Page 2703 - Politics
Azad's remarks at AMU event an "abuse" for Hindus: BJP
The BJP on Thursday accused the Congress of "demeaning and demoralising" Hindus and termed as an "abuse" a reported remark by the opposition party's leader Ghulam Nabi Azad that the number of Hindu candidates inviting him for campaigning has reduced drastically. Azad reportedly made the comments at an event of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in Lucknow on Wednesday, apparently to criticise the political climate in Uttar Pradesh under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said the simple reason behind fewer people calling Azad for campaigning is the falling stock of the Congress. For this Azad has invented the Hindu-Muslim angle, he added. "These are not ordinary words. It is an abuse for the country's secular fabric and Hindus. It is yet another attempt by the Congress to demean and demoralise Hindus," Patra told reporters. He also rejected Azad's allegation that the BJP is defaming the AMU and targeting Kashmiri students, saying if prayer .
Modi's cronyism putting IAF pilots at risk: Rahul
Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said the Narendra Modi government's focus on renegotiating UPA-era defence deals instead of finalising them, was causing life risks for the Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots, who are compelled to fly "ancient" aircraft.
Priya Ramani caused irreparable loss to Akbar's reputation, says his counsel
Former Minister for State for External Affairs, MJ Akbar's counsel told a Delhi court that Journalist Priya Ramani has caused a dent into the image of the former minister, which he had built over 40 years.Arguing on Akbar's behalf, advocate Geeta Luthra told the court that Tweets posted by Ramani defamed the journalist-turned-minister."Tweets by Priya Ramani are defamatory in nature. Articles in international, national media quoted these tweets. Tweets are defamatory unless Ramani proves anything," Luthra told the court.The senior advocate further argued that Akbar has been an acclaimed journalist and has had a long political career."He resigned from the ministerial post yesterday, he had a long political career. He has been an acclaimed journalist. His reputation is getting dented, which he has earned over the last 40 years. His reputation is tarnished in the eyes of the people," she added.The court will now examine statements of MJ Akbar and other witnesses on October 31.On Monday, .
Saudi Arabia transfers $100mn to US amid crisis over Khashoggi
Saudi Arabia transferred $100 million to the US on the day Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Riyadh seeking answers in the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi amid mounting pressure on the kingdom for a fuller explanation in the case, the media reported.
People should not vote on caste, religion basis: Bhagwat
Ahead of upcoming crucial Assembly polls and Lok Sabha elections next year, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said that people should vote wisely for parties which unite and not divide the country and also not on the basis of caste, creed or religion.
UK prime minister: Post-Brexit transition could be extended
British Prime Minister Theresa May said Thursday she is considering a European Union proposal that would keep Britain bound to the bloc's rules for more than two years after it leaves, and idea that angers her pro-Brexit critics in the UK. At present the two sides say Britain will remain inside the EU single market, and subject to the bloc's regulations, from the day it leaves on March 29 until December 2020, to give time for new trade relations to be set up. But with divorce talks stuck, the bloc has suggested extending that period, to give more time to strike a trade deal that ensures the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland remains friction-free the main sticking point to a Brexit deal. May said the UK was considering extending the transition period by "a matter of months." But she said she didn't believe the extension would be needed. "We are working to ensure that we have that future relationship in place by the end of December 2020," May said as she ...
Over 150 terror suspects detained in Russia, Central Asia over past year: Bishkek
Over 150 terrorism suspects have been detained and extradited by the special services of Russia and Central Asian countries over the past year, Vice Chairperson of the Kyrgyz State Committee on National Security Asylbek Kozhobekov said on Thursday."Via joint efforts made by competent bodies of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in the second half of 2017 and the first half of 2018, over 150 citizens wanted in line with fight against terrorism, were identified, detained and extradited," Kozhobekov said during the meeting of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (RATS SCO).He added that a large number of terrorist acts had been thwarted on the territories of SCO member countries, noting that particular attention was paid to people who were going to regions with an increased level of terrorist activities and to those who were coming back to the SCO countries.The 33rd meeting of RATS SCO takes place in Bishkek and is attended
Congress becoming victim of its own propaganda: Swamy on Azad's remark
A day after Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that Hindu brothers don't invite him for campaigning anymore, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy asserted that Congress is becoming victim of its own propaganda created against the Hindu community.Speaking to ANI, Swamy said, "That is a problem with them (Congress), they are the ones who started creating all this Hindu terror and so on, and now they are becoming the victim of their own propaganda."He further added, "What can we do? Ask him to get some rest and recover from this malady that he is having presently."Speaking at an event on Wednesday in Lucknow, Azad said, "Since the days of the Youth Congress, I have been campaigning across the country from Andaman Nicobar to Lakshadweep. 95 per cent of those who used to call me were Hindu brothers and leaders, and just five per cent were Muslim brothers. But in the last four years, I have observed that the figure of 95 has dropped to just 20 per cent. This means that ..
Joe Biden hopes Democrats don't impeach Trump
Former US Vice President Joe Biden said he hopes that the Democrats do not move to impeach President Donald Trump if they win a majority in the House of Representatives after the mid-term elections in November.
