A conference in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, has underlined the significant role that women play in supporting the resistance in Palestine and the region.
Hyderabad: Nagarjuna meets CM Revanth Reddy
During the meeting, the ‘Manmadhudu’ actor and his wife presented the Chief Minister with a bouquet.
Updated On – 02:24 PM, Sat – 30 December 23
Hyderabad: Actor Nagarjuna, along with his wife Amala Akkineni, met Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy at his residence here on Saturday. During the meeting, the ‘Manmadhudu’ actor and his wife presented the Chief Minister with a bouquet.
US strike near Syria-Iraq border kills five fighters
Sabereen News, a Telegram news channel associated with Iraqi anti-terror Popular Mobilization Units – better known by the Arabic name Hashd al-Sha’abi – reported that there were Lebanese nationals among the victims of the attack that targeted a military installation in the city of al-Bukamal early on Saturday.
The development came hours after Iraqi resistance fighters launched three separate attacks against US military bases in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region and neighboring Syria over Washington’s support for the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of anti-terror fighters, in separate statements published on its Telegram channel claimed responsibility for the drone strike on al-Harir Air Base, situated 45 kilometers (27.9 miles) north of the Erbil International Airport, late on Friday.
The group noted that the airstrike was carried out in retaliation for US support of Israel’s bloody war against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
There were no immediate reports about the extent of damage at the military facility, or possible casualties.
Earlier, Iraqi resistance forces had fired a barrage of rockets at an American military base in al-Shaddadi town, located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Syria’s northeastern city of Hasakah.
Another US-run facility in Kharab al-Jir military base in the Yarubiyah district of the same Syrian province was also hit with a number of rockets.
The strikes on the US-run military installation in Iraq and Syria come amid growing anti-US sentiments over Washington’s firm support for Israel’s war against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip, which has killed at least 21,320 people, most of them women and children. Another 55,603 individuals have been wounded as well.
The Israeli regime launched the war after Gaza’s resistance groups conducted Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, their biggest operation against the occupying entity in years.
Since the onset of the war on October 7, the United States has backed Israel’s ferocious attacks on Palestinian territory as a means of “self-defense.”
The US House of Representatives on November 2 passed a standalone $14.3-billion military assistance package for Israel. The legislation, however, is yet to clear the Senate.
Washington has also vetoed United Nations Security Council resolutions that called for a ceasefire in Gaza.
AMK/PressTV
After Rahane, 'Ignored' Pujara's Post Goes Viral. Fans Have A Big Question
Cheteshwar Pujara is not part of the ongoing India vs South Africa Test series. The veteran batter for long has been a solid player for India in Tests. However, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane‘s omission from the South Africa Tour made many wonder whether it was the end of the road for the veteran duo in India colours. Cheteshwar Pujara has been playing County cricket and also Ranji Trophy for Saurashtra. On Saturday, Cheteshwar Puajara posted a video of him practising. The video had the caption: “Ranji Trophy prep mode”. The post also had a video.
Ranji Trophy prep mode: pic.twitter.com/kFN3PyvTHx
— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) December 30, 2023
Ranji trophy practice with white ball
— . (@Itz_abhay17) December 30, 2023
However, some social media users were confused about Pujara preparing for the red-ball tournament with a white ball.
Ranji trophy prep with white ball?
— Faiz Fazel (@theFaizFazel) December 30, 2023
Ranji Trophy with white ball?
— Nikhil K J (@i_amnkj) December 30, 2023
On Friday, Ajinkya Rahane also posted his practice video.
No rest days pic.twitter.com/EM218MqMhK
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) December 29, 2023
Former Indian cricket team skipper Sourav Ganguly was asked about the decision taken by the selection panel to not pick Rahane and Pujara for the South Arica Tour. He pointed out that the sports does not remain with someone forever and although both Rahane and Pujara have served the national side well, it is time for new batters to prove their mettle.
“At some point of time you have to play new talents. It happens, there is enormous talent in India and the team has to progress. Pujara and Rahane had enormous success for India, sport doesn’t remain with you forever,” Ganguly said at the sidelines of an event.
“You cannot be there forever, it will happen to everyone. I must thank them what they have done for Indian cricket and selectors want fresh faces, so that’s the way it is.”
Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara have been long-serving servants of India in Tests. In 85 matches in the longest format, Ajinkya Rahane has 5077 runs at an average of 38.46.
