3 injured as parcel sent to Gujarat HC lawyer's clerk explode | India News - Times of India
A parcel exploded at the Gujarat high court lawyer's clerk's residence in Sabarmati, injuring three. Police suspect a personal dispute, arresting the delivery man. The clerk, Baldev Sukhadia, stated the sender was unknown, and he became suspicious upon seeing smoke. Sukhadia believes the prime suspect, Rupen Barot, targeted him due to suspected involvement with Barot's wife.
US military conducts precision airstrikes against Houthi targets in Sanaa
CAIRO (Reuters) - The U.S. military on Saturday said it conducted precision airstrikes against a missile storage facility and a command-and-control facility operated by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen's capital, Sanaa. In a statement, the U.S. military's Central Command said the strikes aimed to "disrupt and degrade Houthi operations, such as attacks against U.S. Navy warships and merchant vessels in the Southern Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden".
Soccer-Meret to the rescue as Napoli edge Genoa to reclaim top spot
Napoli lead the standings on 38 points from 17 games, one point ahead of Atalanta who host Empoli on Sunday. Genoa are 14th with 16 points, two points above the relegation zone. Napoli dominated the first half with Romelu Lukaku striking the woodwork with a header in the opening minutes. Anguissa put Napoli ahead after 15 minutes, rising highest to send his header into the net helped by a deflection. Eight minutes later, Rrahmani doubled the lead with a looping header from a set piece that found the top corner. Napoli thought they had a third when Scott McTominay blasted the ball into the roof of the net from close range but it was ruled out after an offside in the build-up. After the break, Genoa ramped up the pressure, with Andrea Pinamonti unleashing a shot from the edge of the box that forced Meret into a full-length fingertip save. Pinamonti did pull one back for Genoa six minutes after the break, calmly slotting a low shot into the bottom corner after receiving Vitinha's pass from the byline. Genoa dominated much of the second half, with Meret forced into a quick reaction save following a dangerous header from Milan Badelj not long after the hour mark. In the dying moments of the match, Meret was called into action again, making a crucial fingertip save to deny substitute Caleb Ekuban as he attempted to tap in a cross. "It was a game with two faces," said Meret. "In the first half Genoa waited for us, we controlled the game creating several chances and we were good at capitalising with two goals," he told DAZN. "In the second half, however, they came back much more aggressively, pressing us all over the pitch and putting us in difficulty." (Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk; Editing by Toby Davis and Ken Ferris)
Soccer-Schick nets four as Leverkusen thrash Freiburg 5-1
Wirtz doubled the lead with a close-range finish at the near post six minutes after the break before the visitors got on the scoresheet with Vincenzo Grifo's low drive four minutes later. Schick restored the hosts' two-goal advantage by heading home Wirtz's assist in the 67th and nabbed a hat-trick seven minutes later after again linking up with the 21-year-old. The Czech international got his fourth goal with another header from a corner 13 minutes from time to complete the rout. (Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; Editing by Ken Ferris)
Delhi's AQI improves after 3 days, to jump back to 'severe'
The Capital woke up to a relatively improved air on Saturday after a streak of four "severe" air days, however, forecasts suggest the respite is short-lived. The 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) on Saturday was recorded at 370 (very poor) at 4pm, according to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) daily national bulletin. The AQI was 429 (severe) on Friday and 451 (severe plus) on Thursday. The AQI had been deteriorating consistently since last Sunday due to a drop in wind speed, making it the worst since December 2021. The India Meteorological Department's (IMD) forecast shows the air quality will be back to "severe" on Sunday. Also read | Delhi air pollution: Toxic smog envelopes NCR According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) for Delhi, the predominant surface wind on Saturday was mostly from the northwest direction. The wind speed had gone to 8kmph momentarily during the day, facilitating the improvement in air quality. However, the AQEWS bulletin said that the wind speed is expected to become less than 4kmph during the night. "The air quality is likely to be in severe category on Sunday and in very poor category from Monday to Tuesday. Meteorological condition is likely to be unfavourable for effective dispersion of pollutants. The outlook for subsequent six days is that the air quality is likely to be in very poor to poor category," the AQEWS bulletin on Saturday evening said. Further, IMD has also predicted two western disturbances to affect the region in the coming days. Delhi's temperature did not show a significant change on Saturday. The minimum was logged at 7.6 degrees Celsius (°C) half a notch below normal and 0.1 °C up from Friday's minimum. The maximum was recorded at 23.4 °C, one degree above normal and 0.1 °C above the maximum a day before. "A western disturbance is likely to affect Delhi on December 22-23, but this will be for a short span and its effects will be momentary. However, an active western disturbance will hit the region from December 26-27, which is likely to cause scattered to widespread rainfall over the plains of northwest India and snowfall over the western Himalayan region," Krishna Mishra, scientist at IMD said. Experts added that the rain during the second western disturbance might cause an improvement in pollution levels. According to forecasts by IMD, the maximum and minimum are expected to be around 24 °C and 8 °C, respectively, on Sunday. IMD has also forecast very light rain or a drizzle on Sunday and has issued a yellow alert for Monday, warning about the possibility of a dense fog.
