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Archives for 2018

Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day

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The Rajya Sabha on Monday saw repeated disruptions over the Assam NRC issue and was adjourned for the day amid a ruckus in the post-lunch sitting.

Soon after the House met in the post-lunch sitting, the opposition members again raised the issue of NRC. Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu adjourned the House for 10 minutes to meet at 2.11 p.m.

But, as soon as the House was reconvened, the opposition MPs were again on their feet. Naidu then adjourned the House for the day amid the noise.

The Upper House earlier saw two adjournments in the morning over the Assam National Register of Citizens (NRC) issue whose final draft was released on Monday and which excludes more than 40 lakh persons.

Imran Khan will take oath as PM on August 11

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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has said that he will take oath as Prime Minister on August 11, the media reported on Monday.

Talking to the newly-elected members from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Islamabad, he said a decision regarding the nomination of the Chief Minister will be taken soon and in the best interest of the people, according to Radio Pakistan.

Although PTI has emerged as the single largest party in the National Assembly in the July 25 polls, it is short of numbers to form its government independently.

To meet the required number of votes, the PTI leadership has reportedly approached the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), PML-Quaid (PML-Q) and the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), as well as Independents.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Bilawal Bhutto-led Pakistan Peoples Party agreed on a formulation of a “coordinated joint strategy” in an attempt to give a tough time to PTI in Parliament.

Modi meets leaders of Argentina, Angola

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meetings with the Presidents of Argentina and Angola on the sidelines of the 2018 BRICS Summit here, the External Affairs Ministry said on Friday.

“Discussed enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture and food processing and pharma,” MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted following the meeting that ended late on Thursday night.

Argentina will host the annual G20 Summit later in 2018.

In the meeting with Angolan President Joao Lourenco, the two sides discussed intensifying relations in trade and investment, agriculture and food processing, pharmaceuticals, oil and natural gas, Kumar said in a separate tweet.

On Thursday, following the 10th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit here, a Johannesburg Declaration was issued calling for sustainable growth of global trade and expressing determination to work together to strengthen multilateralism.

Goa lobbying with Centre for special status: Minister

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The Goa government is persuading the Centre to accord special status to the state, on the lines of Mizoram, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, Law and Judiciary Ministry Francis D’Souza told the state Legislative Assembly on Monday.

“The State is making necessary efforts in the matter with the Central government,” D’Souza said in a written reply tabled during the ongoing monsoon session of the assembly.

Spelling out the efforts, D’Souza said: “The resolution passed in the Goa Legislative Assembly has been forwarded to the Union Government for granting special status to Goa on the lines of Special Status granted to the State of Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand under Article 371 or any other provision of the Constitution of India”.

In his response to a question from Congress legislator Jennifer Monserrate, he said: “through the special status tag, the government would be able to regularize the ownership and transfer of land, in order to conserve the limited resources available for development and to ensure that the State preserves its unique identity”.

For the last few years, the demand for special status for Goa has been doing the rounds in the political and social circles in the State, which has been facing challenges stemming from rapid in-migration, shrinking land resources and a resultant dilution of identity.

Karunanidhi’s condition continues to be stable

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DMK President M. Karunanidhi’s health condition is stable and his vital signs are normal on Monday, said a party spokesperson.

“Karunanidhi’s condition is now stable after a minor setback in the form of breathing problem on Sunday night. The doctors at Kauvery Hospital are monitoring his condition,” T.K.S. Elangovan told IANS.

He said the 94-year-old leader who was admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU) has been moving his hands and legs and also opened his eyes.

Hospital sources have also said that Karunanidhi had moved his hands and legs and also opened his eyes after he was admitted in the ICU.

Karunanidhi, the five times Tamil Nadu Chief Minister who has never lost an assembly election in the 13 times he had contested, was admitted to the hospital on Saturday at 1.30 a.m. after his blood pressure dipped.

Anxiety about Karunanidhi’s health condition reached a peak late on Sunday with all the family members and senior party leaders rushing to the hospital as he developed some breathing trouble.

Later the hospital issued a statement. It said: “There was a transient setback in the clinical condition of Karuanidhi, DMK President and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

“With active medical support, his vital signs are normalising. He continues to be closely monitored and treated by the panel of expert doctors.”

Karunanidhi’s son and DMK Working President M.K. Stalin has urged the thousands of party cadres gathered outside the hospital to remain calm.

In a statement late on Sunday, Stalin said Karunanidhi’s medical condition has stabilised after a minor setback.

The police has been advising the cadres to disperse citing the hospital’s statement about Karunanidhi’s health condition.

