Page 1507 - Politics
IAF attacks terror camps in PoK with 1000 kg bomb
Indian Air Force on Tuesday carried out aerial strikes at major terror camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, completely destroying them, 12 days after the ghastly terror attack in Pulwama."12 Mirage 2000 jets took part in the operation that dropped 1000 Kg bombs on terror camps across LoC (Line of Control), completely destroying them," IAF sources said.The air strike was carried around 3:30 am, the sources said.Indian action came 12 days after Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) carried out terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama in Kashmir, killing 40 personnel and injuring five others.The terror attack had led to nation-wide outrage and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had vowed to punish those behind the attack.Entire world community had expressed solidarity with India after the attack.The US has said it supports India's "Right to self defence" in the back of the attack.
US takes 'note' of Iran foreign minister resignation: Pompeo
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is "one of the "front men for a corrupt religious mafia," top US diplomat Mike Pompeo said Monday following his surprise resignation. "We note @JZarif's resignation. We'll see if it sticks," Pompeo wrote on Twitter. "Either way, he and @HassanRouhani are just front men for a corrupt religious mafia," Pompeo wrote, referring to the country's president. "We know @khamenei_ir makes all final decisions. Our policy is unchanged -- the regime must behave like a normal country and respect its people," he said of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Zarif, 59, announced his resignation on Instagram, but it can only take effect once Rouhani accepts it. He has served as Rouhani's foreign minister since August 2013 and has been under constant pressure and criticism by hardliners who opposed his policy of detente with the West. His standing within Iran's political establishment took a hit when the US withdrew last year from a deal aimed at ...
Pak accuses Indian Air Force of violating LoC
The Pakistan Army on Tuesday alleged that the Indian Air Force violated the Line of Control (LoC) in Muzafarabad sector. "Indian aircrafts intruded from Muzafarabad sector. Facing timely and effective response from Pakistan Air Force released payload in haste while escaping which fell near Balakot. No casualties or damage," Major General Asif Ghafoor, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the army, said in a tweet. "Indian Air Force violated Line of Control Pakistan. Pakistan Air Force immediately scrambled. Indian aircraft gone back," he tweeted. The allegation came amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the February 14 suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.
US warns Venezuela not to threaten Colombia
US Vice President Mike Pence has said that whoever threatens Colombia for its defence of the opposition leader who claims to be the legitimate Venezuelan President will have Washington to deal with.
Nikki Haley formed Stand for America policy advocacy group
Former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has announced to have formed "Stand for America", a policy advocacy group dedicated to support public policies that strengthens the country's economy, culture and national security. The surprising announcement by Haley, 47, comes less than two months after she left the high-profile position of US Ambassador to the UN in the Trump Administration. In this capacity, she was the first ever Indian-American to have a cabinet ranking position in any presidential administration. Announcing the launch of "Stand for America" advocacy group on Monday, Haley said that it seeks to engage the Americans in support of those policies because an informed and active citizenry is the best way to promote country's freedom and values. "America's greatness comes from our freedom and our values and they must be protected for future generations," she said. Haley, the former two-term Governor of South Carolina is widely popular not only in her Republican party, but ...
Indian Air Force violated LoC, claims Pak
Pakistan has claimed that the Indian Air Force violated the Line of Control (LoC), following which the former "scrambled" immediately. Pakistan's claim comes in the wake of tense relations between the two countries in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack. "Indian Air Force violated Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan Air Force immediately scrambled. Indian aircrafts gone back. Details to follow," the Spokesperson for the Pakistan Armed Forces, Major General Asif Ghafoor, tweeted on Tuesday..
Iran takes pride in helping Syria: Khamenei
Iran's top leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that Iran takes pride in helping the Syrian government and people.
