Category: News

Calling the Hamas attack on Israel a ‘resistance’, Kerala Assembly Speaker AN Shamseer said that he stands with Palestine and both countries should solve problems through the adoption of peaceful measures.

“I am on the side of Palestine. I have a clear political stand. We are with the fighting Palestinians. You will ask whether we are justifying this violence. No, we are not justifying this violence. If people there are put in concentration camps for seven decades, the resistance on their part cannot be called terrorism,” the Kerala speaker said at an event on Saturday.

“We can call it resistance. I am not justifying the attack by Hamas. Teeth-for-teeth is not the solution. It is to solve problems through peaceful measures,” he added.

He further called the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a ‘shameful’ ploy.

Further coming down heavily on the Israeli PM, the Kerala Assembly speaker accused Netanyahu of killing people by bombing.

“The situation is that the rulers of this country are saying they are with Netanyahu. This is shameful. Benjamin Netanyahu is publicly killing people by bombing them. When Modi says he is on their side, where is our country headed?” he said.

Pointing out that peace is the only solution, the Kerala Assembly Speaker said, “Who is paying the price? It is the common man. World leaders should come together to bring peace.”

Shamseer also called Benjamin Netanyahu and Prime Minister Modi examples of electoral despotism.

“If Netanyahu is an example of electoral despotism, then in India, Modi is an example of electoral despotism,” he said. (ANI)

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of ‘ignoring’ the situation of violence-hit Manipur by ‘abandoning’ the north-eastern state at the time when his intervention and outreach were needed the most.

In his post on X, Jairam Ramesh said that the PM cannot escape accountability and responsibility by completely ‘ignoring’ the crisis.

“The people of Manipur and the entire Northeast are closely watching how the Prime Minister has abandoned the state of Manipur at a time when his intervention and outreach were needed the most. He cannot escape accountability and responsibility by completely ignoring the crisis,” the Congress leader said.

Raising several questions regarding the Prime Minister’s “lack of action” in the Manipur issue, Jairam Ramesh also questioned why the Prime Minister has not met with the Chief Minister of Manipur and elected MLAs of the state, a large majority of whom belong to his party or are its allies.

“Why has the PM who pontificates on all subjects not seen it fit to speak about Manipur publicly for more than 4-5 minutes at most, that too in a routine manner and after immense pressure from the Opposition?,” the Congress leader said.

He further asked why the Union Minister of State for External Affairs, who represents Manipur (Inner) in the Lok Sabha, has not been able to meet the PM over the issue.

“Why has the PM, who loves to travel at the drop of a hat, not seen it fit to spend even a few hours in Manipur to show his concern? Why is the CM who is so thoroughly discredited across sections of Manipur’s society still being allowed to continue?” he added.

Manipur has been witnessing violence since May 3, following the protests by the Kuki and Meitei communities against the High Court’s order asking the state government to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the category of Scheduled Tribes (ST). (ANI)

Amid the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that the world has proved that there are different laws for Russia and Israel.

Speaking to the media reporters here over the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the National Conference (NC) Vice President said that innocent people are being killed in Gaza bombings.

“… Since the first day, we have been opposing what is happening in Gaza. Innocent people are being killed in Gaza bombings… The world has proved that there are different laws for Russia and Israel…” Abdullah said.

Questioning the international community while addressing the media persons, he asked, “What Russia did to Ukraine was a war crime; then what Israel is doing to Gaza is not wrong? Both things cannot be correct. Now the world will have to decide what is right…” Abdullah said.

At least 5,087 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7.

Almost all prominent political parties of Jammu and Kashmir, including NC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have condemned the war and called on to establish peace.

Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti on October 21 protested against Israel amid the West Asian nation’s war against Hamas.

Mehbooba Mufti and other protesters raised the slogans of “Israel go back” during the protest.

“1,500 children have been killed in Palestine. Thousands of innocent people have been killed in Palestine. The world is watching like a spectator. The world was screaming when kids were killed in Ukraine amid their war with Russia. Now, thousands of people have been killed in Palestine and no one is talking about it. We urge the nations of the world to pressure Israel to a ceasefire. Atrocities are being committed in Palestine. Israel is committing Holocaust-like crimes against Palestinians. This could worsen the situation in the long run. Israelis must leave Palestine,” Mehbooba Mufti said.

Earlier, she said that the conflict is not a Muslim issue and hoped that the international community would wake up and resolve the issue.

