Indigo Sues Mahindra & Mahindra: Indian air carrier IndiGo, which operates India’s largest airline, has filed a legal suit against Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited in the Delhi High Court for using ‘6E’ in its upcoming electric car model, BE 6e. The new electric vehicle is scheduled for delivery in late February next year.
Mahindra & Mahindra Response
According to Indian Automaker, “Mahindra has applied for trade mark registration under class 12 (vehicles) for ‘BE 6e’ a part of its electric origin SUV portfolio. We hence don’t see a conflict as Mahindra’s mark is ‘BE 6e,’ not the standalone ‘6E”. Adding further, Mahindra stated that “We have taken on board the concerns that InterGlobe Aviation Limited has to infringement of their goodwill, which was not our intention. We are engaged in discussions with them to find an amicable solution”.
What Indigo Said?
The airlines said that “The ‘6E’ mark is an integral part of IndiGo’s identity for the past 18 years and is a registered trademark that holds strong global recognition. The ‘6E’ mark, whether standalone or in its variants and formative forms, is extensively used by IndiGo for its offerings and for goods and services provided in collaboration with trusted partners.”
“Any unauthorised use of the ‘6E’ mark, whether standalone or in any form, constitutes an infringement of IndiGo’s rights, reputation, and goodwill. IndiGo is committed to taking all necessary and appropriate steps to safeguard its intellectual property and brand identity,” the airline said.
Notably, the case was initially listed before Justice Amit Bansal, but the judge recused himself from the hearing on Tuesday. The matter is now scheduled to be heard on 9 December by a new bench.
Mahindra’s BE 6e And XEV 9e India Launch And Price
Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has recently expanded its electric vehicle portfolio in India with the launch of two new models: BE 6e and XEV 9e. The entry-level variants of these models are priced at Rs 18.9 lakh and Rs 21.9 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively.
According to the company, the BE 6e offers an impressive range of 682 km, while the XEV 9e boasts a range of 656 km. M&M has also announced plans to invest over Rs 12,000 crore in its electric vehicle (EV) business.
IndiGo’s Trademark Dispute History
This isn’t the first time IndiGo has been involved in a trademark dispute. Back in 2015, the airline had a legal tussle with Tata Motors, which was selling a sedan under the name “Indigo.” (With IANS Inputs)
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, won with 57 percent of the vote, flouting predictions that she might be forced into a run-off.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been elected Namibia’s president and will be the country’s first female leader, results released by the country’s electoral commission show.
The 72-year-old won with 57 percent of the vote, according to official results declared on Tuesday by the electoral commission, flouting predictions that she might be forced into a run-off.
“The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said after being declared president-elect.
Her win cements her governing South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) party’s 34-year hold on power since independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990 – a contested outcome.
Opposition parties have rejected the results after the election was marred by technical problems, including shortages of ballot papers and other issues, causing election officials to extend voting until Saturday. Long queues meant that some voters gave up on the first day of voting after waiting for up to 12 hours.
The opposition parties say the extension was illegal and have pledged to challenge the results in court.
The candidate for the main opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), Panduleni Itula, trailed Nandi-Ndaitwah with 25.5 percent of the vote, according to the commission.
“The rule of law has been grossly violated and we cannot call these elections by any means or measure as free, fair and legitimate,” Itula said on Saturday.
Nandi-Ndaitwah was promoted to vice president in February after President Hage Geingob died while in office.
While in power for decades, SWAPO has disenchanted young voters due to high youth unemployment rates and enduring inequalities.
She got her start in politics by taking part in the country’s underground independence movement in the 1970s. She returned from the UK to join parliament in 1990 and went on to serve as minister with several portfolios over the years.
NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed amendments to the banking laws permitting account holders to propose up to four nominees either successively or simultaneously with their respective shares, which will make inheritance of bank deposits smooth and unambiguous.
**EDS: VIDEO GRAB VIA SANSAD TV** New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Winter session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (PTI Photo) (PTI12_03_2024_000314B) (PTI)
The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 also proposes 19 amendments to five existing laws for the ease of compliance, better regulation and efficient auditing of banks, including multi-state cooperatives offering banking services, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.
“The proposed amendments will only strengthen governance in Indian banking sector besides enhancing consumer’s and customer’s convenience with respect to nominations and protection of investors,” the minister said in her opening remarks in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
Besides introducing people’s friendly multiple nomination provision to ensure deposits do not fall into the unclaimed category after the demise of an accountholder, amendments also bring some regulatory changes, including pragmatic deadlines for banks to file statutory reports to the central bank to keep the banking system robust.
Replying to queries related to the nomination, Sitharaman told the House that the current provision only allows the nomination of one person for the payment of the depositor’s money and article kept in safe custody or lockers. Explaining the benefit of the proposed amendments, she said they will enable individuals to nominate up to four persons for these facilities with options for “either” successive “or” simultaneous nominations.
She, however, specified that for articles kept in the safe-custody or safety lockers, only successive nominations will be allowed. “Successive nomination ensures that if the first nominee is unavailable, the next nominee in line will become operative, maintaining continuity and reducing complications [for] legal heirs,” she said.
“The proposed Bill seeks, inter alia, to improve governance standards provide consistency in reporting by banks to the Reserve Bank of India [RBI], ensure better protection for depositors and investors, improve audit quality in public sector banks, bring customer convenience in respect of nominations and to provide for increase in the tenure of the directors in co-operative banks,” she said in a written statement accompanying the Bill.
Speaking in the house before the passage of the legislation, the finance minister said Indian banks are robust compared to the shaky global banking system, particularly in some developed countries.
“Since 2014, we have been extremely cautious that banks remain stable,” she said adding that the government’s intention is to keep banks “safe, stable and healthy” and the outcome is visible in 10 years. Banks are now “professionally run” and it is a “national” achievement, she said.
The Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 9, proposed to amend five Acts – the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (or the BR Act), the State Bank of India Act, 1955, the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970, and the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1980.
Explaining the salient features of the amendments proposed in the Bill, the finance minister said in the accompanying note that the BR Act is amended to redefine “substantial interest”, increasing the threshold for shareholding of a beneficial interest by an individual, from ₹5 lakh to ₹2 crore, to reflect the present value. The amount of ₹5 lakh was determined in 1968.
The other amendment in the BR Act is aimed at increasing the tenure of directors (excluding the chairman and whole-time director) in cooperative banks from eight years to 10 years, to align with the existing legal provisions. Another amendment sought to allow a director of a central cooperative bank to serve on the board of a state cooperative bank. The law is also being amended to revise the reporting dates for the submission of statutory reports by banks to RBI for consistency in reporting.
Amendments to other laws are proposed to provide for the transfer of unclaimed dividends, shares, and interest or redemption of bonds to the Investor Education and Protection Fund, and allow individuals to claim transfers or refunds from that fund. The Bill also provides for discretion to public sector banks in the matter of remuneration of auditors.
Mandy Damari wants the UK to do more to ensure aid supplies go to the hostages while negotiations continue for their release
The mother of the only British-Israeli hostage being held by Hamas has described her increasing fears for her daughter’s life after more than 400 days in captivity.
Emily Damari, 28, was taken by Hamas from her home in southern Israel on 7 October 2023.
“I fear that she’s dead,” her mother Mandy told the BBC in her first television interview. “And if she’s not dead, she’s not getting enough food to eat, she’s not able to wash herself, drink water, she could be ill.”
“She’s suffering from gunshot wounds to her hand and her leg… I worry every day, I worry every second because in the next second, she could be murdered, just because she’s there.”
Mandy Damari, who was born in Surrey, called on the British government to do more to ensure humanitarian supplies go to the hostages while negotiations continue for their release.
She also welcomed US President-elect Donald Trump’s statement that there would be “hell to pay” if the hostages were not released before he takes office in January, saying: “It made me a bit more optimistic”.
Hamas gunmen shot Emily and killed her dog when they attacked Kibbutz Kfar Aza almost 14 months ago.
Mandy also hid as Hamas stormed her home and was only saved when one of the bullets jammed the lock of the room she was hiding in.
About 1,200 people were killed that day, while Emily and 250 others were taken back to Gaza as hostages.
The US, Egypt and Qatar have spent months working on a deal to secure the release of the 97 remaining hostages in return for a ceasefire in Gaza. But the negotiations have stalled, with Hamas and Israel blaming each other for the impasse.
Without directly mentioning Hamas or Gaza, Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Monday: “Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire world, in the Middle East – but it’s all talk, and no action!”
“If the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against humanity,” he warned.
Mrs Damari said the post “gave me a bit of hope that maybe someone does really care about what’s going on there”.
“Someone has to do something and take strong action to get them released. And that’s the strongest thing I’ve heard anyone say for a long time.”
She said she hoped Trump would do everything in his power to get her daughter and the other hostages released.
Mandy Damari
Emily Damari loves to watch Tottenham play, her mother said
Mrs Damari – who describes her daughter as a Spurs football fan who loves coming to the UK to visit family, go shopping and visit pubs – is disappointed with the British government.
She is currently in the UK meeting political leaders, including the prime minister.
But she described the government’s recent decision to back a draft UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as not doing enough to ensure the release of the hostages. The draft did demand their release, but it was vetoed by the US, which said it did not make that a precondition for a ceasefire.
“I felt really like they were stabbing me in the heart. There was no prerequisite to release the hostages… It was basically signing a death warrant for her [Emily], because if there’s a ceasefire with no release of the hostages, the hostages will stay there forever,” Mrs Damari said.
She now wants them to do more.
“I really need the British government if they are not able to get her released immediately, at least to get her humanitarian aid or a sign of life, and let me know what’s happening with that, because I’m desperate for a sign of life.”
She added: “We talk about humanitarian aid all the time to Gaza, but I don’t hear about humanitarian aid for the hostages who are held in despicable conditions. I’m desperate to get humanitarian aid into her, for someone to see her. It’s a human right to allow to allow people to see what’s happening to her.”
Mrs Damari initially did not speak out publicly about her daughter because she trusted the governments and negotiators to get her released. But now she wants the British public to understand a dual citizen is being held.
“She is the only British hostage being held… and I want people to help me to get her out, to be her voice because she can’t call out for herself. She has no voice.”
More than 44,500 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched a military campaign in response to the 7 October attack, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.
Chandigarh has become the first administrative unit in the country where 100 percent implementation of all three laws has been done.
These criminal laws were conceived on the advice of PM Modi. (Image: PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the successful implementation of three new criminal laws here on Tuesday.
These laws – the Indian Judicial Code, the Indian Civil Defense Code and the Indian Evidence Act – came into force on July 1, replacing the British-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively.
Chandigarh has become the first administrative unit in the country where 100 percent implementation of all three laws has been done.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that the new criminal laws represent a concrete step towards realizing the ideals enshrined in the Constitution for the benefit of all citizens.
He said that these laws signal the end of colonial era laws.
Modi said the colonial-era laws were a medium of atrocities and exploitation carried out by the British when they ruled India.
“The Revolution of 1857 shook the roots of the British rule and in 1860, they brought the IPC and later, the Indian Evidence Act and the CrPC framework came into existence. The purpose of those laws was to punish Indians and keep them enslaved.” The Prime Minister said.
He stressed that speedy justice delivery has become possible under the new criminal laws and said the days of ‘tarikh pe tarikh’ or long trials for criminals are now over.
Modi, who was accompanied by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, dedicated the successful implementation of the three new criminal laws to the nation here on Tuesday and said the judicial code is woven with the ideals of equality, harmony and social justice.
Emphasizing the importance of timely delivery of justice, he said that the days of ‘date after date’ are over.
