Tunisian President Kais Saied has urged the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) to be ready to organise the legislative elections slated for December 17, according to a statement released by the presidency…reports Asian Lite News
During his meeting with ISIE Vice-President Farouk Bouasker on Monday, Saied said, “It is imperative to preserve the independence and the neutrality of the body.”
For his part, Bouasker highlighted the elections’ importance for the country’s political future and its stability, in addition to the ISIE’s critical role to ensure the elections’ success, Xinhua news agency reported.
Indian Railways operated over 1,900 Kisan Rails on more than 150 routes to transport perishable food items like vegetables, fruits and milk, thereby transporting about six lakh metric tonnes of agricultural produce…reports Asian Lite News
Despite the Covid pandemic, Indian farmers produced more than 30 crore tonnes of food grains and 33 crore tonnes of horticulture produce in 2020-21 even as the government made record procurement to match the record production, President Ram Nath Kovind said on Monday.
“I would like to give maximum credit to the small farmers of the country for this consistent success and strengthening the agriculture sector,” President Kovind said in his speech on the first day of the Budget session.
“My government is working continuously to empower the farmers and the rural economy of the country. The government procured 433 lakh metric tonnes of wheat during the Rabi season benefiting about 50 lakh farmers. A record quantity of about 900 lakh metric tonnes of paddy was procured during Kharif season, benefiting one crore 30 lakh farmers,” he said.
Stating that agriculture exports have also reached a record level due to the efforts of the government, he said, “Agricultural exports registered a growth of more than 25 per cent in the year 2020-21, and have reached nearly Rs three lakh crore.”
Because of the incentives provided to honey production, domestic production of honey has reached 1,25,000 metric tonnes in 2020-21, President Kovind said and pointed out that it is an increase of about 55 per cent compared to 2014-15. “Export volume of honey has also grown by more than 102 per cent as compared to 2014-15,” he said.
The government endeavoured new avenues of prosperity for the farmers by launching Kisan Rail Seva, wherein, during the Corona period, Indian Railways operated over 1,900 Kisan Rails on more than 150 routes to transport perishable food items like vegetables, fruits and milk, thereby transporting about six lakh metric tonnes of agricultural produce.
Asserting that the interests of the small farmers, who constitute 80 per cent of the farmer-community, have always been central to our government, the President said, “Under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, Rs 1.80 lakh crore have been provided to more than 11 crore farmer families.”
Amid ongoing unrest and a coup in Burkina Faso, a tweet was sent out by President Roch Kabore’s official account calling on the army to lay down arms and to safeguard democratic achievements…reports Asian Lite News
“Our nation is going through difficult times. At this precise moment, we must safeguard our democratic achievements. I invite those who have taken up arms to lay them down in the higher interests of the nation. It is through dialogue and listening that we must resolve our contradictions,” read the tweet posted on Monday.
Earlier on Monday, Burkina Faso’s Army said that it had ousted President Kabore, suspended the Constitution, dissolved the government and the national assembly, and closed the country’s borders.
Kabore has been detained and taken to a military camp following the mutiny, a security source has confirmed.
Also in the day, the ruling party of Burkina Faso, People’s Movement for Progress (PMP) announced that the President survived a “failed assassination attempt”.
Notre Nation vit des moments difficiles. Nous devons en ce moment précis sauvegarder nos acquis démocratiques. J'invite ceux qui ont pris les armes à les déposer dans l'intérêt Supérieur de la Nation. C'est par le dialogue et l'écoute que nous devons régler nos contradictions.RK
On Sunday, a nationwide curfew was imposed in Burkina Faso, following reports of gunfire in some barracks in the morning.
Another statement, from the Minister of National Education, announced the closure of schools on Monday and Tuesday.
Gunshots were heard early Sunday morning in barracks in the capital Ouagadougou and other cities. The government confirmed the gunfire but had denied reports on social media about an army takeover.
UN chief Antonio Guterres has condemned the coup and called on the military to “ensure the protection and the physical integrity” of Kabore.
The African Union and regional bloc, Economic Community of West African States, have also condemned the forceful takeover of power, with the latter saying it holds the soldiers responsible for the deposed President’s well-being.
The coup camea week after 11 soldiers were arrested for allegedly plotting to overthrow Kabore.
Burkina Faso is now the third West African country to witness a military takeover in recent years.
Guinea and Mali have had sanctions imposed on them by Ecowas to press them to return to constitutional order.
