Anantnag, Sept 18 (ANI): Voters show their ink-marked fingers after casting their votes for the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, in Anantnag on Wednesday. (ANI Photo)
Voting started across 24 seats at 7 am today, including 16 seats in the Kashmir region and eight seats in the Jammu region….reports Asian Lite News
A voter turnout of 61.13 pc was registered in the first phase polling in Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, which were held on 24 constituencies in seven districts. According to Election Commission data, the voting percentage was 61.13 per cent till 11.30 pm.
Voting started across 24 seats at 7 am today, including 16 seats in the Kashmir region and eight seats in the Jammu region. The voting was peaceful. “Building on the successful foundation of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, peaceful and enthusiastic voting marked the beginning of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir,” EC said in a release.
“Voters from all sections of society responded to the ‘call of democracy’ wholeheartedly, reaffirming the confidence expressed by CEC Rajiv Kumar during the announcement of assembly elections that the people of J&K will give a befitting reply to the nefarious forces attempting to disrupt the electoral process,” it added.
The poll panel said that the long queues of voters at the polling stations showcased to the entire world, the deep trust and confidence of the people of J-K in the democratic exercise.
Kishtwar district recorded the highest turnout at 80.14 per cent followed by Ramban at 70.55 per cent, Doda at 71.34 per cent, Kulgam at 62.60 per cent, Anantnag at 57.84 per cent and Shopian at 55.96 per cent
The Pulwama district recorded the lowest at 46.65 per cent. J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed happiness over a good voter turnout in the first phase.
In a post on X, LG Sinha said, “Congratulations J&K for a historic voter turnout! I would like to thank all voters, who exercised their franchise in 1st Phase. Record polling in the peaceful, free and fair election attests to the strength of Indian democracy and people’s faith in democratic values. I must congratulate all my sisters & first-time voters for participating in large numbers to celebrate the festival of democracy. Heartfelt gratitude to outstanding security forces, JKP & Election Officials. Approx 59% polling in the first phase shows ‘Jamhooriyat’ (democracy) is flourishing in J-K.”
“Long queues of voters in Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, and Anantnag demolished the motivated propaganda of the adversaries. People have also rebuffed the agenda of divisive elements and reaffirmed their faith in democracy,” LG Manoj Sinha added.
Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing an interesting contest with several political parties and independents in the fray. National Congress and Congress have allied, though they are also in friendly contest on some seats.
This is the first election in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. Leaders have held hectic campaigns to boost the prospects of their party candidates.
Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, getting interim bail from a Delhi court has added another dimension to the election with his Awami Ittehad Party contesting the polls.
Rashid contested the Lok Sabha elections as an Independent and defeated National Conference leader Omar Abdullah from the Baramulla seat. The National Conference and PDP leaders have taken digs at the BJP following Rashid’s release from jail on bail.
Voting for the second and third phases in J-K will be held on September 25 and October 1, respectively. Votes will be counted on October 8. (ANI)
Fifteen Opposition parties, spearheaded by the Congress, have opposed the “One Nation One Election” proposal, which was green-lighted by the Union cabinet…reports Asian Lite News
Fifteen Opposition parties, spearheaded by the Congress, have opposed the “One Nation One Election” proposal, which was green-lighted by the Union cabinet on Wednesday. The proposal, part of the report of a panel headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, has been adopted, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the media after the cabinet meeting.
The Congress has said the plan is not pragmatic or practical. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge has called it “an attempt to divert the attention of the public”.
“When elections come, they (the BJP) are not getting any issues to raise. So they divert attention from real issues.” Kharge said while releasing its manifesto for next month’s assembly elections in Haryana.
Later, in a post in Hindi on X, the Congress chief said “One nation, one election” is just BJP tactics to divert attention. “This is against the Constitution, this is contrary to democracy, this is against federalism. The country will never accept this,” he said.
“We oppose the idea of One Nation One Election,”said Rashtriya Janata Dal’s Manoj Jha. “Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that 80 per cent people supported it during the consultation. We want to know who the 80 per cent people are. Did anyone ask us anything or talk to us?” he added.
