Heavy Israeli air assaults reported on military installations in the coastal Tartus area of Syria

 

Latest raids said to hit sites including air defense units and surface-to-surface missile depots; war monitor calls them ‘heaviest strikes in Syria’s coastal region since 2012’

Heavy Israeli air assaults reported on military installations in the coastal Tartus area of Syria

Significant Israeli air assaults were reported in the Tartus region of Syria's coast during the overnight hours between Sunday and Monday, purportedly aimed at military facilities, marking the latest in a series of attacks following the downfall of Bashar al-Assad's regime last week by rebel forces.

Local media sources and various monitoring organizations reported the strikes, with some video evidence circulated on social platforms displaying explosions, likely resulting from these military actions.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, monitoring the war, indicated on early Monday that Israel Defense Forces aircraft had engaged a number of locations, encompassing air defense systems and ground-to-ground missile storages, characterizing the operation as “the most intense strikes in Syria’s coastal region since hostilities began in 2012.” The Israeli military refrained from providing immediate commentary, and the report from SOHR could not be authenticated independently.

The strikes reported ensued after a significant operation initiated by Israel following the collapse of the Assad regime on December 8, aimed at dismantling the Syrian military’s strategic capabilities to thwart their acquisition by hostile factions. Targeted locations have included chemical weapon sites, missile installations, air defense units, as well as air force and naval assets.

Trump receives $15 million in ABC News libel lawsuit

 

Trump receives $15 million in ABC News libel lawsuit

 

Trump receives $15 million in ABC News libel lawsuit 

ABC News has consented to pay $15 million (£12 million) to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to resolve a libel claim following remarks made by its prominent anchor who inaccurately asserted he had been deemed "liable for rape." 

George Stephanopoulos made these claims multiple times during an interview on March 10 of this year while questioning a congresswoman regarding her support for Trump. 

A jury in a civil trial last year ruled that Trump was liable for "sexual abuse," which carries a specific interpretation under New York legal standards. 

As part of the settlement announced on Saturday, which was initially reported by Fox News Digital, ABC will also release a statement conveying its "regret" for the remarks made by Stephanopoulos. As stipulated in the agreement, ABC News will donate $15 million to a "Presidential foundation and museum to be created by or for the Plaintiff, similar to those established in the past by Presidents of the United States." 

Additionally, the network has committed to pay $1 million towards Trump's legal expenses. 

Under the terms of the settlement, the network will publish an editor's note at the end of its March 10, 2024, online news article regarding the story. 

It will state: "ABC News and George Stephanopoulos regret statements concerning President Donald J. Trump made during an interview conducted by George Stephanopoulos with Rep. Nancy Mace on ABC's This Week on March 10, 2024." 

An ABC News representative indicated in a statement that the organization was "glad that the parties have agreed to settle the lawsuit on the terms outlined in the court filing." 

In 2023, a New York civil court determined that Trump sexually assaulted E. Jean Carroll in a fitting room at a department store in 1996. He was also found liable for defaming the magazine writer. 

Judge Lewis Kaplan remarked that the jury's finding was that Ms. Carroll had not established that Trump had raped her "within the narrow, technical understanding of a specific section of the New York Penal Law." 

Judge Kaplan emphasized that the legal definition of rape was "far narrower" than how rape is usually defined in contemporary language, in some dictionaries, and within criminal laws in other jurisdictions. 

In a separate case, also overseen by the same judge, a jury mandated that Trump pay $83.3 million to Ms. Carroll for further defamatory remarks. During the March 10 broadcast, Stephanopoulos inquired of South Carolina Republican congresswoman Nancy Mace how she could endorse Trump. 

The anchor incorrectly claimed that "judges and two distinct juries have found him liable for rape." 

Stephanopoulos reiterated this assertion ten times throughout the broadcast. 

Prior to the ruling, a federal magistrate judge had mandated Trump and Stephanopoulos to provide sworn testimony at depositions the following week. 

Trump has also initiated a lawsuit against CBS, the BBC's U.S. affiliate, for "deceptive conduct" related to an interview with Kamala Harris. 

In 2023, a judge dismissed his defamation lawsuit against CNN, where he contended that the network had compared him to Adolf Hitler. 

He has also seen lawsuits lodged against the New York Times and the Washington Post rejected.

India and Sri Lanka entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs)

 

India and Sri Lanka entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in New Delhi on Monday. The Prime Minister conveyed his pleasure regarding the Sri Lankan leader's choice of India for his inaugural foreign visit, stating that this journey would strengthen the ties between the two countries. “...I extend a warm welcome to President Dissanayake in India. We are thrilled that you selected India as your first State Visit as President. With today’s Yatra, new dynamism and vigor are being infused into our relations. We have embraced a forward-looking vision for our collaboration. In our economic partnership, we are prioritizing growth driven by investment and enhanced connectivity,” PM Modi remarked at a joint press conference.

