Month: September 2024

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India News Jammu & Kashmir Politics

‘Situation will not arise for BJP, NC to come together’

In the run-up to the Assembly elections, the NC defector claimed that NC supremo Farooq Abdullah always wanted to go “hand-in-hand” with the central government….reports Asian Lite News

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devender Singh Rana affirmed on Tuesday that the BJP and National Conference will not come together as he reiterated his earlier claim that NC leader Omar Abdullah attempted to ally with BJP in 2014.

In the run-up to the Assembly elections, the NC defector claimed that NC supremo Farooq Abdullah always wanted to go “hand-in-hand” with the central government.

“He (Omar Abdullah) was interim CM and didn’t want to leave power. He wanted NC to be in power in one way or the other. Farooq Abdullah was abroad and he asked him to go and talk to the BJP and stay in Government somehow. BJP was in the centre so Farooq Abdullah always wanted to go hand in hand with the central government. Now the situation will not arise for BJP and NC to come together,” Rana said while addressing a press conference in Jammu on Tuesday.

Rana earlier claimed that NC leader and former J-K CM Omar Abdullah met with BJP leaders Amit Shah and Ram Madhav in 2014 to request the formation of a government with NC.

“Omar Abdullah is trying to mislead the people of Kashmir by telling them that every political party except the National Conference is with the BJP. In 2014, when I was a part of the National Conference, we knocked on every door asking people to form government with us as we had only 15 people. Omar Abdullah says that at the time they met Amit Shah and Ram Madhav to urge them to form the government with NC. As at the time BJP had declined NC’s request, they are saying all this now,” Devender Rana said on Monday.

Congress and the National Conference are fighting the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir together. According to a seat-sharing agreement, the National Conference (NC) will contest 51 of the 90 seats, and the Congress will contest 32.

The two parties will also contest five seats against each other. One seat each has been allocated for CPI(M) and Panthers Party. The Samajwadi Party (SP) has also extended its support to the Congress and National Conference alliance in the J-K polls.

Jammu and Kashmir has 90 assembly constituencies, with 7 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 9 for Scheduled Tribes (STs). The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled to vote in three phases – September 18, 25 and October 1. The counting of votes will be on October 8. It is the first assembly poll since the abrogation of Article 370. (ANI)

45 candidates in fray in Pulwama

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A total of 45 candidates are in the fray for assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district after the completion of the nomination process here.

Pulwama district consists of four assembly consitutuencies. “The nomination process has been completed and all our candidates have been finalized in all the assembly constituencies,” Pulwama District Election Officer Basharat Qayoom said.

“There are 45 candidates in the 4 assembly constituencies and the maximum number of them are in Pampore, 14 candidates. We have 481 polling stations in the entire district, total voters in the district are more than 4,07,000,” he added.

Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled to vote in three phases – September 18, 25 and October 1. The counting of votes will be on October 8. It is the first assembly poll in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.

Cong leader threatens to contest against Omar

In an unexpected turn of events, the Congress district president of J&K’s Ganderbal district on Tuesday threatened to fight as an Independent candidate against National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah if denied candidature by the party.

Omar Abdullah is fighting the Assembly elections from the Ganderbal Assembly constituency while Gujjar leader, Mian Meher Ali is fighting the election as the NC candidate from the Kangan (ST) constituency of the district.

Both Kangan and Ganderbal are two Assembly constituencies in North Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.

As per the pre-poll alliance, the NC will fight from 52 seats and Congress from 31 seats in the J&K Assembly elections.

On Tuesday, Congress district president (Ganderbal), Sahil Farooq threatened to stand as an independent candidate against Omar Abdullah if the Congress doesn’t give him the party mandate.

“If we can fight a friendly contest on five seats, why not in Ganderbal as well? I am willing to contest the upcoming Assembly elections under the party’s banner if a friendly contest between the Congress and NC is permitted in the Ganderbal constituency similar to the arrangements in other constituencies,” Sahil Farooq said.

He, however, added that if his party does not allow such a contest, he will consider running as an independent candidate, though he will remain a loyal Congress worker.

He has expressed dismay over what he calls ‘continuous neglect’ of local leaders in Ganderbal.

“I am loyal to the party, but the people of Ganderbal are facing hardships,” he said.

Farooq alleged that Ganderbal has always been kept out of the decision-making process with outsiders often being imposed on the constituency.