“This is a joke. The Election Commission which cannot hold simultaneous elections in four states, is talking about one nation, one election,” said Shiv Sena’s Thackeray faction leader Aaditya Thackeray
Among the Opposition-ruled states, Kerala Chief Minister and CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan said there was “a hidden agenda to weaken India’s federal system and grant overwhelming power to the central government”.
Criticising the move, Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM chief Hemant Soren said in Jamtara: “They (BJP) want only one party to rule this country and only one government in place… be it the Centre or the states. There will be no other government… These people who disrupt communal harmony always want to rule.”
“The Sangh Parivar is covertly working to transform India’s electoral politics into a presidential-style system. The ‘One Election’ slogan undermines the diversity of Indian parliamentary democracy… pushing for simultaneous elections without regard for state-specific political dynamics, risks imposing the central government’s will and overturning electoral mandates — an attack on democracy itself,” he said in a statement.
The idea of “”One nation one election”, which proposes simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, is backed by the NDA and many judges of the Supreme Court. Under it, urban body and panchayat polls have to be held within 100 days of the general and state election.
But implementing it would require two-third majority in parliament, since it involves amendment of the constitution. At least six amendments would be required to bring it into effect. After this, it has to be ratified by all states and Union Territories.
While the NDA has a simple majority in both houses of parliament, getting two-thirds majority in either house could prove a challenge. Of the 245 seats in Rajya Sabha, the NDA has 112, the Opposition parties 85. For a two-thirds majority, the government needs at least 164 votes.
Even in the Lok Sabha, the NDA has 292 of 545 seats. The two-thirds majority mark stands at 364. But the situation could be dynamic, since the majority would be counted only in terms of the members present and voting.
The parties that have traditionally given issue-based support have a handful of MPs too, but it is not yet known which side they will be on now. Earlier, the BJD and the AIADMK had supported the ides.
Naveen Patnaik’s Biju Janata Dal and YS Jaganmohan Reddy have been routed in the elections in Odisha and Andhra Prsdeh – one by the BJP and the other by BJP ally Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party.
The BJD has 7 MPs in Rajya Sabha, the YSRCP 9 in the Rajya Sabha and the four in the Lok Sabha. The AIADMK has only four MPs in the Upper House.
After clearing all the hurdles, the law can be put in place. But the government, in the meantime also has to create bipartisan support and a countrywide narrative. Its implementation can only be done after 2029, the Kovind report has recommended.
Several earlier pitches for “One Nation One Election” have fallen through after the opposition refused to back the idea, contending that it was anti-democratic, against the Constitution and impractical. The CPM has alleged that the government is trying to replace parliamentary democracy by slipping in a Presidential form of government “through the back-door”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an enthusiastic votary of the One Nation One Election idea, had said this was not a matter of debate, but a “need for India”.
“Elections are held at different places every few months. The effect it has on development work is known to all. This issue needs to be studied and presiding officers can be guiding force for it,” he said earlier.
The embargo, which will run from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026, marks the first time the extension has exceeded one year…reports Asian Lite News
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree extending an embargo on agricultural products from Western countries for another two years, local media reported.
The embargo, which will run from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026, marks the first time the extension has exceeded one year, Xinhua news agency reported.
Originally enacted in August 2014 in retaliation for Western sanctions over the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the ban affects products from the US, the EU, Australia, Norway, and Canada. The restrictions were later expanded to other European countries, including Ukraine.
It is reported that Putin has praised the import ban for spurring Russia’s agricultural growth.
Fun, quirky and unabashedly Indian – India’s first and favourite gastropub, part of the Olive Group of restaurants, is now open as a new space, only this time it’s Edgy-ier & Vibe-ier. A feature by FnB columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.
Situated in its iconic pyramid glass building in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, Monkey Bar promises an elevated experience for food and drink enthusiasts. The newly imagined gastropub of today promises a delicious culinary adventure. In the menu, you’ll find regional food from India sitting pretty next to favourites from across the world; and street food from ‘patli gullies’ holding their own against culinary gems discovered down narrow lanes across the planet. Drawing inspiration from the evolving world bar scene and old Mo Bar favourites, every element of the bar has been reimagined with a nod to India’s indigenous food and beverage scene.
The design direction reimagines Monkey Bar as an ‘Urban Tropical Dreamscape’. It’s the start of a series of immersive transformations. Expect a contemporary Monkey Bar with an inviting ambience, lush terrace, and an innovative bar scene.
