India's external affairs minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has called for fast-tracking the Maldives' re-admission into the Commonwealth at the 19th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in London.

The former Maldivian government under Abdulla Yameen had withdrawn from the Commonwealth in 2016.

Current President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's govt in Male had applied for membership again and took approval from the cabinet a month after taking charge. He was sworn in November 2018.

Applying for membership of Commonwealth was one of the main priorities of the Solih govt in its 100-day agenda.

External Affairs Minister during the 19th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) also "noted that India is well on the path of fulfilling all the commitments made by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, at CHOGM 2018 much before the next CHOGM in 2020", a ministry of external affairs release said.

EAM also had bilateral meeting UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt during which the former thanked his counterpart for "British Government’s support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to build a global Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)."

He also met with Australian, Canadian &amp; Bangladeshi Foreign Ministers.

India's external affairs minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has called for fast-tracking the Maldives' re-admission into the Commonwealth at the 19th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in London.

India's external affairs minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has called for fast-tracking the Maldives' re-admission into the Commonwealth at the 19th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in London. The former Maldivian government under Abdulla Yameen had withdrawn from the Commonwealth in 2016. Current President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's govt in Male had applied for membership again and took approval from the cabinet a month after taking charge. He was sworn in November 2018. Applying for membership of Commonwealth was one of the main priorities of the Solih govt in its 100-day agenda. External Affairs Minister during the 19th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) also "noted that India is well on the path of fulfilling all the commitments made by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, at CHOGM 2018 much before the next CHOGM in 2020", a ministry of external affairs release said. EAM also had bilateral meeting UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt during which the former thanked his counterpart for "British Government’s support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to build a global Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)." He also met with Australian, Canadian & Bangladeshi Foreign Ministers.

India urges Commonwealth to fast-track Maldives' re-admission

The Maldives has applied to rejoin the Commonwealth, reversing a policy of isolation under autocratic leader Abdulla Yameen who suffered a shock defeat in September.

His successor, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, wrote to the 53-member bloc on Friday seeking readmission two years after Yameen pulled the atoll nation out of it, the president's office said Sunday.

Yameen withdrew the Maldives, an archipelago of 340,000 Sunni Muslims, from the Commonwealth after it mounted pressure on him to protect human rights and ensure the rule of law amid a ferocious crackdown on dissent.

Solih's office said the new president's administration believed in the values of the bloc, which consists mainly of former territories and colonies of the British empire.

"The Maldives' interest in re-joining the Commonwealth stems from a deep conviction that the values and principles enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter are more vital than ever," the president's office said in a statement.

The 54-year-old took office last month after winning a landslide election victory despite Yameen waging a crackdown on his political rivals and jailing most of the opposition.

The former British protectorate faced persistent international pressure during Yameen's iron-fisted tenure. The strongman accused the London-based Commonwealth Secretariat of interfering in the nation's affairs.

During Yameen's reign, the United States had repeatedly warned democracy was under serious threat in the strategically-located archipelago sitting on key international shipping lanes.

Since Solih's election, political prisoners have been freed and opposition figures in exile have returned home.

Solih has warned of a "dire" economic crisis in the Maldives and asked regional power India for help. Yameen had drifted closer to China and the Maldives saw its foreign debt balloon under his leadership.

The Maldives has applied to rejoin the Commonwealth, reversing a policy of isolation under autocratic leader Abdulla Yameen who suffered a shock defeat in September.

The Maldives has applied to rejoin the Commonwealth, reversing a policy of isolation under autocratic leader Abdulla Yameen who suffered a shock defeat in September. His successor, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, wrote to the 53-member bloc on Friday seeking readmission two years after Yameen pulled the atoll nation out of it, the president's office said Sunday. Yameen withdrew the Maldives, an archipelago of 340,000 Sunni Muslims, from the Commonwealth after it mounted pressure on him to protect human rights and ensure the rule of law amid a ferocious crackdown on dissent. Solih's office said the new president's administration believed in the values of the bloc, which consists mainly of former territories and colonies of the British empire. "The Maldives' interest in re-joining the Commonwealth stems from a deep conviction that the values and principles enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter are more vital than ever," the president's office said in a statement. The 54-year-old took office last month after winning a landslide election victory despite Yameen waging a crackdown on his political rivals and jailing most of the opposition. The former British protectorate faced persistent international pressure during Yameen's iron-fisted tenure. The strongman accused the London-based Commonwealth Secretariat of interfering in the nation's affairs. During Yameen's reign, the United States had repeatedly warned democracy was under serious threat in the strategically-located archipelago sitting on key international shipping lanes. Since Solih's election, political prisoners have been freed and opposition figures in exile have returned home. Solih has warned of a "dire" economic crisis in the Maldives and asked regional power India for help. Yameen had drifted closer to China and the Maldives saw its foreign debt balloon under his leadership.

Maldives applies to rejoin Commonwealth: President's office

Britain's Prince Harry and wife Meghan were greeted by rapturous applause on Saturday when they arrived for the final day of the Invictus Games in Sydney. 
 
The royal couple watched most the wheelchair basketball final and then presented gold medals to the US&nbsp;team which comfortably beat the Netherlands by 29 points to 17. 
 
A large crowd had packed into Sydney's Olympic Park to watch the last day of the week-long competition, with attention only diverted from the match for a short time as the couple entered and sat with the crowd. 
 
The Invictus Games, founded by Harry, is an international paralympic-style event for military personnel wounded in action. 
 
Former England soccer captain David Beckham, who is an Invictus ambassador, also attended the basketball match. 
 
Both Harry and Meghan wore remembrance poppies on their chests, with Meghan's fixed upon her maroon top. 
 
On Saturday evening, Harry and Meghan are due to attend the closing ceremony of the event, which has seen some 500 competitors from 18 nations take part.&nbsp; 
 
The royal couple will move on to New Zealand on Sunday, where they are expected to be greeted by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. 
 
The tour of Commonwealth countries has seen the royal couple meet drought-stricken Australian farmers, visit the world-famous Bondi Beach and spend time in the Pacific nations of Fiji and Tonga.

Britain's Prince Harry and wife Meghan were greeted by rapturous applause on Saturday when they arrived for the final day of the Invictus Games in Sydney. The royal couple watched most the wheelchair basketball final and then presented gold medals to the US team which comfortably beat the Netherlands by 29 points to 17.

Britain's Prince Harry and wife Meghan were greeted by rapturous applause on Saturday when they arrived for the final day of the Invictus Games in Sydney. The royal couple watched most the wheelchair basketball final and then presented gold medals to the US team which comfortably beat the Netherlands by 29 points to 17. A large crowd had packed into Sydney's Olympic Park to watch the last day of the week-long competition, with attention only diverted from the match for a short time as the couple entered and sat with the crowd. The Invictus Games, founded by Harry, is an international paralympic-style event for military personnel wounded in action. Former England soccer captain David Beckham, who is an Invictus ambassador, also attended the basketball match. Both Harry and Meghan wore remembrance poppies on their chests, with Meghan's fixed upon her maroon top. On Saturday evening, Harry and Meghan are due to attend the closing ceremony of the event, which has seen some 500 competitors from 18 nations take part. The royal couple will move on to New Zealand on Sunday, where they are expected to be greeted by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The tour of Commonwealth countries has seen the royal couple meet drought-stricken Australian farmers, visit the world-famous Bondi Beach and spend time in the Pacific nations of Fiji and Tonga.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend Invictus Games final in Sydney

Zimbabwe has applied to rejoin the Commonwealth, the group said Monday, marking a major step in the country's international re-engagement after Robert Mugabe was ousted last year.

Mugabe angrily pulled Zimbabwe out of the bloc of former British colonies in 2003 after its membership was suspended over violent and graft-ridden elections the previous year.

The Commonwealth said it had received a letter dated May 15 from Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa applying to re-join.

Member countries "very much look forward to Zimbabwe’s return when the conditions are right," said Secretary-General Patricia Scotland in a statement from London.

"Zimbabwe's eventual return to the Commonwealth, following a successful membership application, would be a momentous occasion."

Scotland confirmed that the Commonwealth would send observers to elections due in July or August, the first polls since Mugabe was ousted in November after a brief military takeover.

Mugabe was replaced by his former deputy Mnangagwa, a veteran ruling ZANU-PF party loyalist who was backed by senior military officers.

