World

Trump threatens to retake Panama Canal in Truth Social post

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Trump accused Panama of “ripping off” American vessels by charging “exorbitant prices” to use the vital waterway that acts as a shortcut linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Without it, ships would be forced to sail a much farther distance around South America’s rocky Cape Horn.

Trump was referring to the 1977 treaty over the canal’s status, which transferred control of the canal from the U.S. to Panama at the end of the 20th century.

It was hailed as one of President Jimmy Carter’s greatest accomplishments, but Trump slammed the 39th president for “foolishly giving it away for one dollar.”

“Our Navy and Commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way,” Trump vented. “The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the U.S.”

“If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question,” he stridently added.

Fees to pass through the canal range from as little as $0.50 to $300,000, depending on the size of the vessels.

It wasn’t immediately known what prompted Trump’s outburst about the canal.

America uses the canal more than any other country, followed by China and then Japan, figures show.

At the beginning of this year, drought forced authorities to slash ship crossings in the canal by 36 percent, impacting global trade routes.

MNA/

Business

Medical Devices Park, Genome Valley expansion plans in limbo-Telangana Today

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It has been one year since the Congress government came to power in the State, but the expansion of Sultanpur Park and Genome Valley has not fructified so far.

Published Date – 6 December 2024, 03:42 PM


Telangana: Medical Devices Park, Genome Valley expansion plans in limbo


Hyderabad: The Medical Devices Park at Sultanpur and the Genome Valley at Shamirpet have played a crucial role in taking Telangana’s life sciences sector footprint to a new level in the global market. That was in the past. Now, the expansion of these hubs is inexplicably getting delayed even as the demand for space continues to increase.

The ‘Made in Telangana’ stents and other medical equipment, including surgical, ophthalmic and cosmetic medical devices and medical dressings, manufactured at the Medical Devices Park are being exported to over 89 countries. Similarly, the Genome Valley is now a hub for nearly 200 leading life sciences R&D institutions, incubators, clean manufacturing companies like Novarties, Glaxosmithkline and others.

Considering the growing demand for space and the potential for inviting more companies to set up their units, the Telangana government in the past had envisaged grand plans for expanding both the Medical Devices Park and Genome Valley.

It has been one year since the Congress government came to power in the State, but the expansion of Sultanpur Park and Genome Valley has not fructified so far.

Launched in 2017, the Medical Devices Park at Sultanpur in Patancheru is the country’s largest medtech R&D, innovation and manufacturing cluster. Spread over 300 acres, it is also Asia’s largest stent manufacturing facility with a capacity of a million stents and 1.25 million balloon catheters. The Medical Devices Park is strategically located with a 40 minute-drive from the HITEC city and a 50 minute-drive from the international airport.

The BRS government had planned to expand the park by pooling in an additional 300 to 400 acres. To this effect, the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) was entrusted with the task to execute the expansion plans, particularly land acquisition.

According to TGIIC officials, the exercise got delayed due to land litigation. Things were being expedited, they said.

On the other hand, the Genome Valley expansion also continues to get delayed for reasons better known to the officials. In February this year, the State government had announced plans for expansion of the Genome Valley project with Rs.2,000 crore.

In fact, at the inauguration of the BioAsia 2024 meet in the city, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy had declared that the State government would promote a 300-acre second phase of the project. After all these months, the plans remain confined to papers.

Top News

Putin Vows "Destruction" On Ukraine After Kazan Drone Attack

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Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday vowed to bring more “destruction” to Ukraine in retaliation for a drone attack on the central Russian city of Kazan a day earlier.

Russia accused Ukraine of a “massive” drone attack that hit a luxury apartment block in the city, some 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) from the frontier.

Videos on Russian social media networks showed drones hitting a high-rise glass building and setting off fireballs, though there were no reported casualties as a result of the strike.

“Whoever, and however much they try to destroy, they will face many times more destruction themselves and will regret what they are trying to do in our country,” Putin said during a televised government meeting on Sunday.

Putin was addressing the local leader of Tatarstan, the region where Kazan is located, in a road-opening ceremony via video link.

The strike on Kazan was the latest in a series of escalating aerial attacks in the nearly three-year conflict.

Ukraine has not commented on the strike.

Putin has previously threatened to target the centre of Kyiv with a hypersonic ballistic missile in response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.

And the defence ministry has called Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities over recent weeks retaliatory hits for Kyiv using Western-supplied missiles to hit Russian air bases and arms factories.

The latest threat comes as Russia claimed fresh advances on the battlefield in east Ukraine.

The defence ministry said on Telegram that its troops had “liberated” the villages of Lozova in the northeastern Kharkiv region and Krasnoye — called Sontsivka in Ukraine.

