Google Search for Web:

Kajal Agrawal

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lallu detained yet again on way to meet deceased scribe’s family Featured

  25 अगस्त 2020

UPCC president Ajay Lallu, along with party workers, was detained in Rae Bareli on Tuesday while he was on his way to Ballia to meet the family of journalist Ratan Singh, who was shot dead on Monday

Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) president Ajay Kumar Lallu, along with party workers, was detained in Rae Bareli on Tuesday while he was on his way to Ballia to meet the family of journalist Ratan Singh, who was shot dead on Monday night.

The vehicles in which Lallu and other party workers were travelling were stopped by the police. After this, the Congress leaders began walking towards Ballia and were again detained in Salon by the police.This, according to Congress sources, is the 23rd time that Ajay Kumar Lallu has been prevented from reaching his destination by the state police. 

Earlier this month, Lallu was detained while going to Bansgaon in Azamgarh to meet the family of a Dalit sarpanch who had been killed.In May this year, he was arrested in Agra and sent to jail for almost three weeks for 'misguiding the government on the issue of buses for migrants.'

 

'Alamgir Alam looted Jharkhand's people…

05-11-2024

Sample Image

At a Koderma election rally, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized the JMM government, likening a leader to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for alleged corruption. He urged voters to elect...

Read more

State can't seize all private property f…

05-11-2024

Sample Image

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court ruled that states cannot seize private property for redistribution, overturning a previous socialist-leaning judgment. The 7:2 ruling clarified that while states can acquire...

Read more

'Doesn't violate principle of secularism…

04-11-2024

Sample Image

The Supreme Court overturned a high court ruling, upholding the Uttar Pradesh Madrassa Education Act. The court affirmed the state's right to regulate educational standards in madrassas without infringing...

Read more

Government puts Wikipedia on notice, poi…

04-11-2024

Sample Image

The Indian government has issued a notice to Wikipedia, alleging bias and inaccuracies in its content. The government also questioned Wikipedia's editorial control and whether it should be classified as...

Read more

'Hindu lives don't matter for opposition…

04-11-2024

Sample Image

The BJP has criticized Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi for not speaking out against recent attacks on Hindu temples in Canada. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari contrasted their...

Read more

Attack on Hindu temple: Thousands take o…

04-11-2024

Sample Image

A Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, was targeted in an attack allegedly by pro-Khalistan supporters, sparking outrage and protests from the Indian community. Thousands rallied, condemning the violence and...

Read more

'Apologise or pay Rs 5cr': Salman Khan t…

04-11-2024

Sample Image

Bollywood star Salman Khan received yet another death threat, this time allegedly from an individual claiming to be the brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The caller demanded a public apology...

Read more

'Deeply concerning': Jaishankar’s sharp …

04-11-2024

Sample Image

External affairs minister S Jaishankar has expressed strong concerns over the recent attack on a Hindu temple in Canada, calling the incident 'deeply concerning.' This statement comes after Canadian authorities...

Read more

Jio’s IPO set for 2025, likely to be Ind…

04-11-2024

Sample Image

Mukesh Ambani, Asia's richest man, is aiming for a 2025 Mumbai listing for his telecom business Jio, which analysts value at over $100 billion. Ambani plans to launch his retail...

Read more

SC relaxes Kappan's bail rider, says no …

04-11-2024

Sample Image

The Supreme Court provided relief to journalist Siddique Kappan, modifying his bail conditions in a UAPA case. Kappan, arrested in 2020 while en route to Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, is no...

Read more

Amit Shah calls for long-term policy to …

04-11-2024

Sample Image

India's Home Minister, Amit Shah, has called for the strengthening of the Hindi language. Shah emphasized developing a long-term policy to enhance and preserve Hindi literature and grammar. He...

Read more

Court holds 3 guilty in '16 Kollam colle…

04-11-2024

Sample Image

A Kollam court found three men guilty in the 2016 pressure cooker blast at the Kerala town's collectorate. The explosion, while causing no casualties, was attributed to a banned...

Read more

High Court lets off man in Pocso case, s…

04-11-2024

Sample Image

The Chhattisgarh High Court acquitted a man sentenced to 20 years under the POCSO Act, citing lack of clarity on the girl's age and consent. The court ruled that the...

Read more

Supreme Court: Can't allow lungs of Mumb…

04-11-2024

Sample Image

The Supreme Court upheld a Bombay High Court ruling, preventing CIDCO from relocating a planned international sports complex in Navi Mumbai to Raigad district. The court stressed the importance of...

