British PM Rishi Sunak says UK standing by Israel in its Darkest hour
Jerusalem, (AP): UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says Britain is standing by Israel in its "darkest hour" as it wages war on Hamas following the Palestinian militant group's October 7 attack.
Sunak spoke alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, a day after US President Joe Biden made a similar trip to Israel to express solidarity.
"I am proud to stand here with you in Israel's darkest hour as your friend," Sunak said.
The UK prime minister acknowledged the "shocking scenes" over the past day, including the aftermath of an explosion at a Gaza hospital, saying "we mourn the loss of every innocent life."
Sunak plans to travel to Saudi Arabia later Thursday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as Britain tries to dampen down regional tensions, get aid into Gaza and secure the release of UK hostages held by Hamas.
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Bill to provide precise definition of 'transgender' introduced in LS
New Delhi (PTI): A bill seeking to provide a precise definition of the term "transgender" and provide graded punishments that reflect the gravity of the harm inflicted upon such persons was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Friday.
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill was introduced by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar.
It notes that it is imperative to give a precise definition for proper and definitive identification and protection of transgender persons, to whom the benefits of the present law must reach.
The protection and benefits that are provided under the present law are vast in nature, and therefore, care has to be taken that "such identification cannot be extended based on any acquirable characteristics or personal choice or claimed self-perceived identity of an individual".
The Bill also contains provisions for "designation of an authority" which will have the option to seek "expert advice" if required.
The draft law also seeks to empower transgender persons to make consequential changes in official documents.
