Sri Lankan Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to ban all forms of face coverings in public places, citing a threat to national security. &nbsp;

However, wearing face masks to combat COVID-19 is allowed.&nbsp;

The move came weeks after Minister of Public Security Sarath Weerasekara signed a paper in March, seeking the approval of the Cabinet to ban burqas, outer garments that cover the body and face worn by some Muslim women.&nbsp;

The Cabinet has decided to ban all forms of face coverings in public places, Cabinet spokesperson and information minister Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters here, without specifying burqas.&nbsp;

"All forms of face covers are a threat to national security," he said.&nbsp;

The covering of the full face will automatically include burqa and niqab.&nbsp;

The proposal now must be approved by Parliament to become a law.&nbsp;

Last month, Pakistan's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Ambassador Saad Khattak had criticised the proposal to ban the wearing of burqas in the country, saying such 'divisive steps' in the name of security will not only hurt the sentiments of Muslims but also strengthen wider apprehensions about the fundamental human rights of minorities in the island nation. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Weerasekera in a Facebook post wrote that the Cabinet has approved the proposal to ban all face coverings, including the burqa.&nbsp;

The Buddhist-majority nation in 2019 had temporarily banned wearing of burqas under emergency regulations following the Easter Sunday attacks in which nine suicide bombers belonging to the local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaat (NTJ) carried out a series of blasts that tore through three churches and as many luxury hotels, killing 270 people, including 11 Indians, and injuring over 500.&nbsp;

Muslims make up about nine per cent of the 220,00,000 people in Sri Lanka, where Buddhists account for more than 70 per cent of the population. Ethnic minority Tamils, who are mainly Hindus, comprise about 12 per cent, while Christians account for over seven per cent of the population. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Sri Lankan Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to ban all forms of face coverings in public places, citing a threat to national security. However, wearing face masks to combat COVID-19 is allowed.

Sri Lankan Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to ban all forms of face coverings in public places, citing a threat to national security. However, wearing face masks to combat COVID-19 is allowed. The move came weeks after Minister of Public Security Sarath Weerasekara signed a paper in March, seeking the approval of the Cabinet to ban burqas, outer garments that cover the body and face worn by some Muslim women. The Cabinet has decided to ban all forms of face coverings in public places, Cabinet spokesperson and information minister Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters here, without specifying burqas. "All forms of face covers are a threat to national security," he said. The covering of the full face will automatically include burqa and niqab. The proposal now must be approved by Parliament to become a law. Last month, Pakistan's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Ambassador Saad Khattak had criticised the proposal to ban the wearing of burqas in the country, saying such 'divisive steps' in the name of security will not only hurt the sentiments of Muslims but also strengthen wider apprehensions about the fundamental human rights of minorities in the island nation. Meanwhile, Weerasekera in a Facebook post wrote that the Cabinet has approved the proposal to ban all face coverings, including the burqa. The Buddhist-majority nation in 2019 had temporarily banned wearing of burqas under emergency regulations following the Easter Sunday attacks in which nine suicide bombers belonging to the local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaat (NTJ) carried out a series of blasts that tore through three churches and as many luxury hotels, killing 270 people, including 11 Indians, and injuring over 500. Muslims make up about nine per cent of the 220,00,000 people in Sri Lanka, where Buddhists account for more than 70 per cent of the population. Ethnic minority Tamils, who are mainly Hindus, comprise about 12 per cent, while Christians account for over seven per cent of the population. (With inputs from agencies)

Lanka Cabinet approves proposal to ban face coverings in public places 

The commanders of Brazil's army, navy and air force will be replaced, the defence ministry said Tuesday, a day after President Jair Bolsonaro overhauled his cabinet with six substitutions, including a new defence minister.

"The decision was communicated in a meeting on Tuesday with incoming defence minister (Walter Souza) Braga Netto and outgoing minister Fernando Azevedo," it said in a brief statement that did not give a reason for their departure.

Amid a slide in his popularity, President Jair Bolsonaro had earlier shaken up the Cabinet, including replacing Brazil's foreign minister,&nbsp;who was widely&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;for an anti-globalism stance and accused by some of aggravating the pandemic by alienating vaccine suppliers.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro tweeted&nbsp;on&nbsp;Monday that he was shifting three other Cabinet ministers to new posts,&nbsp;chief of staff,&nbsp;defence&nbsp;minister and attorney general,&nbsp;and naming a new justice and public security minister and a new government secretary.&nbsp;

But the biggest change was moving&nbsp;Ernesto Araújo&nbsp;out as foreign minister.&nbsp;Ernesto Araújo&nbsp;had most recently been under fire for comments and actions that critics said impeded faster access to coronavirus vaccines as the coronavirus batters Brazil.&nbsp;

It was just the latest Cabinet turmoil for the embattled Bolsonaro. The president in mid-March replaced the health minister, whose tenure coincided with most of Brazil's 314,000 Covid-19 deaths and became the target of fierce criticism. In February, Bolsonaro tapped a retired army general to take over state-run oil behemoth Petrobras, seeking to appeal to his constituency of truck drivers,&nbsp;who had threatened to strike over fuel price increases.&nbsp;

Araújo&nbsp;was subjected to a nearly five-hour Senate hearing last week to defend his ministry's actions during the pandemic. Center-right Sen Tasso&nbsp;Jereissati&nbsp;told the minister that he no longer had the standing to remain in the post and that his exit would end the help end the crisis.&nbsp;

Maurício Santoro, professor of political science and international relations at the University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, said the Senate attacks on&nbsp;Araújo&nbsp;became too overpowering for Bolsonaro to withstand.&nbsp;

"The vaccine issue was the spark that lit the fire,"&nbsp;Santoro said.&nbsp;"The general context is&nbsp;Araújo&nbsp;failed in all the most important tasks he had to do as a minister. Brazil is facing bad political dialogue with its biggest trade partners,&nbsp;China, the US, the EU and Argentina,&nbsp;all for different reasons.&nbsp;

The new foreign minister is Carlos&nbsp;França, who like&nbsp;Araújo&nbsp;is a career diplomat. But unlike&nbsp;Araújo,&nbsp;França&nbsp;isn't a follower of far-right ideologue Olavo de Carvalho, the newspaper O Globo reported. He is an adviser to Bolsonaro and former ceremonial chief at the presidential palace and is considered to be pragmatic rather than ideological.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The commanders of Brazil's army, navy and air force will be replaced, the defence ministry said Tuesday, a day after President Jair Bolsonaro overhauled his cabinet with six substitutions, including a new defence minister.

The commanders of Brazil's army, navy and air force will be replaced, the defence ministry said Tuesday, a day after President Jair Bolsonaro overhauled his cabinet with six substitutions, including a new defence minister. "The decision was communicated in a meeting on Tuesday with incoming defence minister (Walter Souza) Braga Netto and outgoing minister Fernando Azevedo," it said in a brief statement that did not give a reason for their departure. Amid a slide in his popularity, President Jair Bolsonaro had earlier shaken up the Cabinet, including replacing Brazil's foreign minister, who was widely criticised for an anti-globalism stance and accused by some of aggravating the pandemic by alienating vaccine suppliers. Bolsonaro tweeted on Monday that he was shifting three other Cabinet ministers to new posts, chief of staff, defence minister and attorney general, and naming a new justice and public security minister and a new government secretary. But the biggest change was moving Ernesto Araújo out as foreign minister. Ernesto Araújo had most recently been under fire for comments and actions that critics said impeded faster access to coronavirus vaccines as the coronavirus batters Brazil. It was just the latest Cabinet turmoil for the embattled Bolsonaro. The president in mid-March replaced the health minister, whose tenure coincided with most of Brazil's 314,000 Covid-19 deaths and became the target of fierce criticism. In February, Bolsonaro tapped a retired army general to take over state-run oil behemoth Petrobras, seeking to appeal to his constituency of truck drivers, who had threatened to strike over fuel price increases. Araújo was subjected to a nearly five-hour Senate hearing last week to defend his ministry's actions during the pandemic. Center-right Sen Tasso Jereissati told the minister that he no longer had the standing to remain in the post and that his exit would end the help end the crisis. Maurício Santoro, professor of political science and international relations at the University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, said the Senate attacks on Araújo became too overpowering for Bolsonaro to withstand. "The vaccine issue was the spark that lit the fire," Santoro said. "The general context is Araújo failed in all the most important tasks he had to do as a minister. Brazil is facing bad political dialogue with its biggest trade partners, China, the US, the EU and Argentina, all for different reasons. The new foreign minister is Carlos França, who like Araújo is a career diplomat. But unlike Araújo, França isn't a follower of far-right ideologue Olavo de Carvalho, the newspaper O Globo reported. He is an adviser to Bolsonaro and former ceremonial chief at the presidential palace and is considered to be pragmatic rather than ideological. (With inputs from agencies)

Military chiefs exit in new turmoil for Bolsonaro after Cabinet shake-up

The Australian Parliament has been hit by a series of sexual abuse and misconduct charges. A former staffer claims she was raped in the office of then defence minister. A whistleblower claims some government staff and legislators had created a group to swap pictures and videos of sexual acts performed in the parliament building. What exactly is happening in Australia? &nbsp;

Australian Parliament has a sickening work culture. A govt staff was caught on camera masturbating inside the Parliament building. Reports have emerged of a Facebook group, where staff share images and videos of sexual acts performed in the parliament. &nbsp;

A whistleblower recently shared the videos. He or she also claimed that govt staff and legislators have &nbsp;been using the parliament's prayer room for sex. Sex workers are being brought into the building and female employees are being harassed in the parliament. &nbsp;

