DEMOCRATIC FREEDOMS
Emergency resolution in Lok Sabha exposes anti-democratic thinking of Congress, says Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has praised Speaker Om Birla for moving a resolution condemning the imposition of the Emergency in 1975 by Indira Gandhi. The resolution reveals the Congress's anti-democratic thinking, which harmed democracy's major pillars, including judiciary, bureaucracy, and media. Shah also praised the Lok Sabha for remembering the Emergency as an "Era of Injustice" and expressing sympathy to the poor, Dalits, and backward people who suffered from the exploitation and atrocities of the Indira Gandhi government.
"Enough is enough": How Australia's quiet diplomacy led Julian Assange to freedom
Julian Assange's release was facilitated by Australian diplomatic efforts, political support, and global fundraising. The legal battle ended after a plea deal, marking the conclusion of a 14-year saga involving espionage charges and extradition threats.
What you need to know about Julian Assange, WikiLeaks' controversial founder
Julian Assange, who recently secured his freedom through a plea deal with US authorities, is a polarizing figure known for his role in WikiLeaks. Seen by many as a champion of press freedom, he gained global attention by releasing classified US military documents, including the infamous Iraq and Afghanistan war logs. Assange's legal troubles began with allegations in Sweden, followed by seeking asylum in Ecuador's embassy in London to avoid extradition to the US, where he faced charges under the Espionage Act.
Assange's plea deal sets a chilling precedent, but it could have been worse
Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, has reached a plea deal with prosecutors, affecting American press freedoms but allowing him to walk free after more than five years in British custody. The agreement, concluded on Wednesday in a courtroom in a remote U.S. commonwealth in the Western Pacific, involved Assange pleading guilty to one charge of violating the Espionage Act.
Spiller of beans, and State vs open society
Wikileaks demonstrated the immense power governments, even in liberal democracies, have over their citizens and the extent to which a state will go to protect that power. Assange made us confront the ease with which governments use 'national security' as a default rabbit to be pulled out of the hat.
Haryana govt hikes pension of freedom fighters, their dependents and Emergency 'sufferers'
I honored the brave 'satyagrahis' who defended democratic values during the dark Emergency period, preserving our constitutional spirit against attempts to suppress public sentiment. The increased pension rates aim to honor those who sacrificed for our freedom, reflecting our commitment to supporting these heroes and their contributions to our nation.
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A look at Julian Assange and how the long-jailed WikiLeaks founder is now on the verge of freedom
Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has reached a plea deal with the U.S. Justice Department that will lead to his freedom. Assange, who has been imprisoned in the U.K. and fighting extradition to the U.S., is accused of conspiring to illegally obtain and publish sensitive government records. The deal requires him to plead guilty to a felony charge under the Espionage Act and is expected to allow him to return to Australia after sentencing. This case marks the culmination of years of legal battles and international intrigue.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to plead guilty in espionage act case in US court, will be freed from prison
Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, will plead guilty to conspiring to obtain and disseminate classified US defense information under a deal with the US Justice Department. This agreement concludes a decade-long legal battle involving multiple countries. Assange will appear in a federal court in the Mariana Islands to enter his plea, after which he will return to Australia. The case has sparked significant debates over press freedom and national security.
'You have to vote' Donald Trump tells US evangelical Christians
Former US President Donald Trump urged evangelical Christians to vote for him in the upcoming November election, promising to "aggressively" protect their religious freedom if elected. Speaking at a Washington conference organized by the Faith and Freedom Coalition, Trump emphasized the need for higher voter turnout among evangelicals, who were pivotal in his 2016 victory and 2020 campaign. He assured his audience of his commitment to defending religious liberty and addressing anti-Christian bias through a proposed federal task force.
Wayanad LS by-poll: CPI to field candidate
The CPI announced it will field a candidate against Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-poll, asserting its commitment to contesting the seat. CPI's Binoy Viswam clarified that the decision is in line with the LDF's stance against supporting the BJP. He also questioned the need for the Congress to bring Rahul Gandhi to Wayanad if they planned to vacate the seat. The CPI's move adds a new dynamic to the upcoming by-poll in Wayanad.
