Israel has eliminated the commander of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group’s rocket unit, Khaled Abu-Daka, according to a joint IDF and Israel Security Forces (Shin Bet) statement. The statement added that Abu-Daka was targeted yesterday as he operated in the Deir al-Balah humanitarian zone in central Gaza. Before the strike, extensive measures were taken to minimize the risk to civilians, including the use of precise munitions, accurate intelligence, and aerial surveillance, according to the statement. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 November,2024 08:35 AM IST | Jerusalem | AgenciesKetut Nita Wahyuni lifts her folded hands prayerfully to her forehead as a priest leads the temple gathering. The 11-year-old is preparing to perform the Rejang Dewa, a sacred Balinese dance. The rituals are part of the two-week-long Ngusaba Goreng, a thanksgiving festival for a rich harvest. ‘Ngusaba’ means gathering of the gods and goddesses. Wahyuni and her friends have an important role during the festival. Rejang Dewa and Rejang Pucuk, performed on two separate days, are reserved only for girls who have not yet attained puberty. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 November,2024 08:35 AM IST | Bali | AgenciesPrime Minister Narendra Modi participated in 31 bilateral meetings and informal interactions with world leaders during his five days of three-country tour, officials said on Friday. The engagements included a bilateral meeting with the Nigerian president in Nigeria, 10 bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil and nine during Modi’s visit to Guyana. He also met with the heads and executives of various international organisations like Ursula von der Leyen of the European Union; Antonio Guterres of the UN; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of the World Trade Organization; and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the World Health Organization, among others. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 November,2024 08:34 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesRussia has supplied air defence missiles to North Korea in exchange for sending its troops to support Russia’s war efforts against Ukraine, a top South Korean official said Friday. The US, South Korea and Ukraine say North Korea sent more than 10,000 troops to Russia in October, some of whom have recently began engaging in combat. It has been unclear what Russia would give North Korea in return. Shin Wonsik, national security adviser for President Yoon Suk Yeol, told a SBS TV program Friday that South Korea has found Russia provided missiles and other equipment to reinforce its air defence network for Pyongyang, the North Korean capital. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 November,2024 08:33 AM IST | Seoul | AgenciesThe only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia was released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach, officials said Friday. The adult male, named ‘Gus’ by his caregivers, was found on November 1 on Ocean Beach sand dunes in the town of Denmark in temperate southwest Australia—about 3,500 km north of the icy waters off the Antarctic coast. He was released from a Parks and Wildlife Service boat on Wednesday. The boat traveled for several hours from the city of Albany before Gus was released into the ocean. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 November,2024 08:31 AM IST | Melbourne | AgenciesThousands of Shiite Muslims took to the streets in various cities of Pakistan on Friday, AFP correspondents said, a day afer sectarian attacks in the northwest killed 43 people, including women and children. Gunmen opened fire Thursday on two separate convoys of Shiite Muslims travelling with police escorts in Kurram, a district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near the Afghanistan border with a history of bloody sectarian violence. Several hundred people demonstrated in Lahore, Pakistan's second city, an AFP photographer there saw. "We are tired of counting the bodies. How long will this bloodshed continue?" Khanum Nida Jafri, a 50-year-old religious scholar protesting, told AFP. "Do our oficials not consider Shiites as part of their own population? When will they wake up?" he said. "We are demanding peace for our children and women. Are we asking too much?" Hundreds also demonstrated in Pakistan's commercial hub Karachi. In Parachinar, the main town of Kurram district, thousands participated in a sit-in, while hundreds attended the funerals of the victims, mainly Shiite civilians, resident Muhammad Ali told AFP. "Following the funerals, the youth gathered, chanted slogans against the government, and marched toward a nearby security checkpoint," Ali said. A senior administration oficial, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that "some broke CCTV cameras at the checkpoint... burned tyres and caused damage to property", before the situation de-escalated. Mobile signal across the district was shut down for several hours, according to the oficial. "A curfew has been imposed on the main road connecting Upper and Lower Kurram, and the bazaar remained completely closed, with all traffic suspended," he said. - Tribal feuds - Clashes have erupted over several months between Sunni and Shiite Muslim tribes in the area, which was formerly semi-autonomous. Tribal and family feuds are common in Sunni-majority Pakistan, where the Shiite community has long sufered discrimination and violence. Thursday's attacks also lef 16 people wounded, 11 of whom were in critical condition, senior administrator Javed Ullah Mehsud told AFP. Mehsud said that a local jirga, or tribal council, has been convened to help restore peace and order. Previous clashes