Page 2769 - Politics
Hong Kong leader refuses to explain journalist visa denial
Hong Kong's leader Tuesday refused to say why the city had denied a visa to a leading Financial Times journalist, despite escalating demands for an explanation of the unprecedented challenge to freedom of the press. Victor Mallet, the FT's Asia news editor and a British national, angered authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong by hosting a speech at the city's press club by Andy Chan, the leader of a tiny pro-independence political party, in August. Chan's party was later banned as Beijing cracks down on any pro-independence sentiment in the semi-autonomous city. An application to renew Mallet's work visa has been refused and on Sunday he was given seven days to leave Hong Kong. Facing questions for the first time since the visa denial emerged last week, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the decision had been handed down by immigration authorities. She said linking it to the Chan talk was "pure speculation". "As a rule -- not only locally, but internationally -- we will never disclose, the
BJP will be dethroned if Ram Temple is not built, warns Shiv Sena
The Shiv Sena on Tuesday intensified its attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and warned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government that it will be thrown out of power if it fails to build the temple, as promised.The Shiv Sena, in an editorial published in their mouthpiece Saamana, opined that the temple issue has been reduced to a mere poll promise and therefore, has become a topic for ridiculing Hindutva. "Ram Mandir banao, nahi toh Ram naam satya hai," read the headline of the edit piece."When BJP came to power in both Centre and Uttar Pradesh, we believed that the Ram Temple will soon be constructed in Ayodhya but nothing happened. Now, Prime Minister Modi and other Hindutva people are not uttering a single word regarding the construction of Ram Temple. The temple issue has been reduced only to a poll promise and therefore, has become a topic for ridiculing Hindutva," the article read.Citing the example of spiritual leader Swami ..
Wife of missing Interpol chief says received knife emoji
The wife of missing Chinese Interpol president Meng Hongwei has said she received a message from his phone containing an image of a knife before his disappearance. Grace Meng urged national governments to intervene, saying she feared that her husband's life was in danger. Speaking in Lyon, the southeast French city where the international police organisation is based, she said the last social media message she received from her husband came on September 25, depicting a single knife emoji. "This matter belongs to the international community," Meng told a press conference in English. She kept her back turned to the reporters present, and refused to be photographed out of fear for her safety. Meng Hongwei, the first Chinese president of Interpol, was last heard from on September 25 as he left Lyon for China. That day, his wife said he sent a social media message telling her to "wait for my call", before sending the emoji signifying danger. "I'm not sure what has happened to him," she ...
DyCM terms KHADC decision not to issue NoC as "hasty"
Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has termed "hasty" the decision of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) not to issue a No-objection Certificate (NoC) for the construction of the Nongstoin-Wahkaji-Ranikor road. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) had told Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma last month that the Rs 400 crore re-aligned Nongstoin-Wahkaji-Phlangdiloin-Ranikor 2-lane highway will be constructed as and when they get the NoC from the KHADC. "The decision of the KHADC is hasty. Chief executive member H S Shylla should not have taken a final decision that way," Tynsong told mediapersons here Monday. He said the CEM should have consulted the state government before deciding on such an important road project where the people of the area stand to benefit from it. Tynsong made the statement in view of reports that the KHADC had on October 1 decided not to grant NoC to the road project citing ...
Bill, Hillary Clinton going on tour
Bill and Hillary Clinton said that they would headline a series of live events together across the country in the final weeks of 2018 and into 2019.
US urges Riyadh to probe dissident journalist Khashoggi's disappearance
The US has asked Saudi Arabia to support a "thorough" and "transparent" probe into the disappearance of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, after Turkey pressured the Saudi government to clarify his whereabouts.
RJD-N threatens to walk out of Nepal govt
The Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal, a key Madhesi party, demanding amendment in Nepal's constitution, has threatened to walk out of the two-third majority government led by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli.The RJP-N sent a memorandum to the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers on Monday through the Chief District Officers of the country.The Madhesi party threatened to walk out of the government if it does not address its demands and previous promises."If the two-third majority gaining government does not allow Resham Chaudhary to take oath as MP, withdraw the political cases filed against the cadres, release the imprisoned ones along with the political and public demands along with the issue of constitutional amendment and does not take it forth, the RJP-N will be compelled to withdraw its support to the government," the memorandum stated.The party also said that the country will be pushed into strife once again, the responsibility of which will have to be taken by the .