Mnangagwa has vowed to hold fair and free elections, and has pledged to revive the moribund economy by repairing international ties and attracting foreign investment.

Scotland called for "a credible, peaceful and inclusive (election) that restores citizens' confidence, trust and hope in the development and democratic trajectory of their country."

Britain said last month that it would strongly support Zimbabwe returning to the Commonwealth.

Zimbabwe had fractured relations with the West under Mugabe, who had held power since independence from Britain in 1980.

The government in Harare was not immediately available to comment.

The Commonwealth brings together 53 countries representing 2.4 billion people, under a charter pledging commitment to democracy, human rights and rule of law.

The last country to join was Rwanda, in 2009.

The organisation also holds an Olympics-style multi-sport event every four years, most recently in Australia's Gold Coast in April. 
&nbsp

Mugabe angrily pulled Zimbabwe out of the bloc of former British colonies in 2003 after its membership was suspended over violent and graft-ridden elections the previous year

Zimbabwe has applied to rejoin the Commonwealth, the group said Monday, marking a major step in the country's international re-engagement after Robert Mugabe was ousted last year. Mugabe angrily pulled Zimbabwe out of the bloc of former British colonies in 2003 after its membership was suspended over violent and graft-ridden elections the previous year. The Commonwealth said it had received a letter dated May 15 from Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa applying to re-join. Member countries "very much look forward to Zimbabwe’s return when the conditions are right," said Secretary-General Patricia Scotland in a statement from London. "Zimbabwe's eventual return to the Commonwealth, following a successful membership application, would be a momentous occasion." Scotland confirmed that the Commonwealth would send observers to elections due in July or August, the first polls since Mugabe was ousted in November after a brief military takeover. Mugabe was replaced by his former deputy Mnangagwa, a veteran ruling ZANU-PF party loyalist who was backed by senior military officers. Mnangagwa has vowed to hold fair and free elections, and has pledged to revive the moribund economy by repairing international ties and attracting foreign investment. Scotland called for "a credible, peaceful and inclusive (election) that restores citizens' confidence, trust and hope in the development and democratic trajectory of their country." Britain said last month that it would strongly support Zimbabwe returning to the Commonwealth. Zimbabwe had fractured relations with the West under Mugabe, who had held power since independence from Britain in 1980. The government in Harare was not immediately available to comment. The Commonwealth brings together 53 countries representing 2.4 billion people, under a charter pledging commitment to democracy, human rights and rule of law. The last country to join was Rwanda, in 2009. The organisation also holds an Olympics-style multi-sport event every four years, most recently in Australia's Gold Coast in April.

Zimbabwe applies to rejoin Commonwealth

New Zealand boxer David Nyika appealed on Monday for the return of the heavyweight gold medal he won at last month's Commonwealth Games after it was stolen from his car in Auckland.

Nyika said he was taking the medal to show a young fan at a school in the city when he realised thieves had snatched it from his vehicle.

"At first I was quite embarrassed about it, but now I'm just angry," the 22-year-old told TVNZ.

"I just want the medal back. It's almost worthless to anyone but me, you know, so I really hope I can get it back."&nbsp

Detective Sergeant Paul Slater said police were reviewing CCTV footage from locations around Auckland to catch the culprits.

"Obviously a Commonwealth Games medal is very distinctive and of high sentimental value to the victim and his family," he said.

"Our priority is to return this medal to its rightful owner."&nbsp

Nyika won light-heavyweight gold at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014, then followed up with gold in the heavyweight division this year on Australia's Gold Coast.

The 22-year-old was bitten by Antigua's Yakita Aska in his opening bout but went on to defeat Australia's Jason Whateley in the final.

After the win he spoke about joining fellow Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker in the professional ranks.

The medal was stolen from his car in Auckland

New Zealand boxer David Nyika appealed on Monday for the return of the heavyweight gold medal he won at last month's Commonwealth Games after it was stolen from his car in Auckland. Nyika said he was taking the medal to show a young fan at a school in the city when he realised thieves had snatched it from his vehicle. "At first I was quite embarrassed about it, but now I'm just angry," the 22-year-old told TVNZ. "I just want the medal back. It's almost worthless to anyone but me, you know, so I really hope I can get it back." Detective Sergeant Paul Slater said police were reviewing CCTV footage from locations around Auckland to catch the culprits. "Obviously a Commonwealth Games medal is very distinctive and of high sentimental value to the victim and his family," he said. "Our priority is to return this medal to its rightful owner." Nyika won light-heavyweight gold at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014, then followed up with gold in the heavyweight division this year on Australia's Gold Coast. The 22-year-old was bitten by Antigua's Yakita Aska in his opening bout but went on to defeat Australia's Jason Whateley in the final. After the win he spoke about joining fellow Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker in the professional ranks.

New Zealand boxer Nyika's Commonwealth gold medal stolen

An Indian official who worked at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London has won an employment tribunal claim that he was unlawfully forced out of his job and is entitled to thousands of pounds in damages.

Ram Venuprasad had brought the case against Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland for unfairly disciplining him over leaks of information to the media, which he denied responsibility for.

The 45-year-old's lawyers had argued that the former deputy head of office at the Secretariat had been "marked out" by Scotland after he raised concerns over her decision to spend 50,000 pounds on a garden party shortly after she had taken office in 2016.

The specially-convened employment tribunal concluded that Venuprasad was unlawfully forced out of his job and the disciplinary processes used against the former senior civil servant were "seriously flawed", The Times reported.

The ruling from the tribunal, held at the Secretariat headquarters in Marlborough House in London, came soon after the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) concluded on April 20.

"Despite receiving the judgment last week, I did not want to speak publicly until the conclusion of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London," Venuprasad told the newspaper.

The Indian citizen who has lived in Britain for 20 years hopes to find work at another international organisation but had been told by head-hunters that the case would hinder his chances.

Venuprasad's legal team told the tribunal that when media reports highlighted Scotland's alleged "extravagant and overzealous spending", the civil servant was blamed for the leak and suffered a campaign of "intimidation and hostility", which he said was "designed to damage his reputation and damage him psychologically".

The civil servant, who joined the Secretariat in 2001, said the tipping point came when Scotland, 62, organised a major meeting for staff and caused a stir by telling the meeting that no one outside of the organisation had ever heard of her predecessor, Kamalesh Sharma, the former Indian high commissioner to the UK.

"That really did not go down well," Venuprasad recalls, claiming that Scotland – a former UK Attorney-General – appeared to suggest that she was a big name who was going to raise the profile of the Secretariat.

"I spoke to her directly and frankly about her comments. I told her that I thought her criticisms were very unfair as (Sharma) was not there to defend himself. I saw it as a question of common courtesy. And she did not like that," he claims.

The employment tribunal, chaired by David Goddard, concluded that Venuprasad's suspension was a "breach of the secretariat's obligations" under its employment contract and is now set to take submissions regarding the amount of compensation to be awarded.

The panel also criticised Scotland for not giving evidence. Failing to do so "overlooks the Secretariat's responsibility to assist the tribunal to reach an informed decision, and the real risk of adverse inferences being drawn," it noted.

Disciplinary action was brought against Venuprasad in July 2016, when it was alleged that he was "disaffected" and had leaked information to the media, which he continues to deny.

"We are reviewing the tribunal's judgment and will consider our next steps," a Commonwealth Secretariat spokesperson said.

