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Eight Palestinians killed as Israel attacks Gaza school, hospitals

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The Israeli military has conducted fresh attacks on civilian facilities in the northern Gaza Strip, killing and injuring several Palestinians in the besieged territory.

Reports said early on Sunday that eight Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City’s Musa bin Nusair school, which is sheltering displaced families.

Israeli forces also opened fire on the al-Awda hospital, in Jabalia refugee camp.

Another Israeli raid was reported on the Kamal Adwan hospital, in Beit Lahia, wounding several people.

Citing medical sources, the Palestinian news agency WAFA said that the hospital came under intense and indiscriminate shelling, with the occupation forces targeting the medical center using bombs, artillery shells, and sniper fire.

It added that the assault caused significant damage to the hospital’s power generators and various departments.

Footage released from inside the hospital, showed many patients sleeping in corridors.

Meanwhile, some reports said Israeli forces have blown up two explosive robots, causing significant destruction to residential buildings near the medical facility.

Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the hospital’s director, said in a statement that Israel’s heavy bombing of the hospital came without any prior warning.

“The bombing is being conducted with explosives and tank fire, directly targeting us while we are present inside the hospital departments,” he said.

“We are being attacked in plain sight, with the entire world watching, yet no one intervenes in the face of this barbarity.”

Some 66 Palestinians are getting treatment inside the hospital, whose communication with Gaza’s Health Ministry has been cut off.

Israel unleashed a genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the Palestinian Hamas resistance group carried out a historic operation against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

So far, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 45,227 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 107,573 others. 

During its bloody onslaught, Israel has targeted Gaza’s civilian infrastructure in blatant violation of international law.

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1st Time In 147 Years: Ashwin's Unique 'Pakistan' Record After Retirement

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File image of R Ashwin.© AFP




Ravichandran Ashwin‘s sudden retirement from international cricket has allowed the 38-year-old to now become the first person to achieve a rather unique thing. Ashwin is among 14 Indian players to have made more than 100 Test appearances for India, and one of 78 players in the history of the game to do so. However, Ashwin will go down as the first-ever player in the 147 years since Test cricket began with 100 or more Test caps who has never played a single match against Pakistan. While Ashwin is the first in the list, he could soon have two of his teammates join him.

India’s frosty relations with Pakistan within and outside the world of cricket has seen the two nations not play a single Test match against each other since December 2007. With Ashwin’s career beginning after that, he became the first-ever player to retire with more than 100 Test caps, but having never played Pakistan.

Ashwin could soon be joined on the list by Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara in the list. Kohli and Pujara have both never faced Pakistan, despite registering more than 100 Test matches each.

Given the way things have turned out regarding the Champions Trophy, neither country will tour each other in any form of cricket till at least 2027, by which time, both Kohli and Pujara may have called time on their own careers.

The only possibility of Kohli or Pujara playing against Pakistan would be a potential World Test Championship (WTC) final, which would take place in a neutral venue. With Pakistan out of the race in the 2023-25 cycle, such a scenario could only take place from the next cycle onwards.

This means that any India-Pakistan Test encounter is highly unlikely until at least 2027.

India and Pakistan will next square off in the Champions Trophy 2025 at a neutral venue, despite Pakistan being the tournament’s original hosts.

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China Says It "Firmly Opposes" US Military Aid To Taiwan

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Beijing:

China said Sunday it “firmly opposed” US President Joe Biden’s approval of $571.3 million in defence assistance for Taiwan.

The White House said Friday that Biden had authorised the drawdown “of up to $571.3 million in defence articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan”.

The White House statement did not provide details of the military assistance package, which comes less than three months after one worth $567 million was authorised.

“This move gravely infringes on China’s sovereignty and security interests,” Beijing’s foreign ministry said in a statement, adding it “firmly opposes this action”.

China “has lodged stern representations with the US at the earliest opportunity”, it said.

The country’s Taiwan Affairs Office said such actions by the US “contradict its leaders’ serious commitments” to not supporting “Taiwan independence”.

“We demand that the US immediately cease arming Taiwan and handle the Taiwan issue with the utmost caution,” said spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

The United States does not officially recognise Taiwan diplomatically, but it is the self-ruled island’s strategic ally and largest supplier of weapons.

