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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged country’s first semi-high speed trainset Train 18, titled the Vande Bharat Express, from New Delhi Railway station.

Modi also inspected the facilities in the train and addressed a gathering.

Railways and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal led the team of officials and media persons aboard the train on its inaugural run on New Delhi-Kanpur-Allahabad-Varanasi route.

It will stop at Kanpur and Allahabad where it will be received by dignitaries and the people.

The train will cover the distance between New Delhi and Varanasi in 8 hours and will run on all days except Monday and Thursday.

Vande Bharat Express has 16 air-conditioned coaches of which two are executive class coaches. The total seating capacity is 1,128 passengers. It is much more than the conventional Shatabdi rake of equal number of coaches, thanks to shifting of all electric equipment below the coaches and seats in the driving coach also.

Adding up the green footprints, the train has regenerative braking system in the Vande Bharat Express coaches which can save up to 30 per cent of electrical energy.

Speed, Safety and Service are the hallmarks of this train. Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, a Railways Production unit, has been the force behind a completely in-house design and manufacture, computer modelling and working with a large number of suppliers for system integration in just 18 months.

The Cabinet Committee on Security presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday decided to withdraw Most Favoured Nation status given to Pakistan for trade ties.

This was announced by Union Minister Arun Jaitley. He said the Union Commerce Ministry will issue the necessary notification on this in due course.

Mr Jaitley said the meeting attended among others by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj besides him observed two minutes

silence as a mark of respect for the martyred CRPF personnel who made ‘supreme sacrifice’ after terror attack by JeM militants at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.

“The Ministry of External Affairs will initiate all possible diplomatic steps to ensure complete isolation of Pakistan from the international community,” said Mr Jaitley, who also held Defence portfolio for sometime.

“A detailed incident of the incident was also taken ….there are several details which are discussed in CCS which are normally not disclosed,” he said.

He said there are “evidence” of Pakistan’s involvement and ‘direct hand’ in the gruesome terrorist incident.

“MEA will also engage with the international community to make sure that the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism which has been pending for over three decades before the UN particularly because of the definition of the terrorism is now adopted at the earliest,” Mr Jaitley said.

He said – “as far as Indian security forces are concerned, they will be taking all possible steps firstly to ensure that full security is maintained and secondly to ensure that those who have committed this heinous act of terrorism and those who have supported it actively are made to pay a heavy cost for it,” he said.

On his return from Srinagar, Home Minister Rajnath Singh will possibly convene an all-party meeting on Saturday to brief them about the incident.

The ailing Union Minister Arun Jaitley, who had been overseas for medical treatment, is set to resume charge as Finance Minister on Friday.
According to official sources, Mr Jaitley will resume the charge of the key Ministry.
One of his first engagements as Finance Minister after resuming charge will be to attend the crucial meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security.
In his absence, Piyush Goyal handled the ministry for sometime and also presented the interim Budget on February 1.
The meeting to be presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been convened to review security situation in Jammu and Kashmir after the terror attack at Pulwama on a CRPF convoy killing over 40 personnel.
Interestingly in a Tweet on Thursday evening, Mr Jaitley had said “Terrorists will be given unforgettable lesson for their heinous act” in Pulwama.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Finance Minister Jaitley are now likely to attend the crucial meeting.

