Middle East

Israeli regime knows not boundaries in savage attacks

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Speaking during this week’s Friday Prayers sermon in Tehran, Hujjat al-Islam Mohammad Javad Haj Ali Akbari pointed to the Zionist-Israeli regime war on Gaza, which was resumed on Friday morning, saying that the Hamas October 7 operation Al-Aqsa Storm “served greatly not only Palestine and the Resistance-controlled areas, but all the entire humanity,”

He also described the Resistance’s operation as “a big slap in America’s face.”

Haj Ali Akbari said that the successful operation of the oppressed people of Palestine tarnished the reputation of the “global arrogance (big Western powers”, noting that “the Israeli regime’s savagery knows no boundaries and crossed all red lines.”

The senior cleric also criticized the United Nations and other international human rights bodies for lacking the power and willingness to stop the Zionist regime’s crimes.

He went on to reffer to the resumed Israeli attacks on Gaza on Friday after the seven-day truce, saying that the regime cannot compensate for its big defeat on October 7 by killing more Palestinians. 

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Rich Nations Should Reduce Their Carbon Footprint "Well Before" 2050: PM Modi

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Rich Nations Should Reduce Their Carbon Footprint 'Well Before' 2050: PM Modi

COP28 aims to establish the groundwork for a fresh post-2025 global climate finance goal

New Delhi:

Rich nations should completely reduce their carbon footprint “well before” 2050, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday while calling on the world to deliver a concrete outcome on finance to help developing and poor nations combat climate change.

Addressing a session on ‘Transforming Climate Finance’ at COP28 here, PM Modi said India expects concrete and real progress on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), a fresh post-2025 global climate finance goal.

“Developed countries should completely reduce their carbon footprint well before 2050,” he said.

Rich nations pledged in 2009 to raise $100 billion annually by 2020 to assist developing countries in combating and adjusting to climate change. Despite extensions to 2025, these nations have not met this commitment.

COP28 aims to establish the groundwork for a fresh post-2025 global climate finance goal, succeeding the $100 billion target. Countries aim to finalize this new goal by COP29 in 2024.

PM Modi said that there should be no shortfall of money in the Green Climate Fund and the Adaptation Fund and that these be immediately replenished.

The Green Climate Fund, which was proposed at the 2009 climate talks in Copenhagen and began raising money in 2014, hasn’t come close to its goal of $100 billion annually.

The Adaptation Fund is a UN-backed fund that provides grants and loans to help developing countries adjust to climate impacts.

Released ahead of the Dubai climate talks, the United Nations’ “Adaptation Gap Report 2023 said despite the clear signs of accelerating climate risks and impacts worldwide, the adaptation finance gap is widening and now stands at between $194 billion and $366 billion per year.

PM Modi also said that multilateral development banks should provide affordable finance not just for development but also for climate action.

The prime minister said India and other countries in the Global South have contributed little to the climate crisis but are impacted the most.

“Despite the lack of resources, these nations are committed to climate action,” he said.

“Climate finance and technology are important to fulfil the aspirations of the Global South,” the prime minister said, adding that the countries of the Global South expect all possible help from the developed countries to address the climate crisis.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Hyderabad

Voting percentage declined in erstwhile Karimnagar

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Despite the increase in number of voters, voting percentage has declined in almost all 13 assembly constituencies in the erstwhile Karimnagar district when compared to 2018 elections.

Published Date – 06:44 PM, Fri – 1 December 23


Voting percentage declined in erstwhile Karimnagar


Karimnagar: Despite the increase in number of voters, voting percentage has declined in almost all 13 assembly constituencies in the erstwhile Karimnagar district when compared to 2018 elections. When compared to the previous election, there is a 4.32 per cent drop in voting in Karimnagar district this time around. An overall of 75.31 per cent polling is recorded in the district as against 79.63 per cent votes polled in 2018 elections.

In Peddapalli, 77.96 per cent voters exercised their votes as against 80.47 per cent in the previous election. There is 2.51 per cent decline. Voting has fallen to 76.83 per cent from 80.47 in Jagtial district subsequent drop to 3.64 per cent. There is a 3.04 per cent decline in voting in Rajanna-Sircilla. 77.68 per cent of electors cast their votes as against 80.72 per cent turnout in 2018.

If going into constituency wise figures, 63.23 per cent voting is recorded in Karimnagar assembly segment as against 69.29 per cent in 2018 polls, Choppadandi-77.77 (79.73), Manakondur-83.19 (85.36), Huzurabad-83.19 (84.40) and Husnabad-84.66 (83.94). There is a 0.72 per cent hike in polling in Husnabad.