He last played a Test match in July in West Indies. Cheteshwar Pujara has so far played 103 Tests and scored 7195 runs at an average of 43.60. He last played a Test in June against Australia.
According to news agency PTI, Ajinkya Rahane, who scored 89 in the World Test Championship final, has probably played his last Test along with Chesteshwar Pujara.
Topics mentioned in this article
‘It was security wing’s decision to buy 22 Land Cruisers, former-CM KCR had no role’
Speaking to reporters in Warangal, MLC Kavitha said the security arrangements of a Chief Minister and other VIPs are dealt with by the police and other security agencies and politicians do not have any role in those issues
Published Date – 02:06 PM, Sat – 30 December 23
Hyderabad: BRS MLC Kavitha on Saturday took exception to Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s comments that the previous BRS government bought 22 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles “without anybody’s knowledge”, hoping that the K Chandrasekhar Rao-led government would come back to power and use them.
Speaking to reporters in Warangal, Kavitha said the security arrangements of a Chief Minister and other VIPs are dealt with by the police and other security agencies and politicians do not have any role in those issues.
“Ultimately, the protocol of any CM is decided by the security wing, Intelligence and the police. There is no role of politicians in that. It (the purchase of vehicles) was decided like that and it was unfortunate that the current CM (Revanth Reddy) thinks so, but it is not the case,” she told reporters when asked for her reaction on the issue.
Addressing a press conference, Revanth Reddy recently said officials have informed him that the previous BRS government bought 22 Land Cruiser vehicles and kept them in Vijayawada hoping to use them after KCR came back to power again after the Assembly polls.
She further said during the last 10 years, the leaders never insisted on what kind of security cover that the police should provide to them.
“It is not fair for the Chief Minister to make an issue out of it and belittle it,” she opined.
The BRS leader demanded the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accord national festival status to Sammakka Saaramma Jatra, a tribal festival, describing it as a South Indian Kumbh Mela.
She said there were several representations to PM Modi on the issue.
2023, Hottest Year, Highlights Humanity's Failures, Says Scientist
The year 2023 saw its fair share of disastrous events.
In 2023, the world experienced a notable surge in both the occurrence and severity of natural disasters, ranging from the Turkey-Syria earthquake to flooding in South Africa and wildfires in Algeria. This year was characterized by a series of impactful events, including devastating earthquakes, floods, wildfires, and cyclones, leading to widespread destruction, displacement, and loss of life on a global scale.
Disheartened by mounting disasters and lackluster responses, renowned climate scientist James Hansen casts a bleak shadow on humanity’s capacity to tackle its own climate crisis. He believes this year will be remembered as the turning point, the moment when our failures became tragically unmistakable.
“When our children and grandchildren look back at the history of human-made climate change, this year and next will be seen as the turning point at which the futility of governments in dealing with climate change was finally exposed,” Mr Hansen told The Guardian.
“Not only did governments fail to stem global warming, the rate of global warming actually accelerated.”
Following the scorching July of 2023, likely the hottest in 120,000 years, Mr Hansen issued a stark warning: the world is on track for a “new climate frontier,” with temperatures exceeding any recorded in the past million years.
Mr Hansen, now director of the climate program at Columbia University’s Earth Institute in New York, said the best hope was for a generational shift of leadership.
“The bright side of this clear dichotomy is that young people may realise that they must take charge of their future. The turbulent status of today’s politics may provide opportunity,” he said.
The Guardian reported that other experts also expressed dismay over the vast divide between scientific warnings and political action. Despite nearly 30 years of recognizing fossil fuels as the culprit, the recent UN Cop28 summit ended with a vague call for a transition, despite mounting evidence of dangerous global warming.
Here are the traffic restrictions imposed for New year’s eve in Hyderabad
The Outer Ring Road (ORR) will be closed for light motor vehicles except vehicles bound towards the RGI Airport and PVNR Expressway will be closed, except for vehicles bound towards the airport between 10 pm and 5 am.
Updated On – 02:09 PM, Sat – 30 December 23
Hyderabad: In view of the New Year celebrations, the Cyberabad Traffic Police issued traffic regulations on Saturday.
The Outer Ring Road (ORR) will be closed for light motor vehicles except vehicles bound towards the RGI Airport and PVNR Expressway will be closed, except for vehicles bound towards the airport between 10 pm and 5 am.
