Page 219 - Politics
UN atomic watchdog head urges dialogue with Iran
The head of the UN atomic watchdog urged world powers Monday to continue dialogue with Iran to keep it in the landmark 2015 deal aimed at preventing the country from building nuclear weapons, and to help defuse mounting tensions in the region. After his regular update to the International Atomic Energy Agency's board of governors in Vienna, Yukiya Amano told reporters that Tehran had increased its uranium enrichment activities as it threatened it would. He said Iran's low-enriched uranium "production rate is increasing," but it wasn't clear yet whether it has exceeded the limitations set in the so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA. The 2015 nuclear deal was designed to keep Tehran from building atomic weapons in exchange for economic incentives. But the decision by President Donald Trump to pull the U.S. out and to increase sanctions on Iran has taken a toll on the Iranian economy and left the other countries involved Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia ...
Watergate figure Dean to testify on Trump 'obstruction' allegations
Almost a half-century after his stunning testimony helped sink president Richard Nixon, Watergate figure John Dean is to speak in Congress Monday on Donald Trump's alleged obstruction crimes. Democrats of the House Judiciary Committee have invited the former White House counsel and two other legal experts to talk about the Mueller Russia meddling report's allegations that Trump obstructed justice -- keeping alive the possibility that they could move to impeach the president. Dean has no role in the Russia investigation, but Trump, unable to shake accusations that he obstructed justice, has lashed out, calling him a "sleazebag attorney" in a Democratic effort to "redo" the Mueller investigation. "For two years all the Democrats talked about was the Mueller Report," Trump tweeted Sunday. "But despite the bias, when the Report came out, the findings were No Collusion and facts that led to No Obstruction." "But they want a Redo, or Do Over. They are even bringing in @CNN sleazebag ...
Baragarh gets three new revenue circles ahead of by-elections
Ahead of the by-elections in the Bijepur assembly constituency, the Odisha government Monday announced the creation of three new revenue circles in Baragarh district, officials said. The new circles will be at Talpali, Guderipali and Dangbahal. This apart, the Gaisilet revenue circle has been recognised with its headquarters at Gaisilet, an official release said. The state government's decision was in accordance with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's special package for Bijepur, promising the creation of three new Revenue Inspector Circles at Guderpali, Talpali and Dangabahal under Gaisilet tahasil. The package was announced days before Patnaik resigned from the Bijepur assembly segment, from where he was elected in the recent assembly elections. He was elected from both Hinjili and Bijepur assembly segments this time.
Karnad's death; Karna cabinet expansion rescheduled to June 14
The much awaited expansion of the H D Kumaraswamy-led cabinet on June 12 aimed at saving the coalition government, has been rescheduled to Friday as the state mourning is in place due to the death of Girish Karnad, an official release said Monday. "Following the death of Jnanpith awardee, writer and theatre personality Girish Karnad, the swearing-in of new ministers scheduled for Wednesday, June 12 has been rescheduled to Friday, June 14 at 1 PM," the Chief Minister's office said in a statement. Kumaraswamy on Saturday had announced that Governor Vajubhai Vala has fixed 11.30 am on June 12 for administering the oath of office for the new ministers. But, with the passing away of Karnad, a renowned playwright and actor Monday, the state government announced a three-day state mourning, during which such official programmes cannot be organized. After being routed in the Lok Sabha polls and with growing disgruntlement within, the coalition leaders had come to a decision to ..
Rahul's home on LS list of vacant bungalows
The Lok Sabha Secretariat has circulated a list of vacant bungalows for MPs that interestingly includes 12, Tughlaq Lane, the official residence of Congress President Rahul Gandhi since 2004 when he first became a Member of Parliament after winning from Amethi Lok Sabha seat.The circular, a copy of which has been accessed by ANI, includes the addresses of various bungalows to be allotted to those who have won the elections recently.Gandhi's current bungalow comes in 'Type 8' category which is the highest one.The Congress leader, who lost from his traditional Amethi seat, however, won the election from Wayanad in Kerala in the recently concluded elections.As per rules, a list of vacant bungalows/flats is given to MPs on behalf of the Lok Sabha Secretariat from which they can choose and apply. This time, MPs have been provided with a list of 517 flats and bungalows. Rahul Gandhi's bungalow has been mentioned for allocation on the same list.According to sources, Gandhi's office does not .
Kazakh's newly 'elected' President likely to visit India by year-end, says Ambassador Sarsenbayev
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who is all set to be new President of Kazakhstan, may visit India by the year-end, said country's Ambassador Bulat Sarsenbayev here on Monday."I believe that Tokayev would pay a visit to India by the end of this year. We need to prepare the visit plan properly and do not want to hurry," Sarsenbayev told ANI.The preliminary election results showing certain win for Tokayev in Kazakhstan Presidential elections.Sarsenbayev said his country's economic relations with India have improved significantly in the past few years, especially after the bilateral visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015."From 2015, when Prime Minister Modi visited Kazakhstan, we really started to think to deepen economic relation. Politically we are very close. We provide support to each other at multilateral and bilateral levels," he said."We have come to an understanding that we need to focus on the economic part of our relations. And we have started working accordingly. As a result, ...
Istanbul mayoral candidates to hold live TV debate
The two mayoral candidates for Turkey's largest city Istanbul on Monday agreed to hold a televised debate ahead of a fresh election, slated for June 23.
Ahmed Patel likely to resolve rift between Amarinder, Sidhu
Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel is likely to be entrusted with the task of resolving the rift between Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and state Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, party sources said here on Monday.
