Political News – Newsletter for February 19, 2010
Sri Lanka’s opposition coalition splits ahead of parliamentary elections Opposition official Vijitha Herath said the coalition of four main parties and several smaller groups broke up … Read : Sri Lanka’s opposition coalition splits ahead of parliamentary elections.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Sri Lanka’s opposition coalition splits
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka’s opposition coalition said Friday it has split after its defeated presidential candidate was detained on allegations of sedition, further strengthening President Mahinda Rajapaksa ahead of April 8 parliamentary polls.
Nothing lost in Mullaperiyar case: Karunanidhi
CHENNAI – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi Friday said that the state has not lost anything nor has it given anything to Kerala in the Mullaperiyar Dam case that is being heard by the Supreme Court.
The chief minister was reacting to the decision of the apex court to form a five member committee under …. Read the original article : here.
Running against GOP establishment, Rubio, Hayworth find allies among conservative activists
Crist, McCain challengers woo conservatives
WASHINGTON – Marco Rubio and J.D. Hayworth have different styles and different backgrounds and they’re from opposite sides of the country. But both are hoping to win Senate seats by tapping into the energy of conservatives to defeat big-name, establishment-backed Republicans.
Rubio is well on his way in his effort … Read more : Running against GOP establishment, Rubio, Hayworth find allies among conservative activists.
President Barack Obama Meets Dalai Lama
WASHINGTON D.C. (GaeaTimes.com)- US President Barack Obama met the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama yesterday. Though the president generally meets the world leaders in his Oval Office, he had decided to conduct his meeting with the Tibetan leader in the Map Room. As per the reports, the president held a private meeting and … Read more : President Barack Obama Meets Dalai Lama.
C Rangarajan releases ‘Review of the Economy-2009-10â² document
NEW DELHI – Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council Chairman Dr C Rangarajan on Friday released the document ‘Review of the Economy-2009-10′.
The documents highlights a strong rebound in the second half of 2009-10, which has driven the growth rate upwards, a strong rebound in the third and fourth quarter especially industry and an outcome in the … Read more : C Rangarajan releases ‘Review of the Economy-2009-10′ document.
Millions of seniors face 14 percent premium increase for popular Medicare Advantage plans
Premiums jump 14 percent on Medicare private plans
WASHINGTON – Millions of seniors who signed up for popular private health plans through Medicare are facing sharp premium increases this year.
A study that’s being released Friday by a major consulting firm finds that premiums for Medicare Advantage plans offering medical and prescription drug coverage jumped … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Millions of seniors face 14 percent premium increase for popular Medicare Advantage plans.
Toyota’s ‘prince’ struggles to steer automaker his grandfather founded through worst crisis
Toyota president battles crisis in family company
TOKYO – Toyota President Akio Toyoda, known as “the prince” in Japan, was groomed for years to head the automaker his grandfather founded.
His appointment in 2009 was full of promise – a morale booster for the rank and file who expected that a youthful Toyoda in the hot seat …. Source : Toyota’s ‘prince’ struggles to steer automaker his grandfather founded through worst crisis.
Nepal celebrates Democracy Day amid deepening gloom
KATHMANDU – Nepal Friday celebrated the 59th anniversary of the attaining of democracy after more than a century of oppressive rule by the Rana dynasty of hereditary prime ministers, but there appeared to be little cheer among the people due to the continued political stalemate.
On this day in 1951, following a long struggle against the … Read more >>>.
Cleansing polluted Ganga, Yamuna on BJP agenda
INDORE – Focussing on pollution in the Ganga and Yamuna, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Friday formed a committee headed by former party president Rajnath Singh to prepare a programme to mobilise public support to save the rivers.
Describing the river as a symbol of faith for Indians, party president Nitin Gadkari said here during the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Cleansing polluted Ganga, Yamuna on BJP agenda.
States, Congress wrestling with rules determining when judges must step aside for bias
States, Congress wrestle with judicial bias rules
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Federal judges have lifetime tenure, broad legal authority and the right to decide when to step aside because of potential biases. Now some legal experts and members of Congress are considering whether to take that power away.
