Page 1044 - Politics
US count of Pakistan's F-16s fighter jets found none of them missing: report
A US count of the F-16s with Pakistan has found that none of them are "missing" and all the fighter planes were "present and accounted for", according to a report in a prominent American magazine. The finding by the US on the ground in Pakistan "directly contradicts" India's claim that its air force shot down an F-16 fighter jet during an aerial dogfight on February 27. The Indian Air Force on February 28 displayed pieces of the AMRAAM missile, fired by a Pakistani F-16, as evidence to "conclusively" prove that Pakistan deployed US-manufactured F-16 fighter jets during an aerial raid targeting Indian military installations in Kashmir. Pakistan had categorically said that no F-16 fighter jets were used and denied that one of its planes had been downed by the IAF. According to the Foreign Policy magazine, Pakistan invited the United States to physically count its F-16 planes after the incident as part of an end-user agreement signed when the foreign military sale was finalised. "A US ...
Mandarin graffiti in support of TMC adorn walls of Kolkata's
The only thriving Chinatown in the country is bustling with political activity, probably for the first time in its history, with graffiti of political leaders making a debut on the walls of the township, otherwise known for its signature eateries. According to a political analyst, Bengal has always had a Chinese connection as the Left leaders in the state often swore by the communist regime in the neighbouring country, lauding its policies. The people of Chinatown, however, have largely stayed away from the hustle and bustle of election. This time around, the scenario has changed. Kolkata's Chinese connect has taken a new form and shape, with people in this part of the city coming out in support of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), painting the township blue and white (the colours of the ruling party) with political slogans in Mandarin. One can easily spot sketches of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the party's candidate from South Kolkata seat, Mala Roy, adorning the ...
Trump promises 'epic' trade deal with China
US President Donald Trump touted prospects for an "epic" trade deal with China but acknowledged that a settlement of a year-long commercial conflict remained at least a month away.
ACLU asks judge to bar Trump from building border wall
The American Civil Liberties Union is asking a judge to block the Trump administration from constructing a border wall with money obtained through his national emergency declaration. The civil rights group filed the request Thursday in California on behalf of communities along the border and the Sierra Club environmental group. The court papers say President Donald Trump is overstepping his executive powers by diverting funds from the Department of Defense to Homeland Security for a border wall. The request was filed as part of a February legal challenge. The request comes after Congressional efforts to stop Trump from diverting funds failed. In addition, a group of 16 states, including California, New York and Colorado, have also filed against the emergency declaration on similar grounds. Trump has blasted the legal action.
US Congressman Tim Ryan announces presidential bid
US Congressman Tim Ryan of the state of Ohio has announced his presidential bid, becoming the newest name in a sizable and still-growing field of Democratic candidates seeking to enter the White House.
Turkey warns US not to meddle in elections
Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has warned the US not to interfere in the country's local elections held on Sunday.
Cohen asks lawmakers to help keep him out of prison
Attorneys for Michael Cohen have asked members of Congress to help keep him out of prison. In a letter sent to lawmakers Thursday, the lawyers said Cohen is still sorting through documents that might be of interest to House Democrats investigating his former boss, President Donald Trump. They said if Cohen goes to prison May 6 as scheduled, he won't be able to finish reviewing "a trove of new information." Cohen's attorneys asked the lawmakers to write letters saying they needed "ready access" to him as part of their investigations. If any lawmakers were to write such a letter, it could be useful if Cohen petitioned the court to delay his prison report date. Cohen pleaded guilty to tax evasion, fraud, lying to Congress and campaign finance violations.
LS polls: Odisha politics turn into a 'family affair'
Be it the BJD, Congress or BJP, politics in Odisha is witnessing a lot of candidates, who are in the fray for the state Assembly and Lok Sabha polls along with family members representing the same party.Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janta Dal (BJD) has fielded royal siblings Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo and Arkesh Singh Deo from Bolangir Lok Sabha and Assembly seats.While Kalikesh is the sitting MP from Bolangir, his younger brother Arkesh Is debuting in politics. Their father, Ananga Udaya Singh Deo was the Rajya Sabha MP from April 3, 2014 to April 3, 2018 from BJD.Something similar can be seen in Congress too.Congress has fielded senior leader Narasingha Mishra and his son Samarendra Mishra in Bolangir. Samarendra, who is also debuting into politics, is facing two-time MP Kalikesh, while Narasingha Mishra will take on Arkesh from Bolangir Assembly seat.President of Odisha Congress, Niranjan Patnaik is contesting Assembly election from Ghasipura, while his son ...