“Israel-Palestine is not a Muslim issue…I hope the international community wakes up and permanently resolves this issue so that blood is not shed every day. We condemn the attack by Hamas,” she had said. (ANI)

Actor and singer Guru Randhawa on Tuesday took a stroll down memory lane and shared a picture from the first-day shoot of his upcoming film ‘Shahkot’.

Taking to Instagram he shared a post which he captioned, “This was our first day on the sets of SHAHKOT. @talwarisha you were incredible. Learned so much from you while performing with you. In Cinemas 9th Feb 2024.”

The pic features Guru and his co-actor Isha Talwar posing for the camera.

Recently the makers unveiled the first look poster of ‘Shahkot’.

Taking to Instagram, Guru shared the poster which he captioned, “Join the enchanting journey of ‘Shahkot,’ The Movie, a cinematic odyssey that explores the universal dilemma of love and duty.”

In the film, Guru will be seen essaying the role of Iqbal Singh, a passionate Punjabi youth who is determined to venture abroad to fulfill his dreams.

Rajiv Dhingra, best known for his projects like ‘Love Punjab’ and ‘Firangi’, has come on board to direct the film.

Excited about ‘Shahkot’, Rajiv Dhingra said, “We endeavour to create a film that not only entertains but also resonates with audiences on a global scale. It’s a story that speaks to the heart, exploring the timeless dilemma of love versus duty.”

Shahkot’ will be out in theatres on February 9, 2024.

In the coming months, Guru will also be seen headlining the film ‘Kuch Khattaa Ho Jaay’ along with Saiee Manjrekar and Anupam Kher. The official release date of the film is still awaited. (ANI)

The Delhi police seized more than 1,000 kg of banned firecrackers and arrested a man who was selling those crackers, an official said on Monday.

“In the wake of the coming festive season, there is a flow of banned crackers in Delhi. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) as well as the Supreme Court had ordered a complete ban on the sale and purchase of crackers of all kinds in Delhi as they cause pollution. As a consequence, Special Staff East District was directed to keep a watch over the sale and purchase of banned crackers in the East District,” the police said.

A team was constituted, which inspected the area to collect information about the people who indulged in the sale and purchase of banned crackers in the area, police said.

On Monday, the police received secret information that one Himanshu Goel, who runs a general store in Kalyanpuri was actively involved in the sale and purchase of banned crackers in a very clandestine manner, an official added.

On investigation, it was found that the accused was selling banned crackers under the garb of a general store and might have also stashed banned crackers somewhere else in huge quantities, police said.

The police team was able to identify the so-called godown, and finally, it was traced to Delhi’s Kalyanpuri area. The team instantly swung into action, and a raid was conducted at said godown, where the police found a huge stock of banned crackers weighing 1086.5 kg, an official said.

A case under Section 9B of the Explosive Act and 188 of the IPC got registered at PS Kalyanpuri, Delhi, and accused Himanshu Goel was arrested in the case, police said.

Further investigation is underway. (ANI)

Amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Tuesday said it carried out strikes at more than 400 terrorist targets in the past 24 hours. The IDF asserted that it will continue operating to ensure the safety of innocent civilians.

Taking to X, the IDF stated, “In a wide-scale operation to dismantle Hamas’ terrorist capabilities, the IDF struck over 400 terrorist targets in the past 24hrs: Hamas gunmen setting up to fire rockets toward Israel. A Hamas operational tunnel shaft allowing terrorists to infiltrate Israel through the sea. Hamas command centers used by operatives and staging armaments in Mosques. The IDF will continue operating in order to ensure the safety of innocent civilians.”

In another post shared on X, IDF wrote, “Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, Saleh al-Arouri, Ismail Haniyeh and others have the blood of thousands on their hands. We will never forget the Hamas massacre on October 7.”

Meanwhile, the IDF Chief of Staff, Lt General Herzi Halevi said that Israel wants to bring Hamas to a state of “full dismantling.” He asserted that Israel is well prepared for the ground operations in the south.

Lt General Halevi, “We want to bring Hamas to a state of full dismantling – its leaders, its military branch and its working mechanisms. That is why we are striking and eliminating high ranking commanders and members, destroying infrastructure and acting with great determination. The path is a path of unrelenting attacks damaging Hamas everywhere and in every way. We are well prepared for the ground preparations in the south. The Southern Command has quality operational plans.”

Meanwhile, Israel’s Air Force said that it targeted infrastructures of the Hezbollah, including a military compound and an observation post used by the organization.

