Page 2763 - Politics
J-K: 2nd phase of urban local bodies elections begins
Polling began on a brisk note in 13 districts of Jammu and Kashmir as a part of the second phase of the urban local bodies elections on Wednesday.As per the Election Commission of India, a total of 1,198 candidates have fielded their nomination but following withdrawal and scrutiny, only 1,095 candidates are in the fray for the elections in the second phase.Notably, out of 1,095, as many as 65 candidates have won the elections uncontested, including 61 from the Kashmir Valley. The second phase will cover a total of 384 wards.Security has been beefed up across the state so that the polls can be conducted in a peaceful manner. Majority of the candidates have been provided with either cluster security in hotels or individually in the Valley.Interestingly, this is the first municipal elections where Kashmiri migrants are able to exercise their franchise after the ECI allowed them to cast their votes through postal ballots.The overall turnout for the first phase of local body elections ...
Non-bailable warrant issued against UP Minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi
A special court on Tuesday issued a non-bailable warrant against Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi after she failed to appear before the court in connection with a case of violating the Model Code of Conduct.The Uttar Pradesh Minister was repeatedly summoned in the case dating back to 2010.The Member of Parliament (MP)-Minister of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Special Court in Allahabad issued the warrant against Joshi.In 2010, the case was registered against Joshi at Wazirganj police station for violating Section 144 and entering the Vidhan Sabha forcefully when the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) was in power.She was also accused of misbehaving with the police force. Till now, 12 hearings have been held in the case.
S Africa's finance minister quits over Gupta scandal
South African finance minister Nhlanhla Nene has stepped down from his post and his resignation was accepted by President Cyril Ramaphosa "in the interests of good governance."Ramaphosa, in a televised address, confirmed that he accepted Nene's resignation due to "errors of judgment" as a result of a controversy surrounding Nene's testimony in an ongoing graft inquiry, CNN reported."After due consideration of the circumstances around this matter and in the interest of good governance, I have decided to accept his resignation," the South African President said.Following Nene's resignation, former South African Reserve Bank Governor, Tito Mboweni, was sworn-in as the country's new Finance Minister.Recently, Nene recently admitted in the inquiry that he met the members of the Gupta family, a wealthy household, who had emigrated from India to South Africa decades ago, and established a business empire in the African nation, spanning from media to mining.The Guptas have been accused of ...
Second phase of municipal polls begin in J-K
Polling began Wednesday for the second phase of the four-phased municipal elections in Jammu and Kashmir to seal the fate of 1,029 candidates in fray across the state. Voting began at 6 am on Wednesday morning amid stringent security arrangements, officials said. They said the voting would take place at 544 polling stations across the state and would end at 4 pm. The officials said 1,029 candidates - 881 in Jammu division and 148 in Kashmir division - are in the fray for 263 municipal wards, including 49 in Kashmir and 214 in Jammu. A total of 65 candidates - 61 of them from Kashmir valley - have already won the polls uncontested, while in 56 wards all in the valley - no nomination was received, so no polling is taking place in those places, they said. As many as 270 polling stations have been designated for voting in Kashmir Division and 274 in Jammu Division, they added. The officials said the total electorate in these wards is 346,980 - 128,104 in Jammu Division belonging to 18 ...
Ajit Doval-headed panel to assist NSC
The central government has set up the Strategic Policy Group (SPG) headed by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to assist the National Security Council, which advises Prime Minister Narendra Modi on matters of national security and strategic interests.As per reports, the other members of the SPG will include NITI Aayog vice chairman, cabinet secretary, chiefs of the three defence services, RBI governor, foreign secretary, home secretary, finance secretary and defence secretary.The secretary of the Department of Defence Production and Supplies, scientific adviser to the defence minister and secretary (R) will also be members of the panel.The group will assist the National Security Council and undertake among other tasks, a long-term strategic review of the country's security affairs.
France sued for 'crimes' over nuclear tests: Polynesia leader
A complaint has been filed at the Hague-based International Criminal Court against France for alleged crimes against humanity over nuclear tests conducted in the South Pacific, a French Polynesian opposition leader has said. "It's with a great sense of duty and determination that we filed a complaint at the International Criminal Court on October 2 for crimes against humanity," Oscar Temaru, who is also the French archipelago's former president, said at the United Nations Tuesday. "This case aims to hold all the living French presidents accountable for the nuclear tests against our country." Speaking during a meeting about French Polynesia as part of a UN committee focused on decolonization, he said: "We owe it to all the people who died from the consequences of nuclear colonialism." The overseas French territory, with about 290,000 people, is best known nowadays for its tourist island of Tahiti. But its Mururoa and Fangataufa atolls saw 193 nuclear tests over three decades until ...
