World

Indian-origin man charged in knife attack in Singapore

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A 39-year-old Indian-origin man was charged on Monday for allegedly attacking another man with a knife.

Published Date – 06:59 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


Indian-origin man charged in knife attack in Singapore



Singapore: A 39-year-old Indian-origin man was charged on Monday for allegedly attacking another man with a knife, leaving a deep cut on the victim’s shoulder, the police said.

Michael Nganasekaran, who was arrested on Sunday for allegedly attacking 40-year-old Shanmugam Vegatachalam, was charged in court with one count of voluntarily causing hurt with a dangerous weapon.

Police said they were alerted to a case of a fight at the vicinity of Jalan Besar on September 9 .

According to preliminary investigations, Nganasekaran was believed to have been involved in a dispute with Vegatachalam, and allegedly used a knife to attack him.

Through ground enquiries and with the aid of images from police cameras, officers from Central Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him within eight hours, a Singapore Police statement read.

Two knives and the victim’s shirt were seized as case exhibits, police said, adding that Nganasekaran was charged under Section 324 of the Penal Code, 1871.

Vegatachalam allegedly suffered a 2 cm cut on his left shoulder, according to The Straits Times.

In a statement, the Singapore police said it has “zero tolerance for such brazen acts of violence and (it) will not hesitate to take action against those who blatantly disregard the law”.

“The Police would also like to remind members of the public that it is an offence to carry an offensive and/or scheduled weapon in a public place,” the statement read.

The offence of voluntarily causing hurt with a dangerous weapon carries an imprisonment term of up to seven years, a fine, caning, or any combination of such punishments.

Speaking via a Tamil interpreter in court on Monday, Nganasekaran said that he did not intentionally cause hurt to the victim, who also had a knife in his hand, The Times reported. He told the court that he was running a company, and claimed there was a third person involved in the incident, and that the other two men were armed with a knife each.

The court granted permission for Nganasekaran to be remanded for investigations, and he will return to court next Monday.

Middle East

‘Presence of terrorists in Kurdistan region violates Iraq’s constitution, at odds with friendly ties

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Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says the presence of terrorists in Iraqi Kurdistan region contravenes the Arab country’s constitution and is not compatible with cordial relations between Tehran and Baghdad.

Amir-Abdollahian made the statement in a meeting with Bafel Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), in Tehran on Monday as the deadline agreed by Iran and Iraq to disarm and relocate terror groups  based in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region approaches.

“The presence of terrorists in Kurdistan region and their moves against security of Iran are incompatible with Iraq’s constitution and friendly bilateral relations [because] no party should [be allowed to] harm security of Iraq’s neighbors,” Iran’s top diplomat said.

Amir-Abdollahian added that Iran is in favor of an “independent, prosperous, and developed” Iraq, noting that Tehran and Baghdad enjoy solid ties.

The Iranian minister also called for the speedy implementation of a security agreement concluded between the two sides. Under the agreement, the Iraqi government has promised to disarm terrorist and separatist groups based in Kurdistan region by September 19, vacate their military barracks there, and transfer them to the camps established by the Baghdad government.

Iraqi officials have notified authorities in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of the terms of the agreement.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kan’ani, said on Monday that the deadline “will not be extended in any way,” noting that the Iraqi government has taken measures to implement the deal.

For his part, Talabani hailed Iran’s continuous support for the Iraqi government and nation, adding, “We take pride in our relations and friendship with the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

He pointed to his party’s measures to boost security along the borders of Kurdistan region, stressing that Iraq will not allow any harm to come from its territory to regional countries, particularly Iran.

Meanwhile, a statement from Talabani’s office cited the PUK leader as saying, “Our goal is to achieve stability and coexistence in the region, for which we support responsible dialogue and understanding and believe that this is the only way to overcome the problems and achieve national goals.”

In a meeting with Iran’s ambassador to Baghdad, Mohammad Kazem Ale-Sadeq, earlier on Monday, the president of Iraq’s Kurdistan region, Nechirvan Barzani, said the semi-autonomous region is committed to the security agreement between Iran and the Arab country and will allow no one to pose a threat to Tehran.

The security agreement between the two countries came after anti-Iranian terrorist groups residing in Iraqi Kurdistan region increased their malign activities, especially in border areas.

Responding to their activities, Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has launched several rounds of strikes against their positions since September 24 last year, vowing to continue the attacks until the groups are disarmed.

Iran has, on countless occasions, warned Iraqi Kurdistan’s local authorities that it will not tolerate the presence and activity of terrorist groups along its northwestern borders, saying the country will give a decisive response should those areas become a haven for anti-Tehran terrorists.

