<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-hating-modi-the-opposition-has-begun-to-hate-the-nation-pm-modi-195852">In hating Modi, the Opposition has begun to hate the nation: PM</a>

While addressing the Motion of Thanks speech in Parliament on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the developments done by his government during the last four years.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/may-back-in-brussels-for-latest-brexit-showdown-195815">Theresa May returns to Brussels trying desperately to avoid no-deal Brexit</a>

Britain's&nbsp;Prime Minister Theresa May&nbsp;returned to Brussels on Thursday for a showdown with EU leaders as she bids to avoid a calamitous no-deal Brexit in 50 days' time.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/you-have-played-with-order-of-supreme-court-god-help-you-chief-justice-of-india-to-cbi-195801">'You have played with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/you-have-played-with-order-of-supreme-court-god-help-you-chief-justice-of-india-to-cbi-195801">order</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/you-have-played-with-order-of-supreme-court-god-help-you-chief-justice-of-india-to-cbi-195801"> of Supreme Court... God help you': Chief Justice of India to CBI</a>

The Supreme Court slammed the Central Bureau of Investigation Thursday, telling it that "you have played with order of Supreme Court of India. God help you."&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-may-take-back-kolkata-police-chiefs-medals-mha-sources-195827">Centre may take back Kolkata Police chief's medals: Home ministry sources&nbsp;</a>

The Centre may take back Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar's medals, the news agency ANI quoted sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs as saying on Thursday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rbi-cuts-repo-rate-by-25-basis-points-to-625-per-cent-195725">RBI cuts key interest rates; projects GDP growth at 7.4%, limit of collateral-free agriculture loans increased</a>

The Reserve Bank of India(RBI) today cut the&nbsp;repo rate by 25 basis points&nbsp;to 6.25 per cent. Repo rate is the interest at which the banks borrow from the central bank whenever it experiences a funds shortfall.&nbsp;

In hating Modi, the Opposition has begun to hate the nation: PM While addressing the Motion of Thanks speech in Parliament on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the developments done by his government during the last four years.

In hating Modi, the Opposition has begun to hate the nation: PM While addressing the Motion of Thanks speech in Parliament on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the developments done by his government during the last four years. Theresa May returns to Brussels trying desperately to avoid no-deal Brexit Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May returned to Brussels on Thursday for a showdown with EU leaders as she bids to avoid a calamitous no-deal Brexit in 50 days' time. 'You have played with order of Supreme Court... God help you': Chief Justice of India to CBI The Supreme Court slammed the Central Bureau of Investigation Thursday, telling it that "you have played with order of Supreme Court of India. God help you." Centre may take back Kolkata Police chief's medals: Home ministry sources The Centre may take back Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar's medals, the news agency ANI quoted sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs as saying on Thursday. RBI cuts key interest rates; projects GDP growth at 7.4%, limit of collateral-free agriculture loans increased The Reserve Bank of India(RBI) today cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25 per cent. Repo rate is the interest at which the banks borrow from the central bank whenever it experiences a funds shortfall.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Nearly six months after the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, his life-size portrait will be installed in the Central Hall of Parliament on February 12 as a mark of honour for the towering late BJP leader.

The portrait of the Bharat Ratna will be unveiled by President Ram Nath Kovind in the presence of Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ministers and leaders of various parties, official sources said on Wednesday.

Vajpayee, a towering BJP leader, was the Prime Minister thrice – first for 13 days in 1996, then for 13 months from 1998 to 1999, and then from 1999 to 2004.

Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP veteran passed away on August 16, 2018, after a prolonged illness.

The decision to install the portrait of the Bharat Ratna was taken on December 18 at a meeting of Parliament’s Portrait Committee chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

The meeting, which was attended by Deputy Speaker M. Thambi Durai, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, BJD's B Mahtab, TMC's Sudip Bondopadhyay, TRS` Jithendra Reddy, Shiv Sena's Ananth Geete and BJP's Satyanarayan Jatia, had taken the decision unanimously.&nbsp;

The leaders whose portraits already adorn the Central Hall include former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.&nbsp;

Earlier, on the eve of Vajpayee’s 94th birthday, Prime Minister Modi released a commemorative coin in memory of the late leader on December 24, 2018, in the presence of Sumitra Mahajan and some ministers.

The commemorative coin has the Emblem of India on one side and on the other side, Vajpayee’s picture with his name inscribed in Devanagari and Roman languages.

Paying rich tributes to Vajpayee, Modi said on the occasion that the former Prime Minister had never compromised on the party’s ideology.

He said Vajpayee had always pitched for the supremacy of democracy and was unlike those leaders for whom power is oxygen. &nbsp;

Nearly six months after the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, his life-size portrait will be installed in the Central Hall of Parliament on February 12 as a mark of honour for the towering late BJP leader.

Nearly six months after the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, his life-size portrait will be installed in the Central Hall of Parliament on February 12 as a mark of honour for the towering late BJP leader. The portrait of the Bharat Ratna will be unveiled by President Ram Nath Kovind in the presence of Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ministers and leaders of various parties, official sources said on Wednesday. Vajpayee, a towering BJP leader, was the Prime Minister thrice – first for 13 days in 1996, then for 13 months from 1998 to 1999, and then from 1999 to 2004. Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP veteran passed away on August 16, 2018, after a prolonged illness. The decision to install the portrait of the Bharat Ratna was taken on December 18 at a meeting of Parliament’s Portrait Committee chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. The meeting, which was attended by Deputy Speaker M. Thambi Durai, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, BJD's B Mahtab, TMC's Sudip Bondopadhyay, TRS` Jithendra Reddy, Shiv Sena's Ananth Geete and BJP's Satyanarayan Jatia, had taken the decision unanimously. The leaders whose portraits already adorn the Central Hall include former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. Earlier, on the eve of Vajpayee’s 94th birthday, Prime Minister Modi released a commemorative coin in memory of the late leader on December 24, 2018, in the presence of Sumitra Mahajan and some ministers. The commemorative coin has the Emblem of India on one side and on the other side, Vajpayee’s picture with his name inscribed in Devanagari and Roman languages. Paying rich tributes to Vajpayee, Modi said on the occasion that the former Prime Minister had never compromised on the party’s ideology. He said Vajpayee had always pitched for the supremacy of democracy and was unlike those leaders for whom power is oxygen.

Vajpayee’s portrait to be installed in Parliament on February 12, six months after his demise

The Angolan parliament has, for the first time since its independence from Portugal, approved a new criminal code that does not punish relations between people of the same sex and decriminalizes abortion in specific cases, an international human rights group reported on Thursday.

The old criminal code, adopted in 1886 and left unaltered after the African country's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/rakhine-rebels-kill-13-in-independence-day-attack-on-myanmar-police-posts-188495&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj_r4mXhYjgAhUKK48KHfOpDpAQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1NwD-ZYm-JNcyDabKgZ088">independence </a>in 1975, established jail sentences ranging from six months to three years for the ambiguous offence of "vices against nature," which has been widely interpreted to constitute a 'de facto' ban on homosexual conduct.

The non-governmental organization Human Rights Watch, headquartered in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/alec-baldwin-in-new-york-court-for-hearing-on-parking-spot-dispute-192400&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjPjdL-hIjgAhXMPI8KHZ_yBN0QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2HurJafeNcYhLSsbwzGATC"> New York City</a>, praised the move by Angolan lawmakers in a statement.

"In casting aside this archaic and insidious relic of the colonial past, Angola has eschewed discrimination and embraced equality," HRW said in a statement signed by the director of its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights program, Graeme Reid.

Reid added that the Angolan government had also prohibited discrimination against people on the basis of sexual orientation, making it a felony – punishable with up to two years in prison – to refuse to employ or provide services to individuals because of their sexuality.&nbsp;

The changes were officially enacted on Wednesday through the adoption of the new penal code, which had been 10 years in the making.

"While there have been no known prosecutions under the law, provisions like this one curtail the rights and freedoms of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, subjecting their intimate lives to unwarranted scrutiny," Reid explained, in reference to the old statute.

He added that colonial-era laws outlawing same-sex conduct provided tacit support to discrimination against gender and sexual minorities, which in turn contributed to a climate of impunity.

Reid cited the West African country's only LGBT rights lobby, Iris Angola, which he said had "often complained that its members face discrimination when accessing health care and education."&nbsp;

On the other hand, Angola has also decriminalized abortion in concrete instances such as a grave threat to the health or life of the mother or the fetus and for victims of rape.

In all other instances, aborting remains a crime punishable with between 2-10 years' imprisonment.

A previous draft of the bill had even considered allowing unrestricted abortions during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.

The debate on abortion was one of the most contentious aspects of the penal reform, and the lack of support for it by the largest opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), prevented the law from being approved in the previous legislature, which ended in 2017.

The controversy surrounding abortion in Angola can be explained by its overwhelmingly Christian population, with over half the country estimated to be Catholic and about a quarter belonging to various Protestant congregations, although accurate statistics are non-existent.&nbsp;

The new code also raises the maximum prison term from 24 to 35 years and limits monetary transactions to 8,500 euros ($9,603) for citizens and 14,000 euros for businesses with the goal of preventing the flight of capital outside the Angolan financial system.

The Angolan parliament has, for the first time since its independence from Portugal, approved a new criminal code that does not punish relations between people of the same sex and decriminalizes abortion in specific cases, an international human rights group reported on Thursday.

The Angolan parliament has, for the first time since its independence from Portugal, approved a new criminal code that does not punish relations between people of the same sex and decriminalizes abortion in specific cases, an international human rights group reported on Thursday. The old criminal code, adopted in 1886 and left unaltered after the African country's independence in 1975, established jail sentences ranging from six months to three years for the ambiguous offence of "vices against nature," which has been widely interpreted to constitute a 'de facto' ban on homosexual conduct. The non-governmental organization Human Rights Watch, headquartered in New York City, praised the move by Angolan lawmakers in a statement. "In casting aside this archaic and insidious relic of the colonial past, Angola has eschewed discrimination and embraced equality," HRW said in a statement signed by the director of its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights program, Graeme Reid. Reid added that the Angolan government had also prohibited discrimination against people on the basis of sexual orientation, making it a felony – punishable with up to two years in prison – to refuse to employ or provide services to individuals because of their sexuality. The changes were officially enacted on Wednesday through the adoption of the new penal code, which had been 10 years in the making. "While there have been no known prosecutions under the law, provisions like this one curtail the rights and freedoms of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, subjecting their intimate lives to unwarranted scrutiny," Reid explained, in reference to the old statute. He added that colonial-era laws outlawing same-sex conduct provided tacit support to discrimination against gender and sexual minorities, which in turn contributed to a climate of impunity. Reid cited the West African country's only LGBT rights lobby, Iris Angola, which he said had "often complained that its members face discrimination when accessing health care and education." On the other hand, Angola has also decriminalized abortion in concrete instances such as a grave threat to the health or life of the mother or the fetus and for victims of rape. In all other instances, aborting remains a crime punishable with between 2-10 years' imprisonment. A previous draft of the bill had even considered allowing unrestricted abortions during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. The debate on abortion was one of the most contentious aspects of the penal reform, and the lack of support for it by the largest opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), prevented the law from being approved in the previous legislature, which ended in 2017. The controversy surrounding abortion in Angola can be explained by its overwhelmingly Christian population, with over half the country estimated to be Catholic and about a quarter belonging to various Protestant congregations, although accurate statistics are non-existent. The new code also raises the maximum prison term from 24 to 35 years and limits monetary transactions to 8,500 euros ($9,603) for citizens and 14,000 euros for businesses with the goal of preventing the flight of capital outside the Angolan financial system.

Angola decriminalizes same-sex relations, allows abortion in certain cases

Greek police fired teargas to disperse crowds gathered outside parliament on Thursday to protest against a deal over the name of neighbouring Macedonia, as an at times angry parliamentary debate spilled into a third day.

Several thousand people massed outside the Greek legislature, some of them chanting "traitors" as lawmakers debated ratification of an agreement reached with the neighbouring ex-Yugoslav state last year.

The Greek parliament delayed the expected approval of the UN-brokered deal by a day due to an increased number of lawmakers who wanted to have a say over it.

The so-called Prespes Agreement between Athens and Skopje changes the tiny Balkan nation's name to Republic of North Macedonia, ending a 28-year-old row between the two countries.

"We are one step before a historic event," Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said, calling on lawmakers to approve the deal.

Although Tsipras appears to have secured the support of at least 151 deputies in the 300-seat house to get the deal approved, opinion polls have shown most Greeks oppose the term "Macedonia" being used in any agreement. They fear it could lead to territorial claims over Greece's largest northern province of Macedonia and an appropriation of Greek cultural heritage.

"We feel betrayed," Zografos Stathakopoulos, a 47-year-old protester, said on Thursday. "Most Greeks don't want this deal, but politicians are betraying us."

The deal could unblock Macedonia's bids to join NATO and the European Union, long blocked by Greece. The accord has already been ratified by Macedonia's parliament, but still needs Greek parliamentary endorsement.

Members of the Greek Communist Party (KKE) unfurled banners on the walls of the ancient Acropolis to protest against the deal on Thursday. The conservative New Democracy party called the deal a "national defeat."

Outside parliament, protesters chanted "Long live Macedonia, long live Greece!" referring to the Greek province of Macedonia. Police chased protesters on Syntagma Square, the same area of large, violent protests in Athens on Sunday.

They later detained dozens of them and a group of people who sprayed "Macedonia-Greek land" on a wall near the US&nbsp;ambassador's residence in Athens, a police official said.

There were also protests in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki and other cities.

Parliamentary speaker Nikos Voutsis said close to 230 MPs had wanted to have their say. Most are given six minutes to speak, a rule which has been routinely broken in the highly charged session, which opened on Wednesday.

Protesters were planning new rallies for Friday, before the vote takes place around 1230 GMT.

Greek police fired teargas to disperse crowds gathered outside parliament on Thursday to protest against a deal over the name of neighbouring Macedonia, as an at times angry parliamentary debate spilled into a third day.

