Page 1449 - Politics
All 'chowkidaars' not thieves, only 'desh ka chowkidaar' is thief: Rahul
Congress president Rahul Gandhi Saturday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying all 'chowkidaars' are not thieves, but only 'desh ka chowkidaar' is a thief. Addressing a Congress rally here, Gandhi said 'chowkidaars' (watchmen) come to him and complain about the slogan 'chowkidaar chor hain' (watchmen are thieves). They say they are not thieves but honest people, and ask me to change the slogan, the Congress chief said. "I tell them not to get worried, the entire country knows that when we say 'chowkidaar chor hain' its meant that we are talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Gandhi said, He said, "One chowkidaar has defamed all the chowkidaars." The Congress chief also attacked the prime minister on the Rafale issue, alleging corruption in the fighter jet deal. The government has repeatedly denied the allegations of graft levelled by the opposition party.
North Korean hackers behind surge in cyberattacks on banks: Report
With the US-led sanctions damaging its economy, the North Korean government is using cyberattacks on banks to raise cash, according to US officials, the CNN reported.
to enter into alliance for LS polls in Punjab
The Aam Aadmi Party and the Akali Dal (Taksali), a breakaway outfit from the SAD, are set to enter into a tie-up for contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Punjab. The move came after talks for an alliance between the Akali Dal Taksali (old guard) and the Punjab Democratic Alliance (PDA) "failed" over the sharing of seats. "We have successfully held talks with the AAP (regarding the tie-up) for contesting the Lok Sabha elections in Punjab. In a day or two, we will formally make announcement in this regard," Secretary General of SAD (Taksali) Sewa Singh Sekhwan said on Saturday. AAP state unit president and Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann on Friday met Shiromani Akali Dal Taksali president Ranjit Singh Brahmpura in Amritsar and AAP MLA and Leader of Opposition Harpal Singh Cheema met Sekhwan here on Friday in connection with an alliance for the general elections. "Through the third front, we want to give an alternate to people of Punjab in the coming elections," Sekhwan said. AAP leader ..
Australia's political crisis deepens as two more ministers quit
Two more key Australian ministers on Saturday announced their retirement from politics, ahead of elections in May, amid exodus of leaders from Prime Minister Scott Morrison's Liberal Party in recent weeks.
US must ensure tensions between India and Pakistan dont go out of control: Albright
The US needs to figure out some way to make sure that there is no nuclear confrontation between Pakistan and India, a former top American diplomat said. Tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan after the February 14 Pulwama attack claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Forty CRPF soldiers were killed in the attack. India carried out air strikes against the biggest training camp of JeM in Balakot on February 26. Pakistan also tried to target Indian military installation the next day. Madeleine Albright, who was the US Secretary of State 1997 to 2001 in the second term of the Clinton administration, said, "I do think that we do need to figure out some way to make sure that we don't have a nuclear confrontation. "I think the US needs to get involved in this, and I think that it is -- it would be a good idea, actually, to have some kind of an envoy trying to deal with this. We can't allow this to get out of control, Albright said responding to a question .
PM Modi to launch Kalashnikov rifles unit in Amethi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Amethi, the parliamentary constituency of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, on Sunday to launch a Kalashnikov rifles manufacturing facility. During his visit, the PM will unveil several other development projects for Amethi and the region, a statement from his office said. At Kauhar in Amethi, the PM will dedicate the Indo-Russia Rifles Pvt Limited to the nation. The Indo-Russia Rifles Pvt Ltd is a joint venture between India's Ordnance factory and a Russian firm. It will produce the last series of Kalashnikov rifles in the Korwa Ordnance Factory. The PM will unveil several development projects in power generation, education, health and manufacturing sectors. These projects will directly benefit the Amethi region, the statement said. Modi will also address a public gathering at Kauhar.
DRDO Chief receives prestigious American award for missile technology development
The globally renowned American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has conferred DRDO Chief G Satheesh Reddy with the prestigious Missile Systems Award 2019 for his leadership role in the Indian missile programmes.The award recognizes excellence in developing or implementing missile systems technology, including significant technological accomplishments or for inspired leadership of missile systems programs, AIAA announced in a press release."Reddy was selected for his over three decades of significant national contributions toward indigenous design, development, and deployment of diversified strategic and tactical missile systems, guided weapons, advanced avionics, and navigation technologies in India," the society stated.Before being appointed as the DRDO Chief, Reddy was heading the entire Missiles division of the DRDO, including programmes such as strategic nuclear missiles of the Agni series.The DRDO Chief has also been credited for the development of tactical ...
Pakistan Minister Fawad seeks Nobel Peace prize for Imran Khan
A motion has been submitted in Pakistan's National Assembly Secretariat, seeking the Nobel Peace prize for Prime Minister Imran Khan for his role in de-escalating tension between New Delhi and Islamabad, reports Pakistan Radio.The motion, which was submitted by Pakistan Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary on Saturday, has lauded Prime Minister Khan's efforts for reducing the tension between two "nuclear-armed countries" which were on the "brink of a war" after the terror attack in Pulwama in Indian Jammu and Kashmir, and the subsequent strike by Indian Air Force (IAF) on JeM terror camp at Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.The motion comes a day after Pakistan handed over IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman back to India on Friday night. The IAF pilot was captured on Thursday after his MiG-21 Bison was shot down in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), while he was chasing the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) intruders.An online petition has also been filed, urging the Norwegian Nobel .
