Month: July 2024

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-Top News Politics UK News

What this election could do to Britain?

The Conservative dead end is obvious. Unless the pollsters are horrendously wrong the Tories are in for a very heavy defeat with several of their big beats banished to the depths of the political jungle from which they may never emerge … writes Mihir Bose

Elections are always turning points or so goes the common belief. If that be so this British election could see both parties find the road ahead is a cul de sac. The Conservative dead end is obvious. Unless the pollsters are horrendously wrong the Tories are in for a very heavy defeat with several of their big beats banished to the depths of the political jungle from which they may never emerge.

Back in 1997 John Major on losing to Tony Blair  left No 10 and went to watch cricket at the Oval. This time on the Friday after the election Sunak may be heading for Heathrow and a  flight to Los Angeles. The Tories will have to find a leader and, as always happens in such circumstances, there will be a lot of internal battles before one emerges. If that be the case they should learn from 1997. Then they went for William Hague who was duly mauled by Tony Blair in the next election. This meant wasting a leader who might have been good and then having two others before finding one in David Cameron who led them out of the wilderness. So, expect a sacrificial lamb should the horror show take place.

Where this election is like 1997 is that many in the media are supporting Labour. The Sunday Times, the FT, Economist, Guardian and my old editor at the Daily Telegraph Max Hastings are all saying vote Labour.  How much this will influence the election is hard to say but it disproves the common Labour belief that the press is always supporting the Tories.

However, I am not sure there will be a horror show for the Tories. Defeat yes. But not destroyed. I am always sceptical about opinion polls, and this goes back to the first ever election I saw in this country in 1970. I can recall two other elections , 1962 and 1967 in India. Indian elections are very different to British elections. They reflect the country. They are chaotic, very colourful, full of what Indians  call tamasha, fun, frolic, excitement, awaaz, noise, colour, processions of supporters of various parties filling the streets and an exuberance. With such a large proportion of the electorate being illiterate there are party symbols which are often very wonderfully designed. Also, what is significant is that the poor and the downtrodden always vote. For them election day makes them ek din ka sultan, king for a day and gives them a sense of power. They are aware the well off can always buy their way to power. In this country, and in much of the developed world, the people who  live in ghettos, and the less well-off sections of the population, often do not vote. They cannot see elections changing  things.

Elections in Britain are also very structured, and I was struck by this in 1970. The election took place against a background of an international football tournament as this one is. Then it was the World Cup in Mexico. It was a hot summer. Most people were staying up late to watch the matches televised from Mexico. On the Sunday before polling day England played in the quarter final of the World Cup in Mexico against West Germany.  England were the defending champions, having won it in 1966  at Wembley against Germany, the only time they have won the competition. They were leading 2-0 when Franz Beckenbauer had, as he would later tell me, a speculative shot, Bonetti, the England goalkeeper, dived over the ball. That turned the match and Germany won 3-2, the first time in a competitive match they had beaten England.

Until then nobody seemed to be paying any attention to the election. Harold Wilson, Labour’s Prime Minister, seemed odds on to win But the defeat seemed to wake the country up and four days later to the surprise of everyone Ted Heath was in power.

This time England again played a match four days before the election and were 86 seconds from defeat against Slovakia but thanks to goals by Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane they won, in effect doing what Germany had done to them in 1970. So, will Sunak rise from the dead and win? I do not think so. My impression of this election is that people are fed up with the Tories but, and this is a big but, they are not enthusiastic for Labour. They want to end 14 years of Tory rule but are not flocking to Labour.

Let me give you one example. I have been speaking to what politicians call  real people as opposed to fake people like us hacks. One of them lives in Sunderland but comes down to London to fit plaques. He voted to leave the EU but now regrets it. He voted for Boris Johnson but will not vote for the Tories but has no enthusiasm for Labour and may not vote. My impression is there are a lot of undecided voters, many who voted Tory. How will they vote?  Back in 1992 when John Major unexpectedly won and proved the pollsters wrong there was a lot of talk of shy Tories. I do not get the impression  that the undecided are shy Tories who are not telling the truth to the pollsters. They are genuinely unhappy with the Tories and that is putting it mildly. But Labour has not done enough to make them switch. It is possible they may not vote.