One victim went public last month. She claimed she was raped by a senior official in the office of Australia's then-defence minister Linda Reynolds. &nbsp;

Brittany Higgins, speaking on rape allegations, said, "I was raped inside Parliament house by a colleague and for so long it felt like the people around me only cared because of where it happened or what it might mean for them. It was so confusing because these people were my idols. I had dedicated my life to them."&nbsp;

The former defence minister called her a lying cow. The biggest headline maker was Australia's Attorney General Christian Porter. He was revealed of having raped a 16-year-old girl some 33 years ago. The victim took her own life in 2020 reportedly after being denied justice.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Scott Morrison's handling of the sexual allegations did not help. His approval ratings tanked while public anger against his govt rose.&nbsp;

A protester, said, "Well, I am sick of it, I'm absolutely sick of listening to sexual assault on the TV and nothing has been done about it."&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Australian Prime Minister is now trying to extinguish the fire. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, said, "Changes, I'm announcing today will once again provide the strongest ever female representation in an Australian government cabinet." &nbsp;&nbsp;

A cabinet reshuffle is Morrison's way of safeguarding his seat. Both the tainted cabinet members have been removed from office. A women-centric task force has been announced and also what Morrisson calls the strongest ever female representation. &nbsp;

Scott Morrison said, "Women taking up as they must, as they should, as I very much want them to do and as they are so keen to do so."&nbsp;

All of this is just an eyewash. Christian Porter may no longer be the attorney general but he is being reassigned to the ministry to industry and as for Lynda Reynolds, she will become the govt services minister. &nbsp;

If this is not an insult to the victim and if this is not an insult to the system of justice. What is? &nbsp;

The Australian Parliament has been hit by a series of sexual abuse and misconduct charges. A former staffer claims she was raped in the office of then defence minister.

The Australian Parliament has been hit by a series of sexual abuse and misconduct charges. A former staffer claims she was raped in the office of then defence minister. A whistleblower claims some government staff and legislators had created a group to swap pictures and videos of sexual acts performed in the parliament building. What exactly is happening in Australia? Australian Parliament has a sickening work culture. A govt staff was caught on camera masturbating inside the Parliament building. Reports have emerged of a Facebook group, where staff share images and videos of sexual acts performed in the parliament. A whistleblower recently shared the videos. He or she also claimed that govt staff and legislators have been using the parliament's prayer room for sex. Sex workers are being brought into the building and female employees are being harassed in the parliament. One victim went public last month. She claimed she was raped by a senior official in the office of Australia's then-defence minister Linda Reynolds. Brittany Higgins, speaking on rape allegations, said, "I was raped inside Parliament house by a colleague and for so long it felt like the people around me only cared because of where it happened or what it might mean for them. It was so confusing because these people were my idols. I had dedicated my life to them." The former defence minister called her a lying cow. The biggest headline maker was Australia's Attorney General Christian Porter. He was revealed of having raped a 16-year-old girl some 33 years ago. The victim took her own life in 2020 reportedly after being denied justice. Prime Minister Scott Morrison's handling of the sexual allegations did not help. His approval ratings tanked while public anger against his govt rose. A protester, said, "Well, I am sick of it, I'm absolutely sick of listening to sexual assault on the TV and nothing has been done about it." The Australian Prime Minister is now trying to extinguish the fire. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, said, "Changes, I'm announcing today will once again provide the strongest ever female representation in an Australian government cabinet." A cabinet reshuffle is Morrison's way of safeguarding his seat. Both the tainted cabinet members have been removed from office. A women-centric task force has been announced and also what Morrisson calls the strongest ever female representation. Scott Morrison said, "Women taking up as they must, as they should, as I very much want them to do and as they are so keen to do so." All of this is just an eyewash. Christian Porter may no longer be the attorney general but he is being reassigned to the ministry to industry and as for Lynda Reynolds, she will become the govt services minister. If this is not an insult to the victim and if this is not an insult to the system of justice. What is?

Australian Parliament sex scandal: Is cabinet reshuffle an eyewash? 

The firm, Zhenhua Data Information Technology Co, is a pioneer in hybrid warfare and is linked to the country’s administration.

India raises Zhenhua snooping issue with Chinese envoy

In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that a Shenzhen-based company named Zhenhua Data Information Technology Co. Limited is monitoring over 10,000 Indian individuals and organisations.

Why is China tracking influential Indians?

China spy on India's leading business tycoons, veteran politicians, and more!

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday granted ex-post facto dispensation to Alliance Air, a subsidiary of national carrier Air India, to commence international flight services between India and Sri Lanka.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday granted ex-post facto dispensation to Alliance Air, a subsidiary of national carrier Air India, to commence international flight services between India and Sri Lanka. A special dispensation is allowed for an interim period till Alliance Air deploys a minimum of 20 aircraft or 20 per cent of total capacity, whichever is higher for domestic operations. Also Read: Sky is limit as inaugural flight bridges distance between Chennai and Jaffna India has close bilateral ties with Sri Lanka and it is in the interest of the country to increase connectivity and to expand people to people contact between the two countries. Before this approval, there was no commercial operation scheduled from Palaly and Batticaloa airports.

Cabinet approves Alliance Air to commence international flight services between India, Sri Lanka

The Central government on Tuesday approved to allocate funds for updating the National Population Register in the cabinet meeting.

The Union Cabinet approved an amount of Rs 3941.35 crore for updation of National Population Register (NPR) and Rs 8754.23 crore for the exercise of the census of India 2021.

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Watch | Cabinet gives the approval to update the National Population Register (NPR) in India 
Centre to allocate 8700 cr for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NPR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NPR</a> exercise <a href="https://t.co/wz6OMn34RA">pic.twitter.com/wz6OMn34RA</a>
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The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cabinet-approves-steel-pact-between-india-japan-267742">Union Cabinet</a>, chaired by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-unveil-atal-bihari-vajpayee-statue-in-lucknow-tomorrow-269943">Prime Minister</a> has cleared the National Population Register (NPR) despite opposition by several States and protests against NRC-CAA.

National Population Register is an exercise which is scheduled to commence from April next year, sources have said.

Also watch:&nbsp;CAA &amp; NRC have nothing to do with Indian Muslims: PM Modi at Delhi rally

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The NPR is a list of “usual residents” of the country. A “usual resident” is defined for the purposes of NPR as a person who has resided in a local area for the past six months or more or a person who intends to reside in that area for the next six months or more.

The data for National Population Register was collected in 2010 along with the house listing phase of Census of India 2011.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Central government on Tuesday approved to allocate funds for updating the National Population Register in the cabinet meeting. The Union Cabinet approved an amount of Rs 3941.

The Central government on Tuesday approved to allocate funds for updating the National Population Register in the cabinet meeting. The Union Cabinet approved an amount of Rs 3941.35 crore for updation of National Population Register (NPR) and Rs 8754.23 crore for the exercise of the census of India 2021. Watch | Cabinet gives the approval to update the National Population Register (NPR) in India Centre to allocate 8700 cr for the #NPR exercise pic.twitter.com/wz6OMn34RA — WION (@WIONews) December 24, 2019 × The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister has cleared the National Population Register (NPR) despite opposition by several States and protests against NRC-CAA. National Population Register is an exercise which is scheduled to commence from April next year, sources have said. Also watch: CAA & NRC have nothing to do with Indian Muslims: PM Modi at Delhi rally × The NPR is a list of “usual residents” of the country. A “usual resident” is defined for the purposes of NPR as a person who has resided in a local area for the past six months or more or a person who intends to reside in that area for the next six months or more. The data for National Population Register was collected in 2010 along with the house listing phase of Census of India 2011. (With inputs from agencies)

Union Cabinet approves funds for updating National Population Register: Officials

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for signing the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the governments of India and Japan to constitute the 'India-Japan Steel Dialogue' to strengthen cooperation in the steel sector. 
 
The 'India-Japan Steel Dialogue' envisages enhancement of mutual understanding to secure sustainable growth in the steel sector, read a statement. 
 
It aims to examine all aspects of cooperation in the steel sector including the promotion of investment in high-grade steel-making and finding new avenues of steel usage in India. The MoC will help in capacity building for high-grade steel manufacturing in India.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for signing the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the governments of India and Japan to constitute the 'India-Japan Steel Dialogue' to strengthen cooperation in the steel sector.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for signing the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the governments of India and Japan to constitute the 'India-Japan Steel Dialogue' to strengthen cooperation in the steel sector. The 'India-Japan Steel Dialogue' envisages enhancement of mutual understanding to secure sustainable growth in the steel sector, read a statement. It aims to examine all aspects of cooperation in the steel sector including the promotion of investment in high-grade steel-making and finding new avenues of steel usage in India. The MoC will help in capacity building for high-grade steel manufacturing in India.

Cabinet approves steel pact between India-Japan

The Union Cabinet approved the withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Second Amendment) Bill on Wednesday.

Moreover, the Cabinet approved the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, that deals with the privacy and security of data of Indian citizens.

Union Information and Broadcasting (I&amp;B) Minister Prakash Javadekar said that it was a very important Bill and deals with the data protection of citizens.

The Central government had constituted a committee of experts on data protection, chaired by Justice (retd) BN Srikrishna to study various issues relating to data protection and come out with the Data Protection Bill.

The Bill is likely to be introduced in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.&nbsp;

The Union Cabinet approved the withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Second Amendment) Bill on Wednesday. Moreover, the Cabinet approved the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, that deals with the privacy and security of data of Indian citizens.

