Month: September 2024

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-Top News Arab News UAE News

Sheikh Mohammed meets Chief AI Officers in govt

His Highness emphasised that investing in the nation’s human capital is a cornerstone of this strategy, ensuring a prosperous tomorrow for generations to come….reports Asian Lite News

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said that the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has emerged as a global hub for innovation and a leading platform for advanced technology and Artificial Intelligence solutions.

“This progress stems from a forward-looking vision that embraces sustainable development and investment in Emirati individuals to lead change, elevate government work, and take it to advanced stages,” H.H. Sheikh Mohammed added during his meeting with the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers in the UAE government, where His Highness also honoured the graduates of the 2023 UAE Government Leaders Programme.

The event took place at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; and His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, the Chief AI Executive Officers in the UAE government were selected after the Cabinet, led by His Highness, had approved the creation of the new role of the ‘Chief Executive Officer for Artificial Intelligence’ in the ministries and federal entities.

During the meeting, His Highness emphasised that the UAE, founded on the principle of sustainable development, is committed to modernising government operations, fostering innovation, and enhancing efficiency. This strategic approach, His Highness continued, aims to position the UAE government as a global leader, delivering exceptional services and preparing for the future.

His Highness emphasised that investing in the nation’s human capital is a cornerstone of this strategy, ensuring a prosperous tomorrow for generations to come.

His Highness added: “Investing in our people is an investment in our future. By nurturing Emirati minds and talent, we’re securing a brighter tomorrow for generations to come. Our goal is to transform government operations, making the UAE a global leader in efficiency and preparedness.”

The selection of Chief AI Officers in the UAE government aims to enhance and expand the development of AI solutions and applications in government work.

This effort aligns with the objectives of the “We the UAE 2031” vision, which focuses on achieving global leadership in the fields of AI and digital technology and ensuring the sustainability of economic and social development in the UAE.

ALSO READ: UAE, Jordan sign investment deal in railway sector

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-Top News Arab News UAE News

UAE’s Barakah now fully operational

The Barakah Plant is now generating 40TWh of electricity per year, nearly the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of New Zealand, and provides up to 25% of the UAE’s electricity….reports Asian Lite News

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) announced a historic milestone for the UAE with the fourth unit of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant entering commercial operations, marking its full delivery.

This fulfils ENEC’s promise to bring clean, abundant electricity to the UAE. Barakah is one of the most successful new build nuclear projects in the past 30 years, representing a remarkable feat of engineering and teamwork, and a significant achievement for the nation.

The plant has been delivered in accordance with the UAE’s 2008 policy commitments for nuclear energy development, meeting the highest standards of safety, security and transparency.

The Barakah Plant is now generating 40TWh of electricity per year, nearly the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of New Zealand, and provides up to 25% of the UAE’s electricity.

This clean and carbon-free energy is enough to power 16 million EVs annually. This represents the largest decarbonisation effort in the UAE and the region, positioning the country ahead of its 2030 climate commitments.

The 22.4 million tons of annual carbon emissions prevented by the Barakah Plant are equivalent to removing 4.6 million cars from the roads each year and contribute to achieving 24% of the nation’s 2030 decarbonisation commitments (Nationally Determined Contributions, known as NDCs).

Barakah is also delivering wide-ranging economic benefits. Despite growing demand, consumption of natural gas for power generation is at a 13-year low in Abu Dhabi because of the significant contribution that Barakah is now making to Abu Dhabi’s energy mix.

Barakah’s four APR-1400 units are also playing a key role in helping UAE companies decarbonize. 85% of the clean energy certificates managed by EWEC are powered by Barakah, which are used by companies such as ADNOC, EGA and Emirates Steel Arkan to produce greener products that can be sold at a premium, providing a unique competitive advantage for Abu Dhabi-based companies.

The construction of Barakah has stimulated the creation of a new advanced industry in the UAE, boosting national studies in nuclear sciences and offering educational and training opportunities for talented Emirati youth. To date, over 2,000 highly skilled Emiratis have participated in developing the plant. This creation of know-how and intellect will be crucial for the future as, according to an IMF study, nuclear plants have a unique footprint, distributing wealth more widely across various sectors than other energy sources.

