An 'extremely rare' first edition copy of the US Constitution, one of the most historic pieces of publication in US history, will go under the hammer later this year.

Reportedly, the printed copy, one of the only two available in private hands will be auctioned by Sotheby's New York on December 13. According to the auction house, the copy is expected to fetch as much as anything between $20 million to $30 million.

This particular copy hasn't been seen at an auction for over 125 year and thus it is being described as 'extremely rare' by Sotheby's. The last time it came out in public light was 35 years ago at a Stanford University exhibition.&nbsp;

"The unprecedented sale result we achieved for the Constitution last November was a truly unique and inspired moment; one that signifies not only the extreme rarity of first printing copies of the Constitution available for private ownership, but also the enduring importance and influence of the Constitution as the ultimate expression of the democratic principles that inform our daily lives more than 200 years since it was first written," said&nbsp;Richard Austin, Sotheby's global head of books and manuscripts.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-journey-of-400-year-old-book-shakespeares-first-folio-up-for-auction-487081">WATCH |&nbsp;The journey of 400-year-old book: Shakespeare’s first folio up for auction</a>

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According to Sotheby's the formal name of the copy is, "The Official Edition of the Constitution, the First Printing of the Final Text of the Constitution" and the&nbsp;other privately-held copy was sold last year and fetched a record sum of $43.2 million.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/original-copy-of-shakespeares-first-folio-fetches-25-million-at-an-auction-500030">Read more:&nbsp;Original copy of Shakespeare's First Folio fetches $2.5 million at auction</a>

At the time, Ken Griffin, a billionaire hedge fund manager and&nbsp;cryptocurrency group Constitution DAO went hammer and tongs against each other to secure the copy, with the former coming out of top.&nbsp;

The US Constitution was compiled in secret meetings chaired by George Washington to replace the&nbsp;earlier Articles of Confederation.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/manuscript-containing-charles-darwin-autograph-up-for-auction-for-around-793000-527970">Read more:&nbsp;Manuscript containing Charles Darwin autograph up for auction for around $793,000</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

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An 'extremely rare' first edition copy of the US Constitution, one of the most historic pieces of publication in US history, will go under the hammer later this year.

An 'extremely rare' first edition copy of the US Constitution, one of the most historic pieces of publication in US history, will go under the hammer later this year. Reportedly, the printed copy, one of the only two available in private hands will be auctioned by Sotheby's New York on December 13. According to the auction house, the copy is expected to fetch as much as anything between $20 million to $30 million. This particular copy hasn't been seen at an auction for over 125 year and thus it is being described as 'extremely rare' by Sotheby's. The last time it came out in public light was 35 years ago at a Stanford University exhibition. "The unprecedented sale result we achieved for the Constitution last November was a truly unique and inspired moment; one that signifies not only the extreme rarity of first printing copies of the Constitution available for private ownership, but also the enduring importance and influence of the Constitution as the ultimate expression of the democratic principles that inform our daily lives more than 200 years since it was first written," said Richard Austin, Sotheby's global head of books and manuscripts. WATCH | The journey of 400-year-old book: Shakespeare’s first folio up for auction × According to Sotheby's the formal name of the copy is, "The Official Edition of the Constitution, the First Printing of the Final Text of the Constitution" and the other privately-held copy was sold last year and fetched a record sum of $43.2 million. Read more: Original copy of Shakespeare's First Folio fetches $2.5 million at auction At the time, Ken Griffin, a billionaire hedge fund manager and cryptocurrency group Constitution DAO went hammer and tongs against each other to secure the copy, with the former coming out of top. The US Constitution was compiled in secret meetings chaired by George Washington to replace the earlier Articles of Confederation. Read more: Manuscript containing Charles Darwin autograph up for auction for around $793,000 (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Rare first-edition US Constitution copy to go under the hammer; expected to fetch $30 million

In an overwhelming majority, Chileans rejected their new constitution in a plebiscite held on Sunday. The proposed constitution had one of the world's most 'progressive' charters.

Why Chileans have rejected their new 'progressive' constitution?

As India celebrated 75 years of independence, here are some unique facts about the Indian Constitution.

India@75: Unique facts about the Indian Constitution

The electoral commission said that Tunisia had adopted a new constitution that gives President Kais Saied unrestricted power following a thinly attended referendum in which voters largely supported the text. Rivals of Saied claimed the referendum he organised on Monday was invalid and accused the Saied-controlled electoral body of "fraud."

According to preliminary data, the electoral commission "announces the acceptance of the new draft constitution for the Republic of Tunisia" on Tuesday evening. On a turnout of 30.5%, 94.6% of valid ballots were cast in favour of the new constitution. A year ago on Monday, the president abruptly dismissed the government and suspended the legislature, dealing a severe blow to the only democracy to have survived the 2011 Arab Spring upheavals.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-prince-signs-deal-on-data-cable-with-greece-on-his-first-europe-trip-since-killing-of-khashoggi-500985">Saudi prince signs deal on data cable with Greece on his first Europe trip since killing of Khashoggi</a>

His actions alarmed some Tunisians who feared a return to authoritarianism, but they were welcomed by others who were tired of the country's high unemployment and inflation rates, political corruption, and unsatisfactory system. There had been little question that the "yes" campaign would win, and an exit survey conducted by the unbiased polling organisation Sigma Conseil confirmed this.&nbsp;

The majority of Saied's competitors demanded a boycott, and while participation was low, it was greater than the single figures most people had anticipated.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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The electoral commission said that Tunisia had adopted a new constitution that gives President Kais Saied unrestricted power following a thinly attended referendum in which voters largely supported the text.

The electoral commission said that Tunisia had adopted a new constitution that gives President Kais Saied unrestricted power following a thinly attended referendum in which voters largely supported the text. Rivals of Saied claimed the referendum he organised on Monday was invalid and accused the Saied-controlled electoral body of "fraud." According to preliminary data, the electoral commission "announces the acceptance of the new draft constitution for the Republic of Tunisia" on Tuesday evening. On a turnout of 30.5%, 94.6% of valid ballots were cast in favour of the new constitution. A year ago on Monday, the president abruptly dismissed the government and suspended the legislature, dealing a severe blow to the only democracy to have survived the 2011 Arab Spring upheavals. Also Read: Saudi prince signs deal on data cable with Greece on his first Europe trip since killing of Khashoggi His actions alarmed some Tunisians who feared a return to authoritarianism, but they were welcomed by others who were tired of the country's high unemployment and inflation rates, political corruption, and unsatisfactory system. There had been little question that the "yes" campaign would win, and an exit survey conducted by the unbiased polling organisation Sigma Conseil confirmed this. The majority of Saied's competitors demanded a boycott, and while participation was low, it was greater than the single figures most people had anticipated. (with inputs from agencies)

Despite low voter turnout, Tunisia adopts new constitution leading towards autocracy

Tunisians voted on a referendum which would grant President Kais Saied power of the government and the judiciary. The exit poll shows that Tunisia is in favor of the new constitution, this comes as a stamp of approval for the President who has been accused of attempting to install an autocracy.

Why is Tunisia in favor of a new constitution?

Tunisians are protesting against the draft constitution. They also demanded President's resignation. Rivals allege that the constitution aims to restore autocracy.

Tunisians protest against the draft constitution, demand President's resignation

Tunisians will vote on a constitutional referendum on Monday. A new constitution has been promulgated by the present president Saied.

Tunisia to slide to one-man rule? | How president Saied tightened his grip

Chile has finalised the draft of a new constitution that could replace the document drawn up during Gen Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship. The new draft constitution has been submitted to President Gabriel Boric for final approval.

Chile constitutional assembly to approve new draft constitution

Becoming a vanguard in the pushback against a seismic ruling by the country's Supreme Court that upended reproductive rights nationwide, the United States' state of New York moved to enshrine abortion rights and access to contraception in its constitution Friday, as reported by AFP.

The state Senate "advanced the first passage of an amendment to codify the right to an abortion and the right to contraception in the State Constitution," it said in a statement. New York state law already permits abortions, so the move would add an extra layer of legal protection for the procedure.

The amendment also seeks to "update the existing Equal Rights Amendment to extend current protections to several new classes, including on the basis of sex, disability, national origin, ethnicity, and age," it said. After passing the Senate, the legislation will next go to the state Assembly, where it is expected to be passed.

Voters will then cast their ballot on it directly in a referendum. Conservatives in the United States have been working for decades to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that said the US constitution provides for a right to an abortion. Last month they got their wish when the court's new conservative majority overturned Roe with a decision that was widely expected, but nonetheless ignited nationwide protests and brought international condemnation.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-protesters-storm-and-set-fire-to-libyan-parliament-in-tobruk-493853">&nbsp;In pics: Protesters storm and set fire to Libyan parliament in Tobruk</a>

The decision handed power back to the states to make their own rules on abortion, and up to half are expected to ban or severely restrict it. Others have declared themselves abortion "sanctuaries" and vowed to protect the right, as well as other rights such as gay marriage which progressives now fear are in the court's sights.

"The reversal of Roe v. Wade made it clear that New York State must continue to stand up and be a national leader to protect women and individual rights," said New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, a Democrat, in the statement, as reported by AFP.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Becoming a vanguard in the pushback against a seismic ruling by the country's Supreme Court that upended reproductive rights nationwide, the United States' state of New York moved to enshrine abortion rights and access to contraception in its constitution Friday, as reported by AFP.

Becoming a vanguard in the pushback against a seismic ruling by the country's Supreme Court that upended reproductive rights nationwide, the United States' state of New York moved to enshrine abortion rights and access to contraception in its constitution Friday, as reported by AFP. The state Senate "advanced the first passage of an amendment to codify the right to an abortion and the right to contraception in the State Constitution," it said in a statement. New York state law already permits abortions, so the move would add an extra layer of legal protection for the procedure. The amendment also seeks to "update the existing Equal Rights Amendment to extend current protections to several new classes, including on the basis of sex, disability, national origin, ethnicity, and age," it said. After passing the Senate, the legislation will next go to the state Assembly, where it is expected to be passed. Voters will then cast their ballot on it directly in a referendum. Conservatives in the United States have been working for decades to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that said the US constitution provides for a right to an abortion. Last month they got their wish when the court's new conservative majority overturned Roe with a decision that was widely expected, but nonetheless ignited nationwide protests and brought international condemnation. Also Read: In pics: Protesters storm and set fire to Libyan parliament in Tobruk The decision handed power back to the states to make their own rules on abortion, and up to half are expected to ban or severely restrict it. Others have declared themselves abortion "sanctuaries" and vowed to protect the right, as well as other rights such as gay marriage which progressives now fear are in the court's sights. "The reversal of Roe v. Wade made it clear that New York State must continue to stand up and be a national leader to protect women and individual rights," said New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, a Democrat, in the statement, as reported by AFP. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

United States: New York moves to enshrine abortion rights in state constitution

Amid the United States supreme court judgement banning the right to abortion, politicians representing a parliamentary majority on Saturday voiced support for a bill enshrining abortion rights in France's constitution, as reported by AFP.

