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• Cong Mulls Appointing 2 Vice-Prez to Assist Sonia Gandhi as Leaders Seek 'Active, Visible' Leadership
  in National

  

  For the past few days, a handful of Congress leaders have been preparing for the Congress Working Committee meeting.

  It’s to be a departure from recent past and instead of Zoom, it will now be using WebEx for video conferencing the meet to tide over the fear of hacking. The last time Sonia Gandhi met Rajya Sabha MPs, the incident left a bad experience. So this time, the Congress is taking no chances and the ID for the meeting will be given to the participants just before it begins.

  Ironically, the fear of leak or hacking is not from China, Pakistan or even the BJP. It’s from within the party as the Congress faces a crisis of leadership and voices that were silent or reticent till now have started becoming vocal. At such a time, the last thing the top Congress leadership would want is for their internal strife to be made public.

  However, the change in the means of conducting the meeting cannot put a lid on the crisis that the CWC could address. The biggest problem remains that of leadership. Most leaders in private and, some publicly, have complained that Congress has lost its steam; that it cannot fight the Modi juggernaut and the listlessness means soon Congress could be eased out of the national narrative. Apart from many leaving the party, those who stayed behind and are with the Congress often wonder what’s happening.

  Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari and Rajiv Satav are a few who have raised their voice against this.

  The problem before Sonia Gandhi remains the reluctance of Rahul Gandhi to take charge. When recently, a year-old interview of Priyanka Vadra to a book surfaced in which she said she agreed with her brother on a non-Gandhi Congress president, there were alarm bells in the party. The Congress officially made a statement to say the old interview was being used to push an agenda and party workers and leaders accept Rahul Gandhi as their leader.

  At the CWC, it’s quite possible more voices may come up asking for Rahul Gandhi to take charge as it’s clear that Sonia Gandhi wants to hand over the reins. But what if he remains adamant? There is a proposal in place which could be implemented.

  There could be appointment of more than two vice-presidents to assist Sonia Gandhi. This is to address the concern that Congress needs a full-time president. But such an appointment could also ensure that Gandhis remain in control and the party continues to be headed by one of them, in this case Sonia Gandhi. Names which are doing the rounds are of Ghulam Nabi Azad, P Chidambaram and Mallikarjun Kharge, but it’s quite possible that young leaders could be propped up.

  This apart, many new faces could be brought in for key posts and most of them are perceived to be close to Rahul Gandhi. Sushmita Dev and Manickam Tagore are some names doing the rounds.

  It would also be interesting to see whether Sachin Pilot is brought to the centre. While Pilot has made it clear that he sees Rajasthan as his ‘karam bhumi’ and CM Ashok Gehlot doesn’t want to leave the state yet, the Congress leadership could bring in Pilot to buy time till the committee submits its report.

  The caveat for all this is, of course, that the Congress needs to have the urge to solve this turmoil. For now, the restlessness becomes tough to ignore. Some like Jitin Prasada have formed a Brahmin Samaj and this is to capitalise on the 12% Brahmin vote bank which his party doesn’t seem to be concentrating on. Clearly, he wants to ensure that his politics stays alive.

  Few others who don’t want to leave the Congress are looking at ways to stay relevant. But the list of disillusioned leaders is long and growing, and many of these have at one point been influential or important in the scheme of things such as Milind Deora, Veerappa Moily, Anand Sharma, Ashwini Kumar, Salman Khurshid.

  Some chose to leave the party, like Jyotiraditya Scindia, some fought back and continue to do so like Sachin Pilot. But as new leaders are being propped up and Rahul Gandhi has his favourites, many feel left out and yet, want to stay in the party. The CWC brings some hope to them that things could change. But will the Congress and CWC once again shy away from taking a decision?

   

  Maharashtra election results 2024: Const…

  23-11-2024

  

  Vote counting is underway in Maharashtra, where the Mahayuti alliance and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are locked in a close contest. Early trends suggest a Mahayuti lead in several...

  Read more

  Dhule city election results: BJP's Agraw…

  23-11-2024

  

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  Nalasopara election result 2024: BJP's c…

  23-11-2024

  

  Read more

  Maha Election Results 2024: Despite 5.6 …

  23-11-2024

  

  For perspective, Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Haroon Khan is leading in Versova with 58,047 votes, while Dr Bharati Lavekar of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is closely following with 48,526...

