Page 1830 - Politics
Call meeting to select new CBI director by Jan 31, any delay will raise doubt: Cong to govt
Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge Friday urged the government to convene a meeting of the high-powered committee by January 31 to select the new CBI director, saying any delay would be construed as government's intent to keep an "ineligible" interim director as head of the agency. The last meeting of the high-powered panel on Thursday remained "inconclusive" and Kharge had sought details of dossiers of all the eligible officers for the post. Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads the three-member panel that will appoint the new CBI director, with Kharge and Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi as its members. "We have told PM that the meeting should be called at the earliest. If the meeting keeps getting postponed, the person appointed as CBI interim director, who is not even eligible, will continue," he said, adding that the government's intent should be made clear. Kharge alleged the government committed the mistake by appointing someone who is not eligible and then convening a ..
J&K Guv pays tribute to Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Friday paid tributes to Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani who will be posthumously conferred the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. Wani was a militant but joined the Army in 2004 and laid down his life during an anti-terror operation at Shopian in Kashmir on November 25, 2018. The Governor observed that the supreme sacrifice made by Wani will always be an inspiration for the generations to come. It will motivate them to work selflessly for the safety and security of the country and towards the restoration of peace and harmony in the society, Malik said. President Ram Nath Kovind will present the award to the gallant soldier's wife Mahajabeen on the Republic Day, officials said on Thursday. The 38-year-old from Ashmuji in Kulgmam was part of a number of anti-terror operations in South Kashmir. Wani was also awarded Sena Medal for his indomitable spirit in fighting terrorists.
After failing Goa's mining dependents, PM 'scared' of visiting state: Congress
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "scared" of visiting Goa because he is afraid of the wrath of the state's pro-mining lobby which has been betrayed by the ruling BJP, both in the state as well as the Centre, Congress spokesperson Sunil Kawthankar stated on Friday.
Malayalam film director attacked, police arrest RSS Man
National award-winning Malayalam film director Priyanandanan was allegedly attacked with cow dung water near here Friday, days after he courted controversy over an objectionable Facbook post on Sabarimala women's entry issue, police said. In a swift action on a complaint lodged by the director, police registered a case and arrested an RSS worker within hours of the attack. Police identified the arrested as Sarovaran of Kodungallur and said he had been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code including those related to assault with intent, voluntarily causing hurt and punishment for obscene acts or words. Earlier, Priyanandan said he suspected the hand of BJP-RSS workers in the incident. However, the BJP denied any role in the attack and said it was a natural reaction of a person who had read the offensive post. The director said the incident took place at 9 am as he came out of his house at Cherpu in Thrissur district. "As I came out of my house, a man ...
South African arms firm eyes Indian deals on Ramaphosa visit
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - The chairwoman of South Africa's state arms firm Denel is accompanying President Cyril Ramaphosa on a state visit to India on Friday, hoping to sign deals or agree new joint ventures which would help it emerge from severe financial difficulties.
Karnataka Governor to address state legislature on Feb 6
: Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala will address the joint session of the state legislature on February 6, the Legislative Assembly Secretariat said Friday. According to the provisional programme, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, who also holds the Finance portfolio, will present the budget on February 8. The secretariat said the Governor had summoned the legislative assembly to meet at11 am on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Kumaraswamy met the Governor at the Raj Bhavan and invited him to address the join session. "I met the Governor to discuss with him about the joint session and budget presentation.I invited the Governor to address the joint session as per practice," he told reporters. The session will begin with the Governor's address to the joint session on February 6 and will conclude on February 15. Kumaraswamy said he was holding a department wise review ahead of the 2019-20 budget next month. He said he held discussions with farmers leaders from ...
'Setbacks' force China to 'modify' Prez Xi's ambitious BRI: Soros
A series of "setbacks" in countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Malaysia have forced China to "modify" President Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, billionaire investor George Soros has said. Unveiled by President Xi in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aims to bolster Beijing's influence across the world with a huge network of land and sea links with Central and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Speaking at a private dinner event at the World Economic Forum (WEF) here on Thursday, Soros said President Xi's BRI has been in operation long enough to reveal its deficiencies. Soros noted that the BRI was designed to promote the interests of China, not the interests of the recipient countries; its ambitious infrastructure projects were mainly financed by loans, not by grants, and foreign officials were often bribed to accept them. "Many of these projects proved to be uneconomic," the 88-year-old Hungarian-American businessman said. "The iconic case .
PM writes letters to beneficiaries on Ayushman Bharat, opposition cries foul
With the Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) -- crossing the 100-day mark, the government has started dispatching over nine crore personalised letters to the beneficiaries to educate them of benefits of the scheme, but the move has met with criticism from the Opposition who called it BJP's poll propaganda ahead of the general election.