During the construction phase alone, the delivery of the four units at Barakah yielded $6.7 billion (AED22.5 billion) in local procurement, making the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy programme a major driver of In-Country Value.

Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, Board of Directors, ENEC, said, “In 2008, the UAE’s visionary leadership took a data-led, long-term approach by issuing a comprehensive policy for the development of civil nuclear energy in the UAE to transform the nation’s energy supply.

As Unit 4 of Barakah enters commercial operations, that vision has been realised, with one in every four electrons on the UAE grid coming from Barakah, providing up to 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs, and positioning the nation as a leader in civil nuclear development globally. This source of clean electricity will act as a magnet, attracting additional investment in the UAE by sustainably-minded, but energy intensive industries from around the globe.”

Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, said, “We are enormously proud of this monumental achievement for UAE, and are grateful for the continuous support of the UAE leadership, as we usher in a new era of clean energy for the country. Today, the UAE has added more clean electricity per capita in the past five years than any other nation, with 75% of this coming from Barakah.

“This clearly demonstrates that integrating nuclear energy into the UAE power’s mix and alongside growing renewable energy sources was the right decision, boosting energy security and establishing the UAE as a regional leader in this growing sector. Barakah is making a positive impact on the lives of every person in the UAE through the clean electricity we generate around the clock.

The commercial operations of four units of the Barakah Plant come amid the growing global recognition of the pivotal role of nuclear energy in decarbonising the energy systems and achieving Net Zero. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that global electricity demand is expected to rise at a faster rate over the next three years, growing by an average of 3.4% annually through 2026.

With rising demand for electricity, driven partly due to AI, EVs and semiconductors, the stable and reliable clean electricity provided by nuclear is increasingly recognised for its role in decarbonising the energy sector. The full delivery of Barakah firmly places ENEC and the UAE as frontrunners for their contributions to the pledge by the 25 nations to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050.

ALSO READ: UAE, Jordan sign investment deal in railway sector

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-Top News Arab News UAE News

OPEC+ extends additional voluntary output cuts 

The overproducing countries also reconfirmed their commitment that the entire overproduced volume will be fully compensated for by September 2025….reports Asian Lite News

The OPEC+ countries have agreed to extend their additional voluntary production cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day for two months until the end of November 2024.

This came as these countries that previously announced additional voluntary cuts in April and November 2023, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman, held a virtual meeting on 5th September, 2024, during which the eight member countries emphasised their collective resolve to ensure full compliance with the voluntary production adjustments.

In recognition of this strengthened resolve and renewed firm commitment, the eight participating countries have agreed to extend their additional voluntary production cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day for two months until the end of November 2024, after which these cuts will be gradually phased out on a monthly basis starting 1st December, 2024, with the flexibility to pause or reverse the adjustments as necessary.

The overproducing countries also reconfirmed their commitment that the entire overproduced volume will be fully compensated for by September 2025.

In August 2024, Saudi Arabia, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Algeria, and Oman, conducted two ministerial discussions with Iraq and Kazakhstan. Both countries were urged to achieve full conformity and compensate for the overproduced volumes since January 2024. Iraq and Kazakhstan committed to engage with secondary sources to outline their plans for production adjustments to achieve compliance and meet the compensation schedules they submitted to the OPEC Secretariat on 22nd August.

The group includes Iraq and Kazakhstan, who have overproduced since January 2024, but have strongly reaffirmed their commitment to the agreement and to their compensation schedules submitted to the OPEC Secretariat as agreed under the 53rd meeting of the JMMC on 3rd April 2024.

Iraq and Kazakhstan reinforced their commitment during the OPEC Secretary General’s visits in late August, conducted in coordination with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy and the Chairman of the OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meetings. During those visits, the OPEC Secretariat organised workshops with the secondary sources where both countries provided extensive details on the immediate and concrete measures they are implementing to achieve full conformity with the required production levels and to meet their compensation schedules for August and for September. These measures included advancing field maintenance plans and reducing production alongside with delaying and canceling spot sales for the month of August. Moreover, the countries committed to adjust compensation plans for any over produced volumes in August.