  Read more

  Jharkhand Election Results: JMM Hemant S…

  23-11-2024

  

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  Vadgaon Sheri election result 2024: NCP …

  23-11-2024

  

  In the Vadgaon Sheri Assembly constituency, Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) Sunil Vijay Tingre took an early lead over NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar)'s Bapusaheb Tukaram Pathare as vote counting began for the...

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  'Need to learn from results ... ': Rober…

  23-11-2024

  

  "We need to learn from the results in Maharashtra and respect the verdict of the people. We need to with the party who wins and work for the development of...

  Read more

  'Of course, he will become CM': Devendra…

  23-11-2024

  

  The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, including the Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP group, secured a sweeping victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The alliance was leading...

  Read more

  Maha Election Results 2024: When Eknath …

  23-11-2024

  

  Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, led the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance to a historic victory in the 2024 assembly elections, leading in 213 of 288 seats. Shinde, who faced personal and...

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  Latur city election results: Congress le…

  23-11-2024

  

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  Bihar bypolls: Deepa Kumari daughter-in-…

  23-11-2024

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  Chandivali election result 2024: Shiv Se…

  23-11-2024

  

  Shiv Sena's Dilip Bhausaheb Lande is leading in the Chandivali constituency in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Lande, aligned with the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition, is ahead of his opponents with...

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  Pune Cantonment election results 2024: B…

  23-11-2024

  

  Bharatiya Janata Party's Kamble Sunil Dyandev is leading by over 3,863 votes against Congress's Bagwe Ramesh Anandrao in the Pune Cantonment assembly constituency after the sixteenth round of counting. In...

  Read more

  Akola West election result 2024: INC's S…

  23-11-2024

  

  Congress candidate Sajid Khan Pathan is currently leading in the assembly elections by a significant margin against BJP's Agrawal Vijay Kamalkishor, with most votes counted. The ruling Mahayuti alliance is...

  Read more

  Vasai election result 2024: BJP's Sneha …

  23-11-2024

  

  Sneha Dube Pandit of the Bharatiya Janata Party is currently leading in the Maharashtra assembly election for the Vasai constituency. Pandit has a lead of over 4,000 votes against Bahujan...

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  Maharashtra chose 'Vichaar ki virasat' o…

  23-11-2024

  

  "Mahayuti is coming back to power in Maharashtra in a grand way due to the development works done by it. Maharashtra elections were a fight about whether 'Vichaar ki virasat...

  Read more

  Kolhapur South election results: BJP's A…

  23-11-2024

  

  In Maharashtra's Kolhapur South Assembly constituency, BJP's Amal Mahadik is leading against Congress's Ruturaj Patil after 14 rounds of counting. Early results show the BJP leading in 126 seats...

  Read more

  Maharashtra Assembly Result 2024: 'Ek ha…

  23-11-2024

  

  The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is poised for a resounding victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections, securing a commanding lead in a majority of seats. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis attributed...

  Read more

  Mahim election results 2024: Amit Thacke…

  23-11-2024

  

  Amit Thackeray, son of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, trailed in early vote counting for Mumbai's Mahim constituency. The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, of which MNS is a part, showed strong...

  Read more

  Hatkanangle election results 2024: Congr…

  23-11-2024

  

  Jan Surajya Shakti candidate Dr Ashokrao Mane was leading by more than 9413 votes against INC candidate Awale Raju Jaywantrao in the Hatkanangle assembly constituency after the fourth round of...

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• Who Will be Next Congress President? Reports of 'Sonia Gandhi Resigning False', Says Randeep Surjewala
  in National

  

  New Delhi, August 23: Congress' national spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala dismissed the reports which claimed on Sunday that Sonia Gandhi would step down from her position of party president.

  The seniormost Gandhi family member was appointed at the helm n August last year, after her son Rahul Gandhi had stepped down following the humiliating defeat in 2019 general elections.

  "Reports of Sonia Gandhi resigning from the post of Congress interim president are false," said Surjewala, whose statement is considered as the official word of the party. Congress President Row: Veterans Back Sonia Gandhi, Ashok Gehlot Says Letter of Dissent 'Unbelievable'.
  

