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-Top News INDIA 2024 India News

Rahul calls PM a mastermind of extortion scheme  

PM Modi said the electoral bonds scheme was aimed at curbing black money in elections and said the opposition wants to run away after making allegations…reports Asian Lite News

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appetiser remark, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called the Electoral Bonds the “world’s biggest corruption”, saying that there is record-breaking unemployment in the country and PM Modi is now telling the people that he will serve them the “main course” in 2047.

The remarks of Rahul Gandhi came after Prime Minister Modi, in an interview accused the opposition parties of “spreading lies” over the electoral bonds scheme, which has been struck down by the Supreme Court, and said “everyone will regret it when there is an honest reflection”.

“Record-breaking unemployment, backbreaking inflation, farmers dying due to debt burden and government repression, helpless labourers, harassed businessmen, the weakest Rupee in the history against the dollar and the world’s biggest corruption, ‘Electoral Bond’! Narendra Modi is telling the people who have tasted all these ‘Appetisers’ that he will serve them the ‘Main Course’ in 2047,” Rahul Gandhi posted on X (in Hindi).

PM Modi said the electoral bonds scheme was aimed at curbing black money in elections and said the opposition wants to run away after making allegations.

He said of the 16 companies who gave donations after action by probe agencies, only 37 per cent of the amount went to the BJP and 63 per cent to opposition parties opposed to the BJP.

The Prime Minister said the country has been pushed towards “black money” in elections and everyone will regret it.In his first detailed reaction on electoral bonds scheme, PM Modi, who has been on a hectic campaign for the Lok Sabha polls, said the scheme should also be viewed a success story as it has allowed the trail to show who had made contributions to political parties through the scheme.

He also said there is a lot scope of improvement in the scheme.

“There has been a discussion in our country for a long time that (through) black money a dangerous game is there in elections. The play of black money in the country’s elections ends, this discussion has been going on for a long time. Money is spent in elections; no one can deny this. My party also spends, all parties, candidates spend and money has to be taken from people. I wanted that we try something, how can our elections be free from this black money, how can there be transparency? There was a pure thought in my mind. We were looking for a way. We found a small way, we never claimed that this was the absolute way,” he said.

He said there was debate in Parliament on the electoral bonds scheme when the relevant bill was passed and some of those who are now commenting on it had supported it.

Earlier on April 5, PM Modi said that the country has witnessed a change in the last ten years of his government.

“I want to tell you that all we’ve done (developments work) till now, is just a trailer. These days, when we go to big hotels to eat food, they first bring a few appetizers…so what Modi has done (till now) is an appetizer and the main course is yet to come. We have to take the country forward… In the last 10 years, you have seen the country change. Before that, the country was in a very bad condition,” the PM said.

The Supreme Court in February this year struck down the electoral bonds scheme and said it was unconstitutional.

INDIA Bloc parties have been targeting the BJP-led government over the electoral bonds scheme in their election campaign.

In its decision, the Supreme Court asked the SBI to stop issuing electoral bonds.In compliance with a directive from the Supreme Court, the Election Commission of India (ECI) uploaded data on electoral bonds on its official website. The data was provided by the State Bank of India (SBI) on the directions of the apex court.

‘No transparency’

Meanwhile, Congress leader Pawan Khera on Monday questioned the “transparency” of electoral bonds and said that there is “no transparency” in the electoral bonds, adding that it only “suit and benefit the ruling party.”

The remarks of Pawan Khera came after Prime Minister Modi in an interview to ANI accused the opposition parties of “spreading lies” over the electoral bonds scheme, which has been struck down by the Supreme Court, and said “everyone will regret it when there is an honest reflection”. “First they said there was no numbering, then numbering came out and the information about that numbering will be with the ruling party. Is this transparency? There is no transparency in the electoral bonds. It only suits and benefits the ruling party,” Pawan Khera said.

ALSO READ-PM Modi Turns Gamer ‘NaMo OP’

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-Top News Europe

Portugal PM resigns over corruption scandal

Infrastructure Minister Joao Galamba, and the President of the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), Nuno Lacasta, were also named as formal suspects…reports Asian Lite News

Antonio Costa, prime minister of Portugal, resigned on Tuesday afternoon after becoming the target of an investigation into alleged government corruption.

Costa submitted his resignation to President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa earlier in the day. In a statement, Costa denied corruption accusations but said he preferred to step down to focus on his defense.

The country’s attorney general (AG) has already announced that a criminal case will be filed against Costa. The AG was also received by the Portuguese president, who was informed about the search operations that resulted in the arrest of five people, including Vitor Escaria, Costa’s chief of staff.