“Why is Ganderbal always forced to accept outsiders? Our local leaders have never been given a fair chance. If the Congress leadership does not make a decision by this evening, I will proceed to contest independently, but my commitment to the Congress party will remain unchanged. I am doing this for my downtrodden people.”

He wanted the Congress leadership to give him a chance to represent Ganderbal in a friendly contest.

If he finally chooses to stand as an independent candidate against Omar Abdullah, that decision could affect the dynamics of the electoral alliance between the NC and the Congress.

ALSO READ: Modi to visit Brunei, Singapore

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Asia News India News Politics

AP CM calls for collective action

The AP CM stated that sufficient food has been provided to ensure that everyone in the flood-affected state receives adequate provisions….reports Asian Lite News

Urging for a collective effort from the public to battle the flood-like situation in Andhra Pradesh, CM N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday asked the individuals to take whatever actions they can to help bring the situation under control.

The AP CM stated that sufficient food has been provided to ensure that everyone in the flood-affected state receives adequate provisions.

“We have supplied enough food and transportation. Everything is available now. First, I want to reach every person. The second is to provide drinking water. Third, from here I have to work for sanitation and rehabilitation. I will work on all these things systematically. Only the way to educate people continuously is to bring awareness among them,” Naidu said.

“I am requesting all people of Andhra Pradesh to come liberally and whatever is possible from your side, either directly provide or you can come and work. All of you have to do that job in Vijayawada also. They have to respond positively,” he added.

The Andhra Pradesh CM asserted that the Centre has provided nearly 30 NRDF teams, six helicopters, and extended cooperation to the state. In his discussion with Modi, he said, “He is very positive. He said he would provide support for everything. The government has sent nearly 30 NDRF teams. 120 motorised boats are working. Even 6 helicopters have been sent. They are extending all the cooperation.”

Traffic flow on national highways came to a halt with the overflowing of flood water, and a large number of train services were cancelled due to incessant rains in Andhra Pradesh. Heavy rainfall has caused destruction in the entire state, especially in Krishna and Guntur districts.

As a result of the Budameru floods, several areas, including Singhnagar, Nandamuri Nagar, and other low-lying areas, were submerged within hours, forcing nearly two lakh people to take shelter on the terraces of their buildings.

The Chief Minister directed the officials to supply food and water to flood victims at first. With the personal intervention of the Chief Minister, officials swung into action and made arrangements to distribute food packets till late last night by venturing into flood-affected regions through boats.

More NDRF teams, four helicopters reach Vijayawada

Four more teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) along with four helicopters reached Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday to join rescue and relief operations in flood-hit areas.

A total of 120 NDRF personnel from Pune reached Gannavaram Airport with four helicopters and motorboats. Six helicopters of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy were already deployed in the city for rescue and relief operations.

The helicopters were not only airlifting stranded people from flooded areas but were also airdropping food and other essentials in the affected localities.

Officials said 172 boats were also deployed for supplying food and water to stranded people. In areas where boats can’t reach, drones were used to supply food and water packets. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu continued to stay in Vijayawada to supervise rescue and relief works. Ministers, MLAs and officials were also participating in the relief measures in Vijayawada and other affected areas of NTR and Krishna districts.

State Education Minister Nara Lokesh along with Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu was coordinating the relief operations. Ministers, IAS, and IPS officers were assigned responsibilities of various wards to supply food, water, milk, biscuits, and fruits to people in flooded localities.

Minister for Roads and Buildings B. C. Janardhan Reddy drove tractor to reach the flood-affected neighbourhoods for distributing food and water packets. Home Minister V. Anitha was seen visiting inundated colonies to distribute food and other relief materials.

As many as 26 teams of the NDRF and 21 teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were already carrying out rescue and relief operations in the flood-hit areas. According to officials of the Disaster Management Department, NDRF teams airlifted 240 persons and dropped 40 tonnes of food items.

The helicopters of the IAF and Navy were used to airlift 22 people stranded in flood-affected areas and drop 7,070 kg of food items. Officials said 22 teams each of NDRF and SDRF were deployed in Vijayawada and other parts of NTR, the worst-affected district.

Heavy rains and floods since Saturday have claimed 17 lives while two persons were missing. The floods affected 4.15 lakh people. Over 43,000 people were shifted to 163 relief camps in NTR, Guntur, Krishna, Eluru, Palnadu, Bapatla and Prakasam districts.

A total of 228 boats (174 motorised and 54 non-motorised) were arranged to evacuate people from inundated areas. As many as 315 active swimmers were engaged along with boats for rescue operations.