Burkina Faso President, Roch Marc Christian Kabore has been detained overnight by mutinous soldiers…reports Asian Lite News
“President Roch Marc Christian Kabore has been detained by soldiers,” local radio Omega FM reported on Monday.
“The President was taken to a military camp following the mutiny,” a security source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
On Sunday, a country-wide curfew was imposed in Burkina Faso, following reports of gunfire in some barracks in the morning, according to a decree signed by President Kabore, Xinhua news agency reported.
Another statement, from the Minister of National Education, announced the closure of schools on Monday and Tuesday.
Gunshots were heard early Sunday morning in barracks in the capital Ouagadougou and other cities. The government confirmed the gunfire but denied reports on social media about an army takeover.
Also on Sunday, Defense Minister General Barthelemy Simpore said on state television that the situation was under control, and rejected reports as rumors that President Kabore had been detained by soldiers.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for calm and reaffirmed its support for President Kabore.
He was to be present at the inauguration of the event to unveil a statue of the late P.N. Panicker, the pioneer of learning, literacy and library movements, in the city…reports Asian Lite News.
Several agencies have begun a probe if there was a violation of protocol done by the vehicle carrying the Thiruvananthapuram Mayor, Arya Rajendran when the visiting President Ram Nath Kovind was travelling from the airport to attend an event in the capital city.
Kovind, who is on a state visit, arrived from Kochi on Thursday morning at the airport in the state capital.
He was to be present at the inauguration of the event to unveil a statue of the late P.N. Panicker, the pioneer of learning, literacy and library movements, in the city.
It was when the presidential convoy with Kovind travelling second in the 14 vehicle-cavalcade was moving towards Poojapura, nearly 8 km from the airport, the vehicle carrying the Mayor was trying to enter into the convoy as she was also to be present on the stage with Kovind at the event.
After travelling a few kilometres, her vehicle got into the convoy near the General hospital and followed the eighth vehicle of the convoy.
According to sources, this was a serious lapse done by the district Mayor and as soon as her vehicle entered into the ninth position, vehicles behind her had to halt
Central agencies have started a probe into what they allege is a serious lapse of protocol and will submit a report on this. The Kerala Police is looking into the matter as well.
Shri Arif Mohammed Khan, Governor of Kerala, receiving President Ram Nath Kovind on his arrival at Kannur, Kerala. pic.twitter.com/MZK9VIYE4E
On December 16, as per the MEA, the President attended the Victory Day parade in Dhaka as the Guest of Honour…reports Asian Lite News.
Terming it as a visit of “historical significance”, the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said President Ram Nath Kovind’s three-day (December 15 to 17) maiden trip to Bangladesh on the occasion of the 50th Vijay Diwas “is a testimony to the high priority that both counties attach to each other and their desire to further strengthen this relationship based on shared values, mutual trust and understanding.”
The MEA said India’s relationship with Bangladesh is one of the main pillars of its ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East Policies’.
India and Bangladesh enjoy robust and multifaceted bilateral cooperation in diverse areas, including trade and connectivity, energy and power, water resources, border management, defence and security, culture and people-to-people links, the MEA added.
With reference to President Kovind’s visit, the MEA added that it commenced by paying homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Martyrs’ Memorial at Savar. “He also paid his respects to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum,” it maintained.
Calling it a visit of historical significance given the 50th anniversary of the shared sacrifices of the people of the two countries during Bangladesh’s struggle for liberation in 1971, the MEA said several key announcements were made during the visit.
A grand beginning!
In a special gesture, 🇧🇩 President HE Md. Abdul Hamid & First Lady Ms. Rashida Hamid welcomed President Kovind @rashtrapatibhvn & First Lady Smt. Savita Kovind, as they arrived in Dhaka.
As per the MEA, these announcements included gifting of the Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition to the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka; announcement of the first occupant of the Bangabandhu Chair at Delhi University; and extension of the Nutan India – Bangladesh Maitree Muktijoddha Sontan Scholarship Scheme for a period of five years. A 1971-era MiG-21 aircraft was gifted to the National Museum of Bangladesh. A replica of the aircraft was handed over by the President to the President of Bangladesh.
The MEA said that during the President’s first overseas visit, since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina called on Ram Nath Kovind and recalled the historic visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in March 2021.
“The leaders highlighted the importance of the spirit of 1971 and the legacy of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” the MEA said, adding that Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen, also called on the President and updated him on the ongoing bilateral cooperation.
