<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-mahathir-pledges-to-step-down-for-anwar-but-not-before-november-267441">Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad</a> suggested on Saturday he may seek to stay in power after 2020, just four days after he promised to make way for his anointed successor Anwar Ibrahim.

Asked at the Doha Forum in Qatar if he would step down in 2020, the world's oldest prime minister said he wanted to fix problems that he said had been left by the previous government before resigning.

"I promised I would step down once I resolve some of the major problems that have been left by the previous government. I promised I would step down and give the leadership to a candidate named by the coalition," he said.

Mahathir, 94, did not say when he intended to leave office.

On Tuesday, he promised to hand over power to Anwar, in spite of new sexual assault allegations against him, and that he could be ready to do that after a summit of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries that Malaysia is to host in November 2020.

Asked if Anwar was the best person to succeed him as prime minister and if he would endorse him, Mahathir said he could not guarantee who would be the best person because of past bad experiences.

"I have named my successors and then they took over and did different things."

Mahathir was unexpectedly elected in 2018 as the head of a coalition government whose largest party is led by Anwar, 72, who has been jailed twice on separate counts of sodomy and for corruption - charges he said were political.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad suggested on Saturday he may seek to stay in power after 2020, just four days after he promised to make way for his anointed successor Anwar Ibrahim.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad suggested on Saturday he may seek to stay in power after 2020, just four days after he promised to make way for his anointed successor Anwar Ibrahim. Asked at the Doha Forum in Qatar if he would step down in 2020, the world's oldest prime minister said he wanted to fix problems that he said had been left by the previous government before resigning. "I promised I would step down once I resolve some of the major problems that have been left by the previous government. I promised I would step down and give the leadership to a candidate named by the coalition," he said. Mahathir, 94, did not say when he intended to leave office. On Tuesday, he promised to hand over power to Anwar, in spite of new sexual assault allegations against him, and that he could be ready to do that after a summit of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries that Malaysia is to host in November 2020. Asked if Anwar was the best person to succeed him as prime minister and if he would endorse him, Mahathir said he could not guarantee who would be the best person because of past bad experiences. "I have named my successors and then they took over and did different things." Mahathir was unexpectedly elected in 2018 as the head of a coalition government whose largest party is led by Anwar, 72, who has been jailed twice on separate counts of sodomy and for corruption - charges he said were political.

Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad suggests he could stay in office beyond 2020

The United States on Friday issued a "travel alert" for its citizens travelling to the Northeast states of India.

The alert comes as the region faces <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-indian-citizenship-law-discriminatory-united-nations-268149">massive protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019</a>.&nbsp;

"US citizens in the northeastern states of India should exercise caution in light of media reports of protests and violence in response to the approval of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. Government curfews are in place in some areas. Internet and mobile communications may be disrupted," the official advisory issued by US Embassy and Consulates in India read.

"Protests have also been reported in other parts of the country. The US&nbsp;government has temporarily suspended official travel to Assam," the release further added.&nbsp;

Unrest has gripped India's northeast against the bill. Two people lost their lives in police firing as the mob continued to protest, opposing the Bill that seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.&nbsp;

On Friday, Congress party moved to the Supreme Court, claiming that the Act violates Article 14 of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, protests in the northeastern states of India continue against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

As many as 26 Army columns have been deployed in Assam to support the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to handle the situation there, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Mobile Internet services were suspended for another 48 hours in 10 districts of Assam on Friday after the administration had suspended mobile Internet services for 24 hours on Wednesday in 10 districts.

On Thursday two people were killed in police firing in the northeast as the mob continued to protest the Act. The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 turned into an Act after President Kovind gave his assent on late Thursday night.&nbsp;

The Act seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants, fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.&nbsp;

The United States on Friday issued a "travel alert" for its citizens travelling to the Northeast states of India. The alert comes as the region faces massive protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019.

