Month: October 2024

The US Central Command Forces launched a series of airstrikes against several identified ISIS camps in Syria during the early hours of October 11.

Sharing a post on X, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said, “US Central Command forces conducted a series of airstrikes against multiple known ISIS camps in Syria in the early morning of October 11.”

It added that the targeted strikes will significantly reduce ISIS’s capability to plan, organise, and conduct attacks against the United States. “The strikes will disrupt the ability of ISIS to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against the United States, its allies and partners, and civilians throughout the region and beyond,” the post added.

The CENTCOM further said, “Our battle damage assessments are underway and do not indicate civilian casualties. We will provide updates as information is confirmed.”

On September 29, the US conducted precision strikes in Syria, killing 37 terrorist operatives, including high-ranking leaders from ISIS.

In a statement, the US Central Command said, “CENTCOM Forces conducted two targeted strikes in Syria, killing 37 terrorist operatives, including multiple senior leaders of the terrorist organisations of ISIS and Hurras al-Din, an Al Qaeda affiliate.”

The statement further said, “The airstrikes are part of CENTCOM’s ongoing commitment, along with partners in the region, to disrupt and degrade efforts by terrorists to plan, organise, and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel from the US, our allies, and our partners throughout the region and beyond.”

Earlier on September 24, CENTCOM had conducted a targeted strike in northwest Syria that led to the death of nine terrorist operatives, including Marwan Bassam ‘Abd-al-Ra’uf, a senior Hurras al-Din leader responsible for overseeing military operations from Syria.”

Hurras al-Din is an Al Qaeda-affiliated organisation based in Syria with global aspirations to conduct attacks against US and Western interests. The successful strike against Marwan Bassam ‘Abd-al-Ra’uf comes a month after a successful strike that killed another Hurras al-Din senior leader, Abu-‘Abd al-Rahman al Makki,” the CENTCOM had said. (ANI)

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Star cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni is heavily trending on social media. Surprisingly, it’s not for his cricketing skills but it’s his new haircut that caught eyeballs.

Celebrity hairstylist Aalim Hakim on Saturday posted a couple pictures of Dhoni flaunting his haircut.

This time, the former CSK skipper ditched his long hair for a new stylish pompadour look, leaving his fans in awe.

“Mahendra Singh Dhoni…The One & Only Our Thala,” Aalim Hakim captioned the post.

In tinted shades with green borders, Dhoni looked uber-stylish in his haircut.

Dhoni needs no introduction in the world of cricket and is famous for his calm and stunning captaincy skills on the field in his international and IPL days.

On August 15, 2020, Dhoni announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing down the curtains on an illustrious career.Under Dhoni’s leadership, India bagged the top prize in all formats. Under his captaincy, India lead in the Test ranking for 18 months starting December 2009.

The side went on to win the 50-over World Cup in 2011, and the T20 world title on his captaincy debut in 2007.Dhoni has one of the most inspiring journeys in sports history. From working as a ticket collector at a railway station, he transformed into India’s biggest trophy collector, leading the team to ICC T20 World Cup 2007, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and ICC Champions Trophy 2013 as skipper. He made his international debut in 2004 and made a name for himself as a ferocious hitter of the cricket ball, but mellowed down with time to a finisher who would guide his team to wins with his calculated aggression and amazing tactics.

Dhoni, known as Chennai Super Kings’ “Thala” (leader), played 98 T20Is for India, scoring 1,617 runs at an average of 37.60, at a strike rate of 126.13. He has two half-centuries in the format, with the best score of 56.

Coming to his long format career, Dhoni played 90 matches, scoring 4,876 runs at an average of 38.09. He scored six centuries and 33 half-centuries, with the best score of 224. He is the 14th-highest scorer for India in Tests.As a captain, he led India in 60 Test matches, out of which they won 27 matches, lost 18 and drew 15.