in July and September killed dozens of people and ended only afer a jirga called a ceasefire. The latest violence drew condemnation from oficials and human rights groups. "The frequency of such incidents confirms the failure of the federal and provincial governments to protect the security of ordinary citizens," the independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 November,2024 09:42 PM IST | Peshawar | AFPUnion Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held meetings with the Japanese Defence Minister, General Nakatani and the Defence Secretary of the Philippines, Gilberto Teodoro in Laos, ANI reported. In an X post, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "Had a very good meeting with the Defence Minister of Japan, General Nikatani in Vientiane, Lao PDR". As per ANI, Singh showed confidence in the India-Japan partnership and said that it will "play a significant role in ensuring free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region". Had a very good meeting with the Defence Minister of Japan, General Nikatani in Vientiane, Lao PDR. I’m confident that our partnership will play a significant role in ensuing free, open and rules-based Indo Pacific region. pic.twitter.com/GOQBAFbdia — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 22, 2024 The meeting comes right after EAM Jaishankar's comments during the 7th India-Japan Indo-Pacific Forum. Jaishankar noted, "India - Japan Special Strategic Global Partnership serves a cause of regional peace, international stability and global prosperity. It is a bilateral relationship of great trust and growing substance. Our convergences are built on the alignment between India's Act-East Policy, our Indo-Pacific vision of SAGAR, and Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific Vision, as well as our shared support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). As we expand common interests and forge new modes of collaboration, our strategic partnership will progress accordingly." The meeting between the Defence Ministers of India and Japan comes when the two are in Laos to attend the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus forum at Vientiane, ANI reported. Rajnath Singh also held talks with the Defence Secretary of the Philippines in Laos. He wrote on X, "Had an excellent meeting with the Defence Secretary of Philippines, Mr. Gilberto Teodoro". Singh said, "The Philippines is an important partner in our Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. India is strongly committed to further strengthening and expand defence cooperation with the Philippines". Had an excellent meeting with the Defence Secretary of Philippines, Mr. Gilberto Teodoro. Philippines is an important partner in our Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. India is strongly committed to further strengthen and expand defence cooperation with Philippines. pic.twitter.com/pVxPTyybu8 — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 22, 2024 The meeting comes days after India and the Philippines marked celebrations of 75 years of establishing diplomatic ties on November 14, ANI reported. During the event, EAM Jaishankar discussed how the two nations' defense and security cooperation has advanced. He said, "Our convergences and shared interest in the Indo-Pacific have contributed to the strengthening of ties. India- Philippines friendship is truly an enduring one that is poised to now move to a higher orbit". Singh emphasized during the conference India's strong belief in constructive engagement among nations to achieve real, long-term solutions to global problems and India's commitment to dialogue in resolving complex issues. The defence minister again emphasised India's commitment to the promotion of peace and prosperity in the Indo-pacific and said, "In the context of promotion of peace and prosperity in the Indo-pacific, India stands for freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce and adherence to international law." Singh held several bilaterals on the sidelines of the summit. These included meetings with his American, South Korean and Australian counterparts amongst others, ANI reported. He also took part in an Indian Community event where he talked about the progress India has made in several spheres in recent years. He also spoke at length about the commitment of the government to make India a fully developed nation by 2047. (With Inputs from ANI)
22 November,2024 12:58 PM IST | Vientiane | mid-day online correspondentThe International Criminal Court (ICC) headquartered in The Hague has issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Friday, accusing them of "crimes against humanity and war crimes," reported the ANI. Enforcing policies of starvation in Gaza, targeting civilians are some of the charges against the Israeli leaders. The Israeli PM criticised the warrant calling the ICC discussion “antisemitic” on his social media handle, comparing it with the infamous Dreyfus trial. The antisemitic decision of the international court in The Hague is a modern Dreyfus trial, and it will end the same way. pic.twitter.com/e1l8PMghrB — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) November 21, 2024 In a video posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Netanyahu said, "The antisemitic decision of the international court in The Hague is a modern Dreyfus trial, and it will end the same way." Drawing parallels between his situation and the false treason charges against French Jewish officer Alferd Dreyfus, 130 years ago, Netanyahu referred to Emile Zola’s famous essay J'accuse that defended Dreyfus and said, “Now an international court in The Hague, also headed by a French judge, is repeating this outrageous offence. It is falsely accusing me