On his biggest remark against Islamabad yet, US President Joe Biden calls Pakistan a dangerous nation citing its arsenal of nuclear weapons and seemingly opaque command and control mechanism.

US President speaks on Pakistan, calls it one of the most dangerous nations in the world

President of the United Arab Emirates will be flying to Russia today to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Citing the local media reports, his visit aims to help reach effective political solutions to the Ukrainian's crisis.

UAE President to visit Russia later today, will discuss Ukraine war

Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro rides a jet-ski in Belem while campaigning in Northern Brazil in a reelection bid ahead of Brazil's October 30 presidential runoff.

Watch: President Bolsonaro rides jet-ski while campaigning in Northern Brazil

With just few weeks left for the Brazil presidential runoff, the face off between between Lula da Silva, a left-wing former president and right-wing incumbent Jair Bolsonaro turned uglier.

Brazil: Bolsonaro calls Lula 'drunk' ahead of runoff

Uganda's "Tweeting General" Muhoozi Kainerugaba started a diplomatic row with Kenya by claiming his forces could capture Nairobi in a week. The leader has been relieved of his duties, and promoted to a full 5-star general. Priyanka Sharma tells you what's going on between Uganda and Kenya.

WION Fineprint | Uganda's "Tweeting General" both fired and promoted

Former US President Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to intervene in row over classified documents seized from his Florida home. The documents were seized by the FBI during the raid back in August.

Trump Florida Home Raid Case: Former US President urges Supreme Court to intervene

It's been over a 100 days since the Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 decision which legalized abortion nationwide. In the latest, President Joe Biden has said he will not let Republicans enact extreme policies in the country.

US: President Joe Biden unveils new measures on abortion access

The US President Joe Biden held a telephonic conversation with the Ukrainian President Zelensky. The call took place a few days after the Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed annexation of four regions of Ukraine.

US-Ukraine Support Updates: Four Himars launchers, munitions part of aid

Voting began in Brazil on Sunday, kicking off a stiff contest between leftist frontrunner Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and incumbent Jair Bolsonaro. As per reports, Bolsonaro has alleged Brazil's voting machines are plagued by fraud.

Voting begins in Brazil's presidential race; Silva leads by 10-15% in opinion polls

Voting begins in Brazil's presidential race; Bolsonaro witnesses a dip in his popularity

Much of what happens in China remains beyond the sight of the rest of the world. However, it comes as no surprise that the Asian power is facing multiple challenges. In the latest, Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned the Communist Party to prepare for great struggles ahead.

China: President Xi Jinping warns of great struggles ahead for the CPC

Brazil is all set to vote in its elections on Sunday. The Presidential fight has come down to the two final candidates.

Brazil Elections 2022: Presidential fight down to two candidates

President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol was caught on camera insulting American lawmakers briefly after meeting President Joe Biden. The duo had a discussion on multiple issues including US electric vehicle subsidies that South Korea wants to change.

South Korean President caught on cam bad mouthing US lawmakers

The Constitution of India provides a parallel executive, legislature and judiciary for the union and the states. The President is the Head of State for the whole of India and the Governor is the head of a state. No doubt that the Governor is appointed by the President under Article 155, whereas the President is elected under Article 54. This has been interpreted to mean that the Governor is the agent of the President and not an independent entity. Constitutionally that is a completely wrong interpretation, because in the matter of exercise of executive power, summoning of the Legislature, its prorogation and its dissolution, the Governor is totally independent of the President. Otherwise, the Governor, under Article 163, functions according to the aid and advice of his Council of Ministers, not that of the President. In legislative matters, it is the Governor who gives assent to Bills passed by the State Legislature, unless he reserves any for the prior approval of the President. Just as the President functions according to the aid and advice of his Council of Ministers, the Governor is in exactly the same position vis-à-vis the State and, therefore, the two offices of President and Governor are in parallel and not in a position of superiority or subordination.

The Governors, under the scheme of things in the Indian Constitution, have an independent place of their own and are expected to function as impartial Heads of States within the territory of their own State. This brings us to the question of what sort of persons should be appointed as Governors. What should be their qualifications or other competence to occupy this high office? Unfortunately, the Constitution is silent on this behalf except to state what is given in Article 157, that is, that no one who is not a citizen of India can be appointed as a Governor and that the person so appointed should have completed thirty-five years of age. Under Article 158, the Governor shall not be a Member of Parliament or of a State Legislature and on his assuming office, if he is such a Member of a Legislature, he will be deemed to have vacated his seat in the House. Secondly, the Governor is prohibited from holding any other office of profit. Other than this there are no qualifications laid down for appointment as Governor. Theoretically, he can be uneducated with a low intelligence quotient (IQ), with no record of public service or professional ability and, at least in explicit terms, is not even required to be sane. This probably means that even a certifiable lunatic could be appointed as Governor because there is no constitutional prohibition on this behalf. The Governor can be partisan, affiliated to a political party, but he can still be appointed as Governor. Is this the kind of person we need as Head of State?

