Kamal Hassan script handling secret

Noted actor Kamal Haasan, who is currently in the US, interestingly, revealed that he is 'handling' his new script with' 'kid gloves' 'Kamal took to Instagram, where he shared a picture of himself from a clothing store. In the images, the star is seen trying out tan-coloured gloves. For the caption, the actor, who is dressed casually in beige sweatpants paired with a dark-coloured jacket, wrote:'Handling my new script with kid gloves!' Five days ago, Kamal was seen spending his time in Chicago and enjoying the 'chilly weather.' Kamal took to Instagram, where he shared a string of pictures of himself and the picturesque locale can be seen in the backdrop. The star is seen dressed in sharp winter wear such as an overcoat, a scarf, and pants. In one picture, the acclaimed actor is seen standing on a bridge and posing for a picture. On the work front, Kamal will next be seen in filmmaker Mani Ratnam's 'Thug Life' and it will be released worldwide next year. His earlier release 'Indian 2' failed badly at the box office.

Shillong Lajong fall short against Delhi FC in I-League

Shillong, Dec 19: Shillong Lajong FC suffered a hard-fought 1-3 defeat to Delhi FC in a gripping I-League encounter at the Coach Ali Hassan Football Stadium in Mahilpur, Punjab, on Thursday. Despite a spirited effort, Lajongs challenge was undone by key moments and a dominant second-half display from the home side. Delhi FC, playing their [] The post Shillong Lajong fall short against Delhi FC in I-League appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Kamal Hassan on Ambedkar row: Will not tolerate his legacy being tarnished

Amid a heated row over Amit Shah's remarks on Dr BR Ambedkar, Kamal Haasan called for unity and progress. He urged Parliament to honour Ambedkar's legacy through meaningful discussions, not divisive politics. Amid a row over Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remark on Dr BR Ambedkar, actor-turned-politician Kamal Hassan on Thursday said that the ideas crafted by the architect of India's Constitution should inspire progress, rather than be misused to offend people's sentiments. This remark came as Parliament witnessed a high-voltage drama, with BJP and INDIA bloc MPs holding protests over Amit Shah's remarks on BR Ambedkar. Kamal Haasan urged Parliament to hold discussions on the ideas of Dr BR Ambedkar as part of commemorations marking 75 years since the adoption of the Constitution. In a post on X, Haasan described Ambedkars contributions as the foundation of modern India. He said, While Gandhiji freed India from foreign oppression, Dr Ambedkar liberated India from its own ancient shackles of social injustice. Ambedkars ideas are the building block on which modern India is built. While Gandhiji freed India from foreign oppression, Dr. Ambedkar liberated India from its own ancient shackles of social injustice. Every Indian who proudly believes and fights for Babasaheb's vision of Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) December 19, 2024 He emphasised the importance of protecting Ambedkars legacy and warned against its misuse. Every Indian who proudly believes in and fights for Babasaheb's vision of a free and just India, where all are born equal, will never tolerate the great mans legacy being tarnished, he said. Haasan called for a meaningful discussion on Ambedkars ideas in Parliament, saying that such discussions should inspire progress. As a modern and moral global power, we should commemorate 75 years of the adoption of our Constitution with a meaningful discussion, debate, and dissection of Ambedkar's ideas in the esteemed halls of Parliament, he added.

Incharge SDM Zanskar chairs meeting to plan Christmas, New Year, Losar celebrations

Kargil, Dec 19: In-charge Sub Divisional Magistrate, Zanskar, Mohd Hassan (Tehsildar), chaired a meeting today at Tourist Dak Bungalow in Padum to discuss arrangements for the celebration of Christmas, New Year and Losar in the Subdivision. The meeting was attended by Station House Officer, Block Medical Officer, Tourist Officer, representatives PW/R&B, PHE, ARC, Electric, Mechanical, [] The post Incharge SDM Zanskar chairs meeting to plan Christmas, New Year, Losar celebrations appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .

Shillong Lajong face Delhi FC

Shillong, Dec 18: Shillong Lajong FC will lock horns with Delhi FC on Thursday at 2 PM at the Coach Ali Hassan Football Stadium in Mahilpur, Punjab. This highly anticipated match marks Lajongs first away fixture of the ongoing I-League season, promising an exciting contest as both teams aim to climb the points table. Lajong []

Nag Ashwin overwhelmed by Japanese love

New age director Nag Ashwin is feeling elated after receiving positive response for his sci-fi thriller Kalki 2898 AD which will be released in Japan on January 3, 2025. V rarely gets overwhelmedbut Japanese love is like that diff level. They learned and wrote in Telugu script, full love right back to you all, Arigato gozaimas (a polite way to say thank you in Japanese)cant wait for you all to enjoy #Kalki2898AD. Superstar Prabhas epic drama rocked box office worldwide and adding to their excitement, the film is receiving good response in Japan and Japanese fans are already showering their love for the project. The immense admiration from Japan has touched the films director Nag Ashwin. Fans from the country have gone the extra mile by sending heartfelt letters and thoughtful gifts to him. Nag Ashwin took to social media to share his emotions, posting a beautiful story with the caption. Meanwhile, Nag Ashwin is prepping for the sequel and it would cast Prabhas, Kamal Hassan, Amitabh Bachcha and Deepika Padukone and it would be a much-awaited film.

Dr Farooq, Omar condole demise of former Ladakh MP

Srinagar, Dec 17: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday expressed grief over the demise of senior party leader and two-time Member Parliament from Ladakh, Haji Ghulam Hassan Khan. In their condolence message, the duo extended their sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed for peace []

MANUU to Launch New Courses for Women

HYDERABAD : Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) will introduce new courses for women at Urdu Hall, Himayat Nagar, starting next academic year. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises that educational institutions must actively reach out to students rather than wait for them. Prof. Syed Ainul Hassan, vice-chancellor of MANUU, made this announcement during the inaugural session of a seminar titled Urdu University se Taleem Meri Kamiyabi Ka Raaz. The event was organised by the Dean Alumni Affairs and MANUU Alumni Association. In his address, Prof. Ainul Hassan mentioned the success of the evening college, which launched this academic session at Manu Model School, Hyderabad. He encouraged alumni to strengthen ties with the Urdu-speaking community. He said that through discussion we will be aware of each other's views, and common interests. The vice-chancellor assured alumni of the universitys support for their initiatives, stating that their success would ultimately benefit current students and the institution as a whole. He also distributed certificates to participants during the session. Prof. Syed Najamul Hasan, coordinator of Dean Alumni Affairs, delivered the opening remarks, while Dr Mohd. Mustafa Ali, Associate Professor of MCJ, welcomed attendees and convened the programme. Aijaz Ali Quraishi, President of the MANUU Alumni Association, concluded the event with a vote of thanks. Prominent alumni presented papers during the seminar too.

Erstwhile Jammu Kashmir Police DIG, 2-Time Ladakh MP, Ghulam Hassan Khan Is No More

SRINAGAR: Ladakh is in mourning the demise of one of its most influential leaders, Haji Ghulam Hassan Khan, at the age of 88. The former two-time Member of Parliament (MP) from Ladakh, who joined politics after retiring as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police, passed away on December 17 at his residence [] The post Erstwhile Jammu Kashmir Police DIG, 2-Time Ladakh MP, Ghulam Hassan Khan Is No More appeared first on Kashmir Life .

Minimum temperature dips in south interior Karnataka, with Hassan recording 10.8 degrees Celsius

Former MP Ladakh Haji Ghulam Hassan Khan dies at 88

JAMMU, Dec 17: Former two-time Member of Parliament (MP) from Ladakh and retired DIG, Haji Ghulam Hassan Khan, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 88 at his residence in Bathandi, Jammu. Born on December 11, 1936, in Simloo village, Batalik, in the Kargil district of Ladakh, Khan had a distinguished career in both [] The post Former MP Ladakh Haji Ghulam Hassan Khan dies at 88 appeared first on Northlines .

Former MP Ladakh Haji Ghulam Hassan Khan Passes Away

JAMMU, Dec 17: Former two-time Member of Parliament (MP ) Ladakh & Retired DIG Haji Ghulam Hassan Khan passed away on Tuesday at the age of 88. He passed away at his residence in Bathandi Jammu. Born on December 11, 1936 in Simloo village of, Batalik, in Kargil district of Ladakh, Khan retired as DIG from Jammu and Kashmir Police and later became a veteran political figure in Ladakh. Khan was elected to 13th and 15th Lok Sabha as a [] The post Former MP Ladakh Haji Ghulam Hassan Khan Passes Away appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

J&K defeats Andhra Pradesh by 5 wkts, qualifies for Knockout Stage

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 16: Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) registered a thrilling 5-wicket win over Andhra Pradesh in the Senior Womens One-Day Trophy, securing their place in the knockout stage at 22 Yards Salt Lake, Kolkata. Chasing a target of 225, J&Ks top and middle-order batters played vital roles, with Rubia Syed and Bismah Hassan leading the charge. Despite a tough spot in the last 12.4 overs requiring 78 runs off 76 balls with 5 wickets in hand Rubia [] The post J&K defeats Andhra Pradesh by 5 wkts, qualifies for Knockout Stage appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Karnataka To Launch Program To Curb Unnecessary Cesareans

Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao (X.com) Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao (X.com) Belagavi: A special program will be announced next month to address the issue of unnecessary cesarean deliveries in the state. Responding to a starred question from MLC Jagadev Guttedar in the Legislative Council, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao revealed that 46 percent of all deliveries in Karnataka are cesarean, with the rate being 36 percent in government hospitals and 61 percent in private hospitals. He outlined several measures being taken in the state to promote natural deliveries and reduce cesarean procedures. Rao said that to curb unnecessary cesarean surgeries, cesarean audits are being conducted in every district and taluk hospital. These audits carefully examine the necessity and avoidability of each cesarean surgery, and measures are being taken to prevent unnecessary cesarean procedures. Also, review meetings are being held every month at the district level to prevent unnecessary cesarean surgeries. To curb unnecessary cesarean deliveries, the Health and Family Welfare Department in Karnataka is strengthening taluk-level hospitals to provide 24x7 maternity services. These hospitals are now equipped to handle natural deliveries during nighttime as well as perform cesarean surgeries when necessary. This initiative is expected to reduce referrals from taluk to district hospitals and significantly limit unnecessary cesarean procedures, the minister said. Of the 88 approved mother and child hospitals, 60 are currently operational, offering 24x7 comprehensive maternity services with trained specialists and dedicated staff to promote natural births. To increase natural deliveries and reduce cesarean sections, the state government has launched Midwifery program. Under this initiative, healthcare workers receive 18 months of training in Midwifery, gaining expertise to assist with natural deliveries in MLCU (Maternal and Child Care Unit) delivery rooms. Currently, training for trainers has been completed at Vani Vilas Hospital in Bengaluru and the Fernandez Foundation in Hyderabad, and 18-month training for healthcare workers is being provided in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Belagavi. At the Cheluvamba Hospital in Mysuru, 12 months of training for 1,830 healthcare workers has been completed, and the remaining 6 months of training will conclude soon. By July 2025, the MLCU (Maternal and Child Care Unit) will begin operations at the district hospitals in Hassan, Mandya, and Mysuru. At Vani Vilas Hospital in Bengaluru, 25 healthcare workers from the Bengaluru division will begin NPM training in July 2024. The 18-month training will be completed by December 2025, after which the MLCU (Maternal and Child Care Unit) will begin operations at the district hospitals in Kolar, Bengaluru, Davanagere, and Tumkur. In Belagavi district, 18-month training has been initiated for a total of 24 healthcare workers. After the training, MLCU (Maternal and Child Care Unit) will be established in Belagavi, Hubballi, and Gangavathi. Since 2018, a 3-day skill development training program is being provided to obstetricians and midwives working in the state to enhance skills related to childbirth care and post-delivery care. The minister stated that this training has helped in controlling cesarean surgeries.

Bangalore Braces for Heavy Rainfall: IMD Predicts Intense Showers Till December 14

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a yellow alert for Bengaluru, cautioning residents about significant rainfall expected over the next few days. On Thursday, the city experienced moderate showers under consistently cloudy skies. The rains are attributed to a low-pressure system near the Sri Lanka-Tamil Nadu coast, which is forecasted to bring heavy downpours to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry until December 14. Bangalore's Weather Outlook The IMD predicts moderate to heavy rainfall across Urban Bengaluru, Bangalore Rural, and nearby districts such as Chitradurga, Kolar, and Ramanagara. Coastal districts, including Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, are also expected to witness heavy rain. Meanwhile, Bengaluru's temperatures are likely to fluctuate between 18C and 30C during this period. Thunderstorms may accompany the rains in certain coastal and interior regions. Rainfall Predictions for Karnataka and Beyond December 13 Moderate rainfall is anticipated in parts of Coastal Karnataka, Kodagu, Tumakuru, Chikkamagaluru, Mysuru, Hassan, Mandya, and Chamarajanagar districts. Light rain is likely in isolated areas across other districts of South Interior Karnataka. Dry weather is expected over North Interior Karnataka. December 14 to 16 Predominantly dry weather is forecast for Karnataka, with shallow fog or mist expected over North Interior Karnataka during the mornings. December 17 Heavy rain is predicted over districts such as Chikkaballapura, Ramanagara, Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural, Kolar, and Tumakuru. Coastal Karnataka will likely experience moderate rainfall, while light showers could occur in isolated pockets of Koppal, Gadag, Dharwad, Haveri, and Raichur. December 18 Moderate rain is forecast for many areas in Coastal Karnataka and select parts of Interior Karnataka. Regional Rainfall Highlights Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal: Very heavy rainfall is expected on December 17, with heavy rains likely on December 13, 16, and 18. Kerala: Isolated areas may experience very heavy rainfall on December 13, with further heavy rains expected on December 17 and 18. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema: Heavy rain is likely on December 17 and 18. South Interior Karnataka: Isolated heavy rainfall is anticipated on December 17. Lakshadweep: Heavy rainfall is forecast for isolated locations on December 13. Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Isolated heavy rainfall is expected between December 13 and 15. Bangalore's Temperature Forecast Minimum temperatures are predicted to drop by 2C over the next two days, stabilizing thereafter. The city will experience a generally cloudy sky through December 14, with light rains likely. Weather experts predict that Bengaluru will experience maximum daytime temperatures reaching approximately 25C, offering a mild and comfortable climate. Meanwhile, the nighttime minimum temperatures are likely to dip to around 19C, making the evenings and early mornings pleasantly cool. Notable Weather Observations Several regions in Karnataka, including Dakshina Kannada, Davanagere, Gadag, and Kalaburagi, have been experiencing considerable rainfall over recent days. This increase in precipitation has led to wet conditions across these districts, impacting daily activities and creating a heightened need for weather preparedness among residents.Chikkamagaluru recorded a minimum temperature of 13.4C, while Belagavi, Bidar, and Vijayapura observed temperature drops of 4-6C. Residents are strongly encouraged to monitor the latest updates and advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to stay informed about evolving weather conditions. During episodes of intense rainfall, taking precautionary measures such as avoiding waterlogged areas, ensuring emergency supplies are ready, and staying indoors when possible is crucial to minimize risks and ensure personal safety.

