Page 2575 - Politics
Jeremy Heywood, who ran Britain's civil service, dies at 56
The British government says Jeremy Heywood, who ran the country's civil service until illness forced him to step down, has died of cancer. He was 56. British Prime Minister Theresa May said Heywood, who died early Sunday, "worked tirelessly to serve our country." She called his death "a huge loss to British public life." As Cabinet secretary, Heywood oversaw Britain's government bureaucracy. That made him a powerful figure, though little known outside the Whitehall government district. Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable said Heywood had advised politicians of right and left, and "none of us had the faintest idea what his politics were. He was just the perfect civil servant." The government announced Oct. 24 that Heywood was retiring to fight his illness and granted him the title Lord Heywood of Whitehall.
New Caledonia votes to stay French in referendum: results
The Pacific islands of New Caledonia opted to remain part of France on Sunday, early results showed, as voters rejected independence in a closely-watched referendum seen as a measure of support for Paris in one of its many strategic outposts. Some 18,000 kilometres from the French mainland, New Caledonia is home to a quarter of the world's known supplies of nickel -- a vital electronics component -- and is a foothold for France in the Pacific. With 70 per cent of voting slips counted, 59.5 per cent of people had rejected the proposition that New Caledonia become independent, the local electoral authority said. Some 175,000 people were eligible to vote in the remote islands fringed by spectacular beaches, with opinion polls ahead of Sunday's ballot predicting a large majority in favour of staying French. But there are fears the referendum could inflame tensions between indigenous Kanak people, who tend to favour independence, and the white population which has settled since France ...
Tight security in Sabarimala as temple opens Monday for spl puja
As the Lord Ayyappa temple opens Monday for a special puja, a thick security cover has been put in place by police and orders banning assembly of four or more people have been imposed in Sabarimala and nearby areas after violent protests were witnessed last month against the entry of women of menstrual age into the famed shrine. Police said 2,300 personnel, including a 20-member commando team and 100 women, have been deployed to ensure smooth 'darshan' and security of devotees, a move that came in for criticism from the erstwhile royal family of Pandalam, the BJP and the Congress for such fortification. If necessary, around 30 women police personnel in the rank of circle inspector and sub inspector and above the age of 50 would be deployed at 'Sannidhanam' (temple complex) for security, they said. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPc, banning assembly of four or more people, is in force at Pamba, Nilackal, Elavungal, and Sannidhanam for 72 hours from midnight Saturday. This is
'Existing political parties, politicians viewing welfare as
: Actor-politician Kamal Haasan Sunday slammed "existing political parties and politicians" for viewing welfare as 'alms' and charged that they indulge in corruption as if it is their full-time occupation. The Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder, in his birthday message to fans and party supporters, exhorted them to take up welfare activities rather than meeting him to wish him. The actor will turn 64 on November 7. Haasan told his supporters that his party's approach to politics was 'devoid' of nepotism and "unnecessary individual praise that is generally associated with politics." "Existing political parties and politicians view people's welfare as alms that are given to the begging people and continue to indulge in corruption as if it is their full-time occupation," he said in a statement. Such entities, he claimed, were "trembling in fear" at the sight of his MNM. Haasan, often critical of the ruling AIADMK on issues like corruption, told his party workers that the MNM ..
Nepotism charges 'baseless,' ready to face probe: Minister
Dismissing as "baseless" the nepotism charges levelled against him, Minister for Local Administration, K T Jaleel Sunday said he was ready to face any probe. The Muslim Youth League had on November 2 alleged that Adeeb K T, a cousin of Jaleel, was appointed general manager in Kerala State Minorities Development Finance Corporation, flouting rules. "There is nothing to hide. I am not afraid of any investigation. If there is nepotism, let them go to the court. We can appoint anyone on deputation if they have the requisite qualification," the minister said. He also said the allegation came up after the corporation initiated the process to recover bad debts. "Many Muslim League leaders started facing the heat after the corporation initiated the process to recover the unpaid loans. Some league leaders have taken huge amounts of loan and have not repaid," Jaleel alleged. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala demanded the resignation of the minister alleging rules were flouted ..
Naxals will shun violence if BSP regains power: Mayawati in Chhattisgarh
In the run-up to the polls in Chhattisgarh, Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) president and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati on Sunday asserted that if her party emerges victorious, minority communities, the poor and Muslims residing in the state will be uplifted.The BSP supremo further asserted that the Naxals in the area will leave the path of violence to shun the path of violence and will work towards their development."Till now, several governments belonging to different political parties have ruled Chhattisgarh. But none of them have done enough for the development of poor, backward and Dalits. If my party will get the majority of votes, all the people, especially Dalits, Muslims, backward classes and the poor will be benefitted and their status will be uplifted in the society. Naxals will also leave the path of violence and will start working in the right direction," she said."By electing BJP as the single winner in the elections, all the dreams of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar ..