Greek police fired teargas to disperse crowds gathered outside parliament on Thursday to protest against a deal over the name of neighbouring Macedonia, as an at times angry parliamentary debate spilled into a third day. Several thousand people massed outside the Greek legislature, some of them chanting "traitors" as lawmakers debated ratification of an agreement reached with the neighbouring ex-Yugoslav state last year. The Greek parliament delayed the expected approval of the UN-brokered deal by a day due to an increased number of lawmakers who wanted to have a say over it. The so-called Prespes Agreement between Athens and Skopje changes the tiny Balkan nation's name to Republic of North Macedonia, ending a 28-year-old row between the two countries. "We are one step before a historic event," Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said, calling on lawmakers to approve the deal. Although Tsipras appears to have secured the support of at least 151 deputies in the 300-seat house to get the deal approved, opinion polls have shown most Greeks oppose the term "Macedonia" being used in any agreement. They fear it could lead to territorial claims over Greece's largest northern province of Macedonia and an appropriation of Greek cultural heritage. "We feel betrayed," Zografos Stathakopoulos, a 47-year-old protester, said on Thursday. "Most Greeks don't want this deal, but politicians are betraying us." The deal could unblock Macedonia's bids to join NATO and the European Union, long blocked by Greece. The accord has already been ratified by Macedonia's parliament, but still needs Greek parliamentary endorsement. Members of the Greek Communist Party (KKE) unfurled banners on the walls of the ancient Acropolis to protest against the deal on Thursday. The conservative New Democracy party called the deal a "national defeat." Outside parliament, protesters chanted "Long live Macedonia, long live Greece!" referring to the Greek province of Macedonia. Police chased protesters on Syntagma Square, the same area of large, violent protests in Athens on Sunday. They later detained dozens of them and a group of people who sprayed "Macedonia-Greek land" on a wall near the US ambassador's residence in Athens, a police official said. There were also protests in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki and other cities. Parliamentary speaker Nikos Voutsis said close to 230 MPs had wanted to have their say. Most are given six minutes to speak, a rule which has been routinely broken in the highly charged session, which opened on Wednesday. Protesters were planning new rallies for Friday, before the vote takes place around 1230 GMT.

Greek police fire teargas at Macedonia name protesters

France is speeding up preparations for a "no deal" <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/still-time-to-negotiate-germanys-merkel-says-after-may-loses-brexit-vote-190761&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjdrPXdpfLfAhWMpI8KHRLkC4oQFggEMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hfJzJRyiyJ3b6QcVj3ydU">Brexit </a>after the British parliament overwhelmingly rejected the agreement on the table, a French presidential source said Wednesday.

"The scenario we don't want is a no deal and the risks multiplied yesterday," the source said.

"The prime minister will meet tomorrow with the key ministers concerned to take stock of the preparations and accelerate them," the source added.

Ministers had already scheduled a meeting to decide on <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/scepticism-in-france-as-macron-launches-great-national-debate-190262&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiB_7OBpvLfAhVFJHIKHddpClsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2hNYHiC1qoa1S--JMnWWu6">France</a>'s response to the result of the British parliamentary vote.

France has like other European nations been preparing for a scenario in which Britain crashes out of the EU with no divorce deal, and has already been recruiting extra customs agents to be deployed in Channel ports.

French employers' group MEDEF meanwhile called on the country's businesses to prepare for "the worst".

"Yesterday's vote piled uncertainty upon uncertainty," its chief Geoffroy Roux de Bezieux said.

Some 30,000 French companies export to Britain, according to the French finance ministry, with goods worth some 31 billion euros ($35.4 billion) in 2017.

French lawmakers have since November been debating a bill dealing with the Brexit fallout, which would potentially empower the government to issue emergency decrees if needed.

France's Europe Minister Nathalie Loiseau said Wednesday that the EU could extend the deadline for Brexit beyond March 29 if Britain made such a request.

But she stressed that other EU nations considered the deal already on the table to be "the only one possible".&nbsp;

President Emmanuel Macron late Tuesday indicated there was a small chance of only very minor tweaks being made to the agreement.

"Maybe we'll make improvements on one or two things, but I don't really think so because we've reached the maximum of what we could do with the deal," he said.

France is speeding up preparations for a "no deal" Brexit after the British parliament overwhelmingly rejected the agreement on the table, a French presidential source said Wednesday.

France is speeding up preparations for a "no deal" Brexit after the British parliament overwhelmingly rejected the agreement on the table, a French presidential source said Wednesday. "The scenario we don't want is a no deal and the risks multiplied yesterday," the source said. "The prime minister will meet tomorrow with the key ministers concerned to take stock of the preparations and accelerate them," the source added. Ministers had already scheduled a meeting to decide on France's response to the result of the British parliamentary vote. France has like other European nations been preparing for a scenario in which Britain crashes out of the EU with no divorce deal, and has already been recruiting extra customs agents to be deployed in Channel ports. French employers' group MEDEF meanwhile called on the country's businesses to prepare for "the worst". "Yesterday's vote piled uncertainty upon uncertainty," its chief Geoffroy Roux de Bezieux said. Some 30,000 French companies export to Britain, according to the French finance ministry, with goods worth some 31 billion euros ($35.4 billion) in 2017. French lawmakers have since November been debating a bill dealing with the Brexit fallout, which would potentially empower the government to issue emergency decrees if needed. France's Europe Minister Nathalie Loiseau said Wednesday that the EU could extend the deadline for Brexit beyond March 29 if Britain made such a request. But she stressed that other EU nations considered the deal already on the table to be "the only one possible". President Emmanuel Macron late Tuesday indicated there was a small chance of only very minor tweaks being made to the agreement. "Maybe we'll make improvements on one or two things, but I don't really think so because we've reached the maximum of what we could do with the deal," he said.

France to accelerate preparations for no-deal Brexit: Presidential source

<a href="Voting down Brexit deal could lead to breakup of United Kingdom ...">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> faced the prospect of defeat in a historic vote on her Brexit deal in parliament on Tuesday, potentially leaving Britain in limbo about the biggest political and economic change for the country in decades.

A day after May urged lawmakers to take a second look at her plan, parliament looked set to reject it in a voting session due to start at 1900 GMT.

Two-and-a-half months before Britain is due to leave the EU, May's hopes of keeping her plan alive will hinge on the scale of her expected loss.

Avoiding a heavy defeat could give her the chance to ask Brussels for more concessions before attempting to get the plan through parliament in another vote.

But a humiliating outcome could pressure her to delay Britain's scheduled March 29 departure from the EU and potentially open up other options, ranging from a second referendum to leaving the EU with no deal.

One of May's senior ministers, Environment Secretary Michael Gove, called on lawmakers to respect the outcome of the 2016 Brexit referendum decision, or risk undermining democracy.

"The British people have placed responsibility on us," Gove told BBC radio. "Are we going to live up to that responsibility and vote to leave the European Union or are we going to disappoint them and damage our democracy by not voting to leave the EU?"

But many Brexit-supporting lawmakers from May's Conservative Party reject the deal's "backstop" requirement that Northern Ireland stays closely aligned to EU rules to avoid the return of a hard border with EU member Ireland if a broader trade deal cannot be struck.

Dominic Raab, who resigned as for May's Brexit minister in November in protest at her plans, said the government should not lose its nerve over the possibility of a no-deal Brexit, something many employers fear would mean chaos for business.

"It's time for us, through this vote, to make clear not just that the current terms are unacceptable, but that we are not just throwing our hands up in the air," he said.

"We are going to leave on March 29."

But investors sense the possibility of a no-deal Brexit is receding, given the concerns of many lawmakers about the upheaval it could bring. Sterling hit a two-month high against the U.S. dollar on Monday and held near that level on Tuesday.

CRISIS

In Britain's deepest political crisis for at least half a century, May and EU leaders swapped assurances on the withdrawal deal on Monday, but there was little sign of a change of heart among rebel lawmakers.

The EU told May that it stood by commitments to find ways to avoid triggering the Irish "backstop".

That failed to reassure the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party, which props up May's minority government and said it will still not back the deal.

May has warned lawmakers that if her plan is rejected, no Brexit at all would be more likely that Britain leaving the EU without a deal, a result she called "catastrophic" for democracy after parliament promised to honour the 2016 vote to leave.

She has also said that a break-up of the United Kingdom could be the result of parliament voting against the agreement and warned her Conservative Party against allowing the left-wing opposition Labour Party to seize the initiative.

Labour is formally committed to Brexit but opposes May's deal. Polls of party activists show that most of them want the party to back a new referendum, although it has not done so.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, hoping to force a national election, is expected to call for a parliamentary vote of no confidence in May if she loses Tuesday's vote.

May has refused to budge over her deal despite criticism from all quarters. The agreement, which envisages close economic ties with the EU, has united the opposing sides of the debate —pro-EU lawmakers who see it as the worst of all worlds and Brexit supporters who say it will make Britain a vassal state.

With a 'no deal' Brexit the default option if May's deal is defeated, some lawmakers are planning to try to pull control of Brexit from the government.

But through May is weakened, the executive has significant powers, especially during times of crisis, so it has not been clear how parliament would be able to take control of Brexit.

Prime Minister Theresa May faced the prospect of defeat in a historic vote on her Brexit deal in parliament on Tuesday, potentially leaving Britain in limbo about the biggest political and economic change for the country in decades.

Prime Minister Theresa May faced the prospect of defeat in a historic vote on her Brexit deal in parliament on Tuesday, potentially leaving Britain in limbo about the biggest political and economic change for the country in decades. A day after May urged lawmakers to take a second look at her plan, parliament looked set to reject it in a voting session due to start at 1900 GMT. Two-and-a-half months before Britain is due to leave the EU, May's hopes of keeping her plan alive will hinge on the scale of her expected loss. Avoiding a heavy defeat could give her the chance to ask Brussels for more concessions before attempting to get the plan through parliament in another vote. But a humiliating outcome could pressure her to delay Britain's scheduled March 29 departure from the EU and potentially open up other options, ranging from a second referendum to leaving the EU with no deal. One of May's senior ministers, Environment Secretary Michael Gove, called on lawmakers to respect the outcome of the 2016 Brexit referendum decision, or risk undermining democracy. "The British people have placed responsibility on us," Gove told BBC radio. "Are we going to live up to that responsibility and vote to leave the European Union or are we going to disappoint them and damage our democracy by not voting to leave the EU?" But many Brexit-supporting lawmakers from May's Conservative Party reject the deal's "backstop" requirement that Northern Ireland stays closely aligned to EU rules to avoid the return of a hard border with EU member Ireland if a broader trade deal cannot be struck. Dominic Raab, who resigned as for May's Brexit minister in November in protest at her plans, said the government should not lose its nerve over the possibility of a no-deal Brexit, something many employers fear would mean chaos for business. "It's time for us, through this vote, to make clear not just that the current terms are unacceptable, but that we are not just throwing our hands up in the air," he said. "We are going to leave on March 29." But investors sense the possibility of a no-deal Brexit is receding, given the concerns of many lawmakers about the upheaval it could bring. Sterling hit a two-month high against the U.S. dollar on Monday and held near that level on Tuesday. CRISIS In Britain's deepest political crisis for at least half a century, May and EU leaders swapped assurances on the withdrawal deal on Monday, but there was little sign of a change of heart among rebel lawmakers. The EU told May that it stood by commitments to find ways to avoid triggering the Irish "backstop". That failed to reassure the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party, which props up May's minority government and said it will still not back the deal. May has warned lawmakers that if her plan is rejected, no Brexit at all would be more likely that Britain leaving the EU without a deal, a result she called "catastrophic" for democracy after parliament promised to honour the 2016 vote to leave. She has also said that a break-up of the United Kingdom could be the result of parliament voting against the agreement and warned her Conservative Party against allowing the left-wing opposition Labour Party to seize the initiative. Labour is formally committed to Brexit but opposes May's deal. Polls of party activists show that most of them want the party to back a new referendum, although it has not done so. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, hoping to force a national election, is expected to call for a parliamentary vote of no confidence in May if she loses Tuesday's vote. May has refused to budge over her deal despite criticism from all quarters. The agreement, which envisages close economic ties with the EU, has united the opposing sides of the debate —pro-EU lawmakers who see it as the worst of all worlds and Brexit supporters who say it will make Britain a vassal state. With a 'no deal' Brexit the default option if May's deal is defeated, some lawmakers are planning to try to pull control of Brexit from the government. But through May is weakened, the executive has significant powers, especially during times of crisis, so it has not been clear how parliament would be able to take control of Brexit.

UK parliament looks set to reject PM May's Brexit deal

The Comptroller and Auditor General has refused to disclose details about its audit in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/supreme-court-verdicts-on-sabarimala-and-rafale-are-blessings-for-bjp-189362">the controversial Rafale aircraft deal</a>, saying the process is not yet complete and any disclosure at this stage will amount to a breach of the Parliament's privilege, an RTI reply said.

In its response to Pune-based activist Vihar Durve who had sought the report from CAG, the country's auditor said, "The audit is under progress and the report is yet to be finalised. The information cannot be given under Section 8(1)(C) of the RTI Act as the disclosure would cause breach of Parliament".&nbsp;

Section 8(1)(C) of the Right To Information (RTI) Act exempts information the disclosure of which would cause a breach of privilege of Parliament or the State Legislature.

Last month, the Supreme Court had dismissed pleas challenging the deal between India and France for<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-pm-modi-launches-stinging-counter-attack-questions-middleman-michels-role-189459"> procurement of 36 Rafale jets</a>, saying there was no occasion to "really doubt the decision making process" warranting setting aside of the contract.

It rejected the pleas seeking lodging of an FIR and a court-monitored probe alleging irregularities in the Rs 58,000 crore deal, in which both the countries have entered into an inter-governmental agreement (IGA).

"The pricing details have, however, been shared with the Comptroller and&nbsp;Auditor General (CAG), and the report of the CAG has been examined by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Only a redacted portion of the report was placed before the Parliament and is in public domain," the bench led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi had said, relying on the sealed note submitted by the government.

After the Congress raised the issue that no such CAG report had been placed before the PAC, the government approached the court seeking changes in the judgment.