Read more

If you want Rs 3k Annapurna dole, fill u…

04-11-2024

Sample Image

Union minister Sukanta Majumdar urged BJP workers to encourage women to become BJP members by promising them benefits under the Annapurna Yojana if the party comes to power in Bengal...

Read more

Days before voting, Soren's poll propose…

04-11-2024

Sample Image

Mandal Murmu, the initial proposer for Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's candidacy, has switched allegiances and joined the BJP. Murmu, a descendant of tribal freedom fighters, expressed discomfort with his...

Read more

BJP, oppn in slugfest over dip in Maha's…

04-11-2024

Maharashtra's opposition parties criticized the ruling BJP government for a 2% decrease in the state's national GDP share since 2010, attributing it to the BJP's policies favoring Gujarat's growth. The...

Read more

EC delayed Hemant's copter for 90 minute…

04-11-2024

Sample Image

Jharkhand's ruling JMM party has accused the Election Commission of hindering Chief Minister Hemant Soren's campaign efforts. They allege his helicopter was grounded for 90 minutes due to security protocols...

Read more

Jarange opts out of election, says won't…

04-11-2024

Sample Image

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange announced he will not support any candidate or party in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. Jarange, who previously planned to back specific candidates, urged his...

Read more

 

Related items

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

    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?

     

    'Alamgir Alam looted Jharkhand's people…

    05-11-2024

    Sample Image

    At a Koderma election rally, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized the JMM government, likening a leader to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for alleged corruption. He urged voters to elect...

    Read more

    State can't seize all private property f…

    05-11-2024

    Sample Image

    In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court ruled that states cannot seize private property for redistribution, overturning a previous socialist-leaning judgment. The 7:2 ruling clarified that while states can acquire...

    Read more

    'Doesn't violate principle of secularism…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    The Supreme Court overturned a high court ruling, upholding the Uttar Pradesh Madrassa Education Act. The court affirmed the state's right to regulate educational standards in madrassas without infringing...

    Read more

    Government puts Wikipedia on notice, poi…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    The Indian government has issued a notice to Wikipedia, alleging bias and inaccuracies in its content. The government also questioned Wikipedia's editorial control and whether it should be classified as...

    Read more

    'Hindu lives don't matter for opposition…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    The BJP has criticized Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi for not speaking out against recent attacks on Hindu temples in Canada. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari contrasted their...

    Read more

    Attack on Hindu temple: Thousands take o…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    A Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, was targeted in an attack allegedly by pro-Khalistan supporters, sparking outrage and protests from the Indian community. Thousands rallied, condemning the violence and...

    Read more

    'Apologise or pay Rs 5cr': Salman Khan t…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    Bollywood star Salman Khan received yet another death threat, this time allegedly from an individual claiming to be the brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The caller demanded a public apology...

    Read more

    'Deeply concerning': Jaishankar’s sharp …

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    External affairs minister S Jaishankar has expressed strong concerns over the recent attack on a Hindu temple in Canada, calling the incident 'deeply concerning.' This statement comes after Canadian authorities...

    Read more

    Jio’s IPO set for 2025, likely to be Ind…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    Mukesh Ambani, Asia's richest man, is aiming for a 2025 Mumbai listing for his telecom business Jio, which analysts value at over $100 billion. Ambani plans to launch his retail...

    Read more

    SC relaxes Kappan's bail rider, says no …

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    The Supreme Court provided relief to journalist Siddique Kappan, modifying his bail conditions in a UAPA case. Kappan, arrested in 2020 while en route to Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, is no...

    Read more

    Amit Shah calls for long-term policy to …

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    India's Home Minister, Amit Shah, has called for the strengthening of the Hindi language. Shah emphasized developing a long-term policy to enhance and preserve Hindi literature and grammar. He...

    Read more

    Court holds 3 guilty in '16 Kollam colle…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    A Kollam court found three men guilty in the 2016 pressure cooker blast at the Kerala town's collectorate. The explosion, while causing no casualties, was attributed to a banned...

    Read more

    High Court lets off man in Pocso case, s…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    The Chhattisgarh High Court acquitted a man sentenced to 20 years under the POCSO Act, citing lack of clarity on the girl's age and consent. The court ruled that the...

    Read more

    Supreme Court: Can't allow lungs of Mumb…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    The Supreme Court upheld a Bombay High Court ruling, preventing CIDCO from relocating a planned international sports complex in Navi Mumbai to Raigad district. The court stressed the importance of...

    Read more

    If you want Rs 3k Annapurna dole, fill u…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    Union minister Sukanta Majumdar urged BJP workers to encourage women to become BJP members by promising them benefits under the Annapurna Yojana if the party comes to power in Bengal...

