Page 2734 - Politics
Will issue statement on sexual misconduct allegations later: MJ Akbar
Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs MJ Akbar, who arrived in India on early Sunday morning refrained from speaking on sexual misconduct allegations levelled against him while saying that he will issue a statement on the matter later on.On being asked about the allegations, Akbar said, "There will be a statement later on." He was on an official visit to Nigeria.Akbar has come under the scanner after several of his former colleagues accused him of sexual misconduct when he held senior editorial positions in a number of media organisations. This came in the wake of #MeToo movement. Soon after these allegations, many in the opposition demanded minister's resignation.According to a source, senior ministers, in off-record conversations, had earlier indicated that Akbar will have to step down once he returns to India as his position in the government is untenable.However, a consensus has reportedly not been achieved among the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members on whether a MoS can
Malaysia: Anwar Ibrahim wins parliamentary by-poll
Seasoned Malaysian politician and former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has won a parliamentary seat in a by-election, thereby once again establishing himself in the country's mainstream politics.Anwar won the Port Dickson seat on Saturday, securing 71 per cent of the total votes cast, and easily seeing off his six other candidates in what was a landslide victory for him.He is expected to be sworn-in as a legislator in the Malaysian Parliament on October 15, Al-Jazeera reported.In 2015, 71-year-old Anwar was imprisoned for five years on a sodomy conviction, a charge which he described as "politically motivated". Days after the Malaysian general elections were held, Anwar was pardoned by Malaysia's King Muhammad V in May.With this victory, Anwar, who also served as the country's former deputy prime minister in the 1990s, is now a step closer to succeed 93-year-old Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Following his surprise victory in the May polls, Mahathir had pledged to ensure
Afghanistan poll rally blast: Death toll rises to 22
The death toll in Saturday's election rally explosion in Afghanistan's Takhar province has risen to 22.The latest death toll was confirmed by Takhar governor spokesman Mohammad Jawad Hijri, TOLOnews reported.Earlier, 12 people died and 32 others were injured after a motorcycle bomb went off during the campaign rally of an Afghan Parliament member, Nazifa Beg, in Rustaq district of the province.Two security personnel were among those killed in the blast, according to the provincial police.In a statement, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned the attack, saying that "the enemies of Afghans cannot weaken the will of the nation for the success of the democratic process of elections".Ahead of the parliamentary elections in the war-torn country scheduled for October 20, there has been a spurt in election violence in different parts of the country. Saturday's explosion was the third such attack targeting a campaign rally.On October 9, eight people, including a parliamentary candidate, died
Army Commanders' Conference focuses on 4 studies to meet challenges
The Army Commanders' Conference, an apex level biannual event which formulates important policy decisions through collegiate deliberations, on Saturday focused on four major studies to address operational and administrative challenges of the Indian Army.The meet, which is being held from October 9 to 15, reviewed the current operational, administrative and human resource challenges being faced by the Indian Army in detail and deliberated the future course of actions.The focus of the studies was holistic integration, thereby enhancing operational and functional efficiency, optimising budget expenditure, facilitate force modernisation and address aspirations.The first study on 'Re-organisation and Rightsising of the Indian Army' is focused on the operational structures to make them efficient, future-ready by taking into account the operational situation on western and northern bordersThe second study on 'Re-organisation of the Army Headquarters' is aimed at integration and preclude the .
Freed American pastor returns to US, meets Trump
American pastor Andrew Brunson, who was released by the Turkish authorities after two years in connection to a coup d'etat case, has arrived here and met with President Donald Trump at the White House.Upon his arrival on Saturday, Brunson thanked Trump and other lawmakers for securing his release. He also introduced his family to the US President.Lauding the Christian evangelist for displaying resilience in the last two years, CNN quoted Trump as saying, "I just want to congratulate you because you have galvanised this country. There's so much interest, and it's your faith, it's your strength, what you've done, gone through."He also thanked his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan for facilitating Brunson's return, saying "it was not easy".In response, Brunson said, "We especially want to thank the administration, they really fought for us, unusually so. From the time you took office, I know that you've been engaged.""We're so grateful to so many people in Congress who stood with .