In the application, the Centre said the two sentences in paragraph 25 of the judgement appeared to have been based on the note submitted by it along with the pricing details in a sealed cover but indicated the words used by the court lent a different meaning.&nbsp;

The Centre made it clear that it did not say that the CAG report was examined by PAC or a redacted portion was placed before Parliament. It clarified that the note had said the government "has already shared" the price details with the CAG, which was written in past tense and "is factually correct".&nbsp;

However, where it was stated by the Centre in the note that the report of the CAG "is" examined by the PAC, was a description of the procedure which is followed in the normal course, but in the judgement, 'is' was replaced with the words 'has been', according to the application.&nbsp;

In its response to the RTI application filed by Durve, the CAG also refused to share its correspondence related to the audit of Rafale deal with any government department or political party, claiming that such records were "confidential and held in fiduciary capacity" hence, exempted from disclosure under the RTI Act.&nbsp;

The CAG added that audit in the Indian Air Force is done by designated principal audit officer of the force and the reports are submitted to the national auditor for approval.&nbsp;

The country's auditor said, 'The information cannot be given under Section 8(1)(C) of the RTI Act as the disclosure would cause breach of Parliament.'

The Comptroller and Auditor General has refused to disclose details about its audit in the controversial Rafale aircraft deal, saying the process is not yet complete and any disclosure at this stage will amount to a breach of the Parliament's privilege, an RTI reply said. In its response to Pune-based activist Vihar Durve who had sought the report from CAG, the country's auditor said, "The audit is under progress and the report is yet to be finalised. The information cannot be given under Section 8(1)(C) of the RTI Act as the disclosure would cause breach of Parliament". Section 8(1)(C) of the Right To Information (RTI) Act exempts information the disclosure of which would cause a breach of privilege of Parliament or the State Legislature. Last month, the Supreme Court had dismissed pleas challenging the deal between India and France for procurement of 36 Rafale jets, saying there was no occasion to "really doubt the decision making process" warranting setting aside of the contract. It rejected the pleas seeking lodging of an FIR and a court-monitored probe alleging irregularities in the Rs 58,000 crore deal, in which both the countries have entered into an inter-governmental agreement (IGA). "The pricing details have, however, been shared with the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), and the report of the CAG has been examined by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Only a redacted portion of the report was placed before the Parliament and is in public domain," the bench led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi had said, relying on the sealed note submitted by the government. After the Congress raised the issue that no such CAG report had been placed before the PAC, the government approached the court seeking changes in the judgment. In the application, the Centre said the two sentences in paragraph 25 of the judgement appeared to have been based on the note submitted by it along with the pricing details in a sealed cover but indicated the words used by the court lent a different meaning. The Centre made it clear that it did not say that the CAG report was examined by PAC or a redacted portion was placed before Parliament. It clarified that the note had said the government "has already shared" the price details with the CAG, which was written in past tense and "is factually correct". However, where it was stated by the Centre in the note that the report of the CAG "is" examined by the PAC, was a description of the procedure which is followed in the normal course, but in the judgement, 'is' was replaced with the words 'has been', according to the application. In its response to the RTI application filed by Durve, the CAG also refused to share its correspondence related to the audit of Rafale deal with any government department or political party, claiming that such records were "confidential and held in fiduciary capacity" hence, exempted from disclosure under the RTI Act. The CAG added that audit in the Indian Air Force is done by designated principal audit officer of the force and the reports are submitted to the national auditor for approval.

CAG refuses to share Rafale audit; cites breach of Parliament

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu Sunday said political parties should focus on development instead of doling our freebies during the time of elections.&nbsp;

Addressing a function organised by the textiles ministry, he said, "Rather than focusing on freebies that too at the time of election, we should focus on long term growth stories, developmental stories so that the people can stand on their own. These temporary things will be temporary lollipops only."

Talking about the functioning of Parliament, particularly Rajya Sabha during the ongoing Winter Session, the Vice President and the Chairman of the Upper House said he is "pained by our inability to ensure convergence of different agendas into a national agenda".

"Parliamentary institutions cannot be held captive to the competitive agenda. The Indian Parliament, Rajya Sabha, could not function for 14 days because of competition between two parties," Naidu said.&nbsp;

The Vice President noted that civility of proceedings in the parliamentary institutions is a parameter of an aspiring nation finding its feet and fulfilling its quest.&nbsp;

Stressing that before electing their political representatives people should look if "4 Cs" -- character, calibre, capacity and conduct -- are available, Naidu said unfortunately some politicians have brought in four other "Cs".

"Caste, community, cash and criminality. If these things influence the society, it's a gone case. We must bring back the agenda to development," he said.&nbsp;

Observing that discrimination on the basis of gender and social identities is prevalent even now, the Vice President called for a change in the mindset and commitment and go back to "our original roots where we used to give respect to women".

Talking about the role of the agriculture, Naidu said a huge population of the country is engaged in the sector.

He observed that the colonial rule created problems for india and the countrymen must let go of the colonial mindset. The Vice President exhorted people to go back to their roots and practice physical exercise, while promoting Indian heritage through their dressing sense.&nbsp;

"Our forefathers had so much knowledge. Years of civilisation have taught us so many things. Our dress, our food habits, our lifestyle and so many things. Unfortunately, because of colonial mindset we have abandoned them. Now the time has come to go back to roots," he said.&nbsp;

Observing that Yoga has now become an international attraction and brings unity between the body and the mind, Naidu said, "unfortunately, we have cynics in our country. What is Yoga, they are trying to connect it with religion, Yoga has no connection with any religion at all."&nbsp;

Citing an example, he said a boy told him Yoga is very good but he has a problem with doing "Surya" Namaskar. Naidu said he told the boy to do "Chandra" Namaskar if he has a problem doing "Surya" Namaskar.&nbsp;

"We have to change attitude. Merely bringing legislations, bringing new schemes alone will not suffice," Naidu said.&nbsp;

Naidu said the continued growth of the textiles sector can drive the economy to new heights.&nbsp;

However, he said, the sector has to improve supply chains and internal systems, focus on research and development, cost optimisation and command a higher share in export of top items traded in global markets.&nbsp;

"I would like the sector to focus on improving quality and then tapping the opportunities in the global market to increase India's share in exports," he said.&nbsp;

He urged the industry to discard outdated technology and focus on creating global brands.&nbsp;

"I understand that India's export performance has not been up to expectations for a variety of reasons. It cannot be a business as usual and the industry has to rise to the occasion and ensure that the share of India's exports reaches double digits," the Vice President said.&nbsp;

He urged the industry to diversify its products and tap newer markets, observing that the Indian textile industry is expected to reach $223 billion by 2021.&nbsp;

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu Sunday said political parties should focus on development instead of doling our freebies during the time of elections. Addressing a function organised by the textiles ministry, he said, "Rather than focusing on freebies that too at the time of election, we should focus on long term growth stories, developmental stories so that the people can stand on their own.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu Sunday said political parties should focus on development instead of doling our freebies during the time of elections. Addressing a function organised by the textiles ministry, he said, "Rather than focusing on freebies that too at the time of election, we should focus on long term growth stories, developmental stories so that the people can stand on their own. These temporary things will be temporary lollipops only." Talking about the functioning of Parliament, particularly Rajya Sabha during the ongoing Winter Session, the Vice President and the Chairman of the Upper House said he is "pained by our inability to ensure convergence of different agendas into a national agenda". "Parliamentary institutions cannot be held captive to the competitive agenda. The Indian Parliament, Rajya Sabha, could not function for 14 days because of competition between two parties," Naidu said. The Vice President noted that civility of proceedings in the parliamentary institutions is a parameter of an aspiring nation finding its feet and fulfilling its quest. Stressing that before electing their political representatives people should look if "4 Cs" -- character, calibre, capacity and conduct -- are available, Naidu said unfortunately some politicians have brought in four other "Cs". "Caste, community, cash and criminality. If these things influence the society, it's a gone case. We must bring back the agenda to development," he said. Observing that discrimination on the basis of gender and social identities is prevalent even now, the Vice President called for a change in the mindset and commitment and go back to "our original roots where we used to give respect to women". Talking about the role of the agriculture, Naidu said a huge population of the country is engaged in the sector. He observed that the colonial rule created problems for india and the countrymen must let go of the colonial mindset. The Vice President exhorted people to go back to their roots and practice physical exercise, while promoting Indian heritage through their dressing sense. "Our forefathers had so much knowledge. Years of civilisation have taught us so many things. Our dress, our food habits, our lifestyle and so many things. Unfortunately, because of colonial mindset we have abandoned them. Now the time has come to go back to roots," he said. Observing that Yoga has now become an international attraction and brings unity between the body and the mind, Naidu said, "unfortunately, we have cynics in our country. What is Yoga, they are trying to connect it with religion, Yoga has no connection with any religion at all." Citing an example, he said a boy told him Yoga is very good but he has a problem with doing "Surya" Namaskar. Naidu said he told the boy to do "Chandra" Namaskar if he has a problem doing "Surya" Namaskar. "We have to change attitude. Merely bringing legislations, bringing new schemes alone will not suffice," Naidu said. Naidu said the continued growth of the textiles sector can drive the economy to new heights. However, he said, the sector has to improve supply chains and internal systems, focus on research and development, cost optimisation and command a higher share in export of top items traded in global markets. "I would like the sector to focus on improving quality and then tapping the opportunities in the global market to increase India's share in exports," he said. He urged the industry to discard outdated technology and focus on creating global brands. "I understand that India's export performance has not been up to expectations for a variety of reasons. It cannot be a business as usual and the industry has to rise to the occasion and ensure that the share of India's exports reaches double digits," the Vice President said. He urged the industry to diversify its products and tap newer markets, observing that the Indian textile industry is expected to reach $223 billion by 2021.

Political parties must focus on development rather than giving freebies: VP Naidu

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-holds-meeting-ahead-of-tabling-of-triple-talaq-bill-in-rajya-sabha-187446">Triple talaq bill</a> will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha during the second proceedings of the House on Monday.

Amid the huge uproar by the opposition over the bill and other issues, the Deputy Chairman had earlier called off the parliament proceedings and adjourned the upper house of the Parliament till 2 pm.

As soon as papers were laid, AIADMK members had trooped into the well of House raising the Cauvery issue and shouting slogans "We want Justice". Some DMK members too were on their feet.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WinterSession?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WinterSession</a> : Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm after uproar by opposition over different issues. <a href="https://t.co/mATsfybsZl">pic.twitter.com/mATsfybsZl</a>
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Meanwhile, PM Modi also held a high-level meeting with Party President&nbsp;Amit Shah, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Home Minister Rajnath Singh to discuss the&nbsp;triple talaq bill.&nbsp;

The leaders of the opposition parties, earlier today, held a meeting in the Rajya Sabha ahead of the tabling of the bill.

The opposition has been demanding to send the bill to an 11-member Select Committee for further assessment after its passage from the Lok Sabha last week.

The Trinamool Congress has already moved&nbsp;for the reference of the bill to the Select Committee of Rajya Sabha.

The bill, that makes the practice of instant divorce among Muslims a criminal offence with a provision of three-year jail term for the erring husband, was passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday with&nbsp;the support of 245 votes against 11 on Thursday.

The government brought the measure after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court termed as unconstitutional the practice that allowed Muslim men to divorce their wives by simply uttering the word 'talaq' three times in quick succession.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Triple talaq bill will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha during the second proceedings of the House on Monday. Amid the huge uproar by the opposition over the bill and other issues, the Deputy Chairman had earlier called off the parliament proceedings and adjourned the upper house of the Parliament till 2 pm.

The Triple talaq bill will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha during the second proceedings of the House on Monday. Amid the huge uproar by the opposition over the bill and other issues, the Deputy Chairman had earlier called off the parliament proceedings and adjourned the upper house of the Parliament till 2 pm. As soon as papers were laid, AIADMK members had trooped into the well of House raising the Cauvery issue and shouting slogans "We want Justice". Some DMK members too were on their feet. #WinterSession : Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm after uproar by opposition over different issues. pic.twitter.com/mATsfybsZl — ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2018 × Meanwhile, PM Modi also held a high-level meeting with Party President Amit Shah, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Home Minister Rajnath Singh to discuss the triple talaq bill. The leaders of the opposition parties, earlier today, held a meeting in the Rajya Sabha ahead of the tabling of the bill. The opposition has been demanding to send the bill to an 11-member Select Committee for further assessment after its passage from the Lok Sabha last week. The Trinamool Congress has already moved for the reference of the bill to the Select Committee of Rajya Sabha. The bill, that makes the practice of instant divorce among Muslims a criminal offence with a provision of three-year jail term for the erring husband, was passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday with the support of 245 votes against 11 on Thursday. The government brought the measure after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court termed as unconstitutional the practice that allowed Muslim men to divorce their wives by simply uttering the word 'talaq' three times in quick succession. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajya Sabha resumes discussion on crucial triple talaq bill

Israeli lawmakers dissolve Parliament, sets elections for April 9, 2019

Parliament passed a bill to streamline the appointment and resignation of members of a trust that helps persons with disability to live independently.

The bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha on Thursday, had been approved by the Rajya Sabha last week.

Despite repeated disruptions over a variety of issues, including the Rafale jet deal, Lok Sabha has so far passed four bills in the Winter session which began on December 11.

This includes the bill seeking to ban <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-passes-bill-which-bans-commercial-surrogacy-185371">commercial surrogacy</a>, the one on consumer protection and the transgender bill.

The National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities (Amendment) Bill, 2018 seeks to amend the principal Act enacted in 1999.

According to PRS Legislative Research, an independent body, the law allows setting up of a national trust to enable persons with disability to live independently by promoting measures for their protection in case of death of their parents.

It also evolves procedures for appointment of their guardians and trustees, and facilitating equal opportunities in society.

Under the legislation, the chairperson and members of the Board of the National Trust can hold office for a term of three years from the date of their appointment or until their successors are appointed, whichever is longer.

The bill also states that the central government will initiate the process for appointment of the chairperson or any member of the board, at least six months prior to the expiry of their tenure.&nbsp;

Parliament passed a bill to streamline the appointment and resignation of members of a trust that helps persons with disability to live independently. The bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha on Thursday, had been approved by the Rajya Sabha last week.