Taking to X, Israeli Air Force stated, “The Air Force recently attacked terrorist infrastructures of the Hezbollah terrorist organization, including a military compound and an observation post used by the organization. The attack was carried out in response to launches from Lebanon today.”

On Monday, Israel Defence Forces said that Israeli Air Force fighter jets carried out an airstrike to neutralize the Head of the Anti-Tank Missiles Array of Hamas’ Northern Brigade–this morning Ibrahim Al-Saher.

Taking to X, the IDF stated, “We guaranteed to eliminate Hamas’ terrorism–and we take our word very seriously. Israeli Air Force fighter jets carried out an airstrike in order to neutralize Ibrahim Al-Saher–the Head of the Anti-Tank Missiles Array of Hamas’ Northern Brigade–this morning. In 2021, Ibrahim Al-Saher fired an anti-tank missile which killed SSGT Omer Tabib and injured additional IDF soldiers.” (ANI)

Amid the rising concerns over the environment of the national capital with deteriorating air quality, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Tuesday that the government is making an “all-round” preparation to combat pollution.

Action will be taken against those who violate the norms, said Rai, adding that the Delhi government is preparing to come up with a ‘Winter action plan’.

“As the Diwali festival is around the corner, the Delhi government is making an all-round preparation to combat pollution. We are looking at every trivial factor that might aid in increasing pollution in Delhi. We are prepared to take strict action on those who violate the norms. The government is also preparing the ‘Winter action plan'”, Rai said while speaking to ANI here in Delhi.

“The AQI of Delhi rose above 300 the day before yesterday. As there is a change in the weather, the pollution will increase. Though, it has become better now”, he added.

While urging for cooperation from the public to tackle pollution, the environment minister said, “Though we have banned firecrackers in Delhi. But the public too needs to cooperate with the government. Since everyone out there is grappling with pollution, one needs to make a point that one does not promote activities that might lead to an increase in toxicity in the air. Through everyone’s cooperation, we can achieve the goal of a clean environment”.

Speaking on the issue of traffic jams as a factor in “fueling” pollution, Gopal Rai said, “In yesterday’s meeting, we instructed the police officials to increase the police force on the points where there are massive traffic jams. With that effect, 91 such points have been identified so that the pollution which is triggered due to the jams can be curbed”.

“In the meeting, which was held with the Union Environment Minister, we pointed out that the buses arriving from Uttar Pradesh or Haryana are those operated by Diesel, which leads to a rise in the pollution level. Though in Delhi, there are CNG or electric buses, which should be the case in Uttar Pradesh or Haryana as well”, he added.

Speaking on the second phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the environment minister said, “The government is moving towards the implementation of the second phase of GRAP. The next happens to be crucial provided the Diwali festival is around the corner”.

GRAP is a set of guidelines and measures implemented to combat air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) of India, which includes Delhi and its surrounding areas. (ANI)

Earlier on Monday, Rai chaired a meeting at the Delhi Secretariat to take stock of the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and said special teams will be deputed to identify and inspect local sources of pollution.

He said that the Delhi government had reached out to neighbouring states on stubble burning, which contributed to the high levels of pollution.

Addressing media persons after today’s meeting, the environment minister said that eight more pollution hotspots other than the existing 13 have been identified, in the city and a special team will be deputed to identify and inspect local sources of pollution.

Meanwhile, the overall air quality in the national capital continued to remain in the ‘very poor’ category on Tuesday morning, as per SAFAR-India.

According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the Air Quality Index in the overall Delhi region was in the ‘very poor’ category at 303. In the Delhi University area and Pusa, the quality of air was recorded as ‘very poor’ and ‘poor’ with AQI at 335 and 242, respectively.

Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool for effective communication of air quality status to people in terms, which are easy to understand. It transforms complex air quality data of various pollutants into a single number (index value), nomenclature, and colour.

The AQI from 0 to 100 is considered good, while from 100 to 200 it is moderate, from 200 to 300 it is poor, and from 300 to 400 it is said to be very poor and from 400 to 500 or above it is considered as severe.

Moreover, India Meteorological Department (IMD) scientist VK Soni told ANI on Monday that there will be some improvement in the air quality after the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), but it will remain in the ‘very poor’ category until October 26.

The IMD scientist said that the AQI was close to 300 on Monday and that there are hopes that the measures taken under GRAP 2 will benefit the air quality. (ANI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Tuesday, visited the forward posts in Arunachal Pradesh and carried out a first-hand on-ground assessment of the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces there, his office said in a statement.