'No power can stop construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya'
Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said here Sunday that "no power can stop" construction of grand Ram temple at Ayodhya. He said, the Bharatiya Janata Party "was is and will always" favour construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. "The issue is pending with the Supreme Court, hence, I cannot comment," he said. Maurya, however, hastened to added that, "We can tell for certain in one line that a grand Ram temple would be constructed whenever time comes." He was responding to queries about congregation of religious seers in Delhi to press for Ram temple construction through an ordinance by the Union government. Maurya said he respected the sentiments of honourable seers regarding the temple. He along with party organisation secretary Sunil Bansal was here to attend an event. The deputy chief minister reiterated his party's stand on the issue and said, "No power can stop construction of grand Ram temple at the birthplace of Ramlala." "As on date, the matter is ...
Ajit Pawar can be arrested anytime in irrigation scam: Danve
Senior NCP leader and former deputy chief minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar can be arrested "anytime" in the alleged irrigation scam, state BJP president Raosaheb Danve has said. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), however, said Pawar had no role in the alleged scam and accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of trying to vitiate the political atmosphere ahead of elections. Pawar was among NCP ministers who were in-charge of the irrigation department at different times between 1999 and 2014 when the Congress and the NCP were part of the coalition government in the state. The scam, pegged at Rs 72,000 crore, relates to alleged corruption and irregularities in approval and execution of various irrigation projects in the state during the Congress-NCP rule. It was probed by the ACB. "Police have reached the door steps of Ajit Pawar in the irrigation scam. Therefore, his condition is such that there is a sword hanging on his head and he can be arrested anytime," Danve said. He ..
'Kisan March' in Delhi from Nov 28-30, says AIKS gen secy, slams Cong, BJP govts for farmers' plight
Slamming the BJP and the Congress governments for the plight of farmers in the country, All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) General Secretary Hannan Mollah said a march would be organised in the national capital from November 28 to 30 to press for the pending demands of the farmers. Asserting that farmers' issues continue to be at the centre of the Left parties' political activities, he claimed that successive governments' "failure" to bring "land reforms" has triggered the "agricultural crisis". "Agricultural crisis is manifested in different ways and there are historical reasons behind it. The main cause of agricultural crisis is failure to bring about land reforms. After Independence, if the farmers had got land then their condition would have been better," Mollah told PTI in an interview. Alleging that after Independence the government had not taken steps for land reforms with the agricultural sector as its prime focus, he alleged that the then ruling party maintained close affinity with
Vote against Trump in midterm election: Post
The Washington Post has urged American voters to vote in Tuesday's midterm election against the ideology of President Donald Trump who is "betting heavily that voters can be swayed by appeals to their worst instincts: anger, hatred and fear".
Appeasement to 'avoid bloodshed' sends dangerous message to non-state actors: Pak minister
A senior Pakistani minister on Sunday said that appeasement to "avoid bloodshed" sends a dangerous message to non-state actors, a day after the radical Islamist parties reached a deal with the government to end their protests against a Supreme Court verdict acquitting a Christian woman of blasphemy charges. Asia Bibi, 47, was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting Islam in a row with her neighbours. A three-judge apex court bench headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar last week overturned her conviction, sparking protests led by the radical religious parties and other groups across Pakistan. In a series of tweets, Pakistan's Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari said that the history shows that appeasement never works. "Appeasement to avoid 'bloodshed' in a war-weary Europe led to massive bloodshed & destruction in the form of WW II," Mazari said. "Appeasement to "avoid bloodshed" sends a dangerous msg to non-state actors & undermines the very concept of democratic ...
China to boost Pakistan defence ties, pats Islamabad on dispute with India
China and Pakistan on Sunday agreed to further develop their military cooperation after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan ended his official talks with the Chinese leadership here.
