Israel claims to have killed senior Hezbollah commander
Israel Defence Forces
on Saturday said they killed
Ali Abd al-Qader Ismail
, a senior
Hezbollah
commander in the
Bint Jbeil
sector.
The IDF said that Ismail was involved in efforts to rehabilitate the terrorist organization in southern Lebanon.
Explore courses from Top Institutes in
Please select course:
Select a Course Category
Cybersecurity
Design Thinking
Degree
Healthcare
Others
Operations Management
Finance
others
healthcare
Artificial Intelligence
Management
Leadership
MBA
Product Management
Data Analytics
MCA
Project Management
Public Policy
Data Science
CXO
Digital Marketing
PGDM
Data Science
Technology
Skills you'll gain:
Duration:
10 Months
MIT xPRO
CERT-MIT xPRO PGC in Cybersecurity
Starts on
undefined
Get Details
In a post on X, the IDF said, "ELIMINATED: Ali Abd al-Qader Ismail, a senior Hezbollah commander in the Bint Jbeil sector, involved in efforts to rehabilitate the terrorist organization in southern Lebanon. The IDF will continue to operate to remove any threat posed to the State of Israel."
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder
War Thunder
Play Now
Undo
— IDF (@IDF)
Israel Defence Minister Israel Katz visited the home of the spiritual leader of the
Druze community in Israel
, Sheikh Muafak Tarif, vowing to aid their brethren in Syria. Visiting the village of Julis, Katz said the military would work to provide medical assistance to the Druze of southern Syria, which suffered deadly attacks from Bedouin tribes earlier this month, according to a statement by the Defense Ministry.
Live Events
A boat carrying pro-Palestinian activists and humanitarian aid supplies approached the
Gaza Strip
, according to the organizers. The Handala boat, with 15 activists, set sail from Sicily earlier this month, a month after Israel intercepted a different vessel that had made a high-profile attempt to break the maritime blockade on the Gaza Strip, as per the Times of Israel.
Handala is operated by the
Freedom Flotilla Coalition
, which also dispatched the earlier boat, the Madleen, on a mission to challenge Israel's blockade on the Strip.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told former hostages and hostage families yesterday that the
Trump administration
needs to "rethink" its strategy regarding solving the war in Gaza, after being unable to end the conflict since coming into office in January, The Times of Israel reported.
Rubio said that it was necessary to "come to the president with new options" on strategy regarding the war, the report quotes him as saying, without detailing what those options may be.
Captivity survivors and hostage families met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Friday, as per The Times of Israel.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Centre withdrawing order granting nod to release of film 'Udaipur files', Delhi HC told
The Centre on Friday informed the Delhi High Court that it was withdrawing its decision granting nod to the release of the film ' Udaipur Files - Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder', which is scheduled to hit the theatres on August 8. A bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, which was hearing two pleas challenging the Centre's decision allowing the release of the movie, directed the parties to the revision plea to appear before the government on August 4 and make their submissions. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Others Artificial Intelligence Data Analytics Public Policy Technology Finance Management Leadership Healthcare CXO MBA Data Science Digital Marketing MCA Design Thinking Product Management Degree Project Management PGDM Operations Management Data Science Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Exec Cert Prog in AI for Biz India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT-ISB Transforming HR with Analytics & AI India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 months IIM Lucknow SEPO - IIML CHRO India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 28 Weeks MICA CERT-MICA SBMPR Async India Starts on undefined Get Details The court said no further notice was required to be issued to the parties to appear before the revisional authority, and directed that they should not seek adjournment on their appearance on Monday. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo "After hearing the parties, appropriate decision as per the law should be taken by the revisional authority on the revision petitions by August 6," the bench said. The court was informed by the counsel for the film's producer that the movie is scheduled to be released on August 8 and they would take some time for making arrangements for releasing it by engaging the theatres. Live Events Earlier in the day, the court questioned the Central government as to under what authority it ordered six cuts in the film while exercising its revisional powers. The court asked the Centre's counsel to take instructions from the authorities, and heard the matter again in the post-lunch session. In the second round of the hearing, the Centre's counsel informed the court that they will withdraw their order, revisit the decision and pass a fresh order in accordance with the law. Noting the submissions, the court disposed of the two petitions filed by Mohammed Javed, one of the accused in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case, and Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani. The court earlier said the Centre has to exercise the powers within the four corners of the statute and cannot go beyond that. The court was informed that while exercising its revisional powers under the Cinematograph Act, the Centre had suggested six cuts to the producers of the movie in addition to a disclaimer. The petitioner's counsel had contended before the court that the Central government exercised its revisional powers in a manner that contravened the statutory scheme of the Cinematograph Act. Section 6 of the Act grants the Central government revisional powers over film certification. The Centre's counsel had said the film has undergone a two-step filter, first by the censor board, which suggested 55 cuts, and second by the committee, which further asked for six cuts, totalling 61 cuts. "There is a body of experts and so it happens in this case that it has undergone a two-stage filter test -- first by the board which suggested 55 cuts. All those cuts were those which had purported generic overtones," he had said. Javed's counsel had submitted that his right to a fair trial was jeopardised by the release of the film and added that the film's producer has expressly said that the movie is based on the case chargesheet and even the dialogues have been lifted directly from the chargesheet. The two petitions related to the movie came before the high court following a Supreme Court direction. The top court directed the petitioners to move the high court against the Centre's revisional order of giving nod for the film's release. The producers of the film had moved the top court after a high court bench previously stayed the film's release. The apex court on July 25 said the filmmakers' appeal against the high court order staying the film's release was infructuous as they had accepted the Centre's nod on July 21 for the film's release, subject to six cuts in its scenes and modifications in the disclaimer. Udaipur-based tailor Kanhaiya Lal was murdered in June 2022, allegedly by Mohammad Riyaz and Mohammad Ghous. The assailants later released a video claiming the murder was in reaction to the tailor allegedly sharing a social media post in support of former BJP member Nupur Sharma following her controversial comments on Prophet Mohammed. The case was probed by the NIA and the accused were booked under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, besides provisions under the IPC. The trial is pending before the special NIA court in Jaipur.