Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, on Saturday, reinforced that terrorism has no religion while interacting with the Indian community here during his official two-day visit.

"Terrorism isn't an issue for India alone. It's an international issue. Even America that never used to understand our pain are now understanding.&nbsp;Terrorism is the enemy of humanity, terror has no religion. No religion whether Hindu, Muslim, Christian preaches terror," the Vice President said.

He also made an apparent reference to Pakistan during his speech.&nbsp;

"We're a peace-loving country. All-time Dick and Harry came and attacked us, ruled us, ruined us, cheated us...But we never attacked anyone because we believe in the philosophy that the entire world is one family...But we have a neighbour who is aiding, training, funding terrorists," he said.

Talking about the recent anti-terror strikes, he said: "Our neighbour is aiding terrorists, an open secret. Recently after Pulwama attack where 40 security personnel lost their lives, four of our Indian Air Force aircraft went to Pakistan, targeted that training camp, destroyed it and came back without any problem within 21 minutes."

Following the interaction, Naidu embarked for his journey back to New Delhi, wrapping up his first two-nation, five-day visit to Costa Rica and Paraguay.

¡Hasta la próxima! After a productive visit to Costa Rica, the last leg of the two-nation tour of Latin America, VP @MVenkaiahNaidu emplanes for a long ride home. This historic visit has fortified relations with two important countries of the region," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted on Sunday.

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¡Hasta la próxima! 
 
After a productive visit to Costa Rica, the last leg of the two-nation tour of Latin America, VP <a href="https://twitter.com/MVenkaiahNaidu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MVenkaiahNaidu</a> emplanes for a long ride home. This historic visit has fortified relations with two important countries of the region. <a href="https://twitter.com/VPSecretariat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VPSecretariat</a> <a href="https://t.co/kOSjUXUuOq">pic.twitter.com/kOSjUXUuOq</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1104567642705276928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Naidu pushed for closer trade ties between India and Costa Rica during India's first VVIP visit to the Central American country.

On Thursday, Naidu was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate by the University for Peace founded by the United Nations Organisations (UNO) for his contribution "to the Rule of Law, democracy and sustainable development in India".

India and Costa Rica signed and exchanged two documents following talks between Naidu and Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado Quesada on Friday.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, on Saturday, reinforced that terrorism has no religion while interacting with the Indian community here during his official two-day visit.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, on Saturday, reinforced that terrorism has no religion while interacting with the Indian community here during his official two-day visit. "Terrorism isn't an issue for India alone. It's an international issue. Even America that never used to understand our pain are now understanding. Terrorism is the enemy of humanity, terror has no religion. No religion whether Hindu, Muslim, Christian preaches terror," the Vice President said. He also made an apparent reference to Pakistan during his speech. "We're a peace-loving country. All-time Dick and Harry came and attacked us, ruled us, ruined us, cheated us...But we never attacked anyone because we believe in the philosophy that the entire world is one family...But we have a neighbour who is aiding, training, funding terrorists," he said. Talking about the recent anti-terror strikes, he said: "Our neighbour is aiding terrorists, an open secret. Recently after Pulwama attack where 40 security personnel lost their lives, four of our Indian Air Force aircraft went to Pakistan, targeted that training camp, destroyed it and came back without any problem within 21 minutes." Following the interaction, Naidu embarked for his journey back to New Delhi, wrapping up his first two-nation, five-day visit to Costa Rica and Paraguay. ¡Hasta la próxima! After a productive visit to Costa Rica, the last leg of the two-nation tour of Latin America, VP @MVenkaiahNaidu emplanes for a long ride home. This historic visit has fortified relations with two important countries of the region," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted on Sunday. ¡Hasta la próxima! After a productive visit to Costa Rica, the last leg of the two-nation tour of Latin America, VP @MVenkaiahNaidu emplanes for a long ride home. This historic visit has fortified relations with two important countries of the region. @VPSecretariat pic.twitter.com/kOSjUXUuOq — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) March 10, 2019 × Naidu pushed for closer trade ties between India and Costa Rica during India's first VVIP visit to the Central American country. On Thursday, Naidu was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate by the University for Peace founded by the United Nations Organisations (UNO) for his contribution "to the Rule of Law, democracy and sustainable development in India". India and Costa Rica signed and exchanged two documents following talks between Naidu and Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado Quesada on Friday.

No religion whether Hindu, Muslim, Christian preaches terror: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu

Urban local bodies and state development authorities should be made responsible for any delay in giving approvals to real estate projects, just as developers are held accountable for not completing houses on time under the new reaity law RERA, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said Thursday.

Addressing a real estate conference organised by CREDAI here, he asked developers to evolve an internal self-regulation mechanism and improve their image that has taken a hit due to wrongdoings of certain players. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"Delivery of project on time is important. Approval by the government and the municipal agency is equally important. They also have responsibility. When you want to make real estate companies accountable for the delay, you also make local bodies responsible for the delays," Naidu said.

Stressing on the need for ease of doing business, he said the central and state authorities should facilitate steady growth of the real estate sector.

 
Naidu also favoured online approvals for realty projects and asked builders to go for digital transactions.&nbsp;

Real estate developers have been demanding for a long time that development authorities should also be brought under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), which is being implemented from May 2017. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Naidu said the real estate sector is showing signs of revival with the implementation of the RERA and GST. However, he expressed concern over high land prices that make projects unviable.

Highlighting the importance of the property market, he said: "Real estate sector is an important sector of our economy that contributes 7.9 per cent to the GDP of the country. Being the second largest job provider in the economy after agriculture, the entire country has a stake in the real estate sector."

Around 50 million people are employed in the construction sector, which is likely to reach 67 million by 2022, the Vice President said, adding that developers should focus on skilling their workforce.

"In recent times, the sector has come under severe scrutiny from apex court and consumer right bodies due to some unethical practices followed by certain players," he noted.

The growth of NPA in the real estate industry has only not affected banks but also dried up credit to this sector, he added.

He also termed as "very disturbing" a recent CAG report which said that 95 per cent of developers does not have mandatory PAN.&nbsp;

Asking developers to take corrective action, he said industry bodies like CREDAI should institutionalise internal self-regulation.

"Unless you take internal correctives unless you evolve a code of conduct and unless you do your business on ethics, the sector and country cannot prosper. The country cannot suffer because of the wrongdoings of some people. Few black sheep are spoiling the atmosphere," Naidu said.

The Vice President favoured a code of conduct in every sector, including for politicians, parliamentarians and media. "Media is becoming sensational, which means senseless," he quipped.

Urban local bodies and state development authorities should be made responsible for any delay in giving approvals to real estate projects, just as developers are held accountable for not completing houses on time under the new reaity law RERA, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said Thursday.

Urban local bodies and state development authorities should be made responsible for any delay in giving approvals to real estate projects, just as developers are held accountable for not completing houses on time under the new reaity law RERA, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said Thursday. Addressing a real estate conference organised by CREDAI here, he asked developers to evolve an internal self-regulation mechanism and improve their image that has taken a hit due to wrongdoings of certain players. "Delivery of project on time is important. Approval by the government and the municipal agency is equally important. They also have responsibility. When you want to make real estate companies accountable for the delay, you also make local bodies responsible for the delays," Naidu said. Stressing on the need for ease of doing business, he said the central and state authorities should facilitate steady growth of the real estate sector. Naidu also favoured online approvals for realty projects and asked builders to go for digital transactions. Real estate developers have been demanding for a long time that development authorities should also be brought under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), which is being implemented from May 2017. Naidu said the real estate sector is showing signs of revival with the implementation of the RERA and GST. However, he expressed concern over high land prices that make projects unviable. Highlighting the importance of the property market, he said: "Real estate sector is an important sector of our economy that contributes 7.9 per cent to the GDP of the country. Being the second largest job provider in the economy after agriculture, the entire country has a stake in the real estate sector." Around 50 million people are employed in the construction sector, which is likely to reach 67 million by 2022, the Vice President said, adding that developers should focus on skilling their workforce. "In recent times, the sector has come under severe scrutiny from apex court and consumer right bodies due to some unethical practices followed by certain players," he noted. The growth of NPA in the real estate industry has only not affected banks but also dried up credit to this sector, he added. He also termed as "very disturbing" a recent CAG report which said that 95 per cent of developers does not have mandatory PAN. Asking developers to take corrective action, he said industry bodies like CREDAI should institutionalise internal self-regulation. "Unless you take internal correctives unless you evolve a code of conduct and unless you do your business on ethics, the sector and country cannot prosper. The country cannot suffer because of the wrongdoings of some people. Few black sheep are spoiling the atmosphere," Naidu said. The Vice President favoured a code of conduct in every sector, including for politicians, parliamentarians and media. "Media is becoming sensational, which means senseless," he quipped.

State agencies should be held responsible for delaying approvals to realty projects, says Naidu

Christian Bale ‘delighted’ by Oscar nomination

The provisions of a humanitarian aid initiated by Washington is a “big lie”, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said on Saturday (local time), adding that such moves indirectly reflected on the United States’ intention to topple President Nicolas Maduro from power.

In an interview with the Russian Times, the Venezuelan Vice President said, “This [humanitarian assistance] is a big lie.”

Addressing the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in the country, Rodriguez added that Venezuela’s social “wounds” resulted due to the economic “blockade” exerted by the US. In order to put an end to the crisis, the incumbent government of Venezuela needs to enter into a dialogue with the Opposition, a move which is impeded by Donald Trump-led US government, the Vice President added to her statement.

“We say: ‘yes to dialogue’ and ‘no to war’,” Rodriguez said, adding that the South American nation has been facing “total political and ideological rejection” by the US and its allies (over the issue) including the member nations of the European Union (EU), Canada, Colombia and many others.

Rodriguez said that humanitarian aid is just an excuse through which the US wants to enter into Venezuela and further create situations of a coup. She also accused the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-challenging-maduro-through-humanitarian-aid-195434">Opposition led by Juan Guaido</a>, who announced himself as the interim President of the country last month, to be acting upon the orders of Washington.

“Washington believes that [Venezuelan President] Nicolas Maduro should go. Washington’s response is its distorted doctrine of regime change [in] democratic nations that do not like it when someone twists their arms and forcibly interferes into their internal affairs,” Rodriguez explained.

The Vice President noted that the US is creating a “false positive” impression about its own policies against Caracas, which by no means requires any help from Washington, despite reeling from social and economic problems.

Recently, the Venezuelan army had barricaded the Tienditas international bridge on the border with Colombia and blocked trucks and tankers carrying aid from entering into the country.

The remarks by the Venezuelan Vice President came after Guaido told AFP last week that he could “authorize” a foreign military intervention into the country to topple President Maduro.

According to reports, President Maduro, many times since the crisis began in January has called for dialogue with the Opposition but was turned down repeatedly.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Guaido has been recognised as the legitimate Head of the State by the US and the EU.&nbsp;

The provisions of a humanitarian aid initiated by Washington is a “big lie”, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said on Saturday (local time), adding that such moves indirectly reflected on the United States’ intention to topple President Nicolas Maduro from power.

The provisions of a humanitarian aid initiated by Washington is a “big lie”, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said on Saturday (local time), adding that such moves indirectly reflected on the United States’ intention to topple President Nicolas Maduro from power. In an interview with the Russian Times, the Venezuelan Vice President said, “This [humanitarian assistance] is a big lie.” Addressing the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in the country, Rodriguez added that Venezuela’s social “wounds” resulted due to the economic “blockade” exerted by the US. In order to put an end to the crisis, the incumbent government of Venezuela needs to enter into a dialogue with the Opposition, a move which is impeded by Donald Trump-led US government, the Vice President added to her statement. “We say: ‘yes to dialogue’ and ‘no to war’,” Rodriguez said, adding that the South American nation has been facing “total political and ideological rejection” by the US and its allies (over the issue) including the member nations of the European Union (EU), Canada, Colombia and many others. Rodriguez said that humanitarian aid is just an excuse through which the US wants to enter into Venezuela and further create situations of a coup. She also accused the Opposition led by Juan Guaido, who announced himself as the interim President of the country last month, to be acting upon the orders of Washington. “Washington believes that [Venezuelan President] Nicolas Maduro should go. Washington’s response is its distorted doctrine of regime change [in] democratic nations that do not like it when someone twists their arms and forcibly interferes into their internal affairs,” Rodriguez explained. The Vice President noted that the US is creating a “false positive” impression about its own policies against Caracas, which by no means requires any help from Washington, despite reeling from social and economic problems. Recently, the Venezuelan army had barricaded the Tienditas international bridge on the border with Colombia and blocked trucks and tankers carrying aid from entering into the country. The remarks by the Venezuelan Vice President came after Guaido told AFP last week that he could “authorize” a foreign military intervention into the country to topple President Maduro. According to reports, President Maduro, many times since the crisis began in January has called for dialogue with the Opposition but was turned down repeatedly. Meanwhile, Guaido has been recognised as the legitimate Head of the State by the US and the EU.

