J-K administration transfers 230 bureaucrats

According to the order issued late Wednesday night, those transferred include 36 special secretary officers, 60 additional secretaries, 85 deputy secretaries and 45 under secretaries.

Published Date – 1 February 2024, 11:30 AM


J-K administration transfers 230 bureaucrats


Jammu: In a major reshuffle, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has transferred 230 bureaucrats, including two IAS and IFS officers, officials said on Thursday. According to the order issued late Wednesday night, those transferred include 36 special secretary officers, 60 additional secretaries, 85 deputy secretaries and 45 under secretaries.

IAS officer Pardeep Kumar has been transferred from Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J-K and posted as secretary in the Forest department. IFS officer Alok Kumar Maurya has been repatriated to the department of Forest, Ecology and Environment from Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board. Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officers Asif Hamid Khan, Vivek Sharma, Bashir Ahmed Khan, Sajad Hussain have been posted as member J-K Special Tribunal, Secretary in the Agriculture Production department, Secretary in the Social Welfare department and Director General, Development Expenditure Division-I, Finance Department respectively.


This is the third major reshuffle in the police and administration since Atal Dulloo took over as chief secretary in December last year. On January 28, a major reshuffle was carried out in the police department in which 75 officers, including 30 IPS officers were transferred.

Hyderabad: Officials inspect traffic issues in Jubilee Hills

A comprehensive traffic action plan aimed at addressing frequent traffic jams across major thoroughfares in Hyderabad will be prepared by officials.

Updated On – 1 February 2024, 11:34 AM


Hyderabad: Officials inspect traffic issues in Jubilee Hills

GHMC Commissioner Ronald Rose and Hyderabad Police Commissioner Kothakota Sreenivas Reddy inspected several traffic bottlenecks in the Jubilee Hills area on Thursday.

Hyderabad: A comprehensive traffic action plan aimed at addressing frequent traffic jams across major thoroughfares in Hyderabad will be prepared by officials from Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and Police in the coming few days and submitted to Chief Minister, A Revanth Reddy, GHMC Commissioner, Ronald Rose on Thursday, said.

To this effect, on Thursday, GHMC Commissioner Ronald Rose and Hyderabad Police Commissioner Kothakota Sreenivas Reddy inspected several traffic bottlenecks in the Jubilee Hills area, including Road number 45 and 36 and Jubilee check post.


Rose directed the officials to further inspect Jubilee Hills Road No. 45 and 36 to take necessary measures to avoid traffic congestion. Authorities will also come up with a plan to construct flyovers and grade separators wherever necessary.

Fully ready for war with Israel: Hezbollah official

Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, head of Hezbollah’s Executive Council, made the remarks on Wednesday, addressing a ceremony in Beirut, according to Press TV.

“Hezbollah’s [potential] response to any Israeli miscalculation concerning Lebanon will be very powerful and swift,” Lebanon’s al-Manar television network reported, citing the official.

Hezbollah fought off two Israeli wars against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006, forcing a humiliating retreat upon the Tel Aviv regime’s military on both occasions.

The regime began waging sporadic attacks against the country following the onset of its ongoing war on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, prompting a firefight with Hezbollah.

Hezbollah’s confrontation with Israel grew remarkably in intensity following a spate of assassinations carried out by the regime, including against Saleh Al-Arouri, a senior official of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, who was martyred in a targeted assassination on January 2.

Recently, the movement began using its surgical-strike missiles, including Falaq (Dawn)-1 and Burkan, in its retaliatory operations against Israeli targets.

Safieddine affirmed that Hezbollah had deliberately introduced the new weapons in the border battle.

“This is a mere part of what we have,” he said, asserting that all Israeli threats against the country were fruitless, and that the enemy would fail to frustrate the movement in the cross-border confrontation.

MNA

US, UK launch new strikes on Yemen amid frustration with anti-Israel campaign


In this handout image provided by the UK Ministry of Defense, a Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 is prepared for takeoff to bomb Yemen, in Akrotiri, Cyprus, on January 21, 2024. (Via AFP)

The United States and Britain have conducted new strikes on Yemen as the Arab country continues its maritime campaign in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip amid an Israeli genocide.

Yemen’s al-Masirah television network reported that the air raids targeted Yemen’s western provinces of Sa’ada and Hudaydah on Wednesday evening and Thursday at dawn, respectively.

Meanwhile, local sources said the American warplanes that bombed Yemen had flown from a US military base in Bahrain.

In a statement, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed that its aerial assaults had hit an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) ground control station and 10 one-way drones in Yemen.

It also alleged that the targets “presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and the US Navy ships in the region.”