Ram Venuprasad had brought the case against Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland for unfairly disciplining him over leaks of information to the media, which he denied responsibility for

An Indian official who worked at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London has won an employment tribunal claim that he was unlawfully forced out of his job and is entitled to thousands of pounds in damages. Ram Venuprasad had brought the case against Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland for unfairly disciplining him over leaks of information to the media, which he denied responsibility for. The 45-year-old's lawyers had argued that the former deputy head of office at the Secretariat had been "marked out" by Scotland after he raised concerns over her decision to spend 50,000 pounds on a garden party shortly after she had taken office in 2016. The specially-convened employment tribunal concluded that Venuprasad was unlawfully forced out of his job and the disciplinary processes used against the former senior civil servant were "seriously flawed", The Times reported. The ruling from the tribunal, held at the Secretariat headquarters in Marlborough House in London, came soon after the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) concluded on April 20. "Despite receiving the judgment last week, I did not want to speak publicly until the conclusion of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London," Venuprasad told the newspaper. The Indian citizen who has lived in Britain for 20 years hopes to find work at another international organisation but had been told by head-hunters that the case would hinder his chances. Venuprasad's legal team told the tribunal that when media reports highlighted Scotland's alleged "extravagant and overzealous spending", the civil servant was blamed for the leak and suffered a campaign of "intimidation and hostility", which he said was "designed to damage his reputation and damage him psychologically". The civil servant, who joined the Secretariat in 2001, said the tipping point came when Scotland, 62, organised a major meeting for staff and caused a stir by telling the meeting that no one outside of the organisation had ever heard of her predecessor, Kamalesh Sharma, the former Indian high commissioner to the UK. "That really did not go down well," Venuprasad recalls, claiming that Scotland – a former UK Attorney-General – appeared to suggest that she was a big name who was going to raise the profile of the Secretariat. "I spoke to her directly and frankly about her comments. I told her that I thought her criticisms were very unfair as (Sharma) was not there to defend himself. I saw it as a question of common courtesy. And she did not like that," he claims. The employment tribunal, chaired by David Goddard, concluded that Venuprasad's suspension was a "breach of the secretariat's obligations" under its employment contract and is now set to take submissions regarding the amount of compensation to be awarded. The panel also criticised Scotland for not giving evidence. Failing to do so "overlooks the Secretariat's responsibility to assist the tribunal to reach an informed decision, and the real risk of adverse inferences being drawn," it noted. Disciplinary action was brought against Venuprasad in July 2016, when it was alleged that he was "disaffected" and had leaked information to the media, which he continues to deny. "We are reviewing the tribunal's judgment and will consider our next steps," a Commonwealth Secretariat spokesperson said.

Indian Commonwealth official wins unfair dismissal case in UK

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-at-commonwealth-bats-for-developmental-assistance-to-small-states-131515">PM Narendra Modi at Commonwealth bats for developmental assistance to small states</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced doubling of India's contribution to the Commonwealth fund for technical cooperation and stressed the need to focus on providing developmental assistance to small island states, the External Affairs Ministry said today.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-4-indians-featured-on-times-100-most-influential-people-of-2018-pm-modi-not-on-the-list-131512">4 Indians featured on Time's '100 Most Influential People' of 2018, PM Modi not on the list</a>

Time magazine on Thursday, April 19, revealed it’s annual “100 Most Influential People” list for 2018 celebrating leaders in entertainment, politics, sports, technology, activism and more.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-of-unpleasant-response-if-us-drops-nuclear-deal-report-131514">Iran warns of 'unpleasant' response if </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-of-unpleasant-response-if-us-drops-nuclear-deal-report-131514">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-of-unpleasant-response-if-us-drops-nuclear-deal-report-131514"> drops nuclear deal: Report</a>

Iran warned the United States on Thursday of "unpleasant" consequences if Washington pulls out of a multinational nuclear deal, Iranian state TV reported.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cubas-new-president-vows-to-defend-legacy-of-castro-revolution-131510">Cuba's new president vows to defend </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cubas-new-president-vows-to-defend-legacy-of-castro-revolution-131510">legacy</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cubas-new-president-vows-to-defend-legacy-of-castro-revolution-131510"> of Castro revolution</a>

Cuba's new president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, began his term on Thursday with a promise to defend the socialist revolution led by the Castro brothers since 1959, giving a sober speech that also emphasized the need to modernize the island's economy.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-africas-ramaphosa-cuts-short-britain-trip-to-deal-with-protests-at-home-131503">South Africa's Ramaphosa cuts short Britain trip to deal with protests at home</a>

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has cut short his visit to Britain by a day to return home to deal with protests in the country's North West province, his office said on Thursday.

PM Narendra Modi at Commonwealth bats for developmental assistance to small states Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced doubling of India's contribution to the Commonwealth fund for technical cooperation and stressed the need to focus on providing developmental assistance to small island states, the External Affairs Ministry said today. 4 Indians featured on Time's '100 Most Influential People' of 2018, PM Modi not on the list Time magazine on Thursday, April 19, revealed it’s annual “100 Most Influential People” list for 2018 celebrating leaders in entertainment, politics, sports, technology, activism and more. Iran warns of 'unpleasant' response if US drops nuclear deal: Report Iran warned the United States on Thursday of "unpleasant" consequences if Washington pulls out of a multinational nuclear deal, Iranian state TV reported. Cuba's new president vows to defend legacy of Castro revolution Cuba's new president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, began his term on Thursday with a promise to defend the socialist revolution led by the Castro brothers since 1959, giving a sober speech that also emphasized the need to modernize the island's economy. South Africa's Ramaphosa cuts short Britain trip to deal with protests at home South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has cut short his visit to Britain by a day to return home to deal with protests in the country's North West province, his office said on Thursday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

PM Modi addressed the Indian community at Central Hall Westminster in a freewheeling chat with Prasoon Joshi asserting that India knows how to hit back at terror.

The Indian prime minister arrived at the Westminister Hall amid loud cheer from the Indian diaspora.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/live-pm-modi-set-to-speak-at-central-hall-westminster-131249">Read the full text of Modi's address at Central Hall Westminster</a>

During his chat with Prasoon Joshi, Modi said:"When someone has put a terror export factory in place and makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language," adding, "the surgical strikes were a 100 per cent success," referring to the strikes carried out by the Indian army across the LoC in 2016.

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I do not need to read books to understand poverty. I have lived in poverty, I know what it is to be poor and belong to the backward sections of society. I want to work for the poor, the marginalised and the downtrodden: PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath</a> <a href="https://t.co/axtcWOmPKF">pic.twitter.com/axtcWOmPKF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986653258969174016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"We never hid surgical strikes, we replied to Pakistan in its on language," PM Modi said while replying to a question.

Speaking about his journey in politics, the PM said,"I am a go-getter, and I am proud of it."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: PM Modi talks about <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SurgicalStrikes?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SurgicalStrikes</a>, says, 'When someone has put a terror export factory in place & makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language.' Crowd raises 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' slogans. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/London?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#London</a> <a href="https://t.co/nLUQDY3sKQ">pic.twitter.com/nLUQDY3sKQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986650872368287744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Chalta hai attitude has gone," Modi told the gathering at Westminster Hall, adding that earlier India was happy with incremental change.

"In India, tea seller can become PM, Modi said, as the crowd cheered, while adding that tea seller becoming PM is proof of democracy.

"Everyday I get up with a sense of purpose, India rightfully expects a lot from me, he said amid a sea of Indians at the famed Westminster hall in London.

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Impatience is not a bad thing. If a person has a cycle, person then aspires for a scooter. If a person has a scooter, person aspires for a car. It is nature to aspire. India is getting increasingly aspirational: PM in London <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath</a> <a href="https://t.co/cB3Hpsgwqa">pic.twitter.com/cB3Hpsgwqa</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986643466976407552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Indian prime minister had a busy day in London on Tuesday, meeting the British Prime Minister Theresa May and Prince Charles including Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.

PM Modi addressed the Indian community at Central Hall Westminster in a freewheeling chat with Prasoon Joshi asserting that India knows how to hit back at terror. The Indian prime minister arrived at the Westminister Hall amid loud cheer from the Indian diaspora. Read the full text of Modi's address at Central Hall Westminster During his chat with Prasoon Joshi, Modi said:"When someone has put a terror export factory in place and makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language," adding, "the surgical strikes were a 100 per cent success," referring to the strikes carried out by the Indian army across the LoC in 2016. I do not need to read books to understand poverty. I have lived in poverty, I know what it is to be poor and belong to the backward sections of society. I want to work for the poor, the marginalised and the downtrodden: PM Modi #BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath pic.twitter.com/axtcWOmPKF — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × "We never hid surgical strikes, we replied to Pakistan in its on language," PM Modi said while replying to a question. Speaking about his journey in politics, the PM said,"I am a go-getter, and I am proud of it." #WATCH: PM Modi talks about #SurgicalStrikes, says, 'When someone has put a terror export factory in place & makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language.' Crowd raises 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' slogans. #BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath #London pic.twitter.com/nLUQDY3sKQ — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × "Chalta hai attitude has gone," Modi told the gathering at Westminster Hall, adding that earlier India was happy with incremental change. "In India, tea seller can become PM, Modi said, as the crowd cheered, while adding that tea seller becoming PM is proof of democracy. "Everyday I get up with a sense of purpose, India rightfully expects a lot from me, he said amid a sea of Indians at the famed Westminster hall in London. Impatience is not a bad thing. If a person has a cycle, person then aspires for a scooter. If a person has a scooter, person aspires for a car. It is nature to aspire. India is getting increasingly aspirational: PM in London #BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath pic.twitter.com/cB3Hpsgwqa — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 ×

'We never hid surgical strikes, it was 100 per cent successful,' says PM Modi at Central Hall Westminster

By Syed Muntasir<a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/author/Syed%20Muntasir%20Mamun">&nbsp;</a>Mamun &amp;&nbsp; Yashasvi Nain*&nbsp;

Ahead of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled to take place in London in April, old debates have come alive over the relevance and importance of the Commonwealth of Nations and its involvement in world affairs. As alternative to the European Union post Brexit, the United Kingdom sees the Commonwealth as a global trading and international affairs network. In the absence of China, the organization provides a platform to demonstrate the credibility of aspiring global leaders like India.

