Page 2604 - Politics
New spots in Kedarnath shrine ready for Modi's proposed visit
A meditation cave 400-metre above the Kedarnath temple and a wide road from the confluence of Mandakini and Saraswati rivers are in readiness for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit to the Himalayan shrine, officials said Tuesday. The prime minister is likely to visit the Kedarnath temple on November 6 and all preparations have been made, Rudraprayag District Magistrate Mangesh Ghildiyal said. Built at a secluded spot above the shrine, the Rudra meditation cave is an added attraction for devotees which will be showcased during the prime minister's proposed visit to the temple, he said The five-metre long and three-metre wide cave is big enough for one person to meditate at a time, he said. Though built in a natural ambience it is equipped with all necessary facilities like telephone, water, electricity and a toilet, the district magistrate said, adding it will be popularised among visitors through a social media campaign by the administration. Other new spots for the prime ..
Govt seeks consultation with RBI on some issues under Sec 7; says RBI autonomy essential
The government has for the first time ever used a provision of law to ask the RBI for resolution of differences between them on stressed loans in power sector and other issues, sources privy to the development said. Without acknowledging the notices sent to RBI under Section 7 of the RBI Act, the finance ministry in a statement said autonomy was "essential" but its functioning must be guided by public interest and needs of the economy. Amid a standoff between the ministry and RBI over the central bank's handling of weak public sector banks, tight liquidity in the market and ways of resolving bad loans in the power sector, unconfirmed reports claimed RBI Governor Urjit Patel was considering stepping down if the government were to issue an unprecedented direction. "The autonomy for the central bank, within the framework of the RBI Act, is an essential and accepted governance requirement. Governments in India have nurtured and respected this," the ministry said in a brief ...
Over 1,500 bodies found in Syria mass grave
More than 1,500 bodies have been found in a mass grave in Syria's Raqqa province, the former de facto capital of the Islamic State (IS), the media reported on Wednesday.
Iran's top diplomat in Pakistan to talk border, key issues
Iran's top diplomat is in Pakistan for talks on key issues between the two neighbours, including how to strengthen security along their shared border from where 11 Iranian border guards were abducted earlier this month. Pakistan's foreign ministry says Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif held talks with his counterpart in Islamabad, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, on Wednesday. The statement says they also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and "ways to work together in the wake of the re-imposition of US sanctions on Iran." Tehran has asked Islamabad for assistance in finding and rescuing Iranian guards who were seized from a town bordering Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province. Pakistan has said it will do whatever is possible to trace and rescue them. Iranian media have blamed the abduction on al-Qaida-linked Jaish al-Adl.
Modi govt trying to damage every institution of India: Yechury
CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury Wednesday held the Narendra Modi government responsible for the "current mess" in autonomous institutions of CBI, RBI and others, alleging that the Centre was trying to "damage every single institution of the country". He claimed the ruling dispensation was in a desperate bid to transfer blame for its failure to the institutions whose mess has now became public. "Judiciary, Parliament, CBI... and now RBI. Modi govt has tried to damage every single institution. Now, this attempt to hold institutions responsible for the mess, is a desperate bid to transfer blame for his utter failure of last 4.5 years," Yechury tweeted. The CPI(M) general secretary also accused the Modi government of being "incapable" of handling its own appointees, institutions and crucial matters. "As even routine governance falters and slips - the Economy slumps further. This govt is incapable of handling its own appointees, institutions and crucial matters," he said on Twitter. "These ..
Why is BJP-led govt not answering NCP's queries, asks Munde
NCP leader Dhananjay Munde Wednesday attacked the Devendra Fadnavis government for "not answering" any of the 56 queries his party had raised "on behalf of the people" through social media. Munde, who is the Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council, also sought to know why ministers in the government were silent on issues of public concern despite being active on social media. Till last Monday, NCP leaders had tweeted questions under the party's "56 questions to those with 56-inch chest" campaign launched in September to target the BJP-led governments at the Centre and the state. Ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Modi had claimed at an election rally that only a person with a "56-inch chest" could solve problems faced by the country. "None of the ministers in the alliance government, which is patting its own back for completing four years, has dared to answer queries raised in 56 days by the NCP on behalf of the people. Why those who are otherwise active .
UN chief names new envoy to Syria
A seasoned Norwegian diplomat who helped oversee talks leading to the Oslo peace accords has been named as the next special envoy to Syria. In a letter seen Tuesday by AFP, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council that he wishes to give the job to Geir Pedersen. Pedersen is a veteran diplomat, who in 1993 was a member of the Norwegian team to the secret negotiations that led to the signing of the Oslo accords between Israel and the Palestinians. He has held several posts in the region, including as UN envoy to south Lebanon in 2005 and then as special coordinator for the whole of Lebanon from 2007 to 2008. Pedersen also spent several years as Norway's representative to the Palestinian Authority. He is currently Norway's ambassador to China and has previously served as its envoy to the UN. The Syria conflict, which began with anti-government street protests in 2011, has claimed more than 360,000 lives and drawn in foreign powers and various jihadist ..