Humanitarian aid is a big lie: Venezuelan Vice President

Imploring industry bodies to weed out "black sheeps" who give a bad name to the business community, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu Sunday asked various nations to reach a consensus to not provide shelter to fugitives involved in economic offences.

"In the wake of the economic offences by some individuals, I implore industry bodies to weed out black sheeps who give a bad name to the business community," he said at "The Huddle," a thought conclave held by 'The Hindu' here.

"Time also has come for various nations to arrive at a consensus in not providing shelter to economic fugitives," he added.

These remarks come in the wake of industrialist Vijay Mallya's possible extradition to India from the United Kingdom.

A UK court on December 10 last year had ordered the extradition of Mallya, who is wanted in India for alleged fraud and money laundering involving an estimated Rs 9,000 crore.

"It should be remembered that such economic offences pose a direct challenge to a nation's health and wealth," Naidu said.

Voicing concern about the disruptions in the functioning of Parliament and legislatures, Naidu said the time has come for political parties to evolve a code of conduct for their MPs and MLAs and ensure effective functioning if these Houses have to fulfil the aspirations of people.

"It is truly unfortunate that disorder and disruptions have become the order of the day," he said.

He said he also felt that political parties should not resort to populist, impractical and short-term promises to win elections as the country's economy would suffer in the long-term due to unproductive schemes.

 
"We need to empower people to stand on their feet, rather than making them increasingly dependent on governments," Naidu said.

The vice-president said the delicate balance between the executive, legislature and judiciary should be maintained at all times and nobody should encroach into the domain of the other.

"The wheels of democracy will run smoothly as long as each wing functions within its demarcated domain and not overstep into other's jurisdiction," he added.

Naidu said the other major challenge the country needs to address on a war footing is the deficiencies in infrastructure development and the central government is already addressing the issue by building road and highway networks, developing ports and promoting regional air connectivity.

The Public-Private Partnership projects have to be scaled up for accelerating the pace of infrastructure development and need to promote massive infrastructure projects for the country to compete with other countries, Naidu said.

On the media scenario in India, he said some of the news stories are slanted to suit the views of the management and media outlets are being started for commercial and political considerations, not for providing pure and unadulterated news to the people.

Mindless sensationalism and paid news are some of the concerns that media professionals themselves need to address, he added.

Media associations should also come out with a code of conduct for journalists to ensure professional integrity, the vice-president said.

Imploring industry bodies to weed out "black sheeps" who give a bad name to the business community, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu Sunday asked various nations to reach a consensus to not provide shelter to fugitives involved in economic offences.

Imploring industry bodies to weed out "black sheeps" who give a bad name to the business community, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu Sunday asked various nations to reach a consensus to not provide shelter to fugitives involved in economic offences. "In the wake of the economic offences by some individuals, I implore industry bodies to weed out black sheeps who give a bad name to the business community," he said at "The Huddle," a thought conclave held by 'The Hindu' here. "Time also has come for various nations to arrive at a consensus in not providing shelter to economic fugitives," he added. These remarks come in the wake of industrialist Vijay Mallya's possible extradition to India from the United Kingdom. A UK court on December 10 last year had ordered the extradition of Mallya, who is wanted in India for alleged fraud and money laundering involving an estimated Rs 9,000 crore. "It should be remembered that such economic offences pose a direct challenge to a nation's health and wealth," Naidu said. Voicing concern about the disruptions in the functioning of Parliament and legislatures, Naidu said the time has come for political parties to evolve a code of conduct for their MPs and MLAs and ensure effective functioning if these Houses have to fulfil the aspirations of people. "It is truly unfortunate that disorder and disruptions have become the order of the day," he said. He said he also felt that political parties should not resort to populist, impractical and short-term promises to win elections as the country's economy would suffer in the long-term due to unproductive schemes. "We need to empower people to stand on their feet, rather than making them increasingly dependent on governments," Naidu said. The vice-president said the delicate balance between the executive, legislature and judiciary should be maintained at all times and nobody should encroach into the domain of the other. "The wheels of democracy will run smoothly as long as each wing functions within its demarcated domain and not overstep into other's jurisdiction," he added. Naidu said the other major challenge the country needs to address on a war footing is the deficiencies in infrastructure development and the central government is already addressing the issue by building road and highway networks, developing ports and promoting regional air connectivity. The Public-Private Partnership projects have to be scaled up for accelerating the pace of infrastructure development and need to promote massive infrastructure projects for the country to compete with other countries, Naidu said. On the media scenario in India, he said some of the news stories are slanted to suit the views of the management and media outlets are being started for commercial and political considerations, not for providing pure and unadulterated news to the people. Mindless sensationalism and paid news are some of the concerns that media professionals themselves need to address, he added. Media associations should also come out with a code of conduct for journalists to ensure professional integrity, the vice-president said.

Nations should not give shelter to economic fugitives says Vice President Venkaiah Naidu

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-of-top-10-cos-add-rs-65426-cr-in-m-cap-tcs-shines-194746">Tata Consultancy Services</a> has been ranked as Britain's number one employer for the second consecutive year by Top Employer Institute.

The certification recognises TCS employee-friendly workplace practices and continued investments in building up local talent in the UK through professional development initiatives and digital skills programmes.

A variety of initiatives like Rising Stars, Emerging Leaders and Leadership Exchange facilitate personal and professional development at every level in the organisation.

"Our customers rely on our employees' consultative approach and best-in-class digital skills to power their Business 4.0 transformation," said Shankar Narayanan, Vice President and Head of TCS operations in UK and Ireland.

Ongoing employee engagement and mentorship programmes are further complemented by the use of digital technologies. These initiatives have contributed to a 92 per cent staff retention rate in the UK, benchmarked as the best in the industry.

David Plink, CEO of Top Employers Institute, said: "investment in the workforce is now commonplace in most successful companies around the globe. Once again, we're proud to award Tata Consultancy Services the UK Top Employers certification as well as the Global Top Employers certification.&nbsp;

This achievement is a testament to the company's dedication to its people and one it can truly be proud of."A part of the Tata group, TCS has over 417,000 of the world`s best-trained consultants in 45 countries.

Tata Consultancy Services has been ranked as Britain's number one employer for the second consecutive year by Top Employer Institute. The certification recognises TCS employee-friendly workplace practices and continued investments in building up local talent in the UK through professional development initiatives and digital skills programmes.

Tata Consultancy Services has been ranked as Britain's number one employer for the second consecutive year by Top Employer Institute. The certification recognises TCS employee-friendly workplace practices and continued investments in building up local talent in the UK through professional development initiatives and digital skills programmes. A variety of initiatives like Rising Stars, Emerging Leaders and Leadership Exchange facilitate personal and professional development at every level in the organisation. "Our customers rely on our employees' consultative approach and best-in-class digital skills to power their Business 4.0 transformation," said Shankar Narayanan, Vice President and Head of TCS operations in UK and Ireland. Ongoing employee engagement and mentorship programmes are further complemented by the use of digital technologies. These initiatives have contributed to a 92 per cent staff retention rate in the UK, benchmarked as the best in the industry. David Plink, CEO of Top Employers Institute, said: "investment in the workforce is now commonplace in most successful companies around the globe. Once again, we're proud to award Tata Consultancy Services the UK Top Employers certification as well as the Global Top Employers certification. This achievement is a testament to the company's dedication to its people and one it can truly be proud of."A part of the Tata group, TCS has over 417,000 of the world`s best-trained consultants in 45 countries.

TCS ranked no. 1 employer in UK for second consecutive year

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/political-parties-must-focus-on-development-rather-than-giving-freebies-vp-naidu-188637">Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu</a> Sunday urged the world community to come together to address the "pressing issues" of terrorism, climate change and corruption.

Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the ninth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit here, VP Naidu said these issues need to be addressed for ensuring peace, prosperity and the partnership of individuals in the inclusive growth story.

"The entire world must be peaceful. Peace is the prerequisite for progress. I would like to tell the entire world community from this forum of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit that three important challenges are there before the humanity, before the world...One of them is terror. Terror has no religion. It is the enemy of humanity. It has to be rooted out totally by all countries coming together. That is the need of the hour," he said.

The vice president also urged <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/despite-vajpayees-efforts-for-proper-friendship-pakistan-continued-funding-terror-naidu-186550">the world community to work</a> together to ensure that the effect of climate change is minimised.

"We must all come together, work together to take care, to see that the climate change effect is minimised, and we all take proactive steps to face the challenge of climate change," he said and praised the "solar alliance" initiative.

International Solar Alliance is an alliance of more than 121 countries initiated by India, most of them being sunshine countries, which lie either completely or partly between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.

Speaking of corruption, VP Naidu said that that practice "eats" into the vitals of our system, and is a big challenge worldwide.

He also appealed to the world community to come together "to exchange information about illegal bank accounts of different countries and have treaties on economic fugitives who loot and cheat the countries".

"If the world has to be peaceful, prosperous, and see inclusive growth of everybody becoming the partner in the development stories, they must all come together on these three major issues. And I hope everybody concerned should apply their mind and give a serious thought to these three things," he said.

VP Naidu said India's growth in the last 15 years is not limited to industry alone but was also witnessed in the fields of agriculture, infrastructure, rural development, and IT services.

He said India was trying to go beyond the trade and investment and hoping to develop "long-lasting bonds between nations that will cement the seeds of trust and cooperation".

"This will be paramount to identifying solutions to issues in the economic, social and cultural sphere, especially in today's world which is much heterogeneous," he said, adding that initiatives like the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit are endeavours in the same direction.

India's growth is supported by "progressive and long-term reforms, sound financial acumen and the impetus given to building a robust infrastructure", the VP said.

"The reforms taken up by the government in the past few years have made India the top destination for investments in the world," he said.

"In fact, this is the right time for foreign investors to tap the huge potential offered by India in various sectors from real estate to healthcare. India is the bright spot in the world's economy today," he said.

The vice president also hailed States vying to attract investment by organising similar summits and said: "unless States become strong, the country cannot become strong and unless the country becomes strong, the world cannot become strong".

Earlier in the day, he visited the Statue of Unity of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the tallest such monument in the world, at Kavadia in Narmada district.&nbsp;

VP Naidu said these issues need to be addressed for ensuring peace, prosperity and the partnership of individuals in the inclusive growth story.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu Sunday urged the world community to come together to address the "pressing issues" of terrorism, climate change and corruption. Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the ninth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit here, VP Naidu said these issues need to be addressed for ensuring peace, prosperity and the partnership of individuals in the inclusive growth story. "The entire world must be peaceful. Peace is the prerequisite for progress. I would like to tell the entire world community from this forum of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit that three important challenges are there before the humanity, before the world...One of them is terror. Terror has no religion. It is the enemy of humanity. It has to be rooted out totally by all countries coming together. That is the need of the hour," he said. The vice president also urged the world community to work together to ensure that the effect of climate change is minimised. "We must all come together, work together to take care, to see that the climate change effect is minimised, and we all take proactive steps to face the challenge of climate change," he said and praised the "solar alliance" initiative. International Solar Alliance is an alliance of more than 121 countries initiated by India, most of them being sunshine countries, which lie either completely or partly between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Speaking of corruption, VP Naidu said that that practice "eats" into the vitals of our system, and is a big challenge worldwide. He also appealed to the world community to come together "to exchange information about illegal bank accounts of different countries and have treaties on economic fugitives who loot and cheat the countries". "If the world has to be peaceful, prosperous, and see inclusive growth of everybody becoming the partner in the development stories, they must all come together on these three major issues. And I hope everybody concerned should apply their mind and give a serious thought to these three things," he said. VP Naidu said India's growth in the last 15 years is not limited to industry alone but was also witnessed in the fields of agriculture, infrastructure, rural development, and IT services. He said India was trying to go beyond the trade and investment and hoping to develop "long-lasting bonds between nations that will cement the seeds of trust and cooperation". "This will be paramount to identifying solutions to issues in the economic, social and cultural sphere, especially in today's world which is much heterogeneous," he said, adding that initiatives like the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit are endeavours in the same direction. India's growth is supported by "progressive and long-term reforms, sound financial acumen and the impetus given to building a robust infrastructure", the VP said. "The reforms taken up by the government in the past few years have made India the top destination for investments in the world," he said. "In fact, this is the right time for foreign investors to tap the huge potential offered by India in various sectors from real estate to healthcare. India is the bright spot in the world's economy today," he said. The vice president also hailed States vying to attract investment by organising similar summits and said: "unless States become strong, the country cannot become strong and unless the country becomes strong, the world cannot become strong". Earlier in the day, he visited the Statue of Unity of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the tallest such monument in the world, at Kavadia in Narmada district.

VP Venkaiah Naidu urges world community to fight terrorism and corruption

Afghan Interior Minister Amrullah Saleh stepped down from his post on Saturday in order to run for the vice-presidency alongside President Ashraf Ghani who plans to bid for a second term in July's election.

