Page 538 - Politics
Nuclear test ban body offers India 'observer' status
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) has offered India an "Observer" status and access to International Monitoring System (IMS) data.
Committed to partner with Iraq to advance mutual interests: USA
After ordering all non-emergency government employees to leave Iraq immediately, the United States on Wednesday said that it "remains committed to partnering with Iraqis to advance mutual interests.""Given the increased threat stream we are seeing in Iraq, which we shared with the Iraqi government during the Secretary's (Michael Pompeo) visit on May 7 and in subsequent engagements, the Secretary has decided to place Mission Iraq on ordered departure," a State Department spokesperson told ANI."Mission Iraq will have limited ability to provide emergency services to American citizens in Iraq...Ensuring the safety of US government personnel and US citizens and security of our facilities are our highest priorities," they added."We remain committed to partnering with Iraqis to advance our mutual interests," the spokesperson lastly said.US media outlets reported that the decision to withdraw non-emergency staff came amid rising tensions in the Middle East after the Trump administration ...
Punjab CM, Asha Kumari denied me ticket from Amritsar: Navjot Kaur
Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu hit out at Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and alleged that it was because of him and party general secretary in-charge for state Asha Kumari, that she was denied a ticket from Amritsar in the ongoing national elections."Captain Sahib (Amarinder Singh) and Asha Kumari think Madam Sidhu does not deserve an MP ticket. I was denied the ticket from Amritsar on the ground that I could not win," Navjot Kaur told ANI."Captain Sahib should respect women. You talk of women reservation, then please consider it. When educated leaders like me, who are ready to serve are there, it is decent to tell us that someone is better, don't deny us tickets by lying," she said.Navjot Kaur wanted to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Chandigarh, but the leader was denied a ticket from the constituency. Congress fielded former Union Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal from the seat.Following this there were reports that Navjot Kaur might contest from Amritsar, the ...
Trump to visit S Korea to discuss denuclearisation
US President Donald Trump will visit South Korea in late June to discuss efforts regarding the complete denuclearisation of North Korea, according to an official White House press release."President Donald J. Trump will visit the Republic of Korea to meet with President Moon Jae-in, in conjunction with his travel to the region to attend the G20 Summit in late June," the statement said.Talks between North Korea and the US have been stalled since the Vietnam summit. The two sides reportedly failed to resolve their differences on sanctions waivers, leading to an impasse.Pyongyang has since launched multiple projectiles on two occasions, in what is being perceived as the reclusive state's frustration over halted talks on the denuclearisation process.During Trump's visit to South Korea, the two countries will also discuss ways to strengthen the US-South Korea relationship.The US President's official visit comes shortly after his South Korean counterpart visited the USA last month, where ...
US suspends flights to Venezuela
The US Department of Homeland Security has announced the "immediate suspension" of commercial passenger and cargo flights between the US and Venezuela.
US: Trump declares national emergency over telecoms threats
Declaring a national emergency, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order barring American companies from using telecom equipment made by firms believed to pose a "national security risk."The order gives US President Donald Trump the power to regulate interstate trade under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, according to Sputnik."Today, President Trump signed an Executive Order entitled 'Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain' as part of his commitment to protecting the information and communications technology and services of our Nation," a statement issued by the White House announced.Adding to this, the release mentions that Trump protects the US from "foreign adversaries who are actively and increasingly creating and exploiting vulnerabilities in information and communications technology infrastructure and services in the United States," by signing the order.This comes as authorities in Canada arrested .
Sudan army ruler says talks with protesters suspended
Sudan's army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said that talks with protesters over installing civil rule have been suspended for 72 hours, in a statement broadcast live on state television Thursday. "We decided to suspend the negotiations over civil rule for 72 hours to help prepare an atmosphere for completing the deal," Burhan said, demanding that protesters dismantle roadblocks in Khartoum, open bridges connecting the capital and other regions and "stop provoking security forces". Army generals and protest leaders had been expected to finalise the make-up of a new ruling body to govern Sudan for three years, the thorniest issue in installing civilian rule. Burhan, the chief of the ruling military council that took power after ousting longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir, justified the decision to suspend the crucial and final phase of negotiations by indicating that the overall security situation in the capital had deteriorated. He said bridges, roads and a railway line had been ...
Cong has no problem if it did not get PM's post: Ghulam Nabi Azad
Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday said that his party does not have any problem if it did not get the Prime Minister's post while adding that its sole objective has always been to stop the NDA from forming the government at the Centre."We have already made our stand clear. If a consensus is made in the favour of Congress, then the party will take the leadership but our aim has always been that NDA government should not come. We will go with the unanimous decision," Azad told reporters here."We are not going to make an issue that we (Congress) will not let anyone else become the Prime Minister if it is not offered to us (Congress)," he said.This comes after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday dared the opposition to name its prime ministerial candidate if it was sure of victory in the Lok Sabha polls.Also, the NDA allies, particularly the BJP have been very critical of the grand alliance, saying there is no consensus between the leaders of the opposition ...