ALSO READ: Iran, Bahrain vow to continue bilateral political talks

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-Top News Arab News Asia News

Iran, Bahrain vow to continue bilateral political talks

Al Zayani also expressed his hope that bilateral political talks would be promoted during the new Iranian administration’s term…reports Asian Lite News

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and his Bahraini counterpart, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, have highlighted the necessity to continue political talks between the two countries.

In a phone call, the Bahraini Foreign Minister congratulated Araghchi on his recent appointment as Iran’s Foreign Minister and noted the significance of ties with Iran for his country, according to a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry on Thursday.

Al Zayani also expressed his hope that bilateral political talks would be promoted during the new Iranian administration’s term, Xinhua news agency reported.

Araghchi, for his part, said that expanding relations with neighbours was among the Iranian administration’s main priorities, calling for the continuation of bilateral talks and discussions within the framework of the agreements between the two countries.

In late June, Iran and Bahrain announced in a joint statement that they had agreed to start talks on the resumption of bilateral political relations following an eight-year diplomatic freeze.

In 2016, Bahrain severed diplomatic relations with Iran following Saudi Arabia’s decision to cut ties with Tehran.

The move came in response to attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran, which occurred after the execution of a Shia cleric by Saudi Arabia.

In March 2023, Saudi Arabia and Iran reached an agreement to restore diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies and missions.

The two countries formally declared in April of last year the resumption of diplomatic ties with immediate effect.

ALSO READ: Iran closely monitors Israeli threats

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-Top News China USA

US slams China for pushing Taiwan reference removal

US government spokesperson highlighted Beijing’s ongoing efforts to limit Taiwan’s international presence…reports Asian Lite News

The US has condemned China’s demand for the removal of a Taiwan reference from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) communique, calling it an attempt to limit Taiwan’s international presence.

On Wednesday, a US government spokesperson highlighted Beijing’s ongoing efforts to limit Taiwan’s international presence, Focus Taiwan reported.

The PIF, an intergovernmental organization consisting of 18 member countries, convened its 53rd summit in Tonga last week. Although Taiwan was not a formal participant, it has been actively engaged as a “development partner” with the forum since 1993.

The Pacific Islands Forum — a group of 18 island nations, plus Australia and New Zealand — initially included a reassertion of the standing of self-governing Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, in a public communique Friday outlining leaders’ agreements after their weeklong annual meeting.

Taiwan’s involvement has been recognized and reaffirmed in various PIF communications, notably in the 1992 PIF Leaders’ Communique, with subsequent affirmations in 1999 and 2010. The summit concluded on August 30, and the PIF initially published a joint statement that included a reaffirmation of the established arrangements concerning Taiwan.

The original communique included a statement in paragraph 66, which read: “Leaders at the forum reaffirmed the 1992 Leaders’ decision on relations with Taiwan/Republic of China.” However, the communique was removed from the PIF website later that evening, only to be republished the next day with paragraph 66 removed, reported Focus Taiwan.

Before this change, New Zealand media reported that during the summit, PIF Chair and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown had assured China’s Ambassador to the Pacific, Qian Bo, with the comment, “We’ll remove it,” regarding the reference to Taiwan.

Qian Bo remarked to journalists that the mention of Taiwan “must be a mistake” and needed correction. Shortly after, the document was updated to exclude the reference to Taiwan. In response to the incident, a US State Department spokesperson confirmed in an email that the US has been monitoring reports about changes to the PIF communique and the removal of references to Taiwan, reported Focus Taiwan.

This episode underscores the ongoing geopolitical struggle over Taiwan, rooted in the Chinese Civil War. The conflict began in 1949 when the Communist Party established the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland, while the Nationalist government retreated to Taiwan, continuing to assert sovereignty over all of China.