Infrastructure Minister Joao Galamba, and the President of the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), Nuno Lacasta, were also named as formal suspects. According to the AG’s office, the inquiry focuses on the alleged crimes of prevarication, active and passive corruption, and influence peddling.

The investigation also focuses on lithium exploration concessions in Portugal, as well as a hydrogen energy production plant project.

ALSO READ-Jaishankar addresses Indian diaspora in Portugal

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-Top News Asia News Politics

Singapore PM ensures timely leadership renewal despite scandals

The Prime Minister vowed to deal with the cases thoroughly and transparently…reports Asian Lite News

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has stressed that the leadership renewal is on track and recent scandals involving political figures will not delay his timetable.

Lee made the remarks while delivering a speech at the city-state’s National Day Rally on Sunday, Xinhua news agency reported.

In July, Singapore’s Transport Minister S. Iswaran was under investigation for corruption suspects, while Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin and a parliament member resigned over their affairs.

The Prime Minister vowed to deal with the cases thoroughly and transparently.

Recounting his plan to hand over the power in 2022, but disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, Lee noted that his succession plans are back on track as the pandemic shadow fades.

Lee added that his task is to support the country’s fourth-generation leadership team and expressed his confidence in Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

The Prime Minister also called on Singaporean people to support Wong and his governing team.

During his speech, Lee promised measures to improve people’s well-being, including a 7 billion Singapore dollars (over $5 billion) package to support low and middle-income people born before 1973, fair and affordable policies for public flats, and building aged-friendly communities. 

ALSO READ-Indian-Origin qualifies for Singapore presidential race

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-Top News PAKISTAN Politics

President approves Kakar’s appointment as caretaker PM

The senator has done a Master’s in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Balochistan…reports Asian Lite News

Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi approved the appointment of Anwarul Haque Kakar as Caretaker Prime Minister for the country.

On the social media account, X (formerly known as Twitter), the President’s Office said that under Article 224 A of Pakistan’s constitution, Alvi appointed Anwarul Haque Kakar as caretaker PM.

“President Dr Arif Alvi has approved the appointment of Anwarul Haque Kakar as Caretaker Prime Minister The President approved the appointment under Article 224 A of the Constitution,” the office said in a tweet.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the leader of the Opposition Raja Riaz met and concluded their last round of talks and decided to make Senator Kakar as caretaker PM.

Balochistan lawmaker, Kakar was elected to the Senate in 2018 and has also served as the spokesperson of the provincial government prior to his election to the upper house, as per Geo News.

The lawmaker was selected as the 8th interim head of the government, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said Saturday.

Kakar and his party had good ties with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during its government and he was among the people who former prime minister Imran Khan consulted on the matters of Balochistan.

For that reason, Balochistan Awami Party often faced criticism from PML-N for that reason. However, when the party changed sides, it faced criticism from PTI, reported Geo News.

The newly-appointed caretaker premier was born in 1971 in Muslim Bagh, an area of the Killa Saifullah district of Balochistan.

He completed his schooling at St. Francis School, Quetta, and later enrolled in Cadet College Kohat but returned to the Balochistan provincial capital after his father’s demise.

The senator has done a Master’s in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Balochistan.

Senator Kakar started his career by teaching in a school in his native town, according to Geo News.

He is also one of the founding members of BAP and was appointed as the central spokesperson of the party in 2018. (ANI)

ALSO READ-‘US State Department encouraged removal Imran as Pak PM’

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-Top News India News

India govt reviews preparations for G20 summit

The meeting covered summit preparedness in substantive as well as logistical aspects, official sources said…reports Asian Lite News

With the G20 summit just a month away, top functionaries of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Tuesday reviewed the preparations for the mega international conference.

Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, P.K. Mishra chaired the seventh meeting of the Coordination Committee on India’s G20 Presidency at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, where the event is going to be hosted.

The meeting covered summit preparedness in substantive as well as logistical aspects, official sources said.

Progress and outcomes on both Sherpa and Finance track were also reviewed. Presentations were made in this regard by the Sherpa (G20) Amitabh Kant, the Economic Affairs Secretary, and the Information and Broadcasting Secretary.

Discussion was held on Indian Presidency’s priorities including Green Development, accelerating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strong sustainable balanced and inclusive growth, digital public infrastructure, gender equality and reform of multilateral institutions.