Parliament passed a bill to streamline the appointment and resignation of members of a trust that helps persons with disability to live independently. The bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha on Thursday, had been approved by the Rajya Sabha last week. Despite repeated disruptions over a variety of issues, including the Rafale jet deal, Lok Sabha has so far passed four bills in the Winter session which began on December 11. This includes the bill seeking to ban commercial surrogacy, the one on consumer protection and the transgender bill. The National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities (Amendment) Bill, 2018 seeks to amend the principal Act enacted in 1999. According to PRS Legislative Research, an independent body, the law allows setting up of a national trust to enable persons with disability to live independently by promoting measures for their protection in case of death of their parents. It also evolves procedures for appointment of their guardians and trustees, and facilitating equal opportunities in society. Under the legislation, the chairperson and members of the Board of the National Trust can hold office for a term of three years from the date of their appointment or until their successors are appointed, whichever is longer. The bill also states that the central government will initiate the process for appointment of the chairperson or any member of the board, at least six months prior to the expiry of their tenure.

Parliament approves Autism bill

Amid the ongoing commotion in the Lok Sabha over several issues, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan Tuesday said she often receives messages that schools function better than Parliament and wondered whether these disruptions go on to indicate that the behaviour of the members is worse than school kids. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
As the House re-convened at noon for the second time, members of the AIADMK, the TDP and the Congress started protesting again. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The Congress, demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), continued sloganeering on the Rafale issue. The BJP members demanded an apology from Congress president Rahul Gandhi. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The TDP members were demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh while the AIADMK MPs were protesting against a dam on the Cauvery river. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Amid the din, the National Institute of Design (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was introduced in the House. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Upset with the disruption of proceedings, Mahajan said the members were well aware that this was an important session as elections will follow. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
She said the government was ready for discussion, but the ruckus continued. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"I receive messages several times saying, madam our schools run better. Please understand, what message are we trying to give: that are we worse than school kids," she said addressing the members. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Mahajan lamented that people from other countries were questioning as to "what was happening in our country". 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
She said she will talk to the government to ensure that issues demanded by the opposition are discussed. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"But please, I request you with hands folded. Please maintain a standard in the House. I am sorry, but I am saying this openly. Many a time, people from other countries say, what is happening in India," she said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said his party was ready for discussion but demanded the formation of a JPC to probe the Rafale deal so that every file related to the matter can be scrutinised. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
To this Mahajan said that constitution of JPC was not under her purview. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the Supreme Court verdict has made things clear, indicating that there was no need for a JPC on the controversial issue. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Unhappy with the response, Congress members again started raising slogans, following which the House was adjourned for the day. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The lower house has been witnessing daily disruptions since the winter session began last week. It had passed a bill on transgender rights on Monday.

Amid the ongoing commotion in the Lok Sabha over several issues, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan Tuesday said she often receives messages that schools function better than Parliament and wondered whether these disruptions go on to indicate that the behaviour of the members is worse than school kids.

Amid the ongoing commotion in the Lok Sabha over several issues, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan Tuesday said she often receives messages that schools function better than Parliament and wondered whether these disruptions go on to indicate that the behaviour of the members is worse than school kids. As the House re-convened at noon for the second time, members of the AIADMK, the TDP and the Congress started protesting again. The Congress, demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), continued sloganeering on the Rafale issue. The BJP members demanded an apology from Congress president Rahul Gandhi. The TDP members were demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh while the AIADMK MPs were protesting against a dam on the Cauvery river. Amid the din, the National Institute of Design (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was introduced in the House. Upset with the disruption of proceedings, Mahajan said the members were well aware that this was an important session as elections will follow. She said the government was ready for discussion, but the ruckus continued. "I receive messages several times saying, madam our schools run better. Please understand, what message are we trying to give: that are we worse than school kids," she said addressing the members. Mahajan lamented that people from other countries were questioning as to "what was happening in our country". She said she will talk to the government to ensure that issues demanded by the opposition are discussed. "But please, I request you with hands folded. Please maintain a standard in the House. I am sorry, but I am saying this openly. Many a time, people from other countries say, what is happening in India," she said. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said his party was ready for discussion but demanded the formation of a JPC to probe the Rafale deal so that every file related to the matter can be scrutinised. To this Mahajan said that constitution of JPC was not under her purview. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the Supreme Court verdict has made things clear, indicating that there was no need for a JPC on the controversial issue. Unhappy with the response, Congress members again started raising slogans, following which the House was adjourned for the day. The lower house has been witnessing daily disruptions since the winter session began last week. It had passed a bill on transgender rights on Monday.

Schools run better than our parliament, are we worse than school kids, asks Sumitra Mahajan

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu appealed to all political parties to arrive at a consensus and ensure the passage of Women's Reservation Bill for providing reservation to women in Parliament and state legislatures.

Vice President Naidu pointed out that reservation of seats for women in Panchayats and Municipalities has proved to be successful.

Addressing the gathering at the Women Entrepreneurship Platform Conclave on Sunday and after presenting Women Transforming India Awards 2018, organised by the NIITI Aayog, WEP and UN in India, the Vice President said, "The contribution of Indian women to GDP, currently at 17 per cent, was well below the global average of 37 per cent. Only 27 per cent of women in India were gainfully employed. These are the numbers that pose a challenge to the lawmakers and lawmakers of this country, and this is where NITI Aayog's efforts in empowering women entrepreneurs through WEP is especially commendable."

The CEO of NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant, the UN Resident Coordinator in India, Yuri Afanasiev, Tennis star Sania Mirza and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Observing that a country cannot progress if half of its population was not encouraged to be an equal partner in progress, he said that India in the past few years has recorded a healthy growth in women entrepreneurship.

"Discrimination against women has to end in terms of differential wages or skewed opportunities for career advancement. The private sector can play a major role in ending discrimination by being equal opportunity employers and it is time that the 'glass ceiling' is shattered," he added.

The Vice President said that it was high time that people should focus on gender equality while adding that "women have to be given a level playing field". He presented Women Transforming India Awards 2018 to 13 women who have excelled in various fields from different parts of the country.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu appealed to all political parties to arrive at a consensus and ensure the passage of Women's Reservation Bill for providing reservation to women in Parliament and state legislatures.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu appealed to all political parties to arrive at a consensus and ensure the passage of Women's Reservation Bill for providing reservation to women in Parliament and state legislatures. Vice President Naidu pointed out that reservation of seats for women in Panchayats and Municipalities has proved to be successful. Addressing the gathering at the Women Entrepreneurship Platform Conclave on Sunday and after presenting Women Transforming India Awards 2018, organised by the NIITI Aayog, WEP and UN in India, the Vice President said, "The contribution of Indian women to GDP, currently at 17 per cent, was well below the global average of 37 per cent. Only 27 per cent of women in India were gainfully employed. These are the numbers that pose a challenge to the lawmakers and lawmakers of this country, and this is where NITI Aayog's efforts in empowering women entrepreneurs through WEP is especially commendable." The CEO of NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant, the UN Resident Coordinator in India, Yuri Afanasiev, Tennis star Sania Mirza and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. Observing that a country cannot progress if half of its population was not encouraged to be an equal partner in progress, he said that India in the past few years has recorded a healthy growth in women entrepreneurship. "Discrimination against women has to end in terms of differential wages or skewed opportunities for career advancement. The private sector can play a major role in ending discrimination by being equal opportunity employers and it is time that the 'glass ceiling' is shattered," he added. The Vice President said that it was high time that people should focus on gender equality while adding that "women have to be given a level playing field". He presented Women Transforming India Awards 2018 to 13 women who have excelled in various fields from different parts of the country.

Discrimination against women has to end, says Vice President Venkaiah Naidu

EU leaders rejected a plea by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-in-dates-from-leave-shock-to-no-confidence-vote-183632">Theresa May</a> on Thursday to help her sell her <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-lawmakers-due-to-vote-on-brexit-bill-in-january-183760">Brexit deal to parliament</a>, warning she must set out exactly what she wants -- and announcing they would step up contingency plans in case the deal collapses.

The British prime minister came to a Brussels summit a day after seeing off a challenge to her leadership by her own Conservative MPs, but still facing huge opposition to the divorce deal with the EU.

She told the other 27 leaders the agreement could still pass the House of Commons next month if they helped her reassure lawmakers over a controversial "backstop" clause on Ireland, a British official said.

But European sources said the atmosphere in the room was tense, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other leaders repeatedly interrupting May to ask exactly what she wanted.

European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker told reporters afterwards: "Our UK friends need to say what they want instead of asking us what we want."

He added: "Theresa May has led a courageous fight, but unfortunately we are not seeing the results."

May floated the idea of setting a target date to agree a free trade deal with the EU if one had not been agreed by the end of a post-Brexit transition period, to avoid Britain falling into the backstop.

Many of her MPs fear the arrangement for Britain to enter a temporary customs union with the EU to avoid border checks with Ireland could become permanent.

But European leaders have said they will not accept a time limit, and after May left agreed a statement that the Brexit deal "is not open for renegotiation".

With May having promised to have something to offer MPs before they finally vote on the Brexit deal by January 21, Juncker said she would have to come up with proposals in the next few weeks if she wanted Europe's support.

However, he said he would publish further plans on Wednesday to protect European businesses and citizens in case the deal fails, and Britain exits on March 29 with no new arrangements place.

Deal 'a trap'

May told EU leaders they must help her "change the perception that the backstop could be a trap from which the UK cannot escape", adding: "Until we do, the deal -- our deal -- is at risk."

"With the right assurances, this deal can be passed. Indeed it is the only deal that is capable of getting through my parliament," she told them.

But while an early draft of the summit conclusions had said the EU "stands ready to examine whether any further assurances can be provided" on the backstop, this was removed from the final published version.

Juncker did offer one olive branch, promising that talks on the future trading relationship -- a deal on which would undermine the need for the backstop -- would start as soon as MPs and the European Parliament approved the Brexit deal.

The summit statement also confirmed the backstop would only "apply temporarily" and that EU members would work to "conclude expeditiously" the new trade deal.

But this is not the legally binding promise sought by Brexiteers and the Northern Irish party that props up May's government -- without which they have warned they will not support the deal.

Crushing defeat

May arrived in Brussels wounded by a confidence vote in her party on Wednesday night, which she won but in which more than one-third of her MPs voted against her.

The move was sparked by her decision to delay a parliamentary vote on the Brexit deal planned for Tuesday, amid fears of a crushing defeat. It has been delayed to next month.

But ahead of the confidence vote May was forced to confirm she would not fight the next general election planned for 2022.

Instead, she said her focus was on salvaging her plan for an orderly Brexit. Before the EU leaders savaged her plan, she had admitted she did not expect "an immediate breakthrough".

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who earlier met with May on the sidelines of the summit, stressed again the backstop must be part of the deal.

"As the EU we are very keen to offer explanations, assurances, clarifications, anything that may assist MPs to understand the agreement, and hopefully to support it. But the backstop is not on the table," he said.

EU leaders rejected a plea by Theresa May on Thursday to help her sell her Brexit deal to parliament, warning she must set out exactly what she wants -- and announcing they would step up contingency plans in case the deal collapses.

EU leaders rejected a plea by Theresa May on Thursday to help her sell her Brexit deal to parliament, warning she must set out exactly what she wants -- and announcing they would step up contingency plans in case the deal collapses. The British prime minister came to a Brussels summit a day after seeing off a challenge to her leadership by her own Conservative MPs, but still facing huge opposition to the divorce deal with the EU. She told the other 27 leaders the agreement could still pass the House of Commons next month if they helped her reassure lawmakers over a controversial "backstop" clause on Ireland, a British official said. But European sources said the atmosphere in the room was tense, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other leaders repeatedly interrupting May to ask exactly what she wanted. European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker told reporters afterwards: "Our UK friends need to say what they want instead of asking us what we want." He added: "Theresa May has led a courageous fight, but unfortunately we are not seeing the results." May floated the idea of setting a target date to agree a free trade deal with the EU if one had not been agreed by the end of a post-Brexit transition period, to avoid Britain falling into the backstop. Many of her MPs fear the arrangement for Britain to enter a temporary customs union with the EU to avoid border checks with Ireland could become permanent. But European leaders have said they will not accept a time limit, and after May left agreed a statement that the Brexit deal "is not open for renegotiation". With May having promised to have something to offer MPs before they finally vote on the Brexit deal by January 21, Juncker said she would have to come up with proposals in the next few weeks if she wanted Europe's support. However, he said he would publish further plans on Wednesday to protect European businesses and citizens in case the deal fails, and Britain exits on March 29 with no new arrangements place. Deal 'a trap' May told EU leaders they must help her "change the perception that the backstop could be a trap from which the UK cannot escape", adding: "Until we do, the deal -- our deal -- is at risk." "With the right assurances, this deal can be passed. Indeed it is the only deal that is capable of getting through my parliament," she told them. But while an early draft of the summit conclusions had said the EU "stands ready to examine whether any further assurances can be provided" on the backstop, this was removed from the final published version. Juncker did offer one olive branch, promising that talks on the future trading relationship -- a deal on which would undermine the need for the backstop -- would start as soon as MPs and the European Parliament approved the Brexit deal. The summit statement also confirmed the backstop would only "apply temporarily" and that EU members would work to "conclude expeditiously" the new trade deal. But this is not the legally binding promise sought by Brexiteers and the Northern Irish party that props up May's government -- without which they have warned they will not support the deal. Crushing defeat May arrived in Brussels wounded by a confidence vote in her party on Wednesday night, which she won but in which more than one-third of her MPs voted against her. The move was sparked by her decision to delay a parliamentary vote on the Brexit deal planned for Tuesday, amid fears of a crushing defeat. It has been delayed to next month. But ahead of the confidence vote May was forced to confirm she would not fight the next general election planned for 2022. Instead, she said her focus was on salvaging her plan for an orderly Brexit. Before the EU leaders savaged her plan, she had admitted she did not expect "an immediate breakthrough". Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who earlier met with May on the sidelines of the summit, stressed again the backstop must be part of the deal. "As the EU we are very keen to offer explanations, assurances, clarifications, anything that may assist MPs to understand the agreement, and hopefully to support it. But the backstop is not on the table," he said.