PM Modi addresses the plight of Tamil fishermen

During the gathering, the Prime Minister also brought attention to the plight of Indian fishermen who have been detained by Sri Lankan officials after inadvertently entering their territorial waters. PM Modi mentioned that the President assured him of addressing the aspirations of Tamil people and committed to the comprehensive enforcement of the Constitution of Sri Lanka, along with conducting the Provincial Council Elections. “We also conversed about issues that impact the livelihoods of fishermen. We concurred that a humanitarian perspective should guide our approach on this issue. Additionally, we spoke about development and reconciliation efforts in Sri Lanka. President Dissanayake informed me regarding his inclusive methodology. We hope that the Sri Lankan government will address the aspirations of Tamilians and honor its pledge to fully implement the Constitution of Sri Lanka and proceed with the Provincial Council Elections,” PM expressed.

PM Modi commits to enhancing ferry services

Moreover, PM Modi reminisced about the occasion when India granted classical language status to Pali and noted how this decision was also celebrated in the neighboring country. PM Modi stressed the importance of improving connectivity to bolster the tourism sector. He announced the initiation of ferry services between Rameswaram in India and Talaimannar in Sri Lanka. Presently, the ferry services are restricted to Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai.

Bangladesh To Conduct Elections In Late 2025 Or Early 2026: Muhammad Yunus

 

Bangladesh To Conduct Elections In Late 2025 Or Early 2026: Muhammad Yunus

The interim chief of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, who leads the caretaker government established following the August revolution, announced on Monday that general elections are anticipated to take place toward the end of next year or in early 2026.

Increasing pressure has mounted on Nobel Peace Prize laureate Yunus, who took on the role of the nation’s "chief adviser" after the student-led revolt that removed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August, to announce a specific date.

The 84-year-old pioneer of microfinance is at the helm of a provisional administration tasked with addressing what he described as the "incredibly difficult" task of reinstating democratic institutions in the South Asian country with a population of approximately 170 million.

“Dates for the elections might be established by the conclusion of 2025 or in the initial part of 2026,” he stated during a broadcast on state television.

Hasina, aged 77, escaped by helicopter to neighboring India as thousands of demonstrators stormed the prime minister’s palace located in Dhaka.

Her administration has faced allegations of politicizing the judiciary and civil service, as well as orchestrating unbalanced elections, to undermine democratic safeguards on its authority.

How the Past Has Returned in Full Circle with the Visit of Sri Lankan President Dissanayake to India

How the Past Has Returned in Full Circle with the Visit of Sri Lankan President Dissanayake to India
How the Past Has Returned in Full Circle with the Visit of Sri Lankan President Dissanayake to India

 

How the Past Has Returned in Full Circle with the Visit of Sri Lankan President Dissanayake to India

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the recently elected president of Sri Lanka, is making his second trip to New Delhi within a mere 10 months. However, this visit carries a significant distinction compared to the last.

A decade prior, during the time when a National People’s Power (NPP) delegation, headed by Dissanayake, ventured to the Indian capital, the political atmosphere was filled with uncertainty for him and his associates, despite the potential that lay ahead. At that point, no election date had been established for the island nation. Nonetheless, Delhi was acutely aware of the evolving political dynamics in Sri Lanka and speculated about the likelihood of Dissanayake ascending to the presidency when the elections were eventually announced. 

Consider this a wise or timely decision; Delhi’s initial invitation was a carefully thought-out risk. It was opportune to engage with the 55-year-old Marxist leader, who began to gain the trust of many Sri Lankans. However, he was leading a political party that harbored longstanding anti-India feelings.

The upcoming visit on December 15 stands out as it will mark Dissanayake’s inaugural international trip as the new president of the island. He is scheduled to engage in bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. The Sri Lankan leader will be joined by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando.

In recent years, India has significantly invested in Sri Lanka’s infrastructure and will aim to enhance commercial ties with Colombo, even with China being the island’s largest bilateral lender.

Delhi is also mindful that the leftist president will need to navigate carefully to avoid being ensnared in the rivalry between India and China. This is a stance that Dissanayake has consistently maintained, emphasizing the NPP’s willingness to engage with both Beijing and India without favoring one over the other.

Without a doubt, Delhi will extend a warm welcome and strive to maintain harmony with a government that is still in the process of establishing itself. India has expressed dissatisfaction regarding the new government's limited interaction since September; however, the fact that the president’s first overseas visit is to Delhi serves as a testament to the NPP’s foresight and implies a desire to cultivate improved relations.