Soccer-Jesus haunts Palace again as Arsenal close gap at top
He found Palace to his liking again with two goals inside the opening 15 minutes and almost completed another hat-trick before the break as his header came off the post with Kai Havertz tapping in the rebound to make it 3-1. Jesus was involved again as compatriot Gabriel Martinelli effectively killed off Palace on the hour and Declan Rice completed the rout with his first league goal of the season. A lively start to the game had seen Ismaila Sarr level for the hosts and Palace were still very much in the match until Havertz gave them too much to do. Arsenal moved back above Nottingham Forest into third place with 33 points from 17 games. Liverpool have 36 from 15 games with Chelsea on 34 from 16. Palace are in 15th place. It was the sixth time in 2024 that Arsenal have scored five goals or more in away games in all competitions, although on this occasion the scoreline was slightly flattering. There was also a worrying injury to Bukayo Saka to take the gloss off their victory -- the England forward having to go off with a hamstring injury in the first half. Jesus opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Saka's cross was deflected into his path and he pounced to smash a shot past Dean Henderson. Arsenal's lead did not last long though as Sarr produced a superb curling finish in the 11th minute. Jesus was unstoppable though and when Thomas Partey played the ball back to him he dispatched a clinical finish into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area. With his confidence sky high, Jesus then headed a Martinelli cross against the post and Havertz followed up. Arsenal keeper David Raya had to make two superb saves early in the second half but Arsenal got some breathing space when Martinelli touched in from close range after Jesus's blocked shot produced a goalmouth scramble. Rice, who came on as a substitute, then sent Arsenal into the festive fixtures on a high with a clinical finish. (Reporting by Martyn HermanEditing by Toby Davis)
CM, Dy. CM. take stock of preparations for Belagavi event
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Cabinet colleagues on Saturday held a preparatory meeting for the event being organised in Belagavi to mark the centenary of the Congress session presided over by Mahatma Gandhi back in 1924. The grand anniversary event in Belagavi is slated for December 26 and 27. Speaking after the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said, "We will extend invitations cutting across party lines for the unveiling of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Suvarna Soudha. Congress leaders M. Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi will unveil the statue. Public are not allowed for this event in view of security restrictions." There will be a mega public rally on December 27 morning. Many national leaders will speak on the occasion. "Party workers from across the State will participate in the meeting," he said. The 39th session of the Indian National Congress, held in Belagavi in 1924, was the only one presided over by Mahatma Gandhi. Published - December 22, 2024 03:21 am IST Read Comments
Precision Airstrikes Target Houthi Command Centers in Yemen | Law-Order
The U.S. military conducted precision airstrikes targeting missile storage and command facilities operated by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen's capital, Sanaa. The strikes aimed to disrupt Houthi operations in the Red Sea and were part of ongoing U.S. efforts to counter attacks on international shipping and military vessels. The U.S. military has confirmed that it executed a series of precision airstrikes on facilities in Sanaa, Yemen, controlled by Iran-backed Houthis. These facilities included a missile storage site and a command-and-control center. According to a statement from U.S. Central Command, the objective of the strikes was to impede Houthi operations, which have targeted U.S. Navy warships and merchant vessels in crucial waterways including the Southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Among the targets were multiple Houthi-operated one-way drones and anti-ship cruise missiles. This military action follows another U.S. strike earlier in the week and coincides with Israeli retaliatory measures against Houthi-held ports. The Houthis have been accused of enforcing a naval blockade against Israel in solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing conflict.