One proposal would require that recusal motions be heard …. Original article on Gaea Times at : States, Congress wrestling with rules determining when judges must step aside for bias.
Niger president held, government dissolved in coup
NAIROBI/NIAMEY – Soldiers have seized power in Niger and dissolved the government after kidnapping President Mamadou Tandja, who last year raised tension with his attempts to cling to power.
The dissident soldiers stormed the presidential palace Thursday afternoon.
Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and seeing smoke rising from the area. Confusion reigned for hours until Colonel Goukoye … Read more : Niger president held, government dissolved in coup.
Nitish Kumar threatened for wanting to protect sharecroppers
PATNA – An upper caste leader of Bihar’s ruling Janata Dal-United (JD-U), Prabhunath Singh, has warned Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to reject a new law that would protect sharecroppers in the state. The state will be pushed to the brink of a civil war if the law is passed, he has threatened.
Singh also wants … Read more >>>.
Lok Sabha speaker to meet party leaders Saturday
NEW DELHI – Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar will meet the leaders of parties in the lower house of parliament here Saturday, two days before the start of the budget session.
The budget session of parliament commences Feb 22 and concludes May 7, with a break of more than three weeks in between.
President … Original article on : Lok Sabha speaker to meet party leaders Saturday.
`Tibet remains serious issue of global importance’
KATHMANDU – As China Friday expressed anger at the meeting between US President Barack Obama and exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, Hollywood icon Richard Gere’s organisation devoted to the Tibet cause hailed the meet, saying it showed Tibet remained “a serious issue of global importance”.
The Chinese government summoned the US envoy …. Original article : `Tibet remains serious issue of global importance’.
US can play meaningful role in facilitating result-oriented Pak-India talks: Sharif
ISLAMABAD – Former Pakistan Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif believes that the United States can use its influence in facilitating result-oriented talks between Pakistan and India.
According to The News, he expressed these views during a meeting with President Barack Obama’s Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke …. Source article on Gaea Times at : US can play meaningful role in facilitating result-oriented Pak-India talks: Sharif.
Gordon Brown ‘uses C-word’ at aides while wearing just pants
LONDON – A new book claims that British Prime Minister Gordon Brown abused his aide using the C-word during a visit to the US.
Andrew Rawnsley’s new work on the government shares an alleged incident when a half-dressed Brown lashed out at senior foreign affairs adviser Stewart Wood in a hotel bedroom.
Seemingly, the leader …. Source : Gaea News Network.
China summons US ambassador over Obama-Dalai Lama meeting
BEIJING – China Friday summoned the US ambassador over President Barack Obama’s meeting with the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and accused it of “grossly interfering” in the country’s internal affairs and “damaging” Sino-US ties.
Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai summoned Jon Huntsman and lodged “solemn representations” over Obama’s meeting with the Dalai … Read more >>>.
US pleased Pune attack did not derail India-Pakistan talks
WASHINGTON – The United States has said it is “encouraged” and “pleased” that the Pune terror attack did not derail the upcoming dialogue between India and Pakistan that has a “vitally important” relationship to stability in the region.
“… we are encouraged that notwithstanding the tragic attack in India, that this is not derailing important dialogue … Read this article on Gaea Times at : US pleased Pune attack did not derail India-Pakistan talks.
Resumption of talks with India a positive step: Qureshi
BRUSSELS – India’s decision to resume talks with Pakistan was a “positive step”, said Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, but he added that the outcome of the talks depends on the Indian response.
“We are ready for meaningful engagement with India,” he told a press conference Thursday in Brussels at the sidelines of an international … Read more >>.
Following outcry, city official relaxes ban on smoking, chewing in Seattle parks
After outcry, Seattle parks smoking ban is relaxed
SEATTLE – Seattle’s parks superintendent has relaxed a ban on smoking in city parks just a day after he announced it would take effect April 1.
The revised rule that Superintendent Timothy Gallagher announced late Thursday prohibits “smoking, chewing or other tobacco use” within 25 feet of other park …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Following outcry, city official relaxes ban on smoking, chewing in Seattle parks.