Page 989 - Politics
Iran designates US as 'state sponsor of terrorism', forces in the Middle East as 'terror group'
Iran on Monday (local time) designated the US as a "state sponsor of terrorism", and labelled the US Central Command (CENTCOM) in the Middle East as a "terror group" in a tit-for-tat response to a similar move by Washington.The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), headed by President Hassan Rouhani, said that the move was announced few hours after the US labelled the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a "foreign terrorist organisation".Slamming Washington's decision, the SNSC termed it "an illegal and dangerous action" that poses a "major threat to regional and international peace and security and grossly violates the rules of international law", Fars News Agency reported.It accused the CENTCOM of harming Iran's national security interests and "destroying" the lives of "innocent Iranian and non-Iranian individuals" to promote Washington's "aggressive policies" in the Middle East.Claiming that the US and its allies "have always been advocates of extremist groups and
Trump fires US Secret Service director
US Secret Service (USSS) director Randolph "Tex" Alles is being removed from his position, according to multiple administration officials.
Day after Homeland Security Secretary's resignation, Trump fires US Secret Service chief
Less than 24 hours after Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen resigned, President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) removed Secret Service Director Randolph 'Tex' Alles from his post.Alles will be replaced by James M. Murray, a career member of the Secret Service. He is set to take over as the Secret Service Director next month."United States Secret Service director Randolph 'Tex' Alles has done a great job at the agency over the last two years, and the President is thankful for his over 40 years of service to the country," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement."Mr. Alles will be leaving shortly and President Trump has selected James M. Murray, a career member of the (United States Secret Service), to take over as director beginning in May," she was quoted by The Hill as saying.Alles' resignation was doing the rounds earlier in the day after CNN had reported that Trump was firing him.While serving in the position, Alles used to report ...
Bernie Sanders for 'comprehensive' immigration reform
Democrat Senator Bernie Sanders has fired a fresh salvo at the Republicans over open borders while stating that she is in favour of "comprehensive" immigration reform.Sanders, who is also one of the Democrats in the fray for the presidential post in the next year's elections, said at a rally here, "I'm afraid you may be getting your information wrong. I think what we need is comprehensive immigration reform.""Oh my god, there's a lot of poverty in this world, and you're going to have people from all over the world. And I don't think that's something that we can do at this point. Can't do it," he was quoted by The Washington Post as saying.Interestingly, Sanders' comments came after the 77-year-old Vermont senator was criticised during campaigning for the 2016 presidential polls, where he had opposed a comprehensive immigration overhaul bill in 2007 over issues that it would depress wages and hurt the interests of the American workers.Notably, Sanders has not released an outline for ...
US declares Iran force a foreign terrorist organisation
The US on Monday designated Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps a foreign terrorist organisation, an unprecedented declaration against a foreign government that may prompt retaliation and make it harder for American diplomats and military officers to work with allies in the region. It is the first time that the US has designated an entity of another government as a terrorist organization, placing a group with vast economic resources that answers only to Iran's supreme leader in the same category as al-Qaida and the Islamic State. "This unprecedented step, led by the Department of State, recognizes the reality that Iran is not only a state sponsor of terrorism, but that the IRGC actively participates in, finances and promotes terrorism as a tool of statecraft," President Donald Trump said in announcing the measure. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the designation is intended to increase pressure on Iran, isolating it further and diverting some of the financial resources it uses to fund
US designates Iran's Revolutionary Guards as terrorist group
US President Donald Trump on Monday announced his decision to designate Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group, the first time that Washington has taken such a drastic measure against the military forces of another country.
UN chief appeals to Sudan to avoid violence
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday appealed to all sides in Sudan to avoid violence as thousands of demonstrators massed outside the army headquarters in Khartoum. Guterres urged the government of President Omar al-Bashir to "create a conducive environment for a solution to the current situation and to promote an inclusive dialogue." Sudan's Interior Minister Bushara Juma said seven protesters died on Saturday when forces tried to disperse them, 15 were wounded and 2,496 arrested during the demonstration. The UN chief "appeals to all actors to exercise utmost restraint and avoid violence," said a UN statement. Guterres called for the release of the detained protesters and for the full respect of human rights including the freedom of assembly and freedom of expression. Sudan has been rocked by more than three months of protests that began with demonstrations against the hike in bread prices and have since morphed into opposition against Bashir.
371 candidates in fray for 26 seats in Gujarat
With the last day of withdrawal of nominations on Monday, as many as 371 candidates were left in the fray for the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat which would go the hustings in the third phase on April 26.
Raj BJP, Cong spar over manifesto
The state BJP chief Madan Lal Saini on Monday praised his party's election manifesto, saying it was based on 'nation first' concept, even as the Congress criticised it for only focusing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP election manifesto has been prepared with the participation of 6 crore people, it is far-sighted and practical, Saini said in a statement. He said the party has clearly mentioned that it aims to make India one of the top three economies in the world. The BJP is committed to nationalism and has zero tolerance policy against terrorism, he said, adding the party is committed to scrapping section 35A and eliminating infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir. Reacting to the BJP's manifesto, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said the party has highlighted only Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a vision to prolong his rule. "Congress focused on people of this country and their issues in its manifesto, where as BJP highlights only PM Modi. Their promise is only Modi ji, ...