It is a fact of which we can take notice that since 1967 (initiation of Mrs Gandhi’s Rule), all successive Governments, be it single majority or coalition, basically had four unspoken criteria for the appointment of Governors. They were (1) Party hacks who had put in a few decades of service to the party at the menial or low-grade political level, who have expectations that now that the party has come to power their loyalty will be rewarded. (2) If the State Government is to be destabilised, then send in a political person as Governor. (3) Where the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of a State are on good terms, then send a Governor with the Chief Minister’s approval. (4) Decrepit politicians aged almost to the point of senility, with major health problems, could be sent to a Raj Bhavan to enjoy its comforts and avail of the high-quality medical services which would be available to the Governor. In other words, use the Raj Bhavan as a nursing home for the aged and the sick.

Right from the time of Indira Gandhi, the post of Governor has been used for picking people who are party loyalists and want a comfortable position for themselves because they are otherwise worthless. It is unfortunate that the unspoken criteria laid down by the Congress party have been adopted wholeheartedly by every government which has succeeded Indira Gandhi. Every successive government does just the same, but one had expectations from Narendra Modi that he would understand the constitutional importance of the post of Governor and would appoint persons who could act in a nonpartisan manner. Unfortunately, that has not happened. This is not what we expect of our government and by sending middle-level politicians as Governors, a post which by its very nature should be apolitical. 

Of course, there will be controversy about any suggestions made regarding the qualifications for the post of Governor but as a starting point of debate, one should attempt some suggestions or a few considerations which must go into the appointment of a person as Governor. First and foremost, no active politician should ever be appointed as Governor. This means that for at least five years prior to such appointment the person should not have participated in any active politics, nor should formally be a member of any political party. The person appointed should not be more than seventy years of age and should not be considered for more than one additional term of reappointment. The person should have had formal education at least to the collegiate level. The person could be a professional such as a lawyer, doctor, etc. He could be a technocrat, an academician, a renowned architect, a person who has earned distinction in literature, someone who earned distinction as an administrator or diplomat, a successful farmer, environmentalist or social activist, or someone who has served the armed forces or the police and has earned a reputation for integrity and professional competence, a businessman with a clean record or anyone from any profession who has exhibited the ability to think and perform, whilst earning a reputation for honesty. The present government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is a pathfinder in so many such matters, would perform a great service to India if it codifies the principles on which Governors should be selected. In the long run, an impartial Governor would always be more useful to the nation than one who is partisan.

The Constitution of India provides a parallel executive, legislature and judiciary for the union and the states. The President is the Head of State for the whole of India and the Governor is the head of a state.