With a win percentage of 45.00, he is one of India’s most successful skippers across all eras. He led Team India to the number one ranking in ICC Test Rankings. He is also the only Indian skipper to whitewash Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, doing so in the 2010-11 and 2012-13 series.

The people’s favourite ‘Mahi’ led India in 72 T20Is, winning 41, losing 28, one being tied and two failing to produce results. His win percentage is 56.94.

Besides guiding India to ICC titles, he has also guided Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to franchise glory in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Champions League T20. He has led CSK to five IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023. Dhoni has also led CSK to two CLT20 titles in 2010 and 2014.

Dhoni has played 264 IPL matches, mostly for CSK, other than a stint with Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016 to 2017. In these matches, he has scored 5,243 runs at an average of 39.13. He has also scored 24 half-centuries in the tournament. He also has 152 catches and 42 stumping. (ANI)

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A special train carrying stranded passengers of the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express, which collided with a stationary goods train at Kavaraippettai Railway Station, departed from Dr MGR Chennai Central railway station on Saturday early morning to continue its journey.

The train departed from the station at around 04.45 am. The stranded passengers were provided with food and water during the wait, officials said.

Meanwhile, the railways have set up a help desk at Chennai Central Railway Station to assist affected passengers.

As many as 19 passengers were injured after the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express (Train No.12578) collided with a stationary goods train at Kavaraippettai Railway Station near Chennai on Friday night.

The incident, which occurred around 8:30 p.m. on the Chennai-Gudur section between Ponneri and Kavaraippettai railway stations, led to the derailment of 12 coaches of the passenger train.

Train movement on the entire section was affected, forcing the railways to cancel two trains and divert or operate more than half a dozen others via alternate routes.

Officials said that due to the accident of train No.12578 Mysuru – Darbhanga Bagmati Express at Kavaraipettai in Chennai Division yesterday, the follwing two trains have been cancelled. This includes — Train No.12077 Dr MGR Chennai Central – Vijayawada Jan Shatabdi Express and Train No.12078 Vijayawada – Dr MGR Chennai Central Jan Shatabdi Express was cancelled.

More than half a dozen trains were diverted on Friday night. The railways also issued helpline numbers following the accident.

Expressing shock over the incident, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said that he was continuously monitoring the rescue operations and confirmed that the injured passengers had been taken to the hospital.

Taking to X, CM Stalin said, “I was shocked to know that there was a train accident in Kavaripettai, Tiruvallur district. As soon as the information was available, I ordered the Hon’ble Minister @Avadi_Nasar and other government officials including the District Collector to go to the accident site.”

He further said that Minister for Minorities SM Nasar and other officials were directed to reach the accident site.

He added, “The government is working fast in rescue and relief work. The injured are immediately taken to the hospital. A separate team is functioning to arrange food and travel facilities for the other passengers to return home.”

CM Stalin also noted that the fire department is engaged in removing the derailed train coaches. “I am continuing to monitor the rescue operations,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited the injured passengers at the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital in Chennai. (ANI)

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President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their greetings to people on the occasion of Vijayadashami on Saturday.

“On the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all the countrymen. This is the festival of victory of justice over injustice. This festival is a symbol of our belief in the values of truth and morality,” Murmu said in a post on X.

“On this auspicious occasion, we should take a pledge that we will take the side of justice even in the most difficult situations. I wish that this holy festival brings happiness and prosperity in everyone’s life and our country always moves forward on the path of development,” she added.

“Best wishes to the countrymen on Vijayadashami. With the blessings of Maa Durga and Lord Shri Ram, I wish that all of you achieve victory in every sphere of life,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be attending the Dussehra programme today organised by the Shri Dharmik Leela Committee in Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan

Dheeraj Dhar Gupta, General Secretary of Shri Dharmik Leela Committee told ANI that the programme will begin at 5.30 pm today.

“This is our 101st year. All the programmes were conducted very well. Police authorities helped us to manage the event. Generally, the height of Ravana is 70 feet. Security has been heightened in view of the Prime Minister attending the event. Special Protection Group (SPG) is taking care of the security for tomorrow’s event,” Gupta said on Friday.

Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, is a prominent Hindu festival celebrated every year at the end of Navaratri.

It is observed on the tenth day of the month of Ashvin, the seventh in the Hindu Luni-Solar Calendar. The festival typically falls in the Gregorian calendar months of September and October.

The festival of Vijayadashami is celebrated almost in every part of the country, and there are several tales associated with it, the most popular being the defeat of the Ravana by Lord Rama, one of the most revered god figures in India.

The festival also starts the preparations for Diwali, the important festival of lights, which is celebrated twenty days after Vijayadashami. (ANI)

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The Congress on Saturday hit out at the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat over his remarks on the condition of minorities in Bangladesh with party president Mallikarjun Kharge accused him of supporting a party “which wants disunity in the country.”

Kharge said, “You (Bhagwat) are the one who supports the party (BJP) which wants disunity in the country. It starts with changing the Constitution, ending reservation, and then speaking different things about Muslims.”

Meanwhile, the Congress President also hit out at Prime Minster Narendra Modi’s remark that Congress has taken over by Urban Naxals. “(PM) Modi has no right to say this. Wherever his government is in power, atrocities are committed on people of scheduled castes, especially tribals,” Kharge said. He emphasised that the Prime Minister should address these issues. “Then he keeps talking about atrocities… it is your government, you can control it,” the Congress leader said.

Congress leader Pawan Khera also said that Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks were not in line with the RSS’s approach to minorities.

“It is good if he understood the condition of minorities through Bangladesh and also what the minorities should do. But what is surprising is that if minorities in India say they should unite, they (RSS) see it as a threat. Bhagwat ji says that Hindus across the world should unite, which is good. But why do they feel bad when Owaisi mentions Palestine in Parliament? They should answer these contradictions,” Khera told ANI.

Earlier today, addressing the annual Vijayadashami programme held at Nagpur, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat condemned the violence against Hindus in the neighbouring country and said that as long as the radical nature of committing atrocities out of anger persists – not only Hindus, but all minorities will be in danger.

“What happened in our neighbouring Bangladesh? It might have some immediate reasons and those who are concerned will discuss it. But the underlying issue is the repeated atrocities against Hindus,” he said.

“For the first time, Hindus united to protect themselves, but as long as this radical violence persists, not just Hindus, but all minorities are in danger. They need support from Hindus from the entire world and India’s government must step in,” Bhagwat said.

Mohan Bhagwat also emphasised “If we are weak, we are inviting atrocity. Wherever we are, we need to be united and empowered and weakness is not an option.”

The RSS chief further warned against a growing narrative in Bangladesh which saw India as a threat. He mentioned that in Bangladesh, such discussions are going on that they say they have to side with Pakistan since it has nuclear powers as they perceive a threat from India. The country that received full support in its creation is now encouraging such a narrative against Bharat, he said.

“We all know which countries are pushing such discussions, and narrations, we don’t need to take their name. Their wish is to create such conditions in India as well. Such industries are being run to stop India,” Bhagwat said. (ANI)

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India has “noted with serious concern” the attack on a Puja mandap in Dhaka and the theft at the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple at Satkhira in Bangladesh and termed them “deplorable acts.” India has urged the Bangladesh government to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship.

In a statement, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We have noted with serious concern the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka and the theft at the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple at Satkhira.”

He further said, “These are deplorable events. They follow a systematic pattern of desecration and damage to temples and deities that we have witnessed over several days now.”

MEA spokesperson’s statement comes after an incident of a ‘crude bomb’ being thrown at a Durga Puja Mandap in the Tantibazar area of Old Dhaka. The bomb caught fire slightly and no one was injured in the incident, Bangladesh-based Prothomalo reported.

Calling for the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, Jaiswal said, “We call upon the Government of Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship, especially during this auspicious festival time.”