Modi most trusted leader, Rahul distant second, finds survey
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as the most trusted political leader in a national survey with an approval rating of 53 per cent, as Congress President Rahul Gandhi came a distant second at 26.9 per cent.
Over 88 pc polling in 2nd phase of panchayat elections in TL
: Over 88 per cent polling was recorded in the second phase of the panchayat elections of Telangana held Friday, officials said. This is the first ever polls for panchayats after the formation of the state in 2014. As many as 37.76 lakh people exercised their franchise against 42.80 lakh eligible voters in the second phase, an official communication said. Polling began at 7 AM and ended at 1 PM and counting was taken up from 2 PM. Though 4,135 panchayats were scheduled to go the polls in the second phase, the election was declared unanimous in 788 panchayats, and polling to another five was cancelled due to other reasons. As many as 10,668 candidates contested for sarpanch posts in 3,342 panchayats, while 63,480 candidates were in the fray for 26,191 wards, an official communication from the State Election Commission said. It said candidates were elected unanimously to 10,317 wards and polls for 94 wards were not held for various reasons. Though the elections are held ...
Priyanka's entry a masterstroke: Punjab CM
Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday hailed the entry of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra into the political arena as a masterstroke by the party president Rahul Gandhi.The Chief Minister said that Priyanka's entry would change the political equations not only in Uttar Pradesh but the entire country.Launching the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee's (PPCC) Jan Sampark Abhiyan at the Congress Bhawan here, the Chief Minister assured Priyanka of total support by the state party cadres."Priyanka's entry marked the fulfilment of a long-pending demand of the Congress workers and all party members, across cadres, were with her and the Congress president in their campaign to rid the people of India of the corrupt and divisive government led by the BJP," said Captain Amarinder."Priyanka Gandhi's entry into politics is a Brahamastra. The move had already rattled the Modi Government. The Prime Minister won't fight from Varanasi now. Team of Rahul and Priyanka was a dream combination and would ...
I don't hate Modi but will fight him to ensure he doesn't become PM again: Rahul
Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who has been attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi on various issues, said on Friday that he doesn't "hate" him but only had difference of views.Gandhi, who had hugged the Prime Minister in the Lok Sabha last year, said he feels like giving Modi a "hug whenever he abuses me",He said he will fight Modi and try to ensure that he does not become the Prime Minister again after the upcoming Lok Sabha elections."We don't want a bureaucratic dictatorship. We want people's democratic state," Gandhi said while addressing a town hall meeting here.Attacking the BJP and the RSS, Gandhi said the "abuses" he received from these organisations was the "best thing" that had happened to him as a politician and a human being."I realise PM Modi disagrees with me and I disagree with him. I will fight him and I will try and make sure that he is not the prime minister but I don't hate him. I give him the right to have his opinion," he said while addressing 'The Odisha ...
CBI raids on Hooda: Congress warns officials of accountability in next govt
Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma on Friday issued a veiled warning to government officials by insinuating that those working at the behest of their "political masters" would be held accountable in next government.Reacting on the CBI raids at former chief minister BS Hooda's residence, Sharma said: "Officials must hear this. Governments do not have any permanency. There are few weeks left for the general elections to begin. It is certain that this government is rattled, the Prime Minister is staring at an imminent defeat, that's why these actions.""When the new government resumes office, all such actions which have been at the behest of the political masters of today to harass, intimidate, frame and defame, even the charges, they will be held to account and they will have to answer," Sharma said while addressing a press conference here.Emphasising that the government wants to silence the Opposition through these raids, Sharma added, "We realise the timing and intent behind this ...
Rahul's LS poll pitch: Promises to wave off loans of Odisha farmers
Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday announced that his party would wave off loans of Odisha framers within 10 days after forming the government at the Centre.Assuring the people of Odisha that he will fulfill every promise he makes from the podium today, the Congress president tore into Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Prime Minister Modi for not doing enough for the farmers' welfare."I do what I promise from this stage today. I am not Narendra Modi or Navin Patnaik. I want to tell farmers of Odisha. 2-3 months are left. Listen to me carefully. As soon as the Congress government is formed here, you count till 10," he said."Not 11, only 10. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10. Within 10 days, the Congress will waive off loans of Odisha farmers," said Rahul, while addressing the Parivartan Sankalp Samavesh rally here.He said like Punjab and Haryana, the Congress government which once brought the Green Revolution in the country, will strengthen farmers of Odisha and make the state prosperous ...