China, which has ramped up political and military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, has repeatedly called for Washington to cease sending arms and assistance to the island, which it claims as part of its territory.

Taiwan received 38 advanced Abrams battle tanks from the United States this week — reportedly its first new tanks in 30 years.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


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Delhi's Air Quality Turns 'Severe' Despite GRAP-4 Restrictions

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Delhi's Air Quality Turns 'Severe' Despite GRAP-4 Restrictions

Some areas recorded AQI levels as high as 474. (File)

New Delhi:

Delhi’s air quality deteriorated on Sunday with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching the ‘severe’ category at 409 at 4 pm, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed.

On Saturday, the AQI was recorded at 370, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 and 500 ‘severe’.

The capital on Sunday experienced dangerously high levels of PM2.5, the primary pollutant, with 37 out of 39 monitoring stations reporting air quality in the ‘severe plus’ category.

Some areas recorded AQI levels as high as 474.

PM2.5 particles, which are 2.5 micrometres or smaller in diameter, can penetrate deep into the lungs, posing significant health risks.

Delhi remains under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes stringent anti-pollution measures such as a complete ban on construction activities and restrictions on non-essential polluting trucks entering the city.

Meanwhile, the weather office has forecast cloudy sky with light rain on Monday, with temperatures expected to range from a high of 20 degrees Celcius to a low of 7 degrees Celcius.

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

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Public Sector Hydropower Company Hiring For 118 Vacancies, Salary Up To Rs 1.80 Lakh

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NHPC Limited, a public-sector hydropower company, is currently accepting applications for positions including Trainee Officer (HR), Trainee Officer (PR), Trainee Officer (Law), and Senior Medical Officer, various positions. The recruitment drive aims to fill 118 vacancies. The application period commenced on December 9 with a deadline set for December 30.

Eligibility Criteria:

Trainee Officer (HR):

  • Post Graduate Degree/Diploma in HR-related fields with at least 60% marks.
  • Valid UGC NET (Dec 2023/Jun 2024) score required.

Trainee Officer (PR):

  • Post Graduate Degree/Diploma in Communication, Journalism, or Public Relations with at least 60% marks.
  • Valid UGC NET (Dec 2023/Jun 2024) score required.

Trainee Officer (Law):

  • LLB (3 years) or 5-year integrated law degree with at least 60% marks.
  • Valid CLAT (PG) 2024 score required.

Senior Medical Officer (SMO):

MBBS degree with valid registration and at least two years of post-internship experience.

Age Limit:

Trainee Officers: Maximum age of 30 years as of December 30, 2024.

Senior Medical Officer: Maximum age of 35 years.

Age relaxations apply according to government rules for SC/ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), PwBD, and Ex-servicemen.

Registration Fee:

  • General/EWS/OBC (NCL): Rs 600 + applicable taxes (Rs 708).
  • SC/ST/PwBD/Women/Ex-Servicemen: No fee.

Selection Process:

The selection for trainee officers includes academic qualification, and UGC NET/CLAT scores, followed by a Group Discussion and Personal Interview, assessing communication, leadership, and analytical skills.

For senior medical officers, the selection is based on MBBS exam scores and performance in the personal interview. The final selection will weigh 75% on the qualifying exam scores and 25% on interview performance.

NHPC Limited Recruitment 2024: Steps To Apply

  • Visit the NHPC official website, nhpcindia.com 
  • Navigate to the “Career” section.
  • Register and fill in the online application form.
  • Upload necessary documents, including valid scores (UGC NET/CLAT), certificates, and photographs.
  • Pay the fee, if applicable, and apply.

For further details, visit the official NHPC recruitment page.

Pay Scale and Age limit

Trainee Officer (HR) / (E2) /

Rs 50,000-3%- Rs 1,60,000 (IDA)

30 Years

Trainee Officer (PR) / (E-2) /Rs 50,000-3%- Rs 1.60 lakh

30 Years

Trainee Officer (LAW) / (E2) /

Rs 50,000 – 3% – Rs 1,60,000 (IDA)

30 Years

Sr Medical Officer / E3) /

Rs 60,000-3%-1,80,000 (IDA)

35 Years

Placement:

Candidates will be assigned to projects, power stations, offices, joint ventures and subsidiary companies of NHPC, located across India or internationally.