PM Modi gifts 'Modi jackets' to South Korean President Moon
In a special gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted some meticulously tailored "Modi jackets" to South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who expressed his liking for them during his first state visit to the country in July. "Modi jackets" are basically a vest-like sleeveless jacket the leader (Modi) usually dons, state-run Yonhap news agency reported. President Moon expressed thanks to Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday for sending him the jackets. Moon also uploaded photos of him wearing the jackets in a Twitter posting, saying they "fit great." "Prime Minister @narendramodi of India sent me some gorgeous garments. These are modernised versions of traditional Indian costume, known as the 'Modi Vest', that can also be worn easily in Korea. They fit perfectly," Moon tweeted. "During my visit to India, I had told the Prime Minister @narendramodi that he looked great in those vests, and he duly sent them over, all meticulously tailored to my size. I would like to thank him for this ..
Sweden says it could host Yemen's warring sides for talks
Sweden's foreign minister says her country could host talks between Yemen's warring parties after efforts by the UN special envoy failed to bring the sides together. Margot Wallstrom says the United Nations has asked Sweden "if we could be a place for the UN envoy to gather the parties in this conflict" the internationally recognised government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, and Yemen's Iran-backed Shiite rebels known as Houthis. Wallstrom told Sweden's news agency TT on Wednesday that Sweden would be "happy about it" but that nothing's definite. The conflict in Yemen, the Arab world's poorest country, began with the 2014 takeover of the capital, Sanaa, by the Houthis who toppled the internationally recognised government. A Saudi-led coalition allied with the government has been fighting the Houthis since 2015.
Pondy CM extends Liberation day greetings
Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy Wednesday extended greetings to the people on the eve of the 64th Liberation Day (De Facto merger day) of the Union Territory. Recalling the history of struggle for liberation of the former French establishments and their merger with Indian Union, he said on November 1, 1954 Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam became free and together emerged as a Union Territory. "The liberation was largely due to the joint fight of the people against the foreign rule and Puducherry has demonstrated to the world that no obstacles would prevent the zeal of the people to become successful in their efforts," he said. He appealed to the people to continue their support to the government so that Puducherry could make still greater progress. It was on November 1 1954 Puducherry and outlying regions became free de facto as a direct sequel to the referendum held in the Kizhoor village near Puducherry on October 18 that year. PWD Minister and PCC ...
Buta Singh's daughter Gurkeerat Kaur joins Congress
Former Union home minister Buta Singh's daughter Gurkeerat Kaur joined the Congress on Wednesday. Welcoming Kaur to the party, senior Delhi Congress leader A K Walia hoped that she will work to strengthen the party through her experience in social work and legal profession. Former municipal corporator from Krishna Nagar Ramesh Pandit also joined the Congress along with Kaur. Buta Singh, who had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha polls from Jalore as a Samajwadi Party candidate and later rejoined the Congress, was also present on the occasion. His son Arvinder Singh Lovely, former MLA from Delhi, also had last year rejoined the Congress. Both Kaur and Pandit said they will work for the Congress as per directions of its leaders Rahul Gandhi and Ajay Maken.
Modi govt's 'boat of corruption' will no longer sail: Cong on Rafale deal
The Modi government's "boat of corruption" will no longer sail, the Congress said on Wednesday after the Supreme Court asked the Centre for pricing details of the 36 Rafale jets India is buying from France. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked for the pricing details in a sealed cover within 10 days, but agreed that "strategic and confidential" information need not be disclosed. "The Modi government's boat of corruption will no longer sail because the Supreme Courts wants to know the truth of Rafale. The corruption-loaded BJP government can no longer remain investigation free, the accused can no longer run away from a JPC (joint parliamentary committee)," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told reporters. "Dear PM, Please explain to the 'court of people', why are you now shying away from JPC investigation? Rafale Scam is now fully ripe for an investigation-no more excuses!" Surjewala added in a tweet. The Congress has been alleging massive ...
US reassures Taiwan on security as China increases threats
Any attempt to determine Taiwan's future by "other than peaceful means" is a threat to regional security and a matter of "grave concern" to the United States, Washington's de facto ambassador to Taipei said Wednesday, in a nod to Chinese military intimidation against the island. Brent Christensen also said Washington would continue military sales to Taiwan while promoting its participation in the international community that Beijing increasingly seeks to restrict. China considers Taiwan its own territory to be absorbed using force if necessary. It has lately stepped up its threats in an attempt to undermine President Tsai Ing-wen, who has refused to bow to Beijing's demand that she recognize Taiwan as a part of China. The US cut formal ties with Taiwan in 1979 to recognize Beijing but the two maintain robust unofficial military and diplomatic ties. Those relations are underpinned by the Taiwan Relations Act, which requires the US to ensure that Taiwan has the ability to defend itself .