Vietnam arrests prominent journalist over Facebook posts
Huy Duc was detained for investigation for posts that "violate the interests of the State, the legitimate rights and interests of organisations and individuals", the Ministry of Public Security said. The 62-year-old former senior lieutenant worked for several influential newspapers in Vietnam before being fired in 2009 for criticising the country's former communist ally the Soviet Union.
Kangana Ranaut slapgate: All about the CISF personnel who allegedly slapped the BJP MP
A video of CISF personnel slapping Kangana Ranaut at the Chandigarh airport has gone viral, leading to her defending the act. The constable, Kulwinder Kaur, cited Kangana's remarks on farmers' protests as the reason for her action. Kangana alleges she was hit on the face and abused. The incident has sparked widespread discussion, with netizens expressing mixed reactions.
Dutch voters kick off marathon EU elections
Dutch voters kick off EU election marathon, testing far-right shift in EU parliament amid geopolitical uncertainty after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"We must see Bharat's development in global context:" Prime Minister Narendra Modi says need to dream new dreams
Speaking about his thoughts during his three-day meditation, the PM wrote, "Amidst this detachment, amidst the peace and silence, my mind was constantly thinking about the bright future of Bharat, the goals of Bharat." Citing Swami Vivekananda's message that, 'Every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfil, a destiny to reach.' the Prime Minister wrote "For thousands of years, Bharat has been moving forward with this sense of meaningful purpose. Bharat has been a cradle of ideas for thousands of years."
PM Modi: Reflections and new Sankalp from my Sadhana at Kanniyakumari
From Kashmir to Kanniyakumari... this is a common identity that is deeply ingrained in the heart of every citizen of the country. This is the ‘Shakti Peeth’ (seat of Shakti) where Maa Shakti incarnated as Kanya Kumari. At this Southern tip, Maa Shakti performed penance and waited for Bhagwan Shiva, who was residing in the Himalayas at the northernmost parts of Bharat, writes PM Modi on his time meditating at Kanniyakumari's Vivekananda Rock Memorial
People who kept 'hisab-kitab' for Pakistan in the past queued up to vote this time: J&K Police chief
The Jammu and Kashmir administration and police have ensured a safe space for voters in the region during the recent Lok Sabha election, according to DGP Rashmi Ranjan Swain. This year's election saw a remarkable voter turnout, signaling a shift in the region's political landscape. The three Lok Sabha seats in the Valley, Srinagar, Baramulla, and Anantnag-Rajouri, recorded their highest-ever voter turnouts in the last three decades.
The ANC party that freed South Africa from apartheid loses its 30-year majority
With nearly 99% of votes counted, the once-dominant ANC had received just over 40% in the election on Wednesday, well short of the majority it had held since the famed all-race vote of 1994 that ended apartheid and brought it to power under Nelson Mandela. The final results are still to be formally declared by the independent electoral commission that ran the election.
Donald Trump booed and heckled by raucous crowd at Libertarian convention
At the Libertarian National Convention, Donald Trump faced boos and heckling from attendees displeased with his past COVID-19 policies. Despite some support, most libertarians criticized him for rushing the vaccine and not opposing health restrictions. Trump's appeal for unity against Biden received mixed reactions. He promised to commute Ross Ulbricht's life sentence if re-elected, gaining significant applause. Trump's appearance highlights his concern over third-party candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who also seeks libertarian support.
Taiwan detects Chinese military aircraft, vessels operating around its vicinity
Taiwan's Ministry of Defence reported detecting seven PLA aircraft and over 10 PLAN vessels around Taiwan on Sunday. Up until 6 a.m., Taiwan tracked 7 PLA aircraft, 14 PLAN vessels, and 4 China Coast Guard vessels in the vicinity, prompting a monitoring and response effort by Taiwan's armed forces. The previous day, 62 PLA aircraft and 27 PLAN vessels were detected, with 47 aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan condemned China's military exercises as destabilizing and reaffirmed its commitment to sovereignty and democratic values.