Shilpa Layout flyover, Gachibowli flyover, Bio-diversity flyovers-I and II, Shaikpet flyover, Mindspace, Road No.45 flyover and Durgam Cheruvu cable bridge, Cyber Tower flyover, Forum Mall-JNTU flyover, Khaithlapur flyover, Babu Jagjivan Ram flyover at Balanagar and AMB Kondapur, will be totally closed for vehicular and pedestrian movement from 11 pm to 5 am.
The traffic police has directed drivers/operators of cabs/taxi/auto rickshaws to be in proper uniform and carry all their documents. They were warned against refusing to ride on hire with public as it amounts to violation of Section 178 of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Penalty of Rs. 500 will be imposed in the form of e-challan on refusal to ply. Public may send such complaints on WhatsApp 9490617346 with details of vehicle, time, place etc.
The Cyberabad police warned bars, pubs or clubs of knowingly or negligently allowing their customers/associates to drive under the influence of alcohol after consuming alcohol in their premises and said such cases will be dealt strictly as per law and the management will be prosecuted for abetting the crime.
The traffic police will also conduct extensive checks for drunk driving across Cyberabad and driving licenses of persons caught for drunken driving will be sent to the Road Transport Authority for suspension. Cases will be booked against rash driving, over speeding, excessive honking, dangerous driving, triple/multiple riding, etc.
Lord Ram Doesn't Belong Only To Hindus, But Entire World: Farooq Abdullah
Former J&K chief minister Farooq Abdullah congratulated citizens on Ram Temple completion
Poonch, Jammu And Kashmir:
National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah today congratulated the people who have put efforts into making Ram Temple in Ayodhya, saying that brotherhood in India is diminishing and there is a need to revive it.
Speaking to news agency ANI, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said, “Ayodhya Ram Temple is about to be inaugurated. I would like to congratulate everyone who made the effort for the temple. It’s ready now.”
He further emphasised that Lord Ram doesn’t only belong to Hindus; he belongs to everyone in the world.
“I also want to say to the whole nation that Lord Ram doesn’t only belong to Hindus; he belongs to everyone in the world. He is the Lord for all the people across the world. It’s written in the books,” he added.
Mr Abdullah further said that Lord Ram has given a message of brotherhood, love, unity and helping each other.
“He (Lord Rama) has given a message of brotherhood, love, unity and helping each other. He has always said to uplift the fallen, irrespective of their religion or ethnicity. He has given a universal message. Today, as this temple is about to be inaugurated, I want to tell the people of the country to revive the brotherhood that is diminishing in our country. I want to tell everyone to maintain that brotherhood,” Mr Farooq said.
The consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22 will witness the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla (Lord Ram in his childlike form) at the grand temple. It is expected to be attended by hundreds of officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The trust has also invited 4,000 saints of all sects for the ceremony.
Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya will begin on January 16, next year, a week before the main ceremony.
A Vedic priest from Varanasi, Lakshmi Kant Dixit, will perform the main rituals of the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22. From January 14 to January 22, Ayodhya will mark the Amrit Mahautsav.
A 1008 Hundi Mahayagya will also be organised in which thousands of devotees will be fed.Several tent cities are being erected in Ayodhya to accommodate thousands of devotees, who are expected to arrive in the temple town of Uttar Pradesh for the grand consecration of the Ram Temple.
According to the Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust, arrangements will be made for 10,000-15,000 people.
The trust has decided to enthrone the idol of Lord Ram at the sanctum sanctorum between noon and 12.45 pm on January 22. Lakshmi Kant Dixit, a Vedic priest, is scheduled to perform the main rituals of the consecration ceremony on the day.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Yemen warns Washington against any escalations toward country
Almayadeen reported citing Brigadier General Saree’s warning statement on Friday as saying, “We caution the American enemy of the repercussions of any escalation against our nation and our people.”
Brigadier General Saree, through his account on X, added, “We caution all nations against getting involved or cooperating with the United States in protecting the Zionist enemy’s ships.”
He emphasized that Yemen’s stance on the Palestinian issue is “steadfast and principled, and will remain unchanged, regardless of developments or challenges,” adding that the YAF are fully prepared and ready to counter any aggression.
Saree addressed Washington, “You should heed the warnings of the leader of the Ansar Allah movement.”