EU leaders reject PM Theresa May's plea over Brexit deal

PM Modi addresses media before Parliament's winter session

Theresa May suffers Parliament defeats

The British government suffered a major blow on Tuesday when it lost a parliamentary vote on legal advice it received on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britain-can-revoke-brexit-unilaterally-eu-court-adviser-181406">Brexit deal </a>agreed with EU leaders last month.

A motion by the main opposition Labour Party to find the government in contempt of parliament for failing to publish the advice was passed by 311 MPs in favour to 293 against.

The government reacted to the defeat by saying it would publish the "final and full" advice on Wednesday.

Opponents believe the advice will reveal Attorney General Geoffrey Cox's misgivings about the Brexit agreement.

The parliamentary vote has delayed a speech by Prime Minister Theresa May at the start of five days of debate on the deal itself before a final vote on December 11 which the government is expected to lose.

May was still due to address parliament later on Tuesday.

Labour's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said: "This House has now spoken and it's of huge constitutional and political significance. It is, I think unprecedented for this House to find government ministers in contempt".

The British government suffered a major blow on Tuesday when it lost a parliamentary vote on legal advice it received on the Brexit deal agreed with EU leaders last month.

The British government suffered a major blow on Tuesday when it lost a parliamentary vote on legal advice it received on the Brexit deal agreed with EU leaders last month. A motion by the main opposition Labour Party to find the government in contempt of parliament for failing to publish the advice was passed by 311 MPs in favour to 293 against. The government reacted to the defeat by saying it would publish the "final and full" advice on Wednesday. Opponents believe the advice will reveal Attorney General Geoffrey Cox's misgivings about the Brexit agreement. The parliamentary vote has delayed a speech by Prime Minister Theresa May at the start of five days of debate on the deal itself before a final vote on December 11 which the government is expected to lose. May was still due to address parliament later on Tuesday. Labour's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said: "This House has now spoken and it's of huge constitutional and political significance. It is, I think unprecedented for this House to find government ministers in contempt".

British government loses key parliament vote on Brexit

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena is considering dropping an attempt to dissolve parliament, sources close to the president said, possibly easing weeks of political deadlock.

The country has been in a crisis since Sirisena replaced Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe with Mahinda Rajapaksa last month, and then issued an order dissolving parliament and called for a general election.

The sources said the president may now rescind the order, effectively pre-empting a court ruling that they expect to overturn his decision anyway.

Sri Lanka's top court stayed the dissolution order pending a hearing on its constitutionality that starts on Tuesday, allowing parliament to resume meeting.

Rajapaksa, a former president, has lost two confidence votes in parliament but has refused to resign.

"There is a possibility of withdrawing the gazette," said a source in regular discussion with Sirisena, referring to the official announcement by which the president dissolved parliament. "I have no doubt that the Supreme Court would say that dissolution was wrong."

A spokesman for Sirisena, Dharmasri Ekanayake, said he was unaware of any such plans.

"DIGNIFIED EXIT"

A second source in Sirisena's party said the president was looking for a "dignified exit" by withdrawing the dissolution order as the court was unlikely to rule in his favour.

The Supreme Court is expected to announce its decision as early as December 7.

Foreign countries have yet to recognise the new government. The impasse has also pushed the island's currency to record lows, caused turmoil on its stock and bond markets, and raised fears it may not be able to service debts to finance reconstruction following a 26-year civil war that ended in 2009.

Rajapaksa is seen as a hero by many among Sri Lanka’s Buddhist majority for ending a bloody war with Tamil rebels in 2009, but has been accused by diplomats and international rights groups of human rights abuses, which he denies.

Sirisena came to power in 2015 on a pledge to uphold democracy and stamp out corruption, but his popularity has been hit by a crisis many say he triggered because of personal differences with former Prime Minister Wickremesinghe.

The crisis deepened on Friday when parliament voted to halt payment of ministers' salaries - a move to pressure the disputed government of Rajapaksa. Rajapaksa loyalists boycotted the vote saying it was illegal.

Separately on Friday, the country's Appeal Court began a hearing on a petition signed by 122 legislators that challenged Rajapaksa's authority to hold office after he lost the no-confidence votes earlier this month.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena is considering dropping an attempt to dissolve parliament, sources close to the president said, possibly easing weeks of political deadlock.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena is considering dropping an attempt to dissolve parliament, sources close to the president said, possibly easing weeks of political deadlock. The country has been in a crisis since Sirisena replaced Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe with Mahinda Rajapaksa last month, and then issued an order dissolving parliament and called for a general election. The sources said the president may now rescind the order, effectively pre-empting a court ruling that they expect to overturn his decision anyway. Sri Lanka's top court stayed the dissolution order pending a hearing on its constitutionality that starts on Tuesday, allowing parliament to resume meeting. Rajapaksa, a former president, has lost two confidence votes in parliament but has refused to resign. "There is a possibility of withdrawing the gazette," said a source in regular discussion with Sirisena, referring to the official announcement by which the president dissolved parliament. "I have no doubt that the Supreme Court would say that dissolution was wrong." A spokesman for Sirisena, Dharmasri Ekanayake, said he was unaware of any such plans. "DIGNIFIED EXIT" A second source in Sirisena's party said the president was looking for a "dignified exit" by withdrawing the dissolution order as the court was unlikely to rule in his favour. The Supreme Court is expected to announce its decision as early as December 7. Foreign countries have yet to recognise the new government. The impasse has also pushed the island's currency to record lows, caused turmoil on its stock and bond markets, and raised fears it may not be able to service debts to finance reconstruction following a 26-year civil war that ended in 2009. Rajapaksa is seen as a hero by many among Sri Lanka’s Buddhist majority for ending a bloody war with Tamil rebels in 2009, but has been accused by diplomats and international rights groups of human rights abuses, which he denies. Sirisena came to power in 2015 on a pledge to uphold democracy and stamp out corruption, but his popularity has been hit by a crisis many say he triggered because of personal differences with former Prime Minister Wickremesinghe. The crisis deepened on Friday when parliament voted to halt payment of ministers' salaries - a move to pressure the disputed government of Rajapaksa. Rajapaksa loyalists boycotted the vote saying it was illegal. Separately on Friday, the country's Appeal Court began a hearing on a petition signed by 122 legislators that challenged Rajapaksa's authority to hold office after he lost the no-confidence votes earlier this month.

Sri Lanka president weighs backing down in crisis over parliament: Sources

Over one lakh farmers from across the country plan to assemble in the national capital on November 29 and 30 to participate in a mega march to protest against, what they have termed, the Centre's "failure" to address their issues.&nbsp;

Hannan Mollah, convenor of All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), an umbrella body of 208 farmers' and agricultural workers' organisations, said on November 29, the farmers would start the Kisan Mukti March from different corners of Delhi - Bijwasan, Majnu Ka Tila, Nizamuddin and Anand Vihar - to Ramlila ground.&nbsp;

A cultural programme 'Ek Sham Kisan Ke Naam' dedicated to farmers would be held at the Ramlila ground on the first day of the congregation, where prominent singers and poets would perform.&nbsp;

"On November 30, the farmers will start their march from Ramlila ground to Parliament. At Parliament Street, farmer leaders will speak on agrarian issues and also, leaders of different political parties barring the BJP will address the gathering," said Mollah, who is a senior leader of the CPI-M.

The rally has been organised to protest against the Centre's failure to address farmers' issues, he said, adding the government must come out clean on measures for them.&nbsp;

Atul Anjaan, national secretary of All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) said all top leaders of opposition parties including Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal have been invited for two-day meet.&nbsp;

AIKSCC was formed under the aegis of AIKS and other left-affiliated farmers' bodies in June 2017, after struggles of farmers in different states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, for debt relief and remunerative prices.&nbsp;

It had formulated two private members bills - The Farmers Freedom from Indebtedness Bill 2018 and Farmers' Right to Guaranteed Remunerative Minimum Support Price for Agricultural Commodities Bill 2018.&nbsp;

"The bills were prepared after a series of discussion on farmers issues during the Kisan Mukti Sansad, which was held in November last year," said Mollah.&nbsp;

He added that CPI-M MP KK Ragesh, who is also the national joint secretary of AIKS, has introduced the bills in Rajya Sabha. Raju Shetty of Swabhimani Shetkari Saghtana presented these in Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

AIKSCC has demanded a special session of Parliament to adopt the two key bills of liberation from farm debt and fair assured prices to farmers and also to discuss the agrarian crisis and its related aspects.&nbsp;

It has also sought President Ram Nath Kovind's intervention on holding the special session.&nbsp;

Anjaan said rural India has been reeling under agrarian distress and for solving it, left parties and left-leaning organisations have been raising "democratic voices" across the country.&nbsp;

"To counter the agrarian distress, the first step of the government should be waiving farmers' loans. A National Debt Relief Commission for farmers has also to be set up," he said.&nbsp;

He added that the government should implement the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission so as to provide the farming community a "big relief".&nbsp;

Over one lakh farmers from across the country plan to assemble in the national capital on November 29 and 30 to participate in a mega march to protest against, what they have termed, the Centre's "failure" to address their issues.

Over one lakh farmers from across the country plan to assemble in the national capital on November 29 and 30 to participate in a mega march to protest against, what they have termed, the Centre's "failure" to address their issues. Hannan Mollah, convenor of All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), an umbrella body of 208 farmers' and agricultural workers' organisations, said on November 29, the farmers would start the Kisan Mukti March from different corners of Delhi - Bijwasan, Majnu Ka Tila, Nizamuddin and Anand Vihar - to Ramlila ground. A cultural programme 'Ek Sham Kisan Ke Naam' dedicated to farmers would be held at the Ramlila ground on the first day of the congregation, where prominent singers and poets would perform. "On November 30, the farmers will start their march from Ramlila ground to Parliament. At Parliament Street, farmer leaders will speak on agrarian issues and also, leaders of different political parties barring the BJP will address the gathering," said Mollah, who is a senior leader of the CPI-M. The rally has been organised to protest against the Centre's failure to address farmers' issues, he said, adding the government must come out clean on measures for them. Atul Anjaan, national secretary of All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) said all top leaders of opposition parties including Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal have been invited for two-day meet. AIKSCC was formed under the aegis of AIKS and other left-affiliated farmers' bodies in June 2017, after struggles of farmers in different states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, for debt relief and remunerative prices. It had formulated two private members bills - The Farmers Freedom from Indebtedness Bill 2018 and Farmers' Right to Guaranteed Remunerative Minimum Support Price for Agricultural Commodities Bill 2018. "The bills were prepared after a series of discussion on farmers issues during the Kisan Mukti Sansad, which was held in November last year," said Mollah. He added that CPI-M MP KK Ragesh, who is also the national joint secretary of AIKS, has introduced the bills in Rajya Sabha. Raju Shetty of Swabhimani Shetkari Saghtana presented these in Lok Sabha. AIKSCC has demanded a special session of Parliament to adopt the two key bills of liberation from farm debt and fair assured prices to farmers and also to discuss the agrarian crisis and its related aspects. It has also sought President Ram Nath Kovind's intervention on holding the special session. Anjaan said rural India has been reeling under agrarian distress and for solving it, left parties and left-leaning organisations have been raising "democratic voices" across the country. "To counter the agrarian distress, the first step of the government should be waiving farmers' loans. A National Debt Relief Commission for farmers has also to be set up," he said. He added that the government should implement the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission so as to provide the farming community a "big relief".

100,000 farmers to march on Parliament this week, protest govt's 'failure': Farmers' body

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday moved a resolution in the Assembly, seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative assemblies and Parliament.

"I initiate the discussion on this historic motion for providing 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative assemblies and the Parliament," Patnaik said, while moving the resolution for the consideration of the House.

Stating that Odisha must show its commitment and resolve to the entire country that it is the land where women are truly empowered and truly involved in nation-building, the chief minister appealed to all the lawmakers to extend their support and unanimously adopt the resolution.

He said the empowerment of women is very close to his heart. "No household, no society, no state, no country has ever moved forward without empowering its women."

Patnaik said initiatives like girls' education, loans at 1 per cent interest rate, hostels for 5 lakh tribal girls, provision of&nbsp;Rs.&nbsp;7 lakh for women under its healthcare insurance scheme and land rights for women were among the many initiatives his government had taken to improve their socio-economic condition.

In 1992, Patnaik said, his legendary father and former chief minister, Biju Patnaik, had brought women to the realm of political decision-making by providing 33 per cent reservation for them in local bodies.<iframe data-google-container-id="6" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>

"The principle of gender equality is enshrined in our Constitution. Biju Babu was the true champion of women's empowerment," he said.

"I am confident that the mothers and sisters who run their household so efficiently will run the panchayat samiti and zilla parishad with equal competence," Patnaik quoted his father as saying, while making a provision of 33 per cent reservation for women in the three-tier Panchayati Raj system and urban local body.

"My government has further enhanced it (reservation for women in panchayat and ULBs) to 50 per cent. In fact, its heartening to know that, in real numbers, it's much more than 50 per cent," Patnaik said.

"This bold, aspirational and new Odisha has voices which must be heard across panchayats, legislative assemblies and the Parliament," he added.&nbsp;

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday moved a resolution in the Assembly, seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative assemblies and Parliament.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday moved a resolution in the Assembly, seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative assemblies and Parliament. "I initiate the discussion on this historic motion for providing 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative assemblies and the Parliament," Patnaik said, while moving the resolution for the consideration of the House. Stating that Odisha must show its commitment and resolve to the entire country that it is the land where women are truly empowered and truly involved in nation-building, the chief minister appealed to all the lawmakers to extend their support and unanimously adopt the resolution. He said the empowerment of women is very close to his heart. "No household, no society, no state, no country has ever moved forward without empowering its women." Patnaik said initiatives like girls' education, loans at 1 per cent interest rate, hostels for 5 lakh tribal girls, provision of Rs. 7 lakh for women under its healthcare insurance scheme and land rights for women were among the many initiatives his government had taken to improve their socio-economic condition. In 1992, Patnaik said, his legendary father and former chief minister, Biju Patnaik, had brought women to the realm of political decision-making by providing 33 per cent reservation for them in local bodies. "The principle of gender equality is enshrined in our Constitution. Biju Babu was the true champion of women's empowerment," he said. "I am confident that the mothers and sisters who run their household so efficiently will run the panchayat samiti and zilla parishad with equal competence," Patnaik quoted his father as saying, while making a provision of 33 per cent reservation for women in the three-tier Panchayati Raj system and urban local body. "My government has further enhanced it (reservation for women in panchayat and ULBs) to 50 per cent. In fact, its heartening to know that, in real numbers, it's much more than 50 per cent," Patnaik said. "This bold, aspirational and new Odisha has voices which must be heard across panchayats, legislative assemblies and the Parliament," he added.

