Page 2508 - Politics
Asean postpones Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) was unable to conclude negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership during a summit in Singapore, postponing them till 2019, the Philippines Secretary of Trade and Industry said on Tuesday.
Former civil servants write to CAG, question delay in demonetisation, Rafale audits
In an open letter to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, as many as 60 former civil servants have questioned the unusual delay in the national auditor coming out with reports on demonetisation and the Rafale fighter jet deal.
Trump criticises Macron again over European defence remarks
Donald Trump on Tuesday launched another attack against Emmanuel Macron over the French president's call for a European army, a proposal the US leader earlier had dubbed "insulting." "Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the US, China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One & Two - How did that work out for France?" Trump tweeted. "They were starting to learn German in Paris before the US came along," Trump said. "Pay for NATO or not!" The Republican president has repeatedly lambasted European allies for not spending enough on their militaries, particularly Germany. Macron had angered Trump by saying Europe needed its own army and listing the US along with Russia and China as a threat to European security. One of dozens of world leaders attending World War I commemorations in France this weekend, Trump tweeted after landing in Paris that Macron's call for a "real European army" was "insulting." In an interview recorded on Saturday with .
Modi has admitted to his theft in Rafale deal: Rahul
In remarks coming a day after the government had filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "admitted to his theft" in the Rafale deal and that changes were made in the jet contract without consultation.
Probe into attack against Jagan; HC notice to AP Police, Centre
The Hyderabad High Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Andhra Pradesh Police and the Union government on a petition by YSR Congress chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy seeking a direction to the state government to transfer the probe into the recent attack on him to an independent agency. A division bench, headed by Chief Justice T B N Radhakrishnan, also directed the Special Investigating Team probing the case to file its report in a sealed cover before the High Court within two weeks. Jagan had moved the court on October 31 with a plea that the probe be entrusted to any appropriate independent agency not under the control of the Andhra Pradesh government. When the plea came up for hearing Tuesday, the court ordered issuance of notices to Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP), Visakhapatnam Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and the Union government on the issue of airport security, among others, and directed them to file their counter affidavits. The court posted the matter
Former coup leaders battle for control in Fiji election
Two men who led different military coups in Fiji are battling for control of the island nation in a general election on Wednesday. Opinion polls indicate Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is poised to win a second term after he first held democratic elections in 2014, eight years after he seized power in a coup. His main opponent is Sitiveni Rabuka, who led two military coups in the 1980s before serving for seven years as prime minister. Just this week, a judge cleared Rabuka of an electoral disclosure violation in a case many viewed as being politically motivated. Fiji has not allowed the political tensions to affect its vital tourism industry, which promotes the Pacific nation's pristine, sunny beaches and friendly, welcoming people. Given the history of coups, political stability has been a big issue leading up to the election, as have racial tensions and economic issues. "Bainimarama does look set to secure his second victory at the polls and has already led the country for 13 ...
Khashoggi murder: Audio recordings hint Saudi Prince involvement
After listening to the Khashoggi audio tapes, the American intelligence officials have found strong evidence that allegedly links Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia to the killing of former Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.Following the latest update to the Khashoggi murder case, The New York Times reported that shortly after the assassination of Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on October 2, a member of the team that was sent to conduct the murder, was heard instructing a superior over the phone to 'tell your boss''.While the name of the 'boss' was never mentioned in the tapes shared by Turkish sources, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officials are considering this instruction as referring to the Saudi Prince that the operatives had successfully carried out their mission.Meanwhile, Saudi officials have denied reports addressing that the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia had no knowledge of Khashoggi's murder. Also, referring to the instructions in audio
International pressure needed on Myanmar for safe return of Rohingyas: Bangladesh envoy to India
Bangladesh government has reiterated its call for sustaining the international pressure on Myanmar for safe and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya refugees who fled to Bangladesh to escape atrocities."A continued and sustained international pressure on Myanmar would be catalyst for a long term solution" to one of the worst humanitarian crisis created by Myanmar forcing Bangladesh to bear its brunt," Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Syed Muazzem Ali said on Tuesday, while briefing more than 60 diplomats representing their New Delhi-based missions concurrently accredited to Bangladesh.The hour-long briefing session was held to update the diplomats about the latest development on Rohingya crisis and to seek support for the OIC and EU resolution entitled "Human Right Situation in Myanmar", that was tabled at the 3rd Committee of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Already 99 countries have co-sponsored the draft resolution which will be considered by the 3rd Committee on
Rahul claims PM Modi admits to 'theft' in Rafale deal before SC
Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has admitted to 'theft' in the Rafale deal before the Supreme Court and changes made in the contract without consulting the Indian Air Force (IAF).Gandhi tweeted in Hindi, "Modi ji has admitted to his theft in the Supreme Court. In the affidavit, he admitted to changes in the contract without asking the Air Force and put Rs 30,000 crore in Ambani's pocket. The picture is yet to come, my friend."Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma pointed out that Dassault Aviation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eric Trappier has once said on record that "there is a work share agreement finalised between Dassault and HAL.""Eric Trappier has said on record that there is a work share agreement finalised between Dassault and HAL. So which of his statement is correct? He has to clarify now," Sharma told ANI.He further questioned Trappier, "I would like to ask Mr Eric Trappier why did he make this statement on ...