The United States on Friday issued a "travel alert" for its citizens travelling to the Northeast states of India. The alert comes as the region faces massive protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019. "US citizens in the northeastern states of India should exercise caution in light of media reports of protests and violence in response to the approval of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. Government curfews are in place in some areas. Internet and mobile communications may be disrupted," the official advisory issued by US Embassy and Consulates in India read. "Protests have also been reported in other parts of the country. The US government has temporarily suspended official travel to Assam," the release further added. Unrest has gripped India's northeast against the bill. Two people lost their lives in police firing as the mob continued to protest, opposing the Bill that seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. On Friday, Congress party moved to the Supreme Court, claiming that the Act violates Article 14 of the Constitution. Meanwhile, protests in the northeastern states of India continue against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. As many as 26 Army columns have been deployed in Assam to support the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to handle the situation there, news agency ANI reported. Mobile Internet services were suspended for another 48 hours in 10 districts of Assam on Friday after the administration had suspended mobile Internet services for 24 hours on Wednesday in 10 districts. On Thursday two people were killed in police firing in the northeast as the mob continued to protest the Act. The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 turned into an Act after President Kovind gave his assent on late Thursday night. The Act seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants, fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

US issues travel alert for citizens amid protests over Citizenship Amendment Act

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-convicts-in-nirbhaya-case-to-be-hanged-at-earliest-delhi-chief-minister-arvind-kejriwal-268087">Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal</a> on Friday condemned the increasing incident of violence against women in India and called it a sign of "mental depravity".

"We have decided to introduce a campaign," Kejriwal said, adding that the structure of the campaign will be finalised in the coming days.&nbsp;

"In every school and college, boys will be given an oath to not misbehave with any woman. This will help boys understand their responsibilities," he said.

"We have decided to introduce a campaign to change the mindset of the people. The girls will be asked to talk to their brothers and ask them not to misbehave with any woman," the Delhi CM said.

"And if the brother did not listen and misbehave with any girl, then the sister should say that she has no relations left with him," the Chief Minister added.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: All girls will be asked to speak to their brothers, and tell them that they will not misbehave with any woman, and make their brothers take the oath. And if he does anything wrong, the girl should tell her brother that,'I am breaking all ties with you'. <a href="https://t.co/yV4rXW1kDo">https://t.co/yV4rXW1kDo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205446699012870144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Kejriwal said the people who commit a crime against women should be boycotted not only by society but by their families&nbsp;as well and added that his government was concerned about the security of women.

Earlier in the day, Kejriwal said&nbsp;that he wants convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case to be hanged at the earliest and that all the formalities that remain in the case should be completed immediately, news agency ANI reported.

"I want the convicts (in Nirbhaya case) to be hanged at the earliest, all formalities which are remaining should be completed immediately," Kejriwal said as reported by ANI.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday condemned the increasing incident of violence against women in India and called it a sign of "mental depravity". "We have decided to introduce a campaign," Kejriwal said, adding that the structure of the campaign will be finalised in the coming days.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday condemned the increasing incident of violence against women in India and called it a sign of "mental depravity". "We have decided to introduce a campaign," Kejriwal said, adding that the structure of the campaign will be finalised in the coming days. "In every school and college, boys will be given an oath to not misbehave with any woman. This will help boys understand their responsibilities," he said. "We have decided to introduce a campaign to change the mindset of the people. The girls will be asked to talk to their brothers and ask them not to misbehave with any woman," the Delhi CM said. "And if the brother did not listen and misbehave with any girl, then the sister should say that she has no relations left with him," the Chief Minister added. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: All girls will be asked to speak to their brothers, and tell them that they will not misbehave with any woman, and make their brothers take the oath. And if he does anything wrong, the girl should tell her brother that,'I am breaking all ties with you'. https://t.co/yV4rXW1kDo — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × Kejriwal said the people who commit a crime against women should be boycotted not only by society but by their families as well and added that his government was concerned about the security of women. Earlier in the day, Kejriwal said that he wants convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case to be hanged at the earliest and that all the formalities that remain in the case should be completed immediately, news agency ANI reported. "I want the convicts (in Nirbhaya case) to be hanged at the earliest, all formalities which are remaining should be completed immediately," Kejriwal said as reported by ANI. (With inputs from ANI)

Boys in schools and colleges to be sensitised to respect women: Kejriwal

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday reacted on the ongoing row on the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that there is nothing worry.

"Rumours are being spread," he told media today.

Gadkari said that the bill seeks to give place to people of "Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Christian communities who don't find a place in any other country" and that they will be given citizenship.

"We're neither against Muslims nor we're asking anyone to go to Pakistan. There's nothing to worry. Rumours are being spread," the minister stated.&nbsp;

"Should we spread a red carpet for the foreign nationals who are entering our country?" Gadkari quipped. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari: People of Hindu,Sikh, Buddhist,Jain&amp;Christian communities who don't find place in any other country will be given citizenship.We're neither against Muslims nor we're asking anyone to go to Pakistan. There's nothing to worry. Rumours are being spread. <a href="https://t.co/xPxu0VWrQQ">https://t.co/xPxu0VWrQQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205481923805507585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The welfare of the county and politics should be kept apart," he said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, protests in the northeastern states of India continue against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

As many as 26 Army columns have been deployed in Assam to support the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to handle the situation there, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Mobile Internet services were suspended for another 48 hours in 10 districts of Assam on Friday after the administration had suspended mobile Internet services for 24 hours on Wednesday in 10 districts.

