For his part, Aoun said Lebanon needs political and sovereign reform and structural changes in the system…reports Asian Lite News
The European Union (EU) diplomat to Lebanon said that the bloc is ready to support the crisis-hit country on condition that Beirut implements needed structural reforms.
EU Ambassador Ralph Tarraf made the remarks in a meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, with the attendance of ambassadors of Switzerland and Norway, to express their growing concern about the current situation in the country amid a crippling economic crisis.
The bloc is ready to support Lebanon “politically and financially, in the context of implementing a sound economic recovery plan and an IMF program”, Tarraf said.
“We urged the president to do his utmost to support and actively contribute to implementing crucial economic, monetary, and fiscal reforms that Lebanon has committed to,” he noted, stressing “now is the time” for Lebanon to implement measures it agreed with the International Monetary Fund, as detailed in a staff-level agreement between the two sides in early April.
For his part, Aoun said Lebanon needs political and sovereign reform and structural changes in the system.
“It is difficult to run a country governed by three different leaders, which is why we are witnessing this kind of constitutional chaos, especially that the newly elected MPs (parliament members) have divergent affiliations,” he said.
The meeting came a day after the Lebanese pound on Monday sank to a new historic low against the US dollar on the parallel market as the country continues to suffer from a steep financial crisis and a political deadlock.
On Monday, the exchange rate of the Lebanese pound declined to 39,000 against the dollar, down from the previous record low of 36,600 on September 13.
In May, the exchange rate of the currency declined to 34,000 against the US dollar.
Since 2019, Lebanon has been suffering from an unprecedented financial crisis that resulted in the collapse of the local currency.
Hit by intertwined political, economic and health crises, Lebanon’s poverty rate now has risen to more than 74 per cent, according to the World Bank.
When Queen Elizabeth was still a princess in 1951, she travelled to Washington, DC for the first time to meet President Harry Truman, and the two complimented each other’s nations…reports Asian Lite News
Queen Elizabeth II has the rare distinction of having received all but one of the 14 US Presidents during her 70 year reign, Lyndon Johnson being the exception. Johnson was never an elected president, he succeeded John F. Kennedy after his assassination.
All five of the former US presidents still living paid homage issuing statements praising her reign and her persona.
Queen Elizabeth II died on Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, her summer retreat, at 96.
During her seven-decade reign, the Queen met 13 of the last 14 US presidents. This includes all five of the former presidents who are still alive: Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump.
When Queen Elizabeth was still a princess in 1951, she travelled to Washington, DC for the first time to meet President Harry Truman, and the two complimented each other’s nations.
“Free men everywhere look towards the US with affection and with hope,” she told Truman.
In the wake of her death, the former presidents have offered their condolences and reflected on their interactions with the late monarch.
“Her dignity, graciousness, and sense of duty have been an inspiration, and we join the millions around the world in mourning a remarkable leader,” Carter said in a statement.
Clinton in a statement said that he and his wife, Hillary Clinton, “mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and we join with people across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, and all around the world, in giving thanks for her extraordinary life.”
Clinton said they “will always be grateful for the kindness she showed us through the years, particularly during our visits to Buckingham Palace in 1995 and 2000, and for all she did to deepen the Special Relationship.”
Describing her 70-year reign as “remarkable,” Clinton said Queen Elizabeth “led Britain through great transformations with unfailing grace, dignity, and genuine care for the welfare of all its people.”
“In sunshine or storm, she was a source of stability, serenity, and strength,” he added.
Bush said he and former first lady Laura Bush regarded the queen as a woman of “great intellect, charm, and wit.”
In a statement, Bush said she “ably led England through dark moments with her confidence in her people and her vision for a brighter tomorrow.”
“Spending time at Buckingham Palace, and having tea with Her Majesty — and her Corgis — is among our fondest memories of the presidency,” Bush said.
Barack Obama said that he and former first lady Michelle Obama were “lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty, and she meant a great deal to us.”
“Back when we were just beginning to navigate life as President and First Lady, she welcomed us to the world stage with open arms and extraordinary generosity.