The landmark ruling by the conservative-majority court on Friday overturned almost five decades of constitutional protections for abortion in the United States, allowing individual states to regulate the procedure.

The American religious right had never accepted the previous 1973 "Roe v. Wade" ruling that guaranteed US abortion rights and several conservative states immediately announced they would ban abortion. France was one of several US allies to condemn the decision, with President Emmanuel Macron denouncing a threat to women's freedom.

The leader of Macron's party in parliament on Saturday said she had tabled a bill to "enshrine the respect for abortion in our constitution" amid the rise of the far-right National Rally, a party she described as "fierce opponents" of abortion. "Women's rights are always fragile rights that are regularly threatened," Aurore Berge told the France Inter radio station.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-pushes-g7-to-backtrack-on-fossil-fuel-finance-rule-may-affect-climate-targets-491791">Germany pushes G7 to backtrack on fossil fuel finance rule, may affect climate targets</a>

Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said the government would support the bill "wholeheartedly", echoing the support expressed by other ministers. "For all women, for human rights, we must set this gain in stone. Parliament must be able to unite overwhelmingly over this text," she wrote on Twitter.

Leading politicians from left-wing parties welcomed the government's "U-turn" in a statement and invited like-minded parliamentary groups to submit a joint text.

The left-wing NUPES alliance and Macron's Ensemble coalition would together command a large majority in favour of such a constitutional change. Changing the constitution requires the National Assembly and Senate to adopt the same text, then a three-fifths majority of parliament sitting in congress. The other option is a referendum.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Amid the United States supreme court judgement banning the right to abortion, politicians representing a parliamentary majority on Saturday voiced support for a bill enshrining abortion rights in France's constitution, as reported by AFP.

Amid the United States supreme court judgement banning the right to abortion, politicians representing a parliamentary majority on Saturday voiced support for a bill enshrining abortion rights in France's constitution, as reported by AFP. The landmark ruling by the conservative-majority court on Friday overturned almost five decades of constitutional protections for abortion in the United States, allowing individual states to regulate the procedure. The American religious right had never accepted the previous 1973 "Roe v. Wade" ruling that guaranteed US abortion rights and several conservative states immediately announced they would ban abortion. France was one of several US allies to condemn the decision, with President Emmanuel Macron denouncing a threat to women's freedom. The leader of Macron's party in parliament on Saturday said she had tabled a bill to "enshrine the respect for abortion in our constitution" amid the rise of the far-right National Rally, a party she described as "fierce opponents" of abortion. "Women's rights are always fragile rights that are regularly threatened," Aurore Berge told the France Inter radio station. Also Read: Germany pushes G7 to backtrack on fossil fuel finance rule, may affect climate targets Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said the government would support the bill "wholeheartedly", echoing the support expressed by other ministers. "For all women, for human rights, we must set this gain in stone. Parliament must be able to unite overwhelmingly over this text," she wrote on Twitter. Leading politicians from left-wing parties welcomed the government's "U-turn" in a statement and invited like-minded parliamentary groups to submit a joint text. The left-wing NUPES alliance and Macron's Ensemble coalition would together command a large majority in favour of such a constitutional change. Changing the constitution requires the National Assembly and Senate to adopt the same text, then a three-fifths majority of parliament sitting in congress. The other option is a referendum. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

French parliament voiced support for bill enshrining right to abortion in constitution

Sri Lanka's Cabinet has deferred by a week the approval of the proposed 21st Amendment to the Constitution to empower Parliament over the executive president, amidst stiff resistance from some members of the ruling party.

The 21st Amendment is expected to annul the 20A to the Constitution which gives unfettered powers to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after abolishing the 19th Amendment.

The draft of the proposed amendment was presented at Monday's Cabinet meeting. It was decided to approve it only after all parties agreed with the amendments proposed. It will be presented to the Cabinet next week," Charitha Herath, a government parliamentarian, told reporters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-president-vows-to-finish-term-but-wont-run-for-re-election-485665">Sri Lanka's president vows to finish term, but won't run for re-election</a>

A section of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party (SLPP) is averse to bringing in 21A without addressing the current economic crisis.

"People are facing difficulties without essentials. We will have to think of settling the economic issues first before trying political solutions," Sagara Kariyawasam, the ruling SLPP general secretary said.

Constitutional Affairs Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe was hopeful of having the Cabinet nod on Monday.

The government announced on Friday that most of the concerns raised by parties had been addressed and agreed upon.

However, the main Opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), expressed disagreement, saying the government needed to wait until the Supreme Court's determination on their draft document on the amendment.

The SJB has accused the government of watering down the amendment so as to allow president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to continue enjoying full powers.

The SJB presses for the abolition of the presidential system.

The constitutional affairs minister said the government's aim was to move provisions which may require it to be subject to a national referendum.

Watch |&nbsp;Gotabaya says can't go as a failed president amid the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka

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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe last week batted for the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, saying it will curb the president's unlimited powers while enhancing the role of Parliament in governing the debt-ridden country which is also facing an unprecedented political turmoil.

His proposal to introduce the 21st Amendment met with stiff resistance from some members of the ruling SLPP party.

They charged that Wickremesinghe was looking to garner more power for himself while weakening President Rajapaksa who appointed him.

The powerful Rajapaksa family tightened their grip on power after their massive victory in the general elections in August 2020, which allowed them to amend the Constitution to restore presidential powers and install close family members in key positions.

Wickremesinghe was the main sponsor of the 19th Amendment in 2015 which empowered Parliament over the executive president.

The constitutional reform was a major plank of the agreement between Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe when he took over the job of prime minister on May 12.

Sri Lanka has been grappling with unprecedented economic turmoil since its independence from Britain in 1948.

Sri Lanka's economic crisis has created political unrest with protesters demanding the President's resignation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-21st-amendment-to-constitution-to-be-submitted-to-cabinet-for-approval-on-monday-485240">Sri Lanka's 21st Amendment to Constitution to be submitted to cabinet for approval on Monday</a>

Under the 21A, the President will be held accountable to the Parliament.The Cabinet of Ministers is also accountable to Parliament.

The National Council is also accountable to Parliament. Fifteen Committees and Oversight Committees are accountable to Parliament.

Sri Lanka in mid-April declared that it was unable to meet its foreign debt payments and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) classified Sri Lanka's debt as unsustainable. Therefore debt restructuring was key for an IMF programme.

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Sri Lanka's Cabinet has deferred by a week the approval of the proposed 21st Amendment to the Constitution to empower Parliament over the executive president, amidst stiff resistance from some members of the ruling party.

Sri Lanka's Cabinet has deferred by a week the approval of the proposed 21st Amendment to the Constitution to empower Parliament over the executive president, amidst stiff resistance from some members of the ruling party. The 21st Amendment is expected to annul the 20A to the Constitution which gives unfettered powers to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after abolishing the 19th Amendment. The draft of the proposed amendment was presented at Monday's Cabinet meeting. It was decided to approve it only after all parties agreed with the amendments proposed. It will be presented to the Cabinet next week," Charitha Herath, a government parliamentarian, told reporters. Also read | Sri Lanka's president vows to finish term, but won't run for re-election A section of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party (SLPP) is averse to bringing in 21A without addressing the current economic crisis. "People are facing difficulties without essentials. We will have to think of settling the economic issues first before trying political solutions," Sagara Kariyawasam, the ruling SLPP general secretary said. Constitutional Affairs Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe was hopeful of having the Cabinet nod on Monday. The government announced on Friday that most of the concerns raised by parties had been addressed and agreed upon. However, the main Opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), expressed disagreement, saying the government needed to wait until the Supreme Court's determination on their draft document on the amendment. The SJB has accused the government of watering down the amendment so as to allow president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to continue enjoying full powers. The SJB presses for the abolition of the presidential system. The constitutional affairs minister said the government's aim was to move provisions which may require it to be subject to a national referendum. Watch | Gotabaya says can't go as a failed president amid the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe last week batted for the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, saying it will curb the president's unlimited powers while enhancing the role of Parliament in governing the debt-ridden country which is also facing an unprecedented political turmoil. His proposal to introduce the 21st Amendment met with stiff resistance from some members of the ruling SLPP party. They charged that Wickremesinghe was looking to garner more power for himself while weakening President Rajapaksa who appointed him. The powerful Rajapaksa family tightened their grip on power after their massive victory in the general elections in August 2020, which allowed them to amend the Constitution to restore presidential powers and install close family members in key positions. Wickremesinghe was the main sponsor of the 19th Amendment in 2015 which empowered Parliament over the executive president. The constitutional reform was a major plank of the agreement between Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe when he took over the job of prime minister on May 12. Sri Lanka has been grappling with unprecedented economic turmoil since its independence from Britain in 1948. Sri Lanka's economic crisis has created political unrest with protesters demanding the President's resignation. Also read | Sri Lanka's 21st Amendment to Constitution to be submitted to cabinet for approval on Monday Under the 21A, the President will be held accountable to the Parliament.The Cabinet of Ministers is also accountable to Parliament. The National Council is also accountable to Parliament. Fifteen Committees and Oversight Committees are accountable to Parliament. Sri Lanka in mid-April declared that it was unable to meet its foreign debt payments and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) classified Sri Lanka's debt as unsustainable. Therefore debt restructuring was key for an IMF programme. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sri Lankan Cabinet defers 21st Amendment to the Constitution by a week

Protests in Tunisia

Even as the British Virgin Islands’ elected premier Andrew Fahie was held on charges of money laundering and conspiring to import cocaine, an inquiry into the governance of the territory has said the constitution should be suspended, elected government be dissolved and it should be effectively ruled from London. &nbsp;

The highly critical inquiry, which was led by British judge Gary Hickinbottom, has released its findings on Friday, media reports said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tired-of-wandering-hands-in-parliament-uks-female-minister-tells-male-mps-keep-hands-in-your-pockets-474888" hreflang="en">UK’s female minister tells male MPs, 'Keep hands in your pockets'</a>

In 2021, Governor John Rankin, who is the representative of Queen Elizabeth on the British overseas territory, ordered the inquiry to probe 'the corruption, abuse of office, and other serious dishonesty' in the governance of the territory. &nbsp;

A huge amount of state funds was spent without proper process by politicians and ministries every year. And there is serious dishonesty with regard to sales of public property and widespread abuse of appointments, the inquiry found.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a news conference, Rankin said, "He has concluded with a particularly heavy heart that unless the most drastic and urgent steps are taken, the current situation with elected officials deliberately ignoring the tenets of good governance will go on indefinitely." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;British foreign secretary Liz Truss asks for NATO-standard weapons for Ukraine

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"He notes that the people of the BVI deserve better, and that the UK government owes them an obligation to protect them from such abuses and assist them to achieve their aspirations for self-government as a modern democratic state," Rankin added. &nbsp;

In a statement, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said that the report "shows clearly that substantial legislative and constitutional change is required to restore the standards of governance that the people of the British Virgin Islands are entitled to". &nbsp;

This inquiry is, however, not directly linked to the premier’s arrest. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Even as the British Virgin Islands’ elected premier Andrew Fahie was held on charges of money laundering and conspiring to import cocaine, an inquiry into the governance of the territory has said the constitution should be suspended, elected government be dissolved and it should be effectively ruled from London.

