Suspension of IPL - an Overdue Decision

The Israeli regime sustains its heavy attacks against various areas across Syria as Western-backed militants, who ousted the country’s government earlier this month, strengthen their foothold.

On Monday, the regime’s warplanes struck vital facilities and military infrastructure along the country’s western coastline, including the cities of Tartus and Latakia, where they pounded missile bases and ammunition depots.

Massive explosions rang out across the cities during the attacks.

Lebanon’s al-Mayadeen television network said Israeli occupation forces had also advanced as far as 15 kilometers (9 miles) in the western Syrian province of Quneitra.

'An earthquake'

Russia’s Sputnik news agency also reported Israeli assaults against military facilities in Hama and Homs, two other western provinces, adding that attacks against Hama and Aleppo, which is likewise situated in western Syria, shook the targeted areas like an “earthquake.”

Local sources, meanwhile, reported that the regime’s warplanes had also hit the Military Airport in the eastern province of Deir al-Zawr.

The agency cited sources as saying that Israeli warships had launched a number of missiles towards the Syrian coast, especially targeting the Tartus Province.

According to them, this was the first time that the Israeli military was deploying “such missiles” against Syria’s military sites.

The reports came a day after the regime attacked the positions that used to belong to the country’s Republican Guard and the Syrian military’s Fourth Armored Division in the Tal Mneen area and the town of Hafir, north of the capital Damascus.

Also on Sunday, Israeli forces occupied three new villages across the country, namely the Jamla village in the western Syrian province of Dara’a as well as the Mazraat Beit Jan and Mughr al-Mir رillages in Rif Dimashq Province.

Israeli aircraft also bombed an air defense site in the town of Muhajja in the eastern countryside of Dara’a’s capital and attacked the warehouses of the Syrian military’s 18th Armored Division in the eastern suburbs of Homs.

The regime has markedly intensified its deadly attacks against the country, especially targeting its military infrastructure, in the aftermath of its takeover by anti-Damascus militants, who are widely reported to have been receiving extensive military support and cooperation on the part of the Israeli regime and the West.

As part of its aggression, the regime has expanded its occupation of Syria’s Golan Heights, overrunning a buffer zone in the territory, and announced plans to ramp up the population of illegal settlers in the mountainous region.

Regional Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Iraq, have lashed out at Tel Aviv over the measures.

Udupi: The police have booked a case against the office-bearers of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) for holding 'Chalo Belagavi - Ambedkar Jatha’ without permission and thereby disrupting the movement of vehicles on national highway at Hejmadi.

The SDPI held a jatha on December 10 from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm. According to the police, the group had unlawfully gathered near the National Highway toll gate in Hejmadi. Despite instructions from the PSI to disperse, they failed to act and disrupted the traffic on the national highway.

The police have booked case against SDPI state secretary Riyaz Kadumbu, leaders Haneef Muloor, Nooruddin Mallaru, Firoz Kanchinadka, Thoufeeq Uchila, Majeed Uchila, Ibrahim Kanchinadka and others under Sections 57, 189(2), 189(3), 281, 285 and 190 of the BNS.

About 75 to 100 people commenced a procession --without obtaining permission -- in cars and two-wheelers shouting slogans. They caused inconvenience to the vehicles moving on the national highway, police said. 

The jatha, which was launched in Udupi on December 10, is expected to cover Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Davanagere, Haveri, Koppal, Bagalkote, Hubballi, Dharwad and reach Belagavi on December 16.

A sudden wave of visa rejections is shattering the travel plans of Indian tourists hoping to visit Dubai. Stricter visa norms introduced by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have left travelers scrambling, causing financial losses and widespread frustration.

Indian tourists are facing an unprecedented rate of visa denials, with rejection rates skyrocketing from a mere 1-2% to 5-6% daily. These rejections are happening despite applicants meticulously submitting confirmed flight tickets, hotel bookings, and other required documents.

Tightened Rules and Rising Challenges
The UAE’s newly imposed regulations demand additional proof of accommodation, whether in hotels or with relatives. For those staying with family, documents such as the host’s rental agreement, Emirates ID, and residence visa copy must now be submitted.

Travelers and travel agencies report that even flawless applications are being rejected. “Even when confirmed flight tickets and hotel stay details are attached, the visa applications are being rejected,” said Nikhil Kumar, director of Passio Travels Pvt Ltd.

In a striking case, a family of four—despite submitting all required documents—faced rejection, derailing their meticulously planned trip. Similarly, a group of 35 saw their vacation plans collapse when one member’s visa was denied.

Mounting Financial Losses
The rejections are not just a logistical nightmare but also a financial burden. Passengers are losing thousands on visa fees, pre-booked flight tickets, and hotel reservations. Vijay Thakkar, director of Hasmukh Travels, shared how two of his clients lost nearly ₹34,000 due to visa denials.

Advisory from Travel Experts
Travel experts are urging applicants to avoid shortcuts like dummy tickets or fake documents, which could lead to lifelong bans. “Dubai is extremely strict. Rejections can create long-term complications. Ensure all documents are genuine and complete,” advised Nilesh Bhansali, president of the Travel Agents Association of Pune.

UAE’s New Visa Norms
The UAE has raised the bar for tourist visa applications, requiring travelers to:

• Submit hotel reservation proof and return tickets.
• Provide bank statements for the last three months with a minimum balance of ₹50,000.
• Present PAN cards if opting for hotel stays.

These measures aim to tighten entry protocols but have left many Indian travelers stranded, frustrated, and financially strained. For now, aspiring Dubai visitors must navigate these new hurdles with caution and precision to keep their travel dreams alive.