US transferring IS suspects from Syria to Iraq: HRW
US forces have been handing over suspected jihadists captured in Syria to the authorities in Iraq, where they face torture and botched trials, Human Rights Watch said on Wednesday. The New York-based watchdog said the United States had transferred suspected members of the Islamic State group for trials in Baghdad. "The US should not be transferring IS suspects from Syria to Iraq or elsewhere if they will be at risk of torture or an unfair trial," HRW's Nadim Houry said. The rights group said independent observers told them that several foreign defendants -- including from France, Australia, and Lebanon -- were tried in Baghdad recently and reported being captured in Syria. In some cases, the defendants said they had never been to Iraq before. "Faced with the refusal by many countries to take back their nationals, the US seems to have taken the easy way out by transferring some to Iraq and be done with it," Houry said. The fate of hundreds of foreign suspected IS members detained by ...
Central bank's autonomy an accepted governance requirement: Finance Ministry
Amid some media reports stating that Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Urjit Patel may consider resigning after an alleged rift with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, the Finance Ministry on Wednesday clarified that the government holds "extensive consultations with the RBI from time to time".The Finance Ministry, in a statement released on Wednesday, said that autonomy of the central bank, within the framework of the RBI Act, is an essential and accepted governance requirement. It further asserted that both the government and the central bank, in their functioning, have to be guided by public interest and the requirements of the Indian economy."The autonomy for the Central Bank, within the framework of the RBI Act is an essential and accepted governance requirement. Governments in India have nurtured and respected this. Both the Government and the Central Bank have to be guided by public interest and the requirements of the Indian economy," the statement read."For the purpose, .
Cong contests Maha govt's claims on enhanced crop production
On a day the BJP-led government in Maharashtra completed four years in office, the opposition Congress Wednesday contested the ruling dispensation's claims that the crop production had grown in the last four years compared to the output recorded under the previous UPA regime. State Congress spokesman Sachin Sawant cited the agriculture department's data to claim that the collective crop output from 2010 to 2014 stood at 734.52 lakh tonnes as against 640.55 lakh tonnes recorded during 2014-2018 (under the BJP government). The Congress-led UPA government had ruled the state for three consecutive terms from 1999 to 2014. The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) government came to power in October 2014. Increased crop production is one of the achievements listed by the state government commemorating its fourth anniversary in power. "The Congress government had performed better than the Devendra Fadnavis government in terms of crop production till 2014 (the year when the Bhartiya ...
Lanka political impasse continues as Attorney General refuses to advise parliamentary speaker
Sri Lanka's Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya Wednesday refused to give an opinion to parliamentary speaker Karu Jayasuriya on the current political impasse over the sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, saying it would be "deemed inappropriate". The speaker, seeking the AG's opinion, asked five questions including the one on the validity of President Maithripala Sirisena dismissing Wickremesinghe as the premier. The Attorney General (AG) wrote to the speaker: "Having regard to the role of the Attorney General under the Constitution, I am of the view that expressing an opinion on the said questions would be deemed inappropriate". President Sirisena replaced Wickremesinghe with former president Mahinda Rajapaksa in a dramatic turn of events last Friday. Sirisena also suspended Parliament until November 16, which experts said was meant to buy time to engineer crossovers from Wickremesinghe's side to Rajapaksa in the 225 member parliament to reach the 113 working majority ...
BJP faces challenge of matching own performance in U'khand urban local bodies polls, say experts
Seeking people's mandate for the first time after coming to power in Uttarakhand with a massive win in the assembly elections, the BJP faces a tough challenge of matching its own performance at the urban local bodies polls on November 18. The BJP had won 57 out of a total of 70 assembly seats in the state in March last year to storm to power. Political observers feel that the urban local bodes election is going to be a high-stakes battle for the ruling party as it has to match its own impressive performance of the assembly elections last year. The forthcoming polls will examine whether or not the BJP in the past one-and-a-half years of rule has been able to deliver even partially on the expectations of people which are naturally high in the wake of a huge victory in the assembly polls, a political analyst based in the city said. "It will show how much credibility the state government's much-vaunted policy of zero tolerance to corruption and emphasis on development enjoy in the eyes of
Pondy CM pays homage to Indira Gandhi
Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy led the Union Territory in paying homage to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on the occasion of her 34th death anniversary Wednesday. Speaker V Vaithilingam, ministers and legislators, were among those present. At the pradesh congress committee office earlier, Narayanasamy and his cabinet colleagues recalled the services rendered by the late leader for the uplift of the poor.
Autonomy for Central Bank, within the Framework of the RBI Act, Is an Essential and Accepted Governance Requirement: Says Government
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