The US Foreign Affairs Committee has condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and asserted in crystal language endorsing Government of India’s stand that “countries must not allow terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed to operate with impunity”.
“I strongly condemn the terrorist attack in India’s Jammu and Kashmir state today and send my condolences to the families of the victims. Countries must not allow terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed to operate with impunity,” the chairman of the committee Eliot Engel, US Congressman representing parts of the Bronx and Westchester Counties in New York, said in a tweet.
In Delhi, Ken Juster, the US Ambassador here, in his tweet said on Thursday: “The U.S. Mission in India strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. The United States stands alongside India in confronting terror and defeating it”.
The attack – seen as the worst ever terror attack on the forces – had taken place on Thursday as a convoy of 70 CRPF vehicles was making its way towards Srinagar, and was targeted by a car packed with over 100 kg explosives.
For obvious reasons, the attack left a scene of utter devastation across the Jammu-Srinagar highway.
In a strong worded statement on micro blogging site, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said – “The attack was carried out by Pakistan backed Jaish-e-Mohammed. A strong reply will be given and I assure the people of the country this. We will leave no stone unturned”.
He also said: “CRPF is a brave security force of India. Time and again, they have sacrificed for the nation. No amount of praise can define their effort to maintain peace in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The nation salutes their sacrifice and stands with the family of the martyrs”.
In a statement, MEA said: “This heinous and despicable act has been perpetrated by Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based and supported terrorist organisation proscribed by the United Nations and other countries”.
It also said – “This terror group is led by the international terrorist Masood Azhar, who has been given full freedom by Government of Pakistan to operate and expand his terror infrastructure in territories under the control of Pakistan”.
For its part, Pakistan Foreign ministry in a statement went onto claim- “We have always condemned acts of violence anywhere in the world”.
“We strongly reject any insinuation by elements in the Indian media and government that seek to link the attack to Pakistan without investigations,” it had said.

 (UNI) Russia President Vladimir Putin has condemned the terror attack at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir and asserted that “perpetrators and sponsors” of this attack should be punished.
In a condolence message to President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Russian President said, “Please accept my sincere condolences” for the attack and said “we strongly condemn this brutal crime”.
“I would like to confirm the readiness for further strengthening of counter terrorism operation with our Indian partners,” he said.
“Russia shares the grief of the friendly people of India and hopes for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Mr Putin wrote.
Israeli envoy to India, Ron Malka in a twitter missive condemned the terror attack Pulwama and said his country “stands by Indian friends during this difficult hour”.
“We send our deepest condolences to the CPRF and their families, the people of India and the Indian government following the terrible,” he wrote.

Former Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Thursday said that if it was not of the strong opposition by the Congress against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, it would have been passed in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

“The whole country has seen how Congress has stood firm in its commitment to protect the interest of the nation in general and interest of the people of northeast especially the microscopic ethnic groups,” he said.

Stating that the nation has witnessed as to how Congress was the only party which ultimately kept the nation together, Sangma said, “The proposed Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which was bulldozed in Lok Sabha because they have the majority despite the protest before the Bill was passed in Lok Sabha because Congress led opposition was there in Rajya Sabha to prevent the leadership government of the day from proceeding ahead with their intent to pass this Bill.”

The leader of opposition in Meghalaya assembly said that the Congress-led united opposition stood firm and remained as a wall as the BJP was determined to pass the bill despite “tamasha threat” from their allies to snap ties with the NDA.

“People have to know one part, the BAC of Rajya Sabha decided that this bill should not be brought in because it is controversial and going to create problem and cause disturbances in the whole Northeast. Inspite of that, they again bulldozed and brought in supplementary list to introduce the Bill in Rajya Sabha and they could not pass the Bill because of the firm commitment of the Congress in defending the nation and defend the interest of the people,” Sangma said.

On the allies of BJP-led NDA and partners of the BJP-led NEDA, Sangma said, “they shamelessly tell the people that we are with you, but they are not with us. This is simple, they should show that they are with us and not with the BJP. If these parties are with the people of the Northeast, they cannot be with the BJP. But they are and have been with the BJP even when the Bill was bulldozed and passed in the Lok Sabha. That was the time that they should say ‘good bye’ because the anti people agenda is going to be disastrous for the nation. But these people are power-hungry and should somehow cling to power..”

“Whether BJP CM in Assam, BJP CM or ministers in Assam, Nagaland CM. The MP from Nagaland has voted for this bill in Lok Sabha and those who are part of NEDA are for this bill including the Arunachal CM who said that Arunachal will not have problem because there is ILP. All these partners are still part of NEDA. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing.

They should show their true colour on the day when the Bill was passed in Lok Sabha but these shameless people have exposed their true colour. I must say these are the Judas who have betrayed the people of the Northeast,” he further stated.

On National People’s Party’s decision to move out of NDA if the Bill is passed in Rajya Sabha, Sangma said, “they know that the Congress is in Rajya Sabha and we have told the nation that the Congress would show in strongest term. We have told everybody that let them come to Rajya Sabha and we will defeat, and we have defeated them today. If Congress was not there, they would have bulldozed and this is what the BJP wants. I have been reminding the people that the BJP wanted to rule the states because it also wanted to have majority in Rajya Sabha.”