Manoj Tiwari offers to donate Rs 1,11,100 to AAP if CM clears Metro Ph-IV
Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari offered to donate Rs 1,11,100 to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday, but on one condition: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal clears the passage of Delhi Metro Phase IV project caught up on funds issue. The AAP government in Delhi and the BJP-led government at the Centre are at loggerheads over Delhi Metro's Phase IV project which is staring at a possible delay if the matter is not sorted out soon. "Arvind Kejriwal ji do not punish people like this, who have elected you. The Chief Minister says he will not give Phase IV Metro to Delhi which gave 67 out of 70 (Assembly) seats to him. Brother have your donation, I will give you Rs 1,11,100 from my income through singing if you clear the Phase IV Metro," Tiwari tweeted in Hindi. AAP's donation campaign "Aap Ka Daan, Rashtra Ka Nirman" was launched by Kejriwal earlier this week, under which monthly donations will be collected from people, in view of coming polls incuding the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Last ..
Bhutan seeks happiness in a new government
Bhutan, the Himalayan kingdom jammed between India and China, voted in a national election Thursday guaranteed to usher in a new ruling party which must boost the economy without compromising the country's fierce independent streak. The country of 800,000 people, famed for its Gross National Happiness index, is holding only its third national election since the monarchy initiated a transition to democracy in 2008. Streets in the capital were mainly empty for the occasion as authorities declared a holiday for the election. Many voters looked forward to seeing a new government tackling problems including the country's large foreign debt, mainly owed to India. "We expect a new broom to sweep well," said engineer Gopal Chettri after voting in the capital Thimphu. "It is a country with a limited budget so what can you say. Whatever party wins has to cope with it." Results of the runoff vote -- to be announced Friday -- could see a government formed by a party only registered in 2013. Druk
Stubble burning: Punjab CM meets PM to press for compensation
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to press for compensation to farmers in lieu of stubble burning.Captain Amarinder apprised Prime Minister Modi that the problem of stubble burning could get aggravated and needed to be urgently addressed.The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to thank the Prime Minister for the Central Government's decision not to disturb the 60:40 ratio with respect to appointment of officers in the UT of Chandigarh.Captain Amarinder had, in recent weeks, expressed his strong protest over the constant efforts being made to disturb the fine balance in sharing of officers and other resources between Haryana and Punjab that had been achieved over a period of time after a great deal of effort.He also urged the Prime Minister to ensure settlement of the Rs. 31000 crore CCL gap and requested for assistance for the preparation of the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji.Giving details ..
US bars American aid groups from travelling to N.Korea
US President Donald Trump's administration has barred American aid groups from travelling to North Korea as it pressures Pyongyang to dismantle the countrys nuclear weapons programme.
US asks Turkey for audio tape in Khashoggi's alleged killing: Trump
America has asked Turkey for an audio recording in the suspected murder of Jamal Khashoggi, US President Donald Trump has said as he sought a full report from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the dissident Saudi journalist's mysterious disappearance. Khashoggi, 60, is feared to have been killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The incident has resulted in a global outrage, more so in the US where he lived as a legal permanent resident and worked for 'The Washington Post'. Khashoggi vanished on October 2 after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Turkish authorities suspect he was abducted and murdered by the Saudis. But Riyadh insists that the journalist, a known critic of Saudi King Salman, had left the building and that murder claims are "baseless". Trump told reporters at the White House that he had asked Turkey for the audio that gives a clue of the alleged brutal killing of Khashoggi. "We've asked for it, if it exists," he said. The New York Times, citing the content
Bhagwat in favour of 100 pc voting, urges citizens to rise
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat Thursday batted for 100 per cent voting in polls, urging people to rise above parochial feelings and egos of caste, language and provincial affiliations. The characteristics of democratic politics is such that no one can be considered as completely right or wrong, he said. "In such a situation, non voting or using the provision of None of the Above (NOTA) goes in favour of the one who is most ineffective. So, 100 per cent voting is essential keeping in mind national interest as supreme without getting swayed by campaigns of all sides," he said. Bhagwat made the comments in his annual Vijayadashmi address, the last before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, at the RSS headquarters here. He said the Election Commission also appeals for 100 per cent voting and conscience voting and RSS swayansevaks have always abided by this as a duty and will do this time as well. "Who would lead the nation? Are prevalent policies right or wrong ? All these things have to be decided ..
Trump pulling out of pact that discounted foreign postal deliveries
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration will begin withdrawing from a United Nations pact that offered low rates for foreign postal deliveries of small packages in the United States, the latest move to challenge practices it sees as unfairly advantageous to China.
Italian PM says Lega, 5Star not divided over budget plans
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Thursday that the Lega and 5Star parties in his governing coalition were not divided over Italy's budgetary plans, as reporters asked about a spat on tax matters.
French minister pulls out of Saudi conference over Khashoggi
French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said Thursday he was pulling out of a major investment conference in Saudi Arabia over the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. "I won't go to Riyadh next week," Le Maire told France's Public Senat TV channel, adding that "the current circumstances do not allow me to go to Riyadh". The minister echoed President Emmanuel Macron's remarks last week on Khashoggi's disappearance, calling it a "very serious" matter. Le Maire is one of the first senior Western officials to pull out of the October 23-25 Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has said he will decide on Thursday whether to attend. Several business titans and Western media groups have already pulled out of the conference organized by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund. Khashoggi, who was living in self-imposed exile in the United States where he contributed to the Washington Post, vanished after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul .
The Washington Post publishes missing Saudi journalist's last article
The Washington Post has published the last article written by its missing Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi in which he wrote about the poor state of press freedom across the Arab world.
Kerala shutdown over Sabarimala near total
The state-wide shutdown called by the Sabarimala Karma Samithi on Thursday saw huge response with near total effect while just a few private vehicles moving on road.