A visit by Prince Charles in November 2017 to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the summit to discuss&nbsp;India&rsquo;s role in the organization&nbsp;shows the importance Britain bestows upon India&rsquo;s strategic ambit. Subsequent visits from Tim Hitchens, chief executive of the Commonwealth Summit Unit, and Patricia Scotland, the Commonwealth secretary general, further reinforced this position.

Trade statistics&nbsp;from 2016&nbsp;show that the&nbsp;UK imports from the Indian subcontinent,&nbsp;which encompasses India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, totalled &pound;15.2 ($21) billion, and&nbsp;exports &pound;7.7 ($10) billion. Within the rest of the Commonwealth there is a marked propensity for an Indo-centric focus in trade. For instance, trade between India and South Africa now stands at around $20 billion, and between India and Nigeria at around $10 billion. Adding up trading configurations between other African and South Asian countries would definitely prove what is more obviously felt than said &mdash; that the trading heart of the old empire is still evolving.

In 2016, during the&nbsp;House of Commons debate, former Defense Minister Lord Archie Hamilton asserted that the limitations in the&nbsp;EU competence clause&nbsp;is the biggest obstacle in the UK-India trade, and that after Brexit its removal will boost bilateral trade between the two countries. India is seen as a preferred partner by the UK for obvious reasons. According to the joint statement released after the India-UK Summit in New Delhi in November 2016,&nbsp;India was the third largest investor in the UK&nbsp;and the second largest international job creator: Indian companies having created over 110,000 jobs in Britain. Furthermore, India is also considered a key target market, with recent forecasts by the London Chamber of Commerce suggesting that a deal could&nbsp;boost UK exports to the country by 50%. Furthermore, if one considers trade statistics,&nbsp;Brexit doesn&rsquo;t appear to have much of an effect&nbsp; on India-UK trade.

As per the&nbsp;House of Commons briefing paper on migration&nbsp;issued in October 2017, in 2015 43% people immigrating to the UK were nationals of other EU countries, while 44% came from outside the European Union. Around&nbsp;17% of all migrants are from three countries alone: India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The Indian subcontinent is by far the most strategic region driving the dynamics of the Commonwealth. What happens here is more relevant to the future of both the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth as a whole.

COINCIDENCE OR GOOD TIMING?

Britain&rsquo;s triggering of Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty following the June 23, 2016, referendum came almost a year after the Malta CHOGM of 2015. The 2018 London CHOGM comes almost one year ahead of Britain&rsquo;s final departure from the EU on March 29, 2019. In the absence of a clear government strategy, the EU referendum decidedly put the UK on a rough, and apparently unstable, path of destiny. But it does not have to be that way. While the immediate aftershock of the referendum was that of a freefalling pound, which remained at a historic 10% low against the US dollar and at 15% against the euro, it seems that the immediacy of the doomsday predictions were balanced with a steadier economic growth (1.8% in 2016), second only to Germany&rsquo;s 1.9% in the G7. The&nbsp;UK economy has continued to grow&nbsp;at almost the same rate in 2017. Crucial negotiations centering around what Brexit would mean in reality are still in the making.

With this backdrop, CHOGM 2018 opens a window of opportunity for both the United Kingdom and its Commonwealth cousins to essentially rebuild the Commonwealth in such a manner as to transform both in ways hitherto unimagined. The Commonwealth, thanks to a combined economy of more than $10 trillion and an&nbsp;annual growth in excess of 4%,&nbsp;provides a perfect platform for achieving these aims and is probably one of the best alternatives to manage a post-Brexit scenario for Britain.

The UK, thanks to historic and institutionalized connections with its former colonies, is better positioned as a ring leader, capable of successfully integrating international trade &mdash; particularly the small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking new markets &mdash; into a global trade regime than most other countries, except maybe the United States. It would be wise to not forget that the Commonwealth can boast the fact that half of the&nbsp;top 20 global emerging cities&nbsp;are located within its jurisdiction and that average&nbsp;trade costs between Commonwealth countries will be lowered by 19%.

As a strategic recourse to the systemic uncertainties and instabilities caused by Brexit, the United Kingdom can now act strategically and utilize its position as the chair of the Commonwealth to create a system that&nbsp;will assist member states in integrating more fully into a fairer and more equitable global trading regime. Opening markets and by ensuring mobility of productive factors across a fair, value-based ecosystem will help UK SMEs and financial institutions to enter new markets and boost innovation, growth and job creation.

THE ROADMAP

There are talks going on to host a&nbsp;Commonwealth trade hub in India&nbsp;to promote commerce and investment across the organization. But it is high time that the Commonwealth leadership wakes up to the fact that the systems that govern the prospects of individual prosperity ought not to be only economic in nature. Rather, prosperity is the ability of the state system to enable the individual to live with pride and human dignity. Access to nutrition, shelter, health, education and an otherwise decent living is all part of the prosperity that we understand.

If the UK wants to make the Commonwealth more relevant under its leadership, it must focus on the following areas that will play an important role in making the idea of the Commonwealth work for the people of the Commonwealth. First on the list is employment. With the desire to be connected to the global networks of talent and productivity, everyone is both wary and eager for employment, not only in the service industry, but also as entrepreneurs. The Commonwealth could be a platform that gives structural support for building and connecting markets for both. For instance, more than half of the small nations within the Commonwealth (31 out of 52) are&nbsp;Small Island Developing States, where development is being adversely affected by their remote locations.

This leads to the second point, connectivity: People want to travel and connect. This is a rising vector of an inalienable right in the global consciousness. The Indian subcontinent is well connected to global networks, but attention is needed for upgrading the existing land-based transport infrastructure such as roads and railways, among the Commonwealth countries. It will not only affect social development but will also give much needed structures for an economic boost in the region. Also, post-Brexit, the UK will not be bound by the&nbsp;free movement of workers laws, and there is an opportunity to ease visa restrictions to fill the skill gap from the Commonwealth countries. At the very least, visas for students and professionals from the Commonwealth looking for job in the UK could be fast-tracked.

Third, power and energy: Both people and institutions are energy-hungry. At this moment, countries in the Indian subcontinent depend on a&nbsp;single source&nbsp;to provide more than 50% of total their individual electricity generation. Thus, India produces 67.9% of the region&rsquo;s coal, Nepal nearly 100% of the subcontinent&rsquo;s hydropower, Bangladesh provides 91.5% of its natural gas and Sri Lanka 50% of its oil. Sustainable, eco-friendly, affordable and accessible energy needs have to be met if systemic balances are to be achieved in the long run.

Fourth, technology: Any institution that wants to be relevant to the people and, consequently, draw mandates for representing them, ought to carry with itself a tangible promise of technology. This doesn&rsquo;t mean the internet alone, but also applications and system support to develop ideas with solid financial underwriting.

Fifth, ecological sustainability: With 1.7 billion people, the Indian subcontinent has more people than the whole of Europe and both Americas combined. Unfortunately, that does not translate into wealth. More people are going hungry in South Asia than in Africa. There is substantial inequality in the region, especially when it comes to food supply.&nbsp;It is also vulnerable to the impact of&nbsp;global warming and climate change. Preventing the creation of more climate refugees should be a priority for the Commonwealth, with many of its small island nations particularly affected by rising sea levels. Hence, comprehensive measures and plans for the future need to be laid out, and Britain can lead the way with sustainable development and technological advancement to tackle the environmental crisis.