‘Tarikh pe tarikh’ is a popular dialogue by actor Sunny Deol in the film “Damini”, where he laments the repeated adjournment culture in courts.
In his speech, Modi also underlined the need to broaden our perspective so that law can become a medium of citizen empowerment.
He said that there are many laws which lack discussion and deliberations and giving an example he said that there was a lot of discussion on the abrogation of Article 370 and triple talaq.
Modi said that these days the law related to Waqf Board is being debated.
He stressed that equal importance needs to be given to those laws which are made to enhance the dignity and self-respect of the citizens.
Meanwhile, Modi said that the touchstone of justice is to deliver justice on time.
Pointing to ensuring timely justice under the new laws, he said, “We have been hearing that justice has been delayed, justice has not been delivered.”
Time limits have been fixed for each step in a particular case, he said.
Modi gave the example of an accused being convicted in a vehicle theft case in Chandigarh in just two months.
Referring to a case in Delhi, he said that an accused got 20 years’ imprisonment within 60 days of the FIR being registered.
Modi also gave another example from Bihar where an accused in a murder case got life imprisonment in 14 days.
“These decisions reflect the strength and influence of BNS,” he said.
Modi stressed that this development shows that change and results are ensured when there is a government dedicated to the interests of common citizens and solving their problems.
He further urged that these decisions should be discussed more and more in the country so that every Indian knows how his power for justice has increased.
He said, with such decisions, criminals will now know that the days of ‘date after date’ are over.
He said, “Law should become a medium of citizen empowerment and for this we all should have a comprehensive approach.”
I am saying this because some laws are being discussed a lot here and should be discussed but some important laws remain deprived of debate, Modi said.
“When Article 370 was removed, there was a lot of discussion on it. Similarly, when the law on triple talaq came, there was discussion. These days a law related to Waqf Board is being discussed.
He said, “We should give equal importance to those laws which are made to enhance the dignity and self-respect of the people.”
He told about International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
He said that under the old legal system, ‘disabled people’ were addressed with derogatory terms.
Modi said his government came up with the Disability Rights Act in 2016, adding that it was not only a law related to the disabled but it was also a campaign to make the society more sensitive.
He said that the Nari Shakti Vandan Act is going to lay the foundation of a big change. He said that there are laws related to transgenders, Arbitration Act and GST Act and many such laws which need a healthy discussion.
Talking about colonial laws, Modi said that earlier even filing an FIR was very difficult.
“But now zero FIR has been legalised. Anyone can file a case from anywhere.
Modi said, the victim has been given the right to get a copy of the FIR.
Explaining several provisions of the new laws, he said that if a case against an accused is to be quashed, the consent of the victim will be required.
Noting that humanity and sensitivity are also sides of the BNS, he said an accused cannot be kept in jail for a long time without announcement of sentence, he said.
Regarding colonial laws, Modi said that despite all being equal in the eyes of law, the practical reality was different.
He underlined that the Indian Justice Code and the Indian Civil Defense Code have sensitivity towards every victim.
Modi said that useful tools like e-Saksha, Nyay Shruti, Nyay Setu, e-Samman portal were developed to implement the new laws.
He said, integration of digital systems and technology will help us fight terrorism.
He also said that under the new laws, terrorists and terrorist organizations will not be able to take advantage of the legal complexity.
Modi pointed out that most foreign investors did not want to invest in India earlier due to fear of long and delayed justice.
He further said that when this fear ends, investment will increase, which will strengthen the country’s economy.
Highlighting the shortcomings of the Indian Penal Code and the fear of law among honest people compared to criminals, Modi said the new judicial code has freed people from such troubles.
He said his government has abolished more than 1,500 laws made during the British era and urged all state governments to effectively implement the Indian Judicial Code and the Indian Civil Defense Code.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the three new laws have been fully implemented in Chandigarh. “Justice will be served within three years of the FIR being filed,” he said.
“Our criminal justice system will be the most modern system in the world,” Shah said.
The Union Home Minister also praised the Chandigarh administration for fully implementing the new laws.
Earlier, Modi watched a live demonstration simulating crime scene investigation under the new laws.
The process of collecting evidence and recording statements was demonstrated by the Chandigarh Police in an exhibition hall set up at the Punjab Engineering College here.
The program showcased the practical application of the new laws.
Modi was also informed by Chandigarh Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwardeep Kaur.
The Prime Minister and Home Minister were also accompanied by Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, UT Chandigarh Advisor Rajeev Verma and Chandigarh Director General of Police Surendra Singh Yadav.
The new criminal laws, which were implemented across the country on July 1, 2024, aim to make India’s legal system more transparent, efficient and adaptable to the needs of contemporary society, an official statement said on Monday.