ASHA workers stage protest in Hassan, demand hike in remuneration

Couple ends life at Alur taluk in Hassan

A person dies in an accident near Hassan

Railway Ministry proposes Karnataka government to take over Hassan-Mangaluru Rail Development Corporation

Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta urges Railway Minister to bring Mangaluru Railway Region under South Western Railway administration

Kerala government informs HC of 32 FIRs registered based on Hema Committee report

KOCHI: The state government has informed the Kerala High Court that, as of December 11, 32 FIRs have been registered based on the Justice Hema Committee report. Out of these, 11 FIRs were registered based on a complaint filed by a single victim. The state also said that investigations in all those cases are progressing. The government made the submission when petitions related to Justice K Hema Committee report came up for hearing. The court posted the matter to December 19. Advocate General K Gopalakrishna Kurup submitted that four cases were closed as there was no material available to proceed with them. In fact, the SIT had sought permission from the state police chief to register and investigate four cases. Meanwhile, the court dismissed an application filed by P M Muhammed Hassan, former acting president of Kumbalam panchayat in Ernakulam district, seeking to implead him in the petition filed by Women In Cinema Collective. Hassan stated that he is highly interested in maintaining the dignity, prestige, and credibility of the court among the public. As for his concern, the court observed that it is confident of its inherent ability to protect its image, dignity, prestige, and credibility.

FIFA confirms Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host

Lausanne: FIFA on Wednesday confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup, underlining the Gulf kingdom's growing influence in world sport despite criticism of the country's human rights record. At the same time, a virtual Congress of world football's governing body confirmed that Morocco, Spain and Portugal will be joint hosts of the 2030 World Cup, in which three games will also be played in South America. The Saudi bid was waved through by acclamation during the meeting of FIFA's 211 national member associations, with no rivals standing in its way. It is a proud day, a day of celebration, a day that we invite the entire world to Saudi Arabia, said Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal al Saud, the Saudi Minister of Sports. We intend to have an extraordinary version of the World Cup in our kingdom. However, there was immediate condemnation from rights groups who insisted that handing the organisation of the tournament to the country puts the lives of construction workers at risk and marks a moment of great danger. FIFA had invoked its principle of rotating the World Cup between continents, which meant only bids from Asia or Oceania were welcome for 2034. The unprecedented organisation of the 2030 tournament will involve three continental confederations in Europe, Africa and South America, while the next World Cup in 2026 -- the first involving 48 teams -- will take place across North America. Controversially, the body gave potential bidders barely a month last year to submit candidacies, and Australia and Indonesia abandoned their interest. That left Saudi Arabia as the sole candidate, clearing the way for the World Cup to return to the Gulf region so soon after Qatar hosted in 2022. The kingdom's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has been using sport for some time to amass influence and improve its global image -- critics say he is effectively sportswashing by diverting attention from Saudi Arabia's rights record. 'Moment of great danger' The awarding of the World Cup to Saudi will make the issue of human rights a major talking point again, just as it was two years ago. We are inclusive and we are non-discriminatory, and we want to obtain positive social impact, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in closing remarks. We are of course aware of critics and fears, and I fully trust our hosts to address all open points from this process and deliver a FIFA World Cup which meets expectations. He added that social improvements and positive human rights impacts are esponsibilities of hosting a World Cup. Rights groups highlight mass executions in Saudi Arabia and allegations of torture, as well as restrictions on women under the conservative country's male guardianship system. Free expression is severely restricted too. FIFA's decision to award the tournament to Saudi Arabia despite the well-known and severe risks to residents, migrant workers and visiting fans alike, marks a moment of great danger, Amnesty International and 20 other organisations said in a joint statement. Based on clear evidence to date, FIFA knows workers will be exploited and even die without fundamental reforms in Saudi Arabia, and yet has chosen to press ahead regardless, said Steve Cockburn, Amnesty's Head of Labour Rights and Sport. England's Football Association meanwhile said it had received assurances from Saudi Arabia that LGBTQ fans would be safe and welcome at the tournament. 'Centenary celebration' The 2030 tournament will mark a century since the first World Cup was held in Uruguay, and as a result the unrivalled joint bid by Morocco, Spain and Portugal will also see the South American nation handed one game along with Argentina and Paraguay. FIFA confirmed over a year ago that the joint proposal led by Morocco, Spain and Portugal was the sole contender for 2030, with all other potential candidacies having fallen by the wayside. Four South American countries launched a joint bid in 2019, convinced that the centenary World Cup should entirely take place on the continent where it all began. Meanwhile, Morocco replaced Ukraine as a partner for Spain and Portugal, while South America agreed to step aside in exchange for hosting three games. Following these centenary celebrations in the southern hemisphere winter, the six teams involved will cross the Atlantic to play the rest of the tournament. Spain, which hosted the 1982 World Cup, should be the main host as it boasts 11 of the 20 proposed stadiums. Morocco -- after failing in five previous bids -- will become the second African nation to host the competition after South Africa in 2010. Potential venues for the July 21 final include the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid and Barcelona's renovated Camp Nou as well as the planned Hassan II stadium between Casablanca and Rabat, set to boast a 115,000 capacity.

Air Deccans Capt Gopinath Gives Wings To Deve Gowdas Dream With Push For Hassan Airport

Captain Gopinath, considered the father of low-cost aviation in India, told News18 in an interview that an airport in Hassan will not only boost tourism but also provide a direct route for the export of agricultural produce

Drug peddlers property attached in J&Ks Anantnag

SRINAGAR, Dec 10: In a major move against drug trafficking, Anantnag Police on Tuesday attached a residential property worth 50 lakhs belonging to notorious drug peddler Gh Hassan Bandro, alias Qasim, a resident of Sotkipora. This action was taken by Police Station Srigufwara as part of an ongoing intensified campaign to combat the drug menace [] The post Drug peddlers property attached in J&Ks Anantnag appeared first on Northlines .

US charges former Syrian officials for war crimes

Washington: US federal indictment has charged two former senior Syrian intelligence officials from the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad with war crimes against Americans and other civilians, the Department of Justice announced. The indictment accuses Jamil Hassan, 72, and Abdul Salam Mahmoud, 65, of conspiring to commit war crimes by subjecting detainees, including US Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Syrian Government Collapses, Ending 50-Year Assad Rule

Beirut: The Syrian government appeared to have fallen early Sunday in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family after a lightning rebel offensive. The head of a Syrian opposition war monitor said President Bashar Assad had left the country for an undisclosed location, fleeing ahead of insurgents who said they had entered Damascus after a remarkably swift advance across the country. Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali said the government was ready to extend its hand to the opposition and hand over its functions to a transitional government. I am in my house and I have not left, and this is because of my belonging to this country, Jalili said in a video statement. He said he would go to his office to continue work in the morning and called on Syrian citizens not to deface public property. He did not address reports that Assad had left the country. Rami Abdurrahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told The Associated Press that Assad took a flight Sunday from Damascus. State television in Iran, Assad's main backer in the years of war in Syria, reported that Assad had left the capital. It cited Qatar's Al Jazeera news network for the information and did not elaborate. There was no immediate statement from the Syrian government. An Associated Press journalist in Damascus reported seeing groups of armed residents along the road in the outskirts of the capital and hearing sounds of gunshots. The city's main police headquarters appeared to be abandoned, its door left ajar with no officers outside. Another AP journalist shot footage of an abandoned army checkpoint where uniforms were discarded on the ground under a poster of Assad's face. Residents of the capital reported hearing gunfire and explosions. Footage broadcast on opposition-linked media showed a tank in one of the capital's central squares while a small group of people gathered in celebration. Calls of God is great rang out from mosques. It was the first time opposition forces had reached Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured areas on the outskirts of the capital following a yearslong siege. The pro-government Sham FM radio reported that the Damascus airport had been evacuated and all flights halted. The insurgents also announced they had entered the notorious Saydnaya military prison north of the capital and liberated their prisoners there. The night before, opposition forces took the central city of Homs, Syria's third largest, as government forces abandoned it. The city stands at an important intersection between Damascus, the capital, and Syria's coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus the Syrian leader's base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. The government denied rumors that Assad had fled the country. Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Homs without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies withdrew from the city, adding that rebels entered parts of it. The insurgency announced later Saturday that it had taken over Homs. The rebels had already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama, as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said rebel control of Homs would be a game-changer. The rebels' moves into Damascus came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The fall of Damascus would leave government forces in control of only two of 14 provincial capitals: Latakia and Tartus. The advances in the past week were by far the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. The rapid rebel gains, coupled with the lack of support from Assad's erstwhile allies, posed the most serious threat to his rule since the start of the war. The U.N.'s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called Saturday for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an orderly political transition. Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels sorry for the Syrian people. In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Lebanese border officials closed the main Masnaa border crossing late Saturday, leaving many stuck waiting. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. The UN said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Assad's status Syria's state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he was performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia is busy with its war in Ukraine. Lebanon's Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Separately, President Joe Biden's national security adviser said the Biden administration had no intention of intervening there. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation of a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015 and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. In a statement, the participants affirmed their support for a political solution to the Syrian crisis that would lead to the end of military activity and protect civilians. They also agreed on the importance of strengthening international efforts to increase aid to the Syrian people. The insurgents' march Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the final stage of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a salvation government to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group's image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria's largest, and the central city of Hama, the country's fourth-largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra, including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by terrorists. The army said it was setting up a strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area, apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. Diplomacy in Doha The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country's underlying problems. Assad didn't seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people, he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria's territorial integrity. He said the war could damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency to start a political process.

Assad fled Syria ahead of rebels entering Damascus

BEIRUT: The head of a Syrian opposition war monitor said early Sunday that President Bashar Assad left the country for an undisclosed location, fleeing ahead of insurgents who said they had entered Damascus after a stunning advance across the country. The events suggested that the end of Assad's regime could be imminent after his bloody 14-year struggle to hold onto control as his country fragmented. Rami Abdurrahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told The Associated Press that Assad took a flight Sunday from Damascus. State television in Iran, Assads main backer in the years of war in Syria, reported that Assad had left the capital. It cited Qatars Al Jazeera news network for the information and did not elaborate. There was no immediate statement from the Syrian government. An Associated Press journalist in Damascus reported seeing groups of armed residents along the road in the outskirts of the capital and hearing sounds of gunshots. The citys main police headquarters appeared to be abandoned, its door left ajar with no officers outside. Another AP journalist shot footage of an abandoned army checkpoint where uniforms were discarded on the ground under a poster of Assads face. Residents of the capital reported hearing gunfire and explosions. Footage broadcast on opposition-linked media showed a tank in one of the capital's central squares while a small group of people gathered in celebration. Calls of God is great rang out from mosques. It was the first time opposition forces had reached Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured areas on the outskirts of the capital following a yearslong siege. The pro-government Sham FM radio reported that the Damascus airport had been evacuated and all flights halted. The insurgents also announced they had entered the notorious Saydnaya military prison north of the capital and liberated their prisoners there. The night before, opposition forces took the central city of Homs, Syria's third largest, as government forces abandoned it. The city stands at an important intersection between Damascus, the capital, and Syrias coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus the Syrian leaders base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. The government denied rumors that Assad had fled the country. Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Homs without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies withdrew from the city, adding that rebels entered parts of it. The insurgency announced later Saturday that it had taken over Homs. The rebels had already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama , as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said rebel control of Homs would be a game-changer. The rebels' moves into Damascus came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The fall of Damascus would leave government forces in control of only two of 14 provincial capitals: Latakia and Tartus. The advances in the past week were by far the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. The rapid rebel gains, coupled with the lack of support from Assad's erstwhile allies, posed the most serious threat to his rule since the start of the war. The U.N.s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called Saturday for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an orderly political transition. Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels sorry for the Syrian people. In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Lebanese border officials closed the main Masnaa border crossing late Saturday, leaving many stuck waiting. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Assad's status Syrias state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he was performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia is busy with its war in Ukraine . Lebanons Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria . Separately, President Joe Bidens national security adviser said the Biden administration had no intention of intervening there. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation of a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015 and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. In a statement, the participants affirmed their support for a political solution to the Syrian crisis that would lead to the end of military activity and protect civilians. They also agreed on the importance of strengthening international efforts to increase aid to the Syrian people. The insurgents' march Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the final stage of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a salvation government to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the groups image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syrias largest, and the central city of Hama , the countrys fourth-largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra, including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by terrorists. The army said it was setting up a strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area, apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. Diplomacy in Doha The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the countrys underlying problems. Assad didnt seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people, he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syrias territorial integrity. He said the war could damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency to start a political process.