In Peddapalli district, Ramagundam recorded 68.71 per cent against 71.94, Manthani-82.71 (85.41) and Peddapalli-77.96 (84.08). Korutla-75.62 (75.84), Dharmapuri-79.54 (80.19) and Jagtial-75.42 (78.83), Sircilla-77 (80.54) and Vemulawada-78.42 (80.62). Election authorities’ efforts to increase polling percentage by bringing the voters to polling stations to cast their votes seemed to have not yielded result. Besides widespread publicity about the importance of voting, polling stations were also decorated attractively to attract the electorates.

Special polling stations with names of Disabled, Women, First-time voters, Youth, Model, Green, and so on established in selected places this time around. However, they may have not attracted voters.

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Navy Appoints 1st Woman Commanding Officer In Attack Naval Ship

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Navy Appoints 1st Woman Commanding Officer In Naval Attack Ship

The overall strength of women Agniveers in Navy has now crossed the 1,000 mark. (Representational)

New Delhi:

The Indian Navy has appointed the first woman commanding officer in a naval ship in sync with its philosophy of ‘all roles-all ranks’ for female personnel, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said on Friday.

Addressing a press conference ahead of Navy Day, Admiral Kumar said the Indian Navy’s ships, submarines, and aircraft have sustained a high operational tempo in the strategic waters in the last one year.

On China’s increasing forays into the Indian Ocean, he said Indian Navy monitors all activities in the region.

“Our ships, submarines, and aircraft have sustained a high operational tempo – undertaking missions and tasks encompassing military, diplomatic, constabulary and benign roles,” he said.

“Our units were mission deployed across the Indian Ocean Region and beyond, to protect and promote our national interests,” he said.

The Navy has “remained a ‘Combat-ready, Credible, Cohesive, and Future Proof’ force enabled by what we call our ‘ships first’ outlook where every single action that we take is aimed to enable our women and men in operational units to perform their duties very well.” On the operational front, the Navy’s sheer footprint of deployments has been satisfying as its ships have been persistently present across the Indo Pacific.

Admiral Kumar said the Indian Navy has appointed the first woman commanding officer in a naval ship.

“The overall strength of women Agniveers has now crossed the 1,000 mark. These statistics stands testament to our philosophy of ‘all roles, all ranks’ approach to deployment of women in the service.” He also said the Indian Navy is fully committed to jointness and cohesiveness.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Hyderabad

Votes counting to commence at 8 am on Sunday, begins with postal ballot

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If the postal ballot votes counting continued beyond 8.30 a.m. simultaneously EVMs counting would commence.

Published Date – 06:10 PM, Fri – 1 December 23


Votes counting to commence at 8 am on Sunday, begins with postal ballot

Telangana Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj

Hyderabad: Counting of votes would commence at 8 a.m. on Sunday, beginning with postal ballots and followed by Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) polled votes, Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj said here on Friday.

If the postal ballot votes counting continued beyond 8.30 a.m. simultaneously EVMs counting would commence. Generally, there would be 14 tables arranged at each counting centre and in case if the voters in a particular constituency were higher, more tables would be arranged.

Addressing media persons here on Friday, the Chief Electoral Officer said at each table, there would be one counting supervisor, one micro observer and two counting staff, besides contesting candidates’ representatives. Results would be declared after thorough scrutiny and in least possible time.

He said the polling on Thursday passed peacefully save for a few sporadic incidents. In 76 constituencies, the poll percentage was above 75 percent. Though, the final scrutiny of votes polled was still under progress, a 70.79 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the State. Assembly constituency wise details would be shared in public domain by Friday evening, he said.

Regarding complaints of rigging by a few parties, the Chief Electoral Officer said there was web-casting footage available at many polling stations. If there was anything suspicious, the Observers and Returning Officers would definitely consider and initiate action accordingly, he said.

On the ruling BRS party’s objection over exit polls being released on Thursday even as the polling was under progress, the Chief Electoral Officer said the Election Commission of India considers all aspects, including legal provisions, before permitting such practices.

About the fake videos being circulated on social media platforms, he said the EC officials had removed 120 fake links, videos and other materials posted on different social media platforms.

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Amid tight security EVMs shifted to strong rooms in Nizamabad

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The strong room will be opened on counting day, December 3.

Published Date – 06:27 PM, Fri – 1 December 23


Amid tight security EVMs shifted to strong rooms in Nizamabad

The strong room will be opened on counting day, December 3.

Nizamabad: The process of shifting of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines used in the Thursday’s polling in the six constituencies of the district to the strong rooms was completed on Friday. The strong room will be opened on counting day, December 3.

