Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said that the announcement of the 'civil disobedience movement' was made by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan and not him, ARY News reported. Gandapur said that their demands include the release of the party founder, restoration of their mandate, and reversal of unconstitutional amendments. "There is no clarity on this matter yet. We will act on 'civil disobedience' once clarity emerges," ARY News quoted Gandapur as saying. Regarding the civil disobedience movement, Gandapur reiterated that the decision rested with Imran Khan, and whatever action he announces will be followed. Meanwhile, the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza said that the strategy of the proposed 'civil disobedience movement' has been devised, claiming it would be "more successful" than the 2014 one. He added that they want to negotiate and it is their top priority. "We are ready to talk with the government if it has powers, but it has to show its authority", he added. Earlier on December 6, incarcerated former PM Imran Khan said that if the PTI's demands are not met, a 'civil disobedience movement' will follow. He said, "We have two demands- A commission should be formed under the senior most judges of the Supreme Court to conduct an independent inquiry into the events of May 9 and November 26. -Unjustly imprisoned political prisoners should be released A committee headed by Umar Ayub has been formed for negotiations. If the demands are not met, civil disobedience, reduction of remittances and boycott movement will be initiated." Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub on Monday expressed the party's willingness to engage in negotiations with anyone, "whether human or angel," to resolve ongoing political issues, The Express Tribune reported. 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
16 December,2024 08:31 AM IST | Peshawar | ANISri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday and held talks on strengthening economic cooperation between the two nations. Dissanayake said that they discussed strengthening Indo-Sri Lanka economic cooperation, enhancing investment opportunities and fostering regional security. In a post on X, Dissanayake said, "During my official visit to India, I had the privilege of engaging in productive discussions with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval. Our conversations focused on strengthening Indo-Sri Lanka economic cooperation, enhancing investment opportunities, fostering regional security, and advancing key sectors such as tourism and energy. These engagements reaffirm the commitment to deepening the partnership between our two nations." Earlier on Sunday, Dissanayake also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Jaishankar, during his meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday, highlighted the island nation's prominent role in India's Neighborhood First policy and SAGAR Outlook. He further affirmed confidence that President Dissanayake's talks with Prime Minister Modi today will lead to greater cooperation between New Delhi and Colombo. "Pleased to call on President Anura Kumara Disanayake at the start of his first State Visit to India. Sri Lanka is key to both India's Neighborhood First policy and SAGAR Outlook. Confident that the talks with PM Narendra Modi tomorrow will lead to greater trust and deeper cooperation," the EAM stated in a post on X. Dissanayake said he held "fruitful discussions on the matters of mutual interest" during his meetings with EAM Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Earlier in the day, the Sri Lankan President was received by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan in Delhi. This is the first bilateral visit of Dissanayake to India after assuming office in September. The Sri Lankan President is on a day State visit to India from December 15 to December 17. Dissanayake will meet President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit. 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
16 December,2024 08:30 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed holding a phone call with US President-elect Donald Trump, during which he reaffirmed his country's 'determination' to continue acting against Iran and its armed proxies, CNN reported. Netanyahu said in the video message that he had a "very friendly, very warm, and very important conversation" on Saturday (local time) and told about the need for Israel to "complete its victory." The leaders also spoke of the need to bring home the remaining hostages in Gaza. Hamas carried out a massive terror attack on Israel on October 7 killing over 1200 people and holding over 250 as hostages. Around 100 of them are still believed to be in captivity in Gaza. Israel launched a strong counter-offensive targeting Hamas units in Gaza in an operation that has killed over 45,000 Palestinians. "I discussed all of this again last night with my friend, US President-elect Donald Trump," Netanyahu said in a statement. "It was a very friendly, very warm and very important conversation. We spoke about the need to complete Israel's victory, and we also spoke at length about the efforts we are making to free our hostages," he said as quoted by CNN. Netanyahu said that Israel continues to "work tirelessly to bring our hostages home, both the living and the dead. And I add, the less we talk about it, the better, and so with God's help, we will succeed." On Sunday, the Israeli Prime Minister took to social media platform X and strongly affirmed that they would "change" the Middle East. "I said we would change the Middle East and this is what is happening. Syria is not the same Syria. Lebanon is not the same Lebanon. Gaza is not the same Gaza. Iran is not the same Iran," Netanyahu said in a post on X. "We are committed to preventing Hezbollah from rearming," he said. "This is an ongoing test for Israel, we must meet it - and we will meet it. I say to Hezbollah and Iran in no