Taiwan's military, coast guard activate in response to China's drills
Taiwan's aerial and naval forces responded to China's military drills as President Lai Ching-te swore in. Taipei's coast guard warned off Chinese vessels amid 'Joint Sword-2024A' war games.
US: Nikki Haley says she will vote for Donald Trump in November
Nikki Haley announced she will vote for Donald Trump over Joe Biden in the upcoming election, citing Trump's stance on holding enemies accountable, securing the border, and supporting capitalism and freedom. While acknowledging Trump's imperfections, she criticized Biden's presidency as a "catastrophe." Haley, who suspended her own presidential campaign earlier, continues to hold influence in the GOP, receiving significant support in recent primaries. Trump dismissed her support base, claiming they will ultimately back him. Biden, on the other hand, has expressed openness to Haley's supporters.
UK defence minister says China sending 'lethal aid' to Russia for Ukraine war
Britain's Defence Minister Grant Shapps revealed evidence of China sending "lethal aid" to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine, during a London conference. He urged NATO to increase defense spending and strengthen alliances to protect democratic freedoms. Despite China's denial of aiding Russia's war effort, it has significantly boosted trade with Russia, reaching $240 billion in 2023. Meanwhile, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed concerns about China's support to Russia's defense industry but noted no direct provision of weapons has been observed.
US lauds human rights records in Kazakhstan
Assistant to the President of Kazakhstan for International Affairs Erzhan Kazykhan and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya co-chaired the third annual High-Level Dialogue on Human Rights and Democratic Reforms between Kazakhstan and the United States. The focus was on political reform agenda, protection of rights of people with disabilities, combating trafficking in persons, freedom of assembly and speech, media development, asset recovery, and corruption. Both sides reaffirmed commitment to cooperation, with the U.S. supporting Kazakhstan's reforms and efforts to combat violence against women and children.
Hindus not represented in USCIRF, says Indian diaspora body
The head of a top Indian diaspora think-tank criticizes the US Commission on International Religious Freedom for lacking diversity and producing biased reports on India and Hindus. USCIRF announced new members Maureen Ferguson, Vicky Hartzler, Asif Mahmood, and re-appointments of Stephen Schneck, Eric Ueland. Khanderao Kand criticizes the missed historic opportunity for diversity and balance in the commission.
Protesters throng streets of Georgia's capital after parliament passes so-called 'Russian law'
Georgia's parliament has approved a "foreign influence" bill, which critics argue is a Russian-style threat to free speech and the country's aspirations to join the European Union. The bill requires media and nongovernmental organizations to register as "pursuing the interests of a foreign power" if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. The opposition has denounced the bill as "the Russian law" because Moscow uses similar legislation to crack down on independent news media, nonprofits, and activists critical of the Kremlin.
View: Gaffer, or channelling inner Joe?
Biden's 'xenophobic' remarks towards India and Japan sparked diplomatic tensions, revealing underlying political complexities. The incident highlighted strained relations and diplomatic challenges faced by the US with key Asian allies.
UNGA President invokes Gandhi to call for protection of journalists
UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis underscores the importance of protecting press freedom, journalists, and media workers worldwide, emphasizing the need for accountability and upholding democratic values.
India blasts USCIRF, describes it as biased entity with political agenda
India criticizes USCIRF for biased propaganda in its annual report. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemns USCIRF's interference in India's affairs and its criticism on various issues.
Good market access offered on both sides, says UK on India FTA talks
UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron has acknowledged that while there has been good market access offered by both sides, it is not enough to secure a free trade agreement (FTA). This comes as Indian negotiators are in London to continue discussions with their British counterparts. The recent restructuring of the BBC to create a new Indian-owned entity to comply with the country's foreign direct investment (FDI) rules was flagged by Liberal Democrat peer Lord Jeremy Purvis, who questioned the level of market access being offered to India in the field of media, data, and telecoms as part of the FTA negotiations.
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