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Seoul, Dec 11 (IANS) A full-scale integration between Korean Air and Asiana Airlines is expected to proceed in earnest, according to industry observers on Wednesday, following the closing of the protracted merger deal first announced four years ago.

Korean Air has invested some 700 billion won ($489.5 million) in a third-party share issuance by Asiana Airlines. The company was set to spend an additional 800 billion won later Wednesday, bringing its stake in the rival carrier to 131.57 million shares, or 63.9 per cent of the total, reports Yonhap news agency.

The move is the final step in the deal to form a mega-carrier announced in November 2020. Asiana Airlines will officially become a Korean Air subsidiary on Thursday.

The deal won approval from competition authorities in all 13 countries and the European Union. The countries also included South Korea, the United States, China and Japan.

The U.S. decision, in particular, had been closely watched, as a rejection would have put an end to the deal that has been pursued for over four years.

The U.S. Department of Justice reportedly considered opening a lawsuit to block the deal over competition issues in the American market but ultimately decided not to seek legal action.

To address monopoly concerns regarding U.S. routes, Korean Air has taken proactive measures, such as expanding its code-sharing partnership with Air Premia for North American routes.

The deal for Korean Air to take over the debt-ridden rival was signed in late 2020 amid the then global COVID-19 pandemic having weighed down on the domestic airline industry.

According to industry estimates, the formation of a mega-carrier under the Korean Air brand is expected to create an airline that ranks at around 10th place globally in terms of fleet size and the number of international flights.

A full, complete consolidation is expected to take around two years, along with other processes of structural and personnel integration.

"The full securing of approval from competition authorities is good news in and of itself, but the companies still have a long way to go in terms of becoming a single entity," an air industry watcher said.

The companies may face various hurdles in streamlining personnel and organizational structures, and devising a mileage integration plan.

Concerns of workforce reductions and restructuring have been raised by the companies' labour unions despite Korean Air having said in the past that there will be no arbitrary cutting of the workforce at either airline.

The mileage integration could also spark a customer backlash, depending on how the companies agree to consolidate their different travel mileage schemes.

—IANS

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United Nations, Dec 11 (IANS) UN humanitarians said that the humanitarian situation in Syria remains volatile, with continuing hostilities and looting reported in the capital Damascus area but relative calm in the country's northwest.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported challenges for aid delivery in parts of the northeast, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Airstrikes and other hostilities continue to be reported in Damascus, rural Damascus, Daraa, and As-Sweida," OCHA said. "Some looting of aid warehouses, including those of UN agencies and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent has been reported."

UN agencies and their partners said they are trying to identify the extent of the reported looting.

A curfew is in place in Damascus and its countryside, Latakia, and Tartous from 5:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. local time. "While vital public services are gradually resuming, movement restrictions, including curfews, are hindering the flow of goods and services," OCHA said.

The humanitarians have received reports from areas with relative calm of displaced people who fled hostilities in the past two weeks returning home.

"All 11 reception centers that had been opened in Idlib to host newly displaced families were empty as of yesterday (Monday)," the office said, adding that its partners in the northeast report people continuing to arrive in displaced sites.

The United Nations and partners continue aid activities as the security situation permits. OCHA said the cross-border operation from Turkey is continuing without any impediment.

"Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that 25 trucks carrying UN aid crossed to northwest Syria," the office said. "Nine trucks carrying more than 200 tons of food crossed through Bab Al-Salam, while 16 trucks crossed through Bab Al-Hawa."

UN partners also deployed 16 mobile medical teams to support the response in underserved areas and displacement camps. The UN Population Fund and the World Health Organization reported distributing health, surgical and trauma kits to support hospitals.

The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that food prices in markets across the country are increasing sharply. In the past two weeks, more than 20 partners delivered food to more than 590,000 people in northwest Syria.

WFP and its partners have provided meals to more than 40,000 people in Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Latakia, Deir El Zor, Raqqa and Hasaka, according to the agency.