Saudi's oil refinery in Gwadar, threatens Iran, China
Pakistan's latest announcement about Saudi Arabia's investment in an oil refinery at the port city of Gwadar has set alarm bells ringing in the international arena.A Zerohedge article claims that Pakistan's move comes from a "desperate" need for funding to ward off a financial crisis stoked by growing debt to China.The column, written by James Dorsey on Mid East Soccer blog, claims that Saudi's oil refinery in Gwadar Port could threaten Iran's India-backed Chabahar Port, making China (and Pakistan) a part of an "all but open war" between Iran and Saudi Arabia.The Saudis may invest up to USD 10 billion dollars in the region. The deal could additionally involve deferred payments on Saudi oil supplies which will firstly, create a strategic oil reserve close to Iran, and secondly, help cash-strapped Pakistan in payments.The Zerohedge article further stated that Pakistan will be forced to seek a USD 12 billion bailout from International Monetary Fund (IMF) if government expenditure is not .
Malaysian PM rallies for successor and former foe Anwar
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is campaigning for his designated successor and former foe Anwar Ibrahim, urging voters to support Anwar's return to active politics. Mahathir's appearance at a late night political rally Monday marked the first time in two decades that the two shared the same stage, after setting aside a bitter political feud to form an alliance that won a stunning victory in national elections in May. Mahathir, 93, was elected a second time to the premiership, becoming the world's oldest leader in the Malaysia's first transition of power between parties since independence from Britain in 1957. Anwar couldn't participate in the polls due to a 2015 conviction for sodomy that he alleged was politically motivated, but he was freed and pardoned by King Muhammad V days after the general election. Anwar was once a high-flying member of the former ruling coalition but was convicted of sodomy and corruption after a power struggle in 1998 with Mahathir, who was prime .
Trump apologises to Kavanaugh on 'behalf of nation'
US President Donald Trump apologised to Associate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and his family "on behalf of our nation" for what he called a desperate Democrat-led campaign of "lies and deception" intent on derailing his confirmation.
US asks Saudi to support thorough probe into disappearance of Khashoggi
Expressing concern over the disappearance of a prominent Saudi journalist, US President Donald Trump has urged the Gulf nation to support a through investigation into the missing scribe's whereabouts and be transparent about the results of the probe. Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and Washington Post contributor, has been missing since last week after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. According to some media reports, Khashoggi, 59, has been killed inside the Saudi consulate. "I am concerned about it. I don't like hearing about it. Hopefully that (it) will sort itself out. Right now nobody knows anything about it, but there's some pretty bad stories going around. I do not like it," Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday. "Turkish officials have said they believe he was killed inside in a planned murder. A team of 15 Saudis arrived on two planes to carry out the killing, officials have said," 'The Washington Post' reported. Saudi officials, however, insist that
China to sell 48 high-end military drones to Pakistan
China will sell 48 high-end military drones to its "all-weather ally" Pakistan in what a military observer said will be the largest deal of its kind, official media here reported on Tuesday. The cost of the deal was not revealed. Wing Loong II, a high-end reconnaissance, strike and multi-role endurance unmanned aircraft system, is manufactured by Chengdu Aircraft Industrial (Group) Company. The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) will also be jointly manufactured, state-run Global Times reported. China, an "all-weather ally" of Islamabad, is the largest supplier of weapon system to the Pakistan Army. Both the countries also jointly manufacture JF-Thunder a single engine multi-role combat aircraft. The announcement by China to permit the sale of high-end military drones comes in the immediate backdrop of India's move to acquire S-400 sophisticated missile defence systems from Russia. The deal was clinched during last week's visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to New Delhi. The deal for
China refutes Pence's election meddling and other allegations
Beijing has refuted United States Vice President Mike Pence's allegations about Chinese interference in US internal affairs and elections, claiming the same to be "groundless"and based on hearsay evidence.Addressing a presser, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "The relevant speech made unwarranted accusations against China's domestic and foreign policies and slandered China by claiming that China meddles in US internal affairs and elections. This is nothing but speaking on hearsay evidence, confusing right and wrong and creating something out of thin air. The Chinese side is firmly opposed to it. The efforts made by anyone to distort the facts are doomed to be in vain."Chunying stated that it is "very ridiculous" of the US to brand their exchanges and cooperation with China as being the latter's intervention in its internal affairs."China always follows the principle of non-interference in others' internal affairs and we have no interest in meddling in US ...
Netanyahu urges international community to recognise Golan Heights annexation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the international community to recognize the Israeli annexation of the Golan Heights, a Syrian territory seized by Israel 51 years ago.
