India has voiced deep concern over the tragic loss of civilian lives in the Rafah displacement camp in Gaza, following Israeli airstrikes that resulted in at least 45 Palestinian deaths, including many displaced individuals. The incident has ignited a wave of outrage and solidarity on social media, with the hashtag “All eyes on Rafah” gaining widespread traction globally. In response to recent moves by Ireland, Norway, and Spain to recognize Palestine, India reaffirmed its support for Palestinian statehood and the two-state solution, advocating for peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine.
Political Criticism in India
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for focusing on divisive rhetoric in his election campaign instead of addressing pressing issues such as inflation and unemployment. Kharge highlighted that in the past 15 days, Modi mentioned the ‘mandir’ 421 times, his own name 758 times, and terms like Muslim, Pakistan, and minorities 224 times, but did not address the issues of inflation or unemployment. This criticism underscores a broader political debate about the priorities of the ruling party versus the opposition’s demands for attention to economic and social issues.
Sports: Expectations for Virat Kohli
In the wake of the IPL 2024 strike-rate controversy, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has set high expectations for Virat Kohli ahead of the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia. Gavaskar, who faced backlash from Kohli’s fans for his earlier criticism, now hopes Kohli will achieve the rare feat of scoring a century at all five Australian Test venues. Kohli currently has centuries at Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, and Melbourne but is yet to score one at The Gabba. Gavaskar wants Kohli to join himself and Alastair Cook as the only overseas players to score centuries at all Australian venues. He also hopes for India to maintain their winning streak in Australia, having retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2017.
Entertainment: Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s Pre-Wedding Celebrations
The second pre-wedding celebrations for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant have commenced on a luxury cruise, featuring star-studded moments widely shared online. Actor Ranveer Singh was a standout at the event, dazzling in a navy blue satin shirt, white pants, and matching shoes, as seen in a photo posted by fashion designer Shilpa K. The celebrations also included a performance by the popular American band Backstreet Boys, who entertained the guests with their hit song “I Wanna Be With You,” adding a touch of nostalgia and excitement to the festivities.
These diverse events—from geopolitical concerns and domestic politics to sports aspirations and high-profile celebrations—highlight the multifaceted nature of current global and national affairs.
