INDIA SUPPORTS URGENT GAZA CEASEFIRE AT THE UN

India has thrown its weight behind a draft resolution at the UN General Assembly, advocating for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and the unconditional release of all hostages. The Emergency Special Session on Tuesday saw the 193-member UN General Assembly adopting the resolution, introduced by Egypt, with 153 votes in favor, 23 abstentions, and 10 against the text.

The resolution explicitly called for the "immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access." While not explicitly naming Hamas, the US proposed an amendment condemning the "heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas" since October 7, 2023, and the taking of hostages. India supported this amendment.

This move follows India's abstention in October from a General Assembly resolution seeking an immediate humanitarian truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict and unimpeded humanitarian access in the Gaza strip. The recent vote underscores India's stance on promoting peace and humanitarian efforts in the ongoing conflict.

ISRAEL LOSING GLOBAL SUPPORT OVER GAZA BOMBING, BIDEN SAYS

US President Joe Biden issued a stark warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, cautioning that Israel's "indiscriminate" bombing of Gaza jeopardizes global backing for its war against Hamas. Speaking candidly at a donor event, Biden, in his most direct comments since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, insisted that Netanyahu must "change" his position on a two-state solution for Palestinians.

In response, Netanyahu acknowledged "disagreement" with Biden regarding the governance of post-conflict Gaza, highlighting an uncommon discord after weeks of strong US support for Israel from the American leader.

Addressing a campaign event in Washington, Biden acknowledged Israel's initial widespread support after the Hamas attacks, resulting in 1,200 deaths, primarily civilians, and numerous hostages. However, he cautioned that Israel is gradually losing global support due to its indiscriminate bombing.

As of Tuesday, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported over 18,400 casualties, mostly civilians, resulting from Israel's retaliatory bombardment of the coastal territory.

COP28 NAVIGATES DEEP DIVISIONS ON FOSSIL FUEL PHASE-OUT, STRUGGLING FOR CONSENSUS

Amid the final days of COP28 at the Dubai Expo Centre, participants faced a glaring impasse over the crucial issue of a fossil fuel phase-out. Unlike previous conferences, the division appeared sharper and harder to bridge, with nations holding staunchly differing opinions. While delegates were working on drafting an agreement, the initial proposal from Monday evening left many dissatisfied and was promptly rejected. The ongoing efforts aim to produce a revised and potentially final version expected to be concluded today.

Certain countries, exemplified by Saudi Arabia, explicitly asserted their refusal to endorse a fossil fuel phase-out in the COP28's ultimate decision. Conversely, entities such as the European Union insisted that any resolution not addressing the phasing out of fossil fuels would be deemed unacceptable. Simultaneously, climate groups, activists, and observers contended that COP28's success hinged on a clear call for a fossil fuel phase-out.

The fossil fuel phase-out predicament encapsulates the broader global response to climate change over the years. Despite contributing approximately 80% of all greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuels, including oil, natural gas, coal, and derivatives, have remained conspicuously absent from the hundreds of decisions generated by COPs over the last three decades. Even prominent agreements like the Paris Agreement, aiming to limit global temperature increases, have refrained from addressing the explicit phase-out of fossil fuels. The ongoing negotiations at COP28 underscore the challenges in reconciling diverse perspectives on this critical issue.

YEMEN’S HOUTHI REBELS CLAIM ATTACK ON NORWAY-FLAGGED TANKER

SANAA: Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a missile strike on a Norwegian-flagged tanker, an attack that the group said was part of its campaign against Israel. Norwegian shipowner J. Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi said the overnight strike on the Strinda caused a fire that the crew, all Indian nationals, were able to extinguish.

23 SOLDIERS KILLED AS MILITANTS STORM ARMY CAMP IN NW PAK

Islamabad : In a deadly attack in northwestern Pakistan, at least 23 soldiers were killed and dozens injured as an explosives-laden vehicle targeted a military camp near the Pakistan-Afghan border. The Tehreek-e-Jihad, an affiliate of the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the well-coordinated strike. The assault took place as Pakistan army chief General Asim Munir was on his inaugural visit to the US, raising concerns amid heightened militant attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

The army reported the deaths of all six attackers, revealing the use of an explosives-laden truck in the assault on the military post in Dera Ismail Khan. Initial attempts by militants to breach the compound were thwarted before the attackers rammed the explosives-packed truck into a school building used as a military base. The resulting explosions caused casualties, with 23 soldiers martyred. The Tehreek-e-Jihad group, affiliated with the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility through social media and released footage capturing the attack.