ALSO READ: Modi to visit Brunei, Singapore

Categories
Health Lifestyle

WHO launches global guidance to curb antibiotic pollution from manufacturing

WHO launches global guidance to curb antibiotic pollution from manufacturing New Delhi, Sep 3 (IANS) In a bid to curb the rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday published its first-ever guidance on wastewater and solid waste management for antibiotic manufacturing. AMR poses a looming threat to global health and even food security.

Medicines produced at the manufacturing sites can lead to pollution, and also spur new drug-resistant bacteria, undermining the effectiveness of antibiotics globally. “Pharmaceutical waste from antibiotic manufacturing can facilitate the emergence of new drug-resistant bacteria, which can spread globally and threaten our health. Controlling pollution from antibiotic production contributes to keeping these life-saving medicines effective for everyone,” said Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for AMR ad interim. The new guidance, which comes ahead of the UN General Assembly’s (UNGA) high-level meeting on AMR later this month, provides much-needed information on the environmental damage caused by the manufacturing of medicines. It showed that consumers worldwide are unaware of how to dispose of antibiotics when they are not used, for example, when they expire or when a course is finished but there is still antibiotic left over. The new guidance covers all steps from the manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and formulation into finished products, including primary packaging. This can help “regulators, procurers, and inspectors” develop robust antibiotic pollution control in their standards. The deadly AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to medicines. It can increase the risk of mortality as the infections can become difficult to treat. The WHO estimates that bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths. While the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials are the major reasons for the rise in AMR, many people around the world also do not have access to essential antimicrobial medicines. –IANS rvt/

Categories
Health Lifestyle

Blood cancer spread to brain can cause severe neurological problems

Blood cancer spread to brain can cause severe neurological problems: Experts New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS) Blood cancer cells can get carried in the bloodstream to the brain and can cause severe neurological problems, including visual blurring, abnormal facial twitching, and numbness, said experts on World Leukaemia Day on Wednesday. World Leukaemia Day is observed every year on September 4 to raise awareness about the disease. Leukemia is a broad term for cancers of the blood cells. It occurs when the bone marrow produces abnormal blood cells — blasts or leukemia cells. The disease affects the production of normal blood cells, essential for fighting infections, carrying oxygen, and clotting blood. Leukemia occurs most often in adults older than 55, but it is also the most common cancer in children younger than 15. “Leukaemia can impact a person in terms of neurological symptoms in multiple ways.

It can cause neurological symptoms by direct invasion of the central nervous system (CNS) or by indirect manifestations caused by coagulation abnormalities, increased clotting, or immune manifestations,” Dr Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Chief of Neurology, Fortis Hospital, told IANS. The symptoms can include headaches, vomiting, fever, double vision or visual blurring, facial paresthesia, abnormal facial twitching, numbness, and weakness in the hands and legs. “In addition, leukaemia-related inflammation can disrupt the blood-brain barrier, worsening neurological outcomes. Whenever there is a CNS impact in leukemia, it confers a worse prognosis and requires emergent treatment,” Gupta added. According to the recently published Globocan 2022 report, leukemia is the most common type of blood cancer in India and has an incidence rate of 49,883 annual cases. It stated that the main challenge faced by blood cancer patients is the lack of potential blood stem cell donors in India. Ranjit Kumar Sahoo, Medical Oncologist at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi told IANS that “Leukemias are curable”. They are majorly of two types — acute and chronic. “Chronic leukemias do not require immediate treatment, for example, CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) and a fraction do not require treatment at all. It is completely controlled with a near-normal life in CML (chronic myeloid leukemia). “Acute leukemias are aggressive and require urgent physician attention. They are curable with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. A fraction might require BMT (Blood and/or Marrow Transplantation),” the expert said. Gupta said the treatment is emergent and involves immunomodulation, transplantation, medication to prevent seizures, or controlling the pressure in the brain. “Often, early intervention and aggressive management can significantly improve outcomes in these cases,” the doctor said. Sahoo said while the role of nutrition concerning “the pathogenesis of leukemia is relevant yet unclear”, “the diet during the treatment should be healthy and simple, in small amounts and frequent manner”. –IANS rvt/

Categories
-Top News India News Politics

PM Modi meets Sultan of Brunei, discusses bilateral ties

PM Modi was warmly welcomed by Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and his close family members….reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei at his official residence Istana Nurul Iman and held bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening the bond between India and Brunei.

The meetings also focused on reinforcing India’s commitment to its ‘Act East’ policy and advancing its vision of the Indo-Pacific.