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Face-to-face interview now required for H1B visa applicants: Here's how to prepare
The US Department of State has announced that, starting September 2, 2025, most non-immigrant visa applicants, including those applying for H1B visas, will be required to attend in-person interviews at US consulates. This policy change significantly limits eligibility for interview waivers, which had been available in recent years to certain applicants based on age, visa category, or past visa history. Under the revised rules, the H1B visa category is no longer broadly exempt from the interview requirement. Most applicants, regardless of whether they are first-time applicants or renewals, will now need to appear personally before a consular officer. This change introduces an additional step in the visa process and may result in longer appointment wait times, increased scrutiny, and stricter documentation checks. For professionals planning to work in the United States, preparing thoroughly for the interview has become a critical part of the H1B process. Why this change matters The updated policy, released by the US Department of State on July 25, 2025, effectively rolls back pandemic-era exemptions that allowed many applicants to skip the interview stage entirely. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute Navy Quest Undo While some limited waivers remain, for diplomats, select renewals, and specific categories, most applicants under the H1B classification must now prepare to step into the consular office. Age is no longer an automatic shield. Previous visa approvals do not guarantee a bypass. Even those renewing H1B visas after years of employment may now be required to re-interview. In short: Familiarity with the system no longer translates into immunity from it. What this means for H1B aspirants The H1B visa has long been a bridge between global talent and the American workforce. But even with an approved petition from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), entry into the US hinges on securing a visa stamp at a consulate abroad. That stamp, in most cases moving forward, will require an in-person interview. What used to be a procedural step has now regained its role as a critical filter, one where articulation, documentation, and intent must align with precision. Here's what applicants need to prepare for: Master the 'what' and 'why' of your job Visa officers are trained to assess more than your paperwork, they're evaluating whether your role qualifies as a 'specialty occupation' and whether your skills are essential to it. Prepare to clearly explain: Your job title and its core functions The technologies or tools you will use Why your educational background makes you the right fit Why is your presence required in the US rather than remotely Avoid corporate jargon. Use plain, specific language that reflects a firm understanding of your profession. Documents must be bulletproof The interview process now places renewed emphasis on document integrity and coherence. Ensure that all materials are meticulously organized and up to date. Essentials include: Original I-797 Approval Notice LCA (Labor Condition Application) Detailed employer letter outlining your role If applicable, client letters for third-party worksite placements Academic transcripts and degree certificates A complete resume and project descriptions Tax documents or recent pay slips for extensions or renewals Inconsistencies, even minor ones, can trigger delays or refusals. Triple-check every page. Prepare for 'dual intent' nuances The H1B is one of the few US non-immigrant visas that permits dual intent, meaning you may legally pursue permanent residency while on a temporary visa. But at the interview stage, your focus should be squarely on the immediate purpose: employment. If asked about long-term plans, convey that you're aware of the rules and will pursue permanent residency only through lawful means, if and when appropriate. Rehearse the interview, but remain natural The interview itself is often short, 5 to 10 minutes, but its impact is profound. Practice typical questions aloud until you're confident, not robotic. You may be asked: 'What does your company do?' 'How did you get hired?' 'What will your day-to-day look like in this role?' 'Have you been to the US before? If so, for what purpose?' Your tone matters. Be calm, respectful, and direct. Confidence, not arrogance, is key. Anticipate logistical challenges With in-person interviews resuming on a global scale, demand for appointments will spike. Consulates across regions are already facing pressure to manage increased foot traffic. To stay ahead: Monitor appointment availability on official consular websites Be flexible in choosing your interview location if multiple options exist Schedule your appointment as early as possible once your petition is approved Avoid relying on unofficial agents or third-party sources for appointment logistics. Stick to verified government portals. Understand that waiver eligibility ≠ Waiver guarantee A small set of waivers still exists—for example, certain diplomatic or official visa holders, or those renewing visas that expired within the past 12 months. However, even if you technically qualify, a consular officer still has the discretion to call you in for an interview. In this system, eligibility is not entitlement. Be prepared regardless. A system recalibrated, not closed The reinstatement of interviews is not a closure of opportunity, but a recalibration of trust. It reflects a shift in US policy back toward direct engagement and human evaluation. For applicants, this means the pathway to an H1B visa is no longer simply paved with documents, but with preparation, clarity, and communication. Visa interviews, once a shrinking formality, are now a full stage again. And stepping into that space, clear-eyed, well-versed, and ready, is the only way forward. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Will Australia's youth social media ban work?