Kant informed that so far, a total of 185 meetings, including 13 at the Ministerial level, have been concluded covering almost all states and Union Territories in the country. Besides the 12 outcome documents, 12 other deliverables with consensus have been adopted, it was added.

The Economic Affairs Secretary informed that considerable progress has been made in the finance track including on crypto assets agenda, financial inclusion, mobilising climate finance and enabling finance for SDGs. The I&B Secretary briefed about the arrangements for media, like setting up of a media centre and media accreditation.

So far, more than 3,200 media personnel have registered for the summit, including 1,800 foreign and more than from 1,200 domestic media. Adequate arrangements are being made to facilitate both foreign as well as domestic media, it was informed.

Mishra also reviewed the implementation of past decisions pertaining to logistical and security aspects. Delhi government and security officials, including the Delhi Police Commissioner, briefed on steps being taken for hosting the visiting dignitaries, plans for traffic management, airport and security arrangements, and beautification drive being undertaken in Delhi NCR in the run up to the Leader’ Summit.

Noting the positive progress achieved in hosting the G-20 Leader’s Summit next month, the Principal Secretary instructed all concerned to complete all arrangements in the next few days so that rehearsals could begin. Mishra emphasised on the continued importance of the whole of government’s approach and action in ensuring timely and adequate preparations, official sources said.

He pointed out that with one month remaining for the summit, it was time for last mile delivery with precision. Mishra said that detailed SOPs should be developed and specific duties be assigned to officers for smooth execution.

The Delhi Lt Governor, the Cabinet Secretary and Delhi government officers were also present during the meeting.

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-Top News Europe UK News

Boris earned millions on top of PM’s salary

Boris Johnson and Joe Biden.

The outside earnings come from a variety of sources including consultancies, speeches and television work including for the right-wing GB News…reports Asian Lite News

British lawmakers earned some 10 million pounds ($6.1 million) on top of their parliamentary salaries over the past year with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson accounting for nearly half the total amount, a report said.

Johnson, who reportedly complained bitterly while in office about his 164,000-pound prime ministerial salary, earned 4.8 million pounds, according to an analysis by The Guardian daily published late on Sunday.

The former prime minister resigned as an MP in June following his ouster as British leader in July 2022.

An additional 400,000 pounds was earned by members of the opposition Labour Party and two other smaller parties, the newspaper’s analysis found.

The outside earnings come from a variety of sources including consultancies, speeches and television work including for the right-wing GB News.

Former business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg nets around 29,000 pounds a month to host a programme for the outlet.

Another Conservative former finance and health minister, Sajid Javid, earns around 25,000 pounds a month as an adviser to an investment firm.

The figures, compiled from parliament’s Register of MPs’ interests, follow an outcry over a lobbying scandal in 2021 and another row over a Conservative MP paid around 5.5 million pounds as a lawyer since entering parliament. Members of parliament earn a basic salary of 86,000 pounds.

Plans to limit the time lawmakers can dedicate to second jobs were dropped last year. Parliament’s standards committee made some recommendations for changes to the rules.

Without cross-party agreement on the issue, however, it said the current system should remain in place.

ALSO READ-UN slams UK govt’s Illegal Migration Bill

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-Top News India News Woman

At G20 meet, PM lauds role of women in startups

He said President Droupadi Murmu, herself, sets an inspiring example in this regard…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the ongoing three-day G20 Ministerial Conference on Women Empowerment in Gandhinagar, Gujarat via a video message.

When women prosper, the world prospers, PM Modi said addressing the gathering, adding that their economic empowerment fuels growth and their access to education drives global progress. “When women prosper, the world prospers. Their economic empowerment fuels growth. Their access to education drives global progress. Their leadership fosters inclusivity. And, their voices inspire positive change. The most effective way to empower women is through a women-led development approach,” the PM said, adding that the country was making new strides in this direction.

He said President Droupadi Murmu, herself, sets an inspiring example in this regard.

“Our President Shrimati Droupadi Murmu sets an inspiring example herself. She comes from a humble tribal background but now leads the world’s largest democracy, serving as the Commander-in-Chief of the world’s second-largest defence force,” PM Modi said.

He also spoke about how the Indian constitution granted the right to vote and contest polls equally to all citizens, including women.

“Elected women representatives have been key agents of economic, environmental and social change. At 1.4 million, 46 per cent of elected representatives in rural local bodies in India are women.”

He stated further that the increasing number of women forming self-help groups is a powerful force for change. He apprised the participants how these women manufactured masks, and sanitisers, while raising general awareness about infection prevention during the pandemic.