Even as the British Virgin Islands’ elected premier Andrew Fahie was held on charges of money laundering and conspiring to import cocaine, an inquiry into the governance of the territory has said the constitution should be suspended, elected government be dissolved and it should be effectively ruled from London. The highly critical inquiry, which was led by British judge Gary Hickinbottom, has released its findings on Friday, media reports said. Also Read: UK’s female minister tells male MPs, 'Keep hands in your pockets' In 2021, Governor John Rankin, who is the representative of Queen Elizabeth on the British overseas territory, ordered the inquiry to probe 'the corruption, abuse of office, and other serious dishonesty' in the governance of the territory. A huge amount of state funds was spent without proper process by politicians and ministries every year. And there is serious dishonesty with regard to sales of public property and widespread abuse of appointments, the inquiry found. In a news conference, Rankin said, "He has concluded with a particularly heavy heart that unless the most drastic and urgent steps are taken, the current situation with elected officials deliberately ignoring the tenets of good governance will go on indefinitely." Watch: British foreign secretary Liz Truss asks for NATO-standard weapons for Ukraine "He notes that the people of the BVI deserve better, and that the UK government owes them an obligation to protect them from such abuses and assist them to achieve their aspirations for self-government as a modern democratic state," Rankin added. In a statement, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said that the report "shows clearly that substantial legislative and constitutional change is required to restore the standards of governance that the people of the British Virgin Islands are entitled to". This inquiry is, however, not directly linked to the premier’s arrest. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Suspend constitution, rule British Virgin Islands from London, says inquiry  

The political crisis in Pakistan is worsening with the case on the speaker's decision on march 31st still ongoing, the opposition is now re-strategizing their approach against Imran Khan and his party.

Pakistan joint opposition calls for protests, to observe 'day of protection for constitution'

The wealthiest countries in the world are often considered guardians of the planet, but we know how much damage they have done with their emissions. They are responsible for climate change. Smaller countries that face an existential threat are leading the climate change fight. Chile is rewriting its constitution to combat climate change.

Chile is rewriting its constitution to combat climate change in a bid to protect its ecology

Pandemonium broke out in the Jordanian parliament during a heated debate on controversial constitutional reforms.

On Wednesday, several MPs were discussing a draft amendment, adding the Arabic female noun for a Jordanian citizen into the constitution section on equal rights.&nbsp;

But some MPs branded the draft as “useless” following which a heated debate ensued in the House of Representatives in Jordan's capital Amman, which was broadcast live on Al-Mamlaka television channel.

The brawl had erupted between Deputy Suleiman Abu Yahya and parliament House Speaker Abdul Karim Dughmi, according to reports.

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اقول الصلح خير <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%85%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%B3_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#مجلس_النواب</a> <a href="https://t.co/qDSQQQsbhv">pic.twitter.com/qDSQQQsbhv</a>
— Mohammed al Ersan (@JournalistErsan) <a href="https://twitter.com/JournalistErsan/status/1475781819513675779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Things further escalated when Yahya accused Dughmi of being “unable to run the show” and claimed he knew “nothing”.

The live footage on state media showed the MPs trading punches while one deputy fell to the ground as others shouted in chaotic scenes that lasted a few minutes, forcing the session to be adjourned until Thursday.

"There was a verbal shouting match that turned into a fist-fighting by several deputies. The behaviour is unacceptable to our people and harms our country's reputation," Reuters quoted Khalil Atiyeh, a member of parliament who witnessed the session, a saying.

Among other constitutional reforms to be discussed are the creation of a "National Security Council", and the halving of the house speaker's mandate to one year from the current two-year terms.

The kingdom's constitution, introduced in 1952, has been amended 29 times, with the monarch's powers increasing at the expense of the legislature, according to experts.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pandemonium broke out in the Jordanian parliament during a heated debate on controversial constitutional reforms. On Wednesday, several MPs were discussing a draft amendment, adding the Arabic female noun for a Jordanian citizen into the constitution section on equal rights.

Pandemonium broke out in the Jordanian parliament during a heated debate on controversial constitutional reforms. On Wednesday, several MPs were discussing a draft amendment, adding the Arabic female noun for a Jordanian citizen into the constitution section on equal rights. But some MPs branded the draft as “useless” following which a heated debate ensued in the House of Representatives in Jordan's capital Amman, which was broadcast live on Al-Mamlaka television channel. The brawl had erupted between Deputy Suleiman Abu Yahya and parliament House Speaker Abdul Karim Dughmi, according to reports. اقول الصلح خير #مجلس_النواب pic.twitter.com/qDSQQQsbhv — Mohammed al Ersan (@JournalistErsan) December 28, 2021 × Things further escalated when Yahya accused Dughmi of being “unable to run the show” and claimed he knew “nothing”. The live footage on state media showed the MPs trading punches while one deputy fell to the ground as others shouted in chaotic scenes that lasted a few minutes, forcing the session to be adjourned until Thursday. "There was a verbal shouting match that turned into a fist-fighting by several deputies. The behaviour is unacceptable to our people and harms our country's reputation," Reuters quoted Khalil Atiyeh, a member of parliament who witnessed the session, a saying. Among other constitutional reforms to be discussed are the creation of a "National Security Council", and the halving of the house speaker's mandate to one year from the current two-year terms. The kingdom's constitution, introduced in 1952, has been amended 29 times, with the monarch's powers increasing at the expense of the legislature, according to experts. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Fist fight erupts in Jordanian parliament during heated discussion on constitutional reforms

In what is being deemed as a world record for a historical document at auction, a rare original copy of the US Constitution has been for $43 million. The sale was hosted by Sotheby's auction house. The winner was not immediately identified.

The Constitution was directly underbid by Constitution DAO, which is a group of over 17,000 people from around the world.&nbsp;

These people came together through social media within the last week to raise money to acquire the document in what is being marked as the largest crowdfunding initiative ever put together.

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The group of cryptocurrency investors raised $40 million to try to buy the document but failed to secure the prize, the consortium said. "We didn't get the constitution, but we made history nonetheless" the group, ConstitutionDAO, said on Twitter.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AuctionUpdate?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AuctionUpdate</a>: Tonight's historic sale of The 'Official Edition' of The United States Constitution soared to a record-breaking $43.2 million, with all proceeds benefiting the Dorothy Tapper Goldman Foundation's educational programs for students. <a href="https://t.co/uR5ZJT2UY0">pic.twitter.com/uR5ZJT2UY0</a>
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"We broke the record for the largest crowdfund for a physical object and most money crowdfunded in 72h, which will of course be refunded to everyone who participated," it said.

It said that the item was one of only 13 known surviving copies of the US charter, which was signed on September 17, 1787.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-salvador-legalises-bitcoin-as-other-nations-plan-similar-moves-390658">Also read |&nbsp;El Salvador legalises Bitcoin as other nations plan similar moves</a>

The text had the opening, "We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union."

The constitution was signed at Philadelphia's Independence Hall by America's founding fathers including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and James Madison.

(With inputs from agencies)

In what is being deemed as a world record for a historical document at auction, a rare original copy of the US Constitution has been for $43 million. The sale was hosted by Sotheby's auction house.

In what is being deemed as a world record for a historical document at auction, a rare original copy of the US Constitution has been for $43 million. The sale was hosted by Sotheby's auction house. The winner was not immediately identified. The Constitution was directly underbid by Constitution DAO, which is a group of over 17,000 people from around the world. These people came together through social media within the last week to raise money to acquire the document in what is being marked as the largest crowdfunding initiative ever put together. Also read | US Ivy League Wharton School to accept cryptocurrency payment for its online course The group of cryptocurrency investors raised $40 million to try to buy the document but failed to secure the prize, the consortium said. "We didn't get the constitution, but we made history nonetheless" the group, ConstitutionDAO, said on Twitter. #AuctionUpdate: Tonight's historic sale of The 'Official Edition' of The United States Constitution soared to a record-breaking $43.2 million, with all proceeds benefiting the Dorothy Tapper Goldman Foundation's educational programs for students. pic.twitter.com/uR5ZJT2UY0 — Sotheby's (@Sothebys) November 19, 2021 × "We broke the record for the largest crowdfund for a physical object and most money crowdfunded in 72h, which will of course be refunded to everyone who participated," it said. It said that the item was one of only 13 known surviving copies of the US charter, which was signed on September 17, 1787. Also read | El Salvador legalises Bitcoin as other nations plan similar moves The text had the opening, "We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union." The constitution was signed at Philadelphia's Independence Hall by America's founding fathers including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and James Madison. (With inputs from agencies)

Crypto investors lose out to massive crowdfunding effort in $43mn auction of US Constitution's original copy

The draft of Sri Lanka's new Constitution has been completed and it is expected to be ready for Parliament's approval by early 2022, Foreign Minister G L Peiris said on Tuesday.

Peiris said that as pledged by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in his presidential election manifesto in 2019, he has appointed a committee of experts to formulate the draft.

This draft has now been completed and awaiting to be sent to the Legal Draftsman,&nbsp;Peiris said, hoping that the final draft would be made available by the turn of the new year.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-imports-chemical-fertiliser-despite-ban-420995">Sri Lanka imports chemical fertiliser despite ban</a>

However, he did not elaborate on the form of the new Constitution.