Founder and Managing Director of the Olive Group of Restaurants, AD Singh, said ,”The Olive group is excited to launch a new generation of bars in Delhi with its gorgeous new gastropub Monkey Bar. It’s set in a beautiful Pyramid which is like no other space in Delhi. Here we showcase delicious, unusual Indian regional food as well as our iconic burgers and more. The food is perfectly complemented by a menu of some of the most irresistible cocktails in town. You can also come to Monkey Bar for some of the best coffee in town or if you’re in the mood for games like pool, foosball and more. See you soon’
At Monkey Bar, Delhi you’ll see a familiar face as super model and entrepreneur Sonalika Sahay has partnered with the Olive Group to help give the Olive level hospitality to the guests who visit us. She brings with her a social experience of over a decade and will help in making the new Monkey Bar a lovely buzzy experience for drinking or dining.
First launched in Bangalore in May 2012, the gastropub currently has outposts in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai. Celebrating its enduring popularity in Delhi, the brand’s renewed commitment is to offer a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.
At the heart of the new Monkey Bar is a diverse menu that weaves a narrative through each dish and drink. Iconic Monkey Bar favorites are featured alongside new Indian flavors from across the country and international classics layered with surprises, ensuring there’s something for every palate. The menu begins with an exquisite variety of salads, offering options such as Puy Lentil Salad and Barley & Pomegranate Salad. The small plates section boasts of the fiery Fire Pork, a crispy fried pork dish adorned with crushed chillies and a hint of lemon, Deep Fried Anchovy, which delivers a satisfying crunch, Bacon-wrapped Prawns, Sahuji Mutton Roll- a Nagpur specialty! Spicy mutton chunks stuffed in a bohri mohalla-inspired naan sheet; served with mango pickle, onions and green chilli chutney.
The small plates also offer a South Indian blend like – Padduswith a Twist, featuring onion, coriander, and chilli Paniyarams, accompanied by a tangy tomato and mint, and coconut chutney, Curry Leaf Wings – double-cooked wings first fried tossed in a curry leaf sauce, toasted coconut flakes, curry leaf and chilli crumble, Coconut Buff, slow-cooked buff in malabar spices and lots more.
The menu also highlights some really out-of-the-boxdishes like the aromatic Dabeli bursting with spicy potato filling, Methi-spiced Prawns delicately seasoned with fenugreek, and Jackfruit Tacosoffering a unique vegetarian delight.
The selection of flatbreads showcases a variety of flavours like Wild Mushrooms & Baby Mozzarella, and Harissa Chicken & Salami. The mains in the menu feature some unique dishes from the regional specialties like Puliogare Rice and Bhindi Raita and MalaBar Egg Roast, alongside hearty mains such as Country Mutton Curry and Malvani Seafood Curry. Other menu highlights include the Prawns Kheema Pao, prepared with house East Indian bottle masala and served with buttered pav, and the Juicy Lucy Burger, featuring rosemary and garlic-infused lamb patties. The OG MoBar Burgerremains a beloved staple of the gastropub, and to cap off the meal, indulge in The Monkey BarMonkey dessert, a creative twist on the classic Snickers bar.
Paddus with a Twist
Monkey Bar’s new bar menu, crafted by Lead Mixologist Harish Chhimwal, is a masterful blend of innovative cocktails and classic favorites. Inspired by the evolving global bar scene and MoBar’s timeless offerings, every element has been reimagined to pay homage to India’s rich food and beverage heritage. The new cocktails in the menu that will surely make you go tipsy like Down & Dirty, Indian gooseberry in a pickle, gin, chardonnay, lime, amla brine and sugar together creates this dirty number.
Try the Manga Mule which is inspired by desi marmalade mixed with green mango murabba, vodka, lime and ginger ale. Rasam ki Kasam, curry-infused tequila with rasam water, agave spirit, crystal lime, asafoetida saline and habanero shrub is one of the unique cocktails we serve. That’s not all, they have special Pyramid signatures that will surely sweep you off your feet. Choose from the Chocolate Old Fashioned, a classic concoction of cocoa nibs-infused bourbon, in-house chocolate bitters, angostura, orange and muscovado sugar; Voodoo Child – a mix of peru, salt, chilli, pink guava, tequila and agave; Petha Pisco Sour, ash-gourd-infused pisco, crystal lime, syrup and topped with vegan foam.