The attacks came after the Yemeni Armed Forces struck American merchant ship KOl with several naval missiles as the vessel was heading to ports in the occupied lands.

The operation followed a similar one against American destroyer USS Gravely in the Red Sea.

Israel waged a genocidal war on besieged Gaza on October 7 following a historic operation by the Palestinian Hamas resistance group against the occupying regime.

The US has offered untrammeled support for Israel during the aggression that has so far killed at least 26,900 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 65,949 others.

In solidarity with the Palestinians in besieged Gaza, Yemeni forces have targeted ships going to and from ports in the occupied territories, or whose owners are linked to Israel, in the southern Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Gulf of Aden, and even in the Arabian Sea.

In response to the pro-Palestine maritime campaign, the US and its allies have launched airstrikes on Yemen in violation of the country’s sovereignty and international law.

The illegal raids prompted Yemen to declare American and British vessels as legitimate targets for its armed forces.


Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

Yemen strikes US commercial ship bound for Israeli regime

The operation took place on Wednesday, the forces’ announced through their spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Sare, Press TV reported on Thursday.

“American Commercial ship, KOI, was targeted with appropriate naval missiles, while heading towards the occupied Palestinian ports,” Saree said.

The forces have been conducting many such operations against Israeli vessels or those heading towards the occupied Palestinian territories’ ports.

The operations have been described as a response to an October 7, 2023-present war and siege that the Israeli regime has been waging against Gaza following an operation carried out by the Palestinian territory’s resistance movements.

Nearly 27,000 Palestinians, mostly women, children, and adolescents, have died so far in the war, which enjoys untrammeled military and political support on the part of the United States, the Israeli regime’s biggest ally.

The operation against the merchant ship came just hours after the Yemeni forces fired “several” missiles at USS Gravely, an American Navy warship, just off the Yemeni coast in the Red Sea.

MNA

Al-Nassr vs Inter Miami: Why Ronaldo Will Not Play Against Messi's Team




The big day has arrived, as Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami take on Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al-Nassr in a high-profile friendly clash in Saudi Arabia. Fans have been waiting for this day since the schedule of the fixture was announced, but unfortunately, Ronaldo will not feature in the match, meaning there will be no ‘last dance’ between him and Messi. Fans were eager to see the two GOATs, who have dominated the world of football for 15 years, square off once again, in a new territory but Al-Nassr coach delivered crushing news on the Portuguese forwards’ availability. 

“We will not see [Messi vs Ronaldo], Ronaldo is in the final part of his recovery to join the group. We hope that in the next few days, you can start working with the team. He will be absent from the game,” Al-Nassr coach Luis Castro said with a grim on his face.

Earlier, Al-Nassr had to cancel their trip to China over concerns on Ronaldo’s fitness. The veteran forward isn’t someone who is usually on the treatment table but this time, he isn’t fully fit to feature against his arch-rival Messi.

Messi’s Inter Miami have been in Saudi Arabia for a few days now. On Monday, the Argentine’s teammate Luis Suarez bagged his maiden goal for Inter Miami while Messi scored in a 4-3 defeat against Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in Riyadh.

An 88th-minute header from Brazilian forward Malcom settled an entertaining friendly at the Kingdom Arena after Miami fought back to 3-3 from 3-1 down early in the second half.

The game was the latest leg of Miami’s globe-trotting pre-season tour ahead of the start of the Major League Soccer season on February 21.

Former Fulham striker and Serbian international Aleksandar Mitrovic fired Al Hilal head in the 10th minute, coolly side-footing his finish beyond Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender after a well-worked move that split the defence wide open.

Saudi international forward Abdullah Al-Hamdan made it 2-0 after 13 minutes, punishing a botched clearance from Miami defender Noah Allen.

Sergio Busquets should have pulled a goal back for Miami in the 26th minute but volleyed over from close range with just Al Hilal goalkeeper Hbib Alwotayan to beat.

On 34 minutes though Miami’s pressure got its reward. A lofted pass from Jordi Alba over the top caught the Al Hilal defence square, and Julian Gressel latched onto the ball before sliding into the path of Suarez who finished into an empty goal at the far post.

The goal was initially disallowed for offside but a VAR check overturned the offside call and the goal stood.

Al Hilal restored their two-goal advantage a minute before half-time however when Al-Hamdan crossed into the area for Brazilian forward Michael to nod home after Callender rushed off his line.

Miami responded strongly after the break, and drew level with two goals in two minutes soon after the restart.

Messi made it 3-2 from the penalty spot in the 54th minute after Mohammed Jahfali was harshly adjudged to have brought down David Ruiz in the area.

