
Jul 20, 2017
Hindu nationalist leader Ram Nath Kovind has been elected India's new president, a largely ceremonial position
NEW DELHI — A Hindu nationalist leader has been chosen India's new president, a largely ceremonial position.
Ram Nath Kovind was elected by the Indian Parliament and state legislatures in voting held Monday, with the results announced Thursday.
Kovind is a former governor of the eastern state of Bihar and a longtime associate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, or National Volunteer Corps, a Hindu group that has been accused of stoking religious hatred against Muslims.
The group is the ideological parent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, which controls enough seats in federal and state legislatures to push its favored candidate.
The president's role is mainly ceremonial. He is bound by the advice of the Cabinet led by the prime minister, who is the chief executive.
Andhra Pradesh Police arrested two individuals as part of an espionage investigation involving contacts with Pakistani operatives. The arrests included a naval employee and a civilian engaged for naval officers. The Counter Intelligence Cell coordinated with police from ten states to track the suspects. Authorities reported that sensitive information was shared regarding defence establishments in India. Further investigation continues to reveal the extent of the conspiracy and other suspects involved.
Arunachal Pradesh is focused on hydropower development, with 19,000 MW of projects in various stages. Chief Minister Pema Khandu highlighted the strategic importance of the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project and the need for public consultations. He emphasised conducting the Preliminary Feasibility Report before deciding on the project's construction. Several infrastructure projects under the Pasighat Smart City Mission were inaugurated to improve urban amenities.
The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday questioned the Enforcement Directorate over initiating FEMA proceedings against Cafe Coffee Day CEO Malavika Hegde more than 12 years after the transactions under scrutiny. The court examined whether such action was permissible after an unreasonable delay and extended interim protection against the proceedings.
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China has pledged to expand its health partnership with Kazakhstan by helping the Central Asian nation integrate traditional medicine directly into its national healthcare system, shifting away from simple product exports. The Chinese embassy in Kazakhstan on Monday called for the alignment of high-level policy to enhance bilateral health cooperation for both countries’ benefit. “Both nations should promote the qualitative upgrading of cooperation in smart healthcare, hi-tech diagnostics and...
Mediator Qatar confirmed that indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran continue amid a protracted conflict. Talks have resumed despite ongoing tensions and previous ceasefires not yielding lasting peace. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these discussions. As the war persists, both nations aim to address the strategic concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Protests have emerged across India as citizens demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Demonstrators claim that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision process threatens voter rights and favors the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Critics say this process requires complex documentation that may disenfranchise vulnerable communities and lead to significant voter list reductions. Opposition parties and activists are calling for more independent election oversight.
A helicopter made an emergency landing at the Agastyamuni sports ground in Rudraprayag district on Tuesday after encountering adverse weather conditions. The aircraft landed safely at the sports ground, with the incident occurring amid challenging weather conditions in the region.
A helicopter made an emergency landing at the Agastyamuni sports ground in Rudraprayag district on Tuesday after encountering adverse weather conditions. The aircraft landed safely at the sports ground, with the incident occurring amid challenging weather conditions in the region.
Ghost is pioneering a revolutionary startup with its innovative screenless AI computer known as Core, co-founded by Zain Javaid. This cutting-edge device is crafted to operate AI agents that function independently, engaging users via a mobile application. With an emphasis on security, Core protects user data by keeping it stored locally, steering clear of cloud dependencies.