The UN Refugee Agency distributed cash assistance for winter support to more than 6,000 households in Idlib and northern Aleppo and transported 1,500 core relief item kits to Idlib while working with its partners.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) The question of leadership in the INDIA bloc has sparked intense debate after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently expressed dissatisfaction with the alliance's current leadership and her willingness to take charge.

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey on Wednesday stated that while Mamata Banerjee is a capable leader, party chief Uddhav Thackeray would be the most suitable person to lead the Opposition alliance.

"Mamata Banerjee has proven her mettle by halting PM Modi's political surge in Bengal twice, in 2016 and 2021. She is a formidable leader who challenges PM Modi effectively," Dubey told IANS.

However, he emphasised that Uddhav Thackeray "possesses all the qualities needed" to unify and lead the alliance.

Dubey praised Thackeray as a leader who is "calm by nature, knowledgeable, articulate, and a flag-bearer of Hindutva," adding, "He seeks to steer the country toward development and could run the INDIA bloc better than anyone else."

The INDIA bloc was conceptualised with Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar playing a significant role. However, Nitish Kumar's dissatisfaction with the alliance reportedly led him to align with the BJP. Since then, Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a prominent face of the Opposition, but repeated defeats in state elections have raised questions about his leadership.

Dubey acknowledged Rahul Gandhi's contributions, saying, "He is a capable Leader of Opposition, but the burden on him is immense. If someone else also takes on the INDIA bloc leadership, what's wrong with that? Rahul Gandhi himself should consider sharing responsibilities to strengthen the alliance."

Using a cricket analogy, Dubey highlighted the importance of teamwork, stating, "In a cricket team, captains change every three years, but the team wins when everyone contributes. Similarly, defeating PM Modi in 2024 requires unity and collective performance."

While some leaders within the Opposition alliance, including RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and NCP chief Sharad Pawar, have rallied behind Mamata Banerjee as the ideal leader, Dubey expressed concerns about her potential departure from the bloc.

"If Mamata also leaves like Nitish Kumar, it will weaken the fight against Modi. We need a solution through collective dialogue," he said.

Interestingly, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), which is not a part of the INDIA bloc, has also voiced support for Mamata.

As speculation grows about leadership, Dubey reiterated that the alliance must act decisively to counter the BJP's preparation for the 2024 elections and beyond.

"We will have to perform well. Otherwise, we saw the 2024, 2019, and 2014 elections. Should we keep watching like that? Now, the BJP must have started preparing for 2029; it will not be sitting at home," he added.

Backing Thackeray, he added, "Uddhav Thackeray embodies the qualities of an ideal leader -- calmness, focus on development, and the ability to unify diverse factions."

With the leadership debate intensifying, the INDIA bloc faces a crucial test in balancing ambitions and unity to present a formidable challenge to the BJP in the next general elections.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) Actress Soha Ali Khan had spent a memorable weekend with her family including mother Sharmila Tagore, husband Kunal Kemmu, brother Saif Ali Khan and sister-in-law Kareena Kapoor Khan along with kids.

Soha took to Instagram, where she shared a video of how “the weekend” she wanted, where Sharmila is seen playing with grandchildren Inaaya, Taimur and Jeh. Some moments also featured in the clip include Kunal jumping into the pool, a chat session and a peek into what their fun dinner table conversations are like.

“The weekend we all wanted,” Soha captioned the post, which had the track “Kitni Haseen Zindagi” by singer Lucky Ali in the backdrop.

Soha and Kunal got engaged in July 2024 and in 2015 the duo tied the knot. In the year 2017, they became parents of their adorable daughter Inaaya Naumi Kemmu Khan.

On the work front, Soha will feature in horror-thriller ‘Chhorii 2’ which is a sequel to Nushratt Bharuccha-starrer 2021 film ‘Chhorii’. It is a remake of a Marathi film titled Lapachhapi.

Recently, Kareena shared a glimpse from their weekend getaway featuring her favourite couple Soha and Kunal.

Kareena took to her Instagram, where she shared a picture of Soha and Kunal sitting. In the image, Soha is seen reading a book, while her husband Kunal is listening to her with full attention.