uncertain terms - to prevent you from harming us, we will continue to act against you as much as necessary, in every arena and at all times," as per Times of Israel. Since the rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrew the over two-decades-long Bashar al-Assad regime on December 8, Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes across Syria and carried out a land incursion that stretches past the occupied Golan Heights into a previously demilitarized buffer zone, as reported by The Washington Post. The Israeli army swiftly took control of the abandoned army positions, and air attacks have decimated most of Syria's military capabilities. Netanyahu reiterated that recent airstrikes against Syrian military sites were carried out to ensure that the weapons would not be used against Israel in the future. Israel also hit arms supply routes to Hezbollah, he said, acording to Times of Israel. "We have no interest in a conflict with Syria," Netanyahu said. "We will determine Israel's policy toward Syria according to the emerging reality on the ground." Netanyahu has said that Israel has "no intention of interfering" in Syria's internal affairs, but also warned to take "necessary" measures if the current regime allows Iran to re-establish itself in Syria or transfers weapons to Hezbollah. 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
16 December,2024 08:22 AM IST | Tel Aviv | ANIDozens of kids cheered on a festively decked-out plane in Denver on Saturday when the pilot announced their destination for the day: the North Pole. More than 100 children, some of whom have serious health issues, were then taken on a roughly 45-minute flight near the city before landing back at Denver International Airport and being towed to a hangar transformed by United Airlines employees and volunteers into the North Pole. Streamers, paper snowflakes and tufts of cotton resembling feathery snow dotted the plane and seats. Flight personnel paraded a bubble machine up and down the aisle to shouts of “bubbles, bubbles, bubbles” from the excited children. Holiday songs played in the background and there were apple snacks and juice for all. Before landing, the children were asked to close their window shades. When they opened, the kids were met by the sight of a waiting Santa and Mrs Claus and a host of elves. An ice cream truck was on hand and the children received gifts. United Capt. Bob Zimmermann, the holiday flight’s pilot, was struck by the joy and wonder of the youngsters. “Throughout the year I’ll think of the fantasy flight,” he said. “When life seems to get tough or I want to complain about something, I remember these kids and the joy and the love and what this feels like, and it just keeps my life in perspective.” United partnered with Make-A-Wish Colorado, Girls Inc., Children’s Hospital Colorado and Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association to invite Denver-area kids ages 3 to 10 years on the flight. 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
16 December,2024 07:39 AM IST | Denver | AgenciesThe new head of security arrived at Damascus’ international airport with his men, who marched with other rebels across Syria to the capital. The few maintenance staff who showed up for work huddled around Maj Hamza al-Ahmed, eager for answers about what happens next. They unloaded all their complaints, pent up for years during the rule of President Bashar Assad, which now, inconceivably, is over. They told him they were denied promotions and perks funneled to pro-Assad favorites, that bosses threatened them with prison for working too slowly. They warned him of hardcore Assad supporters among the airport staff, ready to return whenever the facility reopens. As al-Ahmed tried to reassure them, Osama Najm, an engineer, confessed: “This is the first time we talk.” This was the first week of Syria’s transformation after Assad’s unexpected fall. The transition has been surprisingly smooth. Reports of reprisals, revenge killings and sectarian violence have been minimal. Looting and destruction have been quickly contained, insurgent fighters disciplined. On Saturday, people went about their lives as usual in the capital, Damascus. Only a single van of fighters was seen. Calls for peace, support to political transition A joint statement after a ministerial meeting on Syria’s future is calling for all parties to cease hostilities there and expresses support for a locally led transitional political process. The statement was issued Saturday after a meeting in Jordan by several Arab nations, the United States, Turkey, the European Union and others. It called for preventing the reemergence of extremist groups in Syria and ensuring the security and safe destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles. It also expressed full support for Syria’s territorial integrity. A separate statement issued by Arab foreign ministers called for UN-supervised elections based on a new constitution approved by Syrians. 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
16 December,2024 07:38 AM IST | Damascus | AgenciesUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken has wrapped up perhaps his last Middle East as America’s top diplomat, with the aim of preventing Syria from spiralling out of control after the sudden ouster of President Bashar Assad. Blinken held meetings Jordan, Turkey and Iraq with the aim of trying to shape the future of post-Assad Syria by forging consensus among regional partners and allies whose interests often diverge. A new Syria Blinken left Washington just three days after Assad fled for Russia, a longtime ally. Blinken said his goal was to convince countries in the Mideast and elsewhere that they should commit to backing the US view of how Syria should be run after decades of Assad family rule. To that end, he said he had secured the backing of the 12 foreign ministers from the Arab League, Turkey and top officials from the European Union and United Nations who held an emergency meeting in the Jordanian port city of Aqaba. Stability to deter IS group Syria is riven by partisan and sectarian infighting that led in part to rise of the Islamic State militant group in the first place. Turkey, Syria’s neighbour to the north, is deeply suspicious of Syrian and Iraqi Kurds. Turkey deems them terrorists, although some of those Kurds have proved to be key American partners in the fight to destroy IS. The US helped broker an agreement between the Turks and one of those Kurdish groups, the Syrian Defense Forces, after Assad’s departure. 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