The former top security official told Reuters by phone that he had resigned and two political sources said he would join Ghani's team.

"He wants to contest for the post of vice-president," said a source from the presidential palace in Kabul.

Saleh, who commands strong support among Afghanistan's minority ethnic Tajiks, had been expected to oppose Ghani in the election, which has been pushed back from April to July.

Under Afghanistan's electoral system, all members of government except the president and vice president must step down in order to run for office.

In December, Ghani appointed Saleh, a former security official and an uncompromising opponent of the Taliban, to his government in a bid to secure the support of former opponents for a second term.

Afghan forces have been dying in record numbers in the face of a resurgent Taliban. US President Donald Trump is considering slashing the number of American troops in the country in half. However, the White House says there has been no official order.

Afghanistan's presidential race is now in full swing, with several former officials and politicians lining up to challenge Ghani who is expected to register his candidacy for a second term on Sunday.

Former warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, whose fighters killed thousands in Kabul during the bloody civil war of the 1990s, joined the presidential race on Saturday.

The political landscape is dominated by ethnic loyalties, personal alliances and often unstable coalitions between powerful regional leaders.

"Ghani's decision to include Saleh in his presidential bid reflects how alliances are being formed quickly and ideological differences are being ignored," said a Western diplomat in Kabul.

Under Afghanistan's electoral system, all members of government except the president and vice president must step down in order to run for office.

Afghan Interior Minister Amrullah Saleh stepped down from his post on Saturday in order to run for the vice-presidency alongside President Ashraf Ghani who plans to bid for a second term in July's election. The former top security official told Reuters by phone that he had resigned and two political sources said he would join Ghani's team. "He wants to contest for the post of vice-president," said a source from the presidential palace in Kabul. Saleh, who commands strong support among Afghanistan's minority ethnic Tajiks, had been expected to oppose Ghani in the election, which has been pushed back from April to July. Under Afghanistan's electoral system, all members of government except the president and vice president must step down in order to run for office. In December, Ghani appointed Saleh, a former security official and an uncompromising opponent of the Taliban, to his government in a bid to secure the support of former opponents for a second term. Afghan forces have been dying in record numbers in the face of a resurgent Taliban. US President Donald Trump is considering slashing the number of American troops in the country in half. However, the White House says there has been no official order. Afghanistan's presidential race is now in full swing, with several former officials and politicians lining up to challenge Ghani who is expected to register his candidacy for a second term on Sunday. Former warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, whose fighters killed thousands in Kabul during the bloody civil war of the 1990s, joined the presidential race on Saturday. The political landscape is dominated by ethnic loyalties, personal alliances and often unstable coalitions between powerful regional leaders. "Ghani's decision to include Saleh in his presidential bid reflects how alliances are being formed quickly and ideological differences are being ignored," said a Western diplomat in Kabul.

Afghan interior minister resigns to run for vice-presidency: Report

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

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

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday will lay the foundation stone for the construction of Dera Baba Nanak-Karatarpur Sahib road corridor.

The corridor will reach up to the international border with Pakistan. The foundation stone laying ceremony will be performed in the Mann village of Gurdaspur district in Punjab. Vice President Naidu will be accompanied by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has also announced that the party leadership and workers would take part in the ground-breaking ceremony of the proposed corridor to Shri Kartarpur Sahib on the Indian soil while singing hymns of Gurbani on November 26.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pak-agree-to-build-kartarpur-corridor-imran-khan-to-break-ground-on-november-28-178837">The decision to build the corridor</a> from Dera Baba Nanak to the International Border was taken on November 22 by the Union Cabinet. On the same day Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, had announced that Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan would be breaking ground for the Kartarpur corridor on November 28.

The development of the corridor will facilitate lakhs of pilgrims from India to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur on the banks of river Ravi, in Pakistan, where Guru Nanak Dev spent 18 years.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had issued a Note Verbale to the Pakistani Government, urging it to develop a corridor with suitable facilities in its territory from the International Border to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib to facilitate the easy access and passage of Indian pilgrims throughout the year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while participating in the Gurpurab celebrations on November 23 had said that Kartarpur Corridor could be a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-will-act-as-a-bridge-for-people-of-india-and-pakistan-pm-modi-179055">reason to connect people</a>, adding that the incidents of 1947 should be left behind.

He had also added that if the Berlin Wall, which restricted the relationship between the people of East and West Germany could be pulled down, then the Kartarpur Corridor between India and Pakistan can also promote people to people contact.

The Pakistan Government on November 23, extended an invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and Punjab cabinet minister and former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor on November 28.

The invitation was, however, declined by Swaraj citing her prior commitments pertaining to election campaigns. Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State (IC) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri would be representing the Indian government in the groundbreaking ceremony.

A day later, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh also declined Pakistan's invitation to attend the Kartarpur Corridor foundation-laying ceremony to be held on November 28, citing continued terrorist attacks in his state and killings of Indian soldiers by Pakistan armed forces as the reason.

Interestingly, Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has accepted the invitation and will be attending the opening ceremony of Kartarpur corridor. 
&nbsp;

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday will lay the foundation stone for the construction of Dera Baba Nanak-Karatarpur Sahib road corridor. The corridor will reach up to the international border with Pakistan.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday will lay the foundation stone for the construction of Dera Baba Nanak-Karatarpur Sahib road corridor. The corridor will reach up to the international border with Pakistan. The foundation stone laying ceremony will be performed in the Mann village of Gurdaspur district in Punjab. Vice President Naidu will be accompanied by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has also announced that the party leadership and workers would take part in the ground-breaking ceremony of the proposed corridor to Shri Kartarpur Sahib on the Indian soil while singing hymns of Gurbani on November 26. The decision to build the corridor from Dera Baba Nanak to the International Border was taken on November 22 by the Union Cabinet. On the same day Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, had announced that Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan would be breaking ground for the Kartarpur corridor on November 28. The development of the corridor will facilitate lakhs of pilgrims from India to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur on the banks of river Ravi, in Pakistan, where Guru Nanak Dev spent 18 years. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had issued a Note Verbale to the Pakistani Government, urging it to develop a corridor with suitable facilities in its territory from the International Border to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib to facilitate the easy access and passage of Indian pilgrims throughout the year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while participating in the Gurpurab celebrations on November 23 had said that Kartarpur Corridor could be a reason to connect people, adding that the incidents of 1947 should be left behind. He had also added that if the Berlin Wall, which restricted the relationship between the people of East and West Germany could be pulled down, then the Kartarpur Corridor between India and Pakistan can also promote people to people contact. The Pakistan Government on November 23, extended an invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and Punjab cabinet minister and former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor on November 28. The invitation was, however, declined by Swaraj citing her prior commitments pertaining to election campaigns. Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State (IC) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri would be representing the Indian government in the groundbreaking ceremony. A day later, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh also declined Pakistan's invitation to attend the Kartarpur Corridor foundation-laying ceremony to be held on November 28, citing continued terrorist attacks in his state and killings of Indian soldiers by Pakistan armed forces as the reason. Interestingly, Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has accepted the invitation and will be attending the opening ceremony of Kartarpur corridor.

Vice President Naidu to lay foundation of Kartarpur corridor today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets U.S Vice president

India will be represented by Venkaiah Naidu at the commemoration ceremony of the centenary of the Armistice of World War I on 11th November.

The day marks the end of World War I with an armistice between allies and Germany. India has been keen to raise awareness about its role in the war.

India contributed hugely in both World War I and II in terms of manpower and resources and suffered from heavy losses.

India was also one of largest contributors of soldiers during World War I. Heads of State/Heads of Government of over 50 countries including US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin will join France's Macron at the ceremony to commemorate the armistice of World War I at Arc de Triomphe.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "India’s participation at the Armistice Centenary ceremony will be a befitting tribute to the sacrifices made by these soldiers, underlining India’s historical contribution to global peace and security."

As part of the Armistice Centenary, the French Government will also be hosting the Paris Peace Forum, which will take place in Paris from 11-13 November 2018. The Forum is envisioned as a recurring, annual event to promote governance solutions in five key areas: Peace and Security, Environment, Development, New Technologies, and Inclusive Economy. The Vice President will speak at the high-level panel discussion titled, "Dialogue of the Continents on Global Governance.”

He will also inaugurate the Indian War Memorial at Villers Guislain on 10 November 2018. The memorial will have an Ashok Chakra and was announced by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during her France visit earlier this year.

In the run-up to the ceremony, India has also adopted marigold as the flower of remembrance. Poppy being widely used in Europe as the flower of remembrance and marigold being adopted in India. The Marigold is chosen because it is easily and widely available in India and also because saffron is often seen as the colour of sacrifice. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge laid a marigold wreath at India Gate during their visit in April 2016.&nbsp;

PM Modi in his visits abroad has been paying homage to Indians who laid lives in the World Wars. He visited the martyrs memorial at Neuve-Chapelle and paid homage to 10,000 Indian soldiers who died during World War I, he became the first Indian prime minister to do so. During his Israel trip, the Prime Minister visited the Indian cemetery in the Israeli city of Haifa and paid respect to Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I while protecting the city from the Ottomans.

India will be represented by Venkaiah Naidu at the commemoration ceremony of the centenary of the Armistice of World War I on 11th November. The day marks the end of World War I with an armistice between allies and Germany.

India will be represented by Venkaiah Naidu at the commemoration ceremony of the centenary of the Armistice of World War I on 11th November. The day marks the end of World War I with an armistice between allies and Germany. India has been keen to raise awareness about its role in the war. India contributed hugely in both World War I and II in terms of manpower and resources and suffered from heavy losses. India was also one of largest contributors of soldiers during World War I. Heads of State/Heads of Government of over 50 countries including US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin will join France's Macron at the ceremony to commemorate the armistice of World War I at Arc de Triomphe. The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "India’s participation at the Armistice Centenary ceremony will be a befitting tribute to the sacrifices made by these soldiers, underlining India’s historical contribution to global peace and security." As part of the Armistice Centenary, the French Government will also be hosting the Paris Peace Forum, which will take place in Paris from 11-13 November 2018. The Forum is envisioned as a recurring, annual event to promote governance solutions in five key areas: Peace and Security, Environment, Development, New Technologies, and Inclusive Economy. The Vice President will speak at the high-level panel discussion titled, "Dialogue of the Continents on Global Governance.” He will also inaugurate the Indian War Memorial at Villers Guislain on 10 November 2018. The memorial will have an Ashok Chakra and was announced by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during her France visit earlier this year. In the run-up to the ceremony, India has also adopted marigold as the flower of remembrance. Poppy being widely used in Europe as the flower of remembrance and marigold being adopted in India. The Marigold is chosen because it is easily and widely available in India and also because saffron is often seen as the colour of sacrifice. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge laid a marigold wreath at India Gate during their visit in April 2016. PM Modi in his visits abroad has been paying homage to Indians who laid lives in the World Wars. He visited the martyrs memorial at Neuve-Chapelle and paid homage to 10,000 Indian soldiers who died during World War I, he became the first Indian prime minister to do so. During his Israel trip, the Prime Minister visited the Indian cemetery in the Israeli city of Haifa and paid respect to Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I while protecting the city from the Ottomans.

100 years of WWI: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu to represent India at Paris ceremony

The government Wednesday said it is not seeking decryption of messages on WhatsApp but rather the location and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/whatsapp-rejects-indias-demand-to-track-origin-of-message-says-cannot-undermine-privacy-161162">identity</a> of those spreading misinformation that provokes violence and heinous offences.

After meeting with WhatsApp Vice President Chris Daniels, IT Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/whatsapp-has-to-follow-indian-laws-says-ravi-shankar-prasad-after-meeting-ceo-160592">Ravi Shankar Prasad said</a>: "On the issue of traceability, I emphasised that when we talk of traceability, we don't talk of decrypting messages".

"We insist rather on location and identification of the sender of WhatsApp messages when such messages lead to provocation of violence, heinous offences and other serious crimes," he said.

Prasad added that he has been assured by the WhatsApp team that they will look into the matter and revert.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebooks-whatsapp-taking-legal-action-against-brazil-election-spammers-172412">Facebook-owned company</a> has been under pressure for months now to put in place a mechanism to clamp down on fake messages on its platform.

"I met Chris Daniels, along with his team, and discussed various issues of the past. They have assured us that they have appointed a grievance officer for India. I have suggested that we will appreciate if grievance officer is also located in India," Prasad said.

The minister said during the meeting, he also emphasised that WhatsApp is an important instrument of message circulation, especially during elections.

"...It is appropriate and desirable that the institutional integrity of this platform is maintained so that abusers cannot abuse it. They (WhatsApp) have also assured that they will work with my department in preventing circulation of spam farms," he said.

Out of WhatsApp user base of 1.3 billion people, more than 200 million people are in India -- the single largest market for the popular messaging platform.