The latter is close to the resource hub of Kurakhove, which Russia has almost encircled and would be a key prize in Moscow’s attempt to capture the entire Donetsk region.

Russia has accelerated its advance across eastern Ukraine in recent months, looking to secure as much territory as possible before US President-elect Donald Trump comes to power in January.

The Republican has promised to bring a swift end to the nearly three-year-long conflict, without proposing any concrete terms for a ceasefire or peace deal.

Moscow’s army claims to have seized more than 190 Ukrainian settlements this year, with Kyiv struggling to hold the line in the face of manpower and ammunition shortages.

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


 

Hyderabad

Nizamabad: Health Minister warns Govt doctors against private practice

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“When doctors in government service choose to go for private practice over their duties, their patients are neglected, often leading to severe challenges in accessing timely medical care,”he said

Published Date – 22 December 2024, 06:02 PM


Nizamabad: Health Minister warns Govt doctors against private practice

Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha

Nizamabad: Health Minister C Damodar Rajanarasimha expressed grave concern over government doctors neglecting their duties in district hospitals and engaging in private practice of their own.

Speaking after inaugurating the newly constructed MCH and Critical Care Units at a cost of Rs.38.75 crore at the district headquarters here on Sunday, Rajanarasimha said the lack of commitment on the part of the government doctors was a matter of grave concern.

“When doctors in government service choose to go for private practice over their duties, their patients are neglected, often leading to severe challenges in accessing timely medical care,”he said.

The Minister made it clear that the government would not tolerate if doctors neglect their duties and were confined to private clinics and private practices. He expressed displeasure over the failure of the government doctors to adhere to the prescribed government guidelines.

The Health Minister asked medical department officials to take steps to develop Nizamabad district as a medical services hub by providing quality health care to people visiting government hospitals.

Nizamabad district used to have a very good reputation in terms of medical services, and even now if all the doctors and staff work with dedication and commitment they could restore its past reputation, he observed.

All the necessary facilities would be provided to the sub-centers, district hospitals and Government General Hospitals and the vacancies of doctors and staff would be filled shortly, he said, adding that government was ready to set up any number of health sub-centers and primary health centres in the State, depending on the needs of the people of the respective areas, the burden of distance and other factors.

Earlier, he inaugurated the newly constructed Primary Health Centre building at the Renjal Mandal centre at a cost of Rs.1.56 crore.

Middle East

Turkish president to visit Syria

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Nouakchott Burhan Köroğlu, the temporary charge d’affaires for Turkey’s Embassy in Syria, said that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is scheduled to visit the Arab state in the near future.

“After him, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will come to Damascus,” he added.

The exact date of Erdogan’s visit to Syria is yet to be known.

MP/TSN channel

Sports

Arrest warrant against former cricketer Robin Uttappa in EPF deposits fraud case

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The address mentioned in the arrest warrant issued by the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner is an old one and the concerned person does not stay at this address anymore. O

Published Date – 21 December 2024, 02:19 PM


Arrest warrant against former cricketer Robin Uttappa in EPF deposits fraud case

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa

Bengaluru, Dec 21 (PTI) An arrest warrant has been issued against former India cricketer Robin Uttappa in connection with alleged fraud related to Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) deposits, officials said on Saturday.

The warrant of arrest issued by Shadakshara Gopala Reddy, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner – II and Recovery Officer, K R Puram stated that Rs 23,36,602 is to be recovered from Uthappa, the defaulter.

The former cricketer is the director of Centauries Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd, Indiranagar.

In his order to the Station House Office of Pulakeshinagar Police Station, the senior officer stated, “Due to non remittances of dues, this office is unable to settle the Provident Fund accounts of the poor workers. In view of the above, you are kindly requested to execute the enclosed warrant of arrest through the Thana in-charge under whose jurisdiction Sri Robin Uthappa resides.

“In this connection it is kindly requested to arrest the employer under Rule 73 of IInd Schedule to Income Tax Act 1961 and Income Tax (CP) Rule 1962 and Section 8B of Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, and produce him before the undersigned on or before 27.12.2024 for further proceedings through your official.”

The order stated, “In exercise of the power conferred on me under section 8B of the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952,…command you to arrest the said defaulter and bring him before the undersigned as soon as practicable and in any event within 24 hours of his arrest (exclusive of the time required for the journey) unless the defaulter pays the said amount of Rs 23,36,602 and Rs 5,000 for the cost of executing this process.”

However, a senior police officer said, “The address mentioned in the arrest warrant issued by the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner is an old one and the concerned person does not stay at this address anymore. Our team had gone to the given address and verified. As per information, he vacated the mentioned address over a year ago. We have informed the same to the concerned officer. Further decision will be taken by the concerned authority which issued the arrest warrant.”