On Thursday two people were killed in police firing in the northeast as the mob continued to protest the Act. The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 turned into an Act after President Kovind gave his assent on late Thursday night.&nbsp;

The Act seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants, fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday reacted on the ongoing row on the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that there is nothing worry. "Rumours are being spread," he told media today.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday reacted on the ongoing row on the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that there is nothing worry. "Rumours are being spread," he told media today. Gadkari said that the bill seeks to give place to people of "Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Christian communities who don't find a place in any other country" and that they will be given citizenship. "We're neither against Muslims nor we're asking anyone to go to Pakistan. There's nothing to worry. Rumours are being spread," the minister stated. "Should we spread a red carpet for the foreign nationals who are entering our country?" Gadkari quipped. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari: People of Hindu,Sikh, Buddhist,Jain&Christian communities who don't find place in any other country will be given citizenship.We're neither against Muslims nor we're asking anyone to go to Pakistan. There's nothing to worry. Rumours are being spread. https://t.co/xPxu0VWrQQ — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × "The welfare of the county and politics should be kept apart," he said. Meanwhile, protests in the northeastern states of India continue against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. As many as 26 Army columns have been deployed in Assam to support the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to handle the situation there, news agency ANI reported. Mobile Internet services were suspended for another 48 hours in 10 districts of Assam on Friday after the administration had suspended mobile Internet services for 24 hours on Wednesday in 10 districts. On Thursday two people were killed in police firing in the northeast as the mob continued to protest the Act. The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 turned into an Act after President Kovind gave his assent on late Thursday night. The Act seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants, fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

Rumours are being spread, there's no need to worry: Gadkari on Citizenship Amendment Act 

Former Maldivian President and the incumbent Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has said that for his country the Maldives-China Free trade Agreement, passed under the previous Yameen administration, is dead.

While speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Nasheed said the Chinese government needs to restructure the debt accrued in the Maldives due to Chinese infrastructure projects. Here is the transcript of the interview.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WION: What was the main focus of your India visit?&nbsp;

Mohamed Nasheed: We have come here on the invitation of the speaker of Lok Sabha and met with the speaker of both the houses of the Parliament and the foreign secretary as well as the Prime Minister. I visited Gujarat and met the state minister and the speaker of the state's legislative body. It has been an extensive visit and the first time I am visiting after the Parliamentary elections.

WION: What were the key issues you discussed?

Mohamed Nasheed: Three key issues that&nbsp;the Maldives is worried about. One is to see and make it certain that the Islamic State is not firmly established in the Maldives, to identify it and to uproot it and to destroy and to see that its ideology and view are not circulated, propagated in the country. That is one issue where we need assistance, ideas and cooperation. Among other issues&nbsp;is our debt to China. We feel that the debt is not real and the amount of assets created through quoted prices is not equal and therefore it will be very difficult for us to pay back via the assets created because it doesn't match to the debt. That is worrying and we must find ways to restructure them. We also spoke about climate change extensively and we are encouraged to believe that India is exactly on the same page as the Maldives. In 2008, when we went to Copenhagen, Indian government was not able to back the Maldives in its advocacy of 1.5 degrees. Right now, India is championing 1.5 degrees and is maintaining its carbon emission commitments. Looks like India will be able to meet its commitments well before the deadlines. &nbsp;

WION: Are you going ahead with the Maldives-China FTA?

Mohamed Nasheed: The FTA is dead. It is not proceeding and it has to come to the parliament first for it to be implemented. I don't see our parliamentarians having the appetite for it. In terms of other construction contracts, we must get the contracts done. We can't stop them halfway. It will not do any good to anyone. At the end of the day, we have to pay the bill but my point view is, the Chinese government must restructure the debt and it is up to them to do it and I hope they will do it.&nbsp;

WION: You talked about terror, the issue of Islamic State.&nbsp;How can India help you fight the scourge?

Mohamed Nasheed: India has around 200 million Muslims, it has the largest Muslim population&nbsp;and not one person went to fight in the civil war in Syria. So India must have done&nbsp;something good, something appropriate. We can learn a lot from India.&nbsp;Close cooperation exists between both the countries. We are very confident that we have a good grip on the situation and we feel&nbsp;the Maldives will be safe. Our police will be keeping a close watch on who is doing what.&nbsp;

WION: Your view on the Citizenship Amendment Bill?

