- Operation Ajay set to evacuate Indian nationals from Israel –
- India has launchedOperation Ajay, a dedicated initiative to facilitate the safe return of its citizens from Israel amidst the ongoing developments in the region.
- External Affairs MinisterDr S Jaishankar announced this operation, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian nationals abroad.
- Special charter flights and other arrangements are being organized to bring back Indian citizens from Israel.
- The Indian Embassy in Israel has initiated contact with registered Indian citizens, starting with the first group, for the special flight. Subsequent flights will follow, and communication will be made accordingly.
- Indian Embassy in Israel- Established a 24-hour helpline(972-35226748, 972-543278392, telaviv@mea.gov.in) for emergency assistance.
- Constantly working through a 24-hour helpline to aid Indian citizens in Israel.
- A 24-hour Control Room has been established to monitor the situation and assist Indian nationals.
- ISRO To Conduct Maiden Test Flight Of Gaganyaan Mission On October 21 –
- Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Space, Science, and Technology, officially announced that, on October 21, TheIndian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised to make history as it prepares to conduct the first in a series of critical test flights in anticipation of the much-anticipated Gaganyaan mission, which marks India’s maiden charge into manned space exploration.
- The forthcoming test flight will be executed at theSatish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, a renowned launch facility. The primary objective of this mission is to evaluate the “crew module,” the pivotal component that will house Indian astronauts during their journey into space. The crew module’s success is paramount, as it directly impacts the safety and well-being of the astronauts who will soon embark on this historic journey.
- The test mission entails launching the crew module into outer space and orchestrating its return to Earth, with a successful touchdown in theBay of Bengal. To ensure a seamless and safe recovery process, the Indian Navy has initiated mock operations to prepare for this momentous occasion. The recovery process is a crucial aspect of the mission, ensuring the astronauts’ safe return to Earth’s surface.
- Hamas, the Palestinian militant group –
- In October 2023,Hamas, an Islamist militant group governing the Gaza Strip, launched a massive surprise attack on southern Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers and taking dozens as hostages. This unprecedented assault has led to a significant escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
- Origins of Hamas
- Hamas, short forHarakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya (Islamic Resistance Movement), was founded in 1987 by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, a Palestinian cleric with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.
- It emerged during the first intifada as the political arm of the Brotherhood in Gaza.
- Hamas has a complex leadership structure, including an exiled politburo responsible for setting overall policy, withIsmail Haniyeh as its current political chief.
- Yahya Sinwar oversees day-to-day affairs inGaza, and Marwan Issa and Mohammed Deif lead the military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.