Police have found the bomb made by filling a glass bottle with petrol, according to Prothomalo report. The incident took place around 7 pm (local time) on Friday. According to locals, a group of youths from an alley beside the Puja mandap tossed a bottle aiming at the altar. When the volunteers ran after the attackers, they were attacked with knives.

At least five people have been injured due to the attack. After the attack at the Puja mandap, an additional commissioner of the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Rezaul Karim Mallik visited the site of the incident.

Later, while speaking to reporters, Mallik said that the attack took place centering a mugging incident. Three people have been detained from the site. He further said that attempts are being made to learn more details by questioning them, Prothomalo reported.

Earlier on Friday, MEA said that India is deeply disturbed by the reported incident of theft of a religious article from a temple in Bangladesh and has urged Bangladesh law enforcement authorities to investigate the matter and bring the guilty to book, according to sources.

The sources stated that the High Commission in Dhaka is in touch with Bangladesh authorities regarding the incident. A crown of the Goddess Kali has been stolen from the Jeshoreshwari temple in Satkhira’s Shyamnagar. This crown was gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the temple in March 2021, as reported by The Daily Star.

“BD law enforcement authorities urged to investigate the incident, recover the stolen article and bring the guilty to book,” the sources said.

Meanwhile, the High Commission of India in Bangladesh expressed deep concern and urged the Government of Bangladesh to investigate the theft.

“We have seen reports of theft of the crown gifted by PM Modi to Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple (Satkhira) in 2021 during his visit to We express deep concern & urge Govt of Bangladesh to investigate theft, recover the crown & take action against the perpetrators,” the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh wrote on X.

The theft occurred on Thursday between 2.00 pm and 2.30 pm, after Temple Priest Dilip Mukherjee left following the day’s worship. The cleaning staff later found that the crown was missing from the deity’s head, as reported by The Daily Star.

“We are reviewing the temple’s CCTV footage to identify the thief,” Inspector Taizul Islam of Shyamnagar Police Station was quoted as saying by the Bangladesh daily. The stolen crown, made of silver and gold-plated, holds significant cultural and religious importance

According to Hindu mythology, the Jeshoreshwari Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths scattered across India and neighbouring countries.

The name “Jeshoreshwari” means “Goddess of Jeshore.” During his visit to Bangladesh in 2021, PM Modi visited the Jeshoreshwari Temple and placed the crown on the head of the deity as a symbolic gesture. (ANI)

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As many as 19 passengers were injured after the Mysuru-Darbhanga Express train collided with a goods train at Kavaraippettai Railway Station near Tamil Nadu’s Chennai on Friday evening, officials said. 

The incident occurred around 8:30 pm on the Chennai-Gudur section between Ponneri and Kavaraippettai railway stations under Chennai division of Southern railway, leading to derailment of 12 coaches of the passenger train. 

Relief and rescue efforts are underway, and all passengers have been evacuated, a senior railway official said. 

A local resident, Lokesh, who was present at the scene, told ANI, “The exact location is Kavaraippettai. A passenger train collided with a stationary goods train. We, local residents, came to assist in the rescue, and officials are also present.” 

According to Tiruvallur police, the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express (Train No.12578), traveling via Perambur, collided with a stationary goods train at Kavaraippettai Railway Station near Thiruvallur. 

T Prabhushankar, District Collector of Tiruvallur, told ANI, “The passenger train collided with a goods train. There were around 1,360 passengers on board. We reached the spot immediately after receiving information. Chief Minister MK Stalin has instructed us to ensure that the rescue operation proceeds without delay. Following his orders, we made sure all passengers were safely evacuated.” 

He added, “There were no casualties. 19 people were injured, with four of them had severe injuries. They were taken to hospital and all are currently stable. We are focusing on the well-being of the rescued passengers. Cooked food has been arranged on the CM’s orders.” 

“We have also arranged transportation for those passengers wishing to continue their journey to Chennai,” he added. 

The Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of South Western Railway said in a statement that 12-13 coaches had derailed. 