Congress-run Whatsapp group has 'Pakis' who deride Modi, claims Meenakshi Lekhi
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Meenakshi Lekhi has accused national convener of the Congress' social media department Hasiba Amin of running a Whatsapp political group consisting five Pakistanis who deride Prime Minister Narendra Modi."National convener of the Indian National Congress (INC) social media department Hasiba Amin runs a Whatsapp political group which has five 'Pakis' who deride Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Lekhi said on Monday during BJP Yuva Morcha interaction at Margao South Goa.The BJP leader asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi as to "why Pakistani nationals were a part of a Congress Whatsapp group called 'India Political Network' in which national political issues are discussed."Earlier, the BJP had accused the Congress of running an anti-Narendra Modi campaign in Pakistan through an advertisement on social media.
Arunachal shouldn't turn into another J-K: Congress on PRC row
The Congress has asked the Centre to take adequate steps to control the violence in Arunachal Pradesh and warned that the state "should not be made into another Jammu and Kashmir".State Congress chief Sanjoy Takam said, "We are not against the PRC. But people were not taken into confidence. People had started the movement and firing was initiated. Do not make Northeast into another Jammu and Kashmir."The party leaders also demanded the immediate sacking of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Union minister Kiren Rijiju and sought an inquiry by a sitting high court judge into the reported firing on unarmed protesters in the state.The state unit of the Congress met Union home secretary and officials of the Home Ministry and presented a memorandum to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, asking him to "take responsibility" and act on the situation in Arunachal Pradesh.Meanwhile, former Goa Chief Minister and Congress MLA Luizinho Faleiro said,
Looking forward to productive summit: Trump on 2nd US, N Korea meet
US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un are en route to Hanoi, Vietnam, to hold a second summit which aims to make further progress in commitments made by both the countries at last year's Singapore summit, including achieving complete denuclearisation for the reclusive state."Heading over to Vietnam for my meeting with Kim Jong Un. Looking forward to a very productive Summit!" Trump tweeted on Monday (local time).Kim had already embarked for the impending two-day summit on February 23, choosing to undertake a 60-hour-long train journey to the border city of Dang Dong in Vietnam which will be followed by a car ride to Hanoi.Trump and Kim are expected to address a joint press conference after the eagerly awaited second summit, slated to be held on February 27 and 28 - unlike last year's Singapore summit where Trump held a solo presser after the meet.The process of denuclearisation had hit a roadblock following the first summit over ease of sanctions, where North ..
Modi washes feet of sanitation workers with LS polls in mind: Andhra CM
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi washed the feet of sanitation workers in Prayagraj to seek votes as the Lok Sabha elections are inching closer. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief said, "Narendra Modi is washing their (sanitation workers) feet before the elections. These sanitation workers have been providing services in all these four years, but Modi never washed their feet. But now he is cleaning the feet of them keeping elections in mind. He never responds even when somebody offers him Namaskar. Modi did not respond to the salutation by Advani (BJP veteran LK Advani). He cheats even his guru. There is no actor better than Narendra Modi."Modi on Sunday took a holy dip at the Sangam during the ongoing Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj and also interacted with sanitation workers who ensured cleanliness during the religious gathering. He described the sanitation workers as "real karm yogis" and applauded their contribution to ...
Lima Group urges ICC to declare Venezuela aid blockade 'crime against humanity'
The Lima Group of Latin American countries and Canada on Monday urged the International Criminal Court to declare Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's refusal to allow in humanitarian aid a "crime against humanity." The group of allies of opposition leader Juan Guaido hit out at "the serious humanitarian situation in Venezuela, the violence of Maduro's criminal regime against the civilian population and the negation of access to international aid." But it rejected the use of force to achieve a democratic transition in the South American country. Guaido, who was accepted as Venezuela's re presentative to the group, and US Vice President Mike Pence attended the meeting in the Colombian capital. In its final statement, the group said "the transition to democracy must be conducted peacefully by Venezuelans within the framework of the constitution and international law, supported by political and diplomatic measures, without the use of force." It also hit out at "serious and credible ...