Karnataka legislature winter session in Belgavi set for heated debates

The entire state machinery will be in the border city of Belagavi for a nine-day winter session of the state legislature starting Monday. As the ruling and opposition parties gear up for a face-off, expectations are high among people in the region. At the same time, apprehension looms large as politics often takes precedence over development. The session being held within weeks after the fiercely fought bypolls that witnessed vitriolic campaigning from all sides, is likely to witness heated debates over several issues. Issues that are likely to come up for discussions include the Waqf Boards notices to farmers and religious institutions; crop loss due to heavy rains; deaths of women at Ballari Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS); FIR against a Vokkaliga community seer over his remarks on voting rights to Muslims; alleged corruption in Excise Department, pending irrigation projects and the Enforcement Directorates (ED) letter to the Lokayukta indicating wrongdoings in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) sites allotment. The MUDA case, in which Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his family members are among the accused, is expected to generate considerable heat. The CM and his ministers have questioned the central agencys intent in writing to Lokayukta and accused it of trying to influence the ongoing probe. Congress confidence is bolstered by its 3:0 win in the bypolls and Siddaramaiah would be heading to Belagavi after a massive show of strength in Hassan. The rally in the Vokkaliga heartland seems to have sent a strong message to senior leaders in Congress that Siddaramaiah, despite facing serious charges in the MUDA case, remains the top mass leader in the party. In a way, this session will test the oppositions ability to put up a united front and scrutinise the governments functioning. As things stand now, the BJP, which is a principal opposition party, is in total disarray. Lack of unity among its senior leaders came to the fore on several issues. A faction headed by MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal had launched a protest over the Waqf Board land issue, weeks before the party under the leadership of state president BY Vijayendra started its campaign on the same issue. Many in the party believe differences among the leaders resulted in a setback in the recent bypolls. The ball is now in the court of the central leadership. The party is unlikely to make a decisive move to completely resolve the issue but will try to patch up the differences among the warring factions. Given this scenario, the BJP would be more keen to avoid any showdown between its members on the floor of the House, rather than taking on the government. Although, individually, the BJP legislators may be fully committed to the issues they take up, the lack of effective coordination in the opposition benches weakens their cause. This is the stage when internal issues actually impact the partys ability to function as a responsible and effective opposition, holding the government accountable for its actions and drawing its attention to issues that affect people. On its part, the government must make the Belagavi session count. The very purpose of holding the session in the border city is to take the administration closer to the people of North Karnataka. As Assembly Speaker UT Khader puts it, while the Belagavi session is very important to discuss issues of the entire state, they are planning to allocate two to three days exclusively to discuss issues pertaining to the North Karnataka region. The legislators must maintain the respect and sanctity of the session, even as some express dismay over how the proceedings are conducted. As one senior Congress MLA explains, both the ruling and opposition legislators often indulge in sloganeering and bills are passed in pandemonium without detailed discussion. Former Vice-Chancellor of Raichur University Prof Harish Ramaswamy says that the idea of bringing Suvarna Soudha to North Karnataka was an excellent move, but it has since merely become a seasonal trip to Belagavi. To take the decision-making process closer to people, some important departments/offices have to be shifted to North Karnataka and ministers should frequently hold department meetings apart from Cabinet meetings in Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. The government spends around Rs 5 crore annually on the maintenance of the magnificent structure. People expect the Winter session to focus on tangible outcomes for the development of the region and not just become an annual jamboree costing several crores.

Syria: Rebels Seize Homs, Assad Faces Mounting Offensive

BEIRUT: Islamist-led rebels announced Sunday they had captured the strategic city of Homs, on the way towards Damascus where Syria's embattled government said it was setting up an impenetrable security cordon. The defence ministry earlier denied rebels had entered Homs, describing the situation there as safe and stable. But the leader of the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, Ahmed al-Sharaa, said their control over Homs marked a historic event that will distinguish between truth and falsehood. The capture of Homs, Syria's third-largest city, would cut the seat of power in the capital Damascus from the Mediterranean coast, a key bastion of the Assad clan which has ruled Syria for the past five decades. Hassan Abdel Ghani, a leading commander of the Islamist-led rebel coalition, said the group's operations continue to fully liberate the Damascus countryside. Our eyes are on the capital, Damascus, he said on Telegram. Earlier, President Bashar al-Assad's government denied the army had withdrawn from areas around Damascus. A very strong security and military cordon was being established around the capital and no one... can penetrate this defensive line that we, the armed forces, are building, Interior Minister Mohammed al-Rahmoun told state television. Homs lies about 140 kilometres (85 miles) north of the capital and is the third major city seized by the rebels who began their advance on November 27, reigniting a years-long war that had become largely dormant. Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, earlier reported rebel factions taking control of some Homs neighbourhoods after the withdrawal of security forces and the army from their last positions in the city. Abdel Ghani said the rebels had freed more than 3,500 detainees from the central prison of Homs. The defence ministry said armed forces are deployed around the city, positioned in strong defensive lines reinforced with various types of weapons. 'Suddenly everyone was scared' The HTS leader told fighters to prepare to take the capital. Damascus awaits you, he said on Telegram, using his real name instead of his nom de guerre, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. But the defence ministry insisted: There is no truth to news claiming our armed forces... have withdrawn from positions near Damascus. The Syrian army said that, in addition to the area around Damascus, it was reinforcing positions in the south, and operations against the rebels were beginning in the Hama, Homs and Daraa areas. AFP has been unable to independently verify some of the information provided by the government and the rebels, as its journalists cannot reach the areas around Damascus where the rebels say they are present. Residents of the capital described to AFP a state of panic as traffic jams clogged the city centre, people sought supplies and queued to withdraw money from ATMs. The situation was not like this when I left my house this morning... suddenly everyone was scared, said one woman, Rania. A few kilometres (miles) away, the mood was starkly different. In a Damascus suburb, witnesses said protesters toppled a statue of Assad's father, the late leader Hafez al-Assad. AFPTV images from Hama, Syria's fourth-largest city, showed abandoned tanks and other armoured vehicles, one of them on fire. Hama resident Kharfan Mansour said he was happy with the liberation of Hama and the liberation of Syria from the Assad regime. The president's office denied reports Assad had left Damascus, saying he was working from the capital. Soldiers 'fled' to Iraq As government forces fall back, the Britain-based Observatory and Abdel Ghani said rebels were within 20 kilometres of Damascus. The Observatory said government forces had ceded more key ground, losing control of all southern Daraa province, the cradle of the 2011 uprising. The army said it was edeploying and repositioning in Daraa and another southern province, Sweida. The Observatory also said troops were also evacuating posts in Quneitra, near the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. Jordan has urged its citizens to leave neighbouring Syria as soon as possible, as have the United States and Assad ally Russia, which both keep troops in Syria. An AFP correspondent in Daraa saw local fighters guarding public property and civil institutions. In Sweida, a local fighter told AFP that after government forces withdrew from their positions and headquarters, we are now securing and protecting vital facilities. An Iraqi security source told AFP that Baghdad has allowed in hundreds of Syrian soldiers, who fled the front lines, through the Al-Qaim border crossing. A second source put the figure at 2,000 troops, including officers. 'War, blood and tears' HTS is rooted in the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda. Proscribed as a terrorist organisation by Western governments, it has sought to soften its image in recent years, and told minority groups living in areas they now control not to worry. Since the offensive began, at least 826 people, mostly combatants but also including 111 civilians, have been killed, the Observatory said. The United Nations said the violence has displaced 370,000 people. UN special envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, called for urgent political talks to implement a 2015 Security Council resolution, which set out a roadmap for a negotiated settlement. US President-elect Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that the United States should ot get involved, after outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Friday for a political solution to the conflict, in a call with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. After Fidan and his Iranian and Russian counterparts discussed Syria in Qatar on Saturday, Iran's top diplomat Abbas Araghchi said they agreed on the initiation of political dialogue between the Syrian government and legitimate opposition groups. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said it was inadmissible to allow a errorist group to take control of Syrian territory. Moscow and Tehran have supported Assad's government and army during the war, as has Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. A source close to Hezbollah said it had sent 2,000 fighters into Syria, to an area near the Lebanese border, o defend its positions. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose government backs some armed groups in northern Syria, said Saturday that Syria is tired of war, blood and tears.

Syria rebels say their forces control Homs, eye Damascus

BEIRUT: Islamist-led rebels announced Sunday they had captured the strategic city of Homs, on the way towards Damascus where Syria's embattled government said it was setting up an impenetrable security cordon. The defence ministry earlier denied rebels had entered Homs, describing the situation there as safe and stable. But the leader of the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, Ahmed al-Sharaa, said their control over Homs marked a historic event that will distinguish between truth and falsehood. The capture of Homs, Syria's third-largest city, would cut the seat of power in the capital Damascus from the Mediterranean coast, a key bastion of the Assad clan which has ruled Syria for the past five decades. Hassan Abdel Ghani, a leading commander of the Islamist-led rebel coalition, said the group's operations continue to fully liberate the Damascus countryside. Our eyes are on the capital, Damascus, he said on Telegram. Earlier, President Bashar al-Assad's government denied the army had withdrawn from areas around Damascus. A very strong security and military cordon was being established around the capital and no one... can penetrate this defensive line that we, the armed forces, are building, Interior Minister Mohammed al-Rahmoun told state television. Homs lies about 140 kilometres (85 miles) north of the capital and is the third major city seized by the rebels who began their advance on November 27, reigniting a years-long war that had become largely dormant. Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, earlier reported rebel factions taking control of some Homs neighbourhoods after the withdrawal of security forces and the army from their last positions in the city. Abdel Ghani said the rebels had freed more than 3,500 detainees from the central prison of Homs. The defence ministry said armed forces are deployed around the city, positioned in strong defensive lines reinforced with various types of weapons. 'Suddenly everyone was scared' The HTS leader told fighters to prepare to take the capital. Damascus awaits you, he said on Telegram, using his real name instead of his nom de guerre, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. But the defence ministry insisted: There is no truth to news claiming our armed forces... have withdrawn from positions near Damascus. The Syrian army said that, in addition to the area around Damascus, it was reinforcing positions in the south, and operations against the rebels were beginning in the Hama, Homs and Daraa areas. AFP has been unable to independently verify some of the information provided by the government and the rebels, as its journalists cannot reach the areas around Damascus where the rebels say they are present. Residents of the capital described to AFP a state of panic as traffic jams clogged the city centre, people sought supplies and queued to withdraw money from ATMs. The situation was not like this when I left my house this morning... suddenly everyone was scared, said one woman, Rania. A few kilometres (miles) away, the mood was starkly different. In a Damascus suburb, witnesses said protesters toppled a statue of Assad's father, the late leader Hafez al-Assad. AFPTV images from Hama, Syria's fourth-largest city, showed abandoned tanks and other armoured vehicles, one of them on fire. Hama resident Kharfan Mansour said he was happy with the liberation of Hama and the liberation of Syria from the Assad regime. The president's office denied reports Assad had left Damascus, saying he was working from the capital. Soldiers 'fled' to Iraq As government forces fall back, the Britain-based Observatory and Abdel Ghani said rebels were within 20 kilometres of Damascus. The Observatory said government forces had ceded more key ground, losing control of all southern Daraa province, the cradle of the 2011 uprising. The army said it was edeploying and repositioning in Daraa and another southern province, Sweida. The Observatory also said troops were also evacuating posts in Quneitra, near the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. Jordan has urged its citizens to leave neighbouring Syria as soon as possible, as have the United States and Assad ally Russia, which both keep troops in Syria. An AFP correspondent in Daraa saw local fighters guarding public property and civil institutions. In Sweida, a local fighter told AFP that after government forces withdrew from their positions and headquarters, we are now securing and protecting vital facilities. An Iraqi security source told AFP that Baghdad has allowed in hundreds of Syrian soldiers, who fled the front lines, through the Al-Qaim border crossing. A second source put the figure at 2,000 troops, including officers. 'War, blood and tears' HTS is rooted in the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda. Proscribed as a terrorist organisation by Western governments, it has sought to soften its image in recent years, and told minority groups living in areas they now control not to worry. Since the offensive began, at least 826 people, mostly combatants but also including 111 civilians, have been killed, the Observatory said. The United Nations said the violence has displaced 370,000 people. UN special envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, called for urgent political talks to implement a 2015 Security Council resolution, which set out a roadmap for a negotiated settlement. US President-elect Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that the United States should ot get involved, after outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Friday for a political solution to the conflict, in a call with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. After Fidan and his Iranian and Russian counterparts discussed Syria in Qatar on Saturday, Iran's top diplomat Abbas Araghchi said they agreed on the initiation of political dialogue between the Syrian government and legitimate opposition groups. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said it was inadmissible to allow a errorist group to take control of Syrian territory. Moscow and Tehran have supported Assad's government and army during the war, as has Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. A source close to Hezbollah said it had sent 2,000 fighters into Syria, to an area near the Lebanese border, o defend its positions. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose government backs some armed groups in northern Syria, said Saturday that Syria is tired of war, blood and tears.