The statement said that the Defence Minister interacted with the troops deployed in the frontline locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and celebrated Dussehra with them.

As per the statement, the senior Minister expressed gratitude for the unyielding spirit, unwavering commitment and unparalleled courage of the troops, who are deployed on the borders in tough conditions, but always ensure that the nation and its people are safe.

“The entire nation is proud of the Armed Forces and is standing with them,” he said.

During his visit, Rajnath Singh performed Shastra Puja with the troops at Tawang, where he reiterated that Dussehra signifies the victory of good over evil.

In his address, he described the righteousness and dharma of the brave Armed Forces personnel as the living testament to the ethos of the festival of Vijayadashmi.

He pointed out that the valour and commitment of the Armed Forces is one of the main reasons that India’s stature has grown on the international stage and it is now among the most powerful nations.

Citing his recent tour to Italy, he stated that he paid a visit to the Montone memorial (Perugia Province) which has been built to honour the contribution of Naik Yaswant Ghadge and other Indian soldiers who fought in the Italian campaign to liberate Montone in World War II, adding “not just Indians, but even Italian people pay their respects at the memorial, which is proof that the bravery of Indian soldiers is recognised globally”.

In view of the current global scenario, Rajnath Singh asserted that there is no option but to bolster the country’s security apparatus, underlining that all efforts are being made by the Government to strengthen the nation’s military prowess through indigenous production of defence equipment, the release stated.

“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, giant strides have been made towards ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence. Earlier, we used to rely on imports to upgrade our military. But today, a number of major weapons & platforms are being manufactured within the country. Foreign companies are being encouraged to share their technology and produce the equipment in India with domestic industry,” He said in his address.

Rajnath Singh recalled that in 2014, the value of defence exports was about Rs 1,000 crore, “but today we are exporting defence equipment worth thousands of crores,” he said.

He also visited the Tawang War Memorial, where he laid a wreath and offered tributes to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1962 war.

He was accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande; General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Eastern Command Lt Gen RP Kalita; GOC, 4 Corps Lt Gen Manish Erry and other senior officers of the Indian Army.

He also visited the 4 Corps Headquarters at Tezpur in Assam.

During the visit, he reviewed the operational readiness of the formation, which is deployed in one of the easternmost parts of the country, the statement said.

The official press release said that he was briefed on the infrastructure development along the LAC and the employment of cutting-edge military equipment and technology to enhance the operational efficiency of the troops deployed on the frontline.

“He commended the stellar work and yeoman services being rendered by all ranks of the Corps under challenging conditions,” the statement informed. (ANI)

Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday asserted that the world is looking towards India to lead by example and show a new path to peace.

The RSS chief added that the crisis-ridden world expects Bharat to emerge with a new vision based on its own value systems, to meet the contemporary needs and challenges of the globe.

Bhagwat was addressing a ceremonial Dussehra event of the RSS on the occasion of Vijayadashmi at Nagpur.

“The world is facing the scourge of fanaticism, arrogance, and hysteria stemming from religious sectarianism. Any solution to conflicts like the war in Ukraine or the Gaza Strip, which arise due to a clash of interests and extremism, remains elusive. A lifestyle out of sync with nature is producing a string of new physical and mental- health issues amid unabashed consumerism,” Bhagwat said.

“Terrorism, exploitation, and totalitarianism are getting a free run to wreak havoc. It has become abundantly clear that the world cannot counter these problems with its inadequate vision. Therefore, the world is looking towards Bharat expectantly to lead by example and show a new path to peace and prosperity, based on its own Sanatan (eternal) values and Sanskars,” he added.

RSS chief Bhagwat also called for an organized force in society to fight violence and hooliganism and urged it to extend “appropriate support” to the government.

“Regardless of the provocations, it is important and mandatory to follow law and order, abide by the Constitution, and maintain discipline. In an independent country, this behavior is considered an expression of patriotism. The correct solution to violence and hooliganism is for a society to become an organized force and to take the initiative in protecting law and order and to extend appropriate support to the government and the administration,” he said.

It is not advisable to get caught up or swayed by inflammatory propaganda carried out using the media, and the volley of allegations and counter-allegations that follows, he said.

He further reiterated that the media should be used to propagate truth and harmony in the society.

Speaking on the violence that had ensued in Manipur the RSS Chief called on civil society to bridge the gap of mutual mistrust.