“Time and again, we were struck by her warmth, the way she put people at ease, and how she brought her considerable humour and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance,” Obama added.
In a post to Truth Social, Trump said he and former first lady Melania Trump “will always cherish our time together with the Queen.” “What a grand and beautiful lady she was — there was nobody like her!” Trump wrote, said the Business Insider.
Last date of withdrawal is October 8 and date of polling is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 17 at all PCC headquarters…reports Asian Lite News
With the Congress announcing the schedule for its Presidential elections, the anticipation over who will fill the post is mounting.
The Congress Working Committee – the party’s highest decision-making authority – on Sunday approved the schedule which envisages the election on October 17 and counting on October 19 in a meeting attended virtually by party chief Sonia Gandhi – who is abroad for a medical check-up, and her children Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, who are accompanying her.
G23 leader Anand Sharma, who had recently quit as the chief of a party panel for the upcoming Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections, also joined in virtually.
Many leaders were present at the AICC for the meeting while others joined through video links.
A section of Congress leaders say that Rahul Gandhi should take over as President, with Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said that he is of personal opinion that that he should hold the post again.
However, Rahul Gandhi has made it clear that he wants a non-Gandhi to be party President, and the CWC meeting comes in wake of senior party leader Ghulam Nabi Azad quitting the party and hitting out at him over the party’s performance in last 8 years.
As sources indicated that Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is top choice of Sonia Gandhi for the post, while asserting that Rahul Gandhi should take over as party workers want him, the situation will be clear when Sonia Gandhi comes back in the second week of September after her treatment.
Announcing the schedule after approval from the CWC, Congress Election Authority Chairman Madhusudan Mistry said that the date of issuance of notification is September 22, nominations can be filed from between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from September 24 to 30 while scrutiny will be done on October 1. Last date of withdrawal is October 8 and date of polling is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 17 at all PCC headquarters.
Poll on Oct 17, counting on Oct 19
The Congress announced that the election for its new President will be held on October 17 as a meeting of its Working Committee – the party’s highest decision-making authority – on Sunday approved the poll schedule.
Congress Election Authority Chairman Madhusudan Mistry announced the dates of the polling process after approval from the CWC, in its meeting held virtually and attended by G23 leader Anand Sharma, who had recently quit as the chief of a party panel for the upcoming Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections.
“It (CWC) considered and approved the following final schedule of dates suggested by the Central Election Authority of the AICC for election to the post of Congress President,” a party statement said.
The date of issuance of notification is September 22, nominations can be filed from between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from September 24 to 30 while scrutiny will be done on October 1. Last date of withdrawal is October 8 and date of polling is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 17 at all PCC headquarters.
Counting will be held on October 19.
“The CWC reiterated its resolve to make the Mehangai Par Halla Bol rally in New Delhi on September 4 and the launch of the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari on September 7 and its continuation thereafter a resounding success,” the party statement said.
The CWC extended its best wishes to party President Sonia Gandhi, who is abroad for a medical checkup, for a full and speedy recovery.
Nanotechnology has a critical role in agriculture which rural India is dependent on. For example, nanosensors detect soil conditions, and nanofertilizers are absorbed more efficiently by plants…says Professor Chennupati Jagadish
One of the world’s leading physicists, Professor Chennupati Jagadish’s arrived in Australia in 1990 to take up a role as a research scientist at the Australian National University. Now, he leads its Semiconductor Optoelectronics and Nanotechnology Group and is the Australian Academy of Science President. Professor Jagadish has pioneered the creation of high-performance next-generation optical devices, which have massive potential in communications and data storage. He has also helped develop semiconductors used in LED lights and created some of the world’s most miniature lasers. Approximately 20-30 of these lasers can fit within the width of a single human hair.
His research is used to make flexible solar cells, split water and create hydrogen as a pure energy source. It is also applied to manipulate neurons to treat people living with dementia.
He holds six US patents and has published more than 700 international journal papers. Professor Jagadish was elected to the Academy in 2005 and received the Academy’s Thomas Ranken Lyle Medal in 2019 for his outstanding contributions to physics, just two of many accolades received throughout his career.