It said that these landmark reforms mark a historic shift in India’s criminal justice system, bringing in new frameworks to deal with modern challenges such as cyber crime and organized crime and ensuring justice for victims of various crimes. Are.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI,
Place :
Chandigarh, India
newsIndia PM Modi dedicates implementation of 3 new criminal laws to the nation, says days of ‘tarikh pe tarikh’ are over
BENGALURU: Rohit Jetly, who until recently served as the country head for India at global investment and retirement savings business Fidelity International, was given additional responsibilities. His expanded role now includes overseeing technology and operations for the company’s global platform solutions (GPS) division. Its HR head, Upasna Nischal, succeeds Jetly as the new India site leader. These changes reflect Fidelity International’s commitment to strengthening its leadership and capabilities in the country. The Bengaluru centre complements the Gurugram and Mumbai offices that already employ 4,500 people, the largest hub outside the UK. Fidelity International operates in more than 25 locations and manages $925.7 billion in total assets. Its clients include central banks, sovereign wealth funds, large corporations, financial institutions, insurers, and wealth managers. In his elevated role, Jetly will work synergistically with technology and operations functions worldwide for Fidelity International’s GPS division. The GPS unit consolidates personal investing, workplace investing, and advisor services under the Fidelity International umbrella. “My role is not running a classic technology organisation and serving the customer operationally. It’s about how you bring these two groups together, build a far more integrated operating model, so that the customer wins, and we are able to offer the right things to the right customers in a very frictionless way,” he said. Data-driven decision-making draws upon extensive information generated across operational and technological domains. Their integration enables more dynamic customer service through agile methodologies. Jetly highlighted that the evolving nature of compliance necessitates appropriate investments throughout the digital customer journey. “As we progress, financial risk and fraud present significant challenges. Leveraging AI systems into daily operations enables us to distinguish between fraudulent activities and genuine customer interaction during routine tasks,” he said. Jetly put together a unique GCC governance model that continues to help drive strategic priorities. “We want the net promoter score (NPS) to go up, so that’s a big outcome that we are pursuing. We are pursuing a very important aspect of client retention and growth. The third aspect is our ability to provide scale and efficiency to the business,” he added. Sally Nelson, chief people officer in Fidelity International, said, “India remains strategic to Fidelity International’s growth strategy, with a wide range of capabilities run from here, ranging from data value, general counsel shared services, to process simplification and optimisation and more.”
Parliament Winter Session: Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill to allow 4 nominees in bank accounts
The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which allows bank account holders to have up to four nominees in their accounts. Another proposed change relates to redefining ‘substantial interest’ for directors, which could increase to Rs 2 crore instead of the current limit of Rs 5 lakh fixed nearly six decades ago. The bill, spearheaded by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, was approved by voice vote. Responding to the debate on the bill, Sitharaman said depositors will have the option of sequential or simultaneous nomination facility, while locker holders will have only sequential nomination. He said that since 2014, the Center and RBI have been very cautious to ensure that banks remain stable. “Our intention is to keep our banks safe, stable, healthy and 10 years later you are seeing the result,” he said. PTI
03 December 2024 14:39 IST
Parliament Winter Session Live: ‘LOP wants to give suggestions on China’, says Venugopal in Lok Sabha
Lok Sabha MP KC Venugopal on Tuesday told Speaker Om Birla that opposition leader Rahul Gandhi wants to give suggestions on China and asked what problem the government has in taking suggestions from the opposition leader.
03 December 2024 14:31 IST
Parliament Winter Session Live: Jaishankar to address Rajya Sabha on India-China relations tomorrow
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will address the Rajya Sabha on India-China relations on Wednesday. He gave a statement in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
03 December 2024 14:28 IST
Parliament Winter Session Live: Uproar in Lok Sabha after Jaishankar’s address
The opposition created a ruckus in the Lok Sabha after the conclusion of External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar’s address on India-China relations. He told the House that relations between the two countries have improved recently.
03 December 2024 14:24 IST
Parliament Winter Session Live: ‘Committed to engage with China on bilateral platforms’, Jaishankar says in Lok Sabha
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that India is committed to engaging with China on bilateral platforms. He said that the next priority of the government is to consider reducing tension on LAC.
03 December 2024 14:19 IST
Parliament Winter Session Live: ‘After Galwan, there were 20 meetings between India and China’, Jaishankar said in Lok Sabha
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar told the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that after the clash in Galwan Valley, India and China have held 20 meetings, due to which agreements have been reached between the two sides. He said that patrolling has started again. He said that relations cannot progress without peace on the border.
03 December 2024 14:10 IST
Parliament Winter Session Live: S Jaishankar addresses Lok Sabha on India-China relations
Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, while giving a statement on India-China relations in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, said that some improvement has been seen in the relations between the two countries recently. He said that the disengagement on LAC is the result of continuous talks between the two countries.
03 December 2024 13:56 IST
Parliament Winter Session Live: Mayawati said on attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, government should give statement in Parliament
BSP chief Mayawati has demanded a statement from the central government in Parliament on the attacks on the minority community in Bangladesh.
Parliament winter session live: ‘Sambhal violence is part of a planned conspiracy’, said Akhilesh Yadav
Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday alleged that the Sambhal violence was part of a “planned conspiracy”. He alleged that violence was deliberately carried out in which innocent people were killed and injured.
03 December 2024 12:10 pm
Parliament Winter Session Live: Akhilesh Yadav raises issue of Sambhal violence in Lok Sabha
Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav raised the issue of Sambhal violence in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday and alleged that the UP government instigated the violence. Union Minister Giriraj Singh objected to his comment.
03 December 2024 11:58 pm
Parliament Winter Session Live: Shivraj Singh Chouhan criticizes West Bengal government in Lok Sabha
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan criticized the West Bengal government in the Lok Sabha, saying it has committed a “crime” by favoring certain people by minimizing big works. He said that persons eligible for the scheme were made ineligible and vice versa. He said that the names of rural development schemes were changed in the Mamata ruled state.
03 December 2024 11:39 pm
Parliament Winter Session Live: Proceedings going on smoothly
After the initial uproar by the opposition in the lower house, smooth functioning is being seen in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha houses.
03 December 2024 11:28 pm
Parliament Winter Session Live: Government may agree to moderate debate during Zero Hour
The government may agree to a debate on violence during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha.
03 December 2024 11:18 pm
Parliament winter session live: Opposition walks out in Lok Sabha
The opposition walked out in the Lok Sabha when the Question Hour was going on in the House.
03 December 2024 11:09 pm
Parliament Winter Session Live: Opposition raised slogans in Lok Sabha on Sambhal issue
The opposition raised slogans in the Lok Sabha against Sambhal violence. He had earlier said that he would participate in the smooth functioning of the House.
03 December 2024 11:05 pm
Parliament Winter Session Live: Rajya Sabha proceedings go smoothly
Proceedings are going on smoothly in Rajya Sabha as the Upper House assembled at 11 am today. On the contrary, opposition sloganeering continues in the Lok Sabha.