“In Manipur, when people on both sides of the conflict are seeking peace, which are these forces that are attempting to trigger hatred and violence by causing an incident as soon as any positive step is seen being taken in that direction? Multidimensional efforts will be required to solve this grave problem. To resolve this vexed problem, we would need a strong political will, concurrent actions, and efficiency. Simultaneously, the enlightened leadership of the society will also have to play a special role in bridging the gap of mutual distrust that has arisen due to the unfortunate situation between the two communities,” he said.

Mohan Bhagwat also focused on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024 and said that attempts to harvest votes by inflaming emotions are not desirable.

“Let us avoid these things, as they hurt the unity of the society. To cast vote is the duty of every citizen, and we must follow it. Cast your vote keeping in mind the vital issues of unity, integrity, identity, and development of the country,” he said.

The RSS chief further pointed out that India’s leadership gave the country a place in the world. “Every year, India’s pride is increasing in the world. The G 20 summit held here (in India) was special. The hospitality of Indians was praised. People from different countries experienced our diversity. They saw our diplomatic skills as well as our honest goodwill. Our leadership gave India a place in the world,” Mohan Bhagwat said while speaking at the event.

The RSS chief also was critical of forces that he said were standing in the way of India moving forward.

“There are some people in the world and in also India who do not want India should move forward. They try to create factions and clashes in society. Because of our unawareness and lack of belief, we also sometimes get entangled in it, and unnecessary nuisances are created. If India progresses, they will not be able to play their games; therefore, they continuously oppose. They adopt particular ideologies just for the sake of opposing” the RSS Chief said.

The annual ‘Vijayadashmi Utsav’ event of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) started with workers’ ‘Path Sanchalan’ (route march) at Maharashtra’s Nagpur earlier today and was graced by singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan as chief guest.

On the occasion, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat paid tribute to the founder of the organization KB Hedgewar. He also performed ‘Shastra Pooja’ on the occasion of ‘Vijayadashami Utsav’.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present at the event.

RSS was founded in 1925 in Nagpur on Vijayadashami day. Since then, RSS has celebrated Vijayadashami Utsav every year. Dignitaries from various fields are invited as chief guests every year for the Utsav to grace the occasion. (ANI)

French President Emmanuel Macron will meet his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on Tuesday, The Times of Israel reported the Palestinian Authority leader’s office as saying.

Macron is the latest in a series of Western leaders who made a solidarity visit to Israel after the October 7 attacks by Hamas. However, he would be the first to visit the Palestinian Authority headquarters in the West Bank amid the crisis.

The French presidency did not immediately confirm the meeting, according to The Times of Israel.

Upon his arrival in Israel, to express his country’s “full solidarity” with the Jewish state following the October 7 massacres by Palestinian terror group Hamas, he met his Israeli counterpart Isaac Herzog.

After this the French President reached Tel Aviv, and met with families of French and French-Israeli nationals killed in the Hamas attack or being held hostage by terrorists in Gaza.

He was later due to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to express France’s “full solidarity” with Israel, the French presidency said, as reported by The Times of Israel.

Macron’s visit takes place more than two weeks after Hamas attack on Israel, killing at least 1,400 people, the majority of them were civilians who were shot, mutilated, or burned to death, including in their homes and at an outdoor music festival. Thirty of them were citizens of France, as reported by The Times of Israel.

Additionally, at least 224 people were taken hostages and brought to Gaza.

One of the seven missing French nationals, a French woman, has been positively identified as one of the captives held by Hamas. Although there hasn’t been official confirmation, Macron has claimed that the others are also suspected of being captives.

Macron and Netanyahu are scheduled to give a joint press conference later today.

Israel’s offensive is aimed at destroying Hamas’s infrastructure, and has vowed to eliminate the entire terror group, which rules the Strip, IDF said.

Macron will specifically call for a “humanitarian truce” to allow essential relief into Gaza, whose 2.4 million residents require water, food, electricity, and other basic commodities due to an Israeli-led blockade, the Elysee Palace said.

In addition, the French president aims to keep working “to avoid a dangerous escalation in the region,” the Elysee stated, amid mounting concern about the increasing cross-border fighting between Israel and the terrorist organisation Hezbollah in Lebanon, which is supported by Iran, according to The Times of Israel.

Macron will suggest relaunching a “true peace process,” which aims to establish a viable Palestinian state in exchange for assurances from regional power over Israel’s security.

US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte have already visited Israel since the war began. (ANI)