US-Israeli genocide in Gaza
The Israeli military keeps pounding the besieged Gaza Strip with air and artillery strikes as the genocidal onslaught on the blockaded territory is now in its eleventh month. In one of the strikes, at least 15 people, including women and children, were killed in the central Gaza town of al-Zawaida. Several people were also injured. To southern Gaza, an Israeli drone strike on a tent of displaced Palestinians killed a 6-year-old child. Elsewhere in southern Gaza, two Palestinians were killed in an air raid on a cart in Khan Yunis. The death toll from 316 days of the regime’s incessant onslaught on Gaza has already surpassed the grim milestone of 40,000. More than 92,000 others have also been injured since the war began in October.
'Government of national consensus'
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has emphasized the importance of maintaining unity, cohesion and serving the nation without any discrimination. Pezeshkian was addressing a parliamentary session as lawmakers had to endorse his proposed cabinet members. He defended his picks to serve the country during his tenure. The president called for amicable solutions to address the country's challenges instead of resorting to harsh measures. Pezeshkian highlighted the loyalty and faithfulness of the Iranian nation, stressing that honesty and transparency of the government would strengthen this bond. According to Iran’s constitution, the president must obtain parliamentary approval for his ministers before initiating any governmental actions.
India sexual violence
In India, anger keeps boiling over the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior doctor in the eastern city of Kolkata. A wave of nationwide protests and strikes has been held since the bloodstained body of the trainee doctor was discovered at a state-run hospital on August 9th. An autopsy later confirmed she was sexually assaulted before being killed. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, with thousands holding a candle-lit vigil and carrying banners reading, "Hands that heal shouldn't bleed" and "Enough is enough." Similar rallies took place in the capital, New Delhi, and other major cities. The Indian Medical Association also called on doctors for a 24-hour walkout. India is perceived as one of the world's most dangerous countries for sexual violence against women. Rape is one of the most common crimes in India where 90 such cases are reported daily.