The Union Cabinet approved the withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Second Amendment) Bill on Wednesday. Moreover, the Cabinet approved the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, that deals with the privacy and security of data of Indian citizens. Union Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Prakash Javadekar said that it was a very important Bill and deals with the data protection of citizens. The Central government had constituted a committee of experts on data protection, chaired by Justice (retd) BN Srikrishna to study various issues relating to data protection and come out with the Data Protection Bill. The Bill is likely to be introduced in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

Cabinet approves withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Second Amendment) Bill

Four Indian-origin lawmakers have become part of Canada's cabinet as Justin Trudeau unveiled his new team, in his second term as prime minister.

The most notable change in Trudeau 2.0 was the elevation of former foreign minister Chrystia Freeland as the deputy prime minister.

She will also be the in-charge of inter-governmental relations with a focus on ending the alienation of Canada's western provinces.

This, as the country, faces a looming national unity crisis.

Unveiling his 36-member cabinet, Trudeau praised Freeland's role in renegotiating the North American free-trade agreement or NAFTA with the US and Mexico.

The team includes four Indian origin lawmakers.

Navdeep Singh Bains has become the minister of innovation, science and industry.

Bardish Chagger has been appointed as the minister of diversity, inclusion and youth.

Anita Anand has been made the minister of public services and procurement.

Harjit Singh Sajjan has retained his post as the minister of national defence.

Justin Trudeau got a second term as the prime minister after his party won the October federal election.

However, his liberal party lost 20 seats in the polls.

Four Indian-origin lawmakers have become part of Canada's cabinet as Justin Trudeau unveiled his new team, in his second term as prime minister. The most notable change in Trudeau 2.

Four Indian-origin lawmakers have become part of Canada's cabinet as Justin Trudeau unveiled his new team, in his second term as prime minister. The most notable change in Trudeau 2.0 was the elevation of former foreign minister Chrystia Freeland as the deputy prime minister. She will also be the in-charge of inter-governmental relations with a focus on ending the alienation of Canada's western provinces. This, as the country, faces a looming national unity crisis. Unveiling his 36-member cabinet, Trudeau praised Freeland's role in renegotiating the North American free-trade agreement or NAFTA with the US and Mexico. The team includes four Indian origin lawmakers. Navdeep Singh Bains has become the minister of innovation, science and industry. Bardish Chagger has been appointed as the minister of diversity, inclusion and youth. Anita Anand has been made the minister of public services and procurement. Harjit Singh Sajjan has retained his post as the minister of national defence. Justin Trudeau got a second term as the prime minister after his party won the October federal election. However, his liberal party lost 20 seats in the polls.

Four Indian-origin lawmakers inducted in Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's new Cabinet

Canadian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../canadas-trudeau-to-seek-formal-backing-for- minority-government-261740">Justin Trudeau</a> will shuffle his cabinet on Wednesday and insiders say he may well move Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland into a new job and ask her to prevent a national unity crisis.

Trudeau's Liberals lost their majority in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../canada-election-pm-justin-trudeau-returns-to- power-says-voters-rejected-negativity-257453">October election </a>and now have no legislators in the western energy-producing provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, which oppose tougher environmental laws that critics say could cripple the oil industry. Polls show separatist sentiment is growing.

Freeland, an undisputed cabinet heavyweight, successfully led Canada through 15 months of tough talks to renegotiate a new continental trade treaty.

Public broadcaster Radio-Canada said on Tuesday that Freeland would be replaced by Infrastructure Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, indicating she will move.

Freeland was born in Alberta and grew up there. Three Liberal sources say Trudeau's team is seriously considering whether to make her minister of intergovernmental affairs, the government's point person to deal with the provinces.

"There are still some big foreign affairs files but does she need to handle them? No," said one senior Liberal, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation.

"You have to take the people with star power and deploy them to address your biggest concerns."

National unity tensions are a particularly painful issue in Canada, where the province of Quebec held a 1995 referendum on independence that only just failed.

Alberta premier Jason Kenney regularly castigates Ottawa for treating his province badly and the Liberal government's challenge grew ever larger on Tuesday when workers at Canadian National Railway went on strike, hitting western exports such as grain and oil.

The Liberal sources said nothing had been decided finally, adding last-minute changes were still possible. Trudeau is to due unveil his cabinet at 1.30 pm Eastern Time (1830 GMT) and hold a news conference at 3.30 pm.

The offices of Trudeau and Freeland declined to comment.

A potential drawback is that the minister of intergovernmental affairs is a second tier role and would on paper represent a demotion for Freeland.

One solution could be to also give her the job of deputy prime minister, which is a largely ceremonial post and much less significant than the role of U.S. vice-president.

Giving Freeland the formal title though could help strengthen her credentials as one of the leading candidates to one day replace Trudeau. Trudeau did not name a deputy prime minister after taking power in 2015.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will shuffle his cabinet on Wednesday and insiders say he may well move Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland into a new job and ask her to prevent a national unity crisis.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will shuffle his cabinet on Wednesday and insiders say he may well move Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland into a new job and ask her to prevent a national unity crisis. Trudeau's Liberals lost their majority in an October election and now have no legislators in the western energy-producing provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, which oppose tougher environmental laws that critics say could cripple the oil industry. Polls show separatist sentiment is growing. Freeland, an undisputed cabinet heavyweight, successfully led Canada through 15 months of tough talks to renegotiate a new continental trade treaty. Public broadcaster Radio-Canada said on Tuesday that Freeland would be replaced by Infrastructure Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, indicating she will move. Freeland was born in Alberta and grew up there. Three Liberal sources say Trudeau's team is seriously considering whether to make her minister of intergovernmental affairs, the government's point person to deal with the provinces. "There are still some big foreign affairs files but does she need to handle them? No," said one senior Liberal, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation. "You have to take the people with star power and deploy them to address your biggest concerns." National unity tensions are a particularly painful issue in Canada, where the province of Quebec held a 1995 referendum on independence that only just failed. Alberta premier Jason Kenney regularly castigates Ottawa for treating his province badly and the Liberal government's challenge grew ever larger on Tuesday when workers at Canadian National Railway went on strike, hitting western exports such as grain and oil. The Liberal sources said nothing had been decided finally, adding last-minute changes were still possible. Trudeau is to due unveil his cabinet at 1.30 pm Eastern Time (1830 GMT) and hold a news conference at 3.30 pm. The offices of Trudeau and Freeland declined to comment. A potential drawback is that the minister of intergovernmental affairs is a second tier role and would on paper represent a demotion for Freeland. One solution could be to also give her the job of deputy prime minister, which is a largely ceremonial post and much less significant than the role of U.S. vice-president. Giving Freeland the formal title though could help strengthen her credentials as one of the leading candidates to one day replace Trudeau. Trudeau did not name a deputy prime minister after taking power in 2015.

Canada's Trudeau to shuffle cabinet, foreign minister set for big new role

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepalese-presidential-office-removes-governors-across-all-seven-provinces-259714">Nepalese government</a> will hold a Cabinet meeting on Monday to likely appoint new governors for all seven provinces in the country, a government source, requesting anonymity, said on Sunday, hours after President Bidhya Devi Bhandari relieved previous governors from their posts on the recommendation of the government. 
 
The governors relieved from the post had been appointed by former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba-led government and assumed office back in January 2018. 
 
Those who were relieved from the posts are Govinda Bahadur Tumbahang, Governor of Province 1, Ratneshworlal Kayastha of Province 2, Anuradha Koirala of Province 3, Baburam Kunwar of Gandaki Province, Umakanta Jha of Province 5, Durgakeshar Khanal of Karnali Province and Mohanraj Malla of Province 7. 
 
These governors were relieved in accordance with the constitutional provisions at the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, the President's office said in a statement earlier today.

The Nepalese government will hold a Cabinet meeting on Monday to likely appoint new governors for all seven provinces in the country, a government source, requesting anonymity, said on Sunday, hours after President Bidhya Devi Bhandari relieved previous governors from their posts on the recommendation of the government.

The Nepalese government will hold a Cabinet meeting on Monday to likely appoint new governors for all seven provinces in the country, a government source, requesting anonymity, said on Sunday, hours after President Bidhya Devi Bhandari relieved previous governors from their posts on the recommendation of the government. The governors relieved from the post had been appointed by former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba-led government and assumed office back in January 2018. Those who were relieved from the posts are Govinda Bahadur Tumbahang, Governor of Province 1, Ratneshworlal Kayastha of Province 2, Anuradha Koirala of Province 3, Baburam Kunwar of Gandaki Province, Umakanta Jha of Province 5, Durgakeshar Khanal of Karnali Province and Mohanraj Malla of Province 7. These governors were relieved in accordance with the constitutional provisions at the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, the President's office said in a statement earlier today.

Nepal likely to appoint new governors at cabinet meeting on November 4

The union cabinet on Wednesday took five major decisions including ownership rights to 40 lakh people living in unauthorised colonies in Delhi, reform in petroleum sector, cadre review of ITBP officers, merger of MTNL with BSNL and increase in MSP of rabi crops.

Briefing reporters after meeting of union cabinet, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said that increase in minimum support price (MSP) of cereals, pulses and oilseeds of rabi crops will give a big boost to farmers.

"The MSP for wheat and barley has been increased by Rs 85, gram by Rs 255, masur (lentil) by Rs 325 and mustard by Rs 225. This has been done to double the income of farmers and give them justice," Javadekar said.

He said the allowance under PM-Kisan Yojna has reached eight crore farmers.

He said a decision has been taken to conduct cadre review of ITBP and it will lead to creation of 60 new posts of A category.

"The last cadre review was done in 2001 when there were 32,000 personnel in the ITBP. Now there are 88,000," he said.

Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Communications and Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad were also present at the press conference.&nbsp;

Javadekar said that decisions on "a big reform" had been taken in the petroleum sector in the meeting.

"New companies can now open retail petrol outlets in the country. This will increase investment and give the consumers more options and also increase competitiveness in the market," Javadekar said.The minister said the cabinet has approved merger of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The union cabinet on Wednesday took five major decisions including ownership rights to 40 lakh people living in unauthorised colonies in Delhi, reform in petroleum sector, cadre review of ITBP officers, merger of MTNL with BSNL and increase in MSP of rabi crops.

The union cabinet on Wednesday took five major decisions including ownership rights to 40 lakh people living in unauthorised colonies in Delhi, reform in petroleum sector, cadre review of ITBP officers, merger of MTNL with BSNL and increase in MSP of rabi crops. Briefing reporters after meeting of union cabinet, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said that increase in minimum support price (MSP) of cereals, pulses and oilseeds of rabi crops will give a big boost to farmers. "The MSP for wheat and barley has been increased by Rs 85, gram by Rs 255, masur (lentil) by Rs 325 and mustard by Rs 225. This has been done to double the income of farmers and give them justice," Javadekar said. He said the allowance under PM-Kisan Yojna has reached eight crore farmers. He said a decision has been taken to conduct cadre review of ITBP and it will lead to creation of 60 new posts of A category. "The last cadre review was done in 2001 when there were 32,000 personnel in the ITBP. Now there are 88,000," he said. Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Communications and Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad were also present at the press conference. Javadekar said that decisions on "a big reform" had been taken in the petroleum sector in the meeting. "New companies can now open retail petrol outlets in the country. This will increase investment and give the consumers more options and also increase competitiveness in the market," Javadekar said.The minister said the cabinet has approved merger of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).

Increase in MSP, merger of MTNL with BSNL among major decisions of cabinet

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved to release an additional installment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to pensioners with effect from July 1, 2019 representing an increase of five per cent over the existing rate of 12 per cent of the basic pay or pension, to compensate for price rise.

It will benefit about 49.93 lakh central government employees and 65.26 lakh pensioners and represents an increase of 5 per cent over the existing rate of 12 per cent of the basic pay/pension to compensate for price rise.&nbsp;

The impact of the increase in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief would be Rs 15909.35 crore per annum and Rs 10606.20 crore in this financial year.&nbsp;

An official release said the increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission.&nbsp;

Dear Allowance and Dearness Relief is paid to central government employees and pensioners to adjust the cost of living and to protect their basic pay/pension from erosion in the real value. Dear Allowance and Dearness Relief is revised twice a year from January 1 and July 1.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved to release an additional installment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to pensioners with effect from July 1, 2019 representing an increase of five per cent over the existing rate of 12 per cent of the basic pay or pension, to compensate for price rise.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved to release an additional installment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to pensioners with effect from July 1, 2019 representing an increase of five per cent over the existing rate of 12 per cent of the basic pay or pension, to compensate for price rise. It will benefit about 49.93 lakh central government employees and 65.26 lakh pensioners and represents an increase of 5 per cent over the existing rate of 12 per cent of the basic pay/pension to compensate for price rise. The impact of the increase in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief would be Rs 15909.35 crore per annum and Rs 10606.20 crore in this financial year. An official release said the increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission. Dear Allowance and Dearness Relief is paid to central government employees and pensioners to adjust the cost of living and to protect their basic pay/pension from erosion in the real value. Dear Allowance and Dearness Relief is revised twice a year from January 1 and July 1. (With inputs from ANI)

Cabinet approves 5 per cent additional Dearness Allowance for 50 lakh government employees

Punjab minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Thursday said that Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, along with MLAs, entire state cabinet and central government's representative will visit the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kartarpur-corridor-indian-pakistan-officials-to-meet-wednesday-to-thrash-out-an-agreement-247409">Kartarpur Corridor</a> on the day of its opening.

"Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, MLAs, the entire state cabinet, a central government representative, who will flag off the first 'jatha,'&nbsp;and journalists, will visit Kartarpur Corridor on the day of its opening," Randhawa told ANI over the phone.

With less than two months to go for the historic 550th 'Prakash Purab'&nbsp;of Guru Nanak Dev, Captain Amarinder yesterday took stock of the ongoing construction work for the Kartarpur Corridor while sanctioning Rs 75.23 crore for widening and strengthening of the major roads leading to this iconic town.

On September 16, Pakistan had maintained that the Kartarpur Corridor for Indian pilgrims will be opened on November 9, three days before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.

India has asked Pakistan to "reconsider" its decision to charge $20 as service charge from pilgrims to visit the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan.

The corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Punjab minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Thursday said that Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, along with MLAs, entire state cabinet and central government's representative will visit the Kartarpur Corridor on the day of its opening.

Punjab minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Thursday said that Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, along with MLAs, entire state cabinet and central government's representative will visit the Kartarpur Corridor on the day of its opening. "Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, MLAs, the entire state cabinet, a central government representative, who will flag off the first 'jatha,' and journalists, will visit Kartarpur Corridor on the day of its opening," Randhawa told ANI over the phone. With less than two months to go for the historic 550th 'Prakash Purab' of Guru Nanak Dev, Captain Amarinder yesterday took stock of the ongoing construction work for the Kartarpur Corridor while sanctioning Rs 75.23 crore for widening and strengthening of the major roads leading to this iconic town. On September 16, Pakistan had maintained that the Kartarpur Corridor for Indian pilgrims will be opened on November 9, three days before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. India has asked Pakistan to "reconsider" its decision to charge $20 as service charge from pilgrims to visit the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan. The corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Punjab chief minister, entire state cabinet to visit Kartarpur Corridor on day of opening

<div class="content" itemprop="articleBody">
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday announced that the cabinet has approved 75 new medical colleges to be established in the country by the year 2022, which will create an additional 15,700 MBBS seats.

Javadekar was addressing the media at a cabinet briefing in Delhi.

"Under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we took several important decisions today. One of the decision was to approve 75 new medical colleges. It will cost around Rs 24 thousand crores and create an additional 15 thousand new seats in MBBS," the union minister said.

He said that these institutes will be set up in under-served areas where there are no medical colleges.

"In the last five years, over 45 thousand new seats have been created in MBBS and PG. This is the biggest ever expansion of medical education facilities throughout the world," Javadekar said.&nbsp;
</div>

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday announced that the cabinet has approved 75 new medical colleges to be established in the country by the year 2022, which will create an additional 15,700 MBBS seats.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday announced that the cabinet has approved 75 new medical colleges to be established in the country by the year 2022, which will create an additional 15,700 MBBS seats. Javadekar was addressing the media at a cabinet briefing in Delhi. "Under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we took several important decisions today. One of the decision was to approve 75 new medical colleges. It will cost around Rs 24 thousand crores and create an additional 15 thousand new seats in MBBS," the union minister said. He said that these institutes will be set up in under-served areas where there are no medical colleges. "In the last five years, over 45 thousand new seats have been created in MBBS and PG. This is the biggest ever expansion of medical education facilities throughout the world," Javadekar said.

Cabinet approves 75 new medical colleges to be established by 2022

Four legislators, including three Congress defectors, on Saturday took oath as ministers in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-chief-minister-pramod-sawant-seeks-resignations-of-four-ministers-235370&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiC28vc-7HjAhWP6XMBHVlWCsQQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0fHhDaOFlP2RsyULNEBuY3">Chief Minister Pramod Sawant</a>-led BJP government here.

The three Congress legislators who were made ministers are Chandrakant Kavelkar, Jennifer Monserrate, and Filipe Nery Rodrigues.

This comes soon after four ministers -- Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sardesai, Rohan Khaunte, Vinod Paliencar, and Jayesh Salongakar were sacked from the ministry to accommodate the Congress MLAs who defected to the BJP.BJP MLA Michael Lobo, who resigned from the post of Deputy Speaker, also joined the government as a minister.

Earlier, Sawant had sought the resignation of four of his ministers -- three of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-decision-on-cabinet-reshuffle-central-leadership-to-take-call-pramod-sawant-234847">Goa</a> Forward Party and an independent, but they refused.

Speaker Rajesh Patnekar has said that the Assembly will function as the per schedule.

"Though new ministers have been inducted, the Assembly will go on as per the schedule.&nbsp;

The new ministers will have to study their portfolios while answering questions on the floor of the House."

"As far as I am concerned, there is no rescheduling of the Assembly and the Congress party will have to give the name of Leader of Opposition by Monday," Patnekar told ANI.

On the night of July 10, Chief Minister Sawant had gone to Delhi along with 10 MLAs to meet senior BJP leaders including working president JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the development.

Following this, the rebel MLAs joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.

With 10 MLAs changing the sides, the strength of Congress on the floor of the House has been reduced to five.

The MLAs who defected include Kavlekar, Isidore Fernandes, Francis Silveira, Filipe Neri Rodrigues, Jennifer, Atanasio Monserrate, Antonio Fernandes, Nilakanth Halarnkar, Clafacio Dias and Wilfred D`Sa.

Four legislators, including three Congress defectors, on Saturday took oath as ministers in Chief Minister Pramod Sawant-led BJP government here. The three Congress legislators who were made ministers are Chandrakant Kavelkar, Jennifer Monserrate, and Filipe Nery Rodrigues.