“During the pandemic, these Self-Help Groups and our elected women representatives emerged as pillars of support for our communities. They manufactured masks and sanitisers as well as raised awareness about spread of the pandemic. More than 80 per cent of nurses and midwives in India are women. They were our first line of defence during the pandemic. We are proud of their achievements,” PM Modi said.

Further, in his address, he also said how his government was ensuring access to capital among women for running small businesses, besides providing clean cooking fuel to them.

The Ministerial Conference on Women’s Empowerment under the G20 Indian Presidency, chaired by Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani, started in Gandhinagar on Wednesday and will end on Friday.

The G20 Ministerial Conference while focusing on women-led development will be an opportunity for accelerating achievement towards Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment and achieving ‘SDG: Goal 5’.

The event is tipped to draw more than 150 delegates, led by their respective Heads of Delegation from G20 members, invitee countries, and international organisations.

Further, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), UN Women and NIPCCD will jointly organise a side event with support from the Ministry of Women and Child Development to identify the actions and policy levers in three keys areas of fiscal policies and tools for gender equality, the care economy and climate change challenge to accelerate gender equality. (ANI)

ALSO READ-First Jammu woman wins ‘Schwarzman’ Scholarship

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-Top News PAKISTAN

Only PM to appoint army chief ‘at any cost’

Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif.(photo:Instagram)

However, the source said both brothers agreed not to give in to Khan’s demand for snap elections…reports Asian Lite News

 As crucial discussions among various staakeeholders around the next Pakistan army chief’s appointment gain momentum within and outside the country, the Sharif brothers have reportedly decided in a London huddle that the prime minister will not buckle under any ‘pressure’ to make the all-important appointment – come what may, media report said.

Meanwhile, it emerged on Thursday that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had been issued a diplomatic passport, paving the way for his impending return to the country, Dawn reported.

In the face of looming pressure from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan to appoint a new army chief that would be acceptable to him, and announce early polls, both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his elder brother Nawaz Sharif have decided that the powers of the premier to appoint the army chief will not be surrendered at any cost, a reliable source privy to the talks between the two brothers in London said, Dawn reported.

Insiders said that the prime minister had reportedly flown to London to place the options he was conveyed by certain quarters before his elder brother in the context of the fast-changing political scenario.

However, the source said both brothers agreed not to give in to Khan’s demand for snap elections.

“PM Shehbaz told Nawaz that almost all Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) parties are on the same page over the premier’s powers to appoint the army chief and complete the incumbent government’s tenure till August 2023. They (PML-N and allied parties) are even ready to sacrifice their government, but will not budge from their stance,” the source maintained, Dawn reported.

Nawaz’s children – Maryam, Hassan and Hussain – were also present in the meetings.

A PML-N insider said the coalition government had “certain pressures” from some quarters over the issue of army chief’s appointment and fresh polls. “That is why Shehbaz reached out to the party supremo to decide whether to accept some demands or not,” he said.

The prime minister had rushed to London on Wednesday on his way back from Egypt to have the ‘final word’ from his elder brother and party’s supreme leader, who has been in a self-imposed exile for three years, over the appointment of the new army chief. Sources said an extension to Gen Bajwa was also discussed during the meeting. Gen Bajwa’s tenure is set to end on November 29, Dawn reported.

This was Shehbaz Sharif’s third visit to the UK since taking over as premier in April this year.

ALSO READ-Govt will not succumb to PTIs pressure, say Sharifs

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-Top News UK News

Truss joins long list of shortest-serving PMs

Lloyd George was forced to resign and Bonar Law, who lost his two eldest sons in World War I, succeeded him…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Liz Truss, who announced her resignation on Thursday after just six weeks in power, goes down as the shortest-serving premier in the last 100 years.

Liz Truss: 44 days

Former foreign minister Truss took office on September 6 in the wake of a party revolt against former Conservative leader Boris Johnson.

Britain’s third female prime minister beat Johnson’s former finance chief Rishi Sunak for the top job on a platform of sweeping tax cuts that won over the Tory rank-and-file.

But the mini-budget unveiled by her finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng, which promises tax cuts for all, including top earners, to be funded by massive borrowing, caused market chaos.

With the pound taking a battering, Truss and Kwarteng were forced into a U-turn.

Truss later fired Kwarteng but by then she had been mortally weakened and when her interior minister quit and growing number of Tory MPs revolted she fell on her sword.

Andrew Bonar Law: 209 days

The Canadian-born son of a Scottish clergyman, who ruled for less than a year in 1922-1923, was the shortest-serving British prime minister of the 20th century.