Born in a village in Andhra Pradesh to a Telugu-speaking family, Professor Jagadish studied in front of a kerosene lamp until his first year of high school and lived with his Mathematics teacher in a neighboring village to complete his studies. Life took a full turn when he came to Australia with his wife and a daughter. His hard work and dedication positioned him at the top of the science world today. Excerpt of the interview taken by Khushboo Agrahari
You have an excellent professional experience in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Tell us about your journey as one of the world’s top physicists from a humble background and becoming the first Indian World Australian Science Leader.
I am humbled and grateful for my election as the Australian Academy of Science President. I started from a small village in Andhra Pradesh (Vallurupalem). Yes, I studied in front of a kerosene lamp and lived with my Mathematics teacher in a neighboring town (Thotlavalluru) as my father migrated to Telangana (Arekayalapadu). I was only ten years old then. While I was a good student till Class 10, I didn’t do very well in my Class 12 boards (JKC College, Guntur) and could not get into engineering. I studied Physics and Applied Physics (Electronics) for my Bachelor’s (VSR College, Tenali) and Master’s degrees (Andhra University). I got rejected as I am not a physicist as I did not do MSc (Physics), and when I applied for electronics jobs, they used to say I am not an engineer as none of my degrees say engineering.
I moved to Delhi and did my MPhil and PhD in Physics (semiconducting thin films) at Delhi University (DU) and taught in Sri Venkateswara College (DU) to BSc (Electronics) students. I used to apply for international post-doctoral fellowships by looking at advertisements in magazines like Physics Today and IEEE Spectrum, which used to come to DU library six months late by seamail. These were pre-PCs, internet, and email period. I received rejection letters from everywhere and had more than 300 rejection letters over three years. I had to change my field (magnetics) to get my first post-doc at Queen’s University in Canada. After working there for two years, I moved with my wife Vidya and 2-month-old daughter Laya to Australian National University (ANU) with a 2-year contract.
Australia and ANU have been good, and I got a permanent position after two and a half years. I have built up my research group and reached the highest academic position of distinguished professor. Now people accept me as a physicist and an engineer with election to various science and engineering academies and many prizes and awards for our work. Many people helped me in my life: my parents, high school teachers, mentors, and supporters during various stages of my life. It is a matter of self-belief, hard work, persistence, and perseverance that has allowed me to be where I am today despite modest beginnings. I am grateful to India for nurturing me from childhood to adulthood, providing me with all my education, and to Australia for the opportunities to flourish as a scientist.
Can nanotechnology play an essential role in future space missions? Notably related to recent developments in nanosensors due to the emergence of improved high-performance materials. Do you think nanotechnology is the up-and-coming tech that will enable authentic space explorations?
Nanotechnology is used in space missions. In the future, more nanotechnology will be used in electronics, sensors, and lightweight and high-strength materials, making space systems lighter and consuming less energy. Already nano-sensors have been used in Mars Rover. Nanotechnology is critical in creating electric propulsion systems based on nanotechnology along with lightweight materials allowing inter-planetary travel. NASA has big plans for the use of nanotechnology for future missions.
The terms nanoscience and nanotechnology are used interchangeably. Are they very different? If so, how can one differentiate between them?
I agree both the terms are used interchangeably. Understanding nanoscale phenomena and discovering new nanostructures and novel properties is nanoscience. The use of these nanostructures for applications is nanotechnology. Learning new nanostructures occurring at the nanoscale, and their application in various devices is nanotechnology.
What is your view on helping solve some of the world’s complex environmental problems that can probably make the future of nanoscience and nanotechnology most exciting?
Nanotechnology will be essential in addressing climate change and developing renewable energy systems. For example, lightweight, efficient and low-cost solar cells are one example. Using nanostructures to split water can help create hydrogen as a clean, transportable energy source. Removal of carbon dioxide from the air and storing of CO2 or conversion of CO2 into usable chemicals using nanotechnology has an important role. Nanosensors are used to monitor the environment.
Can nanotechnology and nanoscience play a role in bringing rural India into the modern era? Can it strengthen the manufacturing power of small and medium enterprises to green sustainable development?