03 December 2024 11:03 pm
Parliament Winter Session Live: Opposition sloganeering begins in Lok Sabha
The opposition continued its sloganeering in the Lok Sabha, even as it had earlier today reaffirmed active and smooth participation in Parliament.
03 December 2024 11:01 am
Parliament winter session live: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha resume
Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha resumed at 11 am on Tuesday. Smooth proceedings are expected in both the Houses today as the opposition has agreed to cooperate with the government.
03 December 2024 10:53 pm
Parliament Winter Session Live: Kiren Rijiju reacts to opposition uproar in both Houses
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said that functioning of Parliament is very important for the country and its failure to do so is a loss for the country as well as the opposition. He said that the government does not want to pass the bills without discussion despite the majority. He said that many opposition MPs are feeling that disrupting Parliament is not in the interest of the country and them.
03 December 2024 10:21 pm
Parliament Winter Session Live: Congress MPs on decision to cooperate with government
Congress MP K Suresh said on Tuesday that the opposition has decided to cooperate with the government in Parliament. He said that the Speaker initiated discussions with the government as well as opposition representatives, due to which they all reached a consensus.
03 December 2024 09:46 IST
Parliament Winter Session Live: Sanjay Singh gives notice to adjourn work in Rajya Sabha over law and order situation in Delhi
AAP MP Sanjay Singh gave notice of adjournment of business in Rajya Sabha and sought discussion on the deteriorating law and order situation in the national capital, increase in crimes and threats being received by the representatives.
03 December 2024 09:43 IST
Parliament Winter Session Live: Congress MP gives adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha on Cyclone Fengal
Congress MP Vijay Vasanth gave an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha seeking discussion on the situation in Tamil Nadu due to Cyclone Fengal.
03 December 2024 09:26 IST
Parliament Winter Session Live: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha to resume at 11 am
The winter session of Parliament will enter its seventh day today as the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will resume at 11 am.
02 December 2024 20:53 IST
Parliament winter session: Jaishankar will give statement on China’s development
Government sources said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will make a statement on the latest developments with China in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. He was scheduled to give a statement on Monday (December 1), but could not do so due to the adjournment of the House.
02 December 2024 20:53 IST
Parliament Winter Session: India Block Floor Leaders meeting today
India Block Floor leaders will meet at Constitution House, the office of Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, at 10 am on Tuesday.
02 December 2024 20:52 IST
Winter session of Parliament: TMC says cannot go there to seal Congress’s agenda
TMC especially has not given equal priority to the issues raised by Congress and other opposition parties. It seeks to discuss a variety of issues including unemployment, price rise and alleged discrimination by the Center against opposition-ruled states in fund allocation. The Mamata Banerjee-led party has skipped opposition meetings to chalk out a joint strategy for the India Bloc during the session. A TMC source said that his party cannot be there just to put its stamp on the Congress agenda. PTI
02 December 2024 20:51 IST
Winter session of Parliament: Deadlock resolved after Lok Sabha Speaker’s meeting, Rijiju said
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that every party has expressed concern over the deadlock in Parliament. He said, the government said that MPs from all over India want to raise their issues and it is not appropriate to waste taxpayers’ money due to continuous deadlock. After back-channel talks, the breakthrough was achieved in a meeting chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and attended by Congress’s Gaurav Gogoi, DMK’s TR Baalu and TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee besides Rijiju and his deputy in the ministry Arjun Ram Meghwal. . Several opposition leaders who attended the meeting also supported Rijiju’s views regarding the smooth functioning of Parliament. The proceedings of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been continuously adjourned since the winter session began on November 25 due to vigorous opposition from the opposition over issues like Sambhal violence and Manipur unrest. PTI
Maharashtra CM Live Updates: Fadnavis Meets Eknath Shinde on Eve of BJP’s Legislature Party Meeting
Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday evening met Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at his official residence in Mumbai, a day ahead of the BJP’s legislature party meeting.
The visit comes hours after Shinde returned from a private hospital following a health check-up.
Dec 03, 2024 23:30 IST
Maharashtra CM Live Updates: Over 200 Booked For Bid To Conduct ‘Re-Poll’ Using Ballot Papers In Maharashtra Village
More than 200 residents of Markadwadi village and the surrounding areas in Solapur, Maharashtra, were charged by police with attempting to hold an unauthorized “re-election” on Tuesday using ballot papers, according to officials.
According to the authorities, they were also accused of disseminating false information on electronic voting machines (EVMs).
According to authorities, the action taken by a group of Markadwadi locals was unlawful because there was no clause allowing for a re-election using ballots in any situation.
Dec 03, 2024 22:47 IST
Maharashtra CM Live Updates: Congress Delegation Flags Concerns Over Maharashtra Poll Process, Seeks Raw Data from EC
A Congress delegation met Election Commission officials here on Tuesday and raised concerns over alleged inconsistencies in the electoral process for the Maharashtra Assembly polls, including the issue of large numbers of deletions and additions in the voters’ list.
The opposition party sought raw data from the poll panel to ascertain facts.
The Congress delegation, including Rajya Sabha MPs Abhishek Singhvi, Mukul Wasnik, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole, Gurdeep Singh Sappal and Praveen Chakravarty, met Election Commission (EC) officials and explained the party’s concerns over the polls.
Dec 03, 2024 22:29 IST
Maharashtra CM Live Updates: Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar, Shinde Likely To Meet Governor After BJP MLAs Meet
After electing the leader in the BJP MLAs meeting, Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis are likely to go to meet the Governor. After 3 pm, all three leaders may officially take the proposal to stake claim to form government to the Governor
Dec 03, 2024 21:38 IST
Maharashtra CM Live Updates: Consensus in Mahayuti on Dropping Ministers Facing Graft Allegations in New Govt. Says Shiv Sena Leader
A broad consensus has emerged among top BJP leaders and other Mahauti allies to drop ministers facing serious allegations of corruption in the new government, a Shiv Sena leader said on Tuesday.