There are also Labour supporters, and these are younger voters, who think Keit Starmer has gone too far to the centre and may vote green. I must say I have found this the most boring of all the elections I have seen in this country. Sunak can certainly debate and very ferociously  As for Starmer everyone says he is like a man carrying a Ming vase worried he might drop it. He looks more like a man programmed by the Labour hierarchy  to respond in a particular staccato style to every question. I  cannot wait for this election to end.

I do not believe the opinion polls are right of a massive Labour majority. I think Labour will win but with a small majority. Much is being made of how this election is like 1997. But here history is being rewritten. In the run-up to 1997 it was not obvious Labour would win. I remember Michael Heseltine going on radio saying Conservatives are gaining strength and there was fear in Labour that it could turn out to be 1992 when John Major ambushed them.

Where this election is like 1997 is that many in the media are supporting Labour. The Sunday Times, the FT, Economist, Guardian and my old editor at the Daily Telegraph Max Hastings are all saying vote Labour.  How much this will influence the election is hard to say but it disproves the common Labour belief that the press is always supporting the Tories.

As a country we face great choices, funding for NHS, public services, immigration, the need for houses. Yet in this election I cannot see any great idea. Or any real divide, clear blue water, between the two parties. Both parties want growth, both say they will not put up taxes but it is not that easy to stoke the engines of growth.

We have had scarce tactics in this election . Nothing new in that. In 1945 Churchill during the general election campaign made what has gone down as his famous “Gestapo” speech in which he warned that a socialist Labour government would lead to the erosion of freedom. Atlee very skilfully turned it round saying that in the past officials made peoples’ lives impossible, of how employers were free to work little children for sixteen hours a day, people were free to neglect sanitation so that thousands died of preventable diseases. It was freedom for the rich and slavery for the poor. Now Sunak says within the first 100 days Labour will ruin Britain raising taxes, country swarming with immigrants, warnings which have featured on the front pages of right wing newspapers. But, unlike Atlee, Starmer has not made an effective response. Nor has he responded strongly to Conservative claims about the dangers of Labour getting a supermajority. What Starmer should have done is remind people that back in 1983 it was a Conservative politician who warned that giving large majorities to political parties would not lead to good government. That politician was Francis Pym and Mrs Thatcher, who was heading for a landslide, immediately sacked him.

What is new in this election is race becoming an issue with Sunak being called a Paki, a word I am very familiar with as I have often been called that. This election has also seen religion being mentioned. Sunak has spoken of his Hindu faith, which is unusual as politicians in this country, as opposed to America, do not talk of their religion. But then we have never had a non-Christian Prime Minister.

What will be interesting is to see the effect of the Reform Party on the Conservative vote and whether Nigel Farage will make sure the Reform Party gets a platform in this country. Nigel Farage and his Reform party pose a challenge the like of which the Tories have never faced before. Farage is a politician who the Tories have been struggling to contain. His rise will mark a very fundamental shift in the politics of this country.

(Mr Mihir Bose is the author of Thank You Mr Crombie, Lessons in Guilt and Gratitude to the British)

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-Top News Asia News Politics

‘Politically motivated’: UN report slams Imran Khan’s prosecution

The UN’s report further stated that his detention in these cases was politically motivated to exclude him from competing in the political arena….reports Asian Lite News

The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention stressed that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s detention and prosecution in the first Toshakhana case and Cipher case were “without legal basis” and were politically motivated, reported Dawn.

The UN’s report further stated that his detention in these cases was politically motivated to exclude him from competing in the political arena.

According to the first Toshakhana case, Imran had “deliberately concealed” details of the gifts he retained from the Toshaskhana, a repository where the gifts handed to government officials from foreign officials are kept, during his time as the prime minister and proceeds from their reported sales.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.(photo:instagram)

Meanwhile, the second Toshakhana case concerns a reference against Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi for retaining a jewellery set received from the Saudi crown prince against an undervalued assessment, reported Dawn.

Earlier on August 5 last year, a trial court in Islamabad convicted the PTI founder in the first case filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and jailed him for three years.

He was then arrested by Punjab police later that same day from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore.

Later, the ECP disqualified him for five years following his conviction.