PM Modi was warmly welcomed by Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and his close family members.

Following the meeting, PM Modi is scheduled to attend an official luncheon hosted by Sultan Bolkiah before departing for Singapore later in the day, marking the second leg of his two-nation visit.

The Prime Minister shared details of his meeting on social media platform X, stating, “Delighted to meet His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Our talks were wide-ranging and included ways to further cement bilateral ties between our nations. We are going to further expand trade ties, commercial linkages, and people-to-people exchanges.”

Later in the day, PM Modi will head to Singapore, where India is exploring enhanced cooperation in areas such as digital technology, skill development, sustainability, healthcare, connectivity, and advanced manufacturing.

The Prime Minister arrived at Bandar Seri Begawan Airport on Tuesday afternoon, marking the beginning of his two-day visit to Brunei Darussalam.

This visit is significant as it is the first-ever bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the Southeast Asian nation, and it coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Brunei.

Upon arrival, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome and was warmly received by Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei.

As he arrived at his hotel, PM Modi received an enthusiastic reception from members of the Indian community in Brunei, including several children.

The Prime Minister also visited the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, a renowned structure in the region named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, who is also the father of the current Sultan Bolkiah.

During his visit, PM Modi interacted with local officials, scholars, and members of the Indian community who had gathered in large numbers at the venue.

Additionally, PM Modi inaugurated the new Chancery of the Indian High Commission in Brunei, receiving a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora.

The new facility, located at the Jalan Duta Diplomatic Enclave adjacent to the US Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan, was lauded by PM Modi as a symbol of the strong ties between the two nations.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his appreciation for the Indian community in Brunei, acknowledging their role as a living bridge between the two nations, further strengthening bilateral relations.

The visit focuses on exploring new avenues for cooperation in multiple areas, including defence, trade and investment, energy, space technology, health, capacity building, culture, and vibrant people-to-people exchanges.

Last month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Brunei’s Foreign Minister Erywan Pehin Yusof on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in Vientiane, where they jointly launched the logo commemorating 40 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

ALSO READ: Modi to visit Brunei, Singapore

Categories
Food Health

Packaged juices harmful, no matter ‘healthy’ branding

juice

Packaged juices harmful, no matter ‘healthy’ branding, warn experts New Delhi, Sep 3 (IANS) Packaged juices, even the ones that come with the label “healthy”, are dangerous for health, and are low in nutritional value, warned experts on Tuesday, stressing the need to avoid them. National Nutrition Week is observed annually from September 1 to September 7. The theme this year is ‘Nutritious Diets for Everyone’. Packaged juices usually contain minimal fruit pulp and are unhealthy due to their high sugar content, posing the risk of diabetes and obesity — a rising health concern in the country.

Processed juice also lacks fibre, vitamins, and minerals. “Packaged juices are not healthy at all. They are high in sugars and low in nutritional value. When it comes to nutrition, the percentage of fruit pulp is low, while artificial flavours, stabilisers, sugar/ sweeteners/ fructose syrup are generally very high,” Dr. Shweta Gupta, Unit Head- Dietetics, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh told IANS. Importantly, Gupta also recommended having fresh fruits instead of juices (both fresh/ packaged). It is because “when juice is prepared, the pulp is removed and along with its vitamins, minerals, fibres also are removed. Hence, to maintain good health avoid juices, especially packaged juices”, the expert said. Dr Sukhvinder Singh Saggu, Director of Minimal Access, GI & Bariatric Surgery at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi told IANS that consuming packaged fruit juices can also lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and other health issues.

Instead, the expert called for eating fresh fruits that provide a balanced mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. “Despite their healthy branding, packaged fruit juices are often loaded with added sugars and stripped of essential nutrients and fibres that whole fruits provide. In addition, the processing involved in making these juices often destroys beneficial enzymes and reduces the overall quality of the product,” Saggu said. If you’re aiming to maintain a healthy diet, it’s best to avoid packaged fruit juices altogether. Opt for whole fruits or freshly squeezed juices instead, as they offer the complete nutritional profile that your body needs. –IANS ts/rvt/

Categories
-Top News ASEAN News Asia News

ASEAN Boosts Intelligence Cooperation

India, ASEAN nations to strengthen relations over post-covid recovery, commerce and connectivity.(photo:IN)

ASEAN Members Meet to Boost Intelligence Cooperation…reports Asian Lite News

Representatives from the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) attended the 21st ASEAN Military Intelligence Meeting (AMIM) on Tuesday to enhance cooperation in the intelligence sector.