The new government recognizes India’s contribution to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, initially through a loan of $4 billion and humanitarian assistance following the economic crisis of 2022, as well as its supportive involvement in facilitating a bailout with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help rebuild the economy.

Dissanayake has acknowledged India’s geostrategic interests in Sri Lanka and has expressed a willingness to navigate issues without adopting a confrontational approach.

The bilateral discussions are anticipated to cover contentious topics, particularly since Dissanayake himself has voiced opposition to some of them during his time in the opposition, such as the pending Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), the establishment of a land corridor between the two countries, the development of the Trincomalee harbor as a regional energy hub, a widely debated free trade agreement, and the controversial Gautam Adani projects.

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December 16, 2024 at 10:05AM
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December 16, 2024 at 10:13AM

Delhi endures frigid conditions as minimum temperature plummets to 4.5°C; AQI categorized as ‘very poor’

Delhi endures frigid conditions as minimum temperature plummets to 4.5°C; AQI categorized as ‘very poor’

 

Delhi endures frigid conditions as minimum temperature plummets to 4.5°C; AQI categorized as ‘very poor’

This marks the equal lowest minimum temperature recorded this season, matching the 4.5°C observed on December 12. 

For the second consecutive day, coldwave conditions gripped multiple areas of the national capital on Monday, as the mercury sank further in the past 24 hours. The Safdarjung weather station, which represents Delhi's climate, documented a minimum temperature of 4.5°C, which is four degrees below the usual.

This marks the equal lowest minimum temperature recorded this season, matching the 4.5°C observed on December 12.

A thin layer of fog, with visibility dropping to approximately 800 meters, was noted throughout the capital, while the air quality index (AQI) for Delhi fell into the ‘very poor’ classification. By 9 am, the average AQI registered was 351 (very poor), a decline from 294 (poor) observed at 4pm on Sunday.

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December 16, 2024 at 10:09AM

How the Past Has Returned in Full Circle with the Visit of Sri Lankan President Dissanayake to India

How the Past Has Returned in Full Circle with the Visit of Sri Lankan President Dissanayake to India

 

How the Past Has Returned in Full Circle with the Visit of Sri Lankan President Dissanayake to India

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the recently elected president of Sri Lanka, is making his second trip to New Delhi within a mere 10 months. However, this visit carries a significant distinction compared to the last.

A decade prior, during the time when a National People’s Power (NPP) delegation, headed by Dissanayake, ventured to the Indian capital, the political atmosphere was filled with uncertainty for him and his associates, despite the potential that lay ahead. At that point, no election date had been established for the island nation. Nonetheless, Delhi was acutely aware of the evolving political dynamics in Sri Lanka and speculated about the likelihood of Dissanayake ascending to the presidency when the elections were eventually announced. 

Consider this a wise or timely decision; Delhi’s initial invitation was a carefully thought-out risk. It was opportune to engage with the 55-year-old Marxist leader, who began to gain the trust of many Sri Lankans. However, he was leading a political party that harbored longstanding anti-India feelings.

The upcoming visit on December 15 stands out as it will mark Dissanayake’s inaugural international trip as the new president of the island. He is scheduled to engage in bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. The Sri Lankan leader will be joined by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando.

In recent years, India has significantly invested in Sri Lanka’s infrastructure and will aim to enhance commercial ties with Colombo, even with China being the island’s largest bilateral lender.

Delhi is also mindful that the leftist president will need to navigate carefully to avoid being ensnared in the rivalry between India and China. This is a stance that Dissanayake has consistently maintained, emphasizing the NPP’s willingness to engage with both Beijing and India without favoring one over the other.

Without a doubt, Delhi will extend a warm welcome and strive to maintain harmony with a government that is still in the process of establishing itself. India has expressed dissatisfaction regarding the new government's limited interaction since September; however, the fact that the president’s first overseas visit is to Delhi serves as a testament to the NPP’s foresight and implies a desire to cultivate improved relations.

The new government recognizes India’s contribution to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, initially through a loan of $4 billion and humanitarian assistance following the economic crisis of 2022, as well as its supportive involvement in facilitating a bailout with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help rebuild the economy.

Dissanayake has acknowledged India’s geostrategic interests in Sri Lanka and has expressed a willingness to navigate issues without adopting a confrontational approach.

The bilateral discussions are anticipated to cover contentious topics, particularly since Dissanayake himself has voiced opposition to some of them during his time in the opposition, such as the pending Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), the establishment of a land corridor between the two countries, the development of the Trincomalee harbor as a regional energy hub, a widely debated free trade agreement, and the controversial Gautam Adani projects.

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December 16, 2024 at 10:05AM