The tumultuous conclusion to the annual summit, where member nations stressed regional unity and resisted great powers’ attempts to exert influence, highlights the daunting challenge faced by some of the world’s smallest countries as they navigate the competing demands of larger nations that view them as strategic pawns in the global geopolitical landscape. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Property presales in China hit 18-year low

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-Top News Asia News China

Chinese envoy recalls Xi’s Gujarat visit, hails India ties

Chinese envoy Feihong reflected on the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, drawing parallels between India and China as “fellow travellers.”…reports Asian Lite News

The Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, on Thursday remembered Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Gujarat’s Ahmedabad and praised the relationship between India and China.

Sharing a post on X, Feihong wrote, “Ten years ago, President Xi Jinping and PM Modi walked along the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, beautiful park and pleasant China-India relationship.”

“Today the park is still expanding its construction, and no efforts could be spared to advance our relationship,” the post added.

During his three-day visit, Chinese President Xi was accompanied by his wife Peng Liyuan. During the visit, PM Modi and President Xi were seen sitting together on a swing on the banks of the Sabarmati River.

Sabarmati Riverfront is a waterfront developed along the banks of Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad.

Proposed in the 1960s, the construction began in 2005. Since 2012, under Phase 1, the waterfront has gradually been opened to the public as and when facilities are constructed.

The iconic Sabarmati Riverfront symbolises the very essence of Ahmedabad. The riverfront complex not only adds to the beauty and infrastructure of the city but also encourages a culture of fitness and sports amongst the general public.

Meanwhile, Chinese envoy Feihong also reflected on the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, drawing parallels between India and China as “fellow travellers.”

In a post on X, he wrote, “Mahatma Gandhi observed that China and India are fellow travellers sharing weal and woe in a common journey. Yes, we supported each other fighting for independence and liberation. We share common dream of development and revitalization.” (ANI)

ALSO READ: Property presales in China hit 18-year low

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-Top News Asia News Bangladesh

UN provides $4 million for flood-hit Bangladesh

So far, a reported 500,000 people have been displaced in more than 3,400 evacuation shelters in Bangladesh…reports Asian Lite News

The United Nations has allocated $4 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund for Bangladesh, which has been hit by devastating floods.

Joyce Msuya, the acting UN emergency relief coordinator, has allocated the money that “will be used to support the response to the floods that have impacted nearly 6 million men, women and children in Bangladesh since late last month,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said at the daily briefing.

So far, a reported 500,000 people have been displaced in more than 3,400 evacuation shelters in Bangladesh, where over 7,000 schools are closed due to flooding and about 1.7 million students are impacted. The floods have caused an estimated 156 million dollars in losses in livestock and fisheries, Xinhua news agency reported.

“We, along with our humanitarian partners, are mobilised and supporting the government-led flood response. We are also helping with local efforts to help the most vulnerable people and communities impacted by these floods,” said the spokesman.

Bangladesh has been hit by four major climate-related disasters so far this year, including Cyclone Remal and the current devastating flash floods, impacting nearly 13 million people across land that covers about 30 per cent of the country.

Duties slashed on vegetable imports

Bangladesh’s tax collection body, the National Board of Revenue, has reduced taxes on imports of onion and potato to rein in soaring prices of essential kitchen items.

The board has waived the 5 per cent regulatory duty on onion imports and reduced customs duty on potato imports from 25 per cent to 15 per cent, the tax authority said in a statement on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Apart from this, the board has reduced tariffs on pesticide imports from 25 per cent to 5 per cent to increase the supply of crop protection chemicals.

The tax authority said the reduction will be active until November 30, 2024.

The decision came amid pleas from relevant stakeholders, taking into account the impact of unprecedented ongoing flooding and supply chain disruptions caused by recent political chaos.

According to official statistics, inflation in Bangladesh accelerated to 11.66 per cent in July, the highest in 13 years, mainly driven by higher food prices.

ALSO READ: Why Bangladesh Rises and Pakistan Stays in Crisis

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-Top News Asia News Bangladesh

Yunus wants Hasina to be silent until extradition

Hasina fled to India in early August, following large-scale protests that peaked on August 5….reports Asian Lite News

Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, has urged former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to refrain from making political statements while in India, calling it an “unfriendly gesture.” Yunus emphasised that her silence is essential to avoid causing discomfort for both nations, as Bangladesh considers her extradition. Hasina, who fled to India after stepping down amid anti-government protests, has been outspoken on issues, which Yunus says complicates matters between the two countries.