Sixth, a safer world and a safer Commonwealth:&nbsp;Attacks on civil liberties, free speech and restrictions on civil society&nbsp;are growing across the Indian subcontinent. Based on basic human freedoms, rights and the rule of law, a society free from fear and persecution should be a steady goal throughout the Commonwealth. The organization should work harder to enforce the practical realizations of the core values of human rights enshrined in its charter.&nbsp;The Commonwealth as an institution has been rather successful in setting democratic, legal and human rights standards for the world to follow. But it is time that the Commonwealth wakes up to the desires of the ambitious young minds of its member states and takes cognizance of the need to both contribute and belong.

BALL IN ST. JAMES&rsquo; COURT

It is impossible for the governments to do everything. There has to be a partnership between the private and the public sectors to optimize the resources and possibilities available at our disposal. Instilling a component of trust among the nations party to such a grand design is crucial in this regard. The Commonwealth leadership must demonstrate a determined and forward-looking approach to bringing peace and prosperity to the Indian subcontinent, which, despite its glorious past, remains the least integrated in the world. The&nbsp;Commonwealth Charter&nbsp;has already taken note of civil society. It is time that innovation &mdash; both as an idea and a platform &mdash; is taken as an operational pivot.

Brexit is looming ever larger. New negotiations and new priorities are being conceptualized. This is the best time for the United Kingdom to repackage the Commonwealth as an organization &ldquo;for the members, by the members and of the members.&rdquo; The seed of a plausible sense of ownership among member states &mdash; in particular for the imagination of the youth &mdash; needs to be sown, and it should not be perceived as if benefiting just the UK or a handful of prosperous countries. Existential issues central to the people of the Commonwealth need to be addressed. Learning from the Indian subcontinent and what is happening there, and reflecting the substance of that learning across the plethora of&nbsp;platforms&nbsp;and institutions that the Commonwealth provides, could help create a mechanism that can solve problems for the long term.

There was an ancient proverb, &ldquo;You are, therefore, I am; and since I am, therefore, you are.&rdquo; The best network is not a cartel of petrochemicals and weapons. Rather, it is the network of intelligent minds working together.

&nbsp;

*&nbsp;Yashasvi Nain&nbsp;is an international lawyer for humanitarian justice and inclusive development.&nbsp;

This<a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/central_south_asia/united-kingdom-brexit-indian-subcontinent-commonwealth-news-analysis-53219/"> article </a>is originally published in the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/">Fair Observer</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Commonwealth, thanks to a combined economy of more than $10 trillion and an annual growth in excess of 4%, provides a perfect platform for achieving growth aims and is probably one of the best alternatives to manage a post-Brexit scenario for Britain.

By Syed Muntasir Mamun & Yashasvi Nain* Ahead of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled to take place in London in April, old debates have come alive over the relevance and importance of the Commonwealth of Nations and its involvement in world affairs. As alternative to the European Union post Brexit, the United Kingdom sees the Commonwealth as a global trading and international affairs network. In the absence of China, the organization provides a platform to demonstrate the credibility of aspiring global leaders like India. A visit by Prince Charles in November 2017 to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the summit to discuss India’s role in the organization shows the importance Britain bestows upon India’s strategic ambit. Subsequent visits from Tim Hitchens, chief executive of the Commonwealth Summit Unit, and Patricia Scotland, the Commonwealth secretary general, further reinforced this position. Trade statistics from 2016 show that the UK imports from the Indian subcontinent, which encompasses India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, totalled £15.2 ($21) billion, and exports £7.7 ($10) billion. Within the rest of the Commonwealth there is a marked propensity for an Indo-centric focus in trade. For instance, trade between India and South Africa now stands at around $20 billion, and between India and Nigeria at around $10 billion. Adding up trading configurations between other African and South Asian countries would definitely prove what is more obviously felt than said — that the trading heart of the old empire is still evolving. In 2016, during the House of Commons debate, former Defense Minister Lord Archie Hamilton asserted that the limitations in the EU competence clause is the biggest obstacle in the UK-India trade, and that after Brexit its removal will boost bilateral trade between the two countries. India is seen as a preferred partner by the UK for obvious reasons. According to the joint statement released after the India-UK Summit in New Delhi in November 2016, India was the third largest investor in the UK and the second largest international job creator: Indian companies having created over 110,000 jobs in Britain. Furthermore, India is also considered a key target market, with recent forecasts by the London Chamber of Commerce suggesting that a deal could boost UK exports to the country by 50%. Furthermore, if one considers trade statistics, Brexit doesn’t appear to have much of an effect on India-UK trade. As per the House of Commons briefing paper on migration issued in October 2017, in 2015 43% people immigrating to the UK were nationals of other EU countries, while 44% came from outside the European Union. Around 17% of all migrants are from three countries alone: India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The Indian subcontinent is by far the most strategic region driving the dynamics of the Commonwealth. What happens here is more relevant to the future of both the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth as a whole. COINCIDENCE OR GOOD TIMING? Britain’s triggering of Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty following the June 23, 2016, referendum came almost a year after the Malta CHOGM of 2015. The 2018 London CHOGM comes almost one year ahead of Britain’s final departure from the EU on March 29, 2019. In the absence of a clear government strategy, the EU referendum decidedly put the UK on a rough, and apparently unstable, path of destiny. But it does not have to be that way. While the immediate aftershock of the referendum was that of a freefalling pound, which remained at a historic 10% low against the US dollar and at 15% against the euro, it seems that the immediacy of the doomsday predictions were balanced with a steadier economic growth (1.8% in 2016), second only to Germany’s 1.9% in the G7. The UK economy has continued to grow at almost the same rate in 2017. Crucial negotiations centering around what Brexit would mean in reality are still in the making. With this backdrop, CHOGM 2018 opens a window of opportunity for both the United Kingdom and its Commonwealth cousins to essentially rebuild the Commonwealth in such a manner as to transform both in ways hitherto unimagined. The Commonwealth, thanks to a combined economy of more than $10 trillion and an annual growth in excess of 4%, provides a perfect platform for achieving these aims and is probably one of the best alternatives to manage a post-Brexit scenario for Britain. The UK, thanks to historic and institutionalized connections with its former colonies, is better positioned as a ring leader, capable of successfully integrating international trade — particularly the small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking new markets — into a global trade regime than most other countries, except maybe the United States. It would be wise to not forget that the Commonwealth can boast the fact that half of the top 20 global emerging cities are located within its jurisdiction and that average trade costs between Commonwealth countries will be lowered by 19%. As a strategic recourse to the systemic uncertainties and instabilities caused by Brexit, the United Kingdom can now act strategically and utilize its position as the chair of the Commonwealth to create a system that will assist member states in integrating more fully into a fairer and more equitable global trading regime. Opening markets and by ensuring mobility of productive factors across a fair, value-based ecosystem will help UK SMEs and financial institutions to enter new markets and boost innovation, growth and job creation. THE ROADMAP There are talks going on to host a Commonwealth trade hub in India to promote commerce and investment across the organization. But it is high time that the Commonwealth leadership wakes up to the fact that the systems that govern the prospects of individual prosperity ought not to be only economic in nature. Rather, prosperity is the ability of the state system to enable the individual to live with pride and human dignity. Access to nutrition, shelter, health, education and an otherwise decent living is all part of the prosperity that we understand. If the UK wants to make the Commonwealth more relevant under its leadership, it must focus on the following areas that will play an important role in making the idea of the Commonwealth work for the people of the Commonwealth. First on the list is employment. With the desire to be connected to the global networks of talent and productivity, everyone is both wary and eager for employment, not only in the service industry, but also as entrepreneurs. The Commonwealth could be a platform that gives structural support for building and connecting markets for both. For instance, more than half of the small nations within the Commonwealth (31 out of 52) are Small Island Developing States, where development is being adversely affected by their remote locations. This leads to the second point, connectivity: People want to travel and connect. This is a rising vector of an inalienable right in the global consciousness. The Indian subcontinent is well connected to global networks, but attention is needed for upgrading the existing land-based transport infrastructure such as roads and railways, among the Commonwealth countries. It will not only affect social development but will also give much needed structures for an economic boost in the region. Also, post-Brexit, the UK will not be bound by the free movement of workers laws, and there is an opportunity to ease visa restrictions to fill the skill gap from the Commonwealth countries. At the very least, visas for students and professionals from the Commonwealth looking for job in the UK could be fast-tracked. Third, power and energy: Both people and institutions are energy-hungry. At this moment, countries in the Indian subcontinent depend on a single source to provide more than 50% of total their individual electricity generation. Thus, India produces 67.9% of the region’s coal, Nepal nearly 100% of the subcontinent’s hydropower, Bangladesh provides 91.5% of its natural gas and Sri Lanka 50% of its oil. Sustainable, eco-friendly, affordable and accessible energy needs have to be met if systemic balances are to be achieved in the long run. Fourth, technology: Any institution that wants to be relevant to the people and, consequently, draw mandates for representing them, ought to carry with itself a tangible promise of technology. This doesn’t mean the internet alone, but also applications and system support to develop ideas with solid financial underwriting. Fifth, ecological sustainability: With 1.7 billion people, the Indian subcontinent has more people than the whole of Europe and both Americas combined. Unfortunately, that does not translate into wealth. More people are going hungry in South Asia than in Africa. There is substantial inequality in the region, especially when it comes to food supply. It is also vulnerable to the impact of global warming and climate change. Preventing the creation of more climate refugees should be a priority for the Commonwealth, with many of its small island nations particularly affected by rising sea levels. Hence, comprehensive measures and plans for the future need to be laid out, and Britain can lead the way with sustainable development and technological advancement to tackle the environmental crisis. Sixth, a safer world and a safer Commonwealth: Attacks on civil liberties, free speech and restrictions on civil society are growing across the Indian subcontinent. Based on basic human freedoms, rights and the rule of law, a society free from fear and persecution should be a steady goal throughout the Commonwealth. The organization should work harder to enforce the practical realizations of the core values of human rights enshrined in its charter. The Commonwealth as an institution has been rather successful in setting democratic, legal and human rights standards for the world to follow. But it is time that the Commonwealth wakes up to the desires of the ambitious young minds of its member states and takes cognizance of the need to both contribute and belong. BALL IN ST. JAMES’ COURT It is impossible for the governments to do everything. There has to be a partnership between the private and the public sectors to optimize the resources and possibilities available at our disposal. Instilling a component of trust among the nations party to such a grand design is crucial in this regard. The Commonwealth leadership must demonstrate a determined and forward-looking approach to bringing peace and prosperity to the Indian subcontinent, which, despite its glorious past, remains the least integrated in the world. The Commonwealth Charter has already taken note of civil society. It is time that innovation — both as an idea and a platform — is taken as an operational pivot. Brexit is looming ever larger. New negotiations and new priorities are being conceptualized. This is the best time for the United Kingdom to repackage the Commonwealth as an organization “for the members, by the members and of the members.” The seed of a plausible sense of ownership among member states — in particular for the imagination of the youth — needs to be sown, and it should not be perceived as if benefiting just the UK or a handful of prosperous countries. Existential issues central to the people of the Commonwealth need to be addressed. Learning from the Indian subcontinent and what is happening there, and reflecting the substance of that learning across the plethora of platforms and institutions that the Commonwealth provides, could help create a mechanism that can solve problems for the long term. There was an ancient proverb, “You are, therefore, I am; and since I am, therefore, you are.” The best network is not a cartel of petrochemicals and weapons. Rather, it is the network of intelligent minds working together. * Yashasvi Nain is an international lawyer for humanitarian justice and inclusive development. This article is originally published in the Fair Observer (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Post Brexit, Indian subcontinent can be vital role for the UK