However, the Islamabad High Court later suspended his three-year sentence.

Notably, the UN body had adopted its opinion on the PTI founder’s detention in its 99th session from March 18-27, according to the document posted on June 18, as reported by Dawn.

The report listed many legal inconsistencies and irregularities in the various court proceedings of the PTI founder, adding that it was rendering its opinion on whether Imran Khan’s detention was arbitrary.

It said that based on its source’s detailed and unrebutted submissions regarding the ultra vires nature of the prosecution in the first Toshakhana case, as well as the context of the political repression of Imran and his party in which that prosecution occurred, “the working group concludes that his detention had no legal basis and appears to have been intended to disqualify him from running for political office. Thus, from the outset, that prosecution was not grounded in law and was reportedly instrumentalised for a political purpose.”

It stressed that how Imran was convicted in the first Toshakhana case (namely, a summary judgment delivered in absentia) and his subsequent arrest by law enforcement personnel who broke into his residence and assaulted him and his staff were concerning and compounded the illegality, reported Dawn.

The working group further said that Imran’s prosecution in the cipher case “lacks a grounding in law, as his actions do not appear to have violated the Official Secrets Act, as was apparently corroborated by the intelligence services, according to the source’s unrebutted submissions”.

Regarding his sentences in the second Toshakhana case and the Iddat case, the UN group stated, “The working group cannot but observe the coincidence in the timing of the four prosecutions, which effectively prevented Mr Khan from contesting the general election originally scheduled for November 2023.”

It further summarised that “noting the convergence of factors that appear to be aimed at removing Mr Khan from contesting the election and restricting his party’s fair participation in the election, and in the absence of any response from the government, the working group finds that, at the very least, Mr Khan’s arrest, detention and prosecution in the first Toshakhana case and the cipher case were without any legal basis and would appear to be politically motivated to exclude his participation in the election.”

The working group noted that in the absence of any rebuttal from the government, “it would appear that the prosecutions brought against Khan are related to his leadership of the PTI and indicate a determination to silence him and his supporters and exclude their political participation,” adding that it was “evident” that the basis of his subsequent arrest and detention was his exercise of freedom of assembly.

Concluding its opinion, the working group said that Imran’s deprivation of liberty was arbitrary and requested the government to take the steps necessary to remedy the PTI founder’s situation without delay and bring it into conformity with the relevant international norms.

“The working group considers that, taking into account all the circumstances of the case, the appropriate remedy would be to release Mr Khan immediately and accord him an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations, in accordance with international law, Dawn reported.

“The working group urges the government to ensure a full and independent investigation of the circumstances surrounding the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of Mr Khan and to take appropriate measures against those responsible for the violation of his rights,” the opinion said.

Reacting to the working group’s opinion, the PTI termed it a “huge” development.

Imran is currently incarcerated in the Iddat case at Adiala Jail. His sentences in the two Toshakhana cases were suspended while he was acquitted by the Islamabad High Court in the cipher case, reported Dawn. (ANI)

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-Top News Asia News Politics

Pakistan SC issues contempt notice to TV channels

pakistan flag

The court expressed its disappointment and concern over the matter, emphasised that nowadays, false information can spread easily and that extra caution is needed….reports Asian Lite News

The Pakistan apex court has issued a contempt of court notice to television channels for airing contemptuous press conferences against the judiciary, reported ARY News.

A three-member bench — headed by CJP Isa and including Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, issued the written order of the contempt proceedings against lawmakers Faisal Vawda and Mustafa Kamal for their tirades against the judiciary.

The Supreme Court, in its written order, stated that it has issued show-cause notices to 34 TV channels, including 26 whose explanations Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa said was “not justifiable”.

“Those operating the said television channels were only issued a notice (and not a show cause notice). However, they have elected not to avail of the opportunity provided to them to reflect, relent and, if they so consider, to (apologise),” it stated, according to ARY News.

During the hearing, the order noted that it also transpired that even after the making of the “contemptuous comments” they continued broadcasting and later re-broadcast the press conferences.

The court further expressed its disappointment and concern over the matter, emphasised that nowadays, false information can spread easily and that extra caution is needed.

“We inquired whether any retraction or apology was broadcast by any of the channels, and it transpired that this was not done. We are not unmindful that being commercial enterprises television channels make money by broadcasting and advertisements,” the order stated.