  Surjewala's clarification came amid reports claiming that Gandhi has replied to a letter of dissent sent to her by around 23 seniormost party leaders. The dissenters have sought a complete overhaul of the party structure to re-energise the cadres and end the spree of poll defeats. Gandhi, in her reply, reportedly asked them to "get together and elect a new president".

  Update by ANI 

  Who Will be Next Congress President?

  While a section of party old guard including Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot have led their weight behind Sonia Gandhi, a number of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chiefs have demanded the return of Rahul Gandhi to the helm.

  Sonia, 73, was given a one-year interim role as party chief last year after no one came forth to claim the presidency following her son's exit. The Congress Working Committee (CWC), which is scheduled to convene tomorrow for a top-level meeting, will take a final call on the next leader, reports said.

   

   

  Maharashtra election results 2024: Const…

  23-11-2024

  

  Vote counting is underway in Maharashtra, where the Mahayuti alliance and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are locked in a close contest. Early trends suggest a Mahayuti lead in several...

  Read more

  Dhule city election results: BJP's Agraw…

  23-11-2024

  

  Read more

  Nalasopara election result 2024: BJP's c…

  23-11-2024

  

  Read more

  Maha Election Results 2024: Despite 5.6 …

  23-11-2024

  

  For perspective, Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Haroon Khan is leading in Versova with 58,047 votes, while Dr Bharati Lavekar of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is closely following with 48,526...

  Read more

  Jharkhand Election Results: JMM Hemant S…

  23-11-2024

  

  Read more

  Vadgaon Sheri election result 2024: NCP …

  23-11-2024

  

  In the Vadgaon Sheri Assembly constituency, Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) Sunil Vijay Tingre took an early lead over NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar)'s Bapusaheb Tukaram Pathare as vote counting began for the...

  Read more

  'Need to learn from results ... ': Rober…

  23-11-2024

  

  "We need to learn from the results in Maharashtra and respect the verdict of the people. We need to with the party who wins and work for the development of...

  Read more

  'Of course, he will become CM': Devendra…

  23-11-2024

  

  The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, including the Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP group, secured a sweeping victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The alliance was leading...

  Read more

  Maha Election Results 2024: When Eknath …

  23-11-2024

  

  Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, led the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance to a historic victory in the 2024 assembly elections, leading in 213 of 288 seats. Shinde, who faced personal and...

  Read more

  Latur city election results: Congress le…

  23-11-2024

  

  Read more

  Bihar bypolls: Deepa Kumari daughter-in-…

  23-11-2024

  Read more

  Chandivali election result 2024: Shiv Se…

  23-11-2024

  

  Shiv Sena's Dilip Bhausaheb Lande is leading in the Chandivali constituency in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Lande, aligned with the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition, is ahead of his opponents with...

  Read more

  Pune Cantonment election results 2024: B…

  23-11-2024

  

  Bharatiya Janata Party's Kamble Sunil Dyandev is leading by over 3,863 votes against Congress's Bagwe Ramesh Anandrao in the Pune Cantonment assembly constituency after the sixteenth round of counting. In...

  Read more

  Akola West election result 2024: INC's S…

  23-11-2024

  

  Congress candidate Sajid Khan Pathan is currently leading in the assembly elections by a significant margin against BJP's Agrawal Vijay Kamalkishor, with most votes counted. The ruling Mahayuti alliance is...

  Read more

  Vasai election result 2024: BJP's Sneha …

  23-11-2024

  

  Sneha Dube Pandit of the Bharatiya Janata Party is currently leading in the Maharashtra assembly election for the Vasai constituency. Pandit has a lead of over 4,000 votes against Bahujan...

  Read more

  Maharashtra chose 'Vichaar ki virasat' o…

  23-11-2024

  

  "Mahayuti is coming back to power in Maharashtra in a grand way due to the development works done by it. Maharashtra elections were a fight about whether 'Vichaar ki virasat...

  Read more

  Kolhapur South election results: BJP's A…

  23-11-2024

  

  In Maharashtra's Kolhapur South Assembly constituency, BJP's Amal Mahadik is leading against Congress's Ruturaj Patil after 14 rounds of counting. Early results show the BJP leading in 126 seats...

  Read more

  Maharashtra Assembly Result 2024: 'Ek ha…

  23-11-2024

  

  The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is poised for a resounding victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections, securing a commanding lead in a majority of seats. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis attributed...

