<p>The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government succeeded in passing a trust vote during the Budget session in the Delhi Assembly on Saturday. Out of the 62 AAP MLAs, 54 were present for the voting. Kejriwal affirmed that there were no defections within the AAP, clarifying that two MLAs were in jail, while others were either unwell or out of town.</p>

<p>Simultaneously, Arvind Kejriwal appeared before a Delhi court via video conferencing in response to five earlier summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding the liquor policy case on Saturday (Feb 17). The court, stressing on&nbsp;Kejriwal's legal obligation to comply, adjourned the hearing to March 16.</p>

<h2><strong>ED's allegations and Kejriwal's defiance</strong></h2>

<p>The ED has accused the Delhi chief minister of deliberately evading summons and providing "lame excuses," asserting that his non-compliance sets a negative precedent for the public.</p>

<p>Kejriwal's motion for a trust vote coincides with the ED's upcoming sixth summon&nbsp;on February 19, amidst AAP's persistent claims of illegal summons&nbsp;and alleged arrest threats.</p>

<p>Ahead of the confidence vote, Kejriwal alleged BJP's attempts to coerce AAP MLAs into defection, citing instances where BJP members purportedly approached MLAs with arrest threats against the chief minister and offers of monetary inducement to switch parties.</p>

<p>Kejriwal aims to use the trust vote to put forth AAP's unity and deter defections. With AAP having 62 MLAs in the 70-member Assembly and BJP eight, Kejriwal seeks to solidify his party's position amidst growing political tensions.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | "On contacting our MLAs, we found out that they tried to poach seven of our legislators. These MLAs today said in the House that they approached (by the BJP). Like Rajesh Gupta said, they (BJP) want us to show a proof. How can we show a proof? A person doesn't carry tape… <a href="https://t.co/inXHbPiChF">pic.twitter.com/inXHbPiChF</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-jaishankar-meets-canadian-fm-blinken-in-munich-to-discuss-bilateral-ties-691096">Also read |&nbsp;India: S Jaishankar meets Canadian FM, Blinken in Munich to discuss bilateral ties</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his speech in the legislative assembly, the Chief Minister of Delhi highlighted that the AAP stands as the primary opposition to the BJP, hence facing criticism from various quarters.</p>

<p>“The way they (BJP) have attacked the AAP and arrested our ministers; people across the country are aware of this. They think that people are fool, but they are not. Now discussions are being held in parks and people are asking 'does PM Modi want to crush Arvind Kejriwal'? Even children are asking this question because they have arrested so many of our ministers,” Arvind Kejriwal said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further accused the BJP of impeding the functioning of his administration by seizing authority over the services department and the bureaucracy.</p>

<p>"They claim to be Ram bhakt but they stopped medicines for the poor people in our hospitals. Did Lord Ram ask for stopping medicines for the poor people?" PTI quoted Kejriwal as saying.</p>

<h2><strong>Implications of the liquor policy case</strong></h2>

<p>The ongoing legal battle involving allegations of corruption in the liquor policy implicates both the AAP and the BJP.</p>