The Spanish government will confer a prestigious award the ‘Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit’ to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during her visit to that country on February 18 and 19.
MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar told reporters that the award will be given to the Minister as recognition by the Spanish government for India’s “swift response” through Operation Maitri
in rescuing 71 Spanish nationals from Nepal in April 2015 during the disastrous earthquake.
He said in the last leg of her visit to three countries Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain, Ms Swaraj will travel to Spain on February 18-19 at the invitation of her counterpart Josep Borrell Fontelles, Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs.
During her visit, Ms Swaraj will hold a bilateral meeting with her counterpart to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual concern.
The Minister will also interact with the Indian Community in Spain.
Mr Kumar said, Ms Swaraj’s visit to these countries will strengthen India’s relations with them and
also “expand avenues” of cooperation and provide an opportunity discuss regional and global issues of importance.
She will be on an official visit to the Republic of Bulgaria on February 16-17. The visit is a follow-up visit to the State visit of the President of India to Bulgaria in September last year.
“Ms Swaraj’s will be the first ever visit of an Indian External Affairs Minister to Bulgaria. During the visit, the Minister will meet with the Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria and both sides will discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest,” he said.
Ms Swaraj will pay floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the South Park in Sofia.
The statue was unveiled last year by President Ram Nath Kovind along with President of Bulgaria to mark the celebrations of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
She will also interact with the Indian community and Friends of India in Sofia during the visit, he said.
MEA spokesman further said – in the second leg of her tour, Ms Swaraj will visit Kingdom of Morocco on February 17-18.
“The visit is in pursuit of India’s objective of enhanced engagement with the Kingdom and will provide an opportunity to hold in-depth discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues”.
During the visit, the External Affairs Minister will interact with her counterpart Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, Morocco.
She will also call on His Majesty King Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, H.E. Mr. Saad Dine El Otmani, Head of Government and Habib El Maliki, President of Chamber of Representatives, Parliament.
Three MoUs are likely to be in inked in the areas of Counter Terrorism, Housing & Human Settlements and Youth Matters during the visit, he said.

As many as 18 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were martyred and several others injured on Thursday when militants triggered a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blastat Awantipora in south Kashmir district of Pulwama.

Militant outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) has claimed responsibility for the blast.

Official sources said militants triggered the blast when a vehicle, carrying the CRPF personnel, was passing the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway at Goripora, Awantipora.

While 18 CRPF personnel were killed on the spot, several others were wounded after the vehicle was blown up. The injured were immediately rushed to Army’s 92 base hospital.

Security forces have been rushed to the spot and the area has been cordoned off.

Under the National Health Mission (NHM), technical and financial support is

provided to states, UTs to strengthen their healthcare systems, based on the requirements posed by the states, UTs in their Programme Implementation Plans.

The National Health Mission offers flexibility to the states to provide healthcare services under Public

Private Partnership (PPP) mode depending upon its requirements.

This includes support for provision of healthcare services through PPP mode for projects such as Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme, free diagnostic service for high end low volume tests like teleradiology services & CT scan services, ambulance services, biomedical equipment management maintenance programme, national quality assurance programme and other ancillary services duly sharing the suggested guidelines with them, official sources here said.

States may contract in or outsource those services which improve efficiency and quality of care in public health facilities or close the existing critical gaps. The areas of overall supervision and monitoring of these PPP arrangements, including identification of services, private partner, terms of engagement, payment, lie within the jurisdiction of the respective state government.

Further under Revised National TB Control Programme, there is a provision of engagement of NGOs/private providers for expanding free diagnosis or treatment services under the National Guidelines on Partnerships.

The Union Government has enacted Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 and notified the Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012 for registration and regulation of clinical establishments including private healthcare establishments, they said.

The Act provides for registration and regulation of the clinical establishments providing both therapeutic and/or diagnostic services belonging to all recognised systems of medicine from both Government and private sector (except those of Armed Forces) with a view to prescribe minimum standards of facilities and services as may be provided by them, the sources added.