The meeting, held in Lao capital Vientiane, provided an important platform for ASEAN military intelligence officials to exchange views on enhancing cooperation in the intelligence sector, contributing to regional defense collaboration, and safeguarding peace, stability, and resilience in the region, Lao News Agency reported on Tuesday.

Additionally, the Xinhua news agency reported that the meeting included discussions and the adoption of a draft joint statement for the 21st ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces Meeting, which will serve as a foundation for promoting ASEAN military cooperation.

ALSO READ: ASEAN Plans Stronger Action On Transnational Crime

Categories
-Top News Environment UK News

H&F Waste Team Goes Eco Way

Hammersmith & Fulham’s Waste Team Rolls Out New Electric Fleet to Cut Carbon Footprint…reports Asian Lite News

Hammersmith & Fulham’s waste team is stepping up its efforts to reduce the borough’s carbon footprint with the introduction of 20 new electric vehicles. This eco-friendly fleet will be used for various tasks, including collecting food and general waste, emptying recycling bins, cleaning public footways, and removing illegally dumped fly-tipping.

The new fleet, which consists of electric cargo bikes, vans, and cage trucks, was launched in July in collaboration with contractors Veolia at an event held in Furnival Gardens. This initiative supports Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s ongoing commitment to becoming one of the greenest boroughs in the country.

Councillor Sharon Holder, H&F Cabinet Member for Public Realm, praised the new vehicles, saying, “Our waste team continues to ensure H&F’s parks and streets are safe and clean for residents, visitors, and local wildlife. The new vehicles will help us go one step further as the waste team will now also be helping to reduce air pollution while they work.”

The council’s transition to electric vehicles is part of a broader strategy to create a cleaner, greener, and quieter borough. Following the success of the parks maintenance team’s switch to electric tools in 2022, the waste team has now joined the movement toward sustainable operations. The new electric vehicles produce no exhaust emissions, significantly reducing local air pollution levels and contributing to cleaner air for residents.

The new fleet will also help reduce noise pollution in the area, as electric vehicles operate much more quietly than their diesel and petrol counterparts. This quieter operation will be especially beneficial in H&F’s parks and residential streets, providing a more pleasant environment for everyone.

The fleet includes eight electric cargo bikes, specifically chosen to navigate hard-to-reach areas like the Thames Pathway, reducing the need for petrol-powered vans. Additionally, old petrol and diesel vehicles will be replaced with electric vans and cage trucks, which will be used to collect fly-tipped waste and manage public litter bins.

This initiative underscores Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. By integrating electric vehicles into its operations, the council is taking proactive steps to reduce its carbon footprint and foster a healthier, more sustainable community.

ALSO READ: China paradoxically breaks rules to assert SCS control

Categories
Politics UK News

Starmer family welcomes Siberian kitten to Downing Street

A “Siberian kitten” will be the Starmer family’s new pet…reports Asian Lite News

Starmer has let his children get a new kitten while they live at Downing Street, after “a long summer of negotiations” about a dog, the Prime Minister has revealed.

A “Siberian kitten” will be the Starmer family’s new pet, Starmer revealed in a BBC 5 Live interview with Matt Chorley. The Prime Minister was asked for an update on remarks he made during the summer general election campaign that his children were lobbying him to get a German shepherd dog.

We’ve gone for – and this is an agreed after long negotiations, I said we’d get in the room and sort it out – we are now getting a kitten instead of a dog. “Well, those negotiations have been going on. There’s been a long summer of negotiations, back and forth, different options,” he replied.

“But now we’ve gone for – and this is an agreed after long negotiations, I said we’d get in the room and sort it out – we are now getting a kitten instead of a dog.” He later added: “This is a Siberian kitten, which is being picked up today by my daughter and so that’s where it ended up.”

Downing Street’s resident mouser, Larry the Cat has become something of a celebrity figure over the last decade, often appearing in the street amid important political moments. Starmer and his family moved into No 10 with their own family rescue cat, named JoJo.

Asked what the reaction had been from Larry to the news of a second new addition to Downing Street’s feline population, the Prime Minister revealed the problems of living with pets in the high security environs of No 10.

“The problem we’ve got, which is the same for JoJo the cat, is that the only door out of our new flat is bomb proof,” he said.

Starmer added: “Therefore, getting a cat flapping it is proving a little bit difficult. “But our daughters persuaded us that the problem isn’t any bigger for two cats than one. And therefore, we’re now getting this kitten.”