Final Phase Begins: Syria Rebels Encircle Damascus, Capture Daraa, US Anticipates Assads Fall

On December 7, 2024, Syrian rebels claimed they were about 20 km from Damascus after taking control of Daraa province. Rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani announced the final phase of their campaign to encircle the capital. Meanwhile, the Syrian defense ministry denied these claims, stating forces had not withdrawn from the area. The rapid rebel advances included capturing Homs, threatening President Assad's hold on key strategic locations. Iran also evacuated military officials, signaling concerns about the regime's stability. n18oc_crux

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah lambasts Gowda, uses Hassan rally to showcase his might

HASSAN: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday lambasted JDS supremo HD Deve Gowda for his cunning politics. Gowda finished almost all Vokkaliga leaders politically in the state, he alleged at Congress Janakalyana Swabhimana Samavesha here. With many top Congress leaders, including AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala, lauding and throwing their weight behind him, Siddaramaiah used the platform to send out a message that his writ runs in the state unit of the party. Overwhelmed by the turnout, Siddaramaiah claimed that many from other parties came to the rally to support him. Continuing his tirade against the JDS supremo, Siddaramaiah said Gowda did not grow on his own politically. He could become CM only with the help of the then Janata Parivar leaders. Gowda also tried to tarnish my image by accusing me of being anti-Vokkaliga, he alleged. The CM said that JDS leaders do not have the moral right to call themselves Secular now after joining hands with the BJP. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah shows he is numero uno in party, government Gowda became CM with my support: Siddu Ridiculing Gowda for calling himself mannina maga, the CM said that the former PM and his son HD Kumaraswamy, who is Union minister, failed to raise their voice against the Centre for meting out injustice to Karnataka in terms of fund allocation and issues pertaining to the state. The CM said being a senior most politician, Gowda is yet to learn to respect leaders from other parties. Gowda made several attempts to finish me politically. He sacked me from JDS for holding a rally of AHINDA in Davanagere. Gowda became CM in 1994 with my support and that of leaders such as RL Jalappa, Siddaramaiah claimed. He criticised JDS and BJP leaders for insulting the beneficiaries of the ruling Congress guarantee schemes by issuing misleading statements. The CM also criticised the Centre for its anti-poor policies. Earlier speaking to reporters at the helipad, Siddaramaiah said BJPs Namma Bhoomi Namma Hakku rally is politically motivated. Thousands of notices were issued to farmers by the Waqf Board when they (BJP leaders) were in power. They have no moral right to raise the issue now, he said. Karnataka DyCM DK Shivakumar says he will back CM like a rock

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah shows he is numero uno in party, government

BENGALURU: The Congress Jana Kalyna Swabhimani Samavesha in Hassan on Thursday has come as a shot in the arm for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to send out a message that he is the numero uno both in the party and the State Government. State Congress insiders told The New Indian Express that the convention turned out to be an event to boost the image of Siddaramaiah. Siddaramaiahs supporters from across the state, mostly Kurubas, gathered voluntarily... we just joined them. If any change of guard happens, Siddaramaiahs say will be primordial as a majority of the 138 MLAs are with him, a KPCC functionary said. Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara, who joined the Siddaramaiah coterie, indirectly threw his hat in the ring by saying that there was no pact at the high command level that Siddaramaiah should transfer power to his deputy, DK Shivakumar, after two-and-a-half years. I am not aware of any agreement on power sharing. I have asked two or three people (Congress leaders) in Delhi and the state about this. No one has said that there is an agreement. I do not know what Shivakumar meant by that (pact).Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has already clearly stated that there is no such agreement, Dr Parameshwara echoed the feelings ofSiddaramaiah, who on Wednesday had said that there was no pact. If there is an agreement now, why should we all (other leaders) be there? Let the two of them do politics. Shouldnt there be anyone else (to be part of the decision)? There cannot be such an agreement. Therefore, we will be bound by whatever the high command finally decides. We will accept whatever the high command decides, Parameshwara told the media in Bengaluru on Thursday just before leaving for Hassan. Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna, speaking to the media, sarcastically wished Siddaramaiah to remain as CM for the next 15 years. If there is pressure from the high command for a change of guard, a smooth transition of power is unlikely unless Siddaramaiah accepts it. He, however, may insist that a Dalit be made his successor, according to political analysts. If Shivakumar cannot become the CM, the opposition parties, especially JDS, may try to capitalise on it by wooing back the Vokkaligas, remarked a Congress leader. Siddaramaiah and his associates are also likely to pitch their choice of leader as KPCC president. Several Congress leaders, including ministers Satish Jarkiholi, KN Rajanna, Eshwar Khandre, and MB Patil are in the race to be the next state Congress chief.

Karnataka DyCM DK Shivakumar says he will back CM like a rock

HASSAN: In a surprise for the massive gathering of Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs supporters at the KPCC Janakalyana Swabhimana Samavesha in Hassan - the bastion of Vokkaliga leader and JDS supremo H D Deve Gowda - Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said he would back Siddaramaiah like a rock, now and always. Addressing the mammoth KPCC Swabhimani Samavesha, Shivakumar said he is committed to his words and will discharge his responsibilities honestly, in the interest of the party. He said the Samavesha was organized to console families, especially women, who had been insulted and attacked by JDS leaders. Coming down heavily on JDS and BJP leaders for allegedly trying to destabilise the government, Shivakumar said no party leader could destabilise the state government, which has the support of all sections of society. He criticised JDS leader and Union minister HD Kumaraswamy for joining hands with the BJP and flouting his partys ethics. Home Minister Dr Parameshwara said JDS leaders have no moral right to speak about secularism and minorities. Admitting that the Congress supports minorities, he said the party is always committed to uplift the downtrodden and poor. Social Welfare Minister HC Mahadevappa criticized the Centre for formulating anti-Constitution and anti-democratic policies. The Centre has failed to protect the interest of Dalits, minorities and downtrodden, he said, accusing the Centre of misusing autonomous bodies like the Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax department to target opposition party leaders. Addressing the gathering, Food and Civil Supplies Minister KH Muniyappa, Housing Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed and other leaders lauded Siddaramaiah and lambasted the JDS and BJP. BJP opposes Rahul, Kharge for supporting minorities Giving full marks to the state government led by Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, AICC general secretary and Karnataka Congress in charge Randeep Surjewala on Thursday said BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, strongly oppose Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjuna Kharge and Siddaramaiah for supporting and protecting the interest of Dalits, backward class people, farmers, labourers and minorities. Addressing the KPCCs Janakalyana Swabhimani Samavesha here, he alleged that the Centre restricts people from enjoying benefits provided under the Constitution, and is making futile attempts to curb senior leaders by misusing the ED. BJP leaders also scoffed at opposition leader in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for draw the attention of the House to problems of the downtrodden, and protecting the interest of Dalits. The state government will not stop its schemes under any circumstances, despite a huge amount of funds being spent for guarantee schemes and development works.

I was in Class 10 when I first acted with Mammookka: Pauly Valsan

KOCHI: Long before she became a familiar face in Malayalam cinema, Pauly Valsan had been stealing the spotlight on stage for decades. Theatre wasnt just her livelihood; it was her lifeblood, providing an outlet for her creativity while managing the everyday chaos of home and family. Pauly thrived in characters brimming with sass, wisdom and life experience. I would always volunteer for the older roles, as they offered more scope for performance, she says with a grin. Decades later, her film debut came in the Mammootty-starrer Annan Thambi (2008). Today, as she reflects on her journey of over 100 films, state awards for Ee. Ma.Yau and Ottamuri Velicham in 2018 and Saudi Vellakka in 2022, and a range of remarkable roles, its clear that this thespian has left an indelible impression in the world of films. Pauly opens up about her journey, which is as dramatic and delightful as the woman herself. Excerpts You started your theatre career while in school. How did the journey begin? I was fascinated by art as a child. I got into drama while in Class 6 the first one was based on a story that appeared in Balarama. There was a theatre club near our school, and they approached our teachers saying they needed a child artist for a drama. I was picked. I was excited about getting decking up and acting on a grand stage. But there was a hurdle: my father had to agree. He was a fisherman with conservative notions. My teacher, however, gave a letter and helped me get his permission. He said yes, as the venue was nearby. I would diligently go for rehearsals in between my classes. However, when more groups expressed interest in casting me, my father said no. After Class 6, I went to another school in Elamkunnapuzha. Students there were very active in drama and other arts. They used to win prizes at youth festivals. My passion for theatre got rekindled. I gathered some friends and performed a play in that school. We eventually went on to secure the first prize at the youth festival. It was the first time girls were acting in a drama there. We breached the boys bastion at the school. Was your father okay with it? Initially, he was happy, as it was a school activity. Things changed when I reached Class 10. I received offers, but my father refused, citing that there was no one at home to accompany me for the plays. I, however, was more interested in arts than studies. So, once I agreed to a local drama and went for rehearsals without informing him. The troupe offered me Rs 5 for the role. I, however, refused it as I was nervous about the commitment. On the day of the play, I told my father that I would be staying at my uncles house. The costume was a half-sari and blouse, and I arranged that from a nearby house. The first scene was my entry. And as I entered the stage, I saw my brothers sitting in the front row of the audience! I was hesitant to perform after seeing them. They were laughing seeing my distress. After some time, my father arrived there. He yelled at me and the troupe members. However, some seniors calmed him down and got his permission to finish the play. I scooted immediately after my role. Now I am reminded they didnt pay the Rs 5 that had been offered! Despite such resistance from home, you persisted I went on a hunger strike at home. My aunts, who had recognised my passion, eventually convinced my father. One of my aunts used to accompany me to the shows. Over the next couple of years, I did amateur drama. Thats how I landed at Antony chettans (National Award-winning actor and theatre legend P J Antony) house. I was in his troupe for five years. [Actor] Thilakan chettan was part of it at that time. How was the experience of working with legends like P J Antony and Thilakan? I cant express how beautiful it was. There was a unique spirit among them. The environment was strict. Antony chettan was particular about actors byhearting their dialogues. Rehearsals followed a set regimen. A bell would ring, and the stagehand would simulate the raising and lowering of the curtains. It felt like being back in school. He even had the Malayalam alphabet written on a blackboard to ensure everyone pronounced the words correctly. Those were truly wonderful memories. And Thilakan He was with Antony chetan for 11 years. It was a challenge to match his intensity on stage. We acted together in popular plays such as Ramarajyam, Kaalarathri, and Socialism. When I was 19, I played the role of the 75-year-old wife of Thilakan chettans character in one of the plays. I also remember doing some politically charged plays with him during the Emergency. Even Shammi [Thilakan] used to hang around with us; he was a child then. I still remember an incident. Shammi, in childish innocence, once asked aloud on a set: Whats the meaning of the word thay**i! Antony chetan was stunned. The poor boy had heard someone use the profanity. There are so many such memories from that era. Later, I moved to [actor] Kalasala Babus troupe. Dramas often address socio-political issues. Could you share your experience of performing in such plays? Kaalarathri had significant political relevance, with the incidents and storyline being based on real events of the Emergency era. Antony chettan would have piles of newspapers, and scripting was done based on real reports. So, when we portrayed certain political leaders, including K Karunakaran, we never knew if we would receive applause or face stone-pelting. We had faced threats. But no matter what, the show would go on. How did your family view all this? There was a turning point in my life. I got married to a person I loved; he was my neighbour. My father couldnt accept it because of caste issues. My mother-in-law could not accept me as well. I was not aware of the seriousness of a marriage. I went with him [husband] to honour my promise of love. Struggle followed, as he was also young and did not have a steady job. After a couple of months, I got back on the stage as we needed income to survive. He was interested in arts and used to write. He backed my return to the stage. I acted even while carrying my first child. Antony chettan also gave me confidence. He assured me that, with people like N N Pillai sir and himself backing me, I will never have to look back in my life. Antony chettan was a father-like figure for me. Did you work with N N Pillai as well? I never got the chance. I always wanted to meet him. One day, I saw his car, and I rushed to greet him. As I neared his vehicle, I saw that he was sleeping, so I stood there, just watching him. All I wanted was a glimpse of him. Later, after the release of the film Godfather, Pillai sir came to watch Ammini Travels Pvt Ltd, a play in which I was acting, in Kottayam. After the show, he came backstage and asked for me. He lauded my performance and said, I heard you came to see me once. Why didnt you wake me up? I froze in excitement. Did you have any unpleasant experiences? No. One advantage of working in theatre is that most of the team members are contemporaries. If anyone misbehaves, we can address it immediately. Such incidents usually result in the person responsible for the issue being removed. That said, I have always been against workplace romances, especially between lead actors portraying the hero and heroine, as it can jeopardise the long-term success of the play their priorities change. So, whenever I noticed such developments, I would promptly alert the producer (laughs). That must have earned you quite a few enemies along the way... Not at all. Nobody ever knew I was behind it. I maintained good relations with everyone. Perhaps now, if any of those who are still alive read this interview, they might realise the truth (laugh). On a serious note, I have never had any enemies. At the end of the day, goodness begets goodness. However, I once slapped a woman in my neighbourhood. She used to ridicule me with crass jibes on my morality whenever I returned home after a play. One day, I confronted her I just gave it to her. I had been enduring all kinds of struggles to make ends meet at that time, shuttling between home and stages. You had once mentioned that you would use a good chunk of the money you earned from acting to watch films Oh yes, I used to be crazy about films and actors. Buying the Nana magazine and watching films were regular rituals. I would urge the organisers of dramas to invite cine artists to watch our plays so that I could see them in person. Didnt you try entering the film world then? At that time, several drama writers had started working in films. I, however, never really thought about entering the cinema. There was no time to even consider it because theatre was my world. There were years when I performed for 330 days. I didnt have the privilege of setting aside theatre and my responsibilities to chase film dreams. I didnt have anyone to look after my children. It was a long period of struggle. In fact, I was invited to be part of two films Utsavam and Rasaleela (both 1975). The latter starred Kamal Hassan. I had turned them down because I was scared. Cinema was an unknown space for me and I wasnt ready to take the leap at that time. How did the entry finally happen? The artists of Vypeen had formed a group called the Vypeen Artists Welfare Association (VAWA). The collective staged a mega show for the first time. As playwright Benny Nayarambalam, whos from Vypeen, had a mark in the film world by then, several cine artists attended the show. [Actor] Siddique, who is also from the area, was also present. He remarked that despite me being part of several hit dramas, I hadnt achieved the recognition I deserved as an artist. Benny was saddened on hearing this. Thats when he cast me in Annan Thambi. At first, I wasnt keen on accepting. It was actually my children who pushed me to take the offer, especially since the script was by Benny, who was at the peak of his career at that time. I told Benny I didnt want to play a negligible role like that of a passerby standing near a public tap. I had been part of several successful dramas, and I knew that if the people of Vypeen found out I took on an insignificant role, they would mock and ruin my peace (laughs). But, Benny reassured me. Thats how I made my entry into cinema with one line in a sequence alongside Mammookka and Suraj (Venjaramoodu). You had an old connection with Mammootty... Yes, we had acted together in the early 70s, when he was studying at Ernakulam Law College. I was in Class 10 then. In our locality, theres a person named Chinnan, and he wrote two dramas featuring Mammootty Sabarmathi, and Andholanam. After Annan Thambi , you acted in several of his films Manglish, Acha Din, Praise the Lord, Bheeshma Parvam . He remembered me, and also mentioned me in an interview, about acting with me in Sabarmati. Mammookka still has a photo from the drama set. During the shoot of Annan Thambi , I didnt approach him because I thought he wouldnt remember me. After I delivered my dialogue, Mammootty commented, I think I know her. Then [actor] Siddique replied, Thats Pauly chechi. Mammootty then recalled to everyone on the set that we had acted in a drama together. He then asked me, Why didnt you have a word with me earlier? I replied, I was worried whether you would remember me. Mammootty laughed and said, I remember and recognize everyone. We ended up chatting for an hour. He later gave me tips to improve my scene as well. How was the journey thereon? After that, I did another film, thanks to Bennys recommendation. Later, I played a role in Rajeev Ravis Annayum Rasoolum (2013). After that, Soubin (Shahir) recommended me to Amal Neerad for a segment in the anthology film 5 Sundarikal (2013), which was well-received. Since then, I have been getting regular opportunities. Now, I am about to start my 104th film. You received the State Award for Best Character Actress for Ee.Ma.Yau (2018) and Ottamuri Velicham (2017), and later for the Best Dubbing Artist for Saudi Vellakka (2022). How did you end up dubbing? The actor who was supposed to play the elderly womans role in Saudi Vellakka was down with Covid. The production was struggling to find a replacement. The cameramen suggested his grandmother, Devi Varma. She was 85, and had never acted before. She, however, did a superb job, blending with the character. However, she just could not get the Kochi slang right. Thats when they approached me. I was reluctant initially, as I had never dubbed for anyone else. But it was [drama artist] I T Joseph, a key figure helping Kochi artists to get roles in films, who had asked me. So, I agreed. People could identify right from the first scene that it was my voice (laughs). The way your character wails in Lijo Jose Pellisserys Ea.Ma.Yau. had become quite famous I got the role by chance, again through I T [Joseph]. They had initially cast a junior artist for the role. And it was a minor role, just to cry during the funeral. But Lijo didnt like her performance, and they started looking for a replacement. Lijo was furious, I heard. Then I got a call close to midnight. They asked me to join the film the next morning. Lijo liked my performance, and decided to extend my role. The shoot lasted for 18 days. Kainakary Thankaraj, who acted as my husband in the film, commented as we wrapped up that I would get an award that year. I had laughed it off. Some theorised that your crying in the film was akin to the rhythm of waves... (Laughs) There is indeed a unique way of crying at funerals in Kochi. I have heard my grandmother crying like that. Also, as a child, if someone in my village died, I would visit the house and cry with the family. I would accompany visitors, and again cry with them. In this film, I had to cry for 11 days. That came naturally. Such things come from within. Then I had to again cry for the dubbing. On the last day, Lijo hugged me saying, Chechiye sammadhichu tto (I have to give it to you!)! Credit for the crying goes to my hometown. But nowadays, people seem too shy to cry in the traditional way (laughs). In Appan also you had a complex role Yes. The character was living with a man so cruel. Its unimaginable. The dialogues in it were so cutting, you just start feeling them in your gut. I am reminded about such a moving role I played with Thilakan chettan. In it, his character marries a 12-year-old girl. That was my role. In her old age, she gets paralysed. Their children abandon them. There is one scene where she asks whether she is a burden for him. Then Thilakan chettans character replies: In our initial days, I used to carry you around when no one was looking, now let me do it again. I still remember the intense way in which Thilakan chettan delivered the dialogue. Both of us wept during the scene. Some roles and dialogues are like that. There is a noticeable change in the portrayal of mothers in films I have noticed that playing mother roles in the new generation is a bit challenging these days. These types of roles are quite different from what I used to do. However, I have performed well in various roles, and there are interesting scripts currently in development. More films are on the way, including a role in Biju Menons new film. Do you think movies today lack well-written female characters? There are talented actors capable of delivering exceptional performances, but we need to be conscious of creating opportunities for them. I believe there is a noticeable lack of well-written, strong characters, particularly for women. Unlike earlier times, when actors like Sukumari or Philomina brought small but memorable roles to life with their extraordinary performances, such roles are increasingly rare today. Havent you had the opportunity to portray such roles, some even without character names? Yes, I recently played a small role in an Asif Ali movie titled Rekhachithram, an investigative thriller. By the end of the scene, the crew clapped. Asif insisted on keeping the scene intact without any cuts. I have never turned down a shoot just because it involves only a single dialogue. Yesterday, at a programme, people asked me to deliver my dialogues from the movies Guppy and Kattappanayile Rithwik Roshan. Similarly, the dialogue Kshama venam, samayam edukkum in Drishyam 2 became meme material, though it was meant to be a serious line. How was Asif Ali on the set? He was very nice. In fact, all the current stars Asif, Tovino [Thomas], Kunchako [Boban] are nice, innocent fellows. They respect seniors, and dont discriminate. I have done three-four films with Tovino. Prithviraj is another gem. He helps improve our performance, no matter how small the scene is. I experienced that while doing Adam John. Have you ever approached anyone for roles? No. I am a theatre artist. If I dont get film roles, I will continue doing theatre. Do you still do dramas? Sometimes, during events organised by Mathruvedhi or the church. I am also planning a solo theatre performance. The play, written by Babu Pillassery, runs for about 45 minutes. My son, who is a music teacher, handles the music. Before starting the interview, you spoke about going to Munambam to express solidarity with the protesters there. Are you socio-politically active? I am from Vypeen, which shares the shoreline with Munambam. The group Vypeen Artists Welfare Association often takes up social issues. It is not a politically driven gesture. I have taken part in several demonstrations in the past even for direct buses to and from the city. We [people of Vypeen] have got several basic necessities such as bridges and even drinking water through strikes. Currently, I have been knocking on the doors of authorities for a pathway to my house. The area still gets flooded, and most pathways get slushy. I had raised this matter with the chief minister as well. However, action is awaited. Is there any role that you would love to do? Many dream roles (laughs). I am game for anything. How about dark characters? I am confident that I can slay any role serious, comedy or negative. Even romance oldies romance. Why not (laughs)? TNIE team: Cithara Paul, S Neeraj Krishna, Anna Jose, Mahima Anna Jacob, Vivek Santhosh A Sanesh (photos), Harikrishnan B & Pranav V P (video)