Naveen Patnaik moves resolution for 33% women reservation in parliament

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-sirisena-rejects-lankan-parliaments-no-confidence-motion-against-rajapaksa-177417">President Sirisena rejects Lankan Parliament's no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa</a>

A day after the Sri Lankan Parliament passed a no-confidence &nbsp;motion against prime minister Rajapaksa, President Sirisena said the Parliament "tried to override the Constitutional powers of the president and the judiciary."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-fires-senior-advisor-criticized-by-first-lady-melania-177395">President Trump fires senior advisor criticised by first lady Melania</a>

An angry Donald Trump removed a senior advisor Wednesday after First Lady Melania Trump demanded her sacking, with more heads set to roll in a White House reshuffle triggered by infighting and setbacks in the midterm elections.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-pm-narendra-modi-delivers-the-keynote-address-at-fintech-festival-177192">Live: PM Modi attends India-ASEAN breakfast meeting</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with other leaders participated in the 16th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Breakfast Summit, followed by the 13th East Asia Summit in Singapore on Thursday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/troops-on-alert-as-central-american-migrant-caravan-reaches-us-border-177415">Troops on alert as central American 'migrant caravan' reaches US border</a>

As US defence secretary Jim Mattis visited troops at the border, the so-called migrant caravan comprising of hundreds of central Americans arrived at the US southern border on Thursday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fuel-prices-slashed-petrol-at-rs-7728-per-litre-in-delhi-rs-8220-in-mumbai-177402">Fuel prices drop in Delhi, Mumbai as global prices continue downward spiral</a>

The fuel prices continued to decline on Thursday with price of petrol reaching Rs 77.28 per litre in Delhi, 0.15 paise lower from Wednesday.

In Mumbai, petrol is being sold at Rs 82.20 per litre after a decrease of 0.14 paise.

President Sirisena rejects Lankan Parliament's no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa A day after the Sri Lankan Parliament passed a no-confidence motion against prime minister Rajapaksa, President Sirisena said the Parliament "tried to override the Constitutional powers of the president and the judiciary.

President Sirisena rejects Lankan Parliament's no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa A day after the Sri Lankan Parliament passed a no-confidence motion against prime minister Rajapaksa, President Sirisena said the Parliament "tried to override the Constitutional powers of the president and the judiciary." President Trump fires senior advisor criticised by first lady Melania An angry Donald Trump removed a senior advisor Wednesday after First Lady Melania Trump demanded her sacking, with more heads set to roll in a White House reshuffle triggered by infighting and setbacks in the midterm elections. Live: PM Modi attends India-ASEAN breakfast meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with other leaders participated in the 16th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Breakfast Summit, followed by the 13th East Asia Summit in Singapore on Thursday. Troops on alert as central American 'migrant caravan' reaches US border As US defence secretary Jim Mattis visited troops at the border, the so-called migrant caravan comprising of hundreds of central Americans arrived at the US southern border on Thursday. Fuel prices drop in Delhi, Mumbai as global prices continue downward spiral The fuel prices continued to decline on Thursday with price of petrol reaching Rs 77.28 per litre in Delhi, 0.15 paise lower from Wednesday. In Mumbai, petrol is being sold at Rs 82.20 per litre after a decrease of 0.14 paise.

In May, Hassan Fada'am traded his military fatigues for a suit when he became one of 45 Shi'ite militiamen elected to Iraq's 329-seat parliament.

Fada'am trained as a soldier in Iran and fought against Islamic State in Iraq. Now he's a politician as paramilitary groups backed by Iran have doubled their number of seats in Iraq's parliament. The Fatih Alliance bloc that represents them has become the second largest political bloc.

In interviews, eight militiamen who have translated their battlefield success into electoral victories set out how they plan to use this new platform. Six months after the vote, Iraq's new Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has yet to win parliamentary approval for his government. Yet already one thing is evident, the militia are better placed than ever to influence policies, from domestic security to foreign policy.

Mahdi's predecessor as prime minister, Haider al-Abadi, has said he fears the militiamen will undermine efforts to unify Iraq. Its young democracy is trying to balance the demands of its Sunnis, Kurds and Shi'ites after years of sectarian conflict, and the economy is only beginning to recover from the country's war with Islamic State. Abadi tried, unsuccessfully, to prevent militia leaders from standing in the 2018 election.

"How can a military outfit have a political opinion? This does not happen in any part of the world. It is prohibited," he said at the time. The militiamen responded by announcing they would quit their military roles to comply with Iraq's electoral code.

Some in Washington are also worried. Republican senators have introduced a bill that would impose sanctions on two Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba. Sponsors of the Iranian Proxies Terrorist Sanctions Act include Senators David Perdue, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio.

Iran is unperturbed. "In the meetings we had with our Iraqi brothers, they assured us that Iraq could not be used by America," said a former Iranian ambassador in the region, now a senior official in Tehran.

Among Iran's Iraqi allies is the Badr Organization, which won 21 seats at the election. For two decades, Badr's leader Hadi al-Amiri led the fight against Saddam Hussein from exile in Iran. A Badr local commander, Karim Nouri, said communication with Iran was ongoing "to keep Tehran's rivals – the United States and Saudi Arabia – in check." He did not elaborate.

Hisham Hashemi, a security adviser to Iraq's government, said he believed that Iran was in touch with Shi'ite politicians "in order to have a means of applying political pressure, to guarantee their loyalty, to make sure they have an armed force loyal to them. They provide advice on PR, propaganda, marketing, media, speeches, social media."

INSPIRED BY IRAN, SUSPICIOUS OF AMERICA

When Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani urged his fellow Shi'ites to join the fight against Islamic State in 2014, Fada'am was among the tens of thousands of Shi'ites who answered the call. He led the Dawn Brigades, a force of 3,400 fighters.

After driving Islamic State from the town of Jurf al-Sakhr south of Baghdad, Fada'am lobbied the local government in his province of Hilla to cancel the property rights of Sunnis in the area, saying they were tied to Islamic State. The Hilla provincial council agreed to his request.

Elected in May to represent Hilla in parliament, Fada'am says he now devotes his time to politics, frequently appearing on talk shows broadcast on Shi'ite television channels to drive home his anti-corruption message. Visitors stream into his office in Hilla seeking help. Like many parts of Iraq, Hilla lacks basic services. Roads are potholed. Medical facilities are crumbling. He receives hundreds of requests from young people wanting a job in the civil service.

Across town from his office is a hospital run by his followers. It provides free medical care for militia fighters and members of the public. Patients have access to an orderly, well stocked pharmacy. The rooms are cleaner than most medical facilities in Iraq.

"At the end of the day we must switch to politics to rebuild our country. Rebuilding the country and maintaining its security could come only through good politics," said Fada'am.

Another militiaman turned politician, Falih Khazali, fought on the side of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's civil war and lost an eye defending a Shi'ite shrine near Damascus. These days, he operates from Iraq's second city Basra in the oil-producing south. Posters of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini adorn the wall of his office. He is beginning his second term in parliament, having been elected for the first time in 2014.

"The Americans should not consider Iraq as one of their villages. Iraq is an independent state with an ancient history. The United states must not deal with Iraq on the basis of zero give and 100 per cent take," he said.

"Iran's role was very effective in arming Iraqi forces and the Hashid (militia) through the government. Only the Islamic Republic of Iran supported Iraq when the state was about to collapse. All others were onlookers."

Like Iran, Khazali is opposed to the American military presence in Iraq. He says he is "pushing for a draft law to force government to reconsider bilateral military cooperation with the United States." About 5,200 US&nbsp;troops are based in Iraq. They will stay "as long as needed" to help stabilize regions previously controlled by Islamic State, said a spokesman for the US-led international coalition.

UNCLEAN WATER, CORRUPT OFFICIALS

Like Fada'am, Khazali is focused on everyday issues that are important to Iraqis: contaminated water, dilapidated infrastructure and corrupt officials. He has opened his office in Basra to anyone who can provide proof of official corruption. He says he has put together a file containing 100 cases. During the first session of parliament in mid-September, Khazali successfully urged the chamber to send a delegation to investigate the "miserable conditions" in Basra, the scene of protests over unsafe water, power shortages, unemployment and corruption.

"Fighting corruption is my primary target now after defeating Islamic State," he said. "Corruption is a second Islamic State if not worse."

That's a view shared by others, including Asaib ahl al-Haq, one of the militias that is faced with possible U.S. sanctions. Asaib militiaman Saad al Husseini, from the town of Kut on the banks of the Tigris river, has taken up a seat in parliament. He handled logistics for Asaib during the war against Islamic State, ensuring fighters showed up at their positions and arranging matters after deaths. He says the protests in Basra flow from the failings of successive governments.

"The protests now are a stark evidence that corruption is spreading in all government institutions. The next step should be fighting corruption," he said. "My primary objective after becoming a lawmaker will be helping to legislate to serve people's interests and monitoring the performance of the government in order to stamp out corruption."

REVOLUTIONARY GUARD II

Some Iraqi politicians and military officers worry that through the Shi'ite militias Tehran is trying to create an Iraqi version of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, with its parallel security apparatus and vast business empire. Iraqi militias have shares in construction, trade and car import companies.

At the Safra border crossing, 90 km north of Baghdad, the Badr Organisation, Iran's closest paramilitary partner in Iraq, collects custom tariffs and taxes on goods transported from the Kurdish region in the north, according to a local councillor and two former senior Iraqi officials. The councillor said at least US $12 to US $15 million goes to the Badr group each month.

Local Badr commander, Imad Jafaar, denied the group was using the crossing to generate funds.

Hard currency exchanges along central Baghdad's busy streets pay fees to militias to protect keep their businesses, said three owners of currency exchange businesses and police sources.

Cash flows do not stop at business interests. The Iraqi state budget allocated US $1 billion for the militias during the war with Islamic State. A Hashid fighter is normally paid US $600 a month, compared to any army soldier's US $200 salary.

In May, Hassan Fada'am traded his military fatigues for a suit when he became one of 45 Shi'ite militiamen elected to Iraq's 329-seat parliament. Fada'am trained as a soldier in Iran and fought against Islamic State in Iraq.

In May, Hassan Fada'am traded his military fatigues for a suit when he became one of 45 Shi'ite militiamen elected to Iraq's 329-seat parliament. Fada'am trained as a soldier in Iran and fought against Islamic State in Iraq. Now he's a politician as paramilitary groups backed by Iran have doubled their number of seats in Iraq's parliament. The Fatih Alliance bloc that represents them has become the second largest political bloc. In interviews, eight militiamen who have translated their battlefield success into electoral victories set out how they plan to use this new platform. Six months after the vote, Iraq's new Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has yet to win parliamentary approval for his government. Yet already one thing is evident, the militia are better placed than ever to influence policies, from domestic security to foreign policy. Mahdi's predecessor as prime minister, Haider al-Abadi, has said he fears the militiamen will undermine efforts to unify Iraq. Its young democracy is trying to balance the demands of its Sunnis, Kurds and Shi'ites after years of sectarian conflict, and the economy is only beginning to recover from the country's war with Islamic State. Abadi tried, unsuccessfully, to prevent militia leaders from standing in the 2018 election. "How can a military outfit have a political opinion? This does not happen in any part of the world. It is prohibited," he said at the time. The militiamen responded by announcing they would quit their military roles to comply with Iraq's electoral code. Some in Washington are also worried. Republican senators have introduced a bill that would impose sanctions on two Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba. Sponsors of the Iranian Proxies Terrorist Sanctions Act include Senators David Perdue, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio. Iran is unperturbed. "In the meetings we had with our Iraqi brothers, they assured us that Iraq could not be used by America," said a former Iranian ambassador in the region, now a senior official in Tehran. Among Iran's Iraqi allies is the Badr Organization, which won 21 seats at the election. For two decades, Badr's leader Hadi al-Amiri led the fight against Saddam Hussein from exile in Iran. A Badr local commander, Karim Nouri, said communication with Iran was ongoing "to keep Tehran's rivals – the United States and Saudi Arabia – in check." He did not elaborate. Hisham Hashemi, a security adviser to Iraq's government, said he believed that Iran was in touch with Shi'ite politicians "in order to have a means of applying political pressure, to guarantee their loyalty, to make sure they have an armed force loyal to them. They provide advice on PR, propaganda, marketing, media, speeches, social media." INSPIRED BY IRAN, SUSPICIOUS OF AMERICA When Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani urged his fellow Shi'ites to join the fight against Islamic State in 2014, Fada'am was among the tens of thousands of Shi'ites who answered the call. He led the Dawn Brigades, a force of 3,400 fighters. After driving Islamic State from the town of Jurf al-Sakhr south of Baghdad, Fada'am lobbied the local government in his province of Hilla to cancel the property rights of Sunnis in the area, saying they were tied to Islamic State. The Hilla provincial council agreed to his request. Elected in May to represent Hilla in parliament, Fada'am says he now devotes his time to politics, frequently appearing on talk shows broadcast on Shi'ite television channels to drive home his anti-corruption message. Visitors stream into his office in Hilla seeking help. Like many parts of Iraq, Hilla lacks basic services. Roads are potholed. Medical facilities are crumbling. He receives hundreds of requests from young people wanting a job in the civil service. Across town from his office is a hospital run by his followers. It provides free medical care for militia fighters and members of the public. Patients have access to an orderly, well stocked pharmacy. The rooms are cleaner than most medical facilities in Iraq. "At the end of the day we must switch to politics to rebuild our country. Rebuilding the country and maintaining its security could come only through good politics," said Fada'am. Another militiaman turned politician, Falih Khazali, fought on the side of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's civil war and lost an eye defending a Shi'ite shrine near Damascus. These days, he operates from Iraq's second city Basra in the oil-producing south. Posters of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini adorn the wall of his office. He is beginning his second term in parliament, having been elected for the first time in 2014. "The Americans should not consider Iraq as one of their villages. Iraq is an independent state with an ancient history. The United states must not deal with Iraq on the basis of zero give and 100 per cent take," he said. "Iran's role was very effective in arming Iraqi forces and the Hashid (militia) through the government. Only the Islamic Republic of Iran supported Iraq when the state was about to collapse. All others were onlookers." Like Iran, Khazali is opposed to the American military presence in Iraq. He says he is "pushing for a draft law to force government to reconsider bilateral military cooperation with the United States." About 5,200 US troops are based in Iraq. They will stay "as long as needed" to help stabilize regions previously controlled by Islamic State, said a spokesman for the US-led international coalition. UNCLEAN WATER, CORRUPT OFFICIALS Like Fada'am, Khazali is focused on everyday issues that are important to Iraqis: contaminated water, dilapidated infrastructure and corrupt officials. He has opened his office in Basra to anyone who can provide proof of official corruption. He says he has put together a file containing 100 cases. During the first session of parliament in mid-September, Khazali successfully urged the chamber to send a delegation to investigate the "miserable conditions" in Basra, the scene of protests over unsafe water, power shortages, unemployment and corruption. "Fighting corruption is my primary target now after defeating Islamic State," he said. "Corruption is a second Islamic State if not worse." That's a view shared by others, including Asaib ahl al-Haq, one of the militias that is faced with possible U.S. sanctions. Asaib militiaman Saad al Husseini, from the town of Kut on the banks of the Tigris river, has taken up a seat in parliament. He handled logistics for Asaib during the war against Islamic State, ensuring fighters showed up at their positions and arranging matters after deaths. He says the protests in Basra flow from the failings of successive governments. "The protests now are a stark evidence that corruption is spreading in all government institutions. The next step should be fighting corruption," he said. "My primary objective after becoming a lawmaker will be helping to legislate to serve people's interests and monitoring the performance of the government in order to stamp out corruption." REVOLUTIONARY GUARD II Some Iraqi politicians and military officers worry that through the Shi'ite militias Tehran is trying to create an Iraqi version of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, with its parallel security apparatus and vast business empire. Iraqi militias have shares in construction, trade and car import companies. At the Safra border crossing, 90 km north of Baghdad, the Badr Organisation, Iran's closest paramilitary partner in Iraq, collects custom tariffs and taxes on goods transported from the Kurdish region in the north, according to a local councillor and two former senior Iraqi officials. The councillor said at least US $12 to US $15 million goes to the Badr group each month. Local Badr commander, Imad Jafaar, denied the group was using the crossing to generate funds. Hard currency exchanges along central Baghdad's busy streets pay fees to militias to protect keep their businesses, said three owners of currency exchange businesses and police sources. Cash flows do not stop at business interests. The Iraqi state budget allocated US $1 billion for the militias during the war with Islamic State. A Hashid fighter is normally paid US $600 a month, compared to any army soldier's US $200 salary.