Four legislators, including three Congress defectors, on Saturday took oath as ministers in Chief Minister Pramod Sawant-led BJP government here. The three Congress legislators who were made ministers are Chandrakant Kavelkar, Jennifer Monserrate, and Filipe Nery Rodrigues. This comes soon after four ministers -- Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sardesai, Rohan Khaunte, Vinod Paliencar, and Jayesh Salongakar were sacked from the ministry to accommodate the Congress MLAs who defected to the BJP.BJP MLA Michael Lobo, who resigned from the post of Deputy Speaker, also joined the government as a minister. Earlier, Sawant had sought the resignation of four of his ministers -- three of Goa Forward Party and an independent, but they refused. Speaker Rajesh Patnekar has said that the Assembly will function as the per schedule. "Though new ministers have been inducted, the Assembly will go on as per the schedule. The new ministers will have to study their portfolios while answering questions on the floor of the House." "As far as I am concerned, there is no rescheduling of the Assembly and the Congress party will have to give the name of Leader of Opposition by Monday," Patnekar told ANI. On the night of July 10, Chief Minister Sawant had gone to Delhi along with 10 MLAs to meet senior BJP leaders including working president JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the development. Following this, the rebel MLAs joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. With 10 MLAs changing the sides, the strength of Congress on the floor of the House has been reduced to five. The MLAs who defected include Kavlekar, Isidore Fernandes, Francis Silveira, Filipe Neri Rodrigues, Jennifer, Atanasio Monserrate, Antonio Fernandes, Nilakanth Halarnkar, Clafacio Dias and Wilfred D`Sa.

Goa's Cabinet reshuffle: Three Congress MLAs take oath as ministers in BJP government

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a Bill that proposes to set up an Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal to resolve water disputes in a time-bound manner.

The Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019 seeks to streamline the adjudication of inter-state river water disputes and make the present institutional architecture robust.

Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said there have been instances of cases pending before tribunals for 15-20 years.

He said the single tribunal can have different benches and the decision on a dispute will be made in two years.

The bill provides for dissolution of existing tribunals and the water disputes pending adjudication before such existing tribunals will be transferred to the new tribunal.&nbsp;

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a Bill that proposes to set up an Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal to resolve water disputes in a time-bound manner.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a Bill that proposes to set up an Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal to resolve water disputes in a time-bound manner. The Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019 seeks to streamline the adjudication of inter-state river water disputes and make the present institutional architecture robust. Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said there have been instances of cases pending before tribunals for 15-20 years. He said the single tribunal can have different benches and the decision on a dispute will be made in two years. The bill provides for dissolution of existing tribunals and the water disputes pending adjudication before such existing tribunals will be transferred to the new tribunal.

Cabinet approves bill to set up a single water disputes tribunal

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the introduction of a bill that will codify relevant provisions of four existing laws and intends to increase the legislative protection of minimum wage to the entire workforce.&nbsp;

Sources said The Codes on Wages Bill, 2019 will be introduced in the ongoing Budget Session of parliament and would benefit about 50 crore workers.

They said the codification proposes to simplify 32 central labour laws into four codes to bring them in sync with the emerging economic situation, facilitate easier compliance by establishments, promote ease of living and ensure labour welfare and wage and social security for workers.

The Code of Wages Bill is the first in the series of four labour codes. It seeks to subsume relevant provisions of The Minimum Wages Act, 1948, Payment of Wages Act 1936, Payment of Bonus Act Act, 1965 and Equal Remuneration Act 1976.&nbsp;

Sources said many states have multiple minimum wages and the code simplifies it by doing away with the type of employment as one of the criteria.&nbsp;

There are 2000 rates of minimum wages and the code reduces the number substantially. The fixation of the minimum wage will primarily be based on geography and skills.

Many changes have also been introduced in inspection regimes such as web-based random computerised inspection scheme, jurisdiction-free inspections and calling for information electronically.

It universalises the provision of minimum wages and timely payment of wages to all employees irrespective of sector or wage ceiling. At present, the provisions of the Minimum Wages Act and Payment of Wages Act apply on workers below a particular wage ceiling working in scheduled employments only.

Sources said the code would ensure the right of sustenance of every worker and intends to increase the legislative protection of minimum wage from existing 40 per cent to 100 per cent of the workforce. They said the bill would ensure that every worker gets minimum wage. A statutory floor wage would be introduced, which will be computed based on minimum living conditions.

The states would notify the payment of wages to workers through digital mode. The definition of wages, now different under different labour laws, has been simplified to reduce litigation and will entail a lesser cost of compliance for an employer and the rules to be framed would prescribe one template.&nbsp;

The changes, sources said, will bring transparency and accountability and the bill was a step for ensuring statutory protection of minimum wage.&nbsp;

They said that the limitation period has been increased to three years and made a uniform for filing claims such as for minimum wages, bonus, equal remuneration as against existing varying period of eight months to two years.&nbsp;

The Code of Wages Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 10, 2017, and referred to the Standing Committee which gave its report in December 2018. The bill lapsed due to the dissolution of 16th Lok Sabha. The sources said a new bill has been drafted considering the recommendations of the Standing Committee and suggestions of stakeholders.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the introduction of a bill that will codify relevant provisions of four existing laws and intends to increase the legislative protection of minimum wage to the entire workforce.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the introduction of a bill that will codify relevant provisions of four existing laws and intends to increase the legislative protection of minimum wage to the entire workforce. Sources said The Codes on Wages Bill, 2019 will be introduced in the ongoing Budget Session of parliament and would benefit about 50 crore workers. They said the codification proposes to simplify 32 central labour laws into four codes to bring them in sync with the emerging economic situation, facilitate easier compliance by establishments, promote ease of living and ensure labour welfare and wage and social security for workers. The Code of Wages Bill is the first in the series of four labour codes. It seeks to subsume relevant provisions of The Minimum Wages Act, 1948, Payment of Wages Act 1936, Payment of Bonus Act Act, 1965 and Equal Remuneration Act 1976. Sources said many states have multiple minimum wages and the code simplifies it by doing away with the type of employment as one of the criteria. There are 2000 rates of minimum wages and the code reduces the number substantially. The fixation of the minimum wage will primarily be based on geography and skills. Many changes have also been introduced in inspection regimes such as web-based random computerised inspection scheme, jurisdiction-free inspections and calling for information electronically. It universalises the provision of minimum wages and timely payment of wages to all employees irrespective of sector or wage ceiling. At present, the provisions of the Minimum Wages Act and Payment of Wages Act apply on workers below a particular wage ceiling working in scheduled employments only. Sources said the code would ensure the right of sustenance of every worker and intends to increase the legislative protection of minimum wage from existing 40 per cent to 100 per cent of the workforce. They said the bill would ensure that every worker gets minimum wage. A statutory floor wage would be introduced, which will be computed based on minimum living conditions. The states would notify the payment of wages to workers through digital mode. The definition of wages, now different under different labour laws, has been simplified to reduce litigation and will entail a lesser cost of compliance for an employer and the rules to be framed would prescribe one template. The changes, sources said, will bring transparency and accountability and the bill was a step for ensuring statutory protection of minimum wage. They said that the limitation period has been increased to three years and made a uniform for filing claims such as for minimum wages, bonus, equal remuneration as against existing varying period of eight months to two years. The Code of Wages Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 10, 2017, and referred to the Standing Committee which gave its report in December 2018. The bill lapsed due to the dissolution of 16th Lok Sabha. The sources said a new bill has been drafted considering the recommendations of the Standing Committee and suggestions of stakeholders.

Cabinet approves bill to codify labour laws, increase protection of minimum wage

Union Defence Ministe, Rajnath Singh is added to 4 key Cabinet Committees. Rajnath Singh, who was initially made a member of just two key Cabinet Committees including security, will now also head the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs.

Rajnath Singh added to 4 key Cabinet Committees

India still held hostage to caste politics. Different Deputy CMs represent different castes in Andhra Pradesh. Cabinet to be announced on Saturday. Jagan Mohan Reddy got 151 seats in recent Assembly Election in Andhra Pradesh.

India Watch: Jagan To have 5 Deputy CMs

The government Thursday announced the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-new-cabinet-committees-formed-to-spur-growth-employment-224568">constitution of various Cabinet committees</a>, including the one on economic affairs.

On Wednesday, the government had constituted committees on investment and growth to spur the economic growth, and on employment and skill development to deal with the issues of unemployment.

It was perhaps for the first time that the Cabinet committees on the two issues have been set up.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-s-jaishankar-enter-cabinet-committee-on-security-224609">key committee on security </a>was also set up Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will the head of the Committee, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be its members.

The panel looks after the issues related to national security and foreign affairs.

Among the panels announced Thursday is the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) to be headed by the prime minister with Shah as the other member.

Shah will head the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation. Road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari, Sitharaman and Railway and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal are its members.

Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh and Housing and Urban Affairs and Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri are special invitees of the Accommodation committee.

The key Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) will be headed by the PM and will have Rajnath Singh, Shah, Gadkari, Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister DV Sadananda Gowda, Sitharaman, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Communication Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister for Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal as its members.

The others in the CCEA include, S Jaishankar, Goyal and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, which recommends dates for holding parliament sessions, will be headed by Shah and will have Sitharaman, Consumer Affairs Minister Ramvilas Paswan, Tomar, Prasad, Social Justice Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi as its members.

Ministers of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal and V Muraleedharan are special invitees.

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, which helps the government take important policy decisions, will be headed by the prime minister.

Shah, Gadkari, Sitharaman, Goyal, Paswan, Tomar, Prasad, Harsimrar Kaur, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, Heavy Industries Minister Arvind Sawant and Joshi will be its members.&nbsp;

The Cabinet committees are constituted or reconstituted when a new government takes over or the cabinet undergoes a reshuffle.

