Page 687 - Politics
Missile contracts surge as US exits arms treaty: study
Washington has signed more than $1 billion in new missile contracts in the three months since it announced plans to withdraw from a key Cold War-era arms treaty, campaigners said Thursday. "The withdrawal from the INF Treaty has fired the starting pistol on a new Cold War," warned Beatrice Fihn, who heads the Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). US President Donald Trump announced last October that his country would leave the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) agreement concluded between the US and the former Soviet Union in 1987. Washington, which accused Russia of violating the treaty through a new missile system, began the official process of withdrawing from the pact in February. Russian President Vladimir Putin responded by saying Moscow would also leave the INF treaty, which is considered the cornerstone of global arms control. In the three months following the October announcement, the US government "proceeded to arrange no ...
Terrorist released by Congress govt. conducted Pathankot attack: Jaitley
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday tore into Congress party while accusing it of releasing a terrorist who later carried out Pathankot terror attacks in the country."How effective India's position was post 26/11 is known to all. One of the former service chief has already said that they wanted to organise the air strikes at that time but the Prime Minister said no and post 26/11, within weeks 25 terrorists were released as a part of goodwill gesture so that Pakistan cooperates. Forget cooperation, one of them Shahid Latif who was then released as a goodwill gesture was then involved in Pathankot, years later", said Jaitley while addressing media at the party's headquarters.This is not the first time that BJP used Latif's release to attack Congress. In March, while responding to a tweet by Rahul Gandhi, where he asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to tell the families of Pulwama brave hearts about who released Masood Azhar, the BJP in its defence cited Latif's reference."You were
'It's fine', says Priyanka with snake in her hand
Far from the rough and tumble of hectic electioneering, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday met snake charmers in Raebareli constituency of Uttar Pradesh and boldly held a reptile, saying "it's fine". Photojournalists covering Vadra's election campaign caught the rare sight on camera as she halted at Kuchariya village in an obscure nook on her way to Belavela, another village in the constituency, represented by her mother, Sonia Gandhi. After having a chit-chat with some snake charmers at the village, the general secretary in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh not only held a reptile, but even played with it, much to the amusement of onlookers. When someone from the crowd warned her to be careful with these deadly creatures, Vadra said: "Nothing will happen, it's fine". She took stock of the problems faced by the snake charmers and other people in the area. Vadra then explained to the people the role of Sonia Gandhi in developing the constituency. "My mother has been an MP .
Grand alliance not a challenge, father's blessings with me: Jayant Sinha
BJP's candidate from Hazaribagh parliamentary constituency and Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha on Thursday denied facing any challenge from the grand alliance candidate while asserting that his father's blessings are always with him.Jayant's father Yashwant Sinha is a former BJP leader who has lately been a vocal critic of the party's policies.Speaking to ANI, Jayant said, "I have always received the blessings of my father and I am a loyal worker of BJP. I am fighting these elections with the support of Prime Minister and the Chief Minister and the organisational resources. We will definitely win in this election.""Mahagathbandhan has no strength. There candidate who is contesting against me is a father figure and I respect him. I want to request him to take care of his health in this extremely hot weather," Jayant added while downplaying the effect of grand alliance in the region.He also briefed about his election manifesto and said that it has five key points ...
BJP, Cong politicising Ambedkar who is BSP's soul: Mayawati
BSP supremo Mayawati on Thursday accused the Congress and BJP of indulging in electoral politics involving Dalit icon BR Ambedkar, saying he was considered a soul for the BSP."Yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made comments on BR Ambedkar ji at his public speech in Uttar Pradesh. For BJP, Congress and other opposition parties, they are indulging in electoral politics over Ambedkar ji. But for BSP, he is considered a soul for us," Mayawati told ANI in an exclusive interview.Mayawati's comments came after Modi on Tuesday alleged that the actions of BSP supremo have been contrary to Ambedkar's principles."Be it SP, BSP or Congress, it's necessary to know their reality. Behen ji (Mayawati) used the name of Babasaheb Ambedkar but she did everything just the opposite of his principles. SP used the name of Ram Manohar Lohia ji but they destroyed the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh," the Prime Minister had said in a public rally in Ambedkar Nagar.Continuing her attack, Mayawati
My focus both on 2019, 2022 elections to defeat BJP: Priyanka
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East, on Thursday said that her focus is on both 2019 Lok Sabha elections and 2022 Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh and she is working towards defeating BJP."My focus is on both 2019 and 2022 (UP Assembly elections). For 2019, the focus is to defeat the BJP. By 2022, I want to strengthen the Congress so that we can fight well," she exclusively told ANI.Slamming the claims made by BJP with regards to NYAY or the minimum income guarantee scheme, Priyanka said that the ruling party is against any initiatives aimed at the poor and farmers."BJP is critical of schemes for the poor and farmers. They want only that schemes which benefit the industrialists. Look at the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana I call it as 'Kisan Apmaan Yojana'. They are happy with those schemes which benefit no one but industrialists only," she said.The Congress leader said that the BJP's narrative building is diverting the attention of the ...