“If India wants to keep her until Bangladesh requests her return, the condition should be that she keeps quiet,” Yunus stated in an interview with PTI at his residence in Dhaka. He stressed that while Bangladesh values its relationship with India, New Delhi must move beyond the narrative that portrays the Awami League as the sole protector against extremism.

Yunus appeared to reference Hasina’s comments made on August 13, when she called for justice regarding recent violence in Bangladesh. He expressed concern that her public remarks from India are hindering efforts to let the situation settle. “Had she remained quiet, the issue might have faded from public memory,” he said, noting that her ongoing political activity is stirring tensions.

Hasina fled to India in early August, following large-scale protests that peaked on August 5. Her continued presence in India has fueled speculation and debate within Bangladesh. When asked whether the government had communicated its concerns to India, Yunus confirmed that Bangladesh had made its position clear, firmly requesting Hasina to remain silent. He further emphasized that her actions, including political campaigning from abroad, are perceived as disrespectful given the circumstances of her departure.

The interim government, Yunus noted, is committed to delivering justice to the people of Bangladesh, ensuring accountability for those responsible for what he described as atrocities under Hasina’s rule. He reiterated that her return to face trial is crucial for restoring peace within the country.

Regarding the future of Bangladesh’s relations with India, Yunus stressed that while Bangladesh desires good relations, India must move away from its perceived over-reliance on Hasina’s leadership for stability. He criticized the narrative that only her leadership can prevent the rise of Islamist extremism, asserting that Bangladesh is a capable nation that can chart its own course.

Yunus also addressed concerns about recent violence targeting Hindu minorities, dismissing it as being overblown

to serve as an excuse. He emphasized that portraying the conditions of minorities as a major issue is not reflective of the broader situation in Bangladesh.

Yunus concluded by calling for cooperative efforts to improve relations between India and Bangladesh, which he acknowledged are currently strained. He expressed hope that both nations could work together to rebuild their ties, stressing the importance of moving past old narratives to foster a more balanced relationship.

ALSO READ: Why Bangladesh Rises and Pakistan Stays in Crisis

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India News Jammu & Kashmir Politics

310 candidates file nominations phase two J&K polls

The second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Election is scheduled to be held on September 25….reports Asian Lite News

As many as 310 candidates have filed their nomination papers across 26 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) of six districts of J&K which are going to polling in the second phase of the Assembly polls.

Thursday was the last day of filing nomination papers for the second phase of the Assembly Election scheduled to be held on September 25.

Chief Electoral Officer said that a total of 310 candidates have filed 329 nomination papers for the second phase of the forthcoming election.

A total of 112 candidates have filed their nominations in Srinagar district, followed by 68 in Budgam district, 47 in Rajouri district, and 35 in Poonch district, while 24 candidates each have filed nominations in Reasi and Ganderbal districts.

In Jammu division, for the three ACs in Reasi district, a total of seven candidates have filed nominations from 56-Gulabgarh (ST) AC; 10 candidates have filed nominations from 57-Reasi AC; while 7 candidates have filed nominations from 58-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi AC.

In the five ACs in Rajouri district, 11 candidates have filed nominations from 83-Kalakote – Sunderbani AC; 7 from 84-Nowshera AC; 14 from 85-Rajouri (ST) AC; 7 from 86-Budhal (ST) AC; while 8 candidates have filed nomination from 87-Thannamandi (ST) AC.

For the three ACs in Poonch district, a total of 11 candidates have filed nominations from 88-Surankote (ST) AC; 13 from 89-Poonch Haveli AC; while 11 candidates have filed nominations from 90-Mendhar (ST) AC.

In the Kashmir division, for the 2 ACs in Ganderbal district, 6 candidates have filed nominations from 17- Kangan (ST) ACs; while 18 candidates have filed nominations from 18-Ganderbal ACs.