Mohamed Nasheed: It is an internal matter for the Indian people. We have a lot of faith in the Indian democracy. I have not gone in the intricacies of the bill but one of the founding ideas of India is that anyone persecuted on the basis of religion for whatever reasons will be given a safe haven in India. I haven't read the bill&nbsp;but one of the founding ideas of India is to provide a safe haven for anyone persecuted.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Former Maldivian President and the incumbent Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has said that for his country the Maldives-China Free trade Agreement, passed under the previous Yameen administration, is dead.

Former Maldivian President and the incumbent Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has said that for his country the Maldives-China Free trade Agreement, passed under the previous Yameen administration, is dead. While speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Nasheed said the Chinese government needs to restructure the debt accrued in the Maldives due to Chinese infrastructure projects. Here is the transcript of the interview. WION: What was the main focus of your India visit? Mohamed Nasheed: We have come here on the invitation of the speaker of Lok Sabha and met with the speaker of both the houses of the Parliament and the foreign secretary as well as the Prime Minister. I visited Gujarat and met the state minister and the speaker of the state's legislative body. It has been an extensive visit and the first time I am visiting after the Parliamentary elections. WION: What were the key issues you discussed? Mohamed Nasheed: Three key issues that the Maldives is worried about. One is to see and make it certain that the Islamic State is not firmly established in the Maldives, to identify it and to uproot it and to destroy and to see that its ideology and view are not circulated, propagated in the country. That is one issue where we need assistance, ideas and cooperation. Among other issues is our debt to China. We feel that the debt is not real and the amount of assets created through quoted prices is not equal and therefore it will be very difficult for us to pay back via the assets created because it doesn't match to the debt. That is worrying and we must find ways to restructure them. We also spoke about climate change extensively and we are encouraged to believe that India is exactly on the same page as the Maldives. In 2008, when we went to Copenhagen, Indian government was not able to back the Maldives in its advocacy of 1.5 degrees. Right now, India is championing 1.5 degrees and is maintaining its carbon emission commitments. Looks like India will be able to meet its commitments well before the deadlines. WION: Are you going ahead with the Maldives-China FTA? Mohamed Nasheed: The FTA is dead. It is not proceeding and it has to come to the parliament first for it to be implemented. I don't see our parliamentarians having the appetite for it. In terms of other construction contracts, we must get the contracts done. We can't stop them halfway. It will not do any good to anyone. At the end of the day, we have to pay the bill but my point view is, the Chinese government must restructure the debt and it is up to them to do it and I hope they will do it. WION: You talked about terror, the issue of Islamic State. How can India help you fight the scourge? Mohamed Nasheed: India has around 200 million Muslims, it has the largest Muslim population and not one person went to fight in the civil war in Syria. So India must have done something good, something appropriate. We can learn a lot from India. Close cooperation exists between both the countries. We are very confident that we have a good grip on the situation and we feel the Maldives will be safe. Our police will be keeping a close watch on who is doing what. WION: Your view on the Citizenship Amendment Bill? Mohamed Nasheed: It is an internal matter for the Indian people. We have a lot of faith in the Indian democracy. I have not gone in the intricacies of the bill but one of the founding ideas of India is that anyone persecuted on the basis of religion for whatever reasons will be given a safe haven in India. I haven't read the bill but one of the founding ideas of India is to provide a safe haven for anyone persecuted.

Maldives-China FTA is dead: Speaker of Maldivian Parliament Mohamed Nasheed tells WION

"Phase one" trade deal with the United States has been reached, China announced on Friday as reported by news agency AFP.

Beijing added that Washington will be removing tariffs 'phase by phase,' AFP reported.&nbsp;

China's vice commerce minister Wang Shouwen said that part of the "phase one" trade deal with the US includes a progressive rollback of tariffs that have threatened to roil the global economy.

"The two countries have agreed on the text of a phase one trade and economic deal," Shouwen said at a news conference, adding that the two sides now have to sign the agreement.

On Wednesday, the Bloomberg had reported the US and China are moving closer to "agreeing on the amount of tariffs to be rolled back in a phase-one trade deal," news agency Reuters reported.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

"Phase one" trade deal with the United States has been reached, China announced on Friday as reported by news agency AFP. Beijing added that Washington will be removing tariffs 'phase by phase,' AFP reported.

