Page 2336 - Politics
Yemen central bank expecting $3 billion to prop up stricken economy - SABA
RIYADH (Reuters) - Yemen's central bank is waiting for deposits worth $3 billion from foreign sources, the state news agency SABA quoted its governor, Mohammed Zammam, as saying on Saturday.
Modi meets Merkel, Macron and others, discusses bilateral relations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met a host of world leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, and held discussions on bilateral issues.
Summit backs WTO reform ahead of Trump, Xi trade talks
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - The leaders of the world's largest economic powers on Saturday backed an overhaul of the global body that regulates international trade disputes, ahead of high-stakes talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed at defusing a trade war.
PM Modi, French president discuss ways to diversify strategic partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G-20 summit here and discussed ways to deepen and diversify the strategic partnership between the two countries by enhancing trade and people-to-people ties. The meeting between the two leaders took place amidst the attack by the Opposition over alleged corruption in the controversial Rafale fighter jet deal with France. India inked an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore. The Congress party has been alleging massive irregularities in the deal, claiming that the government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,600 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the UPA government. The government has rejected the charges. "Had an excellent meeting with President @EmmanuelMacron. We had wide ranging discussions on ways to deepen and diversify the India-France strategic ...
"Maha Kumbh" takes toll on marriages
The recent order of the district administration putting a ban on the use of marriage halls, guest houses and banquet halls for marriage and other ceremonial occasional purposes on the "sahi-snan" days at "Maha Kumbh -2019" has left residents of Prayagraj in the lurch.According to the order by the district administration, the ban is also applicable a day ahead and after the "sahi-snan" on January 15 and on 21, February 4, 10 and 19 and on March 4. The order has been issued in wake of a large number of devotees arriving in the city on "sahi-snan" days for taking the holy dip.As most of the marriage halls and guest houses have already been booked for marriages, the families are left in a lurch after the order and are running from pillar to post for getting relief but to no avail."My daughter marriage is on February 9 and the date was finalised by pandit after seeing all the 'graha' and 'nakshtra'. Now the owner of the guest house has asked me to take my advance back but what I will do ...
EU Parliament may adopt EU-wide Magnitsky Act
The European Parliament will consider a proposal to expand sanctions against Russia, including personal ones, and to create EU-wide version of US Magnitsky Act, according to a draft resolution on EU-Russia relations."The European Parliament believes that the EU should stand ready to consider adopting further sanctions, including targeted personal sanctions, in response to Russia's continued actions; calls for a European version of the Magnitsky Act," the draft resolution says.The draft was submitted to the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs by Sandra Kalniete, a lawmaker from Latvia. The document will be discussed by the committee on Thursday.In December 2012, the United States adopted the Magnitsky Act on sanctions against Russian nationals, who are allegedly involved in violations of human rights. In 2016, Washington adopted the Global Magnitsky Act that allows the US government to impose sanctions on any entity or individual implicated in human rights abuses.On ...
Leftist Lopez Obrador sworn in as Mexico president
Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador was sworn in as Mexico's next president Saturday, after the anti-establishment leftist won a landslide election victory promising to "transform" a country fed up with crime, poverty and corruption. The leader, widely known by his initials as "AMLO," begins his six-year term with strong majorities in both houses of Congress -- but has caused market jitters in Latin America's second-largest economy with a style that some see as authoritarian and radical. "I swear to defend the constitution of the United Mexican States and its laws, and faithfully and patriotically carry out the post of president of the republic that the people have entrusted to me," Lopez Obrador said with his right hand raised before the Congress. Lopez Obrador is vowing to lead a sweeping "transformation" after 89 years of government by the same two parties. Not everyone is persuaded by the brand of change he is promising: critics accuse the sharp-tongued, silver-haired leader of being an ..
TDP chief campaigns for NTR's granddaughter in Hyderabad
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday campaigned for TDP founder N.T. Rama Rao's granddaughter N. Suhasini who is contesting for Telangana Assembly.
