In the last seven days, the Tories have surrendered a narrow one-point lead on the question of economic management and now trail Labour by 19 points…reports Asian Lite News
Three-quarters of UK voters, including a staggering 71 per cent of those who backed the Conservatives at the last general election, believe the prime minister, Liz Truss, and the chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, have “lost control” of the economy, according to a devastating poll for the Observer on the eve of the Tory conference, local media reported.
The survey by Opinium – which also reveals that Labour has extended its lead by a massive 14 percentage points in the last week alone, from five points to 19 points, and that Truss’s ratings are now lower than Boris Johnson’s at the height of the Partygate scandal – comes as some Tory MPs are beginning to demand the new prime minister’s removal from No 10 after less than a month in office.
Other senior party figures are warning that the damage to the party’s reputation for economic management resulting from Kwarteng’s tax-cutting budget, is so serious that it will take many years to repair, The Guardian reported.
Tory peer Gavin Barwell, a former MP and chief of staff to Theresa May, writing in Sunday’s Observer, says the Truss government “has thrown away the Conservative party’s reputation for sound management of the public finances” in its first month in office, adding that “it will take years to undo all the damage”.
In the last seven days, the Tories have surrendered a narrow one-point lead on the question of economic management and now trail Labour by 19 points.
On Saturday night, however, a defiant Truss showed no sign of backing down over her tax cuts, which panicked the markets, sent the pound spiralling downwards and raised the prospect of imminent further rises in interest rates.
Speaking before the Tory conference, which opens today in Birmingham, a defiant Truss said the economy needed a “reset” as she vowed to press on.
She said: “We cannot continue on the current trajectory of managed decline. Instead, we must take a new direction. I will lead us down that path to a better future,” The Guardian reported.
In further dire news for the new prime minister, some Tory MPs are already in talks with Labour over how to block elements of the prime minister’s plans, with parliamentary rebellions looming over likely real-terms cuts to welfare, planning reforms and a new wave of austerity.
Both Downing Street and Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the report…reports Asian Lite News
King Charles III will not travel to next month’s COP27 climate summit in Egypt after UK Prime Minister Liz Truss “objected” to the avid environmentalist attending, a report late Saturday said.
Britain’s new monarch, who took the throne when his mother Queen Elizabeth II died last month, had intended to deliver a speech at the November 6-18 gathering, the Sunday Times reported.
But the plan has been axed after Truss – who was only appointed prime minister by the late queen two days before she died – opposed it during a personal audience with Charles at Buckingham Palace last month.
The report comes amid speculation Britain’s new leader, already under fire over her economic plans which have sparked market turmoil, could controversially scale back the country’s climate change commitments.
Her newly assembled cabinet contains a number of ministers who have expressed scepticism about the so-called 2050 net zero goals, while Truss herself is seen as less enthusiastic about the policy than predecessor Boris Johnson.
The Sunday Times said she is unlikely to attend COP27 – the 27th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – at the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.
Britain hosted the last summit in the Scottish city Glasgow, when Charles, the late queen and his son William all addressed the event.
Both Downing Street and Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the report.
The newspaper said the episode was “likely to fuel tensions” between Charles and Truss, but cited a government source who claimed the audience had been “cordial” and there had “not been a row”.
🔺 NEW: The King, a passionate environmental campaigner, has abandoned plans to attend next month’s Cop27 climate change summit after Liz Truss told him to stay away https://t.co/8BFO8CWXpw
— The Times and The Sunday Times (@thetimes) October 1, 2022
Meanwhile, a royal source told the paper: “It is no mystery that the king was invited to go there.
“He had to think very carefully about what steps to take for his first overseas tour, and he is not going to be attending COP(27).”
Under convention in Britain, all overseas official visits by members of the royal family are undertaken in accordance with advice from the government.
However, despite not attending in person, reports said the king still hopes to be able to contribute in some form to the conference.
Charles III is a committed environmentalist with a long history of campaigning for better conservation, organic farming and tackling climate change.
Some residents in the affected areas were seen scooping flood waters from their homes and shops…reports Asian Lite News
Torrential rain hit some parts of Ghana, the capital Accra included, causing flooding in downtown areas and disrupting traffic on major roads.