World

Putin sets condition for normalizing ties with US

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“It is possible to do everything upon wish. We have never abandoned this wish,” the head of state said in an interview with VGTRK journalist Pavel Zarubin on Sunday, responding to a question about the possibility for Russia and the United States to normalize their relations. 

Everything changes in international relations and only interests remain invariable, in this case, “the interests of Russia and its people,” the Russian leader stressed.

“If we see that the situation changes in a way that there are opportunities and prospects for building relations with other countries, then we are ready for that. It is not a question of us but it’s a question of them. But this should be without detriment to interests of the Russian Federation,” Putin emphasized.

Speaking about changes in international relations, the Russian leader gave examples from the 19th and 20th centuries. In particular, he recalled that after the Crimea War of 1853-1856, when a series of restrictions were imposed on Russia, many wrote that it isolated itself and did not respond to injustices occurring in the world.

In response to that, as Putin went on to say, then-Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire Alexander Gorchakov sent out a letter with the following words: “Russia is not angry. Russia is concentrating.”

“Gradually, as Russia was concentrating, it returned all its rights in the Black Sea as well, grew stronger and so on,” the Russian leader said.

Putin also drew attention to the fact that some historians described the Crimea War as ‘World War Zero’ as practically all the European powers participated in it against Russia. However, as he went on to say, the situation changed and these same countries were already Russia’s allies during World War I.

“Everything changes and only interests remain invariable,” the Russian leader concluded.

MP/

Business

India clocks impressive 67 per cent growth in total exports in 10 years-Telangana Today

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The country’s trade performance demonstrated stability and moderate growth during the first quarter of the current financial year, according to a NITI Aayog Trade Watch report

Published Date – 7 December 2024, 01:23 PM


India clocks impressive 67 per cent growth in total exports in 10 years

Representational Image

New Delhi: As demand for Indian products in the global market surges across categories, the country’s total exports reached about $778 billion in FY2023-24, compared to $466 billion in FY2013-14, a whopping 67 per cent growth.

India’s share in world merchandise exports also improved from 1.66 per cent to 1.81 per cent, with the country advancing in rankings from 20th to 17th position, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, responded to a Parliamentary query. The feat was achieved as the government implemented several initiatives to sustain and accelerate export growth.

The country’s trade performance demonstrated stability and moderate growth during the first quarter of the current financial year, according to a NITI Aayog Trade Watch report.

According to the report, India’s total trade in H1 2024 experienced a 5.45 per cent year-on-year increase to reach $576 billion compared to 2023.

Merchandise imports showed consistent growth, with Q1 FY25 exports rising by 5.95 per cent to $110 billion and imports increasing by 8.40 per cent to $173 billion, leading to a growing trade imbalance.

In Q1 FY25, Indian iron and steel exports experienced a massive decline (33 per cent) primarily due to weak domestic demand and excess capacity in China which resulted in an oversupply of steel in the global markets.

During Q1 FY25, export growth to FTA partners was notably strong at 12 per cent, while import growth from these partners was 10.29 per cent. North America accounted for 21 per cent of India’s exports, followed by the EU at 18.61 per cent.

Imports were largely from Northeast Asia, West Asia (GCC), and ASEAN, making up 51 per cent of total imports. Meanwhile, India has recorded a sharp increase in exports for several key product categories with the country maintaining or improving its rank among the top 10 global suppliers.

The country’s strategic focus on electronics and semiconductors has yielded impressive results.

Top News

In PM's Kuwait Visit, Top Honour, Bilateral Meet, Delegation-Level Talks

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The Amir and PM Modi recalled strong historical ties between India and Kuwait. (File)

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his meeting with Kuwaiti counterpart, Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, held discussions regarding deepening of economic cooperation between the two nations, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Sunday.

MEA Secretary, CPV and OIA, Arun Kumar Chatterjee in a press briefing, elaborated on the details of Prime Minister’s visit to Kuwait, the first by an Indian PM to the Gulf nation in 43 years.

“Narendra Modi arrived in Kuwait on the morning of December 21, that is yesterday. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years. At the airport, the Prime Minister was received by at the airport, PM Modi was received by Fahad Yusuf Al-Sabah, the first Deputy PM, Minister of Defence, and Minister of Interior of Kuwait and also the Minister of Foreign Minister and other senior officials. Upon his arrival at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the Indian diaspora in Kuwait and their numbers are around 200,” Mr Chatterjee said.

Mr Chatterjee said that PM Modi was awarded ‘The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer’ by Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah on Sunday.

“Today morning, Prime Minister was given a ceremonial welcome at the Bayan Palace and a Guard of honor accorded to him. He called on the Amir of Kuwait thereafter, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah. This was the first meeting between the two leaders,” he said.