Sports

Asia Cup: Rain plays spoilsport again as India-Pakistan game taken to reserve day

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India were 147 for two in 24.1 overs when rain lashed the Premadasa Stadium here. Play will resume at 3 pm local time on Monday

Updated On – 09:02 PM, Sun – 10 September 23


Asia Cup: Rain plays spoilsport again as India-Pakistan game taken to reserve day

Ground staff come up with covers as rain stops play during the Super Fours match between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023, at R.Premadasa Stadium, in Colombo on Sunday. (ANI Photo)

Colombo: Intermittent rain pushed the marquee Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan to a reserve day here on Sunday.

India were 147 for two in 24.1 overs when rain lashed the Premadasa Stadium here. Play will resume at 3 pm local time on Monday.

The activation of reserve day also means that in less than 24 hours of completion of the Pakistan game, India will meet Sri Lanka in their next Super Four encounter on Tuesday.

Before the weather played spoilsport, Virat Kohli and K L Rahul were batting on 8 and 17 respectively after openers Rohit Sharma (56) and Shubman Gill (58) struck fine half-centuries.

India’s Asia Cup opener against Pakistan was called off due to rain.

The weather has been a subject of intense debate through the Sri Lanka leg of Asia Cup. Rain is expected in the Sri Lankan capital throughout the tournament.

Asian Cricket Council’s decision to keep a reserve day only for Sunday’s game and the final also triggered a controversy.

Business

NCLT suggests SpiceJet settle issues with aircraft lessors-Telangana Today

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The tribunal’s suggestion came against the backdrop of the crisis-hit carrier issuing shares in lieu of dues to nine aircraft lessors

Published Date – 07:20 AM, Wed – 6 September 23


NCLT suggests SpiceJet settle issues with aircraft lessors



New Delhi: The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on Tuesday suggested that SpiceJet settle the issues with lessors that have sought initiation of insolvency proceedings against it.

The tribunal’s suggestion came against the backdrop of the crisis-hit carrier issuing shares in lieu of dues to nine aircraft lessors.

On Tuesday, the NCLT was hearing a plea filed by Celestial Aviation Services Ltd, an operational creditor that had filed a plea to initiate insolvency proceedings against the airline.

A two-member NCLT bench observed that the airline is settling with some of aeroplane lessors by converting debt into equity.

“SpiceJet seems to be settling with other lessors by giving shares, Why don’t you settle with these lessors as well?,” the bench, comprising M M Khandelwal and Rahul Prasad Bhatnagar, said.

This was in reference to Celestial Aviation Services and four other lessors who have filed pleas against the airline.

Further, the bench said that in its opinion, it is in its best interest to settle with the lessors and suggested that all of them sit together and resolve the disputes.

The tribunal also observed that “banks have not filed insolvency petitions, only lessors have come”.

On Monday, SpiceJet announced the allotment of 4.81 crore equity shares on a preferential basis to nine of its aircraft lessors to clear outstanding dues of Rs 231 crore.

The NCLT is scheduled to hear pleas of all SpiceJet lessors on September 15, 2023.

According to regulatory filings — nine lessors who have been allotted shares include SASOF III (A13) Aviation Ireland DAC, SASOF III (A6) Aviation Ireland DAC, SASOF III (C) Aviation Ireland DAC, SASOF III (E) Aviation Ireland DAC, SASOF III (A19) Aviation Ireland DAC, SASOF II (J) Aviation Ireland DAC Citrine Aircraft Leasing Limited, Fly Aircraft Holdings Seven Limited, Fly Aircraft Holdings One Limited.

Top News

Type-V Heavy Drop System showcased at North Tech Symposium in Jammu

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A “Type-V Heavy Drop System” in which a parachute is used to drop from an aircraft arms was showcased at the North Tech Symposium here on Monday.

Published Date – 10:29 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


Type-V Heavy Drop System showcased at North Tech Symposium in Jammu

A “Type-V Heavy Drop System” in which a parachute is used to drop from an aircraft arms was showcased at the North Tech Symposium here on Monday.

Jammu: A “Type-V Heavy Drop System” in which a parachute is used to drop from an aircraft arms, ammunition and equipment weighing up to 20 tons in a battlefield or an inaccessible high-altitude area was showcased at the North Tech Symposium here on Monday.

Designed and developed at the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the system was successfully tested from a cargo aircraft by the Indian Air Force (IAF) recently, officials said.

With the help of this system, arms, equipment and ammunition weighing up to 20 tons can be easily transported and dropped with the help of parachute in the battlefield or inaccessible high-altitude areas, they said.

Being manufactured with 100 per cent indigenous resources, the IAF users have declared it a major success under “make in India”.