Iran Guardian Council rejects terror financing bill
Iran's powerful Guardian Council on Sunday rejected a bill on joining the UN convention against terrorist financing seen as crucial to maintaining trade and banking ties with the world. The conservative-dominated council, which oversees legislation passed by the parliament, said aspects of the bill were against Islamic law and the constitution and sent it back to lawmakers for revision. "The Guardian Council has in several sessions reviewed the bill... and it has considered it to have flaws and ambiguities," wrote spokesman Abbas Ali Kadkhodaie on Twitter. The bill, narrowly passed by parliament on October 7, is one of four put forward by the government of President Hassan Rouhani in order to meet demands set by the international Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which monitors countries' efforts to tackle money-laundering and terrorist financing. Many hawks in Iran say the laws would limit the country's ability to support "resistance groups" such as Lebanon's Hezbollah and ...
Sabarimala: Security tightened, Sec 144 imposed ahead of temple opening
In an attempt to avoid violence and unrest in Sabarimala temple, which is slated to open for a special religious ceremony on November 5, the state administration has deployed scores of police personnel in Pamba and surrounding areas.Speaking to ANI, Inspector General Ashok Yadav said that around 1500 police personnel have been deployed from Pamba to Sannidhanam.Furthermore, the Pathanamthitta district administration has imposed Section 144 in Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal, and Elavunkal till November 6.Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) prohibits any assembly of five or more people in an area where it has been imposed. Every member of such "unlawful assembly" can be booked for "engaging in rioting", the maximum punishment for which is three years.As a precautionary measure and to avoid any untoward situation, the state security forces have also issued movement orders restricting devotees and media persons from travelling beyond a certain point. The route will be fully ...
Naidu lays foundation stone of chancery in Zimbabwe
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu Sunday laid the foundation stone of the building of new Indian Embassy here which will also have a Yoga centre. Naidu arrived here Friday night on the second leg of his six-day three-nation tour to Africa, which aims at deepening India's strategic cooperation with Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi. "VP M Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone of the new Chancery Premises at the Ground Breaking Ceremony in Harare Zimbabwe. The building of the new Indian Embassy would bear architectural features such as Ashoka Chakra and a tranquil Yoga Centre," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Ravish Kumar tweeted. "This facility will be an iconic structure in Harare and help strengthening Indo-Zimbabwe ties further," Naidu said as he laid the foundation stone in presence of India's ambassador to Zimbabwe R Masakui and staff of the Indian Embassy in Harare. The project, after completion, will house office and residences of the Indian ambassador and senior embassy .
Iranians mark 1979 US embassy seizure amid looming American sanctions
Thousands of Iranians took to the streets across the country on Sunday to mark the 39th anniversary of the seizure of the US Embassy in Tehran now named "den of espionage", amid looming American sanctions slated to come into effect from Monday.
'Centre brought Triple Talaq ordinance but did nothing on Ram Temple'
Spiritual leader Jagadguru Ramabhadracarya lashed out at the Centre over the ongoing Ram-Temple-Babri Masjid conflict in Ayodhya, and asked why the union government did not do anything on the issue, when an ordinance was brought by them on the Muslim practice of Triple Talaq.Launching an attack on the central government, he further asserted that 'the community is losing its patience now', "All are our own people but when they behave like others, we feel astonished. They can bring an ordinance on Triple Talaq but what is being done for us. It has been more than four years since he (Narendra Modi) became Prime Minister, if at least he had visited Ayodhya once, we would have felt good. Now our patience is wearing thin."Speaking to media persons after attending the Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti congregation of saints and seers, he said, "Today some decision will be taken. We have to pressurise the government for bringing an ordinance. It doesn't matter if the government remains or not but ...
Iranian experts downplay effects of US sanctions
Experts have observed that contrary to the goals which the US expects to achieve by renewing its sanctions against Iran, it will only have a limited effect on Tehrans economy.
Bahrain opposition chief gets life in jail over Qatar spy case
Bahrain's appeals court sentenced the head of the country's Shiite opposition movement to jail for life Sunday over charges of spying for rival Gulf state Qatar, a judicial source said. Sheikh Ali Salman, who headed the now-outlawed Al-Wefaq movement, had been acquitted by the high criminal court in June, a verdit the public prosecution appealed. The latest ruling on Sunday can also be appealed. Bahrain, along with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, severed all ties with Qatar in 2017, banning their citizens from travel to or communication with the emirate over what they say are Doha's ties to both Iran and radical Islamist groups. Salman is currently serving a four-year sentence in a separate case -- "inciting hatred" in the kingdom, which has seen mainly Shiite protests against the Sunni monarchy since 2011. In November, Salman and two other members of Al-Wefaq were charged with working for Qatari intelligence with the aim of overthrowing the Bahraini government. King Hamad .
Jane Fonda compares Trump to Hitler
Veteran actress Jane Fonda compared US President Donald Trump to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.