Nanotechnology has a critical role in agriculture which rural India is dependent on. For example, nanosensors detect soil conditions, and nanofertilizers are absorbed more efficiently by plants. Nanotechnology is conducive to creating SMEs, which could benefit rural India in creating employment. For example, clean drinking water systems based on nanotechnology developed by Prof. T. Pradeep from IIT Madras are used in rural India.
India is trying to eliminate single-use plastic. Is there any inexpensive and sustainable alternative to plastic to make this possible? Can nanoscience play any role in this direction?
Single-use plastics are banned in various countries, including Australia. Nowadays, paper bags are used in place of plastic bags in different parts of the world. Biodegradable plastic bags is another option being explored. More work needs to be done in this area to avoid polluting our environment and water.
Who has been your most outstanding role model, and why? What are the most important lessons you have learned in your career so far? Even after achieving almost everything possible, what still drives you?
Two of my high school teachers have been my most outstanding role models. Without their help during high school, I would be plowing the fields in India. One taught me the importance of hard work, discipline, and persistence, while the other taught me the importance of being simple, humble, kind, and generous to others. Both of them and my parents shaped me into who I am today. My main driving force is to make a difference in other people’s lives and pursue science and technology. I feel fortunate to be where I am today, and I want to open the doors for the younger generation as they are the future of science and society.
What is the most significant scientific discovery of all time?
It isn’t easy to single out one out of many great discoveries. The discovery of electrons led to the transistor’s development, which changed how we live with electronics. The discovery of photons led to the development of LED and lasers. We can’t imagine modern life without transistors, LEDs, and lasers. The discovery of DNA structure led to contemporary developments in biology. Cosmology involves the origin and evolution of the universe. Is there any connection of nanoscience with the cosmic world?
While cosmology is one end of the scale of the universe, nanoscience is at the other end at the atomic scale. Using James Webb Telescope, nanotechnology is used to study the universe and image the galaxies at great depth and clarity. Astronomy uses a lot of electronics and optics based on nanotechnology. Increased computing power due to nanoscale transistors in computer chips allows astronomers to process vast amounts of data they collect under the universe.
Science and religion are two essential components in the search for truth. Do you agree?
While science focuses on discovering the natural world around us, religion focuses on finding the self. Both have their roles to play in life and society.
You have closely seen Indian sciences as well as the top-notch scientific world. Where are we lagging? How can we bridge the gap?
India has outstanding research centers just like anywhere else in the world. India has a vast population and an aspiring young generation, which gives a substantial demographic dividend; how to expand this excellence to other institutions so that we can bring the science excellence to the grassroots. Investment in education and research is critical to addressing issues like a pandemic, climate change, and clean energy. Consistent long-term investment in science is essential to develop technologies of importance for India. Our education system needs to move from facts-based education to one which encourages creativity and thinking.
What are your views on the potential to revolutionise fields such as medicine? How do you see the connection of nanotechnology with neurosciences in the current scenario? Can nanotechnology positively contribute to neurosciences in the near future?
Nanotechnology has a vital role in neurosciences in studying brain signals at high precision and engineering stem cells to create neuronal networks to help patients with dementia. Neuroelectrodes will help to screen various medical drugs and their efficacy in treating Alzheimer’s disease.
In your opinion, which fields of science and technology will be most important for humanity in 21 st century as we are still at the beginning of the century?
Predicting the future is a fraught process. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will be used more in science and technology, and human-machine interfaces will play an important role. Along with nanotechnology, quantum technologies will play an important role. Renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction technologies will play an essential role in addressing climate change. Neurotechnology has the potential to help the aging population with dementia. Wearable sensors will monitor our health. Opportunities in biology are enormous. Possibilities are limitless and depend on human ingenuity.
What essential advice would you give to a young scientist hoping to climb the ranks in science and technology?
Choose something you are passionate about, believe in yourself, and work hard and smart. Resilience is essential in life; perseverance and persistence are critical to achieving anything. Never give up and maintain a positive attitude despite ups and downs; everything is possible in life. A person from my background could become the Australian Academy of Science President. The sky is the limit for the new generation.