Oppn downplaying Azhar's listing as global terrorist fearing political consequences: Jaitley
Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday slammed Congress for downplaying the listing of chief of terrorist organisation JeM, Masood Azhar.Jaitley while addressing a press conference here, said that the Congress is abstaining from joining win fearing political consequences."This is a matter of pride for every Indian. Government and Prime Minister should be applauded. When the country wins, every Indian wins. It is unfortunate that some friends in the opposition think that if they join in this victory they might have to pay a political price for it", Jaitley said.He also said that Congress's reaction of calling it no big deal is very sad and unfortunate."They claim that they had also done invisible air strikes when they were in government. However when we are successful in Balakot airstrike, they raise doubts over it and when yesterday we achieved success in this effort (of listing Masood Azhar as a global terrorist) which was going on for decades, this is very sad that they are giving
Japan again approaches North Korea for talks
Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday proposed to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un "unconditionally" to "break the shell of mutual distrust"."I want to meet Chairman Kim Jong Un unconditionally and talk with him frankly with an open mind," Al Jazeera quoted Shinzo Abe as saying."It is more than important for our country to be proactive in tackling the issue. We can not break the shell of mutual distrust between Japan and North Korea unless I directly face Kim," added Abe.North Korean authorities are yet to respond to Japan's proposal.In January also, Abe indicated that he is planning to meet Kim.Till 2017, Japan had accused North Korea of repeatedly testing missiles while pointing them towards Japan.North Korean media has regularly and viciously attacked Japan, by calling it "heinous criminal state against humanity", and an "immoral and impudent country".This comes days after Kim flew to Russia to hold his maiden summit with President Vladimir Putin. The United States has ...
Abe ready to meet N. Korea's Kim 'unconditionally': media
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has offered to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un "unconditionally" in a bid to restore diplomatic ties between the two historic foes, a daily said Thursday. Abe, seen as a foreign policy hawk, has recently softened his rhetoric towards Pyongyang, calling for a summit with Kim to resolve an emotional row over past kidnappings of Japanese nationals by Pyongyang agents. In an interview with the Sankei Shimbun on Wednesday, Abe said: "I want to meet Chairman Kim Jong Un unconditionally and talk with him frankly with an open mind." "It is more than important for our country to be proactive in tackling the issue," the premier said. "We can't break the shell of mutual distrust between Japan and North Korea unless I directly face Mr. Kim," he said. "I hope that he is a leader who can make a decision strategically and flexibly on what is best for his nation," he added. Tokyo has been one of the most hawkish of the major powers on reclusive state North ...
Our candidates are strong, will ensure BJP doesn't benefit in any respect: Priyanka
Our candidates are strong enough to ensure that the BJP doesn't benefit in any respect in the Lok Sabha poll in Uttar Pradesh, said Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra here on Thursday."Ideologies of the Congress and the BJP are poles apart. We will always fight them. They are our main adversary in politics. We have ensured not to benefit BJP in any way in the poll. We are fighting strongly. Our candidates are strong," Priyanka, also Congress general secretary east UP, told reporters.The Congress leader's remark comes a day after when she said to have fielded some Lok Sabha candidates in Uttar Pradesh with the aim to cut into the vote share of BJP, and not to just win the election."My strategy is very clear. The Congress party will win on the seats where our candidates are strong. Where our candidates are slightly lightweight, they will cut into the BJP's vote share. One does not do politics only to win," she had said.On BSP supremo Mayawati's comment that if the people vote for the
UNSC to convene a meet on west bank settlements ahead of us peace plan
The United Nations Security Council is planning to hold a meeting on the settlements in disputed West Bank region on May 9 ahead of the release of the United States peace plan."The security council could hold a possible Arria formula meeting on May 9 focused on the issue of settlements in Palestine," announced UNSC in a statement.At the UNSC meeting on Monday, Israel's Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon defended the Jewish right to the land of Israel, including the settlements, Jerusalem Post reportedThe UNSC meeting comes in the backdrop of US President Donald Trump peace plan which is expected to be released in June. It has been criticised from all corners of the world for being very close to what Israelis want. So far speculation is that the deal, which is engineered byTrump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, does not include a two-state solution, which was promoted by several countries.Tensions are brewing up since Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced annexing settlements .
Azhar's listing victory for American diplomacy: US
The designation of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council is a "victory for American diplomacy", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday.