16 December,2024 07:38 AM IST | Aqaba | AgenciesSouth Korea’s opposition leader offered Sunday to work with the government to ease the political tumult as officials sought to reassure allies and markets, a day after the opposition-controlled parliament voted to impeach conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol over a short-lived attempt to impose martial law. Liberal Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, whose party holds a majority in the National Assembly, urged the Constitutional Court to rule swiftly on Yoon’s impeachment and proposed a special council for policy cooperation between the government and parliament. Yoon’s powers have been suspended until the court decides whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. If Yoon is dismissed, a national election to choose his successor must be held within 60 days. The court will meet to discuss the case today, and has up to 180 days to rule. But observers say that a court ruling could come faster. In the case of parliamentary impeachments of past presidents—Roh Moo-hyun in 2004 and Park Geun-hye in 2016—the court spent 63 days and 91 days, respectively, before determining to reinstate Roh and dismiss Park. 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
16 December,2024 07:38 AM IST | Seoul | AgenciesThe United States is in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has gained control of Damascus after overthrowing the over two-decade regime of Bashar al-Assad, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken confirmed on Saturday (local time). Blinken also affirmed that the US is committed to finding home Austin Tice, an American journalist who has been missing in Syria since 2012. "We've been in contact with HTS and with other parties. We have impressed upon everyone we've been in contact with the importance of helping find Austin Tice and bringing him home," he told reporters in Jordan. "We've also shared the principles that I just laid out for our ongoing support - principles, again, that have now been adopted by countries throughout the region and well beyond. And we've communicated those," Blinken added. Regarding, reports of Russian military withdrawal from Syria, Blinken acknowledged reports of Russian withdrawals, though he refrained from offering specific details beyond media reports. "I can't comment on anything beyond what I've seen in - reported in the media," Blinken remarked, directing further inquiries to other administration officials for clarification. Notably, Blinken, who was on an unannounced tour to the Middle East, met Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in Baghdad on Friday to discuss the future of neighbouring Syria. Blinken arrived in Baghdad after stopping in Turkiye, where he also emphasised the importance of working against a resurgence of ISIL. During his meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, he spoke stressed the importance of a "Syria-led" and "Syrian-owned" transition. Blinken's visit to Baghdad was the final stop on his Middle East tour, following the toppling of President Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria. According to Al Jazeera, Blinken and al-Sudani discussed the need for Syria's transition from dictatorship to democracy to be inclusive and protective of all minorities. They discussed "the conviction of so many countries in the region and beyond that as Syria transitions from the Assad dictatorship to hopefully a democracy, it does so in a way that, of course, protects all of the minorities in Syria, that produces an inclusive, nonsectarian government", Blinken said, adding that Syria "should not become a platform for terrorism." "I think this is a moment as well for Iraq to reinforce its own sovereignty as well as its stability, security and success going forward," Blinken said. After the Syria rebel forces led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Shamb entered Damascus, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee from the country, ending his over two-decade rule in the country. Recently, the opposition declared Mohammed al-Bashir as the interim Prime Minister. al-Bashir prioritised the repatriation of Syrian refugees living abroad as one of his main objectives. He said that one of his first goals is to "bring back the millions of Syrian refugees who are abroad." He also emphasised the need for "stability and calm" in Syria and stated that he is collaborating with officials from Bashar al-Assad's former regime to restore public services and institutions. 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