On December 16, as per the MEA, the President attended the Victory Day parade in Dhaka as the Guest of Honour.
“A 122-member tri-service contingent of the Indian Armed Forces also participated on this historic occasion. In remembrance of the bravery and the supreme sacrifices made by the Indian Armed Forces during the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh, Wing Commander T. Asha Jyotiramai performed a para jump unfurling the flag of the Indian tri-services along with the paratroopers from the Bangladesh Armed Forces at the Victory Parade.” The Ministry said.
“In the evening, the President delivered an address at a special event held to mark the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh and culmination of Mujib Borsho at the South Plaza of the Bangladesh Parliament in the presence of the President and Prime Minister of Bangladesh and other distinguished dignitaries,” the Ministry informed.
On December 17, the President inaugurated the newly reconstructed Sree Sree Ramna Kali Mandir in Dhaka that had been destroyed in March 1971 by Pakistani forces.
“In keeping with the spirit of the occasion, he also interacted with Indian war veterans and Muktijoddhas of Bangladesh. He later addressed a gathering of friends of India representing different walks of life from the Bangladeshi society and members of the Indian community,” the MEA said.
Enhancement of trade between the UAE and Indonesia was a key focus of the meeting…reports Asian Lite News
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, on Thursday met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo at Expo 2020 Dubai, in the presence of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance.
Sheikh Mohammed and the Indonesian President witnessed the exchange of a series of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements between the two countries for cooperation in the sectors of financial services, investment, travel and energy, and the avoidance of double taxation.
UAE Leaders Meet Indonesian President
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee; Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, apart from senior dignitaries and officials.
The two sides discussed issues of mutual interests and ways to boost bilateral cooperation. They also discussed new avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the people of the two countries. The discussions also highlighted the importance of offering the private sectors of Indonesia and UAE opportunities to explore investment in both countries and launch joint companies.
Enhancement of trade between the UAE and Indonesia was a key focus of the meeting. The UAE’s longstanding bilateral relationship with Indonesia is anchored on close cultural ties and a shared commitment to enabling greater economic development and prosperity between both countries. The total value of the UAE’s non-oil trade with Indonesia in 2020 reached $2 billion and the country is seeking to increase trade volumes significantly in the coming years through the Indonesia – UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IUAE-CEPA). In the last five years, the total value of non-oil trade between Indonesia and the UAE exceeded $11 billion.
Current estimates indicate that opportunities to increase non-oil trade are promising, with an annual growth potential of $1.6 billion in several sectors, including jewellery, vegetable oil, automobiles and car parts, copper, rubber and aluminium.
The meeting also discussed regional and international developments, the progress made in combating the pandemic and efforts made in the UAE and Indonesia to accelerate development in the post-COVID phase. The two sides also discussed the importance of global cooperation in tackling climate change, which has seen the UAE working to deliver on climate action, as part of which it recently announced a plan for net-zero emissions by 2050.
Earlier, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Indonesian President discussed friendship ties between the two countries at various political, economic and trade levels, as well as joint steps needed to enhance them.
During the meeting, held at Al Bahr Palace, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President Widodo spoke about the importance of the UAE’s hosting of Expo 2020 Dubai in promoting its mission and common human values in communication and convergence between the world’s cultures, peoples and civilisations, as well as introducing countries to their development experiences, historical peculiarities and cultural advantages, in addition to Indonesia’s distinguished participation as a country blessed with diverse sustainable resources.
Indonesian President visited Al Jubail Island and planted a mangrove tree. The UAE has given special care to this tree due to its role in preserving the environment.
Kovind added that India’s engagement in the United Nations and other multilateral fora has resulted in mutually beneficial partnerships…reports Asian Lite News.
President Ram Nath Kovind reiterated on Wednesday that India has been at the forefront of the global efforts to forge a decisive and coordinated response to the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure collective health and economic well-being.
Kovind also stated that under the world’s largest vaccination campaign, Indians have received more than 800 million doses so far.
The President was speaking after accepting the credentials from Ambassadors/High Commissioners of Iceland, Gambia, Spain, Brunei Darussalam and Sri Lanka in a virtual ceremony, a communique from the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.
President Ram Nath Kovind accepted credentials from Ambassadors/High Commissioners of Iceland, Republic of The Gambia, Spain, Brunei Darussalam and Sri Lanka in a virtual ceremony today.
Kovind added that India’s engagement in the United Nations and other multilateral fora has resulted in mutually beneficial partnerships.