Rajinikanth says he did not dub BJP as 'dangerous'
Superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday said he has not described the BJP as a dangerous party and it was for the people to decide whether it was such an organisation.
Govt plans central secretariats in state capitals to house its offices
The Centre has plans to develop dedicated zones in state capitals to house its offices on the lines of Central Secretariat in Delhi, an official said Tuesday. The Central Public Works Department, under the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, has sought details from its zonal officers regarding the requirement of office space and land available with it and other central government departments in state capitals. "Once the CPWD gets the details, a proper proposal with estimated cost will be placed before senior officers of the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry," the official said. State governments have their own secretariats where offices of various departments are housed. However, there is no centralised place for central government offices in states. The Union cabinet made an observation recently on construction of central secretariats in state capitals. "There are several central government offices in states. Central secretariat in each state will ensure ease of business for public .
India may miss out on hosting big-ticket events due to Kosovo row: IOA
India runs the risk of losing out on hosting major international sporting events in future, if the lone boxer from Kosovo will not be allowed to compete at the upcoming women's World Championships, fears the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The championship is beginning on Thursday but uncertainty still looms large over Donjeta Sadiku's participation at the AIBA's flagship event since the Indian government is yet to grant visas to the boxer and her two coaches. India does not recognise Kosovo - a disputed territory in South Eastern Europe - but since Sadiku also holds an Albanian passport, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) was hoping for a resolution to the issue. India has diplomatic ties with Albania. "IOC has in the past sent letters to International Federations not to award major events to Spain after athletes from Kosovo were not allowed to participate under their own flag at the Karate World Championships. And you never know it might be India next," an IOA official who did ..
Tanta panchayat villagers decide to boycott rural body poll, officials sit up and take note
Shorn of basic amenities like "bijli, sadak and pani" since ages, the natives of dozen-odd villages of Tanta panchayat in this mountainous district of Jammu and Kashmir Tuesday decided to boycott the rural body polls on November 24. Fed up with the successive governments' failure to provide even a modicum of the basic amenities, the villagers held a meeting at the hill-top Panchayat office in Kahara tehsil, 60 kms from Doda district headquarters and decided to give a go-by to the nine-phase polls, beginning November 17. During the meeting, the villagers rued that the promises made by the elected representatives, successive governments and poll aspirants were never fulfilled, saying the candidates of all parties make false promises, only to be broken. Later, they unanimously decided not to cast their votes in the panchayat elections to be held in the third phase on November 24. We are up in arms against the government for depriving us of the basic amenities like roads, electricity, ...
Demonetisation biggest scam in India: Surjewala
Demonetisation was the "biggest scam in independent India" due to which many citizens lost their lives, jobs and life-long savings, senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala alleged on Tuesday. He hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for defending note ban on its second anniversary at a rally in poll-bound Chhattisgarh and reiterated that there was a scam in the Rafale deal. "The way he was praising demonetisation appeared as if it was 'andher nagri chaupat raja' (a confused ruler, a chaotic state)," he said, referring to a popular Hindi phrase. Singling out Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi, Modi, had on Monday said in Chhattisgarh that the "mother-son duo were out on bail" and hit out at them for questioning the government's demonetisation move. Without naming the Gandhis, he said "they should not forget" that it was due to the note ban move that they "had to seek bail". On November 8, 2016, Modi had announced a ban on then in use Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 ...