ISIS affiliates remain a significant terrorist threat, says US
Even though ISIS has been defeated in the Syria-Iraq region, ISIS affiliates around the world remain a significant terrorist threat, said US State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in an official release.Furthermore, on behalf of the US, she welcomed the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) designation of ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) which is responsible for carrying out multiple terror attacks in Afghanistan.With the UNSC 1267 ISIL and al-Qa'ida Sanctions Committee's latest decision, ISIS-K became the first ISIS affiliate to be designated by the UN."This action is a necessary step in the global fight to defeat ISIS. Despite the complete liberation of ISIS-held territory in Iraq and Syria, ISIS-K and other ISIS affiliates around the world remain a significant terrorist threat, and the international community must work together to deny them the resources they seek," Ortagus said.The responsibility for last month's deadly terrorist strikes in Sri Lanka was taken by the Islamic ..
UN Security Council set to discuss northwest Syria
Belgium, Germany and Kuwait on Wednesday requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss the upsurge in fighting in northwest Syria, diplomats said. Syrian forces and their Russian allies have stepped up attacks on the jihadist-controlled Idlib region since late April, raising alarm that a full-on offensive is imminent to seize the territory. The public meeting, expected to be held this week, would follow up on a closed session of the council held on Friday during which several countries expressed concern over a potential humanitarian catastrophe from an all-out assault. Belgium, Germany and Kuwait, three non-permanent members of the council, lead efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Syria, now in its ninth year of war. More than 1,80,000 people have been displaced by the latest violence, according to the United Nations, while 119 civilians have been killed in bombardment since late April, according to the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights. The war in Syria
Trump declares national emergency over cyber threats
With a motive to protect US communications network from "foreign adversaries", President Donald Trump declared a national emergency on Wednesday.
Modi came as Ganga's son in 2014, will go as Rafale agent in 2019: Sidhu
Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on said Prime Minister Narendra Modi came as "Ganga's son" in 2014 but will go as an "agent in Rafale" after the ongoing elections."I want to ask Narendra Modi whether he took brokerage in Rafale deal or not. He can debate with Sidhu anywhere in the country. Rahul ji is a big thing. He is a cannon and I am AK-47," Sidhu said while addressing an election rally here."I challenge Narendra Modi to debate on 'Na khaunga na khane dunga' (neither I will do corruption nor will let anyone commit it). If I lose, I will quit politics forever. I want to say that Narendra Modi came in 2014 as the son of Ganga and he will go in 2019 as an agent in Rafale," he added.Himachal Pradesh, where four Lok Sabha seats are at stake will go to polls on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.
12 killed in clashes in Yemen
Clashes between Houthis and government forces left 12 dead in Yemen's Dhale province on Wednesday.Amongst the deceased, five people were identified as soldiers while seven are rebels, according to Xinhua.The latest clash ensued after pro-government forces confronted the rebels who launched their advance toward the province, a military official said."The army forces air-covered by airstrikes from the Saudi-led coalition lost five soldiers in the ongoing battle with the Houthi rebels in the area," the military official told Xinhua.The UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, on Tuesday expressed his concern about the ongoing escalation, urging all parties to exercise utmost restraint.Only last month, several Houthi rebels seized the Al Husha district here, after launching a series of attacks on government forces.Since 2014, Yemen has been in the midst of a civil war after the Houthis revolted, forcing the internationally-recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi into
Congress' NYAY not a permanent solution to eliminate poverty: Mayawati
BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday said Congress' NYAY scheme is not a permanent solution for eliminating poverty.NYAY is a flagship scheme of the Congress party under which it has promised Rs 72,000 to 5 crore families every year if the party is voted to power."To influence voters, especially the extremely poor, Congress party announced Rs 6000 per month for them. This is not a permanent solution of eliminating poverty," she said while addressing an election rally here."Keeping this in mind, we would like to say that if we get an opportunity to form government at the centre then instead of providing Rs 6,000 per month to extremely poor families, we'll give them permanent jobs in government and non-government sectors," she added.The BSP chief was campaigning for its candidate Atul Rai from Ghosi Lok Sabha constituency.Rai, who is an accused in a rape case, is absconding.In April, a college student in Varanasi had accused Rai of sexually assaulting her. The victim had alleged that she was
Austrian MPs approve headscarf ban in primary schools
Austrian MPs on Wednesday approved a law aimed at banning the headscarf in primary schools, a measure proposed by the ruling right-wing government. So as to avoid charges that the law discriminates against Muslims, the text refers to any "ideologically or religiously influenced clothing which is associated with the covering of the head". However, representatives of both parts of the governing coalition, the centre-right People's Party (OeVP) and the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), have made it clear that the law is targeted at the Islamic headscarf. FPOe education spokesman Wendelin Moelzer said the law was "a signal against political Islam" while OeVP MP Rudolf Taschner said the measure was necessary to free girls from "subjugation". The government says the patka head covering worn by Sikh boys or the Jewish kippa would not be affected. Austria's official Muslim community organisation IGGOe has previously condemned the proposals as "shameless" and a "diversionary tactic". The IGGOe ..