Congress mismanaging welfare schemes, grappling with internal power struggle: BJP

Referring to the ongoing Janakalyan event in Hassan, Vijayendra claimed it was a platform for Siddaramaiah to assert his political dominance

Jana Kalyana Samavesha receives good response; people from Hassan, neighbouring districts take part in large numbers

H.D. Deve Gowda appeals to Centre for completion of Hassan Airport project

Syrian insurgents say they have entered city of Hama after fierce fighting

Beirut: Syrian insurgents said they entered parts of the central city of Hama on Thursday after three days of intense clashes with government forces on its outskirts, part of an ongoing offensive in which they also seized Syria's largest city of Aleppo. Syrian state media confirmed violent clashes between government forces and opposition gunmen on the eastern edges of Hama city but denied that the insurgents had breached it. Hama is one of the few cities that remained under full government control during Syria's conflict, which broke out in March 2011 following a popular uprising. Its capture would be a major setback for President Bashar Assad. The offensive is being led by the jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham as well as an umbrella group of Turkish-backed Syrian militias called the Syrian National Army. Their sudden capture of the northern city of Aleppo, an ancient business hub, was a stunning prize for Assad's opponents and reignited the conflict which had been largely stalemated for the past few years. Aleppo's takeover marked the first opposition attack on the city since 2016 when a brutal Russian air campaign retook it for Assad after rebel forces had initially seized it. Intervention by Russia, Iran Iranian-allied Hezbollah, and other militant groups has allowed Assad to remain in power. The latest flare-up in Syria's long civil war comes as Assad's main regional and international backers are preoccupied with their own wars. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by the renewed fighting, which began with the surprise opposition offensive on November 27. The insurgents claimed on their Military Operations Department channel on the Telegram app Thursday that they have entered Hama and are marching toward its centre. Our forces are taking positions inside the city of Hama, the channel quoted a local commander identified as Maj. Hassan Abdul-Ghani said. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said gunmen have entered parts of the city, mainly the neighbourhoods of Sawaaeq and Zahiriyeh to the northwest. It added that gunmen are also on the edge of the northwestern neighbourhood of Kazo. If Hama falls, it means that the beginning of the regime's fall has started, the Observatory's chief, Rami Abdurrahman, told The Associated Press. Hama is a major intersection point in Syria that links that country's centre with the north as well as the east and the west. It is about 200 kilometres north of the capital, Damascus, Assad's seat of power. Hama province also borders the coastal province of Latakia, a main base of popular support for Assad. The city's name is synonymous with the 1982 massacre of Hama, one of the most notorious in the modern Middle East, when security forces under Assad's late father, Hafez Assad, killed thousands to crush a Muslim Brotherhood uprising.

Expansion of Hemant Soren cabinet: 11 MLAs becomes ministers

RANCHI: After six days of taking oath, Chief Minister Hemant Soren expanded his Cabinet by inducting 11 ministers on Thursday. The new inductees included four from the Congress, six from the JMM and one from the RJD. JMM and Congress have dropped 50 per cent of its old ministers, giving chance to the new faces. Senior Congress leader Radha Krishna Kishore along with 10 ministers were administered the oath of office by Governor Santosh Gangwar at Raj Bhavan in Ranchi. Other MLAs from the Congress quota sworn in include Deepika Pandey Singh, Shilpi Neha Tirkey and Dr Irfan Ansari. The six MLAs from the JMM quota included Deepak Birua, Chamra Linda, Ramdas Soren, Hafizul Hassan, Yogendra Prasad and Sudivya Kumar Sonu. Sanjay Yadav will represent the RJD in the Hemant Soren cabinet. With the induction of 11 ministers, cabinet formation in Jharkhand was completed after the return of Hemant Soren, who heads the INDIA bloc in Jharkhand. In the new government, a maximum of 4 MLAs has been made ministers from Santhal Pargana region. JMM and Congress have given two ministerial posts each from the region.

Now, Hassan district surgeon who is facing misconduct allegations expresses wish to give up post

Dr. Lokesh sent a letter to the Principal Secretary of the Department of Medical Education, stating that he wished to be relieved of the additional charge, as per an order issued on November 30.

CM, Dy.CM, other Ministers to visit Hassan to take part in Jana Kalyana Samavesha

No agreement with Shivakumar on power-sharing, will abide by high command decision: Siddaramaiah

Mandya: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said there was no agreement between him and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar over power-sharing, before the Congress came to power in the state, and would abide by the decision of the party high command.Reacting to Siddaramaiah's comments, Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress President, said whatever the CM says is final. There was no agreement. I will abide by the high command's decision, Siddaramaiah told media, in response to a question on Shivakumar's reported statement that there was an agreement between them, before coming to power. There was stiff competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the CM's post after the declaration of Assembly election results in May last year, and the Congress had managed to convince the latter and made him the Deputy Chief Minister. There were some reports at the time that a compromise had been reached based on a otational chief minister formula, according to which Shivakumar will become CM after two-and-half years but they have not been officially confirmed by the party. Shivakumar has made no secret of his ambition to become Chief Minister. Reacting to the CM's statement, Shivakumar told reporters in Bengaluru: Once the Chief Minister has said, there is no objection to it...what he, the CM says is final. No objections, I'm always loyal to the Chair, I'm loyal to the party. The CM has said -- no (further) question, no discussion , no debate. Asked if there was no pain, Shivakumar replied, I have responded to all of that. To another query whether the cabinet reshuffle was on the cards, the CM said, ot now.... Asked about some MLAs vying for ministerial positions, he said, ...ultimately the high command has to instruct me and I will have to decide. The high command has not told me anything, and I have not decided . Speculations are rife about a possible cabinet reshuffle and evaluation of the performance of the ministers, ever since the Lok Sabha poll results. There has also been a demand from a section of MLAs, who are ministerial aspirants, to be inducted into the cabinet. Some have even openly expressed their wish to become ministers. Responding to a question on 'Jana Kalyana Samavesha' in Hassan, Siddaramaiah said, Tomorrow a convention has been organised jointly by the Congress party and Swabhimanigala Okkuta (federation organisations of oppressed communities). Probably Swabhimanigala Okkuta will be getting more people for the convention. While downplaying the change in the name of the convention, he said, ...it is being organised jointly, the Congress party has also joined. The state Congress led by its President Shivakumar has renamed the convention as 'Jana Kalyana Samavesha' from 'Siddaramaiah Swabhimaani Janandolana Samavesha', and it is unlikely to be a Siddaramaiah-centric mega show of strength event, as was originally planned by his supporters. The convention was initially organised by the federation of organisations of oppressed communities, in solidarity with the Chief Minister, who is facing allegations in the MUDA site allotment scam. However, the Congress party's involvement as the joint host of the event was confirmed by the Chief Minister himself last week, amid reports that a section of leaders within the party were against such an event being organised outside the party framework. The event, originally aimed at mobilising support for Siddaramaiah amid an investigation into the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment scam, will now also highlight the government's pro-people programmes, especially the guarantee schemes, among other initiatives, party sources said.

Hassan DC allows person facing harassment allegations to continue as District Surgeon citing oral instruction from district in-charge Minister

The minister in-charge of Hassan district is K.N. Rajanna

Rains lash several parts of Karnataka

Bengaluru: Rains lashed several parts of Karnataka, particularly the coastal, Malnad, and south interior regions, due to the impact of Cyclone Fengal on Tuesday, officials said. Schools and colleges were declared a holiday by respective Deputy Commissioners in districts like Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, Udupi, Mysuru, and Chikkaballapur. The rains in Bengaluru and other districts caused waterlogging and traffic congestion in many parts of the cities in the coastal, Malnad (Western Ghats), and south interior regions. In a statement, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the well-marked low-pressure area over coastal Karnataka and the adjoining east-central Arabian Sea persisted at 8.30 am on Tuesday. The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to mid-tropospheric levels and is expected to move west-northwestward over the east-central Arabian Sea in the next two days. For the next 24 hours, the IMD has forecast a partly cloudy sky with light rain likely for Bengaluru and its surrounding areas. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be around 25 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius, respectively. The IMD has warned of isolated heavy rains over Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Chikkamagaluru districts. Light to moderate rain is likely at most places over Uttara Kannada and at a few places over Gadag, Haveri, Raichur, Yadgir, Dharwad, Kodagu, Hassan, Shivamogga, Mysuru, Mandya, Chitradurga, and Ballari districts. Light rain is also expected at many places over the remaining districts of south interior Karnataka and at a few places over the remaining districts of north interior Karnataka. Since squally weather with wind speeds of 35 to 45 km/h, gusting to 55 km/h is likely to prevail along the Karnataka coast, the IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into sea during this time. According to the IMD, on December 4, light to moderate rain is likely at many places over Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts, and at isolated places over Bidar, Kalaburgi, Yadgir, Kodagu, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Tumkur, Chikkaballapur, Kolar, and Chitradurga districts. Light to moderate rain with thundershowers is expected at these places until December 8, they added.

