The earthquake that struck Nepal on Saturday, November 4, 2023, has killed more than 100 people and injured many more. The earthquake struck in a remote western part of the country, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the damage and provide relief to those affected.

The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Bajura, about 300 miles west of Kathmandu. The earthquake was a 7.8 magnitude, which is considered to be a major earthquake. The earthquake caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure in the area.

Rescue teams are still working to assess the full extent of the damage and provide relief to those affected. The earthquake has caused widespread power outages and communication disruptions, making it difficult to coordinate relief efforts.

The Nepalese government has declared a state of emergency in the affected area. The government is working to provide food, water, and shelter to those who have been displaced by the earthquake. The government is also working to restore power and communication services to the area.

The international community has also responded to the earthquake. The United Nations has sent a team of experts to Nepal to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts. The United States, India, and China are among the countries that have pledged to provide aid to Nepal.

The earthquake is a reminder of the vulnerability of Nepal to natural disasters. The country has experienced a number of major earthquakes in recent years. The earthquake is also a reminder of the importance of international cooperation in providing relief to those affected by natural disasters.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) apprehended West Bengal Cabinet Minister Jyotipriya Mallick on Friday, relating to an alleged misappropriation scandal involving ration distribution within the state. Mr. Mallick, who holds the portfolio for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Supplies, faces charges of criminal conspiracy and money laundering in connection with the scandal, suspected to entail the fraudulent diversion of crores of rupees worth of essential food supplies meant for the underprivileged.

According to the ED’s findings, Mallick and his associates allegedly employed counterfeit documents and fictitious companies to divert provisions designated for West Bengal’s impoverished population. The ED has further accused the minister of laundering the ill-gotten gains through diverse channels, including real estate investments and involvement in shell corporations.

Mallick’s arrest unfolds within the context of an ongoing ED crackdown on politicians and high-ranking bureaucrats in West Bengal. In recent months, several senior officials of the West Bengal government have been detained in connection with various corruption investigations.

This apprehension of Mallick represents a significant setback for the West Bengal government, already grappling with multiple challenges. The state is grappling with a severe financial crisis, straining its capacity to offer essential services to its residents. Moreover, the minister’s arrest is likely to exacerbate the government’s tarnished image, which has been plagued by allegations of widespread corruption.

The ED’s inquiry into the ration embezzlement scandal remains ongoing, with the full scope of involvement and the extent of misappropriated funds yet to be determined. Further arrests in the case are anticipated in the days ahead.

In the ongoing updates regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning of complete eradication for all Hamas members while Israel continued its airstrikes in response to the weekend’s assault by Hamas. Netanyahu, in a move of national unity, partnered with opposition leader Benny Gantz to establish an emergency unity government and a war Cabinet tasked with overseeing the campaign against Hamas militants. This new coalition comprises Netanyahu, Gantz, the current Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and two other high-ranking officials acting as “observer” members. During the conflict, this government will exclusively focus on war-related matters, refraining from passing any legislation or decisions unrelated to the ongoing crisis. The devastating war has claimed a staggering toll of at least 2,300 lives.

In contrast, the Gaza Strip faces an acute humanitarian crisis as its sole power plant ran out of fuel, forcing a shutdown and leaving the majority of its 2.3 million residents without electricity. Israel’s blockade has further exacerbated the situation, as it has halted the flow of essential supplies such as food, water, fuel, and medicine into the 40-kilometer-long territory wedged between Israel, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea.

On the international front, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken is en route to Israel and is scheduled to hold discussions with senior Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, with the aim of increasing military support. Blinken emphasized, “I carry a straightforward and unwavering message that the United States stands firmly behind Israel.” Simultaneously, India has initiated “Operation Ajay” to repatriate its citizens from both Israel and Palestine, commencing today. The Indian government plans to charter special flights for their citizens’ return, with the Indian Navy prepared to provide assistance if necessary.