Middle East

‘All wars have rules. All of those rules have been broken’ by Israel

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Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), says there has been an “escalation” in Israel’s war on Gaza over the past 24 hours as the Israeli military keeps pounding the blockaded territory.

In a post on X on Sunday, Lazzarini reiterated his calls for a ceasefire, saying that “the world must not become numb.”

The UNRWA chief said Israel has violated all rules of engagement with attacks on schools and hospitals.

“All wars have rules. All of those rules have been broken,” he stated.

“A ceasefire is long overdue—a respite for civilians wherever they are including across Gaza & the immediate release of hostages. Enough time was wasted,” he stated.

At least seven people were killed and several others injured after an Israeli airstrike targeted tents housing the displaced Palestinians in the al-Mawasi refugee camp, near Khan Yunis, southern Gaza.

In central Gaza, a similar strike on a school northwest of the Nuseirat refugee camp caused several fatalities.

The regime’s artillery also shelled several areas across Gaza, leaving an unknown number of Palestinians dead or injured.

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after Hamas-led resistance groups waged the surprise Operation al-Aqsa Flood against the occupying entity in response to its decades-long campaign of devastation against Palestinians.

The regime’s bloody onslaught on Gaza has so far killed 45,227 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 107,573 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under rubble.

The Tel Aviv regime has also imposed a “complete siege” on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.

The Israeli military has completely destroyed 70 percent of buildings in the Jabalia refugee camp as the occupying regime continues with its deadly aggression against northern Gaza.

Amos Harel, a military affairs analyst, wrote in the Israeli daily Haaretz on Sunday that the Jabalia refugee camp has become a “ghost town” amid Israel’s deadly offensive in the area.

Sports

Happy 50th: Iconic Wankhede Stadium to celebrate Golden Jubilee

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MCA announces week-long celebrations from January 12 to 19, marking five decades of iconic cricketing history

Updated On – 19 December 2024, 05:55 PM


Happy 50th: Iconic Wankhede Stadium to celebrate Golden Jubilee

MCA president Ajinkya Naik, and other Apex Council Members are leading the way as they prepare for the landmark event.

Mumbai:  The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Thursday announced plans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Wankhede Stadium here from January 12 to 19. A special logo was unveiled by the association here at the stadium during a function by the MCA officials and its apex council members.

“Built in 1974, Wankhede Stadium stands as one of the world’s most iconic cricketing venues, having witnessed monumental moments in cricket history. From Sachin Tendulkar’s final international match in 2013 to India’s historic 2011 ODI World Cup triumph, the stadium has been home to countless memories,” the governing body said.

There will be multiple functions on different days to mark the celebrations while a special postal stamp will also be released. Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and former MCA president and ex BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar will also be felicitated during the eight-day event.

A cricket match will be held between MCA officials and Consul Generals and government officials on January 12. “We are going to felicitate all the MCA groundsmen and host a lunch for them because they are like unsung heroes. There are also a few others like security people of the MCA who have been working for long time and the MCA staff, we are going to felicitate everybody on January 15,” president Ajinkya Naik said.

A coffee table book will be launched on January 19 along with a music show from Ajay-Atul. Since free entry cannot be facilitated owing to anticipation of a big crowd turnout as witnessed in the past, the fans will have to purchase tickets priced at Rs 300 for the event, which will also have several current and former Mumbai and India players along with Bollywood celebrities on January 19.

Meanwhile, Naik also confirmed that the governing body will celebrate legendary Sunil Gavaskar’s 75th birthday after a date is confirmed.

Top News

Snack Food Epigamia Founder Rohan Mirchandani Dies Of Cardiac Arrest At 41

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Snack Food Epigamia Founder Rohan Mirchandani Dies Of Cardiac Arrest At 41

Epigamia founder Rohan Mirchandani died of a cardiac arrest

New Delhi:

Snack foods firm Epigamia’s founder Rohan Mirchandani died of a cardiac arrest on Saturday. He was 41. Drums Food International Pvt Ltd, which owns the healthy eating brand known for its flavoured yoghurt and juices, in a statement requested the media and the public to respect the privacy of Mirchandani’s family during this difficult time.