<p>The ED alleges kickbacks and money laundering, while the&nbsp;BJP claims AAP used illicit funds for political campaigns. This has&nbsp;further escalated&nbsp;tensions between the two parties.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India: INSAT-3DS to lift off from Sriharikota</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-insat-3ds-to-lift-off-from-sriharikota-691118/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government succeeded in passing a trust vote during the Budget session in the Delhi Assembly on Saturday. Out of the 62 AAP MLAs, 54 were present for the voting.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government succeeded in passing a trust vote during the Budget session in the Delhi Assembly on Saturday. Out of the 62 AAP MLAs, 54 were present for the voting. Kejriwal affirmed that there were no defections within the AAP, clarifying that two MLAs were in jail, while others were either unwell or out of town. Simultaneously, Arvind Kejriwal appeared before a Delhi court via video conferencing in response to five earlier summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding the liquor policy case on Saturday (Feb 17). The court, stressing on Kejriwal's legal obligation to comply, adjourned the hearing to March 16. ED's allegations and Kejriwal's defiance The ED has accused the Delhi chief minister of deliberately evading summons and providing "lame excuses," asserting that his non-compliance sets a negative precedent for the public. Kejriwal's motion for a trust vote coincides with the ED's upcoming sixth summon on February 19, amidst AAP's persistent claims of illegal summons and alleged arrest threats. Ahead of the confidence vote, Kejriwal alleged BJP's attempts to coerce AAP MLAs into defection, citing instances where BJP members purportedly approached MLAs with arrest threats against the chief minister and offers of monetary inducement to switch parties. Kejriwal aims to use the trust vote to put forth AAP's unity and deter defections. With AAP having 62 MLAs in the 70-member Assembly and BJP eight, Kejriwal seeks to solidify his party's position amidst growing political tensions. VIDEO | "On contacting our MLAs, we found out that they tried to poach seven of our legislators. These MLAs today said in the House that they approached (by the BJP). Like Rajesh Gupta said, they (BJP) want us to show a proof. How can we show a proof? A person doesn't carry tape… pic.twitter.com/inXHbPiChF — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 17, 2024 × Also read | India: S Jaishankar meets Canadian FM, Blinken in Munich to discuss bilateral ties During his speech in the legislative assembly, the Chief Minister of Delhi highlighted that the AAP stands as the primary opposition to the BJP, hence facing criticism from various quarters. “The way they (BJP) have attacked the AAP and arrested our ministers; people across the country are aware of this. They think that people are fool, but they are not. Now discussions are being held in parks and people are asking 'does PM Modi want to crush Arvind Kejriwal'? Even children are asking this question because they have arrested so many of our ministers,” Arvind Kejriwal said. He further accused the BJP of impeding the functioning of his administration by seizing authority over the services department and the bureaucracy. "They claim to be Ram bhakt but they stopped medicines for the poor people in our hospitals. Did Lord Ram ask for stopping medicines for the poor people?" PTI quoted Kejriwal as saying. Implications of the liquor policy case The ongoing legal battle involving allegations of corruption in the liquor policy implicates both the AAP and the BJP. The ED alleges kickbacks and money laundering, while the BJP claims AAP used illicit funds for political campaigns. This has further escalated tensions between the two parties. Also watch | India: INSAT-3DS to lift off from Sriharikota (With inputs from agencies)

India: Arvind Kejriwal's AAP govt secures trust vote in Delhi assembly with backing of 54 MLAs

'White Paper' vs 'Black Paper' politics is the talk of the last week of the 2024 Budget Session. A "White Paper" comparing the economic conditions under the UPA with the current government is being presented. Congress, on the other hand, has created "Black paper" in opposition to the current administration. Arjun Ram Meghwal, a union minister, confirmed that the introduction of the "White Paper" was predetermined.

‘White Paper’ Vs ‘Black Paper’ politics dominate final week of Budget Session in India

Maldivian President Muhammad Muizzu delivered his first presidential address at the parliament today. The main opposition parties which includes the Maldivian Democratic party and the Democrats decided to boycott this address. President Muizzu's address at the opening of The People's Majlis comes after the chaos in the Maldivian parliament. Watch to know more!

Maldives President Muizzu's address ahead of Parliamentary polls

The Indian Prime Minister gives a vote of thanks in parliament, highlighting government achievements so far.

PM Modi lashes out at opposition in closing address

PM Modi addresses parliament highlighting government achievements

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi replied to the Motion of Thanks to the President Droupadi Murmu in Lok Sabha. He launched an attack at Opposition and the INDIA bloc in his last Parliament speech.

PM Modi's Parliament speech: 'Article 370, construction of Ram temple key achievements'

PM Modi slams Opposition: For how long will you keep dividing the nation?

PM Modi's Parliament speech: 'India will become third largest economy, this is Modi's guarantee'

PM Modi lists out development work carried out by his government

PM Modi slams Opposition, says 'Nation concerned about family-run parties'

PM Modi lists out work developement carried out by his government, guarantees for third term

PM Modi's last speech in Parliament before polls, says 'Ab ki baar, 400 paar'

PM Narendra Modi's reply on President's motion of thanks

Indian President Droupadi Murmu kicked off the budget session of the parliament with a joint address to both houses. India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the last budget of the Modi government on the 1st of February.