    Read more

    Days before voting, Soren's poll propose…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    Mandal Murmu, the initial proposer for Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's candidacy, has switched allegiances and joined the BJP. Murmu, a descendant of tribal freedom fighters, expressed discomfort with his...

    Read more

    BJP, oppn in slugfest over dip in Maha's…

    04-11-2024

    Maharashtra's opposition parties criticized the ruling BJP government for a 2% decrease in the state's national GDP share since 2010, attributing it to the BJP's policies favoring Gujarat's growth. The...

    Read more

    EC delayed Hemant's copter for 90 minute…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    Jharkhand's ruling JMM party has accused the Election Commission of hindering Chief Minister Hemant Soren's campaign efforts. They allege his helicopter was grounded for 90 minutes due to security protocols...

    Read more

    Jarange opts out of election, says won't…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange announced he will not support any candidate or party in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. Jarange, who previously planned to back specific candidates, urged his...

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

    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.

     

     

    'Alamgir Alam looted Jharkhand's people…

    05-11-2024

    Sample Image

    At a Koderma election rally, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized the JMM government, likening a leader to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for alleged corruption. He urged voters to elect...

    Read more

    State can't seize all private property f…

    05-11-2024

    Sample Image

    In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court ruled that states cannot seize private property for redistribution, overturning a previous socialist-leaning judgment. The 7:2 ruling clarified that while states can acquire...

    Read more

    'Doesn't violate principle of secularism…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    The Supreme Court overturned a high court ruling, upholding the Uttar Pradesh Madrassa Education Act. The court affirmed the state's right to regulate educational standards in madrassas without infringing...

    Read more

    Government puts Wikipedia on notice, poi…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    The Indian government has issued a notice to Wikipedia, alleging bias and inaccuracies in its content. The government also questioned Wikipedia's editorial control and whether it should be classified as...

    Read more

    'Hindu lives don't matter for opposition…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    The BJP has criticized Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi for not speaking out against recent attacks on Hindu temples in Canada. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari contrasted their...

    Read more

    Attack on Hindu temple: Thousands take o…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    A Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, was targeted in an attack allegedly by pro-Khalistan supporters, sparking outrage and protests from the Indian community. Thousands rallied, condemning the violence and...

    Read more

    'Apologise or pay Rs 5cr': Salman Khan t…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    Bollywood star Salman Khan received yet another death threat, this time allegedly from an individual claiming to be the brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The caller demanded a public apology...

    Read more

    'Deeply concerning': Jaishankar’s sharp …

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    External affairs minister S Jaishankar has expressed strong concerns over the recent attack on a Hindu temple in Canada, calling the incident 'deeply concerning.' This statement comes after Canadian authorities...

    Read more

    Jio’s IPO set for 2025, likely to be Ind…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    Mukesh Ambani, Asia's richest man, is aiming for a 2025 Mumbai listing for his telecom business Jio, which analysts value at over $100 billion. Ambani plans to launch his retail...

    Read more

    SC relaxes Kappan's bail rider, says no …

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    The Supreme Court provided relief to journalist Siddique Kappan, modifying his bail conditions in a UAPA case. Kappan, arrested in 2020 while en route to Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, is no...

    Read more

    Amit Shah calls for long-term policy to …

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    India's Home Minister, Amit Shah, has called for the strengthening of the Hindi language. Shah emphasized developing a long-term policy to enhance and preserve Hindi literature and grammar. He...

    Read more

    Court holds 3 guilty in '16 Kollam colle…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    A Kollam court found three men guilty in the 2016 pressure cooker blast at the Kerala town's collectorate. The explosion, while causing no casualties, was attributed to a banned...

    Read more

    High Court lets off man in Pocso case, s…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    The Chhattisgarh High Court acquitted a man sentenced to 20 years under the POCSO Act, citing lack of clarity on the girl's age and consent. The court ruled that the...

    Read more

    Supreme Court: Can't allow lungs of Mumb…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    The Supreme Court upheld a Bombay High Court ruling, preventing CIDCO from relocating a planned international sports complex in Navi Mumbai to Raigad district. The court stressed the importance of...

    Read more

    If you want Rs 3k Annapurna dole, fill u…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    Union minister Sukanta Majumdar urged BJP workers to encourage women to become BJP members by promising them benefits under the Annapurna Yojana if the party comes to power in Bengal...

    Read more

    Days before voting, Soren's poll propose…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    Mandal Murmu, the initial proposer for Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's candidacy, has switched allegiances and joined the BJP. Murmu, a descendant of tribal freedom fighters, expressed discomfort with his...