The senior leadership of Epigamia led by COO and founding member Ankur Goel and co-founder and director Uday Thakker continues to steer the company’s day-to-day operations with the full support of the board of directors, including Mirchandani’s family, Raj Mirchandani, Verlinvest, and DSG Consumer Partners, Drums Food International said in the statement.

“All of us at the Epigamia family will deeply mourn this loss. Rohan was our mentor, friend, and leader. We remain steadfast in our determination to carry forward his dream with strength and vigor. Rohan’s vision and values will continue to guide us as we work together to honor the foundation he built and ensure that his dream continues to flourish,” Mr Goel and Mr Thakker said in a joint statement.

The Epigamia board said Mirchandani was not only a visionary leader, but also an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

“His unwavering commitment, boundless energy, and deep passion for Epigamia have left an indelible mark on all of us. We will work closely with the leadership of the company to take Rohan’s legacy to greater heights,” the board said, adding Mirchandani’s unparalleled contributions to the industry and his visionary leadership will forever remain a source of inspiration for all who knew him.

Epigamia products do not have any artificial colours or preservatives and are made of real fruit pulp, the company says on its website.

World

30 US-made Patriot air defense systems destroyed in Ukraine

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At least 30 US-made Patriot systems have been destroyed in Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine, RIA Novosti reported.

The Russian news agency cited official data from the country’s Defense Ministry as providing statistics on the targeting of the defense system provided by the United States to Ukraine.

One of the latest and most effective strikes the Russian Defense Ministry mentioned on December 15: four launchers, a combat control vehicle, and an AN/MPQ-65 radar station were destroyed.

The strike on May 16, 2023, remains the most effective. Then, according to reliably confirmed data, the strike of the Kinzhal hypersonic missile system on Kyiv destroyed five Patriot launchers and a multifunctional radar station all at once.

Four Patriot systems and two associated radar stations were destroyed on August 17.

SD/FNA 1734844027828133092

Business

India beats China to become largest two-wheeler market in the world-Telangana Today

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India’s two-wheeler market saw remarkable 22 per cent YoY growth in first half this year

Updated On – 18 October 2024, 10:52 AM


India beats China to become largest two-wheeler market in the world

Representational Photo

New Delhi: India has surpassed China to become the largest two-wheeler market in the world, driven by rising demand in rural areas, supported by favourable monsoon conditions and government initiatives for rural development, a report showed on Friday.

Globally, two-wheeler sales grew 4 per cent (year-on-year) in the first half of 2024, according to Counterpoint Research.

Although India, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa saw growth, China and Southeast Asia (SEA) experienced a decline.

Senior analyst Soumen Mandal said India’s two-wheeler market saw a remarkable 22 per cent YoY growth in the first half this year. “This strong performance allowed India to surpass China and become the world’s largest two-wheeler market,” he said.

Two-wheelers saw strong double-digit growth (year-on-year) in the second quarter of this fiscal in India.

In China, two-wheelers under 125cc remain popular, but consumers are increasingly opting for e-bicycles over motorcycles and scooters for daily commuting.

This shift has led to a temporary slowdown in the Chinese two-wheeler market, particularly in the electric segment.

In South East Asia, major markets such as Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia saw a decline in two-wheeler sales due to geopolitical trade tensions, stricter lending criteria and cautious consumer spending amid economic uncertainty.

The top-10 global two-wheeler manufacturers captured over 75 per cent of sales during H1 2024.

Honda maintained its leading position in the global two-wheeler market, followed by Hero MotoCorp, Yamaha, TVS Motor and Yadea.

TVS Motor was the fastest-growing brand (up 25 per cent YoY) among the top-10 brands while Yadea declined the most (down 29 per cent YoY), slipping to fifth position.

Neil Shah, vice president of Counterpoint Research, said electrification is on the rise, and by 2030, we expect four out of 10 two-wheelers sold to be electric.