Budget 2024: Indian parliament's budget session begins

<p>President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said the centuries-old desire to build the Ram temple in Ayodhya has been fulfilled, as she lauded the work done by the Modi government in the last 10 years which included completing several long-pending projects.</p>

<p>In her first address to the joint sitting in the new Parliament building, Murmu said a country can progress at a fast pace only when it defeats the challenges of the past and puts maximum energy into building the future.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | Parliament Budget Session: "The construction of the Ram Temple (in Ayodhya) has been a dream since centuries. It is a reality now," says President Droupadi Murmu.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ParliamentBudgetSession?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ParliamentBudgetSession</a> <a href="https://t.co/FjOUn88CWP">pic.twitter.com/FjOUn88CWP</a></p>
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<p>"In the last ten years, the country has witnessed the completion of such projects for which the people had waited for decades. There was the desire for building the Ram Mandir for centuries and today it has become a reality," she said, evoking thumping of desks from the treasury benches.</p>

<p>She said there were apprehensions over the removal of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir "but they have become history now".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-ram-mandir-will-boost-ayodhyas-economy-five-key-points-to-know-682461">How Ram Mandir will boost Ayodhya’s economy: Five key points to know</a></strong></p>

<p>Murmu arrived in a buggy at the Parliament House to deliver her address to the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The president entered the House with the 'sengol' being carried in front of her.</p>

<p>In her address, she also said the Indian economy used to be among the 'fragile five' but was now moving in the right direction and at the right pace due to several reforms undertaken by the government in the last 10 years.</p>

<p>"According to the NITI Aayog, in the 10-year rule of my government, nearly 25 crore people have come out of poverty," she said.</p>

<p>Earlier, the country's rate of inflation was in double digits which is now within 4 per cent, she said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-mandir-30-years-300-columns-3d-structural-analysis-architect-narrates-journey-of-temple-designing-682206">Ram Mandir | 30 years, 300 columns, 3D structural analysis: Architect narrates journey of temple designing</a></strong></p>

<p>Murmu congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the passage of the women's reservation bill.</p>

<p>Those seated in the front rows included Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union ministers Piyush Goyal and Nitin Gadkari, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress' parliamentary party chief Sonia Gandhi.</p>


President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said the centuries-old desire to build the Ram temple in Ayodhya has been fulfilled, as she lauded the work done by the Modi government in the last 10 years which included completing several long-pending projects.

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said the centuries-old desire to build the Ram temple in Ayodhya has been fulfilled, as she lauded the work done by the Modi government in the last 10 years which included completing several long-pending projects. In her first address to the joint sitting in the new Parliament building, Murmu said a country can progress at a fast pace only when it defeats the challenges of the past and puts maximum energy into building the future. VIDEO | Parliament Budget Session: "The construction of the Ram Temple (in Ayodhya) has been a dream since centuries. It is a reality now," says President Droupadi Murmu.#ParliamentBudgetSession pic.twitter.com/FjOUn88CWP — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 31, 2024 × "In the last ten years, the country has witnessed the completion of such projects for which the people had waited for decades. There was the desire for building the Ram Mandir for centuries and today it has become a reality," she said, evoking thumping of desks from the treasury benches. She said there were apprehensions over the removal of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir "but they have become history now". ALSO READ | How Ram Mandir will boost Ayodhya’s economy: Five key points to know Murmu arrived in a buggy at the Parliament House to deliver her address to the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The president entered the House with the 'sengol' being carried in front of her. In her address, she also said the Indian economy used to be among the 'fragile five' but was now moving in the right direction and at the right pace due to several reforms undertaken by the government in the last 10 years. "According to the NITI Aayog, in the 10-year rule of my government, nearly 25 crore people have come out of poverty," she said. Earlier, the country's rate of inflation was in double digits which is now within 4 per cent, she said. ALSO READ | Ram Mandir | 30 years, 300 columns, 3D structural analysis: Architect narrates journey of temple designing Murmu congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the passage of the women's reservation bill. Those seated in the front rows included Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union ministers Piyush Goyal and Nitin Gadkari, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress' parliamentary party chief Sonia Gandhi.