"Phase one" trade deal with the United States has been reached, China announced on Friday as reported by news agency AFP. Beijing added that Washington will be removing tariffs 'phase by phase,' AFP reported. China's vice commerce minister Wang Shouwen said that part of the "phase one" trade deal with the US includes a progressive rollback of tariffs that have threatened to roil the global economy. "The two countries have agreed on the text of a phase one trade and economic deal," Shouwen said at a news conference, adding that the two sides now have to sign the agreement. On Wednesday, the Bloomberg had reported the US and China are moving closer to "agreeing on the amount of tariffs to be rolled back in a phase-one trade deal," news agency Reuters reported. (With inputs from agencies)

'Phase one' trade deal reached with US: China 

8-years-old Indian climate activist Licypriya Kangujam, known as India's Greta Thunberg, met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, at COP25 (2019 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) on Thursday. Kangujam submitted a 4-page long memorandum on behalf of the children of the world.

Kangujam told Guterres that children must lead the decision-making process to unite world leaders. She also called for actions as per her memorandum.

"I was glad to meet 8-year-old @LicypriyaK at #COP25 today. Her presence reminds us of our obligations to future generations. Hers is the generation for which we have to take urgent #ClimateAction," the UN Secretary-General tweeted on Thursday.

Kangujam demanded to call a special session of the UN Security Council to fight the war against the climate crisis.

The young climate activist urged the UN chief to work with courage and strength against countries, including the United States, that are ignoring science and responsible for maximum carbon emissions. She also demanded the UN chief to give strong instructions to the UNESCO to include climate change as a compulsory subject in the school curriculum in all countries.

Kangujam also strongly urged to call a special UN Security Council meeting to curb climate crisis and bring peace on the planet for a safe and secure future for our future generations.

She briefed the UN chief about Delhi's air pollution and how it is posing a threat to children and infants. She urged Guterres to bring an urgent permanent solution to &nbsp;Delhi's health emergency by working with the government of India. The UN chief said he will definitely look into it.

The COP25 climate conference is being held in the Spanish capital, Madrid, from December 2-13.

8-years-old Indian climate activist Licypriya Kangujam, known as India's Greta Thunberg, met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, at COP25 (2019 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) on Thursday.

8-years-old Indian climate activist Licypriya Kangujam, known as India's Greta Thunberg, met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, at COP25 (2019 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) on Thursday. Kangujam submitted a 4-page long memorandum on behalf of the children of the world. Kangujam told Guterres that children must lead the decision-making process to unite world leaders. She also called for actions as per her memorandum. "I was glad to meet 8-year-old @LicypriyaK at #COP25 today. Her presence reminds us of our obligations to future generations. Hers is the generation for which we have to take urgent #ClimateAction," the UN Secretary-General tweeted on Thursday. Kangujam demanded to call a special session of the UN Security Council to fight the war against the climate crisis. The young climate activist urged the UN chief to work with courage and strength against countries, including the United States, that are ignoring science and responsible for maximum carbon emissions. She also demanded the UN chief to give strong instructions to the UNESCO to include climate change as a compulsory subject in the school curriculum in all countries. Kangujam also strongly urged to call a special UN Security Council meeting to curb climate crisis and bring peace on the planet for a safe and secure future for our future generations. She briefed the UN chief about Delhi's air pollution and how it is posing a threat to children and infants. She urged Guterres to bring an urgent permanent solution to Delhi's health emergency by working with the government of India. The UN chief said he will definitely look into it. The COP25 climate conference is being held in the Spanish capital, Madrid, from December 2-13.

She reminds of our obligations to future generations: UN chief on India's child climate activist Licypriya Kangujam

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Friday said that an objection against former congress chief Rahul Gandhi has been registered on his "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-adjourned-after-uproar-over-rahul-gandhis-remark-268035">rape in India" remark</a>.

"We have requested the Election Commission to take an action," Irani told media today.&nbsp;

"We have said this before that crimes against women should not be politicised. Rahul Gandhi dared to make rapes a political tool. We have requested the Election Commission to take action," she stated.

Irani added that the Election Commission has assured that they "will follow the legal procedure and do justice" in the matter.

This comes as Rahul Gandhi raked up a controversy by his remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Union Minister and BJP leader, Smriti Irani: We have said this before that crimes against women should not be politicised. Rahul Gandhi dared to make rapes a political tool. We have requested Election Commission to take action. <a href="https://t.co/BJgOSYrJe6">https://t.co/BJgOSYrJe6</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205461525357449218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

While addressing a rally in Jharkhand, Gandhi on Thursday said that the prime minister talks about 'Make in India' but nowadays wherever you look, it is 'rape in India'.