The EVMs were moved from the respective segments to the Government Polytechnic College situated in Nizamabad district headquarters, where they were carefully checked and installed in strong rooms in accordance with the norms of the Election Commission of India(ECI). The strong rooms were sealed in the presence of candidates’ agents and election observers.

Collector and District Election Officer Rajiv Gandhi Hanumanthu, Police Commissioner Kalmeshwar Shingenavar, Additional Collectors Chitra Mishra and P Yadireddy supervised the security arrangements of EVMs. Tight security arrangements have been made to prevent anyone from entering the counting centers.

The State Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed at the college for the security of the EVMs. “While CRPF personnel are guarding the rooms, the second line of security is provided by the State police, to ensure that no outsiders can enter the premises”, the Police Commissioner informed.

The Commissioner of Police has issued an order enforcing Section 144 prohibitory orders at the counting centres from 5 pm on Friday to 6 am on Monday.

Hyderabad

EVMs secured with three-layer security: Kothagudem Collector

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A three-layer security was set up at the strong rooms at Anubose Engineering College in Paloncha mandal in the district.

Published Date – 06:16 PM, Fri – 1 December 23


EVMs secured with three-layer security: Kothagudem Collector

EVMs were secured with a three-layer security at the strong rooms at Anubose Engineering College in Paloncha mandal in Kothagudem district.

Kothagudem: District Election Officer, Collector Dr. Priyanka Ala said that the EVMs were secured amid high security. She said that after the polling was conducted in 1098 polling stations in five Assembly constituencies on November 30 the polling material had been received at the reception centres in the respective constituency headquarters.

A three-layer security was set up at the strong rooms at Anubose Engineering College in Paloncha mandal in the district. The counting of votes would take place at the college on December 3. 14 tables have been set up for each constituency for the counting process.

Dr. Ala informed that 18 teams have been formed for monitoring the counting process. One micro-observer, counting supervisor and counting assistant would monitor counting at each table.

Superintendent of Police Dr. Vineeth G, Bhadrachalam ASP Paritosh Pankaj, vote counting observers Kamal Kishore, Hari Kishore and Ganesh, returning officers of all constituencies Prateek Jain, Rambabu, Karthik, Shirisha, Mangilal, R&B EE Bhimla and others were present.

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Bayer Leverkusen Set To Host Borussia Dortmund In Clash Of Bayern Hunters

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Bayer Leverkusen welcome Borussia Dortmund on Sunday with the hosts sitting clear atop the Bundesliga table, having dropped just two of a possible 36 points to start the season. Although only two points ahead of a Harry Kane-powered Bayern Munich, Leverkusen are already a whopping ten points in front of Dortmund, with only 12 matches played. While many have credited manager Xabi Alonso for giving Leverkusen’s long-suffering fans hope of adding to a sparse trophy cabinet, a shrewd summer recruitment drive has also set them up for success.

Using the proceeds of Moussa Diaby’s sale to Aston Villa, Leverkusen brought in striker Victor Boniface, winger Jonas Hofmann, midfielder Granit Xhaka, while Alex Grimaldo joined from Benfica on a free.

Alonso hailed the summer additions’ “football intelligence”, telling AFP and other media in an interview “we knew they were going to have an almost instant influence on our game”.

“We have signed very strategic players to give us stability… to be more efficient and consistent. That gives you the possibility to be more regular in the Bundesliga.”

Since the transfer window closed, German media has reported that each of the quartet were rejected by Dortmund in the summer — other than Hofmann, who had two previous stints at Signal Iduna Park.

Criticism has grown, particularly with Dortmund’s new additions Felix Nmecha, Marcel Sabitzer and Ramy Bensebaini showing indifferent form and failing to fill the gap left by budding superstar Jude Bellingham.

The architect of Leverkusen’s summer transfer window, sporting director Simon Rolfes, had his contract extended to 2028 on Tuesday, a reflection of the former player’s efforts.

Rolfes, who played 377 times for Leverkusen, said his side had “gained enormous quality” and was proud to have extended at “a demanding, modern club hungry for success.”

Leverkusen’s brightest star, Germany midfield maestro Florian Wirtz, was rested for Thursday’s Europa League trip to Swedish side BK Hacken — a reflection of Sunday’s importance to the league leaders.

There is more at stake for Dortmund than just losing touch with the league leaders.

Alongside RB Leipzig, who have won the past two German Cups, Dortmund have been the team most likely to break the champions’ dominance — likely making Leverkusen’s stunning emergence as ‘Bayern hunters’ even more of an issue for the visitors on Sunday.

“This is the most difficult task in Germany at the moment,” said Dortmund defender Mats Hummels on Tuesday regarding the trip to Leverkusen.