“So far, no casualties are reported. All injured passengers are moved to nearby hospitals for further treatment. Train movement in both direction is closed,” the CPRO added. 

Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information & Publicity (ED/IP) at the Railway Board, confirmed the accident involving the 12578 Bagmati Express, which runs from Mysuru to Darbhanga. 

“Relief and rescue operations began immediately. All passengers have been evacuated from the train. No casualties or severe injuries have been reported. More than 90 per cent of the passengers have been evacuated,” Kumar said while speaking to ANI. 

“Both the relief team and the medical team are present at the accident site. GM Sadan Railway and DRM Sadan Chennai Division have left for the accident site. Necessary arrangements are being made by the railway from Chennai station to take the rest of the passengers to their destination,” he said. 

“The railways is making special arrangements to transport all passengers to their destinations. Throughout the journey, the railways will ensure the safety and provision of food for the passengers,” he added. (ANI) 

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Nayab Singh Saini is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Haryana on October 17.

The ceremony os slated to be held at Panchkula at 10 am at Dussehra Ground in Sector 5.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present, along with senior leaders from the BJP and Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states.

“We have received the nod of the Prime Minister that on October 17, in Panchkula, the Chief Minister and council of ministers will take oath,” Union Minister and former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar told reporters here on Saturday.

There is no doubt within the party regarding Saini’s leadership. Both PM Modi and Amit Shah have publicly endorsed him as the Chief Ministerial candidate during their rallies, leaving no room for speculation.

Discussions are underway about the Deputy Chief Minister position, as the party contemplates bringing in new faces. This consideration comes after eight out of ten ministers from the previous Saini government lost their elections. Notably, Shruti Chaudhary, the granddaughter of the late Bansi Lal, is expected to join the cabinet.

The oath-taking ceremony is anticipated to attract around 100,000 attendees, including several Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states, Union ministers, and senior party leaders.

Speculation suggests that the new Haryana cabinet may include Anil Vij, Krishan Lal Midha, Shruti Chaudhary, Arvind Kumar Sharma, Vipul Goel, and Nikhil Madan.

The BJP is going to form its third successive government in Haryana with its 48 legislators in the 90-member Assembly.

Three independent MLAs from Haryana, Devender Kadyan, Rajesh Joon and Savitri Jindal have also extended their support to the BJP. The Congress won 37 seats. (ANI)

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Latin American country Nicaragua has announced that it will break diplomatic relations with Israel, Al Jazeera reported.

The geographically largest country of Latin America, on October 11 made the decision public when the Nicaraguan Vice President Rosario Murillo announced the move to state media after Nicaragua’s Congress passed a resolution calling for action after the one-year anniversary of the Gaza war on October 7.

This adds to Israel’s growing isolation on the global stage amid the conflict.

Al Jazeera noted that Murillo, who is President Daniel Ortega’s wife, said her husband instructed the government to “sever diplomatic relations with the fascist and genocidal government of Israel”.

The announcement is largely a symbolic one, since Israel does not have a resident ambassador in the Nicaraguan capital of Managua and relations between the two nations are nearly nonexistent, Al Jazeera observed.

Nicaragua now joins the list of various other Latin American countries such as Colombia, Chile and Bolivia who have cut their relations with Israel in context with the conflict going on in West Asia.

It has been known that countries with traditionally leftist political ideology in Latin America have routinely showed support for the Palestinian cause.

The Nicaraguan government condemned Israel’s war in Gaza on Friday and said the fighting now “extends against Lebanon and gravely threatens Syria, Yemen and Iran”.

The Palestinian mission to the United Nations announced on Friday that those three nations had helped spearhead a letter of support for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whom Israel declared persona non grata last week, Al Jazeera noted.

The move by Nicaragua falls in line with its previous endavours to show support for de-escalating the war in middle east. Earlier this year in April, Nicaraguan government headed by Daniel Ortega had submitted a request to the International Court of Justice to halt German arms sales to Israel,however the case was rejected. (ANI)

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