Representative image When Australia's government decided to implement a world-first national youth social media ban, it was pitched as an antidote to a growing mental health crisis. It followed intense debate about the dangers of social media, much articulated in the book, "The Anxious Generation," by Jonathan Haidt. The American social psychologist argues that smartphone-based childhoods and social media are helping to fuel an epidemic of mental illness among teenagers. As the ban was passed in the Australian Parliament in November 2024, one poll revealed overwhelming support among 77% of Australians. The plan to fine TikTok, Facebook , Snapchat , Reddit, X, Instagram and now YouTube, 49.5 million Australian dollars (€27.7 million, $32.3 million) for failing to block young people was supported by 87% of those surveyed. Underage social media users and their parents will not be punished for any violations under the law. Social media companies, including Elon Musk's X, were predictably unimpressed with a ban that many concede will also be difficult to police. "It's entirely likely the ban could see young people pushed to darker corners of the internet where no community guidelines, safety tools or protections exist," said a TikTok spokesperson when the bill was passed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 22 Illustrations of a Husband and Wife in Everyday Life Watch More Undo The Australian social media ban partly seeks to protect young people from the cyberbullying, disinformation and illegal content that has riddled social media platforms. But some experts doubt whether prohibition is an antidote to deteriorating youth mental health. Can a 'nice, simple solution' solve a complex crisis? Marilyn Campbell, a professor in the School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education at the Queensland University of Technology who writes on cyberbullying, warns that little research establishes a "causal" connection between social media and psychological health. "We know that there's a high correlation between the rise of new technologies and the increase in young people's poorer mental health," she said. "But we don't even know why yet." One 2023 study sampling social media use in 72 countries found "no evidence suggesting that the global penetration of social media is associated with widespread psychological harm." Campbell noted that though populist psychology works like "The Anxious Generation" merely draw a correlation between rising youth anxiety and depression and social media use, they have been heavily hyped in the media. Building on the popularity of these ideas, the government is now pursuing a "nice, simple solution," she told DW. "You don't have to spend any money on it," she said of the ban. "It's not complicated." Researchers at the University of Queensland note that the limited understanding of how social media impacts young people's mental health means other influences need to be considered, such as rising "social inequity," "climate anxiety" and "gendered violence." Campbell suggested that instead of focusing on social media, governments need to "reform the mental health system," adding that "many more school counselors and school psychologists" would help. "There are lots of things that they could do but that cost money," she added. Can social media also help young people? The Australian government continues to conflate social media use and the psychological struggles of young people. "We know that social media is doing social harm, and my government and this parliament is prepared to take action to protect young Australians," said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday when announcing that YouTube would be added to the list of banned platforms after initially being excluded. But social media can also be positive for young people, said Campbell. Writing for Nature magazine in January, she noted that young people with autism or who are "exploring their sexual and gender identity" can sometimes more easily identify with peers online than in person. She added that, like the prohibition of alcohol in the US, a ban just forces the problem underground. Youth also need to be prepared to live in a "technologically-saturated world," the professor told DW. "We are not doing them any favors by saying, well, you can't be in this world until you're 16." Can an age ban be implemented? The Australian ban will not come into effect until December. Meanwhile, trials are underway to address the complex task of enforcing the social media blackout. Platforms won't be allowed to compel users to provide government-issued ID or digital identification but must provide "alternative age assurance methods" to confirm the age of social media account holders. One recent study showed that some 80% of people surveyed are concerned about the accuracy of age assurance technologies and potential data privacy breaches. Germany typifies growing support for social media ban Some 77% of German respondents to a 2024 poll also said they would either "fully" or "somewhat" support an Australia-like social media ban. An even higher percentage, 82%, were "absolutely certain" or "somewhat certain" that social media use is in some way bad for children and teenagers. Several US states are also limiting access to social media, including ensuring greater parental guidance over social media usage. For decades, the US has required tech companies to seek parental consent to access the data of users under the age of 13. Sweden, too, is looking to ban access to smartphones in schools due to worries about a decline in both mental and physical health. In 2024, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy suggested warning labels be added to social media platforms, similar to those on cigarettes and alcohol. This came after a Surgeon General report found some positives with social media use such as "community and connection with others who share identities, abilities and interests," but also "symptoms of depression and anxiety" among adolescents spending three-plus hours a day on social platforms. Marilyn Campbell reiterated that social media apps should not be banned, but designed to encourage safer interaction with young people. "I think that children need to be educated to live in the digital world," she said.