According to Elangovan, the anxiety amongst party cadres late on Sunday peaked after sudden deployment of police force in large numbers and the news of Chief Minister K. Palaniswami cancelling his programmes in Salem and rushing back to Chennai.

Chief Minister K.Palaniswami and his deputy O.Panneerselvam on Monday met Karunanidhi at hospital. Speaking to reporters Palaniswami said: “Karunanidhi’s condition is stable”.

Palaniswami and Panneerselvam met the ailing leader in the ICU along with Stalin and M. Kanomozhi.

On July 26, Kauvery Hospital said Karunanidhi was being treated for fever due to urinary tract infection with intravenous antibiotics and fluids at his home here.

However, after his blood pressure dipped he was admitted to Kauvery Hospital .

Delhi CM monitoring Yamuna evacuation

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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday directed his Transport Minister Kailash Gehlot to visit the people affected by the flood waters of the Yamuna river and ensure arrangements for the displaced people. The authorities, meanwhile, continued evacuating the affected people to safer places.

“Directed Kailash Gehlotji, Minister-in-charge, to visit the area along with all officers and ensure proper arrangements,” Kejriwal tweeted, attaching a news report about people complaining of “no arrangements from the Delhi government”.

Gehlot responded to Kejriwal’s tweet with: “Will visit this area around 9.30 a.m. along with Divisional Commissioner and other officers to ensure that all arrangements are in place,” Gehlot tweeted.

According to the Delhi government, over 1,000 families had been evacuated till Sunday morning.

The river’s water level rose to 205.66 meters on Monday morning due to water discharge from Haryana’s Hathnikund Barrage amid continuous rain in the catchment areas. It is expected to rise to 206.60 meters on July 31, a flood department official said.

Haryana had released 6,00,000 cusecs of water at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

The water released at Hathnikund barrage, which provides drinking water to New Delhi, normally takes 72 hours to reach the city.

Unwell Nawaz Sharif shifted to Pakistan medical institute

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Ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was on Sunday shifted to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) after his health deteriorated in Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, the media reported.

Doctors conducted a check-up of the former Prime Minister after he complained of chest pain and advised that he be shifted to a coronary care unit (CCU) immediately, Geo News quoted jail sources as saying.

Following this, the jail Superintendent contacted the caretaker government, which decided to shift Sharif to PIMS.

On July 24, a medical board formed to ascertain Sharif’s health said the three-time Prime Minister was in need of constant medical care and attention.

A five-member medical board formed by PIMS had conducted a medical check-up of Nawaz Sharif on Monday, where the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief is serving his sentence for corruption.

Nawaz Sharif, who flew from London to Lahore alongside his daughter Maryam Nawaz on July 13, was arrested on arrival at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, flown to Islamabad via a helicopter, and shifted to jail, where he is serving the sentence awarded to him in the Avenfield properties case along with his daughter and son-in-law Mohammad Safdar.

Zimbabwe set for landmark election

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Voters in Zimbabwe are going to the polls on Monday in the country’s first election without long-time leader Robert Mugabe’s name on the ballot.

Both parliamentary and regional body polls are scheduled to take place simultaneously, the BBC reported.

The country’s founding President Mugabe was ousted in a coup in 2017 after almost four decades in power.

The main contenders in the presidential vote are incumbent Emmerson Mnangagwa, of the ruling Zanu-PF party, and opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.

Mnangagwa, 75, has a narrow advantage over his 40-year-old rival, who leads the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).

On Monday, Mugabe — who first came to power after independence in 1980 — said he would not vote for his successor.

The country is expecting a high turnout of first-time voters, where the youth vote is expected to be the key. Almost half of those registered are under the age of 35.

There are 5,635,706 voters who have re-registered for the poll as the opposition still harbours doubts about its accuracy.

Hundreds of international observers have been deployed to ensure the vote goes smoothly, but the opposition has repeatedly alleged irregularities in the voter roll, the BBC reported.

It has been 16 years since EU and US observers were allowed to monitor elections that will take at 10,985 polling stations across the nation.

The observers have expressed concern over the security of ballot papers and voter intimidation mainly in the rural areas.

The election follows decades of repressive rule which has brought severe economic challenges to Zimbabwe including issues of investment, education, healthcare and jobs.

The unemployment rate is estimated to be as high as 90 per cent, the BBC said.

President Mnangagwa, who is known as “the crocodile” for his political shrewdness, has promised to deliver jobs.He has survived several assassination attempts blamed on supporters of Mugabe.