Sarah Elliott, central veterinary officer for Cats Protection, said the charity was “pleased to hear there will be another feline voice in Downing Street”.

She added: “As the junior member of the growing cat coalition at Downing Street, the Prime Minister and his family will need to take plenty of time to slowly introduce the new addition to JoJo and Larry.

“The kitten will be joining a busy household, so they will also need to make sure they have lots of positive experiences around new people.

“Kittens are full of fun and mischief, all of which can be quite exhausting, so they need plenty of time to rest.

“As a long-haired breed, Siberian kittens will also need to get used to grooming from an early age to make sure their coat stays tangle-free.

“And it’s really important that Sir Keir ensures the new family pet is microchipped and registered, a legal requirement for all pet cats over 20 weeks in England.

“Young kittens can be exhausting for older statesmen like Larry, so he’ll also need a safe, quiet area to retreat to when the energy of a younger member of the team gets a bit too much.”

ALSO READ: China paradoxically breaks rules to assert SCS control

Categories
-Top News Politics UK News

Corbyn forms pro-Palestine parliamentary alliance

It is understood the new alliance do not expect to receive Short money, which is the funding opposition parties can receive for parliamentary work….reports Asian Lite News

Jeremy Corbyn is to form an official parliamentary alliance with four independent MPs who were elected on pro-Gaza platforms – issuing a call for more MPs to join.

The group will have the same number of MPs as Reform UK and the Democratic Unionist party, who each have five MPs, and more than the Green party and Plaid Cymru on four.

Promising to fight austerity and campaign on issues including the winter fuel allowance, the two-child benefit limit and arms sales to Israel, the group also explicitly invited MPs to join them, a reference to seven rebel Labour MPs suspended by the party for voting to axe the two-child benefit cap.

Corbyn, a former Labour leader, was elected as an independent MP for Islington North after being barred from standing as a Labour candidate at the last election. The group will also include the MPs Shockat Adam, Ayoub Khan, Adnan Hussain and Iqbal Mohamed.

The MPs said: “We were elected by our constituents to provide hope in a parliament of despair. Already, this government has scrapped the winter fuel allowance for around 10 million pensioners, voted to keep the two-child benefits cap, and ignored calls to end arms sales to Israel.

“Millions of people are crying out for a real alternative to austerity, inequality and war – and their voices deserve to be heard. As individuals we were voted by our constituents to represent their concerns in parliament on these matters, and more, and we believe that as a collective group we can carry on doing this with greater effect.

“The more MPs who are prepared to stand up for these principles, the better. Our door is always open to other MPs who believe in a more equal and peaceful world.”

The Independent Alliance will not be a political party but the grouping said it had formed so that the five MPs were allocated more parliamentary time to ask questions and speak in debates – operating in effect as a political party without a leader.

However, there is not yet a formal agreement in place to enable this to happen. A spokesperson for the Commons speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, said a letter had been received but declined to say whether that would have any bearing on parliamentary time allocated.

It is understood the new alliance do not expect to receive Short money, which is the funding opposition parties can receive for parliamentary work.

In a joint statement, the five MPs said they expected Hoyle would give them a similar number of speaking slots as other small parties such as Nigel Farage’s Reform, including being added to the rota for PMQs.

The five MPs had already begun working as a parliamentary group before the summer recess, including signing a number of joint letters to the government and issuing joint statements.

The MPs who were suspended are all close allies of the former Labour leader, including the former shadow chancellor John McDonnell and other former members of his shadow cabinet including Richard Burgon and Rebecca Long-Bailey. Their suspensions are intended to run for six months.

After the vote, the five independent MPs wrote a joint letter to the suspended Labour MPs praising their decision and saying they “look forward to working with you closely as you represent your constituents more effectively than ever as independent members of parliament”.

The election of the five independent MPs from areas with high Muslim populations sent shock waves through Labour at the general election amid deep dissatisfaction over the party’s stance on the Gaza war.

They have since said they do not intend to only campaign on Gaza but on housing and poverty. The five MPs most recently wrote to the home secretary, Yvette Cooper, about the targeting of Muslim communities during the far-right riots in early August.

The Conservative leadership candidate Kemi Badenoch attacked the group at her campaign launch on Monday morning, saying: “When everyone was talking about the five new MPs from Reform, I was far, far more worried about the five new MPs elected on the back of sectarian Islamist politics, alien ideas that have no place here.”

ALSO READ: China paradoxically breaks rules to assert SCS control