The intermittent rain, which started in the wee hours of Saturday, continued through to the afternoon. Many major drains carrying running water were overflown, while some road potholes were enlarged and deepened.
Vehicles and commuters to several places within the cities and adjoining communities had to wade through heavy floods to get to their destinations. Some drivers, as a result of poor visibility, had to park their vehicles on the shoulders of roads.
Some residents in the affected areas were seen scooping flood waters from their homes and shops.
Videos and comments about the flooding situation and its attendant impact were posted on social media with residents calling on the government to find a permanent solution to their age-old poor drainage challenges.
Komla Dodze, a resident of Tema, said the torrential rain had destroyed his property.
“In fact, today’s continuous rain has actually destroyed almost everything in my room, including the fridge, furniture, and others, all were flooded,” said the resident.
The Ghana Meteorological Agency on Saturday warned citizens to be cautious in flood-prone areas.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and His Majesty the Sultan welcomed the effective communication between the governments of both countries to strengthen bilateral relations and stressed the important role played by the Oman-UAE Higher Joint Committee…reports Asian Lite News
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan made a state visit to the Sultanate of Oman and met with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, the Sultan of Oman, to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.
The UAE President’s visit, which came at the invitation of His Majesty the Sultan, took place on Tuesday, 27th September, and Wednesday, 28th September 2022. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was accompanied by a high-level UAE delegation.
The two leaders enjoyed fruitful talks, during which they reviewed current areas of cooperation and explored opportunities for further collaboration. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and His Majesty the Sultan praised the progress made in the political, security, scientific, economic and cultural sectors for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
The two sides welcomed the signing of a number of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at increasing economic cooperation between the UAE and Oman. The MoUs covered several areas, including industry, advanced technology, energy, rail connectivity, higher education, scientific research, the cultural and youth sectors and the exchange of news. Additional agreements were signed relating to the exchange of information to combat money laundering and prevent crime, as well as the financing of terrorism.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and His Majesty the Sultan welcomed the effective communication between the governments of both countries to strengthen bilateral relations and stressed the important role played by the Oman-UAE Higher Joint Committee.
The two sides agreed to work on concluding further agreements and MoUs to enhance cooperation in the economic, commercial, investment, cultural, diplomatic, consular and educational areas, in addition to the environment, food security, advanced technologies and industries, and innovation. They also agreed to reach agreements on renewable energy projects, industry, health, pharmaceutical industries, real estate development, tourism, petrochemicals, manufacturing, supply chains, logistics, information technology, financial technology, and other sectors that would enhance mutual benefits and bring prosperity to the people of the two countries.
His Highness and His Majesty reaffirmed their determination to motivate the public and private sectors to develop and diversify economic ties and announced that a number of projects will be launched in sectors including transportation and infrastructure to boost UAE-Oman integration.
The two sides discussed regional and international issues and agreed to coordinate their approach to support and enhance security and stability.
His Majesty the Sultan extended his sincere congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on the UAE being chosen to host COP28 in 2023.
At the conclusion of the visit, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Majesty the Sultan and the Government and people of Oman for their warm reception and generous hospitality. He also wished Oman continued progress and prosperity.
His Majesty the Sultan also expressed his best wishes for further progress and prosperity for the UAE and its people.
The UAE delegation comprises H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State; Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; Jabr Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Minister of State at the Presidential Court; Mohamed Sultan Al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Oman; Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Chief Executive Officer at ADQ; and Major General Khalifa Rashid Juma Al Hamli, the President’s Aide-de-Camp.
The Omani delegation that saw the UAE President off included Sayyed Shihab bin Tarek Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defense Affairs; Sayyed Khalid bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of Diwan of Royal Court (Head of the Honor Mission); General Sultan bin Mohammed Al Numani, Minister of the Royal Office; Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Interior; Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Ahmed bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Oman’s Ambassador to the UAE; members of the Honor Mission and a number of officials from the UAE Embassy in Muscat.
Pakistani officials are also trying to secure a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken…reports Asian Lite news
Pakistan Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa arrived in the US for nearly weeklong visit, which included meetings with senior officials of the Biden administration, state media reported.
