Page 142 - Politics
Saudi minister slams UN findings on Khashoggi as 'unfounded'
A Saudi minister on Wednesday slammed as "unfounded" a UN expert report calling for those involved in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi to be held accountable. "It is not new. The (UN) report reiterates what has already been published and circulated in the media," Adel al-Jubeir, Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs, said on Twitter. "The report... contains clear contradictions and unfounded allegations, casting doubt on its credibility.
Sudan's army calls for unconditional talks with protesters
Sudan's military council on Wednesday urged opposition leaders to resume negotiations on the transition of power, without preconditions, but the comments could further complicate the already stalled transition process as protest organisers continue their night-time demonstrations demanding civilian rule. Negotiations collapsed in the wake of a violent crackdown of a protest camp in the capital Khartoum earlier this month. At least 128 people have been killed across the country since security forces moved in to clear the sit-in area outside the military's headquarters on June 3. Authorities offer a lower death toll of 61, including three from security forces. Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, head of the council, told a gathering of health workers in Khartoum that the council did not have preconditions for returning to the negotiating table with the Forces for Declaration of Freedom and Change, which has represented protesters, so neither should the protesters. "I repeat our invitation to all
US alleges tanker hit by mine resembling Iran's
A Japanese-owned tanker attacked in the Gulf of Oman last week was damaged by a limpet mine resembling those used by Iran, the US military said Wednesday, as the Islamic republic slammed accusations against it. Commander Sean Kido of US Naval Forces Central Command, or NAVCENT, said the mine used in the attack "is distinguishable and it is also strikingly bearing a resemblance to Iranian mines that have already been publicly displayed in Iranian military parades". The Japanese-owned Kokuka Courageous, loaded with highly flammable methanol, came under attack last Thursday as it passed through the Gulf of Oman along with the Norwegian-operated Front Altair. It was the second attack in a month on ships in the strategic shipping lane. Kido told reporters in the UAE emirate of Fujairah that the US military had recovered "biometric information" of the assailants on the Kokuka Courageous including "hand and finger prints". This information "can be used to build a criminal case", Kido said as
SKM govt allows selected candidates to join under OFOJ scheme
The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government Wednesday allowed all the candidates selected to join jobs under the 'One Family, One Job' (OFOJ) Scheme which was implemented by the previous Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) government. "All concerned secretaries are informed hereby that it has been decided to accept the joining of all the candidates appointed under the One Family, One Job scheme who had reported for duty during the enforcement of Model Code of Conduct," a circular issued by the Chief Secretary A K Srivastava said. Maintaining that the new government will review all appointments made under the OFOJ scheme which the SKM had promised in its election manifesto, he directed all secretaries to accept the joining of the candidates who had reported for duty on or before May 31, 2019, as an interim measure, subject to thorough review of their appointment by the District-Level Committee. Earlier on May 31, 2019, the Department of Personnel, Administrative Reforms, ...
Govt should focus on fulfiling promises, one nation one election long term affair: Akhilesh Yadav
Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday advised the Central government to focus on fulfilling the promises it made during elections rather than raising issues like "one nation, one election".The 'one nation, one election' idea is a long exercise and it will take time to see the ground reality. The government should instead focus on the promises it made during the elections, right now they have got the majority and they should focus on their promises. Decisions like One Nation One Election, there are many parties that will never agree to it," Yadav told ANI here.Yadav did not attend the all-party convened by the government on the issue.lSeveral issues, including the "one nation, one election" idea, the celebration of the 75 years of independence in 2022 and others were discussed in the meeting which was attended by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Andhra Pradesh CM YSR Jagan Mohan Reddy and others.Yadav empathized with the families of people who had lost their ...
Telangana BJP hits out at CM over Modi "fascist" comment
BJP in Telangana Wednesday took strong exception to Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's remark that he had once called Prime Minister Narendra Modi "fascist", saying it reflected his "feudal mindset". BJP state president K Laxman also condemned the chief minister's claim that the NDA government did not give any funds for the mega Kaleswaram Lift Irrigation project across Godavari river, to be inaugurated on June 21. He slammed Rao for the remark against Modi while holding the post of chief minister. "...when people recognise him (Modi) as the most popular leader in the world,... you say I had called him fascist. Is this not an example of your feudal mindset?" the BJP leader asked. On the Kaleswaram project, Laxman said the Chief Minister had earlier praised the Modi government for giving environment and other clearances to the project in the "shortest possible" time. Noting that BJP also had contributed to the project, he said: "...Not alone you. But for (Devendra) ...
Punjab govt delegation arrives in Shillong
A Punjab government delegation arrived here Wednesday to take stock of the situation after people of the northern state residing in Punjabi lane here were served notices by the state authorities to prove ownership of their land. Last week some newspapers had also reported that an outlawed organisation has issued threat to the Punjabi settlers in Punjabi lane area. The Punjab government delegation is led by minister Sukhbinder Singh Randhawa and comprised of MPs Ravneet Singh Bittu and Jasbir Singh Gill along with MLA Kuldeep Singh Vaid. The delegation will meet Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and Home Minister James P K Sangma and top government officials here, an official told PTI. The delegation visited the Punjabi Lane area this evening. Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh had personally taken up with his Meghalaya counterpart Conrad K Sangma the security to the Punjabis settling in Punjabi lane here. In a letter to the Meghalaya chief minister, Amarinder ...