DKS reviews preparations for Congress event in Hassan, calls it Jana Kalyana Samavesha

Cyclone Fengal: Bengaluru, Parts Of Karnataka To Brace For Two More Days Of Rain

A yellow alert has been issued for Bengaluru and districts like Hassan, Mandya and Ramanagara today, said C S Patil, India Meteorological Department, Bengaluru director.

26-yr-old Karnataka IPS officer dies in accident en route to first posting

Hassan: In a tragic incident, a 26-year-old IPS officer died in a road accident in Hassan district while on his way to take up his first posting died in a road accident, police said on Monday, December 2. Harsh Bardhan was a 2023-batch IPS officer of the Karnataka cadre and hailed from Madhya Pradesh. The Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

US Surgeon Breaks Down Reading Stories From Gaza Doctors As Hamas, Israel Talk Ceasefire | Lebanon

US paediatric surgeon Dr Tanya Haj-Hassan broke down in tears at a UN hearing as she recounted stories from her medical colleagues in Gaza about the pain and depravity they are enduring. n18oc_world n18oc_crux

26-year-old IPS officer, en route to first posting in Karnataka, dies in road accident

A young 2023-batch IPS officer, Harsh Bardhan, tragically died in a road accident in Hassan district while on his way to his first posting. The accident happened when the vehicle's tyre burst, and it collided with a house and a tree. Karnataka's chief minister expressed condolences, acknowledging Bardhan's hard work and the unfortunate timing of the incident.

TRAGIC! Newly appointed IPS officer, on his way to take up first posting, dies in accident in Karnataka

A 26-year-old IPS officer, Harsh Bardhan, lost his life in a road accident in Hassan district here on Sunday evening, police said.

26-Year-Old IPS Officer, On His Way To First Posting, Dies In Road Accident

The IPS officer was on his way to his first posting in Karnataka's Hassan when he died in an accident, the police said.

Lokayukta Probe Sought Into Ballari Maternal Deaths

Ballari: Opposition leader R Ashoka has called for a Lokayukta investigation into the deaths of four lactating mothers at Ballari District Hospital, allegedly due to substandard IV fluids. Addressing the media after visiting the hospital on Sunday, Ashoka warned that he would personally file a complaint with the Lokayukta if the government fails to act. Ashoka held the state government responsible for the tragedy, alleging that influential forces overruled warnings from the former Drug Controller to procure the suspect fluids. This government is riddled with corruption and nepotism. The Chief Minister visited Ballari but failed to stop by the hospital to address this issue, he charged. The state government has announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for each victims family, which Ashoka dismissed as inadequate. He demanded Rs 25 lakh per family, stating, The government does not value human life. According to Ashoka, the victims suffered liver failure and a sharp drop in blood pressure after being administered the fluids. He criticized the suspension of a recently appointed official as a scapegoating tactic and demanded the resignation of the responsible minister. The fault lies not with the doctors but with the administration, he clarified. Ashoka accused the Congress-led government of failing to ensure proper healthcare. Hospitals lack medicines, the treasury is empty, and governance has failed at every level. Instead of addressing these issues, the administration is busy preparing for a rally in Hassan, he said. Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Ashoka reiterated the need for a thorough Lokayukta probe to uncover the truth and ensure accountability.

Allu Arjun outwits Prabhas, Yash; greenlights Pushpa 3!

It is known that reigning star Prabhas tasted success with two parts of Bahubali, while Kannada star Yash also minted gold with KGF 1 and 2 and now Allu Arjun is awaiting the release of the sequel Pushpa The Rule' next week. Meanwhile, he has reportedly given his nod to the third part of the Pushpa franchise. Allu Arjun in principle has agreed to do a third part of the successful franchise and it would be much larger and visually captivating than their earlier two parts, says a source, close to the production house. They have already shot 20 to 30% of the footage and it would be another action adventure, he adds. He further claims that Allu Arjun and Sukumar have resolved to join hands once again after completing their next assignments to dish out another riveting red Sanders smugglers saga with loads of emotions and action. The shooting for the third part could tentatively commence in November or December 2025 after the actor-director duo wrap their other films and it would be another high-budget film he informs However, Tamil star Kamal Hassan is ahead of Prabhas, Yash, and Allu Arjun since he has completed Indian 3 and it is expected to be released directly on a top OTT platform, along with some selective theatres. Kamal Hassan is ahead in this franchise business but Telugu stars are also catching up with him. With Prabhas commencing shooting for Salaar 2 and NTR thinking of Devara 2 and films with multiple parts is the order of the day, he adds. With budgets going overboard and with the death of new scripts that would enhance their larger-than-life image, Big stars are banking on franchises to retain their stardom and also to enthrall their fans. For now, it looks to be a safe bet, he concludes.

IPS officer on way to first posting dies in accident

A 26-year-old IPS officer on his way to take up his first posting died in a road accident in Hassan district of Karnataka, the police said on Monday.

Congress to hold convention in Hassan on December 5: DyCM Shivakumar

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday said the Congress would hold a convention on December 5 at Hassan to protect the Constitution. Speaking to reporters after a preparatory meeting at the KPCC office, Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress chief, said many leaders of the party have expressed their intention Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

2 lakh people expected to gather in Hassan for Swabhina Samavesha: Minister

Two injured as police vehicle rams into a house near Hassan

Proposed rally in Hassan is Congress event, says DKS

Convention in Hassan is being held on December 5

Congress to host mega convention in ex-PMs stronghold

Bengaluru: Following directives from the All India Congress Committee (AICC), the Congress party is set to organise a mega convention in Hassan, the political bastion of former Prime Minister and Janata Dal Secular (JDS) national president H.D. Devegowda, scheduled for Thursday, December 5. The convention aims to address and dispel what the Congress describes as false propaganda against their government by Opposition parties, namely the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal Secular. However, according to political sources cited by Deccan Chronicle, there's an underlying strategy by Congress to reclaim ground lost to JDS in this region. Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president D.K. Shivakumar, speaking to reporters on Sunday, emphasised that the convention in Hassan is designed to counteract the misleading narratives spread by the BJP and JDS about the ruling Congress government in Karnataka. He added that the event has garnered support from various organizations, with comprehensive arrangements in place for its success. Shivakumar stated, Our motto is to get back what we lost. He highlighted Congress's performance in Hassan, noting, In the 2023 Assembly elections, Congress secured only one seat in the district, but in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, our candidate, Shreyas Patel, was supported by Hassan's electorate, leading to his victory over Prajwal Revanna of JDS, who is Devegowda's grandson. The move to host this convention in Hassan is seen as an attempt by Congress to leverage the current dissatisfaction towards JDS, especially after their significant loss in the May 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Hassan has traditionally been dominated by the Devegowda family; H.D. Devegowda himself represented the Hassan Lok Sabha seat in multiple terms, including 1991, 1998, and from 2004 to 2019. Moreover, JDS leader H.D. Revanna, Devegowda's son, is the MLA for the Holenarsipura Assembly seat, and his son Suraj serves as an MLC from Hassan.

Well Fight Thousands Pay Tribute To Slain Hezbollah Chief Nasrallah | Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire

On November 30, thousands gathered in Beirut's suburbs to honor slain Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. The memorial was held at the site of his death during an Israeli strike in September. Beams of light illuminated the night as attendees listened to his past speeches, wept, and held pictures of him. The event followed a US-France-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. n18oc_world n18oc_crux

Delay in action against district surgeon in Hassan leaves women staff worried

The district surgeon, originally a teaching faculty member at HIMS, faces charges of harassing women at the workplace. An inquiry committee is said to have recommended action against him for his conduct

Ministers, legislators review preparations of Swambhimani Samavesha in Hassan

Congress to hold mega convention in JD(S) fortress Hassan on Dec. 5

The party high command is said to have given the green signal for Swabhimani Samavesha as it will be aimed at building the party and not any individual

Siddaramaiahs supports plan mega OBC bash in JDS backyard of Hassan on Dec 5

Siddaramaiahs rally in Hassan on December 5 aims to showcase his popularity and assert his authority within the Congress, following their bypoll success. While some leaders remain skeptical, Siddaramaiah has briefed Rahul Gandhi, highlighting the event's potential benefits for upcoming local elections.

Israel carries out its first airstrike on Lebanon since ceasefire with Hezbollah

Beirut: Israel on Thursday carried out its first airstrike on Lebanon since a truce with Hezbollah announced this week , saying it targeted the militant group's activity at a rocket storage facility in southern Lebanon that breached the ceasefire. Lebanese authorities reported scattered incidents of Israeli mortar attacks, strikes and shots fired that wounded two people trying to return to southern Lebanon . Lebanon's state-run media said the wounded were civilians, while the Israeli military described them as suspects who violated the terms of the truce that ended more than a year of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The bursts of violence with no reports of serious casualties reflected the uneasy nature of the ceasefire that otherwise appeared to hold Thursday as Lebanese troops began to deploy in parts of southern Lebanon, the eastern Bekaa Valley and the southern suburbs of Beirut, where Hezbollah has based its operations. The Lebanese military said it was setting up temporary checkpoints and detonating unexploded ordnance in hopes of helping displaced civilians return to their homes. Some 1.2 million people were displaced in Lebanon during the country's deadliest war in decades. Thousands of residents, their cars stacked high with mattresses and full of belongings, began to make the odyssey back to their war-ravaged towns on Wednesday , after the ceasefire took effect. But their movements remain constrained. The Lebanese and Israeli militaries have ordered civilians displaced from border communities to steer clear of areas where Israeli troops are still in position. On Thursday, the Israeli military said its troops opened fire at several suspects who arrived in their vehicles to certain parts of southern Lebanon in violation of the truce. The statement did not give further details. Lebanons state-run National News Agency said Israeli fire wounded two civilians in Markaba, a village close to the border that has been a scene of intense fighting over the past 14 months. It also reported Israeli tank fire hitting some villages and farms in the south, causing no casualties. Col. Avichay Adraee, an Arabic language spokesman for the Israeli military, announced that a nighttime curfew for Lebanese residents south of the Litani River remained in effect, banning movement from 5 p.m. Thursday until 7 a.m. Friday. The Lebanese army accused Israel of breaking the ceasefire several times on Thursday by conducting strikes on Lebanon with various weapons and continuing to patrol and surveil Lebanese skies with warplanes and drones. The army said it was following up on these violations in coordination with the relevant authorities, without elaborating. An Associated Press reporter in northern Israel heard Israeli drones buzzing and the sporadic crackle of machine-gun fire across the border in Lebanon. Hezbollah has not issued any public statements on the alleged Israeli ceasefire violations but Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah acknowledged the incidents. When asked by reporters how Hezbollah would respond, he was cautious. We dont want to rush things, he said, adding that Hezbollah has the right to self-defense. The truce between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, brokered by the United States and France , calls for an initial two-month ceasefire in which the militants are to withdraw north of the Litani River and Israeli forces are to return to their side of the border. Under the terms of the agreement, Lebanese troops will gradually deploy further the south as Israeli troops pull out, said a Lebanese military official, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief media. The buffer zone would be patrolled by U.N. peacekeepers and Lebanese troops, which have not been a party to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanon's military on Thursday shared photos showing troops clearing roads of destroyed vehicles, crushed houses and unexploded bombs. For many Lebanese, the pause in fighting brought relief but also heartache. Displaced families returned home to sift through the bombed-out ruins of their shops and apartments. Drone footage of Qana in southern Lebanon , taken Thursday, shows ghostly, battered neighborhoods with smashed homes and giant craters gouged into the ground the scale of destruction chilling in a town that has become synonymous with the killing of civilians in past wars. During Israel's 2006 war with Hezbollah, an Israeli strike on a residential building killed 27 civilians, a third of them children, according to U.N. figures. During its 1996 offensive, Israeli artillery shelling on a United Nations compound housing hundreds of displaced people in Qana killed at least 100 civilians and wounded scores more people. We are a town of martyrs, said Aref AbouKhalil, a 29-year-old taxi driver who checked on his ruined family home in Qana on Thursday. Those who lost family and friends in the Israeli bombardment of Qana over the past year, he said, felt the grief of 2006 and 1996 all over again. They're determined to destroy us, they keep trying, and now the town is destroyed, he said of Israeli strikes. But well build it again. Israel says it plans to withdraw its forces, but only as it ensures Hezbollah observes the agreement. Any deviation from this agreement will be enforced with fire, said Lt. Gen. Herzl Halevi, the Israeli militarys chief of staff. We are now moving toward new phase, where the same determination that brought us to this agreement will be applied in enforcement. Of the 50,000 people who fled northern Israeli border communities because of constant Hezbollah attacks, Halevi said that ensuring their swift return was our duty to them, and our duty to ourselves. A rare quiet, compared to recent months, fell over the border towns Thursday. There were air raid sirens warning of incoming Hezbollah rockets, no deafening explosions shaking the ground. But with the towns largely deserted and residents relocated, Halevi's remarks signaled the military was not encouraging Israelis to return just yet. In Menara, an Israeli community on the border with views into Lebanon, around three quarters of homes are damaged, some with collapsed roofs and burnt-out interiors. A few residents could be seen gathering their belongings there on Thursday before leaving again. Despite the smattering of attacks, the clearest sign of the truce Thursday was a reduction in the overall level of violence in Lebanon since the conflict began a day after Hamas Oct. 7, 2023 assault out of Gaza, when Hezbollah began firing rockets, drones and missiles in solidarity with the Palestinian militant group. Israel retaliated with airstrikes, and the conflict steadily intensified before becoming an all-out war in mid-September. The war in Gaza is still raging with no end in sight . More than 3,760 people were killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon during the conflict, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The fighting killed more than 70 people in Israel over half of them civilians as well as dozens of Israeli soldiers fighting in southern Lebanon.