    Read more

    BJP, oppn in slugfest over dip in Maha's…

    04-11-2024

    Maharashtra's opposition parties criticized the ruling BJP government for a 2% decrease in the state's national GDP share since 2010, attributing it to the BJP's policies favoring Gujarat's growth. The...

    Read more

    EC delayed Hemant's copter for 90 minute…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    Jharkhand's ruling JMM party has accused the Election Commission of hindering Chief Minister Hemant Soren's campaign efforts. They allege his helicopter was grounded for 90 minutes due to security protocols...

    Read more

    Jarange opts out of election, says won't…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange announced he will not support any candidate or party in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. Jarange, who previously planned to back specific candidates, urged his...

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

    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.

    File:Indian Air Force Ilyushin Il-78MKI.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

    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.

     

     

    Tropical Storm Rafael forms in Caribbean…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    Tropical Storm Rafael, anticipated to escalate into a hurricane, is projected to hit Florida later this week. The storm, currently south of Jamaica, will likely impact the Cayman Islands and...

    Read more

    Popular podcaster Joe Rogan endorses for…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    Joe Rogan, host of the popular podcast "The Joe Rogan Experience," publicly endorsed Donald Trump for president. This follows a lengthy interview where Trump discussed his presidency, the 2020 election...

    Read more

    Watch: Russia launches Soyuz rocket with…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    Russia launched a Soyuz rocket carrying two Ionosfera-M satellites for space weather monitoring and 53 smaller satellites, including two from Iran. This launch marks Iran's first private sector venture into...

    Read more

    Michael Moore confident of Kamala Harris…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    ​Moore said the Trump campaign isn't really in touch with where the majority of Americans are at. “The majority of Americans do not want this divisiveness, they don’t want the...

    Read more

    When Trump said he could lose this elect…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    "The internal "Donald J. Trump Administrative Update," from co-campaign manager Susie Wiles, outlines post-election plans. It uses the phrases "should we be victorious," "regardless of the outcome of the election...

    Read more

    Watch: Viral Moo Deng predicts Trump wil…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    The video of the moment when Moo Deng picked Donald Trump over Kamala Harris was filmed Monday -- a day before Election Day -- at the Khao Khewo Open...

    Read more

    Sean Diddy turns 55 in jail; gets fruit…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    Diddy's lawyers have asked a judge to restrict statements made by potential witnesses and their lawyers outside of court and cited the name of Courtney Burgess who has given many...

    Read more

    Monica Lewinsky trolled for voting Kamal…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    When the scandal broke, Lewinsky agreed to immunity from prosecution with the attorney general and provided definitive proof of her intimate relationship with the president -- a dress stained with...

    Read more

    Early voting data a 'little scary' for K…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    Jim Messina, Obama's 2012 campaign manager, expressed concern over early voting trends showing a surge in Republican participation. While Democrats are witnessing promising turnout among women and young voters, Republicans...

    Read more

    Massive outrage over Imane Khelif's leak…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    Khelif's gender became an election issue as Donald Trump included Imane's example in an advertisement critiquing the Biden-Harris administration's approach to gender ad athletics. GOP politicians like Vivek Ramaswamy, JD...

    Read more

    Nate Silver team's final prediction for …

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    "...However, that doesn't mean the actual outcome will be all that close. If the polls are totally accurate we're in for a nail-biter on Tuesday night. But a systematic polling...

    Read more

    Nikki Haley says she doesn't agree with …

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    "No politician gets everything right. For those of us clear-eyed enough to see Mr Trump’s flaws and honest enough to acknowledge them, the question is whether we’re better off with...

    Read more

    Putin meets North Korean foreign ministe…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    Russian President Vladimir Putin met with North Korean foreign minister Choe Son Hui in the Kremlin on Monday, Moscow announced, amid western claims that Russia plans to deploy thousands of...

    Read more

    John Oliver chokes up as he urges voters…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    ​“Look, I love this country. I’m an immigrant. I chose to be here. In the words of the late, great Lee Greenwood: I’m proud to be an American. And I’d...

    Read more

    GOP strategist says all pollsters are ge…

    04-11-2024

    Sample Image

    GOP strategist Alex Castellanos argued that polls underestimate Republican enthusiasm, citing a surge in Republican voter registration. ​“I think the pollsters are getting this wrong. We’re all missing something, because...

    Read more
  • Turkey Signs Another Contract With Russia For S-400 Missile Defense Systems

    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

    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.

     

     

Headlines

Priyanka Gandhi

OMAR ABDULLAH:

YouTubeBox _A

NRI News:

Currency Rates

S5 Instagram Feed

YouTubeBox _K

World COVID-19

Poll:

Who will win 2024 General Election in India?