Went by the rules in nabbing central excise official: ACB
The Andhra Pradesh Anti Corruption Bureau Saturday hit back at the CBI over its charge that the state government had leaked secret information to trap some corrupt officials, saying it had gone by the rules in nabbing a Central Excise Department superintendent in a bribery case. The ACB also said it was well within its jurisdiction in dealing with the case, while the CBI ceased to enjoy that authority since the state government last month withdrew the general consent (under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act) The Director General of Police Ram Prawesh Thakur, who is also the acting chief of ACB, maintained that they had all material evidence to prove they had acted as per the rules. "We have the call data, voice-recording and other material in the case. The complainant had approached the ACB on November 22, much before he went to the CBI. According to the procedure, we first established the veracity of the complaint and then proceeded accordingly to trap the ...
Cyril Ramaphosa to be India's chief guest at 2019 Republic Day celebration
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the Chief Guest at the 2019 Republic Day celebration in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday.
George H W Bush a strong supporter of Indian democracy, pushed for lasting Indo-Pak peace
A strong supporter of Indian democracy, former President George H W Bush talked about dealing with Indian government with respect and quality and wished for a lasting India-Pakistan peace in his capacity as the 41st US president. Bush, 94, died on Saturday. It was under his administration that India and the US signed the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). At a time, India was undergoing through a phase of political uncertainty-had four prime ministers during one term presidency (January 20, 1989 to January 20, 1993) - Bush expressed his full faith in Indian democracy, but tended to ignore nuclear proliferation concerns of the international community with regard to Pakistan and echoed Islamabad on Indian peaceful nuclear activities. Former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's assassination during an election rally in Tamil Nadu in May 1991 was a personal loss to him. "Barbara and I have had a friendship, a real friendship, with Rajiv Gandhi and his wife, and it's on a personal
Congress will reduce VAT if comes to power in Telangana: Jitin Prasad
Former Union Minister and Congress leader Jitin Prasad on Saturday said that Congress party will reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products if it comes to power in Telangana.Outlining that he has previously served as petroleum minister in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, Prasad while addressing the media said, "The crude oil prices internationally have reached the rock bottom during the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government but the petroleum prices have reached highest ever since Independence in the BJP government. During the Congress government, the petrol prices were lower as compared to the present prices in the country. Congress ensured that the upstream companies of oil and the Finance Ministry reduced the burden on the common man and did not let oil prices go beyond a certain point. But the central government doesn't believe in all that. The state government in Telangana has earned huge money by collecting VAT prices on petrol."He also attacked the
Theresa May, Emmanuel Macron pay tribute to George H W Bush
UK Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday lauded the role of former US President George H W Bush.Bush, who served as the 41st President of the United States from 1989 to 1993, died at the age of 94 on Friday.French President Emmanuel Macron said that Bush was "a world leader, who strongly supported the alliance with Europe."UK Prime Minister called Bush "a true friend" to her country and a reliable counterpart of Margaret Thatcher and John Mayor, who chaired the UK Cabinet during Bush's presidency."His statesmanship, wisdom, and friendship will be much missed and today we send our deepest condolences to his family and to the American people," May tweeted.Bush was born on June 12, 1924, in Massachusetts. He studied at Phillips Academy Andover boarding school and enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 18. Bush received a Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery while fighting on the Pacific front of the World War II.After the war, Bush graduated from ...
Left parties ask Modi to declare Netaji's birthday as 'day of patriotism'
Terming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tribute to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose "misleading and motivated", five left parties Saturday demanded that the freedom fighter's birthday on January 23 be declared as 'day of patriotism'. The Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, All India Forward Bloc, Revolutionary Socialist Party and Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist)-Liberation also asked the Centre to compile authentic data on Netaji's Provisional Azad Hind Government, his Indian National Army and their contribution to the freedom movement. Stressing that Bose's inclusive politics exemplified the fighting spirit of the freedom movement uniting people of all faiths, castes and gender, the group accused the Modi government of "communal polarisation". "Narendra Modi heads a government that is patronising sharpening of communal polarisation. The consequent alarming growth of hate and violence has led to barbarous attacks on Muslims, Dalits and religious ...
Bush was passionate about strong Indo-US ties: PM Modi
Condoling the death of George H W Bush, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday said the former US President was passionate about the strong relations between the India and the United States. Bush, the 41st president of the US who led America during the collapse of the Soviet Union and engineered the defeat of an audacious Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, died in Houston on Friday. He was 94. Condolences to the Bush family and the people of USA on the passing away of former President George H .W. Bush. He was a leading statesman at a critical period of world history. "Former President George H. W. Bush was passionate about strong relations between India and USA. His presence will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace, the prime minister said. Modi is currently in Argentina to attend the G-20 summit.