  Read more

  Mahim election results 2024: Amit Thacke…

  23-11-2024

  

  Amit Thackeray, son of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, trailed in early vote counting for Mumbai's Mahim constituency. The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, of which MNS is a part, showed strong...

  Read more

  Hatkanangle election results 2024: Congr…

  23-11-2024

  

  Jan Surajya Shakti candidate Dr Ashokrao Mane was leading by more than 9413 votes against INC candidate Awale Raju Jaywantrao in the Hatkanangle assembly constituency after the fourth round of...

  Read more
• No Pilots For Rafale Jets – Why Is The Indian Air Force Facing An Acute Shortage Of Trained Pilots?
  in International

  

  As India is in the process of overhauling its airforce with the latest Rafale jets and additional MiG-29 and SU-30 MKIs, an RTI (Request To Information) filed by India Today

   reveals that in that last 10 years, 798 Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots have resigned and 289 of these pilots were given No-objection Certificates (NOC) to fly private airlines.

  New Delhi has been upgrading the military equipment and even purchasing modern combat aircraft to strengthen the IAF. The newly acquired Rafale jets are ready to be inducted in a high profile ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French defense minister Florence Parly at the air force station in Ambala where the first five aircraft have been stationed. 

  However, in 2016 and 2017, IAF saw the worst years when 100 and 114 pilots respectively quit the IAF. In 2015, only 37 pilots had quit before superannuation. With an average of 80 pilots quitting the IAF every year, it could be facing an acute shortage of pilots.On February 1, 2018, the government informed the Rajya Sabha that the IAF had 3,855 pilots against a sanctioned strength of 4,231. There was a shortage of 376 pilots which reflects poorly on the preparedness of the IAF. 

  Of the pilots that quit, more than one-third of them received the NOC to fly private airlines. As per reports, a middle rung pilot earns up to Rs 2 lakh ($2700) in salary per month and can get four times the amount flying with a private airline.Most pilots quit after 20 years of service which makes them eligible for a pension.

  “The IAF way of life is very good and apart from the salary, there are several intangible benefits. But my workload is far less as a private airlines pilot and there’s nothing to complain about the remuneration. As captain, I am responsible for everything after the aircraft door closes and once it opens, my job is over,” said an IAF officer who recently quit service and took up a job in a private airline and didn’t wish to be named.

  HT reported in February this year, that IAF is working on measures to prevent its pilots from leaving the service and joining private airlines that offer better salaries and perquisites. Even though the report didn’t mention any specific measure, it said that they will be made shortly, and could involve cooling-off periods and changes in pension plans.

  

  The RTI also asked about if such changes are being introduced. “Has the Indian Air Force evolved or is working on any policy to stop their pilots from quitting and joining private airlines. If yes, what is that?” In response to the query in the RTI, IAF said that there exists no such plans or policies. 

  Experts have said that it is important for the IAF to retain its pilots. “A pilot gets into operational flying after training for almost 250 to 300 hours in different aircraft. That costs a lot of money. You cannot afford to let trained people go. Other global air forces are also struggling with the same issues,” said Air Marshal KK Nohwar (retd), director-general, Centre for Air Power Studies.

   

   

  Putin: Russia may use new missile again …

  22-11-2024

  

  Following Ukraine's use of US and UK-supplied missiles on Russian territory, Putin announced the successful test of a new missile, the Oreshnik, which was used to strike Dnipro. Putin...

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  Trump nominates hedge fund chief Scott B…

  22-11-2024

  

  Donald Trump has chosen Scott Bessent, a seasoned hedge fund manager, to lead the US Treasury in his second term. Bessent, known for his advocacy of Trump's economic policies, will...

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  Daniel Penny opts not to testify as his …

  22-11-2024

  

  Daniel Penny's defense team rested their case without the Marine veteran taking the stand in his manslaughter trial for the death of Jordan Neely. The defense highlighted Neely's outstanding arrest...

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  Texas education board approves Bible-bas…

  22-11-2024

  

  In a controversial move, the Texas State Board of Education approved new elective curriculum allowing Bible lessons in elementary schools. Supporters believe the Bible is crucial to American history, while...

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  US man receives 'life-changing' face tra…

  22-11-2024

  

  After surviving a suicide attempt a decade ago that left his face severely disfigured, a Michigan man has received a life-altering face transplant. Derek Pfaff, 30, underwent the 50-hour procedure...