IRGC General Killed in Syria, Israel Strikes Lebanon In Ceasefire Violation: Hezbollah, Army

Hezbollah and Israel have accused each other of violating the ceasefire that took effect on November 27 after more than a year of fighting. Lebanese officials reported that Israeli fire wounded two people in a border village, while the Israeli military claimed to have targeted suspects in southern Lebanon, accusing them of breaching the ceasefire. Israeli tank fire hit several villages, including Markaba and Wazzani. The Lebanese army alleged multiple violations by Israel, including airstrikes and attacks on Lebanese territory. Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah accused Israel of attacking civilians returning to their homes and reaffirmed Hezbollahs cooperation with Lebanons army. Meanwhile, the Israeli military confirmed an airstrike on a Hezbollah rocket facility, the first since the ceasefire began, stating it would enforce the agreement and respond immediately to any further violations. In a related development, Hezbollah ally Iran condemned Israeli actions, with the death of a senior Iranian adviser in Syria and escalating violence between pro-Iran factions and Syrian forces. Despite the ceasefire, the Houthis in Yemen vowed to continue their attacks on Israel in support of the Palestinian cause. n18oc_world n18oc_crux

Pedestrian dies in accident near Alur in Hassan

Ali Fazal completes shooting for Mani Ratnam-Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life'

New Delhi: Actor Ali Fazal on Thursday said he has concluded shooting for critically-acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam's upcoming movie Thug Life.The Mirzapur is part of the ensemble cast of the movie, which is headlined by Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan. The film will be released in theatres on June 5, 2025. Fazal said it was an honour to collaborate with a visionary director like Ratnam and he is waiting for the audience to witness the magic he has created with the movie. The opportunity to share the screen with icons like Kamal Hassan sir and the rest of this extraordinary cast is something I'll cherish forever. The last two months have been transformative for me as an actor -- learning Tamil, immersing myself in a new cinematic culture, and pushing my creative boundaries, the 38-year-old actor said in a statement. Mani sir creates a world so immersive and rich, and I can confidently say this film will be a cinematic feast for audiences across India and beyond, he added. Thug Life reunites Ratnam and Haasan after 35 years since they worked together on the 1987 critical hit Nayakan. The cast also includes Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Nasser, Joju George, Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf, and Aishwarya Lekshmi. Thug Life will be jointly produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin's Red Giant Movies, Raaj Kamal Films International, and Ratnam's Madras Talkies. It will feature music by AR Rahman.

Hezbollah Readies Public Funeral for Nasrallah, 'Wounded' Leader Appears After Ceasefire With Israel

Hezbollah's deputy leader, Mahmud Qomati, announced preparations for an official public funeral for former chief Hassan Nasrallah. Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli strike on September 27, 2024 in Beirut but the group held off on a public funeral due to fear of Israeli strikes. In pictures shared by Lebanese media on Nov.27, Wafiq Safa appears without visible injuries, smiling while standing with two others in a cemetery. Safa was sanctioned by the US Treasury Department in 2019, which labeled him Hezbollahs liaison to the Lebanese security forces. 00:00 - INTRODUCTION 02:04 - ISRAEL ARMY SAYS HIT DOZENS OF HEZBOLLAH TARGETS BEFORE CEASEFIRE02:46 - IDF HITS HEZBOLLAH MISSILE PLANT IN PRE-TRUCE BOMBARDMENT04:08 - IDF CONFIRMS OPENING FIRE IN LEBANONn18oc_world n18oc_crux

Celebrations in Beirut as Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Takes Effect

Activity returned to the streets of Beirut on Wednesday (November 27) after a ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group started.People were seen waving Hezbollah flags, some held up a large portrait of its late leader Hassan Nasrallah while cars blared their horns in celebration.The ceasefire came into effect at 0200 GMT on Wednesday after U.S. President Joe Biden said both sides accepted an agreement brokered by the United States and France.The ceasefire promises to end a conflict across the Israeli-Lebanese border that has killed thousands of people since it was ignited by the Gaza war last year. n18oc_world n18oc_crux

10 killed, 21 injured as sectarian violence in Pak's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues despite ceasefire

Peshawar : At least 10 more people have been killed and 21 others injured as sporadic clashes continued between Sunni and Shia tribes despite a cease-fire brokered between the two warring communities in Pakistan's restive northwest, police said on Wednesday. The latest violence took place on Tuesday in Kurram district, bordering Afghanistan, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. At least 10 people died and 21 others injured in the sporadic tribal sectarian violence, police said. The clashes between Alizai and Bagan tribes in Kurram district started on Friday last week following Thursday's attack on a convoy of passenger vans near Parachinar in which 47 people were killed. At least 37 people were killed and several others injured in the tribal sectarian violence over Friday and Saturday, police said. Nobody has claimed responsibility for Thursday's convoy attack. A seven-day cease-fire was brokered between the Shia and Sunni communities on Sunday following meetings between a provincial government delegation and elders from both sects. However, despite the cease-fire, sporadic clashes are continuing, police said. There was sporadic fighting on Tuesday in Ghozaghari, Matasanagar and Kunj Alizai areas. Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud said that a grand jirga (tribal council) comprising elders from Hangu, Orakzai and Kohat districts will visit Kurram for fresh mediation to end hostilities. Kohat division Commissioner will lead the peace delegation, he said. Meanwhile, Dr Mir Hassan Khan, Superintendent of the Kurram district headquarters hospital, said the closure of roads leading to Parachinar following Thursday's attack has resulted in a shortage of medicines. It is becoming difficult for doctors to treat people due to sa hortage of medicines and people are losing their lives, he said. Shiite Muslims make up about 15 per cent of the 240 million people in Sunni-majority Pakistan. Although the two groups generally live together peacefully, tensions remain, especially in Kurram. Although the area has a history of sectarian conflict, with militant groups previously targeting the Shiite minority, the current violence is connected to a land dispute.

What to know about the ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah

A ceasefire deal that went into effect on Wednesday could end more than a year of cross-border fighting between Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah militant group, raising hopes and renewing difficult questions in a region gripped by conflict. The U.S.- and France-brokered deal, approved by Israel late Tuesday, calls for an initial two-month halt to fighting and requires Hezbollah to end its armed presence in southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops are to return to their side of the border. It offers both sides an off-ramp from hostilities that have driven more than 1.2 million Lebanese and 50,000 Israelis from their homes. An intense bombing campaign by Israel has left more than 3,700 people dead, many of them civilians, Lebanese officials say. Over 130 people have been killed on the Israeli side. But while it could significantly calm the tensions that have inflamed the region, the deal does little directly to resolve the much deadlier war that has raged in Gaza since the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023 that killed 1,200 people. Hezbollah, which began firing scores of rockets into Israel the following day in support of Hamas, previously said it would keep fighting until there was a stop to the fighting in Gaza. With the new cease-fire, it has backed away from that pledge, in effect leaving Hamas isolated and fighting a war alone. Heres what to know about the tentative ceasefire agreement and its potential implications: The terms of the deal The agreement reportedly calls for a 60-day halt in fighting that would see Israeli troops retreat to their side of the border while requiring Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon. President Joe Biden said Tuesday that the deal is set to take effect at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday (9 p.m. EST Tuesday). Under the deal, thousands of Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers are to deploy to the region south of the Litani River. An international panel led by the U.S. would monitor compliance by all sides. Biden said the deal was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities. Israel has demanded the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations, but Lebanese officials rejected writing that into the proposal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that the military would strike Hezbollah if the U.N. peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL, does not enforce the deal. Lingering uncertainty Hezbollah indicated it would give the ceasefire pact a chance, but one of the groups leaders said the groups support for the deal hinged on clarity that Israel would not renew its attacks. After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials, Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollahs political council, told the Qatari satellite news network Al Jazeera. We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state of Lebanon, he said. The European Unions top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said Tuesday that Israels security concerns had been addressed in the deal. Where the fighting has left both sides After months of cross-border bombings, Israel can claim major victories, including the killing of Hezbollahs top leader, Hassan Nasrallah, most of his senior commanders, and the destruction of extensive militant infrastructure. A complex attack in September involving the explosion of hundreds of walkie-talkies and pagers used by Hezbollah was widely attributed to Israel, signaling a remarkable penetration of the militant group. The damage inflicted on Hezbollah has hit not only its ranks but the reputation it built by fighting Israel to a stalemate in the 2006 war. Still, its fighters managed to put up heavy resistance on the ground, slowing Israels advance while continuing to fire scores of rockets, missiles, and drones across the border each day. The ceasefire offers relief to both sides, giving Israels overstretched army a break and allowing Hezbollah leaders to tout the groups effectiveness in holding their ground despite Israels massive advantage in weaponry. But the group is likely to face a reckoning, with many Lebanese accusing it of tying their countrys fate to Gazas at the service of key ally Iran, inflicting great damage on a Lebanese economy that was already in grave condition. No answers for Gaza Until now, Hezbollah has insisted that it would only halt its attacks on Israel when it agreed to stop fighting in Gaza. Some in the region are likely to view a deal between the Lebanon-based group and Israel as a capitulation. In Gaza, where officials say the war has killed more than 44,000 Palestinians, Israels attacks have inflicted a heavy toll on Hamas, including the killing of the groups top leaders. But Hamas fighters continue to hold scores of Israeli hostages, giving the militant group a bargaining chip if indirect ceasefire negotiations resume. Hamas is likely to continue to demand a lasting truce and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in any such deal, while Netanyahu on Tuesday reiterated his pledge to continue the war until Hamas is destroyed and all hostages are freed. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, whose forces were ousted from Gaza by Hamas in 2007 and who hopes to one day rule over the territory again as part of an independent Palestinian state, offered a pointed reminder Tuesday of the intractability of the war, demanding urgent international intervention. The only way to halt the dangerous escalation we are witnessing in the region, and maintain regional and international stability, security, and peace, is to resolve the question of Palestine, he said in a speech to the U.N. read by his ambassador.

Shruti Hassan Looks Super Cool In An All Black Fit | #Shorts #entertainment N18S #Shorts News18

Shruti Hassan Looks Super Cool In An All Black Fit | N18S News18n18oc_shortsNews18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube

Dakshina Kannada MP Meets Ashwini Vaishnaw on Coastal Rail Issues

Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta, along with fellow parliamentarians, met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss pressing concerns related to railway infrastructure in the coastal Karnataka region. Chowta was joined by Bengaluru Rural MP Dr. C.N. Manjunath, Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, and Uttara Kannada MP Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri. During the meeting, they emphasized the need to improve Mangaluru-Bengaluru rail connectivity and resolve persistent issues along the Shiradi Ghat section. The delegation submitted a memorandum urging the minister to expedite key projects, including the doubling of tracks on the Hassan-Mangaluru line and the integration of Konkan Railway with Indian Railways. They stressed that these upgrades are vital for bolstering connectivity between coastal Karnataka and Bengaluru. The memorandum also called for improved passenger amenities, particularly on the Subramanya-Mangaluru passenger route, to enhance travel experiences. Posting about the meeting on X (formerly Twitter), MP Chowta sought support from the Karnataka government, stating, I request our Karnataka govt led by CM Siddaramaiah to kindly provide the necessary state support for the swift redressal of various concerns pertaining to both Konkan Railways as well as HMRDC to ease movement of both people and cargo in this important stretch between Mangalore and Bangalore. The MPs expressed optimism that collaborative efforts between the Centre and the state would address longstanding rail infrastructure challenges in the region.

Hyderabad: Aramghar Flyover to Open in December

Hyderabad: Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is to inaugurate the Aramghar flyover in the first week of December as part of the Prajapalana Vijayotsavalu. The second longest flyover at 4.04 km, it is bi-directional with six lanes. The flyover connects Aramghar to Nehru Zoological Park and is expected to reduce traffic congestion at five Aramghar, Shastripuram, Kalapathar, Darul Uloom, Shivrampally, and Hassannagar. On Tuesday, GHMC commissioner K. Ilambarithi inspected the flyover works along with HMDA commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmad and HMWS&SB executive director Mayank Mittal. Ilambarithi instructed officials to complete the main flyover construction by November 30. Regarding the service road, chief engineer Devanand said 17 properties needed to be acquired , and immediate acquisition of five properties would enable the commencement of work. Ilambarithi directed zonal town planning officials to take swift action to resolve issues.