Trump vows 'severe punishment' if Saudis killed Khashoggi
Signalling a stern warning to Saudi Arabia, United States President Donald Trump has said that Riyadh would be severely punished if they were involved in the possible murder of missing journalist Jamal Khashoggi.Trump told CBS's '60 Minutes' that the administration "did not know yet" if Khashoggi was killed, adding that the situation "is being looked at very strongly". The interview is set to air on Sunday, The Hill reported."As of this moment, they deny it, and they deny it vehemently. Could it be them?" the US President added. Trump is facing growing coercion from the US opposition parties, who are calling for strict actions against Riyadh.The strong comments by the US President came as Saudi Arabia is facing massive international pressure over Khashoggi's disappearance.Turkey had claimed that they have "shocking evidence" that the senior scribe was killed and dismembered by a group of 15 men, who are considered to have close links with the Saudi government.Khashoggi has been ...
MPs from across India's political spectrum showcase nation's diversity at UN
Reflecting the diversity of India's democracy, members of parliament from across the political spectrum and the nation are representing India at the General Assembly.
Trump considers lifting sanctions on Turkey after US pastor freed
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he will take a look at US sanctions on Turkey and will consider whether to lift them after the American missionary Andrew Brunson was freed this Friday after two years in prison imposed by the Turkish justice system.
Czech ruling coalition suffers crushing defeat in Senate vote
The populist ANO movement of billionaire Prime Minister Andrej Babis and their Social Democrat coalition partners suffered a crushing defeat in a second round of Senate elections. The ANO and their CSSD allies won one seat each in the elections held on Friday and Saturday for 27 seats, a third of the members of the upper chamber. The main opposition rightwing ODS emerged the clear winners with 10 seats. Turnout was only 16.4 per cent. The first round was held the previous Friday and Saturday. The ANO and CSSD now have a total of 20 seats in the 81-member Senate. The ODS has 16 seats. Babis deplored the "horrible result" and blamed it on the electoral system which he said "allowed other parties to ally themselves against the ANO in the second round." The lower house is the country's main legislative body and the government can override Senate vetoes. To win a parliamentary confidence vote in July, ANO and their leftwing Social Democrats coalition partners had to rely on backing from ...
Thousands rally in Chicago against Trump's 'anti-woman agenda'
Thousands of people made their disdain for President Donald Trump heard Saturday at a rally and march in Chicago aimed at galvanizing support for Democrats in the upcoming November midterm elections. A giant "Baby Trump" flew over the crowd. Trump was depicted as "El Diablo" on a high-flying flag. Demonstrators waved "Vote Blue" banners -- the message was unmistakable. Angered by the bitter fight over new US Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and what they called the "anti-woman agenda" of the Trump administration and the Republican Party, women -- and men -- rallied in the Windy City. The "March to the Polls" event -- which began in Grant Park and was to wrap up downtown -- came just as voter registration deadlines neared in most states and early voting ramped up in more than a dozen states including Illinois. Hillary Clinton appeared in a video message played on a giant screen, encouraging people to register to vote. "Imagine being able to hold this administration accountable," ..
Democratic Sen. Harris to make campaign trip to Iowa
Democratic Sen Kamala Harris of California is making her first campaign trip to Iowa before Election Day, adding to speculation about a potential presidential run in 2020. Harris plans to visit the state on Oct 22-23. It'll be her first visit to the leadoff presidential caucus state since she was elected to the Senate in 2016. She's among a large group of Democrats, including several senators, who are contemplating a challenge to President Donald Trump. Harris has gotten increased attention in recent weeks for her visible role on the Senate Judiciary Committee in opposition to Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Freed US pastor thanks Trump, who hails 'tremendous step' with Turkey
- American pastor Andrew Brunson on Saturday thanked President Donald Trump for his efforts to facilitate his release after two years in detention in Turkey on terror-related charges, in a hero's welcome at the White House. Trump called Brunson's return home a "tremendous step" forward in relations with Ankara. The two NATO allies suffered a major diplomatic rift over the detention of Brunson, an evangelical Presbyterian minister.
Turkey says US pastor 'not freed due to pressure'
Turkey's decision to release US pastor Andrew Brunson was not due to "any external pressure," the ruling Justice and Development Party's spokesperson said Saturday.