WATCH | Centuries-old desire of Ram temple now a reality, says India's president Murmu

Maldivian opposition party readies impeachment motion against president. A total of 34 members, including representatives from both the MDP and democrats, have given their support to the motion for the impeachment of the president. Watch in this report for more details!

Muizzu to lose his post? | Maldives' Parliament Ruckus

Proceedings of the Maldivian parliament came to a halt on Sunday as members came to blows, with videos showing Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) fighting with ruling Peoples’ National Congress (PNC). Govt MPs stopped MDP from functioning. Opposition members were unhappy at speaker's stand on voting. The opposition blocked approval of 4 cabinet members. Watch in this report for more details!

Maldives opposition to file impeachment motion against President Muizzu | Maldives Parliament Ruckus

Maldives President faces impeachment threat | Maldives' Parliament Ruckus

Maldives: Government & Opposition MPs clash over vote on Muizzu's new parliament

On Sunday (28th January), a ruckus broke out inside the premises of the Maldivian Parliament ahead of a crucial vote to determine the cabinet of incumbent pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu.

Maldives: Government and opposition MPs clash over vote on Muizzu's new parliament

146 Opposition MPs were suspended from Parliament for 'unruly behaviour' and 'misconduct'. The government said they had broken rules, opposition leaders have called it a 'murder of democracy'. Vikram Chandra speaks to PDT Achary, a former Lok Sabha Secretary General to understand what the incidents in Parliament this week mean for its future.

Record suspensions in Indian Parliament: Opposition benches empty, key bills passed | India Story

Parliament row | Highest suspensions in a session: 146 MPs suspended from both houses | India Story

Bhutanese went to polls amid worsening economic crisis. Economy was the biggest issue in this election. Obgay's people's Democratic Party wins nearly two-third seats. Watch to know more!

Bhutan Elections 2024: Tshering Tobgay wins Bhutan's race to power

<p lang="en-US">In a sweeping reshuffle, nine military officials were expelled by China from its parliament, which included four generals of the strategic missile unit of the army, after the country's new defence minister was appointed.<br />
<br />
The decision, reported by the state news agency Xinhua late on Friday, came after the Central Committee of the ruling Communist Party's meeting. The government did not give any explanation regarding the removal of the officials.<br />
<br />
The reshuffle is one of the series of high-level restructuring moves in the establishment of the military since China's Defence Minister Li Shangfu was sacked abruptly in October after months of speculation regarding his whereabouts.<br />
<br />
Li, who was appointed in March, disappeared in August from public view and was formally dismissed in October.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinpings-2023-when-chinas-bri-dream-faced-an-italian-reality-check-674821">Xi Jinping's 2023: When China's BRI dream faced an Italian 'reality check'</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">China on Friday (Dec 29) appointed Dong Jun as the country's new defence minister which brought an end to months-long vacancy in the strategic post.<br />
<br />
In recent months, an overhaul was seen in the leadership of China's secretive Rocket Force,&nbsp;army unit&nbsp;overseeing&nbsp;the nuclear arsenal of Beijing, after media reports of a corruption investigation which involved its former chief.<br />
<br />
The nine military officials who were removed from the National People's Congress on Friday (Dec 29) sat in parliament as non-elected representatives. Their dismissal "suggests that those officers are being probed and confirms some of the rumours circulating on the topic" said US-based SinoInsider, which is a firm specialising in Chinese politics.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Dong Jun's appointment as Defence Minister</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">The new defence minister's appointment by Chinese lawmakers comes as the military is getting upgraded by President Xi Jinping as part of his push to turn China into a dominant world power.<br />
<br />
China's defence minister becomes the public face of the People's Liberation Army especially in its engagement with the media and other militaries. Unlike other nations, the military has limited say in its management<br />
<br />
The ministry, unlike other nations, has little say in military management or defence policy which are the areas that fall under Xi's elite group Central Military Commission's purview. The 62-year-old Dong Jun was most recently holding the post of the People's Liberation Army Navy chief.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Watch:&nbsp;China President Xi Jinping says, 'Will prevent anyone from splitting Taiwan from China'&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-president-xi-jinping-says-will-prevent-anyone-from-splitting-taiwan-from-china-wion-673969/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p lang="en-US">China's defence minister is also required to engage with the United States military to decrease the risk of conflict over the South China Sea and Taiwan, which are two flashpoints that have seen increasing brushes in recent years.<br />
<br />
However, during his brief tenure as minister, Li did not hold any meetings with his US counterpart Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. The ministry added that the US would have to first remove the sanctions which were placed on Li in 2018 over his role in buying Russian aircraft and equipment.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a sweeping reshuffle, nine military officials were expelled by China from its parliament, which included four generals of the strategic missile unit of the army, after the country's new defence minister was appointed.