“Yes, he is here,” said Pakistan’s Ambassador Sardar Masood Khan, when journalists asked him for information about the Army Chief’s visit, Dawn reported.
While the envoy refrained from sharing the Chief’s itinerary, other sources said General Bajwa was expected to meet Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, National Intelligence Director Avril D. Haines and CIA Director William J. Burns, Dawn reported.
Pakistani officials are also trying to secure a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
“It is very likely, but not confirmed yet,” a source said.
General Bajwa landed at LaGuardia in New York on Friday, flying from London on his official plane along with his senior aides. He was expected to arrive in Washington over the weekend, and Monday and Tuesday have been set aside for official meetings.
On Wednesday, the Pakistan Army Chief will meet members of various think-tanks and other scholars interested in Pakistan affairs.
While General Bajwa has kept in close contact with US officials over the past few years, his last official visit to the US came in 2019, when he accompanied the then-Prime Minister Imran Khan on a three-day trip to Washington.
The Defence Minister also underlined the important role the department in realising the vision of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in Defence…reports Asian Lite news
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said bolstering national security has been “our top priority since the beginning”, adding that the allocation of a total budget of Rs 5.25 lakh crore to the Ministry of Defence in 2022-23 is a testament to that unwavering resolve.
“As India has completed 75 years of independence, it is moving forward with renewed confidence and determination under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in ‘Amrit Kaal’ to become one of the most powerful countries in the world by 2047. This goal can only be achieved if India has a strong military, which is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons or equipment, manufactured by an ‘Aatmanirbhar’ defence industry,” said Singh while launching several digital initiatives of Defence Accounts Department (DAD) during its 275th Annual Day celebrations here on Saturday.
The initiatives included System for Pension Administration (Raksha) (SPARSH) mobile app, Pay System for Agniveers, International Air Ticket booking module in Defence Travel System (DTS), Defence Accounts Receipts and Payment System (DARPAN), Defence Civilian Pay system and Defence Accounts Human Resource Management System.
In his address, Singh commended the DAD for taking forward the ‘Digital India’ vision of the Government, stating that the new initiatives will increase transparency and efficiency in the functioning of the Department.
The Defence Minister also underlined the important role the department in realising the vision of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in Defence.
“Sixty-eight per cent of capital procurement budget has been earmarked for the domestic industry during Financial Year 2022-23, which underlines the government’s commitment towards achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The DAD should bolster their support to the Government’s efforts through speedy decisions, as delays not only lead to loss of time and money, but also adversely impact the combat readiness of the country,” Singh said.
Elaborating on the committee constituted under the chairmanship of the Defence Secretary for the performance and efficiency audit of various aspects of Ministry of Defence, Singh said that the committee through audit will review the work being done in the Ministry from a new and creative perspective.
This will not only increase the efficiency of the Services, but also reduce wasteful expenditure, he said.
On the occasion, Defence Minister Singh also gave away the Raksha Mantri Awards for Excellence 2022 to three teams for exhibiting exemplary initiative in implementing key department projects — development, testing and implementation of SPARSH; implementation of E-Concurrence in DRDO and Pay and Accounts Office (PAO) Bharati: Your PAO, A call away 24*7.
The Minister said the procurement would continue till November 30 and all agencies would make procurement of Grade A paddy at the MSP of Rs 2,060 per quintal…reports Asian Lite News
With the target to procure 191 lakh metric tonnes paddy during the kharif season in Punjab, farmer Gurpreet Singh of Pilkhani village in Patiala district on Saturday became the first farmer to receive payment for selling the produce.
State Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said Gurpreet Singh had brought 103.875 quintal of paddy and it was cleaned and purchased on the very first day of procurement.
He said within four hours of the purchase, the department transferred the farmer’s payment, amounting to Rs 2.13 lakh directly into his bank account.
The Minister said the procurement would continue till November 30 and all agencies would make procurement of Grade A paddy at the MSP of Rs 2,060 per quintal, while common variety at Rs 2,040 a quintal.