Chamisa, who became an MP at the age of 25, could become the country’s youngest president if elected.

Chamisa has promised to rebuild the country’s devastated economy, but been criticised for making extravagant promises — such as the introduction of a high-speed bullet train and bringing the Olympics to Zimbabwe.

Following favourable comments by Mugabe for the qualified pastor at a surprise news conference on Sunday, Mnangagwa said it was clear to all that Chamisa has made a deal with Mugabe.

Modi hails Hima Das, para-athletes in Mann Ki Baat

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded athlete Hima Das and para-athletes Ekta Bhyan, Yogesh Kathuniya and Sundar Singh Gurjar during his monthly radio show “Mann Ki Baat”.

“Just a few days ago, in the Junior Under-20 World Athletics Championship in Finland, India’s brave daughter and a farmer’s daughter Hima Das made history by winning the gold medal in the 400 m race event,” Modi said during the 46th episode of the show.

“Bhyan, another daughter of the country, has brought glory to the nation. Ekta, we all are proud of you. Ekta has won the gold and bronze medals in World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2018 held in Tunisia. Her achievement is all the more special because she has made the imposing challenges in her life the key to her success,” he added.

Bhyan in 2003 met with an accident after which half of her lower body became paralyzed.

“But this daughter did not lose courage and made herself all the more stronger to perform this grand feat,” Modi said.

He also lauded para-athletes Yogesh Kathuniya and Sundar Singh Gurjar.

Kathuniya won the gold medal in discus throw in Para Athletics Grand Prix in Berlin and in the process bettered the world record.

Gurjar also won the gold medal in the javelin.

“I salute Ekta Bhyanji, Yogesh Qathuniaji and Sundar Singh Ji, all of you for your fortitude and passion and congratulate you! May you go further than these successes, keep on playing and keep on blooming,” Modi said.

Sandesh Prasannakumar creates new landmark for Indian racers

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Having broken new ground by becoming the first Indian to participate in the Thailand Superbike Championship, Sandesh Prasannakumar is now focussed on finishing on the podium in the remaining two phases of the competition. The Bengaluru racer made it a memorable debut by finishing second in the first phase of the competition.

“It was one of the toughest race of my career. In fact, I was badly dehydrated in the few last minutes and it was really difficult to stay strong and fight for the title. But trust me, to be on that podium was the best feeling I have ever experienced. It was worth the effort and had something very positive about it,” Sandesh told IANS.

“This was a long-awaited podium and the journey to reach here has demanded a lot from me. I had to struggle hard to start from the scratch and get back in the form. As of now, I need to focus on winning the next two rounds.”

Sandesh, who had made elaborate preparations before flying off to Thailand, said the tournament offers a lot of lessons for Indian racers.

“I have been doing a lot of supermoto practice before I head to race in Thailand. Keeping myself fit in the gym as well.

Thailand track luckily suits my riding style as well and I have got a really good bike and setup to ride there. So everything is syncing in well,” the 27-year-old said.

“Lot of learning to be done in Thailand. The way the country works for motorcycle racing and how riders are fast and how they give their 100 percent. This championship is a big learning curve for anyone from India.

“I’m the first Indian to participate in Thailand Superbike Championship. It wasn’t an added pressure I would say, but I was nervous so was my team because it was all new from both the sides. But once on the bike it all turns off and I focus only on my riding and following faster riders to learn more. I wish to get more practice there and win more races,” he added.

The achievement is all the more laudable since Sandesh is making a comeback from a long injury lay-off. He had broken his collar bone in January last year and was only able to return to competitive racing earlier this year.
“I crashed in January 2017 which broke my collar bone in two pieces and I have a rod and nine screws fit in to my Clavicle. I thought it would be easy to get back in to form after this as I have seen all Moto GP riders coming back from injuries very easily and stronger. But that was not the same for me,” he said.

“I was mentally not strong to go 100 percent on the bike as even my bike had damaged in the crash and superbike racing required utmost precision for a rider to go 1000 percent and be confident on the bike which also depends on rider to rider. It took me a good one and a half year to gain that confidence back and get back my form. Hopefully this stays for a long time and I’ll work hard for it.”

Apart from his formidable battles with form and injury, Sandesh also had to overcome personal tragedy as one of his friends had committed suicide a few days before the tournament.

In his friend’s honour, Sandesh had participated in the race with a sticker on his helmet which read ‘say no to suicide’.

“I was disheartened to know about a very good friend named Varna, who committed suicide two weeks before the race. All I wanted to do was to raise awareness about the same. I dedicate this victory and the podium to her,” he said.

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