In Amethi, PM to dedicate firm that will soon manufacture AK assault rifles
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his visit to Amethi, Rahul Gandhi's constituency, will dedicate to India on Sunday a firm which will manufacture the latest series of AK assault rifles.This comes over two weeks after the Centre, on February 13, cleared a proposal to produce 7.47 lakh assault Kalashnikov rifles at a plant to be set up in Amethi commissioned by the Ordinance Factory Board and a Russian firm. At Kauhar in Amethi, the Prime Minister on Sunday will dedicate the Indo-Russia Rifles Pvt Limited to the nation - a joint venture between India's Ordinance factory and a Russian firm.The firm, which is in line with the Make in India mission of the Centre, will bolster the armed forces in the country and will strengthen the national security. The factory will also generate employment opportunities in Amethi and nearby areas and give a tremendous boost to the UP Defence Corridor project.In Amethi, the Prime Minister will also unveil several development projects relating to power ...
Everyone should forget political differences, join hands in fighting against terrorism: Ghulam Nabi Azad
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Saturday said that the entire nation is with the security forces and all political parties should set aside their differences and come in unison to fight and eradicate terrorism."Congress' stand from the very first day is that we are against terrorism and it has to be eliminated. When all of us are fighting against terrorism, everyone should forget their political differences and come together to fight against terrorism," Nabi told reporters here.He emphasised that whatever decision or steps the armed forces take, Congress will always support it.Underlining that terrorism has affected Jammu and Kashmir for the last 30 years, Azad said, "Many people in our state have been affected by terrorism. This is a worrying and a sad thing. We have been behind in terms of education and development. If terrorism comes to an end, the people of Jammu and Kashmir will be happy and youth, who have been the most affected due to terrorism, will
Kargil war hero Air Marshal Nambiar to review operational preparedness of fighting formations in Srinagar
Kargil war hero Air Marshal R Nambiar, who has been appointed as the new chief of Indian Air Force's sword arm Western Air Command (WAC), will visit Srinagar on Saturday to review operational preparedness of the fighting formations.He will also review the recent aerial engagement between the Indian and Pakistani combat aircraft over Rajouri sector in Jammu and Kashmir.The Air Marshal is credited for shooting five of the eight Laser Guided Bombs on the Pakistani positions during the Kargil war in 1999 from his plane. He flew the Mirage-2000 in combat during the conflict and has flown 25 operational missions.Nambiar has the distinction of having the highest number of flying hours on the Mirage-2000 in the IAF, with over 2300 flying hours on the aircraft to his credit, and a total of 5100 hours of flying experience.He is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and was the Project Test Pilot for the Light Combat Aircraft "Tejas". He has commanded the oldest Squadron of the ...
Samjhauta Express services to resume from India tomorrow
The Samjhauta Express is set to resume from India tomorrow after the two neighbours agreed to operationalise services at their ends, officials said.Pakistani authorities had suspended the train services from their end on February 26, the day India carried out aerial strikes at a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror camp in Balakot.The Samjhauta Express, or the peace train, is a bi-weekly train that runs on Wednesday and Sunday between Delhi and Attari in India and Lahore in Pakistan. It comprises six sleeper coaches and an AC 3-tier coach.The train departs from the Old Delhi Railway Station on Wednesdays and Sundays. On its return journey from Lahore, the train arrives in India on Mondays and Thursdays.
PM has snatched Rs 30,000 cr from IAF: Rahul
Congress president Rahul Gandhi Saturday said the Indian Air Force defends the country, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi "snatched" Rs 30,000 crore from the force. Speaking at the party's Parivartan Ulgulan Maha Rally at the Morabadi Ground here, Gandhi alleged there was "corruption" in the Rafale deal and Rs 30,000 crore had been wrongfully given to Anil Ambani. "Vaayu Sena desh ki raksha karti hain aur hamare PM use chori karti hain (The IAF defends our country but the PM has snatched money from the force)," he said. Gandhi alleged the prime minister had waived Rs 3.5 lakh crore loan of industrialists but not for farmers, students and shopkeepers. The Congress president said if his party is voted to power, it will give minimum guarantee income. The money will be transferred directly to the accounts of the poor, he said.
TMC accuses BJP ministers of 'leaking exaggerated numbers' of air strike
The Trinamool Congress Saturday accused BJP ministers of "leaking exaggerated numbers" to the media about the casualties in the air strike in Pakistan. The Mamata Banerjee-led TMC also claimed that no statistics given by the central government can be taken "seriously". Security forces have not officially attributed any number to those eliminated in the strike, Trinamool Congress national spokesperson Derek O'Brien posted on Twitter. "IAF has been very consistent: "No number".So why did a BJP mantri or two leak exaggerated numbers? And Delhi media fell for the numbers. Can one take any statistics this govt gives out seriously? Journos? Or slaves to propaganda aka sources?," he tweeted along with screenshots of TV news reports quoting sources as saying 200-300 Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists were eliminated in the strike. Later in a statement, O'Brien accused BJP president Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of playing "divisive politics" over the issue. "Look who has the gall to ...