“India remains committed to a just and equitable global order, keeping in mind the interests of the developing countries and the under-represented,” he said.
Those who presented their credentials were Gudni Bragason, Ambassador of Iceland; Mustapha Jawara, High Commissioner of Gambia; Jose Maria Ridao Dominguez, Ambassador of Spain; Dato Alaihuddin Mohamad Taha, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam; and Asoka Milinda Moragoda, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka.
The President congratulated the envoys on their appointment and conveyed his good wishes to them for a successful tenure in India. He noted that India enjoyed close ties with all the countries represented and shared a common vision of peace and prosperity, the communique said.
The Ambassadors/High Commissioners conveyed their good wishes to the President on behalf of their respective leaderships and reiterated their commitment to work closely to strengthen their ties with India.
In the letter, he brought out important issues to the notice of the CJI. He also added that the list of top court lawyers, which were identified by its Search Committee, has been handed over in a sealed cover for necessary course of action…reports Asian Lite News.
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has written to Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana seeking an audience for its Executive Committee members to discuss issues such as elevation of top court lawyers as high court judges, allotment of chambers, and lawyers being designated as seniors.
Senior advocate and SCBA President Vikas Singh, in a letter to the CJI, said: “We are extremely hopeful that the concerns of the bar will be addressed in your tenure as Chief Justice of India. It is therefore requested that an audience be given to the Executive Committee of SCBA to discuss the above issues at the earliest.”
In the letter, he brought out important issues to the notice of the CJI. He also added that the list of top court lawyers, which were identified by its Search Committee, has been handed over in a sealed cover for necessary course of action.
“We hope and trust that the names suggested by the Search Committee shall be considered by the respective High Court Collegiums along with the lawyers from the High Court Bar in order to choose the most deserving candidate,” the letter said.
The letter cited issue of designation of lawyers, practicing in the top court, as seniors and said the ‘Committee for Designation of Senior Advocate’ is “obliged to meet at least twice in a calendar year. However, there has been no such meeting in the last two years”.
“A Full Court meeting is required to clear the pending names.”
Singh requested the CJI to examine the issues pertaining to allotment of chambers for lawyers in the new building complex. He added that chambers are ready since 2018-19, however, they are un-allotted till date.
On the issue of resumption of physical hearing, the letter said: “Entry to the high-security area should be permitted by the use of a proximity card and the waiting areas would be the libraries and the lounges where lawyers will wait on their own after observing Covid protocol.”
Collegium recommends re-transfer of Justice Bagchi
The Supreme Court collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana, has recommended Justice Joymalya Bagchi be transferred back to the Calcutta High Court from the Andhra Pradesh High Court, where he is currently serving.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the collegium held on September 16.
A statement published, on Wednesday, on the top court’s website said: “The Supreme Court Collegium in its meeting held on 16th September, 2021 has recommended re-transfer of Mr Justice Joymalya Bagchi, Judge, Andhra Pradesh High Court to the Calcutta High Court.”
Raisi, who has been the Chief Justice since 2019, has formerly held several other posts in the country judicial branch following the 1979 Islamic Revolution…reports Asian Lite News
Ebrahim Raisi, the incumbent Chief Justice of Iran, has won the country’s presidential election by a landslide, according to preliminary results released on Saturday by the Interior Ministry.
Deputy Interior Minister Jamal Orf said 28.6 million Iranians participated in Friday’s election, and with around 90 per cent of the votes counted so far, Raisi has garnered over 17.8 million ballots, reports Press TV.
In the second place was Mohsen Rezaei, a senior officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and current secretary of the Expediency Discernment Council, with 3.3 million ballots.
Meanwhile, former Governor of the Central Bank of Iran Nasser Hemmati garnered 2.4 million votes, and conservative MP Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh-Hashemi won almost one million votes, the Ministry figures revealed.
Orf added that vote counting was still ongoing an official announcement will be made later.
Tehran, May. 27, 2020 (Xinhua) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani addresses the opening session of Iran’s new parliament in Tehran, Iran, on May 27, 2020. (Xinhua/Ahmad Halabisaz/IANS)
Raisi, who has been the Chief Justice since 2019, has formerly held several other posts in the country judicial branch following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Although associated with the Principlist camp, Raisi said he ran in the election this year as an independent.
He was campaigning with the slogan “Popular Administration, Strong Iran” aimed at uprooting corruption in the executive branch, fighting poverty, creating jobs and containing inflation.