He said a decision on the allocation of portfolios will be finalised only after BJP legislators elect their legislature party leader on Wednesday.
The new government is scheduled to take oath on December 5 at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top leaders.
“During a meeting with top BJP leaders in Delhi about Cabinet portfolios, a broad consensus emerged to drop individuals who have served as ministers and are facing serious corruption allegations,” said Shiv Sena leader Kiran Pawaskar.
Dec 03, 2024 20:53 IST
Maharashtra CM Live Updates: We Will Discuss With Everyone, Says Vijay Rupani On Maha CM
On the question of Maharashtra CM, BJP’s Central Observer for Maharashtra, Vijay Rupani says, “We will discuss with everyone tomorrow and after that, it will be finalised. We will take everyone’s opinion in the legislature party meeting tomorrow.”
Dec 03, 2024 20:34 IST
Maharashtra CM Live Updates: After A Decision Is Taken, Eknath Shinde Will Take The Oath, Says Bharatshet Gogawale
On the meeting between caretaker CM of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena leader Bharatshet Gogawale said to ANI, “Devendra Fadnavis had come to meet him Eknath Shinde to inquire about his ill health…”
On being asked if Eknath Shinde will take oath (during gvot formation), he says, “After a decision is taken, Eknath Shinde will take the oath.”
Dec 03, 2024 20:31 IST
Maharashtra CM Live Updates: Eknath Shinde Agrees To Take Position Of Deputy CM, Say Sources
According to sources, Eknath Shinde has agreed to take the position of Deputy CM. However, the deadlock still continues over the position of speaker and home minister.
Dec 03, 2024 20:24 IST
Maharashtra CM Live Updates: Devendra Fadnavis Leaves After Meeting Shinde
Devendra Fadnavis leaves Varsha bungalow after meeting Caretaker CM Eknath Shinde.
Dec 03, 2024 19:50 IST
Maharashtra New CM LIVE Updates: Shinde Visits Hospital Ahead of BJP Legislature Party Meeting; Fadnavis Meets Him at Varsha
Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday visited a private hospital in Thane for a “check-up,” two days before a new CM is sworn in at an open ground ceremony in south Mumbai.
Hours after Shinde returned from the hospital, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, being seen as the frontrunner for the top post in the new BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP government, visited Shinde’s official residence `Varsha’ here in the evening.
It was the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders after the duo, along with NCP chief Ajit Pawar, met the top BJP leadership in Delhi last week.
Even as it is not known yet who would take oath as chief minister at Azad Maidan on the evening of December 5, preparations are in full swing for the ceremony, to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, about 2,000 VVIPs and some 40,000 supporters.
Shinde, who had been staying at his private residence in Thane for the last few days, visited the hospital in the morning. “I came for a check-up. My health is in good condition,” he told reporters while leaving the hospital for `Varsha’.
Dec 03, 2024 19:50 IST
Maharashtra New CM LIVE Updates: Shinde Visits Hospital Ahead of BJP Legislature Party Meeting; Fadnavis Meets Him at Varsha
Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday visited a private hospital in Thane for a “check-up,” two days before a new CM is sworn in at an open ground ceremony in south Mumbai.
Hours after Shinde returned from the hospital, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, being seen as the frontrunner for the top post in the new BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP government, visited Shinde’s official residence `Varsha’ here in the evening.
It was the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders after the duo, along with NCP chief Ajit Pawar, met the top BJP leadership in Delhi last week.
Even as it is not known yet who would take oath as chief minister at Azad Maidan on the evening of December 5, preparations are in full swing for the ceremony, to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, about 2,000 VVIPs and some 40,000 supporters.
Shinde, who had been staying at his private residence in Thane for the last few days, visited the hospital in the morning. “I came for a check-up. My health is in good condition,” he told reporters while leaving the hospital for `Varsha’.
Dec 03, 2024 19:16 IST
Maharashtra New CM LIVE Updates: Devendra Fadnavis Reaches Varsha Bungalow To Meet Caretaker CM Eknath Shinde
Devendra Fadnavis reaches Varsha Bungalow to meet caretaker CM Eknath Shinde.
Dec 03, 2024 19:08 IST
Preparations Underway At Azad Maidan For Swearing-In Of New Maharashtra Govt
Preparations are in full swing at the Azad Maidan here for the swearing-in ceremony of the new Mahayuti government in Maharashtra on December 5, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to attend the event.
BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis is being considered the frontrunner for the chief minister’s post, but the Mahayuti alliance has not announced any name yet with the state BJP legislature party’s meeting scheduled to take place on December 4.
Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule has been overseeing preparations for the ceremony and visited the venue in south Mumbai on Monday.
Dec 03, 2024 17:43 IST
Maharashtra New CM LIVE Updates: Vijay Rupani To Reach Mumbai Today
Vijay Rupani is scheduled to arrive at Mumbai airport at 7:30 PM, flying in from Ahmedabad on an Indigo flight.
The saffron party has appointed Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani as central observers for its Maharashtra legislature party’s meeting.
Dec 03, 2024 16:40 IST
Maharashtra New CM LIVE Updates: Eknath Shinde Attends Administration Meetings Virtually From Varsha Due To Poor Health
Caretaker CM Eknath Shinde back to his routine. Attending administration meetings virtually from Varsha Bungalow
Dec 03, 2024 16:39 IST
Maharashtra New CM LIVE Updates: Shinde Visits Hospital For Check-Up Ahead Of BJP Legislature Party Meeting
Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday visited a private hospital in Thane for a routine check-up, two days before a new CM is sworn in at an open ground ceremony in south Mumbai.
Shinde was back at Varsha, the CM’s official residence in the posh Malabar Hill area within a couple of hours of his visit to the Jupiter Hospital.