In accordance with the aforesaid rules, the States/Union Territories where the said Act is in force, the clinical establishments are inter-alia required to follow Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) issued by the Centre, state governments, display the rates charged for each type of services provided and facilities available, at a conspicuous place and charge rate for each type of procedure and service within the range of rates determined from time to time in consultation with the state governments.

The Cuban government said Washington is preparing for a military intervention in Venezuela under the humanitarian pretext, and called for international efforts to avoid the scenario.
“The US intends to create a humanitarian pretext to initiate a military aggression against Venezuela and has proposed to introduce in that sovereign nation through intimidation, pressure and force, an alleged humanitarian aid,” said Havana in an official government statement on late Wednesday.
The Caribbean island state added that the United States is obviously “paving the way” for building a “humanitarian corridor” by force under the “international protection” to safeguard the civilian interests, and hence intervene in Venezuela.
In the statement, Cuba said U.S. military aircraft had transported troops between Feb. 6 and 10, involving U.S. military bases in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean islands without the consent of local governments. The troop movements, it added, involved Special Forces units and Navy SEALs that are usually put into covert operations, including against leaders of other nations.
Havana also accused Washington of having been “brutally pressuring” other governments into supporting a new presidential election in Venezuela and recognizing self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido, who is the leader of National Assembly of Venezuela.
Guaido declared himself Venezuela’s interim president on Jan. 23, nearly two weeks after Nicolas Maduro, who won the 2018 presidential elections in the South American country, was inaugurated for a second term.
Cuba said it opposed a U.S.-led draft resolution to be submitted to the United Nations Security Council. The document, which it said urges the international community to adopt all necessary measures to restore democracy in Venezuela, “paves the way for a military invasion.”
“It’s essential to remember that similar pretexts were adopted by the U.S. to intervene in Yugoslavia, Iraq and Libya, at the price of immense losses of human life and enormous suffering,” noted the statement.
In addition, Cuba in the statement voiced its support for negotiating a solution to the existing crisis in Venezuela.(UNI)

India bowed out of the Hero Gold Cup after a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Myanmar on Wednesday at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, finishing third in the group with three points from three games. Despite early exit, Indian coach Maymol Rocky was positive while assessing the team’s performance, stating that the competition was an important experience. “The team played well, I believe,” she said.

“We are still in a developmental process with the target being clearing the second round of the 2020 Olympic qualifiers. Playing in the Hero Gold Cup against the likes of Myanmar, Nepal and Iran was really good for us and was a massive learning experience. Now, we know which areas of the game we lack in and what we need to work on,” she stated.

The coach also thanked All India Football Federation (AIFF) and government of Odisha for organizing the four-team event. “The AIFF and Government of Odisha have given us such a big platform to play. All the three matches were tough and of
high-intensity. It was great preparation for the challenges ahead.”

Coach Maymol picked a relatively young side for the Hero Gold Cup, with a number of youngsters donning their senior India colours for the first time. One of them was 17-year-old Manisha, who hails from Punjab, and came on as a substitute in the opening match against Iran and made her first senior start against Myanmar.

The forward talked about the experience of playing in the competition, saying, “It was a special feeling, playing for India in India. All three matches were extremely competitive and for me, as a player, and for the team, they were a great learning experience,” she stated. Referring to the forthcoming SAFF Championship, Maymol stressed “it’s a
must-win for us.”

“We will play Nepal in the semi-final or final, and the match will certainly be a tough one given our recent results against them. We have a month to train and we will leave no stone unturned in our preparation as we look to make it five titles in a row,” she added.

Team India will play Nepal in the month of April as well, this time in the second round of the 2020 Olympics qualifiers, where they have been drawn against Myanmar, Nepal and Indonesia in Group A, with only the top team in the group qualifying for Round 3.

Parle Products, a leading food company is all set to launch a digital campaign – “HealthIsNotAChoice” for its newly introduced health brand Nutricrunch under its Platina division.
The campaign aims at encouraging people to embrace the ‘Health is not a choice’ philosophy.
The campaign began with innovative posts across Parle Nutricrunch social media platforms and in newspapers.
All the posts strongly advocate treating one’s health and well-being as priority and showcase that one might have options for a lot of aspects in life but one’s journey to good health must not be compromised.