Earlier in the day, Irani had condemned Gandhi's remark saying, "this is the first time in history that a leader is giving a clarion call that Indian women should be raped. Is this Rahul Gandhi's message to the people of the country?".

Rajya Sabha was also adjourned today after an uproar over Rahul Gandhi's remark.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Gandhi has said that "there is no question of apologising". His comments came during his interaction with media in the Parliament.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Friday said that an objection against former congress chief Rahul Gandhi has been registered on his "rape in India" remark. "We have requested the Election Commission to take an action," Irani told media today.

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Friday said that an objection against former congress chief Rahul Gandhi has been registered on his "rape in India" remark. "We have requested the Election Commission to take an action," Irani told media today. "We have said this before that crimes against women should not be politicised. Rahul Gandhi dared to make rapes a political tool. We have requested the Election Commission to take action," she stated. Irani added that the Election Commission has assured that they "will follow the legal procedure and do justice" in the matter. This comes as Rahul Gandhi raked up a controversy by his remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. Union Minister and BJP leader, Smriti Irani: We have said this before that crimes against women should not be politicised. Rahul Gandhi dared to make rapes a political tool. We have requested Election Commission to take action. https://t.co/BJgOSYrJe6 — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × While addressing a rally in Jharkhand, Gandhi on Thursday said that the prime minister talks about 'Make in India' but nowadays wherever you look, it is 'rape in India'. Earlier in the day, Irani had condemned Gandhi's remark saying, "this is the first time in history that a leader is giving a clarion call that Indian women should be raped. Is this Rahul Gandhi's message to the people of the country?". Rajya Sabha was also adjourned today after an uproar over Rahul Gandhi's remark. Meanwhile, Gandhi has said that "there is no question of apologising". His comments came during his interaction with media in the Parliament.

Have requested Election Commission to take action: Smriti Irani on Rahul Gandhi's rape remark 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said that the Central government is taking steps "to import and bring onions to the market as soon as possible".

The finance minister's comments came during a media address earlier in the day. Sitharaman said that the price of onions has "started going down at several places" in the country.&nbsp;

"It is not completely less, but it is going down. We've had a group of ministers' meeting which is reviewing on almost every 1-2 days' gap and deciding on how to further take up the import-related issues," Sitharaman told media today.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
FM: Onions are a fast perishable commodity. Due to rain in some places, flooding in some other, crop extent was less and hence the less output. Due to this it has gone out of certain reasonable level. Govt is taking steps to import &amp; bring onions to the market as soon as possible <a href="https://t.co/V8cY9LXQxK">https://t.co/V8cY9LXQxK</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205454080937582593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

She explained how the onion crop was affected this year due to rains and flooding in some part of the country.&nbsp;

"Onions are a fast perishable. Due to rain in some places, flooding in some other, crop extent was less and hence the less output. Due to this, it has gone out of a certain reasonable level. The government is taking steps to import and bring onions to the market as soon as possible," she said.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the government had said that it would import an additional 12,660 metric tonnes of onions, which shall begin arriving in the country from December 27 onwards.

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan had also written to all Chief Ministers, asking them to carry out immediate anti-hoarding operations to ensure the supplies in the markets are augmented and stock holding limits are strictly enforced.

At various places, the rates of the kitchen commodity have breached the Rs 100 mark, with the prices reaching as high as Rs 200 at some places like Madurai in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said that the Central government is taking steps "to import and bring onions to the market as soon as possible". The finance minister's comments came during a media address earlier in the day.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said that the Central government is taking steps "to import and bring onions to the market as soon as possible". The finance minister's comments came during a media address earlier in the day. Sitharaman said that the price of onions has "started going down at several places" in the country. "It is not completely less, but it is going down. We've had a group of ministers' meeting which is reviewing on almost every 1-2 days' gap and deciding on how to further take up the import-related issues," Sitharaman told media today. FM: Onions are a fast perishable commodity. Due to rain in some places, flooding in some other, crop extent was less and hence the less output. Due to this it has gone out of certain reasonable level. Govt is taking steps to import & bring onions to the market as soon as possible https://t.co/V8cY9LXQxK — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × She explained how the onion crop was affected this year due to rains and flooding in some part of the country. "Onions are a fast perishable. Due to rain in some places, flooding in some other, crop extent was less and hence the less output. Due to this, it has gone out of a certain reasonable level. The government is taking steps to import and bring onions to the market as soon as possible," she said. On Thursday, the government had said that it would import an additional 12,660 metric tonnes of onions, which shall begin arriving in the country from December 27 onwards. Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan had also written to all Chief Ministers, asking them to carry out immediate anti-hoarding operations to ensure the supplies in the markets are augmented and stock holding limits are strictly enforced. At various places, the rates of the kitchen commodity have breached the Rs 100 mark, with the prices reaching as high as Rs 200 at some places like Madurai in Tamil Nadu. (With inputs from ANI)