For the 8 ACs in Srinagar district, a total of 18 candidates have filed nomination from 19-Hazratbal AC; 10 from 20-Khanyar AC; 20 from 21-Habbakadal AC; 12 from 22-Lal Chowk AC; 9 from 23-Channapora AC; 15 from 24-Zadibal AC; 15 from 25-Eidgah, AC; while 13 candidates have filed nomination from 26-Central Shalteng AC.

In the five ACs in Budgam district, 12 candidates have filed nominations from 27-Budgam AC; 18 from 28-Beerwah AC; 17 from 29-Khansahib AC; 12 from 30-Charar-I-Sharief AC; while 9 candidates have filed nominations from 31-Chadoora AC.

The notification for the Phase-II was issued on 29 August 2024 and the last date for filing the nominations was today, i.e. 5 September 2024.

The nomination papers will be scrutinised by the respective Returning Officers on 6 September 2024, while the candidates can withdraw their nomination papers by or before 9 September 2024 in the office of the Returning Officer.

Thereafter, validly nominated candidates will be in the electoral fray.

The polling day for these 26 Assembly constituencies in Phase II is scheduled for September 25, 2024, and the voting will be conducted from 7 AM to 6  PM.

Modi, Yogi, Smriti among 40 star campaigners for BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday released its list of star campaigners for the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, which is scheduled to be held on September 25.

The list of star campaigners includes party’s prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The party has also chosen Union Ministers including JP Nadda, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Nitin Gadkari, Manohar Lal Khattar and G Kishan Reddy.

Along with them, Himachal Pradesh LoP Jai Ram Thakur, Union MoS Jitendra Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh, MP Anurag Thakur will also campaign for the party in the second phase of J-K polls.

The list of 40 star campaigners also includes former Amethi MP Smriti Irani.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will release the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) election manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections on September 6, as per party sources.

Shah is expected to arrive in Jammu around 2 pm on Friday, where he will release the manifesto at the BJP’s media centre in the city.

According to party sources, on the first day of his visit, the Home Minister will meet with the core group of the state’s BJP unit to review the party’s election preparations and ground-level activities. On the second day, Shah will hold discussions with party leaders to ensure the success of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

The first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections will see 219 candidates in the fray, with voting scheduled for September 18. This will be the first assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.

The second phase will be held on September 25, and third on October 1, with the results announced on October 8.

The abrogation of Article 370 led to the revocation of the state’s special status and its bifurcation into two Union Territories in 2019. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Rahul hails SC’s observations, slams BJP’s ‘bulldozer policy’

Categories
Asia News India News Politics

BJD to oppose Waqf Bill in parliament

Senior BJD leader Muzibulla Khan alias Munna Khan stated that currently the bill has been referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for scrutiny…reports Asian Lite News

Biju Janata Dal President and Odisha Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik on Thursday announced that his party will oppose the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the parliament. 

“Minority brothers and sisters from different places are meeting me every day. They are informing about suffering from a sense of insecurity. Keeping in view the interest of the minorities, the BJD will oppose the Waqf bill. Peace and harmony are the foundation for development. Odisha is famous for harmony and brotherhood,” Patnaik wrote on X.

Senior BJD leader Muzibulla Khan alias Munna Khan stated that currently the bill has been referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for scrutiny.

“We will wait for the report of the JPC before taking any decision,” Khan said.

He added that the party supremo in his speech during the organisational meeting of the BJD minority cell has firmly stated that the party will oppose the Waqf bill in parliament.

The BJD had earlier backed the ruling BJP government in the Rajya Sabha on many contentious bills in spite of its claims regarding maintaining “equidistance” from both BJP and Congress.

However, the party, after the humiliating defeat in the recent general elections, has changed its stance and decided to play the role of a strong opposition in the Rajya Sabha.

The BJD has eight members in the Rajya Sabha while there is no member of the party in the lower house of the parliament.   

On the other hand, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has recently reached the majority mark in the upper house of the parliament with 112 members in the house after the results of the Rajya Sabha elections last month. 

ALSO READ: Rahul hails SC’s observations, slams BJP’s ‘bulldozer policy’