The announcement was delayed amid scuffles and allegations of vote-rigging by Odinga’s campaign…reports Asian Lite News
Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto has been declared as the winner of the presidential election, beating his main rival and long-time opposition leader Raila Odinga
On Monday night, chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Wafula Chebukati announced that Ruto garnered 7,176,141 votes, or 50.49 per cent of the total ballots cast in the August 9 polls ahead of Odinga, also a former Prime Minister, who garnered about 6,942,930 votes, or 48.85 per cent, reports Xinhua news agency.
Ruto, 55, will take over from President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has led the country for more than 10 years.
Immediately after the announcement of the presidential results, protests broke out in some parts of the country, mainly Odinga’s strongholds in western Kenya, the capital Nairobi and the eastern part of the country.
Police in the western city of Kisumu, some parts of Nairobi including Kibera and Mathare slums, engaged Odinga’s supporters in running battles to protest the presidential results, alleging irregularities.
Nairobi’s central business district had earlier been deserted as several shops were hurriedly closed amid traffic snarl-ups out of the city.
In his victory speech, Ruto pledged to extend a hand of friendship to political rivals, unite the country and advance shared growth and prosperity.
“The people of Kenya have assigned us a responsibility to execute and I promise to run a transparent, open and democratic government that serves everyone fairly,” he said while being flanked by immediate family members and political allies.
The announcement was delayed amid scuffles and allegations of vote-rigging by Odinga’s campaign.
Four of the seven members of the electoral commission were absent at the announcement.
“We cannot take ownership of the result that is going to be announced because of the opaque nature of this last phase of the general election,” said Juliana Cherera, the IEBC vice-chairperson.
Cherera said the institution had carried the election process in a fair manner until the final part of tallying the results.
She urged those aggrieved to challenge the results in court.
The sudden split in the commission came minutes after Odinga’s chief agent said they could not verify the results and made allegations of “electoral offenses” without giving details or evidence.
The 77-year0old Odinga didn’t come to the venue for the declaration.
Ruto’s declaration as Kenya’s fifth president-elect followed grueling days of verification of votes transmitted from 46,229 polling stations countrywide, at the national tallying centre in Nairobi.
She said the pandemic has uprooted lives and also economies in the entire world…reports Asian Lite News
President Droupadi Murmu in her maiden address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day talked about India’s vibrant democracy, success story of Covid vaccines, Atmanirbhar Bharat and the growth of the country’s economy after the pandemic.
The President on Sunday said that it is a cause of celebration “not only for all of us but also for every advocate of democracy around the world”.
“When India won independence, there were many international leaders and experts who were sceptical about the success of democratic form of government in India. They had their reasons to be doubtful. In those days, democracy was limited to economically advanced nations. India, after so many years of exploitation at the hands of foreign rulers, was marked by poverty and illiteracy. But we Indians proved the skeptics wrong. Democracy not only grew roots in this soil, it was enriched too,” the President said.
Murmu said that ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ festival is dedicated to the people of India.
LIVE: President Droupadi Murmu pays homage at National War Memorial on the occasion of Independence Day https://t.co/kJE8jBRTj9
“Based on the success achieved by the people, the resolve to build ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ is also a part of this Mahotsav. Citizens from all age-groups have keenly participated in a series of events held across the country,” she added.
Talking about the vaccine success story that the country has achieved, President Murmu said: “The world has seen a new India rising in recent years, more so after the outbreak of Covid-19. Our response to the pandemic has been appreciated everywhere. We launched the biggest vaccination drive in human history with vaccines manufactured in the country itself.
“Last month, we crossed the 200-crore mark in cumulative vaccine coverage. In combating the pandemic, our achievements have been better than those of many developed countries. For this feat, we are grateful to our scientists, doctors, nurses, paramedics and the staff associated with vaccination.”
She said the pandemic has uprooted lives and also economies in the entire world.
“When the world has been battling the economic consequences of the great crisis, India got its act together and is now moving forward. India is among the fastest growing major economies in the world. India’s start-up eco-system ranks high in the world. The success of start-ups in our country, especially the growing number of unicorns is a shining example of our industrial progress.