Peiris said that from mid-November, the budget for 2022 would be dealt with by the parliament until mid-December.

Noting that the making of the Constitution was a complicated process, the minister said that with the change of times and people's needs, it needs changing.

Sri Lanka has in the past made many attempts to change the current Constitution. Since 1997, all such attempts, including the last in 2015, were aborted after months of deliberations.

In 2019, the ruling alliance was making platform speeches about the abolishment of the country's provincial councils system, which was mooted by India under the thirteenth amendment to the current Constitution adopted in 1978.

The 2017 Act will have to be amended as in 2018, the Parliament had rejected the delimitation report which should have been approved with a two-thirds majority to make the new hybrid system legal.

Rajapaksa since being elected annulled the 19th Amendment adopted in 2015 which had curtailed presidential powers by strengthening the functions of Parliament.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-allows-sharp-rise-in-food-prices-to-ease-shortages-419123">Sri Lanka allows sharp rise in food prices to ease shortages</a>

However, he has shown no interest to hold provincial council elections for the nine provinces currently held up due to the need of legislative changes to the Provincial Councils Act.

The Sri Lankan government last week said that the long-pending provincial council elections in all of its nine provinces would not be possible until the 2017 Act is amended in Parliament.

The provincial elections have been postponed since 2017 as the then government (United National Party) wanted to reform the process by introducing a new hybrid system of first past the post and proportional representation from the current system of proportional representation.

Rajapaksa's 2019 manifesto said that a select committee would be appointed to ?look into the provincial councils&nbsp;among the other areas of the executive presidency, electoral reform and the independence of judiciary.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, during his visit to the country earlier this month, reiterated India's wish to see the early holding of the provincial council elections and full powers be conferred on them.

His visit triggered the discussion on the provincial council elections with parties expressing desire to hold them

The draft of Sri Lanka's new Constitution has been completed and it is expected to be ready for Parliament's approval by early 2022, Foreign Minister G L Peiris said on Tuesday.

The draft of Sri Lanka's new Constitution has been completed and it is expected to be ready for Parliament's approval by early 2022, Foreign Minister G L Peiris said on Tuesday. Peiris said that as pledged by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in his presidential election manifesto in 2019, he has appointed a committee of experts to formulate the draft. This draft has now been completed and awaiting to be sent to the Legal Draftsman, Peiris said, hoping that the final draft would be made available by the turn of the new year. Also Read | Sri Lanka imports chemical fertiliser despite ban However, he did not elaborate on the form of the new Constitution. Peiris said that from mid-November, the budget for 2022 would be dealt with by the parliament until mid-December. Noting that the making of the Constitution was a complicated process, the minister said that with the change of times and people's needs, it needs changing. Sri Lanka has in the past made many attempts to change the current Constitution. Since 1997, all such attempts, including the last in 2015, were aborted after months of deliberations. In 2019, the ruling alliance was making platform speeches about the abolishment of the country's provincial councils system, which was mooted by India under the thirteenth amendment to the current Constitution adopted in 1978. The 2017 Act will have to be amended as in 2018, the Parliament had rejected the delimitation report which should have been approved with a two-thirds majority to make the new hybrid system legal. Rajapaksa since being elected annulled the 19th Amendment adopted in 2015 which had curtailed presidential powers by strengthening the functions of Parliament. Also Read | Sri Lanka allows sharp rise in food prices to ease shortages However, he has shown no interest to hold provincial council elections for the nine provinces currently held up due to the need of legislative changes to the Provincial Councils Act. The Sri Lankan government last week said that the long-pending provincial council elections in all of its nine provinces would not be possible until the 2017 Act is amended in Parliament. The provincial elections have been postponed since 2017 as the then government (United National Party) wanted to reform the process by introducing a new hybrid system of first past the post and proportional representation from the current system of proportional representation. Rajapaksa's 2019 manifesto said that a select committee would be appointed to ?look into the provincial councils among the other areas of the executive presidency, electoral reform and the independence of judiciary. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, during his visit to the country earlier this month, reiterated India's wish to see the early holding of the provincial council elections and full powers be conferred on them. His visit triggered the discussion on the provincial council elections with parties expressing desire to hold them

Lanka's draft of new Constitution expected to be ready for Parliament's nod by early 2022: Minister

An extremely&nbsp;rare&nbsp;original&nbsp;copy&nbsp;of the American&nbsp;constitution, signed in 1787 in Philadelphia, will soon be auctioned with an estimated value of between $15 million and $20&nbsp;million,&nbsp;Sotheby's&nbsp;announced Friday.

It is one of only 11 known surviving copies and will be sold in New York in November, the&nbsp;auction&nbsp;house said.

Sotheby's&nbsp;is exhibiting until Sunday a private collection of American constitutional documents dating from the revolutionary period, 1776 to 1789.

Included is the&nbsp;constitution, signed on September 17, 1787 at Philadelphia's Independence Hall by America's founding fathers, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and James Madison and ratified the following year.

"It's incredibly&nbsp;rare," said Selby Kiffer, a manuscripts and ancient books expert at&nbsp;Sotheby's, noting that it was probably printed on the eve of the signing.

"This was probably printed in an edition of 500 copies. Now only eleven are known to survive and this is the only one in private hands," he said.

Kiffer doesn't worry if the famous document, with those immortal opening words "We the People", goes abroad, even though he thinks it will stay in the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aukus-angry-france-cancels-gala-event-in-washington-413759">Also read |&nbsp;Aukus: Angry France cancels gala event in Washington</a>

"It's the longest-serving charter&nbsp;of government in the world. I think it's already been a model for other constitutions around the world," he explained.

"But I think when it comes down to it, no one values American history more highly than Americans and I would be surprised that the new owner was not an American," Kiffer added.

The document is in excellent condition and currently belongs to American collector Dorothy Tapper Goldman.

Sotheby's&nbsp;is exhibiting the collection of American constitutional history at a time of tense and polarised political atmosphere in the US.

On Saturday, supporters of former president Donald Trump are due to demonstrate in support of rioters arrested for storming the US Capitol on January 6.

"I think it's very interesting the&nbsp;constitution&nbsp;is always in debate but I think under the current political climate it's as much discussed now as it was when it was being debated for ratification," said Kiffer.

An extremely rare original copy of the American constitution, signed in 1787 in Philadelphia, will soon be auctioned with an estimated value of between $15 million and $20 million, Sotheby's announced Friday.

An extremely rare original copy of the American constitution, signed in 1787 in Philadelphia, will soon be auctioned with an estimated value of between $15 million and $20 million, Sotheby's announced Friday. It is one of only 11 known surviving copies and will be sold in New York in November, the auction house said. Sotheby's is exhibiting until Sunday a private collection of American constitutional documents dating from the revolutionary period, 1776 to 1789. Included is the constitution, signed on September 17, 1787 at Philadelphia's Independence Hall by America's founding fathers, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and James Madison and ratified the following year. "It's incredibly rare," said Selby Kiffer, a manuscripts and ancient books expert at Sotheby's, noting that it was probably printed on the eve of the signing. "This was probably printed in an edition of 500 copies. Now only eleven are known to survive and this is the only one in private hands," he said. Kiffer doesn't worry if the famous document, with those immortal opening words "We the People", goes abroad, even though he thinks it will stay in the United States. Also read | Aukus: Angry France cancels gala event in Washington "It's the longest-serving charter of government in the world. I think it's already been a model for other constitutions around the world," he explained. "But I think when it comes down to it, no one values American history more highly than Americans and I would be surprised that the new owner was not an American," Kiffer added. The document is in excellent condition and currently belongs to American collector Dorothy Tapper Goldman. Sotheby's is exhibiting the collection of American constitutional history at a time of tense and polarised political atmosphere in the US. On Saturday, supporters of former president Donald Trump are due to demonstrate in support of rioters arrested for storming the US Capitol on January 6. "I think it's very interesting the constitution is always in debate but I think under the current political climate it's as much discussed now as it was when it was being debated for ratification," said Kiffer.

Rare US constitution copy tipped for $20 million sale at auction

In the year 1787, delegates from 12 of the 13 United States gathered in Philadelphia to try to create something they desperately need, a government that actually works.

The entire process began in York, Pennsylvania.&nbsp;

In 1777 the Continental Congress, meeting in the York County Courthouse after fleeing the British occupation of Philadelphia approves the Articles of Confederation. The article achieves two lasting results - it names the new country “The United States of America,” and it gives York bragging rights as the first capital of the country.

In order to maintain the sovereignty of the individual states, the creators of the Articles of Confederation made the central government too weak to hold things together.&nbsp;

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Therefore, in 1787 the delegates at what will become known as the Constitutional Convention start the task of revising the Articles of Confederation.&nbsp;

From May to September the delegates worked on the same.&nbsp;

On September 17, the delegates gathered one last time, and voted to present their finished product to the Confederation Congress, and signed the Constitution.

On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire becomes the ninth state to ratify the new Constitution.&nbsp;

After a period of 230 years and 27 amendments, the basic framework remains unchanged.

Constitution Day dates back to 1940 when Congress and the President passed a resolution creating “I Am an American Day".&nbsp; 
This was done to recognize new American citizens, to be observed on the third Sunday in May.&nbsp;

Then In 1952, the holiday is renamed “Constitution Day” and the date moved to September 17.&nbsp;

In 2004 Congress changed the name of the holiday to Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.&nbsp;

So the day now honours both the Constitution and those who choose to live under that Constitution.

On the occasion, US President Joe Biden highlighted how American democracy requires our constant care, vigilance, and full participation to determine the course and conscience of our Union.&nbsp;

"As President, I swore an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution, and I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that we uphold and strengthen this remarkable system of self-government for future generations ready to put their own shoulders to the wheel", he wrote in a press release.

In the year 1787, delegates from 12 of the 13 United States gathered in Philadelphia to try to create something they desperately need, a government that actually works.