and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of deliberately targeting civilians.” Netanyahu defended the actions of the Israeli military in Gaza, calling it necessary measures to minimise civilian casualties. "We issue millions of text messages, phone calls, and leaflets to warn the citizens of Gaza to get out of harm's way, while Hamas terrorists do everything in their power to keep them in harm's way, including using them as human shields," he said. The Israeli PM dismissed accusations of imposing a starvation policy, and stated that Israel had supplied tons of food in Gaza. He said, "We've supplied Gaza with 700,000 tons of food to feed the people of Gaza. That's 3,200 calories for every man, woman, and child in Gaza. And these supplies are routinely looted by Hamas terrorists, who deprive their people of much-needed food." Noting that Israel had facilitated the polio vaccination of 97 per cent of Gaza’s population, he called ICC’s charges baseless, questioning, "What in God's name are they talking about in The Hague?" The Israeli Prime Minister slammed the ICC for focusing on Israel while continuing to ignore war crimes in countries like Iran, Syria, and Yemen. Netanyahu also denounced the court for its failure to act against Hamas, describing their atrocities during the recent Gaza conflict. "No biassed anti-Israel decision in The Hague will prevent the State of Israel from defending its citizens," stated ANI. Meanwhile, he thanked his allies, especially the United States for condemning the ICC's move and said, "We will continue to do everything we must to defend our citizens and defend our state against Iran's Axis of terror, which includes Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and others." "Our enemies are your enemies, and our victory will be your victory--the victory of civilization over barbarism and tyranny," Netanyahu added. (With inputs from ANI)
22 November,2024 12:13 PM IST | Tel Aviv (Israel) | mid-day online correspondentCanada has officially denied recent media reports from The Globe and Mail that attempted to link the death of NIA-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. This clarification comes days after India vehemently objected to the allegations, calling them baseless. In a statement issued by the Privy Council Office, Nathalie G Drouin, Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Canadian Prime Minister, dismissed these claims. According to ANI, the statement highlighted, “On October 14th, because of a significant and ongoing threat to public safety, the RCMP and officials took the extraordinary step of making public accusations of serious criminal activity in Canada perpetrated by agents of the Government of India.” It further clarified, “The Government of Canada has not stated, nor is it aware of evidence, linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar, or NSA Doval to the serious criminal activity within Canada.” The statement categorically concluded, “Any suggestion to the contrary is both speculative and inaccurate.” India had earlier reacted strongly to these media reports, dismissing them as part of a “smear campaign.” On November 20, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that such claims should be treated with "the contempt they deserve." MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiwal, as reported by ANI, said, “We do not normally comment on media reports. However, such ludicrous statements made to a newspaper purportedly by a Canadian government source should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve. Smear campaigns like this only further damage our already strained ties.” India-Canada relations have hit a new low in recent months, with New Delhi raising concerns about the rise of extremism and anti-India activities in Canada. India has repeatedly urged Canadian authorities to take action against such elements operating within its borders. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had earlier claimed "credible allegations" of India’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing, a claim India has rejected outright as “absurd” and “motivated.” In retaliation, India recalled six diplomats from Canada after they were declared "persons of interest" by the Canadian government in relation to the case. Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist designated by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA), was killed outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18 last year. The case continues to strain the already frayed ties between the two nations. (With inputs from ANI)
22 November,2024 09:34 AM IST | OttawaCulture, cuisine and cricket deeply connect India and Guyana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, asserting that the commonalities provide a strong foundation for friendship between the two nations. Addressing a community programme in Guyana on Thursday, the prime minister praised the Indo-Guyanese community and their contribution to the development of the Caribbean nation. He stressed that the shared values between the two nations provide a strong foundation for their friendship. "Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply. Culture, cuisine and cricket," he said. Modi said both countries are proud of their rich and diverse culture. "We see diversity as something to be celebrated, not just accommodated. Our countries are showing how cultural diversity is our strength," he said. Noting that Indians traditionally carry food wherever they go, the prime minister highlighted that the Indo-Guyanese community has a unique food tradition that blends both Indian and Guyanese elements. "The love for cricket also binds our nations strongly. It is not just a sport. It is a way of life, deeply