Oppn parties to meet on Dec 10, says Naidu
TDP President and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who has been making efforts to put together an anti-BJP front, Saturday said the parties would meet on December 10 to prepare an agenda for the coalition. Observing that there are many experienced leaders who are capable of becoming the Prime Minister, Naidu said he does not aspire to occupy the top post as his task is to develop Amaravati, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh coming up near Vijayawada. "Some said who is the Prime Minister (in anti-BJP front). There are many with experience in the front. I don't have desire. I don't want to be (Prime Minister). I said politely. The reason for that is, I have to develop Amaravati. I have to develop the new state," he said. "There are many competent persons in this. We will contest together. We will jointly take responsibility to select a competent Prime Minister. On (December) 10th, we are again having a meeting. We will sit in the meeting and decide the
Dissent is normal to civilisation it cann't be equated to 'terrorism': Romila Thapar
Dissent is normal to any civilisation and it cannot be equated to "terrorism", noted historian Romila Thapar said Saturday, expressing concern over attacks on those fighting for the rights of the underprivileged. Speaking at a public discussion 'Dissent and Democracy', Thapar, one of the five petitioners in Bhima-Koregaon case, said, "Suppression of dissent is not a new development, but it has become more frequent of late." Joining the debate Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan and veteran journalist N Ram expressed disappointment over the higher judiciary's decisions in cases where activists fighting for the rights of people were charged under laws like the National Security Act, Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and Armed Forces Special Powers Act. "Dissent is normal to civilisation and it can not be equated to terrorism. It is now being denied by weakening the democratic institutions," Thapar commented. Ram criticised the media over its attitude in matters of dissent against the
BJP attack on Rahul sign of party's nervousness over polls: Congress
The Congress Saturday said the BJP is attacking Rahul Gandhi for its remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Hindutva as it is nervous about losing the assembly elections. Gandhi on Saturday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi what kind of Hindu he is when he "does not understand" the foundation of Hinduism, prompting a strong retort from senior BJP leaders. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said she wished the day won't come when people have to learn the meaning of Hinduism from Gandhi. She said the Congress president himself and the party are confused about his religion and caste. "There can be no better characterisation or manifestation of their nervousness, AlICC spokesperson Manish Tewari hit back, asserting if this was not so the BJP would not be talking about Gandhi's personal faith. The Congress leader asked if the Gandhi was not entitled to the view that the prime minister does not understand the essence of Hinduism. "We are still not living in a dictatorship. ...
State-sponsored terrorism biggest challenge: Deve Gowda
Terrorism is the biggest stumbling block to world peace, stability and progress and the magnitude of threat multiplies when it is state-sponsored, former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda said on Saturday. Addressing the Asia-Pacific Summit-2018 here, he said that India has been a victim of state-sponsored terrorism for a long time and emphasised that terrorism or terror groups should not be glorified. The four-day summit, on the theme "Addressing Critical Challenges of Our Time: Independence, Mutual Prosperity and Universal Values", has been organised by the South Korea-based Universal Peace Federation and supported by the Government of Nepal. The former prime minister said that terrorism is the biggest stumbling block in the world peace, stability and progress and the magnitude of threat multiplies when terrorism is state-sponsored. "Terrorism has emerged as a biggest challenge in today's world, which does not makes any distinction between the borders, gender or religions," he said at ..
Snubbed by Trump, Putin charms other players at G20
Russia is putting on a brave face after US President Donald Trump abruptly junked a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. It's all about internal US politics and "anti-Russian hysteria," Russian officials shrug. But Trump's snub was a clear kick to Putin just as he arrived at a Group of 20 summit where Western leaders banded together to denounce Russia's actions in Ukraine. So Putin turned elsewhere for attention. He subbed in Turkey's president for the time slot he had reserved for Trump, and sought to strengthen his alliance with China and other non-Western economies. And he cozied up at Friday's round-table talks to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, somewhat of a fellow outcast at the G-20 over his suspected role in the killing of a dissident Saudi journalist. Putin and Trump "said hi to each other," according to the Russian leader's spokesman but didn't shake hands or otherwise interchange, even during the "family photo" when leaders rub elbows as they get into ...