In the year 1787, delegates from 12 of the 13 United States gathered in Philadelphia to try to create something they desperately need, a government that actually works. The entire process began in York, Pennsylvania. In 1777 the Continental Congress, meeting in the York County Courthouse after fleeing the British occupation of Philadelphia approves the Articles of Confederation. The article achieves two lasting results - it names the new country “The United States of America,” and it gives York bragging rights as the first capital of the country. In order to maintain the sovereignty of the individual states, the creators of the Articles of Confederation made the central government too weak to hold things together. Also read | September 17 in history: First space shuttle, Tamil's recognition and more Therefore, in 1787 the delegates at what will become known as the Constitutional Convention start the task of revising the Articles of Confederation. From May to September the delegates worked on the same. On September 17, the delegates gathered one last time, and voted to present their finished product to the Confederation Congress, and signed the Constitution. On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire becomes the ninth state to ratify the new Constitution. After a period of 230 years and 27 amendments, the basic framework remains unchanged. Constitution Day dates back to 1940 when Congress and the President passed a resolution creating “I Am an American Day". This was done to recognize new American citizens, to be observed on the third Sunday in May. Then In 1952, the holiday is renamed “Constitution Day” and the date moved to September 17. In 2004 Congress changed the name of the holiday to Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. So the day now honours both the Constitution and those who choose to live under that Constitution. On the occasion, US President Joe Biden highlighted how American democracy requires our constant care, vigilance, and full participation to determine the course and conscience of our Union. "As President, I swore an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution, and I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that we uphold and strengthen this remarkable system of self-government for future generations ready to put their own shoulders to the wheel", he wrote in a press release.

September 17 celebrated as US Constitution Day: History and Significance

Tunisian&nbsp;President&nbsp;Kais Saied has announced plans to form a new government and said the&nbsp;constitution&nbsp;should&nbsp;be&nbsp;amended, weeks after he sacked his premier and suspended parliament in moves his critics called a coup.

Speaking to two television channels after a late Saturday evening stroll in central Tunis, Saied said he would form a new government "as soon as possible" after selecting "the people with the most integrity". But he declined to give a specific timeline.

Saied also told the television stations that "the Tunisian people rejected the&nbsp;constitution". He added that such charters are "not eternal" and stated that "we can introduce amendments to the text".

His comments, which confirmed earlier media speculations on his plans, were dismissed by the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party, the largest bloc in parliament.

The party in a statement expressed "its categorical rejection of the attempts of some parties that are hostile to the democratic process... to push for choices that violate the rules of the&nbsp;constitution".&nbsp;

Ennahdha added that it would oppose "an intended suspension of the application of the&nbsp;constitution&nbsp;and a change to the political system, possibly through a referendum".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-in-madrid-protest-against-rise-in-homophobic-attacks-412579">Also read |&nbsp;People in Madrid protest against rise in homophobic attacks</a>

The influential UGTT trade union confederation, which has so far backed Saied, also rejected any "suspension of the&nbsp;constitution" and called for early legislative elections so that a new parliament could look into potential constitutional changes.

Dire living conditions&nbsp;

Saied, a legal theorist and former law professor, was elected in 2019 and has billed himself as the ultimate interpreter of the&nbsp;constitution.

He invoked that power on July 25 to fire the prime minister, freeze parliament and strip MPs of their immunity, and assume all executive powers.

His power grab came amid chronic legislative infighting that had crippled governance. It was followed by a sweeping anti-corruption drive that has included detentions, travel bans and house arrests of politicians, businessmen and judicial officials.

Saied has yet to appoint a new government or reveal a roadmap towards normalisation, despite repeated demands by political parties.

His moves have been criticised by judges and opponents, in particular Ennahdha.

But some Tunisians, exasperated by their political class and its perceived corruption, impunity and failure to improve living standards more than a decade since the country's protests launched the Arab Spring, see them as a necessary evil.

The chants of "Dignity!" and "Work!" that filled the air during the revolution have again started to sound at demonstrations.

In images posted around midnight on the Tunisian presidency's Facebook page, Saied was seen walking down the capital's Bourguiba Avenue as a crowd sang the national anthem, before he stopped to speak with the TV channels.

Self-immolation

Earlier that day on the same central thoroughfare, a man had set himself on fire and later died of his burns -- a desperate act that followed another self-immolation a week before protesting living conditions&nbsp;

According to Tunisian media reports, the man who died Saturday was struggling with economic issues and had come to Tunis from Djerba to seek solutions to his plight.

The deaths recall that of the street vendor who burned himself alive on December 17, 2010 and launched both&nbsp;Tunisia's popular revolution and the wider Arab Spring that toppled several autocratic leaders in the region.

Tunisia, hailed as a rare democratic success story in the Middle East and North Africa, was struggling with dire economic woes and the Covid-19 pandemic before being plunged into the latest political crisis.

Saied's comments came a day after he received in Tunis the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell who expressed the bloc's concerns over the power grab.

"I communicated to the&nbsp;president&nbsp;Europe's apprehensions about the preservation of democratic gains in&nbsp;Tunisia," Borrell said after talks with Saied.

"The free exercise of legislative power and the resumption of parliamentary activity are part of these gains and must be respected," he added.

Earlier this month, diplomats from the G7 nations -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US -- called on Saied to return&nbsp;Tunisia&nbsp;to "a constitutional order".

Tunisian President Kais Saied has announced plans to form a new government and said the constitution should be amended, weeks after he sacked his premier and suspended parliament in moves his critics called a coup.

Tunisian President Kais Saied has announced plans to form a new government and said the constitution should be amended, weeks after he sacked his premier and suspended parliament in moves his critics called a coup. Speaking to two television channels after a late Saturday evening stroll in central Tunis, Saied said he would form a new government "as soon as possible" after selecting "the people with the most integrity". But he declined to give a specific timeline. Saied also told the television stations that "the Tunisian people rejected the constitution". He added that such charters are "not eternal" and stated that "we can introduce amendments to the text". His comments, which confirmed earlier media speculations on his plans, were dismissed by the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party, the largest bloc in parliament. The party in a statement expressed "its categorical rejection of the attempts of some parties that are hostile to the democratic process... to push for choices that violate the rules of the constitution". Ennahdha added that it would oppose "an intended suspension of the application of the constitution and a change to the political system, possibly through a referendum". Also read | People in Madrid protest against rise in homophobic attacks The influential UGTT trade union confederation, which has so far backed Saied, also rejected any "suspension of the constitution" and called for early legislative elections so that a new parliament could look into potential constitutional changes. Dire living conditions Saied, a legal theorist and former law professor, was elected in 2019 and has billed himself as the ultimate interpreter of the constitution. He invoked that power on July 25 to fire the prime minister, freeze parliament and strip MPs of their immunity, and assume all executive powers. His power grab came amid chronic legislative infighting that had crippled governance. It was followed by a sweeping anti-corruption drive that has included detentions, travel bans and house arrests of politicians, businessmen and judicial officials. Saied has yet to appoint a new government or reveal a roadmap towards normalisation, despite repeated demands by political parties. His moves have been criticised by judges and opponents, in particular Ennahdha. But some Tunisians, exasperated by their political class and its perceived corruption, impunity and failure to improve living standards more than a decade since the country's protests launched the Arab Spring, see them as a necessary evil. The chants of "Dignity!" and "Work!" that filled the air during the revolution have again started to sound at demonstrations. In images posted around midnight on the Tunisian presidency's Facebook page, Saied was seen walking down the capital's Bourguiba Avenue as a crowd sang the national anthem, before he stopped to speak with the TV channels. Self-immolation Earlier that day on the same central thoroughfare, a man had set himself on fire and later died of his burns -- a desperate act that followed another self-immolation a week before protesting living conditions According to Tunisian media reports, the man who died Saturday was struggling with economic issues and had come to Tunis from Djerba to seek solutions to his plight. The deaths recall that of the street vendor who burned himself alive on December 17, 2010 and launched both Tunisia's popular revolution and the wider Arab Spring that toppled several autocratic leaders in the region. Tunisia, hailed as a rare democratic success story in the Middle East and North Africa, was struggling with dire economic woes and the Covid-19 pandemic before being plunged into the latest political crisis. Saied's comments came a day after he received in Tunis the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell who expressed the bloc's concerns over the power grab. "I communicated to the president Europe's apprehensions about the preservation of democratic gains in Tunisia," Borrell said after talks with Saied. "The free exercise of legislative power and the resumption of parliamentary activity are part of these gains and must be respected," he added. Earlier this month, diplomats from the G7 nations -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US -- called on Saied to return Tunisia to "a constitutional order".

Tunisia's president says constitution should be amended

The UN's Syria envoy said he held "very good discussions" in Damascus Saturday, and expressed hopes that a committee to discuss a post-war constitution for the country could soon reconvene.

"We had very substantial, very good discussions," Norwegian diplomat Geir Pedersen said after meeting Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal al-Meqdad.

"We discussed... the economic and humanitarian challenges here in Syria, the challenges when it comes to livelihoods, and what we all can do the help to improve that situation."

The envoy said he hoped "to move forward also on the constitutional committee" working towards a post-war constitution, and that it would be "possible to call for a sixth round" of talks between its members.

The UN-backed committee made up of 45 people, 15 delegates each representing the Damascus regime, the opposition and civil society&nbsp; was created in September 2019 but has since made little headway.

Pedersen said a fifth session in January had been "a missed opportunity and disappointment".

Since then, Bashar al-Assad in July took the oath of office for a fourth term as Syria's president, after officially winning 95 percent of the vote in an election dismissed abroad.

After clawing back large parts of the country from rebels and jihadists with key Russian backing over the years, he vowed to make "liberating those parts of the homeland that still need to be" one of his top priorities.

Endless rounds of UN-backed peace talks have failed to stem Syria's war, which has killed around 500,000 people and displaced millions since it started with the brutal suppression of anti-government protests in 2011.

In recent years UN efforts have instead focused around the work of the constitutional committee.

The UN's Syria envoy said he held "very good discussions" in Damascus Saturday, and expressed hopes that a committee to discuss a post-war constitution for the country could soon reconvene.

The UN's Syria envoy said he held "very good discussions" in Damascus Saturday, and expressed hopes that a committee to discuss a post-war constitution for the country could soon reconvene. "We had very substantial, very good discussions," Norwegian diplomat Geir Pedersen said after meeting Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal al-Meqdad. "We discussed... the economic and humanitarian challenges here in Syria, the challenges when it comes to livelihoods, and what we all can do the help to improve that situation." The envoy said he hoped "to move forward also on the constitutional committee" working towards a post-war constitution, and that it would be "possible to call for a sixth round" of talks between its members. The UN-backed committee made up of 45 people, 15 delegates each representing the Damascus regime, the opposition and civil society was created in September 2019 but has since made little headway. Pedersen said a fifth session in January had been "a missed opportunity and disappointment". Since then, Bashar al-Assad in July took the oath of office for a fourth term as Syria's president, after officially winning 95 percent of the vote in an election dismissed abroad. After clawing back large parts of the country from rebels and jihadists with key Russian backing over the years, he vowed to make "liberating those parts of the homeland that still need to be" one of his top priorities. Endless rounds of UN-backed peace talks have failed to stem Syria's war, which has killed around 500,000 people and displaced millions since it started with the brutal suppression of anti-government protests in 2011. In recent years UN efforts have instead focused around the work of the constitutional committee.