Methi-spiced Prawns
For non-drinkers they have Zero proof cocktails like Shrub & Tonic, strawberry & mint shrub with tonic water, Barley & Tonic, house-roasted barley and vanilla tea with tonic water and Sorbet Tonic, passion fruit skin shrub, passion sorbet and tonic water.
Harish Chhimwal, Lead Mixologist, Olive Groupsays, “At Monkey Bar, we take pride in crafting cocktails that celebrate the local flavors of India while embracing global techniques. Our menu is a reflection of our unabashedly Indian yet cosmopolitan approach, featuring locally sourced ingredients like amla, mango, asafoetida, and citrus from the Himalayas. We also believe in promoting a zero-waste and sustainable beverage program, ensuring that every sip is not only delicious but also environmentally conscious.”
Voodoo Child
Monkey Bar now offers a new coffee program with a diverse selection of high-quality brews to cater to every palate and preference. We are also one of the very few places in Delhi doing Decaf Coffee. The Coffee program has three categories – The Usual Suspects, You Do Your Brews, and The Unusual Suspects. The Usual Suspects comprise classics such as Espresso, Americano, Cafe Cubana, Monkey’s Honey Vanilla Latte, and more. In You Do Your Brews, patrons have the opportunity to customise and refine their coffees from various estates like Ratnagiri Estate, Baarbara Estate, Kaimara Estate, using methods such as hand-pressed Espresso, AeroPress, French press, or pour-over which is done by Baristas at the customer’s table. The Unusual Suspects category presents a unique and exciting range, including Nitro (cold brew infused with nitrogen), Banana Cream Cold Brew (housemade cold brew with fresh banana cream), Date Shake Cold Brew, made entirely from dates with no added sugar and more. That’s not all, customers can choose their milk for the coffee as per their dietary preferences like- almond milk, soy milk or oat milk.
Monkey Bar Delhi is brimming with exciting spots perfect for capturing fun moments with friends. Challenge your friends to a game at our pool table, use our striking yellow banana tub that’s ideal for snapping lively group photos, and a quirky banana sofa complete with a fun neon caption with playful monkey vibes.
Sabina Singh, Design Director of the Olive Group of Restaurants, and the creative genius behind this evolution has worked in close partnership with WDA and Raseel Gujral Ansal, the celebrated interior designer and architect behind Casa Pop.
Community Table
The color palette chosen for the new Monkey Bar is bright, sunny and inviting, bathed in an abundance of natural light from the pyramid. This marks a departure from the previous darker, evening-oriented ambiance, transforming Monkey Bar into an all-day destination. Guests are greeted by a vibrant mix of hues, including oranges, yellows, sage greens, pigeon blue, and plenty of white, complemented by various prints and textures to create a comfortable and engaging environment.
Overall, Monkey Bar is a great spot for casual outings, especially for those who enjoy fusion food and craft cocktails in a vibrant setting. It’s popular for weekend brunches and evening hangouts, making it an appealing choice for groups of friends or a fun date night at this premium Delhi gastro-pub. The decor has playful elements, the music is upbeat, service at Monkey Bar is efficient, drinks menu inventive and the cuisine is innovative. Highly Recommended!
One of the most important dates on the Chinese calendar, the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates the end of the autumn harvest with family gatherings, lanterns and, of course, mooncakes. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.
From now until 22 September 2024, London’s acclaimed Chinese fine dining restaurant Imperial Treasure is marking this cherished tradition of celebrating Mid-Autumn with exquisitely handcrafted Mini Golden Custard Mooncakes. Offering a luxuriously textured and deeply satisfying taste experience, these delightful creations feature buttery pastry and rich custard infused with savoury salted egg yolk, and are presented in an elegant box decorated with timeless Chinese art that exudes a sense of serenity. Handcrafted with the utmost attention to detail and a commitment to excellence, the mooncakes are freshly made and free from preservatives or artificial ingredients.
Available at the restaurant only, this ultimate gift is priced at £79 per box of eight mini mooncakes. Those dining at Imperial Treasure can also indulge in a trio of mooncakes for £20.70 for three pieces.