As a part of the campaign, three digital films will be launched to build awareness about the health benefits of consuming Parle Nutricrunch. Each film has a unique key message that resonates well with a specific target audience.
The health biscuit and cookies category has been growing at 12-13 per cent per year and is now a sizeable portion of the market at over Rs 1,000 crore giving Parle Products more opportunities to tap into the semi-premium and above segments that fetch high margin.

Public sector aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has taken a lead role in organising the 2019 edition of Aero India, the Defence and civilian aerospace exposition dubbed as the biggest in South Asia to be held at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, on the outskirts of the city, from February 20 to 24.
Besides providing entire logistic support, HAL will showcase its prowess in Defence and aerospace centered on the theme ‘Innovate, Integrate and Lead’.
“HAL is poised to tap into the opportunities during the Aero India and will highlight its indigenously designed and developed fixed and rotary wing platforms, technologies covering power plants and latest R&D offerings. HAL is an industry leader and will continue to leave a mark as a formidable player in the domestic and global defence market,” HAL, CMD Mr R Madhavan said.
Flying display include HAL’s indigenously built Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, HTT-40 (Basic Trainer Aircraft), first indigenously upgraded Hawk Mk132, named as Hawk-i, Civil Do-228, Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) will fly during Aero India 2019. Both fixed and rotary wing aerobatic teams Suryakiran (Hawk aircraft) and Sarang (ALH-Dhruv) will enthrall the audience, a company release said here on Thursday.
On static display, HAL will be showcasing Light Utility Helicopter (PT-1), Light Combat Helicopter (TD-2), Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra) and ALH MICU (Medical Intensive Care Unit).
The main attraction of HAL’s indoor pavilion is the demonstration of tail boom folding and main rotor folding of the Naval Utility Helicopter (NUH), as a Technology Demonstrator. The NUH is the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv with customization to meet the operational requirements of the Navy.
For the first time, HAL’s Supersonic Omni Role Trainer Aircraft (SPORT) simulator will be positioned at the HAL pavilion. HAL is keen to launch the indigenous development of SPORT (Aircraft) with 4++ generation or equivalent capabilities to bridge the gap in pilot training to command front line fighters. The SPORT aircraft will be utilized for fighter training after Advanced Jet Training stage and before induction of pilots into a front line fighter squadron.
Another star attraction at the pavilion will be the aerospace corner, virtual and holographic room and Jaguar aircraft simulator.
The Air Show theme will be centered around ‘Innovation. Under this, HAL will showcase Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine (HTFE-25) and Hindustan Turbo Shaft Engine (HTSE-1200) as technology demonstrators, Rotary UAV, models of avionics and mechanical system Line Replacement Units (LRUs) and various complex manufacturing capabilities, the Nav Ratna company said.
The ‘Integrate’ area will present HAL’s emergence as a product integrator in the aerospace and defence industry. Scaled models of Do-228 military aircraft, LCA fighter and Sukhoi-30MKI (with the major sub-assemblies) will be displayed projecting the lead role played by HAL in developing domestic aeronautical suppliers and the eco-system for manufacturing high-end aircraft.
The ‘Lead’ theme will position HAL as a leader in development of products and certification of aircraft, helicopters and LRUs that meet the customer requirements. Scaled models of LCA trainer aircraft, HTT-40 aircraft, Civil Dornier aircraft, ALH Mk-IV (Rudra), ALH Civil version, LUH (Light Utility Helicopter) will be displayed as lead products under development along with the milestones and achievements. Cockpit wall display (with Multi Function Display) of LCA Mk-IA is another highlight.(UNI)

India-made ISUZU D-MAX pick-ups will now be available directly to government departments and public sector units through Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
The central and state government establishments can now directly procure from the range of globally renowned ISUZU D-MAX Pick-ups, through the centralised GeM Portal, which includes the full-fledged commercial Pick-up — D-MAX Regular Cab Flat Deck (High-Ride variant), 5-seater multi-utility Pick-up – D-MAX S-CAB (Standard and High-Ride variants) and the versatile adventure utility Pick-up – D-MAX V-Cross (Standard and High-Grade variants).
Uniformly priced across all states, the e-Marketplace platform will enable Isuzu Motors India to seamlessly cater to the varying transportation requirements of the centre-and state-level government departments.
Key sectors under the ministry of agriculture, aviation, chemicals and fertilizers, defence, food & public distribution, road transport and highways, mining, petroleum, shipping, railways, rural development and tourism, besides many other central and state departments, would significantly add value to its functions with all its range. (UNI)

At the invitation of President of Republic of Korea, Moon Jae-in, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a two-day state visit to that country and give a new momentum in high-level exchanges between two countries.