“The government and policy-makers deserve credit for beating the global trend and helping the economy flourish. During the last few years, unprecedented progress has been made in the development of physical and digital infrastructure,” she added.
The President said: “The success of start-ups in our country, especially the growing number of unicorns is a shining example of our industrial progress. The government and policy-makers deserve credit for beating the global trend and helping the economy flourish.”
Murmu also talked about India’s achievement in the Commonwealth Games saying that a large number of our winners come from underprivileged segments of society.
“Our daughters are the biggest hope for the nation. Some of them brought laurels for the country at the recently held Commonwealth Games. Of course, India’s sportspersons have been making the country proud by their performance in international competitions,” she added.
In her maiden speech, the President said that the keyword for India today is compassion; for the downtrodden, for the needy and for those on the margins.
President Droupadi Murmu visited the National War Memorial on the occasion of Independence Day and paid homage to the martyrs who had made supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. pic.twitter.com/s3fYWxXBfY
“Some of our national values have been incorporated in our Constitution as the fundamental duties of the citizens. I appeal to every citizen to know about their fundamental duties and follow them in letter and spirit so that our nation reaches new heights,” she added.
She also quoted the iconic Kannada poet Kuvempu in her first address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day to urge the youth to make a total sacrifice for the motherland and upliftment of fellow citizens, as they intend to build the country of 2047.
Justice Lalit has served as a Member of Supreme Court Legal Services Committee for two terms…reports Asian Lite News
President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday appointed Justice U.U. Lalit as the next Chief Justice of India (CJI) with effect from August 27.
A statement from the Ministry of Law and Justice said: “In exercise of the power conferred by clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, the President has appointed Justice Uday Umesh Lalit, judge of the Supreme Court as the Chief Justice of India. Justice Uday Umesh Lalit will take over as the 49th Chief Justice of India on 27th August 2022”. Current Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana will demit office on August 26 on superannuation.
Justice Lalit was appointed as judge of the Supreme Court in August 2014 from the Bar. He will become the second Chief Justice of India to be directly elevated to the Supreme Court from the Bar, after Justice S.M. Sikri, who served as the 13th CJI in 1971. Justice Lalit has served as a Member of Supreme Court Legal Services Committee for two terms.
Justice Lalit was born on November 9, 1957 at Solapur, Maharashtra. He enrolled as an advocate by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa in June 1983. He practised in the High Court of Bombay till December 1985 before shifting his practice to Delhi in January 1986.
Justice Lalit worked in the chambers of Soli J. Sorabjee from October 1986 till 1992 and was on the panel of lawyers for the Union of India during the period Sorabjee was Attorney General for India. From 1992 till 2002, he practised as advocate-on-record and was designated as senior advocate by the Supreme Court in April 2004. He was also appointed amicus curiae in many important issues, including forest matters, vehicular pollution, pollution of Yamuna etc. He was appointed as special public prosecutor for CBI under the orders of the Supreme Court to conduct trial in all 2G matters.
Odinga is seeking the presidency for the fifth time and has campaigned on an anti-corruption ticket…reports Asian Lite News
Kenyans are voting on Tuesday to elect a President and a new Parliament, with around 22 million people eligible to cast their ballots in a closely fought election.
Pre-election polling put opposition leader and former prime minister Raila Odinga slightly ahead of William Ruto, who served as Vice President to the outgoing Uhuru Kenyatta, who has been President of the East African country for the past 10 years, reports dpa news agency.
Odinga is seeking the presidency for the fifth time and has campaigned on an anti-corruption ticket.
Ruto has pledged far-reaching economic reforms to improve the lot of small businesses and farms.
Rising food and fuel prices have added to tensions in the large country, which is home to a wide range of ethnic groups. Past elections have often been characterized by outbreaks of violence
Kenya is nevertheless seen as a relatively stable country on the continent, and the two main candidates have indicated they intend to accept the election result.
They have also said they plan to continue close relations with the US and the European Union.
Under the Constitution, results must be published within seven days. With four candidates running, and a close result expected, a run-off election may well be necessary.
The election in the country of some 56 million inhabitants is the fifth presidential election since independence from Britain in 1963.
