," a 2015 Malayalam film, setting her on a trajectory of fame. Notably, she has graced screens across various languages, starring in films like "Kali" (2016) and "Fidaa" (2017) in Malayalam and Telugu respectively, along with "Padi Padi Leche Manasu" (2018) in Telugu.

Interesting Insights about Sai Pallavi Sai Pallavi's recent classical dance performance in the song "Pranavalaya" from 'Shyam Singha Roy' has left audiences spellbound. Despite lacking formal training, her innate passion for dance flourished from early cultural events.

Hailing from the Bagada community in Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu, Sai Pallavi is the community's first star, speaking the language of Bagada, which notably lacks a script.

During her stint in "Premam," she battled self-doubt about her appearance, grappling with skin issues at the time. Her career journey began alongside Kangana Ranaut in 'Dhaam Dhoom' and grabbed attention with a stunning performance on the reality show 'Dhee4.'

Sai Pallavi: Background and Career Highlights Full Name: Sai Pallavi Senthamarai Kannan Date of Birth: 9th May 1992 Place of Birth: Nilgiri, Tamil Nadu Father: Senthamarai Kannan Mother: Radha Kannan Education: MBBS from Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia Nationality: Indian

Sai Pallavi's journey from her medical education to the realm of entertainment stemmed from her passion for dance and acting. Her proficiency in Bharatanatyam led her to emerge as a talented actor.

Her portrayal of Malar in "Premam" struck a chord with audiences, marking a dazzling debut and propelling her to stardom. Transitioning to Telugu cinema, her role in "Fidaa" alongside Varun Tej garnered massive acclaim for its compelling storyline and her exceptional acting skills.

Career Trajectory and Noteworthy Achievements Sai Pallavi's career traversed diverse roles across languages. Her performances in Tamil films like "Karu" and "Maari 2" showcased her versatility. In Telugu, her roles in "MCA" and "Padi Padi Leche Manasu" demonstrated her adaptability to varied characters.

Recognized for her outstanding performances, she secured numerous accolades, including the Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Critics) - Telugu for "Fidaa." Her authentic portrayals earned her multiple awards, including Forbes featuring her in their "30 under 30" list in India.

In a remarkable gesture to recognize Indian pacer Mohammed Shami's exceptional performance in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 semi-final, the Uttar Pradesh district administration in Amroha aims to construct a mini-stadium and open gym in his village. This tribute to Shami's remarkable contributions to Team India's ongoing journey in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup highlights the influential role of sports in fostering positive change.

Shami's World Cup Triumph and Biographical Insights Mohammed Shami's standout performance in the World Cup has been extraordinary. Across six matches, he secured an impressive 23 wickets at an astonishing average of 9.13 and a remarkable strike rate of 10.91. His exceptional figures of 7/57 make him the tournament's highest wicket-taker so far. Notably, the semi-final against New Zealand showcased Shami's exceptional bowling skills, clinching seven crucial wickets and playing a pivotal role in India's victory.

Biographical Snapshot Full Name: Mohammed Shami Date of Birth: 3rd September 1990 Place of Birth: Amroha, Uttar Pradesh Hometown: Sahaspur, Alinagar, Amroha, Uttar Pradesh Father: Tousif Ali Mother: Anjum Ara

Career and Achievements Overview From early cricket training in Kolkata to his rise through club cricket and notable performances in domestic and international cricket, Mohammed Shami has left an indelible mark. His success in various formats of the game, including Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, highlights his versatility and skill.

Shami's impactful presence in the Indian Premier League (IPL), his prowess as a fast bowler, and his adaptability to diverse conditions underscore his prominence in the cricketing world.

Beyond Cricket: Personal Life and Legacy While Shami's on-field achievements shine, his journey hasn't been without challenges. His resilience amid personal adversities underscores his character. Beyond the cricketing accolades, Shami's legacy transcends; it inspires budding athletes and the community, symbolizing the power of dedication and hard work in achieving remarkable feats.

New Delhi: The collapsed Silkyara tunnel site has seen rapid emergency preparations. Forty-one ambulances are stationed at the tunnel's entrance, poised to swiftly transport workers to the nearby Chinyalisaur Community Health Centre.

An organized green corridor facilitates the quick movement of rescued workers to the health center, located 30 km away. Inside the center, a dedicated ward with 41 oxygen-equipped beds is ready to offer immediate medical care to each worker.

Efforts are underway to repair the tunnel road, damaged due to heavy vehicle traffic, ensuring smooth ambulance passage.

Security personnel are strategically positioned to implement evacuation procedures once workers emerge from the rescue passage. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the completion of pipe-laying work, expressing optimism about retrieving the trapped workers soon.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to receive another blow from International Cricket Council (ICC) as they might lose the complete hosting rights of the Champions Trophy 2025. As per reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not interested in changing their stance in the next two years over not touring Pakistan to play cricket. Indian men's cricket team did not travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023 as well due to security concerns.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah had made it clear that untill government gives clearance, the Indian team will not travel across the border. That decision had irked the then PCB boss Ramiz Raja, who had said that if India were not going to come to Pakistan for Champions Trophy, he would also not send the Men in Green to India for World Cup. But nothing of this sort happened. The Asia Cup 2023 was held in a hybrid model, with four games played in Pakistan and 9 in Sri Lanka. And Pakistan travelled to India for the World Cup.