The Constitution of India provides a parallel executive, legislature and judiciary for the union and the states. The President is the Head of State for the whole of India and the Governor is the head of a state. No doubt that the Governor is appointed by the President under Article 155, whereas the President is elected under Article 54. This has been interpreted to mean that the Governor is the agent of the President and not an independent entity. Constitutionally that is a completely wrong interpretation, because in the matter of exercise of executive power, summoning of the Legislature, its prorogation and its dissolution, the Governor is totally independent of the President. Otherwise, the Governor, under Article 163, functions according to the aid and advice of his Council of Ministers, not that of the President. In legislative matters, it is the Governor who gives assent to Bills passed by the State Legislature, unless he reserves any for the prior approval of the President. Just as the President functions according to the aid and advice of his Council of Ministers, the Governor is in exactly the same position vis-à-vis the State and, therefore, the two offices of President and Governor are in parallel and not in a position of superiority or subordination. The Governors, under the scheme of things in the Indian Constitution, have an independent place of their own and are expected to function as impartial Heads of States within the territory of their own State. This brings us to the question of what sort of persons should be appointed as Governors. What should be their qualifications or other competence to occupy this high office? Unfortunately, the Constitution is silent on this behalf except to state what is given in Article 157, that is, that no one who is not a citizen of India can be appointed as a Governor and that the person so appointed should have completed thirty-five years of age. Under Article 158, the Governor shall not be a Member of Parliament or of a State Legislature and on his assuming office, if he is such a Member of a Legislature, he will be deemed to have vacated his seat in the House. Secondly, the Governor is prohibited from holding any other office of profit. Other than this there are no qualifications laid down for appointment as Governor. Theoretically, he can be uneducated with a low intelligence quotient (IQ), with no record of public service or professional ability and, at least in explicit terms, is not even required to be sane. This probably means that even a certifiable lunatic could be appointed as Governor because there is no constitutional prohibition on this behalf. The Governor can be partisan, affiliated to a political party, but he can still be appointed as Governor. Is this the kind of person we need as Head of State? It is a fact of which we can take notice that since 1967 (initiation of Mrs Gandhi’s Rule), all successive Governments, be it single majority or coalition, basically had four unspoken criteria for the appointment of Governors. They were (1) Party hacks who had put in a few decades of service to the party at the menial or low-grade political level, who have expectations that now that the party has come to power their loyalty will be rewarded. (2) If the State Government is to be destabilised, then send in a political person as Governor. (3) Where the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of a State are on good terms, then send a Governor with the Chief Minister’s approval. (4) Decrepit politicians aged almost to the point of senility, with major health problems, could be sent to a Raj Bhavan to enjoy its comforts and avail of the high-quality medical services which would be available to the Governor. In other words, use the Raj Bhavan as a nursing home for the aged and the sick. Right from the time of Indira Gandhi, the post of Governor has been used for picking people who are party loyalists and want a comfortable position for themselves because they are otherwise worthless. It is unfortunate that the unspoken criteria laid down by the Congress party have been adopted wholeheartedly by every government which has succeeded Indira Gandhi. Every successive government does just the same, but one had expectations from Narendra Modi that he would understand the constitutional importance of the post of Governor and would appoint persons who could act in a nonpartisan manner. Unfortunately, that has not happened. This is not what we expect of our government and by sending middle-level politicians as Governors, a post which by its very nature should be apolitical. Of course, there will be controversy about any suggestions made regarding the qualifications for the post of Governor but as a starting point of debate, one should attempt some suggestions or a few considerations which must go into the appointment of a person as Governor. First and foremost, no active politician should ever be appointed as Governor. This means that for at least five years prior to such appointment the person should not have participated in any active politics, nor should formally be a member of any political party. The person appointed should not be more than seventy years of age and should not be considered for more than one additional term of reappointment. The person should have had formal education at least to the collegiate level. The person could be a professional such as a lawyer, doctor, etc. He could be a technocrat, an academician, a renowned architect, a person who has earned distinction in literature, someone who earned distinction as an administrator or diplomat, a successful farmer, environmentalist or social activist, or someone who has served the armed forces or the police and has earned a reputation for integrity and professional competence, a businessman with a clean record or anyone from any profession who has exhibited the ability to think and perform, whilst earning a reputation for honesty. The present government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is a pathfinder in so many such matters, would perform a great service to India if it codifies the principles on which Governors should be selected. In the long run, an impartial Governor would always be more useful to the nation than one who is partisan.

Political appointment of Governor is against the true ethos of Indian Constitution

Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari refused to ratify the Citizenship Bill, which was passed twice by both the Houses of Parliament, within the mandatory deadline that expired on Tuesday midnight.

WION Dispatch| Nepal's president Bidya Devi Bhandari refuses to ratify citizenship bill

On Thursday, busloads of migrants were dropped outside Kamala Harris' home. They were bused by Republicans from Texas to remind Harris about her job as the 'border czar'. Priyanka Sharma tells you what happened next.

Gravitas: Busloads of migrants dropped outside US vice president's home

While Chilean President Gabriel Boric was speaking, something extremely strange occurred. President Gabriel Boric can be seen speaking in a video that has surfaced online following his vote in the constitutional referendum. A young child was seen riding cycle around him while wearing a Superman costume.

Viral video shows child in superman costume encircling Chile's President Gabriel Boric

On Wednesday, Brazil celebrated its 200th Independence Day. Brazil's present President Bolsonaro was accused of campaigning for upcoming presidential elections during the festivities.

Brazil celebrates 200th Independence Day, President Bolsonaro presides over military parades

Kenya's Supreme Court upheld the August 9 election of William Ruto as president in an unanimous decision. Chief Justice Martha Koome rejected the petition brought by opposition leader Raila Odinga. What experts and analysts termed the rule of dynasties in Kenya has now ended. Ruto will be sworn in as the country's fifth president on the 13th of September. What kind of leader will this self-proclaimed hustler be and will there be some change in the country's politics and economy? Let's find out in this next report from Nairobi.

World of Africa: Kenya's top court upholds Ruto's victory

Nepal is in the grip of another political crisis as the country's rulers are clashing. There is an apparent tussle between the executive and the president over citizenship Bill and it appears that the lawmakers are stuck between the government and president.

Nepal: Face-off over citizenship to 'foreign women', President opposes new law

According to Marxist President Gustavo Petro, Colombia would donate properties seized from drug trafficking organisations valued at over $4.9 billion to farmers, women's groups, youth groups, and universities.