MP Chief Minister Kamal Nath takes oath as MLA
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath took oath as a legislator on Monday after winning a by-poll from Chhindwara Assembly constituency.
Irked by lazy staff, Maharashtra Dy Mayor locks office
Irked by the rampant absenteeism and lethargic attitude of officers and staff of the Latur Municipal Corporation (LMC), ruling Bharatiya Janata Party Deputy Mayor Devidas Kale on Monday decided to crack the whip in his own unique style.
MoS for Home assures support to protect Hyd'bad brand image
: Minister of state for Home G Kishan Reddy Monday assured the Telananga government of his support to protect the brand image of Hyderabad. "Hyderabad has a brand image like Bengaluru does. We need to protect that image. Our role (role of officials) is crucial in protecting the image, whether it is in terms of good roads or beautyor civic amenities. As a minister, I extend my full cooperation to you ( officials) in that regard," he said in a meeting with state government officials. Reddy lauded the efforts being put in by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation in keeping the city tidy. He also appreciated the city police for maintaining law and order. Reddy, who is on a four-day visit to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, arrived here on June 7. He accompanied Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Tirupati on June 9.
CISF chief briefs Home Minister Amit Shah
CISF Director General Rajesh Ranjan on Monday called on Home Minister Amit Shah and briefed him about the functioning of the central force.Ranjan also met Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai at North Block here, a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) statement said.The CISF provides security cover to major infrastructure installations in the country including nuclear installations, space establishments, airports, seaports, power plants, sensitive government buildings and heritage monuments.
Formalin-laced fish: Goa Health Minister junks Congress charge
Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Monday rubbished the opposition Congress' charge that formalin, a carcinogenic cadaver preservative, was still being used to preserve fish sold in the state.
Kerala Congress defends under fire Antony
The Kerala Congress on Monday defended Congress Working Committee (CWC) member and former Defence Minister A.K. Antony, who drew flak from social media media users and sections of the online media for the party's dismal show in the recently-held Lok Sabha elections.
Only time will decide if AIADMK needs single/dual leadership:
Only time will determine if AIADMK needs single or dual leadership, senior leader and fisheries minister D Jayakumar said Monday, as he advised workers to toe the partyline by remaining silent and not give a handle to "enemies" to break the ruling party. In the absence of former leaders M G Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa, the minister said every one in the party are dutifully carrying forward their legacy. "Only time has to tell whether AIADMK needs single or dual leadership. I am not saying it will be decided by MLAs, ministers or the party leadership, but it should be decided by thousands of cadres," Jayakumar told reporters here. In an indication of differences within the ruling party, a senior leader R T Ramachandran Sunday backed Madurai-based counterpart V V Rajan Chellappa's pitch for a single leader to steer the outfit. Dismissing rumours about differences, Jayakumar said "In the present situation, enemies are trying to break the AIADMK. We should not let that ..
UP CM Yogi visits convalescing SP chief Mulayam Singh
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and his son and party President Akhilesh Yadav at Mulayam's residence in Lucknow.The SP supremo was discharged from Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences on June 9. His medical reports have come out to be normal, sources said.The SP leader was admitted to the hospital on Sunday due to high levels of blood sugar and was being treated by Doctor Bhuvan Chandra Tiwari."Met the former chief minister of the state and the founder of Samajwadi Party, Mulayam Singh Yadavji, at his residence today and asked about his well being. Pray to God for his speedy recovery," Adityanath tweeted after his visit.Mulayam Singh's brother Shivpal Singh Yadav, along with former minister Ahmad Hasan, had also visited him in the hospital.
Bomb blast accused will hear President speak: Pawar on Pragya
NCP chief Sharad Pawar Monday slammed the BJP for fielding Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur for Lok Sabha poll, adding that such an action doesn't befit a political party or democracy. The former Union minister was speaking at an event here to mark the 20th anniversary of his party. "The session of Parliament begins tomorrow. Members of both the Houses attend the joint address of President. There will be a large number of those believing the saffron ideology too attending it. And there are people who have serious cases against them. "A person facing serious charges got elected from Madhya Pradesh and is in power. She (Pragya Singh Thakur) has several cases against her (including) the Malegaon blast case, murder of a BJP worker named Joshi and others. It does not behove a political party and the democracy to give (poll) ticket to such a person," Pawar said. Across India, barring a few states, one can see the surge of communal ideology, Pawar said. "It is there ..
Tripura asks Centre to expedite chit fund cases probe
The BJP government in Tripura has asked the Centre to expedite the probe into all the 74 chit fund cases in connection with the unlawful collection of money from people by illegal chit fund organisations, an official said on Monday.
BJP spreading rumours about Bengal violence: Mamata
Alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was spreading rumours about violence in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday accused the saffron party of plotting a conspiracy to topple her government.
US envoy launches new push on Afghan talks with Taliban
Renewed efforts are underway to jumpstart stalled peace talks with the Taliban as a US envoy is in Kabul and Pakistani and Afghan officials are meeting in Islamabad. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad says he's holding meetings with Kabul officials on Monday, seeking to bring about a new round of Afghan-to-Afghan talks, which he describes as essential to resolving the country's nearly 18-year war. The Taliban carry out near-daily attack, inflicting staggering casualties on Afghan forces, and now control about half of Afghanistan. Washington, meanwhile, has accelerated efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict and has been pressing for direct talks between the Taliban and Kabul. Meanwhile, Afghan and Pakistani officials from a group tasked with finding ways to cooperate on diplomatic, military and intelligence-sharing are meeting in Islamabad.