The court said, “We are constrained to issue show cause notices to all 34 channels to show cause as to why they should not be proceeded against for committing contempt of court”.

The replies to the show cause notices should be submitted within two weeks, it stated.

Notably, the replies to the show cause notices should state, first, whether the press conferences were preceded with advertisements, second, whether there were any advertisements during the press conferences, third, whether upon the conclusion of the press conferences there were advertisements, fourth, whether they were re-broadcast and fifth, whether extracts therefrom were broadcast and lastly, the amounts received in payment for such advertisements, ARY News reported.

Pakistan’s apex court has made it clear that it will not tolerate any violation of its orders and will take action against those who defy its orders.

The court further warned the TV channels that they would be held accountable if they spread any false information.

Earlier this month, the court had also issued show cause notices to 34 television channels, and asked them to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them for airing the lawmakers’ remarks. (ANI)

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-Top News Asia News Nepal

Oli to return as Nepal PM after midnight coalition deal

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal might resign from the post after a new agreement was struck at midnight in between opposition leaders KP Sharma Oli and Sher Bahadur Deuba….reports Asian Lite News

Eight ministers from the CPN-UML in the Nepal government under Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal are set to resign from the post after a recent midnight overhaul in the ruling alliance.

Mahesh Bartaula, the Chief Whip of CPN-UML (Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist) confirmed that all the eight ministers on board the Dahal cabinet will resign today.

“Our ministers will tender their resignation to the Prime Minister today itself. The Prime Minister also might step down from his post soon enough weighing the situation. A new government is expected by evening,” Mahesh Bartaula, Chief Whip of CPN-UML confirmed ANI over phone call.

Ahead of the resignation of the ministers on board the government, the CPN-UML also called the party secretariat meeting at the party office for 3 pm (local time).

With the onset of the government change the CPN-Maoist Center is due to hold a meeting of the Office-bearers to decide about the further roadmap. Prime Minister Dahal is holding talks with office bearers to discuss whether to resign or face the vote of confidence in parliament, Ganesh Shah, one of the leaders from the Maoist Center confirmed ANI.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party, meanwhile, is holding a meeting of its parliamentary committee to discuss ways forward after the recent development. The Nepali Congress on the other hand also has started the meeting of Office-bearers to discuss about the change in political course and allocation of the ministries.

The latest change in the government in less than 100 days of its formation on March 4 comes amid a new agreement that was struck at midnight in between KP Sharma Oli and Sher Bahadur Deuba.

Both the leaders from the CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress have sealed the agreement of sharing one and half year’s tenure each changing the course of Nepali politics. As per the agreement, KP Sharma Oli will lead the new government for one and half years and then will hand over to Sher Bahadur Deuba for the remaining one and half year term until the next election.

The two parties that exclude the incumbent government led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal-Prachanda also have agreed on the division of the ministries, as per the leader from the UML.

Along with the new alliance, they also have formed a committee to give suggestions on amending the election procedures and the constitution under the leadership of former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha.

In the overnight agreement, the largest and the second largest party in the parliament also has drafted a constitution amendment agreement where it has been stated that the Vice President would be made the chairman of the National Assembly.

Right before the signing of the agreement, leaders from the Congress as well as the UML also met President Ram Chandra Paudel and informed him about the change in the coalition.

During the meeting, the leaders informed the President about activating Section 76 (2) to form a new government in case the incumbent Prime Minister failed to take a vote of confidence after UML withdrew its support.

Nepal PM Prachanda needs to take the vote of confidence again from the parliament after any of the parties on board the government withdraw support. Dahal who came to power right after the 2022 General Election already tested the floor of parliament for a record four times.

Earlier on March 4, Dahal made a surprising turn by deciding to revive a coalition with the CPN-UML which caught the largest coalition partner, NC, off guard. A new coalition including the CPN-UML, CPN-Maoist Center, Rastriya Swatantra Party, and Janata Samajwadi Party was initially formed. On March 5, the Nepali Congress formally retracted support to the Dahal government activating the Article 100 Sub-section (2). A Prime Minister is required to cross the threshold of 50 percent which is 138 votes as per the present number of parliamentarians.

The Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal walked out of the government after the formal split and now is in opposition. The former Maoist rebel leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ came to power in December 2022 when he aligned with arch-rival CPN-UML duping the Nepali Congress with whom he had forged alliance in the November 2022 election.

The vote of confidence on January 10, 2023, resulted in extensive support for Dahal when he got a staggering 99 per cent vote, the highest in the known history of the Nepali parliament since the establishment of democracy. A total of 268 parliamentarians out of 270 present in that meeting had voted in favour of Dahal.

Within 3 months, Dahal dumped CPN-UML to walk out of government again aligning with Nepali Congress and managed to secure a majority in the vote of confidence on March 20, 2023. In the second round of the vote of confidence, Dahal got 172 votes out of 262 lawmakers present at the time of voting. Only 89 votes came in against Dahal while one member abstained from voting. (ANI)

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-Top News Asia News India News

India enhancing Eurasian ties through SCO

India has crucial geopolitical interests in Eurasia, driven by both security and commercial considerations, writes Dr Chandan Kumar

In 2023, India took the helm of two significant international groupings: the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the G20. On July 4, 2023, the country hosted the 22nd Summit of the SCO Council of Heads of State in a virtual format, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This event marked India’s first time leading the SCO, emphasising its ambition to strengthen ties with the five Central Asian countries.

India’s chairmanship of the SCO occurred during a period of global upheaval, marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. These events have disrupted established international political norms, presenting India with a unique opportunity to guide discussions on critical issues affecting Eurasian politics and beyond.

Strengthening relations with Central Asia, a region of significant geostrategic importance and part of India’s ‘extended neighborhood,’ was a primary objective for Indian policymakers.

Through the SCO, India aimed to foster multilateral cooperation with the Central Asian republics, enhance connectivity, boost trade relations, and promote regional security.

India became a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in 2017 during the annual SCO Heads of State summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, alongside Pakistan. Prior to this, India held Observer Status at the SCO since 2005.

Recognizing the organization’s potential, India initiated the process for full membership in 2015 at the Ufa Summit in Russia. This move aligned with India’s renewed global engagement efforts following Prime Minister Modi’s assumption of office in 2014, alongside a strategic push to strengthen ties with the Central Asian region, which had previously been of secondary importance to Indian foreign policy.

Additional motivations for India joining the SCO included enhancing connectivity between Central and South Asia, promoting energy security, and countering terrorism and illegal narcotics trade.

The Eurasian region would have become a hotbed of ethnic strife, regime changes, and radicalism without this organization. Smaller Central Asian states require assistance from external powers to maintain internal stability and counter external influences.

They face existential threats from major regional powers and radical influences in neighboring areas. Notably, the SCO has established a geopolitical balance, aligning the interests of major powers in Central Asia. However, it has also limited Western influence in Eurasia.

In summary, the SCO has contributed in three key ways: fostering political stability in Central Asia, harmonizing the interests of major powers in the region, and curbing the spread of terrorism, separatism, and radicalism.

India’s entry into the SCO in 2017 has significantly altered the organization’s dynamics. The SCO can no longer be labeled as a coalition of authoritarian states with an anti-Western agenda. Russia and the Central Asian states supported India’s inclusion, viewing it as a benevolent stabilizer and a potential regional investor. However, there are serious concerns about how the ongoing Sino-Indian and Pakistan-India border conflicts might affect the organization. Additionally, Beijing and Moscow will need to allow New Delhi more influence as it becomes increasingly active and involved in the region.

Currently, as a new member, India does not aggressively push its own agenda, focusing instead on collaborative developmental goals and avoiding confrontation. Nonetheless, as India’s engagement in Central Asia deepens, its role within the SCO is expected to evolve.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) remains highly significant for India for several reasons. First, it aligns well with India’s broader strategy of multi-alignment, complementing its participation in other groups like BRICS and reinforcing its policy of maintaining diverse international partnerships. Additionally, India has crucial geopolitical interests in Eurasia, driven by both security and commercial considerations, as stability in Central Asia is vital for India’s own security.

Without SCO membership, India’s efforts to engage with Central Asia would be hindered, potentially allowing China and Pakistan to create unfavorable conditions for India’s involvement in the region.