Bringing an elevated Chinese dining experience to the capital, Imperial Treasure is the London outpost of one of Asia’s most admired and lauded Chinese restaurant groups, whose 20-strong portfolio includes two venues with 2 Michelin Stars and three with one. Located in a stunning Grade II listed building in the heart of St James’s, it enjoys an enviable reputation for its exquisite blend of authentic Chinese flavours and contemporary presentation.
A moon cake is a Chinese bakery product traditionally eaten during the mid-autumn festival. The festival is primarily about the harvest while a legend connects it to moon-watching, and mooncakes are regarded as a delicacy. Mooncakes are offered between friends or on family gatherings while celebrating the festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival is widely regarded as one of the four most important Chinese Festivals.
The anniversary joint declaration aimed at strengthening India-Romania bilateral relations, as well as cooperation in a multilateral context…reports Asian Lite News
In a significant milestone celebrating their historic ties, India and Romania have released a commemorative joint postal stamp showcasing the strong bond between the two nations and symbolising the rich cultural and traditional heritage of both the lands.
The stamp was released by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia, and Ambassador of Romania to India Daniela-Mariana Sezonov Ţane.
“This milestone highlights the long-standing friendship and cooperation between India and Romania since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1948. In February 2024, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of their bilateral relations and the 10th anniversary of the Extensive Partnership, both sides issued a Joint Declaration to further deepen their collaboration,” the MEA said in a statement on Wednesday.
India and Romania had signed the Joint Declaration on the establishment of an Extended Partnership between the two countries on March 8, 2013.
The document provided for consolidated cooperation in several sectors, including economy and trade, defence, space, agriculture, food industry, infrastructure, between SMEs, pharmaceutical industry, energy, nuclear energy for civil purposes, oil and natural gas exploitation, petrochemical industry, automobile industry , IT&C, culture, science and technology, higher education and research, tourism.
On February 23, 2024, the Joint Declaration following the 10th anniversary of the Signing of the Joint Statement on Establishing Extensive Partnership between Romania and India in 2013 was adopted during Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita-Teodora Odobescu’s visit to New Delhi.
The anniversary joint declaration aimed at strengthening India-Romania bilateral relations, as well as cooperation in a multilateral context. It also outlined a priority sectoral approach in three areas, namely energy, IT&C and manufacturing.
The document stated that both countries have expressed their determination to complement the current Extensive Partnership and to explore new avenues of cooperation which will be a legacy for the generations to come, in accordance with the current regional and global realities and with the updated priorities.
The stamp launch builds upon a series of continuing high-level exchanges between India and European countries.
“If you look at the last 10 years of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, perhaps no government in our history has paid as much attention to developing ties with Europe as we have seen in the last decade. Not just ties with the big nation states, not just ties with Brussels, but ties with the sub-regions and individual countries. As we mark 100 days of the third term of the Modi government, I note that the Prime Minister has already been to Europe twice in this period,” said EAM Jaishankar at the launch event.
The debate intensified following last week’s Israeli strike on a former school turned civilian shelter run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees…reports Asian Lite News
US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, sharply criticised the Israeli military for striking schools, humanitarian workers, and civilians in Gaza, reflecting growing American frustration as the war nears its first anniversary.
This came during a UN Security Council meeting where Thomas-Greenfield expressed concern over recent attacks that injured or killed UN personnel and humanitarian workers, describing many of these incidents as “preventable”, Associated Press reported.
The debate intensified following last week’s Israeli strike on a former school turned civilian shelter run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), which resulted in the deaths of six UNRWA staff members and at least 18 other individuals, including women and children.
Israel claimed the strike targeted a Hamas command-and-control center, with Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon asserting that Hamas militants, who were allegedly involved with UNRWA by day and Hamas by night, were killed. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has called for an independent investigation into the incident.
Thomas-Greenfield emphasized that the US will continue to pressure Israel to facilitate humanitarian operations in Palestinian territories and protect humanitarian workers and facilities. She also reiterated US outrage over the recent killing of Turkish American activist Aysenur Eygi during a West Bank protest, which Israeli Defense Forces attributed to a likely mistake and are investigating.
