Karnataka Assembly speaker UT Khader honored by Bahrain India Society
Speaker calls for high-level meeting between BIS, Karnataka Government
Bahrain: The Bahrain India Society honored UT Khader, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, in a ceremony at The Diplomat Radisson Hotel in Bahrain on December 21, 2023. The event celebrated Khader's journey from Student Union leader to Speaker, acknowledging his significant contributions.
Chief Guest HE Vinod K Jacob, Indian Ambassador, and members of the Bahrain India Society, government officials, private sector representatives, and distinguished businessmen attended the ceremony. Mohammad Mansoor, Board Member of Bahrain India Society, highlighted Khader's impact on society, tracing his progression from a Student Union leader to his current role.
"I had the privilege of spotlighting the remarkable achievements of Shri UT Khader, from his early days as a Student Union leader to managing crucial portfolios, including Minister of Health, Education, Urban Development, and reaching his current role as the esteemed Speaker, Khader's journey has garnered acclaim for its substantial contributions to societal betterment," said Mohammad Mansoor, Board Member of Bahrain India Society, as he addressed the attending guests.
Abdulrahman Juma, President of the Bahrain Indian Society, welcomed Khader and expressed gratitude to attendees. He emphasized Bahrain's business-friendly environment and urged the Speaker to support investment promotions. H.E. Vinod Jacob provided insights into India's achievements and its strong bilateral ties with Bahrain.
UT Khader thanked the Royal Family and commended the Bahrain India Society for organizing the event. He pledged support to Bahrain's visions and promised to strengthen cultural, bilateral, and economic ties. Shri Khader invited a high-level meeting between Bahrain-India Society and the Karnataka government, offering to facilitate Bahraini delegates witnessing Karnataka's assembly proceedings.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Vinod Das, followed by a networking lunch encouraging discussions on opportunities for ties in cultural, educational, sports, and economic sectors. Attendees explored potential joint projects between Bahraini and Indian counterparts. A.R. Juma, Chairman of Bahrain India Society, presented a memento to UT Khader along with H.E. Vinod Jacob.
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Iran attacks oil tanker near Dubai; Trump warns of strikes on energy sites if Hormuz remains shut
Tel Aviv/Washington: Iran attacked and set ablaze a fully loaded crude oil tanker off Dubai on Monday after US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would target Iran’s energy infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened.
According to a Reuters report, the Kuwait-flagged tanker Al-Salmi is owned by Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and was capable of carrying around 2 million barrels of crude. . It was struck in what authorities later described as a drone attack. The company said the incident occurred early Tuesday, causing a fire and hull damage. No injuries were reported and the fire was brought under control, Dubai authorities said .
Oil prices rose briefly following the attack and added to volatility in global energy markets. In the United States, retail gasoline prices crossed $4 per gallon for the first time in more than three years, according to data from GasBuddy, as crude prices moved above $101 per barrel.
Israel said it carried out missile strikes on military infrastructure in Tehran and on sites linked to Iran-backed Hezbollah in Beirut. Explosions were reported in parts of Tehran, with Iran’s Tasnim news agency saying power outages occurred in the eastern Pirouzi district following the blasts.
The Israel Defense Forces said four soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon. In recent days, three peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon were also killed in separate incidents in the same area.
Iran’s military spokesperson said Tehran’s latest wave of missile and drone strikes targeted US military positions at five bases in the region and sites in Israel. Thousands of troops from the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division have begun arriving in the Middle East, according to US officials, expanding Washington’s military options even as diplomatic efforts continue.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Reuters Trump wants an agreement with Iranian leaders before a revised April 6 deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, adding that talks were progressing, while public statements from Tehran differed from private communications.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said proposals received through intermediaries were “unrealistic” and maintained that Iran was focused on defending itself.
In a social media post, Trump said that if a deal is not reached soon and the strait is not reopened, the US would strike Iran’s electric generating plants, oil wells and Kharg Island. However, a report in The Wall Street Journal said Trump had told aides he may be willing to end the military campaign even if the strait remains largely closed and address reopening it later. The White House referred to earlier remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the strait would be opened “one way or another.”
The administration has also requested an additional $200 billion in funding for the conflict, a proposal that faces opposition in the US Congress.