Lima Group urges ICC to declare Venezuela aid blockade 'crime against humanity'
The Lima Group of Latin American countries and Canada on Monday urged the International Criminal Court to declare Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's refusal to allow in humanitarian aid a "crime against humanity." The group of allies of opposition leader Juan Guaido hit out at "the serious humanitarian situation in Venezuela, the violence of Maduro's criminal regime against the civilian population and the negation of access to international aid." But it rejected the use of force to achieve a democratic transition in the South American country. Guaido, who was accepted as Venezuela's re presentative to the group, and US Vice President Mike Pence attended the meeting in the Colombian capital. In its final statement, the group said "the transition to democracy must be conducted peacefully by Venezuelans within the framework of the constitution and international law, supported by political and diplomatic measures, without the use of force." It also hit out at "serious and credible ...
Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif resigns
Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, who played a pivotal role in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, has resigned from his post on Monday (local time)."I sincerely apologize for the incapacity to continue serving and all the shortcomings during the service. Be happy and upbeat," CNN quoted Zarif as stating.The deputy Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Sayyed Abbas Moussawi, confirmed the news with Iran's state media.Zarif played a key role in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, in 2015 - the very same deal US President Donald Trump withdrew from in 2018.Further details are awaited.
US slaps sanctions on four Venezuelan state governors
The US targeted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government and imposed sanctions on four state governors.
We are with you 100%: Pence to Guaido
US Vice President Mike Pence, on Monday strongly reiterated the United States' (US) support for Venezuela's self-proclaimed President Juan Guaido during the Lima Group talks held here to discuss the ongoing crisis in the Latin American nation."To President @jguaido of Venezuela, it is a great privilege to share this moment. I bring you and President of Colombia @IvanDuque a very simple message from @POTUS Trump & the United States of America: We are with you 100%," Pence tweeted, underlining that Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro "must go"."To leaders around the world: It's time. There can be no bystanders in Venezuela's struggle for freedom. Nicolas Maduro is a usurper with no legitimate claim to power, and Nicolas Maduro must go," CNN quoted the US Vice President as saying.He announced additional USD 56 million funding to support the United States' regional partners "as they come to the aid of the Venezuelan people," at Monday's talks held along with regional leaders over ..
Will welcome Athawale if he wants to join alliance in Maharashtra: Congress
The Congress will welcome Union Cabinet Minister and Republican Party of India (RPI) chief Ramdas Athawale if he wants to join hands in Maharashtra for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said on Monday.Speaking to ANI, Patil, leader of opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly reiterated that the Congress has not held talks with the MNS for a pre-poll alliance. "Ramdas Athawale was in Congress earlier as well and he is welcome in the alliance if he wants. There is no question of talks with MNS. We have had talks with Swabhimani Shetkari Saghtana's Raju Shetti," Patil said.Despite being unhappy over seat-sharing in Maharashtra, Athawale had on Monday said he would stay with Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP)-led NDA alliance but demanded RPI representation at the Centre. Meanwhile, Patil confirmed that the Congress has held talks with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, the CPM and the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghtana for an alliance in the ...
Iran foreign minister Zarif announces resignation on Instagram
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who was the lead negotiator in the 2015 nuclear deal, announced his resignation on Instagram. "I apologise for my inability to continue serving and for all the shortcomings during my term in office," Zarif said in a message posted on his verified Instagram account on Monday. Zarif thanked Iranians and "respected officials" for their support "in the last 67 months". The resignation of Iran's top diplomat was confirmed by an informed source, however it can only take effect once President Hassan Rouhani accepts it. Zarif has served as Rouhani's foreign minister since August 2013 but he has faced severe criticism from hardliners since the US withdrew from the nuclear deal in May 2018.
France's Macron to visit Iraq later this year
French President Emmanuel Macron said he would visit Iraq in the coming months, reiterating France's support for the reconstruction and eventual sustainable development of the OPEC member state after the defeat of the Islamic State (IS).
Congress key meet vs Modi's video conference on Thursday
As the Congress braces for a meeting of its key working committee and a massive rally here on Thursday where Priyanka Gandhi will deliver her first public address after being anointed party's General Secretary, the BJP prepares to match this effort the same day with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national video conference with lakhs of party workers.