During his visit, Mr Modi will be also honoured with Seoul Peace Prize.

According to an official release, India and Korea share good ties and this got further boost during the visit of President Moon to India for Bilateral Summit in July 2018 and the participation of the Korean First Lady Her Excellency Madame Kim Jung-sook at the Deepotsav event in Ayodhya in November 2018.

Prime Minister Modi’s forthcoming visit will provide an “important occasion” for the two leaders to review the recent developments in bilateral relations, the release said here on Thursday.

The forthcoming visit will further demonstrate the priority New Delhi attaches to deepening multi-dimensional engagement with Korea as part of India’a ‘Act East Policy.’

During the visit, Prime Minister will also be conferred upon with the 2018 Seoul Peace Prize at a ceremony to be organised by the Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation on February 22, in recognition of his national and international contributions, the release said.

Despite some positive developments following years of brutal conflict, Iraq is gripped by political stalemate and a continued humanitarian crisis that is hampering the stabilisation of the country, the head of the UN Assistance Mission in the country, (UNAMI), Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, has told the Security Council.
Special Representative Hennis-Plasschaert on Wednesday started her first briefing to the UN body since taking up her post, by explaining that although a new Prime Minister-designate has been nominated, the Iraqi Government remains incomplete due to “fierce disagreements among political parties”, with four top positions still vacant, including the key portfolios of the Interior, Defense, and Justice ministries.
Moreover, multiple parliamentary sessions have been “adjourned, interrupted or boycotted” which has delayed substantive work from taking place.
“The people of Iraq are bearing the brunt of the political stalemate… at a time when it is critical to address their needs and demands for better services,” she stressed, adding that further delays would have “significant repercussions” for “the stability of the country”.
She called on politicians in Baghdad “to overcome political infighting and to demonstrate that political compromise can prevail in the greater interest of the Iraqi people,” noting also that there are “excellent and experienced Iraqi women well-qualified to perform the job”.
Insecurity remains a major concern, as regular attacks by ISIL extremists – known in the Arab world as Da’esh – continue and as other armed groups are “expanding their economic and social control in Iraqi daily life”.

Hennis-Plasschaert called on the Iraqi Government to “take quick measures to reform its security sector and act resolutely against these groups and their activities.”
As a result of years of conflict, the international humanitarian effort to support Iraq remains critical. The 2019 Humanitarian Response Plan seeks $700 million to provide basic assistance to 1.75 million vulnerable Iraqis, including protection services, medical care, food support, explosive clearance, and longer-term recovery activities.
“While significant efforts are underway to reconstruct infrastructure and restore basic services it will take many years and billions of dollars to rebuild the country. And Iraq will undoubtedly need the continued attention of the international community to make this transition successful and sustainable,” the Special Representative said.
In her briefing Ms Hennis-Plasschaert noted some recent positive developments such as the adoption of the federal budget for 2019 which includes important allocations for the delivery of basic services, and efforts made by the Government to combat corruption.
“The fight against corruption will not be an easy one, but it is a much needed one as corruption is vast and pervasive at all levels in Iraq. It is a much-needed fight in order to revive public-trust and to facilitate the provision of basic services,” she said.
Other highlights included a recent agreement between the Federal Government in Baghdad, and the Kurdistan Regional Government, based in Erbil, to unify custom duties. “This decision is an important step in reinforcing Iraq’s unity,” she explained adding that “a speedy implementation of this agreement should now be a priority for both sides”.
The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) has formally recommended that Provincial Council elections take place on 16 November, she said, noting that UNAMI “will continue to provide the technical assistance and support” IHEC needs. “However, in preparation for these elections a number of steps will need to be taken urgently by the Government of Iraq and the relevant institutions.”
She also highlighted as a priority the need for “a more consistent adherence to international standards of due process and fair trial.”
“An impartial and transparent process of judicial accountability – for the gross violations of human rights by ISIL – will prove crucial in rebuilding peaceful coexistence and social cohesion,” she insisted.
Closing her briefing,   Hennis-Plasschaert said that “the atmosphere of despair during the period of ISIL occupation has given some way to hope and optimism for the future in Iraq. However, one cannot shy away from the fact that the road to well-deserved long-term stability will be long and far from easy”.
Noting that great determination, political will and national ownership will critical for success, she stated that support from the international community will continue to be “of paramount importance”.