In Iraq’s parliament, Shi’ite militia leaders plan to call the shots

Sri Lanka's main Tamil party on Sunday urged the president to reconvene parliament and end a worsening political crisis, as the minority ethnic community emerge as kingmakers in the power struggle.

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) could tip the balance should parliament be recalled this week to decide between two rivals both claiming the lawful right to head Sri Lanka's government.

Sri Lanka has been gripped by constitutional turmoil since President Maithripala Sirisena sacked his former ally, prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, and his cabinet on October 26.

Wickremesinghe says his dismissal was illegal as he commands a greater majority in parliament than Mahinda Rajapakse, the former strongman president controversially installed in his place.

The TNA has already said it would vote against Rajapakse in a no-confidence motion when parliament reconvenes.

Both rivals have been marshalling numbers behind the scenes, worrying civil society groups who protested Sunday in the capital Colombo against the horse-trading.

TNA legislator Dharmalingam Sithadthan said the president had called the Tamil legislators to a meeting Wednesday -- the same day parliament was expected to reconvene.

"We have asked the president to immediately call parliament and end this crisis," TNA legislator Dharmalingam Sithadthan told AFP.

Wickremesinghe's party risks losing legislators to Rajapakse's camp as the days drag by. Some members of his party have already alleged they were offered portfolios and huge amounts of money to switch allegiances.

Six MPs have already switched sides and been granted portfolios under Rajapakse's new administration.

The Sunday Times of Colombo newspaper described the sacking of the prime minister as "sheer political expediency" and outside the law.

The state-run Sunday Observer, now controlled by Rajapakse-loyalists, defended the change of government but acknowledged the crisis should be resolved.

According to latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs from the 225- 
seat assembly while Rajapakse and Sirisena have 101.

Most of the remaining 21 MPs -- including the TNA -- are set to oppose Rajapakse, observers said.

The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) party, which has seven lawmakers, said its members had also rejected offers to join the Sirisena-Rajapakse camp.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's main Tamil party on Sunday urged the president to reconvene parliament and end a worsening political crisis, as the minority ethnic community emerge as kingmakers in the power struggle.

Sri Lanka's main Tamil party on Sunday urged the president to reconvene parliament and end a worsening political crisis, as the minority ethnic community emerge as kingmakers in the power struggle. The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) could tip the balance should parliament be recalled this week to decide between two rivals both claiming the lawful right to head Sri Lanka's government. Sri Lanka has been gripped by constitutional turmoil since President Maithripala Sirisena sacked his former ally, prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, and his cabinet on October 26. Wickremesinghe says his dismissal was illegal as he commands a greater majority in parliament than Mahinda Rajapakse, the former strongman president controversially installed in his place. The TNA has already said it would vote against Rajapakse in a no-confidence motion when parliament reconvenes. Both rivals have been marshalling numbers behind the scenes, worrying civil society groups who protested Sunday in the capital Colombo against the horse-trading. TNA legislator Dharmalingam Sithadthan said the president had called the Tamil legislators to a meeting Wednesday -- the same day parliament was expected to reconvene. "We have asked the president to immediately call parliament and end this crisis," TNA legislator Dharmalingam Sithadthan told AFP. Wickremesinghe's party risks losing legislators to Rajapakse's camp as the days drag by. Some members of his party have already alleged they were offered portfolios and huge amounts of money to switch allegiances. Six MPs have already switched sides and been granted portfolios under Rajapakse's new administration. The Sunday Times of Colombo newspaper described the sacking of the prime minister as "sheer political expediency" and outside the law. The state-run Sunday Observer, now controlled by Rajapakse-loyalists, defended the change of government but acknowledged the crisis should be resolved. According to latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs from the 225- seat assembly while Rajapakse and Sirisena have 101. Most of the remaining 21 MPs -- including the TNA -- are set to oppose Rajapakse, observers said. The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) party, which has seven lawmakers, said its members had also rejected offers to join the Sirisena-Rajapakse camp.

Sri Lanka Tamils push parliament to end crisis

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced concern over the ongoing political crisis in Sri Lanka, urging President Maithripala Sirisena to revert to parliamentary procedures and allow Parliament to vote "as soon as possible".

The political turmoil began after Sirisena sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and installed former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place in a dramatic turn of events last week.

The UN chief spoke to Sirisena over phone on November 1 and informed him that he was following the latest developments in the island country with concern, his office here said on Friday.

Guterres "offered assistance in facilitating a dialogue with all the parties to resolve the situation," it said.

He highlighted the Sri Lankan government's responsibility to ensure peace, security and respect for the rule of law.

"The Secretary-General urged the President to revert to parliamentary procedures and allow Parliament to vote as soon as possible.

"He encouraged the government to uphold its earlier commitments to human rights, justice and reconciliation, in line with Human Rights Council resolutions," the readout said.

Amid the ongoing political tension, Resident Coordinator of the UN in Sri Lanka Hanaa Singer has met Sirisena and Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, delivering Guterres' message for the need to respect democratic values and constitutional provisions.

On Friday, Jayasuriya said Sirisena has agreed to summon Parliament on November 7.

There was confusion since Thursday on the date when the parliamentary deadlock would end as Sirisena had suspended the sittings until November 16.

Sirisena, after replacing Wickremesinghe with Rajapaksa, had suspended Parliament after the sacked premier sought an emergency session to prove his majority.

Wickremesinghe has refused to accept his dismissal, claiming to be the country's legitimate premier. He argues that he cannot legally be removed until he loses the support of Parliament.

Prior to the crisis, Wickramasinghe's UNP had the backing of 106 parliamentarians while Rajapaksa and Sirisena combine had 95 seats.

A lawmaker from the main Tamil party defected to the Rajapaksa side and was made a minister on Friday.

Rajapaksa claims he now has enough numbers to prove his majority and at least five of Wickremasinghe's men have defected to his side.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced concern over the ongoing political crisis in Sri Lanka, urging President Maithripala Sirisena to revert to parliamentary procedures and allow Parliament to vote "as soon as possible".

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced concern over the ongoing political crisis in Sri Lanka, urging President Maithripala Sirisena to revert to parliamentary procedures and allow Parliament to vote "as soon as possible". The political turmoil began after Sirisena sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and installed former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place in a dramatic turn of events last week. The UN chief spoke to Sirisena over phone on November 1 and informed him that he was following the latest developments in the island country with concern, his office here said on Friday. Guterres "offered assistance in facilitating a dialogue with all the parties to resolve the situation," it said. He highlighted the Sri Lankan government's responsibility to ensure peace, security and respect for the rule of law. "The Secretary-General urged the President to revert to parliamentary procedures and allow Parliament to vote as soon as possible. "He encouraged the government to uphold its earlier commitments to human rights, justice and reconciliation, in line with Human Rights Council resolutions," the readout said. Amid the ongoing political tension, Resident Coordinator of the UN in Sri Lanka Hanaa Singer has met Sirisena and Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, delivering Guterres' message for the need to respect democratic values and constitutional provisions. On Friday, Jayasuriya said Sirisena has agreed to summon Parliament on November 7. There was confusion since Thursday on the date when the parliamentary deadlock would end as Sirisena had suspended the sittings until November 16. Sirisena, after replacing Wickremesinghe with Rajapaksa, had suspended Parliament after the sacked premier sought an emergency session to prove his majority. Wickremesinghe has refused to accept his dismissal, claiming to be the country's legitimate premier. He argues that he cannot legally be removed until he loses the support of Parliament. Prior to the crisis, Wickramasinghe's UNP had the backing of 106 parliamentarians while Rajapaksa and Sirisena combine had 95 seats. A lawmaker from the main Tamil party defected to the Rajapaksa side and was made a minister on Friday. Rajapaksa claims he now has enough numbers to prove his majority and at least five of Wickremasinghe's men have defected to his side.

UN chief urges Lankan president to allow vote in Parliament 'as soon as possible'

Pakistan's parliament on Monday unanimously passed a resolution condemning the alleged violence against people in Kashmir by the Indian security forces.

The resolution was presented in the National Assembly, the lower house of the parliament, by Pakistan's Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur.

The house said in the resolution that Kashmir issue should be resolved in light of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Pakistan's parliament on Monday unanimously passed a resolution condemning the alleged violence against people in Kashmir by the Indian security forces. The resolution was presented in the National Assembly, the lower house of the parliament, by Pakistan's Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur.

Pakistan's parliament on Monday unanimously passed a resolution condemning the alleged violence against people in Kashmir by the Indian security forces. The resolution was presented in the National Assembly, the lower house of the parliament, by Pakistan's Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur. The house said in the resolution that Kashmir issue should be resolved in light of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Pakistan parliament passes resolution condemning 'violence' against Kashmiris

Sri Lankan parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya warned Monday that the country's political crisis could turn into a "bloodbath" unless lawmakers were allowed to resolve a power struggle between the president and his ousted premier.

"We should settle this through parliament, but if we take it out to the streets, there will be a huge bloodbath," Jayasuriya told reporters.

He said he had urged President Maithripala Sirisena, whose sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday unleashed the tensions, to let Wickremesinghe prove his majority on the floor of the House.

After sacking Wickremesinghe, the president appointed former strongman Mahinda Rajapakse as the prime minister, leaving the country with two people claiming to run the government.

Sri Lankan parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya warned Monday that the country's political crisis could turn into a "bloodbath" unless lawmakers were allowed to resolve a power struggle between the president and his ousted premier.

Sri Lankan parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya warned Monday that the country's political crisis could turn into a "bloodbath" unless lawmakers were allowed to resolve a power struggle between the president and his ousted premier. "We should settle this through parliament, but if we take it out to the streets, there will be a huge bloodbath," Jayasuriya told reporters. He said he had urged President Maithripala Sirisena, whose sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday unleashed the tensions, to let Wickremesinghe prove his majority on the floor of the House. After sacking Wickremesinghe, the president appointed former strongman Mahinda Rajapakse as the prime minister, leaving the country with two people claiming to run the government.

Parliament speaker warns of 'bloodbath' in Sri Lanka crisis

Journalists and human rights groups are demanding major amendments to a bill recently passed in Bangladesh's Parliament, saying it will further choke constitutionally protected freedom of speech.

A powerful body of editors of leading newspapers and TV stations has officially protested the bill, called the Digital Security Act, and plans to form a human chain to protest Saturday in front of the national press club in Dhaka.

"We are moving toward a bad time. This law will hurt the media, democracy and freedom of expression," said Khandakar Muniruzzaman, acting editor of the Bengali-language daily Sangbad and among those planning to participate in the protest Saturday.

Senior editors, journalist groups and human rights groups in and outside Bangladesh are echoing these concerns, demanding that lawmakers clarify sections of the bill they say could be wielded arbitrarily against government critics before the president signs it.

In Bangladesh, the president customarily signs anything passed by Parliament. He can send it back to Parliament, but if members think no changes are needed, it will go back to him for a signature. If the president does not sign it in six months, it automatically becomes law.

The bill would replace a previous information communication technology law, which was also criticized by journalists and human rights groups for its alleged use to crack down on dissent. Many editors and reporters have been sued for defamation under the law.

Observers say the bill is part of a broader campaign to silence critics in Bangladesh, and reflects a worrying trend in fledgling Asian democracies.

Journalists in Nepal are combating a similar law, part of an expansive rewriting of that country's civil and criminal codes meant to define the parameters of Nepal's new constitution.

