Thousands of protesters marched across cities globally, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon as the Israel-Hamas war marks its one-year anniversary. Demonstrations took place in Europe, Africa, and the Americas, with demands to halt the conflict that has claimed nearly 42,000 lives in Gaza. Protests also erupted in London, Paris, Berlin, and Cape Town. A violent clash occurred in Rome, resulting in arrests. The rising tensions, marked by Israeli airstrikes and ground operations, fuel concerns of an escalating regional war. The United Nations has called the situation dire, urging an end to the conflict.

The CVoter exit poll predicts a strong showing for Congress in Haryana, with the party projected to win 50-58 seats, a significant improvement from its 2019 tally of 31. The ruling BJP is expected to secure 20-28 seats, falling short of its 2019 performance. In Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress-National Conference alliance is projected to win 40-48 seats, holding an edge over BJP’s expected 27-32 seats. The Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP is forecasted to see a sharp decline, winning only 6-12 seats, down from 28 in the last election.

Israel has vowed to maintain military pressure on Lebanon’s Hezbollah, following recent rocket attacks on northern Israeli cities. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated they will continue strikes “without respite” until Hezbollah is significantly weakened. Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed the nation, emphasizing that wounds from the October 7 Hamas assault are still fresh, with hostages held captive in Gaza. Israeli counterattacks have resulted in over 41,825 deaths in Gaza, most civilians, according to the UN. Protests and commemorations are set for Monday to mark the attack's anniversary.

Haifa, a once-bustling city in northern Israel, now looks deserted amid ongoing Hezbollah attacks. Residents have been asked to stay indoors after Hezbollah fired 100 rockets at Haifa Bay three days ago. Streets, usually crowded on Saturdays, are now empty. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continue their military operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, as cross-border fighting intensifies. This conflict began last year when Hezbollah launched missiles at Israel in support of Hamas. Haifa, located just 5-7 km from the Lebanon border, remains on high alert. Tensions in the region show no signs of easing.

Vinesh Phogat, making her political debut with Congress, celebrated after exit polls predicted a clear victory for the party in Haryana. According to eight exit polls, Congress is expected to win 55 out of 90 seats, while the BJP may secure 26. Phogat, contesting from Julana, thanked voters for supporting change, calling it a "happy day" for Haryana. The BJP, however, dismissed the predictions, with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressing confidence in returning to power. The final results will be announced soon, determining whether Congress can end BJP's 10-year rule.

Exit polls suggest Congress is set to regain power in Haryana, defeating the BJP. The Congress is predicted to win a majority after a decade, benefiting from local factors like anti-incumbency and protests. In Jammu & Kashmir, the Congress-National Conference alliance may gain a slim lead, especially in the Kashmir region. However, the BJP is expected to dominate the Jammu area. These elections are crucial as J&K seeks the restoration of statehood, with results expected on October 8. Exit polls have often been inaccurate, so the final results remain uncertain.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated they have killed 440 Hezbollah members during recent strikes in Lebanon. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari also said 2,000 Hezbollah targets have been destroyed, including a command center. The conflict has intensified, with Israeli forces pushing Hezbollah fighters further north. An underground tunnel used by Hezbollah fighters for long-term shelter was also destroyed. Hagari warned that Hamas may try to launch attacks on the anniversary of last year’s assault. Israel is preparing its response to Iran’s missile attacks, with a strike expected at a time of its choosing.

Tyre, a city in southern Lebanon, is nearly deserted as Israeli airstrikes continue. Civilians flee or stay indoors as bombs fall and drones fly overhead. Local shops are closed, streets empty, and rescue teams have evacuated. Many residents have lost their homes, and hospitals struggle to treat the wounded. Hassan Manna, a coffee shop owner, refuses to leave despite the devastation. He lost five neighbors in a recent airstrike, all civilians. As Israeli forces target Hezbollah, civilians in Tyre face growing fear and uncertainty about what’s to come. Anger and grief fill the air.

Hashem Safieddine, rumored successor to Hezbollah’s leader, has been missing since Friday after Israeli airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs. The strikes, targeting an underground bunker, were part of Israel's ongoing campaign against Hezbollah. Lebanese security sources say continued bombings have prevented rescue efforts in the area. Israel's military confirmed the strikes hit Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters. This comes after weeks of intensified conflict, with Israel targeting Hezbollah’s leadership and expanding its operations across Lebanon, including Tripoli. Hezbollah has yet to comment on Safieddine's status. The violence has displaced millions and caused significant casualties.

Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district will now be known as Ahilyanagar. State Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil announced the Union Home Ministry’s approval on Friday. The decision to rename the district was taken by the state cabinet in March and sent for central approval. The new name honors Ahilyabai Holkar, the 18th-century ruler of Indore, who hailed from the district. This follows the renaming of Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Osmanabad to Dharashiv by the Eknath Shinde government. The announcement comes just ahead of upcoming elections in the state.