The Supreme Court, in its order on the tug of war between between the Lieutenant Governor and Delhi government, on Thursday delivered a split judgement on services, the power to appoint, post and transfer officials in Delhi administration, but agreed on the Centre having control over Anti-Corruption Branch in Delhi.

The service issue has been sent to a larger bench.

A two-judge bench, headed by Justices A K Sikri and Justice Ashok Bhushan pronounced the verdict.

Both the judges unanimously said that the Centre will have the jurisdiction over Delhi’s ACB.

The Top Court had reserved the judgement last year, after hearing in great detail the arguments and submissions and responses made by the petitioner, Delhi government and the respondents LG and the Centre.

Radio is a powerful tool that continues to promote “dialogue, tolerance and peace,” United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said in message on Thursday, marking World Radio Day.
“Even in today’s world of digital communications, radio reaches more people than any other media platform” explained the UN chief, adding that it “conveys vital information and raises awareness on important issues”.
“And it is a personal, interactive platform where people can air their views, concerns, and grievances” he added, noting that radio “can create a community”.
UN Radio was established on 13 February 1946, and since 2013, the day has been commemorated to recognize radio as a powerful communication tool and a low-cost medium.
“For the United Nations, especially our peacekeeping operations, radio is a vital way of informing, reuniting and empowering people affected by war”, said Mr Guterres.
Radio brings together people and communities from all backgrounds to foster positive dialogue for change.
Despite the rise of the internet, many parts of the world, especially remote and vulnerable communities, have no access, making radio broadcasting via transmitters, a vital lifeline. Joining a community of local listeners, also provides a platform for public discussion, irrespective of education levels.
Moreover, it has a strong and specific role in emergency communication and disaster relief.
“On this World Radio Day, let us recognise the power of radio to promote dialogue, tolerance and peace”, concluded the Secretary-General.
The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) underscored “the unique, far-reaching power of radio to broaden our horizons and build more harmonious societies”.
“Radio stations from major international networks to community broadcasters today remember the importance of radio in stimulating public debate, increasing civic engagement and inspiring mutual understanding”, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said in her message.
Since its invention as the first wireless communication medium well over a hundred years ago, “radio has sparked new conversations and broadcast new ideas into people’s homes, villages, universities, hospitals and workplaces,” she continued. “To this day, dialogue across the airwaves can offer an antidote to the negativity that sometimes seem to predominate online, which is why UNESCO works across the world to improve the plurality and diversity of radio stations”.
The UNESCO chief pointed out that radio has adapted to 21st century changes and offers new ways to participate in conversations that matter, retaining its role as “one of the most reactive, engaging media there is”, especially for the most disadvantaged.
For example, she flagged that rural women constitute one of the most under-represented groups in the media and are twice as likely as men to be illiterate, “so radio can be a critical lifeline to express themselves and access information”.
Ms Azoulay made clear that “UNESCO provides support to radio stations in sub-Saharan Africa that enable women to participate in public debate, including on often-neglected issues such as forced marriage, girls’ education or childcare”.
Linguistic diversity, and people’s right to express themselves on-air in their own languages, is also crucial – especially true in 2019 which has been designated by the International Year of Indigenous Languages by the UN.“In former conflict zones, radio can dispel fear and present the human face of former foes”, she elaborated, citing North-West Colombia where community radios are healing old wounds “by highlighting the good deeds of demobilized combatants, such as clearing polluted waterways”.
Around the world, the “inclusion of diverse populations makes societies more resilient, more open and more peaceful”, Ms Azoulay spelled out.
“The challenges we face – whether they be climate change, conflict or the rise in divisive views – increasingly depend on our ability to speak to each other and find common solutions”, she concluded.(UNI)