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  Diddy smiles, blows kiss to family in co…

  22-11-2024

  

  Sean "Diddy" Combs appeared in a Manhattan court for a third bail hearing, seeking release on a $50 million bond while awaiting trial on racketeering and sex-trafficking charges. Combs, who...

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  Florida woman arrested for drowning and …

  22-11-2024

  

  A Florida woman, Kelsey Glover, is facing charges after allegedly drowning her 14-year-old daughter, Giselle, in a bathtub. Witnesses, including another child, reported seeing Glover holding Giselle underwater. Glover...

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  Elon Musk asks Donald Trump Jr how much …

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  ​"How much it cost," Elon Musk replied and X users could not keep their calm. The screenshot of Elon Musk asking about the cost of then-Twitter in 2017 went viral...

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  Watch: Passengers duct-tape man who dema…

  22-11-2024

  

  An American Airlines flight from Milwaukee to Dallas-Fort Worth turned chaotic when a Canadian passenger attempted to open a cabin door mid-flight, claiming he needed to exit. The situation escalated...

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  When Ellen DeGeneres 'offered' Donald Tr…

  22-11-2024

  

  British broadcaster Piers Morgan mockingly reacted to the news of Ellen leaving the US to settle in England writing: "OMG...no!". Ellen was forced to end her Ellen Degeneres Show after...

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  What immigration policies are expected i…

  22-11-2024

  

  Donald Trump, in his bid for re-election, has vowed to implement stringent immigration measures if he returns to the White House. His plans include large-scale deportations, bolstering border security, and...

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  Matt Gaetz reveals his future plan: 'Won…

  22-11-2024

  

  In an interview with Charlie Kirk, Matt Gaetz revealed that he will not be returning to Congress now that he is not a nomination for the attorney general post. Gaetz...

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  Fact check: Did Elon Musk accuse Jeff Be…

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  Elon Musk sparked controversy with a now-deleted tweet, suggesting that wealthy ex-wives like MacKenzie Scott, who criticize their former husbands, are a contributing factor to the downfall of Western civilization...

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  Melania cooks for Trump, Barron as RFK J…

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  Melania Trump has been preparing family dinners at Trump Tower and encouraging healthier eating habits for her husband, President-elect Donald Trump, Page Six reported adding that Melania and Kennedy Jr...

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  Trump’s hush money case sentencing postp…

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  A judge has indefinitely delayed the sentencing of former President Donald Trump in his criminal hush money case. Trump's legal team successfully argued for a postponement, citing potential disruptions to...

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  Mike Rogers won't get FBI, claims Trump …

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  Former President Donald Trump is not considering Mike Rogers, a former FBI special agent and congressman, for a leadership role at the FBI, according to Trump's deputy chief of staff...

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  Did Trump leave Mar-a-Lago in ambulance?…

  22-11-2024

  

  Speculation arose on social media about Donald Trump's health after reports of ambulances leaving Mar-a-Lago. However, the Secret Service clarified that the ambulances were part of Vice President-elect JD Vance's...

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  Wisconsin man fakes death to escape fami…

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  Did Pam Bondi let Jeffrey Epstein slide;…

  22-11-2024

  

  In 2013, Bondi's office received complaints from people alleging they had been scammed by Donald Trump's Trump University seminars. Florida did not pursue the case and Bondi's political committee received...

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• Turkey Signs Another Contract With Russia For S-400 Missile Defense Systems
  in International

  

  Turkey has again signed a contract with Russia to acquire additional S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Moscow, the Russian news agency TASS reported.

  This would be a second deal between Moscow and Ankara for the S-400 missile systems. Turkey has already received two batteries of the S-400s worth $2.5 billion, a deal which was inked in April 2017.

  Speaking to reporters, the Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport chief Alexander Mikheyev said “The contract has been signed”, and stated that the parties shall now discuss the financial terms of the contract.

  He further said that the timeframe of implementing the contract would depend “on our partners’ readiness to finally resolve the procedural issues with the financing of this project”.

  Turkey, being the first NATO member country to have received the S-400 air defense system, has damaged its reputation among NATO members and severely strained ties with Washington.

  Due to the deal, Washington kicked-out Turkey out from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program – which means it won’t be getting any American 5th generation fighters and could instead look at Russian Su-35 jets.Instead of trying to resolve matters with the United States, Erdogan has pushed forward for a second deal for the S-400.