Officials said the testing was jointly completed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, armed forces and Airbornics Defence and Space Private Limited (defence division of JCBL).

“The system can be used for C-17, C-130 and other C-series aircraft. It has a platform and a special multi-stage parachute system,” an official said.

It consists of eight main canopies, three extractor parachutes, one drogue parachute and electrical, electronic, mechanical systems and other latching accessories. The platform of this system is made of a special aluminum metal, they said.

Preparations have been completed for the induction of this system into the armed forces, he added.

It is being manufactured by Airbornics Defence and Space Private Limited.

ADSPL is involved in R&D activities with aerial delivery research and development establishment, Agra (DRDO) since 2018 for development of such systems for the needs of the armed forces, officials said.

The three-day North Tech Symposium, organised by the Army, began on the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus on the outskirts of Jammu on Monday.

A large number of companies and start-ups are showcasing their military equipment at the symposium, which facilitates a structured approach to product evaluation, prioritisation, and acquisition while contributing actionable inputs for procurement plans.

Hyderabad

Hyderabad: 10 senior MBBS students at Gandhi Medical College suspended for a year for ragging

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DME warned senior students in other private and government medical colleges in Telangana that if anyone indulges in ragging, firm action as per the anti-ragging rules will be taken

Updated On – 09:00 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


Hyderabad: 10 senior MBBS students at Gandhi Medical College suspended for a year for ragging

Representational Image.

Hyderabad: The Director of Medical Education (DME), Dr K Ramesh Reddy on Monday has issued orders suspending 10 senior MBBS students from Gandhi Medical College for a period of one-year for indulging in ragging.

“The anti-ragging committee has conducted an enquiry into the incident and found that 10 senior MBBS students were indulging in ragging juniors. All of the 10 students are suspended from the college for one year,” Dr Ramesh Reddy said.

The DME also warned senior students in other private and government medical colleges in Telangana that if anyone indulges in ragging, firm action as per the anti-ragging rules will be taken. We have zero tolerance for ragging, the DME made it clear.

A few days ago, health authorities had firmly warned several senior medical students that ragging will not be tolerated in any of the medical colleges. “Inspite of telling very firmly that no ragging will be tolerated in any of the medical colleges, some senior students indulged in ragging 1st year students in the Hostel of Gandhi Medical College in Secunderabad. Complaint was also sent by UGC anti ragging cell, New Delhi to take action, Dr Ramesh Reddy said.

Following a rash of suicides by first-year MBBS students across the country, in June of this year, the National Medical Commission (NMC) in a circular had directed medical colleges to respond in a timely manner to complaints of harassment and ragging made by first-year MBBS under-graduates and PG medicos. The NMC said that medical colleges were not promptly responding to the complaints of ragging and also not submitting their compliance report of Prevention and Prohibition of Ragging in Medical Colleges and Institution, Regulations, 2021.

Medical students can visit the NMC website (nmc.org.in) and lodge their complaints.

World

Iran envoy meets Egypt's top Muslim cleric in Berlin

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Mahmoud Farazandeh, the ambassador of Iran to Germany, met and held talks with Ahmad al-Tayeb, Grand Sheikh of al-Azhar of Egypt, at his residence in Berlin.

Today’s differences and divisions between Muslims go back to non-Islamic conflicts that the Holy Quran warned against, Ahmad al-Tayeb emphasized, stressing that these conflicts lead to the loss of Islamic unity, division among Muslims, and lack of a unified Islamic approach.

Despite the differences, Muslims still can refer to their unified Islamic goals, he said.

He said that the most dangerous challenge of the Islamic world in the present era is convincing politicians and decision-makers that Islamic expediency and interests are more important than anything, emphasizing that all Muslims must agree on that.

He added that Islamic scholars have widely spoken about the importance of Islamic unity, but political powers constantly push things against the language of logic and reason.

Al-Azhar noted that getting out of this crisis requires that the decision-makers of the world put a binding moral and human framework on the agenda and prefer human interests over intrinsic interests.

Iran’s ambassador also expressed his satisfaction with his meeting with  Al-Azhar, praising his efforts to unite the Muslim world.

Iran is aware of Al-Azhar’s power to unite Muslims and guide them to the right path against those who try to show a wrong image of Islam, he said.

Farazandeh also said that Iran welcomes Sheikh Al-Azhar’s invitation to hold an Islamic dialogue during the IISS Manama Dialogue in November 2023.