The government Wednesday said it is not seeking decryption of messages on WhatsApp but rather the location and identity of those spreading misinformation that provokes violence and heinous offences.

The government Wednesday said it is not seeking decryption of messages on WhatsApp but rather the location and identity of those spreading misinformation that provokes violence and heinous offences. After meeting with WhatsApp Vice President Chris Daniels, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said: "On the issue of traceability, I emphasised that when we talk of traceability, we don't talk of decrypting messages". "We insist rather on location and identification of the sender of WhatsApp messages when such messages lead to provocation of violence, heinous offences and other serious crimes," he said. Prasad added that he has been assured by the WhatsApp team that they will look into the matter and revert. The Facebook-owned company has been under pressure for months now to put in place a mechanism to clamp down on fake messages on its platform. "I met Chris Daniels, along with his team, and discussed various issues of the past. They have assured us that they have appointed a grievance officer for India. I have suggested that we will appreciate if grievance officer is also located in India," Prasad said. The minister said during the meeting, he also emphasised that WhatsApp is an important instrument of message circulation, especially during elections. "...It is appropriate and desirable that the institutional integrity of this platform is maintained so that abusers cannot abuse it. They (WhatsApp) have also assured that they will work with my department in preventing circulation of spam farms," he said. Out of WhatsApp user base of 1.3 billion people, more than 200 million people are in India -- the single largest market for the popular messaging platform.

Not seeking decryption, but location, identity of those sending provocative messages: Govt to WhatsApp

Vice president M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday said that South Indian dishes like idli, sambar, and dosa will outwear pizza and burger globally, reports said.&nbsp;

His comments came while he was addressing a crowd at the convocation ceremony hosted by the National Institute of Technology, Goa.&nbsp;

He also said that &nbsp;“English mind” is an illness, and not the language, and stated the country should be proud of its rich heritage.&nbsp;

Naidu’s statement came in the backdrop of certain comments attributed to him. Some section of the media had quoted Naidu as saying “English is an illness left behind by the British” during a Hindi Day event held in New Delhi early this month.&nbsp;

“Somewhere I was speaking about protecting and encouraging the mother tongue and some section of the media wrote that I said English is (an) illness, I did not say English is (an) illness."

“English is not (an) illness, but English mind is (an) illness which we have inherited from the Britishers. Britishers have left but they have created an inferiority complex. They have given the thought that Britishers are great, foreigners are great and we are nothing," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We must come out of this mentality. We must feel proud of our heritage, our past and our great leaders of this country,” the vice president further said.

Naidu recalled that India never attacked any country, but it was “ruined” by invaders.

(With PTI inputs)

Vice president M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday said that South Indian dishes like idli, sambar, and dosa will outwear pizza and burger globally, reports said. His comments came while he was addressing a crowd at the convocation ceremony hosted by the National Institute of Technology, Goa.

Vice president M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday said that South Indian dishes like idli, sambar, and dosa will outwear pizza and burger globally, reports said. His comments came while he was addressing a crowd at the convocation ceremony hosted by the National Institute of Technology, Goa. He also said that “English mind” is an illness, and not the language, and stated the country should be proud of its rich heritage. Naidu’s statement came in the backdrop of certain comments attributed to him. Some section of the media had quoted Naidu as saying “English is an illness left behind by the British” during a Hindi Day event held in New Delhi early this month. “Somewhere I was speaking about protecting and encouraging the mother tongue and some section of the media wrote that I said English is (an) illness, I did not say English is (an) illness." “English is not (an) illness, but English mind is (an) illness which we have inherited from the Britishers. Britishers have left but they have created an inferiority complex. They have given the thought that Britishers are great, foreigners are great and we are nothing," he added. “We must come out of this mentality. We must feel proud of our heritage, our past and our great leaders of this country,” the vice president further said. Naidu recalled that India never attacked any country, but it was “ruined” by invaders. (With PTI inputs)

Idli, dosa will outlast pizza, burgers: Vice President

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said on Wednesday that Goods and Service Tax (GST) and demonetisation were "revolutionary steps" taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards making the nation corruption free.

Praising Prime Minister Modi for introducing various central schemes for the development of the country, the Vice President said, "With the introduction of GST and demonetisation, the Prime Minister took revolutionary steps. The GST revenue in April has crossed Rs 1.4 lakh crore, indicating high hopes for the new tax regime."

Vice President Naidu was speaking at the 11th convocation ceremony of the Tripura University.

In his speech, he also emphasised on the role of the present Union government towards the infrastructural development in the northeastern states for better connectivity and business in the region and the neighbouring nations.

The 11th convocation of the Tripura University was held after five years. As many as 142 scholars rePhDd PhD&nbsp;degrees and about 400 students from many streams received gold and silver medals.

Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy, Education Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Vice-Chancellor Anjan Kumar Ghosh, Registrar Santi Deb Roy and other dignitaries were present in the Maharaja BB auditorium for the convocation.

Naidu emphasised on the role of the present Union government towards the infrastructural development in the northeastern states for better connectivity

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said on Wednesday that Goods and Service Tax (GST) and demonetisation were "revolutionary steps" taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards making the nation corruption free. Praising Prime Minister Modi for introducing various central schemes for the development of the country, the Vice President said, "With the introduction of GST and demonetisation, the Prime Minister took revolutionary steps. The GST revenue in April has crossed Rs 1.4 lakh crore, indicating high hopes for the new tax regime." Vice President Naidu was speaking at the 11th convocation ceremony of the Tripura University. In his speech, he also emphasised on the role of the present Union government towards the infrastructural development in the northeastern states for better connectivity and business in the region and the neighbouring nations. The 11th convocation of the Tripura University was held after five years. As many as 142 scholars rePhDd PhD degrees and about 400 students from many streams received gold and silver medals. Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy, Education Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Vice-Chancellor Anjan Kumar Ghosh, Registrar Santi Deb Roy and other dignitaries were present in the Maharaja BB auditorium for the convocation.

GST and demonetisation were revolutionary steps to make India corruption free: Venkaiah Naidu

Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday rejected the impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra given by the Congress-led opposition in the Upper House. Naidu rejected the notice citing lack of substantial merit in it.

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Naidu held extensive consultations with top legal and constitutional experts before taking the decision, sources said. The rejection of the notice comes a day after he held consultations with experts to determine the maintainability of the motion.

Seven opposition parties led by the Congress had last week moved a notice before him for impeachment of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) on five grounds of "misbehaviour". Apart from the Congress, the group consisted of the CPI(M), CPI, NCP, SP, BSP and the Muslim League. The motion was signed by 64 sitting members of the Rajya Sabha.

This is the first time ever that an impeachment notice was filed against a sitting CJI.

How is the Chief Justice of India impeached?

The CJI can be impeached like other Supreme Court judges and constitutional positions, in accordance with the steps laid out in Constitution of India. The opposition parties moved the impeachment motion in the Rajya Sabha under Article 217 read with article 124 (4) of the Constitution. As per Article 124 (4), "A Judge of the Supreme Court shall not be removed from his office except by an order of the President passed after an address by each House of Parliament supported by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of that House present and voting has been presented to the President in the same session for such removal on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity."

The impeachment motion requires signatures of 100 Lok Sabha MPs and 50 Rajya Sabha MPs it can be introduced in either of the two Houses.

The motion is presented to the Speaker in case it is introduced in Lok Sabha, and the Chairman of Rajya Sabha in case it is given in the Upper House. If the motion is accepted, a committee is formed to investigate the charges levelled against a Supreme Court judge or the CJI. The charges, if found true by the committee in its investigation, will be taken up for discussion in the House where the motion was introduced.

The motion will have to be passed by two-third majority after the discussion it is then presented in the other House where it has to again cross the special majority. Once the motion is successfully passed in both Houses of Parliament, it is sent to the President to remove the Chief Justice of India.

This is the first time ever that an impeachment motion was filed against a sitting CJI.

Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday rejected the impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra given by the Congress-led opposition in the Upper House. Naidu rejected the notice citing lack of substantial merit in it. × Naidu held extensive consultations with top legal and constitutional experts before taking the decision, sources said. The rejection of the notice comes a day after he held consultations with experts to determine the maintainability of the motion. Seven opposition parties led by the Congress had last week moved a notice before him for impeachment of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) on five grounds of "misbehaviour". Apart from the Congress, the group consisted of the CPI(M), CPI, NCP, SP, BSP and the Muslim League. The motion was signed by 64 sitting members of the Rajya Sabha. This is the first time ever that an impeachment notice was filed against a sitting CJI. How is the Chief Justice of India impeached? The CJI can be impeached like other Supreme Court judges and constitutional positions, in accordance with the steps laid out in Constitution of India. The opposition parties moved the impeachment motion in the Rajya Sabha under Article 217 read with article 124 (4) of the Constitution. As per Article 124 (4), "A Judge of the Supreme Court shall not be removed from his office except by an order of the President passed after an address by each House of Parliament supported by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of that House present and voting has been presented to the President in the same session for such removal on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity." The impeachment motion requires signatures of 100 Lok Sabha MPs and 50 Rajya Sabha MPs it can be introduced in either of the two Houses. The motion is presented to the Speaker in case it is introduced in Lok Sabha, and the Chairman of Rajya Sabha in case it is given in the Upper House. If the motion is accepted, a committee is formed to investigate the charges levelled against a Supreme Court judge or the CJI. The charges, if found true by the committee in its investigation, will be taken up for discussion in the House where the motion was introduced. The motion will have to be passed by two-third majority after the discussion it is then presented in the other House where it has to again cross the special majority. Once the motion is successfully passed in both Houses of Parliament, it is sent to the President to remove the Chief Justice of India.

Why the impeachment motion against CJI Dipak Misra was rejected by Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu

Iran&#39;s vice president for women&#39;s affairs insisted today the government opposed using &quot;force&quot; to ensure women wear the hijab after a spate of protests stirred debate over the mandatory headscarf.

Massoumeh Ebtekar told a press conference in Tehran that every country has a dress code: &quot;There is no city in the world where you can walk naked in the streets and you won&#39;t be approached by a particular regulatory body.&quot; She said Iran&#39;s hijab laws -- which require women to wear a headscarf and long coat, as well as banning shorts for men -- were a &quot;social regulation&quot;.

&quot;Our position is that it&#39;s a regulation but the use of force -- we don&#39;t go along with that type of enforcement,&quot; she said.

&quot;That is contrary to the basic principles and philosophy that the government of (President Hassan) Rouhani follows.&quot; Her comments follow a string of protests, mostly in Tehran, in which more than a dozen woman have stood in main thoroughfares without their headscarves.

The women risk prison sentences of up to two months for not wearing the headscarf, but up to 10 years if they are found to be encouraging others.

Tehran police chief Hossein Rahimi took a rather tougher line than Ebtekar earlier this week, telling the conservative Fars news agency that Islamic laws were &quot;obligatory for all citizens&quot;.

&quot;These people will be firmly dealt with by the police,&quot; he said. 
He was responding to widespread criticism on social media after a video showed an officer shoving one of the women protesters off a plinth.

&quot;We have reminded our officers to comply with legal requirements when dealing with all people,&quot; said Rahimi.

In practice, clothing rules have been steadily eroding for years, with many women wearing loose and colourful headscarves and letting them drop entirely, particularly in wealthier areas.

Since Rouhani came to power in 2013, the presence of the morality police who enforced clothing rules has been greatly reduced.

Ebtekar said the government needs &quot;this dialogue&quot; with the younger generation, which no longer shares the same values as those who grew up during the 1979 revolution.

But she defended Iran&#39;s record on female empowerment, saying the Islamic republic had brought &quot;true advancement&quot; for women in higher education, politics and sports.

Iranian society is generally freer for women than many conservative Islamic countries, but activists complain they are still under-represented in government, particularly after Rouhani again failed to appoint a single female minister last summer.

Women also have less weight than men in Iran&#39;s Islamic legal system, including less right to inheritance and a ban on leaving the country without male permission.