US seeks Saudi Arabia's support over journalist's disappearance
The United States (US) has expressed concerns about missing journalist Jamal Khashoggi and called on the government of Saudi Arabia to conduct an investigation in the case."We call on the government of Saudi Arabia to support a thorough investigation of Khashoggi's disappearance and to be transparent about the results of that investigation," US Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo said in a press statement."We have seen conflicting reports on the safety and whereabouts of prominent Saudi journalist and Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi," the statement added.He revealed that senior officials of the State Department have spoken with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with regard to the matter."?As the President has conveyed, the United States is concerned by his disappearance. State Department senior officials have spoken with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through diplomatic channels about this matter," Pompeo said.Khashoggi was last seen entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on ...
Republican senators say Trump lifting summer ban on higher-ethanol gasoline
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced plans to lift a ban on summer sales of higher-ethanol blend of gasoline, known as E15, Republican senators said.
'Real progress' made with North Korea toward denuclearisation: Pompeo
The US has made a "real progress" with North Korea toward the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula but still there is a long way to go, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday. Pompeo, who met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday in Pyongyang to discuss a future summit, told reporters that the two countries are back on a path toward denuclearisation. "While there's still a long way to go and much work to do, we can now see a path to where we'll achieve the ultimate goal, which is the full and final verified denuclearisation of North Korea," Pompeo told reporters at the White House after a lunch with President Donald Trump. Pompeo returned from a Asia trip Monday night, during which travelled to Japan, South Korea, North Korea and China. Pompeo's trip was intended to set the table for a second summit between Trump and Kim, who held an historic summit in Singapore on June 12. On Indian-American Nikki Haley resigning as the US Ambassador to the UN, Pompeo said she was his
Prez Moon India visit opened 'new vistas'of co-operatoon, ties more vibrant
The recent India visit of South Korean President Moon Jae-in has opened "new vistas of cooperation" in bilateral ties, and the relationship between the two countries is "more vibrant", its envoy said Tuesday. In his address at the Korea National Day function held at the embassy, Ambassador Shin Bongkil also said with the three Inter-Korean summits and the US-North Korea Summit earlier, the "momentum for lasting peace in Korean Peninsula is building". "India and Korea enjoy ties that go back to the visit of a princess from Ayodhya to Korea, who got married to a king there. With such deep relations in the past, we move to the present day relationship, as we mark 45 years of our diplomatic ties," he said. The envoy recalled the July State visit of President Moon and asserted India is an "important partner in all areas of historical, bilateral relations". "His visit has opened new vistas of cooperation, the relationship between the two countries is more vibrant, and businesses are ...
Rahul Gandhi hopes Odisha, AP govts ready for Cyclone Titli
Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Tuesday hoped the governments of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are ready to handle the situation arising out of Cyclone Titli which was moving towards the coastal areas of the states. He also urged Congress workers to rise to occasion and help fellow countrymen that might be affected due to the cyclone. In a Facebook post, he said "The cyclone is moving towards Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. This is a time to exercise caution." "I hope the state governments and the administration are ready to handle the situation. The Congress workers are requested to stand with their countrymen in this time of need and face it bravely," he said. The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into cyclonic storm Titli and is moving towards the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast, the IMD had said in a special bulletin Tuesday.
BJP leader blames Congress for attacks on migrants in Gujarat
The Mumbai unit of the BJP Tuesday held the Congress responsible for the mass exodus of Hindi- speaking migrants from Gujarat after attacks on them following a rape incident. Amarjeet Mishra, Mumbai BJP general secretary, claimed the violence erupted only after Congress MLA from Gujarat Alpesh Thakor "incited" locals in attacking Hindi-speaking migrants. "The Congress party is responsible for what is happening in Gujarat. This hate-mongering party instigates and patronises leaders like Raj Thackeray in Maharashtra and Alpesh Thakor in Gujarat to terrorise migrants," he said. "It is the style of the Congress party to nurture and nourish such leaders whose politics is based on violence," Mishra alleged. A video in which Thakor is purportedly seen making a speech against migrant workers has gone viral and allegedly led to the violence against the Hindi-speaking population. As many as 450 people have been arrested and 56 FIRs registered after violence broke out following the
Fight between 'individualistic' and 'ideological' parties: Shah on upcoming state polls
BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday sought to project the forthcoming elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan as a contest between "individual-centric" parties and those driven by ideologies. He said the elections in the three states can "change the nation". Addressing a convention of youths here, the Bharatiya Janata Party chief said the parties that lack leadership and policies cannot provide a stable government. "Upcoming elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan will prove to be ones that can change the nation because the contest will decide whether people elect parties which are individual-centric or those driven by ideology," Shah said in an apparent reference to political dynasties. Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in the next two months in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram. While first three of the above states are currently ruled by the BJP, the Congress is in power in the northeastern state. Telangana was ...
Rahul Gandhi shares purported video of Gadkari saying BJP made 'tall promises'
Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday shared a purported video in which Union minister Nitin Gadkari says his party had made "tall promises" to the people. In the video which was shared by Gandhi on Twitter, Gadkari is speaking in Marathi. Its English transcript quotes him as saying that they (BJP leaders) never thought they would come to power and were suggested to make "tall promises". Neither is the date of the purported interaction clear, nor is it clear which government the Maharashtra leader is referring to. The BJP is in power in Maharashtra and at the Centre. Gandhi in the tweet said, "Rightly said. People also think that the government has made their dreams and hopes a victim of its greed.