“I came for a check-up. My health is in good condition,” he told reporters while leaving for Varsha from the hospital.
Dec 03, 2024 15:41 IST
Maharashtra New CM LIVE Updates: Maharashtra Village Cancels ‘Repoll’ Plan With Ballot Papers After Police Intervention
Following police and administrative intervention, a group of villagers in Maharashtra’s Malshrias assembly sector who were attempting “re-election using ballot papers” abandoned their scheme on Tuesday, according to NCP (SP) leader Uttam Jankar, who was elected to the seat.
The legitimacy of EVMs is seriously called into question after State Congress President Nana Patole said that officials employed police to prevent villagers under pressure from the BJP.
Dec 03, 2024 15:26 IST
Maharashtra New CM LIVE Updates: NCP’s Ajit Pawar Expected To Meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah In Delhi Today
NCP chief Ajit Pawar is expected to meet Union Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Tuesday evening, a senior party leader said, amid the continuing suspense over who would become the next Maharashtra Chief Minister.
Dec 03, 2024 14:48 IST
Maharashtra New CM LIVE Updates: ‘All Good,’ Says Caretaker CM Eknath Shinde On His Health Condition
When asked about his health condition, Maharashtra caretaker chief minister Eknath Shinde said “All good.” He was taken to the Jupiter Hospital in Thane for a medical test.
Dec 03, 2024 13:59 IST
Maharashtra New CM LIVE Updates: Eknath Shinde Visits Thane Hospital For Medical Tests
Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has been taken to the Jupiter Hospital in Thane where the doctors advised him to undergo several medical tests as his health conditions which deteriorated a few days back showed no sign of improvement.
Dec 03, 2024 13:31 IST
Maharashtra New CM LIVE Updates: Fadnavis To Become Maharashtra CM, Says Top NDA Leader
Speaking to CNN-News18, BJP-led NDA leader Ramdas Athawale said that Devendra Fadnavis will be appointed to the CM’s post and an official announcement will be made after BJP’s legislature party meeting, scheduled on December 4. READ MORE
Dec 03, 2024 12:01 IST
Maharashtra New CM LIVE Updates: Preparations In Full Swing At Mumbai’s Azad Maidan For Swearing-In Ceremony
Preparations are in full swing at Azad Maidan in Mumbai ahead of the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s oath-taking ceremony, scheduled to be held on December 5. The Mahayuti leaders of BJP, NCP and Shiv Sena took stock of the ongoing works at the ground on Tuesday morning.
Dec 03, 2024 11:41 IST
Maharashtra New CM LIVE Updates: Eknath Shinde ‘Desperate’ To Become CM Again, Says Congress Leader Pramod Tiwari
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari on Tuesday took a veiled dig at caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, saying that the “man who betrayed the party formed by Balasaheb Thackeray is desperate to be the CM.”
Dec 03, 2024 10:39 IST
Maharashtra New CM LIVE Updates: ‘A Game Is Going On…,’ Says Sanjay Raut Over Delay In New CM’s Appointment
Amid suspense over the new Chief Minister’s face in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday questioned how a caretaker CM disappeared, hinting at “unwell” Eknath Shinde’s two-day break in his hometown Satara. “A game is going on in Maharashtra. It has been 10 days,” Raut added.
Dec 03, 2024 10:18 IST
Maharashtra New CM LIVE Updates: ‘Ladki Bahin Scheme’ Amount Hike Decision To Be Taken By New Govt, Says Sudhir Mungantiwar
BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar, a minister in the outgoing Mahayuti government, said that the decision to hike the amount to Rs 2,100 per month under the ‘Ladki Bahin Scheme’ will be taken in the cabinet meeting of the new government.
Dec 03, 2024 09:57 IST
Maharashtra New CM LIVE Updates: BJP Legislature Meeting Expected To Be Held Today Or Tomorrow, Says Vijay Rupani
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was appointed as observer for the Maharashtra legislative party meeting, said the BJP legislature party’s meeting will be held either on Tuesday or Wednesday as the efforts are underway to unanimously elect a leader.
Dec 03, 2024 09:08 IST
Maharashtra New CM LIVE Updates: All Focus On Key BJP’s Legislature Party Meeting As CM Suspense Continues
As the suspense over the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra continues, all focus will be on the BJP legislature party meeting, which is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, with top sources claiming that Devendra Fadnavis will be voted for the party’s top role. Eventually, it will pave his way to come back as Maharashtra CM.
Dec 03, 2024 08:47 IST
Maharashtra New CM LIVE Updates: Former Minister Girish Mahajan Meets Caretaker CM Eknath Shinde
BJP leader and former minister Girish Mahajan met Maharashtra Caretaker CM Eknath Shinde at his residence in Thane last night to enquire about his health conditions, said sources aware of the matter.
Both the leaders also discussed Mahayuti’s preparations for December 5, when the new Maharashtra government will take shape with the swearing-in of the new Chief Minister.
Dec 03, 2024 08:40 IST
Maharashtra New CM Live Updates: CM Face Announcement Tomorrow, Swearing-In Ceremony On December 5, Says Deepak Kesarkar
Reiterating that Eknath Shinde is not an obstacle in the formation of the new Maharashtra government, Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar said that the new Chief Minister face will be announced today, with a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for December 5.
Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024: The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which allows bank account holders to have up to four nominees in their accounts.
Another proposed change relates to redefining ‘substantial interest’ for directorships, which could increase to Rs 2 crore instead of the current limit of Rs 5 lakh, which was fixed almost six decades ago.
The Bill piloted by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was approved by a voice vote. Replying to the debate on the Bill, Sitharaman said depositors will have the option of successive or simultaneous nomination facility, while locker holders will have only successive nominations.
She also said that since 2014, the Government and the RBI have been extremely cautious, so that banks remain stable. “The intention is to keep our banks safe, stable, healthy, and after 10 years you are seeing the outcome,” Sitharaman said.