The Bollywood diva captioned the image: “Favourite couple Kunal Kemmu and Soha Ali Khan.”

On December 8, Kareena celebrated the birthday of her mother-in-law and veteran star Sharmila Tagore.

The actress took to Instagram to wish her mother-in-law on her birthday. She shared a picture of herself with the veteran actress. In the picture, both of them can be seen in comfortable clothing.

“Who’s the coolest Gangsta ever? Do i need to say? Happy birthday to my mother-in-law. Just the Best,” she wrote as the caption.

--IANS

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Beirut, Dec 11 (IANS) Lebanon continues mobilising its forces towards the southern part of the country to prepare for the implementation of the ceasefire with Israel, Lebanese military sources said.

The sources, who spoke anonymously, told "the Lebanese army has completed the mobilization of about 6,000 soldiers and hundreds of armored military vehicles," reports Xinhua news agency.

"These forces are gathering as an initial stage in several military barracks south of the Litani River and spread in the districts of Marjeyoun, Nabatieh, Bint Jbeil, Tyre and Zahrani," they said.

Eyewitnesses in the city of Nabatieh told Xinhua that they saw a Lebanese army convoy of more than 50 jeeps and armored vehicles heading to southern border on Tuesday afternoon.

In the town of Qalaa, east of southern Lebanon, several residents told Xinhua that a massive reception was held on Tuesday afternoon for a Lebanese army unit of about 30 armored vehicles on their way to barracks in the town of Marjeyoun, adjacent to the southeastern border.

The ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, went into effect on November 27, aiming to halt nearly 14 months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

The agreement stipulates a 60-day cessation of hostilities, with the Lebanese army taking over the southern border area after a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces and a clearance of militants.

--IANS

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Chennai, Dec 12 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has issued a public advisory urging residents near the forest in Valparai, Coimbatore district, to avoid venturing out at night due to the increasing threat posed by wild elephants straying into human habitats.

Forest officials are patrolling the area after three elephants, separated from a 17-member herd, raided human settlements in Valparai on Monday, injuring several people.

Four individuals sustained fractures to their hands and legs in the attacks and have been admitted to a government hospital.

This incident follows the death of 18-year-old S. Mukesh a few months ago. Mukesh, a resident of Puthukad near Valparai, was fatally attacked by a wild elephant while travelling on a two-wheeler through an estate road on his way to the Sholayar Dam.

Despite being rushed to the Valparai General Hospital, he was declared dead on arrival. The death Mukesh came just days after a tribal man, Ravi, was trampled to death by a wild elephant at the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR), near Valparai.

Over the past year, there have been several incidents of wild elephants damaging property, including houses and shops, in the Valparai region.

Forest officials attribute these attacks to habitat degradation caused by invasive plant species, the destruction of swamps, and land-use changes, which have led to increased human-wildlife conflict.

As the annual migration season of elephants approaches its peak in the Valparai plateau, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, in collaboration with non-governmental organisations and local residents, is working to facilitate the free movement of elephants.

However, officials have warned that elephants that stray from their herds often turn aggressive, posing significant risks to human life and property.

Currently, nearly 100 elephants are moving through plantation areas on the plateau, which include tea, coffee, and cardamom estates, as well as swamps, abandoned fields, eucalyptus patches, and forest fragments within estates.

This number is expected to rise as migration peaks between January and February. Valparai residents and estate workers, accustomed to the annual migration of elephants from Kerala, have learned strategies to minimise negative interactions with the animals.

The migration, which begins in September, sees elephants navigating the mosaic landscape of Valparai’s estates and fragmented forests until it ends in March.

Forest officials note that factors such as rainfall, availability of grass, and human behaviour influence elephant migration patterns.

Manoharan, a Valparai resident, acknowledged the Forest Department’s efforts to raise awareness about reducing conflicts with wild elephants, emphasising the importance of coexistence during the migration period.

--IANS

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Abu Dhabi, Dec 11 (IANS) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has strongly condemned Israel's seizure of the demilitarised buffer zone in the Golan Heights and other neighbouring leading positions.