Britain&#39;s foreign secretary Boris Johnson on Thursday expressed UK&#39;s disappointment after Maldives announced its decision to leave the Commonwealth.

Johnson, however, said the&nbsp;UK will continue to work with the troubled island nation in the Indian Ocean.

&quot;We believe in the Commonwealth and its commitment to improve the lives of people across all its member states. The Commonwealth is an organisation dedicated to developing free and democratic societies, and to promote peace and prosperity. And we regret that the Maldives has chosen to leave,&quot; Johnson said in a statement.&nbsp;

&quot;We will continue to work with the Maldives government to help strengthen democracy, particularly freedom of speech and the media and independence of the judiciary. The stability of the country must be central to what happens next,&quot; he said.

Maldives on Thursday decided to leave the Commonwealth, an intergovernmental organisation that now constitutes of 52 member states, mostly former British colonies.&nbsp;

The Maldives government accused the Commonwealth of trying to interfere in its domestic issues ever since former president Mohamed Nasheed resigned in February 2012. Male also alleged that Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) and the Commonwealth Secretariat have treated the Maldives &quot;unfairly&quot;.

Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) for the third time since 2012 had placed Maldives on CMAG&#39;s formal agenda, a step towards suspension or expulsion from the multilateral body. This comes at the CMAG&#39;s last meeting held in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

(WION)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Boris Johnson expressed UK's disappointment as Male announced its decision to leave Commonwealth

Britain's foreign secretary Boris Johnson on Thursday expressed UK's disappointment after Maldives announced its decision to leave the Commonwealth. Johnson, however, said the UK will continue to work with the troubled island nation in the Indian Ocean. "We believe in the Commonwealth and its commitment to improve the lives of people across all its member states. The Commonwealth is an organisation dedicated to developing free and democratic societies, and to promote peace and prosperity. And we regret that the Maldives has chosen to leave," Johnson said in a statement. "We will continue to work with the Maldives government to help strengthen democracy, particularly freedom of speech and the media and independence of the judiciary. The stability of the country must be central to what happens next," he said. Maldives on Thursday decided to leave the Commonwealth, an intergovernmental organisation that now constitutes of 52 member states, mostly former British colonies. The Maldives government accused the Commonwealth of trying to interfere in its domestic issues ever since former president Mohamed Nasheed resigned in February 2012. Male also alleged that Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) and the Commonwealth Secretariat have treated the Maldives "unfairly". Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) for the third time since 2012 had placed Maldives on CMAG's formal agenda, a step towards suspension or expulsion from the multilateral body. This comes at the CMAG's last meeting held in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. (WION)

Maldives quits Commonwealth: UK will continue to work with Male, says Boris Johnson?

Maldives announced the decision to leave the Commonwealth today over &quot;unfair treatment&quot;.&nbsp;

The Commonwealth is an intergovernmental organisation made up of 52 member states, mostly former British colonies. The Maldives joined in 1982.&nbsp;

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom took the decision following a cabinet meeting. &quot;The decision to leave the Commonwealth was difficult but inevitable,&quot; a statement later released by the&nbsp;ministry of foreign affairs said.&nbsp;

The Maldives government said that the Commonwealth had been trying to interfere in the domestic issues ever since former president Mohamed Nasheed resigned in February 2012.

&quot;The Commonwealth sought to take punitive actions against the Maldives since 2012 after the then President of Maldives resigned, and transfer of power took place as per the procedures set out in the Constitution. The Commonwealth&rsquo;s decision to penalise the Maldives was unjustified especially given that the Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI), established with the help of the Commonwealth, found that the transfer of power in the Maldives was consistent with the constitutional provisions,&quot; the statement by the foreign ministry said.&nbsp;

The Maldives government also said that the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) and the Commonwealth Secretariat have treated the Maldives &quot;unfairly&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;The Commonwealth has sought to become an active participant in the domestic political discourse in the Maldives, which is contrary to the principles of the Charters of the United Nations and the Commonwealth. The CMAG and the Commonwealth Secretariat seem to be convinced that the Maldives, because of the high and favourable reputation that the country enjoys internationally, and also perhaps because it is a small state that lacks material power, would be an easy object that can be used, especially in the name of democracy promotion, to increase the organisation&rsquo;s own relevance and leverage in international politics,&quot; it said.&nbsp;

The Maldivian government claims to&nbsp;offer&nbsp;maximum cooperation to the Commonwealth, show&nbsp;maximum transparency and engage&nbsp;with the Commonwealth at the highest levels. The government says the Commonwealth has not acknowledged the progress and achievements that the Maldives accomplished in cultivating a culture of democracy in the country and in building and strengthening democratic institutions.&nbsp;

&quot;Government of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has enacted a total of 110 pieces of legislations. Out of which, 94 legislations were directly related to the core values set out in the Commonwealth Charter. An overwhelming majority of these legislations (69 out of 94) were specifically designed to promote human rights, to strengthen democratic governance, and to reinforce the separation of powers. These achievements have resulted in strengthening the rule of law and produced tangible outcomes in strengthening democratic institutions in the country,&quot; the government highlights in the official statement.&nbsp;

Pertinently, Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) had decided to put Maldives on CMAG&#39;s formal agenda, a step towards suspension or expulsion from the multilateral body. This comes&nbsp;at the CMAG&#39;s last meeting held in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The decision was taken after reviewing Maldives&#39; progress on a six-point reform agenda:&nbsp;progress in political dialogue between the ruling party and the opposition;&nbsp;release of political prisoners;&nbsp;an end to the government using the country&rsquo;s anti-terrorism act to jail political opponents and dissidents;&nbsp;separation of powers and an independent judiciary;&nbsp;and freedom and space for civil society, which&nbsp;CMAG had proposed earlier this year.

