Kuwait: The general body meeting of the Karnataka branch of Kuwait Kerala Muslim Association (KKMA), the largest social and community service organization of the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, was held at the Indian Community School Khaitan Auditorium on Friday, February 02.

The meeting started with a beautiful recitation of the Holy Quran by Master Mohammed Saihaan.

Nizam N, Vice-president of the KKMA Central Committee (Social Projects and Benefits), inaugurated the program while Karnataka branch General Secretary Mohammed Amin Sheik delivered the welcome address.

In his presidential address, Branch President Yusuf Rasheed highlighted the achievements of KKMA in various charitable social activities, including Family Benefit Scheme (FBS), Educational Scholarship Program (ESP), Kidney Dialysis Centers (KDC), Medical Assistance Program (MAP), Home for Homeless Deserved Families and Housing Improvement Program (HIP) and Magnet Team Service for the expat patients in Kuwait and repatriation of corpse to their home country. He also appreciated and thanked the team members for their selfless, dedicated service in the charitable activities.

Branch senior leader and Central Committee Development Vice-president Abdul Jabbar Gurpur presented the annual report detailing the past two-year’s activities and achievements of the branch. The finance report, which was presented by branch senior leader and Central Committee CFO Sayed Rafik, was unanimously approved by the members.

Active members of the branch Noushad Hussain, Firoz Abdul Samad, Najmuddin Usman Takey, D M Ansar and Irshad Nazeer Ahmed were felicitated for their excellent performance. Shoukath Shirva Waseem Hisham, Najmuddin and Mabiya Adam were awarded for their contribution to the membership campaign.

The existing committee was dissolved by President Yusuf Rasheed, following which, the new committee for 2024-25 was formed under the supervision of returning officer Muneer Kuniya, Treasurer, KKMA Central Committee. Yusuf Rasheed was unanimously elected as the new president of KKMA Karnataka Branch for the next two years.

The newly elected president Yusuf Rasheed expressed his gratitude for the opportunity provided by KKMA. He also thanked the State President SM Farook for his selfless service and sincere support in implementing the various socio-community services back home.

KKMA Karnataka Branch senior leader and Central Committee working president BM Iqbal briefed the various privileges available for KKMA members in Kuwait as well as in India from the various business firms such as clinics, hospitals and hypermarkets.

State President SM Farook, in his message after the election, congratulated the new office-bearers and highlighted the importance of charity and team work. One of the senior well-known social worker Janab Hassan Yusuf Kankanady complimented the newly elected management committee, and stressed on the importance of teamwork as it makes 'dream work'.

The new office-bearers of all six zones of the Karnataka Branch were introduced on the occasion. Senior leaders Mohammed Nazeer Bolar, Azhar Sheik, Syed Manipur, Abdul Latheef Shedia Nasser AV, Abdul Rahiman and audience members Mohammad Yusuf, Abdul Razzak and Abdul Sattar congratulated the new committee and extended their support.

KKMA Central President Ibrahim Kunil, General Secretary KC Rafiq, City Zonal Secretary Mohammed Rayies also graced the occasion.

The program was compered by Abdul Jabbar while FBS Vice-president Mohammed Yusuf Muniyam proposed the vote of thanks.

A large number of members, leaders and well-wishers attended the event, which was followed by a buffet dinner.

The newly appointed office-bearers for the year 2024-2025 are as follows:

Yusuf Rasheed – President

Abdul Rahiman Kana – Working President

Mohammed Amin Sheik – General Secretary

Sharief Ahmed Mulki – Treasurer

Vice-presidents:

Abdul Azeez Ghouse –Membership, Health Scheme, Privilege Card

Mohammed Yusuf Muniyam – FBS, MWS

Naushad Hussain – Relief Cell, KDRC

Mohammed Noufal – Magnet, Legal Cell, Employment Cell

Imthiyaz Abdul Kareem Surinje –Arts & Sports, Event Management

Hashim Ramlan – Skill Development, Moral Development (Religious)

Mabiya Adam Kadaba – Students Development, Family Club

Secretaries:

Shoukath Hussain Abba Shirva – Administration

Irshad Mulki – Communication

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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.