The seizure violates international law, particularly the Agreement on Disengagement signed in 1974 between Israel and Syria, Xinhua news agency reported quoting Emirates' official news agency WAM.

The UAE categorically rejects such practices, which exacerbate regional tensions and hinder efforts to achieve peace and stability, it reported.

The UAE is committed to Syria's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, it reported.

Syrian militant groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), waged a major offensive from northern Syria on November 27 and have since swept southwards through government-held areas, capturing the capital, Damascus, within 12 days.

Following the offensive, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government collapsed on Sunday. Al-Assad has resigned and arrived in Russia for asylum.

On Sunday and Monday, Israeli warplanes hit military and security sites in and around Damascus, the southwestern province of Quneitra, Syrian navy vessels at Latakia Port, and military depots in coastal areas.

In addition, the Israeli military crossed into the demilitarised buffer zone established under the 1974 ceasefire agreement, taking control of border areas as of Monday, according to Syrian and Israeli sources.

--IANS

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Geneva, Dec 11 (IANS) The special envoy of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General for Syria urged Israel to cease its military operations in Syria, emphasising the urgent need to halt all conflicts across the Middle East.

"A very troubling development is that we are continuing to see Israeli movements and bombardments into Syrian territory. This needs to stop," Geir Pedersen said at a press conference.

Pedersen emphasised that Syria is controlled by a patchwork of groups lacking formal unity, adding that the ongoing challenges with law and order require immediate attention, Xinhua news agency reported.

He also called for broad representation of all Syrian factions in the country's political transition process. "There need to be inclusive arrangements that ensure the representation of the broadest possible spectrum of Syrian society and parties. If this does not happen, then there will be a new conflict in Syria," he warned.

Pedersen described Syria as being at a crossroads, with great opportunities but also great risks. Nobody could have foreseen some of the recent developments, and the situation is still moving fast, he added.

--IANS

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New York, Dec 11 (IANS) Prosecutors of Manhattan urged a New York criminal court to keep President-elect Donald Trump's hush money case alive, even if sentencing is pushed out past Trump's next presidential term.

"President-elect immunity does not exist," lawyers from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office wrote in the court filing made public on Tuesday. "At most, (Trump) should receive temporary accommodations during his presidency to prevent this criminal case from meaningfully interfering with his official decision-making."

Trump was convicted on May 30 on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 presidential election, Xinhua news agency reported.

He was originally scheduled for sentencing in July, but the sentencing date was repeatedly pushed back, according to USA Today.

Trump is now arguing that sentencing should be canceled and the case should be dismissed as a result of his election victory.

"Burdening the Presidency with a biased prosecution by a local prosecutor would be not only unconstitutional, but also unbearably undemocratic to the people of this country who chose President Trump as their leader," Trump's legal team wrote in a motion calling for the case's dismissal.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) Actor Mushtaq Khan, who is known for his work in ‘Welcome’, and was recently seen in the horror-comedy ‘Stree 2’, has shared that he was kidnapped from the Delhi-Meerut highway.

As per media reports, the actor was allegedly lured under the pretext of attending an award function in Meerut on November 20, but unbeknownst to him that it would become one of the most harrowing few hours of his life.

The actor was reportedly invited to an event, and the kidnappers arranged his flight tickets and also transferred an advance payment to his account.

However, once the actor landed in Delhi, things quickly went south as he was picked up and driven to a secluded area near Bijnor, where he was held hostage by his kidnappers for nearly 12 hours.

The kidnappers tortured him and demanded a ransom of Rs 1 crore. Despite the ordeal, the kidnappers only managed to take only Rs 2 lakh from Khan’s and his son’s bank accounts.

How the actor escaped is a story in itself which is reminiscent of any Hindi movie from the 1970s. He was able to escape after hearing the morning azaan. When the senior actor noticed that there was a mosque close by, he took advantage of the situation and fled. He also asked for assistance from the residents. Mushtaq returned home safely with the help of the police.

The police have started investigating this incident. Mushtaq Khan is reportedly doing well right now and will likely speak to the media in the next few days to give a detailed account of his kidnapping.

--IANS

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