Members of the National Assembly and Senate were also chosen on Tuesday.
Tanzanian President wishes Kenya peaceful general elections
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has wished neighbouring Kenyans peaceful general elections as they went to the polls to vote for their leaders.
“I am praying God be with you (Kenyans) as you fulfill your constitutional right of getting leaders of your choice in a peaceful environment, unity, harmony and solidarity,” she said in her official tweet on Tuesday.
“Wishing you all the best.”
President Hassan was inspecting the Njombe region in the country’s southern highlands on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported.
Millions of Kenyan citizens on Tuesday cast their ballots at nearly 46,229 polling stations across the country to elect the country’s fifth President as well as members of the National Assembly, Senators, and county governors.
William Ruto, Kenya’s sitting Deputy President and Presidential candidate under the Kenya Kwanza (Kenya First) Alliance, cast his ballot at 6 a.m on Tuesday at a primary school located in his ancestral Sugoi village in the northwestern county of Uasin Gishu. Soon after casting his ballot, Ruto said he will respect the election outcomes, after months of heated campaigns.
Ruto is running for the presidency with three other candidates, including his closest rival, Raila Odinga, a veteran Opposition leader who is running for the presidency under the Azimio La Umoja (Resolution for Unity) One Kenya Coalition. Odinga also cast his ballot at a polling station in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, later on Tuesday.
President Uhuru Kenyatta Votes in Gatundu
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday morning cast his vote at Mutomo Primary School in Gatundu, Kiambu County.
The Head of State, who was accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, cast his vote shortly after 9.00 am and urged Kenyans to vote peacefully.
“Vote peacefully and go home to wait for the results,” President Kenyatta said.
Responding to questions from the media, the President said the voting exercise at the Mutomo Primary School polling station was smooth and he hoped the same will apply across the country.
Before accompanying the President to Gatundu, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta had cast her vote at St. Mary’s School in Nairobi County shortly before 7.00 am.
Ahmad is the minister officially in-charge of Indian affairs and sent the message in his capacity as Minister for South Asia…reports Asian Lite News
Britain has sent greetings to India’s new President Droupadi Murmu and expressed confidence that the India-UK relationship would go from “strength to strength” under her tenure.
Lord Tariq Ahmad, the Minister of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for South Asia and the Commonwealth, took to Twitter on Friday to send his “badhai” in Devanagari script to the new Indian Head of State. The tweet followed the former governor of Jharkhand’s confirmation as President-elect.
“Congratulations to Droupadi Murmu on her election as India’s new President,” said Lord Ahmad, a Pakistani-origin Conservative Party peer in the House of Lords.
“I am sure the UK-India relationship will go from strength to strength during her tenure. Badhai!” With outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson now technically signed off from the job after his farewell speech in Parliament last week ahead of the election of a new Prime Minister by early September, 10 Downing Street said Lord Ahmad’s tweet from last week is the formal UK government congratulatory message for the new Indian President.
Ahmad is the minister officially in-charge of Indian affairs and sent the message in his capacity as Minister for South Asia.
On Monday, Droupadi Murmu was sworn in as the 15th President of India and hailed her election as symbolic of the “greatness of India, mother of democracy”. The 64-year-old is the first tribal woman to hold the highest constitutional post in the country.
The outgoing President had then escorted Murmu to the Presidential study for a brief meeting…reports Asian Lite News
Droupadi Murmu on Monday took oath as the 15th President of India.
Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana administered the oath of office to Murmu in the Central Hall of Parliament.
Outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind and Murmu arrived in Parliament in a ceremonial procession shortly before the swearing in commenced.
She is scheduled to deliver an address later.
Before leaving for the swearing-in ceremony, Murmu reached the Rashtrapati Bhavan, her home and office for the next five years, where she was welcomed by Kovind and his wife Savita.
The outgoing President had then escorted Murmu to the Presidential study for a brief meeting.
Earlier in the morning, Murmu paid tributes to the father of nation Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Members of the Council of Ministers, Governors, Chief Ministers, heads of diplomatic missions, MPs and principal civil and military officers of the government are in attendance at the swearing in ceremony.
