Political News – Newsletter for January 20, 2011

A British MP who wore a loud tie

LONDON – A British MP was speaking when an unidentifiable tune rang out – and the lawmaker explained that it was from a charity tie that he had accidentally turned on.

Nadhim Zahawi was speaking on education cuts when the tune rang out for about 20 seconds, Daily Telegraph reported Thursday.
The Stratford-upon-Avon MP said …. Read the original article  : here.

Decision on Yeddyurappa’s prosecution in two days, says Bhardwaj

BANGALORE – Karnataka Governor H.R. Bhardwaj Thursday said he would give in two days his decision on whether to sanction the prosecution of Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa following allegations of him being involved in land scams.

“I will let you know my decision in two days,” he told reporters a day after the state …. Read the original article  : Decision on Yeddyurappa’s prosecution in two days, says Bhardwaj.

My new portfolio not connected to farm suicides: Vilasrao

NEW DELHI – A day after being sworn in, Rural Development Minister Vilasrao Deskmukh Thursday said the Supreme Court’s observation on his links with moneylenders who harass farmers was an “isolated incident”. He also said there was no link between his new portfolio and farmer suicides in Maharashtra.

One isolated incident cannot be connected with …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : My new portfolio not connected to farm suicides: Vilasrao.

Gadkari in China on ‘first ever goodwill visit’

BEIJING – Nitin Gadkari, the first BJP president to visit China, said Wednesday that New Delhi’s relationship with Beijing “has evolved, has grown, has matured, and it has become truly multifaceted” over the years.

Gadkari, who arrived here Wednesday on a five-day visit, said he was looking forward to meetings with senior leaders of the … Read : Gadkari in China on ‘first ever goodwill visit’.

Pakistani minister quits, police round up his guards

ISLAMABAD – Minister of State for Shipping Nabeel Gabol resigned from the government Wednesday and in a dramatic move immediately later 11 guards at his Karachi home were rounded up by the police.

the daily Dawn reported that Gabol sent his resignation to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Wednesday.
He said he had informed President … Read : Pakistani minister quits, police round up his guards.

Mobile Number Portability service comes into effect today

NEW DELHI – The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, will formally inaugurate the nation-wide rollout of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) service today.

This facility will allow mobile subscribers to switch telecom operators without changing their mobile number.

Service providers should complete all the procedures regarding portability within a period of four days. The subscriber will …. Read the original article  : Mobile Number Portability service comes into effect today.

US to build on Obama’s India visit this year: Blake

WASHINGTON – The US will build on President Barack Obama’s India visit through an intensive programme of collaborative activities that will see more “high profile visits and even greater engagement” this year, a senior US official has said.

Among the high-profile visits to India will be by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other cabinet … Read more »»».

BJP youth wing will spearhead flag hoisting in Srinagar: Sushma Swaraj

NEW DELHI – Even as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reiterated its determination to hoist the Tricolour in Srinagar on Republic Day, the party leadership has revealed that its youth wing will be involved in the event.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj revealed in a Tweet that it was essentially a … Original article on : BJP youth wing will spearhead flag hoisting in Srinagar: Sushma Swaraj.

Berlusconi’s rep says cash for girls was merely an act of charity

SYDNEY – Silvio Berlusconi’s representative has dismissed claims that the Italian Prime Minister paid money to have sex with the underage girls.

Giuseppe Spinelli, who is suspected of handling money for Berlusconi’s prostitutes, even unwittingly, described the scandal as exaggerated and said cash payments and apartments lent to the girls involved were merely acts of charity …. Source article  : Berlusconi’s rep says cash for girls was merely an act of charity.

Italian town councillor sacked for giving fascist salute

Rapallo (Italy), Jan 20 (IANS/AKI) The mayor of the northwestern Italian coastal town of Rapallo has fired a local councillor who was photographed giving a fascist salute outside a church after a mass to commemorate late fascist dictator Benito Mussolini.

In the photographs, culture councillor Gianni Arena was also pictured with fascist era memorabilia, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Italian town councillor sacked for giving fascist salute.

India asks Israel, Palestine to resume direct talks

UNITED NATIONS – India has asked the international community to work closely with Israel and Palestine to encourage them to resume direct negotiations leading to a comprehensive peace process for a final resolution of the conflict.

“While this has been stated several times before, and in many eloquent ways, yet this central truth bears repetition: …. Original article  : India asks Israel, Palestine to resume direct talks.

Obama’s ratings climb as public support surges

WASHINGTON – With more Americans approving of US President Barack Obama’s performance and more seeing him as a political moderate, he is riding a surge of public support, according to a new poll.

The latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll shows a boost in Obama’s approval numbers and the perception among Americans that he is … Read more : Obama’s ratings climb as public support surges.

Gadkari in Beijing for five-day visit

BEIJING – There is “consensus across the political spectrum in India for cooperative and cordial ties with China”, said BJP president Nitin Gadkari, who is here on a five-day visit.

Gadkari, who arrived here Wednesday, said he was looking forward to meetings with senior leaders of the Chinese Communist Party for talks on a wide-range … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Gadkari in Beijing for five-day visit.

Remarks by the First Lady at her “100K strong” State Visit Event

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

Howard University
Washington, D.C.
 

10:51 A.M. EST
 
MRS. OBAMA:  Well, it is wonderful to be here.  Thank you.  Thank you so much.  I am very excited.
 
I [..] Read the original article: here.

Berlusconi slammed over ‘use of policewomen’s outfits in striptease shows’

London, Jan 20 (ANI): Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been criticised by a police trade union for allegedly using policewomen’s outfits for striptease shows at his home.

According to prosecution documents delivered to parliament, the so-called “bunga bunga” sessions at Berlusconi’s villa near Milan involved female guests putting on and then gradually taking off skimpy …. Read the original article  : here.

Berlusconi didn’t lay one finger on me, insists teenage belly dancer

LONDON – Despite telling a friend they had sex, the teenage belly dancer at the centre of an underage prostitution scandal involving Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has now insisted that he ‘never touched’ her.

Karima El Mahrough, 18, wept as she told one of Berlusconi’s TV channels that he ‘didn’t lay one finger … Original article on : Berlusconi didn’t lay one finger on me, insists teenage belly dancer.

Karzai to visit Russia

Moscow, Jan 20 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai will Thursday embark on an official two-day visit to Russia at the invitation of his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, the Kremlin press service said.

Talks between the two leaders are to be held Friday.
Karzai will be accompanied by a delegation of 80 officials, ministers and … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Karzai to visit Russia.

Obama Administration Officials: What They’re Saying About the Affordable Care Act

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For Immediate Release

On the day Congress voted on legislation that would repeal the Affordable Care Act, here’s what officials from throughout the Obama Administration were saying … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Obama Administration Officials: What They’re Saying About the Affordable Care Act.

Mayors: What They’re Saying About the Affordable Care Act

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For Immediate Release

On the day Congress considered legislation that would repeal the Affordable Care Act, it’s important to take a look at who is opposing repeal. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Mayors: What They’re Saying About the Affordable Care Act.

Expected Attendees at Tonight’s State Dinner

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

Below is a list of expected attendees at tonight’s State Dinner. Attached are details about the State Dinner, also available here (www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/China_State_Visit.pdf) .
THE PRESIDENT … Read more >>.