The government Thursday announced the constitution of various Cabinet committees, including the one on economic affairs. On Wednesday, the government had constituted committees on investment and growth to spur the economic growth, and on employment and skill development to deal with the issues of unemployment.

The government Thursday announced the constitution of various Cabinet committees, including the one on economic affairs. On Wednesday, the government had constituted committees on investment and growth to spur the economic growth, and on employment and skill development to deal with the issues of unemployment. It was perhaps for the first time that the Cabinet committees on the two issues have been set up. The key committee on security was also set up Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will the head of the Committee, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be its members. The panel looks after the issues related to national security and foreign affairs. Among the panels announced Thursday is the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) to be headed by the prime minister with Shah as the other member. Shah will head the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation. Road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari, Sitharaman and Railway and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal are its members. Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh and Housing and Urban Affairs and Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri are special invitees of the Accommodation committee. The key Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) will be headed by the PM and will have Rajnath Singh, Shah, Gadkari, Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister DV Sadananda Gowda, Sitharaman, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Communication Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister for Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal as its members. The others in the CCEA include, S Jaishankar, Goyal and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, which recommends dates for holding parliament sessions, will be headed by Shah and will have Sitharaman, Consumer Affairs Minister Ramvilas Paswan, Tomar, Prasad, Social Justice Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi as its members. Ministers of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal and V Muraleedharan are special invitees. The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, which helps the government take important policy decisions, will be headed by the prime minister. Shah, Gadkari, Sitharaman, Goyal, Paswan, Tomar, Prasad, Harsimrar Kaur, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, Heavy Industries Minister Arvind Sawant and Joshi will be its members. The Cabinet committees are constituted or reconstituted when a new government takes over or the cabinet undergoes a reshuffle.

Government announces constitution of various Cabinet panels

After the grand oath-taking ceremony, India's new council of ministers took charge. Which big names made it into the cabinet? Who's in, who's not? Palki Sharma Upadhyay has the details.

Gravitas Special Focus: Meet The New Team Modi

The JD(U), BJP`s crucial ally in Bihar, on Friday ruled out joining the Modi government at the Centre, notwithstanding Amit Shah`s telephonic call to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar this morning in a bid to persuade the party to reconsider its decision.

Kumar, who is also the JD(U) chief, made it clear that his does not want to join the new Cabinet just for the sake of "symbolic" representation but would fully support the government from outside.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/what-is-in-store-for-ndas-alliance-in-modi-20-cabinet-222843">NDA's allies who are part of the Modi 2.0 Cabinet</a>

The BJP has full majority on its own and there should be no worry about JD(U)`s support, he added.&nbsp;

"This morning the BJP President called me and I told him that I have already communicated my decision to Bhupendraji (Bhupendra Yadav, BJP General Secretary) yesterday itself" he told reporters as having told Shah.

JD(U) refused to accept one ministerial berth for each ally as proposed by the BJP and declined to join the government. Other allies like LJSP headed by Ram Vilas Paswan, Akali Dal, Shiv Sena and RPI(A) joined the new Cabinet yesterday.&nbsp;

"We communicated our decision to them in the day. Then in the night BJP`s general secretary in-charge came to me. We have communicated our decision in the day but they came in the night again. We have decided, We are together. Our alliance is for Bihar`s development. We do not wish for symbolic representation," Kumar said referring Yadav`s meeting with him last night after the swearing in.

He said if at all necessary for JD(U)`s participation then it should be on the basis of "proportion" in Bihar, suggesting the party should get more ministerial berths.

However, when pressed for the number of ministerial berths the party was interested in, the chief minister said the issue has not yet come to that stage.

"We only said one is not alright. There should be proportional representation. What that proportion is, we have not come to that stage."

Referring to the discussions with the BJP on joining the government, Kumar said, "After the NDA meeting in Parliament (last Saturday), BJP president Amit Shah asked me to come on May 30. In the meeting, he said that an MP from each NDA ally would be inducted into the cabinet. They want to give symbolic representation to each NDA ally. I have said that it is not needed," Kumar told reporters here.

"When I discussed the proposal with my core team, they said that it is not appropriate. There is no need of symbolic representation but proportional representation is needed. We have not said anything about the seats we needed. We are in alliance and are together. We don`t have any problem in that," he said.

Speaking further, Nitish said, "There should be proportional representation. We are in the government then what is the need of symbolic representation. When a party has majority government then it is their decision to make ministers."

"We are with NDA without any of our MP as Cabinet Minister. During Atal ji`s time, BJP did not get full majority but today is different," he said adding that the sharing of ministries then was different.

To a reporter`s question about the BJP inducting five ministers from Bihar, four of them from upper castes, Kumar said he did not want to comment on the issue because it was BJP`s prerogative to do what it wants to do about their ministers.

He said everyone should remember the long queues of poor and those deprived sections, who voted in Bihar and that should be kept in mind during times of cabinet formation.&nbsp;

The JD(U), BJP`s crucial ally in Bihar, on Friday ruled out joining the Modi government at the Centre, notwithstanding Amit Shah`s telephonic call to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar this morning in a bid to persuade the party to reconsider its decision.

The JD(U), BJP`s crucial ally in Bihar, on Friday ruled out joining the Modi government at the Centre, notwithstanding Amit Shah`s telephonic call to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar this morning in a bid to persuade the party to reconsider its decision. Kumar, who is also the JD(U) chief, made it clear that his does not want to join the new Cabinet just for the sake of "symbolic" representation but would fully support the government from outside. Also read: NDA's allies who are part of the Modi 2.0 Cabinet The BJP has full majority on its own and there should be no worry about JD(U)`s support, he added. "This morning the BJP President called me and I told him that I have already communicated my decision to Bhupendraji (Bhupendra Yadav, BJP General Secretary) yesterday itself" he told reporters as having told Shah. JD(U) refused to accept one ministerial berth for each ally as proposed by the BJP and declined to join the government. Other allies like LJSP headed by Ram Vilas Paswan, Akali Dal, Shiv Sena and RPI(A) joined the new Cabinet yesterday. "We communicated our decision to them in the day. Then in the night BJP`s general secretary in-charge came to me. We have communicated our decision in the day but they came in the night again. We have decided, We are together. Our alliance is for Bihar`s development. We do not wish for symbolic representation," Kumar said referring Yadav`s meeting with him last night after the swearing in. He said if at all necessary for JD(U)`s participation then it should be on the basis of "proportion" in Bihar, suggesting the party should get more ministerial berths. However, when pressed for the number of ministerial berths the party was interested in, the chief minister said the issue has not yet come to that stage. "We only said one is not alright. There should be proportional representation. What that proportion is, we have not come to that stage." Referring to the discussions with the BJP on joining the government, Kumar said, "After the NDA meeting in Parliament (last Saturday), BJP president Amit Shah asked me to come on May 30. In the meeting, he said that an MP from each NDA ally would be inducted into the cabinet. They want to give symbolic representation to each NDA ally. I have said that it is not needed," Kumar told reporters here. "When I discussed the proposal with my core team, they said that it is not appropriate. There is no need of symbolic representation but proportional representation is needed. We have not said anything about the seats we needed. We are in alliance and are together. We don`t have any problem in that," he said. Speaking further, Nitish said, "There should be proportional representation. We are in the government then what is the need of symbolic representation. When a party has majority government then it is their decision to make ministers." "We are with NDA without any of our MP as Cabinet Minister. During Atal ji`s time, BJP did not get full majority but today is different," he said adding that the sharing of ministries then was different. To a reporter`s question about the BJP inducting five ministers from Bihar, four of them from upper castes, Kumar said he did not want to comment on the issue because it was BJP`s prerogative to do what it wants to do about their ministers. He said everyone should remember the long queues of poor and those deprived sections, who voted in Bihar and that should be kept in mind during times of cabinet formation.

Proportional representation in cabinet needed: Nitish Kumar

According to Sources, S Jaishankar will be the part of the cabinet.

Breaking News: Ex-Foreign secy S Jaishankar at PMO

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said he is considering to reshuffle the cabinet before swearing-in for a second five-year term in October, a local newspaper published on Monday.

During an interview, Widodo hinted that he would not insist on choosing technocrats over politicians.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joko-widodo-claims-victory-in-indonesian-presidential-elections-211561">Widodo claimed victory</a> based on unofficial results in a televised press conference in Jakarta. Though official results are not due until May 22.

Widodo had reshuffled his cabinet several times during his first term. His cabinet is a mixture of technocrats and politicians from parties in his ruling coalition.

The president will continue the economic reforms which he started in his first term with a focus on tackling sagging foreign investment, the troubled education system and restrictive labour rules, news agency Reuters reported.

Widodo’s main rival, former military general Prabowo Subianto made a public speech claiming his own victory.