The Amir and PM Modi recalled strong historical ties between India and Kuwait during their bilateral meeting. PM Modi also congratulated the Amir for smoothly conducting the GCC Summit earlier this month.

“They recalled the strong historical and friendly ties between India and Kuwait and reaffirmed their full commitment to further expanding and deepening the bilateral cooperation. In this context, they agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership. Prime Minister thanked His Highness, the Amir for ensuring the well-being of over 1 million strong Indian Community in Kuwait. His Highness the Amir also expressed appreciation for the contribution of the large and vibrant Indian Community in Kuwait’s development. Prime minister also congratulated His Highness the Amir for successful holding of the GCC Summit earlier this month,” he said.

PM Modi said he accepted the Kuwaiti Highest Award on the behalf of all Indians.

“His Highness the Amir conferred the Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer on the Prime Minister of India. This is the highest Award of the state of Kuwait. The Honorable Prime Minister thanked the Amir for this gesture and conveyed that he was accepting this award on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians. Prime Minister today met His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince of the state of Kuwait. Prime Minister had earlier met the Crown Prince on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly session in September this year. The leaders acknowledged that the bilateral relations were progressing well and welcomed their elevation to a strategic partnership. The Prime Minister also expressed confidence that the India-GCC relations will be further strengthened under the presidency of Kuwait,” he said.

PM Modi held delegation-level talks with Kuwaiti PM, during which the two discussed ways to strengthen India-Kuwait’s strategic partnership.

“Prime Minister Modi held delegation-level talks with His Highness Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister of the state of Kuwait. The two leaders discussed a road map to strengthen the strategic partnership in areas including political, trade, investments, energy, defense, security, health, education technology, cultural, and people-to people ties. They emphasized on deepening the economic cooperation between the two countries. They welcomed the recent signing of the joint commission for cooperation under which new joint working groups in areas of trade, investment, education, technology, agriculture, security and culture have been set up in addition to the existing joint working groups on health manpower and hydrocarbons. The Prime Minister also attended a banquet lunch hosted in his honor by His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait,” he said.

Mr Chatterjee said that PM Modi was the Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup. He also went to a labout camp and met 1,500 Indian nationals who worked there, which showed the importance India attached to its workers abroad.

“Yesterday in the evening the Prime Minister of India was the guest of honor at the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup which is being hosted by Kuwait. He joined His Highness the Amir the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Kuwait in this opening ceremony.

“Earlier after arrival the one of the first engagements of the Prime Minister was a visit to a labor camp in Mina Abdullah area of Kuwait which has a Workforce of around 1,500 Indian nationals. The Prime Minister interacted with a cross-section of Indian workers from different states of India and inquired about their well-being. The visit to the labor camp displays the importance attached by the Prime Minister personally and the government of India to the welfare of Indian workers abroad. Thereafter yesterday evening the Prime Minister also addressed a gathering of the Indian Community at a special event titled Hala Modi at the Sheikh Sad Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex in Kuwait City. Around 4,500 Indian Nationals representing a cross-section of the Indian Community in Kuwait attended the event. The Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by the community once again and with full enthusiasm they all participated in the event yesterday,” he said.

Prime Minister Modi also lauded the role of Indian diaspora in Kuwait have enriched the relations between two copies.

“Addressing the Gathering the Prime Minister noted that the India Kuwait relationship is profoundly enriched by the Indian Community, which plays a pivotal role in fostering ties between the two Nations,” he said.

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

Hyderabad

Watch: Hyderabad police releases video of incident at Sandhya theatre during Allu Arjun’s Pushpa-2 premiere

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The video captures the events of December 4 when Allu Arjun attended the premiere of Pushpa-2 at Sandhya 70mm theatre with his family. Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand stated that the police had previously informed the theatre management about the potential risks of an uncontrolled situation and a stampede if the actor were invited.





Updated On – 22 December 2024, 06:17 PM


Watch: Hyderabad police releases video of incident at Sandhya theatre during Allu Arjun’s Pushpa-2 premiere


Hyderabad: In the backdrop of the controversy revolving around the arrest of actor Allu Arjun, the Hyderabad police released a ten minute video detailing the happenings on the fateful day at Sandhya 70mm theatre.

The video details the events as they unfolded on December 4, when Allu Arjun arrived at the theatre for the premiere show of Pushpa -2 movie along with his family.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner, CV Anand said the police had already intimated to the management of the theatre that the actor should not be invited to the theatre due to possibility of uncontrolled situation and stampede.

“I cannot say anything about the progress of the case. For now, we have compiled a 10 minute video after collecting the footage from television channels and social media platforms,” said Anand.

The video shows the security team of the actor pushing the people and the unruly crowd inside the theatre.