“We need to stand our ground.”

One to watch: Serhou Guirassy (Stuttgart)

Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy is set to make his first start since October, returning from a hamstring injury at home against Werder Bremen on Saturday.

The 27-year-old has 15 goals in ten matches, scoring at an incredible strike rate of one goal per 46 minutes this season.

The injury did not stop Guirassy’s stunning form however, with the France-born Guinea forward coming off the bench to score the winning penalty against Dortmund earlier in November.

In his absence, Brighton loanee Deniz Undav has stepped up, scoring six goals in his past six matches.

Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness confirmed on Thursday “they will both be in the starting XI against Bremen. I’m looking forward to the double-pronged attack”.

Key stats

Zero from eight: Union Berlin have never beaten Bayern but have drawn three of eight — all with a 1-1 scoreline.

18: Harry Kane has 18 goals from 12 league games this season.

Nine of 17: Denmark striker Jonas Wind has scored nine of Wolfsburg’s 17 goals this season, more than half.

Fixtures (1430 GMT unless stated)

Friday

Darmstadt v Cologne (1930)

Saturday

Bochum v Wolfsburg, RB Leipzig v Heidenheim, Bayern Munich v Union Berlin, Borussia Moenchengladbach v Hoffenheim, Stuttgart v Werder Bremen (1730)

Sunday

Mainz v Freiburg, Bayer Leverkusen v Borussia Dortmund (1630), Augsburg v Eintracht Frankfurt (1830)

Topics mentioned in this article

Hyderabad

Translocated trees at Cherlapally’s KCR Nandanavanam perish, highlighting neglectc

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With the possibility of the fully grown trees facing the axe due to imminent road widening, Rajya Sabha member and GIC founder J Santosh Kumar took up the initiative to translocate the trees with the help of VATA Foundation

Published Date – 06:15 PM, Fri – 1 December 23


Translocated trees at Cherlapally’s KCR Nandanavanam perish, highlighting neglectc

Trans-located tress, which were shifted to a municipal park from Hyderabad road due to roads widening in Nalgonda, were dried up due negligence of the officials.

Nalgonda: Twelve trees, recently translocated to KCR Nandanavanam Urban Park in Cherlapally from Marriguda bypass road to facilitate road widening, have perished. This development points to inadequate maintenance efforts on the part of civic authorities.

With the possibility of the fully grown trees facing the axe due to imminent road widening, Rajya Sabha member and Green India Challenge founder J Santosh Kumar took up the initiative to translocate the trees with the help of VATA Foundation. These 50-year-old trees were translocated to the urban park on April 22 last.

Nalgonda MLA Kancherla Bhupal Reddy launched the translocation amidst much fanfare, but local officials who showed extreme interest in artificial trees to beautify the town, have completely ignored the task of nurturing the translocated trees.

A team of volunteers of the VATA Foundation volunteers executed the translocation using a 50-ton crane, moving the trees to the park on a flatbed truck. Despite so much effort and the very expensive and painstaking exercise, civic authorities have turned a negligent eye on the translocated trees and sadly within six months, the translocated trees were found dead in the park.

Due to the park remaining closed to the public, only a handful of workers were assigned to maintain the trees, while no dedicated horticulture officer was appointed to oversee their care. This lack of attention led to the failure to preserve any of the translocated trees, underlining official negligence.

Speaking to Telangana Today, Indian Environment Social Forum founder convenor Jeedimetla Ravinder criticized the local representatives and officials for their grand promises at the outset of the translocation in Nalgonda but failing to follow through. He expressed disappointment over the wasted resources and the missed opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to tree conservation.

Attempts to reach the Nalgonda municipal commissioner for comments were unsuccessful, as he was unavailable over phone and also at his office.

World

Taliban amb. hands over credentials to Chinese authorities

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Taliban caretaker government foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said on X that Bilal Karimi presented his credentials to the Director-General of the Protocol Department of the Foreign Ministry of China, Hong Lei, as Taliban ambassador in Beijing.

According to Balkhi, Karimi arrived in Beijing on November 24 and was welcomed by the Chinese special envoy for Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong, and acting diplomats of the Afghanistan embassy in China, local Afghan media Tolo News reported.

A Taliban spokesman quoted Karimi during his meeting with Lei as saying that it is time for the improvement of relations between China and Afghanistan.

Karimi also pledged that the Afghan soil will not be used against any country.

According to Balkhi, the Director-General of the Protocol Department of the Foreign Ministry of China said that China does not intend to interfere in the internal affairs of any country and that it wants to help improve Afghanistan’s economy and infrastructure through the Belt and Road initiative.

KI