  Past talks between Turkey and the U.S. on the acquisition of the Patriot air defense system had fallen over a large group of issues, from the accessibility of S-400s to Ankara’s disappointment with Washington’s terms and conditions.Turkey has said it will possibly consent to an offer if it incorporates terms for indigenous production and transfer of technology.

  Ankara has more than once emphasized that it was the U.S.’ refusal to sell it Patriots that drove it to search out different vendors, adding that Russia offered a superior deal, including the transfer of technology.  Turkey even proposed setting up a commission to explain any specialized issues, yet the U.S. has so far not reacted to this proposition.According to TASS, the S-400 ‘Triumf’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007. It is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise, and ballistic missiles, including medium-range weapons, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km.

   

• Assam: KMSS To Launch Politcal Party, Akhil Gogoi To Be Chief Minister Candidate
  in Election News

  

  Guwahati: Peasant body Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) on Saturday announced that it will launch a political party to fight the Assam assembly election in 2021 and its jailed leader Akhil Gogoi will be its chief ministerial candidate.

  Addressing a press conference here, the KMSS leadership said the proposed party’s name will be announced by Gogoi once he is released from jail.

  “We have prepared ourselves to form a new political party. It will be a regional party. People from all tribes, castes, communities, religions and languages will be a part of this party,” KMSS president Bhasco De Saikia said.

  The new outfit will be a non-compromising political force and it will not be named after KMSS’s earlier venture Gana Mukti Sangram-Asom.

  “Because of our non-compromising position, Akhil Gogoi is still inside the jail. By October, we hope he will be released. He will announce the name of the party after coming out of jail. The name of the party has been finalised already,” Saikia said. 

  Gogoi is lodged in Guwahati central jail and is being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for his alleged role in protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) late in 2019. The special NIA court earlier this month rejected his bail plea.

  Asked if Gogoi, who is the adviser of KMSS, will fight the polls, he replied in the affirmative.

  “Yes Akhil Gogoi will fight the polls in 2021. He will be our CM candidate,” Saikia said. “We are at present fighting for Akhil Gogoi’s release. Responding to our appeals, the people of Assam have come forward and contributed large amounts to carry forward the legal battle,” Saikia said.

  Elaborating on the proposed party, he said all intellectual preparation for the new party is ready as is its constitution.

  “The work agenda will be known as Asombasir Jatiya Karmahuchi and it will be the basis of the future modern Assamese society. We will send the constitution and the agenda to all district committees and our sister organisations. Then we will make these public and seek the peoples’ opinion on them,” he said.

  The KMSS leader said the proposed political party will fight against all forms of communal forces and appealed to regional forces to come forward and join hands to defeat the ruling BJP and its allies.

  “Our goal is to create a politically federal, economically self reliant, socially and culturally inclusive, and mentally scientific Assam. The KMSS will remain as an independent organisation like today and the political party will be separate,” Saikia said.

  Asked if KMSS has spoken to opposition parties in the state and All Assam Students’ Union, which too is foraying into politics, Saikia said “We have not talked to Congress or AASU yet. We all have to unite. The need of the hour is to join hands.”

  About the number of constituencies that the new front will contest, Saikia said it is being worked out and will be announced later.

  The KMSS leaders, the AASU and Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chhatra Parishad (AJYCP) have been separately making public statements about forming new regional political parties since the protests against the CAA in December 2019.

  On August 19 student and youth bodies AASU and AJYCP set up an 18-member committee of prominent personalities to suggest the two organisation’s future course of action, a step towards their much-talked about political entry ahead of state Assembly polls.

  Senior journalist and Rajya Sabha member Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, who was supported by opposition parties Congress and AIUDF, too recently floated a new regional entity ‘Anchalik Gana Morcha’ to fight the assembly election slated for March-April in 2021.

  Former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi had announced that Congress is working on to form a ‘Grand Alliance’ of non-BJP parties, including the AIUDF, Left and AGM, to oust the ruling party in the assembly elections and kept doors open for any new parties.

  The election to the 126-member Assam assembly in 2016 had given a fractured mandate and no party got the absolute majority in the current House. The ruling BJP is in the government with support from the AGP and BPF along with one Independent MLA.