Massoumeh Ebtekar told a press conference in Tehran that every country has a dress code

Iran's vice president for women's affairs insisted today the government opposed using "force" to ensure women wear the hijab after a spate of protests stirred debate over the mandatory headscarf. Massoumeh Ebtekar told a press conference in Tehran that every country has a dress code: "There is no city in the world where you can walk naked in the streets and you won't be approached by a particular regulatory body." She said Iran's hijab laws -- which require women to wear a headscarf and long coat, as well as banning shorts for men -- were a "social regulation". "Our position is that it's a regulation but the use of force -- we don't go along with that type of enforcement," she said. "That is contrary to the basic principles and philosophy that the government of (President Hassan) Rouhani follows." Her comments follow a string of protests, mostly in Tehran, in which more than a dozen woman have stood in main thoroughfares without their headscarves. The women risk prison sentences of up to two months for not wearing the headscarf, but up to 10 years if they are found to be encouraging others. Tehran police chief Hossein Rahimi took a rather tougher line than Ebtekar earlier this week, telling the conservative Fars news agency that Islamic laws were "obligatory for all citizens". "These people will be firmly dealt with by the police," he said. He was responding to widespread criticism on social media after a video showed an officer shoving one of the women protesters off a plinth. "We have reminded our officers to comply with legal requirements when dealing with all people," said Rahimi. In practice, clothing rules have been steadily eroding for years, with many women wearing loose and colourful headscarves and letting them drop entirely, particularly in wealthier areas. Since Rouhani came to power in 2013, the presence of the morality police who enforced clothing rules has been greatly reduced. Ebtekar said the government needs "this dialogue" with the younger generation, which no longer shares the same values as those who grew up during the 1979 revolution. But she defended Iran's record on female empowerment, saying the Islamic republic had brought "true advancement" for women in higher education, politics and sports. Iranian society is generally freer for women than many conservative Islamic countries, but activists complain they are still under-represented in government, particularly after Rouhani again failed to appoint a single female minister last summer. Women also have less weight than men in Iran's Islamic legal system, including less right to inheritance and a ban on leaving the country without male permission.

Iran vice president says government against using force over hijab

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu noticed the significance of Goods and Service Tax on Tuesday.

Naidu noted that the tax is in place to strengthen the economy.

While speaking at the inaugural session on a seminar on &#39;Contemporary issues and challenges in Finance, Marketing and Taxation&#39; in Hyderabad, the vice president noted that the tax &quot;reveals the cost to the manufacturer and benefits the consumer by the reduction in price.&quot;&nbsp;

He noted that it is not only the producers who benefit from GST, the retailers will also reap benefits as no sales without a bill eliminates corruption.&nbsp;

&quot;5.9 million people have registered to file GST and 20.2 million people pay taxes. Microfinance, cashless payments are increasing and strengthening the economy. Everybody is responsible for making the change and we should take everyone&#39;s opinion,&quot; he added.

&quot;Even after 70 years of independence there prevails discrimination in our country. In spite of the development of technology, we have to remember our guru. Google cannot replace guru. We should not forget our originality although we learn many other languages. We should love our mother tongue,&quot; added Naidu.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu noticed the significance of Goods and Service Tax on Tuesday

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu noticed the significance of Goods and Service Tax on Tuesday. Naidu noted that the tax is in place to strengthen the economy. While speaking at the inaugural session on a seminar on 'Contemporary issues and challenges in Finance, Marketing and Taxation' in Hyderabad, the vice president noted that the tax "reveals the cost to the manufacturer and benefits the consumer by the reduction in price." He noted that it is not only the producers who benefit from GST, the retailers will also reap benefits as no sales without a bill eliminates corruption. "5.9 million people have registered to file GST and 20.2 million people pay taxes. Microfinance, cashless payments are increasing and strengthening the economy. Everybody is responsible for making the change and we should take everyone's opinion," he added. "Even after 70 years of independence there prevails discrimination in our country. In spite of the development of technology, we have to remember our guru. Google cannot replace guru. We should not forget our originality although we learn many other languages. We should love our mother tongue," added Naidu. (With inputs from PTI)

'GST is in place to strengthen the economy,' says Vice President Venkaiah Naidu

A group of Muhajirs in the US has lauded the Trump administration for putting Pakistan &quot;on notice&quot; for &quot;harbouring&quot; terror groups.

The term &#39;Muhajir&#39; is used to describe the Urdu-speaking immigrants who left India in 1947 and came to Pakistan. A large chunk of them settled in the Sindh province.

US Vice President Mike Pence, during an unannounced trip to Afghanistan to assess the ground realities in the war-torn country, said that President Donald Trump has put Pakistan on notice for providing safe havens to the Taliban and other militant groups.

&quot;As the president said, so I say now: Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with the US, and Pakistan has much to lose by continuing to harbour criminals and terrorists,&quot; Pence had said, issuing another stern warning to Pakistan.

In a letter to Trump, the World Muhajir Congress (WMC) welcomed the recent statement in this regard by Pence in Afghanistan.

This is a &quot;bold&quot; policy in placing Pakistan &quot;on notice&quot; regarding its ill-fated policy of harbouring and supporting terrorist organisations in South Asia, particularly through the powerful Pakistani military establishment and intelligence wing the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the WMC said.

The WMC claimed that due to Muhajirs&#39; strong opposition to radical Islamist voices in Pakistan, they are being singled out by military establishment through political persecution, extra-judicial killings, forced disappearances of Muhajir men, and a state-sponsored media trial that continues to portray them as &quot;agents of India&quot; and &quot;anti-state&quot;.

In its letter, the WMC also offered to assist the Trump administration in formulating policy matters for South Asia as it relates to Pakistan.

Trump, while announcing his South Asia Policy in August, had criticised Pakistan for not doing enough to combat terrorism.

Observing that Muhajirs are the most liberal, progressive and pro-Western people in Pakistan, the WMC said that they are America&#39;s natural allies in the region.

&quot;If given a chance, Muhajirs can play a leading role in eliminating terrorism and violence from the region,&quot; the WMC said in the letter.

The group offered unequivocal support to the Trump administration as it formulates a more tougher approach in dealing with Pakistan&#39;s duplicitous behaviour in the region, the letter added.&nbsp;

The term 'Muhajir' is used to describe the Urdu-speaking immigrants who left India in 1947 and came to Pakistan.

A group of Muhajirs in the US has lauded the Trump administration for putting Pakistan "on notice" for "harbouring" terror groups. The term 'Muhajir' is used to describe the Urdu-speaking immigrants who left India in 1947 and came to Pakistan. A large chunk of them settled in the Sindh province. US Vice President Mike Pence, during an unannounced trip to Afghanistan to assess the ground realities in the war-torn country, said that President Donald Trump has put Pakistan on notice for providing safe havens to the Taliban and other militant groups. "As the president said, so I say now: Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with the US, and Pakistan has much to lose by continuing to harbour criminals and terrorists," Pence had said, issuing another stern warning to Pakistan. In a letter to Trump, the World Muhajir Congress (WMC) welcomed the recent statement in this regard by Pence in Afghanistan. This is a "bold" policy in placing Pakistan "on notice" regarding its ill-fated policy of harbouring and supporting terrorist organisations in South Asia, particularly through the powerful Pakistani military establishment and intelligence wing the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the WMC said. The WMC claimed that due to Muhajirs' strong opposition to radical Islamist voices in Pakistan, they are being singled out by military establishment through political persecution, extra-judicial killings, forced disappearances of Muhajir men, and a state-sponsored media trial that continues to portray them as "agents of India" and "anti-state". In its letter, the WMC also offered to assist the Trump administration in formulating policy matters for South Asia as it relates to Pakistan. Trump, while announcing his South Asia Policy in August, had criticised Pakistan for not doing enough to combat terrorism. Observing that Muhajirs are the most liberal, progressive and pro-Western people in Pakistan, the WMC said that they are America's natural allies in the region. "If given a chance, Muhajirs can play a leading role in eliminating terrorism and violence from the region," the WMC said in the letter. The group offered unequivocal support to the Trump administration as it formulates a more tougher approach in dealing with Pakistan's duplicitous behaviour in the region, the letter added.

Muhajirs in US welcome Trump's move to put Pakistan on notice

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu brought minor changes in the conduct of the Rajya Sabha on the first day on Friday after taking over as its Chairman, asking ministers and members not to use colonial terms while laying papers on the table.

Presiding over the Upper House proceedings on the opening day of the Winter Session of Parliament, Naidu said no one should use the word &quot;I beg to&quot; while laying papers on the table.

&quot;Just say I raise to lay on the table&quot; the listed papers, he said. &quot;No need to beg... this is independent India.&quot;

He made the observation after the ministers called to lay the listed papers on the table, began their sentences by saying &quot;I beg to lay on the table the papers listed against my name in today&#39;s revised list of business.&quot;

Naidu was however quick to clarify that this was only a suggestion and not an order.

This was not only the change that Naidu brought in on the first day as the presiding officer of the House. He also stood up while reading out obituary references.

His predecessors Hamid Ansari and Bhairon Singh Shekhawat used to read the obituary references while being seated.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan too stands while reading out obituary references.

Naidu took over as the Vice President of India in August.

Vice President is also the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha.

Presiding over the Upper House proceedings on the opening day of the Winter Session of Parliament, Naidu said no one should use the word "I beg to" while laying papers on the table.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu brought minor changes in the conduct of the Rajya Sabha on the first day on Friday after taking over as its Chairman, asking ministers and members not to use colonial terms while laying papers on the table. Presiding over the Upper House proceedings on the opening day of the Winter Session of Parliament, Naidu said no one should use the word "I beg to" while laying papers on the table. "Just say I raise to lay on the table" the listed papers, he said. "No need to beg... this is independent India." He made the observation after the ministers called to lay the listed papers on the table, began their sentences by saying "I beg to lay on the table the papers listed against my name in today's revised list of business." Naidu was however quick to clarify that this was only a suggestion and not an order. This was not only the change that Naidu brought in on the first day as the presiding officer of the House. He also stood up while reading out obituary references. His predecessors Hamid Ansari and Bhairon Singh Shekhawat used to read the obituary references while being seated. Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan too stands while reading out obituary references. Naidu took over as the Vice President of India in August. Vice President is also the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha.

Don't say 'beg', we are a free nation: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu to ministers

Zimbabwe&#39;s ousted deputy president Emmerson Mnangagwa today asked President Robert Mugabe to respect public opinion and step down and said he would only return home when his security was assured.

&quot;The people of Zimbabwe have spoken with one voice and it is my appeal to President Mugabe that he should take heed of this clarion call by the people of Zimbabwe to resign so that the country can move forward and preserve his legacy,&quot; Mnangagwa said in a statement.

Mnangagwa fled Zimbabwe shortly being sacked by Mugabe early this month.

The crisis followed a factional squabble in the ruling ZANU-PF party over the 93-year-old Mugabe&#39;s successor.

Mnangagwa said he had rejected an invitation by Mugabe to return home to discuss the current political situation.

&quot;I told the president that I would not return home now until I am satisfied with my personal security, because of the manner and treatment were given to me by being fired.&quot; Mnangagwa was initially believed to be in South Africa.

'The people of Zimbabwe have spoken with one voice and it is my appeal to President Mugabe that he should take heed of this clarion call by the people of Zimbabwe to resign so that the country can move forward and preserve his legacy,' Mnangagwa

Zimbabwe's ousted deputy president Emmerson Mnangagwa today asked President Robert Mugabe to respect public opinion and step down and said he would only return home when his security was assured. "The people of Zimbabwe have spoken with one voice and it is my appeal to President Mugabe that he should take heed of this clarion call by the people of Zimbabwe to resign so that the country can move forward and preserve his legacy," Mnangagwa said in a statement. Mnangagwa fled Zimbabwe shortly being sacked by Mugabe early this month. The crisis followed a factional squabble in the ruling ZANU-PF party over the 93-year-old Mugabe's successor. Mnangagwa said he had rejected an invitation by Mugabe to return home to discuss the current political situation. "I told the president that I would not return home now until I am satisfied with my personal security, because of the manner and treatment were given to me by being fired." Mnangagwa was initially believed to be in South Africa.

Ousted Zimbabwe deputy president asks Mugabe to resign

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday said that the statement of Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on India&#39;s business ranking seemed to be coming from Pakistan.

Rahul on Wednesday said, &#39;&#39;India does not need a certificate from a foreign institution after India became the first ever country to record the highest jump in World&#39;s Bank&#39;s ease of doing business ranking.&#39;&#39;

BJP leader GVL Narsimha Rao said, &quot;When you hear statements of Rahul Gandhi and Congress Party about India doing well in the economy, and making it big into the world economy, the statement appears as if they are coming from Pakistan.&quot;

He further said that the Congress vice-president and his party feel pitiable when India is praised all over the world.

&quot;The whole world accepts that India is progressing but Pakistan can never accept the fact that India is doing well, more or less &nbsp;Rahul Gandhi and Congress Party are in the same position,&quot; he added.

During a roadshow in the poll-bound Gujarat on Wednesday, Rahul also mocked Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and said that he is living in an illusion to believe in foreign certification for India&#39;s growth.

&quot;Arun Jaitley ji is working on the basis of some foreign institution. India does not need a certificate from a foreign institution. Jaitley ji said ease of doing business has seen improvement in India. Is he living in a real or a dream world?&quot; Rahul said.

Rahul further downplayed the World Bank report and said, &quot;India needs a certificate from the people of the country, and the people are saying Narendra Modi and Arun Jaitley have failed.&quot;

In accordance with the World Bank&#39;s &#39;Ease of Doing Business index&#39;, India had risen as much as 30 positions to rank 100th amongst 190 countries on Tuesday.

As per the 2018 version of the Ease of Doing Business index issued by the World Bank, India has been amongst the world&#39;s top ten improvers worldwide and a leading regional reformer.