“This shift is also accelerating the adoption of embedded cellular connectivity in the two-wheeler segment. As the automotive industry advances toward C-V2X technology, the two-wheeler segment will follow suit,” he noted.

Hyderabad

CWC rejects DPR for additional component of Kaleshwaram as Congress govt stays silent

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This component was intended to draw an additional one TMC of water per day from Godavari River, increasing existing capacity from two TMC to three TMC per day

Published Date – 22 December 2024, 11:12 AM


CWC rejects DPR for additional component of Kaleshwaram as Congress govt stays silent

File Photo

Hyderabad: Upsetting the strategic plans laid out by the BRS regime for the optimum utilisation of Telangana’s share of Godavari waters, the Central Water Commission (CWC) has rejected the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the add-on component of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme. This component was intended to draw an additional one TMC of water per day from the Godavari River, increasing the existing capacity from two TMC to three TMC per day.

The CWC’s decision, made after repeated reminders and unanswered queries over the last ten months, has temporarily halted the expansion plans of the Kaleshwaram project. This project, one of the largest lift irrigation schemes in the world, had previously enjoyed priority clearances from the Ministry of Water Resources and swift implementation by the State government.

The Congress party, that came to power one year ago sought to prove it a failed project ever since two of the pillars in Medigadda barrage were found sagging. The State government handed over the investigation of structural issues reported in Medigadda barrage, generalised the concerns, and halted regular operations at all the three barrages — Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla.

Consequently, water received from the Godavari and Pranahita rivers was left to flow unutilised, with the barrages deliberately drained under the pretext of investigations, leaving the ayacut (irrigated area) high and dry.

The future of the Kaleshwaram project’s expansion now remains uncertain. The DPR, created with thorough planning and accurate data, has been returned to the State Irrigation Department by the Union Jal Shakti Ministry. The Ministry’s letter to the State’s engineer-in-chief stated that several queries were left unaddressed, leading to the rejection of the DPR for the additional one TMC lifting proposal.

BRS working president KT Rama Rao launched a scathing attack on the Congress government, accusing it of neglecting Telangana’s water rights and imposing unnecessary restrictions on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme. He highlighted the government’s alleged bias against the Kaleshwaram project, describing it as an “unjust vendetta.”

He criticised the government’s silence on Telangana’s water share in the Krishna River, despite hundreds of TMCs being diverted through the Pothireddypadu project. He pointed out that the Congress government remained indifferent even as the Central government imposed restrictions on drawing an additional TMC of water per day from the Godavari River through the Kaleshwaram project.

The BRS leader also accused the Congress of being inactive and failing to protect the state’s interests. He further criticised the Congress for its poor governance, stating that decades of Congress rule had led to droughts, and within a year of Congress rule, Telangana’s reputation was deteriorating. Rama Rao concluded his attack on the Congress government with a fervent call – “Wake up Telangana, wake up!”

Middle East

Five "Israeli" soldiers killed in stabbing op. in Gaza

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Al-Qassam Brigades said in a statement on Saturday that its fighters killed at least 5 Israeli soldiers in Jabalia, northern Gaza.

According to the statement, Al-Qassam fighters first ambushed and fatally stabbed three “Israeli” soldiers, taking their personal weapons, Roya News reported. The fighters then advanced to a nearby house where an “Israeli” foot patrol had taken cover. At the entrance, they killed two more soldiers and engaged the remaining forces in intense close-quarters combat.

This incident is the second stabbing operation targeting Israeli Occupation soldiers in Gaza within a matter of days.

Last Thursday, Al-Qassam Brigades revealed another significant operation in Jabalia. In that attack, a fighter stabbed an “Israeli” officer and three soldiers at point-blank range, killing them and seizing their weapons.