Soccer-Jesus returns to form in nick of time for Arsenal as Saka injured
But the Brazilian bagged a hat-trick in a 3-2 win in midweek and was razor sharp again with two more at Selhurst Park as third-placed Arsenal closed to three points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool. Should Saka, Arsenal's player of the season so far, be out for a significant time with a hamstring injury, an in-form Jesus will certainly be needed. "He has certainly clicked and he needed that to unlock that confidence and belief," Arteta said. "To score five goals in two games is not easy in football. Saka, who has scored five goals and has 10 assists in the Premier League this season, departed midway through the first half and left the stadium on crutches and must now be a serious doubt for the holiday fixtures. "It's difficult to guess now. They have tested him but difficult to say how bad it is," is all Arteta would say. Jesus looks like a man re-born after seemingly forgetting how to score. He fired home after six minutes and smashed his second into the top corner after 14 minutes to restore Arsenal's lead following Ismaila Sarr's leveller. He almost made it back-to-back hat-tricks when his header hit the post and Kai Havertz followed up to make it 3-1 before halftime and really should have done so when he failed to score from close range in the second half, seconds before Gabriel Martinelli made it 4-1. "At one point I was feeling (pressure) but still I never doubted my quality," Jesus told the BBC. "I never doubted I can score goals. Obviously when you are having a bad moment you have to keep your mind strong, and that's what I tried to do. "Sometimes I know when I played and leave with a smile on my face everything is different because I am grateful to God, he's great with me and it's impossible to do it without him." (Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Toby Davis)
Soccer-Man City gloom deepens with defeat at Villa, Arsenal thrash Palace
Goals either side of halftime by Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers put Villa in control at Villa Park and Phil Foden's stoppage-time reply was the smallest of consolations for City. One victory in their last 12 games has seen City exit the League Cup, flirt with elimination from the Champions League and has all but ended any hopes of a fifth successive English title. A sixth league defeat of the season left City in sixth position on 27 points from 17 games, with Villa jumping above them into fifth spot with 28 points. Arsenal have also dropped too many points of late but responded with a clinical 5-1 victory at Crystal Palace with Gabriel Jesus following up his midweek League Cup hat-trick against the same opponents with two more goals. Mikel Arteta's side are third with 33 points from 17 games -- three behind leaders Liverpool who have two games in hand and visit mid-table Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Second-placed Chelsea can top the standings, briefly at least, on Sunday if they win at Everton. Nottingham Forest fans will be pinching themselves as Christmas approaches after a 2-0 victory at Brentford, who were unbeaten at home, put them fourth with 31 points. A hat-trick by Alexander Isak helped Newcastle United to a 4-0 victory at struggling Ipswich Town to lift Eddie Howe's side into seventh in the standings with 26 points. Brighton & Hove Albion are ninth with 25 points after a 1-1 draw in a lacklustre game at West Ham United. City's nightmare before Christmas continued on the shortest day of the year and Guardiola can only hope they have now reached rock bottom and the gloom will relent soon. Villa took the lead in the 16th minute as Youri Tielemans threaded a pass to Rogers who cleverly fed Colombia striker Duran to score his 12th goal of the season. Former City graduate Rogers made it 2-0 in the 65th minute and City never looked like getting anything although Foden's first league goal of the season at least offered a little cheer. "If there is a moment that I cannot overthink it is right now," Guardiola said. "I try to be simple, stick to my principles and give certainty to the team. Remarkably, if bottom club Southampton avoid defeat at Fulham on Sunday, City will be the worst team in the Premier League since Nov. 1 in terms of points collected. Jesus scored twice inside the opening 15 minutes at Selhurst Park in the late kick off, either side of Ismaila Sarr's equaliser for the hosts. Kai Havertz made it 3-1 after a Jesus header came back off the post and Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice rubbed salt into Palace's wounds in the second period. The one setback for Arsenal was a hamstring injury to Bukayo Saka who went off midway through the first half. It was the sixth time in 2024 that the Gunners had scored five or more goals away, a record for an English top-flight club. "We are not halfway but we are going to try. For us it is on," Arteta said of Arsenal's title prospects. Goals by Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga secured a third successive win for Forest against a Brentford side who had been rock-solid at home. "It's a bit of a dream (to be in the top four)," defender Aina said. "It's good to get the three points and good for the fans. They deserve it as well. The manager (Nuno Espirito Santo) has his philosophy and he's brought that into the club." (Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Toby Davis and Ken Ferris)
AI can reveals hidden hazards of chemical mixtures in rivers: Study