US, China 'very close' to reaching trade deal
Putting an end to a year-long trade impasse between the United States and China, President Donald Trump on Thursday said that both the countries are "very close" to reaching a deal.Speaking in the Oval Office, CNN quoted the President as saying that a trade agreement, which he described as "the granddaddy of them", could be announced "within the next four week or maybe less, or maybe more, whatever it takes," describing the possible agreement as "very monumental."However, the President refused to comment on reports over a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping that may take place later this month."If we have a deal, we'll have a summit," Trump said."If there's no deal, we're not going to have a summit," he added.US tariffs continue to pose a challenge to the final deal, according to NHK. While Beijing wants Washington to remove the tariffs, the US has stated that the cess will remain in place until it's completely clear that China will wholly adhere to the deal.China reportedly ...
Delhi: Robert Vadra visits Sai Baba Temple
UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law and businessman Robert Vadra on Thursday visited the Sai Baba Temple at Lodhi Road here.His visits comes at a time when his wife and Congress General Secretary (UP-East) Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is busy campaigning ahead of the Lok Sabha election.She accompanied her brother and Congress president Rahul Gandhi while he filed his nomination papers for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat on Thursday. She later took to Twitter and urged people of the constituency to vote in favour of Rahul Gandhi.Calling Rahul the most "courageous man" she ever knew, Priyanka tweeted: "My brother, my truest friend, and by far the most courageous man I know. Take care of him Wayanad, he won't let you down".Apart from Wayanad, Rahul Gandhi will also be contesting from the Congress stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh where he will face BJP nominee and Union Minister Smriti Irani.The Lok Sabha election to 543 seats is scheduled to be held in seven phases beginning April 11 and .
NATO approves measures to counter Russia amid internal rifts
NATO foreign ministers approved a series of measures Thursday aimed at countering Russia in the Black Sea region, an agreement that comes amid public rifts between the United States and several of the other 28 members on security and trade issues. In a meeting in Washington to mark the 70th anniversary of NATO, the ministers agreed to provide Georgia and Ukraine with increased maritime cooperation, patrols and port visits. Both countries have faced Russian aggression and have aspirations to join the alliance. The NATO ministers also renewed demands for Russia to end its annexation of Crimea, release Ukrainian sailors and ships it seized in a confrontation last year in the Sea of Azov and respect the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. The U.S. announced it will withdraw from the 1987 treaty in August unless Russia returns to compliance. But a deepening dispute between the U.S. and Turkey over the Turks' planned purchase of a Russian air defense system, U.S. demands for allies, ..
NATO approves measures to counter Russia amid internal rifts
NATO foreign ministers approved a series of measures Thursday aimed at countering Russia in the Black Sea region, an agreement that comes amid public rifts between the United States and several of the other 28 members on security and trade issues. In a meeting in Washington to mark the 70th anniversary of NATO, the ministers agreed to provide Georgia and Ukraine with increased maritime cooperation, patrols and port visits. Both countries have faced Russian aggression and have aspirations to join the alliance. The NATO ministers also renewed demands for Russia to end its annexation of Crimea, release Ukrainian sailors and ships it seized in a confrontation last year in the Sea of Azov and respect the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. The U.S. announced it will withdraw from the 1987 treaty in August unless Russia returns to compliance. But a deepening dispute between the U.S. and Turkey over the Turks' planned purchase of a Russian air defense system, U.S. demands for allies, ..
Libya strongman Haftar orders 'advance' on Tripoli
Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar ordered his troops Thursday to "advance" on Tripoli, seat of the internationally-recognised unity government, as world powers warned of consequences for military action. Haftar's forces announced Wednesday they were gearing up for an offensive in the west of the country to purge it of "terrorists and mercenaries", having seized key areas of the country's south since the start of the year. "The time has come," Haftar said in an audio message released Thursday by his self-proclaimed Libyan National Army, pledging to spare civilians and "state institutions". Dozens of militias have fought for control of the North African country since a NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. Haftar's forces have emerged as a key player, opposing the government in Tripoli and backing a parallel administration in the east. On Thursday evening LNA spokesman Ahmed Mesmari announced that the force was "at the gates of the capital" and .
BJP and allies will win 19-21 seats in North-East
BJP leader and a Cabinet Minister in Assam government, Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday claimed that BJP will win 19-21 seats out of 25 Lok Sabha seats in the North East.He also predicted a wipe out of the Congress party while asserting that Congress ideology has been rejected by the people of North East.ANI caught with Sarma while he was campaigning in Dibrugarh.Excerpts from the interview:Q: Is it a liability for you that you have been given such responsibility of winning 21 seats have been given to you by Amit Shah?Sarma- This is a national responsibility. Narendra Modi should become the Prime Minister of India. This is what people want. It is the call of the hour by Mother India. People of Assam want to see Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of this country for a long time. With this mission, we are marching ahead and we are hopeful that we will 19-21 seats out of 25 seats in the North East.Q: You are seen as Chanakya of Amit Shah in North East. You people were able to get a lot ..