SD/IRN85225352

Sports

King’s Cup: India lose to Lebanon to miss bronze medal

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India’s return to Thailand for the 49th King’s Cup football competition ended in disappointment as they lost to Lebanon by a solitary goal in a hard-fought clash

Published Date – 09:15 PM, Sun – 10 September 23


King’s Cup: India lose to Lebanon to miss bronze medal

Photo: IANS

Chiang Mai: India’s return to Thailand for the 49th King’s Cup football competition ended in disappointment as they lost to Lebanon by a solitary goal in a hard-fought clash in the third-place playoff here on Sunday.

Kassam Al Zein scored with an acrobatic back-volley off a corner kick in the 77th minute in the hard-fought clash which was enough to seal Lebanon’s first victory against India in 2023. Igor Stimac’s team made many attacks, parking themselves in the Lebanon half for most of the second half but their search for an equaliser proved futile.

After a goalless first half in which both teams made many attempts, India survived a close call in the 48th minute when goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh pulled off a save. In the 64th minute a horrendous goof-up in defence nearly spelt doom for India before Gurpreet dashed out in the nick of time, sweeping the ball away. In the 69th minute, Brandon Fernandes managed to release a perfect pass under intense pressure.

Rahul KP made a spirited sprint to reach the ball and made a pass but Lebanon keeper Khalil rushed out to collect it safely. India had a chance in the 79th minute when Lallianzuala Chhangte and Nikhil Raj displayed slick teamwork, with Chhangte cutting inside and unleashing a shot at the goal. But the attempt sailed high and wide.

In the 90th minute, Brandon Fernandes stepped up to take a free kick from the right, but his shot was quickly cleared away by the Lebanon defence, The match ended 1-0 in favour of Lebanon, leaving the Indian men’s team disappointed.

Business

Rupee falls 5 paise to 83.09 against US dollar-Telangana Today

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Forex traders said the rupee is trading lower on strong dollar and sustained foreign fund outflows over the past few days.

Published Date – 10:40 AM, Wed – 6 September 23


Rupee falls 5 paise to 83.09 against US dollar



Mumbai: The rupee depreciated 5 paise to 83.09 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday as elevated crude oil prices and strength of the American currency weighed on investor sentiments.

Forex traders said the rupee is trading lower on strong dollar and sustained foreign fund outflows over the past few days.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit opened at 83.08, then touched 83.09, registering a decline of 5 paise over its last close.

On Tuesday, the rupee plunged by 33 paise to close at 83.04 against the US dollar.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, fell marginally by 0.09 per cent to 104.71.

Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, rose 0.07 per cent to USD 90.10 per barrel.

Saudi Arabia and Russia shook the oil world when they extended production cuts to December taking Brent oil to USD 90.19 per barrel, Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP said.

This spelled tighter supplies in the next four months as markets expected a supply cut only up to October. Oil is the biggest import for India and any spike in oil price will widen the Current Account Deficit, Bhansali said.

The rupee was sold as oil prices spiked and RBI allowed a move above 83 as demand from oil companies kept the US dollar higher, Bhansali said.

In the domestic equity market, the 30-share BSE Sensex was trading 76.15 points or 0.12 per cent higher at 65,856.41. The broader NSE Nifty rose 18.35 points or 0.09 per cent to 19,593.25.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net sellers in the capital markets on Tuesday as they offloaded shares worth Rs 1,725.11 crore, according to exchange data.

Top News

Many sleep outdoors for second night after deadly Morocco quake

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People walk past destroyed houses after an earthquake in the mountain village of Tafeghaghte, southwest of the city of Marrakesh, on September 9, 2023. (Photo by AFP)

Families in Marrakesh huddled into the early hours of Sunday, spending a second night on the streets as Morocco’s deadliest earthquake in more than half a century left many fearing their homes were no longer safe to return to.

The death toll from the strong earthquake has risen to 2,122, with more than 2,000 others injured, according to the latest update from the country’s Interior Ministry released on Saturday.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake shook Morocco’s High Atlas mountain range shortly after 11 p.m. local time on Friday at a relatively shallow depth of 18.5 kilometers with the epicenter located about 72 kilometers southwest of Marrakesh, a city of some 840,000 people and a popular tourist destination.

Tremors were also reportedly felt in the capital Rabat, as well as the coastal cities of Casablanca and Essaouira. The earthquake was also felt in neighboring Algeria, where the Algerian Civil Defense said it had not caused any damage or casualties.

The earthquake killed people in the provinces and municipalities of al-Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua, and Taroudant, Morocco’s Interior Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry further noted that authorities have “mobilized all the necessary resources to intervene and help the affected areas.”

After a meeting chaired by King Mohammed VI of Morocco, the palace announced three days of national mourning, with flags to fly at half-mast on all public buildings.

World leaders and diplomats expressed condolences and offered their support for Morocco after the devastating earthquake.

(Source: Agencies)