Fugitive wanted for murder of infant son arrested after 26 years

Accused hailing from Dinnehatti village of SSS district has been living near Hassan in Karnataka under an alias, according to police

New Aramghar-Zoo Flyover to Decongest Old City

Hyderabad: The Old City is poised for major relief from traffic woes with the soon to be inaugurated second-longest flyover in the city connecting Aramghar to Nehru Zoological Park. Alongside this, other infrastructure projects, including the Malakpet Road under Bridge (RuB) and the flyover from Chanchalguda to IS Sadan, are under construction to further improve commuting conditions. The new bi-directional six-lane flyover which is 4.04 km long aims to alleviate traffic at five major junctions: Aramghar, Shastripuram, Kalapathar, Darul Uloom, Shivrampally, and Hassannagar. This facility is expected to ease several bottlenecks along the main road between Aramghar and the zoo. The city's longest flyover remains the 11.6-km PVNR Expressway. Another major project underway is the 3.38-km four-lane bi-directional flyover connecting Nalgonda crossroads to Santoshnagar. Currently under construction, this flyover starts at the Government Printing Press in Chanchalguda. One ramp ends at Yadagiri theatre in Santoshnagar, while the other ramp is meant facilitate traffic towards Champapet. This development will ease congestion at IS Sadan, Saidabad, and Chanchalguda traffic junctions. In addition to these flyovers, the Malakpet RuB is being constructed adjacent to the existing structure and includes approach roads. This new RuB is set to resolve decades-old traffic issues for commuters travelling from Dilsukhnagar to Koti. Once operational, both the Nalgonda crossroads to Santoshnagar flyover and the Malakpet RuB will provide a conflict-free traffic corridor between Nalgonda crossroads and Kanchanbagh Road. These infrastructure enhancements are expected to benefit not only local residents but also officials working in the Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). Info points Ready for inaugural Aramghar to zoo flyover: 4.048 km Work in progress Nalgonda X-roads to Santoshnagar: 3.38 km New Malakpet RuB: 37-metre-long and 11-metre wide

Kalki producers share updates on the sequel

Director Nag Ashwins sci-fi adventure Kalki 2898 AD rocked the box office worldwide and had great performances from Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Hassan, and Prabhas. Eventually, the excitement about the sequel has been soaring, and few speculations too. However, after the screening of 'Kalki 2898 AD' at the International Film Festival in Goa, producers Swapna Dutt and Priyanka Dutt disclosed that the work for Kalki 2 is underway. Pre-production is happening and weve already shot 30-35 percent alongside the first, said Swapna Dutt while speaking to the media on the red carpet. On shooting for Kalki 2 to begin in February, she added, We have not finalized the dates yet but we will surely announce once things fall in place, The Kalki 2898 AD revolved around a pregnant woman, Deepika Padukone, who escapes from the complex of Supreme Yashkin and is later protected by Aswadhama(Amitabh Bachchan) who is on a mission. Deepika will continue to play the mother in some parts of the sequel, informs Swapna. Earlier at an event, Nag Ashwin had claimed that he would be focusing on Kalki 2 and would not be making any other film in between. Kalki 2 is equal to making 2 or 3 films so I would only focus on it, he had said. The film is expected to begin in March next year since the dates of Kamala Hassan, Prabhas, and Deepika have been coordinated for shooting to commence

18 killed in sectarian violence in Pak's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province

Peshawar: At least 18 people were killed and 30 others injured in sectarian violence in northwest Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in the last 24 hours, police said. The clashes between the tribes of Alizai and Bagan in Kurram district bordering Afghanistan took place following Thursday's attack on a convoy of passenger vans in which 47 people were killed by militants. Gunfire is also continuing in Balishkhel, Khar Kali, Kunj Alizai and Maqbal. The tribes are targeting each other with heavy and automatic weapons. So far, 18 people have been killed and 30 injured in the clashes. Independent and media sources reported more than 30 deaths in the clashes. Homes and shops have also been damaged in the fighting. People from various villages have fled to safer locations. Due to the deteriorating situation, all educational institutions in the district remain closed on Saturday, confirmed Muhammad Hayat Hassan, chairman of the Private Education Network. Over 50 passenger vehicles were fired upon at Bagan, Manduri, and Ochhat on Thursday. Six vehicles were directly hit in the firing, resulting in the deaths of 47 people, including women and children, police said. The vehicles were travelling in a convoy from Parachinar to Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, officials said. Most of the victims belonged to the Shia community, they said.

Karnataka HC denies anticipatory bail to Prajwal Revanna in sexual harassment case

Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Friday dismissed the anticipatory bail application filed by former JD (S) MP Prajwal Revanna, who is facing allegations of rape and sexual assault, in connection with a fourth case registered against him. The fourth case was registered against Revanna, accusing him of sexual harassment, on June 12 at cyber crime police station of CID in Bengaluru. In this case he has been booked for sexual harassment, stalking and criminal intimidation, and violation of privacy of IT Act. The complainant in this case is a woman, who was allegedly sexually harassed over a video call. Prajwal's advocates wished to withdraw the anticipatory bail plea on the ground that the chargesheet had been filed in the case, but Justice M Nagaprasanna did not allow them to withdraw the petition, and instead dismissed the plea. Revanna is currently under judicial custody at Parappana Agrahara Jail here, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to probe four separate cases against him. He was arrested by the SIT on May 31 upon arrival at Bengaluru Airport from Germany in connection with a case registered at the Holenarasipura Town Police Station. He was remanded to custody the following day. Revanna had failed in his bid to retain the Hassan parliamentary constituency in this year's Lok Sabha polls. The cases of sexual abuse came to light after pen drives containing explicit videos allegedly involving Prajwal Revanna were reportedly circulated in Hassan, ahead of Lok Sabha polls there on April 26. The JD(S) suspended him from the party following the cases filed against him. In the first case registered against him at the Holenarasipura Town police station in Hassan on April 28, Revanna is accused of sexually harassing a 47-year-old former maid. He is listed as accused number two, while his father and local MLA, H D Revanna, is the primary accused. The second case against Prajwal Revanna was filed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on May 1 after a 44-year-old former member of the Hassan Zilla Panchayat accused him of repeatedly raping her. The third case pertains to rape of a woman in her 60s from Mysuru's K R Nagara, who was also a domestic help. The victim's son had initially filed a kidnap case, alleging abduction of his mother, at the K R Nagar police station on May 2. In this kidnap case, the SIT had arrested Revanna, who is currently out on bail, and had questioned Prajwal's mother Bhavani, who has got anticipatory bail.

Man arrested on charges of raping minor daughter in Hassan

Xi Jinping visits Morocco, meets crown prince

Chinese President Xi Jinping landed in Morocco on Thursday for a rief visit, according to Moroccan state media. Xi was welcomed in Casablanca by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, which Morocco's state news agency MAP called a reflection of strong ...

Imran Khan gets bail in second Toshakhana case

Islamabad: A high court in Pakistan on Wednesday granted bail to incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan in the second Toshakhana case.The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, after concluding the hearing, accepted Khan's bail plea subject to furnishing two bonds of PKR 1 million each. Khan, 72, has been in jail since his arrest on August 5, 2023 and it was not immediately clear if he would be released now. Earlier on Thursday, a court in Pakistan had rejected Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi's acquittal requests in the Toshakhana II case. Also known as Toshakhana 2.0, the case was based on the allegations that Khan and his wife caused loss to the national exchequer by keeping state gifts at discounted prices in violation of rules. The judge also ordered the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to appear before the trial court after bail, warning that the bail could be revoked if he failed to cooperate with the court. Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were arrested in the case on July 13, hours after their acquittal in the Iddat case the same day. Bibi was given bail by the IHC on October 24 and she was released from jail. Khan has been implicated in dozens of cases since his government was dismissed through a no-confidence motion in 2022.

J&K Police Arrest Three Drug Peddlers With Contraband In Baramulla

SRINAGAR, Nov 20: Police have arrested three drug peddlers and recovered contraband substances from their possession in Baramulla district. Police on Wednesday said that a Police party of Uri Police Station headed at a checkpoint established at Gingal Bridge, intercepted one person who was identified as Syed Hassan Shah resident of Gingal. During his search 6.5 Kgs of contraband Cannabis powder-like substances was recovered from his possession. He has been arrested and shifted to the Police Station. Similarly, a Police [] The post J&K Police Arrest Three Drug Peddlers With Contraband In Baramulla appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Jharkhand Polls: Presiding officer replaced over favoritism allegations

Deoghar: Jharkhand BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Wednesday said he had filed a complaint with the Election Commission against a presiding officer for allegedly favouring a ruling party candidate in Madhupur assembly constituency during voting. Dubey claimed that following his complaint, the officer was arrested. I filed a complaint with the Election Commission against the presiding officer at booth number 111 in Madhupur, Deoghar district, for favouring Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidate and Minister Hafizul Hassan. The commission took my complaint seriously and arrested the officer, Dubey told reporters in Deoghar. However, the Deoghar administration said the officer was replaced after being found too close to the voting compartment, which is against Election Commission rules. An official statement from Deoghar administration clarified that the presiding officer at booth number 111 had been replaced. During monitoring in the webcasting room, the presiding officer was found too close to the voting compartment, which violates Election Commission rules and demonstrates gross negligence in performing duties, the statement read. The returning officer has been instructed to conduct a thorough investigation and take legal action if necessary, the statement added. Deoghar SP Ambar Lakra clarified that the officer was replaced, not arrested. The officer has been replaced, and a probe has been initiated. Further action will be based on the investigation report, Lakra told PTI. The JMM alleged that the officer was removed based on a baseless complaint. The officer was removed on a baseless complaint, which will be proven false in the investigation. What's interesting is that the Election Commission acts quickly on Dubey's complaints, but when we file complaints, they go unheard, said JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey. Polling for 38 assembly seats in the second and final phase of the Jharkhand elections is underway on Wednesday, with tight security arrangements in place. Voting began at 7 AM across 14,218 booths in 12 districts and will continue until 5 PM.

Parveen wins Silver in World Karate Cship

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 19: Parveen Singh, son of the soil has brought laurels to Jammu and Kashmir by winning Silver Medal in World Karate Championship. Parveen, son of Subash Singh, resident of Kundanpur (Birpur) showed his strength at World Cup Karate Championship which was held at Peddam Sports Complex Kareswada Mapusa in Goa from November 7 to 10, 2024. A total of 30 countries had participated in the championship under the organisation of Hanshi Hassan Ismail. The post Parveen wins Silver in World Karate Cship appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Israeli strike on Beirut kills Hezbollah media spokesman Mohammed Afif

Mohammed Afif, a Hezbollah media relations officer, was targeted in a rare Israeli strike in central Beirut. Afif was part of the inner circle of the late Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah.

Watch: Moment Israels Dumb Bomb Strikes Photographers Childhood Neighbourhood | Hezbollah War

On November 15, AP photographer Hassan Ammar captured dramatic images of a rocket striking an 11-storey residential building in Beirut, followed by a massive explosion. Ammar, who grew up near the building, rushed to the scene after Israel issued a warning targeting the structure. During Lebanon's civil war, the building was on the front line. Human Rights Watchs Richard Weir reviewed Ammar's photos and identified the bomb as a Mk-84 with a JDAM tail kit.

Aamir Khan introduced me to people in North India: Suriya

Ahead of the release of Kanguva, Suriya, Siva and Disha Patani recently appeared in the IMDb original series Ask Each Other Anything. Actor Suriya shared insights into his latest role in Kanguva, reflecting on the significance and depth he brings to this powerful character. Known for taking on challenging roles, Suriya discussed his approach to Kanguva and talked about inspirations in the film industry. When asked about his initial reaction to the Kanguva script, Suriya explained, I always want to do something thats different from who I am. In most of my films, I take on those kinds of challenges. Be it Pithamagan, Ghajini and even Singam or Rolex. Kanguva is a leader, and it is important to be an inspiration, a role model. It doesn't happen naturally. Salim Khan- Javed Akhtar sir as writers, they are an inspiration. They have changed the film industry. Be it actors like Kamal Hassan sir, Rajinikanth sir, Amitabh Bachchan sir. These people are legends and inspirationsindividuals who made others want to act and be part of this profession because of them. In Kanguva, hes a role model for his community and clan, someone they trust, stand behind, and look up to with certain expectations. He must embody qualities that earn trust, from childhood through fatherhood, growing into a figure others can rely on and look up to as a saviour. Its not just about being a warrior; Kanguva is a complete package. On his favourite Hindi remake of his films, Suriya said, For people who are not aware of the remake, I would like to say again Kaakha Kaakha was Force here, Ghajini was of course just Ghajini in Hindi, and Singham of course was made, but with a lot of changes. Now Sarfira is the remake of Soorarai Pottru. I would actually go back and thank Aamir Khan sir because usually when a remade film is done, the original actor or the cast and the directors, they are not discussed in front of the media. But for the first time, I think, Aamir sir made sure that he spoke about the film and spoke about all the actors and the director. And, of course, I loved what he did in the Hindi version. Even before anybody could speak about me, I think he was solely responsible for people in North India, people who don't speak Tamil, to know about me. He repeatedly kept taking my name, and he introduced me to the rest of the audience. And still other films are very close to my heart. But I would say Ghajini was a wonderful experience, borders were raised, language (barrier) got raised and people got to know me. When asked if theres a role from a favourite film hed like to play, Suriya expressed his admiration for Bollywood classics: I think everything started in 1975 when Sholay and Zanjeer started and the angry young man look started off with those films. The character played by Amitabh ji, a character named 'Vijay' in Zanjeer. I love itits an iconic film, and I would love to again relive those moments. I wish I can do justice to it. Responding to the same question, Patani said, I love superhero movies, so I would say Wonder Woman.

Over 2,500 Sikh pilgrims from India arrive in Pakistan for Guru Nanak's birth anniversary celebrations

LAHORE: Over 2,550 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived here on Thursday to participate in festivities marking the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Secretary Fareed Iqbal, Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar, and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) president Ramesh Singh Aroraalso a minority minister in Maryam Nawaz's cabinet in Punjabwelcomed the pilgrims at the Wagah border. Khokhar said masks will be provided to all pilgrims to protect them from heavy smog. He said extraordinary security arrangements have been made to ensure the pilgrims' safety. As many as 2,559 Indian Sikhs arrived in Lahore today via special trains. They were transported to Nankana Sahib on special buses, ETPB spokesperson Ghulam Mohayuddin told PTI . The main event celebrating Baba Guru Nanak's birth anniversary will be held on Friday at Gurdwara Janamasthan in Nankana Sahib, approximately 80 km from Lahore. Sikhs from other countries will also attend, alongside local attendees, federal and provincial ministers, and officials from ETPB and PSGPC, Mohayuddin said. During their stay, pilgrims will be provided with accommodation, food, transportation, and medical facilities, he said. Pakistan has issued a total of 3,000 visas to Indian Sikhs for the event. Speaking to the media at the Wagah Border, Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee leader Harjeet Singh Pappa expressed his gratitude to the Pakistani authorities for the warm reception. We feel immense joy being here, he said. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee leader Gurnam Singh Jassal said: We are thankful for the love and respect we receive here. PSGPC president Arora said the welcome extended to the pilgrims reflects Pakistan's respect and affection for its minorities. The Sikh pilgrims from India will carry cherished memories back to their homeland, he said. During their 10-day stay, the Indian Sikhs will also visit several holy sites, including Gurdwara Sacha Sauda in Farooqabad, Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal, Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Narowal, Gurdwara Rohri Sahib in Eminabad via Gujranwala, and Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore. The pilgrims will return to India on November 23 via the Wagah Border.