In order to pay for victim reparations, the Andean nation has long attempted to sell confiscated items and property. Last year, a real estate company was established with the responsibility of managing some of the homes, farms, and other holdings.&nbsp;

However, it can be difficult to sell them because purchasers worry that past owners or their relatives will appear, especially since that prominent former right-wing paramilitary leaders have returned from serving narcotics sentences in the US.

"We must make it so that illegally-acquired assets pass to the Colombian people. It isn't just any amount, it's 22 trillion pesos ($4.9 billion)," Petro said at an event celebrating the appointment of officials, including the new head of the country's anti-money laundering unit, reported Reuters.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-ukrainian-grain-ship-grounded-in-istanbul-halting-traffic-on-turkiyes-bosphorus-strait-512205">Watch: Ukrainian grain ship grounded in Istanbul, halting traffic on Turkiye's Bosphorus strait</a>

"It will require much courage," Petro said, according to a statement.

In addition to promising ambitious social projects, Petro, who was elected in June, has stated that he will work to achieve "total peace" with both criminal gangs and the National Liberation Army (ELN), a communist guerilla organisation.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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According to Marxist President Gustavo Petro, Colombia would donate properties seized from drug trafficking organisations valued at over $4.9 billion to farmers, women's groups, youth groups, and universities.

According to Marxist President Gustavo Petro, Colombia would donate properties seized from drug trafficking organisations valued at over $4.9 billion to farmers, women's groups, youth groups, and universities. In order to pay for victim reparations, the Andean nation has long attempted to sell confiscated items and property. Last year, a real estate company was established with the responsibility of managing some of the homes, farms, and other holdings. However, it can be difficult to sell them because purchasers worry that past owners or their relatives will appear, especially since that prominent former right-wing paramilitary leaders have returned from serving narcotics sentences in the US. "We must make it so that illegally-acquired assets pass to the Colombian people. It isn't just any amount, it's 22 trillion pesos ($4.9 billion)," Petro said at an event celebrating the appointment of officials, including the new head of the country's anti-money laundering unit, reported Reuters. Also Read: Watch: Ukrainian grain ship grounded in Istanbul, halting traffic on Turkiye's Bosphorus strait "It will require much courage," Petro said, according to a statement. In addition to promising ambitious social projects, Petro, who was elected in June, has stated that he will work to achieve "total peace" with both criminal gangs and the National Liberation Army (ELN), a communist guerilla organisation. (with inputs from agencies)

Colombia's leftist President to give properties confiscated from drug traffickers to farmers, women

Standoff between Nepal's President & govt over citizenship to 'foreign women'

Nepal is in the grip of another political crisis as the country's rulers are clashing. In the new citizenship amendment bill, a provision allows foreign women who are married to Nepalese citizens the right to acquire citizenship immediately.

Another political crisis grips Nepal, citizenship amendment bill splits Nepalese lawmakers

Crisis is unfolding in Nepal as President Bidhya Devi Bhandari opposes an amendment to Nepal's citizenship law that was passed by parliament. Prime Minister Sheikh Bahadur Deuba reportedly told members of his party that the President could resign instead of giving her ascent to these amendments.

Nepal government fears President could resign in protest, cause constitutional vacuum

Ruto's win has triggered protest in Kenya. On another hand, Raila Odinga has challenged the presidential election results in court. He has to file the petition at the Supreme court by Monday.

Kenya presidential election: Ruto's win triggers protest; Raila Odinga to challenge results in court

After fleeing from widespread protests and an economic crisis, the famous Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is now seeking to return home. Gotabaya fled to Singapore, then to Thailand after a huge crowd stormed the Presidential Palace.

Mahinda: I would have asked Gotabaya not to leave Lanka

Kenya presidential election: 'It was not an election but a joke,' says Odinga

Kenya went to polls on Tuesday, and people voted to elect a new president but it's been several days since and there is no news over who the next president is likely to be. Kenya's Election Commission has neither released a running tally of the results.

Kenya Presidential polls: Raila Odinga is leading the Presidential race

Joe Biden's favorability among Hispanics is currently going a downhill slope. According to the survey, only 19% of Hispanics approve of Biden's conduct as President while 70% completely disapproved.

Soaring inflation, Gun violence: 19% of Hispanics approve of Biden as President while 70% disapprove

Kenya is gearing up for Presidential election in the country. William Ruto and Raila Odinga are frontrunners in the race. It'll be a new chapter in Kenya's history.

Kenya prepares for Presidential election: William Ruto & Raila Odinga are frontrunners in the race

US House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi reached Taiwan's Taipei on Tuesday, even as repeated warnings by China against the visit raised tensions between US and China. She met the Taiwan President who thanked her for her unwavering support and awarded her with the Order of Propitious Clouds.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-Wen: Taiwan will not back down

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