Government is taking steps to import and bring onions to market as soon as possible: Sitharaman 

Equity benchmark indices closed nearly one per cent higher on Friday amid fresh hopes of a trade deal between the United States and China along with a decisive victory of Boris Johnson-led Conservative Party in Britain's elections.

The BSE S&amp;P Sensex surged ahead by 428 points at 41,010 while the Nifty 50 ticked up by 115 points at 12,087.

All sectoral indices at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) were in the positive terrain except for Nifty pharma, which dropped by 0.1 per cent.

But Nifty PSU bank was up by 4.08 per cent, metal by 2.33 per cent and auto by 1.72 per cent.A decisive victory of Britain's Conservative Party strengthens the prospects of a smooth Brexit, ending the three-and-a-half years of political instability in Britain.

Banking stocks gained the most amid reports that lenders are likely to get payments from Essar Steel resolution this month.

Axis Bank climbed up by 4.1 per cent to Rs 752.25 per share while State Bank of India gained by 3.5 per cent, IndusInd Bank by 3.3 per cent and Yes Bank by 2.9 per cent.

Metal stocks witnessed healthy profits with Vedanta gaining by 3.7 per cent, Hindalco by 3.5 per cent and Tata Steel by 2.7 per cent.

Automaker Maruti Suzuki was up by 3.4 per cent to close at Rs 7,242 per share.

However, those which lost were Dr Reddy's, Bharti Airtel, Kotak Mahindra Bank and UPL.

Meanwhile, Asian markets jumped on news regarding the US-China trade deal.Reports said the US and China have reached an agreement over the terms of a phase-one trade deal.

The new tariffs to take force on December 15 onwards have been set aside, the reports said.Japan's Nikkei spurted by 2.55 per cent, Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose by 2.21 per cent and South Korea's Kospi index lifted up by 1.54 per cent.

Equity benchmark indices closed nearly one per cent higher on Friday amid fresh hopes of a trade deal between the United States and China along with a decisive victory of Boris Johnson-led Conservative Party in Britain's elections.

Equity benchmark indices closed nearly one per cent higher on Friday amid fresh hopes of a trade deal between the United States and China along with a decisive victory of Boris Johnson-led Conservative Party in Britain's elections. The BSE S&P Sensex surged ahead by 428 points at 41,010 while the Nifty 50 ticked up by 115 points at 12,087. All sectoral indices at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) were in the positive terrain except for Nifty pharma, which dropped by 0.1 per cent. But Nifty PSU bank was up by 4.08 per cent, metal by 2.33 per cent and auto by 1.72 per cent.A decisive victory of Britain's Conservative Party strengthens the prospects of a smooth Brexit, ending the three-and-a-half years of political instability in Britain. Banking stocks gained the most amid reports that lenders are likely to get payments from Essar Steel resolution this month. Axis Bank climbed up by 4.1 per cent to Rs 752.25 per share while State Bank of India gained by 3.5 per cent, IndusInd Bank by 3.3 per cent and Yes Bank by 2.9 per cent. Metal stocks witnessed healthy profits with Vedanta gaining by 3.7 per cent, Hindalco by 3.5 per cent and Tata Steel by 2.7 per cent. Automaker Maruti Suzuki was up by 3.4 per cent to close at Rs 7,242 per share. However, those which lost were Dr Reddy's, Bharti Airtel, Kotak Mahindra Bank and UPL. Meanwhile, Asian markets jumped on news regarding the US-China trade deal.Reports said the US and China have reached an agreement over the terms of a phase-one trade deal. The new tariffs to take force on December 15 onwards have been set aside, the reports said.Japan's Nikkei spurted by 2.55 per cent, Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose by 2.21 per cent and South Korea's Kospi index lifted up by 1.54 per cent.

Sensex reclaims 41,000-mark on upbeat global sentiment, banking

According to government sources, the applicability of the Citizenship Amendment Act is to take place in all states, news agency ANI reported.

"The issue of citizenship comes under the Union List by 7th schedule of the Constitution. Such an amendment is applicable to all states," ANI reported citing government sources.