After announcing the decision to leave Commonwealth Maldives, the government stated&nbsp;that its international engagement will continue, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

&nbsp;

&#39;Isolation will not solve the problems&#39;&nbsp;

Reacting to the announcement,&nbsp;Amnesty International&rsquo;s South Asia Director, Champa Patel, said the Maldives authorities should address their own human rights situation rather than lash out at legitimate criticism. &ldquo;Instead of complaining about unfair treatment, the Maldives government should look at engaging more constructively with the international community,&quot; &nbsp;the rights body said.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Human rights have been in a complete freefall in the country over the past few years. The government has locked up opponents through politically motivated trials and led an unprecedented crackdown on independent media.&quot; &nbsp;

Former President of the Maldives and Leader of ruling PPM, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, said: &quot;As someone who led Maldives into Commonwealth 34 years ago, I am disappointed that we have left. Isolation will not solve our problems.&quot;

Yameens&#39;s first vice president, Dr&nbsp;Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, also reacted saying:&nbsp;&quot;Yameen&#39;s abrupt decision to leave the Commonwealth after CMAG&#39;s scrutiny shows that he is temperamentally unfit to lead the country.&quot;

&nbsp;

Commonwealth &#39;hopes&#39; &nbsp;the separation is temporary&nbsp;

Responding to Maldives&#39; decision, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said: &ldquo;I have received news that the Maldives Government has today decided to leave the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth family at large &ndash; its member governments and its peoples worldwide &ndash; will share my sadness and disappointment at this decision.&nbsp;

&ldquo;The Commonwealth Charter reflects the commitment of our member states to democracy and human rights, development and growth, and diversity. We will continue to champion these values and to support all member states, especially small and developing states, in upholding and advancing these practically for the enduring benefit of their citizens.

&ldquo;Therefore, we hope that this will be a temporary separation and that Maldives will feel able to return to the Commonwealth family and all that it represents in due course.&rdquo;

(WION)&nbsp;

'Yameen's abrupt decision to leave the Commonwealth after CMAG's scrutiny shows that he is temperamentally unfit to lead the country'

Maldives announced the decision to leave the Commonwealth today over "unfair treatment". The Commonwealth is an intergovernmental organisation made up of 52 member states, mostly former British colonies. The Maldives joined in 1982. President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom took the decision following a cabinet meeting. "The decision to leave the Commonwealth was difficult but inevitable," a statement later released by the ministry of foreign affairs said. The Maldives government said that the Commonwealth had been trying to interfere in the domestic issues ever since former president Mohamed Nasheed resigned in February 2012. "The Commonwealth sought to take punitive actions against the Maldives since 2012 after the then President of Maldives resigned, and transfer of power took place as per the procedures set out in the Constitution. The Commonwealth’s decision to penalise the Maldives was unjustified especially given that the Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI), established with the help of the Commonwealth, found that the transfer of power in the Maldives was consistent with the constitutional provisions," the statement by the foreign ministry said. The Maldives government also said that the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) and the Commonwealth Secretariat have treated the Maldives "unfairly". "The Commonwealth has sought to become an active participant in the domestic political discourse in the Maldives, which is contrary to the principles of the Charters of the United Nations and the Commonwealth. The CMAG and the Commonwealth Secretariat seem to be convinced that the Maldives, because of the high and favourable reputation that the country enjoys internationally, and also perhaps because it is a small state that lacks material power, would be an easy object that can be used, especially in the name of democracy promotion, to increase the organisation’s own relevance and leverage in international politics," it said. The Maldivian government claims to offer maximum cooperation to the Commonwealth, show maximum transparency and engage with the Commonwealth at the highest levels. The government says the Commonwealth has not acknowledged the progress and achievements that the Maldives accomplished in cultivating a culture of democracy in the country and in building and strengthening democratic institutions. "Government of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has enacted a total of 110 pieces of legislations. Out of which, 94 legislations were directly related to the core values set out in the Commonwealth Charter. An overwhelming majority of these legislations (69 out of 94) were specifically designed to promote human rights, to strengthen democratic governance, and to reinforce the separation of powers. These achievements have resulted in strengthening the rule of law and produced tangible outcomes in strengthening democratic institutions in the country," the government highlights in the official statement. Pertinently, Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) had decided to put Maldives on CMAG's formal agenda, a step towards suspension or expulsion from the multilateral body. This comes at the CMAG's last meeting held in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The decision was taken after reviewing Maldives' progress on a six-point reform agenda: progress in political dialogue between the ruling party and the opposition; release of political prisoners; an end to the government using the country’s anti-terrorism act to jail political opponents and dissidents; separation of powers and an independent judiciary; and freedom and space for civil society, which CMAG had proposed earlier this year. After announcing the decision to leave Commonwealth Maldives, the government stated that its international engagement will continue, both bilaterally and multilaterally. 'Isolation will not solve the problems' Reacting to the announcement, Amnesty International’s South Asia Director, Champa Patel, said the Maldives authorities should address their own human rights situation rather than lash out at legitimate criticism. “Instead of complaining about unfair treatment, the Maldives government should look at engaging more constructively with the international community," the rights body said. “Human rights have been in a complete freefall in the country over the past few years. The government has locked up opponents through politically motivated trials and led an unprecedented crackdown on independent media." Former President of the Maldives and Leader of ruling PPM, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, said: "As someone who led Maldives into Commonwealth 34 years ago, I am disappointed that we have left. Isolation will not solve our problems." Yameens's first vice president, Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, also reacted saying: "Yameen's abrupt decision to leave the Commonwealth after CMAG's scrutiny shows that he is temperamentally unfit to lead the country." Commonwealth 'hopes' the separation is temporary Responding to Maldives' decision, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said: “I have received news that the Maldives Government has today decided to leave the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth family at large – its member governments and its peoples worldwide – will share my sadness and disappointment at this decision. “The Commonwealth Charter reflects the commitment of our member states to democracy and human rights, development and growth, and diversity. We will continue to champion these values and to support all member states, especially small and developing states, in upholding and advancing these practically for the enduring benefit of their citizens. “Therefore, we hope that this will be a temporary separation and that Maldives will feel able to return to the Commonwealth family and all that it represents in due course.” (WION)

Maldives quits Commonwealth over 'unfair treatment'

At a time when all of us were convinced that globalisation was firmly perched in the world economic order and that regional trade blocs such as the European Union were the only way forward, here came the divorce of the century -- Brexit. 
 
Until a few days ago, it would have not sounded plausible that the British would exit this marriage of 43 years. As a global citizen looking at this vote, it was a bit unbelievable for me too. We have grown up into the idea that we will all move forward and amalgamate into a more just and egalitarian world. 
 
It is one thing to talk about amalgamation and telling the world that we believe in equality and quite another, when it comes to accepting the ideas as part of your own reality. We have all heard the British talk about the idea of Commonwealth and how countries that were part of their global empire should continue to stick around. But when it came down to taking their relationship forward with the rest of Europe, many Britons rejected the idea. 
 
Details dug in history 
 
Bretton Woods system: It all started after the Second World War in 1944 in a small town in New Hampshire in United States where delegates of 44 nations came together to define a new international monetary system. It was at this meeting that the IMF and the World Bank came into existence and all the currencies around the world were pegged to the dollar which was in turn pegged to Bullion. 
 
After this, the trade between the countries in the western world started increasing enormously and we saw the birth of globalisation. The outlook of these western countries was more and more outward looking. Talks of working together in a cohesive manner and amalgamation were in the forefront of their scheme of things.. 
 
Thus, during 40s and thereafter, the western countries were talking the language of interconnectivity through trade, defence forces (NATO), powerplay at IMF and World Bank and the actual culmination of all this integration and globalisation was seen in the formation of European Union. 
 