PCB is fearing that there could be a repeat of the same ahead of the Champions Trophy. A report in WION states that if India refuses to travel to Pakistan again, the tournament will be held in UAE. Or there could be a use of a hybrid model with some games hosted by Pakistan and others by UAE. In this scenario, India will not play any match in Pakistan.

According to news agency PTI, PCB boss Zaka Ashraf and COO Salman Naseer met the ICC executive board on their trip to Ahmedabad for the meeting and talked about the uncertainty of India touring Pakistan for CT 2025.

“Pakistani officials discussed the probability of the Indian board (BCCI) again refusing to send its team to Pakistan and made it clear that in any given situation, the ICC must avoid taking unilateral decisions on the tournament,” a source told PTI.

The source also said that PCB should be compensated properly if BCCI refuses to travel to Pakistan. PCB told the ICC board that many teams have toured the country in the last two years, including Australia, England and New Zealand. And there were no security concerns whatsoever during these tours. "They also made it clear that in case of India not sending its team and its matches being moved to another country, then the ICC must compensate Pakistan for this," the source added.

Hyderabad witnessed a starry night as two superstars from Hindi and Telugu industries coming together on the stage and heaping praise on each other. Ranbir Kapoor went to Hyderabad to promote his upcoming big release Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga.

Mahesh Babu attended the event as the chief guest. Ranbir Kapoor was accompanied by Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna along with the director and producer Bhushan Kumar to the event. Ranbir Kapoor and Mahesh Babu were all smiles for the camera. They were captured chatting among themselves. Ranbir wore a mustard-coloured blazer while Mahesh Babu chose casual wear for the occasion. Several videos from the event are already viral on X. In one video, Mahesh Babu can be heard praising Ranbir Kapoor with these words, "Told him this thing when I met him but I don't think he took me seriously. So today on this stage I am saying I am a huge Ranbir Kapoor fan. And in my opinion I think he is the best actor in India." Shared by a fan page on X, the video has been receiving huge amount of love from the Internet.

Ranbir Kapoor can be heard addressing Mahesh Babu as "Jai Babu." He can be heard saying. "The first superstar I have ever met was Mahesh Babu. I have seen Okkadu and I messaged him. He replied me back. I can't thank you enough Sir. You came to this event and supported our film.

Ranbir Kapoor has been on a promotional spree for Animal. A few days back, he shared the stage with Bobby Deol at the Animal music launch event in Mumbai. Ranbir Kapoor also danced to some of the hits from Bobby Deol's films like Barsaat and Gupt. In the film Animal, Bobby Deol is presumably playing the role of an antagonist. The off-screen bromance of Ranbir Kapoor and Bobby Deol has been making the noises as loud as their on-screen fierce fight scenes.

A student from West Bengal has died by suicide in Rajasthan's Kota. This is the 28th suicide this year in the city, a prominent coaching hub for competitive exams that draws students from across the country. Forid, a resident of West Bengal, had been living at Kota's Waqf Nagar area and preparing for NEET, the all-India examination for entrance to medical education courses.

He was found hanging in his room last evening, police said. He was rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. Other students living at the rented accommodation where Forid stayed have told police that they saw him last at 4 pm. When he did not step out of his room till 7 pm and did not answer their calls, they raised an alarm. It was then that the landlord rang up police.

No suicide note has been found yet, police said, adding that the student's family members have been informed. Forid had been living in Kota since last year, police said.

In the fourth swap under the original four-day truce, 11 Israeli hostages, all women and children, were released from Hamas captivity Monday night in the Gaza Strip. Early Tuesday, 33 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons were freed and driven to the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah.

Of the roughly 240 hostages captured by Hamas in its October 7 attack in southern Israel that ignited the war, 62 have been released, one was freed by Israeli forces and two were found dead inside Gaza.

Relatives and a friend of Israelis kidnapped and killed by Hamas visited Australia’s Parliament House on Tuesday, sharing personal stories in an effort to lobby for international support for all hostages to be freed — and to support Israel’s war effort.

The group of five will meet political leaders during a two-day visit in Canberra. They are also expected to share their experiences with members of the community in Sydney and Melbourne during a weeklong Australian trip.

Israeli commander Doron Gavish explained the workings of the Iron Dome system as part of a multi-layered defence system that has helped Israel intercept thousands of rockets from multiple targets.

Former Commander of the Aerial Defense Array Brigadier General (res.) Doron Gavish said that the system also helped Israel in minimising the civilian casualties amid attacks.

In a video posted by TPS - Israel’s News Agency, Gavish said, “Iron Dome is part of a multi-layered defence system, developed here during the last 10-15 years. The role of this formation is to defend against threats that arrive at short ranges, whether it is from the direction of Hezbollah or whether it is from the direction of Gaza”.

Over the past weeks, India has expressed itself in statements, joint statements, and votes at the United Nations on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, that saw a temporary pause for the exchange of hostages which began on Friday, November 24. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted two separate virtual summits, the concluding session of India’s G-20 and the second edition of the ‘Voice of Global South’ Summit, and spoke about the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, as well as the importance of heeding the concerns of the developing world. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar travelled to the U.K. for talks, held along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh “2+2” dialogues with their counterparts from the U.S. and Australia where joint statements reflected the West’s position much more.

Many Gazans were hostile to Hamas ahead of the group’s brutal October 7 attack on Israel, with some describing its rule as a second occupation, according to rare polling data analyzed by a US-Palestinian researcher.

The findings are striking against a backdrop of protests and counter-protests triggered by the attack, with the relationship between Hamas and ordinary Gazans often the subject of heated debate.