BJP on Thursday said Rahul Gandhi on India's business ranking seemed to be coming from Pakistan.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday said that the statement of Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on India's business ranking seemed to be coming from Pakistan. Rahul on Wednesday said, ''India does not need a certificate from a foreign institution after India became the first ever country to record the highest jump in World's Bank's ease of doing business ranking.'' BJP leader GVL Narsimha Rao said, "When you hear statements of Rahul Gandhi and Congress Party about India doing well in the economy, and making it big into the world economy, the statement appears as if they are coming from Pakistan." He further said that the Congress vice-president and his party feel pitiable when India is praised all over the world. "The whole world accepts that India is progressing but Pakistan can never accept the fact that India is doing well, more or less Rahul Gandhi and Congress Party are in the same position," he added. During a roadshow in the poll-bound Gujarat on Wednesday, Rahul also mocked Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and said that he is living in an illusion to believe in foreign certification for India's growth. "Arun Jaitley ji is working on the basis of some foreign institution. India does not need a certificate from a foreign institution. Jaitley ji said ease of doing business has seen improvement in India. Is he living in a real or a dream world?" Rahul said. Rahul further downplayed the World Bank report and said, "India needs a certificate from the people of the country, and the people are saying Narendra Modi and Arun Jaitley have failed." In accordance with the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business index', India had risen as much as 30 positions to rank 100th amongst 190 countries on Tuesday. As per the 2018 version of the Ease of Doing Business index issued by the World Bank, India has been amongst the world's top ten improvers worldwide and a leading regional reformer.

BJP likens Rahul Gandhi, Congress to Pakistan

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-updates-polling-begins-to-elect-indias-next-vice-president-18620">NDA candidate Venkaiah Naidu will be the next vice-president of India</a> after he beat Opposition nominee Gopalkrishna Gandhi by 516 to 244 of the votes.

Expected to win the election, the BJP leader from Andhra Pradesh garnered two-thirds of the&nbsp;760 valid votes.

&quot;As chairman of Rajya Sabha I will uphold dignity and decorum of the house with the cooperation of all members,&quot; the vice-president elect said shortly after his win.

&quot;I am very humbled. I am also thankful to the Prime Minister and all party leaders for their support,&quot; he added.

&quot;I will seek to utilise the vice presidential institution to strengthen the hands of the president and uphold the dignity of the Upper House.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-updates-polling-begins-to-elect-indias-next-vice-president-18620">Read: How&nbsp;Venkaiah Naidu won the vice-presidential elections</a>

On Twitter, he thanked &quot;every MP who supported my candidature&quot;, also promising to &quot;uphold the Constitution and the high standards set by my esteemed predecessors&quot;.

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With all humility, I express my gratitude to every MP who supported my candidature cutting across party lines.
&mdash; M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) <a href="https://twitter.com/MVenkaiahNaidu/status/893836722735161344">August 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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I promise to uphold the Constitution and the high standards set by my esteemed 
predecessors.
&mdash; M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) <a href="https://twitter.com/MVenkaiahNaidu/status/893836838141534208">August 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his congratulations.&nbsp;

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Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/MVenkaiahNaidu">@MVenkaiahNaidu</a> Garu on being elected India&rsquo;s Vice President. My best wishes for a fruitful &amp; motivating tenure.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/893830170951516161">August 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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My mind is filled with memories of working with <a href="https://twitter.com/MVenkaiahNaidu">@MVenkaiahNaidu</a> Garu, in the Party &amp; Government. Will cherish this aspect of our association
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/893830693956063234">August 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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I am confident <a href="https://twitter.com/MVenkaiahNaidu">@MVenkaiahNaidu</a> will serve the nation as a diligent &amp; dedicated Vice President, committed to the goal of nation building.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/893834103577038848">August 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Gopalkrishna Gandhi congratulated Venkaiah Naidu after his win.

&quot;Congratulate Venkaiah Naidu Garu on his victory, wish him all the best for his new office,&quot; he said.

&quot;Thank those who voted for me; was expecting a handsome performance by united vote of opposition parties and I&#39;m more than satisfied&quot;.

Venkaiah Naidu, who was Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Urban Development in the Modi government before he contested the elections, opened an early lead during the counting of votes.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi extended her wishes and party&#39;s support to the vice-president elect, who will also automatically be the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha once he assumes office.

&quot;The position of vice-president has the crucial challenge of assuming a non-partisan role in running &#39;The House of Elders&#39; which acts as a storehouse of wisdom and sage advice for the government. The House of Elders is an important determinant of our democratic functioning to address appropriate checks and balances,&quot; she said in her message.

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, &quot;Opposition will never compromise on ideology whether we face defeat or victory. Thank all those who voted against NDA&quot;.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury expressed satisfaction over the number of votes bagged by the opposition, calling the vice-presidential election was a &#39;political fight between two trends&#39;.

&nbsp;&quot;First of all I would like to congratulate Venkaiah Naidu as the new Vice President of India. We wish him well for his term. This was a political fight between two trends. Those who want to strengthen the Constitution, had come together to field Gopalkrishna Gandhi. We are grateful to him (Gandhi) for agreeing to be the candidate of a united opposition&quot;, he said.

Voting began at 10 am today. Counting of votes began at 6:00 pm and results were announced around 7:00 pm.&nbsp;

Fourteen MPs were absent during voting: 2 from BJP, 2 from INC, 2 from IUML, 4 from TMC, 1 from NCP; 1 from PMK and 2 Independents.

The Electoral College which elects the vice president consists of elected and nominated members of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.

The BJP has 281 members in the 545-member Lok Sabha. The NDA has 338 members. The BJP has 58 members in the 245-member Rajya Sabha, the Congress has 57, making the BJP the single-largest party.&nbsp;

Former Bengal Governor &nbsp;Gopalkrishna Gandhi had been picked by 18 opposition parties to be their nominee for the post of vice-president.

Incumbent Vice-President Hamid Ansari, who held the position for two consecutive terms, will demit office on August 10.

Once an Advani protege, Venkaiah Naidu vigorously backed Modi for the prime minister&#39;s post before the 2014 elections.

He was also the BJP national president for two consecutive terms from July 2002 to October 2004.

Naidu&#39;s victory means the top three constitutional offices are now held by BJP leaders following the election of the party&#39;s candidate Ram Nath Kovind as president earlier this month.

The former Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Urban Development beat Opposition nominee Gopalkrishna Gandhi by 516 to 244 votes

NDA candidate Venkaiah Naidu will be the next vice-president of India after he beat Opposition nominee Gopalkrishna Gandhi by 516 to 244 of the votes. Expected to win the election, the BJP leader from Andhra Pradesh garnered two-thirds of the 760 valid votes. "As chairman of Rajya Sabha I will uphold dignity and decorum of the house with the cooperation of all members," the vice-president elect said shortly after his win. "I am very humbled. I am also thankful to the Prime Minister and all party leaders for their support," he added. "I will seek to utilise the vice presidential institution to strengthen the hands of the president and uphold the dignity of the Upper House." Read: How Venkaiah Naidu won the vice-presidential elections On Twitter, he thanked "every MP who supported my candidature", also promising to "uphold the Constitution and the high standards set by my esteemed predecessors". With all humility, I express my gratitude to every MP who supported my candidature cutting across party lines. — M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) August 5, 2017 × I promise to uphold the Constitution and the high standards set by my esteemed predecessors. — M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) August 5, 2017 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his congratulations. Congratulations to @MVenkaiahNaidu Garu on being elected India’s Vice President. My best wishes for a fruitful & motivating tenure. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2017 × My mind is filled with memories of working with @MVenkaiahNaidu Garu, in the Party & Government. Will cherish this aspect of our association — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2017 × I am confident @MVenkaiahNaidu will serve the nation as a diligent & dedicated Vice President, committed to the goal of nation building. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2017 × Gopalkrishna Gandhi congratulated Venkaiah Naidu after his win. "Congratulate Venkaiah Naidu Garu on his victory, wish him all the best for his new office," he said. "Thank those who voted for me; was expecting a handsome performance by united vote of opposition parties and I'm more than satisfied". Venkaiah Naidu, who was Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Urban Development in the Modi government before he contested the elections, opened an early lead during the counting of votes. Congress President Sonia Gandhi extended her wishes and party's support to the vice-president elect, who will also automatically be the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha once he assumes office. "The position of vice-president has the crucial challenge of assuming a non-partisan role in running 'The House of Elders' which acts as a storehouse of wisdom and sage advice for the government. The House of Elders is an important determinant of our democratic functioning to address appropriate checks and balances," she said in her message. Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "Opposition will never compromise on ideology whether we face defeat or victory. Thank all those who voted against NDA". Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury expressed satisfaction over the number of votes bagged by the opposition, calling the vice-presidential election was a 'political fight between two trends'. "First of all I would like to congratulate Venkaiah Naidu as the new Vice President of India. We wish him well for his term. This was a political fight between two trends. Those who want to strengthen the Constitution, had come together to field Gopalkrishna Gandhi. We are grateful to him (Gandhi) for agreeing to be the candidate of a united opposition", he said. Voting began at 10 am today. Counting of votes began at 6:00 pm and results were announced around 7:00 pm. Fourteen MPs were absent during voting: 2 from BJP, 2 from INC, 2 from IUML, 4 from TMC, 1 from NCP; 1 from PMK and 2 Independents. The Electoral College which elects the vice president consists of elected and nominated members of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. The BJP has 281 members in the 545-member Lok Sabha. The NDA has 338 members. The BJP has 58 members in the 245-member Rajya Sabha, the Congress has 57, making the BJP the single-largest party. Former Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi had been picked by 18 opposition parties to be their nominee for the post of vice-president. Incumbent Vice-President Hamid Ansari, who held the position for two consecutive terms, will demit office on August 10. Once an Advani protege, Venkaiah Naidu vigorously backed Modi for the prime minister's post before the 2014 elections. He was also the BJP national president for two consecutive terms from July 2002 to October 2004. Naidu's victory means the top three constitutional offices are now held by BJP leaders following the election of the party's candidate Ram Nath Kovind as president earlier this month.

Venkaiah Naidu elected India's next vice-president

Information and Broadcasting minister Venkaiah Naidu was today picked as BJP-led NDA&#39;s Vice-Presidential candidate.

Naidu was picked in a meeting of the BJP parliamentary board attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president AMit Shah.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FLASH?src=hash">#FLASH</a>: Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu named NDA&#39;s Vice Presidential candidate <a href="https://t.co/n8QfoYfZYV">pic.twitter.com/n8QfoYfZYV</a>
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Venkaiah Naidu will be contesting against Gopalkrishna Gandhi who was jointly picked up by the opposition comprising 18 parties.

The Vice Presidential polls will be held on August 5 after the incumbent Hamid Ansari&#39;s term gets over. Ansari served as Vice President for two terms.

BJP is keen on having a Vice President from southern India where it wants to expand its footprint. Venkaiah Naidu comes from the erstwhile state of Andhra Pradesh. He has also served as the BJP president.

&nbsp;

Venkaiah Naidu will contest again Gopalkrishna Gandhi who was jointly picked up by the opposition

Information and Broadcasting minister Venkaiah Naidu was today picked as BJP-led NDA's Vice-Presidential candidate. Naidu was picked in a meeting of the BJP parliamentary board attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president AMit Shah. #FLASH: Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu named NDA's Vice Presidential candidate pic.twitter.com/n8QfoYfZYV — ANI (@ANI_news) July 17, 2017 × Venkaiah Naidu will be contesting against Gopalkrishna Gandhi who was jointly picked up by the opposition comprising 18 parties. The Vice Presidential polls will be held on August 5 after the incumbent Hamid Ansari's term gets over. Ansari served as Vice President for two terms. BJP is keen on having a Vice President from southern India where it wants to expand its footprint. Venkaiah Naidu comes from the erstwhile state of Andhra Pradesh. He has also served as the BJP president.

Venkaiah Naidu picked as NDA's vice-presidential candidate

Donald Trump abruptly postponed his planned announcement today of his vice presidential running mate because of a deadly truck attack in France, but Republican sources said his choice was expected to be Indiana Governor Mike Pence. 
 
Viewed as a safe pair of hands, Pence, 57, has diverging views with Trump on his proposed Muslim ban and trade, and is more socially conservative, but he could help unify a divided party behind Trump&#39;s White House bid. 
 
Trump was due to make his official announcement on his choice today at 11am (1500 GMT) in Manhattan. But he tweeted on Thursday night that the attack in Nice, where a truck slammed into a crowd, killing dozens of people, prompted him to delay. 
 
&quot;In light of the horrible attack in Nice, France, I have postponed tomorrow&#39;s news conference concerning my vice presidential announcement,&quot; said Trump. He said in a Fox News interview: &quot;We will announce tomorrow when it will be.&quot; 
 
Trump, who has proposed banning Muslims from &quot;terror states&quot; from entering the United States, said in another Fox News interview that the attack in France showed the United States and the rest of the world needed to get tougher in the fight against Islamist militants. 
 