Check detailed notification here


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Tea For Rs 10 At Kolkata Airport Soon, Raghav Chadha Says "Change Brewing"

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Tea For Rs 10 At Kolkata Airport Soon, Raghav Chadha Says 'Change Brewing'

AAP MP Raghav Chadha in parliament raised issue of overpriced food at airports

New Delhi:

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha said his efforts have led to lowering of food and water prices at airports after the government launched affordable Udaan Yatri Cafe. Mr Chadha had in parliament raised the issue of overpriced food and beverages at airports, prompting the government to launch the Udaan Yatri Cafe, Mr Chadha said in a statement.

The first Udaan Yatri Cafe has been launched at Kolkata airport, offering water, tea, and snacks at reasonable prices.

Mr Chadha reminded the government of its promise to make air travel affordable, highlighting that rising costs have made it challenging for the common people to fly.

“Glad to see the change brewing! After I highlighted the issue of food affordability at airports during this Winter Session of Parliament, tea prices at Kolkata Airport have been reduced. This is a win for us citizens, and I take pride in being the catalyst for this change. Hope more airports will follow this example and price food items more reasonably. Which issues should I raise in the next session?” the AAP MP said in a post on X.

The Civil Aviation Ministry announced the launch of ‘Udaan Yatri Cafe’ at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport as a pilot project. If successful, it will be extended to other airports managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

In his parliamentary speech, Mr Chadha highlighted the plight of passengers forced to pay inflated prices for food and beverages at airports.

“A water bottle costs Rs 100, and tea is priced at Rs 200-250. Can’t the government establish affordable canteens at airports?” he said.

He also criticised the poor management of airports, which he likened to bus stands due to long queues, overcrowding, and disorganisation.

Mr Chadha’s speech received widespread praise on social media, with many hailing it as a voice for the common man, the AAP said.

Konchok Stanzin, a counselor from Ladakh’s Chushul, supported Mr Chadha’s statement, pointing out challenges faced by Ladakhis due to expensive air travel, especially during winter when they are cut off from the rest of the country.

While discussing the Indian Aviation Bill 2024, Mr Chadha said, “The government promised that people in slippers would fly, but now even those wearing Bata shoes can’t afford air travel.”

He noted a sharp rise in airfares over the past year, burdening the common people. For instance, Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Patna routes now cost Rs 10,000 to Rs 14,500.

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China ‘firmly opposes’ US military aid to Taiwan

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Taiwanese Troops inspect US-made Abrams Tanks. (Photo by AFP)

China says it “firmly opposes” the United States’ approval of new military aid to Taiwan, warning that the move “seriously violates” the one-China principle and threatens China’s sovereignty and security interests.

On Saturday, President Joe Biden approved the delivery of a new military package worth $571 million to Taiwan. His administration also approved the sale of new arms sales worth $295 million to the self-ruled Island.

The decision is a “severe breach of the US leaders’ commitment of not supporting Taiwan’s independence,” a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Sunday.

It sends “a gravely wrong signal to ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces,” the spokesperson continued.

The spokesperson stated that China strongly deplores and firmly opposes these actions and has lodged serious protests with the US.

“The Taiwan question is at the core of China’s interests, and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations.”

The Chinese diplomat emphasized that “China urges the US to immediately stop arming Taiwan and stop the dangerous moves that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and [China] will take all measures necessary to firmly defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.”

The US does not officially recognize Taiwan diplomatically, but is the self-ruled island’s strategic ally and largest supplier of weapons.

China, which has increased its political and military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, has repeatedly called for Washington to cease sending arms and assistance to the island, which it considers part of its territory.

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PCB Ropes In Abdul Razzaq To Head Country-Wide Scouting Program

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File photo of Abdul Razzaq.© AFP




The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has picked former Test all-rounder Abdul Razzaq to head a country-wide scouting program to find new talent for the national T20 squad. The program titled “Strike Force” aims to unearth hidden talent from all corners of Pakistan where T20 remains a popular format. An official of the PCB said that Razzaq has been given the task of initially spotting 50 players and shortlisting them so that some of them can go on to play for Pakistan.