The state has made arrangements for the procurement of 191 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, while the Central government has fixed the target at 184.45 lakh metric tonnes for the state, an official statement said.
Principal Secretary (Food Supplies) Rahul Bhandari said the Punjab Mandi Board has notified 1,804 regular mandis during the season, which have been allotted amongst government procurement agencies and 364 temporary purchase centres have also been notified to avoid glut.
The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department has set up a state-level control room to ensure that no farmer encounters any hurdle in selling the produce.
He said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the Cash Credit Limit worth Rs 36,999 crore to the state government.
As per the Punjab Custom Milling Policy approved by the Cabinet, e-checking of all rice mills is being done before registration and allotment and 4,315 mills have been inspected and online allotment of 3,500 mills has been done.
The Director General of Police has been asked to inspect inter-state barriers and deploy police personnel to check illegal entry of paddy rice from other states in Punjab.
It’s going to be Mallikarjun Kharge versus Shashi Tharoor in the Congress Presidential polls scheduled on October 17…writes Mohammad Suaib Khan
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said on Saturday that he fails to understand as to why the G-23 leaders, who earlier talked about polls in the party, are now backing off and talking about general consensus.
It’s going to be Mallikarjun Kharge versus Shashi Tharoor in the Congress Presidential polls scheduled on October 17. And Kharge has got the support of not only the senior leadership of the party, but the G-23 leaders as well.
Tharoor said that polls for the post of Congress President are being held after five years. The last election was held in 2017, which Rahul Gandhi had won unanimously. The last contested election was held in 2000, when Sonia Gandhi defeated Jitendra Prasada by a huge margin.
The Gandhi family has decided that it will not endorse any candidate this time. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi both are of the view that polls will strengthen the party, which is very good, Tharoor said.
Here are excerpts from the interview:
Are you disappointed for not getting G-23 leaders’ support?
G-23 is not an organisation. Senior leaders who had sent a letter to Sonia Gandhi had sought support from 100 people, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the letter could not get that many signatures. So the letter was sent to Sonia Gandhi with the signature of 23 leaders.
Three main persons who had signed that letter have quit the party. I was not a representative of G-23 and I do not intend to be one either. But I supported their thinking and one of their thoughts was that polls should be held in the party. Now I am contesting for the party chief’s post, and I also feel that elections should be held for the working committee as well.
However, those who had said that polls should be held in the party are now saying that there should be a general consensus and elections should not be held. I fail to understand how their mind changed. But I am contesting the elections. Whatever I had written in the letter, I still stand by that.
Are you disappointed that the G23 leaders didn’t back you? Or by the way the senior leadership took you into confidence and the then suggested Khadge’s name?
People are free to make their choice and express their views. I am not disappointed because we are all in one party, we are friends and colleagues. If the G23 leaders felt differently, it is their take.
Any chance of you withdrawing the nomination?
How can I withdraw the nomination when 60 members have signed it and given me the chance? How can I betray the faith they have posed on me? I will fight the elections and become their voice, though my signature list does not have big names as Kharge’s. I cannot withdraw my nomination as Congress workers are with me.
How you are building your support base?
In the coming 15 days, I will go to 12 cities and seek support from the party workers. I will reach out to the people, hold public meetings and meet people in person. I will reach out to the people via different mediums and seek their support.
But since I do not have the phone numbers of 90 per cent delegates mentioned in the list provided to me, reaching out to them is not going to be easy.
What is your take on the sequence of events in Rajasthan?
Whatever happened in Rajasthan is really sad. But I can’t give any reaction as I did not attend any of the meetings. I am not in the know of the things as to what exactly transpired there.
You are seeking vote for ‘change’ in the Congress. Do you think that if Kharge is elected the President, he will work as a puppet and the party will continue to function in the same manner?
Of course not, I am not against anyone. See, we are not fighting a war. We are all colleagues who have always worked together. In the future also, we will work together. If I become the party President, will Khargeji not work for the betterment of the party? If you ask anyone about senior Congress leaders outside the Gandhi family, every list will have Kahrgeji’s name.