The US envoy called for “fundamental changes” in Israeli military operations to avoid conflicts with humanitarian activities and to prevent attacks on civilian facilities. She criticized the targeting of clearly marked UN vehicles and stressed the need for changes in rules of engagement.
Despite the criticism, Thomas-Greenfield acknowledged that Hamas also poses a threat by using civilian sites for its activities, highlighting the urgency for a ceasefire and hostage release deal. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Egypt this week to discuss refining a proposal for Israel and Hamas, aiming to resolve the conflict.
UN humanitarian official Sigrid Kaag described Gaza as a “hell on Earth” for its 2 million residents, citing severe impediments to humanitarian operations due to lawlessness, evacuation orders, and access issues.
She criticised the gap between aid needs and delivery, while Israeli Ambassador Danon defended Israel’s humanitarian efforts, citing significant aid deliveries. Kaag countered by emphasizing that the aid provided falls short of meeting the essential needs for a dignified human life.
Blinken commended the recent advancements, including the August 30, regulation on border delimitation…reports Asian Lite News
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev spoke to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the peace efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the upcoming COP29 climate conference, the Azerbaijani president’s press service said.
Blinken commended the recent advancements, including the August 30, regulation on border delimitation, and reiterated the US commitment to supporting a durable peace in the region.
The two leaders held the discussions over the phone on Monday.
Aliyev underscored that peace is already established, attributing this to Azerbaijan’s efforts, reports Xinhua news agency.
He emphasised Azerbaijan’s role in creating new realities based on justice and international law.
The Azerbaijani leader also highlighted the need for Armenia to renounce territorial claims in its constitution and called for the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group, which he considers outdated.
The discussion also addressed Azerbaijan’s role in hosting COP29, with Blinken expressing strong US support and praising bilateral cooperation. Aliyev expressed the hope for significant consensus on climate finance at the conference.
The two sides also reviewed Azerbaijan-US relations during their conversation.
The proposal, which has encountered robust opposition from Israel, is grounded in an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ)…reports Asian Lite News
The United Nations member states engaged in a significant debate over a Palestinian proposal that demands an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories within 12 months, media reported.
This proposal, which has encountered robust opposition from Israel, is grounded in an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The ICJ’s opinion labels Israel’s occupation since 1967 as “unlawful” and asserts that Israel must terminate its presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as swiftly as possible, AFP reported.
The resolution, requested by the General Assembly, has sparked considerable controversy.
Arab nations, responding to the ICJ’s ruling, have called for a special session of the assembly ahead of the upcoming General Assembly (UNGA) session, which will see the participation of numerous heads of state and government.
Palestinian Ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, noted that the resolution aims to leverage international pressure and the ICJ’s ruling to compel Israel to alter its policies. He acknowledged that the draft resolution has shocked many countries, reflecting its contentious nature.
The draft resolution, scheduled for a vote on Wednesday, demands that Israel end its occupation of Palestinian territories within 12 months—a revision from the initially proposed six months.
It calls for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, a halt to new settlements, the return of seized land and property, and provisions for the return of displaced Palestinians.
Additionally, it suggests that states should cease arms supplies to Israel if there are reasonable grounds to suspect misuse in the occupied territories.
Israel has vehemently opposed the resolution. Ambassador Danny Danon criticized it as a “circus” that unfairly targets Israel and disregards the complexity of the situation. He argued that the UN continues to pass one-sided resolutions that do not address the broader context of the conflict.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield also condemned the draft resolution, calling it “inflammatory” and counterproductive to peace efforts. She pointed out that the resolution fails to address the role of Hamas, a group she described as a terrorist organization, in the current conflict.
The US has repeatedly vetoed Security Council resolutions critical of Israel, leaving the General Assembly as a more active arena for Palestinian support.
The recent escalation in Gaza, triggered by the October 7 attacks on southern Israel, has resulted in severe casualties. Reports indicate that over 40,000 people have died in Gaza amid ongoing violence.
Danon expressed frustration with the assembly’s response, accusing it of remaining silent in the face of what he views as unprecedented terror against Israel.
Auto jobs dipped 0.8 per cent during Trump’s term to just over 949,000 in January 2021, when he left office, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics….reports Asian Lite News
Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday repeated false claims that Chinese automakers are putting up large factories in Mexico, vowing during a stop in the automaking state of Michigan to slap 200 per cent tariffs on any vehicles the unbuilt plants make and ship to the United States.