In the various stages of formation of a union among countries, European Union was just one step away from the final stage where all the countries not only have same trade and monetary policies but also the same fiscal policy. This was termed as an Economic Union and was the step towards the political unification of countries. 
 
The time of the East 
 
As the time passed, in the 70s and 80s, the Eastern World also started opening up and moved towards adopting more liberalised policies. China is a manufacturing hub and trade-driven economy and none of the countries here is even close to China&#39;s share in world trade. The east Asian Tigers also reaped the benefits of opening up their economy to world trade and experienced a tremendous increase in their GDP. 
 
After the 1991 liberalisation, India has also reaped benefits of this integrated world. 
 
What the western world was experiencing in 40s and 50s, the eastern world has been experiencing since 80s and 90s, and they have just started to see that growth trajectory. The eastern countries are yet to realise the full potential of their liberalised and more integrated economies. 
 
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/Infographics_Who_is_next_to_follow-20160627110119.jpg" /> 
 
Resurrecting the walls 
 
But it seems that the western world is now in a reversal. Brexit is a clear indicator and the apparent rise of right-wing parties in other European countries represents that movement towards a more closed inward-looking policy. It has now become their territory, their national policy, their sovereignty. From &#39;our&#39; the world is moving to &#39;my&#39;. Thus, there is a clear swap in the positions of the western and eastern countries. 
 
The fall of the Berlin wall was not just a physical bringing down of the wall but it spoke more to the idea of people in Europe agreeing to share their wealth. 
 
But this backward trend is connected to the 2008 crisis, the result of which various European countries went into a second recession with their sovereign debt crisis. The debtor countries found themselves in deep trouble and were and still are forced to the terms and conditions of the surplus countries. And the entire paradigm about looking at national interests has started taking precedence. 
 
The incoming refugees from Syria and the terror attacks in Paris and Brussels added fuel to the already precarious situation, with the inward-looking mindset gaining more and more momentum. 
 
Maybe we should have listened to Keynes in 1944. 
 
At the Bretton Woods there were two proposals, one by Keynes and other by Henry White. The one that Henry White presented won. So this is probably a good time to ponder on what Keynes said. 
 
Keynes proposed a new currency called Bancor. He said that during the boom period a deficit nation takes more and more debt to fuel growth and a surplus nation also gives it. However, when this phase gets over and things start tumbling then the entire onus lies on the debtor nation and not the surplus one. So he proposed setting up of ICU: International Clearing Unit. 
 
Keynes proposed that any country racking up a large trade deficit (equating to more than half of its Bancor overdraft allowance) would be charged interest on its account. It would also be obliged to reduce the value of its currency and to prevent the export of capital. But -- and this was the key to his system -- he insisted that the nations with a trade surplus would be subject to similar pressures. 
 
Any country with a Bancor credit balance that was more than half the size of its overdraft facility would be charged interest, at a rate of 10%. It would also be obliged to increase the value of its currency and to permit the export of capital. If, by the end of the year, its credit balance exceeded the total value of its permitted overdraft, the surplus would be confiscated. The nations with a surplus would have a powerful incentive to get rid of it. In doing so, they would automatically clear other nations&#39; deficits. 
 
Doubt that world will be able to stop the reversal 
 
When Europe was in upheaval after Brexit, US Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump landed in Scotland and declared that America wants itself back too. The challenge is that globalisation has been slow in the East and it is only now that countries like India may be ready to ride the wave. But as the western economies go into a recession, they may be scrambling themselves and not in a position to even deal with the growth in the East. With a world in conflict, the eyes are going to be off the idea of amalgamation, and people will focus on protecting whatever they have, and this move by the UK is just that.

The idea of countries coming together and forming unions slowly fades as each one struggles to protect what it owns

At a time when all of us were convinced that globalisation was firmly perched in the world economic order and that regional trade blocs such as the European Union were the only way forward, here came the divorce of the century -- Brexit. Until a few days ago, it would have not sounded plausible that the British would exit this marriage of 43 years. As a global citizen looking at this vote, it was a bit unbelievable for me too. We have grown up into the idea that we will all move forward and amalgamate into a more just and egalitarian world. It is one thing to talk about amalgamation and telling the world that we believe in equality and quite another, when it comes to accepting the ideas as part of your own reality. We have all heard the British talk about the idea of Commonwealth and how countries that were part of their global empire should continue to stick around. But when it came down to taking their relationship forward with the rest of Europe, many Britons rejected the idea. Details dug in history Bretton Woods system: It all started after the Second World War in 1944 in a small town in New Hampshire in United States where delegates of 44 nations came together to define a new international monetary system. It was at this meeting that the IMF and the World Bank came into existence and all the currencies around the world were pegged to the dollar which was in turn pegged to Bullion. After this, the trade between the countries in the western world started increasing enormously and we saw the birth of globalisation. The outlook of these western countries was more and more outward looking. Talks of working together in a cohesive manner and amalgamation were in the forefront of their scheme of things.. Thus, during 40s and thereafter, the western countries were talking the language of interconnectivity through trade, defence forces (NATO), powerplay at IMF and World Bank and the actual culmination of all this integration and globalisation was seen in the formation of European Union. In the various stages of formation of a union among countries, European Union was just one step away from the final stage where all the countries not only have same trade and monetary policies but also the same fiscal policy. This was termed as an Economic Union and was the step towards the political unification of countries. The time of the East As the time passed, in the 70s and 80s, the Eastern World also started opening up and moved towards adopting more liberalised policies. China is a manufacturing hub and trade-driven economy and none of the countries here is even close to China's share in world trade. The east Asian Tigers also reaped the benefits of opening up their economy to world trade and experienced a tremendous increase in their GDP. After the 1991 liberalisation, India has also reaped benefits of this integrated world. What the western world was experiencing in 40s and 50s, the eastern world has been experiencing since 80s and 90s, and they have just started to see that growth trajectory. The eastern countries are yet to realise the full potential of their liberalised and more integrated economies. Resurrecting the walls But it seems that the western world is now in a reversal. Brexit is a clear indicator and the apparent rise of right-wing parties in other European countries represents that movement towards a more closed inward-looking policy. It has now become their territory, their national policy, their sovereignty. From 'our' the world is moving to 'my'. Thus, there is a clear swap in the positions of the western and eastern countries. The fall of the Berlin wall was not just a physical bringing down of the wall but it spoke more to the idea of people in Europe agreeing to share their wealth. But this backward trend is connected to the 2008 crisis, the result of which various European countries went into a second recession with their sovereign debt crisis. The debtor countries found themselves in deep trouble and were and still are forced to the terms and conditions of the surplus countries. And the entire paradigm about looking at national interests has started taking precedence. The incoming refugees from Syria and the terror attacks in Paris and Brussels added fuel to the already precarious situation, with the inward-looking mindset gaining more and more momentum. Maybe we should have listened to Keynes in 1944. At the Bretton Woods there were two proposals, one by Keynes and other by Henry White. The one that Henry White presented won. So this is probably a good time to ponder on what Keynes said. Keynes proposed a new currency called Bancor. He said that during the boom period a deficit nation takes more and more debt to fuel growth and a surplus nation also gives it. However, when this phase gets over and things start tumbling then the entire onus lies on the debtor nation and not the surplus one. So he proposed setting up of ICU: International Clearing Unit. Keynes proposed that any country racking up a large trade deficit (equating to more than half of its Bancor overdraft allowance) would be charged interest on its account. It would also be obliged to reduce the value of its currency and to prevent the export of capital. But -- and this was the key to his system -- he insisted that the nations with a trade surplus would be subject to similar pressures. Any country with a Bancor credit balance that was more than half the size of its overdraft facility would be charged interest, at a rate of 10%. It would also be obliged to increase the value of its currency and to permit the export of capital. If, by the end of the year, its credit balance exceeded the total value of its permitted overdraft, the surplus would be confiscated. The nations with a surplus would have a powerful incentive to get rid of it. In doing so, they would automatically clear other nations' deficits. Doubt that world will be able to stop the reversal When Europe was in upheaval after Brexit, US Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump landed in Scotland and declared that America wants itself back too. The challenge is that globalisation has been slow in the East and it is only now that countries like India may be ready to ride the wave. But as the western economies go into a recession, they may be scrambling themselves and not in a position to even deal with the growth in the East. With a world in conflict, the eyes are going to be off the idea of amalgamation, and people will focus on protecting whatever they have, and this move by the UK is just that.

McLuhan did not know that the village would be disconnected

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