Yeddyurappa hits back at Kumaraswamy over toppling bid charge
Hitting back at Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy for accusing the BJP of attempting to bribe one of his party MLAs, the saffron party's state chief B S Yeddyurappa Wednesday asked him to name those involved. If the Chief Minister did not give out the names before levelling such allegations, it would be seen as though he was suspecting his own party MLAs, Yeddyurappa said. Speaking to reporters here, he said the Chief Minister was making allegations against the BJP "out of desperation." "We have said we are not involved in such things...18-20 Congress-JD(S) MLAs are disgruntled, take them intoconfidence and work unitedly towards the development of the state... Still 70 per cent of the state has not received any rains, there is severe drought, let's work together, as opposition we will also cooperate, is what we have said," he added. "Unnecessarily by saying that someone from BJP offered Rs 10 crore to someone in JD(S), why are you bringingdown the respect of your ...
Trump campaign raises USD24.8M in less than 24 hours
President Donald Trump raised USD 24.8 million in the less-than 24 hours after kicking off his re-election campaign. The staggering sum was announced in a tweet on Wednesday morning by Republican Party Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. It dwarfs what the top Democratic contenders in the 2020 White House primary raised over the course of the first three months of this year. It's a demonstration of the power incumbency, while underscoring Democratic worries that they are not doing enough to prepare for the matchup with Trump. Trump already reported USD 48.7 million cash on hand at the end of March, spread across three committees tied to his campaign. The Republican National Committee had an additional USD 34.7 million during the same period. The Democratic National Committee had just USD 7.5 million with USD 6.2 million in debt.
Hong Kong students issue government deadline over demands
A Hong Kong student group demanded Wednesday that the city completely scrap a politically charged extradition bill and agree to investigate police tactics against protesters before a Thursday deadline or face further street demonstrations. Meanwhile, the Civil Human Rights Front, which organized massive marches on the past two Sundays, called for another protest on July 1, the anniversary of Hong Kong's handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997. Since last Sunday's march on the government headquarters by an estimated 2 million people, the number of protesters in the area has dropped to just a few dozen. But Wednesday's developments are the latest indication that the largest and angriest protests in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory in years aren't over yet. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam has apologized for her handling of the extradition bill, which could be used to send suspects to mainland China for trial. She agreed to suspend debate, but has stopped short of ...
Union minister Athawale uses humour to take dig at Rahul
Union minister and Republican Party of India leader Ramdas Athawale on Wednesday left Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi along with other Lok Sabha members in peels of laughter by his witty remarks, some aimed at the Congress president. In his congratulatory remarks after the unanimous election of Om Birla as Lok Sabha Speaker, Athawale, who has a knack for spontaneous humour, said he is happy that Rahul got a chance to sit in Lok Sabha though as an opposition member. While Rahul won from Wayanad in Kerala, he lost the Gandhi stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh to Smriti Irani. "Rahul ji aapko wahan baithne ka mauka mila isiliye aapko badhai deta hoon. Jab apki satta thi tab main aapke saath tha. Chunav ke pehle mujhe Congress wale bol rahe the idhar aao. Maine hawa ka rukh dekha ki woh Modi ji ki taraf ja rahi hai (I congratulate you on getting an opportunity to sit there (in the Opposition benches). I was with the UPA when it was was in ...
Milind Deora bats for 'One Nation, One Election' even as Congress opposes the idea
Congress leader Milind Deora on Wednesday said that the idea of 'One Nation, One Election' should be given a consideration, even though his party skipped the all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the issue."I am yet to see evidence which suggests that if the election to Vidhan Sabhas is held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections, it will help the party that is in power nationally," he said in a statement."Only recently, along with the Lok Sabha elections, the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh elected members to their respective Vidhan Sabhas. Two out of the three states elected parties that are not even in an alliance with the BJP," he added."India's 70-year electoral journey has taught us that Indian voters are aware, informed and can differentiate between the state and the Central elections. Our democracy is neither fragile nor immature and the debate of 'One Nation, One Poll' calls for an open mind on either side of the ...