Mizoram polls: Nominations of 204 candidates accepted, says poll officer
Nomination papers of all 204 candidates for the election to the 40-member Mizoram Legislative Assembly on November 28 were found to be in order and accepted on Tuesday, state election department officials said. Eight candidates, including Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) chief ministerial candidate Lalduhoma, People's Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM) president Vanlalruata, have filed nominations in two seats each. The scrutiny of all 212 nomination papers was conducted on Monday and they were accepted, the officials said. There was, however, some delay in scrutiny in Champhai North seat due to an old nomination form given to a candidate, but the matter was settled on Tuesday, the officials said. Six candidates are contesting from the constituency bordering Myanmar. National People's Party (NPP) convener Lianzuala and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state unit chief Lalawmpuia Chhangte also fielded candidates in two seats each, while
Saudi 'kill team's' luggage contained syringes, scissors: report
Luggage carried by a 15-member Saudi team dispatched to Istanbul included scissors, defibrillators and syringes that may have been used against journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was murdered in the Saudi consulate, a pro-government Turkish daily said Tuesday. X-ray images of the luggage were published in the Sabah newspaper as the New York Times reported that a member of the team at the consulate had told a superior by phone to "tell your boss", suspected to be Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, that the operation was accomplished. Turkish media has published gruesome details of the murder of 59-year-old Khashoggi who according to a Turkish prosecutor was strangled and dismembered soon after he entered the Istanbul consulate on October 2 to obtain paperwork for his marriage to his Turkish fiancee. After repeated denials, Saudi Arabia finally admitted Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and Riyadh critic, had been murdered at the mission in a "rogue" operation. Turkish President Recep .
Warnings of a 'domino effect' of protectionism as Asian leaders meet
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Asian leaders gathered for a a summit on Tuesday amid warnings that the post-World War Two international order is in jeopardy and trade tensions between Washington and Beijing could trigger a "domino effect" of protectionist measures by other countries.
Infiltration bid foiled along LoC in Jammu, armed Pak intruder killed
The Army on Tuesday gunned down a heavily-armed Pakistani intruder along the Line of Control (LoC) in Akhnoor sector here, officials said. The infiltration bid came after a series of ceasefire violations by Pakistan which left three Army personnel and a porter dead and three BSF personnel injured since Friday. "An armed intruder was noticed trying to infiltrate into this side in Pallanwalla area of Akhnoor sector and was challenged by the alert Army personnel," an Army officer said. He said the intruder opened fire and a gunfight ensued in which he was killed. A huge quantity of arms and ammunition including an AK assault rifle and a pistol were recovered from him. The search operation in the area was still continuing and further details were awaited, the officer said. An Army porter was killed by a Pakistani sniper along the sector on Friday followed by similar attacks from across the border in Sunderbani and Noushera sectors of Rajouri and Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch over the ...
ECI registers political party's full name and not abbreviation: Poll panel tells HC
The Election Commission of India (ECI) Tuesday told the Delhi High Court that it registers political parties by their full name and not by abbreviations. The poll panel's submission came on a plea by the Aam Aadmi Party against the ECI's decision to reject its objection against registration of the 'Aapki Apni Party (Peoples)' as a political party. The Aam Aadmi Party has sought de-registration of the new party on the grounds that their abbreviation would be the same -- AAP -- which could confuse voters. The ECI's counsel submitted before the high court that the panel registers political parties by their full names and not by abbreviations, so there would not be any confusion. Justice C Hari Shankar listed the matter for further hearing on February 22 next year after the counsel for 'Aapki Apni Party (Peoples)' sought time to file its response to the plea and the Aam Aadmi Party's advocate also prayed for time to file rejoinder to the ECI's reply. The ECI, in its affidavit, gave a list
PM Modi to have jam-packed schedule in Singapore
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have a number of high-profile multilateral and bilateral meetings with global leaders including US Vice President Mike Pence and Singapore premier Lee Hsein Loong during his two-day visit here beginning Wednesday, Indian officials said Tuesday. Modi, who will be here on November 14 and 15 at the invitation of Prime Minister Lee, will attend the ASEAN-India Breakfast Summit, India's High Commission here said in a statement. He will also attend the 13th East Asia Summit (EAS) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit hosted by Singapore as the current Chair of ASEAN grouping. "The ASEAN-India Breakfast Summit at Singapore will provide an opportunity to review progress in the relationship," the statement said. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will have a bilateral meeting with his Singapore counterpart Lee. On the margins of these Summits, Modi will hold bilateral meetings with other leaders. Prime Minister Modi will hold a ...