In quite an unusual but assertive note, fugitive business magnate Vijay Mallya on Thursday sought to join issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and wondered why the latter was “not instructing” banks to take the money he (Mallya) has offered to pay back.
“I respectfully ask why the Prime Minister is not instructing his Banks to take the money I have put on the table so he can at least claim credit for full recovery of public funds lent to Kingfisher,” Mr Mallya wrote in a series of tweets.
The business tycoon, who has been ordered by the UK government for extradition to India, said,
“The Prime Minister’s last speech in Parliament (in Lok Sabha on Wednesday) was brought to my attention. He certainly is a very eloquent speaker. I noticed that he referred to an unnamed person who “ran away” with 9000 crores. Given the media narrative I can only infer that reference is to me”.
On this backdrop, Mr Mallya wrote – “I have made the offer to settle before the Hon’ble High Court Court of Karnataka. This cannot be dismissed as frivolous. It is a perfectly tangible, sincere, honest and readily achievable offer. The shoe is on the other foot now. Why don’t the Banks take the money lent to KFA ?”
He also said – he is “appalled” to say the least at the media reports on the Enforcement Directorate claims “that I hid my wealth. If there was hidden wealth how could I put approximately Rs 14,000 crores worth of assets openly in front of Court ? Shameful misleading of public opinion but unsurprising”.
The ED has accused Mr Mallya of money laundering and he is chiefly also charged with
defrauding a consortium of banks to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore apart from separate cases of tax evasion.
On January 2 this year, Vijay Mallya was also declared a fugitive offender under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act.
Chief magistrate in an UK court has said that there was, prima facie, a case against Mallya for fraud, conspiracy and money laundering, describing him as “this glamorous, flashy, famous, bejeweled, bodyguarded, ostensibly billionaire playboy who charmed and cajoled these bankers into losing their common sense”. (UNI)

Big political row has been triggered off by veteran socialist Mulayam Singh Yadav’s heaps of praise on Prime Minister and extending of good wishes that Narendra Modi should ‘return’ to power again.

“Hum log toh itna bahumat mein nahi aa sakte haen, Pradhan mantri ji aap phir pradhan mantri baney (We cannot win as many seats to come to power. Mr Prime Minister, you will again become Prime Minister),” Mr Yadav said in Lok Sabha perhaps making the most surprising political remark of circa 2019.

With UPA stalwart Sonia Gandhi on his side, Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav sprang major surprise and

without doubt, former UP Chief Minister’s praise on Modi created ripples down the political spectrum as Sonia Gandhi and perhaps also NCP lawmaker Supriya Sule were left surprised in the House.

The well televised episode in Lok Sabha – which is expected to haunt the opposition for months in the election season – has already spread like wildfire on the social network.

Prime Minister Modi had acknowledged Mr Mulayam’s ‘blessings and good wishes’ and also reciprocated to Samajwadi Party stalwart with folded hands.

BJP spokesman Sudhanshu Trivedi predictably welcomed the statement from Samajwadi Party leader and said: “The courtesy he showed proves that he (Mulauam) has risen over and above the party politics”.

“I think it is nothing but the acceptance of credibility of Narendra Modi in the contemporary Indian politics after his government gave an inclusive development,” Mr Trivedi told a private TV channel.

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah only had two words tweet reactions to the episode- “Poor Akhilesh!”

Efforts have been made by Samajwadi Party sources and other opposition parties later to play down Mulayam’s remarks saying the former UP Chief Minister has only tried to wish good wishes to all sitting lawmakers in the House as it was the last working session of the 16th Lok Sabha.

Mulayam’s son Akhilesh Yadav lately worked out an alliance with BSP of Mayawati and had kept Congress out of the same.

Mulayam’s remarks came on a day opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Sharad Pawar, Arvind Kejriwal, Farooq Abdullah and Sharad Yadav have tried to come together to work out a grand alliance.

Later in the day, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, however, said – “Well, I disagree with him. But Mulayam Singh Yadav has a role in Indian politics”.(UNI)