Russian Deputy PM discusses energy cooperation with Petroleum Minister Pradhan
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Petrovich Trutnev held a formal meeting with Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan here on Wednesday and discussed issues related to energy cooperation between the two countries."We were discussing the issues of energy cooperation. We agreed to continue the discussion with relevant companies in the energy field in India and from Russia," Trutnev said.Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day visit to Bishkek last week to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, held a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and also accepted the latter's invitation to be the Chief Guest at the Eastern Economic Forum, scheduled to be held in Vladivostok in early September.In the meeting, the two leaders reportedly decided to further widen the scope of their economic partnership in the sectors of energy, Arctic region, transfer of technology, joint projects under 'Make in India' initiative and manpower.Trutnev, who is also
Erdogan says Egyptian ex-president Morsi was 'killed'
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said his close ally Mohamed Morsi was "killed" and accused Egyptian authorities of failing to intervene to save the ex-president. "Morsi was struggling on the floor in the courtroom for 20 minutes. Authorities unfortunately did not intervene to save him," Erdogan said during a televised speech in Istanbul. "Morsi was killed, he did not die of natural causes." Erdogan forged close ties with Morsi, Egypt's first civilian president and a prominent Muslim Brotherhood member. But Ankara's relations with Cairo ties deteriorated after the Egyptian military, then led by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, ousted Morsi in 2013. Sisi then became president. Erdogan has sharply denounced the military takeover in Egypt and called it a "coup". On Wednesday, he said he would follow up on the process related to Morsi's death. "We will do whatever is needed for Egypt to be tried in international courts." The attorney general's office in Egypt has said that Morsi ..
Goa govt stands by app-based taxi service GoaMiles
The Goa government, on Wednesday, has decided to stand by the app-based taxi service GoaMiles and not relent to the pressure created by local taxi operators against the app-based service.Chairman of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), Dayanand Sopte said, "The Government of Goa has taken a firm decision to stand by GoaMiles initiative in the interest of tourism in the state and will not buckle down to any sort of pressure from vested interests nor to their demands to stop or scrap the app-based taxi service."The decision was taken after a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Monday to discuss on-going issues related to protests from local taxi operators against the app-based taxi service GoaMiles.
Need to organize KPCC, says Gundu Rao after AICC dissolves committee
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President Dinesh Gundu Rao on Wednesday said he had spoken to Congress president Rahul Gandhi about the need to organise the state committee that the party had made before the Lok Sabha polls.Rao's comments came in the wake of the Congress party dissolving the KPCC while retaining its President and working President."We made a request to Congress president Rahul Gandhi that we need to organise the committee we had made before the elections," Rao told media.Rao further said, "Congress President gave the approval to dissolve the KPCC. Now we have to see how to reorganise not only KPCC but also district Congress and Block Congress committees. It will be a total reorganisation of the party at all levels."Earlier today, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) dissolved the KPCC while retaining the committee's President Dinesh Gundu Rao and Working President Eshwar Khandre.The Congress fared poorly in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections in .
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik supports the idea 'One Nation, One Election'
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday came out in support of the concept of 'One Nation, One Election'."Frequent elections affect the pace of development and also rock the spirit of cooperative federalism. BJD will fully support the idea of 'One Nation One Election'. There has to be a give and take attitude in the larger interest of the country," he said, addressing a meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.Patnaik also said that Mahatma Gandhi's idea of non-violence should be included in the Preamble of the Constitution as the country celebrates his 150th birth anniversary."As regards celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhiji, as I had earlier suggested, we may consider including the uniquely Indian ideal of 'non-violence' or 'Ahimsa', in the Preamble of India's Constitution. This will ensure that future generations not just of Indians but people around the world will be reminded of the profound truth of this principle," he said.In .
Jaishankar, Russian deputy PM meet; discuss Modi's Vladivostok visit
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev on Wednesday and discussed ways to strengthen ties between the two nation and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum later this year. Jaishankar's meeting with Trutnev comes days after Prime Minister Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek, where the two leaders reviewed all aspects of bilateral relations to further strengthen the strategic relationship. "EAM @DrSJaishankar met with Deputy Prime Minister & Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District of Russia Yury Trutnev. Discussed various aspects of India-Russia relationship, including the visit by PM @narendramodi to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Briefing the media after the Modi-Putin meeting last week, Foreign Secretary Vijay ...
Deora appears to support idea of simultaneous polls, calls for
Mumbai Congress president Milind Deora Wednesday appeared to be supporting the idea of holding simultaneous polls in the country and called for a debate on the issue. He said being in continuous election mode is a roadblock to good governance and distracts politicians from addressing real issues. Terming 'one nation, one election' an "important and valuable reform", he said the government should decide on it by taking all political parties on board and seeking opinions of the intelligentsia, organisations working on electoral reforms and students. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday discussed with heads of various political parties, which have at least one MP either in the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, the issue of "one nation, one election". "It is unfortunate that India's political class, which I am a part of, is fast forgetting the art of debate, discussion and engagement. This, in my opinion, is a grave threat to India's democratic nature," Deora said in a ...
Naveen Patnaik backs 'one nation, one election' idea
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Wednesday extended full support to the idea of 'one nation, one election', saying frequent polls affect the pace of development and also "rock the spirit of cooperative federalism". At an all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, Patnaik, who is also the BJD president, strongly advocated a re-look into the Land Acquisition Act and the Forest Conservation Act. The prime minister Wednesday met leaders of various political parties having representation in Parliament to explore possibilities of holding Lok Sabha and assembly elections together amid no show by various opposition parties. "Frequent elections affect the pace of development and also rock the spirit of cooperative federalism. The BJD will fully support the idea of 'one nation, one election'," Patnaik said, adding there has to be a "give and take" attitude in the larger interest of the country. According to a BJD communique issued here, the Odisha chief minister, who