The bill proposes to increase the tenure of directors (excluding the chairman and whole-time director) in cooperative banks from 8 years to 10 years, so as to align with the Constitution (Ninety-Seventh Amendment) Act, 2011.
Once passed, the bill would allow a director of a Central Cooperative Bank to serve on the board of a State Cooperative Bank. The bill also seeks to give greater freedom to banks in deciding the remuneration to be paid to statutory auditors. It also seeks to redefine the reporting dates for banks for regulatory compliance to the 15th and last day of every month instead of the second and fourth Fridays.
“The proposed amendments will strengthen governance in the banking sector and enhance customer convenience with respect to nomination and protection of investors,” Sitharaman said while moving the bill for consideration and passing.
The surprise assault on the Syrian city of Aleppo by opposition forces on Wednesday appears to have caught the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad and his allies, as well as much of the world, off guard.
Currently, as the Syrian and Russian air forces pound opposition forces in northwest Syria, the brutal conflict that many had hoped had frozen since a ceasefire deal in 2020 is showing every sign of reigniting.
Is the current fighting part of Syria’s ongoing war?
Yes.
Syria’s revolution of 2011 failed to topple the country’s leader, Bashar al-Assad.
He leaned on the support of his allies, Russia, Iran and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, who joined his forces in trying to put down the uprising.
The fighting drew in both existing regional armed groups, such as ISIL (ISIS) and al-Qaeda – who established linkages to groups in Syria – and created new factions such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who led last week’s attack on Aleppo.
What are all these groups in Syria?
Many groups formed to join the war, fighting both the regime forces and, at times, each other as their ideologies clashed.
However, as the conflict wore on, and Russian and Iranian firepower began to tilt the conflict in the regime’s favour, the bulk of those groups were pushed to the northwestern governorate of Idlib especially after they were routed from Aleppo in 2016 after nearly four years of fighting.
While various rebel factions competed for dominance in Idlib, HTS emerged as the dominant faction.
Formed in 2017 through the merging of various groups, chiefly Jabhat al-Nusra, the group works through the “Syrian Salvation Government” (the opposition’s government) to administer much of Idlib’s governance, including its security, financial and judicial systems.
Jabhat al-Nusra, which had long been associated with al-Qaeda, officially broke ties with the group before HTS’s formation, rebranding itself as Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, and then HTS.
How extreme has the war been?
Near-apocalyptic.
The UN estimates that, between March 2011 and March 2021, Syria’s war killed 306,887 civilians.
More than half of Syria’s pre-war population of 21 million was also displaced by the fighting.
Aspects of the fighting were unsurpassed in their savagery.
The regime used chemical weapons and barrel bombs against civilian areas as it fought, along with its allies, to suppress the rebellion against it, not succeeding in fully putting it down.
In the power vacuums that formed, armed groups flourished and ISIL gained a foothold, establishing a “caliphate” around the Syrian city of Raqqa in 2014, a presence that inflicted violence on minorities and only came to an end in 2017 after the Western-supported Syrian Democratic Forces drove ISIL out.
What started the war?
While lack of freedoms and economic woes drove resentment of the Syrian government, it was the harsh crackdown on demonstrators that finally pushed protesters to take up arms.
In March 2011, inspired by successful uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, pro-democracy protests erupted in Syria.
Global warming is said to have played a role in sparking the 2011 uprising.
Severe drought plagued Syria from 2007-2010, causing as many as 1.5 million people to migrate from the countryside into cities, exacerbating poverty and social unrest.
In July 2011, defectors from the military announced the formation of the Free Syrian Army (FSA), a group aiming to overthrow the government, marking a slide into armed conflict.
Didn’t lots of countries join the fighting?
They did.
Foreign backing and open intervention played a large role in Syria’s war.
Russia officially entered the conflict in 2015 and has continued to support al-Assad since. Iran and Iraq, as well as Lebanon-based Hezbollah also supported the regime.
Backing often separate opposition factions was a diverse array of states, including Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and the US, among others.
Israel also carried out air raids inside Syria, reportedly targeting Hezbollah and pro-government fighters and facilities.
Turkiye, which severed ties with al-Assad in 2011 and shares a long border with Syria’s north, has been the most closely involved.
Much of that border hems in the opposition-held areas and Syria’s Kurdish region, where Turkiye has long said members of the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) are operating.
Turkiye supported the FSA and tensions heightened after Syrian regime forces shot down a Turkish fighter jet in 2012 and border skirmishes broke out.
In 2016, Turkiye launched Operation Euphrates Shield into Syria, declaring that its aims were to push back ISIL from its borders, as well as the leading Kurdish party, the PYD (Democratic Union Party).
[Al Jazeera]
What was the international reaction to Syria’s war?
Several countries severed ties with al-Assad as the nature of his war against his people became apparent.
Syria was expelled from the Arab League in 2011 and many individual nations cut ties, including Canada, Germany, Mexico, Turkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States.
When ISIL’s presence in Syria became known, a Global Coalition against Daesh (an Arabic term for ISIL), comprising some 87 countries, began supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces to expel ISIL from Raqqa.
Hadn’t al-Assad been normalising with neighbours recently? Now what?
He was.
Aided by an apparent lull in hostilities, as well as the devastating earthquake that ripped through the country and neighbouring Turkiye in February 2023, Syria’s normalisation appeared to be under way.
Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates began appointing ambassadors to Syria starting in 2021 while Jordan started to warm towards its neighbour after the devastating earthquakes that hit Syria and Turkiye in February 2023.
The Arab League, which suspended Syria in 2011, restored its membership in May 2023. There were even overtures made to start talks between Syria and Turkiye.
It is not clear what impact this escalation will have on al-Assad’s international overtures, especially after several countries called him out for refusing to negotiate with the opposition to resolve the long-simmering conflict.