“We have been struggling in T20 cricket for a while and the idea is that with so much T20 cricket being played in the country, and Razzaq himself being a class hitter and all-rounder, can unearth some unknown talent,” the official said.

Pakistan is presently lagging in the eighth position in the ICC T20 rankings and has lost the recent T20 series in Australia and South Africa besides losing a match in Zimbabwe.

Tape Tennis ball cricket matches in Pakistan are a big hit and some unknown players even command a good fee to appear in these local events and display their big hitting skills.

“Pakistan is clearly lagging behind other countries when it comes to hitting sixes and fours and unconventional strokes and the idea is some of those players who are limited to playing in local events can be good enough to play in international cricket,” the PCB official said.

Razzaq was previously associated with the board as a national selector until a few months back.

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

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At Least Nine Killed As Small Plane Crashes Into Brazilian Tourist City

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Sao Paulo:

At least nine people died when a small plane crashed on Sunday morning in Gramado, in southern Brazil, authorities said, slamming into a commercial area of the tourist city.

The aircraft crashed into the chimney of a building, struck the second floor of a house and then “fell on a furniture store,” the Rio Grande do Sul state security secretariat said in a statement.

An inn was also damaged, it added.

“There are nine deaths confirmed by the civil defense, and there are no survivors of the plane,” Cleber dos Santos Lima, director of the Interior Police Department of the state civil police, told AFP.

Authorities have not yet confirmed how many passengers and crew were traveling on the plane, a Piper Cheyenne 400 turboprop, but earlier said they thought it was carrying 10 people.

At least 15 people were taken to the hospital, most for smoke inhalation from the fire caused by the crash.

The plane had taken off from the municipality of Canela, another tourist town in Rio Grande do Sul.

Gramado is a popular tourist city in Brazil, with a significant influx of visitors during the Christmas season.

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


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"Saw Bouncers Behaving Recklessly": Cops On 'Pushpa 2' Premiere Stampede

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'Saw Bouncers Behaving Recklessly': Cops On 'Pushpa 2' Premiere Stampede

The tragedy unfolded on December 4, when Allu Arjun attended the movie premiere. (File)

Hyderabad:

Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand on Sunday issued a stern warning to bouncers against misbehaving with police personnel, stating that VIPs they accompany would be held accountable for their actions.

“In the recent incident at Sandhya Theatre, we saw 40-50 bouncers behaving recklessly. Despite the presence of the public and police, they pushed everyone aside. Their sole focus was on the VIP. This is a warning to all bouncers: if they misbehave with the police, strict action will be taken against them. The behaviour of the bouncers is the responsibility of the VIPs they accompany. VIPs cannot shift the blame to the bouncers; the liability rests with them,” said Mr Anand.

The warning came in the wake of a stampede-like situation at Sandhya Theatre during the premiere of the film Pushpa 2.

Meanwhile, Telugu superstar Allu Arjun responded on Saturday to allegations holding him responsible for the tragedy at Sandhya Theatre during the premiere of his movie Pushpa 2: The Rule.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday evening, Allu Arjun described the incident as “very unfortunate” and criticised what he called “misinformation” and “character assassination” against him.

“It is a very unfortunate incident, completely accidental. My condolences to the bereaved family. I am receiving updates every hour about the child who was hospitalised, and his condition is improving. There is a lot of misinformation and false allegations being spread. I do not wish to blame any department or politician. However, my character is being unjustly assassinated,” Arjun told the media, referring to the December 4 incident at Sandhya Theatre, where a woman was killed and her child injured.

“I’m staying updated on the child’s condition. The good news is that he is improving. Despite this tragedy, the child’s progress brings some solace,” he added.

The tragedy unfolded on December 4, when Allu Arjun attended the premiere of his movie Pushpa 2: The Rule. A large crowd had gathered to see the star, and the situation escalated when Arjun waved to fans from the sunroof of his vehicle, resulting in the death of a woman named Revathi.

Following the incident, Allu Arjun was arrested but was released the next day after securing bail from the Telangana High Court by furnishing a bond of Rs 50,000.

Meanwhile, Allu Arjun’s latest release, Pushpa 2: The Rule, directed by Sukumar and co-starring Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil, continues to break box office records.

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