&quot;This has to be dealt with very harshly,&quot; Trump said. 
 
He told Fox News he had not made a &quot;final, final decision&quot; on a running mate. He heaped praise on Pence and his other two finalists, former House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. 
 
&quot;I&#39;ve got three people that are fantastic,&quot; he said. 
 
Trump&#39;s advisers told national party officials that he had settled on Pence, according to two Republican sources familiar with the campaign&#39;s operations. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m told he&#39;s been asked to do this and he&#39;s flying to New York,&quot; one source said. Pence was seen by TV networks arriving at a New York-area airport. 
 
Straight Man 
 
Trump&#39;s choice of running mate is seen as especially critical because his defeat of 16 rivals in the Republican primary race left the party divided. Some party leaders are still uneasy about some of his campaign positions and free-wheeling statements, such as his comments on Muslims and immigrants. 
 
&quot;Pence is Donald Trump&#39;s straight man,&quot; said Republican strategist Ron Bonjean. &quot;He&#39;ll be able to defend him as well as be a cheerleader but do it in a calm, cool, collected manner that will preserve his credibility.&quot; 
 
Gingrich, who met Trump on Wednesday, said on a Facebook Live session that he had yet to hear from Trump. He said he had told Trump that he needed to decide whether he wanted &quot;two pirates&quot; on the same ticket. Both men have been political mavericks. 
 
Christie, a former rival to Trump in the presidential race, told MSNBC earlier he would be disappointed if not picked. &ldquo;I&#39;m not going to say it won&#39;t bother me if I&#39;m not selected. Of course it bothers you a little bit.&quot; 
 
Pence, a former congressman, is seen as a safe choice, not too flashy but popular among conservatives, with Midwestern appeal and the ability to rally more party faithful behind Trump. The businessman has never held elected office. 
 
&quot;He&rsquo;s a good, safe, solid conservative,&quot; said Republican strategist Scott Reed. 
 
Pence also could give a boost to Trump&#39;s campaign fundraising efforts as he challenges the well-organized effort of his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Pence has strong ties to billionaire donors Charles and David Koch, including current and former staff members who have worked for them. 
 
Differences between the two 
 
But Pence is to the right of Trump on social issues, having signed restrictive abortion legislation and pushed to defund the Planned Parenthood women&#39;s healthcare organization, whose services include providing abortions. Trump has said he opposes abortion, but his views have been inconsistent, and he has said Planned Parenthood provides some valuable services. 
 
Pence has also criticized Trump&rsquo;s proposal to ban Muslims temporarily from entering the country. In 2006, he introduced immigration legislation that would let illegal immigrants apply for U.S. work visas if they left the country for a period, a plan that was criticised by some conservatives. That contrasts with Trump&#39;s strong stance on immigration, marked by his pledge to build a wall along the border with Mexico. 
 
Pence has also voiced support for free trade deals like the Trans Pacific Partnership. Trump supports free trade but says he wants to renegotiate trade deals to make them more favorable to the United States. 
 
Pence had backed a Trump rival, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, in April before the Indiana primary, but he praised Trump and said he would work on behalf of the eventual Republican nominee. Trump won Indiana anyway, prompting Cruz to drop out of the race to be the party&#39;s nominee. 
 
Pence had considered running for president himself in 2016 before deciding to run for re-election as governor. Conservatives had urged him to seek the White House, but missteps last year related to an Indiana law seen as anti-gay hurt his national profile. 
 
This year, he was the target of a mocking social media campaign by women outraged at a law he signed creating new restrictions on abortions. Feeling that the law invaded their privacy, women responded by calling Pence&#39;s office to describe their menstrual periods or tweeting similar messages. 
 
Pence ran unsuccessfully for Congress twice before he won election to the House of Representatives in 2000, where he was chairman of the Republican Study Committee, a group of conservatives. 
 
(Reuters)

Probable candidate Governor Mike Pence has divergent views with Trump on his proposed Muslim ban but he could help unify a divided party

Donald Trump abruptly postponed his planned announcement today of his vice presidential running mate because of a deadly truck attack in France, but Republican sources said his choice was expected to be Indiana Governor Mike Pence. Viewed as a safe pair of hands, Pence, 57, has diverging views with Trump on his proposed Muslim ban and trade, and is more socially conservative, but he could help unify a divided party behind Trump's White House bid. Trump was due to make his official announcement on his choice today at 11am (1500 GMT) in Manhattan. But he tweeted on Thursday night that the attack in Nice, where a truck slammed into a crowd, killing dozens of people, prompted him to delay. "In light of the horrible attack in Nice, France, I have postponed tomorrow's news conference concerning my vice presidential announcement," said Trump. He said in a Fox News interview: "We will announce tomorrow when it will be." Trump, who has proposed banning Muslims from "terror states" from entering the United States, said in another Fox News interview that the attack in France showed the United States and the rest of the world needed to get tougher in the fight against Islamist militants. "This has to be dealt with very harshly," Trump said. He told Fox News he had not made a "final, final decision" on a running mate. He heaped praise on Pence and his other two finalists, former House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. "I've got three people that are fantastic," he said. Trump's advisers told national party officials that he had settled on Pence, according to two Republican sources familiar with the campaign's operations. "I'm told he's been asked to do this and he's flying to New York," one source said. Pence was seen by TV networks arriving at a New York-area airport. Straight Man Trump's choice of running mate is seen as especially critical because his defeat of 16 rivals in the Republican primary race left the party divided. Some party leaders are still uneasy about some of his campaign positions and free-wheeling statements, such as his comments on Muslims and immigrants. "Pence is Donald Trump's straight man," said Republican strategist Ron Bonjean. "He'll be able to defend him as well as be a cheerleader but do it in a calm, cool, collected manner that will preserve his credibility." Gingrich, who met Trump on Wednesday, said on a Facebook Live session that he had yet to hear from Trump. He said he had told Trump that he needed to decide whether he wanted "two pirates" on the same ticket. Both men have been political mavericks. Christie, a former rival to Trump in the presidential race, told MSNBC earlier he would be disappointed if not picked. “I'm not going to say it won't bother me if I'm not selected. Of course it bothers you a little bit." Pence, a former congressman, is seen as a safe choice, not too flashy but popular among conservatives, with Midwestern appeal and the ability to rally more party faithful behind Trump. The businessman has never held elected office. "He’s a good, safe, solid conservative," said Republican strategist Scott Reed. Pence also could give a boost to Trump's campaign fundraising efforts as he challenges the well-organized effort of his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Pence has strong ties to billionaire donors Charles and David Koch, including current and former staff members who have worked for them. Differences between the two But Pence is to the right of Trump on social issues, having signed restrictive abortion legislation and pushed to defund the Planned Parenthood women's healthcare organization, whose services include providing abortions. Trump has said he opposes abortion, but his views have been inconsistent, and he has said Planned Parenthood provides some valuable services. Pence has also criticized Trump’s proposal to ban Muslims temporarily from entering the country. In 2006, he introduced immigration legislation that would let illegal immigrants apply for U.S. work visas if they left the country for a period, a plan that was criticised by some conservatives. That contrasts with Trump's strong stance on immigration, marked by his pledge to build a wall along the border with Mexico. Pence has also voiced support for free trade deals like the Trans Pacific Partnership. Trump supports free trade but says he wants to renegotiate trade deals to make them more favorable to the United States. Pence had backed a Trump rival, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, in April before the Indiana primary, but he praised Trump and said he would work on behalf of the eventual Republican nominee. Trump won Indiana anyway, prompting Cruz to drop out of the race to be the party's nominee. Pence had considered running for president himself in 2016 before deciding to run for re-election as governor. Conservatives had urged him to seek the White House, but missteps last year related to an Indiana law seen as anti-gay hurt his national profile. This year, he was the target of a mocking social media campaign by women outraged at a law he signed creating new restrictions on abortions. Feeling that the law invaded their privacy, women responded by calling Pence's office to describe their menstrual periods or tweeting similar messages. Pence ran unsuccessfully for Congress twice before he won election to the House of Representatives in 2000, where he was chairman of the Republican Study Committee, a group of conservatives. (Reuters)

Trump postpones vice presidential running mate pick after Nice terror attack

Hillary Clinton named US senator Tim Kaine as her running mate on Friday, making a safe choice that will help her present the Democratic ticket as a steady alternative to the unpredictable campaign of Republican presidential rival Donald Trump. 
 
The selection of Kaine, a self-described &quot;boring&quot; Virginian with wide governing experience and a reputation for low-key competence, could appeal to independents and moderates but could also anger liberal groups that object to his advocacy for an Asian free-trade pact. 
 
But the Spanish-speaking, former Virginia governor and Richmond mayor fits Clinton&#39;s long-stated criteria that the vice presidential choice be a capable partner who is ready to take over the presidency if necessary. 
 
Clinton made the announcement via Twitter and a text message to supporters after the first day of a two-day campaign swing in Florida. She called Kaine to tell him about 40 minutes before the announcement, and called President Barack Obama shortly after Kaine. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m thrilled to tell you this first: I&#39;ve chosen Sen. Tim Kaine as my running mate. Welcome him to my team,&quot; she said in her text message. 
 
Kaine, 58, edged out two other finalists - Cory Booker, a US senator from New Jersey, and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, according to a Democratic source familiar with the discussions. 
 
Clinton also bypassed candidates who would have generated more excitement among liberal and Hispanic activists, including progressive favourite US senator Elizabeth Warren and two Hispanic members of Obama&#39;s Cabinet, Julian Castro and Thomas Perez. 
 
The former secretary of state will be formally nominated as the party&#39;s presidential candidate for the November 8 election at next week&#39;s Democratic convention in Philadelphia. She leads Trump in many opinion polls. 
 
Clinton&#39;s choice of a running mate could give her campaign momentum heading into the convention, as the fight for the White House begins a more than three-month push to the finish. 
 
Clinton acknowledged in an interview earlier this week that even Kaine admits he is boring, and said she did not mind. 
 
&quot;I love that about him,&quot; she told Charlie Rose of CBS News and PBS. &quot;He&#39;s never lost an election. He was a world-class mayor, governor and senator and is one of the most highly respected senators I know.&quot; 
 
Kaine&#39;s first appearance with Clinton will be on Saturday at an event in Miami, a campaign aide said. 
 
New opening to attack democrats 
 
Liberal groups, which had pressured Clinton not to pick Kaine because of his support for fast-track authority for the White House to negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership, were dismayed by the choice. 
 
Critics of the Asia free-trade deal, including Trump and Clinton&#39;s Democratic primary rival Bernie Sanders, say it would be unfair to US workers and kill jobs. Clinton praised the deal when she was secretary of state, but has since distanced herself from it. 
 
&quot;Republicans will run hard against Democrats on trade this year. Unfortunately, since Tim Kaine voted to fast-track the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Republicans now have a new opening to attack Democrats on this economic populist issue,&quot; said Stephanie Taylor, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee. 
 
Hispanic activists also may be annoyed with the pick of Kaine given that Latino candidates were again passed over. 
 
But Kaine could help Clinton in Virginia, a heavily contested swing state, and choosing Kaine will not cost Democrats a seat in the Senate, where Republicans now hold a majority, at 54 seats. Virginia&#39;s Democratic governor, Terry McAuliffe, a close Clinton friend and ally, will name a replacement for Kaine if he and Clinton win the White House. 
 
Kaine has good relations with senators from the opposing party, according to senior senate Republican congressional aides. One aide speculated Kaine would be effective in reaching out to congressional Republicans if he becomes vice president, a role that Vice President Joe Biden has played for Obama. 
 
Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services committees, has been a leading voice calling for a formal authorization of war against the Islamic State militant group. He played an important role in securing congressional review of the 2015 international deal on Iran&#39;s nuclear program, although he eventually backed it. 
 
He has a track-record of backing liberal causes such as ending across-the-board automatic budget cuts and providing a pathway to citizenship to millions of undocumented immigrants. 
 
Kaine, a Catholic who became fluent in Spanish speaker while serving as a missionary in Honduras, has expressed personal opposition to abortion, but has a public record in support of abortion rights. 
 