Furthermore, India’s membership in the SCO supports Russia and the Central Asian states in balancing China’s influence in the region. Central Asian states are also eager to strengthen economic ties with India, making it imperative for New Delhi to prioritize involvement in Central Asia’s developmental, connectivity, and infrastructural projects.

In recent years, the highest political offices in India have actively pushed for connectivity projects, coinciding with India’s membership in the SCO and its proactive engagement with the region. This initiative aligns with a parallel desire among Central Asian states, particularly Uzbekistan, to enhance connections between Central Asia and South Asia.

For example, during the 2022 Samarkand Summit in Uzbekistan, Prime Minister Modi held discussions with Russia, Iran, and Uzbekistan to accelerate connectivity projects along the North-South axis. These projects include the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Chabahar Project, with efforts to integrate Chabahar into the INSTC framework.

India has also utilised the SCO platform to engage with Central Asian states on regional security issues, particularly concerning terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, three of the five Central Asian states, share borders with Afghanistan and are crucial stakeholders in the region’s stability. Today, the SCO needs to put in place measures to counter threats of ISIS emerging from Afghanistan.

India’s proactive involvement in the SCO demonstrates its commitment to fostering regional stability, enhancing connectivity, and promoting economic cooperation in Eurasia.

As India’s role within the SCO evolves, its influence in Central Asia is expected to grow, aligning with its broader strategic objectives in the region.

(Dr. Chandan Kumar, Ph. D in Buddhist History, is a young scholar. He is working as Assistant Professor, Department of History, Satyawati College, University of Delhi). (ANI)

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Fashion Lite Blogs

‘Fashion is Balancing Style and Comfort’

Sumbul started her acting career with supporting roles as a child in the shows like ‘Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal’, ‘Jodha Akbar’, ‘Gangaa’, and ‘Baalveer’…reports Asian Lite News

Actress Sumbul Touqeer believes in striking a balance between style and comfort, sharing that it’s not just about wearing the latest trends, but about showcasing individuality and creativity.

For Sumbul, fashion is a powerful form of self-expression.

“It’s not just about wearing the latest trends but about showcasing individuality and creativity. Fashion allows me to communicate without words, to tell our story and convey our mood, values, and aspirations. It’s an art form that evolves with time, reflecting changes in culture and society,” she said.

The young diva further said: “While fashion is a significant aspect of my personal expression, comfort is equally important. I believe that the best fashion choices are those that strike a balance between style and comfort.”

Sumbul’s approach to fashion is both inspiring and relatable, she emphasises that true style is about finding the perfect blend of beauty and comfort.

“I believe that when you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, it enhances your confidence and poise. So, I choose outfits that not only look good but also make me feel good. The harmony between comfort and fashion creates an authentic and effortless style,” added Sumbul.

Sumbul started her acting career with supporting roles as a child in the shows like ‘Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal’, ‘Jodha Akbar’, ‘Gangaa’, and ‘Baalveer’.

She has also participated in dance reality shows such as ‘India’s Dancing Superstars’, and ‘Hindustan Ka Big Star’. In 2020, she starred in the popular TV show ‘Imlie’, where she played the lead character, opposite Gashmeer Mahajani, Fahmaan Khan and Mayuri Deshmukh.

Sumbul has also starred in ‘Ishaaron Ishaaron Mein’, ‘Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya’, and participated in the controversial reality show ‘Bigg Boss 16’.

She is currently featuring as the lead in the show ‘Kavya-Ek Jazbaa, Ek Junoon’, which also stars Mishkat Varma.

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India News Politics

NIA allows Engineer Rashid to take oath as MP

The counsel for NIA suggested three dates from July 5 to 7 for Rashid to take oath on any of these dates. Defence counsel Vikhyat Oberoi said that July 5 is okay as July 6 and 7 are holidays…reports Asian Lite News

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday gave its consent to permit jailed Kashmiri leader Abdul Rashid Sheikh also known as Engineer Rashid, from Baramulla to take oath as an MP on July 5 in Parliament.

However, counsel representing the NIA said in court today said that the consent should be subject to certain conditions, which includes him not interacting with the media.