UN envoy hopeful Syria constitution talks to resume

Leftist Pedro Castillo was sworn in as Peru's fifth president in three years Wednesday on the 200th anniversary of the country's independence, promising an end to corruption and a new constitution.

The 51-year-old rural schoolteacher, who has vowed to upend a quarter-century of neo-liberal government, enters the job with a lengthy to-do list: tame the coronavirus epidemic, reactivate a flagging economy and end years of political turmoil.

"I swear by the people of Peru for a country without corruption and for a new constitution," he declared before Congress, coming back to a campaign promise to change Peru's free market-friendly founding law.

The existing charter is a relic of ex-president Alberto Fujimori, serving jail time for corruption and crimes against humanity, and father of Castillo's main presidential rival, right-wing populist Keiko Fujimori.

Insisting Peru could not "remain a prisoner" of the 1993 constitution, Castillo said he would send a bill to parliament with a view to organising a referendum on replacing it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peru-wants-a-president-thousands-march-in-lima-as-election-result-drags-396358">Also read |&nbsp;'Peru wants a president': Thousands march in Lima as election result drags</a>

Castillo's Free Peru party does not enjoy a majority in a fragmented congress, holding 37 of the 130 seats.&nbsp;

He was declared the election victor on July 19, more than six weeks after a runoff race against Fujimori, whose allegations of voter fraud then had to be reviewed by an electoral jury.

Wednesday's swearing-in was attended by Spanish King Felipe VI, five Latin American leaders, former Bolivian president Evo Morales and the United States education secretary, among other guests.

Some 10,000 police officers were deployed in the capital Lima, and Castillo voters came out waving banners in a show of support.

'New deal' with investors

"This is the first time this country will be governed by a peasant," Castillo told guests, sporting his trademark, traditional white sombrero and a typical black Andean suit.

He also sought to calm fears among investors, the business community and backers of Fujimori, who had sought to portray him as a communist who would turn Peru into a new Venezuela or North Korea.

"During the election campaign it was said that we are going to expropriate (assets).&nbsp;It is totally false.&nbsp;We want the economy to have order," the new president said, adding, however, that he would be looking for a "new deal with private investors."

Castillo is Peru's first president in decades with no ties to the country's political or economic elite.

He has promised reform to ensure there are "no more poor people in a rich country," but has softened his initial campaign talk of nationalisation.

He is a devout Catholic opposed to gay marriage and abortion.

Peru has been hard-hit by the coronavirus epidemic. With nearly 200,000 deaths among its 32 million population, it has the world's highest reported mortality rate.

An extended pandemic lockdown in 2020 is blamed for the loss of millions of jobs and dumping the country into recession. GDP dropped more than 11 percent.

Castillo has appointed as his chief economic advisor World Bank economist Pedro Francke, who recently told AFP: "We will not expropriate, we will not nationalise, we will not impose generalised price controls, we will not make any exchange control that prevents you from buying and selling dollars or taking dollars out of the country."

&nbsp;President of all Peruvians

It is widely hoped Castillo will bring an end to years of political upheaval in Peru.

A series of corruption scandals saw three different presidents in office in a single week last November.

Seven of the country's last 10 leaders have either been convicted or are under investigation for graft.

Now that she has lost, Fujimori faces a corruption trial for allegedly taking illicit campaign funding for two previous presidential bids.

The election campaign has also been deeply polarizing, with often vehement public support on both sides of the political spectrum for the final two contenders.

"Castillo must rapidly position himself as a president of all Peruvians and not as a president of half of Peruvians," political analyst Jessica Smith told AFP.

On Monday, Castillo received congratulations in a call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who "reinforced our shared commitment to promoting inclusive economic prosperity" and thanked Peru for support "in addressing the Venezuela crisis."

Shortly after Wednesday's inauguration ceremony, Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza arrived in Lima, according to the Andina news agency.

This marked a turning point in bilateral relations, with Peru among dozens of countries -- including the United States -- to have recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate leader over President Nicolas Maduro.

Free Peru is one of few left-wing Peruvian parties to defend Maduro's regime.

Castillo, who has vowed to renounce his presidential salary, said Wednesday he would also not govern from the official presidential residence, Pizarro Palace, in a "break with the colonial symbols," and said he would return to his schoolteacher's job at the end of his five-year term.

Three days of ceremonies will culminate in a military parade in Lima on Friday to mark the swearing in.&nbsp;

Leftist Pedro Castillo was sworn in as Peru's fifth president in three years Wednesday on the 200th anniversary of the country's independence, promising an end to corruption and a new constitution.

Leftist Pedro Castillo was sworn in as Peru's fifth president in three years Wednesday on the 200th anniversary of the country's independence, promising an end to corruption and a new constitution. The 51-year-old rural schoolteacher, who has vowed to upend a quarter-century of neo-liberal government, enters the job with a lengthy to-do list: tame the coronavirus epidemic, reactivate a flagging economy and end years of political turmoil. "I swear by the people of Peru for a country without corruption and for a new constitution," he declared before Congress, coming back to a campaign promise to change Peru's free market-friendly founding law. The existing charter is a relic of ex-president Alberto Fujimori, serving jail time for corruption and crimes against humanity, and father of Castillo's main presidential rival, right-wing populist Keiko Fujimori. Insisting Peru could not "remain a prisoner" of the 1993 constitution, Castillo said he would send a bill to parliament with a view to organising a referendum on replacing it. Also read | 'Peru wants a president': Thousands march in Lima as election result drags Castillo's Free Peru party does not enjoy a majority in a fragmented congress, holding 37 of the 130 seats. He was declared the election victor on July 19, more than six weeks after a runoff race against Fujimori, whose allegations of voter fraud then had to be reviewed by an electoral jury. Wednesday's swearing-in was attended by Spanish King Felipe VI, five Latin American leaders, former Bolivian president Evo Morales and the United States education secretary, among other guests. Some 10,000 police officers were deployed in the capital Lima, and Castillo voters came out waving banners in a show of support. 'New deal' with investors "This is the first time this country will be governed by a peasant," Castillo told guests, sporting his trademark, traditional white sombrero and a typical black Andean suit. He also sought to calm fears among investors, the business community and backers of Fujimori, who had sought to portray him as a communist who would turn Peru into a new Venezuela or North Korea. "During the election campaign it was said that we are going to expropriate (assets). It is totally false. We want the economy to have order," the new president said, adding, however, that he would be looking for a "new deal with private investors." Castillo is Peru's first president in decades with no ties to the country's political or economic elite. He has promised reform to ensure there are "no more poor people in a rich country," but has softened his initial campaign talk of nationalisation. He is a devout Catholic opposed to gay marriage and abortion. Peru has been hard-hit by the coronavirus epidemic. With nearly 200,000 deaths among its 32 million population, it has the world's highest reported mortality rate. An extended pandemic lockdown in 2020 is blamed for the loss of millions of jobs and dumping the country into recession. GDP dropped more than 11 percent. Castillo has appointed as his chief economic advisor World Bank economist Pedro Francke, who recently told AFP: "We will not expropriate, we will not nationalise, we will not impose generalised price controls, we will not make any exchange control that prevents you from buying and selling dollars or taking dollars out of the country." President of all Peruvians It is widely hoped Castillo will bring an end to years of political upheaval in Peru. A series of corruption scandals saw three different presidents in office in a single week last November. Seven of the country's last 10 leaders have either been convicted or are under investigation for graft. Now that she has lost, Fujimori faces a corruption trial for allegedly taking illicit campaign funding for two previous presidential bids. The election campaign has also been deeply polarizing, with often vehement public support on both sides of the political spectrum for the final two contenders. "Castillo must rapidly position himself as a president of all Peruvians and not as a president of half of Peruvians," political analyst Jessica Smith told AFP. On Monday, Castillo received congratulations in a call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who "reinforced our shared commitment to promoting inclusive economic prosperity" and thanked Peru for support "in addressing the Venezuela crisis." Shortly after Wednesday's inauguration ceremony, Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza arrived in Lima, according to the Andina news agency. This marked a turning point in bilateral relations, with Peru among dozens of countries -- including the United States -- to have recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate leader over President Nicolas Maduro. Free Peru is one of few left-wing Peruvian parties to defend Maduro's regime. Castillo, who has vowed to renounce his presidential salary, said Wednesday he would also not govern from the official presidential residence, Pizarro Palace, in a "break with the colonial symbols," and said he would return to his schoolteacher's job at the end of his five-year term. Three days of ceremonies will culminate in a military parade in Lima on Friday to mark the swearing in.

Peru's new president promises constitution change

Chilean lawmakers have approved a bill to reserve 17 of 155 seats for representatives of indigenous communities in its upcoming constitutional convention.

The Tuesday move is being lauded as "historic" by the government of centre-right President Sebastian Pinera.

Chileans in October voted overwhelmingly in favour of rewriting the country's dictatorship-era Constitution, seeking to enshrine greater equality in healthcare, pensions and education. The vote was a central demand of mass protests over inequality in late 2019.

The majority of voters said they wanted the new charter to be drafted by a specially elected body of citizens. But the initial vote did not reserve seats for Chile's indigenous groups.

The legislation approved on Tuesday establishes a set number of seats for each of the South American nation's principal indigenous communities. The Mapuche, the largest and best-known indigenous group, are set to receive seven of the 17 seats.

The convention will be elected in April and have up to a year to agree to a draft text, with proposals approved by a two-thirds majority. Chileans will then vote again on whether they accept the text or want to revert to the previous constitution.

Among issues likely to be at the fore of debate are powers of collective bargaining, water, land and indigenous rights, and the education, pension and healthcare systems.

Around 2.2 million, or 13%, of the 17 million people surveyed in Chile's 2017 census identified themselves as indigenous, according to the country's National Statistics Institute.

Chilean lawmakers have approved a bill to reserve 17 of 155 seats for representatives of indigenous communities in its upcoming constitutional convention. The Tuesday move is being lauded as "historic" by the government of centre-right President Sebastian Pinera.