Issues like Rafale will not affect ties with India: French envoy
French Ambassador to India Alexandre Ziegler on Friday said that issues like Rafale will not affect relations between India and France.Speaking at the Jaipur Literature Festival, Ziegler said France is generating more than three lakh jobs in India and investment was coming in everyday. "So these short-term political issues will not affect our relationship," he said.He also said that the two countries are building people-to-people ties."France and India's relationship goes back 70 years. It is based on trust. We are here in the good moments, which is easy, but we also are here when it is tough," he added.Earlier, he refused to answer a question on the Rafale fighter jet deal, saying he was at the literature festival to talk about books.Ziegler said: "Honestly, I think we are here to speak about books and not about politics."When the questioner persisted, the envoy firmly told him: "I think I have answered."The questioner asked for the envoy's response to Dassault Aviation CEO Eric ...
China reacts sharply as US warships pass through Taiwan Strait
China has reacted sharply after the United States sent two warships through the Taiwan Strait amid heightening bilateral tensions.China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying on Friday urged the US to abide by its "one China" principle.She said Beijing had closely monitored the U.S. ships through the waters, and had "expressed concern" to the U.S. side,China considers Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the self-ruled island under its control.The guided missile destroyer USS McCampbell and the USNS Walter S. Diehl "conducted a routine Taiwan Strait Transit" on Thursday that was "in accordance with international law," US Pacific Fleet spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Tim Gorman told CNN."The ships' transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The US Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows," Gorman added.Taiwan's Defence Ministry said in a statement late on Thursday
Trump associate Roger Stone arrested for obstruction in Mueller probe
Roger Stone, a long-time informal adviser to President Donald Trump, has been arrested on charges of obstruction, witness tampering and making false statements, the office of special counsel Robert Mueller announced on Friday.Stone was arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, following an indictment by a federal grand jury on January 24 in Washington DC, said a spokesman for Mueller, who is investigating Russia's interference in the 2016 US election and any ties to the Trump campaign, the Guardian reported.Stone will appear in court in Fort Lauderdale later on Friday, the spokesman said.Stone, who has taken credit for persuading Trump to get into politics, served as an adviser to Trump's presidential campaign but left amid controversy in 2015.Mueller's indictment alleges that during the summer of 2016 Stone spoke to senior Trump campaign officials about WikiLeaks "and information it might have had that would be damaging to the Clinton campaign. Stone was contacted by senior Trump ...
Tejashwi holds Nitish responsible for minister's sexist jibe at Priyanka Gandhi
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Friday hit out at Nitish Kumar over a Bihar minister's derogatory remark on Priyanka Gandhi."Nitish Kumar Ji is running an institute where he trains his ministers to abuse and make excuses, his cabinet ministers and spokespersons are trained there," Tejashwi said while talking to reporters here.Tejashwi's comment came after Bihar minister Vinod Narayan Jha, while commenting on Priyanka Gandhi's entry into active politics, said "Priyanka Gandhi is very beautiful, but has no other talent that I can see, neither does she have the political experience."The 47-year-old was made a general secretary of the Congress, in charge of the party's campaign in eastern Uttar Pradesh for the Lok Sabha election due by May.According to reports, Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi, also took a jibe at Priyanka's formal entry into politics, saying that "the Congress was feeling happy over the induction of a woman with a tainted life partner.
Maldives to have "very limited" defence ties with China: Maldivian Defence Minister
Maldivian Defence Minister Mariyam Ahmed Didi, who is on a three-day visit here, spoke about increasing ties with India and said the coastal surveillance radars given by India were in the process of being installed in her country.The radars would help in enhancing the security of Maldives and take care of any illegal activities which may be happening around her country, she said."I do not think there is anything to worry for the Indian government as our both governments share the same values... Of course, China is an important development partner but our engagement with the Chinese in that sense, in the defence sector, would be very limited in the future," Didi told ANI here.The Minister stated this when asked about apprehensions in India that Maldives was tilting towards China.Asked if the Maldives would want to have more engagement with India, she said, "more with India, Yes."The Minister is on her maiden visit to India and is accompanied by the Chief of Maldivian National Defence ..
Pak continues to support terrorists to disrupt peace in J-K: Guv
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Friday blamed Pakistan for continuing its support to terrorists and engineering infiltration across the Indo-Pak border to disrupt peace and harmony in the state. He said the administration was taking required measures to alleviate the sufferings of border dwellers. "Our neighbouring country (Pakistan) continues to support terrorists to disrupt peace and harmony in the state," Malik said in his message on the occasion of 70th Republic Day. He said there have been repeated attempts to infiltrate terrorists across the International Border and Line of Control. "Repeated ceasefire violations have brought untold hardships to the people living in the villages along the borders," he said. The Governor also hailed the armed forces and state police for working tirelessly in maintaining unity and integrity of the nation. "On this joyous seventieth Republic Day, I extend warm greetings to the people of Jammu & Kashmir. On this day, we remember and ..