Head of US Secret Service to quit job: White House
The head of the Secret Service, which guards President Donald Trump and visiting heads of state, is stepping down, the White House said Monday in the administration's latest sign of turbulence. "United States Secret Service director Randolph 'Tex' Alles... will be leaving shortly and President Trump has selected James M Murray, a career member of the USSS, to take over as director beginning in May," Trump spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said in a statement.
If terrorism is not a poll issue, then Rahul should give up SPG security: Sushma
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday said if Congress president Rahul Gandhi believes terrorism in not a poll issue then he should give up his Special Protection Group cover. Addressing a BJP workers meet organised by the party's social media wing here, Swaraj said,"Opposition parties cannot feel the pulse of the nation like Prime Minister Narendra Modi can, which is why he managed to give Pakistan a befitting reply after the Uri and Pulwama terror attacks." The union minister alleged the Congress does not consider terrorism to be a problem, "which was reflected in the party's election manifesto". "If such is Rahul Gandhi's view, then I request him to give up his Special Protection Group cover. This could be done with a simple letter to the government. This will save the country huge sums of money," Swaraj said. She said the opposition leaders do not trust the words of the country's defence forces, instead listen to the assertions of the Pakistan Army. "It is a matter of .
Over 100 visual artists now appeal to save democracy
Joining filmmakers, writers, scientists and theatre artistes, over 100 artists from across India on Monday issued a joint appeal to the people to "usher in a new and inclusive government that respects democracy and secular values" in the coming Lok Sabha elections.
Kartarpur corridor: Pak accepts India's proposal to hold technical meeting on Apr 16
Pakistan on Monday accepted India's proposal to hold a technical meeting with regard to Kartarpur corridor on April 16, according to Pakistani Ministry of External Affairs."Continuing with #Pakistan's spirit of constructive engagement, we have agreed to the Indian proposal for a technical meeting on April 16. We expect positivity from #India so that the corridor becomes reality for 550th celebrations," Mohammad Faisal, Spokesperson of Pakistan's Ministry of External Affairs tweeted on Monday.The meeting comes after India postponed the second round of talks on corridor after reports surfaced about the appointment of "controversial elements" by Pakistan in a committee associated with the corridor.The two countries were previously slated to meet on April 2 in Pakistan for the second round of talks.Despite the postponement, India offered to hold a technical meeting to discuss other aspects, according to India's Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.Kumar had said earlier
Rampur: Enraged over demolition of 'Urdu Gate', Azam Khan hits out against district officials
Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan on Sunday used derogatory language to target district officials for the demolition of "Urdu Gate"."If I am a demon, my head will be chopped off. Collector (DM) wants this to happen, and so do ADM, SDM, and City magistrate. These four officers have arrived here to convert Rampur into a hell," he said addressing an election rally here.The former Cabinet Minister in the Akhilesh Yadav government used several derogatory remarks against the District Magistrate Aunjaneya Kumar Singh."I haven't opened brothels in Rampur. I haven't opened liquor shops here. I have opened schools for children. I have done work which nobody did in the last several years," the Samajwadi Party leader said."This Collector (DM) wants me to lose elections. It won't matter whether I win or lose but the government in Delhi must change," the leader known for his inflammatory remarks said further."The DM brought down Urdu Gate as soon his posting began here. It was done only to placate ..
After IRGC's terror designation, Iran FM suggests listing US forces too
In response to the United States designating Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a "foreign terrorist organisation," Iran's Foreign Minister on Monday retaliated suggesting enlisting US Central Command (CENTCOM) in its terror list.In a letter to Iran's President Hassan Rouhani, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif highlighted the US forces' alleged support to terrorist groups in the region, and " their direct interference in terror activities," according to Iranian state media.He added that Iran's National Security Council, headed by Rouhani, should enlist the US forces, in accordance with the 'Bill Against US Adventurist and Terrorist Activities in the Region'.US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, on Monday announced IRGC's designation and said: "The use of terrorism is central to the Iranian regime's foreign policy. The designation of IRGC, including Qods Force will help starve the regime of the means to execute this destructive policy. Maximum pressure will ..
Congress fields Kirti Azad from Dhanbad
The Congress on Monday announced cricketer-turned-politician Kirti Azad as it candidate from Jharkhand's Dhanbad Lok Sabha seat.
KCR backs special category status for Andhra Pradesh
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Monday said his Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) would support the special category status for neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
Tough action taken against separatist after they did not respond to olive branch: Rajnath
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday said tough action was taken against the separatists after they "failed" to respond to the olive branch extended by the Centre to them over the past four years. He assured protection to Kashmiri students outside the state and said advisory has been given to all the states to ensure their protection, while BJP workers were also directed to stand by them if they faced any problems in any part of the country. "There is a talk that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is taking a stern action against separatists in Kashmir. We have banned some organisations, and I want to say that if there is a need, more strict action will be taken against them," Singh said addressing an election rally here in support of party candidate Jugal Kishore from Jammu parliamentary constituency. He said the Centre tried to reach out to the separatists and invited them for talks, but they paid no heed. "Over the past four years, we repeatedly offered the olive ..
Congress will axe fees for government job exams: Rahul
Congress President Rahul Gandhi said that application fee for examinations for government posts would be done away with if his party is voted to power in the Lok Sabha elections.
BJP's poll themes -- national security, development (Round-up)
The BJP's election manifesto released on Monday affirmed the party's stand on national security, including the resolve to fight terrorism.