Chilean lawmakers have approved a bill to reserve 17 of 155 seats for representatives of indigenous communities in its upcoming constitutional convention. The Tuesday move is being lauded as "historic" by the government of centre-right President Sebastian Pinera. Chileans in October voted overwhelmingly in favour of rewriting the country's dictatorship-era Constitution, seeking to enshrine greater equality in healthcare, pensions and education. The vote was a central demand of mass protests over inequality in late 2019. The majority of voters said they wanted the new charter to be drafted by a specially elected body of citizens. But the initial vote did not reserve seats for Chile's indigenous groups. The legislation approved on Tuesday establishes a set number of seats for each of the South American nation's principal indigenous communities. The Mapuche, the largest and best-known indigenous group, are set to receive seven of the 17 seats. The convention will be elected in April and have up to a year to agree to a draft text, with proposals approved by a two-thirds majority. Chileans will then vote again on whether they accept the text or want to revert to the previous constitution. Among issues likely to be at the fore of debate are powers of collective bargaining, water, land and indigenous rights, and the education, pension and healthcare systems. Around 2.2 million, or 13%, of the 17 million people surveyed in Chile's 2017 census identified themselves as indigenous, according to the country's National Statistics Institute.

Chile prepares to rewrite Constitution

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday paid homepage to the chief architect of the Constitution, Dr B R Ambedkar on his 129th birth anniversary and urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee "to reflect and follow the Constitution".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-extends-lockdown-till-may-3-as-coronavirus-cases-cross-10000-292393" hreflang="en">PM Narendra Modi extends lockdown till May 3 as coronavirus cases cross 10,000</a>

Taking a jibe at the TMC government in the state, he said, "Lockdown with Governor is unconstitutional and anti- democratic."

"Homage on birth anniversary of Father of our Constitution - crusader for social justice - Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. Urge @MamataOfficial to reflect and follow constitution. Lockdown with Governor is unconstitutional and anti democratic," Dhankhar tweeted.

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Homage on birth anniversary of Father of our Constitution -crusader for social justice - Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar 
 
Urge <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MamataOfficial</a> to reflect and follow constitution. 
 
Lockdown with Governor is unconstitutional and anti democratic. 
 
Democracy in peril constitution violated.
— Governor West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) <a href="https://twitter.com/jdhankhar1/status/1249880314358329344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The governor said the stand-off between the West Bengal government and the Raj Bhavan violates the Constitution. 
"Democracy in peril, constitution violated," he added.

Dhankhar, in a tweet, had on Monday urged Banerjee to end the stand-off with the Raj Bhavan.

Dhankhar has been at loggerheads with the state government over a host of issues ever since taking up office in July last year.

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday paid homepage to the chief architect of the Constitution, Dr B R Ambedkar on his 129th birth anniversary and urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee "to reflect and follow the Constitution".

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday paid homepage to the chief architect of the Constitution, Dr B R Ambedkar on his 129th birth anniversary and urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee "to reflect and follow the Constitution". Also read: PM Narendra Modi extends lockdown till May 3 as coronavirus cases cross 10,000 Taking a jibe at the TMC government in the state, he said, "Lockdown with Governor is unconstitutional and anti- democratic." "Homage on birth anniversary of Father of our Constitution - crusader for social justice - Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. Urge @MamataOfficial to reflect and follow constitution. Lockdown with Governor is unconstitutional and anti democratic," Dhankhar tweeted. Homage on birth anniversary of Father of our Constitution -crusader for social justice - Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Urge @MamataOfficial to reflect and follow constitution. Lockdown with Governor is unconstitutional and anti democratic. Democracy in peril constitution violated. — Governor West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) April 14, 2020 × The governor said the stand-off between the West Bengal government and the Raj Bhavan violates the Constitution. "Democracy in peril, constitution violated," he added. Dhankhar, in a tweet, had on Monday urged Banerjee to end the stand-off with the Raj Bhavan. Dhankhar has been at loggerheads with the state government over a host of issues ever since taking up office in July last year.

Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar urges Mamata to 'follow constitution'

Video clippings and brief online quizzes were supplied by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-law-dept-directs-administration-to-withdraw-cases-against-scheduled-tribes-in-naxal-affected-areas-267776">Chhattisgarh government</a> in schools to make the children of the state aware of the constitution and the values enshrined in it.

This comes after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chhattisgarh-cm-calls-for-action-against-managers-operators-of-unregulated-chit-fund-companies-264185">Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel</a> had made an announcement to read the Preamble of the Indian Constitution and to organise a discussion for the children in all the schools of the state on Monday respectively, in order to mark the occasion of 71st Republic Day.

With respect to the announcement, the state education department coordinated the reading of Preamble of the Constitution and organised a well-planned discussion on the same. All the government schools are showing great interest and zeal in this direction. "This type of system is implemented for the first time by the School Education Department in Chhattisgarh," said the District Public Relations Office, Raipur.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-applies-chhattisgarh-model-on-jharkhand-268524">Congress applies Chhattisgarh model on Jharkhand</a>

On the first day itself, a large number of schools uploaded the video link of the respective discussion based on the constitution. Districts have been directed to upload videos on the basis of discussion on the constitution in schools. Various videos have been sent and made available to educate the teachers about the constitution in depth. A small online course was also initiated for the teachers so that they could become fully aware of all the values enshrined in the Indian constitution.

Apart from this, an online question bank has been sent of approximately 50 questions on the basis of the Preamble of the Constitution, so that teachers and children can solve these online courses.

Video clippings and brief online quizzes were supplied by the Chhattisgarh government in schools to make the children of the state aware of the constitution and the values enshrined in it.

Video clippings and brief online quizzes were supplied by the Chhattisgarh government in schools to make the children of the state aware of the constitution and the values enshrined in it. This comes after Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel had made an announcement to read the Preamble of the Indian Constitution and to organise a discussion for the children in all the schools of the state on Monday respectively, in order to mark the occasion of 71st Republic Day. With respect to the announcement, the state education department coordinated the reading of Preamble of the Constitution and organised a well-planned discussion on the same. All the government schools are showing great interest and zeal in this direction. "This type of system is implemented for the first time by the School Education Department in Chhattisgarh," said the District Public Relations Office, Raipur. Also Read: Congress applies Chhattisgarh model on Jharkhand On the first day itself, a large number of schools uploaded the video link of the respective discussion based on the constitution. Districts have been directed to upload videos on the basis of discussion on the constitution in schools. Various videos have been sent and made available to educate the teachers about the constitution in depth. A small online course was also initiated for the teachers so that they could become fully aware of all the values enshrined in the Indian constitution. Apart from this, an online question bank has been sent of approximately 50 questions on the basis of the Preamble of the Constitution, so that teachers and children can solve these online courses.

Videos, quizzes to raise awareness among children, teachers about Constitution in Chhattisgarh

BSP supremo <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mayawati-holds-the-key-to-2019-194234">Mayawati</a> on Wednesday extended greetings on New Year and said that peace and harmony should be maintained in the country.

"Some parties who are playing politics for their personal gains should not forget that India is a secular country and we should respect all religions. Peace and harmony should be maintained in the country," Mayawati said.

Mayawati further stated that 2019 was mostly divisive and one that weakened the principles of the Constitution because of BJP`s and its government`s "communal and narrow-minded thinking", She said that we should respect all religions.

BSP supremo Mayawati on Wednesday extended greetings on New Year and said that peace and harmony should be maintained in the country. "Some parties who are playing politics for their personal gains should not forget that India is a secular country and we should respect all religions.

BSP supremo Mayawati on Wednesday extended greetings on New Year and said that peace and harmony should be maintained in the country. "Some parties who are playing politics for their personal gains should not forget that India is a secular country and we should respect all religions. Peace and harmony should be maintained in the country," Mayawati said. Mayawati further stated that 2019 was mostly divisive and one that weakened the principles of the Constitution because of BJP`s and its government`s "communal and narrow-minded thinking", She said that we should respect all religions.

Respect all religions: Mayawati extends New Year greeting

Three constitutional&nbsp;scholars&nbsp;on Wednesday bolstered Democrats' case for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-willing-to-compromise-us-security-impeachment-hearing-chair-266274">impeaching Donald&nbsp;Trump</a>&nbsp;by saying the president's actions seeking foreign interference in US elections were clear grounds for removal, as the inquiry kicked into high gear in&nbsp;Congress.

But reflecting the Washington political divide, a fourth expert strongly dissented, saying there was "woefully inadequate" evidence that&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;committed&nbsp;high&nbsp;crimes&nbsp;and misdemeanours necessary for removal.

Democrats have made a forceful case that&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;should be impeached for trying to leverage a White House meeting and military aid to pressure Ukraine for dirt on an election rival.

In a&nbsp;theatrical hearing of the House Judiciary Committee,&nbsp;now tasked with weighing impeachment charges against the president -- lawmakers listened to damning testimony from constitutional law professors.

"On the basis of the testimony and evidence before the House, President&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;has&nbsp;committed&nbsp;impeachable&nbsp;high&nbsp;crimes&nbsp;and misdemeanours by corruptly abusing the office of the presidency," Harvard Law School professor Noah Feldman told the hearing.

"We three are unanimous" in that view, jurisprudence professor Michael Gerhardt of the University of North Carolina stated, referring to himself and fellow witnesses Feldman and Stanford Law School professor Pamela Karlan.

The trio was invited by Democrats to testify.

Americans tuning in to the eight-hour live broadcast witnessed clashes between Democrats and Republican&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;loyalists on the panel, who repeatedly forced procedural votes to stall the process.

The new phase of impeachment began a day after a congressional report on the high-stakes inquiry detailed "overwhelming" evidence of abuse of power and obstruction by the president.

The report mapped out a months-long scheme by&nbsp;Trump, his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, senior diplomats and White House staffers to pressure Ukraine's president into investigating Joe Biden, the current favourite to win the Democratic nomination for the 2020 election.

Trump&nbsp;"was willing to compromise our security and his office for personal, political gain," said Judiciary Committee chairman Jerry Nadler.

Watch: Democrats release impeachment report on Donald Trump

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'Proof, not presumptions'&nbsp;

Trump's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-us-public-opinion-has-evolved-on-impeachment-of-trump-266209">alleged political&nbsp;crimes</a>, including bribery and obstruction of justice and&nbsp;Congress, "are worse than the misconduct of any prior president," Gerhardt said.

"If what we're talking about is not&nbsp;impeachable, then nothing is&nbsp;impeachable."