In a sweeping reshuffle, nine military officials were expelled by China from its parliament, which included four generals of the strategic missile unit of the army, after the country's new defence minister was appointed. The decision, reported by the state news agency Xinhua late on Friday, came after the Central Committee of the ruling Communist Party's meeting. The government did not give any explanation regarding the removal of the officials. The reshuffle is one of the series of high-level restructuring moves in the establishment of the military since China's Defence Minister Li Shangfu was sacked abruptly in October after months of speculation regarding his whereabouts. Li, who was appointed in March, disappeared in August from public view and was formally dismissed in October. Also read: Xi Jinping's 2023: When China's BRI dream faced an Italian 'reality check' China on Friday (Dec 29) appointed Dong Jun as the country's new defence minister which brought an end to months-long vacancy in the strategic post. In recent months, an overhaul was seen in the leadership of China's secretive Rocket Force, army unit overseeing the nuclear arsenal of Beijing, after media reports of a corruption investigation which involved its former chief. The nine military officials who were removed from the National People's Congress on Friday (Dec 29) sat in parliament as non-elected representatives. Their dismissal "suggests that those officers are being probed and confirms some of the rumours circulating on the topic" said US-based SinoInsider, which is a firm specialising in Chinese politics. Dong Jun's appointment as Defence Minister The new defence minister's appointment by Chinese lawmakers comes as the military is getting upgraded by President Xi Jinping as part of his push to turn China into a dominant world power. China's defence minister becomes the public face of the People's Liberation Army especially in its engagement with the media and other militaries. Unlike other nations, the military has limited say in its management The ministry, unlike other nations, has little say in military management or defence policy which are the areas that fall under Xi's elite group Central Military Commission's purview. The 62-year-old Dong Jun was most recently holding the post of the People's Liberation Army Navy chief. Watch: China President Xi Jinping says, 'Will prevent anyone from splitting Taiwan from China' China's defence minister is also required to engage with the United States military to decrease the risk of conflict over the South China Sea and Taiwan, which are two flashpoints that have seen increasing brushes in recent years. However, during his brief tenure as minister, Li did not hold any meetings with his US counterpart Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. The ministry added that the US would have to first remove the sanctions which were placed on Li in 2018 over his role in buying Russian aircraft and equipment. (With inputs from agencies)

China expels nine army officials from parliament in a sweeping reshuffle

TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee, whose mimicry of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar stirred a row, imitated Dhankhar once again on Sunday and said that he will continue to mimic him, terming it as an "art form". Banerjee said he would do it a thousand times and that he had a fundamental right to do so.

TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee mimics Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankar again

UK's Home Secretary, James Cleverly joked on rape drug; said, "Ideal Spouse is always mildly sedated so she can never realise there are better men out there."

UK Home Secretary's 'Date Rape' comment sparks massive outrage

<p>The Albania parliament, amidst protests&nbsp;by loyal MPs has voted to remove legal immunity of former President Sali Berisha, who faces corruption charges. This move, met with&nbsp;jeers and demonstrations, marks a pivotal moment in Albanian politics.</p>

<p>Sali Berisha, a political figure who dominated Albanian politics in the 1990s and served as the conservative prime minister from 2005 to 2013, now confronts potential arrest and a lengthy jail term. Despite vehemently denying all charges, Berisha has labeled the investigation a "purely political" ploy by his rival, current socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama.</p>

<p>As the parliament voted to strip Berisha of immunity by a narrow margin of 75 to 65, his opposition Democratic party MPs protested vehemently, igniting smoke bombs and piling up chairs&nbsp;in the chamber. Berisha, leaving the session surrounded by bodyguards, defiantly declared, "I am stronger than ever."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Albania struggles to control forest fire</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/albania-struggles-to-control-forest-fire-642072/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Protests and security measures</strong></h2>