Trump also claimed during an event in Flint that if Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris is elected in November, there will be no more auto industry in the US, because work building electric vehicles will go to China.
That statement came even though automaking employment has grown since President Joe Biden took office in January 2021, after dropping during Trump’s first term.
“If I don’t win, you will have no auto industry within two to three years,” Trump said, calling any increases under Biden and Harris temporary. You will not have any manufacturing plants. China is going to take over all of them because of the electric car.
He told the crowd he would make foreign automakers build factories in the US by imposing tariffs on imported autos, saying it will be like taking candy from a baby.
Foreign automakers already have multiple US factories, mainly in southern states.
Auto jobs dipped 0.8 per cent during Trump’s term to just over 949,000 in January 2021, when he left office, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics.
Since Biden took office that month, auto and parts jobs rose 13.6 per cent to 1.07 million in August, so there’s no evidence of the industry disappearing. Auto sales were up 2.4 per cent in the first half of this year. Trump said his tariffs would make Chinese vehicles built in Mexico unsellable in the US, forcing automakers from China and elsewhere to set up factories in the US.
They’re owned and built by China in Mexico, and there are a number of them going up right now, Trump said of Chinese factories. Although some Chinese automakers aspire to sell in the US, industry analysts say there are no large Chinese-owned auto factories under construction in Mexico, and there’s only one small Chinese auto assembly factory operating there. It’s run by a company called JAC that builds inexpensive vehicles from kits for sale in that country.
Trump also promised to charge tariffs on vehicles made in other countries if those countries tax US-made vehicles. But often tariffs end up being passed on to consumers in the country that assesses them.
The Harris campaign issued a statement from Michigan Sen. Gary Peters saying that a second Trump term would crush auto jobs, ceding Michigan’s global auto manufacturing leadership to the Chinese government. He said Harris has a plan to bring good-paying manufacturing jobs home “and ensure Michigan workers continue to lead the world in auto manufacturing.
Harris dials Trump after assassination bid
Vice President Kamala Harris held a telephonic conversation with former US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) and said that she was “grateful” that he was safe, according to a White House official.
The White House official termed the conversation between two leaders “cordial and brief.” The talks between two leaders came a day after gunfire was reported near Trump’s golf club in Florida’s West Palm Beach on Sunday.
The former president’s campaign declared him “safe.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced on Sunday that it “is investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination.”
In a statement, White House official said, “Vice President Harris called former President Trump this afternoon to speak with him directly to express that she is grateful he is safe. It was a cordial and brief conversation.”
Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspect accused of attempting to assassinate former US President Donald Trump, has been charged with two offences.
The charges include possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. A detention hearing has been set for September 23 and the arraignment is set for September 30. Routh will remain in jail while awaiting trial.
This was the second assassination attempt on Trump during this presidential campaign. Former US President Donald Trump was also the target of an attempted assassination at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Earlier on Sunday, Kamala Harris said that she is “glad” that Donald Trump is safe after reported gunshots near his Florida golf course on Sunday (local time).
“I have been briefed on reports of gunshots fired near former President Trump and his property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe,” the US Vice President wrote on X.
“Violence has no place in America,” she added.
Earlier on Sunday, President Joe Biden said he is relieved that his predecessor was unharmed and asserted that there is no place for political violence or any violence in the country.
Biden commended the Secret Service for their ‘vigilance’ and keeping the former president ‘safe’. He further said that one suspect has been held in custody and an active investigation is underway.
In a statement posted on X, Biden said, “I have been briefed by my team regarding what federal law enforcement is investigating as a possible assassination attempt of former President Trump today. A suspect is in custody, and I commend the work of the Secret Service and their law enforcement partners for their vigilance and their efforts to keep the former President and those around him safe.”
The US President said that he has directed his team to continue to ensure that Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure Donald Trump’s continued safety.
In a statement shared by the White House, Biden stated, “I am relieved that the former President is unharmed. There is an active investigation into this incident as law enforcement gathers more details about what happened.”
“As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country, and I have directed my team to continue to ensure that Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety,” he added. (ANI)