Al Hilal were still regrouping from the penalty when Miami levelled. Messi swept a long pass into the path of Ruiz, and the winger cut in from the left and uncorked a ferocious strike that made it 3-3.

The game seemed destined to end in a draw but Malcolm headed home two minutes from time to seal the win.

With AFP inputs

Topics mentioned in this article

Ranveer Singh invests in boAt, becomes key stakeholder-Telangana Today

Under the agreement, he has been appointed as the official ambassador for boAt’s audio products and will be featured prominently in their captivating new campaign, ‘Lost in Nirvana’.

Published Date – 1 February 2024, 11:00 AM


Ranveer Singh invests in boAt, becomes key stakeholder


New Delhi: Homegrown consumer electronics brand boAt has announced that Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh invested an undisclosed amount in the company, becoming a key stakeholder in its future.

As part of the deal, he has been signed on as the official face of boAt’s audio products and will be the star of their immersive new campaign, ‘Lost in Nirvana’.


“His investment and strategic involvement validate our mission to revolutionise the audio experience in India. Together, we’ll push boundaries, redefine sound, and create a community that thrives on passion and innovation,” Aman Gupta, Co-founder, and CMO of boAt, said in a statement.

According to the company, this partnership sets the stage for Singh’s pivotal role in boAt’s upcoming campaign for ‘Nirvana series’ boAt’s sub-brand offering premium & superior audio products, which includes TWS and headphones crafted for the ultimate listening experience.

“boAt’s commitment to best-in-class sound and youth connect resonates deeply with me. Investing in their journey is more than just a financial decision; it’s about co-creating a revolution. Get ready for boAt to amplify the sound of India like never before!,” said Singh.

The ‘Lost in Nirvana’ campaign features captivating ad films that invite viewers to experience the Nirvana range’s exceptional features, such as an impressive 120 hours of battery life, boAt signature sound, and cutting-edge Active Noise Canceling technology, the company mentioned.

US Says Destroyed 10 Houthi Attack Drones, Control Station In Yemen

US Says Destroyed 10 Houthi Attack Drones, Control Station In Yemen

American forces also destroyed a Houthi surface-to-air missile on Wednesday. (Representational)

Washington:

American forces carried out strikes in Yemen against 10 attack drones and a ground control station belonging to the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, the US military said Wednesday.

A US warship also shot down an anti-ship missile fired by the Houthis and later downed three Iranian drones, Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

While the United States has recently launched strikes on the Houthis and other Tehran-supported groups in the region, both it and Iran have sought to avoid a direct confrontation, and the downing of three Iranian drones could heighten tensions.

Early on Thursday local time, US forces targeted a “Houthi UAV ground control station and 10 Houthi one-way UAVs” that “presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and the US Navy ships in the region,” CENTCOM said in a statement, using an abbreviation for unmanned aerial vehicle.

CENTCOM earlier announced that the USS Carney had shot down an anti-ship ballistic missile fired by the Houthis, and then downed three Iranian drones less than an hour later. 

It did not specify if the drones shot down by the naval destroyer were designed for attack or surveillance.

American forces also destroyed a Houthi surface-to-air missile on Wednesday that CENTCOM said posed an imminent threat to “US aircraft” — a deviation from past air raids that focused on reducing the rebels’ ability to threaten international shipping.

It did not identify the type of aircraft that were threatened or the exact location of the strike, only saying that it took place in “Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.”

– Persistent attacks –

The Houthis began targeting Red Sea shipping in November, saying they were hitting Israeli-linked vessels in support of Palestinians in Gaza, which has been ravaged by the Israel-Hamas war.

US and UK forces have responded with strikes on the Houthis, who have since declared American and British interests to be legitimate targets as well.

Some of the US strikes have been carried out against missiles that CENTCOM has said posed an imminent threat to ships, indicating a robust surveillance effort focused on Houthi-controlled territory that likely involves military aircraft.

The United States also set up a multinational naval task force to help protect Red Sea shipping from the Houthis’ repeated attacks on the transit route, which carries up to 12 percent of global trade.

In addition to military action, Washington has sought to put diplomatic and financial pressure on the Houthis, redesignating them as a terrorist organization earlier in January after previously having dropped that label soon after President Joe Biden took office.

But the Houthis’ attacks have persisted, with the rebels saying Wednesday that they targeted an American merchant ship bound for Israel with “several appropriate naval missiles that directly hit the vessel.”

Maritime security firm Ambrey said a commercial vessel was reportedly targeted with a missile southwest of Aden, and that the ship reported an explosion on its starboard side, but did not mention its nationality.