Like Sir Chhotu Ram, Centre working for welfare of farmers: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a statue of Sir Chhotu Ram here on Tuesday, recalling the contribution of the peasant leader to pre-Independence India and showcasing his own government's initiatives for farmers. Our government is trying to set up a system of 'Beej se Bazaar Tak' in the same way Chaudhary Sahib thought about the welfare and upliftment of farmers and labourers, Modi said, suggesting that Centre was looking at all aspects of the agriculture sector. Apart from unveiling a 64-foot statue of the leader at his native Sampla village in Rohtak district, the prime minister also announced the launch of a rail coach refurbishing workshop in Sonipat district. Sampla in Haryana's Jat heartland is also considered the bastion of senior Congress leader and former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. After unveiling the statue, Modi visited a museum built in the memory Chhotu Ram. Union Minister Birender Singh, who is a grandson of Chhotu Ram, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal .
UN chief appreciates Haley for 'excellent cooperation, support'
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday expressed his deep appreciation for the "excellent cooperation and support" US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has demonstrated, saying the two have had a "very productive and strong working relationship. "The UN Secretary General wishes to express his deep appreciation for the excellent cooperation and support that the Ambassador Nikki Haley has always demonstrated. They had a very productive and strong working relationship during her tenure as the US Permanent Representative, Spokesperson of the Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric told reporters here. He said Haley and the Secretary General worked hard to promote constructive ties between the US and United Nations, showing the value of the UN. The Secretary General looks forward to continuing to work with Ambassador Haley until the end of her tenure and of course with her replacement, he said. When asked how Haley's legacy will be viewed at the UN at a time of financial constraints ..
Haley says she looks forward to support Trump's re-election
US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley indicated in her resignation letter to President Donald Trump that she might be moving to the private sector as she ruled out a 2020 presidential bid and promised to support his re-election. "It has been an immense honour to serve our country in your Administration. I cannot thank you enough for giving me this opportunity," 46-year-old Haley said in her resignation letter. While she publicly announced to resign on Tuesday, the resignation letter is dated October 3. She said that to give time to Trump to select a replacement, and to give the Senate time to consider his selection, she is prepared to continue to serve until January 2019. "At that point, I will once again become a private citizen. I expect to continue to speak out from time to time on important public policy matters, but I will surely not be a candidate for any office in 2020. "As a private citizen, I look forward to supporting your re-election as President, and supporting the policies .
Ethics group urged probe on Nikki Haley travel
An anti-corruption group had urged an investigation into Nikki Haley's acceptance of private airplanes and free basketball tickets a day before she resigned Tuesday as US ambassador to the United Nations. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington had urged the State Department's inspector general to probe seven flights that Haley and her husband took last year on the luxury aircraft of businessmen from South Carolina, where she was formerly governor. Haley, on a filing required of government employees, disclosed the flights from New York to South Carolina and Washington and estimated the highest value at USD 1,066, based on the cost of commercial first-class tickets. But the pressure group said that the value was more likely in the tens of thousands of dollars. It said in its letter that Haley's disclosure form was "insufficient to resolve concerns about her frequent acceptance of expensive gifts." Walter Shaub, who headed the Office of Government Ethics under president ...
Cong, TRS, TDP indulging in minority appeasment politics
: The BJP in Telangana Tuesday alleged that Congress, TRS and TDP were indugling in minority appeasement and opportunistic politics for the sake of power in the state. "Congress has formed an alliance (for the December 7 assembly polls in Telangana) with TDP though the latter has been its bitter rival for decades," BJP president K Laxman told reporters here. TDP was once opposed to the formation of Telangana, he alleged. At the national level, Congress is the junior partner to parties like the Samajwadi Party, he claimed. "All these parties Congress, TRS, TDP are not different (from one another)," he said. He took exception to Congress leaders' criticism against BJP that it had a secret understanding with the TRS and pointed out that the party was fighting elections on its own. The BJP leader alleged that the Congress, TRS and TDP are favourably inclined towards AIMIM. Laxman said BJP president Amit Shah would address a public meeting at Karimnagar Wednesday.
Khattar eulogises farmer leader Sir Chhotu Ram
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar Tuesday said peasant leader Sir Chhotu Ram had undertaken various welfare works for the upliftment of the poor and that the British-era politician served as an inspiration for modern day government programmes. Speaking at a public meeting after Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 64-feet-tall statue of Chhotu Ram here, Khattar said, "The great farmer leader had implemented the 8-hour work rule for labourers and one-day holiday rule for traders." Khattar said the vision of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram had helped the present state government to launch Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Bhavantar Bharpayee Yojana for the welfare of farmers. Khattar recalled that during his last visit here the prime minister had announced to rename Garhi Sampla village to Chhotu Ram Nagar. The welfare policies and schemes of the government have helped the state shine at the national and international levels, he claimed. He said a provision was being made for the ..