MNA

Sports

Champions Trophy 2025: India to take on Pak on this date, deets inside

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ICC confirms that all India-Pakistan matches during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be hosted at neutral locations due to strained political relations between the two nations

Published Date – 19 December 2024, 06:20 PM


Champions Trophy 2025: India to take on Pak on this date, deets inside

File photo

New Delhi:  The much-awaited clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025 will be played on February 23 with Colombo and Dubai front-runners to play host for India’s matches in the tournament being played in hybrid format.

The development comes after the ICC Board said that “India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country at ICC Events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue.”
“India will take on Pakistan at a neutral venue on February 23, 2025. ICC looking at Colombo and Dubai to host their matches,” sources said on Thursday.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be played in February and March 2025. Meanwhile, ICC said the schedule for the marquee tournament will be confirmed in the coming days.

Pakistan are the defending champions of the tournament, having defeated India by 180 runs in the final at The Oval in 2017. Both teams last played against each other in the T20 World Cup in New York earlier this year which India won by six runs and went on to claim their second silverware in the format.

Due to the strained political relations between the two neighbouring countries, India and Pakistan only play each other in international events including World Cups and Asia Cup. The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan was held in 2012-13 when the latter toured India for the five-match white-ball series.

Top News

Hyderabad: Police nab 12-member gang involved in dacoity case in Domalguda

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C V Anand, Commissioner of Police Hyderabad said the dacoity was planned by Indrajit Ghorai (43) who is younger brother of the victim Ranjeet Ghorai, to earn easy money

Updated On – 22 December 2024, 06:28 PM


Hyderabad: Police nab 12-member gang involved in dacoity case in Domalguda


Hyderabad: The Commissioner’s Task Force (central) team caught a 12 member gang who were allegedly involved in a dacoity case at Domalguda ten days ago.

The police recovered property worth Rs. 1.2 crores and seized weapons from them.

C V Anand, Commissioner of Police Hyderabad said the dacoity was planned by Indrajit Ghorai (43) who is younger brother of the victim Ranjeet Ghorai, to earn easy money.

“Indrajit sought help of an advocate and a group of criminals to execute the dacoity. As per plan on December 12, the gang went to the house of the victim and after threatening the occupants looted gold and silver ornaments,” said C V Anand.

On specific leads, the Task Force team led by Inspector Khaleel Pasha caught the 12 persons. Three other gang members are absconding.

World

Mild earthquake jolts Nepal, no damage or loss of lives reported

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The tremor, which occurred at 3:59 am Indian Standard Time (IST), was registered at a depth of 10 kilometres beneath the Earth’s surface

Published Date – 21 December 2024, 11:05 AM


Mild earthquake jolts Nepal, no damage or loss of lives reported

Representational Image

New Delhi: A mild earthquake, measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale, struck Nepal in the early hours of Saturday, as confirmed by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).

The tremor, which occurred at 3:59 am Indian Standard Time (IST), was registered at a depth of 10 kilometres beneath the Earth’s surface. According to NCS, the earthquake’s epicentre was pinpointed at Latitude 29.17° N and Longitude 81.59° E, a region known for its susceptibility to seismic activity.

So far, there have been no reports of casualties or significant structural damage. Local authorities, however, remain on alert and are closely monitoring the situation. The National Centre for Seismology shared details of the quake on social media platform X, stating, “Earthquake of Magnitude: 4.8, Date: 21/12/2024, Time: 03:59:03 IST, Lat: 29.17° N, Long: 81.59° E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Nepal.”

Nepal lies in a tectonically active zone along the Himalayan fault line, making it prone to frequent earthquakes. The region experiences a constant buildup of geological stress due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which can lead to both minor and major tremors.

The country has endured devastating earthquakes in the past, including the catastrophic 7.8 magnitude quake in April 2015 that claimed thousands of lives and caused widespread destruction. It occurred at 11:56 Nepal Standard Time on Saturday, April 25, 2015, with a magnitude of 7.8.

While Saturday’s tremor was relatively mild, it serves as a reminder of the seismic risks faced by the region. Residents in affected areas have been urged to remain alert and adhere to earthquake safety guidelines, particularly in the event of aftershocks.