The Union List is given in the Seventh Schedule in the Constitution of India on which Parliament has exclusive power to legislate.The legislative section is divided into three lists: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.Unlike the federal governments of the United States, Switzerland, and Australia, residual powers remain with the Union Government, as with the Canadian federal government.&nbsp;

Sources at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have said that the states hold no power to deny Union law.

This comes as the leadership of five states have said they will not let the Act get implemented in their respective states.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Govt sources on five states which have said that they will not implement <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CitizenshipAmendmentAct?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CitizenshipAmendmentAct</a>: Issue of citizenship comes under the union list by 7th schedule of the Constitution. Such amendment is applicable to all states. <a href="https://t.co/yxMTVjHseI">pic.twitter.com/yxMTVjHseI</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205427604901154816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Bill officially turned into an Act after President Ram Nath Kovind's assent.

Kerala, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal the states where the leadership has stated that the Act will not get implemented.

"The move to decide citizenship on the basis of religion amounts to a rejection of the Constitution," Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said in a tweet.

President Ram Nath Kovind, late on Thursday, gave his assent to the Bill, signing it into an Act.

Massive protests have gripped India's northeast against the bill. Two people lost their lives in police firing as the mob continued to protest, opposing the Bill that seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.&nbsp;

On Friday, Congress party moved to the Supreme Court, claiming that the Act violates Article 14 of the Constitution.

According to government sources, the applicability of the Citizenship Amendment Act is to take place in all states, news agency ANI reported. "The issue of citizenship comes under the Union List by 7th schedule of the Constitution.

According to government sources, the applicability of the Citizenship Amendment Act is to take place in all states, news agency ANI reported. "The issue of citizenship comes under the Union List by 7th schedule of the Constitution. Such an amendment is applicable to all states," ANI reported citing government sources. The Union List is given in the Seventh Schedule in the Constitution of India on which Parliament has exclusive power to legislate.The legislative section is divided into three lists: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.Unlike the federal governments of the United States, Switzerland, and Australia, residual powers remain with the Union Government, as with the Canadian federal government. Sources at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have said that the states hold no power to deny Union law. This comes as the leadership of five states have said they will not let the Act get implemented in their respective states. Govt sources on five states which have said that they will not implement #CitizenshipAmendmentAct: Issue of citizenship comes under the union list by 7th schedule of the Constitution. Such amendment is applicable to all states. pic.twitter.com/yxMTVjHseI — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × The Bill officially turned into an Act after President Ram Nath Kovind's assent. Kerala, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal the states where the leadership has stated that the Act will not get implemented. "The move to decide citizenship on the basis of religion amounts to a rejection of the Constitution," Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said in a tweet. President Ram Nath Kovind, late on Thursday, gave his assent to the Bill, signing it into an Act. Massive protests have gripped India's northeast against the bill. Two people lost their lives in police firing as the mob continued to protest, opposing the Bill that seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. On Friday, Congress party moved to the Supreme Court, claiming that the Act violates Article 14 of the Constitution.

Applicable to all: Government sources on states denying implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act

A big cheer for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as she bags the 34th spot in Forbes' list of 'World's 100 most powerful women'.&nbsp;

Sitharaman has left behind New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at 38 and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II at the 40th spot.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump's senior advisor and daughter Ivanka Trump stands at the 42nd&nbsp;spot. Climate activist Greta Thunberg is at the bottom of the listing at 100.&nbsp;

The ranking is topped by German Chancellor Angela Merkel followed by former IMF chief Christine Lagarde and Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.&nbsp;

Nirmala Sitharaman is India's first female finance minister. In PM Modi's last cabinet (2014-19) she served as the defence minister. &nbsp;

A big cheer for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as she bags the 34th spot in Forbes' list of 'World's 100 most powerful women'. Sitharaman has left behind New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at 38 and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II at the 40th spot.

A big cheer for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as she bags the 34th spot in Forbes' list of 'World's 100 most powerful women'. Sitharaman has left behind New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at 38 and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II at the 40th spot. US President Donald Trump's senior advisor and daughter Ivanka Trump stands at the 42nd spot. Climate activist Greta Thunberg is at the bottom of the listing at 100. The ranking is topped by German Chancellor Angela Merkel followed by former IMF chief Christine Lagarde and Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. Nirmala Sitharaman is India's first female finance minister. In PM Modi's last cabinet (2014-19) she served as the defence minister.

Ahead of Ivanka Trump and Queen Elizabeth II, Sitharaman is world's 34th most powerful woman

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sparshita

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.