Rashid had won the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections from the Baramulla consituency in Jammu and Kashmir was unable to take oath during the official ceremony in the 18th Lok Sabha.

He won the elections from Baramulla while he was in custody in an NIA case. Rashid had sought interim bail or custody parole for taking oath as a Lok Sabha MP.

The Patiala House Court’s special judge Chander Jit Singh will pass an order on Rashid’s bail plea tomorrow. Engineer Rashid had sought interim bail or custody parole to take oath as an MP.

He has been in custody for the last five years in a terror funding case lodged by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He defeated former chief minster Omar Abdullah from the Baramulla in the recent general elections.

The counsel for NIA suggested three dates from July 5 to 7 for Rashid to take oath on any of these dates. Defence counsel Vikhyat Oberoi said that July 5 is okay as July 6 and 7 are holidays.

His counsel also urged the court to allow Rashid to obtain his Identity card and CGHS card and to facilitate him to open a bank account. The counsel has also urged the court to permit the presence of family members at the time of taking oath as an MP.

The court of vacation judge on June 22 granted time to file reply on the application of MP Engineer Rashid. On June 22, counsel for NIA sought some time to file a reply citing it as a matter under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Advocate Vikhyat Oberoi appeared for Rashid and argued that the latter had won with a huge majority and people love him and want him to fight in parliament democratically.

The court may direct the jail authorities to contact to Loksabha Secretariat, direct the NIA to contact to Loksabha Secretariat, or direct the Loksabha Secretariat to specify the date to which Rashid may take oath, the counsel argued.

He also referred to the order of Rouse Avenue court and Patna High Court in which the jail authorities were directed to take the accused to take oath.

On June 18, Delhi’s Patiala House court had directed the NIA to apprise it on which out of the three dates Rashid will take the oath. It granted time to NIA to file a reply.

The scheduled dates to take oath by newly elected MPs were given as June 24, 25, 26. NIA had sought time to work out the modalities to take him to parliament if he is granted bail.

However, the defence counsel relied on the order passed by the Rouse Avenue court passed in Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh’s case. He also said that Engineer is in the court custody. Therefore NIA has no role in taking him to Parliament.

Rashid subsequently approached the court seeking bail for taking oath as MP. On June 5, ASJ Singh had sought a response from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the case.

His counsel Advocate Vikhyat Oberoi said that an application seeking interim bail and in alternative custody parole, to take oath and perform other parliamentary functions had been filed. The matter was taken up by the court and listed for reply by NIA, said Oberoi. Oberoi also said that Rashid is a two time MLA also. Now he has to take oath as an MP after winning the election. The date for oath ceremony is

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-Top News Bangladesh India News

India’s GRSE to build advanced tug for Bangladesh Navy

The agreement highlights GRSE’s continuing efforts towards bagging export orders…reports Asian Lite News

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, a Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) that has delivered a record 109 warships to India’s maritime security forces, signed an agreement with the Directorate General, Defence Purchase of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Defence.

The agreement is for the construction of an advanced Ocean-Going Tug and the order is worth US$ 21 million and the vessel is to be completed in 24 months.

The agreement highlights GRSE’s continuing efforts towards bagging export orders. The shipyard is the first one in India to export a warship to Mauritius.

In 2023, it also delivered a passenger-cum-cargo ocean-going ferry to Guyana.

A few weeks ago, GRSE signed a contract with Bangladesh for the delivery of a Trailing Suction Hopper (TSH) dredger.

On June 22, 2024, GRSE entered into a contract with a German company for the delivery of at least four multi-purpose cargo vessels.

The overall length (LOA) of the tug will be nearly 61 metres, and the vessel will be about 15.80 metres wide with a depth of nearly 6.80 metres. The tug’s draught requirement with a full load will be around 4.80 metres while it’s bollard pull capacity will be 76 tons ahead and 50 tons astern. The ship’s maximum speed with a full load will be at least 13 knots, the company revealed in a statement.

Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN (Retd), director (shipbuilding), GRSE, and Cmde AKM Maruf Hassan, director purchase (Navy), Directorate General Defence Purchase, Ministry of Defence, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh were present during the signing of the agreement.

The tug’s primary roles will include towing of ships at sea, both alongside and astern, assist them during berthing and casting off as well as help them in turning through pushing and pulling.