The president urged his supporters to wait for the official results, set to be declared in May.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said he is considering to reshuffle the cabinet before swearing-in for a second five-year term in October, a local newspaper published on Monday.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said he is considering to reshuffle the cabinet before swearing-in for a second five-year term in October, a local newspaper published on Monday. During an interview, Widodo hinted that he would not insist on choosing technocrats over politicians. Widodo claimed victory based on unofficial results in a televised press conference in Jakarta. Though official results are not due until May 22. Widodo had reshuffled his cabinet several times during his first term. His cabinet is a mixture of technocrats and politicians from parties in his ruling coalition. The president will continue the economic reforms which he started in his first term with a focus on tackling sagging foreign investment, the troubled education system and restrictive labour rules, news agency Reuters reported. Widodo’s main rival, former military general Prabowo Subianto made a public speech claiming his own victory. The president urged his supporters to wait for the official results, set to be declared in May. (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesia President Joko Widodo says may reshuffle cabinet before second term

India’s first Union cabinet under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru embraced the idea of lateral talent. Among the 15 members of the cabinet in 1947 was John Mathai, an economist who served as Railways Minister and then Finance Minister before leaving the government in 1950. &nbsp;

Over the years, inducting such lateral professional talent into the Union cabinet from outside party politics has grown rarer.&nbsp;

In welcome contrast, none of the nine professionals recently selected under the aegis of the UPSC to serve the government as joint secretaries, belong to a political party. All have specialised domain knowledge.&nbsp;

Amber Dubey, for example, was head of aerospace and defence at KPMG. He has been selected to join the civil aviation ministry where his experience of over 26 years in the aviation and defence domain will be useful as India reforms its aviation, space and defence technology sectors.&nbsp;

The selection of Dubey, an IIT Bombay and IIM Ahmedabad alumni, who has spent his entire career in the private sector, reflects the winds of change blowing over a critical area of Indian governance: technocratic talent. &nbsp;

The country is run at four levels. One, the Prime Minister-led Union cabinet and the Chief Minister-led state cabinets where specialised domain talent is slender. Two, the central and state bureaucracies which are largely filled with generalists, not specialists.&nbsp;

Three, local civic municipalities where again political affiliations often carry more weight than competence. Four, village panchayats and local bodies where caste and religion cast a long shadow.&nbsp;

In the United States, the cabinet is small (16 members) and mostly technocratic, drawn from the private sector, the professions and academia. The Narendra Modi cabinet is large (over 70 ministers and ministers of state) and apart from some honourable exceptions, does not exactly overflow with talent.&nbsp;

That is why the lateral selection of nine professionals as joint secretaries is a welcome development.&nbsp;

Consider the core competencies of some of the new lateral recruits: Dinesh Jagdale, CEO of Panama Renewable Energy Group, will join the renewable energy ministry. Kakoli Ghosh, who has deep knowledge of the multilateral farm sector, will join the agriculture ministry. Most of the others have been placed in ministries where their professional experience and knowledge will be put to good use.&nbsp;

These infusions are just the beginning. Indian bureaucracies, central and state, must absorb UPSC-selected lateral appointments of technocrats with ever-greater urgency.&nbsp;

In a technology-enabled world, specialisation is mandatory. IAS officers, however competent and dedicated, have two handicaps, First, they are generalists with little specialised domain expertise. Second, they are transferred so often across the country – for example, from animal husbandry to defence acquisitions – that focus is lost.&nbsp; 
 
The certainty of tenure among civil servants also engenders a sense of complacency. Over the years, the ministries of finance and defence, in particular, have developed a reputation for cronyism and corruption.&nbsp;

Leaks to the media in the Rafale fighter jet case and examples of department officers surreptitiously encouraging arms dealers (though they were explicitly banned in 2014) have damaged the national interest.&nbsp;

The introduction of fresh professional blood should act as a deterrent when the minister in charge of a particular portfolio has not been able to impose his or her will with sufficient authority on department officers.&nbsp;

If Prime Minister Narendra Modi does win a second term, it’s possible the BJP’s majority in Parliament will be significantly reduced. That is not a bad thing. Modi was used to running a compact state like Gujarat with a group of loyal and competent bureaucrats who dared not defy his authority or miss deadlines on projects.&nbsp;

The same modus operandi has not worked in the Byzantine culture of Delhi. Days after he took office as prime minister, Modi called more than 70 senior bureaucrats to meet him. As they stood in a line before him, he told them to work without fear or favour. They could come to him with any problems they had, he said.&nbsp;

The senior IAS officers, still standing in a parabolic line, nodded silently. But every one of them must have thought cynically to himself or herself that fear and favour were the time-honoured way bureaucracy worked. How would Modi break that habit? He hasn’t.&nbsp;

The series of legal setbacks in the 2G, Rafale and other cases has exposed the government’s poor selection of its law officers.&nbsp;

Equally lacklustre has been its communications strategy. Instead of being proactive over a range of contentious issues – from Rafale to electoral bonds – the government has been slow and reactive when perception damage has already been done.&nbsp;

In a 24x7 news cycle, every major government holds briefings in near real-time. The Chinese and American administrations respond to any issue concerning their government promptly and clearly. 
 
Even Pakistan’s information ministry reacts rapidly to events though in its case it is to add a positive spin to negative stories about, for example, Islamabad’s likely blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for terror financing and money laundering.&nbsp;

The under-utilisation by the Indian government of an articulate and credible Information &amp; Broadcasting (I&amp;B) minister Rajyavardhan Rathore, an Olympian and a former soldier, in delivering daily media briefings underscores how unprofessionally the government has communicated its agenda to voters. They will now deliver their verdict. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-lateral-hiring-in-govt-bridging-the-talent-deficit-2742935">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

India’s first Union cabinet under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru embraced the idea of lateral talent. Among the 15 members of the cabinet in 1947 was John Mathai, an economist who served as Railways Minister and then Finance Minister before leaving the government in 1950.

India’s first Union cabinet under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru embraced the idea of lateral talent. Among the 15 members of the cabinet in 1947 was John Mathai, an economist who served as Railways Minister and then Finance Minister before leaving the government in 1950. Over the years, inducting such lateral professional talent into the Union cabinet from outside party politics has grown rarer. In welcome contrast, none of the nine professionals recently selected under the aegis of the UPSC to serve the government as joint secretaries, belong to a political party. All have specialised domain knowledge. Amber Dubey, for example, was head of aerospace and defence at KPMG. He has been selected to join the civil aviation ministry where his experience of over 26 years in the aviation and defence domain will be useful as India reforms its aviation, space and defence technology sectors. The selection of Dubey, an IIT Bombay and IIM Ahmedabad alumni, who has spent his entire career in the private sector, reflects the winds of change blowing over a critical area of Indian governance: technocratic talent. The country is run at four levels. One, the Prime Minister-led Union cabinet and the Chief Minister-led state cabinets where specialised domain talent is slender. Two, the central and state bureaucracies which are largely filled with generalists, not specialists. Three, local civic municipalities where again political affiliations often carry more weight than competence. Four, village panchayats and local bodies where caste and religion cast a long shadow. In the United States, the cabinet is small (16 members) and mostly technocratic, drawn from the private sector, the professions and academia. The Narendra Modi cabinet is large (over 70 ministers and ministers of state) and apart from some honourable exceptions, does not exactly overflow with talent. That is why the lateral selection of nine professionals as joint secretaries is a welcome development. Consider the core competencies of some of the new lateral recruits: Dinesh Jagdale, CEO of Panama Renewable Energy Group, will join the renewable energy ministry. Kakoli Ghosh, who has deep knowledge of the multilateral farm sector, will join the agriculture ministry. Most of the others have been placed in ministries where their professional experience and knowledge will be put to good use. These infusions are just the beginning. Indian bureaucracies, central and state, must absorb UPSC-selected lateral appointments of technocrats with ever-greater urgency. In a technology-enabled world, specialisation is mandatory. IAS officers, however competent and dedicated, have two handicaps, First, they are generalists with little specialised domain expertise. Second, they are transferred so often across the country – for example, from animal husbandry to defence acquisitions – that focus is lost. The certainty of tenure among civil servants also engenders a sense of complacency. Over the years, the ministries of finance and defence, in particular, have developed a reputation for cronyism and corruption. Leaks to the media in the Rafale fighter jet case and examples of department officers surreptitiously encouraging arms dealers (though they were explicitly banned in 2014) have damaged the national interest. The introduction of fresh professional blood should act as a deterrent when the minister in charge of a particular portfolio has not been able to impose his or her will with sufficient authority on department officers. If Prime Minister Narendra Modi does win a second term, it’s possible the BJP’s majority in Parliament will be significantly reduced. That is not a bad thing. Modi was used to running a compact state like Gujarat with a group of loyal and competent bureaucrats who dared not defy his authority or miss deadlines on projects. The same modus operandi has not worked in the Byzantine culture of Delhi. Days after he took office as prime minister, Modi called more than 70 senior bureaucrats to meet him. As they stood in a line before him, he told them to work without fear or favour. They could come to him with any problems they had, he said. The senior IAS officers, still standing in a parabolic line, nodded silently. But every one of them must have thought cynically to himself or herself that fear and favour were the time-honoured way bureaucracy worked. How would Modi break that habit? He hasn’t. The series of legal setbacks in the 2G, Rafale and other cases has exposed the government’s poor selection of its law officers. Equally lacklustre has been its communications strategy. Instead of being proactive over a range of contentious issues – from Rafale to electoral bonds – the government has been slow and reactive when perception damage has already been done. In a 24x7 news cycle, every major government holds briefings in near real-time. The Chinese and American administrations respond to any issue concerning their government promptly and clearly. Even Pakistan’s information ministry reacts rapidly to events though in its case it is to add a positive spin to negative stories about, for example, Islamabad’s likely blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for terror financing and money laundering. The under-utilisation by the Indian government of an articulate and credible Information & Broadcasting (I&B) minister Rajyavardhan Rathore, an Olympian and a former soldier, in delivering daily media briefings underscores how unprofessionally the government has communicated its agenda to voters. They will now deliver their verdict. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Inducting lateral professional skills into the cabinet by Narendra Modi government is a welcome step

Announcing his first major cabinet reshuffle after taking office, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday brought in five new aides and changed the portfolios of four ministers, including that of Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, who has now been assigned Science and Technology ministry.

Chaudhry will be replaced by Firdous Ashiq Awan, an erstwhile Pakistan People's Party (PPP) stalwart who switched to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in May 2017.

Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, former finance minister in the PPP government from 2010 to 2013, has been appointed Advisor Finance. He will replace <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-finance-minister-asad-umar-steps-down-wont-take-any-cabinet-position-211482">Asad Umar</a>, who resigned hours before the announcement of the reshuffle, saying Imran Khan offered him energy ministry but he did not want it.

Moreover, a loyalist of former President General Pervez Musharraf and ex-spymaster Brig Ijaz Ahmed Shah, whose appointment last month as Parliamentary Affairs minister came as a big surprise, has been chosen as federal interior minister.

Notably, the portfolio was so far kept by Prime Minister Khan himself.

Meanwhile, Minister of state for Interior, Shehryar Afridi, has now been named the Minister for States and Frontier Regions (Safron).

Ghulam Sarwar Khan, who was the petroleum minister, has been shifted to aviation ministry. Reportedly, Sarwar had threatened to quit the party if removed from the cabinet. Therefore he was shifted to Aviation portfolio which was until then held by Federal Minister for Privatisation Muhammad Mian Soomro.

The reshuffle comes as the South Asian nation is going through a serious economic crisis. Despite owing around US $10 billion to Beijing and Riyadh, Islamabad is seeking another bailout package of US $8 to 10 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).&nbsp;

Announcing his first major cabinet reshuffle after taking office, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday brought in five new aides and changed the portfolios of four ministers, including that of Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, who has now been assigned Science and Technology ministry.

Announcing his first major cabinet reshuffle after taking office, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday brought in five new aides and changed the portfolios of four ministers, including that of Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, who has now been assigned Science and Technology ministry. Chaudhry will be replaced by Firdous Ashiq Awan, an erstwhile Pakistan People's Party (PPP) stalwart who switched to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in May 2017. Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, former finance minister in the PPP government from 2010 to 2013, has been appointed Advisor Finance. He will replace Asad Umar, who resigned hours before the announcement of the reshuffle, saying Imran Khan offered him energy ministry but he did not want it. Moreover, a loyalist of former President General Pervez Musharraf and ex-spymaster Brig Ijaz Ahmed Shah, whose appointment last month as Parliamentary Affairs minister came as a big surprise, has been chosen as federal interior minister. Notably, the portfolio was so far kept by Prime Minister Khan himself. Meanwhile, Minister of state for Interior, Shehryar Afridi, has now been named the Minister for States and Frontier Regions (Safron). Ghulam Sarwar Khan, who was the petroleum minister, has been shifted to aviation ministry. Reportedly, Sarwar had threatened to quit the party if removed from the cabinet. Therefore he was shifted to Aviation portfolio which was until then held by Federal Minister for Privatisation Muhammad Mian Soomro. The reshuffle comes as the South Asian nation is going through a serious economic crisis. Despite owing around US $10 billion to Beijing and Riyadh, Islamabad is seeking another bailout package of US $8 to 10 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In major cabinet reshuffle, portfolios of several ministers changed in Pakistan

The Cabinet Thursday approved the promulgation of an Ordinance to allow voluntary use of Aadhaar as identity proof for opening bank account and procuring mobile phone connection.

The Ordinance was necessitated as a bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on January 4 but pending in the Rajya Sabha, would have lapsed with the dissolution of the current Lok Sabha. The Ordinance will now give the effect to the changes in the Aadhaar Act such as giving a child an option to exit from the biometric ID programme on attaining 18 years of age.

Briefing reporters after a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Cabinet has approved the promulgation of an Ordinance to give effect to the Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill.

The amendment provides for stiff penalties for violation of norms set for the use of Aadhaar and violation of privacy. It bans storing of core biometric information as well as Aadhaar number by service providers in cases of individuals who have voluntarily offered the national ID as a means of authentication.

"Aadhaar can be used as KYC on a voluntary basis under the Telegraph Act and PMLA rules. Any entity using Aadhaar will have to adhere to privacy guidelines," Prasad said.

The amended law makes it clear that anyone not offering Aadhaar cannot be denied any service, be it opening of a bank account or obtaining a mobile phone SIM card.

The amendments will "provide for 12-digit Aadhaar number and its alternate numbers to be generated" in a manner so as to conceal the actual Aadhaar number.

The proposed changes also seeks to lay down the procedure for offline verification of an Aadhaar number holder and confer enhanced regulator-like power on the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to give directions as it may consider necessary to any entity in the Aadhaar ecosystem.

It proposes that every requesting entity to whom an authentication request is made will inform the Aadhaar number holder of alternate and viable means of identification and shall not deny any service to them for refusing to, or being unable to undergo authentication.

The changes that were proposed included a civil penalty of up to Rs 1 crore on entities that violate the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, with an additional fine of up to Rs 10 lakh per day in case of continuous non-compliance. Unauthorised use of identity information by a requesting entity or offline verification seeking entity would be punishable with imprisonment of up to three years with a fine that may extend to Rs 10,000 or in case of a company with a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh.

Punishment for unauthorised access to the Central Identities Data Repository as well as data tampering is proposed to be extended to 10 years each from the current three years. It also seeks to omit Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act relating to the use of Aadhaar by private entities.&nbsp;

The Cabinet Thursday approved the promulgation of an Ordinance to allow voluntary use of Aadhaar as identity proof for opening bank account and procuring mobile phone connection.

The Cabinet Thursday approved the promulgation of an Ordinance to allow voluntary use of Aadhaar as identity proof for opening bank account and procuring mobile phone connection. The Ordinance was necessitated as a bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on January 4 but pending in the Rajya Sabha, would have lapsed with the dissolution of the current Lok Sabha. The Ordinance will now give the effect to the changes in the Aadhaar Act such as giving a child an option to exit from the biometric ID programme on attaining 18 years of age. Briefing reporters after a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Cabinet has approved the promulgation of an Ordinance to give effect to the Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill. The amendment provides for stiff penalties for violation of norms set for the use of Aadhaar and violation of privacy. It bans storing of core biometric information as well as Aadhaar number by service providers in cases of individuals who have voluntarily offered the national ID as a means of authentication. "Aadhaar can be used as KYC on a voluntary basis under the Telegraph Act and PMLA rules. Any entity using Aadhaar will have to adhere to privacy guidelines," Prasad said. The amended law makes it clear that anyone not offering Aadhaar cannot be denied any service, be it opening of a bank account or obtaining a mobile phone SIM card. The amendments will "provide for 12-digit Aadhaar number and its alternate numbers to be generated" in a manner so as to conceal the actual Aadhaar number. The proposed changes also seeks to lay down the procedure for offline verification of an Aadhaar number holder and confer enhanced regulator-like power on the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to give directions as it may consider necessary to any entity in the Aadhaar ecosystem. It proposes that every requesting entity to whom an authentication request is made will inform the Aadhaar number holder of alternate and viable means of identification and shall not deny any service to them for refusing to, or being unable to undergo authentication. The changes that were proposed included a civil penalty of up to Rs 1 crore on entities that violate the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, with an additional fine of up to Rs 10 lakh per day in case of continuous non-compliance. Unauthorised use of identity information by a requesting entity or offline verification seeking entity would be punishable with imprisonment of up to three years with a fine that may extend to Rs 10,000 or in case of a company with a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh. Punishment for unauthorised access to the Central Identities Data Repository as well as data tampering is proposed to be extended to 10 years each from the current three years. It also seeks to omit Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act relating to the use of Aadhaar by private entities.

Cabinet approves Aadhaar Ordinance to allow its use as ID proof for bank accounts, SIM connection

The German cabinet will hold a secret session on Wednesday to discuss safeguard measures regarding the possible <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-should-stop-unreasonable-suppression-of-huawei-china-193706">participation of China's Huawei </a>Technologies in building Germany's 5G network, the daily Handelsblatt said, citing government sources.

Huawei faces international scrutiny over its ties with the Chinese government and suspicion that Beijing could use Huawei's technology for spying, which the company denies.

Wednesday's meeting will focus on whether a security catalogue, prepared by the Federal Network Agency and the cyber defence agency (BSI), along with certification rules and a no-spy agreement with China, will be enough to ensure future 5G mobile networks are safe, the paper said.

The session, to be held after the regular cabinet meeting, and attended by the German foreign, interior, economy, finance, and transport ministers, will discuss measures proposed last week by Deutsche Telekom to safeguard national security, the paper said.

On Tuesday, Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany needed guarantees that Huawei would not hand over data to the Chinese state before the telecoms equipment supplier can participate in building its 5G network.

The German cabinet will hold a secret session on Wednesday to discuss safeguard measures regarding the possible participation of China's Huawei Technologies in building Germany's 5G network, the daily Handelsblatt said, citing government sources.

The German cabinet will hold a secret session on Wednesday to discuss safeguard measures regarding the possible participation of China's Huawei Technologies in building Germany's 5G network, the daily Handelsblatt said, citing government sources. Huawei faces international scrutiny over its ties with the Chinese government and suspicion that Beijing could use Huawei's technology for spying, which the company denies. Wednesday's meeting will focus on whether a security catalogue, prepared by the Federal Network Agency and the cyber defence agency (BSI), along with certification rules and a no-spy agreement with China, will be enough to ensure future 5G mobile networks are safe, the paper said. The session, to be held after the regular cabinet meeting, and attended by the German foreign, interior, economy, finance, and transport ministers, will discuss measures proposed last week by Deutsche Telekom to safeguard national security, the paper said. On Tuesday, Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany needed guarantees that Huawei would not hand over data to the Chinese state before the telecoms equipment supplier can participate in building its 5G network.

German cabinet to hold secret session on Huawei's role in 5G network: Report

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