Saudi's oil refinery in Gwadar threatens Iran, China
Pakistan's latest announcement about Saudi Arabia's investment in an oil refinery at the port city of Gwadar has set alarm bells ringing in the international arena.A Zerohedge article claims that Pakistan's move comes from a "desperate" need for funding to ward off a financial crisis stoked by growing debt to China.The column, written by James Dorsey on Mid East Soccer blog, claims that Saudi's oil refinery in Gwadar Port could threaten Iran's India-backed Chabahar Port, making China (and Pakistan) a part of an "all but open war" between Iran and Saudi Arabia.The Saudis may invest up to USD 10 billion dollars in the region. The deal could additionally involve deferred payments on Saudi oil supplies which will firstly, create a strategic oil reserve close to Iran, and secondly, help cash-strapped Pakistan in payments.The Zerohedge article further stated that Pakistan will be forced to seek a USD 12 billion bailout from International Monetary Fund (IMF) if government expenditure is not .
Army Commanders' Conference to begin in Delhi from today
Army Commanders' Conference is being organised from October 09 to October 15, in New Delhi to discuss a number of operations, including logistics among others.The last Army Commanders' Conference was held in April 2018. A large number of issues ranging from operational challenges, administrative issues, logistics to human resource related issues will be discussed during the conference which will last for seven days.As part of the conclave, commanders and directorates at Army Headquarters will in a collegiate deliberate on important studies that have been ordered to meet future operational challenges.There are four studies examining operational and optimizational issues of Army and the headquarters as well as of human resources management aspects, a statement said.The aim of these studies is to improve the teeth to tail ratio, with the purpose of strengthening the structures within the Army, to make it combat ready for the future.Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on September 23 had said .
My prerogative is to ensure country is governed by good people: Ramdev
Yoga exponent Ramdev on Monday asserted that his political role is to ensure that the country is governed by good people.When asked which political party he would support in the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Ramdev said, "I have devoted myself to larger issues such as nation-building, character building, education, agriculture, and health, among others. Hence I see myself as a non-political, independent person who is in service of mother India. I work with the philosophy of nation first hence my political role is limited to ensure that the country is governed by good people."In June this year, Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah had called on the yoga guru and sought his support for the party for the 2019 general elections.Shah in June had met Ramdev as part of his Sampark for Samarthan (Contact for Support) initiative.After the meeting, Shah had said, "We are meeting all those, who supported us in the formation of the BJP-led government in 2014. We are apprising them of ..
Trump decries 'terrible pain' of Kavanaugh, family
US President Donald Trump has apologised to new Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh on behalf of all Americans for the "terrible pain and suffering" he and his family had endured during his confirmation process. "On behalf of our nation, I want to apologise to Brett and the entire Kavanaugh family for the terrible pain and suffering you have been forced to endure," he said at the jurist's White House swearing-in ceremony on Monday. Kavanaugh went through a bruising confirmation process in the US Senate, where questions were raised over his partisan rhetoric and allegations of sexual misconduct as a young man.
Want to ensure country is governed by good people: Ramdev
Yoga exponent Ramdev on Monday asserted that his political role is to ensure the country is governed by good people.When asked which political party he would support in the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Ramdev said, "I have devoted myself to larger issues such as nation-building, character building, education, agriculture, and health, among others. Hence I see myself as a non-political, independent person who is in service of mother India. I work with the philosophy of nation first hence my political role is limited to ensure that the country is governed by good people."In June this year, Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah had called on the yoga guru and sought his support for the party for the 2019 general elections.Shah in June had met Ramdev as part of his Sampark for Samarthan (Contact for Support) initiative.After the meeting, Shah had said, "We are meeting all those, who supported us in the formation of the BJP-led government in 2014. We are apprising them of all ...
Rajasthan: Permission for Rahul's rally in Bharatpur granted
Bharatpur Sub-Divisional Magistrate Jagdish Arya who had denied permission for Congress president Rahul Gandhi's rally in the city, has granted permission for the same.The rally is scheduled to be held on Tuesday.Earlier on Monday, SDM Arya had directed the Congress party to procure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner of the rally ground near Bayana.The Congress president is scheduled to tour Dholpur, Bharatpur and Dausa districts. The three districts have 16 assembly seats, of which a majority are with the BJP.Last week, Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot had informed that the Congress president will visit a number of assembly constituencies as part of his two-day tour to the poll-bound state.Rajasthan is slated to go for polls on December 7, and counting of votes will be done on December 11.