Amid unrest flights between US and Venezuela suspended
The United States on Wednesday suspended all flights between US and Venezuela in the wake of a severe political crisis in the Latin American nation, as per the US Department of Transportation."The public interest requires an immediate suspension of foreign air transportation between the United States and Venezuelan airports. Therefore...I am suspending the authority of all US air carriers and foreign air carriers to provide foreign air transportation to or from Venezuelan airports," Sputnik quoted Elaine Chao, the Secretary of Transportation as saying.Both passenger and cargo flights will be suspended in the wake of the latest notification.Earlier this year, Venezuela's National Assembly President Juan Guaido declared himself as the President of the nation, even though Venezuela already had an elected President, Nicolas Maduro. Guaido was immediately supported by the United States, who recognise him as the official interim President of the nation.Over 50 countries also recognise ...
Mukul Roy lashes out at Mamata, says BJP will abide by EC order barring campaigning in WB
BJP leader Mukul Roy on Wednesday said that his party will obey the Election Commission's decision to cut short the campaign period in West Bengal by a day for the final phase of Lok Sabha elections."There is a political crisis in Bengal. EC takes special decisions when it feels the need. No violence was reported anywhere in the country during these Lok Sabha elections other than Bengal. EC took a decision that within 24 hours campaigning should be ended. We, the opposition will suffer the most. Yet, we will obey it," Roy said while addressing a press conference here.Earlier, Deputy Election Commissioner Chandra Bhushan Kumar told media, "No election campaigning to be held in nine parliamentary constituencies of West Bengal, namely Dum Dum, Barasat, Basirhat, Jaynagar, Mathurapur, Jadavpur, Diamond Harbour, South and North Kolkata, from 10 pm tomorrow till the conclusion of polls."Campaigning was originally scheduled to end at 5 pm on Friday for the nine constituencies that will go to
AP CM lashes out at EC, accuses it of ignoring TMC's complaints
After the Election Commission (EC) put a blanket ban on campaigning in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday accused the polling body of acting on BJP's complaint while ignoring TMC's grievances.Naidu in a series of tweets alleged that the EC turned a deaf ear towards the woes of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led party."It is disturbing to see prompt action by the ECI on the complaint by BJP and Amit Shah in West Bengal, while conveniently ignoring the complaints of TMC," Naidu tweeted.Earlier, the Election Commission decided to cut short the campaign period in the state after the violence broke out during BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow on Wednesday."No election campaigning to be held in nine parliamentary constituencies of West Bengal, namely Dum Dum, Barasat, Basirhat, Jaynagar, Mathurapur, Jadavpur, Diamond Harbour, South and North Kolkata, from 10 pm tomorrow till the conclusion of polls," Deputy Election Commissioner Chandra .
WB: Ahmed Patel questions EC's decision, says poll body kept in mind PM's rally schedule while banning campaigning
Congress leader Ahmed Patel came down heavily on the Election Commission after it cut short campaigning period in West Bengal.The senior party leader questioned the poll body's decision and asked if the situation in the state was severe, why did the commission not ban campaigning with immediate effect.Taking to Twitter, Patel asked, "If the situation in Bengal is so severe that campaigning must be stopped, why is EC waiting until tomorrow? Is it because PM has scheduled rallies tomorrow?""Isn't it unprecedented that EC claims it's an unprecedented situation in West Bengal but yet is waiting for PM to complete his public meetings?" he tweeted.On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address election rallies in Mathurapur and Dumdum.On Wednesday, the Election Commission decided to cut short the campaign period in the state after the violence was reported during BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow on Wednesday."No election campaigning to be held in nine parliamentary ...
Modi government first to have six women cabinet ministers: Sushma
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Wednesday that Modi government is the first government after Independence to have six women Cabinet Ministers with two of them as members of the Cabinet Committee on Security.