Freed US pastor home from Turkey
An American pastor held for two years in Turkey on terror-related charges arrived home in the United States on Saturday, where he was to meet with US President Donald Trump, who signaled an easing in the diplomatic crisis sparked by the case. Andrew Brunson -- who has become a cause celebre for Trump's conservative Christian base -- was due at the White House to see Trump shortly after his arrival at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington. On Friday, a Turkish court in Aliaga convicted Brunson on charges of espionage and aiding terror groups. It sentenced him to three years, one month and 15 days in jail -- but released him based on time served and good behavior. Brunson maintained his innocence throughout the process, and Trump administration officials have said the charges were politically motivated. Trump thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his help on the case, which caused not only a serious diplomatic row between the NATO allies but led to a crash in the lira, ...
Delhi govt launches Chief Minister's Urban Leaders Fellowship Programme
The Delhi government Saturday announced a fellowship programme that seeks to attract young leaders across the country to work with it on addressing some of the most pressing urban challenges. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted about the Chief Minister's Urban Leaders Fellowship Programme and even shared an advertisement about it. "Thrilled to announce the launch of Delhi CM's Urban Leaders Fellowship Programme. If you r young professional, under 35 yrs age, have a dream to contribute for India, we invite you to work with us in #DelhiGovernanceRevolution," he wrote on the micro-blogging site. The deadline for receiving applications will end on November 4, he said. The fellowship provides a unique opportunity to young leaders across India to work within the Delhi government to address some of the most pressing urban challenges in India, the advertisement reads. The programme aims to attract youth who are "passionate about public service and are willing to work for two years,"
Crisis of governance in Goa created by BJP: Congress
The Congress on Saturday accused the BJP leadership of creating a constitutional breakdown and crisis of governance in Goa with its refusal to replace ailing Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar with at least a caretaker Chief Minister.
Maldives former foreign minister Dunya Maumoon on unofficial visit to India
Maldives former foreign minister Dunya Maumoon is on an unofficial visit to India "on behalf of" former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and held personal meetings. "Visiting Delhi, India for some unofficial meetings on behalf of my father Maumoon Abdul Gayoom," she wrote on Twitter. Her visit comes as the Maldives is set to witness the formation of a new government under President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Solih recently won the Maldives' presidential election, defeating strongman Abdulla Yameen, who was known to be close to China. India had congratulated Solih on his victory. India's ties with the Maldives came under strain after Yameen declared Emergency in the country on February 5, following an order by the country's Supreme Court to release a group of opposition leaders, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials. India had criticised the Yameen government for the imposition of the Emergency and urged it to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process .
Malaysia PM-in-waiting Anwar wins parliamentary by-election
Charismatic Malaysian politician Anwar Ibrahim won a by-election for a parliamentary seat with a landslide victory on Saturday in a grand political comeback to help him prepare for his eventual takeover from Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Anwar was designated as Mahathir's successor after the two men set aside a bitter feud and joined hands to win a stunning victory in May's general election. Anwar couldn't participate in the election due to a sodomy conviction a charge that he alleged was politically motivated but he was freed and received a royal pardon days after the polls. The Election Commission said Anwar received 31,016 votes for the parliamentary seat in the southern coastal town of Port Dickson, defeating six other candidates. His closest rival secured only 7,456 votes. He will be sworn in as a lawmaker in parliament on Monday. Anwar was once a high-flying member of the former ruling coalition but was convicted of homosexual sodomy and corruption after a power struggle ..
Why was Article 355 not invoked during Gujarat riots: Ex-VP Ansari
Referring to the 2002 Gujarat riots, former vice president Hamid Ansari Saturday asked why was Article 355 of the Constitution not invoked by the then Union government even when its defence minister was on the spot. Ansari made the remarks during the launch of a book -- 'The Sarkari Mussalman' by Lt Gen. (retd) Zameer Uddin Shah, who had led the Army Division that quelled the Gujarat riots in the state. The former vice president also said there were "no military solutions to insurgency" as normalcy can be restored only by winning the hearts and minds of people. "'The initial reaction of the civil administration was tardy; curfew had been ordered but not enforced; no attempt were made to convene peace committees and attitude of police was partisan'," Ansari quoted some of the observations from Shah's book on the riots. But, the former vice president observed, that the book was silent "about the role of the political leadership". "If the civil and police administration fails to respond .
Ailing Parrikar may return to Goa on Sunday: Sources
Goa's ailing Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, currently being treated for advanced pancreatic cancer at New Delhi's AIIMS, is expected to return to Goa on Sunday, party sources said.