AAP announces candidates for six out of seven seats in Delhi for LS polls
Ending speculation of an alliance with the Congress for the upcoming general elections, the Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday announced names of its candidates for six of the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the party's seventh candidate will be announced soon. "Congratulations and best wishes. Seventh candidate will be announced soon. Delhiites will will have full statehood this time," he tweeted The six candidates were earlier appointed as the party's in-charge for the parliamentary constituencies in the national capital. Addressing a press conference here, Delhi AAP convener Gopal Rai said Atishi will contest from East Delhi, Guggan Singh from northwest Delhi, Raghav Chadha from south, Dilip Pandey from northeast, Pankaj Gupta from Chandni Chowk and Brijesh Goyal from New Delhi seats. Rai said the candidate for West Delhi will be announced soon. During a meeting of 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) leaders at NCP chief .
Pakistan has been isolated internationally, nobody ready to support it: Amit Shah
Hailing the Indian Air Force (IAF) over the recent airstrike in Pakistan's Balakot, BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday said that Pakistan has been isolated internationally and no country is willing to support it.The BJP president took part in the party's 'Vijay Sankalp Bike Rally' in Umaria.While addressing the party workers here, Shah slammed the Opposition leaders for questioning the air strike in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack in which around 40 CRPF jawans were killed on February 14."Today Pakistan has been isolated internationally; nobody is ready to support it. This kind of diplomatic victory can only be brought by the Narendra Modi government," Shah said.He later went on to question Congress president Rahul Gandhi about the steps his party took during the 26/11 attack in Mumbai."All the Opposition party leaders are pointing fingers at the air strike (by IAF)... Rahul Gandhi, did you have the courage to give a reply to terrorists? The people of the country are ...
Abhinandan meets Air Force Chief Dhanoa, briefs him about Pak detention
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was brought to Delhi after he crossed into India through the Attari-Wagah border yesterday, met Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa on Saturday morning and briefed him about his detention in Pakistan, officials said.Varthaman, who underwent a medical checkup today at a military hospital here will stay at an Indian Air Force Officers Mess.Varthaman was expected to be debriefed by the IAF on his detention in Pakistan, which is yet to take place.After a delay of over five hours by Pakistan, Wing Commander Varthaman reached India at 9.20 pm on Friday. He was in the custody of the Pakistan Army since Wednesday when his parachute drifted and fell inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.On Wednesday, Abhinandan, flying the MiG 21 Bison, was chasing Pakistani F-16 fighters which had transgressed into the Indian airspace, and in the process, his plane crossed over to the Pakistani side and was shot down.Abhinandan ejected safely but was taken into custody .
PDP chief terms banning of Jamaat-e-Islami "an act of vengeance" by the Centre
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti Saturday termed the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) an act of "vengeance" by the Centre, saying it would have "dangerous consequences". "There is an atmosphere of vengeance in the state, especially in the Valley after JeI youths and leaders were arrested. JeI is a social and political organisation. It is an ideology and I do not think you can imprison an ideology by arresting some activists of the outfit. We totally condemn it," Mehbooba told reporters at the PDP headquarters here. The PDP president said while there was no action against those persons responsible for incidents of lynching in the country, "a social organisation involved in helping the poor" in Kashmir has been banned. "You have Shiv Sena, Jan Sangh, RSS in the country who have lynched people on the basis of eating a type of meat, but there was no action. However, an organisation which has been helping the poor and running schools has been banned and its activists put .
Resolution submitted in Pak parliament to endorse PM Imran Khan for Nobel Peace Prize
A resolution was submitted in Pakistan Parliament on Saturday to endorse Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan for the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize due to his efforts to de-escalate resent tension with India. Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry Saturday submitted the resolution in the secretariat of National Assembly, the lower house. The resolution stated that Khan's decision of releasing Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan has de-escalated the hostility between Pakistan and India. According to the resolution, Khan acted responsibly in the current tension and "deserves the Nobel Peace Prize". The resolution is expected to be taken up on Monday when it is scheduled to convene its session. It is also expected to be passed as the government has majority in the House but it will be interesting to see if main opposition parties support the move.
Modi announces 'April 2019-March 2020' as Construction-Technology year
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday declared 'April 2019-March 2020' as Construction-Technology year and stressed on use of advanced technology to meet the increasing demand of housing in the country caused by rapid urbanisation. He also sought the support of private sector in fulfilling the government's mission of providing brick house to every Indian by 2022. At the inauguration of the Construction Technology India-2019 Expo-cum-conference here, the prime minister said his government has given a major thrust on affordable housing, brought changes in laws governing the real estate sector, while developing skills and improving technology for it. The NDA government has built 1.3 crore houses as compared to "only 25 lakh" houses built during the previous dispensation, Modi said. "The numbers speak for themselves. This shows how serious we are about our commitment in fulfilling the poor and middle class people's dream of have a house of their own." "We are also ensuring that the ...