The vessel will also have the capability to carry out rescue and salvage operations at sea. Its secondary roles will be to provide firefighting support to ships at sea and limited pollution control measures.

The platform will be extremely robust with a capability to operate even at sea state 5 (wind speeds of 17-21 knots and wave heights of 2-3 metres) with dynamic positioning – 2 system capability.

This is an advanced computer-controlled system that allows a ship to maintain its heading and position without the use of mooring lines or anchors.

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India, Pakistan exchange list of civilian prisoners, fishermen

India has shared the lists of 366 civilian prisoners and 86 fishermen in India’s custody to Pakistan…reports Asian Lite News

India and Pakistan on Monday exchanged the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other’s custody, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The lists were shared in keeping with the provisions of the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access 2008, under which the lists are exchanged every year on January 1 and July 1, an MEA statement read.

India has shared the lists of 366 civilian prisoners and 86 fishermen in India’s custody to Pakistan.

Similarly, Pakistan has shared “names of 43 civilian prisoners and 211 fishermen in its custody, who are Indian or are believed-to-be-Indian,” according to MEA.

“The Government of India has called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, fishermen along with their boats, and missing Indian defence personnel from Pakistan’s custody. Pakistan has been asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 185 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners, who have completed their sentence. In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the 47 civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistan’s custody, who are believed-to-be-Indian and have not been provided consular access so far,” the MEA said in an official release.

“Pakistan has been requested to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen, pending their release and repatriation to India,” it added.

India remains committed to addressing, on priority, all humanitarian matters, including those about prisoners and fishermen in each other’s country.

“In this context, India has urged Pakistan to expedite the nationality verification process of 75 believed-to-be-Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen in India’s custody, whose repatriation is pending for want of nationality confirmation from Pakistan,” the MEA said.

As a result of sustained efforts by the Government, 2,639 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014.

This includes 478 Indian fishermen and 13 Indian civilian prisoners who have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2023 till date. (ANI)

ALSO READ: US, India to set up Gandhi-King Development Foundation by October

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US, India to set up Gandhi-King Development Foundation by October

The statement of intent was signed during the visit by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to India last month….reports Asian Lite News

India and the United States signed a statement of intent to formally establish the Gandhi-King Development Foundation (GKDF) by October this year, which aims to address global development challenges.

The statement of intent was signed during the visit by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to India last month.

“This significant step, occurring during White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s visit to India, builds on the U.S. Congress’s passage of the Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Initiative Act in December 2020, sponsored by Representative Gregory W. Meeks, which authorized USAID to create the Gandhi-King Development Foundation,” the US Embassy in India said in a press release.

US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti emphasized that this foundation is built on the principles of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr, two iconic leaders who promoted non-violent resistance and civil rights.

Garcetti stressed that the foundation showcases the shared commitment of both countries to work together towards global progress.

“The Gandhi-King Development Foundation represents a transformative partnership between the United States and India, rooted in the visionary ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr The foundation underscores our shared commitment to forging global progress by leveraging our collective strengths,” he said.

US Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia Anjali Kaur, who signed the Statement of Intent in New Delhi, said the foundation will promote inclusive and sustainable development.

“USAID is proud to support the Gandhi-King Development Foundation, which will promote inclusive and sustainable development, symbolizing the friendship and common values of the United States and India,” she said.

US Congressman and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Gregory W Meeks expressed gratitude to be a part of this process and affirmed that this initiative will strengthen the bonds between both nations.

“I was glad to witness this important progress towards establishing the Gandhi-King Development Foundation, which will further strengthen the bonds between the United States and India. The Foundation will honour two visionary leaders and leverage the strength of our private sectors to address important issues such as public health, climate change and air pollution, and the empowerment of women,” Meeks said.

The Gandhi-King Development Foundation will operate locally in India, utilizing both public and private resources to advance India’s national and global development objectives.

These include addressing climate change, reducing tuberculosis, improving water and sanitation, minimizing the health impacts of air pollution, enhancing education outcomes, and promoting economic empowerment for women.

“The Gandhi-King Development Foundation signifies a groundbreaking partnership between the United States and India to address global development challenges,” the embassy’s statement added. (ANI)

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