Artificial intelligence can provide important insights into how complex chemical mixes in rivers affect aquatic life, paving the path for more effective environmental protection. A novel methodology developed by academics at the University of Birmingham shows how advanced artificial intelligence (AI) approaches can assist in discovering potentially dangerous chemical chemicals in rivers by monitoring their impacts on small water fleas (Daphnia). The team worked with scientists at the Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences (RCEES), in China, and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), in Germany, to analyse water samples from the Chaobai River system near Beijing. This river system receives chemical pollutants from a number of different sources, including agricultural, domestic and industrial. Professor John Colbourne is the director of the University of Birmingham's Centre for Environmental Research and Justice and one of the senior authors on the paper. He expressed optimism that, by building upon these early findings, such technology can one day be deployed to routinely monitor water for toxic substances that would otherwise be undetected. He said: "There is a vast array of chemicals in the environment. Water safety cannot be assessed one substance at a time. Now we have the means to monitor the totality of chemicals in sampled water from the environment to uncover what unknown substances act together to produce toxicity to animals, including humans." The results, published in Environmental Science and Technology, reveal that certain mixtures of chemicals can work together to affect important biological processes in aquatic organisms, which are measured by their genes. The combinations of these chemicals create environmental hazards that are potentially greater than when chemicals are present individually. The research team used water fleas (Daphnia) as test organisms in the study because these tiny crustaceans are highly sensitive to water quality changes and share many genes with other species, making them excellent indicators of potential environmental hazards. "Our innovative approach leverages Daphnia as the sentinel species to uncover potential toxic substances in the environment," explains Dr Xiaojing Li, of the University of Birmingham (UoB) and the lead author of this study. "By using AI methods, we can identify which subsets of chemicals might be particularly harmful to aquatic life, even at low concentrations that wouldn't normally raise concerns." Dr Jiarui Zhou, also at the University of Birmingham and co-first author of the paper, who led the development of the AI algorithms, said: "Our approach demonstrates how advanced computational methods can help solve pressing environmental challenges. By analysing vast amounts of biological and chemical data simultaneously, we can better understand and predict environmental risks." Professor Luisa Orsini, another senior author of the study, added: "The study's key innovation lies in our data-driven, unbiased approach to uncovering how environmentally relevant concentrations of chemical mixtures can cause harm. This challenges conventional ecotoxicology and paves the way to regulatory adoption of the sentinel species Daphnia, alongside new approach methodologies." Dr Timothy Williams of the University of Birmingham and co-author of the paper also noted that: "Typically, aquatic toxicology studies either use a high concentration of an individual chemical to determine detailed biological responses or only determine apical effects like mortality and altered reproduction after exposure to an environmental sample. However, this study breaks new ground by allowing us to identify key classes of chemicals that affect living organisms within a genuine environmental mixture at relatively low concentration while simultaneously characterising the biomolecular changes elicited."
Soccer-Napoli's narrow win over Genoa leaves Conte unimpressed
"If you only see the result and three points, you don't build anything. Our first half was our best of the season and I really did not expect the second half to be like that. Maybe I felt it in the locker room at halftime," Conte told DAZN. "The players need to realise they must play from start to finish, with their foot on the gas at all times. I did not like a single thing about the second half. Defend by attacking, that has to be our mantra. "I have players who know where they need to improve and they will go home disappointed today at almost throwing away three points." Napoli are back at the top of Serie A, but that might be temporary as Atalanta play Empoli on Sunday and are one point behind. "If we want to have the least bit of ambition and be up there causing trouble for the top spots, then we need to be on it for 95 minutes," Conte said. Genoa manager Patrick Vieira was happy with his side's efforts despite their six-match unbeaten run coming to an end. "We showed that we could play good football but in the end we did not take any points. After the game I told the boys that if we continue to do as we did in the second half we will win more games," he told reporters. "It was a first half where we didn't play the way we wanted to play. But I think the quality of the opponent also put the team in difficulty. "In the second half we were more aggressive, we grew and I think the team deserved the point. I feel sorry for the players." (Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk; Editing by Toby Davis)
India condemns attack at Magdeburg Christmas market in Germany
In an official press release, the MEA expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating, "We condemn the horrific and senseless attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Several precious lives have been lost, and many have been injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims." The statement confirmed that the Indian Mission in Germany is in contact with the injured Indian nationals and their families, providing all possible assistance. "Our Mission is in contact with Indians who are injured, as well as their families, and rendering all possible assistance," the statement read. The attack unfolded on Friday evening when a car deliberately ploughed into a crowd at the bustling market, causing widespread devastation. According to local authorities, among the five fatalities were an adult and a toddler, while the injured included over 200 people, of whom 15 sustained serious injuries, 37 moderate injuries, and 16 minor injuries confirmed. The suspect, identified as a Saudi national residing in Germany since 2006 and working as a doctor, has been apprehended. Saxony-Anhalt Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff confirmed the arrest and stated, "According to the current information, it is an individual perpetrator, so there is no longer any danger to the city because we were able to arrest him." World leaders have expressed shock and solidarity in the wake of the attack. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as "horrifying," offering support to Germany in his statement: "I am horrified by the atrocious attack in Magdeburg tonight. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected. We stand with the people of Germany." French President Emmanuel Macron conveyed his condolences and solidarity through a post on X, saying, "Deeply shocked by the horror that struck the Magdeburg Christmas market in Germany this evening. My thoughts are with the victims, the injured, and their loved ones. France shares the pain of the German people and expresses its full solidarity." Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly condemned the act of violence, stating, "I am deeply shocked by the brutal attack on the defenseless crowd at the Christmas market in Magdeburg. I stand with the entire government, the families of the victims, the injured, and all the German people. Violence must have no place in our democracies." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also extended her condolences and called for justice. She wrote, "My thoughts today are with the victims of the brutal and cowardly act in Magdeburg. My condolences go out to the family and friends, my thanks to the police and rescue workers. This act of violence must be investigated and severely punished." In Germany, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser expressed deep sorrow over the attack, acknowledging the extensive efforts of emergency responders. She remarked, "This news from Magdeburg is deeply shocking. The emergency services are doing everything they can to care for the injured and save lives. All our thoughts are with the victims and their families." Faeser assured the public that authorities are thoroughly investigating the incident to uncover the motive and any underlying circumstances. German officials have emphasised that preliminary investigations point to the suspect acting alone, and there is no indication of further threats. Haseloff noted, "We are currently in the process of compiling all further data and also carrying out the interrogation." The attack, however, has cast a sombre shadow over the festive season in Magdeburg, prompting heightened security measures at public events across the country. (ANI)
Pakistan slams US allegations on missile capabilities, warns against damaging bilateral ties - Times of India
Pakistan has described as "unfortunate" the recent comments made by a US official regarding its missile capabilities and delivery systems, warning that such "unfounded" allegations would harm the overall relationship between the two countries. Earlier the US Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer accused Pakistan of developing long-range ballistic missile capabilities, which he claimed could eventually target regions beyond South Asia, including the United States. In a statement responding to media queries about Finer's remarks, Pakistan's Foreign Office said the US official's comments were "unfortunate" and lacked "rationality and sense of history." It added that the claims were "unfounded" and warned that such allegations could damage the positive relationship that has existed between Pakistan and the US since 1954. The Foreign Office stressed that Pakistan has "never had any ill-intention towards the US" and that this reality remains unchanged. It further pointed out that Pakistan has made significant sacrifices for this relationship and continues to suffer the consequences of US policies in the region. It also expressed regret that the US official had seemingly equated Pakistan with adversarial nations, and addressed concerns over Pakistan's missile capabilities, which it said were being raised "at the behest of others" to destabilise the already fragile strategic balance in the region. In a veiled reference to India's missile programme, the statement highlighted the discrepancy in US concerns over Pakistan's capabilities, which are intended solely for the defence of the country's sovereignty and regional peace. The Foreign Office reaffirmed Pakistan's right to develop its strategic capabilities to maintain credible minimum deterrence and respond to evolving threats. "Pakistan will not tolerate any intrusion into its missile programme," the statement said, stressing that there is strong national consensus on this issue. Despite these concerns, Pakistan reiterated its willingness to engage constructively with the US on all matters, including security and regional stability, building on the longstanding history of cooperation between the two nations. At TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.
Soccer-Ipswich learn hard defensive lessons in 4-0 Newcastle hammering
"Today we did not hit a good level, it's difficult when they score early in the game, but we can still overcome that," McKenna said after his side conceded 26 seconds into the game. "Our game management was not good enough. We needed to stay more solid in difficult periods to give us a chance to stay in the game, we did not do that," he added. Solidity was sorely lacking as Newcastle raced into a 3-0 lead by halftime and effectively ended the contest when Isak scored his third goal nine minutes into the second half. Despite his treble, Isak was also uncharacteristically wasteful as he missed a number of chances and plenty of other Newcastle players could have added to the tally as the Ipswich rearguard found itself run ragged. "Tough day, definitely. We were second-best," Ipswich striker Conor Chaplin said. "I don't think we helped ourselves, we need to be better at game management when we are up against it, make better individual decisions to see the threat off." McKenna said his side would learn from their ninth league defeat in 17 games, a result that leaves them 18th on 12 points, two from the safety zone. "We just need to take each game as it comes, if there is anything we can take from today to make us stronger we will. Today has not happened to us much this season," he added. McKenna's opposite number Eddie Howe was delighted with how his side exploited the defensive frailties of the hosts. "Whenever you go away from home and you make that early impression you have a chance to go on and win. We've conceded the early goal too many times (but) today we were professional," he said. The win takes Newcastle up to seventh spot on 26 points, five points off the top four. (Reporting by Philip O'Connor; editing by Ken Ferris)