(Reuters)

Kaine's reputation of 'boring' but steady competence stands in contrast to the unpredictable rival campaign of Donald Trump

Hillary Clinton named US senator Tim Kaine as her running mate on Friday, making a safe choice that will help her present the Democratic ticket as a steady alternative to the unpredictable campaign of Republican presidential rival Donald Trump. The selection of Kaine, a self-described "boring" Virginian with wide governing experience and a reputation for low-key competence, could appeal to independents and moderates but could also anger liberal groups that object to his advocacy for an Asian free-trade pact. But the Spanish-speaking, former Virginia governor and Richmond mayor fits Clinton's long-stated criteria that the vice presidential choice be a capable partner who is ready to take over the presidency if necessary. Clinton made the announcement via Twitter and a text message to supporters after the first day of a two-day campaign swing in Florida. She called Kaine to tell him about 40 minutes before the announcement, and called President Barack Obama shortly after Kaine. "I'm thrilled to tell you this first: I've chosen Sen. Tim Kaine as my running mate. Welcome him to my team," she said in her text message. Kaine, 58, edged out two other finalists - Cory Booker, a US senator from New Jersey, and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, according to a Democratic source familiar with the discussions. Clinton also bypassed candidates who would have generated more excitement among liberal and Hispanic activists, including progressive favourite US senator Elizabeth Warren and two Hispanic members of Obama's Cabinet, Julian Castro and Thomas Perez. The former secretary of state will be formally nominated as the party's presidential candidate for the November 8 election at next week's Democratic convention in Philadelphia. She leads Trump in many opinion polls. Clinton's choice of a running mate could give her campaign momentum heading into the convention, as the fight for the White House begins a more than three-month push to the finish. Clinton acknowledged in an interview earlier this week that even Kaine admits he is boring, and said she did not mind. "I love that about him," she told Charlie Rose of CBS News and PBS. "He's never lost an election. He was a world-class mayor, governor and senator and is one of the most highly respected senators I know." Kaine's first appearance with Clinton will be on Saturday at an event in Miami, a campaign aide said. New opening to attack democrats Liberal groups, which had pressured Clinton not to pick Kaine because of his support for fast-track authority for the White House to negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership, were dismayed by the choice. Critics of the Asia free-trade deal, including Trump and Clinton's Democratic primary rival Bernie Sanders, say it would be unfair to US workers and kill jobs. Clinton praised the deal when she was secretary of state, but has since distanced herself from it. "Republicans will run hard against Democrats on trade this year. Unfortunately, since Tim Kaine voted to fast-track the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Republicans now have a new opening to attack Democrats on this economic populist issue," said Stephanie Taylor, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee. Hispanic activists also may be annoyed with the pick of Kaine given that Latino candidates were again passed over. But Kaine could help Clinton in Virginia, a heavily contested swing state, and choosing Kaine will not cost Democrats a seat in the Senate, where Republicans now hold a majority, at 54 seats. Virginia's Democratic governor, Terry McAuliffe, a close Clinton friend and ally, will name a replacement for Kaine if he and Clinton win the White House. Kaine has good relations with senators from the opposing party, according to senior senate Republican congressional aides. One aide speculated Kaine would be effective in reaching out to congressional Republicans if he becomes vice president, a role that Vice President Joe Biden has played for Obama. Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services committees, has been a leading voice calling for a formal authorization of war against the Islamic State militant group. He played an important role in securing congressional review of the 2015 international deal on Iran's nuclear program, although he eventually backed it. He has a track-record of backing liberal causes such as ending across-the-board automatic budget cuts and providing a pathway to citizenship to millions of undocumented immigrants. Kaine, a Catholic who became fluent in Spanish speaker while serving as a missionary in Honduras, has expressed personal opposition to abortion, but has a public record in support of abortion rights. (Reuters)

US presidential race: Hillary Clinton picks Virginia senator Tim Kaine as running mate

Judges at the International Criminal Court on Tuesday sentenced former Congolese vice-president Jean-Pierre Bemba to 18 years in jail for a series of brutal rapes and murders in Central African Republic (CAR) over a decade ago. 
 
&quot;The chamber sentences Mr Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo to a total of 18 years of imprisonment,&quot; said judge Sylvia Steiner, passing the tribunal`s toughest term to date. 
 
In justifying the stiff ruling, she said the former militia leader had failed to exercise control over his private army sent into CAR in late October 2002 where they carried out a series of &quot;sadistic&quot; rapes, murders and pillaging of &quot;particular cruelty.&quot; 
 
Bemba is the highest-level official to be sentenced by the ICC after being convicted in March on five charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. And he is the only the third person to be sentenced at the ICC since it began work in 2002. 
 
The atrocities were carried out by Bemba&#39;s private army, the Congolese Liberation Movement (MLC), when he sent them into neighbouring CAR in late October 2002 to put down a coup against then president Ange-Felix Patasse. 
 
The 1,500 troops unleashed a five-month campaign of terror, during which the judges said &quot;entire families were victimised&quot; and which was aimed at squashing any resistance to Patasse&rsquo;s rule. 
 
Prosecutors had called for a sentence of at least 25 years imprisonment at the end of Bemba&#39;s lengthy trial which opened in November 2010. 
 
The case however is likely to drag on for a few more years, as his defence team has already filed notice that it intends to appeal the conviction, and argued that Bemba should be released immediately as he has been behind bars since his arrest in 2008. 
 
But the three-judge bench said it had &quot;not found any mitigating circumstances&quot; to allow a reduction in sentence. 
 
Reading out their findings at the world&#39;s only permanent war crimes court, based in The Hague, judge Steiner said Bemba had done &quot;more than tolerate the crimes as a commander&quot;. 
 
&quot;Mr Bemba&#39;s failure to take action was deliberately aimed at encouraging the attacks directed against the civilian population,&quot; she said.Bemba, a rich businessman who became one of the vice presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was arrested in Brussels in 2008 after losing a bid for his country&#39;s presidency. 
 
His case was the first at the ICC to focus on rape as a weapon of war and the first to highlight a military commander&#39;s responsibility for the conduct of the troops under his control. 
 
In a swift reaction, Human Rights Watch said in a statement on Twitter that it welcomed the sentence saying it &quot;offers a measure of justice for victims of sexual violence&quot; and serves as a warning to &quot;other commanders that they too can be held accountable for rapes and other serious abuses committed by troops under their control.&quot; 
 
But his defence has argued that &quot;the whole trial process was flawed and unfair and that Mr Bemba`s rights as an accused were violated throughout,&quot; his lawyer Peter Haynes said in a filing late Monday to the court. 
 
&quot;No reasonable trial chamber could have convicted him of the charges he faced,&quot; Haynes argued. 
 
He said Bemba was &quot;convicted of a case in which in material respects he was ignorant&quot; and that the former leader of the Democratic Republic of Congo was &quot;not liable as a superior for the actions of the MLC&quot; in CAR. 
 
In different cases, the ICC has previously sentenced two other Congolese warlords to 14 and 12 years respectively. 
 
?(AFP)

Bemba has become the highest-level official to be sentenced by the International Criminal Court which began work in 2002

Judges at the International Criminal Court on Tuesday sentenced former Congolese vice-president Jean-Pierre Bemba to 18 years in jail for a series of brutal rapes and murders in Central African Republic (CAR) over a decade ago. "The chamber sentences Mr Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo to a total of 18 years of imprisonment," said judge Sylvia Steiner, passing the tribunal`s toughest term to date. In justifying the stiff ruling, she said the former militia leader had failed to exercise control over his private army sent into CAR in late October 2002 where they carried out a series of "sadistic" rapes, murders and pillaging of "particular cruelty." Bemba is the highest-level official to be sentenced by the ICC after being convicted in March on five charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. And he is the only the third person to be sentenced at the ICC since it began work in 2002. The atrocities were carried out by Bemba's private army, the Congolese Liberation Movement (MLC), when he sent them into neighbouring CAR in late October 2002 to put down a coup against then president Ange-Felix Patasse. The 1,500 troops unleashed a five-month campaign of terror, during which the judges said "entire families were victimised" and which was aimed at squashing any resistance to Patasse’s rule. Prosecutors had called for a sentence of at least 25 years imprisonment at the end of Bemba's lengthy trial which opened in November 2010. The case however is likely to drag on for a few more years, as his defence team has already filed notice that it intends to appeal the conviction, and argued that Bemba should be released immediately as he has been behind bars since his arrest in 2008. But the three-judge bench said it had "not found any mitigating circumstances" to allow a reduction in sentence. Reading out their findings at the world's only permanent war crimes court, based in The Hague, judge Steiner said Bemba had done "more than tolerate the crimes as a commander". "Mr Bemba's failure to take action was deliberately aimed at encouraging the attacks directed against the civilian population," she said.Bemba, a rich businessman who became one of the vice presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was arrested in Brussels in 2008 after losing a bid for his country's presidency. His case was the first at the ICC to focus on rape as a weapon of war and the first to highlight a military commander's responsibility for the conduct of the troops under his control. In a swift reaction, Human Rights Watch said in a statement on Twitter that it welcomed the sentence saying it "offers a measure of justice for victims of sexual violence" and serves as a warning to "other commanders that they too can be held accountable for rapes and other serious abuses committed by troops under their control." But his defence has argued that "the whole trial process was flawed and unfair and that Mr Bemba`s rights as an accused were violated throughout," his lawyer Peter Haynes said in a filing late Monday to the court. "No reasonable trial chamber could have convicted him of the charges he faced," Haynes argued. He said Bemba was "convicted of a case in which in material respects he was ignorant" and that the former leader of the Democratic Republic of Congo was "not liable as a superior for the actions of the MLC" in CAR. In different cases, the ICC has previously sentenced two other Congolese warlords to 14 and 12 years respectively. ?(AFP)

Former Congolese vice-president Jean-Pierre Bemba sentenced to 18 years in jail

Indonesia&#39;s Vice President today voiced concerns over US presidential candidate Donald Trump&#39;s comments on Muslims, saying &quot;discrimination according to religion&quot; could prompt retaliatory policies from other countries. 
 
Jusuf Kalla told Reuters in an interview that the government was &quot;not happy with Trump&#39;s opinions&quot; - the first critical remarks from a top official in the world&#39;s most populous Muslim-majority nation, which come as Trump called for more profiling in the US to battle crime. 
 
&quot;Any country, especially big countries, seen making policies about &#39;radicalism&#39; or discrimination according to religion will be a bad issue,&quot; Kalla said in an interview with Reuters. 
 
&quot;There will be &#39;vice-versa&#39; policies from other countries,&quot; he said, adding an impact would be felt on economy and trade. 
 
Trump&#39;s inflammatory remarks on Muslims, including wanting to temporarily ban them from entering the United States, on foreign policy and on international trade ties have raised concerns in some Asian countries over a potentially &quot;isolationist&quot; United States. 
 
In Indonesia, Southeast Asia&#39;s biggest economy, politicians and lawmakers are already thinking about restricting US trade and investment if Trump becomes President. An online petition, urging a ban on the billionaire and his businesses from the country, has received nearly 47,000 signatures. 
 
The real estate developer also has partnerships to operate luxury resorts on Bali and in Java, which Indonesian officials have said could be threatened by his rhetoric. 
 
Trump Hotel collection last year announced a partnership with Indonesia&#39;s PT. Media Nusantara Citra to manage new luxury hotels on Bali and in West Java, Trump unit&#39;s first foray into Asia. 
 
&quot;Of course there will be an impact, not for Indonesia, but for his business,&quot; Kalla said, when asked about Trump&#39;s involvement in the resorts. 
 
But the Indonesian government was in wait-and-see mode, Kalla said, adding Trump&#39;s comments could be seen as posturing as part of his presidential campaign. 
 
&quot;We still see this as campaign strategy. Campaigning is one thing and realisation is another thing,&quot; he said. 
(Reuters)

Indonesia already thinking about restricting US trade and investment if Trump becomes President

Indonesia's Vice President today voiced concerns over US presidential candidate Donald Trump's comments on Muslims, saying "discrimination according to religion" could prompt retaliatory policies from other countries. Jusuf Kalla told Reuters in an interview that the government was "not happy with Trump's opinions" - the first critical remarks from a top official in the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation, which come as Trump called for more profiling in the US to battle crime. "Any country, especially big countries, seen making policies about 'radicalism' or discrimination according to religion will be a bad issue," Kalla said in an interview with Reuters. "There will be 'vice-versa' policies from other countries," he said, adding an impact would be felt on economy and trade. Trump's inflammatory remarks on Muslims, including wanting to temporarily ban them from entering the United States, on foreign policy and on international trade ties have raised concerns in some Asian countries over a potentially "isolationist" United States. In Indonesia, Southeast Asia's biggest economy, politicians and lawmakers are already thinking about restricting US trade and investment if Trump becomes President. An online petition, urging a ban on the billionaire and his businesses from the country, has received nearly 47,000 signatures. The real estate developer also has partnerships to operate luxury resorts on Bali and in Java, which Indonesian officials have said could be threatened by his rhetoric. Trump Hotel collection last year announced a partnership with Indonesia's PT. Media Nusantara Citra to manage new luxury hotels on Bali and in West Java, Trump unit's first foray into Asia. "Of course there will be an impact, not for Indonesia, but for his business," Kalla said, when asked about Trump's involvement in the resorts. But the Indonesian government was in wait-and-see mode, Kalla said, adding Trump's comments could be seen as posturing as part of his presidential campaign. "We still see this as campaign strategy. Campaigning is one thing and realisation is another thing," he said. (Reuters)

Trump's comments on Muslims could prompt retaliatory policies: Indonesian VP

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