Laws like the one recently passed in Nepal and the one pending in Bangladesh, where democracy was restored in 1990 after the military dictator was ousted, could make it more difficult for journalists to expose corruption.

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who political opponents decry as an autocrat, defended the bill in Parliament last week, saying that it was meant to protect the country from propaganda.

"Journalism is surely not for increasing conflict, or for tarnishing the image of the country," she said.

Bangladeshi journalists are taking particular umbrage with a section of the bill that authorizes up to 14 years in prison for gathering, sending or preserving classified information of any government using a computer or other digital device. The journalists say publishing such information is a way to hold officials accountable. The section evokes the sentiment of a British colonial-era law about protecting official secrets.

The bill would also authorize prison sentences of up to three years for publishing information that is "aggressive or frightening" and up to 10 years for posting information that "ruins communal harmony or creates instability or disorder or disturbs or is about to disturb the law and order situation."

Government officials have listed incidents in recent years in which false social media posts about people disrespecting the Quran have incited violence.

Critics of the bill say existing criminal laws adequately address these concerns.

Fears of the broad reach of the bill extend beyond journalists.

Human Rights Watch said the law would be ripe for abuse, in part because it would empower police to search or arrest suspects without a court order.

"Bangladesh authorities have failed to address serious human rights violations, and when criticized, chosen to target the messenger," spokeswoman Meenakshi Ganguly told The Associated Press.

"Bangladeshi journalists, already under pressure, will now worry about doing their job in exposing government failures," she said.

Some critics say introducing such a law a few months before general elections, which are expected in December, could also target opposition activists and candidates.

Bangladesh's main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, or BNP, has said the bill is intended to silence its members. Party leader former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, an archrival of Hasina, is currently in jail for corruption. Her supporters say her jailing is politically motivated, an allegation authorities have denied.

An election-time government is expected to be formed in mid-October that Hasina is supposed to head in line with the constitution, but the opposition says an election under Hasina could be rigged. The opposition wants a non-partisan caretaker government to oversee the elections.

The opposition says their activists are facing thousands of politically-motivated criminal charges, but police say they are following the law, without regard to suspects' political affiliations.

Journalists and human rights groups are demanding major amendments to a bill recently passed in Bangladesh's Parliament, saying it will further choke constitutionally protected freedom of speech.

Journalists and human rights groups are demanding major amendments to a bill recently passed in Bangladesh's Parliament, saying it will further choke constitutionally protected freedom of speech. A powerful body of editors of leading newspapers and TV stations has officially protested the bill, called the Digital Security Act, and plans to form a human chain to protest Saturday in front of the national press club in Dhaka. "We are moving toward a bad time. This law will hurt the media, democracy and freedom of expression," said Khandakar Muniruzzaman, acting editor of the Bengali-language daily Sangbad and among those planning to participate in the protest Saturday. Senior editors, journalist groups and human rights groups in and outside Bangladesh are echoing these concerns, demanding that lawmakers clarify sections of the bill they say could be wielded arbitrarily against government critics before the president signs it. In Bangladesh, the president customarily signs anything passed by Parliament. He can send it back to Parliament, but if members think no changes are needed, it will go back to him for a signature. If the president does not sign it in six months, it automatically becomes law. The bill would replace a previous information communication technology law, which was also criticized by journalists and human rights groups for its alleged use to crack down on dissent. Many editors and reporters have been sued for defamation under the law. Observers say the bill is part of a broader campaign to silence critics in Bangladesh, and reflects a worrying trend in fledgling Asian democracies. Journalists in Nepal are combating a similar law, part of an expansive rewriting of that country's civil and criminal codes meant to define the parameters of Nepal's new constitution. Laws like the one recently passed in Nepal and the one pending in Bangladesh, where democracy was restored in 1990 after the military dictator was ousted, could make it more difficult for journalists to expose corruption. Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who political opponents decry as an autocrat, defended the bill in Parliament last week, saying that it was meant to protect the country from propaganda. "Journalism is surely not for increasing conflict, or for tarnishing the image of the country," she said. Bangladeshi journalists are taking particular umbrage with a section of the bill that authorizes up to 14 years in prison for gathering, sending or preserving classified information of any government using a computer or other digital device. The journalists say publishing such information is a way to hold officials accountable. The section evokes the sentiment of a British colonial-era law about protecting official secrets. The bill would also authorize prison sentences of up to three years for publishing information that is "aggressive or frightening" and up to 10 years for posting information that "ruins communal harmony or creates instability or disorder or disturbs or is about to disturb the law and order situation." Government officials have listed incidents in recent years in which false social media posts about people disrespecting the Quran have incited violence. Critics of the bill say existing criminal laws adequately address these concerns. Fears of the broad reach of the bill extend beyond journalists. Human Rights Watch said the law would be ripe for abuse, in part because it would empower police to search or arrest suspects without a court order. "Bangladesh authorities have failed to address serious human rights violations, and when criticized, chosen to target the messenger," spokeswoman Meenakshi Ganguly told The Associated Press. "Bangladeshi journalists, already under pressure, will now worry about doing their job in exposing government failures," she said. Some critics say introducing such a law a few months before general elections, which are expected in December, could also target opposition activists and candidates. Bangladesh's main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, or BNP, has said the bill is intended to silence its members. Party leader former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, an archrival of Hasina, is currently in jail for corruption. Her supporters say her jailing is politically motivated, an allegation authorities have denied. An election-time government is expected to be formed in mid-October that Hasina is supposed to head in line with the constitution, but the opposition says an election under Hasina could be rigged. The opposition wants a non-partisan caretaker government to oversee the elections. The opposition says their activists are facing thousands of politically-motivated criminal charges, but police say they are following the law, without regard to suspects' political affiliations.

Journalists slam pending Bangladesh digital security law

Hungary's government will begin a major revision of the country's constitution in the autumn that could take 12-18 months, Prime Minister Viktor Orban told state radio on Friday.

Right-wing nationalist Orban, who was reelected with a landslide in April elections for a third straight term, did not reveal any further details.

He said "discussion" about changes to the 2011 constitution would start in September.

Orban's ruling Fidesz party holds 133 of 199 seats in Hungary's parliament which ensures the necessary two-third majority to change any laws.

"In the autumn we would like to launch a 1-1.5 year long constitution revision where we will look at what has worked and what could have worked ... and find potential gaps which we need to fill in with new constitutional text," Orban said.

After he rose to power in 2010, Orban used his strong mandate in parliament to rewrite Hungary's constitution.

One of the criticised changes was curbing the powers of the top court in budget and tax matters.

Orban's ruling Fidesz party holds 133 of 199 seats in Hungary's parliament which ensures the necessary two-third majority to change any laws

Hungary's government will begin a major revision of the country's constitution in the autumn that could take 12-18 months, Prime Minister Viktor Orban told state radio on Friday. Right-wing nationalist Orban, who was reelected with a landslide in April elections for a third straight term, did not reveal any further details. He said "discussion" about changes to the 2011 constitution would start in September. Orban's ruling Fidesz party holds 133 of 199 seats in Hungary's parliament which ensures the necessary two-third majority to change any laws. "In the autumn we would like to launch a 1-1.5 year long constitution revision where we will look at what has worked and what could have worked ... and find potential gaps which we need to fill in with new constitutional text," Orban said. After he rose to power in 2010, Orban used his strong mandate in parliament to rewrite Hungary's constitution. One of the criticised changes was curbing the powers of the top court in budget and tax matters.

PM Orban flags big changes in Hungary's constitution

Mark Rutte, prime minister of the Netherlands, has been praised for taking the time to clear up his own coffee spill.

He was filmed knocking the hot drink over as he went through security barriers at the Dutch parliament.

Mark Rutte, who has led the Netherlands since 2010, perhaps conscious he was on camera, went to lengths to find a mop and clean the mess up.

He was applauded by cleaning personnel before they showed him how to adjust the mop’s height to suit the tall prime minister.

This is not the first time Mark Rutte has become an internet hit.

In October 2017, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte became an instant legend, as he cycled to the Royal Palace to meet King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
? 
 
Question: what would the president or prime minister of your country do if he/she would accidentally drop a cup of coffee? ☕️ 
 
I am proud of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte <a href="https://twitter.com/MinPres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MinPres</a> ?? 
 
And this is not just because it is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldEnvironmentDay?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldEnvironmentDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/AQWn002HlD">pic.twitter.com/AQWn002HlD</a>
— Alexander Verbeek ? (@Alex_Verbeek) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alex_Verbeek/status/1004044288890757125?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

This is not the first time Mark Rutte has become an internet hit.

Mark Rutte, prime minister of the Netherlands, has been praised for taking the time to clear up his own coffee spill. He was filmed knocking the hot drink over as he went through security barriers at the Dutch parliament. Mark Rutte, who has led the Netherlands since 2010, perhaps conscious he was on camera, went to lengths to find a mop and clean the mess up. He was applauded by cleaning personnel before they showed him how to adjust the mop’s height to suit the tall prime minister. This is not the first time Mark Rutte has become an internet hit. In October 2017, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte became an instant legend, as he cycled to the Royal Palace to meet King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. ? Question: what would the president or prime minister of your country do if he/she would accidentally drop a cup of coffee? ☕️ I am proud of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte @MinPres ?? And this is not just because it is #WorldEnvironmentDay pic.twitter.com/AQWn002HlD — Alexander Verbeek ? (@Alex_Verbeek) June 5, 2018 ×

Watch: Dutch PM Mark Rutte drops coffee, cleans up the floor in Parliament

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">Farmers begin </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">10-day</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609"> nationwide strike, say will not sell </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">produce</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609"> in cities</a>

Farmers across the country said Friday that they had begun a 10-day nationwide strike. The farmers said they would not sell their produce in cities.&nbsp;In Punjab and Maharashtra, farmers were seen dumping vegetables, fruit, and milk on the streets.&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/cbi-summons-p-chidambaram-to-appear-on-june-6-in-inx-media-case--141621">CBI summons P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in INX Media case</a>

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in connection with INX Media case, reported&nbsp;news agency ANI.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-ipl-betting-scam-actor-arbaaz-khan-summoned-by-thane-police-141575">IPL betting scam: Actor Arbaaz Khan summoned by Thane Police</a>

Bollywood actor-filmmaker Arbaaz Khan has been summoned by Thane police in Indian Premier League betting scam. He is said to appear tomorrow.&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/parliament-ousts-spain-pm-replaced-by-socialist-leader-141570">Parliament ousts Spain PM, replaced by Socialist leader</a>

Spain's parliament on Friday ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote sparked by fury over his party's corruption woes, with his Socialist arch-rival Pedro Sanchez automatically taking over.&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-allows-ex-foreign-minister-khawaja-asif-to-contest-elections-141559">Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections</a>

Former Pakistani foreign minister Khawaja Asif will be allowed to contest a July 25 general election after the Supreme Court on Friday overturned his disqualification from politics, in a boost to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

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Farmers begin 10-day nationwide strike, say will not sell produce in cities Farmers across the country said Friday that they had begun a 10-day nationwide strike. The farmers said they would not sell their produce in cities. In Punjab and Maharashtra, farmers were seen dumping vegetables, fruit, and milk on the streets. CBI summons P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in INX Media case Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in connection with INX Media case, reported news agency ANI. IPL betting scam: Actor Arbaaz Khan summoned by Thane Police Bollywood actor-filmmaker Arbaaz Khan has been summoned by Thane police in Indian Premier League betting scam. He is said to appear tomorrow. Parliament ousts Spain PM, replaced by Socialist leader Spain's parliament on Friday ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote sparked by fury over his party's corruption woes, with his Socialist arch-rival Pedro Sanchez automatically taking over. Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections Former Pakistani foreign minister Khawaja Asif will be allowed to contest a July 25 general election after the Supreme Court on Friday overturned his disqualification from politics, in a boost to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

News brief:  Big stories of the day

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">Farmers begin </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">10-day</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609"> nationwide strike, say will not sell </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">produce</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609"> in cities</a>

Farmers across the country said Friday that they had begun a 10-day nationwide strike. The farmers said they would not sell their produce in cities.&nbspIn Punjab and Maharashtra, farmers were seen dumping vegetables, fruit, and milk on the streets.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/cbi-summons-p-chidambaram-to-appear-on-june-6-in-inx-media-case--141621">CBI summons P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in INX Media case</a>

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in connection with INX Media case, reported&nbspnews agency ANI.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-ipl-betting-scam-actor-arbaaz-khan-summoned-by-thane-police-141575">IPL betting scam: Actor Arbaaz Khan summoned by Thane Police</a>

Bollywood actor-filmmaker Arbaaz Khan has been summoned by Thane police in Indian Premier League betting scam. He is said to appear tomorrow.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/parliament-ousts-spain-pm-replaced-by-socialist-leader-141570">Parliament ousts Spain PM, replaced by Socialist leader</a>

Spain's parliament on Friday ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote sparked by fury over his party's corruption woes, with his Socialist arch-rival Pedro Sanchez automatically taking over.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-allows-ex-foreign-minister-khawaja-asif-to-contest-elections-141559">Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections</a>

Former Pakistani foreign minister Khawaja Asif will be allowed to contest a July 25 general election after the Supreme Court on Friday overturned his disqualification from politics, in a boost to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

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Farmers begin 10-day nationwide strike, say will not sell produce in cities Farmers across the country said Friday that they had begun a 10-day nationwide strike. The farmers said they would not sell their produce in cities.&nbspIn Punjab and Maharashtra, farmers were seen dumping vegetables, fruit, and milk on the streets. CBI summons P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in INX Media case Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in connection with INX Media case, reported&nbspnews agency ANI. IPL betting scam: Actor Arbaaz Khan summoned by Thane Police Bollywood actor-filmmaker Arbaaz Khan has been summoned by Thane police in Indian Premier League betting scam. He is said to appear tomorrow. Parliament ousts Spain PM, replaced by Socialist leader Spain's parliament on Friday ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote sparked by fury over his party's corruption woes, with his Socialist arch-rival Pedro Sanchez automatically taking over. Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections Former Pakistani foreign minister Khawaja Asif will be allowed to contest a July 25 general election after the Supreme Court on Friday overturned his disqualification from politics, in a boost to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

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