CHINA’S XI JINPING VISITS VIETNAM IN A BID TO COUNTER U.S. INFLUENCE

HANOI: China and Vietnam pledged to deepen ties during President Xi Jinping’s first visit in six years, as Beijing seeks to counter growing U.S. influence with the nation. Xi met the leader of Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong after Hanoi upgraded diplomatic ties with the U.S. during Biden’s September visit.

ZELENSKY FINDS US SENATE REPUBLICANS UNMOVED BY HIS PLEA FOR MORE AID

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's plea for increased US aid faced a challenging reception from Senate Republicans, despite emphasizing the importance of assistance against the Russian invasion. Zelensky's Capitol Hill visit coincided with President Biden's $110 billion aid request, jeopardized by Republican insistence on tying it to US-Mexico border security changes, opposed by Democrats.

Zelensky, accompanied by Senators Schumer and McConnell, received bipartisan support, but after a lengthy meeting, no significant shifts in senators' opinions were evident. The stalled negotiations remained unresolved, with Schumer describing the encounter as "very powerful" without offering further updates. Simultaneously, a declassified US intelligence report revealed that Russia has incurred significant losses in personnel and armored vehicles in the Ukraine war, hindering its military modernization by 18 years.

NAWAZ SHARIF ACQUITTED IN GRAFT, FIT TO CONTEST POLLS

The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday acquitted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the Al-Azizia Steel Mill corruption case, removing a major legal hurdle in his way to leading his party in the upcoming elections.

Sharif, 73, was sentenced to seven years in jail and imposed a heavy fine by an anti-corruption court in December 2018 after he failed to convince the court that he had nothing to do with the steel mill set up by his father in 2001 in Saudi Arabia.

He has already been acquitted in the Avenfield case in which he was convicted in July 2018 and sentenced to 10 years in Jail. He also got relief in the Flagship corruption case in which he was declared innocent by the court in 2018 but the acquittal was challenged by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

U.K. PRIME MINISTER RISHI SUNAK FACES LEADERSHIP TEST OVER HIS RWANDA PLAN

U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sought to avoid a humiliating defeat for his latest plans to send migrants to Rwanda that have split his ruling Conservative party.

The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill is Mr. Sunak’s answer to a unanimous Supreme Court ruling last month that deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda was illegal in international law.

Hardline right-wingers say the proposals are not tough enough, while more liberal Tories are concerned it could see the U.K. break international law.

Defeat would not only be the first at such an early stage of the parliamentary process since 1986 but also a blow to his authority.

Labour leader Keir Starmer said he expected the government to win the vote but Mr. Sunak should call a general election if he loses.

US VISA FEE HIKE POSTPONED BY A FEW MONTHS, FINAL RULE LIKELY IN APRIL ’24

The anticipated final rule for the proposed increase in US visa fees, including H-1B cap visas, has been delayed until April 2024, according to the fall agenda of the Biden administration. Initially expected this month or at the latest by January 2024, the final regulation aims to raise fees significantly. The deferment offers relief to US employers hiring H-1B visa holders, as the application fees were poised to surge by 70% to $780. The deferral means the H-1B cap applications for the 2024-25 season are unlikely to face higher fees.

The proposed hike in e-registration fees for the H-1B lottery was from $10 to $215. The NPRM also outlined fee increases for citizenship applications, with EB-5 investors facing substantial hikes of 204% and 148% for their initial and subsequent petitions, respectively. Immigration attorneys suggest the fees proposed in January 2023 may undergo minor adjustments, emphasizing the need for investments in the EB5 program and advising early filing to avoid higher fees for citizenship or green card applications.

ALL 7 BTS MEMBERS NOW DOING MILITARY SERVICE. COUNTDOWN BEGINS FOR FANS’ ‘ARMY’

All seven BTS members have officially started their mandatory military service, a significant moment for fans known as the "Army." Commencing last December, the process concluded with Jimin and Jungkook beginning their service on Tuesday, with a typical duration of 18 months. Fans face a waiting period of at least a year and six months until a potential reunion concert, with the countdown reaching approximately 547 days. While management mentioned a reconvening around 2025, informal performances for fellow troops may happen earlier.

The exemption debate in South Korea surrounded BTS's cultural and economic contributions, leading to a law revision in 2020, allowing deferral until age 30. The music label has urged fans to avoid enlistment sites for safety, emphasizing ceremonies are for family. Despite precautions, signs like a bus displaying "V Day" at a military facility underscore the unique nature of BTS's enlistment, adding to fans' emotional journey.