The leader of Ansar Allah, Sayyed Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, affirmed that “the US will be a direct target if it attacks Yemen,” indicating that the Americans are aware of the gravity of this warning. This comes in the wake of the United States and several Western and regional countries announcing the formation of a maritime coalition, aimed at preventing Yemen from targeting Israeli ships en route to occupied Palestine.
AMK/PR
Ayodhya Airport Was Completed In Record Time: Airport Authority
The Uttar Pradesh government provided 821 acres of land for the airport.
New Delhi:
As the temple town of Ayodhya preps up to expand air connectivity with its first airport ahead of the grand consecration ceremony of Ram Mandhir, the Airport Authority of India(AAI) chairman Sanjeev Kumar affirmed that the construction was completed in a record time of 20 months.
Airports Authority of India undertook the development of Ayodhya Airport as per the MoU signed with the Government of Uttar Pradesh in April last year.
The Uttar Pradesh government provided 821 acres of land for the development of Ayodhya Airport, according to a government release.
AAI Chairman Sanjeev Kumar asserted that air connectivity is important for Ayodhya adding that the Airport Authority is happy about the expansion.
“The airport has been built in Ayodhya and AAI has completed it in a record time of 20 months,” Sanjeev Kumar said while speaking to ANI in Ayodhya.
“Air connectivity is important for Ayodhya. With more passenger flow, the connectivity will also improve in Ayodhya. We at Airport Authority are extremely excited about this expansion, I believe the people of Ayodhya are also happy. PM Modi will inaugurate it today,” he added.
With the development of this airport, the pilgrims visiting Shri Ram Mandir along with famous nearby pilgrim destinations like Ram ki Paidi, Hanuman Garhi, Nageshwar Nath Temple, Birla Temple etc will get the benefit of this air connectivity.
The development of Ayodhya Airport will also facilitate businesses and pilgrimage tourism throughout the year and will improve the overall economy of the region.
Pointing to the scope of expanding the terminal at the newly constructed Airport sometime in future, the Airport Authority Chairman said, “Now Ayodhya will be accessible by air also. The terminal built now is small, it will be expanded in the future accordingly.”
As per a government release, the airport has a runway length of 2200m and would be suitable for the operation of A-321 type of Aircraft. Two link taxiways and an apron suitable for parking eight A321 type of aircraft along with a Ground Support Equipment (GSE) area are also constructed.
Under Phase 2, the development of a new terminal building of 50000 sqm is planned which will be able to serve 4000 passengers during peak hours and 60 lakh passengers annually.
The development will also include a runway extension from the existing 2200m to 3750m suitable for the operation of Code E (B-777) type of aircraft, a parallel taxi track and an apron for an additional 18 aircraft parking stands.
Ayodhya has been regarded as one of the seven most important pilgrimage sites (Mokshdayini Sapt Puris) for Hindus.
PM Modi will inaugurate the newly built Ayodhya Airport named Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham today at around 12 among many other projects in the region.
The new airport will serve as a Gateway for pilgrims and tourists and give impetus to the overall growth of the region.
The airport has been developed at Rs 350 Crore, which includes the construction of the Terminal Building, ATC Tower, Fire Station, Car parking and Allied city-side infrastructure, the release stated.
The terminal building built in an area of 6500 sqm. is equipped to serve 600 passengers during peak hours and 10 lakh passengers annually.
Passenger facilities like nine check-in counters, three conveyor belts (one in the Departure and two in the Arrival hall), and five X-BIS machines have been provided.
The city side of the terminal building is constructed with car and bus parking with Divyangjan-friendly facilities.
The airport has been designed keeping in mind the history and importance of Ayodhya.
The structure of the terminal building is inspired by the architecture of the upcoming Shri Ram Mandir of Ayodhya.
The interiors of the building are decorated with local artefacts, paintings and murals depicting the life of Bhagwan Shri Ram.
The terminal building is also decorated with many Shikharas adding grandeur to the structure and creating an ambience of spirituality.
The terminal building of the airport is equipped with various sustainability features like an Insulated Roofing System, Provision of Canopies for energy saving, LED Lighting, Low Heat Gain Double Glazing Unit, Rain Water Harvesting to recharge the groundwater table, Landscaping with fountains, HVAC, Water treatment plant, Sewage treatment plant and use of recycled water for landscaping.
A solar power plant with a capacity of 250 KWP has been provided to meet GRIHA – 5-star ratings.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