Minorities with PM Modi: Shahnawaz Hussain ahead of LS polls
Ahead of the Lok Sabha election, former Union Minister and BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain on Thursday said that the minority communities are with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and they "fully support" the BJP."Whatever I am today is because of my leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He made me a Cabinet Minister when I was just 32 years old. I lost in 2014 Lok Sabha from Bhagalpur with a small margin only because all the Muslim voters were told that if Narendra Modi will become Prime Minister then they will have to go to Pakistan. But BJP did nothing like this," Hussain said while addressing a rally here."The minorities are with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They fully support the BJP and will vote for us in the upcoming election," he added.The Lok Sabha election to 543 seats is scheduled to be held in seven phases beginning April 11 and concluding on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.
Wind turbines cause cancer? Trump's 'idiotic' theory whips up storm
President Donald Trump has never been shy of sharing his dislike of wind turbines. But by suggesting this week that their noise could cause cancer, he stunned political friends and foes alike. "It's an idiotic statement," Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday, echoing an earlier assessment by Republican Senator Chuck Grassley. Addressing a Republican fundraiser in Washington, the US president -- who routinely questions the science of climate change -- launched a lengthy attack on wind turbines which he called "windmills." "They say the noise causes cancer," Trump told the gathering -- a theory not borne out by scientific research. A staunch supporter of the coal industry, Trump has taken to cracking jokes at his rallies about wind power, which accounted for some six per cent of US energy generation in 2016, according to the Energy Department. "I'd love to watch a show tonight, darling," Trump quipped last week to laughs from the crowd in Michigan. "The wind hasn't blown .
Eastern Libyan Commander declares war on Tripoli, UN expresses 'deep concern'
Eastern Libyan army commander Khalifa Hifter on Thursday ordered his forces to take over Tripoli, the capital of the UN-backed government, amid reports of escalating political tension in Libya.An audio message posted on LNA's Facebook page on Wednesday said that Haftar, who commands the Libyan National Army (LNA) from its eastern base of Benghazi, earlier took over Gharyan, a town 100 kilometres south of Tripoli, Al Jazeera reported.In the audio, Haftar described his forces' move as a "victorious march" to "shake the lands under the feet of the unjust bunch.""We are coming Tripoli, we are coming," he said.In addition, Haftar also urged his forces to enter the city peacefully and only raise their weapons "in the face of those who seek injustice and prefer confrontation and fighting."He also urged his forces not to open fire on any civilians or those who are unarmed."Those who lay down their weapons are safe, and those who raise the white banner are safe," he said.The audio recording ...
Telangana: EC officials review 'special arrangements' for LS election in Nizamabad
A team of the Election Commission of India led by senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha held a series of meetings with the Chief Electoral Officer of Telangana, Rajat Kumar, DEOs and other election-related authorities on Monday and Tuesday in Hyderabad.They reviewed special arrangements made for the conduct of elections in Nizamabad constituency and made a detailed evaluation of the logistic requirements and various EVM protocols according to an official statement.They also witnessed a live demonstration of the working of EVMs using 12 ballot units and expressed their satisfaction with the preparedness for elections in the constituency.The team met Chief Secretary S. K. Joshi, DG Police and other senior officials of the state government.The Chief Secretary agreed to deploy additional resources in Nizamabad Parliamentary Constituency in the form of additional officers and budget as per CEO's requirement. He also informed that a helicopter will be placed at the disposal of RO .
The USD 1 billion ask: Trump all-in on fundraising for 2020
President Donald Trump is well on his way to raising the USD1 billion his campaign believes it will take for him to win another term in the White House, building a fundraising machine that will prove difficult for Democrats to match. Trump's bring-it-on fundraising approach which will be on display during a stop in Los Angeles on Friday is a far cry from his stance in 2015, when the billionaire reality TV star and developer launched his first bid for president promising to use his own money to finance his campaign. It's also an indication of how he has made his political apparatus more professional for Round 2. For all presidents, incumbency has its advantages. Trump, who formalised his re-election effort the day after he took office, moved especially early to leverage his incumbency for 2020. As Trump brings in millions, his would-be opponents are scrambling to raise enough money to earn themselves a spot on the primary debate stages. And the Democratic National Committee remains ..
Guterres, EU call for restraint in Libya
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called for calm and restraint in Libya, as the eastern Libyan army prepares to take over the capital Tripoli where the UN-backed government is based.