The Conservative Party leader occupied senior positions in David Lloyd George’s cabinet during World War I but later withdrew the Tories’ support from the charismatic Liberal premier.

Lloyd George was forced to resign and Bonar Law, who lost his two eldest sons in World War I, succeeded him.

After 209 days the man dubbed the “forgotten” British premier himself stepped aside due to ill health and died six months later.

Alec Douglas-Home: 363 days

Alec Douglas-Home became prime minister in October 1963 after being asked by the ailing prime minister Harold MacMillan to replace him.

Douglas-Home, who was from a major Scottish aristocratic family, led the country for a year before the Conservatives were beaten into opposition in October 1964 by Harold Wilson’s Labour Party. He later served as an acclaimed foreign secretary under Edward Heath.

Anthony Eden: 1 year 279 days

Anthony Eden was a much-feted foreign minister under wartime leader Winston Churchill but had much less success in the top job.

He served three times as Britain’s top diplomat, in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s but by the time he got his chance to lead, after Churchill resigned in 1955, he was suffering from ill health.

His handling of the Suez crisis in 1956 proved his downfall, with the Anglo-French attack on Egypt over its nationalisation of the canal drawing widespread condemnation.

Eden never recovered politically from the fiasco and resigned on January 9, 1957.

Gordon Brown: 2 years 319 days

Brown was a star finance minister under Labour prime minister Tony Blair from 1997 to 2007. But after spending a decade as leader-in-waiting the dour Scot struggled to connect with the public when he became premier.

While campaigning in the 2010 election he tripped up badly after being caught on a live television microphone as describing a widowed pensioner he had just met as “bigoted”.

Labour lost the election and Brown quit.

Others

In the 18th and 19th centuries, British prime ministers often spent less than a year in office.

The Duke of Devonshire lasted only 225 days in 1756-57 while the 2nd Earl of Shelburne managed 265 days in 1782-83.

In the 19th century, the Duke of Wellington served a mere 22 days during his second term as prime minister in 1834.

ALSO READ-Truss’ short stint leaves scars on economy

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-Top News UK News

Why Rishi lost the race?

Several other MPs too switched sides. Meanwhile, Liz became stronger with her moves as the race progressed…reports Asian Lite News

Rishi Sunak had an advantage as he threw his hat early in the ring and was endorsed by four former chief whips, but within weeks, he started trailing behind the late-comer Liz Truss

Touted as the favourite initially for the race to Downing Street, Rishi Sunak started losing his spark midway. Sunak had a huge advantage as he threw his hat early in the ring and was endorsed by four former chief whips, but within weeks, he started trailing behind the late-comer Liz Truss in the UK prime ministerial race.

‘Ready for Rishi’

Hours after Boris Johnson announced his resignation, Sunak threw his hat into the ring with a campaign video titled ‘Ready for Rishi’. Even though it gave him the initial advantage, the act was a thorough mark of trust deficit in his boss and mentor.

Moreover, even as he gained massive support from his party at first, he started losing them including Sajid Javid, Nadhim Zahawi and then, finally, Mordaunt. Several other MPs too switched sides. Meanwhile, Liz became stronger with her moves as the race progressed.

Apart from that, even though Sunak became popularity shot up immediately after Johnson’s resignation, his image to be a backstabber was never forgotten.

Why did Sunak become unpopular?

Rishi Sunak’s image was permanently tainted when a video of his came into foray where he accepted that he took money from deprived urban areas. His comments, boasting of shifting money from “deprived urban areas” to fund projects in the Kent commuter belt sparked outrage, considering it cut across the UK government’s rhetoric about ‘levelling up’ Britain and spreading wealth beyond the south-east.

Things turned worse when reports claimed that his wife Akshata is wealthier than British Queen Elizabeth II with assets worth £430 million, according to Sunday Times Rich List. In fact, they were mentioned to be Westminster’s first billionaire couple, probably enjoying the largest fortune of any House of Commons family. Their finances came under scrutiny as Labour party called him to be more transparent regarding loans he took to fund his businesses.

The Guardian reported, Rishi was forced to explain details about how he managed his family’s fortune, which is said to total £730million. His fortune’s are derived from his marriage to Akshata Murthy, who owns a 0.93% stake worth £690m in Infosys.

Sunak comes in support of Truss

Hours after he lost the race, Sunak showed his support to Liz Truss. “It’s right we now unite behind the new PM, Liz Truss, as she steers the country through difficult times,” Sunak said on Twitter.

ALSO READ-No place for white men in Truss’ cabinet?