<p>Outside the parliament, hundreds of Berisha's supporters protested, prompting police to cordon off the area. Riot police, equipped with water cannons stood by to prevent potential violence following the decision.</p>

<p>Berisha and his son-in-law, Jamarber Malltezi, face charges of "passive corruption" stemming from 2008, when Berisha's government introduced a law allowing the privatisation of sports facilities expropriated under communism. The special prosecutor’s office alleges that these legal changes benefited projects in which Berisha and Malltezi had financial stakes, resulting in €5.4m in kickbacks.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-ireland-women-secure-nations-league-a-berth-after-beating-albania-on-damp-pitch-653990">Also read |&nbsp;Football: Ireland Women secure Nations League A berth after beating Albania on damp pitch</a></p>

<p>The parliamentary decision came after Berisha refused to cooperate with authorities during the investigation and ignored measures requiring him to report to the police regularly. Albania, often ranked as one of Europe's poorest and most corrupt countries, faced international scrutiny last year when Berisha was banned from entering the US and the UK over alleged involvement in organised crime and corruption.</p>

<p>The United States has accused Berisha of misappropriating public funds and interfering with public processes, asserting that, as prime minister, he used his power for personal gain. Berisha staunchly denies these allegations, setting the stage for a complex legal battle that could have far-reaching consequences for Albanian politics and its international standing.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Albania parliament, amidst protests by loyal MPs has voted to remove legal immunity of former President Sali Berisha, who faces corruption charges. This move, met with jeers and demonstrations, marks a pivotal moment in Albanian politics.

The Albania parliament, amidst protests by loyal MPs has voted to remove legal immunity of former President Sali Berisha, who faces corruption charges. This move, met with jeers and demonstrations, marks a pivotal moment in Albanian politics. Sali Berisha, a political figure who dominated Albanian politics in the 1990s and served as the conservative prime minister from 2005 to 2013, now confronts potential arrest and a lengthy jail term. Despite vehemently denying all charges, Berisha has labeled the investigation a "purely political" ploy by his rival, current socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama. As the parliament voted to strip Berisha of immunity by a narrow margin of 75 to 65, his opposition Democratic party MPs protested vehemently, igniting smoke bombs and piling up chairs in the chamber. Berisha, leaving the session surrounded by bodyguards, defiantly declared, "I am stronger than ever." Also watch | Albania struggles to control forest fire Protests and security measures Outside the parliament, hundreds of Berisha's supporters protested, prompting police to cordon off the area. Riot police, equipped with water cannons stood by to prevent potential violence following the decision. Berisha and his son-in-law, Jamarber Malltezi, face charges of "passive corruption" stemming from 2008, when Berisha's government introduced a law allowing the privatisation of sports facilities expropriated under communism. The special prosecutor’s office alleges that these legal changes benefited projects in which Berisha and Malltezi had financial stakes, resulting in €5.4m in kickbacks. Also read | Football: Ireland Women secure Nations League A berth after beating Albania on damp pitch The parliamentary decision came after Berisha refused to cooperate with authorities during the investigation and ignored measures requiring him to report to the police regularly. Albania, often ranked as one of Europe's poorest and most corrupt countries, faced international scrutiny last year when Berisha was banned from entering the US and the UK over alleged involvement in organised crime and corruption. The United States has accused Berisha of misappropriating public funds and interfering with public processes, asserting that, as prime minister, he used his power for personal gain. Berisha staunchly denies these allegations, setting the stage for a complex legal battle that could have far-reaching consequences for Albanian politics and its international standing. (With inputs from agencies)

Smoke bombs thrown in Albanian parliament after former president Sali Berisha stripped of immunity

What do mass suspensions mean for Parliamentary democracy? | The India Story

Three Congress MPs were suspended from Lok Sabha on Thursday, taking the total number of suspended Opposition MPs from Parliament to 146. Over 140 Opposition MPs have been suspended since December 14 for causing disruptions to the functioning of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and raising slogans while demanding a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the December 13 Parliament security breach.