Thailand set for coronation of King Rama X, first in 69 years
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn will be crowned this weekend in a pageantry-laden ceremony flecked by Hindu and Buddhist ritual, as Rama X furthers his primacy over one of the world's richest monarchies and a kingdom beset by ulcerous political divides. The May 4-6 coronation comes more than two years after Vajiralongkorn ascended the throne at the death of his father Bhumibol Adulyadej. Bhumibol reigned over seven tumultuous decades and was revered by Thais as a symbol of unity in a politically chaotic country. His fiercely private 66-year-old son -- Rama X of the Chakri dynasty -- is less well-known by his subjects, and makes frequent trips overseas. On Saturday at the auspicious hour of 10:09 am the public will be given a rare window into the heart of Thai power as blanket television coverage of the three-day coronation begins. It will start with King Vajiralongkorn's "purification" by water drawn from ponds and rivers followed by a presentation of holy water by the top ...
Cong's Manish Tewari approaches EC over anti-Sikh riots allegations against family
Senior Congress leader Manish Tewari lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, seeking action against those indulging in "false and malicious" propaganda against him and his family on social media. In a video clip that was attached with Tewari's tweet, it was alleged that his father, late professor V N Tewari, was involved in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi and petrol was supplied from his filling station to "burn Sikhs". Describing the propaganda against him as "gutter and despicable", the former Union minister, who is contesting from Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, said his family never owned a petrol pump anywhere in the country and his father was assassinated by militants on April 3, 1984, six months before the riots. "My mother was a Jat Sikh. My father was an academic at Panjab University, Chandigarh, and my mother retired as the Dean of the PGI. Our family has never owned a petrol pump ever in our lives anywhere in India. We have complained to the returning officer, Ropar ...
Nationalism means respect for people, don't see respect in anything BJP does: Priyanka
True nationalism is love for the people and the country which means respect and the BJP's narrative is devoid of it, says Congress general secretary Priyanka Vadra Gandhi, stepping up her attack on the saffron party for failing to address real issues. In an exclusive interview to PTI, Priyanka Gandhi also said there is growing "public anger and pain" for which the people of India will give a message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 23 when the votes for the Lok Sabha polls will be counted. In an attack on Modi, she said if the voice of the people is drowned by the voice of one leader, there are going to be consequences. "Nationalism means solving the problems of the people of the country. The greatest patriotism of any politician, of any government, would be to be able to hear the people when they speak, would be to be democratic, to be able to strengthen the institutions that strengthen the public voice, not weaken it," she said. "I believe true nationalism is love of the ...
Rs 72,000 will be deposited in beneficiaries bank account
Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday said if voted to power, Rs 72,000 would be deposited in bank accounts of 5 crore people of the country within one years under NYAY scheme. The amount will be given till a family earns Rs 12,000 per month, he said. Addressing an election rally in Simdega, which is a part of Khunti Lok Sabha constituency where voting will take place on May 6, the Congress chief made a blistering attack at Prime Minister Narendra Modi blaming him for working only for only 15-20 people. Narendra Modi ji has not fulfilled his promises of providing two crore jobs. He did not deposit Rs 15 lakh in bank accounts of the people, Gandhi said. He (PM) only worked for 15-20 people, Gandhi said, apparently referring to industrialists. Appealing to the people to vote for Congress and Mahagathbandhan candidate Kalicharan Munda from Khunti, Gandhi further attacked Modi for not waiving farm loans while (the MSP) Rs 2500 is being given for rice in Chhatisgarh ruled
Don't teach us politics: Akhilesh to Congress
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday asked the Congress not to give his party lessons in politics, because the SP knew how to deal with its adversaries. He was reacting to Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's comment that her party was not eating into the votes of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh.
Parvesh Verma takes metro to connect with voters
With just 10 days to go for polls in the national capital, BJP candidate from West Delhi, Parvesh Singh Verma, on Thursday travelled in the Metro train as part of his voter outreach programme.
There was a lot of confusion in seat distribution between JD(S) and Congress: Devegowda
JD(S) leader GT Devegowda said that there was a lot of confusion over seat distribution between Congress and JD(S) in Karnataka for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections."There was no clarity in distributing seats to JD(S). The people at the top took so much time to come up with a solution. They couldn't convince grass-root workers and resolve the dissidence. If our leaders could have solved this issue earlier, it could have made a difference," said Devegowda.He further added, "In some areas, they have performed well but in some, they haven't. Party workers had many differences. Some JD(S) workers have even cast their votes to BJP. They've had their own local issues to fight for and compete against each other."Polling for the 28 seats in Karnataka got completed in two phases on April 18 and 23. The counting of votes is going to be done on May 23.
Pulwama, Balakot changed China's stand on Azhar: BJP
The BJP on Thursday said that the designation of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was "a big victory" for India and its diplomacy.