embedded in our national identity," he said. "Many of our cricket fans enjoyed the T20 World Cup that you hosted this year. Your cheers for the 'Team in Blue' at their match in Guyana could be heard even back home in India!" he added. Saluting the spirit of the Indo-Guyanese community, he said, "You have fought for freedom and democracy. You have worked to make Guyana one of the fastest-growing economies." "From humble beginnings, you have risen to the top," he added. Referring to the diaspora as "rashtradoots", Modi said that they are ambassadors of Indian culture and values. The prime minister underscored that the Indo-Guyanese community is "doubly blessed" as they have Guyana as their "motherland" and "Bharat mata" as their "ancestral land". Recalling his visit to Guyana two decades ago, Modi said he came to the country as a "traveller, full of curiosity". Noting that a lot has changed now that he visited as the Indian prime minister, he said, "The love and affection of my Guyanese brothers and sisters remain the same!" "My experience has reaffirmed - you can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian," he said. Modi also highlighted the "shared history" that binds India and Guyana. "Common struggle against colonial rule, love for democratic values, and respect for diversity," he said. "We have a shared future that we want to create. Aspirations for growth and development, commitment towards economy and ecology, and, belief in a just and inclusive world order," Modi said. The prime minister noted that the top leadership of the two countries has worked to strengthen bilateral cooperation. "Today, we have agreed to widen the scope of our collaboration -from energy to enterprise, Ayurveda to agriculture, infrastructure to innovation, healthcare to human resources, and data to development." "Our partnership also holds significant value for the wider region. The second India-CARICOM summit held yesterday is a testament to the same," he added. On Wednesday, Modi co-chaired the second India-Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Summit here, during which he proposed seven "key pillars" to strengthen ties between India and the Caribbean Community. During the address, Modi asserted that India and Guyana believe in reformed multilateralism as members of the UN and as developing countries, understand the power of the Global South. "We seek strategic autonomy and support inclusive development. We prioritise sustainable development and climate justice. And, we continue to call for dialogue and diplomacy to address global crises," he said. Talking about India's growth, he said it has not only been inspirational but also inclusive. "India's journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability," he said. In a post on X, Modi shared pictures of the event and called it a "very special community programme". "Connecting with the larger Indian family!" the Ministry of External Affairs said in a post on X. "PM commended the Indian diaspora for preserving their culture and traditions. He highlighted India's growth story and invited them to visit their ancestral land," it said. The prime minister arrived here in Guyana on Wednesday, making it the first visit by an Indian head of state to the country in more than 50 years. He was conferred the highest national award in Guyana -- the 'Order of Excellence'. Modi thanked the people of Guyana for the gesture. "This is an honour of 1.4 billion Indians. It is the recognition of the 3 lakh-strong Indo-Guyanese community and their contributions to the development of Guyana," he said during the address. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 November,2024 09:17 AM IST | Georgetown | PTIUS intelligence officials warned American defence companies on Thursday to increase security precautions following several acts of sabotage in Europe that officials have blamed on Russia. The public bulletin issued by the National Counterintelligence and Security Centre advised companies involved in defence work ' particularly those providing support to Ukraine in its war against Russia ' to step up their defences in the face of Russia's escalating aggression toward Ukraine's allies. 'Russia's sabotage activities in Europe increase the risk to US companies abroad and potentially at home," the officials wrote in the warning. 'Such sabotage operations can sow fear and doubt, damage important infrastructure, disrupt commerce, or cause injury and death.' US and European intelligence officials have said Russia perpetrated several recent acts of sabotage targeting European defense companies, logistics facilities, public utilities and military installations. Often, the officials said, Russian intelligence has hired local criminals to carry out the acts, which include arson attacks in the United Kingdom and Poland. Earlier this month, security officials blamed Russia for a plot to smuggle incendiary devices onto cargo planes headed to North America, including one that caught fire at a courier hub in Germany and another that ignited in a warehouse in England. Along with disinformation and propaganda, it's part of a larger hybrid effort to undermine the ability of Ukraine's allies to support its defense against Russia's invasion. Russia has denied the allegations. A message left with Russia's embassy in Washington was not immediately returned Thursday. The National Counterintelligence and Security Center is an agency within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, focused on protecting national assets from intelligence threats. Thursday's bulletin was jointly issued by the FBI and several Department of Defence agencies. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 November,2024 09:13 AM IST | Washington | APADVERTISEMENT
