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#At UN, India Asks Canada to Prevent Misuse of Free Speech, Attacks on Religious Places

At the UN human rights review in Geneva, India called on Canada to prevent the ‘misuse’ of freedom of expression and attacks on places of worship of minority communities. This request was part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, wherein United Nations member states undergo periodic evaluations of their human rights records.

Canada, which is among 14 countries undergoing the UPR process, received evaluations from the UPR working group, which includes all UNHRC members. Delivering India’s statement at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) during the 44th Session of the UPR Working Group, First Secretary KS Mohammed Hussain expressed concern about the misuse of freedom of expression in the country.

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After 16 years, Hamas has lost control of Gaza Strip: Israeli Defence Minister

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday said Hamas has "lost control" of the Gaza Strip that it has ruled for 16 years, AFP reported.

"Hamas has lost control of Gaza. Terrorists are fleeing southward. Civilians are looting Hamas bases," he said without providing evidence. "They don't have faith in the government anymore," Gallant added in a video broadcast on Israel's main TV stations.

The war began on October 7 when Hamas gunmen rampaged through Israeli towns. Around 1,200 people died and 240 were taken as hostages, marking the deadliest day in Israel's 75-year history.

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#Massive Fire Breaks Out In Mathura Firecracker Market, Several Injured

At least nine people were injured, and seven shops were burnt to ashes after a massive fire broke out at a firecracker market in the Gopalbagh area of Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district on Sunday. 

Upon information, fire tenders rushed to the spot to douse the flames. The people who suffered severe burns in the incident were taken to the district hospital for treatment.

As per authorities, the fire started in one of the firecracker shops and rapidly spread to six others. 

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#COP28 President-Designate Commends India's Energy Transition Vision, 'New Paradigm In Climate Finance'

COP28 President-designate Dr Sultan Al Jaber extended commendations to India on Sunday for its noteworthy energy transition vision during a special forum, 'From G20 to COP28,' held in Abu Dhabi. The UAE and India share a common commitment to an energy transition aligned with sustainable socio-economic development, said Al Jaber, underscoring the potential for economic growth through a joint focus on renewables, news agency PTI reported. 

The annual climate change negotiations, COP28, scheduled to commence on November 30 in Dubai, will address pressing global environmental issues. Dr Al Jaber asserted that COP28 aims to frame climate action as an opportunity for growth, emphasizing ambitious and balanced outcomes across mitigation, adaptation, and means of implementation.

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#Supreme Court Asks CBI To Wrap Up Bengal Job Scam Probe In 2 Months

The Supreme Court has given the CBI two months to complete its probe into alleged illegalities in the selection and appointment of employees to state-funded schools in West Bengal and asked the Calcutta High Court to constitute a Division Bench to hear the matter which was so far being heard by a single judge bench.

The apex court, in a November 9 order, said termination directions or appointment recommendation withdrawals will not be given effect until this Division Bench is constituted to make decisions on the basis of merit.