Opposition MPs protest suspensions: Opposition demands Home Minister's statement

Parliament row | Opposition MPs protest suspensions: Total number now at 146

<p>As the Russia-Ukraine war drags on and is set to complete two years in February 2024, reports suggest that thousands of Ukrainians are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that is often seen in individuals stuck in the middle of the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid this dire mental health situation, the Ukrainian Parliament held a vote on Tuesday (December 19) to legalise marijuana (Cannabis), which is mostly banned but also used in a few countries for recreational purposes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This move is being taken to tackle the reported&nbsp;PTSD crisis in war-ravaged Ukraine.&nbsp;The law was cleared in the Ukrainian Parliament, also known as Verkhovna Rada, with a majority vote of 248. The parliament has 401 seats in total.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/diplomatic-thaw-south-korea-and-japan-renew-economic-talks-after-eight-year-hiatus-672408">Diplomatic Thaw: South Korea and Japan renew economic talks after eight-year hiatus</a></p>

<p>Notably, the law was proposed by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Smyhal. Who all voted in favour and against the law was not immediately available, media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by the Associated Press said that the new law will take six months to become effective. The Ukrainian lawmakers are of the view that allowing marijuana will help them diminish these symptoms of trauma.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The new law will come into effect in six&nbsp;months. The legislation also greenlighted the use of cannabis for scientific and industrial ends.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Psycho-social toll of Ukraine war</strong></h2>

<p>With severe mental health consequences of the war reported in Ukraine, refugees who flee to neighbouring countries are also bearing the brunt.</p>

<p>A UN report highlighted&nbsp;that over 60 per cent of Ukrainian refugee mothers in Poland are experiencing "high or severe levels of distress".</p>

<p>“The psycho-social toll of the war in Ukraine is immense so the results of this survey are not a surprise,” Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, who leads the UNICEF Refugee Response Office in Poland reportedly said.</p>

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<p>Thousands of civilians have been killed in the ongoing war in Ukraine which began in February 2022. On December 6, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) reported that as many as 10,065 civilian killings have been verified.</p>

<p>However, there are concerns that the death toll could be much higher than this.&nbsp;There has been a huge displacement as well because of the war with more than 10 million forced to flee their homes.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the Russia-Ukraine war drags on and is set to complete two years in February 2024, reports suggest that thousands of Ukrainians are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that is often seen in individuals stuck in the middle of the war.

As the Russia-Ukraine war drags on and is set to complete two years in February 2024, reports suggest that thousands of Ukrainians are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that is often seen in individuals stuck in the middle of the war. Amid this dire mental health situation, the Ukrainian Parliament held a vote on Tuesday (December 19) to legalise marijuana (Cannabis), which is mostly banned but also used in a few countries for recreational purposes. This move is being taken to tackle the reported PTSD crisis in war-ravaged Ukraine. The law was cleared in the Ukrainian Parliament, also known as Verkhovna Rada, with a majority vote of 248. The parliament has 401 seats in total. Also Read | Diplomatic Thaw: South Korea and Japan renew economic talks after eight-year hiatus Notably, the law was proposed by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Smyhal. Who all voted in favour and against the law was not immediately available, media reports said. A report by the Associated Press said that the new law will take six months to become effective. The Ukrainian lawmakers are of the view that allowing marijuana will help them diminish these symptoms of trauma. Also Read | China tightens grip on rare earths industry, bans key technology exports for national security The new law will come into effect in six months. The legislation also greenlighted the use of cannabis for scientific and industrial ends. Psycho-social toll of Ukraine war With severe mental health consequences of the war reported in Ukraine, refugees who flee to neighbouring countries are also bearing the brunt. A UN report highlighted that over 60 per cent of Ukrainian refugee mothers in Poland are experiencing "high or severe levels of distress". “The psycho-social toll of the war in Ukraine is immense so the results of this survey are not a surprise,” Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, who leads the UNICEF Refugee Response Office in Poland reportedly said. Watch | Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani's money troubles × Thousands of civilians have been killed in the ongoing war in Ukraine which began in February 2022. On December 6, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) reported that as many as 10,065 civilian killings have been verified. However, there are concerns that the death toll could be much higher than this. There has been a huge displacement as well because of the war with more than 10 million forced to flee their homes. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian Parliament votes to legalise marijuana to tackle PTSD crisis amid war

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