The Prime Minister stressed on manufacturing of smart phones in India and said how it will ensure a reduction in device costs….reports Asian Lite News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched 5G services in the country, saying it was a “historic day for 21st century India” and added that the technology will revolutionise the country’s telecom sector.
Launching the service at the four-day India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2022 at Pragati Maidan in the national capital, Modi spoke about the benefits of 5G in India and how the service will help the country’s technological revolution.
He also spoke about key pillars that will support the Digital India movement, including the need for affordable technology and a widespread network.
The Prime Minister stressed on manufacturing of smart phones in India and said how it will ensure a reduction in device costs.
“Till 2014 we used to import 100 per cent of our mobile phones. That’s why we decided to become ‘atmanirbhar’ in this particular area. In India, we now have 200 mobile phone manufacturing units now,” he said.
Modi also mentioned that India had 25 crore internet connections back in 2014, a number which has now increased to 85 crore.
More internet users are coming onboard from rural areas, he said, adding that 5G will play a key role in how users new and old will benefit from the internet and its possibilities.
“Many people used to make fun of my atmanirbhar Bharat, but we increased mobile phone manufacturing units in India. Eight years ago, there were only two mobile manufacturing units in India. Today, there are over 200 units. We are at number 2 in the world and are exporting our mobile phones to world,” the Prime Minister noted.
Modi said that at the time of 2G, 3G, 4G, India was dependent on other natios for technology, but with 5G, the country has created a new history.
“With 5G, India is setting a global standard in telecom technology for the first time.”
The Prime Minister went on to say that with the increase in digital connectivity, the country has witnessed a multiplier effect.
“We have taken digital from the elite to the grassroots in India, and this has led to innovation in the country.”
Earlier, the Prime Minister virtually interacted with metro workers, who were present inside a tunnel, via 5G technology.
5G will be launched in select cities on Saturday and it will progressively cover the entire country over the next couple of years.
The cumulative economic impact of 5G on India is estimated to reach $450 billion by 2035.
US automobile major Ford Motor Company last year decided to shut down its two plants -one near here and the other in Gujarat….reports Asian Lite news
Ford India Private Ltd and the Chennai Ford Employees Union (CFEU) on Friday inked the Settlement Agreement or the deal for severance package, said the company.
The company has also announced a `sign-off’ bonus of one month salary in addition to the lump sum severance package.
US automobile major Ford Motor Company last year decided to shut down its two plants -one near here and the other in Gujarat.
The plant near here has 2,592 permanent employees.
According to Balasundaram Radhakrishnan, Transformation Officer, Ford India, the final settlement package (an average equivalent of 140 days of gross wages per completed year of service and additional Rs 1.5 lakh lumpsum per employee) signed on Friday translates to an average of about 5.2 years/62-month of salary for each employee (from a minimum of 4.1 years i.e., 49 months to a maximum of 9 years i.e., 108 months).
The cumulative severance for each employee will range from a minimum amount of Rs 34.5 lakh and a maximum cap of Rs 86.5 lakh, the company had said earlier.
The last date of employment for all employees will be September 30 and Ford India is notifying employees of the next steps and looks forward to completing the exit formalities.
With Diwali to be celebrated next month, Ford India, as a goodwill measure, has also decided to pay an additional amount equivalent to one month of gross wages as a sign-on or sign-off benefit for employees who complete the exit process by October 14.
In September 2021, Ford India announced its decision to wind down vehicle assembly in Gujarat’s Sanand by the fourth quarter of 2021, and vehicle and engine manufacturing in Chennai by the second quarter of 2022.
Ford India had set up four plants in the country — vehicle and engine plants in Chennai and Sanand.
The company sold its Gujarat facility for Rs 725.70 crore to Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd.
The plant in Sanand includes the entire land and buildings, the vehicle manufacturing plant, along with its machinery and equipment, and transfer of all eligible employees of Ford India’s vehicle manufacturing operations.
Ford India will continue to operate its powertrain manufacturing facility by leasing back the land and buildings of the powertrain manufacturing plant from Tata Passenger Electric.
Tata Passenger Electric has agreed to offer employment to the eligible employees of Ford India’s powertrain unit when the latter stops such operations.