Feldman added that if&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;is not held to account for his offences "we live under a dictatorship."

White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham hit back in a statement, saying that "the only thing the three liberal professors established at chairman Nadler's hearing was their political bias against the president."

"It did nothing to change the fact that, despite weeks of hearings in this sham process, the president did nothing wrong," Grisham said.

The fourth academic who testified, George Washington University Law School professor Jonathan Turley -- the only expert invited by Republicans -- argued there was "no evidence" that&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;acted with corrupt intent.

He warned that partisan "rage" was compromising the inquiry.

"Impeachments have to be based on proof, not presumptions," he said, adding that Democrats were rushing the process so quickly that they were not hearing from key players in the Ukraine scandal.

Turley and Republicans did not, however, mention the White House's stonewalling. Despite Democratic requests, 12 current or former administration officials have refused to testify.

'Impeachable&nbsp;offence'

The president himself, in London for a NATO summit, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-impeachment-report-to-be-released-tuesday-adam-schiff-266202">lambasted his opponents</a> for proceeding with impeachment hearings.

"What they are doing is a very bad thing for our country,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said. "It's a joke."

Karlan asserted that&nbsp;Trump's alleged effort to withhold military aid until Ukraine&nbsp;committed&nbsp;to investigating Biden was grounds for removal -- even though Kiev never conducted the probe.

"Soliciting itself is the&nbsp;impeachable&nbsp;offence," she said.

But Karlan found herself in hot water when she invoked&nbsp;Trump's 13-year-old son Barron when differentiating between monarchical and presidential power.

"While the president can name his son 'Barron,' he can't make him a baron," Karlan said.&nbsp;

The remark drew stiff blowback from First Lady Melania&nbsp;Trump, and Karlan apologized.

The House Intelligence Committee report is expected to form the basis&nbsp;for the&nbsp;Judiciary Committee to draw up formal charges -- articles of impeachment -- that could include bribery, abuse of power, obstruction and contempt of&nbsp;Congress.

Democrats reportedly aim to have the articles presented for a vote to the entire House of Representatives by late December.

If the House impeaches&nbsp;Trump, he would then stand trial for removal in the Republican-controlled Senate, where he is likely to be exonerated.

The Senate meanwhile released its 2020 schedule, and the entire month of January is blocked off, signalling preparations for a trial.

Three constitutional scholars on Wednesday bolstered Democrats' case for impeaching Donald Trump by saying the president's actions seeking foreign interference in US elections were clear grounds for removal, as the inquiry kicked into high gear in Congress.

Three constitutional scholars on Wednesday bolstered Democrats' case for impeaching Donald Trump by saying the president's actions seeking foreign interference in US elections were clear grounds for removal, as the inquiry kicked into high gear in Congress. But reflecting the Washington political divide, a fourth expert strongly dissented, saying there was "woefully inadequate" evidence that Trump committed high crimes and misdemeanours necessary for removal. Democrats have made a forceful case that Trump should be impeached for trying to leverage a White House meeting and military aid to pressure Ukraine for dirt on an election rival. In a theatrical hearing of the House Judiciary Committee, now tasked with weighing impeachment charges against the president -- lawmakers listened to damning testimony from constitutional law professors. "On the basis of the testimony and evidence before the House, President Trump has committed impeachable high crimes and misdemeanours by corruptly abusing the office of the presidency," Harvard Law School professor Noah Feldman told the hearing. "We three are unanimous" in that view, jurisprudence professor Michael Gerhardt of the University of North Carolina stated, referring to himself and fellow witnesses Feldman and Stanford Law School professor Pamela Karlan. The trio was invited by Democrats to testify. Americans tuning in to the eight-hour live broadcast witnessed clashes between Democrats and Republican Trump loyalists on the panel, who repeatedly forced procedural votes to stall the process. The new phase of impeachment began a day after a congressional report on the high-stakes inquiry detailed "overwhelming" evidence of abuse of power and obstruction by the president. The report mapped out a months-long scheme by Trump, his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, senior diplomats and White House staffers to pressure Ukraine's president into investigating Joe Biden, the current favourite to win the Democratic nomination for the 2020 election. Trump "was willing to compromise our security and his office for personal, political gain," said Judiciary Committee chairman Jerry Nadler. Watch: Democrats release impeachment report on Donald Trump 'Proof, not presumptions' Trump's alleged political crimes, including bribery and obstruction of justice and Congress, "are worse than the misconduct of any prior president," Gerhardt said. "If what we're talking about is not impeachable, then nothing is impeachable." Feldman added that if Trump is not held to account for his offences "we live under a dictatorship." White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham hit back in a statement, saying that "the only thing the three liberal professors established at chairman Nadler's hearing was their political bias against the president." "It did nothing to change the fact that, despite weeks of hearings in this sham process, the president did nothing wrong," Grisham said. The fourth academic who testified, George Washington University Law School professor Jonathan Turley -- the only expert invited by Republicans -- argued there was "no evidence" that Trump acted with corrupt intent. He warned that partisan "rage" was compromising the inquiry. "Impeachments have to be based on proof, not presumptions," he said, adding that Democrats were rushing the process so quickly that they were not hearing from key players in the Ukraine scandal. Turley and Republicans did not, however, mention the White House's stonewalling. Despite Democratic requests, 12 current or former administration officials have refused to testify. 'Impeachable offence' The president himself, in London for a NATO summit, lambasted his opponents for proceeding with impeachment hearings. "What they are doing is a very bad thing for our country," Trump said. "It's a joke." Karlan asserted that Trump's alleged effort to withhold military aid until Ukraine committed to investigating Biden was grounds for removal -- even though Kiev never conducted the probe. "Soliciting itself is the impeachable offence," she said. But Karlan found herself in hot water when she invoked Trump's 13-year-old son Barron when differentiating between monarchical and presidential power. "While the president can name his son 'Barron,' he can't make him a baron," Karlan said. The remark drew stiff blowback from First Lady Melania Trump, and Karlan apologized. The House Intelligence Committee report is expected to form the basis for the Judiciary Committee to draw up formal charges -- articles of impeachment -- that could include bribery, abuse of power, obstruction and contempt of Congress. Democrats reportedly aim to have the articles presented for a vote to the entire House of Representatives by late December. If the House impeaches Trump, he would then stand trial for removal in the Republican-controlled Senate, where he is likely to be exonerated. The Senate meanwhile released its 2020 schedule, and the entire month of January is blocked off, signalling preparations for a trial.

Trump committed impeachable crimes: Constitutional scholars to US Congress

Celebrating The Constitution Of India, The World's Longest Constitution, As It Turns 70.

Gravitas: The Story Of The Constitution Of India

Chief Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde on Tuesday said that the Constitution of India is based on plurality and popularity through which a billion voices speak.

"Our Constitution is based on plurality, popularity. Through our Constitution, a billion voices speak and articulate many things," Chief Justice Bobde spoke at a special function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on the Constitution day.

He said that over the years, the Constitution has facilitated a "social revolution".

The Constitution Day is celebrated to mark the adopting of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on this day in 1949.

It came into force on 26th January 1950, marking the beginning of a new era in the history of the Indian Republic.

The day was first celebrated in 2015 as a mark of tribute to India's first Law Minister Bhim Rao Ambedkar, who played a pivotal role in the drafting of the document.

The declaration regarding it was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 11, 2015, while laying the foundation stone of Statue of Equality in Mumbai.

The Constitution of India, one of the longest written Constitutions of the world, constitutes of a Preamble, 22 parts with 395 articles and 8 schedules.

Chief Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde on Tuesday said that the Constitution of India is based on plurality and popularity through which a billion voices speak. "Our Constitution is based on plurality, popularity.

Chief Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde on Tuesday said that the Constitution of India is based on plurality and popularity through which a billion voices speak. "Our Constitution is based on plurality, popularity. Through our Constitution, a billion voices speak and articulate many things," Chief Justice Bobde spoke at a special function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on the Constitution day. He said that over the years, the Constitution has facilitated a "social revolution". The Constitution Day is celebrated to mark the adopting of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on this day in 1949. It came into force on 26th January 1950, marking the beginning of a new era in the history of the Indian Republic. The day was first celebrated in 2015 as a mark of tribute to India's first Law Minister Bhim Rao Ambedkar, who played a pivotal role in the drafting of the document. The declaration regarding it was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 11, 2015, while laying the foundation stone of Statue of Equality in Mumbai. The Constitution of India, one of the longest written Constitutions of the world, constitutes of a Preamble, 22 parts with 395 articles and 8 schedules.

Through our Constitution, billion voices speak: CJI SA Bodbe

A government ban on demonstrators wearing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-airlines-slash-flights-to-hong-kong-as-unrest-escalates-262832">face masks</a>, aimed at helping to quell months of pro-democracy unrest in Hong Kong, is unconstitutional, the territory's high court ruled Monday.

"The restrictions it imposes on fundamental rights... go further than is reasonably necessary... and therefore fail to meet the proportionality test," the court said, according to a press summary.

The ban on face-covering came into force in October, when the city's unelected pro-Beijing leader invoked colonial-era legislation for the first time in more than 50 years.

The move was seen as a watershed legal moment for the city since its 1997 return by Britain to China&nbsp;but has been largely symbolic.

Demonstrators,&nbsp;most of them wearing masks,&nbsp;have continued to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-set-fire-to-hold-off-police-at-university-campus-262783">clash with police</a>, often violently, as they press their demands for greater democracy for Hong Kong, as well as an independent inquiry into alleged brutality by the increasingly unpopular police force.

A government ban on demonstrators wearing face masks, aimed at helping to quell months of pro-democracy unrest in Hong Kong, is unconstitutional, the territory's high court ruled Monday.

A government ban on demonstrators wearing face masks, aimed at helping to quell months of pro-democracy unrest in Hong Kong, is unconstitutional, the territory's high court ruled Monday. "The restrictions it imposes on fundamental rights... go further than is reasonably necessary... and therefore fail to meet the proportionality test," the court said, according to a press summary. The ban on face-covering came into force in October, when the city's unelected pro-Beijing leader invoked colonial-era legislation for the first time in more than 50 years. The move was seen as a watershed legal moment for the city since its 1997 return by Britain to China but has been largely symbolic. Demonstrators, most of them wearing masks, have continued to clash with police, often violently, as they press their demands for greater democracy for Hong Kong, as well as an independent inquiry into alleged brutality by the increasingly unpopular police force.

Ban on wearing face masks restricts fundamental rights, rules Hong Kong high court

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