15 December,2024 11:04 AM IST | Washington | ANITaiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) said that 4 Chinese military aircraft and 6 naval vessels were detected operating near Taiwan until 6 am (local time). Of the 4 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 2 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, according to Taiwan's MND. The details were shared by Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) in a post on X. https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1868098798167466173 "4 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 2 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly," Taiwan MND said on X. On Saturday, Taiwan reported 17 Chinese aircraft, and 5 naval vessels near its territory. "17 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 13 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly," Taiwan MND said on X. This incident follows a recent pattern of escalated manoeuvres by China around Taiwan, raising concerns over regional stability as Beijing continues to assert its claims over the island. In response to the PLA's activities, the MND initiated war-preparedness drills at strategic locations across the island and is closely coordinating with the Coast Guard Administration to implement appropriate countermeasures. The Taiwan-China issue is a complex and longstanding geopolitical conflict centred on Taiwan's sovereignty. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), operates its own government, military, and economy, functioning as a de facto independent state. However, China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and insists on the "One China" policy, which asserts that there is only one China, with Beijing as its capital. This has fuelled decades of tension, especially since the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949), when the ROC government retreated to Taiwan after the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, took control of mainland China. Beijing has consistently expressed its goal of reunification with Taiwan, using diplomatic, economic, and military pressure to isolate Taiwan internationally. Meanwhile, Taiwan, supported by a significant portion of its population, continues to maintain its independence. 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
15 December,2024 11:04 AM IST | Taipei | ANIUS Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, expressed deep concern over the ongoing atrocities against Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh. He reiterated the importance of safeguarding religious minorities worldwide, highlighting that such protections are foundational not only to democracy but also to global peace. During an informal visit to St. Xavier's College in Maharo, Dumka, Garcetti spoke with ANI, stressing that the protection of religious minorities must be a priority regardless of the country in which they reside. “We have been very clear that around the world, religious minorities must be protected no matter what country they live in. That’s a cornerstone not only of democracy but of peace in the world,” he said. Garcetti further emphasised that the US has been actively engaging with countries like India and Bangladesh to ensure the voices of these minorities are heard and protected. His comments come amid mounting concerns over the rising violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, where several incidents have left Hindus vulnerable to persecution. The US government has repeatedly called for action to prevent such violence and ensure religious freedom for all communities. Garcetti’s visit to Dumka, part of a cultural exchange programme, also included discussions on the region’s deep-rooted traditions. He described Jharkhand as the "heartland of India," highlighting the significance of the Santhal people and their connection to the land. “This entire region is such a heartland of India, a place where the people are close to the land, where the traditions run deep,” Garcetti said, adding that his visit to Jharkhand had been on his list since meeting President Murmu. The Ambassador also reflected on the similarities between the cultures of Indian and American tribes, noting the shared reverence for nature and the importance of preserving the environment. High Commissioner of Malta to India, Reuben Gauci, who accompanied Garcetti on the visit, also acknowledged the historical connections between Malta and Dumka. He shared that the Jebusites, a group of Maltese missionaries, had arrived in the region in 1925, marking the beginning of the ties between Malta and Jharkhand. Gauci expressed pride in his connection to Dumka, a place not widely recognised even in his home country. He noted the significance of his relationship with the local Santhali community, with many of the early Maltese missionaries fluent in the Santhali language. Gauci shared a post on social media, thanking Garcetti for taking the time to visit Dumka and explore the Jisu Jaher complex, founded by Maltese Jesuits in India. The post also mentioned meeting with Maltese missionaries Fr. Paul Aquilina SJ and Marcette Buttigieg, further emphasising the long-standing ties between Malta and the region. (With inputs from ANI)
15 December,2024 09:32 AM IST | DumkaThe reopening of Notre Dame was a solemn celebration of cultural and spiritual renewal. Yet for some, the historic cathedral's revival also felt like a meticulously choreographed branding event from Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessey (LVMH) and other luxury conglomerates. Bernard Arnault, the billionaire behind luxury powerhouse LVMH and a key Notre Dame donor who regularly tops the list of the world's richest men, was at the center of the celebration. He was surrounded by his family, the French president, the archbishop and clergy, and the unmistakable symbols of his luxury empire's influence, including its brands Louis Vuitton and Dior. LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault. PIC/GETTY IMAGES First lady, Brigitte Macron held a Lady Dior handbag. Louis Vuitton artistic director Pharrell Williams performed kitted out in Louis Vuitton. “Welcome to the inauguration of the LVMH arena,” commented television journalist Yann Barthes about the cathedral ceremony this week. Some questioned the taste of such brand prominence occurring in a sacred space like the beloved Gothic monument, while noting LVMH's crucial contribution to the reconstruction. Not far behind Arnault sat representatives of Kering (parent company of brands like Gucci, YSL, Balenciaga, etc) adding another layer to the ongoing rivalry between France’s two largest luxury conglomerates. 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
15 December,2024 08:21 AM IST | Paris | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