Earlier, the Houthis said they fired multiple missiles at American destroyer the USS Gravely — a claim that came after CENTCOM said the warship downed an anti-ship cruise missile launched “from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Red Sea.”

Anger over Israel’s devastating campaign in Gaza — which it launched after an unprecedented attack by Hamas in October — has grown across the Middle East, stoking violence involving Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria, as well as Yemen.

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

"Victory Of Dishonesty, Mobocracy": Team Uddhav As BJP Wins Chandigarh Poll

'Victory Of Dishonesty, Mobocracy': Team Uddhav As BJP Wins Chandigarh Mayor Poll

Team Uddhav said the world’s largest democracy bowed its head in shame in Chandigarh

Mumbai:

Amid the controversy over the result of the Chandigarh Mayor elections, Shiv Sena’s (UBT) mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ took a dig at the Centre and said that it is the victory of dishonesty and mobocracy, adding, “The world’s largest democracy bowed its head in shame in Chandigarh.”

“BJP’s victory in Chandigarh Mayor elections is the victory of dishonesty and mobocracy. The world’s largest democracy bowed its head in shame in Chandigarh and this murder of democracy took place on the day of Gandhi Jayanti. In the Chandigarh Mayor election, the AAP and Congress had 20 votes each, while the BJP had 16 votes. Yet the presiding officer announced that the BJP had won the mayor’s seat, rejected your eight votes for it and ran away from the auditorium. This ‘horror show’ of democracy was portrayed and the world saw this cowardly side of BJP,” Saamana said in its editorial.

The BJP’s Manoj Sonkar was declared the Mayor of Chandigarh on Tuesday after he won the mayoral polls with 16 votes against the 12 votes bagged by Congress-AAP candidate Kuldeep Tita. Eight votes were declared invalid.

“Without fraud and dishonesty, BJP cannot win an election of Mayor, the BJP has been in power at the Centre for the last ten years and is talking about coming to power again in 2024. The terrible thing that happened in the Chandigarh Mayor elections is an example of what the 2024 elections will be like and what villainous drama can unfold in Parliament after the results. What happened in Chandigarh was straight bullying by the BJP. Those who committed such a heinous crime out of jealousy of winning an election in Chandigarh will stoop to a lower level to win the general elections of the country,” it added.

Saamana further added that it was the so-called Ram devotees who kidnapped Sita in the form of democracy.

“In the Chandigarh Mayor elections, BJP has committed hooliganism in an ‘underworld’ manner. There was no success in breaking the parties like Congress and AAP to establish power there, hence the presiding officer declared 8 votes invalid and took away those ballot papers. This is the kidnapping of Sita in the form of democracy, which happened openly in Chandigarh,” it said.

“There is no longer any need for Ravana to abduct Sita. It was the so-called Ram devotees who kidnapped her. If Shri Ram returns to Ayodhya, he will again get upset and go into exile, such is the situation in the country,” it added.

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

Musk’s Tesla sued for hazardous waste handling in US

The hazardous materials in question include used batteries, antifreeze, paint materials, brake fluids, and more.

Published Date – 1 February 2024, 10:50 AM


Musk’s Tesla sued for hazardous waste handling in US


San Francisco: Elon Musk-run Tesla has been sued in the US for its hazardous waste handling.

Over two dozen California counties accused the electric car maker of improperly labelling and disposing of hazardous waste in landfills that don’t process that type of material, according to reports.


The hazardous materials in question include used batteries, antifreeze, paint materials, brake fluids, and more.

A violation of California’s hazardous waste management policies could result in penalties of up to $70,000 per day, reports TechCrunch.

The complaint, filed in San Joaquin County Superior Court, alleged that Tesla improperly labeled and disposed of materials like “lead acid batteries and other batteries,” paints, brake fluid, aerosols, antifreeze, acetone, diesel fuel and more at its production and service facilities throughout the state.

Tesla also allegedly improperly disposed of the waste, both on-site and at landfills that can’t accept hazardous waste, read the complaint. Tesla or Musk were yet to comment on the complaint.

In February 2022, Tesla agreed to pay a $275,000 penalty for violating the Clean Air Act at its electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Fremont, California.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Tesla Motors after it found Clean Air Act violations at their automobile manufacturing plant. Under the settlement, Tesla agreed to pay a $275,000 penalty.

The list of hazardous air pollutants, or “air toxics”, includes over 180 chemicals that are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects. In 2019, Tesla agreed to pay a $31,000 penalty for failing to comply with air emissions standards for equipment leaks, failing to comply with management requirements for generators of hazardous wastes and failing to make an adequate hazardous waste determination for certain solid waste generated at the facility.

Tesla has also had multiple fires in the paint shop of its Fremont factory.